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Tsetse salivary gland proteins 1 and 2 are high affinity nucleic acid binding proteins with residual nuclease activity
No full textAnalysis of the tsetse fly salivary gland EST database revealed the presence of a highly enriched cluster of putative endonuclease genes, including tsal1 and tsal2. Tsal proteins are the major components of tsetse fly (G. morsitans morsitans) saliva where they are present as monomers as well as high molecular weight complexes with other saliva proteins. We demonstrate that the recombinant tsetse salivary gland proteins 1&2 (Tsal1&2) display DNA/RNA non-specific, high affinity nucleic acid binding with K(D) values in the low nanomolar range and a non-exclusive preference for duplex. These Tsal proteins exert only a residual nuclease activity with a preference for dsDNA in a broad pH range. Knockdown of Tsal expression by in vivo RNA interference in the tsetse fly revealed a partially impaired blood digestion phenotype as evidenced by higher gut nucleic acid, hematin and protein contents
Utilization of HIV and tuberculosis services by health workers in Uganda: implications for occupational health policies and implementation
No full textRisk factors associated with brucellosis seropositivity among cattle in the central savannah-forest area of Ivory Coast
No full textSerological results obtained from 907 serum samples collected from unvaccinated cattle of at least 6 months of age in the savannah-forest region of Ivory Coast were used to investigate risk factors associated with bovine brucellosis seropositivity. Serum samples were tested using the Rose Bengal test (RBT) and indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). Using a parallel interpretation, RBT and iELISA results showed that 10.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 8.4, 12.4) of the cattle had antibodies against Brucella in our study area. The logistic regression analysis indicated that brucellosis seropositivity was associated with age and herd size. Cattle above 5 years of age were found to have a higher chance of being seropositive (odd ratio (OR)=2.8; 95% CI: 1.3, 6.4) compared to cattle under 3 years of age. Similarly, the odd of brucellosis seropositivity for herds with more than 100 cattle was 3.3 (95% CI: 1.2, 8.9) times higher compared to those with less than 50 cattle
Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis in visceral leishmaniasis-endemic communities in Bihar, India
No full textWe assessed the prevalence of post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL), a late cutaneous manifestation of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), in 16 VL-endemic communities in Bihar, India. The prevalence of confirmed PKDL cases was 4.4 per 10 000 individuals and 7.8 if probable cases were also considered. The clinical history and treatment of the post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis cases are discussed
Schistosoma real-time PCR as diagnostic tool for international travellers and migrants
No full textObjective: To evaluate the use of a genus-specific PCR that combines high sensitivity with the detection of different Schistosoma species for diagnosis in international travellers and migrants in comparison to standard microscopy. Methods and results: The genus-specific real-time PCR was developed to target the 28S ribosomal RNA gene of the major human Schistosoma species. It was validated for analytical specificity and reproducibility and demonstrated an analytical sensitivity of 0.2 eggs per gram of faeces. Its diagnostic performance was further evaluated on 152 faecal, 32 urine and 38 serum samples from patients presenting at the outpatient clinic of the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp (Belgium). We detected Schistosoma DNA in 76 faecal (50.0%) and five urine (15.6%) samples of which, respectively, nine and one were not detected by standard microscopy. Only two of the 38 serum samples of patients with confirmed schistosomiasis were positive with the presently developed PCR. Sequence analysis on positive faecal samples allowed identification of the Schistosoma species complex. Conclusion: The real-time PCR is highly sensitive and may offer added value in diagnosing imported schistosomiasis. The genus-specific PCR can detect all schistosome species that are infectious to humans and performs very well with faeces and urine, but not in serum
Testing the effectiveness of community-based dengue vector control interventions using semiparametric mixed models
No full textObjective: To evaluate the results obtained though intersectoral coordination and community empowerment in one study carried out during 6 years in Playa Municipality, Cuba. Methods: A longitudinal assessment comparing one intervention and one control area was conducted. The intervention encompasses two main stages separated by two dengue outbreaks. The first stage, focused on strengthening intersectoral coordination, was initiated in January 2000. In August 2003, a complementary strategy, focused on community empowerment and was initiated in half of the intervention area. In the control area, routine dengue control activities continued without additional input. We used entomologic surveillance data from January 1999 to December 2005 to assess the effectiveness. We computed the Breteau index (BI) per health area and the 95% confidence interval for the difference between the BIs at each time point. A semiparametric mixed model to capture the evolution in time of Aedes aegypti larval densities was fitted. Results: The BI in the control area showed the lowest value before starting the intervention. This was reversed 1 year after launching intersectoral activities for dengue control in the intervention area. In spite of spraying actions in all areas, the differences in BI between intervention and control areas remain significant until December 2002. Although for the next 2 years no differences were observed, they become significant again in December 2004, which corresponds with the implementation of the complementary community-based vector control strategy in the intervention area. Conclusions: The model fitted identified monotonous trends over time and reversal trends at particular moments. The confidence bands indicate sections with significant differences between areas. Our data increase the evidence that the intersectoral coordination and community empowerment strategy for A. aegypti control is effective
