Tropical Medicine 
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This page shows you the most recent publications within this specialty of the MedWorm directory.
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Areas Of Highest Human Risk For Lyme Disease In Eastern United States Detailed On New Map
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A new map pinpoints well-defined areas of the Eastern United States where humans have the highest risk of contracting Lyme disease, one of the most rapidly emerging infectious diseases in North America, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As part of the most extensive Lyme-related field study ever undertaken, researchers found high infection risk confined mainly to the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Upper Midwest and low risk in the South. The results were published in the February issue of the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - February 3, 2012 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses Source Type: news
Factors Affecting Clinician Educator Encouragement of Routine HIV Testing Among TraineesEmail this article to a colleague.
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CONCLUSIONS Clinician educators have a special role in the dissemination of the CDC recommendations as they impact the knowledge and attitudes
of newly practicing physicians. Despite awareness of CDC recommendations, many CEs do not recommend universal HIV testing
to trainees. Interventions that improve faculty knowledge of HIV testing recommendations and address barriers in resident
clinics may enhance adoption of routine HIV testing.
Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ResearchPages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s11606-012-1985-9Authors
Gail V. Berkenblit, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Univers...
Source: Journal of General Internal Medicine - February 2, 2012 Category: Internal Medicine Tags: Journal of General Internal Medicine Source Type: research
Reducing Malaria Transmission By Targeting HotspotsEmail this article to a colleague.
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In this week's PLoS Medicine, Teun Bousema of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK and colleagues argue that targeting malaria "hotspots," small groups of households at a substantially increased risk of malaria transmission, is a highly efficient way to reduce malaria transmission at all levels of transmission intensity. The authors state: "Malaria hotspots appear to maintain malaria transmission in low transmission seasons and are the driving force for transmission in the high transmission season... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - February 1, 2012 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Tropical Diseases Source Type: news
Leptospirosis after typhoon.Email this article to a colleague.
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Abstract
Abstract. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with protean manifestations. A 35-year-old male presented with pneumonia after the Typhoon Morakot. Skin rash, conjunctival suffusion, and subconjunctival hemorrhage led us to the diagnosis of leptospirosis and the microscopic agglutination test confirmed the diagnosis. This patient well demonstrated the picture of conjunctival suffusion and reminded us of the alertness of leptospirosis after a typhoon.
PMID: 22302844 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene)
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Lin CY, Chiu NC, Lee CM Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
Recommendations for Publication of Viral Genetic Data and Sample Access for Novel Viruses and Strains.Email this article to a colleague.
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PMID: 22302845 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene)
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Arrigo NC, Briese T, Calisher CH, Drebot MA, Hjelle B, Leduc JW, Powers AM, Repik PM, Roehrig JT, Schmaljohn CS, Tesh RB, Weaver SC Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
How do we best diagnose malaria in Africa?Email this article to a colleague.
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PMID: 22302846 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene)
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Rosenthal PJ Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
False-Negative Rapid Diagnostic Tests for Malaria and Deletion of the Histidine-Rich Repeat Region of the hrp2 Gene{dagger}.Email this article to a colleague.
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Abstract
Abstract. We identified 480 persons with positive thick smears for asexual Plasmodium falciparum parasites, of whom 454 had positive rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for the histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2) product of the hrp2 gene and 26 had negative tests. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification for the histidine-rich repeat region of that gene was negative in one-half (10/22) of false-negative specimens available, consistent with spontaneous deletion. False-negative RDTs were found only in persons with asymptomatic infections, and multiplicities of infection (MOIs) were lower in persons with false-neg...
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Koita OA, Doumbo OK, Ouattara A, Tall LK, Konaré A, Diakité M, Diallo M, Sagara I, Masinde GL, Doumbo SN, Dolo A, Tounkara A, Traoré I, Krogstad DJ Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
Performance of Two Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests in Febrile Adult Patients with and without Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Infection in Blantyre, Malawi.Email this article to a colleague.
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Abstract
Abstract. The performance of two histidine-rich protein type-2-based malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) was examined in a rural area with a high prevalence of malaria and human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection in 113 and 445 febrile patients ≥ 15 years of age with and without HIV-1 infection, respectively. Patients were tested for HIV-1 infection by using a standard assay and for Plasmodium falciparum by using two mRDTs and microscopy. When microscopy was used as the gold standard, both mRDTs performed similarly in patients with and without HIV-1 infection: Bioline SD Malaria Antigen P...
