Characterisation of an area of coexistent visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis transmission in the State of Piauí, Brazil

BACKGROUND In Brazil, transmission of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis has expanded geographically over the last decades, with both clinical forms occurring simultaneously in the same area. OBJECTIVES This study characterised the clinical, spatial, and temporal distribution, and performed entomological surveillance and natural infection analysis of a leishmaniasis-endemic area. METHODS In order to characterise the risk of leishmaniasis transmission in Altos, Piauí, we described the clinical and socio-demographic variables and the spatial and temporal distribution of cases of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL) and American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) cases and identified potential phlebotomine vectors. FINDINGS The urban area concentrated almost 54% of ACL and 86.8% of AVL cases. The temporal and spatial distribution of AVL and ACL cases in Altos show a reduction in the number of risk areas, but the presence of permanent disease transmission foci is observed especially in the urban area. 3,808 phlebotomine specimens were captured, with Lutzomyia longipalpis as the most frequent species (98.45%). Of the 35 females assessed for natural infection, one specimen of Lu. longipalpis tested positive for the presence of Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis DNA. MAIN CONCLUSION Our results indicate the presence of risk areas for ACL and AVL in the municipality of Altos and highlight the importance of entomological surveillance to further understand a possible role of Lu. longipalpis in ACL transmission.

Cost of National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme in North India

Background & objectives: Despite significant resources being spent on National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), there are meagre published data on health system cost upon its implementation. Hence, the present study estimated the annual and unit cost of different services delivered under NVBDCP in North India. Methodology: Economic cost of implementing NVBDCP was estimated based on data collected from three North Indian States, i.e. Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. Multistage stratified random sampling was used for selecting health facilities across each level [i.e. subcentres (SCs), Primary Health Centres (PHCs), community health centres (CHCs) and district malaria office (DMO)] from the selected States. Data on annual consumption of both capital and recurrent resources were assessed from each of the selected facilities following bottom-up costing approach. Capital items (equipment, vehicles and furniture) were annualized over average life span using a discount rate of 3 per cent. The mean annual cost of implementation of NVBDCP was estimated for each level along with unit cost. Results: The mean annual cost of implementing NVBDCP at the level of SC, PHC and CHC and DMO was ? 230,420 (199,523-264,901), 686,962 (482,637-886,313), 1.2 million (0.9-1.5 million) and 9.1 million (4.6-13.5 million), respectively. Per capita cost for the provision of complete package of services under NVBDCP was ? 45 (37-54), 48 (29-73), 10 (6-14) and 47 (31-62) at the level of SC, PHC, CHC and DMO level, respectively. The per capita cost was higher in Himachal Pradesh (HP) at SC [? 69 (52-85)] and CHC [? 20.8 (20.7-20.8)] level and in Punjab at PHC level [? 89 (49-132)] as compared to other States. Interpretation & conclusions: The evidence on cost of NVBDCP can be used to undertake future economic evaluations which could serve as a basis for allocating resources efficiently, policy development as well as future planning for scale up of services.

Distribution modelling of Aedes aegypti in three dengue-endemic areas in Sumatera, Indonesia

@#Ae. aegypti is a dengue virus vector and a public health threat in Indonesia. Furthermore, the Dengue Haemoragic Fever (DHF) has spread to all cities in the country, including Bandar Lampung. A species distribution model, Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt), was used to predict the geographic distribution of this vector in three dengue-endemic areas, namely Sukarame, Kemiling, and Tanjung Seneng. Previously, surveillance was conducted to determine the presence of Ae. aegypti. Therefore, this study suggested that environmental variables such as rainfall, temperature, land cover, and population density have influenced the widespread of Ae. aegypti and facilitate its proliferation in the study areas. The influence of the environmental variables was analyzed using a response curve. The model performance was measured by percent contribution, the importance of permutations, and the jackknife test. This study’s evaluation indicates that the certainty models for the presence of Ae. aegypti in Sukarame, Kemiling, and Tanjung Seneng were developed extremely well, with respective values of 0.989, 0.993, and 0.969. The results showed that Ae. aegypti is widespread in the three endemic areas. The high population density and land conversion into settlements are influential environmental variables essential in determining the distribution of the vector in three areas of Bandar Lampung. Climatic factors such as rainfall and temperature are supporting aspects in maintaining the habitat of Ae. aegypti in the area. Mapping areas at risk of this dengue vector can aid in planning disease management strategies and identifying priority locations for entomological surveys to control epidemics.

