Assessment of coverage and compliance of mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis in Medak District-2021

In India Mass Drug Administration (MDA) drive is undertaken every year. In mass drug administra?on DEC and Albendazole combina?on is used. For the strategy to be effec?ve, more than 85% of those living in endemic areas must be covered by MDA. Methods: This is a cross-sec?onal study in which family clusters were selected from rural and urban areas. Informa?on about coverage, compliance with MDA and knowledge of filariasis was obtained using a ques?onnaire. Data were analysed using percentages and propor?ons. Results: In this study, about 92.51% of the study par?cipants received DEC and ABZ tablets during MDA, of which 95.14 % of par?cipants consumed the drugs. The most common cause of noncompliance was fear of side effects. Conclusion: Coverage of the popula?on with DEC and albendazole combina?on was good but compliance needs to be improved. IEC ac?vi?es should be intensified. Local leaders should be involved in the programme to increase compliance.

Combined Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis and Tropical Pulmonary Eosinophilia: A Rare Co-occurrence

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE) are common lung diseases presenting with peripheral blood eosinophilia. Although these have been widely reported both from India and outside, simultaneous co-occurrence of the two diseases has not been reported so far. We hereby present a case of an elderly male, a known case of asthma, who was diagnosed to have concurrent ABPA and TPE. Partial clinical response as well as the persistence of eosinophilia after ABPA treatment raised the suspicion that subsequently led to the diagnosis of TPE. The concurrent treatment of both conditions led to satisfactory clinical and serological improvement.

Evaluation of coverage and compliance to mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis elimination in two endemic districts of Karnataka

Background: Lymphatic filariasis is a debilitating and disfiguring disease causing significant socioeconomic burden. India is endemic for filariasis which includes Kalaburagi and Yadgir districts in Karnataka. India has the target for filariasis elimination by 2020 and mass drug administration [MDA] is a strategy for elimination. The objective of the study was to evaluate the coverage and compliance of mass drug administration against lymphatic filariasis. Methods: The study was a cross sectional study conducted during the month of October 2018 in Kalaburagi and Yadgir districts. The study subjects included all the residents of cluster except subjects aged below 2 years and pregnant women. Multi stage sampling was used and three clusters from rural area and one cluster from urban area from each district. Data collection was done by household survey after informed consent using a standard questionnaire. Results: A total population of 1,963 subjects residing in 399 houses of two districts was included. Majority of the study subjects 1517 (77.27%) were in the age group of more than 15 years with predominantly males 984(50.12%). The coverage rate and compliance rate of MDA was 83.17% and 92.46% in Kalaburagi district and 86.71% and 86.98% in Yadgir district respectively. The effective coverage rate and coverage compliance gap was 76.89% and 7.53% in Kalaburagi district, 75.42% and 13.01% in Yadgir district. Incomplete dose of MDA was consumed by 17 subjects in Kalaburagi district and 21 subjects in Yadgir district. Conclusions: The effective MDA coverage in both the study districts is below 85% which is not satisfactory.

Current Status of Parasite Infections in Indonesia: A Literature Review

Indonesia and South Korea have become inseparable in various respects since the 2 countries established diplomatic relation in 1973. Indonesia is a tropical region that stretches across the equator, comprised of 5 main islands (Java, Kalimantan, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Papua) and 4 archipelagoes (Riau, Bangka Belitung, Nusa Tenggara, and Maluku). As most population of Eastern Indonesia (Sulawesi, Papua and Nusa Tenggara & Maluku) live in poor areas, it is expected that there will be many parasites. Nevertheless, little is known about the status of parasites in Indonesia. This study examines the prevalences of malaria and lymphatic filaria, which are prevalent in Indonesia, as well as those of soil-transmitted-helminths (STH). As a result, the Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax case loads are almost equal. The current prevalence of P. vivax is uniformly low (<5%) in all age groups and annual parasite incidence (API) showed decreasing tendency as 0.84 per 1,000 population in 2016. However, more than 65 million people still live in malaria epidemic regions. Lymphatic filariasis remains an important public health problem and 236 cities were classified as endemic areas in 514 cities/districts in 2017. It is difficult to ascertain the current prevalence rate of STH in Indonesia, although West Sumba and Southwest Sumba in East Nusa Tenggara reported prevalence rate of more than 20%. The study also considers the (sero) prevalences of other parasites identified in Indonesia. This report should be useful not only to parasitologists but also to travelers and people with business in Indonesia.

