Biannual Pattern Research Articles

Aerobiology of Olive Pollen (Olea europaea L.) in the Atmosphere of the Iberian Peninsula

Olea europaea L. pollen is one of the main causes of pollinosis and respiratory diseases in the Iberian Peninsula (IP). The aim of this study was to provide a pollen calendar in different regions of the IP, which could help allergists and allergic patients in the management of Olea europaea allergic diseases, and to update/complement what has already been reported on olive trees’ aeropalynology in this region. Airborne Olea pollen dynamics were analyzed over a period of 8 years in a total of 21 localities, 7 in Portugal and 14 in Spain. Airborne pollen monitoring was carried out using the Hirst-type spore trap method and following the recommendations of the Quality Control Working Group of the European Aerobiology Society. The daily pollen count, the annual pollen profile, the Annual Pollen Integral (APIn), the Seasonal Pollen Integral (SPIn) and the Pollen Peak, all expressed in number of pollen grains per cubic metre of air, together with the main pollen season and its characteristics, the Start Day, the End Day and the length of the pollen season, were calculated for each sampling station. Differences in mean Olea pollen concentration between odd and even years were also analyzed. On average, the main pollen season (MPS) started in April/May and ended in June, with Pollen Peaks recorded in May, except in Burgos, where it was recorded in June. The longest MPS occurred in Lisbon, Oviedo and Valencia (53 days) and the shortest in Vitoria (25 days). A high daily pollen concentration (i.e., >200 grains/m3) was recorded between 1 and 38 days along the year in all sampling stations of the southwest quadrant of the IP and in Jaén. A biannual pattern, characterized by alternating years of high and low pollen production, was found in the southwest of the IP. In conclusion, the study provided a deeper understanding of the pollination behaviour of olive trees in the IP and allowed the establishment of a representative Olea pollen calendar for this region. In addition, our results suggest the usefulness of investigating more detailed relationships between annual Olea pollen, allergen sensitization and symptoms, both for allergists involved in the study and management of allergic respiratory diseases caused by this species and for the self-management of disease in allergic subjects.

Inpatient burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Switzerland, 2003 to 2021: an analysis of administrative data.

BackgroundRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of acute respiratory infections and hospitalisations in infants (age < 1 year) and young children. Little is known on RSV epidemiology and related inpatient healthcare resource use (HCRU) in Switzerland.AimTo explore RSV-related hospitalisations, inpatient HCRU and medical costs in all age groups, and risk factors for infant hospitalisations in Switzerland.MethodsWe used national hospital registry data from 2003 to 2021 identifying RSV cases with ICD-10-GM codes, and described demographic characteristics, HCRU and associated medical costs of RSV inpatients. The effect of risk factors on infant hospitalisation was estimated with logistic regression.ResultsWe observed a general increase and biannual pattern in RSV hospitalisations between 2003/04 and 2018/19, with 3,575 hospitalisations in 2018/19 and 2,487 in 2019/20 before numbers declined in 2020/21 (n = 902). Around two thirds of all hospitalisations occurred in infants. Mean (median) age was 118 (85) days in hospitalised infants and 74 (77) years in hospitalised adult patients (> 18 years); 7.2% of cases required intensive care unit stay. Mean inpatient medical costs were estimated at EUR 8,046. Most (90.8%) hospitalised infants with RSV were born after 35 weeks of gestation without bronchopulmonary dysplasia or congenital heart disease. Low birth weight, gestational age and congenital disorders were associated with a higher risk for hospitalisation.ConclusionsRSV leads to a substantial number of hospitalisations and peaks in hospital capacity utilisation. Measures to protect all infants from an RSV hospitalisation are essential in addressing this public health challenge.

Seasonal patterns of influenza incidence and the influence of meteorological and air pollution factors in Thailand during 2009–2019