Progress of researches on approaches for estimating the burden of vector-borne diseases / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

The burden of vector-borne diseases refers to the loss and impact of healthy life and social economy due to disability and early death caused by vector-borne diseases, including economic burden and family burden. Disability-adjusted life year (DALY) is a comprehensive measure of the burden of disease. The economic burden of disease is classified into direct economic burden, indirect economic burden and intangible economic burden. Currently, the estimates of direct economic burdens include micro-cost and macro-cost models, and the estimates of indirecteconomic burdens include human resources and friction cost methods, while the intangible economic burden is generally estimated by willingness to pay. The currently available health economics approaches mainly include cost-utility analysis, cost-benefit analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis. This review summarizes the approaches for estimating the burden of malaria and other vector-borne diseases.

An overview of the sandfly fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae) followed by the detection of Leishmania DNA and blood meal identification in the state of Acre, Amazonian Brazil

BACKGROUND In Acre state, Brazil, the dissemination of cutaneous leishmaniasis has increased in recent years, with limited knowledge of the potential Leishmania spp. vectors involved. OBJECTIVES Here, data concerning the sandfly fauna of Brasiléia municipality, Leishmania DNA-detection rates and the identification of blood meal sources of insects captured in 2013-2015 are presented. METHODS Parasite detection in female sandflies was performed individually by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (Leishmania kDNA/sandfly cacophony-gene), with the identification of Leishmania spp. by hsp70-PCR and sequencing. The identification of blood gut-content from fed females was performed by cyt b-PCR and sequencing. FINDINGS A total of 4,473 sandflies were captured. A subgroup of 864 non-blood-fed females evaluated for the presence of Leishmania DNA showed 2.9% positivity for Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and L. (V.) guyanensis. The identification of blood meal sources was performed in 96 blood-fed females, allowing the identification of 13 vertebrate species. In nine/96 fed females, DNA from L. (V.) shawi, L. (V.) guyanensis, L. (V.) braziliensis and Endotrypanum sp. was detected. MAIN CONCLUSIONS In Brumptomyia sp. and Evandromyia termitophila, the first report of Leishmania DNA-detection is provided in Acre; Nyssomyia shawi is implicated as potential vector of L. (V.) braziliensis and L. (V.) guyanensis for the first time in Brazil.

Community perception and risk reduction practices toward malaria and dengue: A mixed-method study in slums of Chetla, Kolkata

Background: Globally, vector-borne diseases account for 17% of infectious disease burden. In India, despite accelerated efforts, both malaria and dengue are major public health concern. Understanding local community perspectives is essential to strengthen ongoing program activities. Objectives: The study aimed to assess the community perceptions and risk reduction practices toward prevention and control of malaria and dengue at slums of Chetla in South Kolkata and to explore the perspectives of relevant local stakeholders in this regard. Methods: This cross-sectional study with mixed-method design was conducted from June to September 2018. Quantitative data were collected in 288 sampled households through face-to-face interview of respondents and environmental checklist, whereas, qualitative exploration was done with five key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 Software. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically using “cut and sort” processing technique. Results: In household survey, majority had unsatisfactory knowledge (68.4%), attitude (64.2%), and practices (62.8%) regarding diseases prevention/control, which was further substantiated by qualitative findings. The use of electric fans (79.5%), mosquito repellents (53.8%) were predominant practices; however, only a few used bed nets regularly (26.0%). Reportedly, “heat” and “poor ventilation” were key reasons behind reluctance to use bed nets. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that increasing age, proximity to a nearby canal, and unsatisfactory knowledge significantly predicted unfavorable attitude, whereas, respondents' gender and unfavorable attitude significantly predicted poor practices. Conclusions: Intensified social behavior change communication with active community participation is the need of the hour to prevent malaria and dengue occurrence and future outbreaks.

