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Limothai U, Tachaboon S, Dinhuzen J, Singh J, Leewongworasingh A, Watanaboonyongcharoen P, Fernandez S, Hunsawong T, Farmer AR, Tantawichien T, Thisyakorn U, Srisawat N. Dengue virus transmission risk in blood donation: Evidence from Thailand. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29689. [PMID: 38818789 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Individuals infected with dengue virus (DENV) often show no symptoms, which raises the risk of DENV transfusion transmission (TT-DENV) in areas where the virus is prevalent. This study aimed to determine the evidence of DENV infection in blood donors from different geographic regions of Thailand. A cross-sectional study was conducted on blood donor samples collected from the Thai Red Cross National Blood Center and four regional blood centers between March and September 2020. Screening for DENV nonstructural protein 1 (NS1), anti-DENV immunoglobulin G (IgG), and IgM antibodies was performed on residual blood from 1053 donors using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Positive NS1 and IgM samples indicating acute infection were verified using four different techniques, including quantitative real-time (q) RT-PCR, nested PCR, virus isolation in C6/36 cells, and mosquito amplification. DENV IgG seropositivity was identified in 89% (938/1053) of blood donors. Additionally, 0.4% (4/1053) and 2.1% (22/1053) of Thai blood donors tested positive for NS1 and IgM, respectively. The presence of asymptomatic dengue virus infection in healthy blood donors suggests a potential risk of transmission through blood transfusion, posing a concern for blood safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umaporn Limothai
- Excellence Center for Critical Care Nephrology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Critical Care Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Tropical Medicine Cluster, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sasipha Tachaboon
- Excellence Center for Critical Care Nephrology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Critical Care Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Tropical Medicine Cluster, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Janejira Dinhuzen
- Excellence Center for Critical Care Nephrology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Critical Care Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Tropical Medicine Cluster, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jasleen Singh
- Tropical Medicine Cluster, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- School of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Thailand Public Health Research Fellowship, Health Education England, London, UK
| | - Akarathep Leewongworasingh
- Excellence Center for Critical Care Nephrology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Critical Care Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Tropical Medicine Cluster, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Phandee Watanaboonyongcharoen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and Transfusion Medicine Unit, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Stefan Fernandez
- Department of Virology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Taweewun Hunsawong
- Department of Virology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Aaron R Farmer
- Department of Virology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Terapong Tantawichien
- Tropical Medicine Cluster, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Usa Thisyakorn
- Tropical Medicine Cluster, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nattachai Srisawat
- Excellence Center for Critical Care Nephrology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Critical Care Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Tropical Medicine Cluster, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Center for Critical Care Nephrology, The CRISMA Center, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Academy of Science, Royal Society of Thailand, Bangkok, Thailand
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Srisawat N, Gubler DJ, Pangestu T, Limothai U, Thisyakorn U, Ismail Z, Goh D, Capeding MR, Bravo L, Yoksan S, Tantawichien T, Hadinegoro SR, Rafiq K, Picot VS, Ooi EE. Proceedings of the 6th Asia Dengue Summit, June 2023. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012060. [PMID: 38551892 PMCID: PMC10980189 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The 6th Asia Dengue Summit (ADS) themed "Road Map to Zero Dengue Death" was held in Thailand from 15th-16th June 2023. The summit was hosted by Tropical Medicine Cluster, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand in conjunction with Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, The Thai Red Cross Society; Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University; and the Ministry of Public Health. The 6th ADS was convened by Asia Dengue Voice and Action (ADVA); Global Dengue and Aedes Transmitted Diseases Consortium (GDAC); Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Tropical Medicine and Public Health Network (SEAMEO TROPMED); Fondation Mérieux (FMx) and the International Society for Neglected Tropical Diseases (ISNTD). Dengue experts from academia and research, and representatives from the Ministries of Health, Regional and Global World Health Organization (WHO) and International Vaccine Institute (IVI) participated in the three-day summit. With more than 51 speakers and 451 delegates from over 24 countries, 10 symposiums, and 2 full days, the 6th ADS highlighted the growing threat of dengue and its antigenic evolution, flagged the urgent need to overcome vaccine hesitancy and misinformation crisis, and focused on dengue control policies, newer diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines, travel-associated dengue, and strategies to improve community involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nattachai Srisawat
