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Santos JLPD, Samapundo S, Biyikli A, Van Impe J, Akkermans S, Höfte M, Abatih EN, Sant'Ana AS, Devlieghere F. Occurrence, distribution and contamination levels of heat-resistant moulds throughout the processing of pasteurized high-acid fruit products. Int J Food Microbiol 2018; 281:72-81. [PMID: 29870893 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2018.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Heat-resistant moulds (HRMs) are well known for their ability to survive pasteurization and spoil high-acid food products, which is of great concern for processors of fruit-based products worldwide. Whilst the majority of the studies on HRMs over the last decades have addressed their inactivation, few data are currently available regarding their contamination levels in fruit and fruit-based products. Thus, this study aimed to quantify and identify heat-resistant fungal ascospores from samples collected throughout the processing of pasteurized high-acid fruit products. In addition, an assessment on the effect of processing on the contamination levels of HRMs in these products was carried out. A total of 332 samples from 111 batches were analyzed from three processing plants (=three processing lines): strawberry puree (n = 88, Belgium), concentrated orange juice (n = 90, Brazil) and apple puree (n = 154, the Netherlands). HRMs were detected in 96.4% (107/111) of the batches and 59.3% (197/332) of the analyzed samples. HRMs were present in 90.9% of the samples from the strawberry puree processing line (1-215 ascospores/100 g), 46.7% of the samples from the orange juice processing line (1-200 ascospores/100 g) and 48.7% of samples from the apple puree processing line (1-84 ascospores/100 g). Despite the high occurrence, the majority (76.8%, 255/332) of the samples were either not contaminated or presented low levels of HRMs (<10 ascospores/100 g). For both strawberry puree and concentrated orange juice, processing had no statistically significant effect on the levels of HRMs (p > 0.05). On the contrary, a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in HRMs levels was observed during the processing of apple puree. Twelve species were identified belonging to four genera - Byssochlamys, Aspergillus with Neosartorya-type ascospores, Talaromyces and Rasamsonia. N. fumigata (23.6%), N. fischeri (19.1%) and B. nivea (5.5%) were the predominant species in pasteurized products. The quantitative data (contamination levels of HRMs) were fitted to exponential distributions and will ultimately be included as input to spoilage risk assessment models which would allow better control of the spoilage of heat treated fruit products caused by heat-resistant moulds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Lane Paixão Dos Santos
- Research Unit Food Microbiology and Food Preservation, Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Belgium.
| | - Simbarashe Samapundo
- Research Unit Food Microbiology and Food Preservation, Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Ayse Biyikli
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Food Microbiology and Technology, Institute of Science and Technology, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Jan Van Impe
- Chemical and Biochemical Process Technology and Control (BioTec+), Department of Chemical Engineering, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium
| | - Simen Akkermans
- Chemical and Biochemical Process Technology and Control (BioTec+), Department of Chemical Engineering, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium
| | - Monica Höfte
- Laboratory of Phytopathology, Department of Crop Protection, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Emmanuel Nji Abatih
- FIRE Unit, Department of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Anderson S Sant'Ana
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Engineering, University of Campinas, Brazil
| | - Frank Devlieghere
- Research Unit Food Microbiology and Food Preservation, Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Belgium
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Sungirai M, Abatih EN, Moyo DZ, Clercq PD, Madder M. Shifts in the distribution of ixodid ticks parasitizing cattle in Zimbabwe. Med Vet Entomol 2017; 31:78-87. [PMID: 27935088 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Revised: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In an attempt to update information on the ecological distribution of ixodid ticks (Ixodida: Ixodidae) in Zimbabwe, a cross-sectional survey was carried out between September 2013 and May 2015 at 322 dip tanks. A total of 15 tick species were collected, namely: Amblyomma hebraeum Koch (65.2%, n = 210/322), Amblyomma variegatum Fabricius (14.9%, n = 48/322), Hyalomma rufipes Koch (62.4%, n = 201/322), Hyalomma truncatum Koch (37.9%, n = 122/322), Rhipicephalus appendiculatus Neumann (60.6%, n = 195/322), Rhipicephalus compositus Neumann (0.3%, n = 1/322,), Rhipicephalus decoloratus Koch (61.8%, n = 199/322), Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi Neumann (65.2%, n = 210/322), Rhipicephalus lunulatus Neumann (4%, n = 13/322), Rhipicephalus microplus Canestrini (32%, n = 103/322), Rhipicephalus near punctatus Walker and Horak (7.1%, n = 23/322), Rhipicephalus simus Koch (5.6%, n = 18/322) and Rhipicephalus cf. turanicus Pomerantsev (3.4%, n = 11/322). Compared with previous surveys, changes in the distribution of A. hebraeum, A. variegatum and R. microplus were recorded. The distributions of other tick species have largely remained unchanged. Factors which might have influenced these changes and the possible impacts on the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sungirai
- Unit of Veterinary Entomology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Livestock and Wildlife Management, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe
