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Newton W, Signal T, Judd JA. Fur, Fin, and Feather: Management of Animal Interactions in Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12243591. [PMID: 36552511 PMCID: PMC9774757 DOI: 10.3390/ani12243591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal-assisted interventions (AAI) have been occurring in Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF) for more than 40 years and may relieve loneliness and improve quality of life. The presence of animals in RACF poses an inherent risk to residents and the animals involved. Little is known about the policies and guidelines for including animals in the Australian RACF. We anticipated that most RACFs would have some policies, but they may lack the detail necessary to keep humans and animals safe. Using an adapted survey, we surveyed and interviewed a small but representative sample of Australian RACF managers. The results demonstrated that RACF did have animal policies; however, the content regarding the need for hand washing, infection prevention, and animal welfare was lacking. Including unregulated family pets in RACF was an unexpected additional risk factor identified during data analysis. There is a need for national guidelines tied to the national aged care policy, which includes training and educational resources for RACF and AAI providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Newton
- School of Health, Medical & Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, 6 University Drive, Bundaberg, QLD 4670, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Tania Signal
- School of Health, Medical & Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Building 6, Bruce Highway, Rockhampton, QLD 4702, Australia
| | - Jenni A. Judd
- Research Division, Central Queensland University, 6 University Drive, Bundaberg, QLD 4670, Australia
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2
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Devlin S, Ross W, Widders R, McAvoy G, Browne K, Lawrence K, MacLaren D, Massey PD, Judd JA. Tuberculosis care designed with barramarrany (family): Participatory action research that prioritised partnership, healthy housing and nutrition. Health Promot J Austr 2021; 33:724-735. [PMID: 34743380 PMCID: PMC9542773 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Issue addressed. Ongoing tuberculosis (TB) transmission in Aboriginal communities in Australia is unfair and unacceptable. Redressing the inequity in TB affecting Aboriginal peoples is a priority in Australia's Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis Control. Improving TB care needs not to just identify barriers but do something about them. Privileging the voices of Aboriginal people affected by TB is essential to identify effective and enabling strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Devlin
- North Coast Public Health Unit, New South Wales, Australia.,College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Wayne Ross
- Traditional Knowledge Custodian of the Gumanyggirr Nation, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Gregory McAvoy
- North Coast Public Health Unit, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kirsty Browne
- North Coast Public Health Unit, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - David MacLaren
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter D Massey
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jenni A Judd
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.,Centre of Indigenous Health Equity Research, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia
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3
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Judd JA, Canestrari J, Clark R, Joseph A, Lapierre P, Lasek-Nesselquist E, Mir M, Palumbo M, Smith C, Stone M, Upadhyay A, Wirth SE, Dedrick RM, Meier CG, Russell DA, Dills A, Dove E, Kester J, Wolf ID, Zhu J, Rubin ER, Fortune S, Hatfull GF, Gray TA, Wade JT, Derbyshire KM. A Mycobacterial Systems Resource for the Research Community. mBio 2021; 12:e02401-20. [PMID: 33653882 PMCID: PMC8092266 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02401-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional characterization of bacterial proteins lags far behind the identification of new protein families. This is especially true for bacterial species that are more difficult to grow and genetically manipulate than model systems such as Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis To facilitate functional characterization of mycobacterial proteins, we have established a Mycobacterial Systems Resource (MSR) using the model organism Mycobacterium smegmatis This resource focuses specifically on 1,153 highly conserved core genes that are common to many mycobacterial species, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, in order to provide the most relevant information and resources for the mycobacterial research community. The MSR includes both biological and bioinformatic resources. The biological resource includes (i) an expression plasmid library of 1,116 genes fused to a fluorescent protein for determining protein localization; (ii) a library of 569 precise deletions of nonessential genes; and (iii) a set of 843 CRISPR-interference (CRISPRi) plasmids specifically targeted to silence expression of essential core genes and genes for which a precise deletion was not obtained. The bioinformatic resource includes information about individual genes and a detailed assessment of protein localization. We anticipate that integration of these initial functional analyses and the availability of the biological resource will facilitate studies of these core proteins in many Mycobacterium species, including the less experimentally tractable pathogens M. abscessus, M. avium, M. kansasii, M. leprae, M. marinum, M. tuberculosis, and M. ulceransIMPORTANCE Diseases caused by mycobacterial species result in millions of deaths per year globally, and present a substantial health and economic burden, especially in immunocompromised patients. Difficulties inherent in working with mycobacterial pathogens have hampered the development and application of high-throughput genetics that can inform genome annotations and subsequent functional assays. To facilitate mycobacterial research, we have created a biological and bioinformatic resource (https://msrdb.org/) using Mycobacterium smegmatis as a model organism. The resource focuses specifically on 1,153 proteins that are highly conserved across the mycobacterial genus and, therefore, likely perform conserved mycobacterial core functions. Thus, functional insights from the MSR will apply to all mycobacterial species. We believe that the availability of this mycobacterial systems resource will accelerate research throughout the mycobacterial research community.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Judd