- Tropical Medicine Cluster, Center of Excellence in Critical Care Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Excellence Center for Critical Care Nephrology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thailand
| | - Duane J. Gubler
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Tikki Pangestu
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Umaporn Limothai
- Tropical Medicine Cluster, Center of Excellence in Critical Care Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Excellence Center for Critical Care Nephrology, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thailand
| | - Usa Thisyakorn
- Tropical Medicine Cluster, Chulalongkorn University and Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Zulkifli Ismail
- Department of Pediatrics, KPJ Selangor Specialist Hospital, Malaysia
| | - Daniel Goh
- Division of Paediatric Pulmonary Medicine and Sleep, Khoo Teck Puat National University Children’s Medical Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - Lulu Bravo
- University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, the Philippines
| | - Sutee Yoksan
- Center for Vaccine Development, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Terapong Tantawichien
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine and Tropical Medicine Cluster, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sri Rezeki Hadinegoro
- Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Kamran Rafiq
- International Society of Neglected Tropical Diseases, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Eng Eong Ooi
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
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3
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Kitro A, Imad HA, Pisutsan P, Matsee W, Sirikul W, Sapbamrer R, Rapheal E, Fernandez S, Cotrone TS, Farmer AR, Hunsawong T, Silachamroon U, Chatapat L, Olanwijitwong J, Salee P, Anderson KB, Piyaphanee W. Seroprevalence of dengue, Japanese encephalitis and Zika among long-term expatriates in Thailand. J Travel Med 2024; 31:taae022. [PMID: 38335250 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taae022] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Travel to Southeast Asia increases the likelihood of acquiring mosquito-borne Flavivirus infections such as dengue (DENV), Japanese encephalitis (JEV) and Zika viruses (ZIKV). Expatriates are long-term travellers who have a higher risk of mosquito-borne illness at their destination country. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of DENV, JEV and ZIKV infections and the determinants contributing to seropositivity among expatriates living in Thailand. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed from December 2017 to February 2020. Expatriates from non-Flavivirus endemic countries were recruited. 5 mL of blood was collected for DENV 1-4, JEV and ZIKV antibody testing by plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT50). Individuals with vaccination histories or diagnoses for dengue, Japanese encephalitis, yellow fever and tick-borne encephalitis were excluded. RESULTS Among 254 participants, most participants (83.1%) were male, the mean age was 65 years and the median duration of stay in Thailand was 6 years. Seroprevalence rate of any Flavivirus, non-specific DENV, DENV1-4, JEV and ZIKV were 34.3, 30.7, 20.5, 18.1, 18.9, 10.6, 4.7 and 2.8%, respectively. The presence of neutralizing antibodies against DENV1-4 positively correlates with the duration of stay in Thailand. DENV seropositivity was associated with living in urban areas (aOR 2.75, 95% CI 1.36-5.57). Expatriates were unlikely to have detectable anti-JEV antibodies regardless of time spent in a JEV-endemic area. No risk factors were identified that were significantly associated with JEV or ZIKV seropositivity. Only 48.4% received pre-travel counselling services, while only 18.9% visited a travel medicine specialist. CONCLUSIONS A high proportion (34.3%) of long-term expatriates living in Thailand were seropositive for flavivirus, mainly from dengue (30.7%). To minimize risk, travel medicine practitioners should provide adequate pre-travel health risk information on mosquito-borne flavivirus infection and offer advice on mosquito bite prevention strategies. Dengue vaccine might be considered in high-risk travellers such as long-term expatriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amornphat Kitro
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Environmental and Occupational Medicine Excellence Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Hisham Ahmed Imad
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Department of Viral Infections, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Phimphan Pisutsan
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Thai Travel Clinic, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Wasin Matsee
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Thai Travel Clinic, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Wachiranun Sirikul
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Center of Data Analytics and Knowledge Synthesis for Health Care, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Ratana Sapbamrer
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Environmental and Occupational Medicine Excellence Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Erica Rapheal
- School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, MN 55414, USA
| | - Stefan Fernandez
- Department of Virology, US Army Medical Directorate of the Armed Force Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Thomas S Cotrone
- Department of Virology, US Army Medical Directorate of the Armed Force Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Aaron R Farmer
- Department of Virology, US Army Medical Directorate of the Armed Force Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Taweewun Hunsawong
