Seroprevalence Of Disease Research Articles

Chagas' disease epidemiology in the province of General Paz, Argentina

The aim of this study was to evaluate triatomine colonization in domestic and peridomestic ecotopes and to assess the seroprevalence of Chagas' disease in rural areas. The study was carried out in the province of General Paz, Corrientes, Argentina. Human dwellings and peridomestic ecotopes were randomly selected. Triatomines were collected using the man/hour/capture method. The insects were taxonomically determined and classified by age and sex. Trypanosoma cruzi infection was detected through direct microscopy of feces and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Diagnosis of Chagas infection in volunteer residents was performed using indirect hemagglutination (IHA) and immunoenzimatic assay (ELISA). Infestation, density, colonization, natural infection and dispersion indexes were recorded. RESULTS; A total of 42 households and 50 peridomestic areas were examined. Triatoma infestans domestic infestation and infection indexes were 23.8 and 19.4; respectively. Density, colonization and dispersion indexes were 2.1; 47.0 and 50.0; respectively. Of all, 5.9% of peridomiciles were infested by T. infestans and 11.8% by Triatoma sordida. Trypanosoma cruzi infection was observed in 2.0% of T. sordida. The seroprevalence rate obtained from 85 human sera analyzed was 22.3%. The results suggest a halt in T. cruzi transmission in the study area. Nevertheless the presence of seroreactive individuals and infected T. infestans vectors might facilitate the resurgence of the transmission cycle. Control actions with the use of insecticides might be considered in order to eliminate vector populations.

Prevalence of American trypanosomiasis, syphilis, toxoplasmosis, rubella, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency virus infection, assayed through serological tests among pregnant patients, from 1996 to 1998, at the Regional University Hospital Norte do Paraná

In order to evaluate the seroprevalence of the american trypanosomiasis, syphilis, toxoplasmosis, rubella, hepatitis B infection, hepatitis C infection and human immunodeficiency virus infection among pregnant women attended at the Hospital Universitário Regional Norte do Paraná, Londrina State University, Paraná, a retrospective study of the serologic results performed in the prenatal routine during the period of June 1996 to June 1998 was carried out. The rates of seropositivity were as follows: american trypanosomiasis = 0.9%, syphilis = 1.6%, toxoplasmosis = 67% (IgG) and 1.8% (IgM), rubella = 89% (IgG) and 1.2% (IgM), hepatitis B surface antigen = 0.8%, hepatitis C virus = 0.8% and human immunodeficiency virus infection = 0.6%. An association between the increase in the seroprevalence of Chagas' disease and patient age was detected (p=0.006). The results underscore the importance of the serological tests in perinatal care, to prevent both the congenital and perinatally transmitted forms of theses infectious diseases.

Does Genital Herpes Ever Go Away

In the U.S., HSV-2 seropositivity increased 31% during the past decade; the seroprevalence of this disease in the general population is at least 20%. Ninety percent of patients will have a recurrence within the first year, but there …

Seroprevalence and sociocultural conditionants of Chagas disease in school-aged children of marginal zones of Asunción.

Chagas disease is becoming a public health problem in Latin America due to the wide distribution, the high prevalence, the magnitude of the damage caused and the difficulties to control it. In Paraguay, the disease is mainly distributed in the departments of Paraguarí, Cordillera and Central. Prevalence in marginal zones, where migrations from rural populations and endemic areas make possible the urbanization of the disease, has no been studied yet. This is a descriptive study with a cross-sectional sampling and a probabilistic system recruitment carried out in school aged children from marginal zones of Asunción to determine the prevalence of Chagas' disease. Serological methods, parasite isolation and questionnaires were used to achieve the goals. Nine hundred and fifty three children were studied to determine the prevalence of Chagas' disease in marginal zones which was 1.4%.