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Chinkhumba J, Nyanda M, Skarbinski J, Mathanga DP Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
Compliance, Safety, and Effectiveness of Fixed-Dose Artesunate-Amodiaquine for Presumptive Treatment of Non-Severe Malaria in the Context of Home Management of Malaria in Madagascar.Email this article to a colleague.
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This study provides comprehensive data concerning the clinical cure rate obtained with artesunate-amodiaquine and evidence supporting the scaling up of home management of malaria.
PMID: 22302849 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene)
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Ratsimbasoa A, Ravony H, Vonimpaisomihanta JA, Raherinjafy R, Jahevitra M, Rapelanoro R, Rakotomanga JD, Malvy D, Millet P, Ménard D Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
Different Patterns of pfcrt and pfmdr1 Polymorphisms in P. falciparum Isolates from Nigeria and Brazil: The Potential Role of Antimalarial Drug Selection Pressure.Email this article to a colleague.
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Abstract
Abstract. The effect of antimalarial drug selection on pfcrt and pfmdr1 polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from two distinct geographical locations was determined in 70 and 18 P. falciparum isolates from Nigeria and Brazil, respectively, using nested polymerase chain reaction and direct DNA sequencing approaches. All isolates from Brazil and 72% from Nigeria harbored the mutant SVMNT and CVIET pfcrt haplotype, respectively. The pfcrt CVMNT haplotype was also observed in (7%) of the Nigerian samples. One hundred percent (100%) and 54% of the parasites from Brazil and Nigeria, respectively, harb...
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Gbotosho GO, Folarin OA, Bustamante C, Pereira da Silva LH, Mesquita E, Sowunmi A, Zalis MG, Oduola AM, Happi CT Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
Systemic Antibody Responses to the Immunodominant p23 Antigen and p23 Polymorphisms in Children with Cryptosporidiosis in Bangladesh.Email this article to a colleague.
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Abstract
Abstract. Cryptosporidium is a major cause of diarrhea in children in developing countries. However, there is no vaccine available and little is known about immune responses to protective antigens. We investigated antibody responses to p23, a putative vaccine candidate, in children in Bangladesh with cryptosporidiosis and diarrhea (cases) and uninfected children with diarrhea (controls), and p23 gene polymorphisms in infecting species. Serum IgM, IgG, and IgA responses to p23 were significantly greater in cases than controls after three weeks of follow-up. Cases with acute diarrhea had significantly greate...
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Borad AJ, Allison GM, Wang D, Ahmed S, Karim MM, Kane AV, Moy J, Hibberd PL, Rao Ajjampur SS, Kang G, Calderwood SB, Ryan ET, Naumova E, Khan WA, Ward HD Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
Evaluation of the Solar Water Disinfection Process (SODIS) Against Cryptosporidium parvum Using a 25-L Static Solar Reactor Fitted with a Compound Parabolic Collector (CPC).Email this article to a colleague.
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Abstract. Water samples of 0, 5, and 30 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) spiked with Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts were exposed to natural sunlight using a 25-L static solar reactor fitted with a compound parabolic collector (CPC). The global oocyst viability was calculated by the evaluation of the inclusion/exclusion of the fluorogenic vital dye propidium iodide and the spontaneous excystation. After an exposure time of 8 hours, the global oocyst viabilities were 21.8 ± 3.1%, 31.3 ± 12.9%, and 45.0 ± 10.0% for turbidity levels of 0, 5, and 30 NTU, respectively, and these values were significantly l...
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Fontán-Sainz M, Gómez-Couso H, Fernández-Ibáñez P, Ares-Mazás E Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
Mannose-Binding Lectin and Toll-Like Receptor Polymorphisms and Chagas Disease in Chile.Email this article to a colleague.
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Abstract
Abstract. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and Toll-like receptor (TLR) polymorphisms may influence susceptibility and manifestation of Trypanosoma cruzi infection. In northern Chile, we examined 61 asymptomatic patients with chronic Chagas disease (CD), 64 patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC), and 45 healthy individuals. Low-producer MBL2*B genotypes were more common in CD patients (48%) than healthy individuals (31%; adjusted odds ratio = 2.3, 95% confidence interval = 1.01-5.4, P = 0.047) but did not differ with manifestation. In contrast, the heterozygous Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-deficiency...
