bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Helminth infections among people using wastewater and human excreta in peri‐urban agriculture and aquaculture in Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Trang Do Thuy , Mølbak Kåre , Cam Phung Dac , Dalsgaard Anders 
Published: August 2010

SummaryObjective  To assess the prevalence of helminth infections and their associated risks in a community using both wastewater and human excreta in agriculture and aquaculture.Methods  A cross‐sectional study was conducted in a peri‐urban area in Hanoi, Vietnam. Data on the demography, socioeconomics and sanitation were collected from a survey of 400 agricultural households. Parasitological examination for the eggs of Ascaris sp., Trichuris sp. and hookworm was performed on single stool specimens obtained from study household members’ 15–70 years and 0–72 months of age.Results  Of 807 stool samples collected from 620 adults and 187 children, 39% were infected with helminths. The prevalence of infections with Ascaris sp., Trichuris sp. and hookworm was 21.6%, 9.8% and 21.8%, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that being an adult, female gender, living in a household without a latrine, excreta composted for less than 1 month and use of fresh human excreta were significantly associated with co‐infection with all three helminths. Being an adult was an independent determinant for infections with individual helminths. The absence of a latrine and use of stored urine for irrigation were associated with an increased risk of Ascaris infection. Risk factors for Trichuris infection were inadequately composted excreta and year‐round wastewater contact; risk factors for hookworm infection were female gender, household without a latrine and use of fresh human excreta.Conclusion  Wastewater exposure did not pose a major risk for helminth infection in this community. Instead, lack of sanitation facilities and use of fresh or inadequately composted human excreta in agriculture were important risk factors.
Private practitioners and tuberculosis case detection in Jogjakarta, Indonesia: actual role and potential
Authors: Mahendradhata Yodi , Utarini Adi , Lazuardi Upiek , Boelaert Marleen , Stuyft Patrick Van der 
Published: August 2010

SummaryBackground  Indonesia has a high tuberculosis (TB) prevalence and a large private health sector.Objectives  To explore the potential of private practitioners (PP) in TB control in Jogjakarta by assessing their load of TB suspects and case‐management practices.Methods  We conducted a cross‐sectional telephone survey of a random sample of 164 PP, weighted to the local proportions of specialists, general practitioners (GP), nurses and midwives. We investigated their knowledge of directly observed treatment, short‐course (DOTS), whether they see TB suspects, whether they refer such patients and how they possibly diagnose and treat TB.Results  We sampled 174 PP, of which 164 (94.3%) completed the interview. Most PP (63.4%) reported to have seen TB suspects in their private practice, and 62.8% were also employed in a DOTS facility. Specialists saw on average 18 suspects, GP 11 suspects, and nurses–midwives three suspects in a year. Many PP (45.2%) always relied on National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTP) services for diagnosis. Fewer PP (41.5%) used, by themselves, diagnostic procedures complying with the NTP guidelines. The majority (63.6%) always referred confirmed cases for treatment, mainly (71.4%) to NTP services. Most PP (72.7%) who treated TB patients themselves did not prescribe the NTP standard regimen.Conclusion  The study shows that the TB case load per PP is low in Jogjakarta, where the NTP already involves public and private hospitals besides public health centres. Initiatives to engage all PP might only marginally contribute in increasing the TB case detection.
Macrofilaricidal effect of 4 weeks of treatment with doxycycline on Wuchereria bancrofti
Authors: Debrah Alexander Yaw , Mand Sabine , Marfo‐Debrekyei Yeboah , Batsa Linda , Pfarr Kenneth , Buttner Marcelle , Adjei Ohene , Buttner Dietrich , Hoerauf Achim 
Published: August 2010

