Infective Bites Research Articles

Characterising residual malaria transmission in forested areas with low coverage of core vector control in central Viet Nam

BackgroundDespite great success in significantly reducing the malaria burden in Viet Nam over recent years, the ongoing presence of malaria vectors and Plasmodium infection in remote forest areas and among marginalised groups presents a challenge to reaching elimination and a threat to re-emergence of transmission. Often transmission persists in a population despite high reported coverage of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), the mainstay control method for malaria. To investigate what factors may contribute to this, a mixed-methods study was conducted in Son Thai commune, a community in south-central Viet Nam that has ongoing malaria cases despite universal LLIN coverage. A cross-sectional behavioural and net-coverage survey was conducted along with observations of net use and entomological collections in the village, farm huts and forest sites used by members of the community.ResultsMost community members owned a farm hut plot and 71.9% of adults aged 18+ years sometimes slept overnight in the farm hut, while one-third slept overnight in the forest. Ownership and use of nets in the village households was high but in the farm huts and forest was much lower; only 44.4% reported regularly using a bednet in the farm and 12.1% in the forest. No primary anopheline species were captured in the village, but Anopheles dirus (s.l.) (n = 271) and An. maculatus (s.l.) (n = 14) were captured as far as 4.5 km away in farm huts and forest. A high proportion of biting was conducted in the early evening before people were under nets. Entomological inoculation rates (EIR) of An. dirus (s.l.) were 17.8 and 25.3 infectious bites per person per year in the outdoor farm hut sites and forest, respectively, for Plasmodium falciparum and 25.3 in the forest sites for P. vivax.ConclusionsDespite high net coverage in the village, gaps in coverage and access appear in the farm huts and forest where risk of anopheline biting and parasite transmission is much greater. Since subsistence farming and forest activities are integral to these communities, new personal protection methods need to be explored for use in these areas that can ideally engage with the community, be durable, portable and require minimal behavioural change.

Quantifying the potential for bluetongue virus transmission in Danish cattle farms

We used a mechanistic transmission model to estimate the number of infectious bites (IBs) generated per bluetongue virus (BTV) infected host (cattle) using estimated hourly microclimatic temperatures at 22,004 Danish cattle farms for the period 2000–2016, and Culicoides midge abundance based on 1,453 light-trap collections during 2007–2016. We used a range of published estimates of the duration of the hosts’ infectious period and equations for the relationship between temperature and four key transmission parameters: extrinsic incubation period, daily vector survival rate, daily vector biting rate and host-to-vector transmission rate resulting in 147,456 combinations of daily IBs. More than 82% combinations of the parameter values predicted > 1 IBs per host. The mean IBs (10–90th percentiles) for BTV per infectious host were 59 (0–73) during the transmission period. We estimated a maximum of 14,954 IBs per infectious host at some farms, while a best-case scenario suggested transmission was never possible at some farms. The use of different equations for the vector survival rate and host-to-vector transmission rates resulted in large uncertainty in the predictions. If BTV is introduced in Denmark, local transmission is very likely to occur. Vectors infected as late as mid-September (early autumn) can successfully transmit BTV to a new host until mid-November (late autumn).

Ticks home in on body heat: A new understanding of Haller's organ and repellent action.

Ticks are second only to mosquitoes as vectors of disease to humans and animals. Tick host detection is mainly ascribed to Haller’s organ, a complex sensory structure on the tick foreleg that detects odors, carbon dioxide and heat, but these host detection mechanisms are not well understood. There is anecdotal evidence that ticks and other ectoparasites are attracted to heat, but it has never been demonstrated that they use radiant heat to detect hosts at a distance. In fact, previous attempts to do this have concluded that radiant heat was not used by ticks. Here we use a novel thermotaxis assay to investigate the detection range, temperature dependence and repellent sensitivity of heat perception in ticks and to identify the sensory organ responsible for this sense. We show that Amblyomma americanum and Dermacentor variabilis ticks can locate a human from several meters away by radiant heat sensed by the part of Haller’s organ known as the capsule, a covered spherical pit organ. An aperture in the capsule cover confers directionality and highly reflective interior surfaces of the capsule concentrate radiation on the sensilla to sharpen directionality and increase sensitivity. Commercial insect repellents provide an effective means of personal protection against potentially infectious tick bites by hindering host-seeking behavior. Low concentrations of the insect repellents DEET, picaridin, 2-undecanone, citronellal and nootkatone eliminate thermotaxis without affecting olfaction-stimulated host-seeking behavior. Our results demonstrate that the tick Haller’s organ capsule is a radiant heat sensor used in host-finding and that repellents disrupt this sense at concentrations that do not disrupt olfaction. We anticipate that this discovery will significantly aid insect repellent research and provide novel targets for the development of innovative integrated pest management programs and personal protection strategies for ectoparasites and vector-borne disease.