Knowledge, perceptions and practices regarding Zika virus of university students in northern Colombia (Santa Marta, 2016) / Conocimientos, percepciones y prácticas sobre el virus del Zika en estudiantes universitarios del norte de Colombia (Santa Marta, 2016)

This study focuses on the knowledge, perceptions and practices of 171 university students regarding Zika virus and its vector in Santa Marta (Colombia) in 2016. A survey was conducted, and the answers about causative agent and mode of transmission were classified into three levels of knowledge. Altogether, 32.1% of the students stated that they had suffered from Zika. A total of 60% stated that they knew what the disease was; however, only 29.2% knew what the causative agent was, and 45.6% knew the mode of transmission. Regarding the level of knowledge, only 14.6% knew the causative agent and the mode of transmission (Level 2). In general, the students recognize the symptoms of Zika virus, and 53.8% of them consider Zika to be very serious. More than half of them believe that they, the community, and the government are responsible for controlling the vector. Even though more than half the students know the most important strategies to control the vector, they do not apply them; the reasons for this might be their everyday habits, the lack of organization in their communities, a deficient public health system, and climate change. It is recommended to implement permanent strategies for vector control that take into account the sociocultural characteristics of at-risk populations.

Este estudio analiza el nivel de conocimiento, percepciones y prácticas de 171 estudiantes universitarios sobre el virus del Zika y su vector en Santa Marta (Colombia) en 2016. Se aplicó una encuesta y las respuestas sobre el agente causativo y el modo de transmisión se clasificaron en tres niveles de conocimiento. Se encontró que el 32,1% de los estudiantes manifiestan haber sufrido Zika. Un 60% afirmó que conocían la enfermedad, sin embargo, solo el 29,2% conocía el agente causal y el 45,6% el modo de transmisión. Sólo el 14,6% conocía el agente causal y el modo de transmisión (Nivel 2). En general, los estudiantes reconocen los síntomas del Zika. Para el 53,8% es una enfermedad muy grave y más de la mitad considera que ellos, la comunidad y el gobierno son responsables de controlar el vector. Aunque más de la mitad de los estudiantes conocen las estrategias más importantes para controlar el vector, no las practican; esto puede explicarse debido a sus prácticas cotidianas, falta de organización comunitaria, deficiencia en el sistema de salud pública y el cambio climático. Se recomienda implementar estrategias permanentes de control de vectores que consideren las características socioculturales de las poblaciones en riesgo.

Molecular and serological detection of Theileria equi, Babesia caballi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in horses and ticks in Maranhão, Brazil / Detecção molecular e serológica de Theileria equi, Babesia caballi e Anaplasma phagocytophilum em equinos e carrapatos no Maranhão

Equine piroplasmosis is a tick-borne disease caused by the intraeytrhocytic protozoans Babesia caballi and Theileria equi. It has been reported as a main equine parasitic disease. In addition, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the causative agent of granulocytic ehrlichiosis, causes a seasonal disease in horses. Both diseases, can be detrimental to animal health. In this sense, blood samples and ticks were collected from 97 horses raised in the microregion of Baixada Maranhense, Maranhão State, Brazil. Serum samples were subjected to Indirect Fluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT) and blood samples and ticks to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to evaluate the infection by Theileria equi, Babesia caballi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The overall seroprevalence was 38.14%, 18.55% and 11.34% for T. equi, B. caballi and A. phagocytophilum, respectively. The results of PCR from blood samples showed 13.40% and 3.09% positive samples to T. equi and B. caballi, respectively. A total of 170 tick specimens were collected and identified as Dermacentor nitens, Amblyomma cajennense sensu lato and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. It was detected 2.35% (4/170) and 0.59% (1/170) positive tick samples by PCR for T. equi and B. caballi, respectively. All samples were negative to A. phagocytophilum. No statically difference (p>0.05) was observed when gender, age, use of ectoparasiticide and tick presence were analyzed. A BLASTn analysis of the sequenced samples indicated 97 to 100% similarity with T. equi 18S rRNA gene sequences in GenBank and 98 to 100% with B. caballi. Genetic analysis classified the obtained sequences as T. equi and B. caballi cluster, respectively. It can be concluded that these pathogens occur and are circulating in the studied area.(AU)

