Risk Factors For Disease Transmission Research Articles

Fauna sinantrópica e silvestre no ciclo da leptospirose e impactos legais e forenses na “Saúde Única”

The term “synanthropic” qualifies animals that have adapted to living alongside humans, often involuntarily. Synanthropy is characterized by the potential transmission of diseases to humans. The One Health approach increasingly emphasizes the importance of veterinary medicine in animal and environmental healthcare, with a focus on human health. This review aims to identify, understand and discuss the impacts of synanthropic and wild fauna on animal, public and environmental health, as well as legal and forensic aspects within the framework of One Health. The challenges encompassing One Health challenge both veterinary medicine and the law. Veterinary expertise is a resource that can assist in legal matters relating to the environmental management of synanthropic and wild fauna. Humans exposed to synanthropic and wild animals are considered a risk factor for disease transmission. The presence of rodents in urban and rural areas generates economic and health problems as they transmit diseases directly or indirectly. The rodents involved in the transmission of leptospirosis are Rattus rattus, Rattus norvergicus and Mus musculus. Leptospirosis is a neglected disease transmitted both by rodents and wild animals. The understanding of this issue must communicate actions to public authorities to develop health and environmental education policies regarding this fauna in order to reduce, control or eliminate the risks of disease transmission. This review bases its information on the Pubmed platform, Google Scholar, articles and textbooks. Despite existing legislation, leptospirosis is still considered a neglected disease, and synanthropic and wild fauna represent a significant challenge to the One Health concept due to the lack of basic sanitation and poor urban infrastructure that facilitates the presence of this fauna, which cause health and economic problems for the population.

Investigation of Risk Factors for Lumpy Skin Disease and Prevention Practices in Dak Lak, Vietnam, 2021–2022

Lumpy skin disease is a transboundary animal disease primarily affecting cattle, and causing fever, anorexia, skin nodules, mastitis, swelling of peripheral lymph nodes, nasal discharge, watery eyes, and sometimes mortality. The disease was first detected in Vietnam in October 2020 and has spread to 55 out of 63 provinces with around 210,000 cattle and buffaloes infected. Dak Lak was one of the provinces seriously affected by the disease. A retrospective case-control study in three districts of the province was conducted to assess awareness of the disease among local livestock holders and to determine potential risk factors for disease transmission. A total of 276 holdings known to keep cattle or buffalo, including 138 cases (holdings that had at least one animal with clinical signs of the disease) and 138 controls (holdings with no clinically apparent infected animal), were investigated. The study revealed gaps in knowledge and practices among livestock holders on disease control with median scores of 8/20 for knowledge and 5/9 for practices. Vaccination against lumpy skin disease was the only risk factor significantly associated with disease transmission (adjusted odds ratio 0.39, 95% confidence interval 0.21–0.72). We recommend raising the awareness of livestock owners about the risk factors of lumpy skin disease and the importance of vaccination for better prevention and control of outbreaks.

HEPATITIS B AND C: PREVALENCE AND EVALUATION OF ITS ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS IN GENERAL POPULATION OF OKARA DISTRICT

Viral Hepatitis B and C are common blood –borne infections and lead to chronic liver diseases and causes economic burden on country. Blood samples (N=13295) were collected from individuals who attending public and private sector labs and subjected for Hepatitis B surface antigen and anti- HCV. A structured questionnaire was also filled to assess the risk factors for disease transmission. An overall prevalence of HBV 2.5% and HCV 14.5% was observed. The prevalence of HBV and HCV was higher in Males, 3.6%, 16.8% respectively than Females (2% for HBV; 13.5% for HCV). Results of Bivariate analysis showed that age group >70 years was more susceptible for HBV (4.6%) and for HCV (29.7%) 51 to 60 years age group Multivariate analysis showed that blood transfusion (5.3%, 43.3 %), dental extraction (3.4%, 22.5%), ear and nose piercing (3.9%, 17.8%) were significantly associated with HBV and HCV respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study conducted in Okara district and the results indicate that there is a dire need to educate the population regarding disease and to initiate effective control strategies.

