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Vignoles P, Rondelaud D, Dreyfuss G. Determination of zones at risk for fasciolosis in the department of Haute-Vienne, central France: a retrospective study on natural infections detected in 108,481 Galba truncatula for 37 years. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 24:55. [PMID: 29272249 PMCID: PMC5741376 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2017055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
A retrospective study on the natural infection of Galba truncatula by Fasciola hepatica was carried out in the French department of Haute-Vienne to determine whether there are areas at risk for fasciolosis. Adult snails included in this analysis came from samples collected from pastures on 259 farms and from 121 wild watercress beds between 1970 and 2006. Fasciola hepatica infection rates were examined in relation to altitude and climatic data (mean annual rainfall, mean annual temperature) of each municipality. In a total of 108,481 snails collected in 151 municipalities, the overall prevalence of infection was 3.8% but varied according to the municipalities from which samples were taken (from 1% to 7.4%). The prevalence of F. hepatica infection in snails significantly decreased when the mean altitude of municipalities or their mean annual rainfall increased. However, this prevalence significantly increased with increasing mean annual temperatures. Studying the prevalence of infection in these snails makes it possible to delineate zones at risk for fasciolosis on the acid soils of Haute-Vienne. The risk of infection for livestock would be greater in areas of Haute-Vienne below 400 m above sea level and would gradually decrease when the altitude of the land increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Vignoles
- INSERM 1094, Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 rue du Docteur Raymond Marcland, 87025 Limoges Cedex, France
| | - Daniel Rondelaud
- INSERM 1094, Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 rue du Docteur Raymond Marcland, 87025 Limoges Cedex, France
| | - Gilles Dreyfuss
- INSERM 1094, Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2 rue du Docteur Raymond Marcland, 87025 Limoges Cedex, France
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Abstract
The uptake and acceptance of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology has increased since the early 1990s and public health applications are rapidly expanding. In this paper, we summarize the common uses of GIS technology in the public health sector, emphasizing applications related to mapping and understanding of parasitic diseases. We also present some of the success stories, and discuss the challenges that still prevent a full scope application of GIS technology in the public health context. Geographical analysis has allowed researchers to interlink health, population and environmental data, thus enabling them to evaluate and quantify relationships between health-related variables and environmental risk factors at different geographical scales. The ability to access, share and utilize satellite and remote-sensing data has made possible even wider understanding of disease processes and of their links to the environment, an important consideration in the study of parasitic diseases. For example, disease prevention and control strategies resulting from investigations conducted in a GIS environment have been applied in many areas, particularly in Africa. However, there remain several challenges to a more widespread use of GIS technology, such as: limited access to GIS infrastructure, inadequate technical and analytical skills, and uneven data availability. Opportunities exist for international collaboration to address these limitations through knowledge sharing and governance.
