bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CLINICAL CASE REPORT: DENGUE HEMORRHAGIC FEVER IN A PATIENT WITH ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME
Authors: DA SILVA MENDES WELLINGTON , BRANCO MARIA DOS REMÉDIOS FREITAS CARVALH , MEDEIROS MARIA NILZA LIMA
Published: September 2018

A person diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in 2000 and who received highly active antiretroviral therapy developed co-infection with dengue virus in 2003. In the course of the co-infection, he developed fever, thrombocytopenia (13,700 cells/mm3), petechia, and hypoalbuminemia, which are compatible with the World Health Organization criteria for a case of dengue hemorrhagic fever. Human immunodeficiency virus was not detected 30 days before co-infection and 10 days afterwards. His CD4 cell count did not show significant alterations in the two periods evaluated. He continued his course of treatment without arterial hypotension, serious hemorrhage, or other life-threatening complications.
NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF YOUNG CHILDREN IN AIDS-AFFECTED HOUSEHOLDS AND CONTROLS IN UGANDA
Authors: BRIDGE ANDREA , KIPP WALTER , JHANGRI GIAN S. , LAING LORY , KONDE-LULE JOSEPH
Published: September 2018

This study conducted in Uganda assessed the nutritional status of young children and their disease history in the 3-month period before the study. Two groups of children were randomly selected: the first group consisted of 105 children living in homes where a family member fell sick of AIDS, whereas the second group consisted of 100 children who were living in homes where nobody was affected by AIDS. Acute malnutrition (wasting) was rare. There was no difference in the severity of stunting in the two groups (Z scores, −2.1 versus −2.2, P = 0.70). In those children living in AIDS-affected homes, disease episodes were longer (15.7 versus 11.3 days, P = 0.014), but the frequency of disease occurrence was similar in both groups. Fifty-five percent of all children suffered from moderate to severe malnutrition (stunting). The high stunting rate in early childhood suggests a public nutritional intervention program is recommended.
EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF THE SIX-DOSE REGIMEN OF ARTEMETHER-LUMEFANTRINE IN PEDIATRICS WITH UNCOMPLICATED PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM MALARIA: A POOLED ANALYSIS OF INDIVIDUAL PATIENT DATA
Authors: MAKANGA MICHAEL , PREMJI ZUL , FALADE CATHERINE , KARBWANG JUNTRA , MUELLER EDGAR A. , ANDRIANO KIM , HUNT PHILIP , DE PALACIOS PATRICIA IBARRA
Published: September 2018

Patient data from eight clinical trials were pooled and analyzed to study the efficacy and safety of the six-dose versus four-dose regimen of artemether-lumefantrine (coartemether; Coartem) in children weighing 5–25 kg. A total of 544 patients with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria (six-dose: 343; four-dose: 201), matched for demographic and baseline characteristics and individual coartemether doses were included in the analysis. Analysis of day 28 cure rate based on the intention-to-treat and evaluable populations yielded corrected cure rates for the six-dose regimen of 93% and 96% compared with 61% and 76%, respectively, for the four-dose regimen (P < 0.0001 for both comparisons). Similarly high cure rates were achieved with the six-dose regimen in non-immune infants weighing as little as 5 kg. The six- and four-dose regimens were equally well tolerated. The main finding of this analysis is that the six-dose regimen of coartemether is safe and more efficacious than the four-dose regimen in children.
ASSESSMENT OF ULTRASOUND MORBIDITY INDICATORS OF SCHISTOSOMIASIS IN THE CONTEXT OF LARGE-SCALE PROGRAMS ILLUSTRATED WITH EXPERIENCES FROM MALIAN CHILDREN
Authors: KOUKOUNARI ARTEMIS , SACKO MOUSSA , KEITA ADAMA D. , GABRIELLI ALBIS F. , LANDOURÉ ALY , DEMBELÉ ROBERT , CLEMENTS ARCHIE C. , WHAWELL SARAH , DONNELLY CHRISTL A. , FENWICK ALAN , TRAORÉ MAMADOU , WEBSTER JOANNE P.
Published: September 2018

We assessed morbidity indicators for both Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni infections and evaluated the appropriateness of the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for ultrasound in schistosomiasis in the context of large-scale control interventions. Abdominal and urinary tract ultrasonography was performed on 2,247 and 2,822 school children, respectively, from 29 randomly selected schools in Mali before the implementation of mass anthelminthic drug administration. Using two-level logistic regression models, we examined associations of potential factors with the risk of having a positive ultrasound global score (morbidity indicative of S. haematobium infection), abnormal image pattern scores, dilatation of the portal vein, and/or enlarged liver (morbidity indicative of S. mansoni infection). The WHO protocol was found useful for detection of S. haematobium pathology but overestimated the risk of portal vein dilatation and left liver lobe enlargement associated with S. mansoni infection. We conclude that ultrasonography should be included in large-scale control interventions, where logistics allow, but cautiously.
HIGHER PERCENTAGES OF CIRCULATING MAST CELL PRECURSORS CORRELATE WITH SUSCEPTIBILITY TO REINFECTION WITH SCHISTOSOMA MANSONI
Authors: GANLEY-LEAL LISA M. , MWINZI PAULINE N. M. , CETRE-SOSSAH CATHERINE B. , ANDOVE JULIUS , HIGHTOWER ALLEN W. , KARANJA DIANA M. S. , COLLEY DANIEL G. , SECOR W. EVAN
Published: September 2018