VARIATIONS IN THE PHYSICAL CONDITION OF HOUSES WITH THE RISK OF TUBERCULOSIS IN THE WORKING AREA OF THE BILALANG HEALTH CENTER BOLAANG MONGONDOW NORTH SULAWESI

Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, generally attacks the lungs and outside the lungs. The house functions as a livable place to live. The house functions as a place to live, which is healthy and comfortable, a source of inspiration for its residents so that they can increase their productivity. House construction and an environment that does not meet health requirements are risk factors for disease transmission. Tuberculosis is closely related to the physical condition of the house. Research objective: to determine variations in the condition of the physical quality of the house with the risk of Tuberculosis. Type of Quantitative Research with a Case Control approach carried out during June-July 2023. The population is the community in eight villages in the work area of ??the Bilalang Health Center in 2022 who suffer from TB, namely 20 respondents with a control sample of 20 people, a total sample of 40 respondents. Implementation: observation, interviews, measurements of the physical variables of the respondent's house: residential density, humidity, lighting and ventilation. Data analysis using univariate, bivariate, Chi-Square test statistics. Test results, chi square there is a relationship between physical variations of houses and the risk of Tuberculosis in the work area of ??the Bilalang Bolaang Mongondow Community Health Center, North Sulawesi with residential density p value = 0.005 OR value 7.000 95 % CI (1.739-28.179), Humidity p value = 0.026 OR 5.571 95 % CI (1.420 – 21.860), lighting p value = 0.026 OR value 5.571 95 % CI (1.420 – 21.860), and ventilation p value = 0.009 OR value 8.500 95 % CI (1.861 – 38.817). In conclusion, there is a significant relationship between occupant density, humidity, lighting, house ventilation and the risk of Tuberculosis. Suggestion; For pulmonary TB sufferers, it is best to open the bedroom window to let sunlight enter, so that it is free of bacteria. Community Health Center officers provide education about the risks and prevention of tuberculosis.

Management and housing factors associated with paratuberculosis-positive herds in small structured alpine cattle husbandry.

Paratuberculosis (Johne´s disease) is a world-wide cattle disease caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), associated with substantial economic losses. Purchase of subclinically infected animals or contact with animals and equipment of infected farms are known risk factors for disease transmission among herds. The aim of the present study was to identify specific management factors in Austria that triggered a MAP-positive herd status and to evaluate known risk factors for the transmission in cattle in small structured alpine agricultural systems. The agriculture in the Austrian province of Tyrol is characterized by smallholder structures, including shared alpine pastures and traditional barn management techniques. The data from an extensive survey with 50 questions in 2013/2014 and the development of the MAP herd status of 5592 cattle farms by taking feces and blood samples were examined and statistically evaluated. MAP herd status was determined by combining the results of boot swab samples, manure samples, pooled and individual feces samples as well as serological antibody testing by ELISA. The statistical analysis (odds ratio; OR) showed that the use of milk replacers for calf feeding (p=0.047, OR=0.472) and the use of straw as bedding material for cows (p=0.032, OR=0.625) were associated with a decreased chance of being a MAP-positive herd. Further, housing cows in deep litter systems (p=0.028, OR=2.232), the presence of slurry channels (p=0.028, OR=1.411) and the use of solid manure in young cattle (p=0.041, OR=1.744) were associated with an increased OR for being MAP-positive. Surprisingly, sharing of lowland pastures (p=0.564, OR=1.080), alpine pastures (p=0.419, OR=1.143) or farm equipment (p=0.733, OR=0.963) and farm size (p=0.425) had no significant influence on the MAP herd status. The identified differences compared with previously published results in respect of MAP spread in cattle might be attributed to the traditional agricultural structures, including small family-based farms and common pasture during summer in alpine regions. Results of this study contribute to the understanding of the spread of MAP in cattle farming in alpine regions.

The devastating effect of cyclone Freddy amidst the deadliest cholera outbreak in Malawi: a double burden for an already weak healthcare system-short communication.

