Sago haemolytic disease: towards understanding a novel food-borne toxicosis

Sago haemolytic disease is a rare but sometimes fatal disease found primarily in the coastal regions of Papua New Guinea and among groups in which sago is a primary source of carbohydrate. It has been known since 1961 and fungi consistently have been suspected of being involved. Investigations carried out on stored sago and samples recovered from poisoning episodes have failed to indicate the consistent presence of mycotoxins. However, fungi (especially Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Trichoderma) with strong haemolytic activity have been associated with sago, particularly when stored in open-weave baskets and sago-leaf-wrapped bundles. The haemolytic activity has been attributed to fatty acids (principally oleic, palmitic, linoleic) contained primarily in the fungal hyphae. It is hypothesized that when these acids are released through hyphal breakdown during digestion and are present in individuals with a low serum albumin level, free fatty acid excess occurs resulting in red cell membrane destruction and intravascular haemolysis. In extreme cases, blood transfusion is required. Methods of storage providing high levels of access to oxygen favour the development of fungi: eg, leaf-encased bundles and open-weave storage favour growth over that seen in starch stored under water, such as in earthen vessels. Ensuring storage does not exceed 3-4 weeks, encouraging anaerobic conditions of the starch and maintaining protein nutrition in communities where sago is relied upon should alleviate outbreak episodes.

Cholera in Papua New Guinea: observations to date and future considerations

Cholera is a severe diarrhoeal illness caused by infection with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. From July 2009 to late 2011 Papua New Guinea (PNG) experienced thefirst outbreak of cholera ever reported in this country. During this time > 15,000 cases of cholera were reported, resulting in approximately 500 deaths. The origin of this outbreak is unknown, but considering the remote location of the initial outbreak an infected international traveller is unlikely to be the source. In this paper we review the characteristics of the PNG cholera outbreak and discuss the ongoing threat of cholera to the country and the region.

Evaluation of a rapid immunochromatographic assay for the detection of rotavirus, norovirus and adenovirus from children hospitalized with acute watery diarrhoea

We evaluated the IP-Triple I immunochromatographic rapid test for the detection of rotavirus, norovirus and adenovirus using stool samples from children with diarrhoea. The detection of norovirus and adenovirus was poor compared to polymerase chain reaction assays. However, high sensitivity (92%) and specificity (99%) were obtained for the detection of rotavirus.

Evaluation of a WASH intervention demonstrates the potential for improved hygiene practices in Hiri District, Central Province

Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions aim to improve health outcomes through provision of safe water supplies and improved sanitation facilities, while also promoting better hygiene practices in communities. Population Services International introduced a WASH intervention project in the Hiri District, Central Province in May 2012. Shortly after its introduction we conducted a survey to determine the uptake of the intervention and gauge its impact. We invited 400 households to participate in the study, which consisted of a questionnaire for the head of the household. A total of 395 questionnaires were completed: 314 from households that had participated in the WASH intervention and 81 that had not (controls). Results demonstrated that improved water sources were not routinely used, with a high dependence on well and surface water. While self-reported handwashing was common, use of soap was not common. Treatment of water inside the house was common in the intervention group (95%), compared to 49% in the non-WASH group. The study indicates that people in the Hiri District are supportive of a WASH intervention, with good uptake of some aspects of the intervention. The sustainability of the intervention remains unknown. Targetted interventions focusing on community priorities might be beneficial in the future.

Isolation of Vibrio cholerae and other enteric microbiota from patients

When cholera was first detected in Papua New Guinea (PNG) in mid-2009, national diagnostic capacity faced many challenges. This was in part due to the non-endemic status of the outbreak, resulting in few local staff experienced in Vibrio cholerae detection and poor access to the required consumables. The PNG Institute of Medical Research conducted culture on specimens from suspected cholera patients in Madang Province, with presumptive V. cholerae isolates sent to Goroka for confirmation. Of 98 samples analysed 15 were culture positive, with V. cholerae detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in an additional 3 samples. Further analyses were conducted to identify other pathogenic bacteria from thiosulphate citrate bile salt sucrose (TCBS) agar. Molecular-based assays detected enteropathogenic (n = 1) and enterotoxigenic (n = 1) strains of Escherichia coli. No other major enteric pathogens were detected. The low detection rate of V. cholerae at the provincial level reflects challenges in the laboratory diagnosis of cholera and in-country challenges in responding to an outbreak of a non-endemic disease, such as lack of in-country diagnostic expertise and available consumables in the early stages. It also suggests that full aetiological investigations are warranted in future outbreaks of acute watery diarrhoea in PNG to fully elucidate the potentially complex aetiology, which could in turn guide diagnostic, treatment and prevention measures.

Human immunodeficiency virus and respiratory disorders: clinical and diagnostic considerations

Respiratory infections are a major health burden for the people of Papua New Guinea (PNG) who are positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In the face of an ongoing HIV epidemic, little is known about the epidemiology and aetiology of respiratory infections in people living with HIV in PNG. In this article we provide an overview of the most important respiratory pathogens in HIV-positive people globally, focusing primarily on adults. Particular attention is given to respiratory viruses, bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Pneumocystis jiroveci. In doing so we highlight the need for a better understanding of the aetiology of respiratory infections in HIV-positive people in PNG. A study is underway that aims to determine the aetiology of common infectious illnesses in HIV-positive people in PNG, focusing on respiratory infections, diarrhoeal diseases and febrile illness. The results of this study should guide future prevention, diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Improving the aetiological diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia and meningitis in Papua New Guinea

Bacterial pneumonia and meningitis are major causes of childhood mortality in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Laboratory techniques for detection of bacterial pathogens have improved in the last decade, particularly molecular techniques that can be applied to culture-negative samples. With adequate training and support, a number of these techniques are readily available to research staff in PNG. In this article we summarize previous studies on the aetiology of pneumonia and meningitis in PNG, describe current diagnostic approaches and discuss available diagnostic tools to enhance surveillance of bacterial pneumonia and meningitis.