Finding Wolbachia in Filarial larvae and Culicidae Mosquitoes in Upper Egypt Governorate

Wolbachia is an obligatory intracellular endosymbiotic bacterium, present in over 20% of all insects altering insect reproductive capabilities and in a wide range of filarial worms which is essential for worm survival and reproduction. In Egypt, no available data were found about Wolbachia searching for it in either mosquitoes or filarial worms. Thus, we aimed to identify the possible concurrent presence of Wolbachia within different mosquitoes and filarial parasites, in Assiut Governorate, Egypt using multiplex PCR. Initially, 6 pools were detected positive for Wolbachia by single PCR. The simultaneous detection of Wolbachia and filarial parasites (Wuchereria bancrofti, Dirofilaria immitis, and Dirofilaria repens) by multiplex PCR was spotted in 5 out of 6 pools, with an overall estimated rate of infection (ERI) of 0.24%. Unexpectedly, the highest ERI (0.53%) was for Anopheles pharoensis with related Wolbachia and W. bancrofti, followed by Aedes (0.42%) and Culex (0.26%). We also observed that Wolbachia altered Culex spp. as a primary vector for W. bancrofti to be replaced by Anopheles sp. Wolbachia within filaria-infected mosquitoes in our locality gives a hope to use bacteria as a new control trend simultaneously targeting the vector and filarial parasites.

Evaluation of mass drug administration for elimination of lymphatic filariasis in Goa, India.

Background: The most practical and feasible method of controlling lymphatic filariasis is the rapid reduction of microfilarial load in the community by annual mass drug administration (MDA) of a single dose of diethyl Carbamazine Citrate. The objective of the study aimed at the trends in coverage and compliance of Mass Drug Administration with Diethyl Carbamazine Citrate (DEC) for elimination of lymphatic filariasis in Goa. Methods: Cross-sectional population surveys were conducted after every yearly round of MDA with DEC for the years 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010 as part of independent assessment of MDA. Four clusters were selected from each district, each cluster having 30 households. A pretested questionnaire was used to interview the study participants and the responses were recorded in pre-designed formats. The data was analysed using SPSS package. Coverage rate, compliance rate, coverage-compliance gap and effective coverage rate were calculated. Results: The total coverage ranged from a high of 95.55% in the year 2007 and a low of 84.94% in 2006. The total compliance rate fluctuated between a low of 64.68% in 2010 and a high of 93.47% in 2006. Total coverage–compliance gap ranged from a high of 35.31% in the year 2010 and a low of 6.52%. Overall coverage and compliance rates were consistently higher in rural areas compared to urban areas for all the years under study. Conclusion: Coverage, compliance, coverage-compliance gap and effective coverage rate were found to be consistently lower in urban areas compared to rural areas. For the state to reach elimination targets, the MDA strategy implementation would require thorough review and revamping. Action on this front would ensure that gains made in filarial elimination are sustained eventually leading to elimination of lymphatic filariasis in the state of Goa.

Valoración clínica y parasitológica del tití gris (Primates: Cebidae: Saguinus leucopus) en dos poblaciones naturales presentes en San Carlos y San Rafael (Antioquia, Colombia) / Clinical and parasitological evaluation of White-footed Tamarins (Primates: Cebidae: Saguinusleucopus) from two free-range populations located in San Carlos and San Rafael (Antioquia, Colombia) / Valoração clínica e parasitológica do sagui cinza (Primates: Cebidae: Saguinus leucopus) em duas populações naturais que se encontram em San Carlos e San Rafael (Antioquia, Colômbia)

