Knowledge on prevention and management of snake bite among adults in rural area of West Bengal

Background: Snake bite and its consequences may be largely prevented with adequate knowledge. Better knowledge can lead to positive attitude and subsequently good practices. Hence, it is of utmost need that people should have adequate knowledge regarding snake bite and its management. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess the knowledge regarding prevention and management of snake bite among adults in a rural area of West Bengal and to find out any association between sociodemographic profile and knowledge on prevention as well as management of snake bite among the study participants. Materials and Methods: A community-based and observational descriptive study was conducted in the rural field practice area of Medial College, Kolkata, West Bengal for of 2 months. The study participants who were willing to participate in the study and gave written informed consent were included in the study. A pre-designed, pre-tested, and semi-structured data collection form was used. It was developed based on similar type of previous studies and was modified according to the local culture. The data collection form comprised sociodemographic profile of the study participants, their knowledge regarding snake bite, and its prevention and availability of first aid management. Results: A total of 134 participants were included in the study. The mean age was 45.81 ± 8.00 years. It was observed that majority of the study subjects believed in the knowledge that all types of snakes are poisonous (93.2%) and leads to death (90.3%). First aid measures such as application of tourniquet that was seen in only 4.4% of the cases. However, more than half of the study subjects (71.6%) believed in sucking the venom out of the wound. It was noted that higher education status, improved social class had better knowledge score of snake bite prevention and management as compared to their counterparts and this association was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Knowledge of the study subjects on snake bite and its prevention is good, but still a large number of participants have inadequate knowledge on snake bite and its prevention. Community-based awareness program on prevention and management of snake bite, use of personal protective measures, and training of peripheral health workers ware specifically recommended.

Occurrence of Tungiasis in Ceará State, Northeast Brazil: Results of a Rapid Assessment Method

ABSTRACT Background: Systematic data on the occurrence of tungiasis are scarce. Methods: We analyzed data on tungiasis in humans and animals from all municipalities of Ceará State, Northeast Brazil, using a rapid assessment questionnaire. Results: Among the 184 municipalities, 181 (98.3%) reported tungiasis in the past (before 2021) or currently, 120 (65.2%) reported current occurrence, 155 (84.2%) reported severe cases in the past or currently, 47 (25.5 %) reported severe cases currently, and 132 (71.7%) reported tungiasis in animals. Conclusions: Tungiasis is a significant public health concern in Ceará. A One Health approach is required to reduce the disease burden in humans and animals.

Genetic variability of the 16S rRNA gene of Nocardia brasiliensis, the most common causative agent of actinomycetoma in Latin America and the Caribbean

ABSTRACT Mycetoma is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2016. It is characterized by the progressive growth of nodules and granulomatous lesions on the legs, arms, and trunk. It is potentially disfiguring and causes disability or amputations in working-age people from marginalized areas. The causative agents can be fungi (eumycetoma) or actinobacteria (actinomycetoma), the latter being the most common in America and Asia. Nocardia brasiliensis is the most important causal agent of actinomycetoma in the Americas. Taxonomic problems have been reported when identifying this species, so this study aimed to detect the 16S rRNA gene variations in N. brasiliensis strains using an in silico enzymatic restriction technique. The study included strains from clinical cases of actinomycetoma in Mexico, isolated from humans and previously identified as N. brasiliensis by traditional methods. The strains were characterized microscopically and macroscopically, then subjected to DNA extraction and amplification of the 16S rRNA gene by PCR. The amplification products were sequenced, and consensus sequences were constructed and used for genetic identification and in silico restriction enzyme analysis with the New England BioLabs® NEBcutter program. All study strains were molecularly identified as N. brasiliensis; however, in silico restriction analysis detected a diversity in the restriction patterns that were finally grouped and subclassified into 7 ribotypes. This finding confirms the existence of subgroups within N. brasiliensis. The results support the need to consider N. brasiliensis as a complex species.

King Cobra and snakebite envenomation: on the natural history, human-snake relationship and medical importance of Ophiophagus hannah

Abstract King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) has a significant place in many cultures, and is a medically important venomous snake in the world. Envenomation by this snake is highly lethal, manifested mainly by neurotoxicity and local tissue damage. King Cobra may be part of a larger species complex, and is widely distributed across Southeast Asia, southern China, northern and eastern regions as well as the Western Ghats of India, indicating potential geographical variation in venom composition. There is, however, only one species-specific King Cobra antivenom available worldwide that is produced in Thailand, using venom from the snake of Thai origin. Issues relating to the management of King Cobra envenomation (e.g., variation in the composition and toxicity of the venom, limited availability and efficacy of antivenom), and challenges faced in the research of venom (in particular proteomics), are rarely addressed. This article reviews the natural history and sociocultural importance of King Cobra, cases of snakebite envenomation caused by this species, current practice of management (preclinical and clinical), and major toxinological studies of the venom with a focus on venom proteomics, toxicity and neutralization. Unfortunately, epidemiological data of King Cobra bite is scarce, and venom proteomes reported in various studies revealed marked discrepancies in details. Challenges, such as inconsistency in snake venom sampling, varying methodology of proteomic analysis, lack of mechanistic and antivenomic studies, and controversy surrounding antivenom use in treating King Cobra envenomation are herein discussed. Future directions are proposed, including the effort to establish a standard, comprehensive Pan-Asian proteomic database of King Cobra venom, from which the venom variation can be determined. Research should be undertaken to characterize the toxin antigenicity, and to develop an antivenom with improved efficacy and wider geographical utility. The endeavors are aligned with the WHO´s roadmap that aims to reduce the disease burden of snakebite by 50% before 2030.

