Disease Prevention Measures Research Articles

Semivariogram Modeling based on Provincial Clusters for Infectious Diseases and Mental Health in Indonesia

Health is a valuable asset that profoundly impacts individuals and society as a whole, enhancing overall well-being and quality of life. Both internal and external factors, along with geographical location, play a crucial role in health. These factors exhibit spatial patterns that can be effectively analyzed through geostatistical methods, particularly semivariogram modeling. This study explores appropriate semivariogram models to depict disease distribution in Indonesian provinces using data from National Health Insurance Agency (NHIA). The provinces will be grouped into five clusters based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), health claim amounts, the number of participants, and 23 disease groups through non-hierarchical cluster analysis. Three clusters, with the most provinces, will be selected for semivariogram modeling: exponential, Gaussian, and Spherical models. The best-fitting semivariogram models are anisotropic exponential for claim amounts and anisotropic Gaussian for CPI, number of participants, infectious diseases, and mental health issues. Meanwhile, the most suitable spherical model is identified for a specific cluster (Kalimantan and Nusa Tenggara regions). The results of this modeling can serve as recommendations for the inter-province radius of influence in disease prevention measures and the creation of a high-quality environment.

Occurrence characteristics and control measures of plant pests and diseases

This paper analyzed the occurrence characteristics of plant pests and diseases, explored the occurrence characteristics and conditions of dominant diseases and pests such as powdery mildew, gray mold, aphids and whitefly, and formulated comprehensive prevention and control measures for the dominant diseases and pests of plant, mainly including cultivation management, ecological regulation and color board killing, supplemented by chemical prevention and control, aiming to provide strong technical support for the healthy development of plant flowers in Hubei province.

Analysis of in vitro expression of virulence genes related to antibiotic and disinfectant resistance in Escherichia coli as an emerging periodontal pathogen.

The collective involvement of virulence markers of Escherichia coli as an emerging pathogen associated with periodontitis remains unexplained. This study aimed to implement an in vitro model of infection using a human epithelial cell line to determine the virulome expression related to the antibiotic and disinfectant resistance genotype and pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) type in E. coli strains isolated from patients with periodontal diseases. We studied 100 strains of E. coli isolated from patients with gingivitis (n = 12), moderate periodontitis (n = 59), and chronic periodontitis (n = 29). The identification of E. coli and antibiotic and disinfectant resistance genes was performed through PCR. To promote the expression of virulence genes in the strains, an in vitro infection model was used in the human epithelial cell line A549. RNA was extracted using the QIAcube robotic equipment and reverse transcription to cDNA was performed using the QuantiTect reverse transcription kit (Qiagen). The determination of virulence gene expression was performed through real-time PCR. Overall, the most frequently expressed adhesion genes among the isolated strains of gingivitis, moderate periodontitis, and chronic periodontitis were fimH (48%), iha (37%), and papA (18%); those for toxins were usp (33%); those for iron acquisition were feoB (84%), fyuA (62%), irp-2 (61%), and iroN (35%); those for protectins were traT (50%), KpsMT (35%), and ompT (28%); and those for pathogenicity islands were malX (45%). The most common antibiotic and disinfectant resistance genes among gingivitis, moderate periodontitis, and chronic periodontitis strains were sul-2 (43%), blaSHV (47%), blaTEM (45%), tet(A) (41%), dfrA1 (32%), marR-marO (57%), and qacEA1 (79%). The findings revealed the existence of a wide distribution of virulome expression profiles related to the antibiotic and disinfectant resistance genotype and PFGE type in periodontal strains of E. coli. These findings may contribute toward improving the prevention and treatment measures for periodontal diseases associated with E. coli.