SummaryObjective  To evaluate the efficacy of doxycycline as a macrofilaricidal agent against Wuchereria bancrofti.Method  In the Western Region of Ghana, 18 patients infected with W. bancrofti were recruited and treated with 200 mg doxycycline per day for 4 weeks. Seven untreated patients served as controls. Four months after doxycycline treatment, all patients received 150 μg/kg ivermectin. Patients were monitored for Wolbachia and microfilaria loads, antigenaemia and filarial dance sign (FDS).Results  Four months after doxycycline treatment, cases had a significantly lower Wolbachia load than controls; and 24 months after treatment, microfilaraemia, antigenaemia and frequency of FDS were significantly lower in cases than controls. Most importantly, 4 weeks of doxycycline killed 80% of macrofilariae, which is comparable with the results of a 6‐week regimen. Circulating filarial antigenaemia and FDS were strongly correlated.Conclusion  A 4‐week regimen of doxycycline seems sufficient to kill adult W. bancrofti and could be advantageous for the treatment of individual patients, e.g. in outpatient clinics.
Utility of measuring serum levels of anti‐PGL‐I antibody, neopterin and C‐reactive protein in monitoring leprosy patients during multi‐drug treatment and reactions
Authors: Silva E. A. , Iyer A. , Ura S , Lauris J. R. , Naafs B. , Das P. K. , Vilani‐Moreno F. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryObjective  To verify the validity of measuring the levels of Mycobacterium leprae‐specific anti‐phenolic glycolipid (PGL)‐I antibody, neopterin, a product of activated macrophages, and C‐reactive protein (CRP), an acute phase protein, in serial serum samples from patients for monitoring the leprosy spectrum and reactions during the course of multi‐drug treatment (MDT).Methods  Twenty‐five untreated leprosy patients, 15 multi‐bacillary (MB) and 10 paucibacillary (PB), participated. Eight patients developed reversal reaction and five developed erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) during follow‐up. The bacterial index (BI) in slit‐skin smears was determined at diagnosis and blood samples collected by venipuncture at diagnosis and after 2, 4, 6 and 12 months of MDT. PGL‐I antibody and neopterin were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, whereas the CRP levels were measured by the latex agglutination method.Results  The levels of PGL‐I antibodies and neopterin were higher in the sera of MB than PB patients, which correlated with the patients’ BI. The serum levels of CRP did not differ significantly between the MB and PB patients. The serum levels of PGL‐I and neopterin were no higher in reactional patients than non‐reactional patients prone to such reactions. However, ENL patients had higher serum CRP levels than non‐reactional MB patients. The serum PGL‐I antibody levels declined significantly during MDT, in contrast to neopterin and CRP levels.Conclusion  Measuring the serum levels of PGL‐I antibodies and neopterin appeared to be useful in distinguishing MB from PB patients, whereas monitoring the levels of PGL‐I antibodies appeared to be useful in monitoring MB patients on MDT. Measuring serum CRP, although not useful in monitoring the patients, has limited significance in detecting ENL reactional patients.
Same‐day smears in the diagnosis of tuberculosis
Authors: Hirao S. , Yassin M. A. , Khamofu H. G. , Lawson L. , Cambanis A. , Ramsay A. , Cuevas L. E. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryObjective  To assess the feasibility of completing the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) in 1 day by collecting only on‐the‐spot specimens.Methods  Individuals with suspected TB attending district hospitals in Abuja submitted three sputum samples for routine diagnosis (the standard approach). One additional sample was collected 1 h after the first sputum (the same‐day approach). One sputum sample was cultured. Blood samples were tested for HIV.Results  Two hundred and twenty‐four patients with chronic cough had 135/672 (20%) positive on‐the‐spot smears and 47/224 (21%) positive morning smears. The same‐day and internationally recommended approaches identified 44 and 45 of the 78 patients with positive cultures, respectively. 106/194 (55%) patients were HIV positive. Only 9–11% of their smears were positive compared with 30–32% for HIV negatives (P < 0.01).Conclusion  It could be possible to diagnose TB in a single day by examining two spot specimens, but the feasibility needs to be confirmed on a larger scale.
Missed opportunities to address reproductive health care needs among HIV‐infected women in antiretroviral therapy programmes
Authors: Myer Landon , Rebe Kevin , Morroni Chelsea 
Published: August 2010