Influenza, an acute respiratory illness, remains a significant public health challenge, contributing substantially to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Its seasonal prevalence exhibits diversity across regions with distinct climates. This study aimed to explore the seasonal patterns of influenza and their correlation with meteorological and air pollution factors across six regions of Thailand. We conducted an analysis of monthly average temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, PM10, NO2, O3 concentrations, and influenza incidence data from 2009 to 2019 using wavelet analysis. Our findings reveal inconsistent biannual influenza prevalence patterns throughout the study period. The biannual pattern emerged during 2010–2012 across all regions but disappeared during 2013–2016. However, post-2016, the biannual cycles resurfaced, with peaks occurring during the rainy and winter seasons in most regions, except for the southern region. Wavelet coherence reveals that relative humidity can be the main influencing factor for influenza incidence over a one-year period in the northern, northeastern, central, Bangkok-metropolitan, and eastern regions, not in the southern region during 2010–2012 and 2016–2018. Similarly, precipitation can drive the influenza incidence at the same period for the northeastern, central, Bangkok-metropolitan, and eastern regions. PM10 concentration can influence influenza incidence over a half-year period in the northeastern, central, Bangkok-metropolitan, and eastern regions of Thailand during certain years. These results enhance our understanding of the temporal dynamics of influenza seasonality influenced by weather conditions and air pollution over the past 11 years. Such knowledge is invaluable for resource allocation in clinical settings and informing public health strategies, particularly in navigating Thailand's climatic complexities.

Seasonality of cholera in Kolkata and the influence of climate

BackgroundCholera in Kolkata remains endemic and the Indian city is burdened with a high number of annual cases. Climate change is widely considered to exacerbate cholera, however the precise relationship between climate and cholera is highly heterogeneous in space and considerable variation can be observed even within the Indian subcontinent. To date, relatively few studies have been conducted regarding the influence of climate on cholera in Kolkata.MethodsWe considered 21 years of confirmed cholera cases from the Infectious Disease Hospital in Kolkata during the period of 1999–2019. We used Generalised Additive Modelling (GAM) to extract the non-linear relationship between cholera and different climatic factors; temperature, rainfall and sea surface temperature (SST). Peak associated lag times were identified using cross-correlation lag analysis.ResultsOur findings revealed a bi-annual pattern of cholera cases with two peaks coinciding with the increase in temperature in summer and the onset of monsoon rains. Variables selected as explanatory variables in the GAM model were temperature and rainfall. Temperature was the only significant factor associated with summer cholera (mean temperature of 30.3 °C associated with RR of 3.8) while rainfall was found to be the main driver of monsoon cholera (550 mm total monthly rainfall associated with RR of 3.38). Lag time analysis revealed that the association between temperature and cholera cases in the summer had a longer peak lag time compared to that between rainfall and cholera during the monsoon. We propose several mechanisms by which these relationships are mediated.ConclusionsKolkata exhibits a dual-peak phenomenon with independent mediating factors. We suggest that the summer peak is due to increased bacterial concentration in urban water bodies, while the monsoon peak is driven by contaminated flood waters. Our results underscore the potential utility of preventative strategies tailored to these seasonal and climatic patterns, including efforts to reduce direct contact with urban water bodies in summer and to protect residents from flood waters during monsoon.

Comparative analysis of RSV-related hospitalisations in children and adults over a 7 year-period before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

RSV is an important cause for respiratory illness in children and the elderly. We analysed RSV seasons since 2016 in both age groups for differences, similarities and timely associations before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. We studied epidemiological and clinical features of seven consecutive RSV seasons since 2016 retrospectively in children and adults who were systematically monitored for RSV infections by PCR when hospitalized in Regensburg, Germany. Data from 1903 RSV positive, hospitalised patients were analysed (1446 children, 457 adults). We observed a complete absence of RSV associated hospitalizations in season 2020/2021. While in the season of 2021/2022, RSV associated hospitalizations in children returned to considerable numbers earlier than expected, hospitalizations in the elderly were still mitigated during that season in temporal association with the continuation of NPI measures for COVID-19 in the elderly until summer of 2022. Overall, children were hospitalized more often for RSV, while the elderly showed more severe outcomes. RSV hospitalisations continuously increase in both age groups, following a bi-annual pattern of severe and less severe seasons, which was not altered by the COVID-19 pandemic. We demonstrate the relation between RSV waves in children and the elderly. NPI measures may protect the elderly from RSV infections and epidemiological data could be used to predict RSV waves early enough to prepare countermeasures.

Age, growth and maturity of the yellow stingray (Urobatis jamaicensis), a biannually reproductive tropical batoid.