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Weitzel T, Zulantay I, Danquah I, Hamann L, Schumann RR, Apt W, Mockenhaupt FP Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
Detection and Transmission of Dientamoeba fragilis from Environmental and Household Samples.Email this article to a colleague.
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This study provides evidence that environmental transmission of D. fragilis is unlikely and that pets played no role in transmission of the disease in this study. Direct transmission from infected persons is the most likely mode of transmission for D. fragilis. The study also highlights the need for household contacts to be screened, given the propensity of close contacts to become infected with the organism.
PMID: 22302854 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene)
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Stark D, Roberts T, Marriott D, Harkness J, Ellis JT Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
Verbal autopsy for neurological diseases.Email this article to a colleague.
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Abstract
Abstract. Verbal autopsy is an interview-based technique to determine the cause distribution of death in a population. The use of verbal autopsy for understanding neurological diseases is crucial to burden of disease analyses in many countries, particularly in locations where civil registration systems are non-functioning or absent. We review the purposes, strengths, and weaknesses in the use of verbal autopsy for neurological diseases.
PMID: 22302855 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene)
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Mateen FJ, Kalter HD Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
Predictors of Acute Bacterial Meningitis in Children from a Malaria-Endemic Area of Papua New Guinea.Email this article to a colleague.
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Abstract
Abstract. Predictors of acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) were assessed in 554 children in Papua New Guinea 0.2-10 years of age who were hospitalized with culture-proven meningitis, probable meningitis, or non-meningitic illness investigated by lumbar puncture. Forty-seven (8.5%) had proven meningitis and 36 (6.5%) had probable meningitis. Neck stiffness, Kernig's and Brudzinski's signs and, in children < 18 months of age, a bulging fontanel had positive likelihood ratios (LRs) ≥ 4.3 for proven/probable ABM. Multiple seizures and deep coma were less predictive (LR = 1.5-2.1). Single seizures and malari...
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Laman M, Manning L, Greenhill AR, Mare T, Michael A, Shem S, Vince J, Lagani W, Hwaiwhanje I, Siba PM, Mueller I, Davis TM Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
Infectious Etiologies of Acute Febrile Illness among Patients Seeking Health Care in South-Central Cambodia.Email this article to a colleague.
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Abstract. The agents of human febrile illness can vary by region and country suggesting that diagnosis, treatment, and control programs need to be based on a methodical evaluation of area-specific etiologies. From December 2006 to December 2009, 9,997 individuals presenting with acute febrile illness at nine health care clinics in south-central Cambodia were enrolled in a study to elucidate the etiologies. Upon enrollment, respiratory specimens, whole blood, and serum were collected. Testing was performed for viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens. Etiologies were identified in 38.0% of patients. Influe...
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Kasper MR, Blair PJ, Touch S, Sokhal B, Yasuda CY, Williams M, Richards AL, Burgess TH, Wierzba TF, Putnam SD Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
Saw-scaled viper bites in sri lanka: is it a different subspecies? Clinical evidence from an authenticated case series.Email this article to a colleague.
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We report a series of 48 (n-48) SSV bites from the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. The majority (65%) of victims had evidence of local envenoming at the site of the bite; however, 29% showed spontaneous bleeding and 71% had coagulopathy. There were no deaths in the series. The envenoming was mild in contrast to the mortality and significant morbidity associated with SSV bites in West Africa and some parts of India. These observations need to be further explored with laboratory studies to identify the venom components, study of morphological characteristics, and genetic profiling of the Sri Lankan SSV to see if it is differ...
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Gnanathasan A, Rodrigo C, Peranantharajah T, Coonghe A Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
Unusual presentations of pediatric neurobrucellosis.Email this article to a colleague.
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Abstract
Abstract. Neurobrucellosis is an uncommon complication of pediatric brucellosis. Acute meningitis and encephalitis are the most common clinical manifestations, however symptoms may be protean and diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion in patients from endemic areas. Diagnosis is often based on neurological symptoms, serology, and suggestive brain imaging because cerebrospinal fluid culture yields are low. Two cases of pediatric neurobrucellosis with unusual clinical and radiologic findings are presented.
PMID: 22302859 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene)
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Budnik I, Fuchs I, Shelef I, Krymko H, Greenberg D Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
An Unusual Cutaneous Tumor: African Histoplasmosis following Mudbaths: Case Report and Review.Email this article to a colleague.
