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Calderaro A, Piccolo G, Chezzi C. The Laboratory Diagnosis of Malaria: A Focus on the Diagnostic Assays in Non-Endemic Areas. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:695. [PMID: 38255768 PMCID: PMC10815132 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Even if malaria is rare in Europe, it is a medical emergency and programs for its control should ensure both an early diagnosis and a prompt treatment within 24-48 h from the onset of the symptoms. The increasing number of imported malaria cases as well as the risk of the reintroduction of autochthonous cases encouraged laboratories in non-endemic countries to adopt diagnostic methods/algorithms. Microscopy remains the gold standard, but with limitations. Rapid diagnostic tests have greatly expanded the ability to diagnose malaria for rapid results due to simplicity and low cost, but they lack sensitivity and specificity. PCR-based assays provide more relevant information but need well-trained technicians. As reported in the World Health Organization Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016-2030, the development of point-of-care testing is important for the improvement of diagnosis with beneficial consequences for prompt/accurate treatment and for preventing the spread of the disease. Despite their limitations, diagnostic methods contribute to the decline of malaria mortality. Recently, evidence suggested that artificial intelligence could be utilized for assisting pathologists in malaria diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Calderaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (G.P.); (C.C.)
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2
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Nguyen PY, Caddy C, Wilson AN, Blackburn K, Page MJ, Gülmezoglu AM, Narasimhan M, Bonet M, Tunçalp Ö, Vogel JP. Self-care interventions for preconception, antenatal, intrapartum and postpartum care: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e068713. [PMID: 37164476 PMCID: PMC10173967 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify current and emerging self-care interventions to improve maternity healthcare. DESIGN Scoping review. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, Embase, EmCare, PsycINFO, Cochrane CENTRAL/CDSR, CINAHL Plus (last searched on 17 October 2021). ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Evidence syntheses, interventional or observational studies describing any tool, resource or strategy to facilitate self-care in women preparing to get pregnant, currently pregnant, giving birth or post partum. DATA EXTRACTION/SYNTHESIS Screening and data collection were conducted independently by two reviewers. Self-care interventions were identified based on predefined criteria and inductively organised into 11 categories. Characteristics of study design, interventions, participants and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS We identified eligible 580 studies. Many included studies evaluated interventions in high-income countries (45%) and during antenatal care (76%). Self-care categories featuring highest numbers of studies were diet and nutrition (26% of all studies), physical activity (24%), psychosocial strategies (18%) and other lifestyle adjustments (17%). Few studies featured self-care interventions for sexual health and postpartum family planning (2%), self-management of medication (3%) and self-testing/sampling (3%). Several venues to introduce self-care were described: health facilities (44%), community venues (14%), digital platforms (18%), partner/peer support (7%) or over-the-counter products (13%). Involvement of health and community workers were described in 38% and 8% of studies, who supported self-care interventions by providing therapeutics for home use, training or counselling. The most common categories of outcomes evaluated were neonatal outcomes (eg, birth weight) (31%), maternal mental health (26%) and labour outcomes (eg, duration of labour) (22%). CONCLUSION Self-care interventions in maternal care are diverse in their applications, implementation characteristics and intended outcomes. Many self-care interventions were implemented with support from the health system at initial stages of use and uptake. Some promising self-care interventions require further primary research, though several are matured and up-to-date evidence syntheses are needed. Research on self-care in the preconception period is lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phi-Yen Nguyen
- Methods in Evidence Synthesis Unit, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- International Development, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cassandra Caddy
- International Development, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alyce N Wilson
- International Development, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kara Blackburn
- International Development, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew J Page
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Manjulaa Narasimhan
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mercedes Bonet
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Özge Tunçalp
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joshua P Vogel
- International Development, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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3