Cholera outbreaks cause significant disease burden, especially in developing countries. While the disease is largely eliminated in developed countries, it still remains a huge burden to Sub-Saharan Africa. Lack of access to clean water, hygiene and sanitation facilities remains a huge risk factor for disease transmission and persistence. These outbreaks in Africa are usually associated with high case fatality rates. While many risk factors exist for the spread of the disease, climate change poses a huge challenge to the fight and spread of the disease. Most countries in southern Africa including Malawi and Mozambique have been experiencing the direct and indirect impact of climate change. Climate change can affect the epidemiological dynamics of multiple infectious agents, including vector-borne, water-borne, and food-borne pathogens. The aftermaths effects of flooding and droughts can largely be felt in seasonality changes in the spread of Cholera. Having an in-depth understanding of multiple factors that influence the patterns of spread of climate change related diseases combined with robust surveillance systems could help detect environmental changes in high-risk areas and result in early public health interventions that can alleviate potential outbreaks.

The Role of Wildlife and Pests in the Transmission of Pathogenic Agents to Domestic Pigs: A Systematic Review.

Wild animals and pests are important reservoirs and vectors of pathogenic agents that can affect domestic pigs. Rapid globalization, anthropogenic factors, and increasing trends toward outdoor pig production facilitate the contact between domestic pigs and wildlife. However, knowledge on the transmission pathways between domestic pigs and the aforementioned target groups is limited. The present systematic review aims to collect and analyze information on the roles of different wild animal species and pests in the spread of pathogens to domesticated pigs. Overall, 1250 peer-reviewed manuscripts published in English between 2010 and 2022 were screened through the PRISMA framework using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. A total of 84 studies reporting possible transmission routes of different pathogenic agents were included. A majority of the studies (80%) focused on the role of wild boars in the transmission of pathogenic agents to pig farms. Studies involving the role of rodents (7%), and deer (6%) were the next most frequent, whereas the role of insects (5%), wild carnivores (5%), wild birds (4%), cats (2%), and badgers (1%) were less available. Only 3.5% of studies presented evidence-based transmission routes from wildlife to domestic pigs. Approximately 65.5% of the included studies described possible risks/risk factors for pathogens' transmission based on quantitative data, whereas 31% of the articles only presented a hypothesis or qualitative analysis of possible transmission routes or risk factors and/or contact rates. Risk factors identified include outdoor farms or extensive systems and farms with a low level of biosecurity as well as wildlife behavior; environmental conditions; human activities and movements; fomites, feed (swill feeding), water, carcasses, and bedding materials. We recommend the strengthening of farm biosecurity frameworks with special attention to wildlife-associated parameters, especially in extensive rearing systems and high-risk zones as it was repeatedly found to be an important measure to prevent pathogen transmission to domestic pigs. In addition, there is a need to focus on effective risk-based wildlife surveillance mechanisms and to raise awareness among farmers about existing wildlife-associated risk factors for disease transmission.

Distribution and relevance of hepatitis B genotypes in the general population of Slovakia.

The aim of the presented study was to determine the distribution of HBV genotypes and their influence on selected parameters in patients in eastern Slovakia. The study includes 202 patients with confirmed chronic HBV infection or hepatitis. For each patient, basic demographic data, and serum samples were collected. The degree of liver fibrosis was determined by transient elastography. The obtained data were evaluated statistically. Out of a total of 202 patients, 96.0 % of the patients were from the EU region and 27 patients (13.4 %) self-identified as Roma ethnic group. The most common genotype among our patients was genotype A (n = 104; 51.5 %), followed by genotype D (n = 76; 37.6 %) and A/D (n = 13; 6.4 %). In patients from the EU region, genotypes A and D predominated statistically significantly (p < 0.0001). Due to a low number of patients with other genotypes, in the subsequent analysis, we only compared patients with HBV genotypes A or D. Patients with genotypes D and A/D significantly more often mention tattoos as a possible risk factor for disease transmission compared to patients with genotype A (p = 0.043). Subsequently, we divided patients into two groups - treated and untreated. The level of qHBsAg was significantly higher in untreated patients with genotypes A (p < 0.0001). The influence of HBV genotypes on other laboratory parameters was not confirmed in our study. This is the first HBV genotypes study from Slovakia. We suggest that HBV genotypes may play a role in the virus-host relationship Keywords: chronic hepatitis B, genotypes, hepatitis B virus, prognostic factors, distribution.