Urobatis jamaicensis is a coastal batoid species affected by habitat loss and small-scale exploitation from fisheries and the aquarium trade, yet the life-history information available is limited. This is the first study to assess the vertebral centra from 195 stingrays to estimate age and growth patterns, and compare them with the biannual reproductive pattern previously reported for this species. Age-at-size data were compared using five different growth models and found a two-parameter von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF), the Gompertz model and a modified VBGF fit best for males, females and sexes combined, respectively. Maturity was achieved before 1 year. However, growth did not cease with the onset of maturity, but instead slowed down. Results from marginal increment analysis and edge analysis indicated a nonannual somatic growth pattern with influences from the biannual reproduction cycle where peaks in resource allocation may be focused on ovulation rather than growth during March when larger brood sizes are present, while resources may be allocated more towards growth during August and September when brood sizes are generally smaller. These results may be used as a proxy for species with similar reproductive patterns or for those that lack annual or seasonal growth patterns.

Outbreak of diarrheal diseases causes mortality in different geographical locations of Bangladesh during the 2021 COVID-19 era.

Diarrhea is a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries, including Bangladesh. Of the different spectrums of diarrheal diseases, cholera occurs every year, causing outbreaks and epidemics following a biannual seasonal pattern. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitalization for diarrheal diseases decreased in 2020 compared to the previous years. However, in 2021, massive outbreaks occurred in different geographical locations of the country. We described that an outbreak of diarrheal diseases causes mortality in different geographical locations in Bangladesh. In this study, we present a report of diarrhea outbreaks that were reported in 2018-2021 in different parts of Bangladesh, and data have been captured from different sources such as print and electronic media as well as from a nationwide surveillance system. Among these locations, districts of Barisal Division, Kishorganj, Noakhali, Gopalganj, Bandarban, and Chattogram were the major hotspots of the outbreaks where high morbidity due to acute watery diarrhea and even mortality, which is usually low in Bangladesh, were recorded. Early detection and prevention and strengthening of the surveillance system are needed to combat the diarrheal upsurge, take immediate control, and adopt preventive strategies.

Male reproductive cycle in a population of the endemic butterfly lizard, Leiolepis ocellata Peters, 1971 (Squamata: Agamidae) from northern Thailand

BackgroundFundamental knowledge on the seasonal reproductive microanatomy and endocrinology of reptiles has been collected from several studies of various species. The present study was to determine annual changes in hormonal profiles, and detailed histomorphometric and histochemical characteristics of the entire male reproductive system of the tropical agamid lizard, Leiolepis ocellata.ResultsMale L. ocellata individuals (n = 75) collected from the territory of two provinces (Lampang and Tak) in northern Thailand exhibited annual variation in sex hormonal, histomorphometric, and histochemical characteristics of the male reproductive system. The reproductive cycle was subdivided into eight reproductive periods (early first active, first active, resting, second recrudescent, second active, regressive, quiescent, and first recrudescent), thus displaying a bimodal pattern with two actively reproductive periods. Circulating sex hormones (testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone) peaked in the first active (February) and the second active (June–July) periods. Likewise, gonadosomatic index (GSI) and histomorphometric variables of the testes and of the genital ducts (rete testis, ductuli efferentes, ductus epididymis, and ductus deferens) revealed their highest values in the first active period. Marked increase in protein and carbohydrate production was detectable in the ductuli efferentes during the active periods.ConclusionsThe male reproductive cycle of L. ocellata showed a biannual pattern of the hormonal profile, and detailed histomorphometric and histochemical characteristics of the entire reproductive system. Hence, the present study provides improved basic knowledge on the reptilian reproductive biology with comparative viewpoints to other reptiles.

Changes in Bronchiolitis Incidence During the Last Two Decades in Tampere, Finland: A Retrospective Study.

Background:Bronchiolitis, a lower respiratory tract infection, causes a remarkable number of hospitalizations globally. The epidemiology follows the same pattern as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the most common pathogen in bronchiolitis. Epidemics have typically followed a biannual pattern in Nordic countries—first, a small epidemic during spring, followed by a higher peak the next autumn. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the incidence of bronchiolitis hospitalization has changed during the last 2 decades in Tampere, Finland.Methods:In this retrospective register-based study, data on infants <12 months of age hospitalized with bronchiolitis in 2000–2019 were collected from electronic files of Tampere University Hospital and analyzed by monthly incidences. Additionally, data on RSV incidences were collected from the Finnish National Infectious Diseases Register for children <5 years of age and living in the study area. Poisson’s regression analysis was used to evaluate changes in the incidence rates of bronchiolitis.Results:Of the 1481 infants hospitalized with bronchiolitis, 82.0% had a diagnosis of RSV bronchiolitis. At first, bronchiolitis’ epidemiological pattern followed its typical biannual pattern, then shifted to annual in the middle of the study period, and thereafter occurred biannually again. The highest incidence rate ratios compared to the low-incidence months were between December (22.5), January (25.8) and February (25.5) in 2000–2006, and between February (24.7), March (25.1) and April (21.0) in 2007–2019.Conclusions:The epidemiological pattern of bronchiolitis changed during the study period; incidence peaks were higher and have shifted toward spring in recent years.