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Raju KHK, Sabesan S, Rajavel AR, Subramanian S, Natarajan R, Thenmozhi V, Tyagi BK, Jambulingam P. A Preliminary Study to Forecast Japanese Encephalitis Vector Abundance in Paddy Growing Area, with the Aid of Radar Satellite Images. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 16:117-23. [PMID: 26824289 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2014.1757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Vector mosquitoes of Japanese encephalitis (JE) breed mostly in rice fields, and human cases occur scattered over extended rural rice-growing areas. From this, one may surmise an ecological connection with the irrigation facilities and paddy cultivation. Furthermore, it has been hypothesized that a particular stage of paddy growth is a premonitory sign that can lead to a markedly increased population of the vector mosquitoes. The present study aimed to forecast the vector abundance by monitoring the paddy growth using remote sensing and geographical information systems. The abundance of the JE vector Culex tritaeniorhynchus peaked when the paddy crop was at its heading stage and dipped when the crop reached the maturing stage. A significant positive correlation was observed between paddy growth and adult density (r = 0.73, p < 0.008). The sigma naught values (σ0) derived from satellite images of paddy fields ranged from -18.3 (during transplantation stage) to approximately -10 (during the noncultivation period). A significant positive correlation was observed between σ0 and paddy growth stages (r = 0.87, p < 0.05) and adult vector density (r = 0.74, p = 0.04). The σ0 value observed during the vegetative and flowering stages of paddy growth ranged from -17.6 to -17.16, at which period the vector density started building up. This could be the spectral signature that denotes the "risk," following which a high vector abundance is expected during heading stage of the paddy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Brij Kishore Tyagi
- 2 Centre for Research in Medical Entomology (ICMR) , Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Zhou XN, Olveda R, Sripa B, Yang GJ, Leonardo L, Bergquist R. From gap analysis to solution and action: the RNAS⁺ model. Acta Trop 2015; 141:146-9. [PMID: 23831926 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2013.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Revised: 06/23/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The overall aim of the Regional Network for Asian Schistosomiasis and other Helminth Zoonoses (RNAS(+)) is to strengthen collaboration between control authorities in the regional, endemic countries. The network has provided critical research input during its 12 years of existence developing gradually from a small forum for information exchange. RNAS(+) now provides advice on regional strategies regularly and contributes to the mobilization of resources with respect to multi-country projects on several parasitic diseases in Southeast Asia, primarily schistosomiasis but also other helminth infections including polyparasitism. To make progress towards these goals, RNAS(+) has focused on platform design and technical standardization aiming at fostering research capacity and the development of networking capacities with easy access to information databases. This administrative body is largely virtual connecting RNAS(+) members via the Internet, providing database and administrative back-up. This strategy, aiming at boosting research on the target diseases, strongly emphasizes ways and means to alleviate the spectre of disease and poverty from the endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory on Biology of Parasite and Vector, Ministry of Health, People's Republic of China, WHO Collaborating Center for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China.
| | - Remigio Olveda
- Department of Health, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), Manila, Philippines
| | - Banchob Sripa
- Tropical Disease Research Laboratory (TDR), Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Guo-Jing Yang
- Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi 214064, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory on Control Technology for Parasitic Diseases, Ministry of Health, Wuxi 214064, People's Republic of China; School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Jockey Club Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Lydia Leonardo
- College of Public Health, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
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Qiu J, Li R, Xu X, Yu C, Xia X, Hong X, Chang B, Yi F, Shi Y. Identifying determinants of Oncomelania hupensis habitats and assessing the effects of environmental control strategies in the plain regions with the waterway network of China at the microscale. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2014; 11:6571-85. [PMID: 25003174 PMCID: PMC4078596 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph110606571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Revised: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to identify the landscape ecological determinants related to Oncomelania hupensis distribution, map the potential high risk of O. hupensis habitats at the microscale, and assess the effects of two environmental control strategies. Sampling was performed on 242 snail sites and 726 non-snail sites throughout Qianjiang City, Hubei Province, China. An integrated approach of landscape pattern analysis coupled with multiple logistic regression modeling was applied to investigate the effects of environmental factors on snail habitats. The risk probability of snail habitats positively correlated with patch fractal dimension (FD), paddy farm land proportion, and wetness index but inversely correlated with categorized normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and elevation. These findings indicate that FD can identify irregular features (e.g., irrigation ditches) in plain regions and that a moderate NDVI increases the microscale risk probability. Basing on the observed determinants, we predicted a map showing high-risk areas of snail habitats and simulated the effects of conduit hardening and paddy farming land rotation to dry farming land. The two approaches were confirmed effective for snail control. These findings provide an empirical basis for health professionals in local schistosomiasis control stations to identify priority areas and promising environmental control strategies for snail control and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Estimate for Environment and Disaster of Hubei Province, Institute of Geodesy and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430077, China; E-Mails: (J.Q.); (B.C.); (F.Y.); (Y.S.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Rendong Li
- Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Estimate for Environment and Disaster of Hubei Province, Institute of Geodesy and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430077, China; E-Mails: (J.Q.); (B.C.); (F.Y.); (Y.S.)