- Department of Virology, US Army Medical Directorate of the Armed Force Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Udomsak Silachamroon
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Lapakorn Chatapat
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Thai Travel Clinic, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Jutarmas Olanwijitwong
- Thai Travel Clinic, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Parichat Salee
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Kathryn B Anderson
- Institute for Global Health and Translational Science, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Watcharapong Piyaphanee
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Thai Travel Clinic, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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4
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Kharwadkar S, Herath N. Clinical manifestations of dengue, Zika and chikungunya in the Pacific Islands: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Rev Med Virol 2024; 34:e2521. [PMID: 38340071 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2521] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Dengue, Zika and chikungunya outbreaks pose a significant public health risk to Pacific Island communities. Differential diagnosis is challenging due to overlapping clinical features and limited availability of laboratory diagnostic facilities. There is also insufficient information regarding the complications of these arboviruses, particularly for Zika and chikungunya. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to calculate pooled prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the clinical manifestations of dengue, Zika and chikungunya in the Pacific Islands. Based on pooled prevalence estimates, clinical features that may help to differentiate between the arboviruses include headache, haemorrhage and hepatomegaly in dengue; rash, conjunctivitis and peripheral oedema in Zika; and the combination of fever and arthralgia in chikungunya infections. We estimated that the hospitalisation and mortality rates in dengue were 9.90% (95% CI 7.67-12.37) and 0.23% (95% CI 0.16-0.31), respectively. Severe forms of dengue occurred in 1.92% (95% CI 0.72-3.63) of reported cases and 23.23% (95% CI 13.58-34.53) of hospitalised patients. Complications associated with Zika virus included Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), estimated to occur in 14.08 (95% CI 11.71-16.66) per 10,000 reported cases, and congenital brain malformations such as microcephaly, particularly with first trimester maternal infection. For chikungunya, the hospitalisation rate was 2.57% (95% CI 1.30-4.25) and the risk of GBS was estimated at 1.70 (95% CI 1.06-2.48) per 10,000 reported cases. Whilst ongoing research is required, this systematic review enhances existing knowledge on the clinical manifestations of dengue, Zika and chikungunya infections and will assist Pacific Island clinicians during future arbovirus outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahil Kharwadkar
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Nipun Herath
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Usama S, Assawawiroonhakarn S, Soonsawad S. Vertical dengue transmission complicated with neonatal encephalitis. BMJ Case Rep 2023; 16:e256476. [PMID: 38160035 PMCID: PMC10759012 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-256476] [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] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Vertical transmission of the dengue virus is rare and infrequently reported in the literature. We report the case of a term newborn presented with high-grade fever, generalised petechial rash and hepatomegaly at the age of 5 days, with a history of dengue fever in the mother at 3 days before delivery. The diagnosis was nearly missed because the infant's dengue NS1 antigen test was initially negative and subsequently positive. After the convalescent phase, the infant developed a new-onset fever with lethargy and drowsiness. Dengue encephalitis was diagnosed with support from a positive dengue reverse-transcriptase PCR in the cerebrospinal fluid. This report has shown the importance of clinical awareness. Early recognition of congenital dengue and vigilant monitoring will contribute to appropriate early management and decrease neonatal morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suppapit Usama
- Ramathibodi Chakri Naruebodindra Hospital, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangpla, Samutprakarn, Thailand
| | - Surapat Assawawiroonhakarn
- Ramathibodi Medical School, Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangpla, Samut prakarn, Thailand
| | - Sasivimon Soonsawad
- Ramathibodi Medical School, Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangpla, Samut prakarn, Thailand
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Chilakam N, Lakshminarayanan V, Keremutt S, Rajendran A, Thunga G, Poojari PG, Rashid M, Mukherjee N, Bhattacharya P, John D. Economic Burden of Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Protocol for a Systematic Review. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e50985. [PMID: 38079215 PMCID: PMC10750235 DOI: 10.2196/50985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, among all the vector-borne diseases, mosquito-borne diseases are responsible for a substantial number of cases and deaths and amount to an economic cost of US $12 billion per year. However, there is a dearth of systematic research conducted on the economic burden of mosquito-borne diseases. To address the lack of comprehensive information on this topic, a systematic review will be conducted to synthesize evidence for informing targeted policies and strategies addressing this growing burden and for better financial protection of households. OBJECTIVE The systematic review aims to review the economic burden of mosquito-borne diseases in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The review estimates the total cost, which is the