Molecular detection of malaria in south punjab with higher proportion of mixed infections

Malaria is well known for its fatalities worldwide, Plasmodium vivax and the Plasmodium faldparum are the two important species of malaria reported from Pakistan and creating lots of morbidities across the country. Study was conducted to determine the Surveillance of malaria in South Punjab by microscopy and Polymerase chain reaction [PCR]. 40 samples out of 100 patients were found positive for malarial parasites. One patient was found with mixed infection, whereas P. Falciparum and P. vivax infections were detected in 17 and 22 patients respectively. In nested PCR, genus-specific primers for Plasmodium species, in round 1 and species-specific primers for P. Falciparum and P. vivax in. around 2 were used. By the application of PCR 41% were found to be infected by Plasmodium spp. Among Plasmodium positive patients: mixed, P. Falciparum and P. vivax infection were detected in 10, 15 and 16 patients respectively. Thirty nine microscopically positive patients confirmed to have Plasmodium spp. One negative by PCR, 2 microscopically negative patients had shown Plasmodium spp. infection [P. faldparum and P. vivax] by PCR. In total samples, P. Falciparum, P. vivax and mixed infection accounted for 36.6%, 39.0% and 24.3% respectively. Microscopy was found deficient for interpretation of mixed infections, low parasitaemia, and species specific diagnosis. The sensitivity, specificity and efficacy of nested PCR was calculated 95%, 98% and 97% respectively showing PCR as a more effective and efficient diagnostic tool for malaria

Predictors of dengue fever and dengue haemorrhagic fever in Punjab, Pakistan

This study was conducted to assess the future threat of Dengue Fever and Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever in Punjab, Pakistan. Observational and Analytical Study. This study was conducted at Directorate General Health Services Punjab, Lahore and data was collected from 1st Jan 2008 to 31 st Dec. 2008. Primary data of laboratory confirmed cases was collected from all levels of health facilities of public and private sector. Disease vectors were collected from Lahore. Data of rainfall and temperature were obtained from website of department of meteorology Pakistan to determine the potential values. Vector-bone diseases are the serious health problems worldwide, including Pakistan. Coverage of control interventions and physio-environmental factors were also analyzed. In 2008 there was a largest epidemic of dengue fever in Punjab and 1382 cases were reported in 16 districts out of 36, which increased in number of cases up to 5724 and district up to 34 in 2010. Our results suggest that rainfall and temperature were predictive of the abundance of Ae.aegypti and Ae.albopictus and in time interventions have positive significant impact on disease transmission. This paper offered useful information that the climatic and physio-environmental factors like built-up, agriculture, water bodies and forest areas have different influence on the dengue fever incidences. This will help in focusing the preventive measures being applied on priority in very high-risk zones and save time and money. No special funds were used for this study

Chloroquine resistance and Plasmodium falciparum in Punjab, Pakistan during 2000-2001.

During the years 2000-2001, the rural populations of 5 districts in Punjab were examined for malarial parasites. The incidence of Plasmodium falciparum was more than double (8.98%) that of P. vivax (4.06%). The incidence was higher among male subjects (53.5%) than females (46.9%). The largest number of infected male subjects was found in Sheikhupura district (77.78%). Chloroquine resistance was only checked in the subjects harboring P. falciparum, using in vivo techniques. Overall chloroquine sensitivity was 63.8%. Overall frequency of chloroquine resistance in the 5 Punjabi districts was 35%, with 30.6% RI and 4.4% RII. It is important that RIII was not found in the present study. Among the five districts, maximum RI (35.1%) and RII (5.4%) were noted in Multan. By age, maximum chloroquine resistance was noted in the 1-5 year age group (ie RI, 41%; RII 8%). A similar RI value (41%) was noted for the 6-14 age group, but with a low RII (3%) value. Although, the present finding is an outcome of a survey conducted in only 5 districts of Punjab, it reflects an alarming situation, as not only RI and RII resistance against chloroquine is increasing, but at the same time the incidence of P. falciparum is increasing two-fold that of P. vivax. The findings warrant that top priority be given to determining the exact status of chloroquine resistance among P. falciparum in this region, which is now hosting a heavy influx of refugees from Afghanistan, a country endemic for P. falciparum.