bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LARGE-SCALE ENTOMOLOGIC ASSESSMENT OF ONCHOCERCA VOLVULUS TRANSMISSION BY POOLSCREEN PCR IN MEXICO
Authors: RODRÍGUEZ-PÉREZ MARIO A. , KATHOLI CHARLES R. , HASSAN HASSAN K. , UNNASCH THOMAS R.
Published: September 2018

To study the impact of mass Mectizan treatment on Onchocerca volvulus transmission in Mexico, entomological surveys were carried out in the endemic foci of Oaxaca, Southern Chiapas, and Northern Chiapas. Collected flies were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for O. volvulus parasites. The prevalence of infected and infective flies was estimated using the PoolScreen algorithm and with a novel probability-based method. O. volvulus infective larvae were not detected in flies from 6/13 communities. In 7/13 communities, infective flies were detected, with prevalences ranging from 1.6/10,000 to 29.0/10,000 and seasonal transmission potentials ranging from 0.4 to 3.3. Infected and infective flies were found in a community in Northern Chiapas, suggesting that, according to World Health Organization criteria, autochthonous transmission exists in this focus. These data suggest that O. volvulus transmission in Mexico has been suppressed or brought to a level that may be insufficient to sustain the parasite population.
A RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLIND, MULTICENTER STUDY OF RIFAXIMIN COMPARED WITH PLACEBO AND WITH CIPROFLOXACIN IN THE TREATMENT OF TRAVELERS’ DIARRHEA
Authors: TAYLOR DAVID N. , BOURGEOIS A. LOUIS , ERICSSON CHARLES D. , STEFFEN ROBERT , JIANG ZHI-DONG , HALPERN JANE , HAAKE ROBERT , DUPONT HERBERT L. , _ _
Published: September 2018

Rifaximin was compared with placebo and ciprofloxacin for treatment of travelers’ diarrhea in a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Adult travelers (N = 399) consulting travel clinics in Mexico, Guatemala, and India were randomized to receive rifaximin 200 mg three times a day, ciprofloxacin (500 mg two times a day and placebo once a day), or placebo three times a day for 3 days. Patients recorded in daily diaries the time and consistency of each stool and documented symptoms for 5 days after treatment. Stool samples were collected for microbiologic evaluations before and after treatment. The median time to last unformed stool (TLUS) in the rifaximin group (32.0 hours) was less than one half that in the placebo group (65.5 hours; P = 0.001; risk ratio 1.6; 95% confidence interval 1.2, 2.2; primary efficacy endpoint). The median TLUS in the ciprofloxacin group was 28.8 hours (P = 0.0003 versus placebo; P = 0.35 versus rifaximin). Rifaximin was less effective than ciprofloxacin for invasive intestinal bacterial pathogens. Oral rifaximin is a safe and effective treatment of travelers’ diarrhea caused by noninvasive pathogens.
SEROPREVALENCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF FLAVIVIRIDAE, TOGAVIRIDAE, AND BUNYAVIRIDAE ARBOVIRAL INFECTIONS IN RURAL CAMEROONIAN ADULTS
Authors: KUNIHOLM MARK H. , WOLFE NATHAN D. , HUANG CLAIRE Y.-H. , MPOUDI-NGOLE E. , TAMOUFE UBALD , BURKE DONALD S. , GUBLER DUANE J.
Published: September 2018

Arboviruses from the families Flaviviridae, Togaviridae, and Bunyaviridae are suspected to cause widespread morbidity in sub-Saharan African populations, but little research been done to document the burden and distribution of these pathogens. We tested serum samples from 256 Cameroonian adults from nine rural villages for the presence of Dengue-2 (DEN-2), West Nile (WN), Yellow fever (YF), Chikungunya (CHIK), O’nyong-nyong (ONN), Sindbis (SIN), and Tahyna (TAH) infection using standard plaque–reduction neutralization tests (PRNT). Of these samples, 12.5% were DEN-2 positive, 6.6% were WN positive, 26.9% were YF positive, 46.5% were CHIK seropositive, 47.7% were ONN positive, 7.8% were SIN positive, and 36.3% were TAH positive. DEN-2, YF, and CHIK seroprevalence rates were lower among individuals living in dwellings with grass or thatched roofs versus corrugated tin and in villages isolated from urban centers. Seroprevalence rates of YF and CHIK increased with age. These results suggest that inter-epidemic arboviral infection is common in central African populations.
POPULATION-BASED SURVEILLANCE OF TYPHOID FEVER IN EGYPT
Authors: SRIKANTIAH PADMINI , GIRGIS FOUAD Y. , LUBY STEPHEN P. , JENNINGS GREGORY , WASFY MOMTAZ OMAR , CRUMP JOHN A. , HOEKSTRA ROBERT M. , ANWER MAHMOUD , MAHONEY FRANK J.
Published: September 2018