Analysis of the relationship between seroprevalence of Aujeszky's disease and pig density within the different areas of Brittany

Data of the first general serological screening for Aujeszky's disease in Brittany are analysed. Brittany is divided in 4 ‘départements’ and 1,263 ‘communes’. Relationships between seroprevalence and pig density are analysed, using a spatial moving average, at the ‘commune’ level. Pig density is related to seroprevalence of Aujeszky's disease, but this relationship is very different from one area to another.

Estimating sample sizes for a two‐stage sampling survey of seroprevalence of pseudorabies virus (PRV)‐infected swine at a regional level in the Netherlands

In the European Union, vaccination campaigns against Pseudorabies virus (PRV) in swine have been started to eradicate PRV. Specific sampling designs are needed to monitor PRV seroprevalence at a regional level. This paper demonstrates how sampling theory can be applied to design a disease seroprevalence survey, using PRV as an example. In the spring of 1994, the four regions in the Netherlands covered by the regional Animal Health Services were monitored with respect to PRV seroprevalence. Per region, blood samples from approximately 1400 herds, with two animals per herd, were collected. The sampling design accounted for stratification by fattening pig and sow population within each region. The regional PRV seroprevalence of swine in the Southern region was the highest (24.9%), closely followed by the PRV seroprevalence of swine in the Eastern region (20.5%). These regions have the highest density of swine in the Netherlands. The PRV seroprevalence in the Western and Central region (11.7%) was about half of the seroprevalence in the Southern and Eastern regions; the lowest regional PRV seroprevalence was observed in the Northern region (3.5%). The Northern part also has the lowest pig density. The PRV seroprevalence was approximately two times higher in sows than in fattening pigs.

Longitudinal study of Borrelia burgdorferi infection in New Jersey outdoor workers, 1988-1991.

From 1988 to 1991, annual questionnaires and serosurveys were performed in a cohort of outdoor workers in New Jersey at high risk for Lyme disease to 1) evaluate temporal trends in seroprevalence and seroconversion of antibody to Borrelia burgdorferi; 2) identify risk factors for B. burgdorferi seroconversion during these years; and 3) examine associations between such seroconversion in 1989-1990 and anti-tick saliva antibody (ATSA, a biologic marker of tick exposure) seropositivity in 1990. A total of 1,519 workers participated in at least 1 year of the study. Lyme disease seroprevalence and seroconversion increased from 1988 to 1990 and then decreased in 1991. Years at residence, rural residence, and a history of medical problems were observed to be risk factors for seroconversion from 1988 to 1991. An interaction between pet ownership and rural residence was observed in that rural residents were only at an elevated risk if they owned pets. B. burgdorferi seroconversion from 1989 to 1990 was associated with ATSA seropositivity in 1990; in subjects reporting low tick exposure, the odds ratio was 8.2 (95% confidence interval 1.5-44.7). Associations between ATSA and B. burgdorferi serologic status suggested that educational programs may have contributed to the decline in Lyme seroprevalence and seroconversion in 1991.

Antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi and tick salivary gland proteins in New Jersey outdoor workers.

In 1990, a second cross-sectional study of outdoor workers (n = 758) at high risk for Lyme disease was conducted. A questionnaire was administered, and antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi and tick salivary gland proteins (antitick saliva antibody, a biologic marker of tick exposure) were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The statewide Lyme disease seroprevalence increased from 8.1% in 1988 to 18.7% in 1990. Antitick saliva antibody seropositivity varied by county and was associated with measures of self-reported tick exposure. The data suggested that the prevalence of B. burgdorferi infection increased in New Jersey outdoor workers from 1988 to 1990.

Seroprevalence of psittacine beak and feather disease in wild psittacine birds in New South Wales.

A haemagglutination inhibition assay was used to detect antibody to psittacine beak and feather disease virus in sera from wild sulphur crested cockatoos (Cacatua galerita), galahs (Eolophus roseicapillus), short-billed corellas (Cacatua sanguinea), eastern long-billed corellas (Cacatua tenuirostris) and other psittacine birds in New South Wales. The seroprevalence of psittacine beak and feather disease ranged from 41% to 94% in different flocks, indicating infection with the virus is widespread in wild populations.