A piroplasmose equina é uma doença transmitida por carrapatos causada pelos protozoários intraeritrocitários Babesia caballi e Theileria equi. É relatada como uma doença parasitária comum em equinos. Além disso, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, o agente causal da ehrlichiose granulocítica, causa uma doença sazonal em equinos. Ambas as doenças, podem ser prejudiciais para a saúde animal. Nesse sentido, amostras de sangue e carrapatos foram coletadas de 97 cavalos criados na microrregião da Baixada Maranhense, estado do Maranhão, Brasil. As amostras de soro foram submetidas ao Teste de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI) e amostras de sangue e os carrapatos a Reação da Polimerase em Cadeia (PCR) para avaliar a infecção por Theileria equi, Babesia caballi e Anaplasma phagocytophilum. A prevalência foi de 38,14%, 18,55% e 11,34% para T. equi, B. caballi e A. phagocytophilum, respectivamente. Os resultados da PCR para as amostras de sangue demonstraram 13,40% e 3,09% de positividade para T. equi e B. caballi, respectivamente. Um total de 170 specimens de carrapatos foi coletado e foram identificados Dermacentor nitens, Amblyomma cajennense sensu lato and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. Obteve-se 2,35% (4/170) e 0,59% (1/170) positivos por PCR para T. equi e B. caballi, respectivamente. Todas as amostras foram negativas para A. phagocytophilum. Não houve diferença estatística significativa (p>0.05) em relação ao sexo, idade, uso de ectoparasiticida e presença de carrapatos. A análise BLASTn das amostras sequenciadas para gene 18S rRNA indicaram 97 a 100% de similaridade com T. equi e 98-100% com B. caballi no GenBank. Análises genéticas classificaram as sequencias obtidas no mesmo clado que T. equi e B. caballi, respectivamente. Podemos concluir que estes patógenos estão circulando na área de estudo.(AU)

Monitoreo de Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borreliaburgdorferi, y Dirofilaria immitis en perros de tres ciudades enColombia / Surveillance for Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borreliaburgdorferi, and Dirofilaria immitis in Dogs From Three Cities in Colombia

Emerging infectious and zoonotic diseases are made up in large proportion by vector-borne diseases (VBD). Dogs are parasitized by disease vectors such as ticks and mosquitoes, making dogs adequate reservoirs for zoonoses. Risk of exposure to VBD exists for the US military personnel and Military Working Dogs (MWD) when deployed globally. The importance of canine VBD surveillance relates to veterinary and public health significance for the host nations as well as for the US troops and MWDs. The objective of this work was to survey dogs from the cities of Medellin, Barranquilla, and Cartagena in Colombia to determine prevalence of heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis), ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis), Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi), and anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum). Canine (n=498) blood samples (1-3cc) were collected during July 2011 from Medellin (n=175), Barranquilla (n=223), and Cartagena (n=100). Samples were tested on-site using IDEXX SNAP® 4Dx® Test Kits. The overall combined sample prevalence of E. canis, A. phagocytophilum, D. immitis, and B. burgdorferi was 62%, 33%, 1.6%, and 0%. In Medellin, 26% of the samples were positive for E. canis, 12% for A. phagocytophilum, and 0% for D. immitis. In Barranquilla, sample prevalence for E. canis, A. phagocytophilum, and D. immitis were 83%, 40%, and 2%. In Cartagena, E. canis, A. phagocytophilum, and D. immitis sample prevalence were 80%, 51%, and 3%. In conclusion, E. canis and A. phagocytophilum are present in all three surveyed cities. There is a higher prevalence for E. canis and A. phagocytophilum than D. immitis. In addition, the prevalence for these organisms is higher in Barranquilla and Cartagena than in Medellin. Overall, this study emphasizes the value of surveillance for VBDs in order to determine disease prevalence, develop risk assessments, and to implement control measures.