Credible measures of disease incidence are necessary to guide typhoid fever control efforts. In Egypt, incidence estimates have been derived from hospital-based syndromic surveillance, which may not represent the population with typhoid fever. To determine the population-based incidence of typhoid fever in Fayoum Governorate (pop. 2,240,000), we established laboratory-based surveillance at five tiers of health care. Incidence estimates were adjusted for sampling and test sensitivity. Of 1,815 patients evaluated, cultures yielded 90 (5%) Salmonella Typhi isolates. The estimated incidence of typhoid fever was 59/100,000 persons/year. We estimate 71% of typhoid fever patients are managed by primary care providers. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella Typhi (resistant to chloramphenicol, ampicillin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) was isolated from 26 (29%) patients. Population-based surveillance indicates moderate typhoid fever incidence in Fayoum, and a concerning prevalence of MDR typhoid. The majority of patients are evaluated at the primary care level and would not have been detected by hospital-based surveillance.
MODELING THE IMPACT OF VARIABLE CLIMATIC FACTORS ON THE CROSSOVER OF CULEX RESTAUNS AND CULEX PIPIENS (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE), VECTORS OF WEST NILE VIRUS IN ILLINOIS
Authors: KUNKEL KENNETH E. , NOVAK ROBERT J. , LAMPMAN RICHARD L. , GU WEIDONG
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study was to model the impact of temperature on the timing of the seasonal shift in relative proportion of Culex restuans Theobald and Culex pipiens L. in Illinois. The temporal pattern of West Nile virus (WNV) and St. Louis encephalitis virus transmission in the midwest exhibits a late summer to early fall peak in activity, which parallels the temporal increase in the abundance of Cx. pipiens. The daily number of egg rafts oviposited by each species has been monitored at multiple surveillance sites in Urbana-Champaign in central Illinois for more than 13 years. The time when the two Culex species are in equal abundance (crossover) varies considerably from year to year. Our investigation of several thermal measures indicated that this variation was related in large part to climatic conditions with warmer (cooler) temperatures correlated to earlier (later) crossover dates. Models based on degree days and the number of days in which the daily maximum temperature exceeded an upper temperature threshold explained more than 60% of the variance in crossover dates. In contrast, models based on the number of days in which the daily minimum temperature exceeded a lower temperature threshold explained no more than 52% of the variance. An evaluation of these models demonstrated that they provide relatively simple and accurate estimates of crossover date from daily temperature data, a necessary component for developing an overall climatic index for the risk of WNV transmission in Illinois.
ANTIBODIES TO BARTONELLA VINSONII SUBSP. BERKHOFFII IN MOROCCAN DOGS
Authors: HENN JENNIFER B. , VANHORN BRIAN A. , KASTEN RICKIE W. , KACHANI MALIKA , CHOMEL BRUNO B.
Published: September 2018

Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii is a fastidious microorganism that has been recognized as an emerging human and canine pathogen. We report for the first time on the prevalence of antibodies to B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii in domestic dogs from Morocco. The overall seroprevalence was 38% (56 of 147 dogs tested). Most of the seropositive dogs were stray dogs from Rabat (36%, 8 of 22) and Khenifra (47%, 47 of 101). Antibodies against B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii were found infrequently among pet dogs from Rabat (4%, 1 of 24).
HEPATITIS C VIRUS INFECTION IN SAMOA AND AMERICAN SAMOA
Authors: ARMSTRONG GREGORY L. , WILLIAMS IAN T. , MAGA UTOOFILI ASOFA’AFETAI , VIALI SATUPAITEA , KUHNERT WENDI L. , McGARVEY STEPHEN T.
Published: September 2018

Little is known about the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Pacific islands. In this study, serum specimens collected in 1985 and 2002 among the general populations of Samoa and American Samoa were tested for antibody to HCV by a third-generation enzyme immunoassay and a recombinant immunoblot assay. Of the 3,466 specimens tested, 8 (0.2%; 95% confidence interval = 0.07–0.4%) were positive for antibody to HCV. Prevalence did not vary by location or demographic characteristic. Thus, HCV is present in the Samoas but at a low prevalence.
USE OF THE PUPAL SURVEY TECHNIQUE FOR MEASURING AEDES AEGYPTI (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE) PRODUCTIVITY IN PUERTO RICO
Authors: BARRERA ROBERTO , AMADOR MANUEL , CLARK GARY G.
Published: September 2018

The hypothesis tested was that most pupae of Aedes aegypti are produced in a few types of containers so that vector control efforts could concentrate on eliminating the most productive ones and thus prevent dengue outbreaks. Pupal surveys were conducted twice in 2004 in an urban area in southern Puerto Rico. A total 35,030 immature mosquitoes (III and IV instars, pupae) was counted in 1,367 containers found with water in 624 premises during the first survey. Only pupae were counted in the second survey in 829 premises, 257 of which had containers with water, and 124 contained Ae. aegypti pupae (15%, 22% in the first survey). We found fewer (583) containers with water than in the first survey, but 202 had pupae (35%; 18.5% in first survey). Containers yielded 3,189 Ae. aegypti pupae, which was slightly fewer than those found in the first survey (3,388 pupae). The hypothesis was supported by the data, showing that 7 of 18 types of containers contained 80% of all female pupae. The most productive containers generally were also common. We used several criteria (i.e., container use, two-step cluster analysis based on environmental variables of containers and premises) to classify the containers and premises and to evaluate pupal distribution at various spatial scales (container, premise, and residences versus public areas). Most pupae were in 4 of 10 types of container usage categories. The cluster technique showed that most pupae were in unattended, rain-filled containers in the yards, particularly in receptacles in the shade of trees that received rainfall through foliage and had lower water temperatures. Pupal counts were adjusted to a negative binomial distribution, confirming their highly aggregated dispersal pattern. Cluster analysis showed that 61.3% of female pupae were in 40 (6.4%) of 624 premises that had in common their larger yards, number of trees, and container water volume. Using number of Ae. aegypti larvae, Breteau Index, or the presence of immature forms as indicators of pupal productivity is not as efficient in identifying the most productive types of containers as direct pupal counts.
THE EFFECT OF DEFORESTATION ON THE HUMAN-BITING RATE OF ANOPHELES DARLINGI, THE PRIMARY VECTOR OF FALCIPARUM MALARIA IN THE PERUVIAN AMAZON
Authors: VITTOR AMY YOMIKO , GILMAN ROBERT H. , TIELSCH JAMES , GLASS GREGORY , SHIELDS TIM , LOZANO WAGNER SÁNCHEZ , PINEDO-CANCINO VIVIANA , PATZ JONATHAN A.
Published: September 2018

To examine the impact of tropical rain-forest destruction on malaria, we conducted a year-long study of the rates at which the primary malaria vector in the Amazon, Anopheles darlingi, fed on humans in areas with varying degrees of ecological alteration in the Peruvian Amazon. Mosquitoes were collected by human biting catches along the Iquitos-Nauta road at sites selected for type of vegetation and controlled for human presence. Deforested sites had an A. darlingi biting rate that was more than 278 times higher than the rate determined for areas that were predominantly forested. Our results indicate that A. darlingi displays significantly increased human-biting activity in areas that have undergone deforestation and development associated with road development.
ABSENCE OF LEISHMANIA IN GUIANAN BATS
Authors: ROTUREAU BRICE , CATZEFLIS FRANÇOIS , CARME BERNARD
Published: September 2018