Diversidade de Maruins Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) no Município de Pacoti, Planalto de Baturité, Estado do Ceará, Nordeste do Brasil

Abstract Culicoides is a small dipteran genus of Ceratopogonidae Family with worldwide distribution. Due to their hematophagous habits, species within this genus are a biting nuisance to humans and domestic animals. They also transmit protozoa, filarial worms, and several arboviruses. The Northeastern region of Brazil is characterized by a semi-arid climate and few bodies of water, which does not favor breeding sites for ceratopogonids. In addition to the climatic factor, studies on Biting Midges Culicoides are scarce in this geographic region. The municipality of Pacoti, located in Serra de Baturité, in Ceará, is an important area for agricultural production and ecotourism; also, Pacoti is located in an environmental protection area. Due to the medical and veterinary importance of these biting midges, a survey was conducted in Pacoti. For capture, CDC-type light traps were used near forested areas, where collections were carried out during two periods: March 2015, and August 2022. Of the 17 species found, 12 are new records for the municipality of Pacoti, nine are new records for the state of Ceará, and four are recorded for the first time for the Northeast region. Of the registered incriminated vectors, we found C. paraensis, C. insignis, and C. pusillus. The knowledge of biodiversity and geographic distribution update of Culicoides may contribute to prevention and control measures for vector-borne diseases in Ceará.

Sickle cell disease in the Zanzibar Archipelago, the Republic of Tanzania.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most severe haemoglobinopathies, a group of blood disorders, typically inherited. The condition affects over 7.7 million people globally and results in more than 370,000 deaths per year. The highest morbidity and mortality rates are seen in Africa and most children with SCD are born in Tanzania. The available literature on SCD morbidity in Tanzania focus primarily on the residents of the mainland, while there is little data available on SCD morbidity among residents of the Tanzanian islands in the Indian Ocean. The aim of the present study was to confirm the presence of sickle cell disease among residents of the Zanzibar Archipelago. The study group consisted of 27 people, residents of Pemba Island in the Zanzibar Archipelago, aged between 2 months and 26 years old, whose at least one parent has been diagnosed with sickle cell anaemia. Blood samples collected from the study participants were tested using HemoTypeSCTM, a rapid, point-of-care diagnostic test. The tests were performed at the Amal Hospital (Chake Chake town, Pemba Island) in June 2023. Sickle cell disease was diagnosed in 11 study subjects (40.7%); their haemoglobin concentration ranged between 6.6 and 8.5 g/dL. The presence of the sickle cell trait (HbAS phenotype) was confirmed in 14 patients (51.9%). Only two of the tested patients had normal haemoglobin phenotype. The results of the present study support the necessity to introduce large-scale population- -based screening for SCD in the Zanzibar Archipelago, especially in infants whose family members have sickle cell anaemia. The introduction of such a programme will help monitor the number of new SCD cases in the region and may potentially reduce infant mortality due to SCD as well as minimize complications from SCD in older children through the adoption of effective disease prevention measures.

Стан нейродинамічних функцій та регуляторних процесів серця за показниками варіабельності серцевого ритму в осіб з недостатньою та підвищеною масою тіла

One of the most common diseases in the whole world is obesity. Every year, 18-20 thousand new cases of obesity are recorded in Ukraine. Also, the number of obese students during their studies in institutions of higher education is rapidly increasing, for whom the first year of study is the most difficult and problematic. It is known that even under normal conditions, excessive body weight requires increased energy supply and persons with insufficient weight suffer from a lack of reserves. Therefore, the purpose of our work was to study the features of the state of neurodynamic functions and regulatory processes of the heart based on indicators of heart rate variability in female students with different body weights during the first year of study at a higher education institution. This will be important for the development of individual disease prevention measures for this category of students. The study examined full-time female students (17-18 years old) of the Faculty of Natural Geography Education and Ecology of National Pedagogical Dragomanov University, who were divided into groups according to body mass index: normal, overweight, and underweight. The study was conducted on days of high mental performance under standard conditions in six stages. An electrocardiogram was registered, rhythmograms and variation pulsometry indicators were calculated, and the functional state of the central nervous system was studied using computer methods. According to the Kruskal-Wallis and ANOVA tests, the following indicators were most sensitive to the influence of body weight: moda, moda amplitude, stress index, autonomic balance index, and heart rate. According to Spearman’s non-parametric correlation analysis, at each stage of the examination, correlations between variation characteristics of heart rate variability and indicators of the state of the central nervous system were revealed, and their nature was clarified. It was established that the nature of the correlations in the studied groups was different. Thus, it was established that the deviation of body weight from the norm affects the regulatory processes of the heart and neurodynamic functions during the first year of study. Overweight and underweight female students during the first year of study had a significantly higher intension of regulatory mechanisms compared to female students with a normal body weight, so they can be classified as a group at risk of developing psychosomatic diseases.