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Calderaro A, Montecchini S, Buttrini M, Piccolo G, Rossi S, Arcangeletti MC, Farina B, De Conto F, Chezzi C. Malaria Diagnosis in Non-Endemic Settings: The European Experience in the Last 22 Years. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9112265. [PMID: 34835391 PMCID: PMC8620059 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate, prompt, and reliable tools for the diagnosis of malaria are crucial for tracking the successes or drawbacks of control and elimination efforts, and for future programs aimed at global malaria eradication. Although microscopy remains the gold standard method, the number of imported malaria cases and the risk of reappearance of autochthonous cases stimulated several laboratories located in European countries to evaluate methods and algorithms suited to non-endemic settings, where skilled microscopists are not always available. In this review, an overview of the field evaluation and a comparison of the methods used for the diagnosis of malaria by European laboratories is reported, showing that the development of numerous innovations is continuous. In particular, the combination of rapid diagnostic tests and molecular assays with microscopy represents a reliable system for the early diagnosis of malaria in non-endemic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Calderaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (S.M.); (M.B.); (G.P.); (M.C.A.); (B.F.); (F.D.C.); (C.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0521-033499; Fax: +39-0521-993620
| | - Sara Montecchini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (S.M.); (M.B.); (G.P.); (M.C.A.); (B.F.); (F.D.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Mirko Buttrini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (S.M.); (M.B.); (G.P.); (M.C.A.); (B.F.); (F.D.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Giovanna Piccolo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (S.M.); (M.B.); (G.P.); (M.C.A.); (B.F.); (F.D.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Sabina Rossi
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy;
| | - Maria Cristina Arcangeletti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (S.M.); (M.B.); (G.P.); (M.C.A.); (B.F.); (F.D.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Benedetta Farina
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (S.M.); (M.B.); (G.P.); (M.C.A.); (B.F.); (F.D.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Flora De Conto
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (S.M.); (M.B.); (G.P.); (M.C.A.); (B.F.); (F.D.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Carlo Chezzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (S.M.); (M.B.); (G.P.); (M.C.A.); (B.F.); (F.D.C.); (C.C.)
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4
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Galindo MS, Lambert Y, Mutricy L, Garancher L, Bordalo Miller J, Gomes JH, Sanna A, Peterka C, Hilderal H, Cairo H, Hiwat H, Nacher M, Suárez-Mutis MC, Vreden S, Douine M. Setting-up a cross-border action-research project to control malaria in remote areas of the Amazon: describing the birth and milestones of a complex international project (Malakit). Malar J 2021; 20:216. [PMID: 33975624 PMCID: PMC8111981 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03748-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In French Guiana, gold miners working illegally represents a major reservoir of malaria. This mobile population, mainly of Brazilian descent, enters the French Guianese forest from neighbouring countries, Suriname and Brazil. A complex and innovative intervention was piloted as a cooperation with the three involved countries involved to control malaria in this specific population. The principle was that health workers called “facilitators” provide the participants with a self-diagnosis and self-treatment kit along with adequate training and material to rapidly manage an episode of malaria symptoms on their own, when they find themselves isolated from health care services. Methods This paper describes the design, development, content of the intervention and players’ organization of this multi-country project, the opportunities and constraints encountered, and the lessons learnt at this stage. Results The choice not to implement the usual “Test and Treat” approach within the community is mainly driven by regulatory reasons. The content of medical messages tends to balance the tension between thoroughness, accuracy and efficacy. The wide range of tools developed through a participatory approach was intended to cope with the challenges of the literacy level of the target population. Despite the difficulties encountered due to language, regulation differences and distance between partners, cooperation was fruitful, due to the complementary of stakeholders, their involvement at all important stages and regular face-to-face meetings. Discussion and conclusion This experience shows the feasibility of an ambitious project of action-research in a border malaria context, involving several countries and with a mobile and undocumented population. It reveals some factors of success which may be transferable in analogous settings. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-021-03748-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muriel Suzanne Galindo
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique Antilles-Guyane, Inserm 1424, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne Andrée Rosemon, Cayenne, French Guiana.