Las nuevas enfermedades infecciosas y enfermedades zoonóticas son en su mayor proporción el resultado o causa de enfermedades transmitidas por vectores (VBD: Vector-Borne Diseases). Perros que han sido infectados por enfermedades vectores como mosquitos y garrapatas, se convierten en fuentes adecuadas para enfermedades zoonóticas. Existe un riesgo ante la exposición a VBD en el personal de las Fuerzas Armadas Americanas y los perros del servicio militar (MWD: Military Working Dogs) cuando estos se encuentran trabajando fuera de los Estados Unidos. Tanto como para la Veterinaria, la Salud pública de las Naciones anfitrionas y de las Fuerzas Armadas Americanas y de sus perros militares es de gran importancia el seguimiento y vigilancia de VBD en los perros. El objetivo de este trabajo fué el monitoreo e investigación de perros en las ciudades de Medellin, Barranquilla y Cartagena en Colombia y determinar la existencia de enfermedades como la enfermedad del gusano del corazón ("heartworm disease" -Dirofilaria immitis), ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis), Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) y anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum). Perros (n=498) muestras de sangre (1-3cc) recolectadas durante Julio 2011. En Medellín (n=175) Barranquilla (n= 223) y Cartagena (n= 100). Muestras fueron utilizadas en sitio por medio de IDEXX SNAP® 4Dx® Test Kits. La convinación total de las pruebas muestran una prevalencia de E. canis, A.phagocytophilum, D. immitis, y B. burgdorferi fue de un 62%, 33%, 1.6% y de un 0% En Medellin, 26% de las pruebas fueron positivas para E. canis, 12% para A. phagocytophilum, y 0% para D. immitis. En Barranquilla, las muestras demostraron una prevalencia para E. canis, A. phagocytophilum y D. immitis fue de un 83%, 40% y 2%. En Cartagena, E. canis, A. phagocytophilum, y D. immitis mostraron una prevalencia del 80%, 51% y 3%. En conclusión, E. canis y A. phagocytophilum estan presentes en las tres ciudades. Hay una mayor prevalencia para E. canis y A. phagocytophilum y también la presencia de estos organismos es mayor en Barranquilla y Cartagena comparado con los resultados de Medellín. Este estudio tiene como propósito enfatizar el valor e importancia del monitoreo y estudio de VBDs con el fin de determinar la prevalencia de las enfermedades, el desarrollo de sus causas y determinar medios para prevenir y controlar el esparcimiento de estas enfermedades.

Mobilizing community-based health insurance to enhance awareness & prevention of airborne, vector-borne & waterborne diseases in rural India.

Background & objectives: Despite remarkable progress in airborne, vector-borne and waterborne diseases in India, the morbidity associated with these diseases is still high. Many of these diseases are controllable through awareness and preventive practice. This study was an attempt to evaluate the effectiveness of a preventive care awareness campaign in enhancing knowledge related with airborne, vector-borne and waterborne diseases, carried out in 2011 in three rural communities in India (Pratapgarh and Kanpur-Dehat in Uttar Pradesh and Vaishali in Bihar). Methods: Data for this analysis were collected from two surveys, one done before the campaign and the other after it, each of 300 randomly selected households drawn from a larger sample of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) members invited to join community-based health insurance (CBHI) schemes. Results: The results showed a significant increase both in awareness (34%, p<0.001) and in preventive practices (48%, P=0.001), suggesting that the awareness campaign was effective. However, average practice scores (0.31) were substantially lower than average awareness scores (0.47), even in post-campaign. Awareness and preventive practices were less prevalent in vector-borne diseases than in airborne and waterborne diseases. Education was positively associated with both awareness and practice scores. The awareness scores were positive and significant determinants of the practice scores, both in the pre- and in the post-campaign results. Affiliation to CBHI had significant positive influence on awareness and on practice scores in the post-campaign period. Interpretation & conclusions: The results suggest that well-crafted health educational campaigns can be effective in raising awareness and promoting health-enhancing practices in resource-poor settings. It also confirms that CBHI can serve as a platform to enhance awareness to risks of exposure to airborne, vector-borne and waterborne diseases, and encourage preventive practices.