| | - Xingjian Xu
- Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan 430079, Hubei Province, China; E-Mails: (X.Xu); (X.Xia); (X.H.)
| | - Chuanhua Yu
- School of Public Health & Global Health Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei Province, China; E-Mail:
| | - Xin Xia
- Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan 430079, Hubei Province, China; E-Mails: (X.Xu); (X.Xia); (X.H.)
| | - Xicheng Hong
- Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan 430079, Hubei Province, China; E-Mails: (X.Xu); (X.Xia); (X.H.)
| | - Bianrong Chang
- Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Estimate for Environment and Disaster of Hubei Province, Institute of Geodesy and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430077, China; E-Mails: (J.Q.); (B.C.); (F.Y.); (Y.S.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fengjia Yi
- Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Estimate for Environment and Disaster of Hubei Province, Institute of Geodesy and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430077, China; E-Mails: (J.Q.); (B.C.); (F.Y.); (Y.S.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuanyuan Shi
- Key Laboratory of Monitoring and Estimate for Environment and Disaster of Hubei Province, Institute of Geodesy and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430077, China; E-Mails: (J.Q.); (B.C.); (F.Y.); (Y.S.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Xue Z, Gebremichael M, Ahmad R, Weldu ML, Bagtzoglou AC. Impact of temperature and precipitation on propagation of intestinal schistosomiasis in an irrigated region in Ethiopia: suitability of satellite datasets. Trop Med Int Health 2011; 16:1104-11. [PMID: 21767333 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2011.02820.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the suitability of satellite temperature and precipitation datasets for investigating the dependence of Schistosoma mansoni disease transmission on meteorological conditions in an irrigated agricultural region in Ethiopia. METHODS Data used were monthly number of patients infected with S. mansoni and seeking treatment at the local hospital, monthly maximum air temperature from a local weather station, monthly average land surface temperature from MODIS satellite data, monthly total precipitation from a local rain gauge and precipitation estimates from four widely used satellite products, namely, TMPA 3B42RT, TMPA 3B42, CMORPH and PERSIANN. The number of patients was used as proxy for vector abundance. RESULTS Temperature and precipitation play a role in the transmission of S. mansoni disease. There is a weak but significant positive correlation between monthly maximum air temperature derived from a meteorological station (or average land surface temperature derived from MODIS satellite product) and the number of patients in the same month. There is a significant negative correlation between monthly precipitation volume (derived from rain gauge or satellite data) and number of patients at lags of 1 and 2 months. CONCLUSION Satellite temperature and precipitation products provide useful information to understand and infer the relationship between meteorological conditions and S. mansoni prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Xue
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-2037, USA
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Martins-Bedê FT, Dutra LV, Freitas CC, Guimarães RJPS, Amaral RS, Drummond SC, Carvalho OS. Schistosomiasis risk mapping in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, using a decision tree approach, remote sensing data and sociological indicators. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2011; 105:541-8. [PMID: 20721506 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762010000400033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2009] [Accepted: 10/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis mansoni is not just a physical disease, but is related to social and behavioural factors as well. Snails of the Biomphalaria genus are an intermediate host for Schistosoma mansoni and infect humans through water. The objective of this study is to classify the risk of schistosomiasis in the state of Minas Gerais (MG). We focus on socioeconomic and demographic features, basic sanitation features, the presence of accumulated water bodies, dense vegetation in the summer and winter seasons and related terrain characteristics. We draw on the decision tree approach to infection risk modelling and mapping. The model robustness was properly verified. The main variables that were selected by the procedure included the terrain's water accumulation capacity, temperature extremes and the Human Development Index. In addition, the model was used to generate two maps, one that included risk classification for the entire of MG and another that included classification errors. The resulting map was 62.9% accurate.
