Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease

385-390

Authors: Prama Setia Putra, Nuning Nuraini

Objective: To understand dengue transmission process and its vector dynamics and to develop early warning model of dengue occurrences based on mosquito population and host-vector threshold values considering temperature and rainfall. Methods: To obtain the early warning model, mosquito population and host-vector models are developed initially. Both are developed using differential equations. Basic offspring number (R0m) and basic reproductive ratio (R0d) which are the threshold values are derived from the models under constant parameters assumption. Temperature and rainfall effects on mosquito and dengue are performed in entomological and disease transmission parameters. Some of parameters are set as functions of temperature or rainfall while other parameters are set to be constant. Hereafter, both threshold values are computed using those parameters. Monthly dengue occurrences data are categorized as zero and one values which one means the outbreak does occur in that month. Logistics regression is chosen to bridge the threshold values and categorized data. Threshold values are considered as the input of early warning model. Semarang city is selected as the sample to develop this early waning model. Results: The derived threshold values which are R 0 m and R 0 d show to have relation that mosquito as dengue vector affects transmission of the disease. Result of the early warning model will be a value between zero and one. It is categorized as outbreak does occur when the value is larger than 0.5 while other is categorized as outbreak does not occur. By using single predictor, the model can perform 68% accuracy approximately. Conclusions: The extinction of mosquitoes will be followed by disease disappearance while mosquitoes existence can lead to disease free or endemic states. Model simulations show that mosquito population are more affected by weather factors than human. Involving weather factors implicitly in the threshold value and linking them with disease occurrences can be considered in order to perform an early warning model.

396-400

Authors: Mobaien Ahmad Reza, Akbarieh Samira, Heyadri Amir Hossein, Sajedi Behnam, Abbasi Mohammad, Mousavi Zamani Ronak, Mazlomzade Saeede

Objective: To evaluate serum levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in patients with brucellosis before and after treatment. Methods: In this cross-sectional study 30 patients (18 males and 12 females) were studied. Serum levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 were measured before and after treatment by ELISA. Inclusion criteria were 2-mercaptoethanol ≥ 1/40 and Wright ≥ 1/80. Results: The mean age of patients was (37.20 ± 16.15) years. Patients with the positive history of non-pasteurized dairy consumption and contact with animals were 25 (83.3%) and 19 patients (63.3%), respectively. The average serum levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 before treatment were (1 109.34 ± 322.51) pg/mL and (385.15 ± 115.68) pg/mL and after treatment were (253.00 ± 132.45) pg/mL and (228.01 ± 71.17) pg/mL, respectively (P < 0.001). Increased levels only observed in the case of IFN-γ before treatment (60%). Decrement of IL-4 level was significantly higher in patients with a history of contact with livestock. There was no significant correlation between these two parameters and age, sex, and dairy consumption. Conclusions: Based on the findings of this study, IFN-γ and IL-4 serum levels significantly reduced after treatment. A significant reduction in the level of serum IL-4 after treatment seem to rise the importance of the individuals’ sensitizing history due to previous contact.

405-410

Authors: João Gabriel Guimarães Luz, Amanda Gabriela de Carvalho, Aline Pereira Marques, Alyna Araújo Marcondes, José Henrique Francisco Roma1, Lisie Souza Castro, Ludiele Souza Castro, João Victor Leite Dias, Juliana Helena Chávez Pavoni

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and the associated risk factors in children attending preschools located in areas with different socioeconomic and structural features in the city of Rondonópolis, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between 2015 and 2016 among four-to-five years old children. Initially, urban neighborhoods with preschools were classified into five risk strata for parasitic infections, which were defined on the basis of socioeconomic and structural variables. Then, one school from each stratum was randomly chosen for data collection. After obtaining the written informed consent from parents or guardians, the children provided stool samples for examination. Interviews were conducted with parents or guardians to determine the associated risk factors. Results: Coproparasitological tests were performed on 215 (46.5%) preschoolers, and the overall prevalence was 22.8%. The occurrence of such infections increased with the increase in risk stratum of the neighborhood. Protozoa infections, mainly by Entamoeba coli (11.2%) and Giardia duodenalis (9.8%), were the most frequent. The consumption of tap water (OR = 3.56, P = 0.002), no washing of fruits and vegetables before consumption (OR = 3.44, P = 0.002), and no hand washing before eating (OR = 2.63, P = 0.004) were associated with these infections. Conclusions: The prevalence of intestinal parasites among Rondonópolis preschoolers is relevant and associated with precarious hygienic–sanitary behavior, especially in areas with poor socioeconomic and structural conditions.