Dengue Vector Control in Malaysia- Challenges and Recent Advances

Dengue is a serious mosquito borne disease common in tropical and sub-tropical countries including Malaysia. There is at present a lack of specific treatment and an effective tetravalent vaccine against dengue. The control of dengue depends solely on the suppression of the two most important vectors namely, Aedes aegypti and Ae albopictus. Despite intensive and extensive control efforts by health agencies, the disease continues to spread. This paper updates various innovations on control of dengue vectors. Gene-based sterile insect technique using the RIDL technology for both Aedes aegypti & Ae albopictus control has now been actively researched and field trials are pursued to evaluate the effectiveness of the technology. The release of Wolbachia-infected Ae aegypti is another dengue control innovation. The infected mosquito cannot support development of dengue virus and has shorter life span. Other innovations include: auto-dissemination of insect control agents using ovitrap, autocidal adult and larva trap, outdoor residual spraying, insecticidal paint and biocontrol agent. In other innovation, outbreak prediction capability is enhanced by developing model based on environmental data and analysis utilising neural network.

Has Vector-Rodent Relationship Changed in Plague? Experiences of Plague Affected Hilly Terrains of Himachal Pradesh, India.

Background: The present study was conducted with objectives to elucidate the existence of sylvatic cycle of plague and to document the changing pattern of relationship between rodents and fleas. Methods: Collection of samples was done from 15 sites (25 locations) from plague affected areas of Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, India during 5 visits between June 2011 to July 2012, which were thereafter entomologically investigated in a BSL-3 laboratory Results: 57 fleas (3 species) from 243 rodents (3 species) were collected in domestic (n=16), peridomestic (n=3) and wild (n=6) locations. Rattus rattus (n=197) and Nosopsyllus fascitus (n=43) was most frequently trapped rodent and flea species respectively. Rattus rattus (domestic rodent species) was also trapped from wild areas and Nosopsyllus fascitus (domestic flea species) was also isolated from Rattus norvegicus (wild rodent species). One rare rodent species Cornilurus albipes was also found. Most common rodent-flea association was Rattus norvegicus-Nosopsyllus fascitus. The recovery of rodents and flea was higher in months of June and December respectively. Conclusions: The study concluded that sylvatic cycle persisted in study area and rodent and flea mixing was widely prevalent between domestic and wild area. This demands regular and intensive surveillance in plague prone hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh.

Infection by Coxiella burnetii in a patient from a rural area of Monteria, Colombia / Infección por Coxiella burnetii en un paciente de un área rural de Montería, Colombia

O objetivo deste estudo foi construir um instrumento que avalia a qualidade de vida no trabalho de forma global, seguindo os moldes dos instrumentos de avaliação da qualidade de vida da Organização Mundial da Saúde (WHOQOL) e alicerçado nos modelos teóricos clássicos de qualidade de vida no trabalho, com direcionamento para a sociedade contemporânea brasileira. Metodologia A validação de conteúdo foi realizada através da análise por pesquisadores da área da qualidade de vida no trabalho, enquanto a verificação da consistência interna ocorreu por meio da utilização do coeficiente alfa de Cronbach, em uma aplicação a 143 indivíduos. Resultados A versão final do instrumento é constituída de 47 questões, sendo cinco para conhecimento da amostra e 42 seccionadas em cinco esferas que contemplam as dimensões da qualidade de vida no trabalho. O alfa de Cronbach obtido a partir da aplicação do instrumento foi de 0,8568. Para o cálculo dos resultados do instrumento fora desenvolvida a sintaxe SPSS e uma ferramenta no software Microsoft Excel que realiza os cálculos forma automatizada após a tabulação dos dados. Conclusão Conclui-se que o objetivo de validar um instrumento global de avaliação da qualidade de vida no trabalho validado a partir da cultura hodierna brasileira, com características psicométricas satisfatórias foi atingido, podendo este ser aplicado sem a obrigatoriedade de utilização do software SPSS...