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | - J Canestrari
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | - R Clark
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | - A Joseph
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | - P Lapierre
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | - E Lasek-Nesselquist
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | - M Mir
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | - M Palumbo
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | - C Smith
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | - M Stone
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | - A Upadhyay
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | - S E Wirth
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | - R M Dedrick
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - C G Meier
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - D A Russell
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - A Dills
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - E Dove
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - J Kester
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - I D Wolf
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - J Zhu
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - E R Rubin
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - S Fortune
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - G F Hatfull
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - T A Gray
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
| | - J T Wade
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
| | - K M Derbyshire
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
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4
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Gordon CA, Shield JM, Bradbury RS, Muhi S, Page W, Judd JA, Lee R, Biggs BA, Ross K, Kurscheid J, Gray DJ, McManus DP. HTLV-I and Strongyloides in Australia: The worm lurking beneath. Adv Parasitol 2021; 111:119-201. [PMID: 33482974 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis and HTLV-I (human T-lymphotropic virus-1) are important infections that are endemic in many countries around the world with an estimated 370 million infected with Strongyloides stercoralis alone, and 5-10 million with HTVL-I. Co-infections with these pathogens are associated with significant morbidity and can be fatal. HTLV-I infects T-cells thus causing dysregulation of the immune system which has been linked to dissemination and hyperinfection of S. stercoralis leading to bacterial sepsis which can result in death. Both of these pathogens are endemic in Australia primarily in remote communities in Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia. Other cases in Australia have occurred in immigrants and refugees, returned travellers, and Australian Defence Force personnel. HTLV-I infection is lifelong with no known cure. Strongyloidiasis is a long-term chronic disease that can remain latent for decades, as shown by infections diagnosed in prisoners of war from World War II and the Vietnam War testing positive decades after they returned from these conflicts. This review aims to shed light on concomitant infections of HTLV-I with S. stercoralis primarily in Australia but in the global context as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Gordon
- Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Jennifer M Shield
- Department of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia; Department of Medicine, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne and the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Richard S Bradbury
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Federation University, Berwick, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen Muhi
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Wendy Page
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Jenni A Judd
- School of Health Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, QLD, Australia; Centre for Indigenous Health Equity Research, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, QLD, Australia
| | - Rogan Lee
- Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Beverley-Ann Biggs
- Department of Medicine, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne and the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kirstin Ross
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Johanna Kurscheid
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Darren J Gray
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Judd JA, Griffiths K, Bainbridge R, Ireland S, Fredericks B. Equity, gender and health: A cross road for health promotion. Health Promot J Austr 2020; 31:336-339. [PMID: 32996234 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jenni A Judd
- School of Health Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, QLD, Australia
| | - Kalinda Griffiths
- Faculty of Medicine, University of NSW, Menzies School of Health Research, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Roxanne Bainbridge
- Research Division, Central Queensland University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Sarah Ireland
- College of Nursing and Midwifery, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, NT, Australia
| | - Bronwyn Fredericks
- Indigenous Engagement, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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6