Numerical Modeling of the Dynamics of Malaria Transmission in a Highly Endemic Region of India

Using a dynamical model (VECTRI) for malaria transmission that accounts for the influence of population and climatic conditions, malaria transmission dynamics is investigated for a highly endemic region (state of Odisha) in India. The model is first calibrated over the region, and subsequently numerical simulations are carried out for the period 2000–2013. Using both model and observations we find that temperature, adult mosquito population, and infective biting rates have increased over this period, and the malaria vector abundance is higher during the summer monsoon season. Regionally, the intensity of malaria transmission is found to be higher in the north, central and southern districts of Odisha where the mosquito populations and the number of infective bites are more and mainly in the forest or mountainous ecotypes. We also find that the peak of the malaria transmission occurs when the monthly mean temperature is in the range of ~28–29 °C, and monthly rainfall accumulation in the range of ~200–360 mm.

Dengue and Chikungunya Fever: Oral Manifestations

The vector borne diseases of dengue and chikungunya mainly affect the African and South Asian countries. Its prevalence increases in the summer and monsoon seasons due to an increase in breeding sites and External Incubation Period (EIP) of the virus. Primarily caused by an infectious bite of the Aedes aegypti female mosquito, this disease has a variety of systemic signs and symptoms. However, the oral manifesatations might be ignored. This review aims to enlightens the healthcare researchers with knowledge regarding the oral manifestations of dengue and chikungunya.

Cat bite: an injury not to underestimate

Domestic cat bites are common and are often treated by simple wound care with good outcome. However, delayed presentation may lead to significant morbidity or even mortality. Twenty cases of cat bites to the hand and wrist were retrospectively reviewed between 2014 and 2018. Data included patient demographics, anatomical site of injury, microbiology results, method of treatment and surgical outcome. The subjects were 18 females and two males aged 27–86 years (mean age of 58 years). Eleven patients (Group A) were presented within 48 hours of their injury. Nine patients (Group B) presented later than 48 hours. Of these, 78% (n = 7) underwent multiple operations secondary to septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, necrotising fasciitis and deep collection. Mean length of hospital stay was 3.4 days in Group A, and 9.2 days in Group B, (p < .01). Four patients underwent digital or ray amputations. The index finger was the most common site of injury (45%). Almost 40% of cases had flexor tendon sheath infection of the fingers. Pasteurella species was isolated from 35% of infected wounds. Mean duration of antibiotic treatment and length of hospital stay were significantly longer in Group B (p < .05). Delayed presentation of infected cat bites increased the likelihood of more complicated surgeries such as amputation. Diabetic fingers with established peripheral neuropathy were more likely to undergo amputation. We recommend that any symptomatic cat bites to the upper limb, especially hand and wrist, must be treated promptly, essentially within 48 hours of injury, particularly in immunocompromised population.