- Department of Crop Protection, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - E N Abatih
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - D Z Moyo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe
| | - P De Clercq
- Department of Crop Protection, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - M Madder
- Unit of Veterinary Entomology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
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Ali S, Akhter S, Neubauer H, Melzer F, Khan I, Abatih EN, El-Adawy H, Irfan M, Muhammad A, Akbar MW, Umar S, Ali Q, Iqbal MN, Mahmood A, Ahmed H. Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with bovine brucellosis in the Potohar Plateau, Pakistan. BMC Res Notes 2017; 10:73. [PMID: 28129787 PMCID: PMC5273848 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-017-2394-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The seroprevalence and risk factors of bovine brucellosis were studied at animal and herd level using a combination of culture, serological and molecular methods. The study was conducted in 253 randomly selected cattle herds of the Potohar plateau, Pakistan from which a total of 2709 serum (1462 cattle and 1247 buffaloes) and 2330 milk (1168 cattle and 1162 buffaloes) samples were collected. Data on risk factors associated with seroprevalence of brucellosis were collected through interviews using questionnaires. Univariable and multivariable random effects logistic regression models were used for identifying important risk factors at animal and herd levels. Results One hundred and seventy (6.3%) samples and 47 (18.6%) herds were seropositive for brucellosis by Rose Bengal Plate test. Variations in seroprevalence were observed across the different sampling sites. At animal level, sex, species and stock replacement were found to be potential risk factors for brucellosis. At herd level, herd size (≥9 animals) and insemination method used were important risk factors. The presence of Brucella DNA was confirmed with a real-time polymerase chain reaction assay (qRT-PCR) in 52.4% out of 170 serological positive samples. In total, 156 (6.7%) milk samples were positive by milk ring test. B. abortus biovar 1 was cultured from 5 positive milk samples. Conclusion This study shows that the seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis is high in some regions in Pakistan. Prevalence was associated with herd size, abortion history, insemination methods used, age, sex and stock replacement methods. The infected animal may act as source of infection for other animals and for humans. The development of control strategies for bovine brucellosis through implementation of continuous surveillance and education programs in Pakistan is warranted. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13104-017-2394-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahzad Ali
- University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan. .,Department of Wildlife and Ecology (Zoological Division), University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Shamim Akhter
- Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Heinrich Neubauer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Naumburger Str. 10 96a, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Falk Melzer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Naumburger Str. 10 96a, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Iahtasham Khan
- University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Emmanuel Nji Abatih
- Unit of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hosny El-Adawy
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Naumburger Str. 10 96a, 07743, Jena, Germany.,Faculty Medicineof Veterinary, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt
| | - Muhammad Irfan
- Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Ali Muhammad
- Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | | | - Sajid Umar
- Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Qurban Ali
- National Veterinary Laboratories, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Abid Mahmood
- Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Haroon Ahmed
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Park Road,Chak Shahzad, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Dao TTH, Abatih EN, Nguyen TTG, Tran HTL, Gabriël S, Smit S, Le PN, Dorny P. Prevalence of Opisthorchis viverrini-Like Fluke Infection in Ducks in Binh Dinh Province, Central Vietnam. Korean J Parasitol 2016; 54:357-61. [PMID: 27417094 PMCID: PMC4977776 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2016.54.3.357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Following the first report of Opisthorchis viverrini infection in a domestic duck in Phu My District of Binh Dinh Province, Central Vietnam, many other cases were observed in the province. We determined the infection rate and intensity of O. viverrini infection in ducks in 4 districts of the province. A total of 178 ducks were randomly selected from 34 farms for examination of flukes in the liver and gall bladder. An infection rate of 34.3% (range 20.7-40.4% among districts) was found; the intensity of infection was 13.8 worms per infected duck (range 1-100). These findings show the role of ducks as a host for O. viverrini, duck genotype, which is sympatric with the human O. viverrini genotype in this province. It also stresses the need for investigations on the zoonotic potential and the life cycle of this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh Thi Ha Dao
- National Institute of Veterinary Research, Hanoi, Vietnam.,Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerpen, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium.,Ghent University, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | | | | | - Ha Thi Lam Tran
- Binh Dinh Sub-Department of Animal Health, Qui Nhon City, Binh Dinh Province, Vietnam
| | - Sarah Gabriël
- Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerpen, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Suzanne Smit
- Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerpen, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Phap Ngoc Le
- Binh Dinh Sub-Department of Animal Health, Qui Nhon City, Binh Dinh Province, Vietnam
| | - Pierre Dorny
- Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerpen, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium.,Ghent University, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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Colebunders R, Tepage F, Rood E, Mandro M, Abatih EN, Musinya G, Mambandu G, Kabeya J, Komba M, Levick B, Mokili JL, Laudisoit A. Prevalence of River Epilepsy in the Orientale Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004478. [PMID: 27139245 PMCID: PMC4854481 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 01/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increased prevalence of epilepsy has been reported in many onchocerciasis endemic areas. OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence and distribution of epilepsy in an onchocerciasis endemic region in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). DESIGN/METHODS An epilepsy prevalence study was carried out in 2014, in two localities of the Bas-Uélé district, an onchocerciasis endemic region in the Orientale Province of the DRC. Risk factors for epilepsy were identified using a random effects logistic regression model and the distribution of epilepsy cases was investigated using the Moran's I statistic of spatial auto-correlation. RESULTS Among the 12,776 individuals of Dingila, 373 (2.9%) individuals with epilepsy were identified. In a house-to-house survey in Titule, 68 (2.3%) of the 2,908 people who participated in the survey were found to present episodes of epilepsy. Epilepsy showed a marked spatial pattern with clustering of cases occurring within and between adjacent households. Individual risk of epilepsy was found to be associated with living close to the nearest fast flowing river where blackflies (Diptera: Simuliidae)-the vector of Onchocerca volvulus-oviposit and breed. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of epilepsy in villages in the Bas-Uélé district in the DRC was higher than in non-onchocerciasis endemic regions in Africa. Living close to a blackflies infested river was found to be a risk factor for epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Colebunders
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Floribert Tepage
- National Onchocerciasis Control Program, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Ente Rood
- Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michel Mandro
- Provincial Health Division Ituri, Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Emmanuel Nji Abatih
- Department of Biomedical Science, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Germain Mambandu
- Provincial Ministry of Public Health, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - José Kabeya
- Provincial Ministry of Public Health, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Michel Komba
- Biodiversity Monitoring Centre (CSB), Faculty of Sciences, University of Kisangani, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Bethany Levick
- Institute of Integrative Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - John L Mokili
- Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Anne Laudisoit
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Institute of Integrative Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Evolutionary Biology group, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Dao TTH, Bui TV, Abatih EN, Gabriël S, Nguyen TTG, Huynh QH, Nguyen CV, Dorny P. Opisthorchis viverrini infections and associated risk factors in a lowland area of Binh Dinh Province, Central Vietnam. Acta Trop 2016; 157:151-7. [PMID: 26872984 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Opisthorchiasis caused by Opisthorchis viverrini is a major public health problem in the Mekong Basin in South East Asia. It is associated with cholangiocarcinoma, a fatal cancer of the bile duct, which is very common in some areas of Thailand and Lao PDR. Although there is evidence of opisthorchiasis in the central and Southern provinces of Vietnam, data are scarce and Vietnam is often not considered an opisthorchiasis endemic area in the international literature. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in June 2015 in a lowland rural area of Binh Dinh Province in Central Vietnam to investigate the apparent prevalence of O. viverrini infection in the population and the associated risk factors. A total of 254 stool samples were collected and examined by the Kato Katz method. Consenting people shedding Opisthorchis-like eggs with their stools were treated with praziquantel and MgSO4 and adult worms were collected from stools for morphological and molecular identifications. Risk factors were studied with a structured questionnaire and the association with infection was evaluated by univariate and multivariate Firth's logistic regression analysis. The apparent prevalence in the investigated population determined by stool examination was 11.4% (CI: 8-16%). Infection with O. viverrini was confirmed in all 11 individuals consenting to receive praziquantel treatment and subsequent worm recovery from stools. The mean number of worms recovered after treatment/purgation was 14.5 (range 2-44). Male gender and the consumption of dishes prepared from raw small wild-caught freshwater fish (Carassius auratus) were found to be significant risk factors associated with opisthorchiasis in the area. These findings confirm the presence of O. viverrini infection in Central Vietnam related to the consumption of raw fish dishes. Awareness campaigns and control programs should be implemented in the region to combat this potentially fatal fluke infection.