Parasites of Moroccan desert Coptodon guineensis (Pisces, Cichlidae): transition and resilience in a simplified hypersaline ecosystem

Sebkha Imlili (Atlantic Sahara) is a salt flat with over 160 permanent holes of hypersaline water generated in the Holocene and inhabited by euryhaline organisms that are considered to be relics of the past, including the cichlid fish Coptodon guineensis. We surveyed the fish parasites four times over one year, to i) identify the parasites, and ii) determine possible seasonality in infection patterns. Over 60% of the fish were infected by one to three helminths: an acanthocephalan in the intestine and two digenean metacercariae in the kidney, spleen, liver, muscle, and mesenteries. The acanthocephalan Acanthogyrus (Acanthosentis) cf. tilapiae was identified morphologically and molecularly; only one digenean (the heterophyid Pygidiopsis genata) could be identified molecularly. Both identified parasites were present throughout the sampling periods; the unidentified metacercariae were present only in summer and fall. Mean intensities, but not prevalence of infection by the acanthocephalan, reflected a biannual pattern of transmission. Infection accrued with fish size, possibly due to cannibalism. Because the water holes include only a few invertebrates, the intermediate hosts of these parasites can be inferred to be the gastropod Ecrobia ventrosa for the digeneans and either the copepod Cletocamtpus retrogressus or the ostracod Cyprideis torosa for the acanthocephalan. This ecosystem appears stable and provides a window into the past, as the acanthocephalan likely switched from freshwater tilapia to C. guineensis when the Sebkha formed. However, this is a vulnerable environment where the survival of these parasites depends on interactions maintained among only very few hosts.

Longitudinal Secretion of Paramyxovirus RNA in the Urine of Straw-Coloured Fruit Bats (Eidolon helvum).

The straw-coloured fruit bat (Eidolon helvum) is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa and is widely hunted for bushmeat. It is known to harbour a range of paramyxoviruses, including rubuloviruses and henipaviruses, but the zoonotic potential of these is unknown. We previously found a diversity of paramyxoviruses within a small, captive colony of E. helvum after it had been closed to contact with other bats for 5 years. In this study, we used under-roost urine collection to further investigate the paramyxovirus diversity and ecology in this colony, which had been closed to the outside for 10 years at the time of sampling. By sampling urine weekly throughout an entire year, we investigated possible seasonal patterns of shedding of virus or viral RNA. Using a generic paramyxovirus L-gene PCR, we detected eight distinct paramyxovirus RNA sequences. Six distinct sequences were detected using a Henipavirus-specific PCR that targeted a different region of the L-gene. Sequence detection had a bi-annual pattern, with the greatest peak in July, although different RNA sequences appeared to have different shedding patterns. No significant associations were detected between sequence detection and birthing season, environmental temperature or humidity, and no signs of illness were detected in any of the bats in the colony during the period of sample collection.

Exploring Grower-sourced Data to Understand Spatiotemporal Trends in the Occurrence of a Vector, Pseudococcus maritimus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) and Improve Grapevine Leafroll Disease Management.

Grapevine leafroll disease is a significant concern in the wine grape industry, as it spreads rapidly and contributes to economically significant reductions in yield and grape quality. Our objective was to utilize 5 yr of grower-sourced data from Napa (California, USA) to improve local and regional disease management efforts. Specifically, we applied a spatially integrated multivariate clustering technique to improve understanding of spatiotemporal trends in Pseudococcus maritimus (Ehrhorn) male populations-the primary vector in the region. We also implemented generalized linear mixed models to evaluate the effects of two key practices, insecticide sprays and roguing, on disease incidence. Results show P. maritimus has a biannual flight pattern in the study area, with the first flight peaking in early May and the second between early August and early September. Clusters of P. maritimus flight data fall largely within the vineyard footprints of individual growers, but also showed clear neighborhood effects. We found that when disease incidence within a block is <1%, consistent monitoring and removal of diseased vines is required to contain within-block spread. As within-block disease incidence grows to 1-20%, both insecticide applications and roguing are effective practices to reduce spread. At incidence levels >20%, roguing is a critical practice. Our results emphasize the importance of individual management efforts, but also the value of programs that engage the wider neighboring community and highlight the power of community data collection to guide decision-making.