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Page WA, Judd JA, MacLaren DJ, Buettner P. Integrating testing for chronic strongyloidiasis within the Indigenous adult preventive health assessment system in endemic communities in the Northern Territory, Australia: An intervention study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008232. [PMID: 32401755 PMCID: PMC7219702 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The life-threatening clinical manifestations of strongyloidiasis are preventable with early detection and effective treatment. The aim of this study was to assess if there was an increase to the number and proportion of persons tested for chronic strongyloidiasis, as a result of integrating Strongyloides stercoralis serology into the existing preventive health assessment system in four Aboriginal health services in endemic communities. Methodology A prospective, longitudinal, before-and-after intervention study was conducted in four Aboriginal health services in remote endemically infected communities in the Northern Territory, Australia, from July 2012 to December 2016. The electronic patient information and recall systems enabled the integration of Strongyloides stercoralis serology into the adult preventive health assessment. Strongyloides reports for each health service were extracted half-yearly to examine the number and proportion of persons tested for chronic strongyloidiasis during the study and to measure the effect of the intervention. Principal findings The number and proportion of persons tested increased significantly during the study. From a total resident population of 3650 Indigenous adults over 15 years of age, 1686 persons (47.4%) were tested. The percentage of adults who had at least one serology test increased in all four health services to between 41% (446/1086) and 81.9% (172/210). Of the 1686 persons tested, 680 positive cases of chronic strongyloidiasis (40.3%) were identified. Conclusions/Significance This population health systems intervention increased the number and proportion of persons tested for chronic strongyloidiasis in four health services in endemically infected communities. This intervention is relevant to other health services with high-risk populations. Strongyloidiasis is a neglected tropical disease that is endemic in some Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory. This study asks if the number and proportion of persons tested for chronic strongyloidiasis can be increased by incorporating a Strongyloides serology test into the existing routine Indigenous adult preventive health assessment system in remote endemic communities. This study demonstrated that integrating Strongyloides serology test within the Indigenous adult preventive health assessment system does increase the number and proportion of people tested in endemic communities. This intervention means that life-threatening clinical complications of strongyloidiasis can be prevented by early detection and treatment. Primary health care services have an important role in increased testing in this high-risk population. Primary health care clinicians incorporated chronic strongyloidiasis with other preventable chronic and infectious diseases. The sustainable population health systems-based approach successfully increased coverage by integrating testing for chronic strongyloidiasis into the adult preventive health assessment in health services in remote Indigenous Australian endemic communities, utilising the electronic health record system. The Strongyloides report developed to measure the change in clinical practice would be replicable in other health services with high risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy A. Page
- Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation, Nhulunbuy, Northern Territory, Australia
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Jenni A. Judd
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Division of Higher Education, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Indigenous Health Equity Research, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Health Systems Strengthening, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - David J. MacLaren
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Petra Buettner
- Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
- Tropical Health Solutions, Queensland, Australia
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7
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Devlin S, MacLaren D, Massey PD, Widders R, Judd JA. The missing voices of Indigenous Australians in the social, cultural and historical experiences of tuberculosis: a systematic and integrative review. BMJ Glob Health 2019; 4:e001794. [PMID: 31798989 PMCID: PMC6861081 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Disparities in tuberculosis (TB) rates exist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations in many countries, including Australia. The social determinants of health are central to health inequities including disparities in TB rates. There are limitations in the dominant biomedical and epidemiological approaches to representing, understanding and addressing the unequal burden of TB for Indigenous peoples represented in the literature. This paper applies a social determinants of health approach and examines the structural, programmatic and historical causes of inequities for TB in Indigenous Australia. Methods Aboriginal Australians’ families in northern New South Wales who are affected by TB initiated this investigation. A systematic search of published literature was conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus and Informit ATSIhealth databases, the Australian Indigenous Health, InfoNet and Google. Ninety-five records published between 1885 and 2019 were categorised and graphed over time, inductively coded and thematically analysed. Results Indigenous Australians’ voices are scarce in the TB literature and absent in the development of TB policies and programmes. Epidemiological reports are descriptive and technical and avoid analysis of social processes involved in the perpetuation of TB. For Indigenous Australians, TB is more than a biomedical diagnosis and treatment; it is a consequence of European invasion and a contributor to dispossession and the ongoing fight for justice. The introduction and spread of TB has resulted in the stealing of lives, family, community and cultures for Indigenous Australians. Racist policies and practices predominate in the experiences of individuals and families as consequences of, and resulting in, ongoing structural and systematic exclusion. Conclusion Development of TB policies and programmes requires reconfiguration. Space must be given for Indigenous Australians to lead, be partners and to have ownership of decisions about how to eliminate TB. Shared knowledge between Indigenous Australians, policy makers and service managers of the social practices and structures that generate TB disparity for Indigenous Australians is essential. A social determinant of health approach will shift the focus to the social structures that cause TB. Collaboration with Indigenous partners in research is critical, and use of methods that amplify Indigenous peoples' voices and reconfigure power relations in favour of Indigenous Australians in the process is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Devlin
- Public Health Unit, Mid North Coast Local Health District, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia.,College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - David MacLaren