A high level of serum IgE is generally associated with human resistance to schistosomes, though the protective mechanisms of IgE remain undefined. We recently reported that whereas some individuals who are occupationally hyperexposed to Schistosoma mansoni display resistance to reinfection, others remain highly susceptible, in some cases due to HIV-1 co-infection. As IgE functions, in part, through FcεRI on mast cells, we characterized circulating CD117+ FcεRI+ mast cell precursors in this population. Surprisingly, a higher percentage of CD117+ cells correlated with a susceptible phenotype in HIV-1 seronegative participants with schistosomiasis. There was no association between percentages of peripheral CD117+ cells and susceptibility to reinfection in persons with HIV-1. Serum levels of polyclonal IgE were inversely correlated with percentages of CD117+ cells regardless of HIV-1 status. Thus, immature mast cells may affect IgE availability, or IgE may affect immature mast cells, altering the balance of host susceptibility and resistance to schistosomes.
CONGENITAL TRANSMISSION OF TRYPANOSOMA CRUZI IN EUROPE (SPAIN): A CASE REPORT
Authors: RIERA CRISTINA , GUARRO ANNA , KASSAB HOUSSEIN EL , JORBA JOSÉ MARIA , CASTRO MONTSERRAT , ANGRILL ROSER , GÁLLEGO MONTSERRAT , FISA ROSER , MARTIN CARMEN , LOBATO ALEJANDRO , PORTÚS MONTSERRAT
Published: September 2018

Here we report a documented case of congenital transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi from a Bolivian mother with chronic Chagas disease living in Spain. The serology and blood nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were positive for the mother, and amastigote forms were observed in histopathological study of the placenta and umbilical cord. Direct examination, culture, and nested PCR were positive in the blood of the neonate. At the age of 8 days, the neonate began treatment with 5–7.5 mg/kg/day of benznidazol, which was continued for 60 days. Direct examination, blood culture, and nested PCR were negative to T. cruzi 20 days after the start of treatment and remained negative 4 and 7 months thereafter. Serological tests were negative at 4 months. To detect congenital infection and initiate early treatment of infected newborns, protocols are required to detect Chagas disease in pregnant women who migrate from endemic to non-endemic areas.
SUBCUTANEOUS TAENIA CRASSICEPS INFECTION IN A PATIENT WITH NON-HODGKIN’S LYMPHOMA
Authors: HELDWEIN KATHARINA , BIEDERMANN HANS-GERNOT , HAMPERL WOLF-DIETER , BRETZEL GISELA , LÖSCHER THOMAS , LAREGINA DAVIDE , FROSCH MATTHIAS , BÜTTNER DIETRICH W. , TAPPE DENNIS
Published: September 2018

Infections with larvae of Taenia crassiceps are rare in humans and have mostly affected patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. We report the first case of a patient with malignancy (non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma) and infection of the subcutis and muscles of the hand and forearm. Surgery and antiparasitic chemotherapy led to a complete cure.
AMNIOTIC FLUID IS NOT USEFUL FOR DIAGNOSIS OF CONGENITAL TRYPANOSOMA CRUZI INFECTION
Authors: VIRREIRA MYRNA , MARTINEZ SABRINA , ALONSO-VEGA CRISTINA , TORRICO FAUSTINO , SOLANO MARCO , TORRICO MARY CRUZ , PARRADO RUDY , TRUYENS CARINE , CARLIER YVES , SVOBODA MICHAL
Published: September 2018

Although Trypanosoma cruzi can be transmitted transplacentally and induce congenital infection, no data are available about the presence of this parasite in human amniotic fluid. We examined 8, 19, and 4 amniotic fluid samples (collected at delivery or by aspiration of gastric content of neonates) from control uninfected mothers (M−B−), infected mothers delivering uninfected newborns (M+B−), and mothers of confirmed congenital cases (M+B+), respectively. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), using nuclear and kinetoplastic DNA primers (Tcz1-Tcz2 and 121–122), were negative for all control M−B− samples, but positive for 5 of 19 M+B− and 2 of 4 M+B+ samples. To determine the number of parasites in the positive samples, real-time PCR using S35/S36 kinetoplastic DNA was performed. Only one M+B+ sample presented a high parasitic DNA amount, whereas the other six PCR-positive samples displayed traces of T. cruzi DNA. In conclusion, the release of parasites in amniotic fluid is probably a rare event that cannot be helpful for the routine diagnosis of congenital Chagas disease.
EVALUATION OF A BOOSTED-P24 ANTIGEN ASSAY FOR THE EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF PEDIATRIC HIV-1 INFECTION IN CAMBODIA
Authors: NOUHIN JANIN , NGUYEN MARIE
Published: September 2018

Methods for early diagnosis of pediatric HIV-1 infection (DNA-polymerase chain reaction [PCR], RNA quantification, viral cultures) are expensive. Most Cambodian infants wait 18 months for HIV serologic tests. We observed that boosted-p24-antigen profile assay, with performances similar to viral cultures and costs similar to DNA-PCR, is easier to perform and could readily be set up in resource-poor settings.
THE PATHOGENICITY OF MOSQUITO DENSOVIRUS (C6/36DNV) AND ITS INTERACTION WITH DENGUE VIRUS TYPE II IN AEDES ALBOPICTUS
Authors: WEI WEI , SHAO DINGYONG , HUANG XIAOJUN , LI JIANPING , CHEN HAIDONG , ZHANG QINFEN , ZHANG JINGQIANG
Published: September 2018

When Aedes albopictus larvae were infected with C6/36 densovirus (C6/36DNV), the mortality reached 97.46% within 21 days for those larvae infected at the first day after hatching, and 14.17% for control. A real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to trace the dynamic change of the quantity of C6/36DNV genomes in the larvae and the adults, and to study the interaction of C6/36DNV with dengue virus type II(DEN-II) in mosquitoes. It showed that C6/36DNV could persist in the adults that could transmit C6/36DNV vertically to the next generation. The quantity of C6/36DNV after DEN-II infection increased by 102~103 times in the C6/36DNV-positive mosquitoes, and the quantity of DEN-II in the C6/36DNV-positive mosquitoes was about 100 times lower than that in the C6/36DNV-negative mosquitoes, which suggested that DEN-II could remarkably stimulate the reproduction of C6/36DNV, while C6/36DNV persisted in mosquitoes could inhibit the reproduction of DEN-II. The study throws light on C6/36DNV as a possible biologic control agent against dengue virus and Ae. albopictus.
PHYLOGENETIC AND GEOGRAPHICAL RELATIONSHIPS OF HANTAVIRUS STRAINS IN EASTERN AND WESTERN PARAGUAY
Authors: CHU YONG KYU , MILLIGAN BROOK , OWEN ROBERT D. , GOODIN DOUGLAS G. , JONSSON COLLEEN B.
Published: September 2018

