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Dorji K, Yuden P, Ghishing TD, Ghimeray G, Klungthong C, Wangchuk S, Farmer A. Respiratory syncytial virus among hospitalized patients of severe acute respiratory infection in Bhutan: Cross-sectional study. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2024; 18:e13242. [PMID: 38239563 PMCID: PMC10794158 DOI: 10.1111/irv.13242] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections worldwide, particularly in young children. In Bhutan, respiratory disease continues to be among the top 10 diseases of morbidity for several years. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of RSV among hospitalized patients with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) in Bhutan. Method Respiratory specimens were collected from SARI patients of all ages in 2016 and 2018 following influenza surveillance guidelines. Specimens were tested for influenza and RSV, human metapneumovirus, adenovirus, and human parainfluenza virus types 1, 2, and 3 using real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction assay. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the result in STATA 16.1. Result Of the 1339 SARI specimens tested, 34.8% were positive for at least one viral pathogen. RSV was detected in 18.5% of SARI cases, followed by influenza in 13.4% and other respiratory viruses in 3%. The median age of SARI cases was 3 (IQR: 0.8-21 years) years. RSV detection was higher among children aged 0-6 (Adj OR: 3.03; 95% CI: 1.7-5.39) and 7-23 months (Adj OR: 3.01; 95% CI: 1.77-5.12) compared with the children aged 5-15 years. RSV was also associated with breathing difficulty (Adj OR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.17-2.56) and pre-existing lung disease, including asthma (Adj OR: 2.78; 95% CI: 0.99-7.8). Conclusion Respiratory viruses were detected in a substantial proportion of SARI hospitalizations in Bhutan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunzang Dorji
- National Influenza Centre, Royal Centers for Disease ControlMinistry of HealthThimphuBhutan
| | - Pema Yuden
- National Influenza Centre, Royal Centers for Disease ControlMinistry of HealthThimphuBhutan
| | - Tara Devi Ghishing
- National Influenza Centre, Royal Centers for Disease ControlMinistry of HealthThimphuBhutan
| | - Govinda Ghimeray
- ICT UnitRoyal Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of HealthThimphuBhutan
| | - Chonticha Klungthong
- Department of VirologyArmed Forces Research Institute of Medical SciencesBangkokThailand
| | - Sonam Wangchuk
- Royal Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of HealthThimphuBhutan
| | - Aaron Farmer
- Department of VirologyArmed Forces Research Institute of Medical SciencesBangkokThailand
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Wangchuk S, Prabhakaran AO, Dhakal GP, Zangmo C, Gharpure R, Dawa T, Phuntsho S, Burkhardsmeier B, Saha S, Wangmo D, Lafond KE. Introducing seasonal influenza vaccine in Bhutan: Country experience and achievements. Vaccine 2023; 41:7259-7264. [PMID: 37866993 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.10.053] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Bhutan successfully introduced multiple vaccines since the establishment of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Program in 1979. Surveillance and subsequent introduction of influenza vaccination became a public health priority for the Ministry of Health following the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic. Sentinel surveillance for influenza in Bhutan began in 2008, and a study of severe acute respiratory infection was conducted in 2017, which found the highest influenza burden in children aged <5 years and adults ≥50 years. Following review of surveillance and burden of disease data, the National Technical Advisory Group presented recommendations to Bhutan's Ministry of Health which approved influenza vaccine introduction for all five high-risk groups in the country. Upon the official launch of the program in June 2018, the Vaccine Preventable Disease Program began planning, budgeting, and procurement processes with technical and financial support from the Partnership for Influenza Vaccine Introduction, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Bhutan Health Trust Fund, and the World Health Organization. Influenza vaccination for high-risk groups was integrated into Bhutan's routine immunization services in all health care facilities beginning in November 2019 and vaccinated all populations in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Coverage levels between 2019 and 2022 were highest in children aged 6-24 months (62.5%-96.9%) and lowest in pregnant women (47.7%-62.5%). Bhutan maintained high coverage levels despite the COVID-19 pandemic by continued provision of influenza vaccine services at health centers during lockdowns, conducting communication and sensitization efforts, and using catch-up campaigns. Bhutan's experience with introducing and scaling up the influenza vaccine program contributed to the country's capacity to rapidly deploy its COVID-19 vaccination program in 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonam Wangchuk
- Royal Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan.
| | - Aslesh O Prabhakaran
- Influenza Program, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New Delhi, India
| | - Guru Prasad Dhakal
- Department of Medicine, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Referral Hospital, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Cheten Zangmo
- Vaccine Preventable Disease Program, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Bhutan
| | - Radhika Gharpure
- Influenza Division, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Tashi Dawa
- Vaccine Preventable Disease Program, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Bhutan
| | - Sangay Phuntsho
- Vaccine Preventable Disease Program, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Bhutan
| | | | - Siddhartha Saha
- Influenza Program, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Kathryn E Lafond
- Influenza Division, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
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3
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Phuntsho S, Tshokey T, Gurung MS, Wangdi S, Wangdi S, Wangchuk S. An Exemplary National COVID-19 Vaccination: Lessons from Bhutan. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7070131. [PMID: 35878143 PMCID: PMC9322184 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7070131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccination remains a key public health intervention against the COVID-19 pandemic. However, vaccine distribution and coverage are variable between countries due to access and implementation issues. Vaccine inequity was evident with some countries having no access to the vaccines while others have initiated multiple booster doses. We share Bhutan’s approach to COVID-19 vaccination and lessons learned during the successful conduct of a nationwide vaccination program. As of 12 December 2021, 80.3% of the Bhutanese population have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 77.0% have received at least two doses. Considering age groups, 97.2% of adults (18 years) have received at least one dose and 93.6% have received at least two doses. The first dose coverage for the adolescents 12–17 years was 99.7% and second dose coverage was 92.3% since some were not yet due for their second dose at the time of writing this report. The well-established existing national immunization program was especially useful in the implementation of the national COVID-19 vaccination program. The Bhutan Vaccine System, a digital platform for registration and monitoring of vaccination, was rapidly developed and extensively utilized during the campaign. The selfless leadership of the king, the government, and prior detailed planning with multi-sectoral collaboration and coordination, was the key in this exemplary vaccination program. Bhutan has successfully vaccinated children between 5–11 years with high coverage and no serious issues. Many adults have also received first and second booster doses, based on their risks and preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangay Phuntsho
- Vaccine Preventable Diseases Program, Ministry of Health, Thimphu 11001, Bhutan
- Correspondence:
| | - Tshokey Tshokey
- Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Thimphu 11001, Bhutan;
| | | | - Sonam Wangdi
- Policy and Planning Division, Ministry of Health, Thimphu 11001, Bhutan;
| | | | - Sonam Wangchuk
- Royal Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Thimphu 11001, Bhutan;
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4
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Adhikari L, Wangchuk S, Bhujel P, Zangmo S, Lhaden P, Dorji U, Tshering K. Epidemiological and laboratory characteristics of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients in Bhutan, 2015-2019. IJID Regions 2022; 3:228-233. [PMID: 35755459 PMCID: PMC9216444 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2022.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) reported in high numbers of new TB cases Majority of MDR-TB patients in the economically productive age group No major variations in mutation pattern for Line Probe Assay results across 5 years
Background Bhutan is no exception to the rising global threat of drug resistance tuberculosis (TB), particularly multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB. Although drug resistance surveillance has been carried out in Bhutan since 2010, limited analysis reports are available. Therefore, we looked at data from 2015−2019 to understand patient characteristics. Method To obtain data for MDR-TB from the past 5 years, we looked at manual registers and laboratory worksheets for all samples received at National TB Reference Laboratory. Epidemiological factors and laboratory variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Result Among 304 patients with MDR-TB, 85.20% (n=259) are new cases with no previous history of treatment. Those aged 16−25 years from both genders are affected more (46.05%, n=140) than other age groups. The majority (94.62%, n=264) of rifampicin resistance was found in the MUT 3 rpoB gene. For Isoniazid, 97.13% (n=271) resistance was seen in the MUT1 band of the katG gene. Conclusion A high number of MDR-TB cases among new patients and little variation in the resistance band pattern over 5 years could indicate uncontrolled ongoing transmission. Whole-genome sequencing for the samples is required to further understand the epidemiology of the resistance pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lila Adhikari
- Corresponding author: Address: RCDC, Post box no. 667, Serbithang, Thimphu, Bhutan.
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5
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Adam I, Alam MS, Alemu S, Amaratunga C, Amato R, Andrianaranjaka V, Anstey NM, Aseffa A, Ashley E, Assefa A, Auburn S, Barber BE, Barry A, Batista Pereira D, Cao J, Chau NH, Chotivanich K, Chu C, Dondorp AM, Drury E, Echeverry DF, Erko B, Espino F, Fairhurst R, Faiz A, Fernanda Villegas M, Gao Q, Golassa L, Goncalves S, Grigg MJ, Hamedi Y, Hien TT, Htut Y, Johnson KJ, Karunaweera N, Khan W, Krudsood S, Kwiatkowski DP, Lacerda M, Ley B, Lim P, Liu Y, Llanos-Cuentas A, Lon C, Lopera-Mesa T, Marfurt J, Michon P, Miotto O, Mohammed R, Mueller I, Namaik-larp C, Newton PN, Nguyen TN, Nosten F, Noviyanti R, Pava Z, Pearson RD, Petros B, Phyo AP, Price RN, Pukrittayakamee S, Rahim AG, Randrianarivelojosia M, Rayner JC, Rumaseb A, Siegel SV, Simpson VJ, Thriemer K, Tobon-Castano A, Trimarsanto H, Urbano Ferreira M, Vélez ID, Wangchuk S, Wellems TE, White NJ, William T, Yasnot MF, Yilma D. An open dataset of Plasmodium vivax genome variation in 1,895 worldwide samples. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 7:136. [PMID: 35651694 PMCID: PMC9127374 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17795.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
This report describes the MalariaGEN Pv4 dataset, a new release of curated genome variation data on 1,895 samples of Plasmodium vivax collected at 88 worldwide locations between 2001 and 2017. It includes 1,370 new samples contributed by MalariaGEN and VivaxGEN partner studies in addition to previously published samples from these and other sources. We provide genotype calls at over 4.5 million variable positions including over 3 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), as well as short indels and tandem duplications. This enlarged dataset highlights major compartments of parasite population structure, with clear differentiation between Africa, Latin America, Oceania, Western Asia and different parts of Southeast Asia. Each sample has been classified for drug resistance to sulfadoxine, pyrimethamine and mefloquine based on known markers at the dhfr, dhps and mdr1 loci. The prevalence of all of these resistance markers was much higher in Southeast Asia and Oceania than elsewhere. This open resource of analysis-ready genome variation data from the MalariaGEN and VivaxGEN networks is driven by our collective goal to advance research into the complex biology of P. vivax and to accelerate genomic surveillance for malaria control and elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ishag Adam
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Mohammad Shafiul Alam
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Diseases Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sisay Alemu
- Armauer Hansen Research Unit (AHRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,MilliporeSigma (Bioreliance), Rockville, USA
| | - Chanaki Amaratunga
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, USA
| | | | | | - Nicholas M Anstey
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - Abraham Aseffa
- Armauer Hansen Research Unit (AHRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Elizabeth Ashley
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Sarah Auburn
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Mahidol‐Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Bridget E Barber
- Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Australia,QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Alyssa Barry
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Australia,Deakin University, Geelong, Australia,Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Jun Cao
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, China,Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Nguyen Hoang Chau
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | - Cindy Chu
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Arjen M. Dondorp
- Mahidol‐Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Diego F. Echeverry
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Facultad de Salud, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | - Berhanu Erko
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Fe Espino
- Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Department of Health, Manila, Philippines
| | | | | | | | - Qi Gao
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, China
| | - Lemu Golassa
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Matthew J Grigg
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - Yaghoob Hamedi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Tran Tinh Hien
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Ye Htut
- Department of Medical Research, Yangon, Myanmar
| | | | - Nadira Karunaweera
- University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka,School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, USA
| | - Wasif Khan
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Diseases Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | | | - Marcus Lacerda
- Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Carlos Borborema, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil,Instituto Leônidas & Maria Deane, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Benedikt Ley
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - Pharath Lim
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, USA,Parsons Corporation, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, USA
| | - Yaobao Liu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, China,Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Chanthap Lon
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | | | - Jutta Marfurt
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | | | - Olivo Miotto
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK,Mahidol‐Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rezika Mohammed
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Ivo Mueller
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Australia
| | | | - Paul N Newton
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Thuy-Nhien Nguyen
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Francois Nosten
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | | | - Zuleima Pava
- Centro Internacionale de Entrenamiento e Investigaciones Medicas, Cali, Colombia
| | | | | | - Aung P Phyo
- Mahidol‐Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand,Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ric N Price
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Mahidol‐Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Awab Ghulam Rahim
- Nangarhar Medical Faculty, Nangarhar University, Ministry of Higher Education, Jalalabad, Afghanistan
| | - Milijaona Randrianarivelojosia
- Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar,Universités d'Antananarivo et de Mahajanga, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Julian C Rayner
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Angela Rumaseb
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | | | | | - Kamala Thriemer
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | | | | | - Marcelo Urbano Ferreira
- Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil,Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Sonam Wangchuk
- Royal Center for Disease Control, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Thomas E Wellems
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, USA
| | - Nicholas J White
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Mahidol‐Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Timothy William
- Clinical Research Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Sabah, Malaysia,Infectious Diseases Society Sabah-Menzies School of Health Research Clinical Research Unit, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Maria F Yasnot
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas y Biomédicas de Córdoba-GIMBIC, Universidad de Córdoba, Monteria, Colombia
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Mai SNT, Bodhidatta L, Turner P, Wangchuk S, Ha Thanh T, Voong Vinh P, Pham DT, Rabaa MA, Thwaites GE, Thomson NR, Baker S, Chung The H. The evolutionary history of Shigella flexneri serotype 6 in Asia. Microb Genom 2021; 7. [PMID: 34904947 PMCID: PMC8767353 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000736] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Shigella flexneri serotype 6 is an understudied cause of diarrhoeal diseases in developing countries, and has been proposed as one of the major targets for vaccine development against shigellosis. Despite being named as S. flexneri, Shigella flexneri serotype 6 is phylogenetically distinct from other S. flexneri serotypes and more closely related to S. boydii. This unique phylogenetic relationship and its low sampling frequency have hampered genomic research on this pathogen. Herein, by utilizing whole genome sequencing (WGS) and analyses of Shigella flexneri serotype 6 collected from epidemiological studies (1987–2013) in four Asian countries, we revealed its population structure and evolutionary history in the region. Phylogenetic analyses supported the delineation of Asian Shigella flexneri serotype 6 into two phylogenetic groups (PG-1 and −2). Notably, temporal phylogenetic approaches showed that extant Asian S. flexneri serotype 6 could be traced back to an inferred common ancestor arising in the 18th century. The dominant lineage PG-1 likely emerged in the 1970s, which coincided with the times to most recent common ancestors (tMRCAs) inferred from other major Southeast Asian S. flexneri serotypes. Similar to other S. flexneri serotypes in the same period in Asia, genomic analyses showed that resistance to first-generation antimicrobials was widespread, while resistance to more recent first-line antimicrobials was rare. These data also showed a number of gene inactivation and gene loss events, particularly on genes related to metabolism and synthesis of cellular appendages, emphasizing the continuing role of reductive evolution in the adaptation of the pathogen to an intracellular lifestyle. Together, our findings reveal insights into the genomic evolution of the understudied Shigella flexneri serotype 6, providing a new piece in the puzzle of Shigella epidemiology and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Nguyen T Mai
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Paul Turner
- Cambodia-Oxford Medical Research Unit, Angkor Hospital for Children, Siem Reap, Cambodia.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sonam Wangchuk
- Royal Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Tuyen Ha Thanh
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Phat Voong Vinh
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Duy Thanh Pham
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Maia A Rabaa
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Guy E Thwaites
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicholas R Thomson
- The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Stephen Baker
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Diseases (CITIID), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hao Chung The
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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7
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Lham D, Cozzi G, Sommer S, Thinley P, Wangchuk N, Wangchuk S, Ozgul A. Modeling Distribution and Habitat Suitability for the Snow Leopard in Bhutan. Front Conserv Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2021.781085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is one of the world's most elusive felids. In Bhutan, which is one of the 12 countries where the species still persists, reliable information on its distribution and habitat suitability is lacking, thus impeding effective conservation planning for the species. To fill this knowledge gap, we created a country-wide species distribution model using “presence-only” data from 420 snow leopard occurrences (345 from a sign survey and 77 from a camera-trapping survey) and 12 environmental covariates consisting of biophysical and anthropogenic factors. We analyzed the data in an ensemble model framework which combines the outputs from several species distribution models. To assess the adequacy of Bhutan's network of protected areas and their potential contribution toward the conservation of the species, we overlaid the output of the ensemble model on the spatial layers of protected areas and biological corridors. The ensemble model identified 7,206 km2 of Bhutan as suitable for the snow leopard: 3,647 km2 as highly suitable, 2,681 km2 as moderately suitable, and 878 km2 as marginally suitable. Forty percent of the total suitable habitat consisted of protected areas and a further 8% of biological corridors. These suitable habitats were characterized by a mean livestock density of 1.3 individuals per hectare, and a mean slope of 25°; they closely match the distribution of the snow leopard's main wild prey, the bharal (Pseudois nayaur). Our study shows that Bhutan's northern protected areas are a centre for snow leopard conservation both at the national and regional scale.