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Vandemark LM, Jia TW, Zhou XN. Social science implications for control of helminth infections in Southeast Asia. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2010; 73:137-70. [PMID: 20627142 DOI: 10.1016/s0065-308x(10)73006-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Social science perspectives can inform helminth disease control in Southeast Asia. The social science literature offers theoretical and conceptual models; research methods; recommendations for training and capacity building, health education and health care professional training; and practice guidelines, including implementation of evidence-based interventions. Priority themes include poverty, gender differences, health inequities and access to social resources. Implications for helminth control include broadening disease monitoring and surveillance to include social and economic variables and subjective measures of well-being; training for health professionals and researchers in the social determinants of health; and application of social science models, specifically the expanded 'Chronic Care Model', to the planning and evaluation of interventions. The chapter posits that helminth diseases meet the World Health Organization's expanded definition of chronic conditions, and that integrated delivery of multiple interventions is needed to address the full range of risks and outcomes due to helminth infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Vandemark
- College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, USA
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Malone JB, Yang GJ, Leonardo L, Zhou XN. Implementing a Geospatial Health Data Infrastructure for Control of Asian Schistosomiasis in the People's Republic of China and the Philippines. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2010; 73:71-100. [DOI: 10.1016/s0065-308x(10)73004-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Mas-Coma S, Valero MA, Bargues MD. Climate change effects on trematodiases, with emphasis on zoonotic fascioliasis and schistosomiasis. Vet Parasitol 2009; 163:264-80. [PMID: 19375233 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The capacity of climatic conditions to modulate the extent and intensity of parasitism is well known since long ago. Concerning helminths, among the numerous environmental modifications giving rise to changes in infections, climate variables appear as those showing a greater influence, so that climate change may be expected to have an important impact on the diseases they cause. However, the confirmation of the impact of climate change on helminthiases has been reached very recently. Only shortly before, helminthiases were still noted as infectious diseases scarcely affected by climate change, when compared to diseases caused by microorganisms in general (viruses, bacteriae, protozoans). The aim of the present paper is to review the impact of climate change on helminthiases transmitted by snails, invertebrates which are pronouncedly affected by meteorological factors, by focusing on trematodiases. First, the knowledge on the effects of climate change on trematodiases in general is reviewed, including aspects such as influence of temperature on cercarial output, cercarial production variability in trematode species, influences of magnitude of cercarial production and snail host size, cercarial quality, duration of cercarial production increase and host mortality, influence of latitude, and global-warming-induced impact of trematodes. Secondly, important zoonotic diseases such as fascioliasis, schistosomiasis and cercarial dermatitis are analysed from the point of view of their relationships with meteorological factors. Emphasis is given to data which indicate that climate change influences the characteristics of these trematodiases in concrete areas where these diseases are emerging in recent years. The present review shows that trematodes, similarly as other helminths presenting larval stages living freely in the environment and/or larval stages parasitic in invertebrates easily affected by climate change as arthropods and molluscs as intermediate hosts, may be largely more susceptible to climate change impact than those helminths in whose life cycle such phases are absent or reduced to a minimum. Although helminths also appear to be affected by climate change, their main difference with microparasites lies on the usually longer life cycles of helminths, with longer generation times, slower population growth rates and longer time period needed for the response in the definitive host to become evident. Consequently, after a pronounced climate change in a local area, modifications in helminth populations need more time to be obvious or detectable than modifications in microparasite populations. Similarly, the relation of changes in a helminthiasis with climatic factor changes, as extreme events elapsed relatively long time ago, may be overlooked if not concretely searched for. All indicates that this phenomenon has been the reason for previous analyses to conclude that helminthiases do not constitute priority targets in climate change impact studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Mas-Coma
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.