Assessing the burden of Taenia solium cysticercosis in Burundi, 2020

BackgroundTaenia solium cysticercosis is a zoonotic disease that is endemic in many low- and middle-income countries where risk factors for disease transmission are present. The economic impact of cysticercosis on public health and on the pig production sector is not well known in many of those countries, including Burundi. This study aimed at estimating the burden of T. solium cysticercosis in Burundi including data on humans and pigs.MethodsEpidemiological and economic data were collected from literature up to July 30, 2021 and governmental and non-governmental agencies. Direct and indirect costs for neurocysticercosis (NCC)-associated epilepsy and losses due to porcine cysticercosis were estimated to assess the economic burden, while the health burden was estimated using zoonotic disability-adjusted life years (zDALYs). Different probability distributions (Uniform, Beta, Dirichlet and Gamma) were applied depending on the type of epidemiological parameter. Monte Carlo simulations and 100,000 iterations were used to calculate the 95% uncertainty interval (UI) for each parameter and perform sensitivity analyses.ResultsIn Burundi, 4.26 million USD (95% UI, 1,858,308–8,190,951) were estimated as economic impact due to T. solium cysticercosis in humans and pigs, of which 40.2% (95% UI, 10.3–75.1) of the total costs were due to NCC-associated epilepsy and 59.8% (95% UI, 24.9–89.7) of the losses due to porcine cysticercosis. The cost per NCC-associated epilepsy case was 72 USD (95% UI, 25–168), representing 30.8% of the GDP per capita in 2020. The probable incident cases and deaths for NCC-associated epilepsy were 9065 (95% UI, 2370–16,716) and 61 (95% UI, 16–114), respectively. More than 2 zDALYs (95% UI, 1.1–3.4) per thousand person-years was estimated, of which an average of 1.3 DALYs [0;0] (95% UI, 0.3–2.6) was due to NCC- associated epilepsy and 0.8 animal loss equivalents (ALEs) (95% UI, 0.3–1.5) due to porcine cysticercosis.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence of a significant burden of T. solium cysticercosis for Burundi’s population. We urge policy makers to use these evidence-based results and put T. solium cysticercosis on the public health agenda of the country. This study recommends urgent action to find solutions for integrated control strategies for T. solium cysticercosis in Burundi.

Identification of spatial patterns in the distribution of meningitis in the State of Mato Grosso - Brazil, from 2007 to 2019

Objective: to analyze the underreporting of meningitis records in the state of Mato Grosso, under conditions of vulnerability, based on spatial analysis. Methodology: Meningitis cases and estimated population were collected from DataSUS, organized by municipality of residence in the state of Mato Grosso and year of notification. Incidence rates were calculated by dividing the number of cases by the population, multiplying the result by 100,000. For spatial autocorrelation analysis, mean rates were used for the entire period, in addition to the variables percentage of poor, percentage of the population living in households with toilets and running water, and Municipal Human Development Index - Income (MHDI Income), obtained from the Atlas of Human Development in Brazil. Results: in general, inverse autocorrelation was observed for the percentage variable of the population living in households with toilets and running water, with municipalities in the center and southeast of the state under high-high autocorrelation and municipalities in the northwest and northeast under low -low. As for the MHDI Income, cities in the center presented high-high autocorrelation and cities in the south and northwest, low-low. Conclusion: the scenario suggests that there is underreporting of meningitis cases in Mato Grosso, as situations marked by less privileged socioeconomic conditions are risk factors for disease transmission. Improvement of health services is suggested, seeking equitable public policies that aim to reduce the existing inequalities in this country.

Malaria outbreak facilitated by increased mosquito breeding sites near houses and cessation of indoor residual spraying, Kole district, Uganda, January-June 2019