Referee report. For: Visceral leishmaniasis (Kala-azar) in Qom Province, Iran: Report of two cases [version 1; referees: 1 approved with reservations

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a fatal parasitic zoonotic worldwide disease, which transmits to humans by the infected Phlebotomine sand fly bite. The common form of VL in Iran is the Mediterranean type with the causative agent of Leishmania infantum, whose main reservoirs are stray and domesticated dogs. The disease has several endemic foci in Iran, mostly seen among children under the age of 10, living in rural areas and nomadic tribes. The first cases of Kala-Azar in Qom province, central Iran, were reported in the year 2001, from the villages of Ghahan district. After conducting VL control strategies in the area, no new cases of the disease had been reported until recently. The cases described here are two 2-year-old girls, living in the urban parts of Qom province, one of whom did not have a history of traveling to known endemic areas of the disease. The patients were admitted to hospital in 2016-2017, complaining from recurrent fever with unrecognized reason, associated with decreased appetite and weight loss. Disease follow-up demonstrated anemia and splenomegaly, which led to diagnosis of VL, and both patients are now fully recovered. VL was presumed to be controlled in Qom province but the present cases indicate that possible VL existence remains in the region. Therefore, urgent studies and periodic monitoring are needed to identify potential reservoirs of VL in the area.

Entomological determinants of malaria transmission in Kayin state, Eastern Myanmar: A 24-month longitudinal study in four villages

Background: The Thailand-Myanmar borderland is an area endemic for malaria where transmission is low, seasonal and unstable. The epidemiology has been described but there is relatively few data on the entomological determinants of malaria transmission. Methods: Entomological investigations were conducted during 24 months in four villages located in Kayin state, on the Myanmar side of the Thailand-Myanmar border. Anopheles mosquitoes were identified by morphology, and molecular assays were used in order to discriminate between closely related sibling species of malaria vectors. Plasmodium infection rate was determined using quantitative real-time PCR. Results: The diversity of Anopheles mosquitoes was very high and multiple species were identified as malaria vectors. The intensity of human-vector contact (mean human-biting rate= 369 bites/person/month) compensates for the low infection rate in naturally infected populations of malaria vectors (mean sporozoite index= 0.04 and 0.17 % for P. falciparum and P. vivax respectively), yielding intermediary level of transmission intensity (mean entomological inoculation rate= 0.13 and 0.64 infective bites/person/month for P. falciparum and P. vivax, respectively). Only 36% of the infected mosquitoes were collected indoors between 09:00 pm and 05:00 am, suggesting that mosquito bed-nets would fail to prevent most of the infective bites in the study area. Conclusion: This study provided a unique opportunity to describe the entomology of malaria in low transmission settings of Southeast Asia. Our data are important in the context of malaria elimination in the Greater Mekong Subregion.

Antibacterial, antifungal, and GC–MS studies of Melissa officinalis

Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) is a perennial plant with varied ethnomedical, therapeutic, and culinary applications. It has been traditionally used in the treatment of various conditions, including cold sores, wounds, infectious bites, ulcers, and parasitic disorders; therefore, this study was undertaken to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of the total ethanol extract and different fractions of M. officinalis against a variety of human pathogenic micro-organisms. Overall, the tested samples demonstrated varying inhibitory potencies against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with MICs ranging between 1.65 and 191.40 μg/mL, whereas no antibacterial actions were recorded against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The crude extract and its derived fractions also showed noteworthy antifungal activities against Candida albicans, Candida krusei, and Candida glabrata with MICs of 0.30–345.10 μg/mL. Additionally, among the tested plant samples, the petroleum ether fraction exhibited notable antimicrobial spectrum; therefore, it was subjected to GC–MS analysis, for the first time, to ascertain the chemical principles that might underlie its antimicrobial aptitude. Accordingly, a number of metabolites with well-known antimicrobial properties were characterized, mostly dominated by fatty acids and varied terpenoids, with methyl commate A, palmitic acid, and phytol being the major identified components. Interestingly, all the identified constituents are first reported herein from the genus Melissa. The current results collectively highlight the appreciable antimicrobial potential of M. officinalis, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria and yeasts, which strongly endorse its folk use as an anti-infective herb, and reflect its potential as a source of antimicrobial metabolites with possible application both in pharmaceutical and food-related fields.