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter D Massey
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Richard Widders
- Public Health Unit, Mid North Coast Local Health District, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jenni A Judd
- School of Health Medical and Applied Sciences/Division Higher Education, Centre for Indigenous Health Equity Research, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg Campus, Branyan, Queensland, Australia
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Stevens B, Watt K, Brimbecombe J, Clough A, Judd JA, Lindsay D. A village-matched evaluation of providing a local supplemental food during pregnancy in rural Bangladesh: a preliminary study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2018; 18:286. [PMID: 29973170 PMCID: PMC6030796 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-018-1915-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal balanced protein energy supplementation consumed by undernourished women improves mid-upper arm circumference in early infancy. This study aimed to identify whether locally produced maternal food-based supplementation improved anthropometric measures at birth and early infancy. METHODS A village-matched evaluation, applying principles of a cluster randomised controlled trial, of a locally produced supplemental food to 87 undernourished pregnant women. 12 villages (intervention: n = 8; control: n = 4) in Pirganj sub-district, Rangpur District, northern Bangladesh. Daily supplements were provided. RESULTS Anthropometric data at birth were available for 77 mother-infant dyads and longer-term infant growth data for 75 infants. Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) was significantly larger in infants of mothers in the intervention group compared with the control group at 6 months (p < 0.05). The mean birth weight in babies of supplemented mothers (mean: 2·91 kg; SD: 0·19) was higher than in babies of mothers in the control group (mean: 2·72 kg; SD: 0·13), and these changes persisted until 6 months. Also, the proportion of low birth weight babies in the intervention group was much lower (event rate = 0.04) than in the control group (event rate = 0.16). However, none of these differences were statistically significant (p > 0·05; most likely due to small sample size). The intervention reduced the risk of wasting at 6 months by 63.38% (RRR = 0.6338), and of low birth weight by 88·58% (RRR = 0.8858), with NNT of 2.22 and 6.32, respectively. Only three pregnant women require this intervention in order to prevent wasting at 6 months in one child, and seven need the intervention to prevent low birth weight of one child. CONCLUSIONS Locally produced food-based balanced protein energy supplementation in undernourished pregnant women in northern Bangladesh resulted in larger MUAC in infants at 6 months. Further research, with larger sample sizes, is required to confirm the role of locally produced supplementation for undernourished pregnant women on weight and linear growth in newborns and infants. TRIAL REGISTRATION This research was registered with the ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN97447076). This project had human research ethical approval from the James Cook University (Australia) Ethics committee (H4498) and the Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC/NREC/2010-2013/58).
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Affiliation(s)
- Briony Stevens
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, QLD, Townsville, Australia
| | - Kerrianne Watt
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, QLD, Townsville, Australia
| | - Julie Brimbecombe
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic Australia
| | - Alan Clough
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, QLD, Townsville, Australia
- Anton Breinl Centre for Health Systems Strengthening, James Cook University, QLD, Townsville, Australia
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, QLD, Townsville, Australia
- Centre for Research Excellence in the Prevention of Chronic Conditions in Rural and Remote Populations, James Cook University, QLD, Cairns, Australia
| | - Jenni A. Judd
- Anton Breinl Centre for Health Systems Strengthening, James Cook University, QLD, Townsville, Australia
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, QLD, Townsville, Australia
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, QLD, Townsville, Australia
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, QLD, Bundaberg, Australia
| | - Daniel Lindsay
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, QLD, Townsville, Australia
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9
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Beknazarova M, Whiley H, Judd JA, Shield J, Page W, Miller A, Whittaker M, Ross K. Argument for Inclusion of Strongyloidiasis in the Australian National Notifiable Disease List. Trop Med Infect Dis 2018; 3:E61. [PMID: 30274457 PMCID: PMC6073110 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed3020061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis is an infection caused by the helminth, Strongyloides stercoralis. Up to 370 million people are infected with the parasite globally, and it has remained endemic in the Indigenous Australian population for many decades. Strongyloidiasis has been also reported in other Australian populations. Ignorance of this disease has caused unnecessary costs to the government health system, and been detrimental to the Australian people's health. This manuscript addresses the 12 criteria required for a disease to be included in the Australian National Notifiable Disease List (NNDL) under the National Health Security Act 2007 (Commonwealth). There are six main arguments that provide compelling justification for strongyloidiasis to be made nationally notifiable and added to the Australian NNDL. These are: The disease is important to Indigenous health, and closing the health inequity gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians is a priority; a public health response is required to detect cases of strongyloidiasis and to establish the true incidence and prevalence of the disease; there is no alternative national surveillance system to gather data on the disease; there are preventive measures with high efficacy and low side effects; data collection is feasible as cases are definable by microscopy, PCR, or serological diagnostics; and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) # 6 on clean water and sanitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meruyert Beknazarova
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia.