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Zhou XN, Lv S, Yang GJ, Kristensen TK, Bergquist NR, Utzinger J, Malone JB. Spatial epidemiology in zoonotic parasitic diseases: insights gained at the 1st International Symposium on Geospatial Health in Lijiang, China, 2007. Parasit Vectors 2009; 2:10. [PMID: 19193214 PMCID: PMC2663554 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-2-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2008] [Accepted: 02/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The 1st International Symposium on Geospatial Health was convened in Lijiang, Yunnan province, People's Republic of China from 8 to 9 September, 2007. The objective was to review progress made with the application of spatial techniques on zoonotic parasitic diseases, particularly in Southeast Asia. The symposium featured 71 presentations covering soil-transmitted and water-borne helminth infections, as well as arthropod-borne diseases such as leishmaniasis, malaria and lymphatic filariasis. The work made public at this occasion is briefly summarized here to highlight the advances made and to put forth research priorities in this area. Approaches such as geographical information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS) and remote sensing (RS), including spatial statistics, web-based GIS and map visualization of field investigations, figured prominently in the presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, PR China.
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12
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Lleo MM, Lafaye M, Guell A. Application of space technologies to the surveillance and modelling of waterborne diseases. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2008; 19:307-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2008.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2008] [Revised: 03/31/2008] [Accepted: 04/02/2008] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Mangal TD, Paterson S, Fenton A. Predicting the impact of long-term temperature changes on the epidemiology and control of schistosomiasis: a mechanistic model. PLoS One 2008; 3:e1438. [PMID: 18197249 PMCID: PMC2190776 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0001438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2007] [Accepted: 11/14/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many parasites of medical and veterinary importance are transmitted by cold-blooded intermediate hosts or vectors, the abundance of which will vary with ambient temperatures, potentially altering disease prevalence. In particular, if global climate change will increase mean ambient temperature in a region endemic with a human pathogen then it is possible that the incidence of disease will similarly increase. Here we examine this possibility by using a mathematical model to explore the effects of increasing long-term mean ambient temperature on the prevalence and abundance of the parasite Schistosoma mansoni, the causative agent of schistosomiasis in humans. Principal Findings The model showed that the impact of temperature on disease prevalence and abundance is not straightforward; the mean infection burden in humans increases up to 30°C, but then crashes at 35°C, primarily due to increased mortalities of the snail intermediate host. In addition, increased temperatures changed the dynamics of disease from stable, endemic infection to unstable, epidemic cycles at 35°C. However, the prevalence of infection was largely unchanged by increasing temperatures. Temperature increases also affected the response of the model to changes in each parameter, indicating certain control strategies may become less effective with local temperature changes. At lower temperatures, the most effective single control strategy is to target the adult parasites through chemotherapy. However, as temperatures increase, targeting the snail intermediate hosts, for example through molluscicide use, becomes more effective. Conclusions These results show that S. mansoni will not respond to increased temperatures in a linear fashion, and the optimal control strategy is likely to change as temperatures change. It is only through a mechanistic approach, incorporating the combined effects of temperature on all stages of the life-cycle, that we can begin to predict the consequences of climate change on the incidence and severity of such diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara D Mangal
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
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Dredger SM, Kothari A, Morrison J, Sawada M, Crighton EJ, Graham ID. Using participatory design to develop (public) health decision support systems through GIS. Int J Health Geogr 2007; 6:53. [PMID: 18042298 PMCID: PMC2175500 DOI: 10.1186/1476-072x-6-53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2007] [Accepted: 11/27/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Organizations that collect substantial data for decision-making purposes are often characterized as being 'data rich' but 'information poor'. Maps and mapping tools can be very useful for research transfer in converting locally collected data into information. Challenges involved in incorporating GIS applications into the decision-making process within the non-profit (public) health sector include a lack of financial resources for software acquisition and training for non-specialists to use such tools. This on-going project has two primary phases. This paper critically reflects on Phase 1: the participatory design (PD) process of developing a collaborative web-based GIS tool. Methods A case study design is being used whereby the case is defined as the data analyst and manager dyad (a two person team) in selected Ontario Early Year Centres (OEYCs). Multiple cases are used to support the reliability of findings. With nine producer/user pair participants, the