King Cobra and snakebite envenomation: on the natural history, human-snake relationship and medical importance of Ophiophagus hannah

King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) has a significant place in many cultures, and is a medically important venomous snake in the world. Envenomation by this snake is highly lethal, manifested mainly by neurotoxicity and local tissue damage. King Cobra may be part of a larger species complex, and is widely distributed across Southeast Asia, southern China, northern and eastern regions as well as the Western Ghats of India, indicating potential geographical variation in venom composition. There is, however, only one species-specific King Cobra antivenom available worldwide that is produced in Thailand, using venom from the snake of Thai origin. Issues relating to the management of King Cobra envenomation (e.g., variation in the composition and toxicity of the venom, limited availability and efficacy of antivenom), and challenges faced in the research of venom (in particular proteomics), are rarely addressed. This article reviews the natural history and sociocultural importance of King Cobra, cases of snakebite envenomation caused by this species, current practice of management (preclinical and clinical), and major toxinological studies of the venom with a focus on venom proteomics, toxicity and neutralization. Unfortunately, epidemiological data of King Cobra bite is scarce, and venom proteomes reported in various studies revealed marked discrepancies in details. Challenges, such as inconsistency in snake venom sampling, varying methodology of proteomic analysis, lack of mechanistic and antivenomic studies, and controversy surrounding antivenom use in treating King Cobra envenomation are herein discussed. Future directions are proposed, including the effort to establish a standard, comprehensive Pan-Asian proteomic database of King Cobra venom, from which the venom variation can be determined. Research should be undertaken to characterize the toxin antigenicity, and to develop an antivenom with improved efficacy and wider geographical utility. The endeavors are aligned with the WHO´s roadmap that aims to reduce the disease burden of snakebite by 50% before 2030.(AU)

Global burden and challenges of parasitic diseases in Africa / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Parasitic diseases are common infectious diseases closely related to poverty,which are mainly endemic in the trop-ical and subtropical regions.Africa is the major epidemic area of parasitic diseases,and the global burden of malaria and schisto-somiasis is over 85% in Africa.This paper reviews the disease burden,regional distribution and control strategies of the main parasitic diseases in Africa,in order to promote the prevention and control of parasitic diseases in this area.

Is imidacloprid an effective alternative for controlling pyrethroid-resistant populations of Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) in the Gran Chaco ecoregion?

The prevention of Chagas disease is based primarily on the chemical control of Triatoma infestans (Klug) using pyrethroid insecticides. However, high resistance levels, correlated with control failures, have been detected in Argentina and Bolivia. A previous study at our laboratory found that imidacloprid could serve as an alternative to pyrethroid insecticides. We studied the delayed toxicity of imidacloprid and the influence of the blood feeding condition of the insect on the toxicity of this insecticide; we also studied the effectiveness of various commercial imidacloprid formulations against a pyrethroid-resistant T. infestans population from the Gran Chaco ecoregion. Variations in the toxic effects of imidacloprid were not observed up to 72 h after exposure and were not found to depend on the blood feeding condition of susceptible and resistant individuals. Of the three different studied formulations of imidacloprid on glass and filter paper, only the spot-on formulation was effective. This formulation was applied to pigeons at doses of 1, 5, 20 and 40 mg/bird. The nymphs that fed on pigeons treated with 20 mg or 40 mg of the formulation showed a higher mortality rate than the control group one day and seven days post-treatment (p < 0.01). A spot-on formulation of imidacloprid was effective against pyrethroid-resistant T. infestans populations at the laboratory level.

Mansonelliasis, a neglected parasitic disease in Haiti

Reported in Haiti as early as 1923, Mansonella ozzardi is still a neglected disease ignored by the health authorities of the country. This review is an update on the geographic distribution of the coastal foci of mansonelliasis in Haiti, the epidemiological profile and prevalence rates of microfilariae in people living in endemic areas, the clinical impact of the parasite on health and the efficiency of the transmission of the parasite among three Culicoides biting-midge species identified as vectors in Haiti. Additionally, interest in establishing a treatment programme to combat this parasite using a single dose of ivermectin is emphasised.

How endemic countries can accelerate lymphatic filariasis elimination? An analytical review identify strategic and programmatic interventions.

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is endemic in 81 countries in the world, and a number of these countries have targeted for LF elimination. This review of literature and analysis was conducted to identify additional and sustainable strategies to accelerate LF elimination from endemic countries. This review noted that adverse events due to mass drug administration (MDA) of diethyl carbamazine (DEC) tablets, poor knowledge and information about LF amongst health workers & community members, and limited focus on information, education & communication (IEC) activities and interpersonal communication are the major barriers in LF elimination. The new approaches to increase compliance with DEC tablets (including exploring the possibility for DEC fortification of salt), targeted education programmes for physicians and health workers, and IEC material and inter personal communication to improve the knowledge of community are immediately required. There is a renewed and pressing need to conduct operational research, evolve sustainable and institutional mechanisms for education of physicians and health workers, ensure quality of trainings on MDA, strengthen IEC delivery mechanisms, implement internal and external monitoring of MDA activities, sufficient funding in timely manner, and to improve political and programmatic leadership. It is also time that lessons from other elimination programmes are utilized to accelerate targeted LF elimination from the endemic countries.