Studying the ecology of Leishmania parasites is essential for understanding and controlling the epidemiology of the diseases they cause. Despite their abundance and diversity in neotropical forests, few studies have been conducted to investigate the potential involvement of Chiroptera in the Leishmania pathogenic complexes. However, phlebotomine sand flies are known to colonize the same anthropized habitat, are attracted to bats, and are able to transmit trypanosomatids. Thus, 216 bats representing 29 species were sampled in the field in different primary and secondary forests of French Guiana where human cutaneous leishmaniases have been reported, together with 62 non-volant mammals. A series of 411 tissue samples representing 47 mammalian species were cultured and screened for the presence of Leishmania spp. by a genus-specific polymerase chain reaction. All 278 individuals surveyed were negative. Thus, bats do not appear to be involved in the Leishmania parasitic cycles in the Guyanas.
INDIRECT HEMAGGLUTINATION ASSAY IN PATIENTS WITH MELIOIDOSIS IN NORTHERN AUSTRALIA
Authors: CHENG ALLEN C. , O’BRIEN MATHEW , FREEMAN KEVIN , LUM GARY , CURRIE BART J.
Published: September 2018

Melioidosis is caused by the saprophytic organism Burkholderia pseudomallei. The use of the indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) has found widespread use in areas endemic for this disease. Using this assay, we explored the serologic profile of 275 patients with culture-confirmed melioidosis in the Northern Territory of Australia. Based on a threshold titer of 1:40, the sensitivity of the IHA on admission was 56%. Female patients, those with positive blood cultures, and those with pneumonia independently predicted a negative IHA result. Most patients (68%) with negative admission IHA titers subsequently seroconverted. Most patients (92%) with positive admission IHA titers had persistently positive IHA titers. Relapses were not observed in 36 patients who had a negative IHA at least 1 month after admission, irrespective of initial admission IHA. The IHA has limited utility as a diagnostic test for acute disease, and most patients subsequently have persistently positive titers after recovery from illness.
FAILURE OF STANDARD TREATMENT WITH PRAZIQUANTEL IN TWO RETURNED TRAVELERS WITH SCHISTOSOMA HAEMATOBIUM INFECTION
Authors: ALONSO DAVID , MUÑOZ JOSE , GASCÓN JOAQUIM , VALLS MARIA EUGENIA , CORACHAN MANUEL
Published: September 2018

A single 40 mg/kg dose of praziquantel (PZQ) continues to be the standard treatment for schistosomiasis caused by S. mansoni and S. haematobium in all clinical settings. Experimental development of drug resistance and the recent isolation of S. mansoni strains with a natural tolerance to high doses of PZQ have raised concerns over the adequacy of such a dose. We describe two Spanish travelers with genitourinary schistosomiasis caused by S. haematobium in whom repeated standard treatment failed to clear the infection.
PULSED-FIELD GEL ELECTROPHORESIS AS A DISCRIMINATORY TYPING TECHNIQUE FOR THE BIOTHREAT AGENT BURKHOLDERIA MALLEI
Authors: CHANTRATITA NARISARA , VESARATCHAVEST MONGKOL , WUTHIEKANUN VANAPORN , TIYAWISUTSRI RACHANEEPORN , ULZIITOGTOKH TSEDEV , AKCAY ERHAN , DAY NICHOLAS P. J. , PEACOCK SHARON J.
Published: September 2018

Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was used to type 21 laboratory strains of Burkholderia mallei. We demonstrated good resolution by PFGE together with clustering of some geographically related isolates, and confirmed previous observations that B. mallei is clonal as defined by MLST.
LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE HETEROGENEITY AMONG BURKHOLDERIA PSEUDOMALLEI FROM DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHIC AND CLINICAL ORIGINS
Authors: ANUNTAGOOL NARISARA , WUTHIEKANUN VANAPORN , WHITE NICHOLAS J. , CURRIE BART J. , SERMSWAN RASANA W. , WONGRATANACHEEWIN SURASAKDI , TAWEECHAISUPAPONG SUWIMOL , CHAIYAROJ SANSANEE C. , SIRISINHA STITAYA
Published: September 2018

Heterogeneous patterns were obtained for lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from 1,327 Burkholderia pseudomallei isolates by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, silver staining, and immunoblot analysis. Two LPS serotypes (A and B) possessing different ladder profiles and a rough LPS without ladder appearances were identified. All three LPS types were antigenically distinct by immunoblotting. The predominant type A (97%) produced the lowest amount of biofilm. The two less common types (smooth type B and rough type) were found more in clinical than environmental isolates and more in Australian isolates than Thai isolates. These isolates were more often associated with relapse than with primary infection.
UNIQUE FAMILY CLUSTERING OF HUMAN ECHINOCOCCOSIS CASES IN A CHINESE COMMUNITY
Authors: YANG YU RONG , ELLIS MAGDA , SUN TAO , LI ZHENGZHI , LIU XONGZHOU , VUITTON DOMINIQUE A. , BARTHOLOMOT BRIGITTE , GIRAUDOUX PATRICK , CRAIG PHILIP S. , BOUFANA BELCHIS , WANG YUNHAI , FENG XIAOHUI , WEN HAO , ITO AKIRA , McMANUS DONALD P.
Published: September 2018

We have identified a significant focus and unusual clustering of human cases of cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE) in the village of Nanwan, Xiji County, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, in one of the most highly endemic areas for both diseases in China. The village, a Chinese Hui Islamic community, is composed of 167 members of four extended families. A total of 28 people died (12 of echinococcosis) since the village was first settled in the 1950s. Despite similar life patterns, the number of AE and CE cases occurring in each family was different. Overall, the prevalences of AE and CE were 9% (20 cases) and 5.9% (13 cases), with a combined prevalence of 14.9%. In contrast to CE, a comparison of the prevalence of AE indicated significant differences between the four family clusters. Although suggestive that host genotype might play a role in susceptibility to AE, this hypothesis requires further investigation.
CYSTICERCOSIS IN AN EGYPTIAN MUMMY OF THE LATE PTOLEMAIC PERIOD
Authors: BRUSCHI FABRIZIO , MASETTI MASSIMO , LOCCI MARIA TERESA , CIRANNI ROSALBA , FORNACIARI GINO
Published: September 2018