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8
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Tshokey T, Choden J, Adhikari L, Thapa B, Wangchuk S. Testing Positive for SARS-CoV-2 in Two Countries 105 Days Apart. Prague Med Rep 2021; 122:228-232. [PMID: 34606436 DOI: 10.14712/23362936.2021.21] [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] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recovered COVID-19 patients may test positive for SARS-CoV-2 for a long time from intermittent shedding of viral fragments. A 36-year-old man who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in the Czech Republic and recovered tested positive again in Bhutan, 105 days beyond his first positive test. He experienced minimal symptoms and recovered without complications. Although no virological test was conducted to rule out reinfection, the repeat positive test after initial recovery likely resulted from prolonged shedding of dead viral particles than a reinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tshokey Tshokey
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Thimphu, Bhutan.
| | - Jamyang Choden
- International Health Regulation, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Lila Adhikari
- Royal Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Binay Thapa
- Royal Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Sonam Wangchuk
- Royal Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
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9
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Staadegaard L, Caini S, Wangchuk S, Thapa B, de Almeida WAF, de Carvalho FC, Fasce RA, Bustos P, Kyncl J, Novakova L, Caicedo AB, de Mora Coloma DJ, Meijer A, Hooiveld M, Huang QS, Wood T, Guiomar R, Rodrigues AP, Lee VJM, Ang LW, Cohen C, Moyes J, Larrauri A, Delgado-Sanz C, Demont C, Bangert M, Dückers M, van Summeren J, Paget J. Defining the seasonality of respiratory syncytial virus around the world: National and subnational surveillance data from 12 countries. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2021; 15:732-741. [PMID: 34255934 PMCID: PMC8542954 DOI: 10.1111/irv.12885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [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: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections are one of the leading causes of lower respiratory tract infections and have a major burden on society. For prevention and control to be deployed effectively, an improved understanding of the seasonality of RSV is necessary. Objectives The main objective of this study was to contribute to a better understanding of RSV seasonality by examining the GERi multi‐country surveillance dataset. Methods RSV seasons were included in the analysis if they contained ≥100 cases. Seasonality was determined using the “average annual percentage” method. Analyses were performed at a subnational level for the United States and Brazil. Results We included 601 425 RSV cases from 12 countries. Most temperate countries experienced RSV epidemics in the winter, with a median duration of 10–21 weeks. Not all epidemics fit this pattern in a consistent manner, with some occurring later or in an irregular manner. More variation in timing was observed in (sub)tropical countries, and we found substantial differences in seasonality at a subnational level. No association was found between the timing of the epidemic and the dominant RSV subtype. Conclusions Our findings suggest that geographical location or climatic characteristics cannot be used as a definitive predictor for the timing of RSV epidemics and highlight the need for (sub)national data collection and analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Staadegaard
- Nivel (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Saverio Caini
- Nivel (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sonam Wangchuk
- Royal Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Binay Thapa
- Royal Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | | | | | - Rodrigo A Fasce
- Subdepartamento Enfermedades Virales, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Patricia Bustos
- Sección Virus Respiratorios, Subdepartamento Enfermedades Virales, Instituto de Salud Publica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jan Kyncl
- Department of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ludmila Novakova
- National Reference Laboratory for Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alfredo Bruno Caicedo
- Universidad Agraria del Ecuador, Guayaquil, Ecuador.,Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública (INSPI), Centro de Referencia Nacional de Influenza y otros Virus Respiratorios, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Domenica Joseth de Mora Coloma
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública (INSPI), Centro de Referencia Nacional de Influenza y otros Virus Respiratorios, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Adam Meijer
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Mariëtte Hooiveld
- Nivel (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Q Sue Huang
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR), National Centre for Biosecurity and Infectious Disease (NCBID), Upper Hutt, New Zealand
| | - Tim Wood
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR), National Centre for Biosecurity and Infectious Disease (NCBID), Upper Hutt, New Zealand
| | - Raquel Guiomar
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | | - Li Wei Ang
- Ministry of Health, Singapore.,National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore
| | - Cheryl Cohen
- Centre for Respiratory Disease and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa.,School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jocelyn Moyes
- Centre for Respiratory Disease and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa.,School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Amparo Larrauri
- National Centre of Epidemiology, CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Concepción Delgado-Sanz
- National Centre of Epidemiology, CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Michel Dückers
- Nivel (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - John Paget
- Nivel (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), Utrecht, The Netherlands
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10
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Wangchuk S, Tamang TD, Darnal JB, Pelden S, Lhazeen K, Mynak ML, Letson GW, Khare S, Leader BT, Marfin AA, Hills SL. Japanese Encephalitis Virus as Cause of Acute Encephalitis, Bhutan. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 26:2239-2242. [PMID: 32818416 PMCID: PMC7454061 DOI: 10.3201/eid2609.200620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2011, Bhutan's Royal Centre for Disease Control began Japanese encephalitis (JE) surveillance at 5 sentinel hospitals throughout Bhutan. During 2011-2018, a total of 20 JE cases were detected, indicating JE virus causes encephalitis in Bhutan. Maintaining JE surveillance will help improve understanding of JE epidemiology in this country.
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11
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Lham D, Cozzi G, Sommer S, Wangchuk S, Lham K, Ozgul A. Ecological determinants of livestock depredation by the snow leopard
Panthera uncia
in Bhutan. J Zool (1987) 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D. Lham
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | - G. Cozzi
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | - S. Sommer
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | - S. Wangchuk
- Natural Resources Development Corporation Limited Thimphu Bhutan
| | - K. Lham
- Nature Conservation Division Department of Forests and Parks Services Ministry of Agriculture and Forests Thimphu Bhutan
| | - A. Ozgul
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
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12
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Staadegaard L, Caini S, Wangchuk S, Thapa B, de Almeida WAF, de Carvalho FC, Njouom R, Fasce RA, Bustos P, Kyncl J, Novakova L, Caicedo AB, de Mora Coloma DJ, Meijer A, Hooiveld M, Huang S, Wood T, Guiomar R, Rodrigues AP, Danilenko D, Stolyarov K, Lee VJM, Ang LW, Cohen C, Moyes J, Larrauri A, Delgado-Sanz C, Le MQ, Hoang PVM, Demont C, Bangert M, van Summeren J, Dückers M, Paget J. The Global Epidemiology of RSV in Community and Hospitalized Care: Findings From 15 Countries. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab159. [PMID: 34337092 PMCID: PMC8320297 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the leading causes of acute respiratory tract infections. To optimize control strategies, a better understanding of the global epidemiology of RSV is critical. To this end, we initiated the Global Epidemiology of RSV in Hospitalized and Community care study (GERi). Methods Focal points from 44 countries were approached to join GERi and share detailed RSV surveillance data. Countries completed a questionnaire on the characteristics of their surveillance system. Results Fifteen countries provided granular surveillance data and information on their surveillance system. A median (interquartile range) of 1641 (552–2415) RSV cases per season were reported from 2000 and 2020. The majority (55%) of RSV cases occurred in the <1-year-olds, with 8% of cases reported in those aged ≥65 years. Hospitalized cases were younger than those in community care. We found no age difference between RSV subtypes and no clear pattern of dominant subtypes. Conclusions The high number of cases in the <1-year-olds indicates a need to focus prevention efforts in this group. The minimal differences between RSV subtypes and their co-circulation implies that prevention needs to target both subtypes. Importantly, there appears to be a lack of RSV surveillance data in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Staadegaard
- Nivel (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Saverio Caini
- Nivel (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sonam Wangchuk
- Royal Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Binay Thapa
- Royal Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | | | | | - Richard Njouom
- Service de Virologie, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Rodrigo A Fasce
- Subdepartamento Enfermedades Virales, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Patricia Bustos
- Sección Virus Respiratorios, Subdepartamento Enfermedades Virales, Instituto de Salud Publica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jan Kyncl
- Department of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ludmila Novakova
- National Reference Laboratory for Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alfredo Bruno Caicedo
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública (INSPI), Centro de Referencia Nacional de Influenza y otros Virus Respiratorios, Guayaquil, Ecuador.,Universidad Agraria del Ecuador, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Domenica Joseth de Mora Coloma
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública (INSPI), Centro de Referencia Nacional de Influenza y otros Virus Respiratorios, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Adam Meijer
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Mariëtte Hooiveld
- Nivel (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sue Huang
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR), National Centre for Biosecurity and Infectious Disease (NCBID), Upper Hutt, New Zealand
| | - Tim Wood
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR), National Centre for Biosecurity and Infectious Disease (NCBID), Upper Hutt, New Zealand
| | - Raquel Guiomar
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Daria Danilenko
- Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Kirill Stolyarov
- Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | | | - Li Wei Ang
- Ministry of Health, Singapore.,National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore
| | - Cheryl Cohen
- Centre for Respiratory Disease and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa.,School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jocelyn Moyes
- Centre for Respiratory Disease and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa.,School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Amparo Larrauri
- National Centre of Epidemiology, CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Concepción Delgado-Sanz
- National Centre of Epidemiology, CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mai Quynh Le
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | | | | | | | - Michel Dückers
- Nivel (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), Utrecht, the Netherlands.,ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, the Netherlands.,Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - John Paget
- Nivel (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), Utrecht, the Netherlands
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13
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Tsheten T, Wangchuk S, Wangmo D, Clements ACA, Gray DJ, Wangdi K. COVID-19 Response and Lessons Learned on Dengue Control in Bhutan. J Med Entomol 2021; 58:502-504. [PMID: 33095868 PMCID: PMC7665684 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tsheten Tsheten
- Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- Royal Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Sonam Wangchuk
- Royal Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | | | - Archie C A Clements
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Darren J Gray
- Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Kinley Wangdi
- Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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14
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Abstract
Dengue is an important emerging vector-borne disease in Bhutan. This study aimed to quantify the spatial and temporal patterns of dengue and their relationship to environmental factors in dengue-affected areas at the sub-district level. A multivariate zero-inflated Poisson regression model was developed using a Bayesian framework with spatial and spatiotemporal random effects modelled using a conditional autoregressive prior structure. The posterior parameters were estimated using Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation with Gibbs sampling. A total of 708 dengue cases were notified through national surveillance between January 2016 and June 2019. Individuals aged ≤14 years were found to be 53% (95% CrI: 42%, 62%) less likely to have dengue infection than those aged >14 years. Dengue cases increased by 63% (95% CrI: 49%, 77%) for a 1°C increase in maximum temperature, and decreased by 48% (95% CrI: 25%, 64%) for a one-unit increase in normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). There was significant residual spatial clustering after accounting for climate and environmental variables. The temporal trend was significantly higher than the national average in eastern sub-districts. The findings highlight the impact of climate and environmental variables on dengue transmission and suggests prioritizing high-risk areas for control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsheten Tsheten
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.,Royal Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Archie C A Clements
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia.,Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Darren J Gray
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Sonam Wangchuk
- Royal Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Kinley Wangdi
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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15
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Tsheten T, Mclure A, Clements ACA, Gray DJ, Wangdi T, Wangchuk S, Wangdi K. Epidemiological Analysis of the 2019 Dengue Epidemic in Bhutan. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph18010354. [PMID: 33466497 PMCID: PMC7796457 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Bhutan experienced its largest and first nation-wide dengue epidemic in 2019. The cases in 2019 were greater than the total number of cases in all the previous years. This study aimed to characterize the spatiotemporal patterns and effective reproduction number of this explosive epidemic. Weekly notified dengue cases were extracted from the National Early Warning, Alert, Response and Surveillance (NEWARS) database to describe the spatial and temporal patterns of the epidemic. The time-varying, temperature-adjusted cohort effective reproduction number was estimated over the course of the epidemic. The dengue epidemic occurred between 29 April and 8 December 2019 over 32 weeks, and included 5935 cases. During the epidemic, dengue expanded from six to 44 subdistricts. The effective reproduction number was <3 for most of the epidemic period, except for a ≈1 month period of explosive growth, coinciding with the monsoon season and school vacations, when the effective reproduction number peaked >30 and after which the effective reproduction number declined steadily. Interventions were only initiated 6 weeks after the end of the period of explosive growth. This finding highlights the need to reinforce the national preparedness plan for outbreak response, and to enable the early detection of cases and timely response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsheten Tsheten
- Research School of Population, Australian National University, Acton, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (A.M.); (D.J.G.); (K.W.)