Entomological determinants of malaria transmission in Kayin state, Eastern Myanmar: A 24-month longitudinal study in four villages

Background: The Thailand-Myanmar borderland is an area endemic for malaria where transmission is low, seasonal and unstable. The epidemiology has been described but there is relatively few data on the entomological determinants of malaria transmission. Methods: Entomological investigations were conducted during 24 months in four villages located in Kayin state, on the Myanmar side of the Thailand-Myanmar border. Anopheles mosquitoes were identified by morphology, and molecular assays were used in order to discriminate between closely related sibling species of malaria vectors. Plasmodium infection rate was determined using quantitative real-time PCR. Results: The diversity of Anopheles mosquitoes was very high and multiple species were identified as malaria vectors. The intensity of human-vector contact (mean human-biting rate= 369 bites/person/month) compensates for the low infection rate in naturally infected populations of malaria vectors (mean sporozoite index= 0.04 and 0.17 % for P. falciparum and P. vivax respectively), yielding intermediary level of transmission intensity (mean entomological inoculation rate= 0.13 and 0.64 infective bites/person/month for P. falciparum and P. vivax, respectively). Only 36% of the infected mosquitoes were collected indoors between 09:00 pm and 05:00 am, suggesting that mosquito bed-nets would fail to prevent most of the infective bites in the study area. Conclusion: This study provided a unique opportunity to describe the entomology of malaria in low transmission settings of Southeast Asia. Our data are important in the context of malaria elimination in the Greater Mekong Subregion.

Epidemiological Manifestations Ixodid Tick-Borne Borreliosies in Irkutsk and in other Parts of the Eurasian Area

Background . Ixodid tick-borne borrelioses (ITBB) is the most prevalent in Northern Hemisphere group of transmissible Spirochaetal infections, ecologically connected with Ixodid ticks. ITBB are etiologically associated with several agents, which determine epidemiological and clinical manifestations of these diseases. Research aim - the detection of ecological and epidemiological peculiarities of ITBB manifestations in the Baikal Region during the long-term period by comparison with that in the other parts of geographic range and the analysis of the manifestations dynamics. Material and methods. The database, developed by the authors, with information about ITBB cases in Irkutsk (1995-2017, n = 867) have been used in the work, and the similar studies in Russian and world literature have been reviewed. Statistical analysis was computed in Microsoft Excel Software. The map of infecting sites is made in ArcGis Soft (ESRI, USA). Results. The data have been analyzed on ecological and geographical (place and time of the infected tick bite), epidemiological (gender, age, localization of the tick bite, form of the disease), social and behavior (employment and circumstances of the infecting, including professional risk activities) signs. The interrelationship of some of them and their temporal evolution was studied. Similarities and differences of the ITBB manifestations in Baikal Region and other parts of the disease area have been revealed. The following peculiarities of ITBB in Baikal Region were found: 1) the average age of the patients is over 40; 2) a slightly higher number of males between the patients (57.3%); 3) increase (from several cases up to 40-47%) in the proportion of ITBB form without skin manifestations from the beginning to the end of the analyzed period; 4) the significant age difference between patients with and without skin manifestations (primarily persons over 50 and mainly the children respectively).

Azithromycin nanocrystals for dermal prevention of tick bite infections.

Azithromycin was optimized as nanocrystals with a drug content of 10.0 % (w/w) and a surfactant D-α -tocopheryl polyethylenglycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) content of 1.0 % (w/w) using bead milling for 10 min. The photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) diameter of the bulk population was 189 nm, laser diffraction (LD) diameter 90 % was 370 nm. Spherical morphology of the optimal nanocrystals was observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). They were stable over 1 year of storage at 4 °C with the particle size within the nanometer range which was confirmed by PCS, LD and light microscope. An acceptable physical stability of 2 years was also obtained when stored at 4 °C. No microbial attack to the nanocrystals was observed before 3 years storage at 4 °C. The saturation solubility of the nanocrystals was up to triple compared to the raw drug powder (RDP) in water. When incorporated into the gel base, highest penetration efficacy was achieved by the optimal nanocrystals compared to 1) the clinically effective ethanol-solution-gel, 2) the gel with propylene glycol and 3) the gel with RDP in the ex vivo porcine ear penetration study. Even though propylene glycol improved saturation solubility of nanocrystals, it could not bring benefit to nanocrystals in the penetration study. Based on these optimized azithromycin nanocrystals, topical administration for enhanced dermal bioavailability of azithromycin seems to be feasible.