We describe here an ancient case of cysticercosis that was discovered in an Egyptian mummy of a young woman of about 20 years of age who lived in the late Ptolemaic period (second to first centuries b.c.). On removal of the stomach and its rehydration, a cystic lesion in the stomach wall was observed by naked eye. Microscopical examination of sections of this lesion revealed a cystic structure, with a wall, with numerous projecting eversions, a characteristic feature of the larval stage (cysticercus) of the human tapeworm Taenia solium (or “pig tapeworm”). Immunohistochemical testing with serum from a T. solium–infected human confirmed the identity of the cyst. This finding is the oldest on record of the antiquity of this zoonotic parasite. This observation also confirms that, in Hellenistic Egypt, the farming of swine, along with man an intermediate host of this parasite, was present, and supports other archeological evidence.
DUAL INFECTIONS WITH PUUMALA VIRUS AND LEPTOSPIRA INTERROGANS SEROVAR LORA IN A BANK VOLE (CLETHRIONOMYS GLAREOLUS)
Authors: CVETKO LIDIJA , TURK NENAD , MARKOTIĆ ALEMKA , MILAS ZORAN , MARGALETIĆ JOSIP , MILETIĆ-MEDVED MARICA , PLYUSNIN ALEXANDER , BARANTON GUY , POSTIC DANIELE , AVŠIČ-ŽUPANC TATJANA
Published: September 2018

Leptospirosis and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome are public health problems in Croatia. Diagnosis and epidemiology of these diseases are complicated because these two diseases are sympatric in certain areas. We describe a natural dual infection of Puumala virus and a leptospire in a bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus).
CONSEQUENCES OF VECTOR BEHAVIOR IN EPIDEMIOLOGY OF ONCHOCERCIASIS ON THE FIRESTONE RUBBER PLANTATION IN LIBERIA
Authors: TRPIS MILAN
Published: September 2018

In the current study, we have assessed the distribution of black fly vectors and the occurrence of onchocerciasis among residents of the Firestone Rubber Plantation (FRP) in Liberia. The degree of endemicity of onchocerciasis on the FRP is correlated with the breeding of Simulium yahense on the Du River and Simulium soubrense on the Farmington River, as well as with the feeding behavior of these black fly vectors. S. yahense is highly anthropophilic and highly susceptible to Onchocerca volvulus, thus, it is apparently the primary vector of O. volvulus on the plantation. S. soubrense is predominantly zoophilic; consequently, it has a low capacity for transmitting of O. volvulus to humans. The prevalence of the disease is hyperendemic in the divisional camps near the Du River, affecting 77.6% to 94.4% of males and 64.9% to 88.9% of females. In the camps along the Farmington River, the disease is hypoendemic, affecting 26.1% to 49.2% of males and 25.6% to 35.1% of females. The mean intensity of infection in the camps near the Du River was 14.1 microfilariae (mf)/mg of skin in males and 13.7 mf/mg of skin in females. The density of microfilariae in people in the camps along the Farmington River was 4.8 mf/mg of skin in males and 1.9 mf/mg of skin in females. The age-specific infection in camps along both rivers substantially increased after the ages 21–30, reaching a maximum at ages 41–50. The mean density of mf/mg of skin in three anatomic locations (calf, hip, and shoulder) was 28.0, 24.5, and 14.1 mf/mg of skin, respectively, for those living on the Du River, and 10.2, 7.6, and 5.8 mf/mg of skin, respectively, for those on the Farmington River.
CONJUNCTIVA PHILOPHTHALMOSIS: A CASE REPORT IN THAILAND
Authors: WAIKAGUL JITRA , DEKUMYOY PARON , YOONUAN TIPPAYARAT , PRAEVANIT RUNGSON
Published: September 2018

A 31-year-old Thai woman, a resident of Mapthaphut, Rayong Province, eastern Thailand, attended Rayong Provincial Hospital after suffering from consistent irritation of the eye for 5 days. Examination conducted by an ophthalmologist revealed a small worm moving on the conjunctiva of the right eye. The worm was removed and sent for identification. It was 2.9 mm in length, elongated oval, pharynx very large, ceca end close to the excretory pore, genital pore opens in front of the ventral sucker at the cecal bifurcation; it was identified as Philophthalmus sp., a trematode that parasitizes the eyes of birds. This is the first human case of Philophthalmus infection in Thailand.
COMBINED HUMAN AND PORCINE MASS CHEMOTHERAPY FOR THE CONTROL OF T. SOLIUM
Authors: GARCIA H. H. , GONZALEZ A. E. , GILMAN R. H. , MOULTON L. H. , VERASTEGUI M. , RODRIGUEZ S. , GAVIDIA C. , TSANG V. C. W. , _ _
Published: September 2018