- Royal Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Thimphu 11001, Bhutan;
- Correspondence:
| | - Angus Mclure
- Research School of Population, Australian National University, Acton, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (A.M.); (D.J.G.); (K.W.)
| | - Archie C. A. Clements
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia;
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Darren J. Gray
- Research School of Population, Australian National University, Acton, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (A.M.); (D.J.G.); (K.W.)
| | - Tenzin Wangdi
- Vector-Borne Disease Control Program, Ministry of Health, Gelephu 31102, Bhutan;
| | - Sonam Wangchuk
- Royal Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Thimphu 11001, Bhutan;
| | - Kinley Wangdi
- Research School of Population, Australian National University, Acton, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (A.M.); (D.J.G.); (K.W.)
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16
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Tshokey T, Choden J, Dorjee K, Pempa P, Yangzom P, Gyeltshen W, Wangchuk S, Dorji T, Wangmo D. Limited Secondary Transmission of the Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) by Asymptomatic and Mild COVID-19 Patients in Bhutan. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 104:490-495. [PMID: 33308385 PMCID: PMC7866324 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, there is growing concordance and persisting conflicts on the virus and the disease process. We discuss limited transmissibility of the virus by asymptomatic and mild cases of COVID-19 patients in Bhutan. We followed up the secondary transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the contacts of asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 patients in Bhutan. Bhutan had 33 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country as of May 29, 2020. Of these, 22 (67%) were females. Except the first two cases (American tourists), the rest were Bhutanese living outside the country. The mean age of the Bhutanese patients was 26.3 (range 16-33) years. Close contacts of 27 of the 33 cases were followed up for signs and symptoms and COVID-19 positivity. The first two cases had 73 and 97 primary contacts, respectively, and equal number of secondary contacts (224). From the third case, a mandatory 21-day facility quarantine was instituted, all primary contacts were facility quarantined, and there were no secondary contacts. In total, the 27 cases had 1,095 primary contacts and 448 secondary contacts. Of these, 75 individuals were categorized as definite high-risk contacts. Secondary transmission occurred in seven high-risk contacts. Therefore, the overall secondary transmission was 9.0% (7/75) and 0.6% (7/1,095) among the high-risk and primary contacts, respectively. No transmission occurred in the secondary contacts. In contrast to several reports indicating high transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 in contacts of confirmed cases, the mostly young, asymptomatic, and mild cases of COVID-19 in Bhutan showed limited secondary transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tshokey Tshokey
- Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Thimphu, Bhutan
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17
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Dorji PW, Wangchuk S, Boonprasert K, Tarasuk M, Na-Bangchang K. Pharmacogenetic relevant polymorphisms of CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A5 in Bhutanese population. Drug Metab Pers Ther 2019; 34:/j/dmdi.2019.34.issue-4/dmpt-2019-0020/dmpt-2019-0020.xml. [PMID: 32004143 DOI: 10.1515/dmpt-2019-0020] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Background Marked differences among genotype frequencies (Caucasians, Asians, and Africans) have been observed in cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes. Data on the frequency of pharmacogenetic relevant polymorphisms in Bhutanese population is absent. This study aimed to investigate the frequencies of pharmacogenetic relevant polymorphisms of CYP2C9 (*2 and *3), CYP2C19 (*2 and *3), CYP2D6 (*10), and CYP3A5 (*3) in Bhutanese population. Methods Genotyping was performed in 443 DNA samples using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results For CYP2C9, allele frequencies of *2 and *3 variants were 0.339% and 0%, respectively. For CYP2C19, frequencies of *2 and *3 variants were 30.135% and 15.689%, respectively. Allele frequencies of CYP2D6*10 and CYP3A5*3 were 21.332% and 77.314%, respectively. Allele frequencies of CYP2C9*2 are similar to most Asians while CYP2C9*3 was absent. CYP2C19*2 showed a close resemblance to Japanese and Burmese, while CYP2C19*3 is near to Japanese and Korean. CYP2D6*10 is noticeably lower than other Asians. CYP3A5*3 is similar to East Asians (Chinese, Japanese, and Korean). Conclusions The Bhutanese population is polymorphic for these CYP genes, except for CYP2C9*3. Similar to other populations, genetic testing for these genes may, therefore, be helpful to obtain the benefit from pharmacological treatments and prevent adverse drug reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palden Wangyel Dorji
- Graduate Studies, Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Thailand; Faculty of Nursing and Public Health, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Sonam Wangchuk
- Royal Centre of Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Kanyarat Boonprasert
- Center of Excellence in Pharmacology and Molecular Biology of Malaria and Cholangiocarcinoma, Thammasat University, Thailand
| | - Mayuri Tarasuk
- Center of Excellence in Pharmacology and Molecular Biology of Malaria and Cholangiocarcinoma, Thammasat University, Thailand
| | - Kesara Na-Bangchang
- Center of Excellence in Pharmacology and Molecular Biology of Malaria and Cholangiocarcinoma, Thammasat University, Thailand
- Drug Discovery and Development Center, Office of Advanced Science and Technology, Thammasat University, Thailand
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18
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Chung The H, Boinett C, Pham Thanh D, Jenkins C, Weill FX, Howden BP, Valcanis M, De Lappe N, Cormican M, Wangchuk S, Bodhidatta L, Mason CJ, Nguyen TNT, Ha Thanh T, Voong VP, Duong VT, Nguyen PHL, Turner P, Wick R, Ceyssens PJ, Thwaites G, Holt KE, Thomson NR, Rabaa MA, Baker S. Dissecting the molecular evolution of fluoroquinolone-resistant Shigella sonnei. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4828. [PMID: 31645551 PMCID: PMC6811581 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12823-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Shigella sonnei increasingly dominates the international epidemiological landscape of shigellosis. Treatment options for S. sonnei are dwindling due to resistance to several key antimicrobials, including the fluoroquinolones. Here we analyse nearly 400 S. sonnei whole genome sequences from both endemic and non-endemic regions to delineate the evolutionary history of the recently emergent fluoroquinolone-resistant S. sonnei. We reaffirm that extant resistant organisms belong to a single clonal expansion event. Our results indicate that sequential accumulation of defining mutations (gyrA-S83L, parC-S80I, and gyrA-D87G) led to the emergence of the fluoroquinolone-resistant S. sonnei population around 2007 in South Asia. This clone was then transmitted globally, resulting in establishments in Southeast Asia and Europe. Mutation analysis suggests that the clone became dominant through enhanced adaptation to oxidative stress. Experimental evolution reveals that under fluoroquinolone exposure in vitro, resistant S. sonnei develops further intolerance to the antimicrobial while the susceptible counterpart fails to attain complete resistance. Shigella sonnei is one of the main species causing shigellosis worldwide. Here the authors analyse nearly 400 S. sonnei genome sequences and carry out experimental evolution experiments to shed light into the evolutionary processes underlying the recent emergence of fluoroquinolone resistance in this pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chung The
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Christine Boinett
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Duy Pham Thanh
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Claire Jenkins
- Gastrointestinal Bacterial Reference Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | | | - Benjamin P Howden
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mary Valcanis
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Niall De Lappe
- National Salmonella, Shigella, and Listeria monocytogenes Reference Laboratory, University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Martin Cormican
- School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Sonam Wangchuk
- Public Health Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Ladaporn Bodhidatta
- Department of Enteric Diseases, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Carl J Mason
- Department of Enteric Diseases, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - To Nguyen Thi Nguyen
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Tuyen Ha Thanh
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Vinh Phat Voong
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Vu Thuy Duong
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Phu Huong Lan Nguyen
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Paul Turner
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Oxford University, Oxford, UK.,Cambodia-Oxford Medical Research Unit, Angkor Hospital for Children, Siem Reap, Cambodia
| | - Ryan Wick
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | | | - Guy Thwaites
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Kathryn E Holt
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Nicholas R Thomson
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Maia A Rabaa
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. .,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Oxford University, Oxford, UK.
| | - Stephen Baker
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Oxford University, Oxford, UK.,Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, The Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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19
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Wangchuk S, Nogareda F, Tshering N, Khandu L, Pelden S, Wannemuehler K, Wangdi S, Wangchuk U, Mulders M, Tamang T, Patel MK. Measles and rubella immunity in the population of Bhutan, 2017. Vaccine 2019; 37:6463-6469. [PMID: 31500970 PMCID: PMC7034396 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.08.085] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2017, measles elimination was verified in Bhutan, and the country appears to have sufficiently high vaccination coverage to achieve rubella elimination. However, a measles and rubella serosurvey was conducted to find if any hidden immunity gaps existed that could threaten Bhutan's elimination status. METHODS A nationwide, three-stage, cluster seroprevalence survey was conducted among individuals aged 1-4, 5-17, and >20 years in 2017. Demographic information and children's vaccination history were collected, and a blood specimen was drawn. Serum was tested for measles and rubella immunoglobulin G (IgG). Frequencies, weighted proportions, and prevalence ratios for measles and rubella seropositivity were calculated by demographic and vaccination history, taking into account the study design. RESULTS Of the 1325 individuals tested, 1045 (81%, 95% CI 78%-85%) were measles IgG seropositive, and 1290 (97%, 95% CI 95%-99%) were rubella IgG seropositive. Rubella IgG seropositivity was high in all three age strata, but only 47% of those aged 5-17 years were measles IgG seropositive. Additionally, only 41% of those aged 5-17 years who had documented receipt of two doses of measles- or measles-rubella-containing vaccine were seropositive for measles IgG, but almost all these children were rubella IgG seropositive. CONCLUSIONS An unexpected measles immunity gap was identified among children 5-17 years of age. It is unclear why this immunity gap exists; however, it could have led to a large outbreak and threatened sustaining of measles elimination in Bhutan. Based on this finding, a mass vaccination campaign was conducted to close the immunity gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonam Wangchuk
- Royal Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan, Wangchutaba, Serbithang, Thimphu, Bhutan.
| | - Francisco Nogareda
- World Health Organization Consultant, C/Juan de Austria, 13, 28010 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Namgay Tshering
- Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan, P.O. Box: 726, Kawajangsa, Thimphu, Bhutan.
| | - Lekey Khandu
- Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan, P.O. Box: 726, Kawajangsa, Thimphu, Bhutan.
| | - Sonam Pelden
- Royal Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan, Wangchutaba, Serbithang, Thimphu, Bhutan.
| | - Kathleen Wannemuehler
- Global Immunization Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30333, United States.
| | - Sonam Wangdi
- Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan, P.O. Box: 726, Kawajangsa, Thimphu, Bhutan.
| | - Ugyen Wangchuk
- Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan, P.O. Box: 726, Kawajangsa, Thimphu, Bhutan.
| | - Mick Mulders
- Expanded Programme on Immunization, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Tshewang Tamang
- Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan, P.O. Box: 726, Kawajangsa, Thimphu, Bhutan.
