Background and Objective: Tick-borne hemoparasitic illnesses pose a serious threat to the well-being and productivity of cattle. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of tick-borne hemoparasites in Cameroon, ...Background and Objective: Tick-borne hemoparasitic illnesses pose a serious threat to the well-being and productivity of cattle. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of tick-borne hemoparasites in Cameroon, with a specific focus on the Noun and Nde Divisions of the West Region. Methodology: A total of 423 cattle from 10 villages in both divisions were included in the study. Blood smears were prepared and subjected to microscopic screening for Babesia and Anaplasma parasites. Results: The prevalence of Anaplasma was found to be 23.4%, while Babesia exhibited a seroprevalence of 17.3%. Samples from Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) and Koupa Ngangnou demonstrated significantly higher prevalence rates, potentially influenced by climate variations affecting tick populations. Additionally, 17.3% of the animals exhibited low hematocrit levels, indicative of anemia. No significant associations were observed between the presence of hemoparasite infection and cattle characteristics. Conclusion: This study provides fundamental data on the extensive distribution and impact of tick-borne hemoparasites in a significant cattle-producing region of Cameroon.展开更多
<b>Background:</b> Good knowledge of diseases’ epidemiology, diagnostic methods and treatment schemes are critical for early detection and effective management of dengue and chikungunya outbreaks. Here, w...<b>Background:</b> Good knowledge of diseases’ epidemiology, diagnostic methods and treatment schemes are critical for early detection and effective management of dengue and chikungunya outbreaks. Here, we assessed knowledge and practices regarding dengue and chikungunya among health care workers of some health facilities of Yaoundé and its surroundings. <b>Methods:</b> A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January to August 2020 in 35 health facilities of Yaoundé and its surroundings. Structured pre-tested questionnaire including 11 questions was used to assess healthcare workers’ (i) knowledge on dengue and chikungunya (pathogen, mode of transmission, signs and symptoms) and, (ii) management practices (diagnosis, prevention and treatment measures). Face to face interviews were conducted with healthcare workers including medical doctors, nurses, medical assistants and laboratory assistants. <b>Findings:</b> A total of 232 healthcare workers were interviewed. Despite that 40.95% (n = 95) of respondents had heard about dengue and chikungunya, only 4.74% (n = 11) of them were aware of the fact that both diseases are caused by virus. Also, 9 out of 232 (3.88%) knew that these diseases were transmitted by the bite of an Aedes mosquito. About 15.52% (n = 36) were able to give at least 1 clinical symptom related to dengue and chikungunya. The main diagnostic method they knew was Polymerase Chain Reaction (3.02%;n = 7). For prevention, many participants indicated vector control by using insecticide treated bednets or destroying potential breeding sites (14.23%;n = 33). Only few participants 3.88% (n = 9) knew how to manage dengue or chikungunya cases. To improve the management of both diseases, a significant proportion of healthcare workers (37.93%;n = 88) reported being in need of additional training. <b>Conclusion:</b> The poor knowledge regarding dengue and chikungunya among healthcare workers in Yaoundé and its neighbourhood raises the need to intensify sensitization campaigns and training activities towards this personnel.展开更多
BACKGROUND Occult hepatitis C infection(OCI)is characterized by the presence of hepatitis C virus(HCV)RNA in the liver,peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC)and/or ultracentrifuged serum in the absence of detectable...BACKGROUND Occult hepatitis C infection(OCI)is characterized by the presence of hepatitis C virus(HCV)RNA in the liver,peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC)and/or ultracentrifuged serum in the absence of detectable HCV-RNA in serum.OCI has been described in several categories of populations including hemodialysis patients,patients with a sustained virological response,immunocompromised individuals,patients with abnormal hepatic function,and apparently healthy subjects.AIM To highlight the global prevalence of OCI.METHODS We performed a systematic and comprehensive literature search in the following 4 electronic databases PubMed,EMBASE,Global Index Medicus,and Web of Science up to 6th May 2021 to retrieve relevant studies published in the field.Included studies were unrestricted population categories with known RNA status in serum,PBMC,liver tissue and/or ultracentrifuged serum.Data were extracted independently by each author and the Hoy et al tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies.We used the random-effect meta-analysis model to estimate the proportions of OCI and their 95%confidence intervals(95%CI).The Cochran's Q-test and the I2 test statistics were used to assess heterogeneity between studies.Funnel plot and Egger test were used to examine publication bias.R software version 4.1.0 was used for all analyses.RESULTS The electronic search resulted in 3950 articles.We obtained 102 prevalence data from 85 included studies.The pooled prevalence of seronegative OCI was estimated to be 9.61%(95%CI:6.84-12.73)with substantial heterogeneity[I^(2)=94.7%(95%CI:93.8%-95.4%),P<0.0001].Seropositive OCI prevalence was estimated to be 13.39%(95%CI:7.85-19.99)with substantial heterogeneity[I^(2)=93.0%(90.8%-94.7%)].Higher seronegative OCI prevalence was found in Southern Europe and Northern Africa,and in patients with abnormal liver function,hematological disorders,and kidney diseases.Higher seropositive OCI prevalence was found in Southern Europe,Northern America,and Northern Africa.CONCLUSION In conclusion,in the present study,it appears that the burden of OCI is high and variable across the different regions and population categories.Further studies on OCI are needed to assess the transmissibility,clinical significance,long-term outcome,and need for treatment.展开更多