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Abstract
Abstract. African histoplasmosis, caused by Histoplasma capsulatum var. duboisii, is endemic in Africa. The disease usually involves the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and bones. A case of African histoplasmosis presenting as a cutaneous tumor and non-healing wound in a 66-year-old immunocompetent male residing in Africa, the first ever reported following mudbaths and acupuncture, is hereby reported. Diagnosis was confirmed by means of polymerase chain reaction performed on tissue material. The patient was started on long-term itraconazole therapy and he responded well. African histoplasmosis should be include...
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Tsiodras S, Drogari-Apiranthitou M, Pilichos K, Leventakos K, Kelesidis T, Buitrago MJ, Petrikkos G, Panayiotides I Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
Recurrent disseminated intravascular coagulation caused by intermittent dosing of rifampin.Email this article to a colleague.
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We describe a patient with Mycobacterium leprae infection who experienced recurrent episodes of disseminated intravascular coagulation after intermittent exposures to rifampin, and review eight previously reported cases of rifampin-associated disseminated intravascular coagulation. In six (75%) cases, previous exposure to rifampin was reported and seven (87.5%) patients were receiving the medication on an intermittent or interrupted basis. Clinical features of rifampin-associated disseminated intravascular coagulation included fever, hypotension, abdominal pain, and vomiting within hours of ingestion. Average time to react...
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Havey TC, Cserti-Gazdewich C, Sholzberg M, Keystone JS, Gold WL Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
Pseudotumoral form of neuroschistosomiasis: report of three cases in ganzi, china.Email this article to a colleague.
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Abstract
Abstract. The authors report three rare cases of neuroschistosomiasis lacking extracranial involvement. No parasitic eggs were detected in the stool with the Kato-Katz thick smear methods. Computed tomography of the brains showed hypodense signals, and magnetic resonance imaging showed isointense signals on T1-weighted images, hyperintense signals on T2-weighted images, and intensely enhancing nodules in the brain after intravenous administration of gadolinium. High-grade gliomas were suspected, and operations or radiosurgery was performed. Cerebral schistosomiasis was confirmed in all cases by biopsy of t...
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Wan H, Masataka H, Zhang LP, Zheng DF Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
Non-invasive assessment of fibrosis using color Doppler ultrasound in patients with hepatitis C virus in the Amazon rainforest, Brazil.Email this article to a colleague.
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Abstract. The purpose of this study was to correlate morphologic and hemodynamic Doppler ultrasound findings as indicators of the degree of inflammation and fibrosis and to diagnose chronic vital hepatitis complications and progression. A prospective, descriptive study of a case series was conducted that analyzed Doppler ultrasound images of the liver and portal system and used the portal vein congestion index, hepatic and splenic artery impedance indices, and the liver vascular index. Of 50 patients positive for antibodies against hepatitis C virus, morphologic changes highlighted increased hepatic parenc...
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Leão J, Brock M, Castilho M, Scariot A, Scariot A, Braga W Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
Prediction of child health by household density and asset-based indices in impoverished indigenous villages in rural panama.Email this article to a colleague.
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Abstract. Chronic infection over a 16-month period and stunting of preschool children were compared between more spatially dense versus dispersed households in rural Panamá. Chronic protozoan infection was associated with higher household density, lower household wealth index, poor household water quality, yard defecation, and the practice of not washing hands with soap before eating. Models for chronic diarrhea confirmed the importance of household wealth, water quality, sanitation, and hygiene practices. Furthermore, chronic protozoan infection was an important predictor for low height-for-age, along wi...
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Halpenny CM, Koski KG, Valdés VE, Scott ME Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
Sexually Transmitted Infections in Newly Arrived Refugees: Is Routine Screening for Neisseria gonorrheae and Chlamydia trachomatis Infection Indicated?Email this article to a colleague.
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Abstract. More than 340 million cases of bacterial and protozoal sexually transmitted infections (STIs) occur annually. Approximately 70,000 refugees arrive in the United States on a yearly basis. Refugees are a particularly disenfranchised and vulnerable population. The prevalence of Chlamydia and gonorrhea in refugee populations has not been described, and the utility of routine screening is unknown. We performed a descriptive evaluation of 25,779 refugees who completed a screening medical examination in Minnesota during 2003-2010. A total of 18,516 (72%) refugees were tested for at least one STI: 183 (1...