Recently, we reported the discovery of several potential rodent reservoirs of hantaviruses in western (Holochilus chacarius) and eastern Paraguay (Akodon montensis, Oligoryzomys chacoensis, and O. nigripes). Comparisons of the hantavirus S- and M-segments amplified from these four rodents revealed significant differences from each another and from other South American hantaviruses. The ALP strain from the semiarid Chaco ecoregion clustered with Leguna Negra and Rio Mamore (LN/RM), whereas the BMJ-ÑEB strain from the more humid lower Chaco ecoregion formed a clade with Oran and Bermejo. The other two strains, AAI and IP37/38, were distinct from known hantaviruses. With respect to the S-segment sequence, AAI from eastern Paraguay formed a clade with ALP/LN/RM, but its M-segment clustered with Pergamino and Maciel, suggesting a possible reassortment. AAI was found in areas experiencing rapid land cover fragmentation and change within the Interior Atlantic Forest. IP37/38 did not show any strong association with any of the known hantavirus strains.
FIELD EVALUATION OF SPATIAL REPELLENCY OF METOFLUTHRIN-IMPREGNATED LATTICEWORK PLASTIC STRIPS AGAINST AEDES AEGYPTI (L.) AND ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AFFECTING ITS EFFICACY IN MY THO CITY, TIEN GIANG, VIETNAM
Authors: KAWADA HITOSHI , IWASAKI TOMONORI , LE LOAN LUU , TIEN TRAN KHANH , MAI NGUYEN THI NHU , SHONO YOSHINORI , KATAYAMA YASUYUKI , TAKAGI MASAHIRO
Published: September 2018

Spatial repellency of metofluthrin-impregnated polyethylene latticework plastic strips against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes was evaluated. Analysis of environmental factors affecting the efficacy of these strips, such as room temperature, humidity, and house structure, was performed in a residential area in My Tho City, Tien Giang Province, Vietnam. Treatment with the strips at the rate of 1 strip per 2.6–5.52 m2 (approximately 600 mg per 2.6–5.52 m2) reduced the collection of Ae. aegypti resting inside the houses for at least eight weeks. Multiple regression analysis indicated that both increase in the average room temperature and decrease in the area of openings in the rooms that were treated with the strips positively affected the spatial repellency of metofluthrin.
IN VITRO ACTIVITY OF FERROQUINE (SAR97193) IS INDEPENDENT OF CHLOROQUINE RESISTANCE IN PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM
Authors: KREIDENWEISS ANDREA , KREMSNER PETER G. , DIETZ KLAUS , MORDMÜLLER BENJAMIN
Published: September 2018

Nowadays, chloroquine-resistant malaria appears in almost all endemic regions. Ferroquine is a derivative of chloroquine and shows good activity in vitro and in animal models, but the development of cross-resistance is of concern. We tested in vitro susceptibilities of Plasmodium falciparum field isolates from Gabon to ferroquine, chloroquine, and artesunate. As expected, chloroquine resistance was present in all parasite isolates (median 50% inhibitory concentration = 113 nmol/L). Ferroquine (1.94 nmol/L) and artesunate (0.96 nmol/L) were highly active, and no significant correlation between any of the three drugs was observed. In contrast to our findings, previous studies showed an association between chloroquine and ferroquine activities. We could reproduce this association by using different initial parasitemias, but analysis of covariance revealed that initial parasitemia and not parasite strain was the critical determinant for the correlation between chloroquine and ferroquine activities. We conclude that ferroquine is highly active in chloroquine-resistant parasites, and we anticipate no enhanced selection for resistance against ferroquine in chloroquine-resistant parasites.
SENSITIVITY AND SPECIFICITY OF AN ANTIGEN DETECTION ELISA FOR MALARIA DIAGNOSIS
Authors: NOEDL HARALD , YINGYUEN KRITSANAI , LAOBOONCHAI ANINTITA , FUKUDA MARK , SIRICHAISINTHOP JEERAPHAT , MILLER R. SCOTT
Published: September 2018

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) allow for the testing of large numbers of samples within a short time frame. We tested the sensitivity and specificity of a histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2)-based, commercially available ELISA antigen detection assay for Plasmodium falciparum (Malaria Antigen CELISA; Cellabs, Sydney, Australia). A total of 700 whole blood samples obtained from symptomatic outpatients of malaria clinics along the Thai–Myanmar border were tested relative to blinded duplicate expert microscopy adjusted with species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR-adjusted microscopy showed that 79 (11.3%) were infected with P. falciparum, 118 (16.9%) with P. vivax, 1 (0.1%) with P. malariae, 7 (1.0%) with mixed infections (P. falciparum and P. vivax), and 495 (70.7%) were negative. The geometric mean parasite density for P. falciparum was 7547/μL (range: 12–363,810/μL). The overall sensitivity of the HRP2 ELISA for P. falciparum malaria was 98.8% (95% CI, 93.6–100%) and the specificity was 100% (95% CI, 99.5–100%). The positive and negative predictive values for the ELISA were 100% (95% CI, 96.5–100%) and 99.8% (95% CI, 99.1–100%), respectively. The results for P. falciparum were clearly superior to expert microscopy alone, particularly in mixed infections. Microscopy combined with ELISA reaches a sensitivity and specificity similar to PCR-adjusted microscopy for the diagnosis of P. falciparum while being considerably less expensive and faster. We conclude that ELISA serves as an excellent tool to augment microscopy as the gold standard for P. falciparum diagnosis in research settings and should be further evaluated for screening in blood banks.
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF MALARIA IN THE NORTHERN PERUVIAN AMAZON
Authors: BAUTISTA CHRISTIAN T. , CHAN ADELINE S. T. , RYAN JEFFREY R. , CALAMPA CARLOS , ROPER MARTY H. , HIGHTOWER ALLEN W. , MAGILL ALAN J.
Published: September 2018