418-421

Authors: Asghar Khajeh, Gholamreza Razmi, Jamshid Darvish

Objective: To detect wild rodents ectoparasites in the southeast of Iran. Methods: In this survey, the wild rodents were trapped from 2014 to 2015. The captured rodents were checked for any ectoparasites. Results: In this study, 681 ectoparasites belonged to 6 species of flea, 2 species of lice, 1 species of mite and 2 species of hard tick were collected. The flea species were including, Xenopsylla gerbilli, Xenopsylla cheopis, Xenopsylla buxtoni, Xenopsylla conformis, Nosopsyllus medus and Amphipysylla spp., the lice species were including Hoplopleura spp. and Polyplax spp., the mite species was Ornithonyssus bacoti and tick species were Rhipicephalus spp. and Hyalomma spp. Conclusions: Among all ectoparasites, Hoplopleura spp. and Amphipysylla spp. had the high and low frequency infestation in rodents, respectively. Also among captured rodents, the highest ectoparasites infestation was found in Tatera indica and no ectoparasites in Apodemus witherbyi, Cricetelus migratorius, and Microtus mystacinus kermanesis.

426-429

Authors: Rahma Hasbelrasoul Ali, Nuha Yousif Ibrahim, Asrar Mohamed Abdalsalam Elegail2, Naziha Abdelrhman Mohamed Eltohami, Rasha Sayed Mohammed Ebraheem, Salma Faroug Mohammed Ahmed2, Huda Hassan Howaytalla Ahmed, Eman Osman Mohamed Nour, Muataz Mohamed Eldirdery, Hassan Hussein Musa

Objective: To study the sensitivity and specificity of line probe assay (LPA) and GeneXpert compared with drug susceptibility test (DST). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted for 126 TB patients in Sudan. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was identified by drug susceptibility test. The smear-positive sputum specimens were screened for rapid detection of resistance to rifampicin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH) by molecular LPA and GeneXpert assay. Results: 67.5% of patients were male, 19.8% were new cases, 57.1% were previously treated TB patients, and 64.3% of the affected patients were in the age group of 16–30 years. About 32.5% of samples were MDR by both DST and LPA, 66.7% were sensitive by both DST and LPA, and 0.79% were MDR by DST and sensitive by LPA. However, 36.51% of samples were MDR by both DST and GeneXpert, and 63.49% were sensitive by both DST and GeneXpert. There was no significant difference between DST and LPA technique (P = 0.50). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of LPA were 97.6%, 100%, 97.6%, and 100%, respectively; while for GeneXpert, they were 100%, 100%, 100% and 100%, respectively. The RIF resistance was associated with mutation in the region of rpoB 530-533, mostly S531L mutation, and the most INH resistant samples (98.58%) were linked with KatG gene and codon 315 (S315T1). Conclusions: The molecular assays are the best screening tools for MDR TB, which may exceed TB diagnoses.

433-439

Authors: Abdelhakim Bouyahya, Youssef Bakri, Omar Belmehdi, Abdeslam Et-Touys, Jamal Abrini, Nadia Dakka

Objective: To evaluate the antiradical, antibacterial and antileishmanial properties of phenolic extracts of Centaurium erythraea (methanol: MECE, ethanol: EECE, n-hexane: HECE, ethyl acetate: EACE) from north-west of Morocco. Methods: The antiradical activity was evaluated using DPPH scavenging assay. The antibacterial activity was tested against four reference strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) using the well diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by microdilution assay. The antiparasitic activity was evaluated against Leishmania major, Leishmania tropica and Leishmania infantum using MTT (3-(4.5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2.5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) test. The levels of polyphenol and flavonoid extracts were estimated by colorimetric assay. Results: The HECE extract has shown a significant ability to trap the radical DPPH [IC50 = (49.54 ± 2.43) μg/mL] compared to EECE, MECE and EACE. This value is significantly important compared than those of ascorbic acid [IC50 = (27.20 ± 0.17) μg/mL] and Trolox [IC50 = (43.72 ± 0.31) μg/mL] used as standards. The inhibitory activity of methanol, n-hexane and ethyl acetate extracts was especially remarkable (inhibition zone ≥ 14 mm) against all strains tested. The values of MIC and MBC have ranged from 0.25 to 8.00 mg/mL. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most resistant strains compared to all other tested bacteria, while Staphylococcus aureus was the most sensitive toward the tested extracts. The MTT based colorimetric assay has shown a reduced promastigotes viability on all strains tested. The best growth inhibition was observed with HECE against Leishmania tropica [IC50 = (37.20 ± 1.62) μg/mL] and Leishmania major [IC50 = (64.52 ± 2.20) μg/mL] compared to N-methyl Glucamine Antimoniate (Glucantime®) (IC50 > 500 μg/mL) used as control, after 72 h of treatment. Conclusions: Considering these results, Centaurium erythraea can be used as a source of novel antioxidant, antibacterial and antileishmanial compounds.