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Ron-Garrido L, Coral-Almeida M, Gabriël S, Benitez-Ortiz W, Saegerman C, Dorny P, Berkvens D, Abatih EN. Distribution and Potential Indicators of Hospitalized Cases of Neurocysticercosis and Epilepsy in Ecuador from 1996 to 2008. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0004236. [PMID: 26580210 PMCID: PMC4651332 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epilepsy is one of the most common signs of Neurocysticercosis (NCC). In this study, spatial and temporal variations in the incidence of hospitalized cases (IHC) of epilepsy and NCC in Ecuadorian municipalities were analyzed. Additionally, potential socio-economic and landscape indicators were evaluated in order to understand in part the macro-epidemiology of the Taenia solium taeniasis/cysticercosis complex. Methodology Data on the number of hospitalized epilepsy and NCC cases by municipality of residence were obtained from morbidity-hospital systems in Ecuador. SatScan software was used to determine whether variations in the IHC of epilepsy and NCC in space and time. In addition, several socio-economic and landscape variables at municipality level were used to study factors intervening in the macro-epidemiology of these diseases. Negative Binomial regression models through stepwise selection and Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) were used to explain the variations in the IHC of epilepsy and NCC. Principal findings Different clusters were identified through space and time. Traditional endemic zones for NCC and epilepsy, recognized in other studies were confirmed in our study. However, for both disorders more recent clusters were identified. Among municipalities, an increasing tendency for IHC of epilepsy, and a decreasing tendency for the IHC of NCC were observed over time. In contrast, within municipalities a positive linear relationship between both disorders was found. An increase in the implementation of systems for eliminating excrements would help to reduce the IHC of epilepsy by 1.00% (IC95%; 0.2%–1.8%) and by 5.12% (IC95%; 3.63%-6.59%) for the IHC of NCC. The presence of pig production was related to IHC of NCC. Conclusion/Significance Both disorders were related to the lack of an efficient system for eliminating excrements. Given the appearance of recent epilepsy clusters, these locations should be studied in depth to discriminate epilepsies due to NCC from epilepsies due to other causes. Field studies are needed to evaluate the true prevalence of cysticercosis in humans and pigs in different zones of the country in order to better implement and manage prevention and/or control campaigns. T. solium neurocysticercosis is considered the most important parasitic disease of the central nervous system in humans; it is estimated to be responsible for at least one third of acquired epilepsies in developing countries. In Ecuador, the relationship between acquired epilepsy and neurocysticercosis remains unclear due to different factors such as, the lack of specialized health care personnel, appropriate diagnostic techniques and the fact that acquired epilepsy is characteristic of many other infectious and non-infectious diseases in the endemic zones of the country. In this study, spatio-temporal information and potential socio-economic indicators were studied for the number of hospitalized neurocysticercosis and epileptic cases in the country in order to locate and characterize important clusters in space and time. This study identified traditional endemic clusters in the highlands for both conditions as well as new clusters appearing in recent years in other zones not considered endemic. Also the incidence of hospitalized cases of epilepsy and neurocysticercosis were significantly higher in urban zones, probably due to a better access to health facilities. The presence of systems for excrement disposal was significantly associated with a reduction in the incident cases for both epilepsy and neurocysticercosis. More studies are needed to evaluate the true prevalence of neurocysticercosis associated epilepsy in humans and cysticercosis in pigs around the country in order to better implement and manage control campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenin Ron-Garrido
- Universidad Central del Ecuador, Centro Internacional de Zoonosis (CIZ), Ciudadela Universitaria, Quito, Ecuador
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Research Unit of Epidemiology and Risk Analysis applied to the Veterinary Sciences (UREAR-ULg), Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marco Coral-Almeida
- Universidad Central del Ecuador, Centro Internacional de Zoonosis (CIZ), Ciudadela Universitaria, Quito, Ecuador
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Universidad de las Américas, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Quito Ecuador
- Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Merelbeke, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Sarah Gabriël
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Washington Benitez-Ortiz
- Universidad Central del Ecuador, Centro Internacional de Zoonosis (CIZ), Ciudadela Universitaria, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Claude Saegerman
- Research Unit of Epidemiology and Risk Analysis applied to the Veterinary Sciences (UREAR-ULg), Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Pierre Dorny
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Dirk Berkvens
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Emmanuel Nji Abatih