goal in Phase 1 was to identify barriers to map production, and through the participatory design process, develop a web-based GIS tool suited for data analysts and their managers. This study has been guided by the Ottawa Model of Research Use (OMRU) conceptual framework. Results Due to wide variations in OEYC structures, only some data analysts used mapping software and there was no consistency or standardization in the software being used. Consequently, very little sharing of maps and data occurred among data analysts. Using PD, this project developed a web-based mapping tool (EYEMAP) that was easy to use, protected proprietary data, and permit limited and controlled sharing between participants. By providing data analysts with training on its use, the project also ensured that data analysts would not break cartographic conventions (e.g. using a chloropleth map for count data). Interoperability was built into the web-based solution; that is, EYEMAP can read many different standard mapping file formats (e.g. ESRI, MapInfo, CSV). Discussion Based on the evaluation of Phase 1, the PD process has served both as a facilitator and a barrier. In terms of successes, the PD process identified two key components that are important to users: increased data/map sharing functionality and interoperability. Some of the challenges affected developers and users; both individually and as a collective. From a development perspective, this project experienced difficulties in obtaining personnel skilled in web application development and GIS. For users, some data sharing barriers are beyond what a technological tool can address (e.g. third party data). Lastly, the PD process occurs in real time; both a strength and a limitation. Programmatic changes at the provincial level and staff turnover at the organizational level made it difficult to maintain buy-in as participants changed over time. The impacts of these successes and challenges will be evaluated more concretely at the end of Phase 2. Conclusion PD approaches, by their very nature, encourage buy-in to the development process, better addresses user-needs, and creates a sense of user-investment and ownership.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Michelle Dredger
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, S113-750 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg, Canada.
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Fenwick A, Rollinson D, Southgate V. Implementation of Human Schistosomiasis Control: Challenges and Prospects. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2006; 61:567-622. [PMID: 16735173 DOI: 10.1016/s0065-308x(05)61013-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a major disease of public health importance in humans occurring in over 70 countries of the tropics and sub-tropics. In this chapter, the history of the control of schistosomiasis is briefly discussed and current methods of control of schistosomiasis are reviewed; including mollusciciding, biological control of the intermediate snail hosts, the development of drugs to kill the adult worms, provision of clean water and health education, with a focus on the African situation. Since an effective vaccine against schistosomiasis is lacking, the emphasis today is placed on the drug praziquantel (PZQ). The marked reduction in the cost of PZQ together with the support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has enabled the drug to be used more widely in sub-Saharan Africa. Nevertheless, with the possibility of resistance to praziquantel emerging, the potential role of other drugs, such as artemether, in the control of schistosomiasis is examined. The World Health Organization (WHO) anticipates that at least 75% of all schoolchildren at risk of morbidity from schistosomiasis will be treated by 2010, with the aim of reversing morbidity. The importance of recent international initiatives such as the Schistosomiasis Control Initiative (SCI) working in Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Zambia, Tanzania and Uganda is recognised. There are benefits to integrating the control of schistosomiasis with other disease control programmes, such as gastrointestinal helminths and/or lymphatic filariasis (LF), since this markedly reduces the cost of delivery of the treatment. Countries that are situated on the perimeter of the distribution of schistosomiasis have either achieved or have made progress towards the elimination of the disease. For control programmes to be successful in areas such as sub-Saharan Africa, it is absolutely essential that these programmes are sustainable. Thus, it will be vital for Ministries of Health and Education to budget for the control of diseases of poverty in addition to school health, and to utilise funds from a range of sources, such as, government funds, pooled donor contributions, or bilateral and international agencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Fenwick
- Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College, London W2 1PG, UK
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Abstract
In this article, an account of some of the hot areas in schistosomiasis research is given, emphasizing what has been achieved during the past several years in impact assessment and identifying the research frontiers where further action is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Robert Bergquist
- UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), CH-1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland.
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Kopp S, Shuchman R, Strecher V, Gueye M, Ledlow J, Philip T, Grodzinski A. Telemedicine/telehealth: an international perspective. Public health applications. Telemed J E Health 2002; 8:35-48. [PMID: 12020404 DOI: 10.1089/15305620252933383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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