compilation of both the direct costs and indirect costs. Additionally, it reports cost estimates per disease, country, and patient. The review outcome will also discuss the impact of the economic burden in terms of out-of-pocket expenditure, catastrophic health expenditure, impoverishment, and gross domestic product impact due to mosquito-borne diseases in LMICs. METHODS Systematic searches will be conducted in PubMed (MEDLINE), Ovid Embase, Scopus, the cumulative index of nursing and allied health literacy, and Cochrane CENTRAL. Additionally, websites of the World Bank, World Health Organization, and Asian Development Bank as well as grey literature (eg, Malaria No More and the Ministry of Health websites) will be searched to gather comprehensive information on the topic and identify studies published in the English language. The titles and abstracts will be independently screened by 2 reviewers, followed by a full-text review against the inclusion criteria. Disagreements will be resolved through discussion with a third author. The methodological reporting quality of the studies will be evaluated using the Larg and Moss checklist, Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials, and the Consensus on Health Economic Criteria. Data will be extracted using a standardized data extraction form. RESULTS The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023427111) prior to the initiation of the search strategy. The review is currently ongoing and will synthesize information from the identified studies through a process involving structured screening, data extraction, and critical appraisal in the form of tables and a narrative summary of studies reporting the economic burden incurred due to mosquito-borne diseases in LMICs. CONCLUSIONS This review seeks to report the economic burden of mosquito-borne diseases. It will act as evidence for policymakers to prioritize their decisions regarding containing the prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases and the means to lowering the incidence of diseases spread by mosquitoes. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42023427111; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=427111. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/50985.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagavalli Chilakam
- Department of Commerce, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | | | - Sushanth Keremutt
- Department of Commerce, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Ambigai Rajendran
- Department of Commerce, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Girish Thunga
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Pooja Gopal Poojari
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Muhammed Rashid
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Nirmalya Mukherjee
- Centre for Public Health Research, Manbhum Ananda Ashram Nityananda Trust, Kolkata, India
| | - Paramita Bhattacharya
- Centre for Public Health Research, Manbhum Ananda Ashram Nityananda Trust, Kolkata, India
| | - Denny John
- Centre for Public Health Research, Manbhum Ananda Ashram Nityananda Trust, Kolkata, India
- Faculty of Life and Allied Health Sciences, MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, India
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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7
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Tozan Y, Headley TY, Javelle E, Gautret P, Grobusch M, de Pijper C, Asgeirsson H, Chen LH, Bourque DL, Menéndez MD, Moro L, Gobbi F, Sánchez-Montalvá A, Connor BA, Matteelli A, Crosato V, Huits R, Libman M, Hamer DH. Impact, healthcare utilization and costs of travel-associated mosquito-borne diseases in international travellers: a prospective study. J Travel Med 2023; 30:taad060. [PMID: 37129519 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taad060] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND International travellers frequently acquire infectious diseases whilst travelling, yet relatively little is known about the impact and economic burden of these illnesses on travellers. We conducted a prospective exploratory costing study on adult returning travellers with falciparum malaria, dengue, chikungunya or Zika virus. METHODS Patients were recruited in eight Travel and Tropical Medicine clinics between June 2016 and March 2020 upon travellers' first contact with the health system in their country of residence. The patients were presented with a structured 52-question self-administered questionnaire after full recovery to collect information on patients' healthcare utilization and out-of-pocket costs both in the destination and home country, and about income and other financial losses due to the illness. RESULTS A total of 134 patients participated in the study (malaria, 66; dengue, 51; chikungunya, 8; Zika virus, 9; all fully recovered; median age 40; range 18-72 years). Prior to travelling, 42% of patients reported procuring medical evacuation insurance. Across the four illnesses, only 7% of patients were hospitalized abroad compared with 61% at home. Similarly, 15% sought ambulatory services whilst abroad compared with 61% at home. The average direct out-of-pocket hospitalization cost in the destination country (USD $2236; range: $108-$5160) was higher than the direct out-of-pocket ambulatory cost in the destination country (USD $327; range: $0-$1560), the direct out-of-pocket hospitalization cost at home (USD $35; range: $0-$120) and the direct out-of-pocket ambulatory costs at home (US$45; range: $0-$192). Respondents with dengue or malaria lost a median of USD $570 (Interquartile range [IQR] 240-1140) and USD $240 (IQR 0-600), respectively, due to their illness, whilst those with chikungunya and Zika virus lost a median of USD $2400 (IQR 1200-3600) and USD $1500 (IQR 510-2625), respectively. CONCLUSION Travellers often incur significant costs due to travel-acquired diseases. Further research into the economic impact of these diseases on travellers should be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesim Tozan