Background:The crater lakes of Barombi Mbo and Barombi Kotto are well-known transmission foci of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis having had several important control initiatives previously.To collec...Background:The crater lakes of Barombi Mbo and Barombi Kotto are well-known transmission foci of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis having had several important control initiatives previously.To collect contemporary epidemiological information,a cross-sectional survey was undertaken inclusive of:signs and symptoms of disease,individual treatment histories,local water,sanitation and hygiene(WASH)-related factors and malacological surveillance,with molecular characterisation of specimens.Methods:At each lake,a community cross-sectional survey was undertaken using a combination of stool and urine parasitological sampling,and interview with pro-forma questionnaires.A total of 338 children and adults participated.Material from snail and parasite species were characterised by DNA methods.Results:Egg-patent prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis was 8.7%at Barombi Mbo(all light-intensity infections)and 40.1%at Barombi Kotto(21.2%heavy-intensity infections).Intestinal schistosomiasis was absent.At Barombi Kotto,significantly more women reported signs and symptoms associated with female genital schistosomiasis.While there had been extensive recent improvement in WASH-related infrastructure at Barombi Mbo,water contact risk scores were higher among schistosomiasis-infected participants(P<0.001)and at Barombi Kotto in general(P<0.001).Across both lakes,mean prevalence of STH was very low(6.3%)evidencing an impressive decrease of 79.0%over the last decade;neither Strongyloides stercoralis nor Ascaris lumbricoides were found.A total of 29 freshwater sampling sites were inspected for snails,13 in Barombi Mbo and 16 in Barombi Kotto;water chemistry differed significantly(P<0.0001)between lakes for both mean pH(7.9 v.9.6)and mean conductivity(64.3μS v.202.1μS)respectively.Only two Bulinus camerunensis found on the central island of Barombi Kotto were observed to shed schistosome cercariae,but schistosome DNA was later detected in Bulinus sampled from both lakes as well as in Indoplanorbis exustus,an invasive species from Asia.Conclusions:STH is currently at very low levels while urogenital schistosomiasis is of greatest concern at Barombi Kotto.This assessment highlights a unique opportunity for further study of the epidemiological dynamics at these crater lakes,to evaluate future intensified interventions both in terms of gaining and sustaining control at Barombi Kotto or in moving towards local interruption of transmission of both diseases at Barombi Mbo.展开更多
文摘Background and Objective: Tick-borne hemoparasitic illnesses pose a serious threat to the well-being and productivity of cattle. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of tick-borne hemoparasites in Cameroon, with a specific focus on the Noun and Nde Divisions of the West Region. Methodology: A total of 423 cattle from 10 villages in both divisions were included in the study. Blood smears were prepared and subjected to microscopic screening for Babesia and Anaplasma parasites. Results: The prevalence of Anaplasma was found to be 23.4%, while Babesia exhibited a seroprevalence of 17.3%. Samples from Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) and Koupa Ngangnou demonstrated significantly higher prevalence rates, potentially influenced by climate variations affecting tick populations. Additionally, 17.3% of the animals exhibited low hematocrit levels, indicative of anemia. No significant associations were observed between the presence of hemoparasite infection and cattle characteristics. Conclusion: This study provides fundamental data on the extensive distribution and impact of tick-borne hemoparasites in a significant cattle-producing region of Cameroon.
文摘<b>Background:</b> Good knowledge of diseases’ epidemiology, diagnostic methods and treatment schemes are critical for early detection and effective management of dengue and chikungunya outbreaks. Here, we assessed knowledge and practices regarding dengue and chikungunya among health care workers of some health facilities of Yaoundé and its surroundings. <b>Methods:</b> A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January to August 2020 in 35 health facilities of Yaoundé and its surroundings. Structured pre-tested questionnaire including 11 questions was used to assess healthcare workers’ (i) knowledge on dengue and chikungunya (pathogen, mode of transmission, signs and symptoms) and, (ii) management practices (diagnosis, prevention and treatment measures). Face to face interviews were conducted with healthcare workers including medical doctors, nurses, medical assistants and laboratory assistants. <b>Findings:</b> A total of 232 healthcare workers were interviewed. Despite that 40.95% (n = 95) of respondents had heard about dengue and chikungunya, only 4.74% (n = 11) of them were aware of the fact that both diseases are caused by virus. Also, 9 out of 232 (3.88%) knew that these diseases were transmitted by the bite of an Aedes mosquito. About 15.52% (n = 36) were able to give at least 1 clinical symptom related to dengue and chikungunya. The main diagnostic method they knew was Polymerase Chain Reaction (3.02%;n = 7). For prevention, many participants indicated vector control by using insecticide treated bednets or destroying potential breeding sites (14.23%;n = 33). Only few participants 3.88% (n = 9) knew how to manage dengue or chikungunya cases. To improve the management of both diseases, a significant proportion of healthcare workers (37.93%;n = 88) reported being in need of additional training. <b>Conclusion:</b> The poor knowledge regarding dengue and chikungunya among healthcare workers in Yaoundé and its neighbourhood raises the need to intensify sensitization campaigns and training activities towards this personnel.