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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Coral-Almeida M, Gabriël S, Abatih EN, Praet N, Benitez W, Dorny P. Taenia solium Human Cysticercosis: A Systematic Review of Sero-epidemiological Data from Endemic Zones around the World. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003919. [PMID: 26147942 PMCID: PMC4493064 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Taenia solium cysticercosis is a zoonotic neglected disease responsible for severe health disorders such as seizures and death. Understanding the epidemiology of human cysticercosis (HCC) in endemic regions will help to expose critical information about the transmission of the disease, which could be used to design efficient control programs. This review gathered serological data on apparent prevalence of T. solium circulating antigens and/or seroprevalence of T. solium antibodies, apparent prevalence of human taeniasis and risk factors for HCC from endemic communities in order to understand the differences in exposure to the parasite and active infections with T. solium metacestodes in endemic areas around the world. Methods Three databases were used to search sero-epidemiological data from community-based studies conducted between 1989 and 2014 in cysticercosis endemic communities worldwide. The search focused on data obtained from T. solium circulating antigen detection by monoclonal antibody-based sandwich ELISA and/or T. solium antibody seroprevalence determined by Enzyme-linked Immunoelectrotransfer Blot (EITB). A meta-analysis was performed per continent. Principal Findings A total of 39,271 participants from 19 countries, described in 37 articles were studied. The estimates for the prevalence of circulating T. solium antigens for Africa, Latin America and Asia were: 7.30% (95% CI [4.23–12.31]), 4.08% (95% CI [2.77–5.95]) and 3.98% (95% CI [2.81–5.61]), respectively. Seroprevalence estimates of T. solium antibodies were 17.37% (95% CI [3.33–56.20]), 13.03% (95% CI [9.95–16.88]) and 15.68% (95% CI [10.25–23.24]) respectively. Taeniasis reported prevalences ranged from 0 (95% CI [0.00–1.62]) to 17.25% (95% CI [14.55–20.23]). Significance A significant variation in the sero-epidemiological data was observed within each continent, with African countries reporting the highest apparent prevalences of active infections. Intrinsic factors in the human host such as age and immunity were main determinants for the occurrence of infections, while exposure was mostly related to environmental factors which varied from community to community. Human cysticercosis is a neglected zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of the parasite Taenia solium. This disease is responsible for severe health disorders such as seizures, and in some cases even death. T. solium cysticercosis is endemic in countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia where conditions such as inadequate hygiene, poor sanitary conditions, open defecation, free roaming pigs and poverty permit the transmission of the disease. Diagnostic tools are capable of detecting exposure to eggs and infection levels in a population through antibody and antigen detection, respectively. This review focused on gathering epidemiological data from endemic communities in Africa, Latin America and Asia in order to understand the causes of the observed variations in exposure/infection patterns in endemic regions. Similar antibody seroprevalences were observed worldwide while infection prevalences varied significantly within each region. Intrinsic factors such as age and immunity were determining factors for the occurrence of infections, while exposure was related to environmental factors which varied from region to region. Understanding the epidemiology of cysticercosis in endemic regions will help expose information on the transmission, which could in turn be used to design appropriate control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Coral-Almeida
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Antwerp, Belgium
- Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Merelbeke, Belgium
- Universidad Central del Ecuador, Centro Internacional de Zoonosis (CIZ), Ciudadela Universitaria, Quito, Ecuador
- Universidad de las Américas, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Quito, Ecuador
- * E-mail:
| | - Sarah Gabriël
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Emmanuel Nji Abatih
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Praet
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Washington Benitez
- Universidad Central del Ecuador, Centro Internacional de Zoonosis (CIZ), Ciudadela Universitaria, Quito, Ecuador
- Universidad Central del Ecuador, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Ciudadela Universitaria, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Pierre Dorny
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Antwerp, Belgium
- Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Sungirai M, Madder M, Moyo DZ, De Clercq P, Abatih EN. An update on the ecological distribution of the Ixodidae ticks in Zimbabwe. Exp Appl Acarol 2015; 66:269-80. [PMID: 25721256 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-015-9892-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