Intelligent System to Analyse Plant Diseases Using Machine Learning Techniques

Abstract: Agriculture is the main backbone occupation for Indians. It is critical to diagnose plant illnesses early in order to avoid crop loss and disease spread. The disease is apparent on the leaves of most plants, including apple, tomato, cherry, and grapes. These observable patterns can be recognized in order to accurately forecast the disease and implement preventative measures early on. To overcome this, it's better to use two techniques one is machine learning and another one is deep learning. So, this paper proposes a system for identifying plant disease (tomato, corn, paddy, and cotton) from their leaf photos. The method is carried out using the machine learning technique that is Support Vector Machine and the deep learning technique called Convolutional Neural Network. After the algorithms have been trained on the dataset, the accuracy of the algorithms is compared, the photos are categorised, and preventions for unhealthy plants are proposed

Morbidity and mortality patterns among patients in a tertiary hospital, South-west, Nigeria: a five-year retrospective study

Objectives: Morbidity and mortality statistics are essential tools for assessing population health status as well as effective elements to adapt to the changing epidemiological trends. This study aimed to assess the morbidity and mortality pattern in the facility while also looking into the patterns of presentation at the facility. Methods: A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was employed, involving the review of patient’s medical records from January 2016 to December 2020. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, percentages and central tendencies were used. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Results: A total of 2,809 patient records were scrutinized from January 2016 to December 2020. The mean age of the respondents was 27±20.5 years, the majority were urban dwellers (91.4%) and males were predominant (55.7%). Infectious and parasitic diseases were found to have the highest prevalence among the respondents (44.1%). Diseases of the respiratory system and the circulatory system had a prevalence of 14.9% and 4.2% respectively. The mortality rate among the respondents was 3.6%. Conclusion: The morbidity pattern in this facility was largely dominated by infectious and parasitic diseases thus showing that communicable diseases such as Malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis are still prevalent in Nigeria with a high burden on the health system. There is an urgent need to strengthen disease prevention measures across all levels of Health care to stem this tide.

About Community Health Centers in the Main District of Chongqing Municipality Current Situation and Measures of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Introduction

With the acceleration of urbanization and the increase of population mobility, the public health and safety situation in the main urban area of Chongqing, as a modern metropolis with rapid economic development and dense population, has become increasingly complex and severe. The outbreak and spread of infectious diseases pose a serious threat to the lives and health of community residents and social stability, so it is crucial to strengthen the research on the prevention and control system of infectious diseases in grassroots community health service centers. Grassroots community health service centers in the main urban areas of Chongqing are the foundation and frontier of the entire public health prevention and control system, which is directly related to the health level of community residents and community public health safety. In the current global context of multiple, new, and frequent outbreaks of infectious diseases, it has become imperative to strengthen the construction of the infectious disease prevention and control system of grassroots community health service centers to improve the effectiveness and level of infectious disease prevention and control. This study will focus on the infectious disease prevention and control system of grassroots community health centers in the main urban areas of Chongqing, aiming to deeply analyze its composition structure, functional positioning, operation mechanism, personnel quality and facilities and equipment. Through the study and analysis of the infectious disease prevention and control system, existing problems and bottlenecks will be identified, and feasible and operable optimization suggestions will be made to promote the improvement and enhancement of the infectious disease prevention and control system. The significance of this study is not only to provide scientific basis and practical guidance for the improvement of the infectious disease prevention and control system in the main urban area of Chongqing, but also to provide reference and experience sharing for similar problems in other cities and regions, so as to jointly promote the modernization and standardization of the infectious disease prevention and control system of China's grassroots community health service centers, in order to ensure the health and safety of the community residents.