文摘BACKGROUND Occult hepatitis C infection(OCI)is characterized by the presence of hepatitis C virus(HCV)RNA in the liver,peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC)and/or ultracentrifuged serum in the absence of detectable HCV-RNA in serum.OCI has been described in several categories of populations including hemodialysis patients,patients with a sustained virological response,immunocompromised individuals,patients with abnormal hepatic function,and apparently healthy subjects.AIM To highlight the global prevalence of OCI.METHODS We performed a systematic and comprehensive literature search in the following 4 electronic databases PubMed,EMBASE,Global Index Medicus,and Web of Science up to 6th May 2021 to retrieve relevant studies published in the field.Included studies were unrestricted population categories with known RNA status in serum,PBMC,liver tissue and/or ultracentrifuged serum.Data were extracted independently by each author and the Hoy et al tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies.We used the random-effect meta-analysis model to estimate the proportions of OCI and their 95%confidence intervals(95%CI).The Cochran's Q-test and the I2 test statistics were used to assess heterogeneity between studies.Funnel plot and Egger test were used to examine publication bias.R software version 4.1.0 was used for all analyses.RESULTS The electronic search resulted in 3950 articles.We obtained 102 prevalence data from 85 included studies.The pooled prevalence of seronegative OCI was estimated to be 9.61%(95%CI:6.84-12.73)with substantial heterogeneity[I^(2)=94.7%(95%CI:93.8%-95.4%),P<0.0001].Seropositive OCI prevalence was estimated to be 13.39%(95%CI:7.85-19.99)with substantial heterogeneity[I^(2)=93.0%(90.8%-94.7%)].Higher seronegative OCI prevalence was found in Southern Europe and Northern Africa,and in patients with abnormal liver function,hematological disorders,and kidney diseases.Higher seropositive OCI prevalence was found in Southern Europe,Northern America,and Northern Africa.CONCLUSION In conclusion,in the present study,it appears that the burden of OCI is high and variable across the different regions and population categories.Further studies on OCI are needed to assess the transmissibility,clinical significance,long-term outcome,and need for treatment.
基金This study is funded as part of the COUNTDOWN research programme consortium,by the Research and Evidence Division of the Department for International Development,UKThe funders had no role in study design,decision to publish,or preparation of the manuscript。
文摘Background:The crater lakes of Barombi Mbo and Barombi Kotto are well-known transmission foci of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis having had several important control initiatives previously.To collect contemporary epidemiological information,a cross-sectional survey was undertaken inclusive of:signs and symptoms of disease,individual treatment histories,local water,sanitation and hygiene(WASH)-related factors and malacological surveillance,with molecular characterisation of specimens.Methods:At each lake,a community cross-sectional survey was undertaken using a combination of stool and urine parasitological sampling,and interview with pro-forma questionnaires.A total of 338 children and adults participated.Material from snail and parasite species were characterised by DNA methods.Results:Egg-patent prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis was 8.7%at Barombi Mbo(all light-intensity infections)and 40.1%at Barombi Kotto(21.2%heavy-intensity infections).Intestinal schistosomiasis was absent.At Barombi Kotto,significantly more women reported signs and symptoms associated with female genital schistosomiasis.While there had been extensive recent improvement in WASH-related infrastructure at Barombi Mbo,water contact risk scores were higher among schistosomiasis-infected participants(P<0.001)and at Barombi Kotto in general(P<0.001).Across both lakes,mean prevalence of STH was very low(6.3%)evidencing an impressive decrease of 79.0%over the last decade;neither Strongyloides stercoralis nor Ascaris lumbricoides were found.A total of 29 freshwater sampling sites were inspected for snails,13 in Barombi Mbo and 16 in Barombi Kotto;water chemistry differed significantly(P<0.0001)between lakes for both mean pH(7.9 v.9.6)and mean conductivity(64.3μS v.202.1μS)respectively.Only two Bulinus camerunensis found on the central island of Barombi Kotto were observed to shed schistosome cercariae,but schistosome DNA was later detected in Bulinus sampled from both lakes as well as in Indoplanorbis exustus,an invasive species from Asia.Conclusions:STH is currently at very low levels while urogenital schistosomiasis is of greatest concern at Barombi Kotto.This assessment highlights a unique opportunity for further study of the epidemiological dynamics at these crater lakes,to evaluate future intensified interventions both in terms of gaining and sustaining control at Barombi Kotto or in moving towards local interruption of transmission of both diseases at Barombi Mbo.