| | - Minal K Patel
- Expanded Programme on Immunization, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
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20
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Caini S, Kusznierz G, Garate VV, Wangchuk S, Thapa B, de Paula Júnior FJ, Ferreira de Almeida WA, Njouom R, Fasce RA, Bustos P, Feng L, Peng Z, Araya JL, Bruno A, de Mora D, Barahona de Gámez MJ, Pebody R, Zambon M, Higueros R, Rivera R, Kosasih H, Castrucci MR, Bella A, Kadjo HA, Daouda C, Makusheva A, Bessonova O, Chaves SS, Emukule GO, Heraud JM, Razanajatovo NH, Barakat A, El Falaki F, Meijer A, Donker GA, Huang QS, Wood T, Balmaseda A, Palekar R, Arévalo BM, Rodrigues AP, Guiomar R, Lee VJM, Ang LW, Cohen C, Treurnicht F, Mironenko A, Holubka O, Bresee J, Brammer L, Le MTQ, Hoang PVM, El Guerche-Séblain C, Paget J. The epidemiological signature of influenza B virus and its B/Victoria and B/Yamagata lineages in the 21st century. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0222381. [PMID: 31513690 PMCID: PMC6742362 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [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: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe the epidemiological characteristics, pattern of circulation, and geographical distribution of influenza B viruses and its lineages using data from the Global Influenza B Study. We included over 1.8 million influenza cases occurred in thirty-one countries during 2000–2018. We calculated the proportion of cases caused by influenza B and its lineages; determined the timing of influenza A and B epidemics; compared the age distribution of B/Victoria and B/Yamagata cases; and evaluated the frequency of lineage-level mismatch for the trivalent vaccine. The median proportion of influenza cases caused by influenza B virus was 23.4%, with a tendency (borderline statistical significance, p = 0.060) to be higher in tropical vs. temperate countries. Influenza B was the dominant virus type in about one every seven seasons. In temperate countries, influenza B epidemics occurred on average three weeks later than influenza A epidemics; no consistent pattern emerged in the tropics. The two B lineages caused a comparable proportion of influenza B cases globally, however the B/Yamagata was more frequent in temperate countries, and the B/Victoria in the tropics (p = 0.048). B/Yamagata patients were significantly older than B/Victoria patients in almost all countries. A lineage-level vaccine mismatch was observed in over 40% of seasons in temperate countries and in 30% of seasons in the tropics. The type B virus caused a substantial proportion of influenza infections globally in the 21st century, and its two virus lineages differed in terms of age and geographical distribution of patients. These findings will help inform health policy decisions aiming to reduce disease burden associated with seasonal influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saverio Caini
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), Utrecht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Gabriela Kusznierz
- National Institute of Respiratory Diseases "Emilio Coni", Santa Fe, Argentina
| | | | - Sonam Wangchuk
- Royal Centre for Disease Control, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Binay Thapa
- Royal Centre for Disease Control, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | | | | | - Richard Njouom
- Virology Department, Centre Pasteur of Cameroon, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Rodrigo A. Fasce
- Sub-Department of Viral Diseases, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Patricia Bustos
- Sub-Department of Viral Diseases, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luzhao Feng
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Zhibin Peng
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jenny Lara Araya
- National Influenza Center, Ministry of Health, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Alfredo Bruno
- National Institute of Public Health Research (INSPI), National Reference Centre for Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Agricultural University of Ecuador, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Doménica de Mora
- National Institute of Public Health Research (INSPI), National Reference Centre for Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | | | | | - Maria Zambon
- Public Health England, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Rocio Higueros
- National Influenza Center, Ministry of Health, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | | | | | - Maria Rita Castrucci
- National Influenza Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonino Bella
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Hervé A. Kadjo
- Department of Epidemic Virus, Institut Pasteur, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Coulibaly Daouda
- Service of Epidemiological Diseases Surveillance, National Institute of Public Hygiene, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Ainash Makusheva
- National Center of Expertise, Committee of Public Health Protection, Ministry of Health, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Olga Bessonova
- National Center of Expertise, Committee of Public Health Protection, Ministry of Health, Uralsk City, Kazakhstan
| | - Sandra S. Chaves
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Influenza Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gideon O. Emukule
- Influenza Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jean-Michel Heraud
- National Influenza Center, Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Norosoa H. Razanajatovo
- National Influenza Center, Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Amal Barakat
- National Influenza Center, Institut National d'Hygiène, Ministry of Health, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Fatima El Falaki
- National Influenza Center, Institut National d'Hygiène, Ministry of Health, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Adam Meijer
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Centre for Infectious Diseases Research, Diagnostics and Laboratory Surveillance, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Gé A. Donker
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Q. Sue Huang
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Weillngton, New Zealand
| | - Tim Wood
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Weillngton, New Zealand
| | - Angel Balmaseda
- National Influenza Center, Ministry of Health, Managua, Nicaragua
| | - Rakhee Palekar
- Pan American Health Organization, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | | | - Ana Paula Rodrigues
- Department of epidemiology, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Raquel Guiomar
- National Influenza Reference Laboratory, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Li Wei Ang
- Public Health Group, Ministry of Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cheryl Cohen
- Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Florette Treurnicht
- Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Alla Mironenko
- L.V.Gromashevsky Institute of Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases, National Academy of Medical Science of Ukraine, Department of Respiratory and other Viral Infections, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Olha Holubka
- L.V.Gromashevsky Institute of Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases, National Academy of Medical Science of Ukraine, Department of Respiratory and other Viral Infections, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Joseph Bresee
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Lynnette Brammer
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Mai T. Q. Le
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Clotilde El Guerche-Séblain
- Global Vaccine Epidemiology and Modeling Department (VEM), Franchise Epidemiologist, Sanofi Pasteur, Lyon, France
| | - John Paget
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), Utrecht, The Netherlands
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21
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Wangchuk S, Gyeltshen S, Dorji K, Wangdi T, Dukpa T, Namgay R, Dorjee S, Tobgay T, Chaijaroenkul W, Na-Bangchang K. Malaria elimination in Bhutan: asymptomatic malaria cases in the Bhutanese population living in malaria-risk areas and in migrant workers from India. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2019; 61:e52. [PMID: 31531630 PMCID: PMC6746194 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946201961052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2018, Bhutan reported 54 cases of malaria, of which six were indigenous, 14 introduced and 34 imported. Considering the continuous reduction in the number of indigenous cases, Bhutan plans to eliminate malaria by 2025 under the Bhutan Malaria Elimination Strategy. The study was conducted to assess the presence of asymptomatic plasmodial infection in both, Bhutanese population living in malaria-risk areas and in migrant workers to guide the elimination strategies. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2016 in 750 Bhutanese people and 473 migrant workers. Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections were investigated by using a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Prevalence of asymptomatic plasmodial infection based on PCR was 0.27% (95% CI: 0.05–1.07%) among Bhutanese people with a mean age of 43 years old. The proportions of males and females were 45% and 55%, respectively. Among migrant workers, the prevalence of asymptomatic plasmodial infection was 0.42% (95% CI: 0.07–1.69%) with a mean age of 30 years old. The majority of migrant workers were from the neighboring Indian State of West Bengal (57.51%), followed by Assam (12.26%). RDT in both study groups did not detect any plasmodial infection. The presence of a low prevalence of asymptomatic plasmodial infection indicates that the current elimination strategies and interventions are effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonam Wangchuk
- Bhutan Ministry of Health, Royal Center for Disease Control, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Sonam Gyeltshen
- Bhutan Ministry of Health, Royal Center for Disease Control, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Kunzang Dorji
- Bhutan Ministry of Health, Royal Center for Disease Control, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Tenzin Wangdi
- Bhutan Ministry of Health, Department of Public Health, Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Tobgyel Dukpa
- Bhutan Ministry of Health, Department of Public Health, Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Rinzin Namgay
- Bhutan Ministry of Health, Department of Public Health, Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Sithar Dorjee
- Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority, Thimphu, Bhutan.,Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Science, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Tashi Tobgay
- Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Science, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Wanna Chaijaroenkul
- Thammasat University, Cholangiocarcinoma, Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Center of Excellence in Pharmacology and Molecular Biology of Malaria, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Kesara Na-Bangchang
- Thammasat University, Cholangiocarcinoma, Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Center of Excellence in Pharmacology and Molecular Biology of Malaria, Pathumthani, Thailand
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22
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Commons RJ, Simpson JA, Thriemer K, Chu CS, Douglas NM, Abreha T, Alemu SG, Añez A, Anstey NM, Aseffa A, Assefa A, Awab GR, Baird JK, Barber BE, Borghini-Fuhrer I, D'Alessandro U, Dahal P, Daher A, de Vries PJ, Erhart A, Gomes MSM, Grigg MJ, Hwang J, Kager PA, Ketema T, Khan WA, Lacerda MVG, Leslie T, Ley B, Lidia K, Monteiro WM, Pereira DB, Phan GT, Phyo AP, Rowland M, Saravu K, Sibley CH, Siqueira AM, Stepniewska K, Taylor WRJ, Thwaites G, Tran BQ, Hien TT, Vieira JLF, Wangchuk S, Watson J, William T, Woodrow CJ, Nosten F, Guerin PJ, White NJ, Price RN. The haematological consequences of Plasmodium vivax malaria after chloroquine treatment with and without primaquine: a WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis. BMC Med 2019; 17:151. [PMID: 31366382 PMCID: PMC6670141 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-019-1386-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria causes a reduction in haemoglobin that is compounded by primaquine, particularly in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. The aim of this study was to determine the relative contributions to red cell loss of malaria and primaquine in patients with uncomplicated Plasmodium vivax. METHODS A systematic review identified P. vivax efficacy studies of chloroquine with or without primaquine published between January 2000 and March 2017. Individual patient data were pooled using standardised methodology, and the haematological response versus time was quantified using a multivariable linear mixed effects model with non-linear terms for time. Mean differences in haemoglobin between treatment groups at day of nadir and day 42 were estimated from this model. RESULTS In total, 3421 patients from 29 studies were included: 1692 (49.5%) with normal G6PD status, 1701 (49.7%) with unknown status and 28 (0.8%) deficient or borderline individuals. Of 1975 patients treated with chloroquine alone, the mean haemoglobin fell from 12.22 g/dL [95% CI 11.93, 12.50] on day 0 to a nadir of 11.64 g/dL [11.36, 11.93] on day 2, before rising to 12.88 g/dL [12.60, 13.17] on day 42. In comparison to chloroquine alone, the mean haemoglobin in 1446 patients treated with chloroquine plus primaquine was - 0.13 g/dL [- 0.27, 0.01] lower at day of nadir (p = 0.072), but 0.49 g/dL [0.28, 0.69] higher by day 42 (p < 0.001). On day 42, patients with recurrent parasitaemia had a mean haemoglobin concentration - 0.72 g/dL [- 0.90, - 0.54] lower than patients without recurrence (p < 0.001). Seven days after starting primaquine, G6PD normal patients had a 0.3% (1/389) risk of clinically significant haemolysis (fall in haemoglobin > 25% to < 7 g/dL) and a 1% (4/389) risk of a fall in haemoglobin > 5 g/dL. CONCLUSIONS Primaquine has the potential to reduce malaria-related anaemia at day 42 and beyond by preventing recurrent parasitaemia. Its widespread implementation will require accurate diagnosis of G6PD deficiency to reduce the risk of drug-induced haemolysis in vulnerable individuals. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial was registered with PROSPERO: CRD42016053312. The date of the first registration was 23 December 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Commons
- Global Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. .,WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Clinical Module, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
| | - Julie A Simpson
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kamala Thriemer
- Global Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Cindy S Chu
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Nicholas M Douglas
- Global Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.,Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tesfay Abreha
- ICAP, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Sisay G Alemu
- Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.,Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Arletta Añez
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Organización Panamericana de Salud, Oficina de País Bolivia, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - Nicholas M Anstey
- Global Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Abraham Aseffa
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ashenafi Assefa
- Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Research Team, Bacterial, Parasitic, Zoonotic Diseases Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ghulam R Awab
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Nangarhar Medical Faculty, Nangarhar University, Jalalabad, Afghanistan
| | - J Kevin Baird
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Eijkman-Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Bridget E Barber
- Global Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.,Infectious Diseases Society Sabah-Menzies School of Health Research Clinical Research Unit, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Prabin Dahal
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, UK
| | - André Daher
- Institute of Drug Technology (Farmanguinhos), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Vice-presidency of Research and Reference Laboratories, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Peter J de Vries
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tergooi Hospital, Hilversum, the Netherlands
| | - Annette Erhart
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at LSTMH, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Margarete S M Gomes
- Superintendência de Vigilância em Saúde do Estado do Amapá - SVS/AP, Macapá, Amapá, Brazil.,Universidade Federal do Amapá - UNIFAP, Macapá, Amapá, Brazil
| | - Matthew J Grigg
- Global Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.,Infectious Diseases Society Sabah-Menzies School of Health Research Clinical Research Unit, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Jimee Hwang
- U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, Malaria Branch, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA.,Global Health Group, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Piet A Kager
- Centre for Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINEMA), Division of Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine and AIDS, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tsige Ketema
- Department of Biology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.,Department of Biology, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Wasif A Khan
- International Centre for Diarrheal Diseases and Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Marcus V G Lacerda
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil.,Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane (FIOCRUZ-Amazonas), Manaus, Brazil
| | - Toby Leslie
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,HealthNet-TPO, Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Benedikt Ley
- Global Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Kartini Lidia
- The Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Nusa Cendana University, Kupang, Indonesia
| | - Wuelton M Monteiro
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil.,Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Dhelio B Pereira
- Centro de Pesquisa em Medicina Tropical de Rondônia (CEPEM), Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil.,Universidade Federal de Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Giao T Phan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine and AIDS, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Tropical Diseases Clinical Research Center, Cho Ray Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Aung P Phyo
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Mark Rowland
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Kavitha Saravu
- Department of Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Madhav Nagar, Manipal, Karnataka, India.,Manipal McGill Center for Infectious Diseases, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Carol H Sibley
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, UK.,Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - André M Siqueira
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Kasia Stepniewska
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, UK
| | - Walter R J Taylor
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Guy Thwaites
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Binh Q Tran
- Tropical Diseases Clinical Research Center, Cho Ray Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Tran T Hien
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - José Luiz F Vieira
- Federal University of Pará (Universidade Federal do Pará - UFPA), Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Sonam Wangchuk
- Public Health Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - James Watson
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Timothy William
- Infectious Diseases Society Sabah-Menzies School of Health Research Clinical Research Unit, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.,Gleneagles Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Charles J Woodrow
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Francois Nosten
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Philippe J Guerin
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, UK
| | - Nicholas J White
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ric N Price
- Global Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. .,WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Clinical Module, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. .,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Kandel P, Chettri N, Chaudhary RP, Badola HK, Gaira KS, Wangchuk S, Bidha N, Uprety Y, Sharma E. Plant diversity of the Kangchenjunga Landscape, Eastern Himalayas. Plant Divers 2019; 41:153-165. [PMID: 31453415 PMCID: PMC6702437 DOI: 10.1016/j.pld.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 04/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The Kangchenjunga Landscape (KL) in the Eastern Himalayas is a transboundary complex shared by Bhutan, India, and Nepal. It forms a part of the 'Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot' and is one of the biologically richest landscapes in the Eastern Himalayas. In this paper, we use secondary information to review and consolidate the knowledge on the flora of the KL. We reviewed 215 journal articles, analysed the history of publications on the flora of the KL, their publication pattern in terms of temporal and spatial distribution and key research areas. Our review shows that the landscape has a long history of botanical research that dates back to the 1840s and progressed remarkably after the 1980s. Most of the studies have been carried out in India, followed by Nepal and Bhutan. The majority of these have been vegetation surveys, followed by research on ethnobotanical aspects and Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). This paper describes the forest types and characteristic species of the KL and details the species richness, diversity and dominant families of seed plants. A total of 5198 species of seed plants belonging to 1548 genera and 216 families have been recorded from the landscape, including 3860 dicots, 1315 monocots and 23 gymnosperms. Among families, Orchidaceae is the most diversely represented family in terms of species richness. This paper also draws attention to the threatened and endemic flora of the KL, including 44 species that are threatened at national and global level and 182 species that are endemic. Finally, the paper reviews the major challenges facing the KL, the conservation efforts and practices that are currently in place and recommends systematic and comprehensive floral surveys, particularly long-term data collection and monitoring and transboundary collaboration, to address the existing knowledge gaps on floral diversity of the KL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratikshya Kandel