A combined (human and porcine) mass chemotherapy program was tested in a controlled design in 12 village hamlets in the Peruvian highlands. A single dose of 5 mg of praziquantel was given to eliminate intestinal taeniasis in humans, and two rounds of oxfendazole (30 mg/kg) were administered to all pigs. The total population in the study villages was 5,658 resident individuals, and the porcine population at the beginning of the study was 716 pigs. Human treatment coverage was 75%, ranging from 69% to 80%. There were only a few refusals of owners for porcine treatment of their animals. The effect of the intervention was measured by comparing incidence rates (seroconversion in pigs who were seronegative 4 months before) in treatment versus control villages, before and up to 18 months after treatment. There was a clear effect in decreasing prevalence (odds ratio, 0.51; P < 0.001) and incidence (odds ratio, 0.39; P < 0.013) in the treatment area after the intervention, which did not leave to extinction of the parasite but stabilized in slightly decreased rates persisting along the follow-up period. Mass chemotherapy was effective in decreasing infection pressure in this hyperendemic area. However, the magnitude of the effect was small and did not attain the goal of eliminating transmission.
ANTIBODIES TO WEST NILE VIRUS IN ASYMPTOMATIC MAMMALS, BIRDS, AND REPTILES IN THE YUCATAN PENINSULA OF MEXICO
Authors: FARFÁN-ALE JOSÉ A. , BLITVICH BRADLEY J. , MARLENEE NICOLE L. , LOROÑO-PINO MARÍA A. , PUERTO-MANZANO FERNANDO , GARCÍA-REJÓN JULIÁN E. , ROSADO-PAREDES ELSY P. , FLORES-FLORES LUIS F. , ORTEGA-SALAZAR ANDRES , CHÁVEZ-MEDINA JAIDY , CREMIEUX-GRIMALDI JUAN C. , CORREA-MORALES FAVIÁN , HERNÁNDEZ-GAONA GERSON , MÉNDEZ-GALVÁN JORGE F. , BEATY BARRY J.
Published: September 2018

Surveillance for evidence of West Nile virus (WNV) infection in taxonomically diverse vertebrates was conducted in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico in 2003 and 2004. Sera from 144 horses on Cozumel Island, Quintana Roo State, 415 vertebrates (257 birds, 52 mammals, and 106 reptiles) belonging to 61 species from the Merida Zoo, Yucatan State, and 7 farmed crocodiles in Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche State were assayed for antibodies to flaviviruses. Ninety (62%) horses on Cozumel Island had epitope-blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) antibodies to flaviviruses, of which 75 (52%) were seropositive for WNV by plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT). Blocking ELISA antibodies to flaviviruses also were detected in 13 (3%) animals in the Merida Zoo, including 7 birds and 2 mammals (a jaguar and coyote) seropositive for WNV by PRNT. Six (86%) crocodiles in Campeche State had PRNT-confirmed WNV infections. All animals were healthy at the time of serum collections and none had a history of WNV-like illness.
IMPACT OF CLIMATE VARIABILITY IN THE OCCURRENCE OF LEISHMANIASIS IN NORTHEASTERN COLOMBIA
Authors: CARDENAS ROCIO , SANDOVAL CLAUDIA M. , RODRÍGUEZ-MORALES ALFONSO J. , FRANCO-PAREDES CARLOS
Published: September 2018

Previous studies have shown that variation in the distribution of vectors associated to the transmission of Leishmania species may be related to climatic changes. However, the potential implications of these ecological changes in human health need to be further defined in various endemic populations where leishmaniasis carries a substantial burden of disease such as in Northeastern Colombia. Herein, we report the impact of El Niño Southern Oscillation climatic fluctuations during 1985–2002 in the occurrence of cases of leishmaniasis in two northeastern provinces of Colombia. During this period, we identified that during El Niño, cases of leishmaniasis increased, whereas during La Niña phases, leishmaniasis cases decreased. This preliminary data show how climatic changes influence the occurrence of leishmaniasis in northeastern Colombia and contributes to the growing body of evidence that shows that the incidence of vector-borne diseases is associated with annual changes in weather conditions.
MELIOIDOSIS IN THE AMERICAS
Authors: INGLIS TIMOTHY J. J. , ROLIM DIONNE B. , DE QUEIROZ SOUSA ANÁSTACIO
Published: September 2018

Melioidosis is a potentially severe bacterial infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. There has been growing awareness of the disease in the Americas, particularly since the Vietnam conflict when it was diagnosed in returning service personnel. Accidental laboratory exposure indicates the difficulty making a culture-based diagnosis when melioidosis has not been considered in the differential diagnosis. Melioidosis is most likely underdiagnosed in tropical Central and South America where conditions are more suited to persistence of B. pseudomallei in the environment. Recent melioidosis case clusters in northeastern Brazil highlight the threat posed to rural populations located far from specialist services. Increased clinical awareness of the disease and improvements in laboratory diagnostic methods are likely to bring wider recognition of melioidosis in the Americas.
SCRUB TYPHUS DURING PREGNANCY AND ITS TREATMENT: A CASE SERIES AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Authors: KIM YEON-SOOK , LEE HYO JIN , CHANG MEAYOUNG , SON SUNG KYONG , RHEE YUN EE , SHIM SOO KYONG
Published: September 2018

Although scrub typhus is uncommon in pregnant women, when present, it can have serious repercussions for the mother and developing fetus. Since it is uncommon, the clinical impact of scrub typhus on pregnancy has not been elucidated and an effective and safe therapeutic regimen has not been validated. The medical records of pregnant women whose scrub typhus were treated at Chungnam National University Hospital were reviewed and their clinical outcomes were evaluated. A review of the literature was also performed on pregnant women with scrub typhus and their clinical outcomes. Eight pregnant women with scrub typhus were treated successfully with a single 500-mg dose of azithromycin, and no relapses were reported. They all delivered healthy babies at term, without congenital or neonatal complications. In the reviews, azithromycin was effective against scrub typhus and had favorable pregnancy outcomes. Ciprofloxacin and cefuroxime failed to treat scrub typhus and fetal loss resulted. A single 500-mg dose of azithromycin may be a reasonable treatment regimen for pregnant women with scrub typhus. Ciprofloxacin might not be advisable for the treatment of scrub typhus during pregnancy. Scrub typhus itself seems to have serious adverse effects on pregnancy if not appropriately controlled.
FILARIAL-SPECIFIC ANTIBODY RESPONSE IN EAST AFRICAN BANCROFTIAN FILARIASIS: EFFECTS OF HOST INFECTION, CLINICAL DISEASE, AND FILARIAL ENDEMICITY
Authors: JAOKO WALTER G. , SIMONSEN PAUL E. , MEYROWITSCH DAN W. , ESTAMBALE BENSON B. A. , MALECELA-LAZARO MWELE N. , MICHAEL EDWIN
Published: September 2018