| | - Yann Lambert
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique Antilles-Guyane, Inserm 1424, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne Andrée Rosemon, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Louise Mutricy
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique Antilles-Guyane, Inserm 1424, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne Andrée Rosemon, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | | | | | | | - Alice Sanna
- Agence Régionale de Santé de la Guyane, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Cassio Peterka
- National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health of Brazil, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Hélène Hilderal
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique Antilles-Guyane, Inserm 1424, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne Andrée Rosemon, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Hedley Cairo
- National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health of Suriname, Paramaribo, Suriname
| | - Helene Hiwat
- National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health of Suriname, Paramaribo, Suriname
| | - Mathieu Nacher
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique Antilles-Guyane, Inserm 1424, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne Andrée Rosemon, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | | | - Stephen Vreden
- Foundation for the Advancement of Scientific Research in Suriname, Paramaribo, Suriname
| | - Maylis Douine
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique Antilles-Guyane, Inserm 1424, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne Andrée Rosemon, Cayenne, French Guiana
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Utzinger KS, Held U, Hanscheid T, Gültekin N, Fehr J, Grobusch MP, Schlagenhauf P. Self-diagnosis and self-treatment of Plasmodium spp. infection by travellers (1989-2019): A systematic review and meta-analysis. Travel Med Infect Dis 2020; 38:101902. [PMID: 33132136 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2020.101902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Standby emergency self-treatment (SBET) is often recommended as an anti-malaria strategy for travellers to low-risk endemic areas. This self-treatment enables competent malaria therapy, if medical assistance is unavailable. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends performing reliable diagnostic tests before starting antimalarial treatment. For the self-diagnosis of malaria in travellers, rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) can be used to confirm the infection before SBET is used. The aim of this research is to assess the use of RDT and/or SBET in travellers. METHODS We searched the databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL) using terms and synonyms for 'self-diagnosis' and 'self-treatment' combined with 'malaria' and 'travel'. Articles in English, French and German were included. Potential articles were screened and extracted by two authors (KU and PS). Only original articles and case reports documenting the self-use of RDT and/or SBET in travellers were included. Data were extracted using a standardised approach. We defined 'correct use' of RDT and SBET. Data on number and performance of RDT and SBET use, as well as malaria verification were collected in an Excel table. Five meta-analyses were performed using a random effects model and calculating pooled proportions. This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42018108874). RESULTS The research resulted in 867 articles of possible relevance on RDT and 955 articles on SBET. After screening, a total of 4 articles on RDT use and 17 articles for SBET use in travellers were included in the systematic review. Most of the RDT were performed and interpreted properly by the travellers (pooled proportion 88%, 95% confidence interval (CI) from 64% to 97%), whereby the proportion of correct performance was increased after a pre-travel test run (97%). Major problems in the implementation such as pricking finger, placing blood drop, identifying lines and interpreting results could be discovered. We found data on 1025 SBET uses in studies of travellers to high-risk African countries. In these studies, the pooled proportion of SBET uses was 6% (95% CI from 2% to 13%). We found 545 SBET uses in studies of travellers to countries of mixed malaria risk. In these studies, the pooled proportion of SBET uses was 2% (95% CI from 1% to 7%). Furthermore, the evaluation showed a high proportion of correct SBET use (pooled proportion 69%, 95% CI from 35% to 90%). As a cause for incorrect use, errors in dosage (under- or overdose), disregard of minimal incubation period (< 7 days since first possible malaria exposure) and absence of fever were identified. Four cases of post-SBET severe adverse events were documented. In a third of travellers who used SBET, a Plasmodium spp. infection could be detected (pooled proportion 31%, 95% CI from 16% to 51%). CONCLUSIONS This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that the majority of travellers were able to use RDT and SBET correctly. Standardised pre-travel instructions and specific training are indicated to increase the proportions of correct RDT and SBET use. With improved and user-friendly technology, RDT may become an integral part of SBET malaria recommendations for travellers. Combined use of RDT and SBET could be an appropriate strategy for selected subgroups of travellers to low-risk, remote malaria areas. Future research should focus on combined RDT and SBET strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khyra S Utzinger
- University of Zürich, WHO Collaborating Centre for Travellers' Health, Travel Clinic and Department of Public & Global Health, MilMedBiol Competence Centre, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, Switzerland
| | - Ulrike Held
- University of Zürich, Biostatistics Department at Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Hanscheid
- Instituto de Microbiologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Nelja Gültekin
- Centre of Competence for Military and Disaster Medicine, Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport DDPS, Swiss Armed Forces, Switzerland
| | - Jan Fehr
- University of Zürich, WHO Collaborating Centre for Travellers' Health, Travel Clinic and Department of Public & Global Health, MilMedBiol Competence Centre, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, Switzerland; Division of Infectious Diseases & Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin P Grobusch
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Patricia Schlagenhauf
- University of Zürich, WHO Collaborating Centre for Travellers' Health, Travel Clinic and Department of Public & Global Health, MilMedBiol Competence Centre, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, Switzerland.