BackgroundIn June 2019, surveillance data from the Uganda’s District Health Information System revealed an outbreak of malaria in Kole District. Analysis revealed that cases had exceeded the outbreak threshold from January 2019. The Ministry of Health deployed our team to investigate the areas and people affected, identify risk factors for disease transmission, and recommend control and prevention measures.MethodsWe conducted an outbreak investigation involving a matched case-control study. We defined a confirmed case as a positive malaria test in a resident of Aboke, Akalo, Alito, and Bala sub-counties of Kole District January–June 2019. We identified cases by reviewing outpatient health records. Exposures were assessed in a 1:1 matched case-control study (n = 282) in Aboke sub-county. We selected cases systematically from 10 villages using probability proportionate to size and identified age- and village-matched controls. We conducted entomological and environmental assessments to identify mosquito breeding sites. We plotted epidemic curves and overlaid rainfall, and indoor residual spraying (IRS). Case-control exposures were combined into: breeding site near house, proximity to swamp and breeding site, and proximity to swamp; these were compared to no exposure in a logistic regression analysis.ResultsOf 18,737 confirmed case-patients (AR = 68/1,000), Aboke sub-county residents (AR = 180/1,000), children < 5 years (AR = 94/1,000), and females (AR = 90/1,000) were most affected. Longitudinal analysis of surveillance data showed decline in cases after an IRS campaign in 2017 but an increase after IRS cessation in 2018–2019. Overlay of rainfall and case data showed two malaria upsurges during 2019, occurring 35–42 days after rainfall increases. Among 141 case-patients and 141 controls, the combination of having mosquito breeding sites near the house and proximity to swamps increased the odds of malaria 6-fold (OR = 6.6, 95% CI = 2.24–19.7) compared to no exposures. Among 84 abandoned containers found near case-patients’ and controls’ houses, 14 (17%) had mosquito larvae. Adult Anopheles mosquitoes, larvae, pupae, and pupal exuviae were identified near affected houses.ConclusionStagnant water formed by increased rainfall likely provided increased breeding sites that drove this outbreak. Cessation of IRS preceded the malaria upsurges. We recommend re-introduction of IRS and removal of mosquito breeding sites in Kole District.

A review on the epidemiology of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging tick-borne infectious disease discovered in the 21st century. This disease has been reported in several Asian countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Myanmar. Until 2019, SFTS cases have been reported in 25 provinces in China, and most of them were rural residents from mountains and hilly regions. Most SFTS cases were sporadic but geographically concentrated, mainly in Henan, Shandong, Anhui, Hubei, Liaoning, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu provinces. SFTSV infection was transmitted predominantly by a tick bite and potentially through close contact with the patient's blood or body fluids. Fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia were common initial manifestations, and multiple organ failure or even death could occur in severe cases. The reported cases of SFTS have been gradually increasing, and the case fatality rate has remained at a high level, posing a severe threat to public health in China. This paper reviewed the epidemiological features, risk factors for disease transmission, and the clinical characteristics of SFTS to gain further knowledge of the disease, guide the prevention and management, and help reduce the case fatality rate.

SEROPREVALENCE OF TOXOPLASMOSIS IN PREGNANT WOMEN AT AVICENNA MILITARY HOSPITAL IN MARRAKESH

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii which can have serious consequences for the fetus in case of pergravidicseroconversion. The present work is analytical and descriptive complementary studies: prospective (1-09-2015 to 31-12-2015) and a retrospective study (01-01-2010 to 31-12-2014) performed in the service of Parasitology - Mycology Marrakesh.The seroprevalence of pregnant women immunized against toxoplasmosis in our study is 35%, including women from rural and illiterate are proven to be the most immune. The main risk factors for disease transmission are the lack of knowledge about toxoplasmosis, the modes of transmission and means of prevention, and the low level of hygiene. We also raised a blatant lack of regular serological monitoring in seronegative pregnant women who received only one serological test in 66%. The present study confirmed that more than half of pregnant women are not immunized against Toxoplasma gondii and deserve monthly monitoring for early detection of possible seroconversion and implement effective therapeutic management.