The effect of host infection, chronic clinical disease, and transmission intensity on the patterns of specific antibody responses in Bancroftian filariasis was assessed by analyzing specific IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, and IgE profiles among adults from two communities with high and low Wuchereria bancrofti endemicity. In the high endemicity community, intensities of the measured antibodies were significantly associated with infection status. IgG1, IgG2, and IgE were negatively associated with microfilaria (MF) status, IgG3 was negatively associated with circulating filarial antigen (CFA) status, and IgG4 was positively associated with CFA status. None of the associations were significantly influenced by chronic lymphatic disease status. In contrast, IgG1, IgG2, and IgG4 responses were less vigorous in the low endemicity community and, except for IgG4, did not show any significant associations with MF or CFA status. The IgG3 responses were considerably more vigorous in the low endemicity community than in the high endemicity one. Only IgG4 responses exhibited a rather similar pattern in the two communities, being significantly positively associated with CFA status in both communities. The IgG4:IgE ratios were higher in infection-positive individuals than in infection-negative ones, and higher in the high endemicity community than in the low endemicity one. Overall, these results indicate that specific antibody responses in Bancroftian filariasis are more related to infection status than to chronic lymphatic disease status. They also suggest that community transmission intensity play a dominant but subtle role in shaping the observed response patterns.
CAUSES OF COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED BACTEREMIA AND PATTERNS OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN VIENTIANE, LAOS
Authors: PHETSOUVANH RATTANAPHONE , PHONGMANY SIMMALY , SOUKALOUN DOUANGDAO , RASACHAK BOUACHANH , SOUKHASEUM VIMONE , SOUKHASEUM SEUN , FRICHITHAVONG KAMTHAVI , KHOUNNORATH SENGMANIVONG , PENGDEE BOUNTHOM , PHIASAKHA KHAMPHONG , CHU VANG , LUANGXAY KHONESAVANH , RATTANAVONG SAYADETH , SISOUK KONKAM , KEOLOUANGKOT VALY , MAYXAY MAYFONG , RAMSAY ANDREW , BLACKSELL STUART D. , CAMPBELL JIM , MARTINEZ-AUSSEL BERTRAND , HEUANVONGSY MAYBOUN , BOUNXOUEI BOUNTHAPAANY , THAMMAVONG CHANPHENG , SYHAVONG BOUNKONG , STROBEL MICHEL , PEACOCK SHARON J. , WHITE NICHOLAS J. , NEWTON PAUL N.
Published: September 2018

There is no published information on the causes of bacteremia in the Lao PDR (Laos). Between 2000 and 2004, 4512 blood culture pairs were taken from patients admitted to Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Laos, with suspected community-acquired bacteremia; 483 (10.7%) cultures grew a clinically significant community-acquired organism, most commonly Salmonella enterica serovar typhi (50.9%), Staphylococcus aureus (19.0%), and Escherichia coli (12.4%). S. aureus bacteremia was common among infants (69.2%), while children 1–5 years had a high frequency of typhoid (44%). Multi–drug-resistant S. Typhi was rare (6%). On multiple logistic regression analysis, typhoid was associated with younger age, longer illness, diarrhea, higher admission temperature, and lower peripheral white blood cell count than non-typhoidal bacteremia. Empirical parenteral ampicillin and gentamicin would have some activity against ~ 88% of clinically significant isolates at a cost of US $1.4/day, an important exception being B. pseudomallei. Bacteremic infants in this setting require an anti-staphylococcal antibiotic.
PREVALENT PFMDR1 N86Y MUTANT PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM IN MADAGASCAR DESPITE ABSENCE OF PFCRT MUTANT STRAINS
Authors: RASON MARIE-ANGE , ANDRIANANTENAINA HERILALAINA B. , ARIEY FRÉDÉRIC , RAVELOSON ANDRIANIRINA , DOMARLE OLIVIER , RANDRIANARIVELOJOSIA MILIJAONA
Published: September 2018

We assessed the status of point mutations associated with chloroquine resistance in pfcrt codon 76 and in pfmdr1 codon 86 among Plasmodium falciparum isolates from symptomatic patients in 3 sites in Madagascar. The in vitro susceptibility of P. falciparum isolates to quinoline-containing drugs was also determined. All isolates (N = 117) successfully typed were pfcrt wild-type, except one from Tsiroanomandidy (1 of 27). However, 67.5% (95% CI: 58.2–75.9%) of these isolates contained mutant pfmdr1 86Y. The pfmdr1 N86Y mutation is associated with higher mefloquine susceptibility, but it did not affect the sensitivity of parasites to chloroquine or quinine. Our findings demonstrate that pfmdr1 mutant P. falciparum are prevalent in Madagascar and confirm the low prevalence of pfcrt mutant P. falciparum after 60 years of chloroquine use. They provide additional field-based evidence for increased mefloquine susceptibility in pfmdr1 mutant P. falciparum and are suggestive of the intrahost selection of pfmdr1 mutant parasites.
17β-ESTRADIOL INCREASES LEISHMANIA MEXICANA KILLING IN MACROPHAGES FROM DBA/2 MICE BY ENHANCING PRODUCTION OF NITRIC OXIDE BUT NOT PRO-INFLAMMATORY CYTOKINES
Authors: LEZAMA-DÁVILA C.M. , ISAAC-MÁRQUEZ A.P. , BARBI J. , OGHUMU S. , SATOSKAR A.R.
Published: September 2018

We have previously shown that female DBA/2 mice are significantly more resistant to Leishmania mexicana compared with males. Here, we have analyzed the effect of 17β-estradiol (E2) on function and cytokine production in male and female DBA/2 macrophages in vitro. We show that E2 increases NO production and parasite killing in L. mexicana-infected male and female DBA/2 macrophages without increasing production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These data indicate that E2 may enhance leishmanicidal activity in macrophages by directly regulating production of NO.
USE OF MULTIPLE DISPLACEMENT AMPLIFICATION TO INCREASE THE DETECTION AND GENOTYPING OF TRYPANOSOMA SPECIES SAMPLES IMMOBILIZED ON FTA FILTERS
Authors: MORRISON LIAM J. , MCCORMACK GILLIAN , SWEENEY LINDSAY , LIKEUFACK ANNE C.L. , TRUC PHILIPPE , TURNER C. MICHAEL , TAIT ANDY , MACLEOD ANNETTE
Published: September 2018