A retrospective surveillance study was conducted to examine the micro-geographic variation of malaria incidence in three malaria-endemic communities in the Northern Peruvian Amazon. The annual malaria risk rate (per 100) ranged from 38% to 47% for Plasmodium vivax and from 15% to 18% for P. falciparum. Spatial clusters were found for P. vivax in Padre Cocha, Manacamiri, and Zungaro Cocha, and for P. falciparum only in Padre Cocha. Spatial-temporal clusters showed that the highest monthly number of P. vivax cases varied every year from December to March in 1996–1997 and from February to June in 1998–1999, and for P. falciparum from November to April in 1996–1997 and from January to April in 1998–1999. Our results suggest a constant presence of high-risk areas (hot spots) for malaria infection in periods with high or low malaria incidence. Modest targeted control efforts directed at identified high-risk areas may have significant impact on malaria transmission in this region.
URBAN FARMING AND MALARIA RISK FACTORS IN A MEDIUM-SIZED TOWN IN CÔTE D’IVOIRE
Authors: MATTHYS BARBARA , VOUNATSOU PENELOPE , RASO GIOVANNA , TSCHANNEN ANDRES B. , BECKET EMMANUEL GBEDE , GOSONIU LAURA , CISSÉ GUELADIO , TANNER MARCEL , N’GORAN ELIÉZER K. , UTZINGER JÜRG
Published: September 2018

Urbanization occurs at a rapid pace across Africa and Asia and affects people’s health and well-being. A typical feature in urban settings of Africa is the maintenance of traditional livelihoods, including agriculture. The purpose of this study was to investigate malaria risk factors in urban farming communities in a medium-sized town in Côte d’Ivoire. Two cross-sectional surveys were carried out among 112 households from six agricultural zones. First, the heads of households were interviewed on agricultural land use, farming practices, water storage, sanitation facilities, and socioeconomic status. Second, a finger prick blood sample was taken from all household members and examined for the occurrence and density of Plasmodia. Geographic coordinates of houses, farming plots, and potential mosquito breeding sites were recorded and integrated into a geographic information system. Predictors of Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia were assessed using non-random and random effects Bayesian regression models. The overall prevalence of P. falciparum was 32.1%. In children < 15 years of age, risk factors for a P. falciparum infection included living in a specific agricultural zone, close proximity to permanent ponds and fish ponds, periodic stays overnight in temporary farm huts, and low socioeconomic status. Our findings indicate that specific crop systems and specific agricultural practices may increase the risk of malaria in urban settings of tropical Africa.
HIGH REINFECTION RATE AND TREATMENT FAILURES IN CHILDREN TREATED WITH AMODIAQUINE FOR FALCIPARUM MALARIA IN MUHEZA VILLAGES, NORTHEASTERN TANZANIA
Authors: LEMNGE MARTHA , ALIFRANGIS MICHAEL , KAFUYE MWANAIDI Y. , SEGEJA METHOD D. , GESASE SAMWEL , MINJA DANIEL , MASSAGA JULIUS J. , RØNN ANITA M. , BYGBJERG IB C.
Published: September 2018

In May 2003, we studied amodiaquine (AQ) efficacy in children < 5 years of age with uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Magoda and Mpapayu (with insecticide treated nets [ITNs]) and Mgome (without ITNs) in Muheza, Tanzania. The trial involved 28 days of follow-up, and data were adjusted by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genotyping of msp1 and msp2 genes. Additionally, Pfcrt codon 72–76 polymorphisms were studied by PCR and sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe (SSOP) ELISA. In 54 cases with complete follow-up, a significant difference in late treatment failure (LTF) rates was seen (60.7% in ITN versus 88.5% in non-ITN villages, P = 0.02) before PCR correction. However, after PCR correction, 23 cases (60.5%) were confirmed as reinfections, giving a true LTF rate of 21.4% (6/28) and 34.6% (9/26) in the above settings, respectively. Frequency of Pfcrt CVIET haplotype mutation pretreatment was high (97.0%); the remaining samples were CVMNK. We conclude that AQ alone is no longer effective in the study area.
VARIATION IN MALARIA TRANSMISSION INTENSITY IN SEVEN SITES THROUGHOUT UGANDA
Authors: OKELLO PAUL EDWARD , VAN BORTEL WIM , BYARUHANGA ANATOL MARANDA , CORREWYN ANNE , ROELANTS PATRICIA , TALISUNA AMBROSE , D’ALESSANDRO UMBERTO , COOSEMANS MARC
Published: September 2018

Knowledge of the baseline malaria transmission in a given environment is important to guide malaria control interventions. However, in Uganda, recent information on malaria transmission intensity is lacking. Therefore, a 1-year entomological study was conducted in seven ecologically different sites throughout the country to assess spatial and temporal patterns in malaria transmission intensity. Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto was the main vector in five of the seven study sites, and An. funestus was the most important vector in the two other sites. In a peri-urban village, An. arabiensis contributed substantially to malaria transmission. Clear differences in annual entomological inoculation rates (AEIR) were observed between the study sites, ranging from 4 infective bites per person per year in the southwestern part of the country to >1,500 infective bites per person per year in a swampy area near the Nile River. Between villages with parasite prevalences of ≥ 80% in children between 1 and 9 years old, a 4-fold difference in AEIR was observed. Based on the observed behavior of the vectors, insecticide-treated bed nets will be highly effective in controlling malaria. However, in the high transmission areas, additional measures will be needed to reduce the malaria burden to acceptable levels.
ARE CYTOCHROME B GENE SEQUENCING AND POLYMORPHISM-SPECIFIC POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION AS RELIABLE AS MULTILOCUS ENZYME ELECTROPHORESIS FOR IDENTIFYING LEISHMANIA SPP. FROM ARGENTINA?
Authors: MARCO JORGE D. , UEZATO HIROSHI , MIMORI TATSUYUKI , BARROSO PAOLA A. , KORENAGA MASATAKA , NONAKA SHIGEO , BASOMBRÍO MIGUEL A. , TARANTO NÉSTOR J. , HASHIGUCHI YOSHIHISA
Published: September 2018