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Nakul Chettri
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Ram P. Chaudhary
- Research Centre for Applied Science and Technology (RECAST), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Hemant Kumar Badola
- G B Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development (GBPNIHESD), Sikkim, India
| | - Kailash S. Gaira
- G B Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development (GBPNIHESD), Sikkim, India
| | - Sonam Wangchuk
- Nature Conservation Division, Department of Forest and Park Services, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Namgay Bidha
- Nature Conservation Division, Department of Forest and Park Services, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Yadav Uprety
- Research Centre for Applied Science and Technology (RECAST), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Eklabya Sharma
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, Kathmandu, Nepal
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24
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Gurung J, Chettri N, Sharma E, Ning W, Chaudhary RP, Badola HK, Wangchuk S, Uprety Y, Gaira KS, Bidha N, Phuntsho K, Uddin K, Shah GM. Evolution of a transboundary landscape approach in the Hindu Kush Himalaya: Key learnings from the Kangchenjunga Landscape. Glob Ecol Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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25
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Thapa B, Roguski K, Azziz-Baumgartner E, Siener K, Gould P, Jamtsho T, Wangchuk S. The burden of influenza-associated respiratory hospitalizations in Bhutan, 2015-2016. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2018; 13:28-35. [PMID: 30137672 PMCID: PMC6304319 DOI: 10.1111/irv.12605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Influenza burden estimates help provide evidence to support influenza prevention and control programs. In this study, we estimated influenza-associated respiratory hospitalization rates in Bhutan, a country considering influenza vaccine introduction. METHODS Using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction laboratory results from severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) surveillance, we estimated the proportion of respiratory hospitalizations attributable to influenza each month among patients aged <5, 5-49, and ≥50 years in six Bhutanese districts for 2015 and 2016. We divided the sum of the monthly influenza-attributed hospitalizations by the total of the six district populations to generate age-specific rates for each year. RESULTS In 2015, 10% of SARI patients tested positive for influenza (64/659) and 18% tested positive (129/736) in 2016. The incidence of influenza-associated hospitalizations among all age groups was 50/100 000 persons (95% confidence interval [CI]: 45-55) in 2015 and 118/100 000 persons (95% CI: 110-127) in 2016. The highest rates were among children <5 years: 182/100 000 (95% CI: 153-210) in 2015 and 532/100 000 (95% CI: 473-591) in 2016. The second highest influenza-associated hospitalization rates were among adults ≥50 years: 110/100 000 (95% CI: 91-130) in 2015 and 193/100 000 (95% CI: 165-221) in 2016. CONCLUSIONS Influenza viruses were associated with a substantial burden of severe illness requiring hospitalization especially among children and older adults. These findings can be used to understand the potential impact of seasonal influenza vaccination in these age groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binay Thapa
- Royal Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Katherine Roguski
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Karen Siener
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Philip Gould
- Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.,Regional Office for South East Asia, World Health Organization, New Delhi, India
| | - Thinley Jamtsho
- Royal Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Sonam Wangchuk
- Royal Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
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26
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Commons RJ, Simpson JA, Thriemer K, Humphreys GS, Abreha T, Alemu SG, Añez A, Anstey NM, Awab GR, Baird JK, Barber BE, Borghini-Fuhrer I, Chu CS, D'Alessandro U, Dahal P, Daher A, de Vries PJ, Erhart A, Gomes MSM, Gonzalez-Ceron L, Grigg MJ, Heidari A, Hwang J, Kager PA, Ketema T, Khan WA, Lacerda MVG, Leslie T, Ley B, Lidia K, Monteiro WM, Nosten F, Pereira DB, Phan GT, Phyo AP, Rowland M, Saravu K, Sibley CH, Siqueira AM, Stepniewska K, Sutanto I, Taylor WRJ, Thwaites G, Tran BQ, Tran HT, Valecha N, Vieira JLF, Wangchuk S, William T, Woodrow CJ, Zuluaga-Idarraga L, Guerin PJ, White NJ, Price RN. The effect of chloroquine dose and primaquine on Plasmodium vivax recurrence: a WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network systematic review and individual patient pooled meta-analysis. Lancet Infect Dis 2018; 18:1025-1034. [PMID: 30033231 PMCID: PMC6105624 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(18)30348-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chloroquine remains the mainstay of treatment for Plasmodium vivax malaria despite increasing reports of treatment failure. We did a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effect of chloroquine dose and the addition of primaquine on the risk of recurrent vivax malaria across different settings. METHODS A systematic review done in MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews identified P vivax clinical trials published between Jan 1, 2000, and March 22, 2017. Principal investigators were invited to share individual patient data, which were pooled using standardised methods. Cox regression analyses with random effects for study site were used to investigate the roles of chloroquine dose and primaquine use on rate of recurrence between day 7 and day 42 (primary outcome). The review protocol is registered in PROSPERO, number CRD42016053310. FINDINGS Of 134 identified chloroquine studies, 37 studies (from 17 countries) and 5240 patients were included. 2990 patients were treated with chloroquine alone, of whom 1041 (34·8%) received a dose below the target 25 mg/kg. The risk of recurrence was 32·4% (95% CI 29·8-35·1) by day 42. After controlling for confounders, a 5 mg/kg higher chloroquine dose reduced the rate of recurrence overall (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] 0·82, 95% CI 0·69-0·97; p=0·021) and in children younger than 5 years (0·59, 0·41-0·86; p=0·0058). Adding primaquine reduced the risk of recurrence to 4·9% (95% CI 3·1-7·7) by day 42, which is lower than with chloroquine alone (AHR 0·10, 0·05-0·17; p<0·0001). INTERPRETATION Chloroquine is commonly under-dosed in the treatment of vivax malaria. Increasing the recommended dose to 30 mg/kg in children younger than 5 years could reduce substantially the risk of early recurrence when primaquine is not given. Radical cure with primaquine was highly effective in preventing early recurrence and may also improve blood schizontocidal efficacy against chloroquine-resistant P vivax. FUNDING Wellcome Trust, Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Commons
- Global Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia; WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network, Clinical module, Darwin, NT, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Julie A Simpson
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kamala Thriemer
- Global Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Georgina S Humphreys
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network, Oxford, UK; Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tesfay Abreha
- ICAP, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Sisay G Alemu
- College of Natural Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Arletta Añez
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Organización Panamericana de Salud, Oficina de país Bolivia, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - Nicholas M Anstey
- Global Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Ghulam R Awab
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Nangarhar Medical Faculty, Nangarhar University, Jalalabad Afghanistan
| | - J Kevin Baird
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Eijkman-Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Bridget E Barber
- Global Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia; Infectious Diseases Society Sabah-Menzies School of Health Research Clinical Research Unit, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | | | - Cindy S Chu
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Umberto D'Alessandro
- Unit of Malariology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; Medical Research Council Unit, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Prabin Dahal
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network, Oxford, UK; Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - André Daher
- Institute of Drug Technology (Farmanguinhos), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Vice-Presidency of Research and Reference Laboratories, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Peter J de Vries
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tergooi Hospital, Hilversum, Netherlands
| | - Annette Erhart
- Unit of Malariology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; Medical Research Council Unit, Fajara, The Gambia; Global Health Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Margarete S M Gomes
- Superintendência de Vigilância em Saúde do Estado do Amapá -SVS/AP, Macapá, Amapá, Brazil; Federal University of Amapá, Macapá, Amapá, Brazil
| | - Lilia Gonzalez-Ceron
- Regional Centre for Public Health Research, National Institute for Public Health, Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico
| | - Matthew J Grigg
- Global Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia; Infectious Diseases Society Sabah-Menzies School of Health Research Clinical Research Unit, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Aliehsan Heidari
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Jimee Hwang
- US President's Malaria Initiative, Malaria Branch, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA; Global Health Group, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Piet A Kager
- Centre for Infection and Immunity Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Tsige Ketema
- Department of Biology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Biology, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Wasif A Khan
- International Centre for Diarrheal Diseases and Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Marcus V G Lacerda
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil; Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane (FIOCRUZ-Amazonas), Manaus, Brazil
| | - Toby Leslie
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK; HealthNet-TPO, Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Benedikt Ley
- Global Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Kartini Lidia
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Nusa Cendana University, Kupang, Indonesia
| | - Wuelton M Monteiro
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Francois Nosten
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Dhelio B Pereira
- Centro de Pesquisa em Medicina Tropical de Rondônia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Giao T Phan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine and AIDS, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Tropical Diseases Clinical Research Center, Cho Ray Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Aung P Phyo
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Mark Rowland
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Kavitha Saravu
- Department of Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India; Manipal McGill Center for Infectious Diseases, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Carol H Sibley
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network, Oxford, UK; Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - André M Siqueira
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Tropical, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Inge Sutanto
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Walter R J Taylor
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Guy Thwaites
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Binh Q Tran
- Tropical Diseases Clinical Research Center, Cho Ray Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Hien T Tran
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | | | - Sonam Wangchuk
- Public Health Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Timothy William
- Infectious Diseases Society Sabah-Menzies School of Health Research Clinical Research Unit, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia; Infectious Diseases Unit, Clinical Research Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Charles J Woodrow
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Division of Clinical Sciences, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Philippe J Guerin
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network, Oxford, UK; Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicholas J White
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ric N Price
- Global Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia; WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network, Clinical module, Darwin, NT, Australia; Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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27
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Caini S, Spreeuwenberg P, Kusznierz GF, Rudi JM, Owen R, Pennington K, Wangchuk S, Gyeltshen S, Ferreira de Almeida WA, Pessanha Henriques CM, Njouom R, Vernet MA, Fasce RA, Andrade W, Yu H, Feng L, Yang J, Peng Z, Lara J, Bruno A, de Mora D, de Lozano C, Zambon M, Pebody R, Castillo L, Clara AW, Matute ML, Kosasih H, Nurhayati, Puzelli S, Rizzo C, Kadjo HA, Daouda C, Kiyanbekova L, Ospanova A, Mott JA, Emukule GO, Heraud JM, Razanajatovo NH, Barakat A, El Falaki F, Huang SQ, Lopez L, Balmaseda A, Moreno B, Rodrigues AP, Guiomar R, Ang LW, Lee VJM, Venter M, Cohen C, Badur S, Ciblak MA, Mironenko A, Holubka O, Bresee J, Brammer L, Hoang PVM, Le MTQ, Fleming D, Séblain CEG, Schellevis F, Paget J. Distribution of influenza virus types by age using case-based global surveillance data from twenty-nine countries, 1999-2014. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:269. [PMID: 29884140 PMCID: PMC5994061 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3181-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [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: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Influenza disease burden varies by age and this has important public health implications. We compared the proportional distribution of different influenza virus types within age strata using surveillance data from twenty-nine countries during 1999-2014 (N=358,796 influenza cases). Methods For each virus, we calculated a Relative Illness Ratio (defined as the ratio of the percentage of cases in an age group to the percentage of the country population in the same age group) for young children (0-4 years), older children (5-17 years), young adults (18-39 years), older adults (40-64 years), and the elderly (65+ years). We used random-effects meta-analysis models to obtain summary relative illness ratios (sRIRs), and conducted meta-regression and sub-group analyses to explore causes of between-estimates heterogeneity. Results The influenza virus with highest sRIR was A(H1N1) for young children, B for older children, A(H1N1)pdm2009 for adults, and (A(H3N2) for the elderly. As expected, considering the diverse nature of the national surveillance datasets included in our analysis, between-estimates heterogeneity was high (I2>90%) for most sRIRs. The variations of countries’ geographic, demographic and economic characteristics and the proportion of outpatients among reported influenza cases explained only part of the heterogeneity, suggesting that multiple factors were at play. Conclusions These results highlight the importance of presenting burden of disease estimates by age group and virus (sub)type. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12879-018-3181-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saverio Caini
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), Otterstraat 118-124, 3513, CR, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Peter Spreeuwenberg
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), Otterstraat 118-124, 3513, CR, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gabriela F Kusznierz
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias "Dr. Emilio Coni", Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Juan Manuel Rudi
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias "Dr. Emilio Coni", Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Rhonda Owen
- Vaccine Preventable Diseases Surveillance Section, Health Policy Protection branch, Office for Health Protection, Department of Health, Woden, Canberra, Australia
| | - Kate Pennington
- Vaccine Preventable Diseases Surveillance Section, Health Policy Protection branch, Office for Health Protection, Department of Health, Woden, Canberra, Australia
| | - Sonam Wangchuk
- Public Health Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Sonam Gyeltshen
- Public Health Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | | | | | - Richard Njouom
- Virology Department, Centre Pasteur of Cameroon, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Rodrigo A Fasce
- Sección Virus Respiratorios, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Winston Andrade
- Sección Virus Respiratorios, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Hongjie Yu
- Division of Infectious Disease, Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Early-warning on Infectious Disease, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Luzhao Feng
- Division of Infectious Disease, Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Early-warning on Infectious Disease, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Yang
- Division of Infectious Disease, Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Early-warning on Infectious Disease, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Zhibin Peng
- Division of Infectious Disease, Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Early-warning on Infectious Disease, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jenny Lara
- National Influenza Center, Ministry of Health, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Alfredo Bruno
- Instituto Nacional de Investigacion en Salud Publica (INSPI), Centro de Referencia Nacional de Influenza y otros Virus Respiratorios, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Doménica de Mora
- Instituto Nacional de Investigacion en Salud Publica (INSPI), Centro de Referencia Nacional de Influenza y otros Virus Respiratorios, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Celina de Lozano
- National Influenza Center, Ministry of Health, San Salvador, El Salvador
| | - Maria Zambon
- Respiratory Virus Unit, Public Health England, London, Colindale, UK
| | - Richard Pebody
- Respiratory Diseases Department, Public Health England, London, Colindale, UK
| | - Leticia Castillo
- National Influenza Center, Ministry of Health, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Alexey W Clara
- US Centers for Disease Control, Central American Region, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | | | | | - Nurhayati
- US Naval Medical Research Unit No.2, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Simona Puzelli
- National Influenza Center, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Rizzo
- National Center for Epidemiology, Surveillance and Health Promotion, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Herve A Kadjo
- Department of Epidemic Virus, Institut Pasteur, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Coulibaly Daouda
- Service of Epidemiological Diseases Surveillance, National Institute of Public Hygiene, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Lyazzat Kiyanbekova
- National Center of Expertise, Committee of Consumer Right Protection, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Akerke Ospanova
- Zonal Virology Laboratory, National Center of Expertise, Committee of Consumer Right Protection, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Joshua A Mott
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Kenya Country Office, Nairobi, Kenya.,US Public Health Service, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Gideon O Emukule
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Kenya Country Office, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jean-Michel Heraud
- National Influenza Center, Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur of Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | | | - Amal Barakat
- National Influenza Center, Institut National d'Hygiène, Ministry of Health, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Fatima El Falaki
- National Influenza Center, Institut National d'Hygiène, Ministry of Health, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Sue Q Huang
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Liza Lopez
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Angel Balmaseda
- National Influenza Center, Ministry of Health, Managua, Nicaragua
| | - Brechla Moreno
- National Influenza Center, IC Gorgas, Panama City, Panama
| | - Ana Paula Rodrigues
- Department of epidemiology, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Raquel Guiomar