Whole genome amplification methods are a recently developed tool for amplifying DNA from limited template. We report its application in trypanosome infections, characterized by low parasitemias. Multiple displacement amplification (MDA) amplifies DNA with a simple in vitro step and was evaluated on mouse blood samples on FTA filter cards with known numbers of Trypanosoma brucei parasites. The data showed a 20-fold increase in the number of PCRs possible per sample, using primers diagnostic for the multicopy ribosomal ITS region or 177-bp repeats, and a 20-fold increase in sensitivity over nested PCR against a single-copy microsatellite. Using MDA for microsatellite genotyping caused allele dropout at low DNA concentrations, which was overcome by pooling multiple MDA reactions. The validity of using MDA was established with samples from Human African Trypanosomiasis patients. The use of MDA allows maximal use of finite DNA samples and may prove a valuable tool in studies where multiple reactions are necessary, such as population genetic analyses.
CLONAL RECONQUEST OF ANTIBIOTIC-SUSCEPTIBLE SALMONELLA ENTERICA SEROTYPE TYPHI IN SON LA PROVINCE, VIETNAM
Authors: WEILL FRANÇOIS-XAVIER , TRAN HOANG HUY , ROUMAGNAC PHILIPPE , FABRE LAËTITIA , MINH NGUYEN BINH , STAVNES TRINE LISE , LASSEN JORGEN , BJUNE GUNNAR , GRIMONT PATRICK A.D. , GUERIN PHILIPPE J.
Published: September 2018

In the last three decades, high rates of resistance to common first-line antimicrobial agents have been reported in Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi (Typhi), the causative organism of typhoid fever (TF), in many regions of the world, especially in South East Asia. Analysis of Typhi strains isolated from outbreaks and sporadic cases of TF in Son La province, northwest Vietnam, in 2002 revealed that 94.5% (85/90) of the isolates were fully susceptible to amoxicillin, chloramphenicol, cotrimoxazole, tetracycline, and nalidixic acid. There was a clear decline in the occurrence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) Typhi isolates collected in this province in 2002 (4.4%) compared with the period 1995–1999 in the same province (30.8–100%). By using molecular (IS200 profiling, PstI-ribotyping, XbaI-pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, and haplotyping) and phage-typing methods, we showed that the Typhi isolates from Son La province in 2002 were genetically related; however, they were unrelated to the previous MDR clones established in Vietnam.
CHLAMYDIA ON CHILDREN AND FLIES AFTER MASS ANTIBIOTIC TREATMENT FOR TRACHOMA
Authors: LEE SCOTT , ALEMAYEHU WONDU , MELESE MULUKEN , LAKEW TAKELE , LEE DAVID , YI ELIZABETH , CEVALLOS VICKY , DONNELLAN CATHY , ZHOU ZHAOXIA , CHIDAMBARAM JAYA D. , GAYNOR BRUCE D. , WHITCHER JOHN P. , LIETMAN THOMAS M.
Published: September 2018

There are various approaches to control trachoma. These include the elimination of the ocular strains of Chlamydia trachomatis that cause the disease and to decrease the spread of infection by other measures such as fly control. Here, we examined how these two are related (i.e., how treating children with antibiotics affects carriage of Chlamydia by flies). Flies were collected in villages that had received mass oral azithromycin distribution and were compared with flies in untreated villages. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect chlamydial DNA on the flies. Conjunctival swabs were also taken to assay for chlamydial prevalence in the children. Chlamydia was found on 23% of the flies in the untreated villages but only 0.3% in treated villages. Prevalence of trachoma in children proved to be an excellent predictor of the prevalence on flies (correlation coefficient, 0.89). Thus, treating children with antibiotics may drastically reduce the role of flies as a vector.
TRYPANOSOMA CRUZI DETECTION IN BLOOD BY XENODIAGNOSIS AND POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION IN THE WILD RODENT OCTODON DEGUS
Authors: CAMPOS RICARDO , BOTTO-MAHAN CAREZZA , ORTIZ SYLVIA , ACUÑA MARIANA , CATTAN PEDRO E. , SOLARI ALDO
Published: September 2018

We detected Trypanosoma cruzi in blood samples of the wild rodent Octodon degus by xenodiagnosis and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the domestic and wild vectors of Chagas disease, Triatoma infestans and Mepraia spinolai, respectively. We captured 35 rodents and extracted DNA from blood samples and intestinal contents of vectors fed on O. degus. Our results indicate that the percentage of rodents naturally infected with T. cruzi depends on the biologic sample used for PCR and on the vector species for xenodiagnosis. The PCR with blood samples did not detect T. cruzi DNA, but the PCR with intestinal contents showed that both vectors were positive for T. cruzi. The PCR performed with M. spinolai intestinal contents detected four times more T. cruzi-positive O. degus than the PCR with Triatoma infestans intestinal contents (22.9% and 5.7%, respectively). We report the improvement of T. cruzi detection in sylvatic animals by a combination of PCR and xenodiagnosis using sylvatic vectors, especially in disease-endemic areas with low parasitemias in mammals.
HUMAN/VECTOR RELATIONSHIPS DURING HUMAN AFRICAN TRYPANOSOMIASIS: INITIAL SCREENING OF IMMUNOGENIC SALIVARY PROTEINS OF GLOSSINA SPECIES
Authors: POINSIGNON ANNE , CORNELIE SYLVIE , REMOUE FRANCK , GRÉBAUT PASCAL , COURTIN DAVID , GARCIA ANDRE , SIMONDON FRANCOIS
Published: September 2018