SummaryObjectives  To investigate the delivery of reproductive health care services in an antiretroviral therapy (ART) programme in Cape Town, South Africa.Methods  A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among 227 consecutive women attending a hospital‐based ART outpatient service who had been on ART for at least one month. Semi‐structured interviews investigating reproductive health issues and services received were conducted in participants’ home language by a trained interviewer.Results  Sixty‐seven per cent of the women were younger than 30 years and 75% were sexually active. The use of both condoms (70%) and hormonal contraceptives (31%) decreased with age, while the prevalence of sterilization (13%) increased with age. Few women knew about emergency contraception (EC) (7%) or termination of pregnancy (TOP) (13%). Approximately 45% of women had had a Papanicolau smear, and this was constant across all age groups. One in 10 women had experienced verbal or physical abuse by an intimate partner since their HIV diagnosis. More than 80% of women had discussed the use of condoms and other forms of contraception with a health care provider since their HIV diagnosis, but less than 5% had discussed EC or TOP, and no woman had discussed issues of partner violence.Discussion  These data delineate the large unmet need for reproductive health services among HIV‐infected women receiving ART in this setting. While issues related to condom and contraceptive use are relatively well addressed, reproductive health services related to unintended pregnancy and partner violence appear to be neglected. The integration of a broad range of reproductive health services into ART programmes requires urgent attention in both research and policy‐making circles.
Short communication: The cost‐effectiveness of cutaneous leishmaniasis patient management during an epidemic in Chaparral, Colombia in 2004
Authors: Vega Juan Carlos , Sanchez Boris Fernando , Montero Luz Mery , Montaña Rafael , Del Pilar Mahecha Mercedes , Dueñes Bladimir , Baron Ángela Rocío , Reithinger Richard 
Published: August 2010

SummaryWe calculated ranges for the cost per disability adjusted life year (DALY) averted for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) treatment during an ongoing epidemic of CL in Chaparral, Colombia. Using operational clinical and cost data, we calculated that the cost of treating leishmaniasis patients with standard pentavalent antimony was US$345 (95% CI 277–488) per patient treated and cured. The cost per DALY averted per patient cured with antimony was estimated to be approximately US$15 000 (95% CI 12 226–21 532).
Insecticide‐treated bednets to control dengue vectors: preliminary evidence from a controlled trial in Haiti
Authors: Lenhart Audrey , Orelus Nicolas , Maskill Rachael , Alexander Neal , Streit Thomas , McCall P. J. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryObjectives  Insecticide‐treated bednets (ITNs) are effective in preventing nocturnally transmitted vector‐borne diseases, but their effect on diurnally active dengue vectors has never been studied. We investigated the efficacy of ITNs in reducing Aedes aegypti populations and dengue transmission.Methods  A cluster‐randomized trial was carried out in Leogane, Haiti between July 2003 and July 2004. The study area (1017 houses) was divided into 18 sectors (clusters): nine received ITNs (Olyset® long‐lasting insecticidal bednets) and nine were untreated controls. Entomological surveys [measuring Breteau (BI), house (HI), container (CI) and pupae per person (PPI) indices and oviposition activity] were undertaken at baseline and at 1 and 5 months post‐intervention. All houses were georeferenced to enable spatial analysis. Control sectors received ITNs at 6 months, and a final entomological and attitudinal survey was undertaken at 12 months after baseline. Anti‐dengue IgM seropositivity rates were measured at baseline and after 12 months. Efficacy of ITNs was assessed by WHO cone bioassays.Results  At 1‐month post‐intervention, entomological indices fell in all sectors, with HI and BI in the bednet sectors reduced by 6.7 (95% CI −10.6, −2.7; P < 0.01) and 8.4 (95% CI −14.1, −2.6; P < 0.01) respectively. Moreover at 1 month, ovitraps in control sectors were significantly more likely to be positive than in bednet sectors (P < 0.01). By 5 months, all indices remained low and HI, CI and BI were also significantly lower than that of baseline in the control arm. Curiously, at 5 months, HI, CI and BI were lower in the control arm than that in the bednet arm. A final survey, 12 months after the initial baseline study (5 months after bednets had been given to all households) indicated that all indices were significantly lower than that at baseline (P < 0.001). Control houses located within 50 m of a bednet house had significantly lower CI (Z = −2.67, P = 0.008) and PPI (Z = −2.19, P = 0.028) at 1 month, an effect that extended to 100 m by 5 months (Z = −2.03, P = 0.042 and Z = −2.37, P = 0.018 respectively), suggesting a spill‐over effect of the bednets. An IgM serosurvey showed a 15.3% decrease (95% CI 5.0–25.5%, P < 0.01) in the number of IgM‐positive individuals from baseline to12 months later.Conclusions  Insecticide‐treated bednets had an immediate effect on dengue vector populations after their introduction, and over the next 5–12 months, the presence of ITNs may have continued to affect vector populations and dengue transmission.
A decade of Japanese encephalitis surveillance in Sarawak, Malaysia: 1997–2006
Authors: Wong See C. , Ooi Mong H. , Abdullah Abdul R. , Wong See Y. , Krishnan Shekhar , Tio Phaik H. , Pek Peng C. , Lai Boon F. , Mohan Anand , Muhi Jamail , Kiyu Andrew , Arif Mohamad T. , Cardosa Mary J. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryJapanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is an important encephalitis virus in Asia, but there are few data on Malaysia. A hospital‐based surveillance system for Japanese encephalitis (JE) has been in operation in Sarawak, Malaysia, for the last 10 years. JEV is endemic in Sarawak, with cases occurring throughout the year and a seasonal peak in the last quarter (one‐way anova, P < 0.0001). Ninety‐two per cent of 133 cases were children aged 12 years or younger; the introduction of JE vaccination in July 2001 reduced the number of JE cases (84 in the four seasons prior to vs. 49 in the six seasons after, McNemar’s test, P = 0.0001). After implementation of the programme, the mean age of infected children increased from 6.3 to 8.0 years (Student’s t‐test, P = 0.0037), suggesting the need for a catch‐up programme.
Prevalence of hantavirus infection in wild Rattus norvegicus and R. rattus populations of Buenos Aires City, Argentina
Authors: Cueto Gerardo Rubén , Cavia Regino , Bellomo Carla , Padula Paula Julieta , Suárez Olga Virginia 
Published: August 2010