442-443

Authors: Carlos Miguel Rios-González, Ginno Alessandro De Benedictis Serrano, Alfonzo David Chirino Caicedo

No.

321-326

Authors: Panupong Upala, Tawatchi Apidechkul, Wipob Suttana, Ratakorn Aimkosa

Objective: To determine the correlations between the meteorological data and the number of hand foot mouth disease (HFMD) cases in 2016 in Northern Thailand, and to estimate the medical costs. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted. Data on numbers of HFMD cases were collected from 49 hospitals in three different provinces in Northern Thailand: 16 hospitals from Chiang Rai Province, 7 hospitals from Pha Yao Province, and 26 hospitals from Chiang Mai Province. A questionnaire had been developed and tested for validity and reliability before used. The specific form for collecting meteorological data was developed and used in the field. All information was recorded in the same data spread sheet before analysis. Chi-square and correlation tests were used for explaining the epidemiology of HFMD in the areas. An alpha error at 0.05 was used to determine the statistical significance level. Results: A total of 8 261 cases were analyzed in the study. 56.0% were males, 97.5% aged less than 6 years, 82.6% were out-patient department (OPD) cases, 75.5% were reported in raining season, and 43.2% were from Chiang Mai Province. The number of HFMD cases had statistically significant correlations with temperature, air pressure, relative humidity, and rainfall amount. Averagely, 216 baht and 3 678 baht per case per visit had to be expended for medical cost in OPD and IPD cases, respectively. Most of the cases had been reported in the border areas: Thai-Myanmar, and Thai-Lao. Conclusions: Thailand health care system should provide a concrete schedule for taking care of HFMD patients during raining season, and should develop an effective preventive and control program for HFMD particularly among children less than 6 years.

332-340

Authors: Siti Nur Anis Hasnan, Nazri Che Dom, Zulkiflee Abd Latif, Faiz Madzlan

Objective: To determine the infestation profile by performing ovitrap surveillance in four types of residential areas in central zone of Shah Alam, Selangor. Methods: 600 ovitraps were exposed for 4 days in intradomiciliary environments within 20 residential areas including independent houses, inter-connected houses, commercial buildings and mixed houses areas. The ecological conditions of the surrounding environment were observed and recorded. The distributions and abundances of the Aedes mosquitoes were presented in terms of positive ovitrap index (POI) and mean eggs per trap (MET). One-way ANOVA test was used to determine the association between the type of residential areas and the number of ovitrap with eggs and the egg count. Results: The result implied that Seksyen 7 has the highest reading of both ovitrap index and egg count (POI = 86.21%, MET = 41.68 eggs). There was no significant difference in the POI and MET of Aedes mosquitoes between the type of housing areas (P > 0.05). The surrounding environmental conditions were believed to be the main influence of the abundance and distribution of the Aedes mosquitoes in Shah Alam. Unhygienic conditions were observed in all type of residential areas. These included the abandoned kitchen utensils and flower pots stored at the backyard which lead to collected stagnant water that later served as the favourable places for female Aedes to oviposit. Conclusions: The key to effectively control the dengue outbreak is to have an advance understanding to all the high potential transmission areas or habitat which are generally the areas with the densest human and vector population.

344-346

Authors: Anucha Sirimalaisuwan, Pradthana Teeraruk, Penpisoot Kanjanapitakchai, Thattawan Kaewsakhorn, Panyisa Potibut, Surachai Pikulkaew

Objective: To detect Mycobacterium marinum (M. marinum) infections in healthy Siamese fighting fish from ornamental fish shops in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Methods: Mycobacterium spp. were isolated from 380 internal organs of healthy Siamese fighting fish using Löwenstein-Jensen and Middlebrook 7H10 culture media. A 924-bp DNA fragment from mycobacterial 16S rRNA was amplified and digested with BanI and ApaI restriction enzymes to yield unique restriction patterns for each mycobacterial specie. Results: Thirty-five mycobacterial isolates (8.42%) were recovered from 380 Siamese fighting fish; 21 isolates (5.5%) and 11 isolates (2.29%) were identified as M. marinum and Mycobacterium chelonae, respectively. Conclusions: The results demonstrated the presence of M. marinum zoonotic bacterial pathogens in healthy Siamese fighting fish, and underlined the infection risk to humans of not only exposure to infected fish, but also when they manipulate clinically asymptomatic fish.