The morbidity and mortality of vector-borne diseases is closely linked to exposure of the human host to vectors. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of individual exposure to arthropod bites by investigation of the specific immune response to vector saliva would make it possible to monitor individuals at risk of vectorial transmission of pathogens. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the antibody (IgG) response to saliva from uninfected Glossina species, vectors, or non-vectors of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense by detecting immunogenic proteins in humans residing in an area endemic for human African trypanosomiasis in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Our results suggest that the immunogenic profiles observed seemed specific to the Glossina species (vector or non-vector species) and to the infectious status of exposed individuals (infected or not infected). This preliminary work tends to support the feasibility of development of an epidemiologic tool based on this antibody response to salivary proteins.
TREATING WATER WITH CHLORINE AT POINT-OF-USE TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY AND REDUCE CHILD DIARRHEA IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS
Authors: ARNOLD BENJAMIN F. , COLFORD JOHN M.
Published: September 2018

We conducted a systematic review of all studies that measured diarrheal health impacts in children and the impact on water quality of point-of-use chlorine drinking water treatment. Twenty-one relevant studies were identified from > 856 screened abstracts. Data were extracted and combined using meta-analysis to provide summary estimates of the intervention effect. The intervention reduced the risk of child diarrhea (pooled relative risk: 0.71, 0.58–0.87) and it reduced the risk of stored water contamination with Escherichia coli (pooled relative risk: 0.20, 0.13–0.30). A major finding from this review is that nearly all trials on this topic have been short (median length was 30 weeks). Although not statistically significant, we observed an attenuation of the intervention’s reduction of child diarrhea in longer trials. Future studies with multi-year follow-up are required to assess the long-term acceptability and sustainability of health impacts shown by the shorter trials identified in this review.
ANTIBODY ISOTYPE RESPONSES TO PARAMYOSIN, A VACCINE CANDIDATE FOR SCHISTOSOMIASIS, AND THEIR CORRELATIONS WITH RESISTANCE AND FIBROSIS IN PATIENTS INFECTED WITH SCHISTOSOMA JAPONICUM IN LEYTE, THE PHILIPPINES
Authors: NARA TAKESHI , IIZUMI KYOICHI , OHMAE HIROSHI , SY ORLANDO S. , TSUBOTA SOICHI , INABA YUTAKA , TSUBOUCHI AKIKO , TANABE MASANOBU , KOJIMA SOMEI , AOKI TAKASHI
Published: September 2018

We examined whether antibody isotype responses to paramyosin (PM), a vaccine candidate for schistosomiasis, are associated with age-dependent resistance and pathology in liver fibrosis using human sera collected from 139 individuals infected with Schistosoma japonicum in Leyte, The Philippines. We report that IgA and IgG3 responses to PM showed a positive correlation with age and that the epitopes responsible were localized predominantly within the N-terminal half of PM. In addition, the IgG3 response to PM was associated with serum level of procollagen-III-peptide (P-III-P), an indicator of progression of liver fibrosis. These results imply that IgG3 against PM may not only provoke age-dependent resistance to S. japonicum infection but also enhance liver fibrosis. In contrast, levels of IgE to PM and to multiple PM fragments showed a negative correlation with P-III-P level. Thus, in contrast to IgG3, increases in PM-specific IgE may contribute to suppression of liver pathogenesis in schistosomiasis.
ETIOLOGY OF DIARRHEA IN CHILDREN YOUNGER THAN 5 YEARS OF AGE ADMITTED IN A RURAL HOSPITAL OF SOUTHERN MOZAMBIQUE
Authors: MANDOMANDO INÁCIO M. , MACETE EUSÉBIO V. , RUIZ JOAQUIM , SANZ SERGI , ABACASSAMO FATIMA , VALLÈS XAVIER , SACARLAL JAHIT , NAVIA MARGARITA M. , VILA JORDI , ALONSO PEDRO L. , GASCON JOAQUIM
Published: September 2018

Diarrhea is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality among children in sub-Saharan Africa and one of the main causes of hospital admissions in rural areas. Stool samples were collected from 529 children admitted with diarrhea to the Manhiça District Hospital (September 2000 to September 2001) and processed to detect bacterial enteropathogens, parasites, and virus. Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli, isolated from 120 samples (22.6%; enteropathogenic [9.6%], enterotoxigenic [6.8%], enteroaggregative [4.3%], and verotoxigenic [1.9%]) was the most frequently isolated pathogen, followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (9.3%). Others detected included Salmonella spp. and Giardia lamblia (2.5% each) and Campylobacter spp. (1.7%). A. lumbricoides (92% versus 8%; P < 0.001) and Strongyloides stercolaris (100% versus 0%; P = 0.008) were most frequently isolated in children older than 12 months of age. Resistance to trimethoprim-sulphametoxazole and ampicillin was high. Etiologic data on diarrheal diseases and susceptibility patterns of diarrheal pathogens are important tools for clinical management and control strategic planning.
HELICOBACTER PYLORI AND INTESTINAL PARASITES ARE NOT DETRIMENTAL TO THE NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF AMERINDIANS
Authors: MARINI ELISABETTA , MALDONADO-CONTRERAS ANA L. , CABRAS STEFANO , HIDALGO GLIDA , BUFFA ROBERTO , MARIN AURA , FLORIS GIOVANNI , RACUGNO WALTER , PERICCHI LUIS R. , CASTELLANOS MARIA E. , GRÖSCHL MICHAEL , BLASER MARTIN J. , DOMÍNGUEZ-BELLO MARÍA G.
Published: September 2018

Gastrointestinal parasites have evolved with humans and colonize many asymptomatic subjects. We investigated the influence of microbial gastrointestinal colonization on the nutritional status of rural Amerindians (40 males and 61 females). Helicobacter pylori was detected by 13C-breath test, and intestinal parasites were detected in fecal specimens. Body morphometry and bioelectrical impedance measurements were measured. Although Amerindians showed low height and weight for age, they had an adequate body mass index, morphometric parameters, and cell mass. Intestinal parasites were detected in 99% of the subjects, with no detrimental effect on nutritional parameters. Helicobacter pylori was present in 82% of adults and half the children, and was positively correlated with improved nutritional status. Despite the high prevalence of gastrointestinal microbes often associated with disease, the studied population of Amerindians had a body morphometry and composition indicative of good nutritional status, and improved in children positive for gastric H. pylori.