Recently, two techniques, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and sequencing of cytochrome b gene (cyt b gene sequencing) and polymorphism-specific PCR (PS-PCR) were recommended for Leishmania species identification. Before this study, however, the accuracy of these methods had not been tested against the multilocus enzyme electrophoresis, the current gold standard technique on this task. Therefore, a trial was done for the first time to compare the results obtained by these techniques, using 17 Argentinean Leishmania stocks in independent assays. For all the stocks examined, the same results at species level were obtained by the three techniques. Among them, 14 were assigned to L. (Viannia) braziliensis, and three to L. (V.) guyanensis. The two techniques, cyt b gene sequencing and PS-PCR, were able to distinguish between all the proven species responsible for leishmaniases in Argentina. Thus, both techniques were validated and could be used independently for the species designation of Leishmania parasites in the country.
PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA OTOCHONDRITIS COMPLICATING LOCALIZED CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS: PREVENTION OF MUTILATION BY EARLY ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY
Authors: VAN DER VLIET DIANE , LE GUERN ANNE-SOPHIE , FREITAG SYLVIE , GOUNOD NICOLAS , THERBY AUDREY , DARIE HERVE , BUFFET PIERRE A.
Published: September 2018

A patient with an ulcerated cutaneous leishmaniasis of the pinna had suppurative otochondritis after a first unsuccessful course of treatment with meglumine antimoniate. Although the Leishmania ulceration healed after a second course of meglumine antimoniate, and despite three oral dicloxacillin or pristinamycin courses, the otochondritis extended and an abscess developed. Pus from the abscess revealed a pure culture of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Five days of oral ciprofloxacin plus rifampin led to a marked improvement. The P. aeruginosa isolate was sensitive to ciprofloxacin but fully resistant to rifampin. Healing with minimal mutilation was obtained at the end of a six-week course of multiple antibiotic therapy. Pseudomonas aeruginosa otochondritis was a co-factor of cartilage mutilation in this patient. Thus, infection with P. aeruginosa should be promptly treated when present in tender cutaneous or mucosal leishmaniasis lesions near cartilaginous areas.
DUAL INFECTION OF ANIMAL HOSTS WITH DIFFERENT ECHINOCOCCUS SPECIES IN THE EASTERN QINGHAI-TIBET PLATEAU REGION OF CHINA
Authors: XIAO NING , NAKAO MINORU , QIU JIAMIN , BUDKE CHRISTINE M. , GIRAUDOUX PATRICK , CRAIG PHILIP S. , ITO AKIRA
Published: September 2018

The eastern Qinghai-Tibet plateau of China is a highly endemic region of echinococcosis where Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (sheep strain), Echinococcus multilocularis, and Echinococcus shiquicus are distributed sympatrically. We developed a polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method for the identification of the three species in this region. The PCR-RFLP showed the dual infection of animals with different Echinococcus spp. The first case was a domestic dog concurrently infected with adults of E. granulosus and E. multilocularis. The second case was a plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae) harboring metacestodes of E. multilocularis and E. shiquicus in the liver. The high susceptibility of some mammalian hosts to the parasites and the high prevalence of the three co-endemic species probably increase the chance of mixed infections in the eastern Tibetan plateau.
UGANDA’S SUCCESSFUL GUINEA WORM ERADICATION PROGRAM
Authors: RWAKIMARI JOHN B. , HOPKINS DONALD R. , RUIZ-TIBEN ERNESTO
Published: September 2018

Having begun its national Guinea Worm Eradication Program (UGWEP) in 1991 (1991 population, 16.6 million) with the third-highest number of cases reported by any endemic country, and ranked as the second-highest endemic country in the world in 1993, by 2004, Uganda celebrated its first full calendar year with no indigenous cases of the disease. Systematic interventions began in 1992 and were gradually intensified until the final indigenous case occurred in July 2003. The favorable concentration of most cases in relatively few northern districts of the country was partly offset by chronic insecurity in much of the endemic area and by repeated importations of cases from neighboring Sudan. Strong support and dedicated leadership by government officials and external partners were keys to this program’s dramatic success. This program cost approximately US$5.6 million.
THE SEROLOGIC PREVALENCE OF Q FEVER (COXIELLA BURNETII) COMPLEMENT-FIXING ANTIBODIES IN THE PENINSULAR BIGHORN SHEEP OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Authors: DEFORGE JAMES R. , CONE LAWRENCE A.
Published: September 2018

Q fever is a rare illness in the Southern California desert. During the past 34 years only 6 patients have been diagnosed with the disease at the Eisenhower Medical Center, a referral center for much of the desert and surrounding mountains. In all but 2 instances, Q fever was identified in patients who have been in contact with imported domestic sheep who are brought to the desert to graze and lamb in the fall and winter. The sheep are sent back to Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana in the spring. With frequent infection by Coxiella burnetii established in domestic sheep, we elected to study the prevalence of complement fixing antibodies to Coxiella burnetii in native bighorn sheep who reside in the lower levels of the mountains surrounding the desert. From 1992 to 1999, of 268 serum samples drawn from male and female lambs and adult sheep, 27 tested positive (10%), which is strikingly low when compared with Dall sheep in Alaska (12 of 15), kangaroos, wild rabbits, and brown rats. Because changes have been made in Peninsular bighorn sheep habitat since the animals were listed as endangered in 1998, further follow-up in Q fever serology testing will be of interest.
IS CLASSIC KAPOSI’S SARCOMA ENDEMIC IN PERU?: REPORT OF A CASE IN AN INDIGENOUS PATIENT
Authors: MOHANNA SALIM , MACO VICENTE , GOWN ALLEN , MORALES DOMINGO , BRAVO FRANCISCO , GOTUZZO EDUARDO
Published: September 2018

Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) has been classified in four clinical variants (classic or Mediterranean; endemic or African; epidemic or AIDS-related; iatrogenic or immunosuppression-related). Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), has been found in all these variants. We herein discuss the unusual presentation of a 53-year-old indigenous patient with purplish-brown nodular lesions on lower extremities, and miliary tuberculosis. ELISA-HIV tests were negative and immunohistochemistry (IHC) of the tumor tissue was positive for HHV-8. This is the first reported case in which the presence of HHV-8 was evidenced by means of IHC techniques in Peru. We also review all available Peruvian literature of classic KS, a disease that has been frequently reported in indigenous population of Peru since 1968, making this country a possible endemic zone of classic KS.
SEROPREVALENCE OF HUMAN INFECTION BY COXIELLA BURNETII IN BARCELONA (NORTHEAST OF SPAIN)
Authors: CARDEÑOSA NEUS , SANFELIU ISABEL , FONT BERNAT , MUÑOZ TOMÁS , NOGUERAS MARÍA MERCEDES , SEGURA FERRAN
Published: September 2018

Coxiella burnetii is the causal agent of Q fever, a worldwide-distributed zoonosis, which is endemic in Spain. C. burnetii has an extensive reservoir, including farm animals and pets. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of C. burnetii in humans in Vallés Occidental (Barcelona, northeast of Spain) and its possible related risk factors. The prevalence of phase II antibodies from 216 subjects was determined by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Age, sex, living place, occupation, and contact with animals were surveyed. A 15.3% seroprevalence was found (≥ 1/40), and 8.8% of samples had titers ≥ 1/80. Seropositive cases were significantly higher in patients > 44 years of age. No statistically significant correlation was found between seropositivity and the remaining variables studied. Therefore, infection by C. burnetii seems to be endemic in our region, with a prevalence ranging from 9% to 15%, depending on the titers that are to be considered significant.
ENHANCED EARLY WEST NILE VIRUS INFECTION IN YOUNG CHICKENS INFECTED BY MOSQUITO BITE: EFFECT OF VIRAL DOSE
Authors: STYER LINDA M. , BERNARD KRISTEN A. , KRAMER LAURA D.
Published: September 2018

Mosquito transmission of arboviruses potentially affects the course of viral infection in the vertebrate host. Studies were performed to determine if viral infection differed in chickens infected with West Nile virus (WNV) by mosquito bite or needle inoculation. Mosquito-infected chickens exhibited levels of viremia and viral shedding that were up to 1,000 times higher at 6, 12, and 24 hours post-feeding (PF) compared with those inoculated with 103 PFU by needle. Follow-up studies were conducted to determine if enhanced early infection was due to a higher viral dose inoculated by mosquitoes. Needle inoculation with successively higher doses of WNV led to higher early viremia and viral shedding; a dose ≥ 104 PFU by needle was required to attain the high early viremia observed in mosquito-infected chickens. Mosquitoes inoculated WNV at this level as estimated by feeding on a hanging drop of blood (mean: 102.5, range: 100.7–104.6 PFU). These results indicate that enhanced early infection in mosquito-infected chickens may be explained by higher viral dose delivered by mosquitoes. On the other hand, chickens infected by multiple mosquitoes (N = 3–11) had viremic titers that were 25–50 times higher at 6 and 12 hours PF than in chickens infected by a single mosquito, suggesting that viral dose is not the only factor involved in enhanced early infection. The likelihood that enhanced early infection in mosquito-infected chickens is due to a higher viral dose inoculated by mosquitoes and/or other factors (saliva, inoculation location, or viral source) is discussed.
WEST NILE VIRUS IN MOSQUITOES OF NORTHERN OHIO, 2003
Authors: WHITE BRADLEY J. , ANDREW DAVID R. , MANS NICOLE Z. , OHAJURUKA OJIMADU A. , GARVIN MARY C.
Published: September 2018

From June 19, 2003 to August 18, 2003, we surveyed the mosquitoes of Oberlin, OH, for West Nile Virus (WNV) infection using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. A total of 12,055 mosquitoes, representing 17 species or species groups and 4 genera, were collected in gravid traps at seven sites throughout the city, with Culex pipiens/restuans being the most abundant and showing the highest minimum infection rate (MIR) of 0.78. This represents a decrease in WNV enzootic activity from the previous year. Both Cx. pipiens/restuans abundance and MIR increased significantly with date. However, we found no correlation between Cx. pipiens/restuans abundance and MIR.
DOES THE ROOSTING BEHAVIOR OF BIRDS AFFECT TRANSMISSION DYNAMICS OF WEST NILE VIRUS?
Authors: WARD MICHAEL P. , RAIM ARLO , YAREMYCH-HAMER SARAH , LAMPMAN RICHARD , NOVAK ROBERT J.
Published: September 2018