Clinical profiles of neonates born to mothers with COVID-19

Background The risk of congenital infections in neonates born to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected mothers and those breastfed by infected mothers remains largely unknown.&#x0D; Objective To describe the outcomes and clinical features of neonates born to mothers infected with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy, to follow up neonates who were positive for SARS-CoV-2 at the time of delivery for a period of 1 month, and to identify potential risk factors associated with disease transmission.&#x0D; Methods This prospective observational study on neonates born to SARS-CoV-2-infected mothers between June 2020 and January 2021 was carried out after getting written informed consent in a tertiary care government hospital (Government Medical college Kannur, North Kerala, India). The clinical and demographic characteristics of infected mothers were reviewed. Neonates were tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection within 24 hours of birth, with repeat testing on day 5 for those who were negative at birth. The demographic and clinical characteristics as well as potential risk factors for disease transmission in these neonates were evaluated.&#x0D; Results A total of 342 neonates (95.3%) were tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection at birth. Rooming-in and breastfeeding was practiced in 75% of at-risk neonates. Fifty neonates tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection at birth (14.3%); 293 neonates who tested negative at birth remained so on day 5, except one baby isolated with a caretaker who also tested positive, indicating postnatal infection. There was no statistically significant increased risk of infection in neonates born to SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers compared to those born to mothers who had already become negative at delivery. Mild symptoms were present in 8% of positive neonates. On one-month follow up, all neonates were well and gaining weight.&#x0D; Conclusion Vertical transmission, in particular transplacental, may be possible in SARS-CoV-2-infected mothers. Maternal infection at the time of delivery is not a predictor for increased vertical transmission compared to mothers whose infections had resolved prior to delivery. Breastfeeding with appropriate hygiene measures is not a risk factor for horizontal transmission.

Ship Sanitation: Controlling and Preventing Risk Factors of Disease Transmission

The spread of infectious diseases globally has been a threat to public health and national economies for many centuries. One of the undeniable sectors that contributed to the spread of disease is maritime transport. This research aimed to examine ship sanitation for controlling and preventing the potential risk of disease transmission. This study used an observational survey method, with a sample of 24 ships that anchored in the port of Kendari by using an accidental sampling technique. Findings from this research revealed that there were ships with high-risk sanitation categories or have unqualified levels of sanitation. The main determinants that contribute to accelerating the global transmission of many infectious diseases on the ship are the sign and presence of vectors. Outbreaks associated with the presence of vectors on board are usually related to inadequate control and sanitation along with insufficient attention to preventing contamination. Therefore, the crewmember on board needs to increase their knowledge through various ship sanitation training, develop sanitation programs and integrate sustainable monitoring and evaluation programs of vectors toimprove sanitation as an effort to prevent risk factors for disease transmission.

Towards a unified generic framework to define and observe contacts between livestock and wildlife: a systematic review.

Wild animals are the source of many pathogens of livestock and humans. Concerns about the potential transmission of economically important and zoonotic diseases from wildlife have led to increased surveillance at the livestock-wildlife interface. Knowledge of the types, frequency and duration of contacts between livestock and wildlife is necessary to identify risk factors for disease transmission and to design possible mitigation strategies. Observing the behaviour of many wildlife species is challenging due to their cryptic nature and avoidance of humans, meaning there are relatively few studies in this area. Further, a consensus on the definition of what constitutes a ‘contact’ between wildlife and livestock is lacking. A systematic review was conducted to investigate which livestock-wildlife contacts have been studied and why, as well as the methods used to observe each species. Over 30,000 publications were screened, of which 122 fulfilled specific criteria for inclusion in the analysis. The majority of studies examined cattle contacts with badgers or with deer; studies involving wild pig contacts with cattle or with domestic pigs were the next most frequent. There was a range of observational methods including motion-activated cameras and global positioning system collars. As a result of the wide variation and lack of consensus in the definitions of direct and indirect contacts, we developed a unified framework to define livestock-wildlife contacts that is sufficiently flexible to be applied to most wildlife and livestock species for non-vector-borne diseases. We hope this framework will help standardise the collection and reporting of contact data; a valuable step towards being able to compare the efficacy of wildlife-livestock observation methods. In doing so, it may aid the development of better disease transmission models and improve the design and effectiveness of interventions to reduce or prevent disease transmission.

Homecare for sick family members while waiting for medical help during the 2014-2015 Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone: a mixed methods study

IntroductionCaring for an Ebola patient is a known risk factor for disease transmission. In Sierra Leone during the outbreak in 2014/2015, isolation of patients in specialised facilities was not always...