352-355

Authors: Victor Baba Oti*, Grace Rinmecit Pennap, Ochiche Dennis, Abimiku Samuel Ajegena, Moses Peter Adoga

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and predictors of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection among patients attending a healthcare facility in Nigeria. Methods: Blood samples were collected between July–August, 2016 from 240 patients who gave informed consent and completed self-administered questionnaires. Out of the 240 subjects, 101 (42.1%) were male and 139 (57.9%) were female. Plasma samples were examined for anti-H. pylori IgG antibodies using a commercial antibody-based kit. Results: Out of the 240 subjects, 135 (56.3%) were seropositive. Of these, 53 (52.5%) males and 82 (59.0%) females were infected. Age and alcohol consumption were significant predictors of infection (P < 0.05). Although subjects who were female, married, full time house wives and lived in urban areas were more likely to be infected, there was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Infection with H. pylori was found among patients attending a tertiary healthcare facility in Nigeria. High proportions of patients (56.3%) were infected in the study area. Our findings have public health significance for the prevention and control of the infection in Nigeria.

362-363

Authors: Hazrat Bilal, Zia Ullah, Saboor Ahmad, Sumrin Sahar

No.

366-373

Authors: Fatmawati, Hengki Tasman

In this paper we presented a mathematical model of the spread of HIV and tuberculosis (TB) co-infection considering the resistance of HIV to antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. The model also included anti-TB and ARV treatments as system control variables. For the model without controls, we investigated the existence and stability of equilibria based on three basic reproduction numbers corresponding to the TB and two strains HIV infection. We also performed sensitivity analysis to determine the dominant factor controlling the spread. Then, the optimal control condition was derived using Pontryagin Maximum Principle on the model to achieve the goal of minimizing the number of infected population. The numerical simulations of the optimal control were also performed to illustrate the results.

257-265

Authors: Mohsen Ahmadkhani, Ali Asghar Alesheikh

Objective: To investigate the associations between the brucellosis and four climatic factors including temperature, precipitation, wind speed and greenness for better understanding the epidemiology of the disease in Iran during April 2009 to March 2012. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was performed on 39 359 recorded cases during the study period. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to investigate statistically meaningful temporal and spatial relevance between the disease and parameters. Besides, multiple linear regression was applied to estimate the best combination of the variables for predicting brucellosis incidence. Results: Pearson’s analysis revealed that there are positive temporal correlations between incidence and temperature, wind speed and greenness. Besides, a strong negative temporal association was observed with precipitation. Although a remarkable negative spatial association was observed between aggregated incidence rates and vegetation cover of corresponding counties in winter, this correlation was strongly positive for spring and summer. Conclusions: The prevalence of brucellosis is considerably affected by climatic conditions. Locations with higher greenness, temperature and wind speed are more susceptible to the disease. In contrast, areas with lower rainfall tend to face surpassing rates. Additionally, greater rates are expected for counties having green springs and summers, with dry winters.

270-275

Authors: Wakjira Kebede, Alemseged Abdissa, Yesuf Seid, Zeleke Mekonnen

Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV infections among prisoners in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 156 prisoners from January to June 2016. Socio-demographic and other data were collected using structured questionnaire. Antibodies against HCV and HIV, and hepatitis B surface antigens were determined in serum using ELISA techniques with commercial kits. Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess possible risk factors for the infections. Results: From the totally 156 participants, 145 (93.0%) were males and 11 (7.0%) were females. The seroprevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV was 5.8% (9), 2.6% (4), and 2.6% (4), respectively. None of the study subjects had co-infections. History of sexually transmitted diseases (AOR = 26.1, 95% CI: 1.17–58.3, P = 0.039) and tattooing (AOR = 9.3, 95% CI: 0.8–10.9, P = 0.05) was predictor of HIV seropositivity. Having multiple heterosexual partners was significantly associated with HBV infection (AOR = 0.056, 95% CI: 0.03–0.9, P = 0.044). None of the interviewed participants had practiced homosexuality. However, they heard that homosexuality was practiced in the prison. Conclusions: Intermediate prevalence of HBV and HCV was detected among prisoners in Jimma Town. However, HIV prevalence was higher than that of the national report. It is crucial to build a system for monitoring, surveillance and preventive public health strategies to minimize the risk factors and block transmission of these infections among prisoners.