Nutritional needs and dietary disease prevention measures of the elderly

In recent years, the phenomenon of population aging has become increasingly severe, and population aging and chronic diseases in the elderly have become a serious global challenge that must be addressed immediately. Due to deteriorating physiological functions, the elderly's metabolic rate has slowed, their ability to absorb and digest nutrients is poor, and their resistance to disease has progressively diminished. Therefore, the elderly should adhere to a rational and scientific diet to supplement the various nutrients their bodies require for optimal health. In this paper, the author examines the nutritional requirements of the geriatric and the diseases associated with nutritional deficiencies, such as osteoporosis, hyperglycemia, stomach diseases, intestinal diseases, and dental diseases, among others. Suitable preventative measures are also proposed, which can strengthen the dietary structure of senior citizens in China, improve their health, and reduce their risk of chronic diseases to a certain degree.

Sex differences in adherence to treatment in patients with myocardial infarction

The aim of the study is to identify factors affecting adherence to treatment in men and women with myocardial infarction (MI).Material and methods. The study included 150 patients diagnosed with MI (47 women and 103 men). Treatment readiness was assessed according to the S.V. Davydov method and with the calculation of the integral indicator of adherence to treatment (IIAT).Results. During 6-month follow-up, men and women with MI were comparable in mortality rates, however, men were more frequently hospitalized for cardiovascular complications. Adherence to treatment was high in both genders. Treatment readiness at the time of MI indicated higher satisfaction with the results of treatment in women, and higher willingness to pay for treatment, higher confidence in the treatment strategy and a higher IIAT in men. Both women and men with MI reported a comparable number of outpatient visits within 6 months (not exceeding 56 %). Only small number of patients reached the target heart rate (HR) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) content within 6 months. Patients of both genders who reached and not reached the target LDL level and HR did not differ in mortality rates, hospitalizations and adherence to treatment within 6 months. At the same time, patients who reached the target HR, regardless of gender, were more likely to make outpatient postMI visits compared with those who did not reach the targets; men with MI who did not achieve the target HR were less likely to visit a doctor, whereas women with MI who achieved the target HR and LDL were more likely to have a high IIAT during in-patient care and were more willing to pay for further treatment (an exclusive characteristic of women who reached target HR). Moreover, we have identified predictors of IIAT and achievement of HR and LDL in women and men with MI.Conclusions. Patients with MI present with sex-specific factors that are affecting treatment adherence, which should be accounted for in the development of measures for secondary prevention of disease.

Centennial experience of the work of the Department of Public Health and Healthсare named after Academician Yu.P. Lisitsyn

Public health and healthcare is an educational and scientific discipline that studies the state of health of the population depending on the environment, lifestyle, and organization of medical care and develops medical and social measures for disease prevention and health improvement of citizens. The department, which solves educational, pedagogical, and scientific problems of social hygiene, was organized in 1924 at the second Moscow State University (Department of Public Health and Public Health named after Academician Y.P. Lisitsyn at the N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University). The social and hygienic research carried out at the department made it possible to develop and describe the basic principles of Soviet healthcare. In 100 years, 200 dissertation studies have been conducted at the department.
 The Department has always been a model in all areas of activity thanks to its leaders — famous scientists, highly erudite teachers, leading organizers of health care and well-known public figures: Z.P. Solovyov, G.A. Batkis, G.B. Getsov, O.V. Grinina, Yu.P. Lisitsyn.