| | - Harriet Whiley
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia.
| | - Jenni A Judd
- School of Health Medical and Applied Sciences, Centre of Indigenous Health Equity Research, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, QLD 4670, Australia.
| | - Jennifer Shield
- Department of Pharmacy and Applied Science, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3552, Australia.
| | - Wendy Page
- Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation, Nhulunbuy, NT 0881, Australia.
- Public Health and Tropical Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia.
| | - Adrian Miller
- Indigenous Research Unit, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia.
| | - Maxine Whittaker
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.
| | - Kirstin Ross
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia.
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10
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Miller A, Young EL, Tye V, Cody R, Muscat M, Saunders V, Smith ML, Judd JA, Speare R. A Community-Directed Integrated Strongyloides Control Program in Queensland, Australia. Trop Med Infect Dis 2018; 3:tropicalmed3020048. [PMID: 30274444 PMCID: PMC6073318 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed3020048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper describes two phases of a community-directed intervention to address strongyloidiasis in the remote Aboriginal community of Woorabinda in central Queensland, Australia. The first phase provides the narrative of a community-driven ‘treat-and-test’ mass drug administration (MDA) intervention that was co-designed by the Community Health Service and the community. The second phase is a description of the re-engagement of the community in order to disseminate the key factors for success in the previous MDA for Strongyloides stercoralis, as this information was not shared or captured in the first phase. During the first phase in 2004, there was a high prevalence of strongyloidiasis (12% faecal examination, 30% serology; n = 944 community members tested) that resulted in increased morbidity and at least one death in the community. Between 2004–2005, the community worked in partnership with the Community Health Service to implement a S. stercoralis control program, where all of the residents were treated with oral ivermectin, and repeat doses were given for those with positive S. stercoralis serology. The community also developed their own health promotion campaign using locally-made resources targeting relevant environmental health problems and concerns. Ninety-two percent of the community residents participated in the program, and the prevalence of strongyloidiasis at the time of the ‘treat-and-test’ intervention was 16.6% [95% confidence interval 14.2–19.3]. The cure rate after two doses of ivermectin was 79.8%, based on pre-serology and post-serology tests. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of local Aboriginal leadership and governance and a high level of community involvement in this successful mass drug administration program to address S. stercoralis. The commitment required of these leaders was demanding, and involved intense work over a period of several months. Apart from controlling strongyloidiasis, the community also takes pride in having developed and implemented this program. This appears to be the first community-directed S. stercoralis control program in Australia, and is an important part of the national story of controlling infectious diseases in Indigenous communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Miller
- Ellengowan Drive, Charles Darwin University, Darwin 0909, Northern Territory, Australia.
| | - Elizebeth L Young
- Woorabinda Multi-Purpose Health Service, Queensland Health, 1 Munns Drive, Woorabinda, QLD 4713, Australia.
| | - Valarie Tye
- Woorabinda Multi-Purpose Health Service, Queensland Health, 1 Munns Drive, Woorabinda, QLD 4713, Australia.
| | - Robert Cody
- Woorabinda Multi-Purpose Health Service, Queensland Health, 1 Munns Drive, Woorabinda, QLD 4713, Australia.
| | - Melody Muscat
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD 4556, Australia.
| | - Vicki Saunders
- Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY), Griffith Criminology Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia.
| | - Michelle L Smith
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Development, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC V1Y 1V7, Canada.
| | - Jenni A Judd
- School of Health Medicine and Applied Sciences, Centre of Indigenous Health Equity Research, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, QLD 4670, Australia.
| | - Rick Speare
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.