In total 7657 ticks were collected from 121 dip tanks in 12 districts representative of Zimbabwe's five ecological regions between September 2013 and May 2014. Based on morphological traits four genera and 13 species of ticks were identified. Amblyomma hebraeum (60.3 %), Rhipicephalus microplus (58.7 %), Rhipicephalus decoloratus (47.1 %), Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (56.2 %), Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (67.8 %), Rhipicephalus (near) punctatus (13.2 %), Hyalomma truncatum (38 %) and Hyalomma rufipes (46.3 %) were found in all the ecological regions of the country. Amblyomma variegatum and Rhipicephalus compositus (0.8 %) were only found in the north central part of the country while Rhipicephalus simus (5 %) had a sparse distribution. The Haemaphysalis leachi group (1.7 %) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (1.7 %) were found whenever dogs were sampled suggesting these could be widespread throughout the country. The study confirmed the continued limited distribution of A. variegatum (3.3 %) in the north central parts of the country, whereas A. hebraeum was found to have a wide distribution also encroaching areas of high rainfall and lower temperatures where it was not previously recorded. A parapatric relationship existed between these two Amblyomma species. Rhipicephalus appendiculatus was also widely distributed although its presence was dominant in the cooler and wetter parts of the country. The traditionally held view that Hyalomma species and R. evertsi evertsi can survive well under diverse conditions is upheld in this study. Rhipicephalus microplus was also present in dry regions but its adaptability to these regions requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvelous Sungirai
- Unit of Veterinary Entomology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Insititute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium,
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Sumaye RD, Abatih EN, Thiry E, Amuri M, Berkvens D, Geubbels E. Inter-epidemic acquisition of Rift Valley fever virus in humans in Tanzania. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003536. [PMID: 25723502 PMCID: PMC4344197 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In East Africa, epidemics of Rift Valley fever (RVF) occur in cycles of 5–15 years following unusually high rainfall. RVF transmission during inter-epidemic periods (IEP) generally passes undetected in absence of surveillance in mammalian hosts and vectors. We studied IEP transmission of RVF and evaluated the demographic, behavioural, occupational and spatial determinants of past RVF infection. Methodology Between March and August 2012 we collected blood samples, and administered a risk factor questionnaire among 606 inhabitants of 6 villages in the seasonally inundated Kilombero Valley, Tanzania. ELISA tests were used to detect RVFV IgM and IgG antibodies in serum samples. Risk factors were examined by mixed effects logistic regression. Findings RVF virus IgM antibodies, indicating recent RVFV acquisition, were detected in 16 participants, representing 2.6% overall and in 22.5% of inhibition ELISA positives (n = 71). Four of 16 (25.0%) IgM positives and 11/71 (15.5%) of individuals with inhibition ELISA sero-positivity reported they had had no previous contact with host animals. Sero-positivity on inhibition ELISA was 11.7% (95% CI 9.2–14.5) and risk was elevated with age (odds ratio (OR) 1.03 per year; 95% CI 1.01–1.04), among milkers (OR 2.19; 95% CI 1.23–3.91), and individuals eating raw meat (OR 4.17; 95% CI 1.18–14.66). Households keeping livestock had a higher probability of having members with evidence of past infection (OR = 3.04, 95% CI = 1.42–6.48) than those that do not keep livestock. Conclusion There is inter-epidemic acquisition of RVFV in Kilombero Valley inhabitants. In the wake of declining malaria incidence, these findings underscore the need for clinicians to consider RVF in the differential diagnosis for febrile illnesses. Several types of direct contact with livestock are important risk factors for past infection with RVFV in this study’s population. However, at least part of RVFV transmission appears to have occurred through bites of infected mosquitoes. Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a disease of animals and people that is caused by the RVF virus. During epidemics, humans get RVF through direct contact with animals or through mosquito bites. In East Africa, epidemics occur every 5–15 years following unusually high rainfall. In between epidemics, the transmission of RVF might occur at low level. In an epidemic-free period, we measured whether people in the Kilombero Valley in Tanzania had evidence of past and recent RVF infection in their blood sample, and studied risk factors. Three per cent of people had been infected recently, and 12% had evidence of past infection, with increased risk with age, among milkers and among people eating raw meat. Some people with past or recent infection reported they had not had contact with animals. Households keeping livestock had more members with evidence of past infection. The findings show that people get infected with RVF in between epidemics, and that various types of contact with livestock are important risk factors. There is also evidence that some people get infected with RVFV by mosquitoes in the epidemic free period. Clinicians in the Kilombero Valley should consider RVF in the differential diagnosis of patients with fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert David Sumaye
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Emmanuel Nji Abatih
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Etienne Thiry
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | | | - Dirk Berkvens
