Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease

705-707

Authors: Forough Kazemi, Reza Arjmand, Mehdi Tavalla

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of Toxocara species in park soils of Ahvaz City, southwest of Iran. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was designed. Initially, 260 soil specimens were randomly collected from five regions (center, north, south, west and east) of the Ahvaz City (southwest of Iran) covering public parks. Then, the zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) flotation method was carefully carried out for the detection of Toxocara species egg from contaminated soils. Eventually, the samples were microscopically examined at a magnification of 40 × and 100 ×. Results: Out of 260 collected specimens, 196 samples were observed positive for presence of parasitic contaminations, and 76 cases were positive for Toxocara species, 67, 68, 14 and 42 cases were found positive for Eimeria, mite, yeast and free-living nematode larvae, respectively. Conclusions: Our findings indicated a relatively high prevalence of Toxocara species in the park soils of Ahvaz City. Since Toxocara species can cause the various complications, the health authorities should pay more attention to the management of the park soils of the city.

715-718

Authors: Akram Rostaminia, Adel Ebrahimzadeh, Mahnaz Shahrakipoor

Objective: To identify genetic assemblages of Giardia duodenalis in human isolates from health centers in the city of Zahedan, Iran. Methods: The present study included 54 fecal specimens infected with Giardia cysts from symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with giardiasis. The fecal specimens were used to identify the parasite genotypes. Genomic DNA was isolated by using QIAamp DNA Stool Mini Kit. Genotyping of Giardia duodenalis samples was performed by PCR assay by amplification of P21 locus of Giardia. Results: Our result indicated that genotype B (75.9%) was more prevalent than genotype A (24.1%) as defined by the presence of amplicons at 249 bp and 303 bp for genotypes B and A, respectively. No mixed genotype of A + B was detected in tested samples. Additionally, we observed that the assemblage A was more prevalent in symptomatic patients than in asymptomatic ones. Conclusions: Our findings revealed that assemblage B was the most common assemblage in isolates examined in Zahedan demonstrating that there is a major non-zoonotic transmission cycle in the area.

724-726

Authors: Anahita Razavi Piranshahi, Forough Kazemi, Mehdi Tavalla

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of parasitic contamination in fast food salads in Ahvaz city, southwest of Iran, in 2016. Methods: In the current study, 150 samples were randomly collected from 150 fast food shops in Ahvaz City, southwest of Iran. The samples were collected in a clean bucket containing deionized water and detergent. After three times washing, the resultant precipitate was examined in terms of parasites using physiological saline as well as the acid fast and the trichrome staining methods. Results: Of 150 samples, 17 (11.33%) positive cases were observed, among which 8 (5.34%), 4 (2.66%), 2 (1.34%), 1 (0.67%) and 2 (1.34%) were observed positive for Entamoeba coli (E. coli), Cryptosporidium, Giardia lambelia, immature oocyst of Coccidia and mites, respectively. Conclusions: The results showed a relatively high prevalence of parasitic infections especially E. coli in fast food salads in Ahvaz, southwest of Iran. Since the parasitic infections can cause malabsorption, severe diarrhea, intestinal obstruction, cholecystitis, liver inflammation, pulmonary and renal complications, health authorities must pay more attention to the health of fast food shops.

732-737

Authors: Olalere Shittu1*, Dupe Segun Shittu2, Olufunke Adenike Opeyemi1, Oluwatosin Fakayode2, Yusuf Kanya Danladi1,3, Soliu Aliu Fulani1, Ayobami Dorcas Olaleye1, Philemon Olakunle Adebo1, Abdulsomad Olalekan Ibrahim1, Sunday Joseph Akor