280-285

Authors: Nagwa Mostafa El-Sayed, Manar Ezzelarab Ramadan

Objective: To evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of Thymus vulgaris (T. vulgaris) extract against Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection in experimentally infected mice. Methods: Sixty mice were divided into six groups (Group I–Group VI). Group I was normal control (non-infected, non-treated); Group II was non-infected and treated with T. vulgaris extract (500 mg/kg); Group III was T. gondii infected-non-immunosuppressed control; Group IV consisted of infected immunosuppressed mice; Group V was infected and treated with T. vulgaris extract; Group VI consisted of infected immunosuppressed mice treated with T. vulgaris extract. Hepatoprotective effect of T. vulgaris extract was evaluated by histopathological examination of tissue sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin, determination of liver function parameters (alanine aminotransaminase, aspartate aminotransaminase and alkaline phosphates, total bilirubin, total protein concentrations) and assessment of hepatocytes genotoxicity by comet assay.Antigenotoxic effect of T. vulgaris was assessed by several comet assay parameters that were provided by the image analysis software, including % tailed cells, % of DNA in the tail, tail length, and tail moment. Results: Treatment with T. vulgaris in both Groups V and VI improved T. gondii induced pathological lesions in the infected liver that regressed to near the normal picture especially in Group V. Also, it restored the altered values of liver function parameters near to the normal levels significantly (P < 0.05) compared with Groups III and IV respectively. Regarding comet assay parameters, all of them were significantly increased (P < 0.05) after T. gondii infection (Group III) and reached the greatest values in infected immunosuppressed group (Group IV) compared to the normal controls (Group I). With treatment by T. vulgaris in Groups V and VI, there was a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in all values compared to Groups III and V respectively. The results indicated that T. vulgaris reduced DNA damage induced by T. gondii infection in liver cells. Conclusions: T. vulgaris ethanol extract exhibited notable hepatoprotective activity against T. gondii infection.

293-298

Authors: Lesley-Anne Caine, Uchechukwu Uchechukwu Nwodo, Anthony Ifeanyin Okoh, Ezekiel Green

Objective: To detect Brucella spp. isolated from raw milk, blood and lymph nodes samples of cattle, sheep and goats. Methods: A total of 1 955 samples comprising raw milk, blood and lymph nodes were collected from 880 cattle, 555 sheep and 520 goats from four municipalities in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Brucella isolates were recovered from theraw milk, lymph nodes and blood samples using Brucella selective media. Results: Detection of the Bru gene was observed in 130 isolates ranging from 81 (62.3%) in cattle to 16 (12.3%) in sheep. In cattle, the highest number of isolates was observed in the lymph node samples (24.6%), while the lowest was inraw milk (13.8%). In sheep, the highest number was observed in the blood samples (7.7%) and the lowest (0.8%) in the sheep’s lymph nodes (0.8%), while in goats we detected the highest number of isolates in the blood samples (20%) and the lowest inraw milk (2.3%). Brucella abortus (B. abortus) (56.9%), Brucella melitensis (37.7%) and B. abortus vaccine strain S19 (5.4%) were confirmed from the isolates. Conclusions: The present study adds to the data available regarding B. abortus and Brucella melitensis infections in cattle, goats and sheep populations and highlights the effectiveness and advantages of AMOS-PCR over culture. The results also indicate the need for effective control measures to be implemented.

304-308

Authors: Oscar Herrera-Calderon, Johnny Aldo Tinco-Jayo, Cesar Franco-Quino, Víctor Chumpitaz- Cerrate3, Wendy Castro-Pari, Bertha Pari-Olarte, Patricia Castillo-Romero, Jorge Luis Arroyo-Acevedo

Objective: To determine the phytochemical content, antioxidant activity in vitro and cytotoxicity of crude ethanol extract (CEE), n-hexane fraction (NHF), petroleum ether fraction (PEF), chloroform fraction (CLF) and ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) of aerial parts of Chuquiraga spinosa (C. spinosa) Lessing. Methods: Phytochemical screening was developed by color and precipitated formation. The evaluation of antioxidant activity was assessed using hydroxyl and nitric oxide radical. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoids content (TFC) were measured by using standard methods by spectrophotometry. The cytotoxic effect was determined on human tumor cell lines including MCF-7, H-460, HT-29, M-14, HUTU-80, K-562 and DU-145. Results: Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of phenols, flavonoids in crude extract and its all fractions. The CEE showed the highest antioxidant activity, for OH and NO radical scavenging tests (IC50 = 15.16 ± 3.45 μg/mL and IC50 = 18.91 ± 1.13 μg/mL, respectively). TPC was found to be the highest in the CEE (121.36 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g of dried extract) compared to other fractions. The ranking order of NHF, PEF, CLF, EAF and CEE for TFC was 21.17 < 35.20 < 62.19 < 70.25 < 78.25 mg quercetin equivalent/g of dried extract. The crude ethanolic extract (μg/mL) showed a high cytotoxicity on MCF-7 (IC50 = 9.25 ± 0.81), K-562 (IC50 = 7.34 ± 1.00), HT-29 (IC50 = 8.52 ± 2.69), H-460 (IC50 = 5.32 ± 1.05), M-14 (IC50 = 8.30 ± 0.60), DU-145 (IC50 = 7.09 ± 0.09), HUTU-80 (IC50 = 6.20 ± 0.50). Conclusions: The study showed that CEE of the aerial parts of C. spinosa can be measured as a natural source of antioxidant which might be effective towards preventing or slowing oxidative stress related to chronic diseases as well as cytotoxic agent.