Positive toxicology and reactive serology in tissue donors: a retrospective study over a 3-year period

Assessment of donor suitability and criteria development for tissue donation evaluation which appropriately addresses the risk factors for disease transmission, especially high risk for Hepatitis B or C, HIV or other transmissible diseases as defined by the Food and Drug Administration, FDA, is a continuing concern for tissue banks. The relationship of drug use, especially IV drugs, has been determined to be associated with an increased possibility of reactive serology (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USCDC) in Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention. Hepatitis C questions and answers for health professionals. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/hcvfaq.htm; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USCDC) in infectious diseases, opioids and injection drug use, 2018. https://www.cdc.gov/pwid/opioid-use.html; HIH National Institute on Drug Abuse in Health Consequences of Drug Misuse, 2017. https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/health-consequences-drug-misuse). Therefore, prior drug use determined by medical social history screening frequently results in deferral of a potential donor even when the route of drug administration has not been determined to be intravenous. Because of the association of drug use in numerous cases, which come under Medical Examiner jurisdiction, a possible rule out of a number of otherwise suitable medical examiner cases could occur. This retrospective review of medical examiner cases, tissue bank referrals and tissue donors in a 3-year period examines the relationship, if any, between reactive serology and positive toxicology results. These results would appear to indicate assessment of donor medical social history screening is effective in reducing recovery of high-risk donors.

Population dynamics, pathogen detection and insecticide resistance of mosquito and sand fly in refugee camps, Greece

BackgroundAs of 2015 thousands of refugees are being hosted in temporary refugee camps in Greece. Displaced populations, travelling and living under poor conditions with limited access to healthcare are at a high risk of exposure to vector borne disease (VBD). This study sought to evaluate the risk for VBD transmission within refugee camps in Greece by analyzing the mosquito and sand fly populations present, in light of designing effective and efficient context specific vector and disease control programs.MethodsA vector/pathogen surveillance network targeting mosquitoes and sand flies was deployed in four temporary refugee camps in Greece. Sample collections were conducted bi-weekly during June–September 2017 with the use of Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light traps and oviposition traps. Using conventional and molecular diagnostic tools we investigated the mosquito/sand fly species composition, population dynamics, pathogen infection rates, and insecticide resistance status in the major vector species.ResultsImportant disease vectors including Anopheles sacharovi, Culex pipiens, Aedes albopictus and the Leishmania vectors Phlebotomus neglectus, P. perfiliewi and P. tobbi were recorded in the study refugee camps. No mosquito pathogens (Plasmodium parasites, flaviviruses) were detected in the analysed samples yet high sand fly Leishmania infection rates are reported. Culex pipiens mosquitoes displayed relatively high knock down resistance (kdr) mutation allelic frequencies (ranging from 41.0 to 63.3%) while kdr mutations were also detected in Ae. albopictus populations, but not in Anopheles and sand fly specimens. No diflubenzuron (DFB) mutations were detected in any of the mosquito species analysed.ConclusionsImportant disease vectors and pathogens in vectors (Leishmania spp.) were recorded in the refugee camps indicating a situational risk factor for disease transmission. The Cx. pipiens and Ae. albopictus kdr mutation frequencies recorded pose a potential threat against the effectiveness of pyrethroid insecticides in these settings. In contrast, pyrethroids appear suitable for the control of Anopheles mosquitoes and sand flies and DFB for Cx. pipiens and Ae. albopictus larvicide applications. Targeted actions ensuring adequate living conditions and the establishment of integrated vector-borne disease surveillance programs in refugee settlements are essential for protecting refugee populations against VBDs.

First-time detection of bovine viral diarrhoea virus, BVDV-1, in cattle in Botswana.

Infectious diseases are serious constraints for improving livestock productivity. Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) is a virus causing grave economic losses throughout the cattle producing world. Infection is often not apparent, but the virus can also cause respiratory signs, diarrhoea, reproductive problems and immunosuppression. Risk factors for disease transmission include, but are not limited to, herd size, animal trade and grazing on communal pastures. Several prevalence studies have been conducted in southern Africa, but in Botswana the occurrence is largely unknown. In this study, blood samples were obtained from 100 goats from three villages around the capital city, Gaborone. Also, 364 blood samples from cattle around Gaborone, collected as part of another study, were analysed. The detected antibody prevalence was 0% in goats and 53.6% in cattle when using a competitive enzyme-linked immunoassay. Three animals from two different herds were positive for viral nucleic acids on polymerase chain reaction. The two herds with viraemic animals had significantly higher antibody prevalence compared to the other herds. Also, two of the detected viruses were sequenced and found to be most similar to BVDV-1a. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time that sequencing has been performed on BVDV isolated in Botswana.