Journal of Vector Borne Diseases最新文献

Background objectives: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an alphavirus characterized by a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA genome, and it is transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes. Prompt and precise diagnosis is essential for efficient clinical treatment, monitoring, and public health initiatives aimed at controlling CHIKV spread. Diagnostic methods include reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and serological assays, with lateral flow chromatographic immunoassays frequently used to detect IgM antibodies. The aim of this study is to compare the RT-PCR and chikungunya IgM antibody detection Methods.

Methods: A diagnostic comparative study was conducted within the Pathology department at Aarogyam Hospital in Roorkee, Uttarakhand. In this study, two types of diagnostic methods were employed. Blood samples were obtained for the lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay IgM Combo Rapid test and the Chikungunya RT-PCR. Statistical data analysis was conducted by using GraphPad and MS Excel 2010.

Results: The study included 50 suspected chikungunya patients. The mean age of participants was 35.6±6.627 (mean±SD) within 7-75 yrs age groups. There were 26 men and 24 women among the participants. Out of the 50 patients, 27 were identified as chikungunya positive.

Interpretation conclusion: The study reveals the complimentary nature of RT-PCR and IgM chromatographic methods in the diagnosis of Chikungunya. While RT-PCR is excellent for confirming current infections, IgM chromatographic methods provide important information on the immune response.

Background objectives: Malaria remains a major cause of illness and death among under-five children in Tanzania, particularly in Butiama, a rural area in the Mara region, where high prevalence persists despite prevention efforts. This study examined predictors of ITN use among caregivers of under-five children in Butiama, aiming to strengthen malaria prevention and improve child health outcomes.

Methods: The study employed a quantitative cross-sectional design with multistage sampling to select 384 caregivers of children under five from the Butiama District. Data were collected from April to May 2024 using a structured Swahili questionnaire on the Kobo Toolbox. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0, starting with data cleaning and completeness checks. Univariate analysis included descriptive statistics, while bivariate analysis assessed relationships between categorical variables. Multivariate analysis identified predictors at p<0.05.

Results: Among the participants, 82.3% owned a mosquito net, and 50.8% used it the night before the study. Female-headed households were 3.6 times more likely to use ITNs than male-headed ones (AOR=3.572, 95% CI [1.675-7.618], P=0.001). Awareness of immediate ITN use post-delivery increased likelihood by 2.9 times (AOR=2.918, 95% CI [1.868-7.159], P=0.044). Primary-educated individuals were 2.3 times more likely to use ITNs than those with none or primary incomplete (AOR=2.281, 95% CI [1.001-5.618], P=0.017). Self-employed individuals were 36.6% less likely to use ITNs than peasants or homemakers (AOR=0.366, 95% CI [0.161-0.835], P=0.037).

Interpretation conclusion: This study reported a 50.8% ITN usage rate, below the national average. Key predictors of ITN use included being female, having primary education, and being aware of the correct timing for use. Targeted interventions, such as education campaigns and gender-sensitive strategies, are needed to improve ITN adoption and malaria prevention.

Background objectives: The present study aimed to assess the impact of various blood or food sources on specific biological parameters of Phlebotomus sergenti, Parrot, 1917, adult and immature stages, as well as the development of Leishmania tropica Wright 1903.

Methods: Sand flies were collected from a rural district and subsequently reared in an insectary using standard methods. Three larval diets were formulated and administered to the larvae. Adult sand flies were provided with three blood sources: BALB/c mice, humans, and poultry. The infection of sand flies with the parasite was examined to determine the development of Leishmania.

Results: The duration of larval and pupal stage development exhibited significant differences among the three food sources. However, these variations did not significantly affect the overall length of the immature period of Ph. sergenti (P= 0.098) or the mortality rate (P= 0.338) across the groups. The time required for oviposition differed significantly depending on the blood source (P= 0.007). Nevertheless, the fecundity and longevity of sand flies that fed on the three different blood sources did not show statistically significant differences (fecundity (P= 0.106)/longevity (P= 0.209)). Furthermore, no significant disparity was observed among the three types of blood sources concerning their ability to support L. tropica infection within Ph. sergenti's gut.

Interpretation conclusion: Redirecting the vector, Ph. sergenti, towards these specific food or blood sources as a means to reduce vector population or their vectorial capacity would not be a successful approach for interrupting the transmission cycle.

Background objectives: Dengue fever incidence has tripled from 1990 to 2017, with a 107.6% increase in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). An evaluation study in Kollam district, Kerala, India found limited community involvement in vector management. This study explores the perceptions and practices of community members and ward health, sanitation and nutrition committee (WHSNC) members regarding vector management in high-incidence areas of dengue in Kollam district, Kerala, India.

Methods: We conducted a mixed-method study from December 2022 to May 2023, featuring a community survey for residents and qualitative interviews with key stakeholders. We assessed community knowledge, attitudes, and practices with a structured questionnaire, and summarized the results as proportions. We also interviewed 18 members of the WHSNC about dengue control and vector management.

Results: Among 450 participants, 262 (58%) had moderate knowledge of dengue and its vector management, 122 (27.1%) had poor knowledge, and 66 (14.7%) had good knowledge. The majority, 440 participants (97.8%), showed a positive attitude toward dengue control, while only 10 (2.2%) had a negative attitude. Only 187 of 427 participants (25.5%) reported eliminating mosquito breeding sites at home. The qualitative study highlighted perceived barriers and strengths in the community mobilization efforts of the WHSNC for dengue control.