315

Authors: Lok Yin Chan, Pui Hong Chung

No

193-198

Authors: Harapan Harapan, Samsul Anwar, Muhammad Nazli Ferdian, Salwiyadi Salwiyadi, Aga Sunanda Imanda, Roully Azhars, Dheni Fidiyah Fika1, Darul Ilham, Arya Utama Timur, Juwita Sahputri, Reza Maulana, Hendra Kurniawan, Maduka Donatus Ughasoro

Objective: To determine the acceptance towards a hypothetical Ebola virus vaccine (EVV) and associated factors in a non-affected country, Indonesia. Methods: A hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in four regencies of Aceh, Indonesia. A set of pre-tested questionnaires was used to obtain information on acceptance towards EVV and a range of explanatory variables. Associations between EVV acceptance and explanatory variables were tested using multi-steps logistic regression analysis and the Spearman's rank correlation. Results: Participants who had knowledge on Ebola virus disease (EVD) were 45.3% (192/424) and none of the participants achieved 80% correct answers on the knowledge regarding to EVD. About 73% of participants expressed their willingness to receive the EVV. Education attainment, occupation, monthly income, have heard regarding to EVD previously, socioeconomic level, attitude towards vaccination practice and knowledge regarding to EVD were associated significantly with acceptance towards EVV in univariate analysis (P < 0.05). In the final multivariate model, socio-economic level, attitude towards vaccination practice and knowledge regarding to EVD were the independent explanatory variables for EVV acceptance. Conclusions: The knowledge of EVD was low, but this minimally affected the acceptance towards EVV. However, to facilitate optimal uptake of EVV, dissemination of vaccine-related information prior to its introduction is required

205-210

Authors: Thapana Chontananarth, Chalobol Wongsawad

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of pleurophocercous cercariae infection in thiarid snails from natural infection in 12 provinces of Northern Thailand. Methods: The snail specimens were collected and examined for pleurophocercous cercariae infection using crushing method. The morphological characteristics of cercariae, which were identified by a light microscope and illustration were done using a camera lucida. Results: Based on a sample of 2 075 thiarid snails of four snail species, it was found that Melanoides tuberculata, Tarebia granifera, Thiara scabra, and Adamieta hoesei served as the first intermediate hosts of heterophyid trematode with an overall prevalence of 14.78%, revealing four different morphological characteristic types. Pleurophocercous cercaria Type I had the highest the prevalence (13.06%), followed by the pleurolophocercous cercaria Type II (0.29%), pleurolophocercous cercaria Type III (0.05%), and pleurophocercous cercaria Type IV (1.4%), respectively. Conclusions: This research report will serve a preliminary step providing new and fundamental information regarding the current geographical distribution trends of opisthorchiid and/or heterphyid trematodes infection. The findings of this study will be useful to the development of effective control measures for this type of parasitic infection in Northern Thailand.

220-224

Authors: Segun Isaac Oyedeji, Henrietta Oluwatoyin Awobode, Peter Usman Bassi

Objective: To assess the level of sub-microscopic and mixed Plasmodium species infection in children in North-Central Nigeria. Methods: Blood sample was obtained from 960 apparently healthy children aged 2–18 years. Plasmodial parasites were identified by Giemsa-stained light microscopy and by DNA amplification of the 18S rRNA gene. Results: A total of 126 out of 960 samples (13.1%) were positive for plasmodial parasites by microscopy while 284 of the 960 samples (29.6%) were positive by the nested PCR assay. The prevalence of sub-microscopic infection was 16.5% (158/960). The proportion of microscopic asymptomatic infections was found to be significantly higher in younger children than in older children (χ2 = 16.86; df = 2; P = 0.014), while sub-microscopic infections were more frequent in older children than in younger ones. Mono-infections of Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium ovale were 96.1%, 1.1%, and 0.7%, respectively while 2.1% of the samples had mixed infections. Conclusions: Our results showed that sub-microscopic infections were more prevalent in the study region and this has consequences for sustaining malaria transmission in the area. The inability of microscopy to correctly identify non-falciparum species and mixed Plasmodium species infection in this study clearly shows the importance of molecular screening tools for active field surveillance

233-236

Authors: Supawadee Piratae*, Benjawan Sae-chue, Pratch Sukumolanan, Aphinan Phosri

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of blood parasite infection in stray dogs by PCR technique and the association between levels of packed cell volume (PCV) and blood parasitic infection in stray dogs. Methods: A total of 65 blood samples were collected from stray dogs in animal quarantine station from Mahasarakham, Thailand to evaluate the levels of PCV before molecular screening for tick-borne pathogens infection. Results: Stray dogs were positive with one or more pathogens in 44 (67.69%) out of 65 blood samples. Ehrlichia canis [43.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 38.1–48.1] was the most common blood pathogen found infecting in stray dogs in Mahasarakham Province, followed by Anaplasma platys (29.2%, 95% CI: 24.2–34.2), Hepatozoon canis (12.3%, 95% CI: 7.3–17.3) and Babesia canis vogeli (6.2%, 95% CI: 1.2–11.2), respectively. Moreover, co-infections with two pathogens were identified in 11 (16.9%) of dogs examined and two (2.9%) dogs were coinfections with three pathogens. Statistically significant relationship between the PCV levels and Ehrlichia canis infection was found (P < 0.05). Conclusions: This study indicated that blood pathogens are spreading in stray dogs and they are potentially high risk of agent transmission to human via exposure with tick vectors. It was also the first report of Anaplasma platys infection in dogs in north-eastern part of Thailand