- National Influenza Reference Laboratory, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Li Wei Ang
- Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Marietjie Venter
- Global Disease Detection, US-CDC, Pretoria, South Africa.,Zoonoses Research Center, Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Cheryl Cohen
- Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis (CRDM), National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa.,School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | | | - Alla Mironenko
- L.V.Gromashevsky Institute of Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases National Academy of Medical Science of Ukraine, Reiv, Ukraine
| | - Olha Holubka
- L.V.Gromashevsky Institute of Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases National Academy of Medical Science of Ukraine, Reiv, Ukraine
| | - Joseph Bresee
- Epidemiology and Prevention Branch, Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lynnette Brammer
- Epidemiology and Prevention Branch, Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - François Schellevis
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), Otterstraat 118-124, 3513, CR, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of General Practice & Elderly Care Medicine, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - John Paget
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), Otterstraat 118-124, 3513, CR, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Penjor U, Macdonald DW, Wangchuk S, Tandin T, Tan CKW. Identifying important conservation areas for the clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa in a mountainous landscape: Inference from spatial modeling techniques. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:4278-4291. [PMID: 29721297 PMCID: PMC5916301 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [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: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The survival of large carnivores is increasingly precarious due to extensive human development that causes the habitat loss and fragmentation. Habitat selection is influenced by anthropogenic as well as environmental factors, and understanding these relationships is important for conservation management. We assessed the environmental and anthropogenic variables that influence site use of clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa in Bhutan, estimated their population density, and used the results to predict the species’ site use across Bhutan. We used a large camera‐trap dataset from the national tiger survey to estimate for clouded leopards, for the first time in Bhutan, (1) population density using spatially explicit capture–recapture models and (2) site‐use probability using occupancy models accounting for spatial autocorrelation. Population density was estimated at D^Bayesian=0.40 (0.10 SD) and D^maximum−likelihood=0.30 (0.12 SE) per 100 km2. Clouded leopard site use was positively associated with forest cover and distance to river while negatively associated with elevation. Mean site‐use probability (from the Bayesian spatial model) was ψ^spatial=0.448 (0.076 SD). When spatial autocorrelation was ignored, the probability of site use was overestimated, ψ^nonspatial=0.826 (0.066 SD). Predictive mapping allowed us to identify important conservation areas and priority habitats to sustain the future of these elusive, ambassador felids and associated guilds. Multiple sites in the south, many of them outside of protected areas, were identified as habitats suitable for this species, adding evidence to conservation planning for clouded leopards in continental South Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugyen Penjor
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit Department of Zoology University of Oxford, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre Tubney Oxfordshire UK.,Nature Conservation Division Department of Forests and Park Services Ministry of Agriculture and Forests Thimphu Bhutan
| | - David W Macdonald
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit Department of Zoology University of Oxford, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre Tubney Oxfordshire UK
| | - Sonam Wangchuk
- Nature Conservation Division Department of Forests and Park Services Ministry of Agriculture and Forests Thimphu Bhutan
| | - Tandin Tandin
- Nature Conservation Division Department of Forests and Park Services Ministry of Agriculture and Forests Thimphu Bhutan
| | - Cedric Kai Wei Tan
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit Department of Zoology University of Oxford, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre Tubney Oxfordshire UK
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Wangchuk S, Matsumoto T, Iha H, Ahmed K. Surveillance of norovirus among children with diarrhea in four major hospitals in Bhutan: Replacement of GII.21 by GII.3 as a dominant genotype. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184826. [PMID: 28910371 PMCID: PMC5599041 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [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: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diarrhea is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among Bhutanese children. The etiology of diarrhea is not well known due to the challenges of conducting routine surveillance with Bhutan’s modest research facilities. Establishing an etiology is crucial toward generating evidence that will contribute to policy discussions on a diarrheal disease control program. Our previous study, during 2010–2012, revealed that norovirus (NoV) is an important cause of diarrhea among Bhutanese children, and that GII.21 was the major genotype circulating at that time. In other countries, GII.4 is the major genotype responsible for NoV infections. In this update report, we provide new prevalence data to describe the progression of the transformation and distribution of the NoV genotype among Bhutanese children. Methods From June 2013 through May 2014, diarrheal stool samples were collected at one national referral hospital in Thimphu, two regional referral hospitals in the eastern and central regions, and one general hospital in the western region of Bhutan. NoV was detected by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR), by amplifying the capsid gene. The RT–PCR results were confirmed by nucleotide sequencing of the amplicons. Results The proportion of NoV-positive stool samples was 23.6% (147/623), of which 76.9% were NoV GII and the remainders were NoV GI. The median age of infected children was 15.5 months, with a fairly balanced female: male ratio. NoV GII was most prevalent in the colder months (late November–mid April) and NoV GI had the highest prevalence in the summer (mid April–late September). Nucleotide sequencing was successful in 99 samples of GII strains. The most common genotypes were GII.3 (42.6%), GII.4 Sydney 2012 (15.8%), and GII.4 unassigned (11.9%). No GII.21 was found in any child in the present study. Phylogenetic analysis showed that GII.3 strains in the present study belonged to an independent cluster in lineage B. These strains shared an ancestor with those from different countries and Bhutanese strains circulating during 2010. Conclusion NoV remains an important cause of diarrhea among Bhutanese children. Genotype GII.3 from a single ancestor strain has spread, replacing the previously circulating GII.21. Current NoV genotypes are similar to the strains circulating worldwide but are primarily related to those in neighboring countries. NoV GII is prevalent during the cold season, while GI is prevalent during the summer. To develop a NoV infection control policy, further studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonam Wangchuk
- Dept. of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Yufu, Japan
- Royal Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Takashi Matsumoto
- Dept. of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Yufu, Japan
| | - Hidekatsu Iha
- Dept. of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Yufu, Japan
| | - Kamruddin Ahmed
- Dept. of Pathobiology and Medical Diagnostics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
- * E-mail:
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Shah AS, Karunaratne K, Shakya G, Barreto I, Khare S, Paveenkittiporn W, Wangchuk S, Tin HH, Muhsin MA, Aung L, Bhatia R, Srivastava R, Maryandi DA. Strengthening laboratory surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in South East Asia. BMJ 2017; 358:j3474. [PMID: 28874340 PMCID: PMC5598293 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.j3474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Aparna Shah and colleagues call on South East Asian countries to invest in national networks of laboratories for robust and standardised surveillance of antimicrobial resistance
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Singh Shah
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for South East Asia, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Geeta Shakya
- National Public Health Laboratory Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Shashi Khare
- National Centre for Disease Control, Delhi, India
| | | | | | | | | | - Lin Aung
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for South East Asia, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajesh Bhatia
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for South East Asia, New Delhi, India
| | - Rahul Srivastava
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for South East Asia, New Delhi, India
| | - Dwi Adi Maryandi
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for South East Asia, New Delhi, India
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Rutvisuttinunt W, Klungthong C, Thaisomboonsuk B, Chinnawirotpisan P, Ajariyakhajorn C, Manasatienkij W, Phonpakobsin T, Lon C, Saunders D, Wangchuk S, Shrestha SK, Velasco JMS, Alera MTP, Simasathien S, Buddhari D, Jarman RG, Macareo LR, Yoon IK, Fernandez S. Retrospective use of next-generation sequencing reveals the presence of Enteroviruses in acute influenza-like illness respiratory samples collected in South/South-East Asia during 2010-2013. J Clin Virol 2017; 94:91-99. [PMID: 28779659 PMCID: PMC7106496 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [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: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Next-generation Sequencing (NGS) was adopted in routine respiratory pathogen surveillance from South/South East (S/SE) Asia during 2010–2013. From 12,865 respiratory collections from ILI patients, 324 CPE-positive from 4,478 viral isolations were negative by standard assays. The CPE-positive samples were pooled, screened using NGS and validated the presence of the pathogens identified from NGS. Herpes simplex virus type 1, parainfluenza, adenovirus, coronavirus, human metapneumovirus, mumps virus and enterovirus genus were detected. NGS on pooled samples can be applied to surveillance work, identifying medically important viruses which may have missed by conventional methods.
Background Emerging and re-emerging respiratory pathogens represent an increasing threat to public health. Etiological determination during outbreaks generally relies on clinical information, occasionally accompanied by traditional laboratory molecular or serological testing. Often, this limited testing leads to inconclusive findings. The Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS) collected 12,865 nasopharyngeal specimens from acute influenza-like illness (ILI) patients in five countries in South/South East Asia during 2010–2013. Three hundred and twenty-four samples which were found to be negative for influenza virus after screening with real-time RT-PCR and cell-based culture techniques demonstrated the potential for viral infection with evident cytopathic effect (CPE) in several cell lines. Objective To assess whether whole genome next-generation sequencing (WG-NGS) together with conventional molecular assays can be used to reveal the etiology of influenza negative, but CPE positive specimens. Study design The supernatant of these CPE positive cell cultures were grouped in 32 pools containing 2–26 supernatants per pool. Three WG-NGS runs were performed on these supernatant pools. Sequence reads were used to identify positive pools containing viral pathogens. Individual samples in the positive pools were confirmed by qRT-PCR, RT-PCR, PCR and Sanger sequencing from the CPE culture and original clinical specimens. Results WG-NGS was an effective way to expand pathogen identification in surveillance studies. This enabled the identification of a viral agent in 71.3% (231/324) of unidentified surveillance samples, including common respiratory pathogens (100/324; 30.9%): enterovirus (16/100; 16.0%), coxsackievirus (31/100; 31.0%), echovirus (22/100; 22.0%), human rhinovirus (3/100; 3%), enterovirus genus (2/100; 2.0%), influenza A (9/100; 9.0%), influenza B, (5/100; 5.0%), human parainfluenza (4/100; 4.0%), human adenovirus (3/100; 3.0%), human coronavirus (1/100; 1.0%), human metapneumovirus (2/100; 2.0%), and mumps virus (2/100; 2.0%), in addition to the non-respiratory pathogen herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) (172/324; 53.1%) and HSV-1 co-infection with respiratory viruses (41/324; 12.7%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiriya Rutvisuttinunt
- Department of Virology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, 315/6, Rajavithi Road, Rajathewi, Bangkok, Thailand; Walter Reed/AFRIMS Research Unit Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal.
| | - Chonticha Klungthong
- Department of Virology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, 315/6, Rajavithi Road, Rajathewi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Butsaya Thaisomboonsuk
- Department of Virology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, 315/6, Rajavithi Road, Rajathewi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Piyawan Chinnawirotpisan
- Department of Virology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, 315/6, Rajavithi Road, Rajathewi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chuanpis Ajariyakhajorn
- Department of Virology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, 315/6, Rajavithi Road, Rajathewi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wudtichai Manasatienkij
- Department of Virology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, 315/6, Rajavithi Road, Rajathewi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thipwipha Phonpakobsin
- Department of Virology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, 315/6, Rajavithi Road, Rajathewi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chanthap Lon
- Department of Immunology and Medicine, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, 315/6, Rajavithi Road, Rajathewi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - David Saunders
- Department of Immunology and Medicine, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, 315/6, Rajavithi Road, Rajathewi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sonam Wangchuk
- Royal Centre for Disease Control, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Sanjaya K Shrestha
- Walter Reed/AFRIMS Research Unit Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal; Center for International Health, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - John Mark S Velasco
- Department of Virology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, 315/6, Rajavithi Road, Rajathewi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Maria Theresa P Alera
- Department of Virology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, 315/6, Rajavithi Road, Rajathewi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Darunee Buddhari
- Department of Virology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, 315/6, Rajavithi Road, Rajathewi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Richard G Jarman
- Department of Virology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, 315/6, Rajavithi Road, Rajathewi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Louis R Macareo
- Department of Virology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, 315/6, Rajavithi Road, Rajathewi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - In-Kyu Yoon
- Department of Virology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, 315/6, Rajavithi Road, Rajathewi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Stefan Fernandez
- Department of Virology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, 315/6, Rajavithi Road, Rajathewi, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Wangchuk S, Pelden S, Dorji T, Tenzin S, Thapa B, Zangmo S, Gurung R, Dukpa K, Tenzin T. Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus IgG in Goats, Bhutan. Emerg Infect Dis 2016; 22:919-20. [PMID: 27088568 PMCID: PMC4861520 DOI: 10.3201/eid2205.151777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
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Tsheten T, Tshering D, Gyem K, Dorji S, Wangchuk S, Tenzin T, Norbu L, Jamtsho T. An Outbreak of Aeromonas hydrophila Food Poisoning in Deptsang Village, Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan, 2016. J Res Health Sci 2016; 16:224-227. [PMID: 28087856 PMCID: PMC7189925] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An outbreak investigation was carried out to determine the cause and confirm the source of food poisoning in Deptsang village for implementing prevention and control measures. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study for the outbreak investigation. Stool specimens were collected from cases to perform culture and antibiogram. The team also inspected the environment and hygiene practices in both the construction site and the entire community. The association between the exposure to carcass meat and their outcome of acute gastroenteritis was assessed by risk ratio. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Fifty-five villagers consumed the carcass meat during lunch and dinner resulting in 33 cases. Multi-drug resistant Aeromonas hydrophila was isolated from stool specimens of cases, which were susceptible to chloramphenicol only. A risk ratio of 2.1 was found between those people who consumed the carcass meat and those who did not consume the carcass meat (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The current outbreak of food poisoning was caused by the consumption of carcass meat contaminated with A. hydrophila. Provision of health education with emphasis on food hygiene is needed in remote areas to prevent such outbreaks in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsheten Tsheten
- a Royal Center for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Bhutan
,Correspondence Tsheten Tsheten (MPH) Tel: +975 17304883 Fax: +975 02 332464
| | - Dorji Tshering
- a Royal Center for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Bhutan
| | - Kinley Gyem
- a Royal Center for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Bhutan
| | - Sangay Dorji
- a Royal Center for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Bhutan
| | - Sonam Wangchuk
- a Royal Center for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Bhutan
| | | | - Lungten Norbu
- c Minjiwoong Basic Health Unit, Jomotsangkha Dungkhag, Samdrup/Jongkhar, Bhutan
| | - Tshering Jamtsho
- c Minjiwoong Basic Health Unit, Jomotsangkha Dungkhag, Samdrup/Jongkhar, Bhutan
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Chung The H, Rabaa MA, Pham Thanh D, De Lappe N, Cormican M, Valcanis M, Howden BP, Wangchuk S, Bodhidatta L, Mason CJ, Nguyen Thi Nguyen T, Vu Thuy D, Thompson CN, Phu Huong Lan N, Voong Vinh P, Ha Thanh T, Turner P, Sar P, Thwaites G, Thomson NR, Holt KE, Baker S. South Asia as a Reservoir for the Global Spread of Ciprofloxacin-Resistant Shigella sonnei: A Cross-Sectional Study. PLoS Med 2016; 13:e1002055. [PMID: 27483136 PMCID: PMC4970813 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial resistance is a major issue in the Shigellae, particularly as a specific multidrug-resistant (MDR) lineage of Shigella sonnei (lineage III) is becoming globally dominant. Ciprofloxacin is a recommended treatment for Shigella infections. However, ciprofloxacin-resistant S. sonnei are being increasingly isolated in Asia and sporadically reported on other continents. We hypothesized that Asia is a primary hub for the recent international spread of ciprofloxacin-resistant S. sonnei. METHODS AND FINDINGS We performed whole-genome sequencing on a collection of 60 contemporaneous ciprofloxacin-resistant S. sonnei isolated in four countries within Asia (Vietnam, n = 11; Bhutan, n = 12; Thailand, n = 1; Cambodia, n = 1) and two outside of Asia (Australia, n = 19; Ireland, n = 16). We reconstructed the recent evolutionary history of these organisms and combined these data with their geographical location of isolation. Placing these sequences into a global phylogeny, we found that all ciprofloxacin-resistant S. sonnei formed a single clade within a Central Asian expansion of lineage III. Furthermore, our data show that resistance to ciprofloxacin within S. sonnei may be globally attributed to a single clonal emergence event, encompassing sequential gyrA-S83L, parC-S80I, and gyrA-D87G mutations. Geographical data predict that South Asia is the likely primary source of these organisms, which are being regularly exported across Asia and intercontinentally into Australia, the United States and Europe. Our analysis was limited by the number of S. sonnei sequences available from diverse geographical areas and time periods, and we cannot discount the potential existence of other unsampled reservoir populations of antimicrobial-resistant S. sonnei. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that a single clone, which is widespread in South Asia, is likely driving the current intercontinental surge of ciprofloxacin-resistant S. sonnei and is capable of establishing endemic transmission in new locations. Despite being limited in geographical scope, our work has major implications for understanding the international transfer of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, with S. sonnei acting as a tractable model for studying how antimicrobial-resistant Gram-negative bacteria spread globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chung The
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Maia A. Rabaa
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Duy Pham Thanh
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Niall De Lappe
- National Salmonella, Shigella, and Listeria monocytogenes Reference Laboratory, University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Martin Cormican