Objective: Malaria and soil transmitted helminths (STH) are endemic in many resource poor communities in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and there appears to be a synergistic relationship among the duo culminating into an overlap in prevalence and intensities. Methods: Peripheral blood smears and fresh stool samples were obtained from consenting individuals in the study population. Routine microscopy examination was conducted on valid samples. Malaria parasitaemia in thick film was estimated by counting the number of parasites per 200 white blood cells (WBC) and the parasite count/μL was determined by a fixed value of 8 000 WBC. Fresh stool samples collected were fixed in 10% forma-saline solution and immediately processed for intestinal parasite egg identification. Intensity of helminth eggs in stool samples was assessed using the Kato-Katz technique. Prevalence and intensity of infections between ages and sexes were tested using the Chi-square (χ2) and One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) respectively. For each value, the 95% confidence interval (95% CI) (P < 0.05) was calculated. The association between STH prevalence and malaria mean parasitaemia load was assessed with student independent-t-test. Results: Seven hundred and thirty seven (737) individuals comprising 287 (38.9%) males and 450 (61.1%) females participated in the study. Ascaris lumbricoides determined the increase prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum (198) (OR = 2.59; 95% CI: 1.894 – 3.545). The intensities in the associations were highly significant (P < 0.001). Malaria, ascariasis and trichuriasis prevalence decreased with age and therefore exhibited marked age dependency patterns. However, only hookworm spread and prevalence increased with age. Overlapping distribution occurred in all infections with respect to the different age groups. Conclusions: In endemic communities like the present study area, a stable but mild infection intensities is observed all year round. Intervention and mass awareness are however advised to forestall continuous cycling and transmission of malaria and STH.

744-747

Authors: Kamran Mirzaie1, Alireza Bahonar2, Mohammadhosein Fallah Mehrabadi3*, Ghaffar Hajilu4, Morteza Yaghoubi

Objective: To investigate the first outbreak of bovine ephemeral fever (BEF) in the province of Qazvin in 2013, explore the potential associations that exist between disease occurrence and meteorological data, and identify risk factors associated with BEF. Methods: This study was conducted using case-control design in Qazvin Province during June to October of 2013. The questionnaire for independent variables was designed for detecting risk factors of BEF and was completed through a direct interview with the owners. The weather data was taken from meteorological centers. Results: Totally 1 800 cattle out of 25 000 were affected [within-herd incidence rate was 7.20% and 95% confidence interval (CI) for incidence rate was 6.88%–7.52%] and 464 cattle died (mortality rate was 1.86% and 95% CI for mortality rate was 1.69%–2.02% and case fatality rate was 25.78% and 95% CI for case fatality rate was 23.76%–27.80%). The results of this study showed that among the variables studied, inappropriate management of collecting manure and communication between farm workers were detected as risk factors. Conclusions: Because of the role of biological vectors in the incidence of this disease, when an outbreak happened it is necessary to monitor weather situation to evaluate the effect of weather on vectors activities to apply effective control measures. In addition, early detection and subsequent treatment of identified cases are the golden key to controlling this disease.

753-756

Authors: Saeid Hosseinzadeh1*, Ahmad Oryan2*, Sepideh Khalatbari Limaki1, Alaleh Moaddeli1, Maryam Poormontaseri1, Vahideh Taghadosi2

Objective: To investigate the presence of Coxiella burnetii and define its genetic characterization in the carcasses of sheep and cattle in Shiraz, Southern Iran. Methods: Kidneys, mesenteric lymph nodes and supra mammary glands from 60 sheep and 70 cattle were randomly collected from the slaughtered animals. Nested PCR assay was used to identify Coxiella burnetii in tissues. Results: The results showed that 6.66% of the sheep and 5.71% of the cattle carcasses were positive, respectively. Further details of the genomic characterization of the isolates were then analyzed. Conclusions: This study denotes the presence of Q fever disease in the slaughtered animals and defines the genetic characteristics of the isolates which might be used to implement a proper preventive program among slaughterhouse workers.