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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Ali S, Ali Q, Neubauer H, Melzer F, Elschner M, Khan I, Abatih EN, Ullah N, Irfan M, Akhter S. Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with brucellosis as a professional hazard in Pakistan. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2013; 10:500-5. [PMID: 23560424 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2012.1360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and identify risk factors associated with brucellosis in humans at high risk in the Potohar plateau of northeastern Pakistan. A total of 262 serum samples were collected from persons of different occupational groups: veterinary personnel, milkers, abattoir workers, livestock farmers, and others (drivers, security guards, housewives). Data related to gender, age, occupation, contact with animals, brucellosis-related symptoms, consumption of raw milk, and geographical region were collected. The Rose Bengal plate test and the serum agglutination test were performed to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis. The overall seroprevalence was found to be 6.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.1, 10.6). Real-time polymerase chain reaction assay showed that all cases were affected by Brucella abortus. Individuals who consumed raw milk had higher odds of brucellosis seropositivity. This is the first report of human brucellosis related to B. abortus in high-risk professionals from Pakistan by the combined use of serological and molecular methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahzad Ali
- Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University-PMAS-AAUR, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
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Gabriël S, Blocher J, Dorny P, Abatih EN, Schmutzhard E, Ombay M, Mathias B, Winkler AS. Added value of antigen ELISA in the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis in resource poor settings. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2012; 6:e1851. [PMID: 23094118 PMCID: PMC3475663 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2012] [Accepted: 08/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most common cause of acquired epilepsy in Taenia solium endemic areas, primarily situated in low-income countries. Diagnosis is largely based upon the “Del Brutto diagnostic criteria” using the definitive/probable/no NCC diagnosis approach. Neuroimaging and specific T. solium cysticercosis antibody detection results are at the mainstay of this diagnosis, while antigen detection in serum has never been included. This study aimed at evaluating the addition of antigen detection as a major diagnostic criterion, especially in areas where neuroimaging is absent. Methods The B158/B60 monoclonal antibody-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of circulating cysticercus antigen was carried out retrospectively on serum samples collected during a hospital-based study from 83 people with epilepsy (PWE) in an endemic area. Results The addition of antigen results as a major criterion allowed the correct diagnosis of definitive NCC in 10 out of 17 patients as opposed to 0/17 without antigen results in the absence of neuroimaging. A sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 84% were determined for the diagnosis of active NCC using antigen ELISA. While the use of a higher cutoff improves the specificity of the test to 96%, it decreases its sensitivity to 83%. Conclusions In areas where neuroimaging is absent, NCC diagnosis according to the existing criteria is problematic. Taking into account its limitations for diagnosis of inactive NCC, antigen detection can be of added value for diagnosing NCC in PWE by supporting diagnostic and treatment decisions. Therefore, we recommend a revision of the “Del Brutto diagnostic criteria” for use in resource poor areas and suggest the inclusion of serum antigen detection as a major criterion. Neurocysticercosis is a parasitic infection of the central nervous system and a common cause of epilepsy in Taenia solium cysticercosis endemic countries. According to the current diagnostic criteria proposed by Del Brutto and colleagues, the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis is mainly based on neuroimaging and detection of specific antibodies. Unfortunately, especially neuroimaging is rarely available in endemic countries. The authors analyzed the value of a test that detects antigens that are excreted by living cysts in people with epilepsy. Different diagnostic scenarios and cut-off values are discussed with the respective sensitivity and specificity of the test. When using the antigen-detecting test, considerably more people with epilepsy were diagnosed correctly with neurocysticercosis. There are some concerns about possible false positive results in other cases. The test was useful for the detection of people with living cysts (active neurocysticercosis), who need further diagnostic evaluation and specific treatment. The authors recommend the addition of this test in the diagnostic criteria for neurocysticercosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Gabriël
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Joachim Blocher
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Pierre Dorny
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Emmanuel Nji Abatih
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Erich Schmutzhard
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michaeli Ombay
- Mental Health Unit, Haydom Lutheran Hospital, Mbulu, Tanzania
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