- School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Mary Valcanis
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Benjamin P. Howden
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sonam Wangchuk
- Public Health Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Ladaporn Bodhidatta
- Department of Enteric Diseases, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Carl J. Mason
- Department of Enteric Diseases, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - To Nguyen Thi Nguyen
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Duong Vu Thuy
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Corinne N. Thompson
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nguyen Phu Huong Lan
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Phat Voong Vinh
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Tuyen Ha Thanh
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Paul Turner
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Cambodia-Oxford Medical Research Unit, Angkor Hospital for Children, Siem Reap, Cambodia
| | - Poda Sar
- Cambodia-Oxford Medical Research Unit, Angkor Hospital for Children, Siem Reap, Cambodia
| | - Guy Thwaites
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas R. Thomson
- The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn E. Holt
- Centre for Systems Genomics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stephen Baker
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
- The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
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Caini S, Huang QS, Ciblak MA, Kusznierz G, Owen R, Wangchuk S, Henriques CMP, Njouom R, Fasce RA, Yu H, Feng L, Zambon M, Clara AW, Kosasih H, Puzelli S, Kadjo HA, Emukule G, Heraud JM, Ang LW, Venter M, Mironenko A, Brammer L, Mai LTQ, Schellevis F, Plotkin S, Paget J. Epidemiological and virological characteristics of influenza B: results of the Global Influenza B Study. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2016; 9 Suppl 1:3-12. [PMID: 26256290 PMCID: PMC4549097 DOI: 10.1111/irv.12319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Literature on influenza focuses on influenza A, despite influenza B having a large public health impact. The Global Influenza B Study aims to collect information on global epidemiology and burden of disease of influenza B since 2000. METHODS Twenty-six countries in the Southern (n = 5) and Northern (n = 7) hemispheres and intertropical belt (n = 14) provided virological and epidemiological data. We calculated the proportion of influenza cases due to type B and Victoria and Yamagata lineages in each country and season; tested the correlation between proportion of influenza B and maximum weekly influenza-like illness (ILI) rate during the same season; determined the frequency of vaccine mismatches; and described the age distribution of cases by virus type. RESULTS The database included 935 673 influenza cases (2000-2013). Overall median proportion of influenza B was 22·6%, with no statistically significant differences across seasons. During seasons where influenza B was dominant or co-circulated (>20% of total detections), Victoria and Yamagata lineages predominated during 64% and 36% of seasons, respectively, and a vaccine mismatch was observed in ≈25% of seasons. Proportion of influenza B was inversely correlated with maximum ILI rate in the same season in the Northern and (with borderline significance) Southern hemispheres. Patients infected with influenza B were usually younger (5-17 years) than patients infected with influenza A. CONCLUSION Influenza B is a common disease with some epidemiological differences from influenza A. This should be considered when optimizing control/prevention strategies in different regions and reducing the global burden of disease due to influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saverio Caini
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Q Sue Huang
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Gabriela Kusznierz
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Dr. Emilio Coni, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Rhonda Owen
- Department of Health and Ageing, Influenza Surveillance Section, Surveillance Branch, Office of Health Protection, Woden, ACT, Australia
| | - Sonam Wangchuk
- Public Health Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | | | - Richard Njouom
- Service de Virologie, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Rodrigo A Fasce
- Sección de Virus Respiratorios y Exantemáticos, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Hongjie Yu
- Division of Infectious Disease, Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Early-warning on Infectious Disease, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Luzhao Feng
- Division of Infectious Disease, Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Early-warning on Infectious Disease, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Maria Zambon
- Respiratory Virus Unit, Public Health England, Colindale, UK
| | - Alexey W Clara
- US Centers for Disease Control, Central American Region, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Herman Kosasih
- US Naval Medical Research Unit No. 2, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Simona Puzelli
- National Influenza Center, Istituto Superiore Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Herve A Kadjo
- Respiratory Viruses Unit, Pasteur Institute of Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Gideon Emukule
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jean-Michel Heraud
- National Influenza Center, Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur of Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Li Wei Ang
- Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Marietjie Venter
- Global Disease Detection, US-CDC, Pretoria, South Africa.,Zoonoses Research Unit, Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Alla Mironenko
- L.V.Gromashevsky Institute of Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases National Academy of Medical Science of Ukraine, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Lynnette Brammer
- Epidemiology and Prevention Branch, Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - François Schellevis
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - John Paget
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Wangchuk S, Drukpa T, Penjor K, Peldon T, Dorjey Y, Dorji K, Chhetri V, Trimarsanto H, To S, Murphy A, von Seidlein L, Price RN, Thriemer K, Auburn S. Where chloroquine still works: the genetic make-up and susceptibility of Plasmodium vivax to chloroquine plus primaquine in Bhutan. Malar J 2016; 15:277. [PMID: 27176722 PMCID: PMC4866075 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1320-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bhutan has made substantial progress in reducing malaria incidence. The national guidelines recommend chloroquine (CQ) and primaquine (PQ) for radical cure of uncomplicated Plasmodium vivax, but the local efficacy has not been assessed. The impact of cases imported from India on the genetic make-up of the local vivax populations is currently unknown. METHODS Patients over 4 years of age with uncomplicated P. vivax mono-infection were enrolled into a clinical efficacy study and molecular survey. Study participants received a standard dose of CQ (25 mg/kg over 3 days) followed by weekly review until day 28. On day 28 a 14-day regimen of PQ (0.25 mg/kg/day) was commenced under direct observation. After day 42, patients were followed up monthly for a year. The primary and secondary endpoints were risk of treatment failure at day 28 and at 1 year. Parasite genotyping was undertaken at nine tandem repeat markers, and standard population genetic metrics were applied to examine population diversity and structure in infections thought to be acquired inside or outside of Bhutan. RESULTS A total of 24 patients were enrolled in the clinical study between April 2013 and October 2015. Eight patients (33.3 %) were lost to follow-up in the first 6 months and another eight patients lost between 6 and 12 months. No (0/24) treatment failures occurred by day 28 and no (0/8) parasitaemia was detected following PQ treatment. Some 95.8 % (23/24) of patients were aparasitaemic by day 2. There were no haemolytic or serious events. Genotyping was undertaken on parasites from 12 autochthonous cases and 16 suspected imported cases. Diversity was high (H E 0.87 and 0.90) in both populations. There was no notable differentiation between the autochthonous and imported populations. CONCLUSIONS CQ and PQ remains effective for radical cure of P. vivax in Bhutan. The genetic analyses indicate that imported infections are sustaining the local vivax population, with concomitant risk of introducing drug-resistant strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonam Wangchuk
- Public Health Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Tobgyel Drukpa
- Vector Borne Disease Control Programme in Gelephu, Communicable Disease Division, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Kinley Penjor
- Sarpang District Hospital, Ministry of Health, Sarpang District, Bhutan
| | - Tashi Peldon
- Gelephu Regional Referral Hospital, Ministry of Health, Gelephu, Bhutan
| | - Yeshey Dorjey
- Yebilaptsa Hospital, Ministry of Health, Zhemgang District, Bhutan
| | - Kunzang Dorji
- Public Health Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Vishal Chhetri
- Gelephu Regional Referral Hospital, Ministry of Health, Gelephu, Bhutan
| | - Hidayat Trimarsanto
- Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jl. Diponegoro 69, Jakarta Pusat, 10430, Indonesia.,The Ministry of Research and Technology (RISTEK), Jakarta, Indonesia.,Agency for Assessment and Application of Technology, Jl. MH Thamrin 8, Jakarta, 10340, Indonesia
| | - Sheren To
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, 0810, Australia
| | - Amanda Murphy
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, 0810, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, School of Population Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Lorenz von Seidlein
- Mahidol Oxford Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building, University of Oxford Old Road Campus, Oxford, UK
| | - Ric N Price
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, 0810, Australia.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building, University of Oxford Old Road Campus, Oxford, UK
| | - Kamala Thriemer
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, 0810, Australia.
| | - Sarah Auburn
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, 0810, Australia.
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Caini S, Andrade W, Badur S, Balmaseda A, Barakat A, Bella A, Bimohuen A, Brammer L, Bresee J, Bruno A, Castillo L, Ciblak MA, Clara AW, Cohen C, Daouda C, de Lozano C, De Mora D, Dorji K, Emukule GO, Fasce RA, Feng L, Ferreira de Almeida WA, Guiomar R, Heraud JM, Holubka O, Huang QS, Kadjo HA, Kiyanbekova L, Kosasih H, Kusznierz G, Lee V, Lara J, Li M, Lopez L, Mai HP, Pessanha HC, Matute ML, Mironenko A, Moreno B, Mott JA, Njouom R, Ospanova A, Owen R, Pebody R, Pennington K, Puzelli S, Quynh Le MT, Razanajatovo NH, Rodrigues A, Rudi JM, Venter M, Vernet MA, Wei AL, Wangchuk S, Yang J, Yu H, Zambon M, Schellevis F, Paget J. Correction: Temporal Patterns of Influenza A and B in Tropical and Temperate Countries: What Are the Lessons for Influenza Vaccination? PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155089. [PMID: 27135748 PMCID: PMC4852893 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152310.].
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Chung The H, Rabaa MA, Thanh DP, Ruekit S, Wangchuk S, Dorji T, Tshering KP, Nguyen TNT, Vinh PV, Thanh TH, Minh CNN, Turner P, Sar P, Thwaites G, Holt KE, Thomson NR, Bodhidatta L, Jeffries Mason C, Baker S. Introduction and establishment of fluoroquinolone-resistant Shigella sonnei into Bhutan. Microb Genom 2015; 1:e000042. [PMID: 28348825 PMCID: PMC5320628 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Shigella sonnei is a major contributor to the global burden of diarrhoeal disease, generally associated with dysenteric diarrhoea in developed countries but also emerging in developing countries. The reason for the recent success of S. sonnei is unknown, but is likely catalysed by its ability to acquire resistance against multiple antimicrobials. Between 2011 and 2013, S. sonnei exhibiting resistance to fluoroquinolones, the first-line treatment recommended for shigellosis, emerged in Bhutan. Aiming to reconstruct the introduction and establishment of fluoroquinolone-resistant S. sonnei populations in Bhutan, we performed whole-genome sequencing on 71 S. sonnei samples isolated in Bhutan between 2011 and 2013.We found that these strains represented an expansion of a clade within the previously described lineage III, found specifically in Central Asia. Temporal phylogenetic reconstruction demonstrated that all of the sequenced Bhutanese S. sonnei diverged from a single ancestor that was introduced into Bhutan around 2006. Our data additionally predicted that fluoroquinolone resistance, conferred by mutations in gyrA and parC, arose prior to the introduction of the founder strain into Bhutan. Once established in Bhutan, these S. sonnei had access to a broad gene pool, as indicated by the acquisition of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-encoding plasmids and genes encoding type IV pili. The data presented here outline a model for the introduction and maintenance of fluoroquinolone-resistant S. sonnei in a new setting. Given the current circulation of fluoroquinolone-resistant S. sonnei in Asia, we speculate that this pattern of introduction is being recapitulated across the region and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chung The
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, OUCRU, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Maia A Rabaa
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, OUCRU, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Centre for Tropical Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Duy Pham Thanh
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, OUCRU, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | - Sonam Wangchuk
- Public Health Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Tshering Dorji
- Public Health Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Kinzang Pem Tshering
- Department of Pediatrics, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk Referral Hospital, Kawa Jangsa, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | | | - Phat Voong Vinh
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, OUCRU, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Tuyen Ha Thanh
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, OUCRU, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | - Paul Turner
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, UK.,Cambodia-Oxford Medical Research Unit, Angkor Hospital for Children, Siem Reap, Cambodia
| | - Poda Sar
- Cambodia-Oxford Medical Research Unit, Angkor Hospital for Children, Siem Reap, Cambodia
| | - Guy Thwaites
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, OUCRU, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Centre for Tropical Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Kathryn E Holt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Nicholas R Thomson
- The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, UK.,The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | - Stephen Baker
- The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, OUCRU, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Centre for Tropical Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, UK.,The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Yahiro T, Wangchuk S, Wada T, Dorji C, Matsumoto T, Mynak ML, Tshering KP, Nishizono A, Ahmed K. Norovirus GII.21 in children with Diarrhea, Bhutan. Emerg Infect Dis 2015; 21:732-4. [PMID: 25811105 PMCID: PMC4378497 DOI: 10.3201/eid2104.141856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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Zangmo S, Klungthong C, Chinnawirotpisan P, Tantimavanich S, Kosoltanapiwat N, Thaisomboonsuk B, Phuntsho K, Wangchuk S, Yoon IK, Fernandez S. Epidemiological and Molecular Characterization of Dengue Virus Circulating in Bhutan, 2013-2014. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0004010. [PMID: 26295474 PMCID: PMC4546418 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2015] [Accepted: 07/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Dengue is one of the most significant public health problems in tropical and subtropical countries, and is increasingly being detected in traditionally non-endemic areas. In Bhutan, dengue virus (DENV) has only recently been detected and limited information is available. In this study, we analyzed the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of DENV in two southern districts in Bhutan from 2013–2014. During this period, 379 patients were clinically diagnosed with suspected dengue, of whom 119 (31.4%) were positive for DENV infection by NS1 ELISA and/or nested RT-PCR. DENV serotypes 1, 2 and 3 were detected with DENV-1 being predominant. Phylogenetic analysis of DENV-1 using envelope gene demonstrated genotype V, closely related to strains from northern India. We describe the epidemiological and molecular features of DENV currently circulating in the two southwestern districts of Bhutan, demonstrating a shift in serotype dominance from previous DENV-3 (2004–2006) to current DENV-1 (2013–2014). The presence of the dengue virus in Bhutan is a relatively recent one. Unfortunately, dengue epidemiological and molecular data in this country is scarce. A fever outbreak in 2013 and 2014 saw patients seeking care at medical facilities in two district of southwestern Bhutan bordering with India. Analyses of serum specimens collected from these patients indicated that dengue virus was at least a major source of this outbreak. These specimens were analyzed in the Public Health Laboratory in Bhutan and in AFRIMS, Thailand. With a combination of three different assays, we established that 31% of all cases captured were caused by dengue virus, although the proportion was higher in 2013 than in 2014. Three different serotypes of dengue virus were found: DENV-1, -2 and -3. No DENV-4 was found. We successfully isolated DENV-1, from which was sequenced the E gene for further analyses. Our analyses revealed that the current DENV-1 in Bhutan probably originated from India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangay Zangmo
- Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Chonticha Klungthong
- Department of Virology, Armed Force Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | | | - Butsaya Thaisomboonsuk
- Department of Virology, Armed Force Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Sonam Wangchuk
- Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - In-Kyu Yoon
- Department of Virology, Armed Force Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Stefan Fernandez
- Department of Virology, Armed Force Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand
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Tenzin T, McKenzie JS, Vanderstichel R, Rai BD, Rinzin K, Tshering Y, Pem R, Tshering C, Dahal N, Dukpa K, Dorjee S, Wangchuk S, Jolly PD, Morris R, Ward MP. Comparison of mark-resight methods to estimate abundance and rabies vaccination coverage of free-roaming dogs in two urban areas of south Bhutan. Prev Vet Med 2015; 118:436-48. [PMID: 25650307 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2015.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [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: 09/02/2014] [Revised: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In Bhutan, Capture-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release (CNVR) programs have been implemented to manage the dog population and control rabies, but no detailed evaluation has been done to assess their coverage and impact. We compared estimates of the dog population using three analytical methods: Lincoln-Petersen index, the Chapman estimate, and the logit-normal mixed effects model, and a varying number of count periods at different times of the day to recommend a protocol for applying the mark-resight framework to estimate free-roaming dog population abundance. We assessed the coverage of the CNVR program by estimating the proportion of dogs that were ear-notched and visually scored the health and skin condition of free-roaming dogs in Gelephu and Phuentsholing towns in south Bhutan, bordering India, in September-October 2012. The estimated free-roaming dog population in Gelephu using the Lincoln-Petersen index and Chapman estimates ranged from 612 to 672 and 614 to 671, respectively, while the logit-normal mixed effects model estimate based on the combined two count events was 641 (95% CI: 603-682). In Phuentsholing the Lincoln-Petersen index and Chapman estimates ranged from 525 to 583 and 524 to 582, respectively, while the logit-normal mixed effects model estimate based on the combined four count events was 555 (95% CI: 526-587). The total number of dogs counted was significantly associated with the time of day (AM versus PM; P=0.007), with a 17% improvement in dog sightings during the morning counting events. We recommend to conduct a morning marking followed by one count event the next morning and estimate population size by applying the Lincoln-Peterson corrected Chapman method or conduct two morning count events and apply the logit-normal mixed model to estimate population size. The estimated proportion of vaccinated free-roaming dogs was 56% (95% CI: 52-61%) and 58% (95% CI: 53-62%) in Gelephu and Phuentsholing, respectively. Given coverage in many neighbourhoods was below the recommended threshold of 70%, we recommend conducting an annual "mass dog vaccination only" campaign in southern Bhutan to create an immune buffer in this high rabies-risk area. The male-to-female dog ratio was 1.34:1 in Gelephu and 1.27:1 in Pheuntsholing. Population size estimates using mark-resight surveys has provided useful baseline data for understanding the population dynamics of dogs at the study sites. Mark-resight surveys provide useful information for designing and managing the logistics of dog vaccination or CNVR programs, assessing vaccination coverage, and for evaluating the impact of neutering programs on the size and structure of dog populations over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tenzin Tenzin
- National Centre for Animal Health, Department of Livestock, Thimphu, Bhutan.