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6
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Gitta B, Kilian N. Diagnosis of Malaria Parasites Plasmodium spp. in Endemic Areas: Current Strategies for an Ancient Disease. Bioessays 2019; 42:e1900138. [PMID: 31830324 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201900138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Fast and effective detection of the causative agent of malaria in humans, protozoan Plasmodium parasites, is of crucial importance for increasing the effectiveness of treatment and to control a devastating disease that affects millions of people living in endemic areas. The microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained blood films still remains the gold-standard in Plasmodium detection today. However, there is a high demand for alternative diagnostic methods that are simple, fast, highly sensitive, ideally do not rely on blood-drawing and can potentially be conducted by the patients themselves. Here, the history of Plasmodium detection is discussed, and advantages and disadvantages of diagnostic methods that are currently being applied are assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Gitta
- Matibabu, 120 Semawata Rd, Ntinda, Kampala, 00256, Uganda
| | - Nicole Kilian
- Centre for Infectious Diseases, Parasitology Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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Sanann N, Peto TJ, Tripura R, Callery JJ, Nguon C, Bui TM, Nofal SD, von Seidlein L, Lek D, Dondorp AM, Cheah PY, Pell C. Forest work and its implications for malaria elimination: a qualitative study. Malar J 2019; 18:376. [PMID: 31771587 PMCID: PMC6880349 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-3008-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Over the last 20 years, malaria incidence has decreased across the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) and the emergence of artemisinin resistance has stimulated efforts to accelerate regional elimination. In the GMS, the malaria transmission is focused increasingly in forested zones. This article describes forest-going activities and examines forest workers’ attitudes to and experiences of malaria prevention and control in north-eastern Cambodia. Methods In Stung Treng Province, Cambodia, 19 in-depth interviews were conducted in villages with participants recently diagnosed with uncomplicated falciparum malaria who reported working in forests. Two focus group discussions with respondents’ forest-working peers were held. Interviews and focus groups were audio-recorded transcribed, and translated for thematic analysis. Results Forest work is an essential source of income for respondents. Many combine it with farming, which influences the timing and duration of forest visits. Forest activities include logging and collecting other forest products, particularly malva nuts. Men log year-round, whereas gathering forest products is seasonal and can involve entire families. Forest workers sleep chiefly in unimpregnated hammock nets in make-shift encampments. Respondents are concerned about symptomatic malaria, but unfamiliar with the concept of asymptomatic infection. They view the forest as an area of potential malaria infection and seek to protect themselves from mosquito bites through wearing long-sleeved clothes, using repellents, and lighting fires. Forest workers express a willingness to self-test and self-administer anti-malarials. Conclusions Forest workers’ behaviour and perceptions of risk indicate that improvements are needed to current control measures. There is potential to: better target distribution of impregnated hammock nets; offer curative or presumptive treatment while in forests; and expand access to screening. Establishing the efficacy and feasibility of prophylaxis for forest workers in the GMS is a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nou Sanann
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,University Research Company, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Thomas J Peto
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. .,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Rupam Tripura
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - James J Callery
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chea Nguon
- National Center for Parasitology, Entomology, and Malaria Control, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Thanh Mai Bui
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Stephanie D Nofal
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Lorenz von Seidlein
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Dysoley Lek
- National Center for Parasitology, Entomology, and Malaria Control, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Arjen M Dondorp
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Phaik Yeong Cheah
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Christopher Pell