The potential role of many urban passerine birds in the transmission of West Nile virus (WNV) is well-documented by studies on host competency, seroprevalence in wild birds, and identification of vector blood meal source. In contrast, the impact of bird behavior on transmission dynamics is largely unexplored. Bird roosting (perching) behavior may be a critical component regulating WNV transmission because of the crepuscular/nocturnal feeding behavior of Culex mosquitoes, the primary vectors of WNV. We used radio telemetry to determine the roosting behavior of American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) and northern cardinals (Cardinalus cardinalus). On average, healthy crows moved slightly shorter distances between roosts than viremic crows, 1,038.3 meters versus 1,255.5 meters, while cardinals only moved 54.7 meters. Given the average movements of crows and cardinals between roosts, crows, which are viremic for five days, could spread the virus throughout a mean ± SE area of 20.84 ± 0.79 km2, while viremic cardinals would, on average, only spread the virus over a mean ± SE area of 0.03 ± 0.01 km2. Because the crow population in Illinois is decreasing at a rate of 11.5% per year and up to 35.6% per year in certain locations, crows are becoming scarce in some areas, thus reducing their role as wild bird sentinels. We suggest that if crows are important in dispersing WNV, large decreases in their abundance will shift transmission cycles to a more focal nature because of the differences in roosting behavior of crows compared with other urban birds, such as cardinals.
HEPATITIS DELTA VIRUS INFECTION IN MONGOLIA: ANALYSES OF GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION, RISK FACTORS, AND DISEASE SEVERITY
Authors: DAVAALKHAM DAMBADARJAA , OJIMA TOSHIYUKI , UEHARA RITEI , WATANABE MAKOTO , OKI IZUMI , NYMADAWA PAGVAJAV , TAKAHASHI MASAHARU , OKAMOTO HIROAKI , NAKAMURA YOSIKAZU
Published: September 2018

The prevalence and risk factors for hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection among Mongolian school children were assessed by detecting the antibody against HDV and HDV RNA, and through structured interviews. The study subjects consisted of 181 children with the past or ongoing hepatitis B virus infection who were investigated during the nationwide serosurvey conducted in 2004. The prevalence of antibody to HDV was 6.1%, with the proportion of 13.6% among hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive subjects, all of whom had HDV RNA. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that injections (> 11 times) (odds ratio [OR] = 8.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.28–54.07) and blood sampling (> 3 times) (OR = 5.34, 95% CI = 1.12–25.53) in health care settings, hospitalization (> 3 times) (OR = 6.20, 95% CI = 1.18–32.71), and cohabitating with patients with chronic hepatitis (OR = 4.57, 95% CI = 1.26–16.55) predicted the seropositivity for antibody to HDV. These results suggest that parenteral exposures in health care settings and household transmission are the main routes of HDV transmission among Mongolian children.
EFFECT OF COTRIMOXAZOLE PROPHYLAXIS TAKEN BY HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV)–INFECTED PERSONS ON THE SELECTION OF SULFADOXINE-PYRIMETHAMINE–RESISTANT MALARIA PARASITES AMONG HIV-UNINFECTED HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS
Authors: MALAMBA SAMUEL S. , MERMIN JONATHAN , REINGOLD ARTHUR , LULE JOHN R. , DOWNING ROBERT , RANSOM RAY , KIGOZI AMINAH , HUNT BEN M. , HUBBARD ALAN , ROSENTHAL PHILIP J. , DORSEY GRANT
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to assess the effect of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis taken by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected persons on the selection of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP)–resistant malaria parasites among HIV-uninfected household members. A total of 2,567 HIV-uninfected persons from 605 households were followed and blood specimens were collected each time an episode of Plasmodium falciparum malaria was diagnosed. Study participants were living in households where HIV-infected persons were either taking (exposed) or not taking (unexposed) cotrimoxazole prophylaxis. From all malaria episodes diagnosed, 50% of the specimens were randomly selected and tested for the presence of five key mutations known to mediate resistance to SP (dihydrofolate reductase [dhfr] Asn-108, Ile-51, and Arg-59, and dihydropteroate synthase [dhps] Gly-437 and Glu-540). Plasmodium falciparum isolates were recovered from 163 specimens in the exposed households and 113 specimens in the unexposed households, with similar proportions containing the dhfr triple mutant (37% versus 45%; P = 0.18), the dhps double mutant (64% versus 62%; P = 0.81), and the dhfr/dhps quintuple mutant (30% versus 32%; P = 0.74). The HIV-uninfected persons living with HIV-infected household members taking cotrimoxazole prophylaxis had a lower incidence of malaria (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.50–0.83, P = 0.001) and fewer malaria episodes due to parasites containing the dhfr/dhps quintuple mutant (IRR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.41–0.91, P = 0.014). Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis taken by HIV-infected persons did not select for SP-resistant malaria parasites among HIV-uninfected household members, and was associated with a lower overall incidence of SP-resistant malaria among household members.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC DIFFERENCES IN PREFERENCES AND WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR DIFFERENT PROVIDERS OF MALARIA TREATMENT IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA
Authors: ONWUJEKWE OBINNA , OJUKWU JULIANA , EZUMAH NKOLI , UZOCHUKWU BENJAMIN , DIKE NKEM , SOLUDO EZE
Published: September 2018

This article determined whether there are links between socio-economic status (SES) and preferences of consumers for different strategies for improving timely and appropriate management of malaria. Ranking of preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for 5 different strategies for improving the management of malaria in Enugu State, southeast Nigeria were elicited from randomly selected respondents. The results showed that the people were also willing to pay for improved management of malaria, though the levels of WTP was dependent on the SES of the respondents, with the poorest SES group willing to pay the least amount of money. Also, the respondents generally mostly preferred timely and appropriate management of malaria through formal public healthcare system. Hence, to decrease the inequity in malaria management and ensure the ready availability of appropriate treatment to the poorest households, the government should increase the availability and accessibility of publicly owned healthcare services, complemented by community-based health services.
RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED STUDY OF MALARONE FOR MALARIA PROPHYLAXIS IN NON-IMMUNE COLOMBIAN SOLDIERS
Authors: SOTO JAIME , TOLEDO JULIA , LUZZ MAGDA , GUTIERREZ PATRICIA , BERMAN JONATHAN , DUPARC STEPHANE
Published: September 2018