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Ross KE, Bradbury RS, Garrard TA, O’Donahoo FJ, Shield JM, Page W, Miller A, Robertson G, Judd JA, Speare R. The National Strongyloides Working Group in Australia 10 workshops on: commendations and recommendations. Aust N Z J Public Health 2016; 41:221-223. [DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.12611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kirstin E. Ross
- School of the Environment; Flinders University; South Australia
| | | | - Tara A. Garrard
- School of the Environment; Flinders University; South Australia
| | | | | | - Wendy Page
- Tropical Health and Medicine; James Cook University; Queensland
| | - Adrian Miller
- Indigenous Research Unit; Griffith University; Queensland
| | | | - Jenni A. Judd
- Faculty of Medicine, Health & Molecular Sciences; James Cook University; Queensland
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Miller A, Smith ML, Judd JA, Speare R. Strongyloides stercoralis: systematic review of barriers to controlling strongyloidiasis for Australian indigenous communities. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e3141. [PMID: 25254655 PMCID: PMC4177786 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [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: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Strongyloides stercoralis infects human hosts mainly through skin contact with contaminated soil. The result is strongyloidiasis, a parasitic disease, with a unique cycle of auto-infection causing a variety of symptoms and signs, with possible fatality from hyper-infection. Australian Indigenous community members, often living in rural and remote settings, are exposed to and infected with S. stercoralis. The aim of this review is to determine barriers to control of strongyloidiasis. The purpose is to contribute to the development of initiatives for prevention, early detection and effective treatment of strongyloidiasis. Methodology/Principle Findings Systematic search reviewing research published 2012 and earlier was conducted. Research articles discussing aspects of strongyloidiasis, context of infection and overall health in Indigenous Australians were reviewed. Based on the PRISMA statement, the systematic search of health databases, Academic Search Premier, Informit, Medline, PubMed, AMED, CINAHL, Health Source Nursing and Academic was conducted. Key search terms included strongyloidiasis, Indigenous, Australia, health, and community. 340 articles were retrieved with 16 original research articles published between 1969 and 2006 meeting criteria. Review found barriers to control defined across three key themes, (1) health status, (2) socioeconomic status, and (3) health care literacy and procedures. Conclusions/Significance This study identifies five points of intervention: (1) develop reporting protocols between health care system and communities; (2) test all Indigenous Australian patients, immunocompromised patients and those exposed to areas with S. stercoralis; (3) health professionals require detailed information on strongyloidiasis and potential for exposure to Indigenous Australian people; (4) to establish testing and treatment initiatives within communities; and (5) to measure and report prevalence rates specific to communities and to act with initiatives based on these results. By defining barriers to control of strongyloidiasis in Australian Indigenous people, improved outcomes of prevention, treatment of strongyloidiasis and increased health overall are attainable. Strongyloides stercoralis, a nematode parasite, has a well-documented history of infecting human hosts in tropic and subtropic regions mainly through skin contact with inhabited soil. The result is strongyloidiasis, a human parasitic disease, with a unique cycle of auto-infection contributing to a variety of symptoms, of which, hyper-infection causing fatality may occur. In Australia, Indigenous community members often located in rural and remote settings, are exposed to and infected with strongyloides. Previous researchers report strongyloidiasis as a recurrent health issue for Indigenous Australians. This is a systematic review to determine the barriers to control for this pernicious pathogen. Barriers to control can be defined across three key themes: (1) health status, (2) socioeconomic status, and (3) health care literacy and procedure. By conceptualizing these barriers and addressing steps to control as outlined in this study, there is potential for improvement in prevention and treatment outcomes of strongyloidiasis and subsequently, overall health for Australian Indigenous people. This study contributes to furthering prevention and treatment of strongyloidiasis, increasing exposure to the issue of strongyloidiasis in Australian Indigenous people. It is the intent of this paper to express the need to have continued research and further health policy directed specifically to eradicate strongyloidiasis in Australian Indigenous communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Miller
- Indigenous Research Unit, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Jenni A. Judd
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Molecular Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rick Speare
- Public Health and Tropical Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Tropical Health Solutions Pty Ltd, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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