Susceptibility to infection with Borrelia afzelii and TLR2 polymorphism in a wild reservoir host

The study of polymorphic immune genes in host populations is critical for understanding genetic variation in susceptibility to pathogens. Controlled infection experiments are necessary to separate variation in the probability of exposure from genetic variation in susceptibility to infection, but such experiments are rare for wild vertebrate reservoir hosts and their zoonotic pathogens. The bank vole (Myodes glareolus) is an important reservoir host of Borrelia afzelii, a tick-borne spirochete that causes Lyme disease. Bank vole populations are polymorphic for Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), an innate immune receptor that recognizes bacterial lipoproteins. To test whether the TLR2 polymorphism influences variation in the susceptibility to infection with B. afzelii, we challenged pathogen-free, lab-born individuals of known TLR2 genotype with B. afzelii-infected ticks. We measured the spirochete load in tissues of the bank voles. The susceptibility to infection with B. afzelii following an infected tick bite was very high (95%) and did not differ between TLR2 genotypes. The TLR2 polymorphism also had no effect on the spirochete abundance in the tissues of the bank voles. Under the laboratory conditions of our study, we did not find that the TLR2 polymorphism in bank voles influenced variation in the susceptibility to B. afzelii infection.

Ethnomedicinal Investigation of Medicinal Plants of Chakrata Region (Uttarakhand) Used in the Traditional Medicine for Diabetes by Jaunsari Tribe

The Himalayan region is the treasure house of natural wealth, particularly of medicinal and aromatic plants. These plants are used by the Indian traditional healers for the past many centuries to treat various ailments such as skin disorders, asthma, diabetes, snake bite, fever, pain, eye diseases, diarrhoea, indigestion, jaundice, burn, wound, liver disorder, CNS disorders and urinary tract infection. The indigenous traditional knowledge of medicinal plants and therapies of various local communities has been lost due to changes in traditional culture and the introduction of modern technologies. Therefore, it is essential to explore the traditional knowledge of the indigenous medicinal plants mainly in such areas where there is a severe threat to natural vegetation owing to human inhabitation. The present study aimed to explore the medicinal plants of Chakrata region (Jaunsar–Bawar Hills), Uttarakhand, India used in the folk medicine for the management of diabetes by Jaunsari Tribe. In a comprehensive field survey, the information about the medicinal plants have been mainly collected from the traditional healers and other elderly people belong to the tribal community. All the information about the medicinal plants of the study area was documented in a field book. Various tools have been used to collect the samples for identification purpose and the authentication of the plants was done with the help of taxonomists. The literature on these plants was also searched from online (PubMed and Scopus) as well as from some textbooks and Ayurvedic classical texts. The present survey-based work described a total of 54 plants belonging to 47 genera and 30 families used in the traditional medicine for the management of diabetes in Chakrata region. The information gathered from the local community revealed that the plants are effective in diabetes and one can use most of them without consulting a practitioner or traditional healer. The literature revealed that most of the surveyed plants are already used in the preparation of various antidiabetic formulations such as Chandraprabha vati, Nishamalaki chunra, Amritamehari churna and Nisakathakadi kashayam along with various patent drugs which are frequently prescribed by the Ayurvedic practitioners in India. The present study explored the traditional as well as scientific knowledge on the antidiabetic plants used by the tribal community. The documented information on these plants can be further used by the scientific community to develop new drugs/formulations with the help of modern techniques.