765-770

Authors: Asive Myataza1,2, Etinosa Ogbomoede Igbinosa1,2*, Ehimario Uche Igumbor3, Nolonwabo Nontongana1,2, Anthony Ifeanyi Okoh1,2

Objective: To assess the incidence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 in water and cattle rectal samples from three commercial dairy farms in Amathole District Municipalities in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Methods: Samples were collected bimonthly from cattle rectum and dairy water sources including irrigation water, drinking water troughs and wastewater between June and November 2014. Standard culture-based methods were applied for the microbial analyses, the disc diffusion method was employed for the antibiotic susceptibility test and PCR approach was utilized for identification of the isolates. Results: A total of 252 presumptive E. coli O157:H7 were isolated and subjected to molecular confirmation by PCR. About 18.7% (47/252) of these were confirmed as E. coli O157:H7. The antimicrobial susceptibility profile of these confirmed isolates revealed high-level resistance against penicillin G (81%), tetracycline (43%), oxytetracycline (62%), erythromycin (68%), sulphamethoxazole (57%), chloramphenicol (55%), doxycycline (51%) and trimethoprimsulphamethoxazole (45%). Conclusions: This is the first report of multi-drug resistance E. coli O157:H7 in commercial dairy farms in the province and suggests the possibility of same in other provinces of the country, and this is the subject of the intensive investigation in our group.

775-777

Authors: Akbar Bagheri1, Hassan Vatandoost1,2*, Mansoreh Shayeghi1, Mohammad Reza Abai1, Ahmad Raeisi3, Nutifafa Gidiglo Godwin1, Morteza Akbari1, Soraya Sheikhi1

Objective: To evaluate the bioefficacy of PermaNet® 2.0 as long lasting net against main malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi (An. stephensi). Methods: In order to determine the persistence of PermaNet® 2.0, the cone bioassay tests were conducted on nine pieces of the nets which underwent nine different washing regimes. The washing procedure and bioassay tests were carried out according to the World Health Organization recommended methods. Results: The mortality rate of An. stephensi on net underwent nine washing regimes (1–25 times) resulted 22%, to 1%, as well as the knockdown rate were 74% to 2%, respectively. Conclusions: The mortality rate of An. stephensi exposed to long-lasting PermaNet® 2.0 showed an increasing trend following exposure to washed nets from 1–8. This phenomenon indicated a slow release of deltamethrin from inside of the net fibers to the surface which led to increased efficacy of the long-lasting PermaNet® 2.0. In the control group, no mortality occurred in cone bioassay tests.

783-787

Authors: Malek Besbes Hlila1*, Ali Lamari2, Amel Omri Hichri1, Hichem Ben Jannet3, Maha Mastouri1, Mahjoub Aouni1, Boulbaba Selmi4

Objective: To determine the larvicidal activity of sixteen extracts of Scabiosa arenaria Forssk. (S. arenaria) against the third instar larvae of Culex pipiens L. (C. pipiens). Methods: Larvicidal activity of S. arenaria extracts was determined according to World Health Organization. Twenty third instars of the C. pipiens were exposed to different concentrations (15 µg/mL to 60 µg/mL) of extracts. Mortality was recorded after 24 h of exposure. Results: The roots ethyl acetate fraction of S. arenaria had a significant toxic effect on larvae of C. pipiens, with high mortality percentage (100.0% ± 2.2%) at 60 µg/mL, and 50% lethal concentration value of LC 50 = (15.00 ± 0.09) µg/mL. Conclusions: Results show that roots ethyl acetate could be used for the production of natural bio-pesticides which could decrease our dependence on chemical pesticides.

792-796

Authors: Neni Frimayanti1*, Benni Iskandar1, Marzieh Yaeghoobi2, Heh Choon Han3, Sharifuddin M. Zain4, Rohana Yusof5, Noorsaadah Abdul Rahman4

Objective: To search imine derivatives as new active agents against dengue type 2 NS2B/NS3 using molecular docking, since there is no effective vaccine against flaviviral infections. Methods: In this research, molecular docking was performed for a series of imine derivatives and the information obtained from the docking studies was used to explore the binding modes of these imine derivatives with dengue type 2 NS2B/NS3 serine protease. A set of imine were synthesized and bioassay study of the inhibitory activities of these compounds was then performed. Results: The results indicated that MY8 and MY4 have the ability to inhibit DEN2 NS2B/NS3 proteolytic activity. Conclusions: These two compounds were chosen as the reference for the next stage in drug design as new inhibitor agents against NS2B/NS3.