The objective of this study was to build an instrument that evaluates quality of working life (QW:) in a comprehensive way that is in line with the WHOQOL instruments and is based on QWL's classic theoretical models, directed toward contemporary Brazilian society. Methods The content validation was performed through analysis by researchers in the area of QWL, and the verification of internal consistency was performed with Cronbach's alpha. The instrument was administered to 143 individuals. Results The final version of the instrument consists of 47 questions, with five for sampling knowledge and the remaining 42 divided into five spheres that take into account the dimensions of QWL.. Cronbach's alpha obtained from the administration of the instrument was 0.8568. A SPSS syntax and a tool in Microsoft Excel that performs the automated calculation after data tabulation was developed to calculate the results. Conclusions We conclude that the goal of validating a comprehensive instrument with satisfactory psychometrical characteristics for the evaluation of QWL based on contemporary Brazilian culture was reached. This tool may be used without a need for SPSS utilization...

Climate change & infectious diseases in India: Implications for health care providers.

Climate change has the potential to influence the earth’s biological systems, however, its effects on human health are not well defined. Developing nations with limited resources are expected to face a host of health effects due to climate change, including vector-borne and water-borne diseases such as malaria, cholera, and dengue. This article reviews common and prevalent infectious diseases in India, their links to climate change, and how health care providers might discuss preventive health care strategies with their patients.

Serological investigation of vector-borne disease in dogs from rural areas of China

Objective:To evaluate the Anaplasma phagocytophilum (A. phagocytophilum), Ehrlichia canis (E. canis), Dirofilaria immitis (D. immitis) (canine heartworm), Borrelia burgdorferi (B. burgdorferi) infections in countryside dogs from Yunnan, Hainan and Anhui provinces. Methods: Serum samples were collected from 26 dogs in Yunnan, Hainan and Anhui provinces. The samples were tested using a commercial ELISA rapid diagnostic assay kit (SNAP? 4Dx?; IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. U.S.A.). Meanwhile, indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) recommended by WHO was conducted to detect IgG to A. phagocytophilum. Two methods were analyzed and compared. Results: The number of serologically positive dogs for IgG to A. phagocytophilum was only 2 which was from Hainan province and none of the 26 dogs responded positive for E. canis, D. immitis (canine heartworm), and B. burgdorferi by ELISA rapid diagnostic method. The number of serologically positive dogs for IgG to A. phagocytophilum was 13 (50%) by IFA method. Data of the two methods were analyzed by statistical software and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.002). Conclusions: It can be concluded that IFA method was more sensitive than ELISA rapid diagnostic method. However, we need conduct further and intensive epidemiology survey on tick-born diseases pathogens including A. phagocytophilum, E. canis, D. immitis (canine heartworm), and B. burgdorferi which have public health significance.

Serological investigation of vector-borne disease in dogs from rural areas of China

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the Anaplasma phagocytophilum (A. phagocytophilum), Ehrlichia canis (E. canis), Dirofilaria immitis (D. immitis) (canine heartworm), Borrelia burgdorferi (B. burgdorferi) infections in countryside dogs from Yunnan, Hainan and Anhui provinces.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Serum samples were collected from 26 dogs in Yunnan, Hainan and Anhui provinces. The samples were tested using a commercial ELISA rapid diagnostic assay kit (SNAP(®) 4Dx(®); IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. U.S.A.). Meanwhile, indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) recommended by WHO was conducted to detect IgG to A. phagocytophilum. Two methods were analyzed and compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The number of serologically positive dogs for IgG to A. phagocytophilum was only 2 which was from Hainan province and none of the 26 dogs responded positive for E. canis, D. immitis (canine heartworm), and B. burgdorferi by ELISA rapid diagnostic method. The number of serologically positive dogs for IgG to A. phagocytophilum was 13 (50%) by IFA method. Data of the two methods were analyzed by statistical software and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.002).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>It can be concluded that IFA method was more sensitive than ELISA rapid diagnostic method. However, we need conduct further and intensive epidemiology survey on tick-born diseases pathogens including A. phagocytophilum, E. canis, D. immitis (canine heartworm), and B. burgdorferi which have public health significance.</p>