Risk factors associated with HIV infection among male prostitutes.

This study documents the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted disease seroprevalence rate for male prostitutes, identifies the risk factors for HIV, and provides baseline information for the development and implementation of appropriate prevention and intervention strategies. Structured interviews were conducted with and blood samples were collected from 235 actively working male prostitutes in Atlanta, Georgia, from July 1988 through July 1991. The HIV seroprevalence was 29.4%; 25.1% of the sample had seromarker for syphilis and 58.3% for hepatitis B. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the following significant HIV risk factors: history of receptive anal sex with nonpaying partners, serologic history of hepatitis B or syphilis, and history of childhood physical abuse. The reported seroprevalence rates among these male prostitutes indicate they are a high-risk group. The striking difference in HIV seroprevalence by sexual orientation may warrant special attention. Considering the public health consequences, there is a clear need for innovative HIV prevention and intervention among these men.

Seroprevalence of Lyme disease in gray wolves from Minnesota and Wisconsin.

To determine the seroprevalence of Lyme disease in gray wolves (Canis lupus) from various counties of Minnesota and Wisconsin (USA), 589 serum samples were collected from 528 wolves from 1972 to 1989. An indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test was used to detect the presence of antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi. Titers of greater than or equal to 1:100 were considered positive. Results were confirmed by testing a few selected sera by Western blotting. Of the 589 sera tested, 15 (3%) had IFA titers of greater than or equal to 1:100. Three of the positive samples were collected from Douglas County in Wisconsin and twelve were from Minnesota counties. This study indicates that wolves are exposed to B. burgdorferi and are susceptible to Lyme disease.

Lyme disease in New Jersey outdoor workers: a statewide survey of seroprevalence and tick exposure.

To evaluate the spread of Lyme disease in New Jersey, we conducted a statewide cross-sectional study of Lyme disease seroprevalence in a high-risk occupational group of outdoor employees. Of the 689 employees who participated in the study, 39 (5.7 percent) were positive for antibody to B. burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease. Seroprevalence varied markedly by county; unexpectedly high seroprevalence rates were found in several northern counties (Sussex, Hudson, and Hunterdon). Furthermore, some southern counties (Atlantic, Cape May, and Ocean) with large tick populations (as measured by self-reported exposure to ticks) had low seroprevalence rates which were inversely correlated with self-reported preventive practices. These data suggest that lyme disease, as measured by seroprevalence of antibody to B. burgdorferi, may be spreading beyond the southern portion of the state where it had been previously well documented and that preventive behaviors may play an important role in minimizing the risk of the disease.

Sero-prevalence status of foot and mouth disease in the North Western Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional survey was conducted on serum samples collected from North and South Gondar zones of North Western Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia to determine the sero-prevalence of foot and mouth diseases in bovine species. The samples were processed with the nonstructural protein (NSP) enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that can able to differentiate foot and mouth disease (FMD) naturally infected vaccinated animals. From the total sera tested, the overall sero-prevalence of foot and mouth disease in cattle at the North and South Gondar zones was 14.9% (86/578). The prevalence rate was high in North Gondar, 17.8% (66/370), as compared to 9.6% (20/208) in South Gondar and the difference was statistically significant (χ² =7.108, p=0.008). Highest sero-prevalence was observed at Metema (62.5%), Quara (46.7%) and Alefa Takusa (34.9%) districts of North Gondar zone, which are bordering with Sudan. The difference among the districts is also statistically significant (χ²=141.115, p=0.0001). There was also a significant association between seropositivity and age groups (χ²=9.483, P=0.009) but there was no significant association between the seropositivity and sex (χ²=0.623, p=0.430). This information on sero surveillance of foot and mouth disease in cattle is important for further epidemiological studies towards developing effective foot and mouth disease control strategies, particularly in these areas where animal movement is not restricted.Keywords: Cattle, Seroprevalence, FMD, North West Amhara Region, 3ABC ELISA