Environmental and Occupational Factors Associated with Leptospirosis: A Systematic Review

BackgroundLeptospirosis is a neglected emerging zoonotic disease with a profound public health impact worldwide with higher burden of disease in resource-poor countries. The environmental and occupational exposures contribute to human and animal transmission, but the interaction was less explored. A deeper understanding of the critical environmental and occupational drivers in different contexts will provide useful information for disease control and prevention measures. ObjectiveThis review aimed to summarize the potential environmental and occupational risk factors associated with leptospirosis infection. MethodsFour databases (Scopus, Web of Science, Ovid MEDLINE, EBSCOhost) were searched for articles published from 2012 to 2021. Eligible articles were assessed using a checklist for assessing the quality of the studies. The quality of the articles was assessed based on the laboratory diagnosis approach and statistical analysis method. ResultsA total of 32 studies were included in this systematic review. Water-related risk factors such as natural water as the primary water source (AOR 1.8–18.28), water-related recreational activities (AOR 2.36–10.45), flood exposure (AOR 1.54–6.04), contact with mud (AOR 1.57–4.58) and stagnant water (AOR 2.79–6.42) were associated with increased risk of leptospirosis. Infrastructural deficiencies such as un-plastered house walls and thatched houses presented a higher risk (AOR 2.71–5.17). Living in low-lying areas (AOR 1.58–3.74), on clay loam soil (OR 2.72), agricultural land (OR 2.09), and near rubber tree plantations (AOR 11.65) is associated with higher risk of leptospirosis. Contact with rats (AOR 1.4–3.5), livestock (AOR 1.3–10.4), and pigs (AOR 1.54–7.9) is associated with an increased risk of leptospirosis. Outdoor workers (AOR 1.95–3.95) and slaughterhouse workers (AOR 5.1–7.5) have higher risk of leptospirosis. ConclusionThe environmental and occupational components related to water, infrastructure, landscape, agriculture, and exposed animals play an essential role in leptospirosis transmission. The magnitude of those risk factors differs with geographical region, climate factor, urbanization and population growth, and the country’s socioeconomic status.

The Evaluation of Collaborative Disease Prevention and Control Measures for Border Health Between Thailand and Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia

The Evaluation of Collaborative Disease Prevention and Control Measures for Border Health Between Thailand and Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia

An Analysis of the Challenges Faced by Small Scale Backyard Chicken Farmers of Dhemaji District of Assam

Aims: The present study was conducted to know the challenges faced by the small scale backyard chicken farmers of Dhemaji district of Assam.
 Study Design: The data obtained on various challenges faced by the farmers under the study were tabulated and analyzed statistically by using Garrett’s Ranking Technique.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dhemaji, Assam Agricultural University, Simen Chapori, Dhemaji, Assam during the year, 2020-21.
 Methodology: For the purpose, a questionnaire was prepared for surveying and data were collected about various challenges in backyard chicken rearing faced by the farmers of the district. The farmers were asked to identify the challenges he or she and the fellow farmers of their villages faced with respect to rearing of local chickens in their locality and to rank the challenges from 1 to 20 according to the seriousness of the challenges faced by them.
 Results: Lack of suitable germplasm was found to be the major challenge of poultry farmers with mean score of 74.89 and ranked first among the constraints in backyard chicken rearing. Higher incidence of diseases (68.95), unavailability of feed and feed ingredients (66.55) and mortality of young chicks (63.00) were ranked second, third and fourth major challenges, respectively. On the other hand, non availability of vaccine, higher cost of feeds and feed ingredients, lack of extension training or service, high cost of farm equipments were ranked fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth, respectively, as challenges in backyard chicken rearing. Lack of organized marketing facilities, lack of knowledge on scientific poultry farming, high cost of chicks, presence of middle man, higher mortality during brooding period, inability to diagnose sick birds, inadequate veterinary facilities, seasonal price fluctuations, high cost of medicaments, lack of credit facilities, social problems like damaging of the standing crops by the birds and complaint by neighbours, loss of birds due to predators or thieves were some other constraints of lower importance as indicated by the respondents for the backyard chicken farmers surveyed during the study.
 Conclusion: From the study, it can be concluded that the small scale backyard poultry farmers of Dhemaji district of Assam have a lot many challenges in chicken rearing in village conditions, the major being the lack of suitable germplasm and higher incidence of diseases. To address such problems there should be proper initiatives from government level as well as in farmers’ collaborative approach to introduce some newly developed improved chicken breeds and awareness about proper disease prevention and bio-security measures and creation of other facilities.