Using passive acoustic monitoring to investigate the occurrence of cetaceans in a protected marine area in northwest Ireland

Under the EU Habitats Directive, cetacean species must be maintained at favourable conservation status in European waters. Whether this is achieved via protected area designation, curtailment of activities such as fishing or construction, or time restrictions on noise, it is dependent on understanding the temporal patterns in occurrence. Our ability to study this is often limited by the relatively short time-series of data available to researchers. This study uses nine years of passive acoustic monitoring data paired with environmental covariates to better understand the spatio-temporal dynamics of harbour porpoise and dolphin species using generalised estimating equations-generalised linear models (GEE-GLMs). This long-term time-series included periods of increased disturbance due to construction of an underwater gas pipeline in the area, enabling us to investigate the effect of construction on species occurrence. Harbour porpoise and dolphins occurred in every season, with detections peaking in winter. We found a negative association between dolphins and porpoises throughout the year. Inter-annual variation in occurrence was evident, with a cyclical bi-annual pattern highlighted for both species suggesting a complex pattern of movement. Construction activity had a significant negative effect on the presence of porpoise but not dolphins. However, no long-term decrease in detection rates of porpoise was recorded. This study highlights the importance of understanding what factors influence cetacean occurrence as well as the temporal scale of disturbance effects for planning and management of construction activities in coastal areas.

Interactions between climatic changes and intervention effects on malaria spatio-temporal dynamics in Uganda

BackgroundAlthough malaria burden in Uganda has declined since 2009 following the scale-up of interventions, the disease is still the leading cause of hospitalization and death. Transmission remains high and is driven by suitable weather conditions. There is a real concern that intervention gains may be reversed by climatic changes in the country. In this study, we investigate the effects of climate on the spatio-temporal trends of malaria incidence in Uganda during 2013–2017. MethodsBayesian spatio-temporal negative binomial models were fitted on district-aggregated monthly malaria cases, reported by two age groups, defined by a cut-off age of 5 years. Weather data was obtained from remote sensing sources including rainfall, day land surface temperature (LSTD) and night land surface temperature (LSTN), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), altitude, land cover, and distance to water bodies. Spatial and temporal correlations were taken into account by assuming a conditional autoregressive and a first-order autoregressive process on district and monthly specific random effects, respectively. Fourier trigonometric functions modeled seasonal fluctuations in malaria transmission. The effects of climatic changes on the malaria incidence changes between 2013 and 2017 were estimated by modeling the difference in time varying climatic conditions at the two time points and adjusting for the effects of intervention coverage, socio-economic status and health seeking behavior. ResultsMalaria incidence declined steadily from 2013 to 2015 and then increased in 2016. The decrease was by over 38% and 20% in children <5 years and individuals ≥5 years, respectively. Temporal trends depict a strong bi-annual seasonal pattern with two peaks during April–June and October–December. The annual average of rainfall, LSTD and LSTN increased by 3.7 mm, 2.2 °C and 1.0 °C, respectively, between 2013 and 2017, whereas NDVI decreased by 6.8%. On the one hand, the increase in LSTD and decrease in NDVI were associated with a reduction in the incidence decline. On the other hand, malaria interventions and treatment seeking behavior had reverse effects, that were stronger compared to the effects of climatic changes. Important interactions between interventions with NDVI and LSTD suggest a varying impact of interventions on malaria burden in different climatic conditions. ConclusionClimatic changes in Uganda during the last five years contributed to a favorable environment for malaria transmission, and had a detrimental effect on malaria reduction gains achieved through interventions scale-up efforts. The NMCP should create synergies with the National Meteorological Authority with an ultimate goal of developing a Malaria Early Warning System to mitigate adverse climatic change effects on malaria risk in the country.