Malarone was compared with placebo in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of prophylaxis of malaria in predominately Plasmodium vivax areas of Colombia. The study population consisted of 180 completely non-immune Colombian soldiers, male, average age 19 years, and average weight 63 kg. Twenty-four subjects were considered unevaluable because of compliance issues, including one Malarone subject (with no detectable drug levels) who became infected with P. vivax. Of the 97 evaluable subjects who received Malarone (250 mg atovaquone plus 100 mg proguanil hydrochloride) daily from 1 day before entering the endemic area to 7 days after leaving the endemic area, none became parasitemic. Of the 46 evaluable placebo subjects, 11 became infected with P. vivax and 2 became infected with Plasmodium falciparum. The protective efficacy of Malarone for all malaria and for P. vivax malaria was 100% (LL 95% CI = 63%) and 100% (LL 95% CI = 58%), respectively, and was 96% if the one case with undetectable blood levels was included. Malarone has high protective efficacy for P. vivax in Colombia.
MALARIA VECTOR PRODUCTIVITY IN RELATION TO THE HIGHLAND ENVIRONMENT IN KENYA
Authors: MINAKAWA NOBORU , OMUKUNDA ELIZABETH , ZHOU GUOFA , GITHEKO ANDREW , YAN GUIYUN
Published: September 2018

The reasons for the resurgence of malaria in the African highlands have been subject of debate. Because vector abundance is important for malaria transmission, gaining a better understanding of vector biology is a key to understanding the mechanisms of highland malaria. We studied vector productivity in relation to the highland environment and compared productivity between lowland and highland sites. We found lower vector productivity in the highland and in wetlands where the temperature was lower. Immature stage development time was significantly longer in the highland site. Development time was significantly shorter in aquatic habitats in cultivated areas than in wetlands, and survival rate was significantly higher in cultivated areas. Fecundity was significantly lower in the highland site. These findings suggest that changes in local temperature and land use contribute to an increase of malaria vectors in the highland.
IDENTIFICATION OF ALL MEMBERS OF THE ANOPHELES CULICIFACIES COMPLEX USING ALLELE-SPECIFIC POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION ASSAYS
Authors: GOSWAMI GEETA , SINGH O. P. , NANDA NUTAN , RAGHAVENDRA K. , GAKHAR S. K. , SUBBARAO SARALA K.
Published: September 2018

Anopheles culicifacies, a complex of five isomorphic sibling species, is a major vector of malaria in India and neighboring countries. The five species are provisionally designated as species A, B, C, D, and E. Polytene chromosome examination has been the only method available that differentiates four members of this complex in areas where species E is not prevalent. However, this technique requires the mosquitoes to be in the half-gravid stage and thus limits its application to only about one fourth to one third of the total adult collection and excludes immature stages completely. For species E, both polytene chromosome examination and mitotic chromosome examination of F1 males are required. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay based on the D3 domain (D3-PCR) of 28S rDNA and a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay involving ITS2 of rDNA are available for the discrimination of the members of the An. culicifacies complex. However, both these can only differentiate species A and D from species B, C, and E. We report here two allele-specific PCR assays (AD-PCR and BCE-PCR) using sequence differences in the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase II (CO II) subunit. The AD-PCR assay distinguishes species A and D, whereas the BCE-PCR assay distinguishes species B, C, and E. Thus, with a combination of two PCR assays, namely the D3-PCR/ITS2-RsaI assay, followed by either the AD-PCR or the BCE-PCR assay, it is possible to identify individual specimens of any of the species of this complex. This assay system is the first, and the best available at present to distinguish all sibling species and especially to discriminate non-vector, species B from all the vector species, A, C, D, and E, of the An. culicifacies complex. Until another DNA-based method involving fewer steps is developed, this assay system can be used in all malaria epidemiologic studies where An. culicifacies is prevalent.
GENETIC RELATIONSHIPS AMONG MAYARO AND UNA VIRUSES SUGGEST DISTINCT PATTERNS OF TRANSMISSION
Authors: POWERS ANN M. , AGUILAR PATRICIA V. , CHANDLER LAURA J. , BRAULT AARON C. , MEAKINS TIFFANY A. , WATTS DOUGLAS , RUSSELL KEVIN L. , OLSON JAMES , VASCONCELOS PEDRO F. C. , DA ROSA AMELIA TRAVASSOS , WEAVER SCOTT C. , TESH ROBERT B.
Published: September 2018

Mayaro and Una viruses (MAYV, UNAV) are mosquito-borne alphaviruses that may cause an acute febrile illness characterized by headache, retro-orbital pain, and rash that may progress to a severe and prolonged arthralgia. MAYV was first isolated in Trinidad in 1954, and UNAV was first identified in northern Brazil in 1959. Since then, numerous isolates of these agents have been made from humans, wild vertebrates, and mosquitoes in several countries in northern South America. Serological evidence suggests that these viruses are also present in portions of Central America. Because little is known about the natural transmission cycle of MAYV and virtually nothing is known about UNAV transmission, 63 isolates covering the known geographic and temporal ranges were used in phylogenetic analyses to aid in understanding the molecular epidemiology. Approximately 2 kb from the E1 and E2 glycoprotein genes and the complete 3′ non-coding region were sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses of these sequences indicated that two distinct genotypes of MAYV exist with a distinct clade consisting exclusively of UNAV (previously designated as a subtype of MAYV). One MAYV genotype (genotype D) contains isolates from Trinidad and the northcentral portion of South America including Peru, French Guiana, Surinam, Brazil, and Bolivia. All of these isolates are highly conserved with a nucleotide divergence of < 6%. The second MAYV genotype (genotype L) contains isolates only from Brazil that are highly conserved (< 4% nucleotide divergence) but are quite distinct (15–19%) from the first genotype isolates. These analyses provide possible explanations for the natural ecology and transmission of MAYV and UNAV.