PO 8562 SECRETED OOKINETE PROTEIN AS A MARKER OF INFECTIOUS BITES FOR ASSESSING TRANSMISSION DYNAMICS AT THE POPULATION LEVEL

BackgroundAs malaria transmission intensity declines, the heterogeneity in infectious burden becomes pronounced. There is thus the need for more sensitive tools to identify micro-geographic areas of higher risk for targeted interventions. We sought to evaluate several immunogenic peptides of P. falciparum, secreted ookinete and sporozoite proteins (PSOP24) and possibly validate specific short sequence immunogenic peptides as an infectious bite marker for assessing malaria transmission intensity and dynamics.MethodsWe conducted four cross-sectional serological and parasitological surveys within one peri-urban and one rural community about 3 km apart, in South-western Ghana. The field surveys were conducted from November 2012 to July 2014 across dry and rainy seasons. Several bioinformatics models were used to predict the immunogenic epitopes of PSOP24 peptides. Total IgG antibody response were determined for three most promising peptides (PSOP24–374, PSOP24–375 and PSOP24–377), together with MSP119, CSP and salivary gland antigen. Alongside we determined parasite prevalence and density as well as the entomological inoculation rates.ResultsPeptide PSOP24-377 showed seasonal variation with a twofold increase in IgG response in the high-transmission rainy season. This collaborates with the twofold increase in IgG response to the mosquito salivary antigen gSG6-P1. Also, PSOP24-377 was able to show a subtle difference from Ayeigbekorpe to Odumase during the dry season and a high sero-prevalence between the two communities during the rainy season. This was in contrast with gSG6-P1 because, while PSOP24-377 measures sero-response to infectious bites, gSG6-P1 measure responses to only vector exposure. The immune response variation determined by PSOP24-377 correlated with parasite prevalence and the entomological inoculation rates.ConclusionThe preliminary data points to the potential of PSOP24-377 as an infectious bite marker. This may be exploited as a routine surveillance tool for monitoring malaria transmission at the community level.

MINI-REVIEW ON MALARIA AND HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) IN SUB-SAHARA AFRICA

HIV is the virus that causes HIV infection. AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. HIV is spread through contact with the blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, or breast milk of a person with HIV. In the United States, HIV is spread mainly by having anal or vaginal sex or sharing injection drug equipment, such as needles, with a person who has HIV. Meanwhile, Malaria is a life-threatening mosquito-borne blood disease caused by a Plasmodium parasite that infects a type of mosquito which feeds on humans. Once an infected mosquito bites a human, parasites multiply in the host‟s liver before infecting and destroying their red blood cells. Malaria patients are usually very sick with symptoms such as high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness. Globally, WHO estimated that 212 million clinical cases of malaria occurred, and 429,000 people died of malaria, most of them children in Africa. Since many countries with malaria are already among the poorer nations, the disease maintains a vicious cycle of disease and poverty.

PO 8575 EVOLUTION OF MALARIA MORBIDITY IN TWO VILLAGES IN KOROGWE, TANZANIA

BackgroundThe malaria burden has decreased significantly in recent years in sub-Saharan Africa due to targeted interventions aimed at parasites and vectors. However, studies have shown that a limited number of infective bites makes individuals in malaria-endemic regions more susceptible to subsequent malaria infection as they grow older due to waning or lost immunity. This study investigated the evolution of malaria morbidity for 14 years in Korogwe, Tanzania since 2003.MethodsA longitudinal study was carried out in Korogwe over 14 years, from January 2003 to December 2017 whereby community health workers (CHWs) passively monitored malaria episodes at a village health post. They evaluated febrile episodes and collected blood smears from all residents of the community who presented with fever. The blood smears were processed and read at the Korogwe field station by two independent microscopists. Artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) and malaria rapid diagnostic tests were introduced in the community in 2007. Uncomplicated malaria cases were treated with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) from 2003 to 2006, then with artemether-lumefantrine (ALu) from 2007.ResultsA total of 20,841 attendances were documented by CHWs between 2003 and 2017. Malaria parasitaemia was documented in 5043 consultations [24.1% (95% confidence interval (CI): 23.6% to 24.8%)]. Interestingly, malaria episodes declined markedly from 38.12% to 10.42% between 2003 and 2017. The highest reduction was documented in 2010 (at 3.1%) but thereafter, there was an increase in malaria in 2015 to 32.2% which decreased to 10.42% in 2017. Use of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) was associated with reduction of malaria episodes by 34% (95% CI: 26% to 42%).ConclusionPrompt diagnosis at village level, use of ACT and LLINs has contributed to the reduced number of malaria episodes in Korogwe. However, the malaria resurgences raised concerns about malaria elimination in these communities.