Examining the relationships between cognitive function and physical and mental health: interim findings from HKMMSOP

AbstractBackgroundPopulation ageing is associated with an increase in the number of persons with dementia, which constitutes a significant public health issue. The Hong Kong Mental Morbidity Survey for Older People (HKMMSOP) was carried out to evaluate the local prevalence of dementia and the factors that modulated the disease development.MethodParticipants aged 60 or over, stratified with age groups, were recruited through random sampling of residential addresses in Hong Kong. They underwent an assessment of their cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment, MoCA; Clinical Dementia Rating, CDR), physical health (Cumulative Illness Rating Scale, CIRS) and mental health (Clinical Interview Schedule‐Revised, CIS‐R; Short Warwick‐Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, SWEMWBS). Associative factors of neurocognitive disorders were determined by multinomial regression, with neurocognitive disorders as dependent variables.ResultIn this interim analysis, 4369 participants of HKMMSOP were included. Their mean age was 69.6, and there was a slight female preponderance (56.3%). On average, they received 8.8 years of education, and their mean MoCA score was 23.8 (SD 4.9). Using CDR, 71.8% were evaluated as having normal cognition, 23.1% with a mild neurocognitive disorder (ND), and 5.2% with a major ND. Older or less educated participants had a higher risk of developing mild and major ND (p<0.001). But the relationships between cognition and physical and mental health differed in the mild and major ND groups. Among those with mild ND, a higher CIRS total score (p<0.001), a higher CIS‐R total score (p<0.001) and a lower SWEMWBS score (p = 0.002) were significantly associated with CDR. However, only CIRS total score (p = 0.004) and SWEMWBS score (p<0.001) remained significant in the major ND group.ConclusionPoorer physical and mental health and lower mental well‐being and life satisfaction were associated with an increased risk of mild ND. But as the disease progressed, lower mental well‐being and life satisfaction and poorer physical health remained significant factors. On the contrary, a higher level of mental symptoms, as exemplified by CIS‐R, was not significantly associated with major ND. It sheds some light on the factors that may modulate the course of the disease and appropriate preventive measures.

Validation, visibility, vagueness and variation: A qualitative assessment of existing veterinary guidelines for antimicrobial use in cattle and sheep in the UK.

Antimicrobials are essential in veterinary medicine to treat and control bacterial disease in animals. Their prudent use in food-producing animals has been encouraged to reduce the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance. National and international guidelines for responsible antimicrobial use have been developed as tools to guide and rationalise antimicrobial prescribing decisions by veterinarians and usage decisions by farmers. Yet, there is little understanding of whether these existing guidelines are fit for purpose. Accordingly, this study rigorously assessed 128 veterinary guidelines for antimicrobial use in ruminants in the UK, following established qualitative methodologies. Findings revealed four pertinent themes: validation of the veterinarian as the prescriber, visibility of responsible use realities, vagueness in interpretation and variation in directing behaviour. These themes encompassed the roles and responsibilities of the veterinarian and the realities of prescribing scenarios, alongside concerns relating to the specificity within and variation between guidelines. Resultant recommendations to inform and support the future development of guidelines include establishing species-specific and disease-specific guidelines, expanding guidelines to include disease prevention measures, including definitions to resolve vagueness and promoting congruence in interpretation, encouraging the development of practice-level guidelines to endorse collaboration and ownership, and fostering active working between stakeholders to align priorities and messaging.