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Stauffer WM, Painter J, Mamo B, Kaiser R, Weinberg M, Berman S Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
Factors Associated with Resistance to Schistosoma mansoni Infection in an Endemic Area of Bahia, Brazil.Email this article to a colleague.
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Abstract. Detailed knowledge of factors associated with resistance to Schistosoma mansoni infection in endemic areas might facilitate more effective schistosomiasis control. We conducted a cross-sectional study of persons resistant to schistosomiasis and found no association between socioeconomic status and resistance to infection. Mononuclear cells of resistant subjects produced higher levels of interleukin-5 (IL-5), IL-13 and interferon-γ upon stimulation with soluble egg antigen (SEA) compared with infected persons. When stimulated with Sm21.6 or Sm22.6, levels of IL-10 were higher in cell culture of r...
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Oliveira RR, Figueiredo JP, Cardoso LS, Jabar RL, Souza RP, Wells MT, Carvalho EM, Fitzgerald DW, Barnes KC, Araújo MI, Glesby MJ Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
Comparative analysis of severe pediatric and adult leptospirosis in sao paulo, Brazil.Email this article to a colleague.
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Abstract. Although leptospirosis may be fatal in childhood, the experience of many clinicians working in disease-endemic areas is that classic Weil's disease and death are less common among pediatric patients. The aim of the study was to ascertain disease spectrum and outcome differences in severe pediatric and adult leptospirosis in a large at-risk population. Epidemiologic, clinical, and laboratory data were obtained on hospitalized cases from São Paulo during 2004-2006. A total of 42 case-patients < 18 years of age and 328 case-patients ≥ 18 years of age were tested during the study. Compared with...
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Spichler A, Athanazio DA, Vilaça P, Seguro A, Vinetz J, Leake JA Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
Leptospirosis in american samoa 2010: epidemiology, environmental drivers, and the management of emergence.Email this article to a colleague.
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Abstract. Leptospirosis has recently been reported as an emerging disease worldwide, and a seroprevalence study was undertaken in American Samoa to better understand the drivers of transmission. Antibodies indicative of previous exposure to leptospirosis were found in 15.5% of 807 participants, predominantly against three serovars that were not previously known to occur in American Samoa. Questionnaires and geographic information systems data were used to assess behavioral factors and environmental determinants of disease transmission, and logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with in...
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Lau CL, Dobson AJ, Smythe LD, Fearnley EJ, Skelly C, Clements AC, Craig SB, Fuimaono SD, Weinstein P Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
Human Risk of Infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme Disease Agent, in Eastern United States.Email this article to a colleague.
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Abstract. The geographic pattern of human risk for infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, the tick-borne pathogen that causes Lyme disease, was mapped for the eastern United States. The map is based on standardized field sampling in 304 sites of the density of Ixodes scapularis host-seeking nymphs infected with B. burgdorferi, which is closely associated with human infection risk. Risk factors for the presence and density of infected nymphs were used to model a continuous 8 km×8 km resolution predictive surface of human risk, including confidence intervals for each pixel. Discontinuous Lyme di...
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Diuk-Wasser MA, Hoen AG, Cislo P, Brinkerhoff R, Hamer SA, Rowland M, Cortinas R, Vourc'h G, Melton F, Hickling GJ, Tsao JI, Bunikis J, Barbour AG, Kitron U, Piesman J, Fish D Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
Factors associated with dengue mortality in latin america and the Caribbean, 1995-2009: an ecological study.Email this article to a colleague.
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In this study, we aimed to estimate the effect that environmental, demographic, and socioeconomic factors have on dengue mortality in Latin America and the Caribbean. To that end, we conducted an observational ecological study, analyzing data collected between 1995 and 2009. Dengue mortality rates were highest in the Caribbean (Spanish-speaking and non-Spanish-speaking). Multivariate analysis through Poisson regression revealed that the following factors were independently associated with dengue mortality: time since identification of endemicity (adjusted rate ratio [aRR] = 3.2 [for each 10 years]); annual rainfall (aRR = ...
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Díaz-Quijano FA, Waldman EA Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
Molecular detection and typing of dengue viruses from archived tissues of fatal cases by rt-PCR and sequencing: diagnostic and epidemiologic implications.Email this article to a colleague.