In Silico Analysis and Molecular Modelling of NS2B-NS3 Protein in Dengue

Dengue fever is frequently born viral infection caused by female mosquito Aedes egypti. Transmission of dengue infection is transfer from one host to another by infected mosquito bite. Dengue virus is categorized into various serotypes on the basis of their genetic material variable. Dengue fever and dengue haemorrhagic fever is serious risk factor to Mankind Nowdays there is no specific vaccine to treat the dengue infection. There is need to design potent antiviral vaccine against dengue fever. NS2B-NS3 act as potent drug target in dengue fever. Hence our present work to achieve to understand detail molecular properties of NS2B-NS3 protein by retrieving its amino acid sequence from protein database like PDB. Analysis of physicochemical parameters, secondary and tertiary structure prediction. structure visualization is done by using Rasmol structure visualization tool. Predicted model is validated using procheck analysis. This all information gives primary information for future work to perform computer aided drug design against dengue fever.

Traditional remedial plants utilized in the Paliyar’s tribe handling of different skin diseases from Sadhuragiri hills, Tamil Nadu, india

An ethnobotanical exploration, an attempt has been made to survey the indigenous knowledge on herbal medicines used as a therapy for skin disorders by the Paliyar tribes of Sadhuragiri hills. The purpose of this study is to assess traditional knowledge on medicinal plants which forms a baseline data for future pharmacological and phytochemical studies, to identify the vital species used for skin medicine, finding out methods for various preparations, and calculate the % informants in relation to medicinal plant use. In this study frequent field trips were made for the collection of plant specimens and information on medicinal aspects from traditional healers and women folk through questionnaire and interviews. The information of herbal preparation, parts used, mode of administration and local name was also taken during the study period. The present study has resulted in the documentation of 50 medicinal plant species belonging to 26 families and 41 genera used by the Paliyar for treatment of different skin ailments, viz. Scabies, Skin allergy, eczema, Wound swelling, Ring worm, itches, Heal crack, Burn wounds, Poison bite infection. The findings of present study shows documentation of 20 plant species which are found little known or less reported in available published literature. The Paliyar tribe lives interiorly in the forest localities and Government is making policies to rehabilitate them outside of forest areas, it is necessary to tap their rich heritable traditional knowledge on medicinal plants within time before it become vanished due to modernization. A inclusive detailed search and report on the pattern of utilization of medicinal plants by this tribe has not evidenced in the earlier publications. Therefore, present attempt has been made to document traditional knowledge of Paliyar tribe used to treat different skin disorders by production various herbal preparations.&#x0D; Keywords: Paliyar tribe, Herbal medicines, Skin disorders, Indigenous knowledge, Sadhuragiri hills.

Cutaneous Scarring

Keloids and hypertrophic scars are caused by cutaneous injury and irritation, including trauma, insect bite, burn, surgery, vaccination, skin piercing, acne, folliculitis, chicken pox, and herpes zoster infection. Notably, superficial injuries that do not reach the reticular dermis never cause keloid and hypertrophic scarring. This suggests that these pathologic scars are due to injury to this skin layer and the subsequent aberrant wound healing therein. Various external and internal postwounding stimuli may promote reticular inflammation. Specifically, it is likely that the intensity, frequency, and duration of these stimuli determine how quickly the scars appear, the direction and speed of growth, and the intensity of symptoms. These proinflammatory stimuli include a variety of local, systemic, and genetic factors. At present, physicians cannot (or at least find it very difficult to) control systemic and genetic risk factors of keloids and hypertrophic scars. However, they can use a number of treatment modalities that all, interestingly, act by reducing inflammation. These include corticosteroid injection or tape or ointment, radiotherapy, compression therapy, stabilization therapy, and surgical methods that reduce skin tension. This review contains 11 figures and 41 references. Key Words: atrophic scar, hypertrophic scar, keloid, mature scar, pathologic scar, wound healing