Resumen El estudio de individuos en cautiverio de primates Neotropicales ha permitido conocer aspectos básicos de su historia natural. Sin embargo las condiciones medioambientales pueden determinar diferencias ecológicas y fisiológicas en poblaciones silvestres. En el caso del tití gris (Saguinus leucopus), primate endémico del noroccidente colombiano, diferentes parámetros fisiológicos han sido evaluados en cautiverio. Con el fin de diagnosticar el estado de salud en condiciones naturales, se evaluaron varias características externas y parámetros fisiológicos, así como la comunidad de parásitos de dos poblaciones naturales. Aunque en general no se detectaron signos de deterioro en las condiciones generales de salud, se identificaron once taxones de parásitos entre helmintos y protozoos, algunos con alta prevalencia (filarias y Trypanosoma spp). Las comunidades de parásitos en cautiverio y en estado silvestre muestran diferencias notables. Igualmente, se identificó una aparente variación entre poblaciones silvestres e incluso entre grupos sociales circundantes con respecto a los perfiles hematológicos y de química sanguínea, que sugiere diferencias en la respuesta fisiológica ante condiciones medioambientales. Ninguna de dichas variables fisiológicas pareció estar relacionada con los parásitos encontrados. Los resultados revelaron una amplia diversidad de parásitos y una elevada tasa de infecciones parasitarias en poblaciones naturales de S. leucopus, que parecen no estar asociadas con indicadores de la condición de salud. Futuros estudios deberán enfatizar en aspectos ecológicos, genéticos y demográficos que determinen las condiciones de salud de S. leucopus en su medio natural. Se recomienda que la rehabilitación de individuos en cautiverio tenga presente posibles diferencias en variables fisiológicas y epidemiológicas entre poblaciones naturales y grupos en cautiverio con el fin de restringir la transmisión de agentes infecciosos entre ...

Abstract While much of the natural history of Neotropical primates has been revealed through studies conducted in captive individuals, environmental factors may impose ecological and physiological differences in free-range populations. For the white-footed tamarin (Saguinus leucopus), a primate endemic to Northwest Colombia, physiological parameters that have been assessed in captivity still remain to be measured in free-range populations. In order to diagnose the health status of this species in a natural environment, we assessed several external traits, measured hematological and blood-chemistry values, and characterized the parasite community of two natural populations. Despite the identification of eleven different parasite taxa and wide distribution of filaria and Trypanosoma spp., we faieled to detect signs of poor health condition. Substantial differences were found between captive and free-range tamarin populations in the composition of their parasite communities. Likewise, hematological and blood-chemistry profiles differed between free-range populations and even between neighboring social groups, suggesting a role of environmental factors in the physiological response. However, none of the physiological parameters varied as a response to parasite infection. Our results revealed a high diversity of parasites and elevated rates of parasitic infections in natural populations of S. leucopus, that do not seem to be associated with indicators of health conditions. Future studies should emphasize on ecological, genetic and demographic factors that determine the health conditions of S. leucopus in the wild. Lastly, geographic variation of physiological profiles and parasite distribution, as well as epidemiological differences between captive and wild populations, should be incorporated in rehabilitation plans of captive tamarins in order to restrict the transmission of infectious agents between populations.

Resumo O estudo de indivíduos em cativeiro de primatas Neotropicais tem permitido conhecer aspectos básicos da história natural. Embora as condições ambientais podem determinar diferenças ecológicas e fisiológicas em populações silvestres. No caso do sagui cinza (Saguinus leucopus), primata endémico do noroeste colombiano, diferentes parâmetros fisiológicos tem sido avaliados em cativeiro. Com o intuito de diagnosticar o estado de saúde em condições naturais, avaliaram-se vários rasgos externos e parâmetros fisiológicos, assim como a comunidade de parasitas de duas populações naturais. Ainda que em geral não se detectassem signos de deterioro nas condições gerais de saúde, identificaram-se onze táxones de parasitas entre helmintos e protozoários, alguns com alta prevalência (filarias e Trypanosoma spp). As comunidades de parasitas em cativeiro e no estado silvestre mostram diferenças notáveis. Igualmente, identificou-se uma aparente variação entre populações silvestres e entre grupos sociais circundantes com respeito aos perfis hematológicos e de química sanguínea, que sugere diferenças na resposta fisiológica diante condições ambientais do médio. Nenhuma das mencionadas variáveis fisiológicas pareceu estar relacionada com as parasitas encontradas. Os resultados revelaram uma grande diversidade de parasitas e uma alta taxa de infecção parasitária em populações naturais de S. leucopus, que não parecem estar associados com indicadores do condição de saúde. Estudos deste tipo no futuro deveram enfatizar em aspectos ecológicos, genéticos e demográficos que determinem as condições de saúde de S. leucopus em seu médio natural. Recomenda-se que a reabilitação de indivíduos em cativeiro tenha presente possíveis diferenças em variáveis fisiológicas e epidemiológicas entre populações naturais e grupos em cativeiro com o fim de restringir a transmissão de agentes infeciosos entre populações.