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Abstract
Abstract. Diagnosis of dengue virus (DENV) infection in fatal cases is challenging because of the frequent unavailability of blood or fresh tissues. For formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues immunohistochemistry (IHC) can be used; however, it may not be as sensitive and serotyping is not possible. The application of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the detection of DENV in FFPE tissues has been very limited. We evaluated FFPE autopsy tissues of 122 patients with suspected DENV infection by flavivirus and DENV RT-PCR, sequencing, and DENV IHC. The DENV was detected in ...
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Bhatnagar J, Blau DM, Shieh WJ, Paddock CD, Drew C, Liu L, Jones T, Patel M, Zaki SR Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
A Three-Component Biomarker Panel for Prediction of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever.Email this article to a colleague.
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Abstract. Dengue virus infections are a major cause of morbidity in tropical countries. Early detection of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) may help identify individuals that would benefit from intensive therapy. Predictive modeling was performed using 11 laboratory values of 51 individuals (38 DF and 13 DHF) obtained on initial presentation using logistic regression. We produced a robust model with an area under the curve of 0.9615 that retained IL-10 levels, platelets, and lymphocytes as the major predictive features. A classification and regression tree was developed on these features that were 86% accur...
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Brasier AR, Ju H, Garcia J, Spratt HM, Victor SS, Forshey BM, Halsey ES, Comach G, Sierra G, Blair PJ, Rocha C, Morrison AC, Scott TW, Bazan I, Kochel TJ, The Venezuelan Dengue Fever Working Group Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
Assessing the risk of international spread of yellow Fever virus: a mathematical analysis of an urban outbreak in asuncion, 2008.Email this article to a colleague.
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Abstract
Abstract. Yellow fever virus (YFV), a mosquito-borne virus endemic to tropical Africa and South America, is capable of causing large urban outbreaks of human disease. With the ease of international travel, urban outbreaks could lead to the rapid spread and subsequent transmission of YFV in distant locations. We designed a stochastic metapopulation model with spatiotemporally explicit transmissibility scenarios to simulate the global spread of YFV from a single urban outbreak by infected airline travelers. In simulations of a 2008 outbreak in Asunción, Paraguay, local outbreaks occurred in 12.8% of simulat...
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Johansson MA, Arana-Vizcarrondo N, Biggerstaff BJ, Gallagher N, Marano N, Staples JE Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
The Safety of Yellow Fever Vaccine 17D or 17DD in Children, Pregnant Women, HIV+ Individuals, and Older Persons: Systematic Review.Email this article to a colleague.
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Abstract
Abstract. Yellow fever vaccine provides long-lasting immunity. Rare serious adverse events after vaccination include neurologic or viscerotropic syndromes or anaphylaxis. We conducted a systematic review of adverse events associated with yellow fever vaccination in vulnerable populations. Nine electronic bibliographic databases and reference lists of included articles were searched. Electronic databases identified 2,415 abstracts for review, and 32 abstracts were included in this review. We identified nine studies of adverse events in infants and children, eight studies of adverse events in pregnant women,...
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Thomas RE, Lorenzetti DL, Spragins W, Jackson D, Williamson T Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
Relationship of Climate, Geography, and Geology to the Incidence of Rift Valley Fever in Kenya during the 2006-2007 Outbreak.Email this article to a colleague.
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Abstract
Abstract. We estimated Rift Valley fever (RVF) incidence as a function of geological, geographical, and climatological factors during the 2006-2007 RVF epidemic in Kenya. Location information was obtained for 214 of 340 (63%) confirmed and probable RVF cases that occurred during an outbreak from November 1, 2006 to February 28, 2007. Locations with subtypes of solonetz, calcisols, solonchaks, and planosols soil types were highly associated with RVF occurrence during the outbreak period. Increased rainfall and higher greenness measures before the outbreak were associated with increased risk. RVF was more li...
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Hightower A, Kinkade C, Nguku PM, Anyangu A, Mutonga D, Omolo J, Njenga MK, Feikin DR, Schnabel D, Ombok M, Breiman RF Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research
Public health services, an essential determinant of health during crisis. Lessons from Cuba, 1989–2000Email this article to a colleague.
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AbstractDuring the 1990s, Cuba was able to overcome a severe crisis, almost without negative health impacts. This national retrospective study covering the years 1989–2000 analyses the country’s strategy through essential social, demographic, health process and health outcome indicators. Gross domestic product (GDP) diminished by 34.76% between 1989 and 1993. In 1994 slow recuperation started. During the crisis, public health expenses increased. The number of family doctors rose from 9.22 to 27.03 per 104 inhabitants between 1989 and 2000. Infant mortality rate and life expectancy exemplify a series of health indicator...