SummaryObjective  To determine the prevalence of infection with hantaviruses in wild Rattus norvegicus and R. rattus populations in areas of Buenos Aires city.Methods  Norway rats and black rats were trapped from 2003 to 2005 at 10 sites throughout Buenos Aires city. Blood samples for serological analysis were collected by cardiac puncture from all individuals captured and tested by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for Seoul hantavirus‐ and Andes virus‐specific IgG antibodies.Results  Hantavirus seroprevalence was 11.9% in R. norvegicus (n = 151), varying between 0% and 26.1% depending on the site. Bigger sexually active males were more likely to be infected with Seoul virus than females or juvenile individuals. No antibody‐reactive rodents were detected among 33 R. rattus analysed.Conclusion  Hantavirus infections are geographically widespread in Buenos Aires city and confirm that they have been enzootic there for at least 20 years.
Measuring stigma associated with tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS in southern Thailand: exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of two new scales
Authors: Van Rie Annelies , Sengupta Sohini , Pungrassami Petchawan , Balthip Quantar , Choonuan Sophen , Kasetjaroen Yutichai , Strauss Ronald P. , Chongsuvivatwong Virasakdi 
Published: August 2010

SummaryObjective  To develop scales to measure tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS stigma in a developing world context.Methods  Cross‐sectional study of tuberculosis patients in southern Thailand, who were asked to rate their agreement with items measuring TB and HIV/AIDS stigma. Developing the scales involved exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, internal consistency, construct validity, test–retest reliability and standardized summary scores.Results  Factor analyses identified two sub‐scales associated with both tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS stigma: community and patient perspectives. Goodness‐of‐fit was good (TLI = 94, LFI = 0.88 and RMSEA = 0.11), internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach’s alphas 0.82–0.91), test–retest reliability was moderate, and construct validity showed an inverse correlation with social support.Conclusion  Our scales have good psychometric properties that measure stigma associated with tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS and allow assessment of stigma from community and patient perspectives. Their use will help document the burden of stigma, guide the development of interventions and evaluate stigma reduction programmes in areas with a high HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis burden.
Polymorphisms in HIV‐1 subtype C proteases and the potential impact on protease inhibitors
Authors: Bessong Pascal Obong 
Published: August 2010