Vector-borne diseases in central India, with reference to malaria, filaria, dengue and chikungunya.

Background: Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) caused by parasites and viruses are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Madhya Pradesh (MP), central India. These diseases are malaria, lymphatic filariasis, dengue and chikungunya. Epidemiological information is lacking on different VBDs that are commonly prevalent in rural-tribal areas of MP, except on malaria. Methods: The studies were carried out at the request of Government of Madhya Pradesh, in three locations where many VBDs are endemic. Data on malaria/filaria prevalence were collected by repeatedly undertaking cross-sectional parasitological surveys in the same areas for 3 years. For dengue and chikungunya, suspected cases were referred to the research centre. Results: Monitoring of results revealed that all the diseases are commonly prevalent in the region, and show year-to-year variation. Malaria slide positivity (the number of malaria parasitaemic cases, divided by the total number of blood smears made) was 18.7% (190/1018), 16.4% (372/2266) and 20.4% (104/509) respectively in the years 2011, 2012 and 2013. There was a strong age pattern in both Plasmodium vivax and P. falciparum. The slide vivax rate was highest among infants, at 5% (odds ratio [OR] = 3.8; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.5 to 9.4; P<0.05) and the highest slide falciparum rate was 20% in children aged 1–4 years (OR = 2.0; 95% CI 1.5 to 2.7; P<0.0001). This age-related pattern was not seen in other VBDs. The microfilaria rate was 7.5%, 7.6% and 7.8% in the years 2010, 2012 and 2013, respectively. Overall, microfilaria rates were higher in males (8.7%) as compared to females 6.4% (OR = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.1 to 2.0; P < 0.01). The prevalence of dengue was 48% (dengue viruses 1 and 4 – DENV-1 and DENV-4), 59% (DENV-1) and 34% (DENV-3) respectively, in the years 2011, 2012 and 2013 among referred samples, while for chikungunya very few samples were found to be positive. Conclusion: Despite recent advances in potential vaccines and new therapeutic schemes, the control of VBDs remains difficult. Therefore, interruption of transmission still relies on vector-control measures. A coordinated, consistent, integrated vector-management approach is needed to control malaria, filaria, dengue and chikungunya.

The possible antigenic sources of brugia pahangi.

The antigenic sources of adult and the third larval (L3) stages of Brugia pahangi were detected by indirect immunofluorescent technique. Six panels of antisera were used, including human antisera against Brugia malayi and Wuchereria bancrofti, cat antisera against B.malayi and B.pahangi and jird antisera against B.malayi and B.pahangi as primary antibodies. All antisera gave the same results, although four of the six were not infected by B.pahangi. This indicates non-species specificity, and B.pahangi, B.malayi and W.bancrofti must share most of the common antigenic molecules. All antisera reacted well with the surface of L3 B.pahangi in the whole mount preparation. This indicates non-stage specificity. The most intense fluorescence was located at the epicuticle, the basal lamina lining the body wall, the gut and the reproductive tract, the egg shell in utero and the sperm. The hypodermis, the muscle cells, the cuticle beneath the epicuticle, the epithelial cells of the gut and the reproductive tract showed moderate fluorescence. The least fluorescence was observed in the egg interior.