239-256

Authors: Nweze Justus Amuche, Eke Ifeanyichukwu Emmanuel, Nweze Emeka Innocent

The problem of HIV/AIDS was sort of a fairy tale and mere information till the immunological disorder was scientifically confirmed. Today, HIV/AIDS has continued to be a serious international health concern, and sub-Saharan Africa remains the most affected region. Over 25.6 million persons are currently living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. This accounts for two-thirds of the recent overall world HIV infections and more than 70 percent of all AIDSrelated deaths. In 2015, Eastern and Southern Africa had about 7.1% adult HIV prevalence rate (about 19 million HIV patients), while Western and Central Africa accounted for about 2.2% (about 6.5 million HIV patients). Few countries now boast of numerous signs of gradual to moderate declines in HIV occurrence. However, HIV prevalence rate has continued to increase in countries like Lesotho (22.7%), Botswana (22.2%) and South Africa (19.2%). The nature, procedure and result of the scourge in this region have been fashioned by a mind-boggling interaction of traditional, behavioural, social and material factors. Even if there are notably strong prevention, treatment and care programmes, too many sexual partners are engaging in risky sexual practices. The aim of this article is to discuss the current trends of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa, the factors that might have contributed to high prevalence of the virus in the region, the effect of the HIV/AIDS scourge, the prevention programmes and the way forward.

129-131

Authors: Attaullah, Nasir Iqbal, Gul Nabi Khan, Ali Muhammad Yousafzai, Karimullah, Nazir Ahmad, Syed Alaudin Khan, Faisal Wadood

Objective: To classify and confirm the identified dengue fever (DF) cases in Swat in order to provide epidemiological facts as fundamental for health care units to establish curative and preventive procedures for oncoming DF outbreaks. Methods: Blood samples were collected from non-registered and registered patients in Saidu Sharif Teaching Hospital, Swat to test dengue virus via advance dengue NS1 Ag card assay. Then positive dengue patients’ blood was further analyzed through hematology analyzer (Mindray BC-3000 plus) machine. Results: The most affected area by dengue virus is Mingora in Swat District. The total number of patients examined were 5592 including 3822 (68.34%) males and 1579 (31.65%) females. The male population was (68.34%) more than female (31.65%), although the infection rate was less in age group > 60 (2.02%) in both populations. The highest infection rate was found in 16–40 years of age (55.70%) with minimum death rate (0.78%). The characteristic signs were detected, which were high temperature with fever (100.00%), nausea (70.18%), belly pain (50.16%) and splenomegaly (34.16%). The majority of patients showed blood platelet counts between 7000 and 100000/cm2, and fever duration was 7–14 days. Conclusions: In this study, males were more affected than the females and high prevalence rate of DF was found in teenager.

141-143

Authors: Valentina Virginia Ebani, Fabrizio Bertelloni, Gaia Cecconi, Micaela Sgorbini, Domenico Cerri

The objective of this investigation was to estimate the occurrence of infections by the three zoonotic bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum (A. phagocytophilum), Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (B. burgdorferi s.l.) and Coxiella burnetii in wild boars (Sus scrofa) in Central Italy. The spleen samples from 100 hunted wild boars were submitted to DNA extraction and PCR assays were carried out to detect the three agents. One (1%) animal was positive for A. phagocytophilum, and three (3%) for B. burgdorferi s.l. No positive reactions were observed for Coxiella burnetii. Wild boars did not seem to play an important role in the epidemiology of the three investigated agents. However, the detection of A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi s.l. in the spleen of the tested animals showed that wild boars can harbor these pathogens, thus ticked that feeding on infected wild boars are likely to become infected, too, which represents a source of infection for other animals and humans. This is the first detection of A. phagocytophilum in wild boars in Italy.