Malaria transmission blocking immunity and sexual stage vaccines for interrupting malaria transmission in Latin America

Malaria is a vector-borne disease that is considered to be one of the most serious public health problems due to its high global mortality and morbidity rates. Although multiple strategies for controlling malaria have been used, many have had limited impact due to the appearance and rapid dissemination of mosquito resistance to insecticides, parasite resistance to multiple antimalarial drug, and the lack of sustainability. Individuals in endemic areas that have been permanently exposed to the parasite develop specific immune responses capable of diminishing parasite burden and the clinical manifestations of the disease, including blocking of parasite transmission to the mosquito vector. This is referred to as transmission blocking (TB) immunity (TBI) and is mediated by specific antibodies and other factors ingested during the blood meal that inhibit parasite development in the mosquito. These antibodies recognize proteins expressed on either gametocytes or parasite stages that develop in the mosquito midgut and are considered to be potential malaria vaccine candidates. Although these candidates, collectively called TB vaccines (TBV), would not directly stop malaria from infecting individuals, but would stop transmission from infected person to non-infected person. Here, we review the progress that has been achieved in TBI studies and the development of TBV and we highlight their potential usefulness in areas of low endemicity such as Latin America.

Transmission blocking vaccines to control insect-borne diseases: a review

Insect-borne diseases are responsible for severe mortality and morbidity worldwide. As control of insect vector populations relies primarily on the use of insecticides, the emergence of insecticide resistance as well to unintended consequences of insecticide use pose significant challenges to their continued application. Novel approaches to reduce pathogen transmission by disease vectors are been attempted, including transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) thought to be a feasible strategy to reduce pathogen burden in endemic areas. TBVs aim at preventing the transmission of pathogens from infected to uninfected vertebrate host by targeting molecule(s) expressed on the surface of pathogens during their developmental phase within the insect vector or by targeting molecules expressed by the vectors. For pathogen-based molecules, the majority of the TBV candidates selected as well as most of the data available regarding the effectiveness of this approach come from studies using malaria parasites. However, TBV candidates also have been identified from midgut tissues of mosquitoes and sand flies. In spite of the successes achieved in the potential application of TBVs against insect-borne diseases, many significant barriers remain. In this review, many of the TBV strategies against insect-borne pathogens and their respective ramification with regards to the immune response of the vertebrate host are discussed.

Night and crepuscular mosquitoes and risk of vector-borne diseases in areas of piassaba extraction in the middle Negro River basin, state of Amazonas, Brazil

A study of crepuscular and night-biting mosquitoes was conducted at remote settlements along the Padauiri River, middle Negro River, state of Amazonas, Brazil. Collections were performed with human bait and a CDC-light trap on three consecutive days per month from June 2003-May 2004. In total, 1,203 h of collection were performed, of which 384 were outside and 819 were inside houses. At total of 11,612 specimens were captured, and Anophelinae (6.01 percent) were much less frequent than Culicinae (93.94 percent). Anopheles darlingi was the most frequent Anophelinae collected. Among the culicines, 2,666 Culex (Ae.) clastrieri Casal & Garcia, 2,394 Culex. (Mel.) vomerifer Komp, and 1,252 Culex (Mel.) eastor Dyar were the most frequent species collected. The diversity of insects found reveals the receptivity of the area towards a variety of diseases facilitated by the presence of vectors involved in the transmission of Plasmodium, arboviruses and other infectious agents.