The effect of case management and vector-control interventions on space\u2013time patterns of malaria incidence in Uganda

BackgroundElectronic reporting of routine health facility data in Uganda began with the adoption of the District Health Information Software System version 2 (DHIS2) in 2011. This has improved health facility reporting and overall data quality. In this study, the effects of case management with artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) and vector control interventions on space–time patterns of disease incidence were determined using DHIS2 data reported during 2013–2016.MethodsBayesian spatio-temporal negative binomial models were fitted on district-aggregated monthly malaria cases, reported by two age groups, defined by a cut-off age of 5 years. The effects of interventions were adjusted for socio-economic and climatic factors. Spatial and temporal correlations were taken into account by assuming a conditional autoregressive and a first-order autoregressive AR(1) process on district and monthly specific random effects, respectively. Fourier trigonometric functions were incorporated in the models to take into account seasonal fluctuations in malaria transmission.ResultsThe temporal variation in incidence was similar in both age groups and depicted a steady decline up to February 2014, followed by an increase from March 2015 onwards. The trends were characterized by a strong bi-annual seasonal pattern with two peaks during May–July and September-December. Average monthly incidence in children < 5 years declined from 74.7 cases (95% CI 72.4–77.1) in 2013 to 49.4 (95% CI 42.9–55.8) per 1000 in 2015 and followed by an increase in 2016 of up to 51.3 (95% CI 42.9–55.8). In individuals ≥ 5 years, a decline in incidence from 2013 to 2015 was followed by an increase in 2016. A 100% increase in insecticide-treated nets (ITN) coverage was associated with a decline in incidence by 44% (95% BCI 28–59%). Similarly, a 100% increase in ACT coverage reduces incidence by 28% (95% BCI 11–45%) and 25% (95% BCI 20–28%) in children < 5 years and individuals ≥ 5 years, respectively. The ITN effect was not statistically important in older individuals. The space–time patterns of malaria incidence in children < 5 are similar to those of parasitaemia risk predicted from the malaria indicator survey of 2014–15.ConclusionThe decline in malaria incidence highlights the effectiveness of vector-control interventions and case management with ACT in Uganda. This calls for optimizing and sustaining interventions to achieve universal coverage and curb reverses in malaria decline.

Split spawning realigns coral reproduction with optimal environmental windows

Split spawning in coral populations occurs when gamete maturation and mass spawning are split over two consecutive months. While split spawning has been observed at many reefs, little is known about the frequency and significance of these events. Here we show that split spawning occurred frequently and predictably over a decade at Scott Reef. Split spawning overlays the biannual spawning pattern in the region and occurs when the full moon falls in the first week of the usual spawning month, or the last week of the previous month. Additionally, in split years most species have their main spawning event after a 13-month lunar cycle, in the month following the usual spawning month. Without split spawning, spawn dates would shift by ~10 days each year to occur outside of optimal environmental windows. Our results suggest that split spawning is driven by a disconnect between lunar and seasonal cues, and is analogous with a ‘leap year’ in coral reproduction, realigning spawning dates with favourable conditions for reproduction.

Major aetiologies of acute undifferentiated fever in 2013 and 2014: an experience in retrospect

Background: Major aetiologies of acute undifferentiated fever (AUF) show wide variations, especially in developing countries including India. A better understanding of ‘AUF causes’ helps in better management of such cases with attendant reduction in morbidity and mortality. The present analytical study, retrospective in nature, estimates burden of the AUF in the years 2013 and 2014 with some useful information and conclusions.Methods: Important pathogens ‘investigated for’ either as a ‘direct or indirect evidence’ included - Malaria parasite, Dengue virus, Salmonella typhi and paratyphi A and Chikungunya virus. Malaria testing included examination of peripheral blood smear with Giemsa stain and also immuno-chromatographic test to detect lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) for Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax and also HRP2 for detection of Plasmodium falciparum infections. For dengue and chikungunya virus infections - specific IgM antibodies - were detected by ELISA test. Enteric fever was diagnosed by detecting IgM and IgG antibodies using enzyme immunoassay. For Widal test, agglutinating antibodies against the O and H antigens of S. typhi and “H” antigens of ‘S. paratyphi A’ were undertaken. All the test procedures, including sample collections, were performed as per manufacturer’s recommendations, and, as per ‘standard operating procedures (SOPs)’.Results: Of the 10,670 samples received for dengue investigations, 3646 i.e. 34.17% tested seropositive for dengue cases. Percentage seropositivity for chikungunya was 18.6 (8/48). For dengue, 1193 (43.92%) and 488/577 (84.57%) samples were positive in the year 2013 and 2014 respectively in Delhi alone. Annual peak in months of September to November was observed for dengue while a bi-annual pattern was observed for malaria with two peaks occurring in months of May-June and August-September respectively for the year (s) i.e. 2013 and 2014. Enteric fever was present throughout the year with no specific distribution pattern. Majority of patients were from Delhi and adjoining Haryana followed by Western Uttar Pradesh. Co-infection of dengue with enteric fever was observed in only four cases.Conclusions: Dengue, chikungunya, malaria and enteric fever were the most important major causes of AUF in the year 2013 and 2014. Improved interactions with clinician counterparts generating awareness about major aetiologies of AUF would help in timely detection of such illnesses and hence better management reducing morbidity and mortality in the long run.