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Centre for Social Sciences and Global Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Del Prete V, Mateo-Urdiales A, Bueno-Cavanillas A, Ferrara P. Malaria prevention in the older traveller: a systematic review. J Travel Med 2019; 26:5562848. [PMID: 31509199 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taz067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Older travellers are at higher risk of malaria-related morbidity and mortality compared with younger people. Yet, prevention of malaria in this specific group of travellers is a long-standing issue in travel medicine. The aim of this research was to synthetize the existing evidence about this important topic, highlighting older travellers' attitudes and practises toward malaria prevention. Searches were performed on PubMed, Embase, EuropePMC, Web of Science, WHOLIS and LILACS databases for relevant studies reporting malaria prevention measures in older travellers. To measure malaria prevention in the older traveller population, the main information outcomes were obtained from the ABCD framework that included travellers' 'Awareness' towards pre-travel health advice, their utilisation of 'Bite-prevention measures' and adherence to 'Chemoprophylaxis'. Data on 'Diagnosis'-related outcomes were excluded for not being measures of malaria prevention. Three evaluators independently selected studies, extracted data and assessed the quality of the included articles. The research protocol was registered with PROSPERO (protocol number CRD42019124202). Out of the 899 titles and abstracts screened, 13 articles were included in this review synthesis. These studies included a wide range of interventions for malaria prevention: no relevant differences in pre-travel healthcare attendance were found depending on age; older travellers were found to be less likely to comply with bite-prevention measures; three high-quality studies reported that adherence to chemoprophylaxis significantly increased with age, while three studies did not find age-related differences in travellers' adherence. Overall, prevention of malaria in the older traveller has received limited attention from the scientific community. Older travellers seem to be less likely to comply with bite-prevention measures, but there was high heterogeneity across the reports. This population group demands particular attention and tailored health advice before travelling to malaria endemic areas. More research is required on how to improve malaria prevention in the older traveller.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Del Prete
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Mateo-Urdiales
- Department of Public Health and Policy, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- School of Public Health, Health Education North West, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Pietro Ferrara
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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9
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Tan R, Elmers J, Genton B. Malaria standby emergency treatment (SBET) for travellers visiting malaria endemic areas: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Travel Med 2019; 26:5475009. [PMID: 30995308 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taz027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria prevention methods for travellers to low or moderate malaria risk areas vary and remain controversial. Standby emergency treatment (SBET) for malaria is one possible strategy increasingly recommended since 1988 with little evidence on its effectiveness or how it is truly being used. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed based on a structured search in Embase, Medline, PubMed, Cochrane and Web of Science on 7 September 2018. The primary outcome was the overall prevalence of SBET use in travellers, and secondary outcomes were the proportion carrying SBET, the response to fever [use of SBET, health facility attendance and use of malaria rapid diagnostic test (mRDT)], adverse events to SBET and the proportion using SBET incorrectly (incorrect dosage/duration). The pooled SBET use prevalence was analysed using a random effects model. A descriptive summary was done to present secondary outcomes. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO CRD42018103703. RESULTS A total of 11 studies were eligible for inclusion among the 1027 titles identified by our search. The studies included 7/11 prospective cohort studies that recruited pre-travel clinic attendees in Europe and 4/11 cross-sectional studies, of which 3 recruited travellers at airports before their return home from Southeast Asia and Africa and 1 from an employee registry including long-term travellers. The overall pooled prevalence of SBET use among the 26 403 travellers was 2.5% (95% confidence interval, 1.1-4.3%; range, 0.4-10.8%). There was significant variation in the proportion of travellers carrying SBET medication (40-100%), the proportion of travellers with appropriate response to fever (23-100%), adverse events (0-33%) and incorrect dosage/duration of SBET (0-100%). CONCLUSION Adherence to the proposed recommendations for SBET use, notably the response to fever, was poor. If the use of SBET is to be pursued, modifications to the current SBET strategy should be considered, such as better selection of travellers at higher risk for malaria and the potential addition of mRDTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Tan
- Travel Clinic, Department of Research, Innovation and Training, Unisanté, Center for Primary Care and Public Health, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jolanda Elmers
- Medical Library, Research and Education Department, Lausanne University Hospital, Rue du Bugnon 46, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Blaise Genton
- Travel Clinic, Department of Research, Innovation and Training, Unisanté, Center for Primary Care and Public Health, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
