A new record of the occurrence of Trichuris skrjabini Baskakov, 1924 in goats of Pakistan.

More than 23 Trichuroidea species have been identified in ruminants in different parts of the world. Most are pathogenic, causing trichurosis. Trichuris adults of most species within this family have a predilection for the ceca, where they may cause damage to the epithelial wall. In the present study, Trichuris spp. from large intestine of goats were analysed based on morphological and molecular characteristics. Fifty adult worms (male = 25 and female = 25) were selected for morphometric and molecular analysis. Male Trichuris were distinguished by their longer spicules, typical spicule sheaths, and small spicules that were always completely covered by the spicule sheath. The presence of an uneverted vulva in the vagina distinguished female worms. We have performed the molecular characterisation of adult warms to identify as Trichuris skrjabini. Genetic comparison of T. skrjabini rDNA ITS2 sequences with those from other Trichuris spp. was performed to assess within and between species variation and validate the use of ITS-2 rDNA as a robust species-specific marker for T. skrjabini identification. This work provides the first report of this parasite species from Pakistan and validated species-specific marker of T. skrjabini that reduces the production potential of goats in the country.

Social determinants and causes of child mortality in Pakistan: Analysis of national demographic health surveys from 1990 to 2013.

AIM: The aim of the study was to define social determinants, causes and trends in child mortality from 1990 to 2013 in Pakistan. Understanding social determinants, causes and temporal trends in child mortality can inform strategies aimed at improving child health in low and middle income countries. METHODS: We characterised temporal trends and social determinants of child mortality in Pakistan using national demographic health survey data (1990-1991, 2006-2007 and 2012-2013). We analysed national data to generate regional estimates of health programme effectiveness. RESULTS: The annual rates of reduction for child mortality between 1990 and 2013 were estimated as follows: neonatal (-0.33% per annum), post-neonatal (3.13% per annum), infant (0.9% per annum), child (2.47% per annum) and under 5 (1.19% per annum). Bivariate analyses of 2013 data showed that living in Punjab or Balochistan province, belonging to lowest wealth quintile, lack of maternal education, previous birth interval < 2 years, first birth order and below average birth size were associated (p < 0.05) with greater risk of child mortality in Pakistan. Common factors associated with child mortality were fever, diarrhoea and pneumonia, while among stillbirths, intrapartum asphyxia, unexplained antepartum and antepartum maternal disorders were most frequent. CONCLUSION: Child survival strategies should integrate leading biosocial indicators and causes of death. Further research is needed to define the role(s) of social factors in child health and survival. These data should inform the implementation of cost-effective interventions for child survival and advance targeting of interventions to populations at increased risk of child mortality.

Risk factors and causes of stillbirths among pregnant women in Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Globally 3 million stillbirths occur per year, and Pakistan is ranked 3rd among the countries having the highest burden. Despite being a major public health problem, efforts to reduce this figure are insufficient. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to identify and measure the inequalities in stillbirth associated risk factors, causes and fertility risk behaviors. METHODS: Data were derived from the Pakistan Demographic and Health Surveys (PDHS) 1990-2013. Inequalities on determinants were evaluated using rate differences and rate ratios; time trends computed with annualized reduction rate (ARR). RESULTS: Overall ARR determined for stillbirth was -12.52 percent per annum. The high ARR were recorded for mothers age <20, urban areas, educated mothers and for highest wealth quintile. The relative inequalities were most pronounced for wealth quintiles, education and age of mothers. Stillbirth causes were unexplained antepartum (33%), unexplained intrapartum (21%), intrapartum asphyxia (21%) and antepartum maternal disorders (19%). The high fertility risk behavior was found in mothers with age >34 and birth order >3. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that to achieve gain in child survival, there is need to promote antenatal care, birth spacing, and family planning programs in developing countries.