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Tyler Y Headley
- New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Emilie Javelle
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA), Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Gautret
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Martin Grobusch
- Center for Tropical and Travel Medicine, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis de Pijper
- Center for Tropical and Travel Medicine, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hilmir Asgeirsson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Dermatology, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lin H Chen
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Travel Medicine Center-Mt. Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Daniel L Bourque
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Travel Medicine Center-Mt. Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Marta D Menéndez
- Hospital Universitario La Paz-Carlos IIIl, IdiPaz, CIBERIfect, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucia Moro
- Department of Infectious Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | - Federico Gobbi
- Department of Infectious Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | - Adrián Sánchez-Montalvá
- International Health Unit Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes, Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, PROSICS, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bradley A Connor
- Weill Cornell Medicine and the New York Center for Travel and Tropical Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Alberto Matteelli
- Clinic of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and District Health Department, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Italy
| | - Verena Crosato
- Clinic of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and District Health Department, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Italy
| | - Ralph Huits
- Department of Infectious Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | - Michael Libman
- J.D. MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Davidson H Hamer
- J.D. MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Boston University School of Public Health and Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Boston, MA, United States
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Shepard DS, Agarwal‐Harding P, Jiamton S, Undurraga EA, Kongsin S. Enrollment of dengue patients in a prospective cohort study in Umphang District, Thailand, during the COVID-19 pandemic: Implications for research and policy. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1657. [PMID: 38028707 PMCID: PMC10630743 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Dengue is endemic in Thailand and imposes a high burden on the health system and society. We conducted a prospective cohort study in Umphang District, Tak Province, Thailand, to investigate the share of dengue cases with long symptoms and their duration. Here we present the results of the enrollment process during the COVID-19 pandemic with implications and challenges for research and policy. Methods In a prospective cohort study conducted in Umphang District, Thailand, we examined the prevalence of persistent symptoms in dengue cases. Clinically diagnosed cases were offered free laboratory testing, We enrolled ambulatory dengue patients regardless of age who were confirmed through a highly sensitive laboratory strategy (positive NS1 and/or IgM), agreed to follow-up visits, and gave informed consent. We used multivariate logistic regressions to assess the probability of clinical dengue being laboratory confirmed. To determine the factors associated with study enrollment, we analyzed the relationship of patient characteristics and month of screening to the likelihood of participation. To identify underrepresented groups, we compared the enrolled cohort to external data sources. Results The 150 clinical cases ranged from 1 to 85 years old. Most clinical cases (78%) were confirmed by a positive laboratory test, but only 19% of those confirmed enrolled in the cohort study. Women, who were half as likely to enroll as men, were underrepresented in the cohort. Conclusions The Thai physicians' clinical diagnoses at this rural district hospital had good agreement with laboratory diagnoses. By identifying underrepresented groups and disparities, future studies can ensure the creation of statistically representative cohorts to maximize their scientific value. This involves recruiting and retaining underrepresented groups in health research, such as women in this study. Promising strategies for meaningful inclusion include multi-site enrollment, offering in-home or virtual services, and providing in-kind benefits like childcare for underrepresented groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald S. Shepard
- Schneider Institutes for Health PolicyHeller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis UniversityWalthamMassachusettsUSA
| | - Priya Agarwal‐Harding
- Schneider Institutes for Health PolicyHeller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis UniversityWalthamMassachusettsUSA
| | - Sukhum Jiamton
- Research Centre for Health Economics and Evaluation, Faculty of Public HealthMahidol UniversityBangkokThailand
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj HospitalMahidol UniversityBangkokThailand
| | - Eduardo A. Undurraga
- Escuela de GobiernoPontificia Universidad Católica de ChileSantiagoChile
- Research Center for Integrated Disaster Risk Management (CIGIDEN)SantiagoChile
- CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars ProgramTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Sukhontha Kongsin
- Research Centre for Health Economics and Evaluation, Faculty of Public HealthMahidol UniversityBangkokThailand
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