Source: Tropical Medicine and International Health - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Pol De VosAnaí García‐FariñasAdolfo Álvarez‐PérezArmando Rodríguez‐SalváMariano Bonet‐GorbeaPatrick Van der Stuyft Source Type: research
Evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of the Haemoglobin Colour Scale to detect anaemia in young children attending primary healthcare clinics in ZanzibarEmail this article to a colleague.
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Conclusions Haemoglobin Colour Scale does not improve the capacity of HCWs to diagnose anaemia in this population. Accuracy is limited by considerable variability in the performances of test operators. However, optimizing the training protocol for those using the test may improve performance. (Source: Tropical Medicine and International Health)
Source: Tropical Medicine and International Health - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Catherine AldridgeHamish M. E. FosterMarco AlbonicoShaali M. AmeAntonio Montresor Source Type: research
Training community care workers to provide comprehensive TB/HIV/PMTCT integrated care in KwaZulu‐Natal: lessons learntEmail this article to a colleague.
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Conclusion The findings of this study suggest higher uptake of TB and STI symptoms screening, TB contact tracing and home based HCT in the intervention clusters. This study suggests that up‐skilling CCWs could be one avenue to enhance TB/HIV case finding, TB contact tracing and linkages to care. (Source: Tropical Medicine and International Health)
Source: Tropical Medicine and International Health - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: J. UwimanaC. ZarowskyH. HauslerD. Jackson Source Type: research
Low mortality risk but high loss to follow‐up among patients in the Tanzanian national HIV care and treatment programmeEmail this article to a colleague.
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Conclusion Earlier diagnoses through expanded HIV testing may reduce high mortality and attrition rates if combined with better patient tracing systems. Further research is needed to explore reasons for attrition. (Source: Tropical Medicine and International Health)
Source: Tropical Medicine and International Health - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: G. SomiS. C. KeoghJ. ToddB. KilamaA. WringeJ. van den HomberghK. MalimaR. JosiahM. UrassaR. SwaiB. Zaba Source Type: research
Correlation of Pfg377 ortholog gene expression of Plasmodium vivax and mosquito infectionEmail this article to a colleague.
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Conclusion The cut‐off point of the expression level of Pfg377 ortholog gene could be used to predict the infectiousness of P. vivax gametocytes leading to mosquito infection and parasite transmission in the field. (Source: Tropical Medicine and International Health)
Source: Tropical Medicine and International Health - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: N. ChansamutS. BuatesR. TakhampunyaR. UdomsangpetchS. BantuchaiJ. Sattabongkot Source Type: research
Suboptimal patterns of provider initiated HIV testing and counselling, antiretroviral therapy eligibility assessment and referral in primary health clinic attendees in Blantyre, Malawi*Email this article to a colleague.
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Conclusions: These data show that provider‐initiated testing and counselling (PITC) has not yet been fully implemented at primary care clinics. Suboptimal ART eligibility assessments and referral (reflecting the difficulties of WHO staging in primary care) mean that simplified eligibility assessment tools are required to reduce unnecessary delay and attrition in the pre‐ART period. Simplified initiation criteria for pregnant women, as being introduced in Malawi, should improve linkage to ART. (Source: Tropical Medicine and International Health)
Source: Tropical Medicine and International Health - February 1, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Peter MacPhersonDavid G. LallooAugustine T. ChokoGillian H. MannStephen Bertel SquireDaniel MwaleEddie MandaSimon D. MakombeNicola DesmondRobert HeydermanElizabeth L. Corbett Source Type: research
Q fever across the Dutch border in Limburg province, BelgiumEmail this article to a colleague.
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Abstract Data from three different data sources were compiled to estimate the presence of Coxiella burnetii in the Belgian Limburg province for both humans and livestock. First, serological data of all samples sent to the Belgian
reference centre (2003–2010) for human Q fever were analysed, showing evidence for an acute Q fever infection in 1–5% of the
cases. Second, a multi-centre prospective survey was conducted in Limburg in 2010 to detect undiagnosed human cases; evidence
for a recent infection with Coxiella burnetii was found in three out of 100 patients from which clinicians suspected a Mycoplasma p...