806-808

Authors: Tahir Mehmood Khan1*, Yee Chang Soh2, Siang Fei Yeoh3, Learn-Han Lee1,4, Chin Fen Neoh5,6, Bey Hing Goh1,4, Long Chiau Ming7,8

Objective: To estimate the incidence of dengue-induced organ failure form 2010–2015 in Malaysia. Methods: Data were extracted from the Malaysian Registry of Intensive Care published in June 2016. Analysis of proportions was carried out using StatsDirect software. Binary data for the outcomes available from the included studies were analyzed using StatsDirect software, using random effect model. Results: It is noteworthy that there was a drop in all complications among dengue patients at 2011. Except in year 2011, 52% [0.52 (CI 95% 0.49–0.56)] of the patients with dengue developed hematological failure. Conclusions: The statistics indicate that dengue has increasingly led to cardiovascular, neurological, renal and hematological failure, as indicated from an increasing trend from year 2011–2015.

811-812

Authors: Carlos Miguel Rios-González1* , Ginno Alessandro De Benedictis-Serrano2

No

815-816

Authors: Michael Emery von Fricken1*, Bekh-Ochir Baigalmaa2, Ganbold Dalantai2, Leslie Valenzuela1, Nymadorj Tsogbadrakh2, Julia Ellenberg Painter1, Paul Michael Lantos3,4,5

This report describes the first case fatality of imported malaria in Mongolia. The infection was acquired in Central Africa and the patient died nine days after onset of symptoms, four days after hospitalization, illustrating the need for improved familiarity with malaria in nonendemic, developing countries such as Mongolia.

821-825

Authors: Ahmed Tabbabi1*, Sajida Sboui2, Jabeur Daaboub1

In Tunisia, the epidemiological situation of leishmaniasis is characterized by the coexistence in a rather circumscribed territory (165 000 km2, including the Sahara) of 4 forms of leishmaniasis caused by 3 species: Leishmania infantum, Leishmania major and Leishmania tropica (L. tropica) (synonymous Leishmania killicki). One of the factors determining the clinical, epidemiological and immunological diversity of leishmanioses is certainly the existence of a vector-parasite specificity of often sub-generic, sometimes even specific and even subspecific level. The aim of this paper was to review the current status of phlebotomine sand flies in Tunisia and their role on Leishmania transmission. The geographical distribution of Leishmania infantum in Tunisia is modeled on that of the vectors. Indeed, the species Phlebotomus perfiliewi, Phlebotomus perniciosus, Phlebotomus longicuspis and Phlebotomus langeroni were found exclusively in the northern and central Tunisia. The confirmed vector of Leishmania major is Phlebotomus papatasi. The vector of L. tropica was identified as Phlebotomus sergenti. L. tropica is classically an anthroponotic form; however, a zoonotic reservoir was identified in Tunisia.

841-848

Authors: John Asekhaen Ohiolei, Clement Isaac, Oriri Asemota Omorodion

Soil transmitted helminthiasis (STH) is often neglected possibly because of its low mortality rate; however, it accounts for the highest disability adjusted life years (DALYs) among parasitic diseases in the world. Nigeria is endemic to STH and control programmes/efforts have been ongoing. Here, data on the burden of STH infections in Nigeria in form of years of life lost due to mortality (YLLs), the distribution of the infection in the six geopolitical zones and the prevalence pattern over a 37-year period are presented. The prevalence data showed reduction in Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura infections; while infections with hookworm and Strongyloides showed irregular pattern with no significant differences. Notably, YLD for A. lumbricoides infection was the highest in the south-west; and the factors possibly impacting on the burden of STH in Nigeria were highlighted.