Amazonian Triatomine Biodiversity and the Transmission of Chagas Disease in French Guiana: In Medio Stat Sanitas.

The effects of biodiversity on the transmission of infectious diseases now stand as a cornerstone of many public health policies. The upper Amazonia and Guyana shield are hot-spots of biodiversity that offer genuine opportunities to explore the relationship between the risk of transmission of Chagas disease and the diversity of its triatomine vectors. Over 730 triatomines were light-trapped in four geomorphological landscapes shaping French-Guiana, and we determined their taxonomic status and infection by Trypanosoma cruzi. We used a model selection approach to unravel the spatial and temporal variations in species abundance, diversity and infection. The vector community in French-Guiana is typically made of one key species (Panstrongylus geniculatus) that is more abundant than three secondary species combined (Rhodnius pictipes, Panstrongylus lignarius and Eratyrus mucronatus), and four other species that complete the assemblage. Although the overall abundance of adult triatomines does not vary across French-Guiana, their diversity increases along a coastal-inland gradient. These variations unravelled a non-monotonic relationship between vector biodiversity and the risk of transmission of Chagas disease, so that intermediate biodiversity levels are associated with the lowest risks. We also observed biannual variations in triatomine abundance, representing the first report of a biannual pattern in the risk of Chagas disease transmission. Those variations were highly and negatively correlated with the average monthly rainfall. We discuss the implications of these patterns for the transmission of T. cruzi by assemblages of triatomine species, and for the dual challenge of controlling Amazonian vector communities that are made of both highly diverse and mostly intrusive species.

Fenologia reprodutiva do araticum e suas implicações no potencial produtivo

The araticum (Annona crassiflora Mart.) is a native fruit from the Cerrado biome, with a great economic and social potential. Studies on Cerrado native plants phenology are scarce and can be promising for a better rational and sustainable exploitation of its potentialities. Thus, the objective of this study was to characterize araticum reproductive phenology in the Cerrado. The phenophases evaluations were carried out from August 2008 to August 2010, in Goiania, Goias, Brazil, through counting of flower buds, flowers in anthesis and fruits formed. The production capacity was estimated through the effective fruiting rate. For flower emission, a biannual pattern was observed for araticum.. The effective fruiting rate observed was 3.29% and the araticum’s reproductive phenophases were concentrated during the rainy season. The effective fruiting rate is considered very low and depends on biotic and abiotic factors.

Short Term Effects Of Meteorological Factors On Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease In A Chinese Subtropical City

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), predominantly transmitted in Asia, is an infectious enteric disease commonly caused by Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71 and primarily affecting children under 5 years old. And there is substantial evidence showing that the earth is undergoing significant temperature elevation in the last century. This study aims to quantify the impact of weather variation on Hand, Foot and Mouth disease in a large southwest city with subtropical climate in China. Generalized additive time-series models were used to model daily HFMD cases as a function of daily mean temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, total sun duration and rainfall, adjusting for time trend, seasonality, and autoregressive terms, and allowing for lagged effects up to 14 days. There was an apparent bi-annual pattern during the study period, with a major peak in May and a minor one in November. Relative humidity below 80% was found to be positively associated with HFMD with a shorter lag (0-7 days). However, there was a delayed inverse U-shape effect of mean temperature on HFMD two weeks later, with a peak of 18 degrees Celsius. More HFMD cases were reported during days with heavier rainfall since 5th day and afterwards. In addition, stronger wind (speed above 16km/h) was also observed to be a risk factor for HFMD, with lagged effects up to the maximum lag-14 days. The quantification of meteorological influence could be able to facilitate the prediction and prevention of HFMD especially for the vulnerable group-children younger than 5 years old. Global warming and other environmental change are likely to lead to an increase in severe HFMD cases in subtropical areas in the absence of further interventions.