| | - Joanna S McKenzie
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, New Zealand
| | - Raphaël Vanderstichel
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
| | - Bir Doj Rai
- Regional Livestock Development Centre, Department of Livestock, Wangdue, Bhutan
| | - Karma Rinzin
- National Centre for Animal Health, Department of Livestock, Thimphu, Bhutan; College of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
| | - Yeshey Tshering
- National Centre for Animal Health, Department of Livestock, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Rinzin Pem
- Regional Livestock Development Centre, Department of Livestock, Wangdue, Bhutan
| | - Chenga Tshering
- Regional Livestock Development Centre, Department of Livestock, Zhemgang, Bhutan
| | - Narapati Dahal
- National Centre for Animal Health, Department of Livestock, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Kinzang Dukpa
- National Centre for Animal Health, Department of Livestock, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Sithar Dorjee
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada; Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Sonam Wangchuk
- Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Peter D Jolly
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, New Zealand
| | | | - Michael P Ward
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, Australia
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Wangchuk S, Dorji T, Tsheten, Tshering K, Zangmo S, Pem Tshering K, Dorji T, Nishizono A, Ahmed K. A Prospective Hospital-based Surveillance to Estimate Rotavirus Disease Burden in Bhutanese Children under 5 Years of Age. Trop Med Health 2014; 43:63-8. [PMID: 25859154 PMCID: PMC4361340 DOI: 10.2149/tmh.2014-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 11/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
As part of efforts to develop an informed policy for rotavirus vaccination, this prospective study was conducted to estimate the burden of rotavirus diarrhea among children less than 5 years old attended to the Department of Pediatrics, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH), Thimphu, Bhutan. The duration of the study was three years, extending from February 2010 through December 2012. We estimated the frequency of hospitalization in the pediatric ward and dehydration treatment unit (DTU) for diarrhea and the number of events attributable to rotavirus infection among children under 5 years of age. During the study period, a total of 284 children (1 in 45) were hospitalized in the pediatric ward, and 2,220 (1 in 6) in the DTU with diarrhea among children residing in the Thimphu district. Group A rotavirus was detected in 32.5% and 18.8% of the stool samples from children hospitalized in the pediatric ward, respectively. Overall, 22.3% of the stool samples were rotavirus-positive, and the majority (90.8%) of them was detected in children under 2 years of age. From this study, we estimated that the annual incidence of hospitalization in the pediatric ward and DTU due to rotavirus diarrhea was 2.4/1000 (95% CI 1.7–3.4) and 10.8/1000 (95% CI 9.1–12.7) children, respectively. This study revealed that rotavirus is a major cause of diarrhea in Bhutanese children in Thimphu district and since no study has been performed previously, represents an important finding for policy discussions regarding the adoption of a rotavirus vaccine in Bhutan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonam Wangchuk
- Public Health Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan , Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Tshering Dorji
- Public Health Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan , Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Tsheten
- Public Health Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan , Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Karchung Tshering
- Public Health Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan , Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Sangay Zangmo
- Public Health Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan , Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Kunzang Pem Tshering
- Department of Pediatrics, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Referral Hospital , Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Tandin Dorji
- Communicable Disease Division, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan , Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Akira Nishizono
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University , Yufu, Oita, Japan
| | - Kamruddin Ahmed
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University , Yufu, Oita, Japan ; Research Promotion Institute, Oita University , Yufu, Oita, Japan
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Wangchuk S, Mitui MT, Tshering K, Yahiro T, Bandhari P, Zangmo S, Dorji T, Tshering K, Matsumoto T, Nishizono A, Ahmed K. Dominance of emerging G9 and G12 genotypes and polymorphism of VP7 and VP4 of rotaviruses from Bhutanese children with severe diarrhea prior to the introduction of vaccine. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110795. [PMID: 25330070 PMCID: PMC4203849 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A prospective study was performed to determine the molecular characteristics of rotaviruses circulating among children aged <5 years in Bhutan. Stool samples were collected from February 2010 through January 2011 from children who attended two tertiary care hospitals in the capital Thimphu and the eastern regional headquarters, Mongar. The samples positive for rotavirus was mainly comprised genotype G1, followed by G12 and G9. The VP7 and VP4 genes of all genotypes clustered mainly with those of neighboring countries, thereby indicating that they shared common ancestral strains. The VP7 gene of Bhutanese G1 strains belonged to lineage 1c, which differed from the lineages of vaccine strains. Mutations were also identified in the VP7 gene of G1 strains, which may be responsible for neutralization escape strains. Furthermore, we found that lineage 4 of P[8] genotype differed antigenically from the vaccine strains, and mutations were identified in Bhutanese strains of lineage 3. The distribution of rotavirus genotypes varies among years, therefore further research is required to determine the distribution of rotavirus strain genotypes in Bhutan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonam Wangchuk
- Public Health Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Marcelo T. Mitui
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Yufu, Japan
| | - Kinlay Tshering
- Department of Pediatrics, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Referral Hospital, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Takaaki Yahiro
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Yufu, Japan
| | | | - Sangay Zangmo
- Public Health Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Tshering Dorji
- Public Health Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Karchung Tshering
- Public Health Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Takashi Matsumoto
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Yufu, Japan
| | - Akira Nishizono
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Yufu, Japan
| | - Kamruddin Ahmed
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Yufu, Japan
- Research Promotion Institute, Oita University, Yufu, Japan
- * E-mail:
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Yahiro T, Wangchuk S, Tshering K, Bandhari P, Zangmo S, Dorji T, Tshering K, Matsumoto T, Nishizono A, Söderlund-Venermo M, Ahmed K. Novel human bufavirus genotype 3 in children with severe diarrhea, Bhutan. Emerg Infect Dis 2014; 20:1037-9. [PMID: 24856373 PMCID: PMC4036752 DOI: 10.3201/eid2006.131430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We identified a new genotype of bufavirus, BuV3, in fecal samples (0.8%) collected to determine the etiology of diarrhea in children in Bhutan. Norovirus GII.6 was detected in 1 sample; no other viral diarrheal pathogens were detected, suggesting BuV3 as a cause of diarrhea. This study investigates genetic diversity of circulating BuVs.
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Abstract
In 2012, chikungunya virus (CHIKV) was reported for the first time in Bhutan. IgM ELISA results were positive for 36/210 patient samples; PCR was positive for 32/81. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed that Bhutan CHIKV belongs to the East/Central/South African genotype. Appropriate responses to future outbreaks require a system of surveillance and improved laboratory capacity.
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Ruekit S, Wangchuk S, Dorji T, Tshering KP, Pootong P, Nobthai P, Serichantalergs O, Poramathikul K, Bodhidatta L, Mason CJ. Molecular characterization and PCR-based replicon typing of multidrug resistant Shigella sonnei isolates from an outbreak in Thimphu, Bhutan. BMC Res Notes 2014; 7:95. [PMID: 24555739 PMCID: PMC3936901 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-7-95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 02/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Shigella species are an important cause of diarrhea in developing countries. These bacteria normally acquire their antibiotic resistance via several different mobile genetic elements including plasmids, transposons, and integrons involving gene cassettes. During a diarrhea surveillance study in Thimphu, Bhutan in June and July, 2011, Shigella sonnei were isolated more frequently than expected. This study describes the antibiotic resistance of these S. sonnei isolates. Methods A total of 29 S. sonnei isolates from Thimphu, Bhutan was characterized for antimicrobial susceptibility by disc diffusion assay and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay. All isolates were tested by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) with restriction enzyme XbaI and were tested for plasmid. The plasmid patterns and the PFGE patterns were analyzed by Bionumerics software. DNA sequencing was performed on amplified products for gyraseA gene and class 1 and class 2 integrons. S. sonnei isolates were classified for incompatibility of plasmids by PCR-based replicon typing (PBRT). Results These S. sonnei were resistant to multiple drugs like ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, streptomycin, and tetracycline but susceptible to azithromycin. All isolates had class 2 integrons dfrA1, sat1 and aadA1 genes. Two point mutations in Gyrase A subunit at position Ser83Leu and Asp87Gly were detected in these quinolone resistant isolates. The plasmid and PFGE patterns of S. sonnei isolates suggested a clonal relationship of the isolates. All isolates carried common ColE plasmid. ColE plasmid co-resided with B/O plasmid (nine isolates) or I1 plasmid (one isolate). Conclusions The characteristics of 29 S. sonnei isolates from Thimphu, Bhutan in June and July, 2011 are identical in PFGE, plasmid and resistance pattern. This study suggests that these recent S. sonnei isolates are clonally related and multidrug-resistant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirigade Ruekit
- Department of Enteric Diseases, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand.
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Yahiro T, Wangchuk S, Tshering K, Bandhari P, Zangmo S, Dorji T, Matsumoto T, Mitui M, Nishizono A, Ahmed K. P185 Highly virulent MLB1 astrovirus in Bhutanese children with diarrhea. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/s0924-8579(13)70428-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Wangchuk S, Thapa B, Zangmo S, Jarman RG, Bhoomiboonchoo P, Gibbons RV. Influenza surveillance from November 2008 to 2011; including pandemic influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 in Bhutan. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2012; 7:426-30. [PMID: 22813389 PMCID: PMC5779828 DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-2659.2012.00409.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Describe the influenza A(H1N1) pandemic in Bhutan. Design Observational study from sentinel surveillance sites. Setting Bhutan remains isolated, with only one to two flights a day at the lone airport, no trains, and only three major roads that enter from India. Main outcome measures PCR positive human respiratory samples Results The first case of A(H1N1)pdm09 infection was detected in Bhutan in July 2009, 3 months after the virus was first reported in Mexico in April 2009. During the official WHO pandemic period (11 June 2009 to 8 August 2010), a total of 2149 samples were collected and tested by RT‐PCR of which 22.7% (487) were confirmed A(H1N1)pdm09; H3N2, H1N1, and B were positive in 2.2%, 1.1%, and 7.2%, respectively. The highest rate of A(H1N1)pdm09 cases (57.4%) was detected in the 6‐20 year‐old age group. Importantly, Bhutan increased from 3 sentinel sites in April 2009 to 11 a year later, and in April 2010 established PCR capability for influenza. Conclusions Despite relative isolation, the A(H1N1)pdm09 reached Bhutan within 3 months of identification in Mexico. The H1N1 pandemic has made Bhutan more prepared for epidemics in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonam Wangchuk
- Public Health Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan.
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Wangchuk S, Thapa B, Zangmo S, Jarman R, Bhoomiboonchoo P, Gibbons R. Epidemiological analysis of the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus in Bhutan. Int J Infect Dis 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2012.05.271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Johns MC, Burke RL, Vest KG, Fukuda M, Pavlin JA, Shrestha SK, Schnabel DC, Tobias S, Tjaden JA, Montgomery JM, Faix DJ, Duffy MR, Cooper MJ, Sanchez JL, Blazes DL, Wangchuk S, Dorji T, Gibbons R, Iamsirithaworn S, Richardson J, Buathong R, Jarman R, Yoon IK, Shakya G, Ofula V, Coldren R, Bulimo W, Sang R, Omariba D, Obura B, Mwala D, Kasper M, Brice G, Williams M, Yasuda C, Barthel RV, Pimentel G, Meyers C, Kammerer P, Baynes DE, Metzgar D, Hawksworth A, Blair P, Ellorin M, Coon R, Macintosh V, Burwell K, Macias E, Palys T, Jerke K. A growing global network's role in outbreak response: AFHSC-GEIS 2008-2009. BMC Public Health 2011; 11 Suppl 2:S3. [PMID: 21388563 PMCID: PMC3092413 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-s2-s3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [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] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
A cornerstone of effective disease surveillance programs comprises the early identification of infectious threats and the subsequent rapid response to prevent further spread. Effectively identifying, tracking and responding to these threats is often difficult and requires international cooperation due to the rapidity with which diseases cross national borders and spread throughout the global community as a result of travel and migration by humans and animals. From Oct.1, 2008 to Sept. 30, 2009, the United States Department of Defense's (DoD) Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center Global Emerging Infections Surveillance and Response System (AFHSC-GEIS) identified 76 outbreaks in 53 countries. Emerging infectious disease outbreaks were identified by the global network and included a wide spectrum of support activities in collaboration with host country partners, several of which were in direct support of the World Health Organization's (WHO) International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005). The network also supported military forces around the world affected by the novel influenza A/H1N1 pandemic of 2009. With IHR (2005) as the guiding framework for action, the AFHSC-GEIS network of international partners and overseas research laboratories continues to develop into a far-reaching system for identifying, analyzing and responding to emerging disease threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Johns
- Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center, 11800 Tech Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20904, USA.
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