Interpretation conclusion: Awareness about dengue and its prevention methods is relatively high, but this has not led to commensurate preventive actions, despite positive attitudes among community members. The research highlights the need for improved community capacity through focused social and behavioural change communication.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Steven-Johnson syndrome (SJS) are rare, severe cutaneous reactions often triggered by drug hypersensitivity. These conditions, characterized by varying degrees of skin detachment, are associated with certain medications, particularly antiepileptics and antibiotics. Chloroquine, a widely used antimalarial drug, is generally considered safe, but rarely, it can lead to TEN. We present a case of a three-year-old boy who developed TEN after oral administration of chloroquine for suspected malaria. Despite intensive care, the child experienced complications and eventually succumbed to the consequences of TEN. This case underscores the importance of recognizing the potential life-threatening side effects of chloroquine, especially in regions where it is frequently prescribed, like India. Healthcare professionals should remain vigilant about rare yet severe adverse reactions associated with widely used drugs like chloroquine.

The Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV), a zoonotic flavivirus, is responsible for infecting humans and inducing reproductive complications in swine, with transmission primarily facilitated by mosquitoes. Predominantly observed in Southeast Asia, Japanese encephalitis (JE) primarily circulates between amplifying hosts, notably swine, and culicine mosquitoes, particularly Culex tritaeniorhynchus. The wading birds are the reservoir host of this disease. Utilizing real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) presents a potential approach for detecting JEV in mosquito populations. Manifesting primarily within the central nervous system, JEV infection can instigate severe inflammation, contributing significantly to mortality rates, notable in India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, where JE poses a substantial public health concern. The initial instances of JE in Indian territories were recorded in 1955 in the southern provinces of Vellore and Puducherry, and in 1978 in the northern regions. Uttar Pradesh, among the 24 states endemic to JE, accounted for over 75% of reported cases in the past year. The geographical landscape of Gorakhpur, characterized by low topography, susceptibility to flooding, heavy precipitation, paddy cultivation and silt accumulation in riverbeds, creates favorable conditions for mosquito breeding and subsequent JEV transmission. Recent data from National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC) in Delhi indicates a decline in acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) and JE cases in Uttar Pradesh including Gorakhpur which has been the hot bed for JE/AES. Effective coordination across diverse sectors supported by evidenced based research by ICMR in Gorakhpur played an important role under comprehensive multi-sectoral "One Health Approach", which helped significantly in mitigating the disease burden with more than 90% reduction in morbidity and mortality. This article assesses the current scenario, key intervention measures, ongoing initiatives, and underscores the significance of adopting a One Health Approach in combating JE/AES as a "Gorakhpur experience" to be implemented in other parts of the country and elsewhere.

Background & objectives: Plasmodium falciparum is a protozoan parasite that causes malaria in humans. It is considered the most deadly species of Plasmodium that infects humans. Research continues to focus on understanding the biology and genetics of Plasmodium falciparum to develop new tools, vaccines, and treatments aimed at reducing the global burden of malaria caused by this deadly parasite.

Methods: In this study, three active compounds-chrysin, indole-3-carbinol, and curcumin-were optimized using Gaussian16, and a molecular docking study was conducted against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7, along with an evaluation of pharmacokinetic properties.

Results: Molecular docking studies indicated that the chrysin compound exhibits a stronger binding affinity to selected receptors of Plasmodium falciparum compared to the other compounds. Additionally, in-silico ADME screening was used to predict the pharmacological characteristics of acetyl-CoA reductase inhibitors and their metabolites.

Interpretation & conclusion: The findings predict that the chrysin compound exhibits better affinity with Plasmodium falciparum proteins, suggesting that this compound can effectively interact with specific targets within the parasite. It also highlights the favorable electrostatic interactions that contribute to its pharmacological effectiveness as an acetyl-CoA reductase inhibitor.

Background objectives: Lyme disease is a multisystem illness caused by the spirochaetes bacteria belonging to the genus Borrelia. It's a tick-borne disease that poses serious health concerns in major parts of the world including India. This review aims to comprehend the disease in depth encompassing its pathogen biology, clinical presentations, diagnosis, treatment strategies, epidemiology in India, and preventive measures against it.

Methods: Peer-reviewed articles, reviews, meta-analyses and clinical studies relating to the topic were searched across reliable electronic databases like PubMed, and ScienceDirect, without imposing any time restriction for up-to-date information with a focus on sources indexed in the Science Citation Index (SCI).

Results: The pathogen is a gram-negative bacterium namely Borrelia burgdorferri infesting ticks mainly belonging to the genus Ixodes. Clinical presentations vary from single Erethema Chronicum Migrans (ECM) to neurological complexities, cardiac disorders, and severe arthritic conditions. A two-tiered test recommended by CDC is currently employed to diagnose the disease. 15 out of 28 states in India have reports of Lyme disease; most of these states also have Ixodes ticks. However, the exact vector is not confirmed in India.

Interpretation conclusion: 13 of the 15 states where Lyme disease cases have been reported have also had ticks belonging to the genus Ixodes. Thus it can be assumed that vectors of Lyme disease in India are Ixodes sp., but more studies are required to confirm and validate this assumption, and find the exact species of the vector tick. As an ignored vector-borne disease in India, Lyme disease warrants more research and surveillance.

In the current scenario, treatment of Post Kala Azar Dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is intravenous liposomal amphotericin B or oral miltefosine. Over the years, there has been a gradual decline in efficacy of miltefosine and a rise in permanent loss of vision. Moreover, In non-endemic states, miltefosine is not freely available. In view of this, we attempted a two step regimen of liposomal amphotericin B and itraconazole to treat two patients of PKDL diagnosed on histopathology as well as PCR. We found this treatment to be highly effective with complete recovery.