151-155

Authors: Ongeziwe Taku, Benson Chuks Iweriebor, Uchechukwu U Nwodo, Larry Chikwelu Obi, Anthony Ifeanyi Okoh

Objective: To determine the occurrence of Norovirus infection amongst pigs in selected communities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Methods: Stool samples were collected from pigs in two commercial farms using sterile swab sticks between September and November 2015. The samples were analysed by RT-PCRs and nested PCRs utilizing the p289/p290 primers pair targeting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase section of Norovirus as previously described in literatures. All positive isolates were sequenced, edited and analysed phylogenetically making use of Geneious version 9.1.5 software. Results: Out of the one hundred and twenty faecal samples screened, four samples (3.3%) from farm A and one sample (0.8%) from farm B were positive for Norovirus. Phylogenetic analysis showed that out of the all the positive isolates analysed, three nucleotide sequences (FH14, FH20 and TS05) clustered with swine enteric Caliciviruses, while FHO5 clustered with human Norovirus GII and FH13 clustered closely with bat Caliciviruses. Conclusions: Results obtained in this study revealed that swine do harbour Norovirus and could be a source for human infection under compromised sanitary conditions.

162-168

Authors: Samwel Bushukatale Ng`weng`weta, Donath Samuel Tarimo

Objective: To examine the magnitude of Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium) infection and the factors associated with exposure of preschool children in Kigogo Ward, Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey of Class I pupils (preschool-age in 2015) was carried out from May to June 2016 to examine the prevalence and intensity of S. haematobium infection and associated factors. Urine samples were examined for haematuria, S. haematobium eggs and intensity. Parents or guardians were interviewed on their awareness and level of knowledge on urinary schistosomiasis disease (symptoms, mode of transmission, treatment and prevention), as well as their perceived risk of infection to young children. Potential sites of transmission were identified and searched for Bulinus spp., snails and the activities that exposed young children to infection were recorded. Results: A total of 424 pupils and 408 female parents or guardians were recruited. Haematuria was detected in 51 (12.0%) pupils, S. haematobium eggs were observed in 8 (1.9%) pupils and all were light infection. Bulinus spp., snails were identified mostly at cross-points of rivers. The large majority (91.7%) of parents or guardians were aware of urinary schistosomiasis disease, but three quarter (76%) did not consider it as a health problem. More than two thirds (71.3%) reported that anybody could get urinary schistosomiasis; two thirds (65.9%) reported that infection was likely to be acquired at cross-points of rivers. The large majority (> 90%) had the notion that young children could be exposed; and all the activities that might lead a child to come into contact with potentially infested waters were judged to be risk factors. The larger majority (83.6%) had a high level of knowledge on urinary schistosomiasis (transmission, symptoms, availability of modern treatment and the preventive measures), reflecting the ongoing advocacy campaigns. Conclusions: Young children left out in praziquantel preventive chemotherapy harbor S. haematobium infection and are likely to be the source of environmental contamination frustrating the national efforts for control. Presence of Bulinus spp. snails shows the potential for the continuity of S. haematobium transmission.

181-182

Authors: Zahra Abbaspour Rad, Behnam Sajedi, Samira Akbarieh, Amir Hossein Heydari, Sahar Baba Ali, Amirhossein Moghtader Mojdehi

Brucellosis may cause a vast variety of hematologic manifestations, as one of the major infectious diseases in developing countries. Thrombocytopenia is among the very rare presentations, especially when it is the only manifestation. This report was aimed to show that how an isolated thrombocytopenia can lead to brucellosis diagnosis. Hereby, we reported a young woman with a history of recent diagnosed brucellosis who admitted to the hospital with purpuric rashes with severe thrombocytopenia that was first suspected to have idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. As one of the most important diseases in endemic areas such as Iran, it is important to rule out brucellosis induced thrombocytopenia in the patients which presented with thrombocytopenia along with some other differential diagnosis of isolated thrombocytopenia such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

185-192

Authors: Mubashir Hussain1*, Naveed Iqbal Raja1, Abida Akram1, Anam Iftikhar2, Danish Ashfaq3, Farhat Yasmeen1, Roomina Mazhar1, Muhammad Imran1, Muhammad Iqbal1

Medicinal plants are the nature’s gift for the humanity to treat various diseases and to spend a prosperous healthy life. There are almost 500 species of Artemisia. Among them, Artemisia absinthium (A. absinthium) which is commonly known as wormwood is a well-known herb. It is mentioned in almost all the herbal medicinal books of the Western world. The aim of this review article is to gather information about A. absinthium which is currently scattered in form of various publications. Through this review article tried to attract the attention of people for therapeutic potential of A. absinthium. The present review comprises upto date information of active ingredients, up and down in absinthe, controversy, essential oil, traditional uses, in vitro production of secondary metabolites for pharmaceutical, pharmacology such as antitumor, neurotoxic, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, antimalarial, anthelminitc, antipyretic, antidepressant, antiulcer, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiprotozoal and challenges of A. absinthium. Some progress has been made, but still consistent efforts are required to explore the individual compounds isolated from A. absinthium to validate and understand its traditional uses and clinical practices. This review article provides preliminary information and gives a direction for the basic and clinical research on A. absinthium (wormwood).