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Nofal SD, Peto TJ, Adhikari B, Tripura R, Callery J, Bui TM, von Seidlein L, Pell C. How can interventions that target forest-goers be tailored to accelerate malaria elimination in the Greater Mekong Subregion? A systematic review of the qualitative literature. Malar J 2019; 18:32. [PMID: 30709399 PMCID: PMC6359845 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2666-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite decreases in incidence and related mortality, malaria remains a major public health challenge in the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS). The emergence of artemisinin resistance threatens these gains and has prompted efforts to accelerate elimination in the region. In the GMS, transmission now clusters in hotspots along international borders and among high-risk populations, including forest-goers. To eliminate malaria in the region, interventions must target such hard-to-reach populations. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the qualitative research on behaviours and perceptions that influence uptake of and adherence to malaria interventions among forest-goers in the GMS. Methods A systematic search strategy was used to identify relevant sources, including database (OVID SP, PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge) and bibliographic searches. Relevant findings from qualitative research methods were extracted and thematic analysis undertaken. Results Of 268 sources retrieved in searches twenty-two were reviewed. Most reported studies were conducted in Cambodia (n = 10), and were published after 2014 (n = 16). Four major themes emerged that are particularly relevant to the design of intervention packages targeted at forest-goers: (1) understanding of malaria and perceived risk; (2) preventive measures used when visiting the forest; (3) behaviours that put forest-goers at risk of infection; and, (4) malaria-related treatment seeking. There were notable differences across the reviewed articles that suggest the need for a locally tailored approach. Conclusion A more detailed characterization of forest activities is needed but research on this topic raises methodological challenges. Current vector control measures have limitations, with use of insecticidal-treated nets, hammocks and repellents influenced by the type of forest activities and the characteristics of these measures. In contrast, anti-malarial drugs, for example, as chemoprophylaxis, hold promise but require further evaluation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12936-019-2666-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie D Nofal
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Thomas J Peto
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. .,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Bipin Adhikari
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rupam Tripura
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - James Callery
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thanh Mai Bui
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lorenz von Seidlein
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Christopher Pell
- Centre for Social Sciences and Global Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Rochat L, Genton B. Telemedicine for health issues while abroad: interest and willingness to pay among travellers prior to departure. J Travel Med 2018; 25:4989867. [PMID: 29718404 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/tay028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telemedicine is emerging as a useful tool to provide expert medical advice to individuals facing health issues while travelling in remote areas. Before embarking on the development of a telemedicine system, we conducted a survey to assess the needs and expectations of travellers for such a service, and evaluate opinions about the importance of various travel criteria that may determine the contract of such insurance. OBJECTIVES (i) To assess whether a telemedicine service is considered useful by travellers, (ii) to investigate which telecommunication medium is preferred, (iii) to determine which subgroup of travellers would be most interested in this service and (iv) to estimate the amount of money travellers would be willing to pay for a telemedicine service. METHODS Travellers coming to our clinic for pre-travel advice were given a questionnaire to be filled in before consultation. The questionnaire focused on demographics, travel details, health status, interest and willingness to pay for a telemedicine service. RESULTS Among 307 returned questionnaires, 59% of travellers were interested in a telemedicine service. Email was the preferred communication medium for 63%, mobile phone for 46% and video calls for 31% individuals (multiple answers). Travellers aged ≥60 years and those with an immunocompromising condition tended to be more interested in telemedicine (respectively OR = 1.65; 95% CI: 0.75-3.62 and OR = 3.56; 95% CI: 0.41-30.95). The 99% of travellers were willing to pay for such a service. Median price was 50 USD (IQR: 30-50 USD). There was no correlation between travel duration and amount to be paid. CONCLUSION Among individuals consulting for pre-travel advice at a specialized clinic, there is considerable interest in telemedicine, particularly among older and immunocompromised travellers. Based on these data, a pilot system using email communication to help travellers confronted with health issues while abroad was developed and implemented in our travel clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Rochat
- Travel Clinic, Department of Ambulatory Care and Community Medicine, University Hospital, 44, Rue du Bugnon, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Blaise Genton
- Travel Clinic, Department of Ambulatory Care and Community Medicine, University Hospital, 44, Rue du Bugnon, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.,Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital, 46, Rue du Bugnon, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
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