SummaryObjectives  (i) To review data on the genetic profile of the protease (PR) gene of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐1‐C primary isolates relative to HIV‐1‐B; (ii) to examine data on the susceptibility of HIV‐1‐C isolates harbouring polymorphisms to PR inhibitors (PI) and the development of resistance; and (iii) to identify gaps required for an improved understanding of the role of polymorphisms in resistance development of HIV‐1‐C to PI.Method  Literature review.Results  Significant differences exist between the baseline nucleotide and amino acid sequences of PR of HIV‐1‐B and HIV‐1‐C. Some of the amino acid substitutions seen in HIV‐1‐B when exposed to PI occur naturally in HIV‐1‐C isolates. Studies used different methodologies and interpretation systems to evaluate the phenotypic significance of polymorphisms seen in subtype C viruses, with conflicting outcomes. The evolutionary path to the resistance of HIV‐1‐C to PI may be different from that of HIV‐1‐B.Conclusions  Infection with HIV‐1‐C is driving the AIDS epidemic in regions of the world with the most urgent needs for the management of the disease. More and more individuals will require PR inhibitors in second‐line therapies, as access to antiretrovirals progresses. It is proposed that a standardized protocol be adopted to evaluate the phenotypic significance of the highly polymorphic HIV‐1‐C PR to PR inhibitors with the aim of better informing the tailoring of treatment regimens for optimal clinical benefit.
Association of atopy, asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis and intestinal helminth infections in Cuban children
Authors: Wördemann Meike , Diaz Raquel Junco , Heredia Lenina Menocal , Madurga Ana Maria Collado , Espinosa Aniran Ruiz , Prado Raul Cordovi , Millan Irai Atencio , Escobedo Angel , Rivero Lazara Rojas , Gryseels Bruno , Gorbea Mariano Bonet , Polman Katja 
Published: August 2010

SummaryObjective  To examine the relationship of past and current intestinal helminth infections with asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis and atopy.Methods  Cross‐sectional study of 1320 children aged 4–14 years from two Cuban municipalities. Helminth infections were determined by stool examination and parental questionnaire. Asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and atopic dermatitis were diagnosed by International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire, asthma additionally by spirometry, atopy by skin prick testing.Results  Questionnaire‐based frequencies were 21% for asthma, 14% for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and 8% for atopic dermatitis. According to spirometry, 4% had asthma; 20% had a positive skin prick test. A history of infection for Enterobius vermicularis was associated with increased risk of atopic dermatitis (OR 1.88, P = 0.001) and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (OR 1.34, P = 0.046), and hookworm with increased risk of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (OR 2.77, P = 0.021). A positive stool examination for Ascaris lumbricoides infection was negatively associated with atopic dermatitis (OR 0.22, P = 0.007). Asthma and atopy were unrelated to helminth infections.Conclusion  Current A. lumbricoides infection protects against atopic dermatitis in Cuban children, while past infection with E. vermicularis and hookworm are risk factors for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and/or atopic dermatitis. Apparently, interactions differ depending on the type of helminth and atopic disease and on the time of helminth infestation.
Diagnosis of Mycobacterium ulcerans infection (Buruli ulcer) at a treatment centre in Ghana: a retrospective analysis of laboratory results of clinically diagnosed cases
Authors: Mensah‐Quainoo Ernestina , Yeboah‐Manu Dorothy , Asebi Caroline , Patafuor Francis , Ofori‐Adjei David , Junghanss Thomas , Pluschke Gerd 
Published: August 2010

SummaryClinical diagnosis of Mycobacterium ulcerans infection is currently accepted as sufficient basis for treating the disease. Inadequate laboratory resources in the highly endemic areas of Africa often limit possibilities for in‐country confirmation of clinical judgement. We analysed records of 99 Buruli ulcer (BU) patients diagnosed clinically and treated surgically at Amasaman Health Centre in Ghana, for whom post‐treatment diagnostic laboratory tests were performed. Comparison of clinical diagnoses with test results obtained by an in‐country laboratory on samples of excised tissue showed a high specificity of clinical judgement. Among lesions with three laboratory tests (microscopy for acid fast bacilli, culture and IS2404 polymerase chain reaction) done, 94% tested positive at least once and 83% twice. Thus correct clinical diagnosis of BU by well trained health workers is achievable, although the quality of clinical diagnosis should be monitored by intermittent testing in national reference laboratories. However, being retrospective, this study did not permit sensitivity and negative predictive value analysis.