Analysis of Prevention, Detection, and Response Measures of Major Infectious Diseases by Modern Chinese Seaport Quarantine Institutions: A Case Study of Modern Tianjin Seaport Quarantine

During the late Qing Dynasty, Tianjin Customs gradually established the seaport quarantine system to prevent the spread of epidemics from Japan, Hong Kong, and the Northeast. The major infectious diseases inspected by the quarantine institution of Tianjin Port include cholera, plague, smallpox, typhus and yellow fever, of which cholera is the most frequent and influential infectious disease in modern Tianjin, followed by plague and smallpox, and no large-scale epidemics of typhus and yellow fever have been found.In the process of preventing the spreading of foreign infectious diseases, the quarantine institution of Tianjin Port has gradually developing. A set of business system has been established, which is based on ship inspection and takes preventive injection, rat flea research and disease diagnosis and treatment as the core.In conclusion,the seaport quarantine institutions in Tianjin played an active role in the prevention, detection, and response to major infectious diseases ,opened up a precedent for Chinese people to independently handle border health quarantine.Its historical practice and quarantine mode are a window for understanding the development history of quarantine infectious diseases in modern China, which has very important reference value.

Identification and characterization of motile Aeromonas spp. isolated from farmed Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in the Philippines.

Motile Aeromonas septicaemia (MAS) caused by motile Aeromonas species is an important disease in farmed freshwater fish due to intensification of culture and improper farm practices. This study characterized and profiled motile Aeromonas species recovered from clinically sick tilapia farmed in the Philippines, with a view to identifying targeted disease prevention and control measures against MAS in farmed tilapia species. Sixteen isolates from diseased farmed Nile tilapia were identified as Aeromonas veronii (n=14), Aeromonas caviae (n=1), and Aeromonas dhakensis (n=1). Five biochemical profiles using API 20E were exhibited by the A. veronii strains giving an unreliable identification. A high level of agreement was observed in identifying the Aeromonas strains using 16S rRNA and rpoD gene sequencing, although the latter has a higher discriminatory value. Three or more virulence genes dominated by cytotoxic enterotoxin act and aerolysin aer were detected. Different genotypes based on virulence gene clustering suggested varied mechanisms used by Aeromonas to colonize and infect or to mutualistically co-exist with the fish. Acquired multiple antibiotic resistance was found in a single A. veronii isolate. All were susceptible to enrofloxacin, oxolinic acid, florfenicol, and chloramphenicol. Tetracycline and sulfonamide resistances and class 1 integron were detected in three A. veronii isolates. Several strains of motile aeromonads, especially A. veronii, which have varied genotypes based on virulence, biochemical profile, and antibiotic resistance, are involved in MAS in natural disease outbreaks in farmed Nile tilapia in the Philippines.

Unveiling the Genetic Symphony: Harnessing CRISPR-Cas Genome Editing for Effective Insect Pest Management.

Phytophagous insects pose a significant threat to global crop yield and food security. The need for increased agricultural output while reducing dependence on harmful synthetic insecticides necessitates the implementation of innovative methods. The utilization of CRISPR-Cas (Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) technology to develop insect pest-resistant plants is believed to be a highly effective approach in reducing production expenses and enhancing the profitability of farms. Insect genome research provides vital insights into gene functions, allowing for a better knowledge of insect biology, adaptability, and the development of targeted pest management and disease prevention measures. The CRISPR-Cas gene editing technique has the capability to modify the DNA of insects, either to trigger a gene drive or to overcome their resistance to specific insecticides. The advancements in CRISPR technology and its various applications have shown potential in developing insect-resistant varieties of plants and other strategies for effective pest management through a sustainable approach. This could have significant consequences for ensuring food security. This approach involves using genome editing to create modified insects or crop plants. The article critically analyzed and discussed the potential and challenges associated with exploring and utilizing CRISPR-Cas technology for reducing insect pest pressure in crop plants.