The infection of calves with abortion bacilli present in the milk of infected cows

Present pilot study is the first attempt in the country to estimate sero-prevalence of Bovine Johne's disease (BJD) by screening cattle and buffaloes representing large population belonging to farmer's and farm herds in the home tracts (Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Punjab) of Hariana cattle and Murrah buffaloes in North India. Indigenous and in-house plate ELISA kit (using protoplasmic antigen from native Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis ‘Bison type’ strain of goat origin), originally developed for goats and sheep was standardized in bovines and used for screening. For this study, 33 villages of south and west UP were randomly selected and surveyed from 2001 to 2003. There were 7943 farmer's families having 38,251 livestock, including cattle, buffaloes, goats and sheep (per family 4.8% livestock). Numerically, buffaloes and cattle were 54.7% and 22.1%, respectively. Serum samples were collected from 726 animals (4.2% of 16, 981 livestock with 4375 farmer's families) located in 33 randomly surveyed villages. Serum samples (699), submitted to Epidemiology Department of Veterinary College (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana), in the year 2004 by farmer's and organized farm herds (Buffaloes, 372, Cattle, 327), were screened by this ELISA kit.Soluble protoplasmic antigen was prepared from Map (S 5) ‘Bison type’ strain isolated from a terminally sick goat with Johne's disease. Of the total 1425 bovine (Buffaloes and cattle) serum samples screened using indigenous ELISA kit, sero-prevalence of Johne's disease was 29.0% (28.6% in buffalo and 29.8% in cattle) in Northern India. State-wise sero-prevalence was 31.9% and 23.3% in UP and Punjab, respectively. In UP, of the 601 randomly sampled buffaloes, sero-prevalence was 40.3% (16.6% in young and 40.9% adults) and 25.5% (10.5% in young and 26.3% adults) in south and west UP, respectively. Of the 125 cattle screened, sero-prevalence was 42.6% (nil in young and 44.4% adults) and 30.0% (nil in young and 30.6% adults) in south and west UP, respectively. Of the 699 serum samples screened from Ludhiana, Punjab, sero-prevalence of BJD was 23.0%. Sero-prevalence was 23.3% (12.1% in young and 24.4% in adults) and 26.9% (27.2% in young and 26.8% in adults) in buffaloes and cattle, respectively. High prevalence of BJD in buffaloes in native tract of Murrah breed, and Hariana breed of cattle correlated with poor per-animal productivity and BJD may be the major cause. Indigenous ELISA kit was rapid, economic and sensitive test for large-scale screening of buffaloes and cattle population against incurable BJD.La présente étude pilote constitue le premier essai dans le pays pour évaluer la séro-prévalence de la maladie de Johne chez les bovins.et chez les buffles dans les troupeaux de Uttar Pradesh et Punjab chez les bovins Hariana et chez les buffles Murrah dans le nord de l'Inde.Le kit Elisa utilisant l'antigène protoplasmique de Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis, souche bison développé originalement pour les chèvres et les moutons a été standardisé pour le diagnostic chez les bovins. Pour cette étude, 33 villages du sud et de l'ouest Utter Pradesh ont été randomisés de 2001 à 2003. Cet échantillon comprenait 38251 têtes de bétail incluant bœufs et buffles, chèvres et moutons et appartenant à 7943 fermiers. Les buffles et les bovins représentaient respectivement 54.7% et 22.1% de l'échantillon. Les sérums ont été recueillis sur 726 animaux appartenant à 33 villages différents. L'antigène plasmatique soluble a été préparé à partir de la souche bison isolée d'une chèvre atteinte de maladie de Johne. La séroprévalence de la maladie de Johne a été de 29% dans l'Inde du Nord, la séroprévalence dans le Pradesh a été de 31.9% et dans le Punjab de 23.3%.Il a été estimé que le kit Elisa constitue une méthode rapide et économique pour un dépistage chez les bovins et chez les buffles de la maladie de Johne.