Source: European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases - January 31, 2012 Category: Microbiology Tags: European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Targeting malaria hotspots key to reducing transmissionEmail this article to a colleague.
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(Public Library of Science) In this week's PLoS Medicine, Teun Bousema of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK and colleagues argue that targeting malaria "hotspots," small groups of households at a substantially increased risk of malaria transmission, is a highly efficient way to reduce malaria transmission at all levels of transmission intensity. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)
Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases - January 31, 2012 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news
New Hope For Tackling Sleeping Sickness With Genetic ScreensEmail this article to a colleague.
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Research led by scientists at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine has exploited a revolutionary genetic technique to discover how human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) drugs target the parasite which causes the disease. The new knowledge could help lead to the development of better treatments for the tens of thousands of people in sub-Saharan Africa who are affected each year. The findings, published in Nature, are based on the simultaneous analysis of thousands of genes and the action of the five drugs effective against HAT, also known as sleeping sickness... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - January 26, 2012 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Tropical Diseases Source Type: news
A Case Study on the Economic Impact of Optimal BreastfeedingEmail this article to a colleague.
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Abstract To develop a framework, using Louisiana as a case study, for estimating the potential cost savings to individual states if
families were able to meet current recommendations for breastfeeding. Using cost-analyses methods, cost savings, as well as,
case and death reductions of infant illnesses and deaths on four selected infant diseases (respiratory tract infections, gastroenteritis,
necrotizing enterocolitis, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) were calculated utilizing the most recent data of breastfeeding
and low/very low birth weight rates in Louisiana. To estimate the incidence of a disease in exc...
Source: Maternal and Child Health Journal - January 25, 2012 Category: Health Management Tags: Maternal and Child Health Journal Source Type: research
Improved equity in measles vaccination from integrating insecticide‐treated bednets in a vaccination campaign, MadagascarEmail this article to a colleague.
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Conclusion Integration of ITN distribution with a vaccination campaign might improve measles vaccination coverage among the poor, thus providing protection for the most vulnerable and difficult to reach children. (Source: Tropical Medicine and International Health)
Source: Tropical Medicine and International Health - January 25, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: James L. GoodsonManisha A. KulkarniJodi L. Vanden EngKathleen A. WannemuehlerAnnett H. CotteRachelle E. DesrochersBakolalao RandriamanalinaElizabeth T. Luman Source Type: research
Later life health in Europe: how important are country level influences?Email this article to a colleague.
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Abstract In this article, we examine the extent and pattern of country level differences in later life health in Europe and compare
five competing explanations for this variation. We used data from 14 European countries, drawn from Northern (Denmark and
Sweden), Western (Austria, France, Ireland, Germany Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland), Mediterranean (Spain, Italy
and Greece) and Eastern (Poland and Czechia) regions of Europe, N = 33,528. Our results suggest that about a quarter (24%) of the overall variation in later life health in Europe appears
to be due to country level differences. T...
Source: European Journal of Ageing - January 24, 2012 Category: Geriatrics Tags: European Journal of Ageing Source Type: research
Low Rates of Hepatotoxicity in HIV-infected Children on Anti-retroviral Therapy with and without Isoniazid ProphylaxisEmail this article to a colleague.
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(Source: Journal of Tropical Pediatrics)
Source: Journal of Tropical Pediatrics - January 23, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Gray, D., Nuttall, J., Lombard, C., Davies, M.-a., Workman, L., Apolles, P., Eley, B., Cotton, M., Zar, H. J. Tags: Erratum Source Type: research
Urinary screening for renal disease among apparently healthy school children in QatarEmail this article to a colleague.
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(Source: Journal of Tropical Pediatrics)
Source: Journal of Tropical Pediatrics - January 23, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Al-Kaabi, A., Almaslamani, T., Toaimah, F. H., Al-Maadid, M. G. A., Al-Bast, D. A., Fathi, H. M., Al Zamer, J., Hamad, B. Tags: Research Letters Source Type: research
Experience of Setting up a Microbiology Service for Rural Facility-Based Sick Newborn Care UnitEmail this article to a colleague.
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(Source: Journal of Tropical Pediatrics)
Source: Journal of Tropical Pediatrics - January 23, 2012 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Viswanathan, R., Singh, A., Ghosh, C., Mukherjee, S., Sardar, S., Basu, S. Tags: Research Letters Source Type: research
