Fake antimalarials in Southeast Asia are a major impediment to malaria control: multinational cross-sectional survey on the prevalence of fake antimalarials

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of counterfeit antimalarial drugs in Southeast (SE) Asia. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Pharmacies and shops selling antimalarial drugs in Myanmar (Burma), Lao PDR, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Proportion of artemisinin derivatives or mefloquine containing drugs of substandard quality. RESULTS: Of the 188 tablet packs purchased which were labelled as 'artesunate' 53% did not contain any artesunate. All counterfeit artesunate tablets were labelled as manufactured by 'Guilin Pharma', and refinements of the fake blisterpacks made them often hard to distinguish from their genuine counterparts. No other artemisinin derivatives were found to be counterfeited. Of the 44 mefloquine samples, 9% contained <10% of the expected amount of active ingredient. CONCLUSIONS: An alarmingly high proportion of antimalarial drugs bought in pharmacies and shops in mainland SE Asia are counterfeit, and the problem has increased significantly compared with our previous survey in 1999-2000. This is a serious threat to public health in the region.     

In vitro monitoring of Plasmodium falciparum susceptibility to artesunate, mefloquine, quinine and chloroquine in Cambodia: 2001-2002

We used a classical isotopic microtest to assess the in vitro sensitivity of 352 Plasmodium falciparum isolates collected in Cambodia in 2001 and 2002 to chloroquine, mefloquine, quinine and artesunate. Our results confirm conclusions drawn from earlier studies conducted by the Cambodian national malaria centre. Chloroquine-resistant phenotypes were highly prevalent in Cambodia. Similarly, a high proportion of isolates displayed elevated IC50 to mefloquine. In contrast, only 0.67 and 1.7% of isolates presented decreased susceptibility to quinine and artesunate, respectively. Distributions of mean IC50 according to drug and geographic origin indicated that the parasites circulating to the west of Cambodia largely account for the global situation of drug resistances in Cambodia. Isolates with decreased susceptibility to chloroquine and mefloquine were common along the border with Thailand. In contrast, most of the isolates from eastern Cambodia were susceptible to these compounds. Isolates collected at the western and eastern borders did not respond differently to artesunate. No major differences in responses to antimalarial drugs were observed between 2001 and 2002, suggesting that the situation of drug resistance is now stabilized and under control in Cambodia. However, the decreased susceptibility of isolates collected in the western provinces of Cambodia to mefloquine and the correlation between susceptibility to artesunate and susceptibility to mefloquine and quinine justify the need for an improved international surveillance program for malaria drug resistance in the Mekong sub region.     

Molecular epidemiology of malaria in Cameroon. XIX. Quality of antimalarial drugs used for self-medication

Substandard and counterfeit pharmaceutical products are increasingly circulating and distributed around the world, in particular in less developed countries. These low-quality or counterfeit products often involve drugs that are in high demand for the prevention and treatment of highly prevalent diseases, such as antimalarial drugs in endemic countries. Self-medication for presumed malarial infections with drugs purchased from unofficial drug vendors is a common practice in Africa. The aim of the study was to investigate the quality of chloroquine, quinine, and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine obtained from illegitimate sector in urban and rural areas in Cameroon and analyze the impact of these drugs on patients. We collected 284 samples of three antimalarial drugs from 132 different sources in 16 villages and cities throughout the country. We also collected antimalarial drugs that were used for self-medication by malaria-infected patients. Drug quality was assessed by a simple color reaction test and semi-quantitative thin-layer chromatography. Fifty (38%) of 133 chloroquine, 52 (74%) of 70 quinine, and 10 (12%) of 81 antifolates had either no active ingredient, an insufficient active ingredient, the wrong ingredient, or unknown ingredient(s). Self-medication with antimalarial drugs purchased from unofficial vendors is not a reliable strategy to diminish morbidity and mortality. These counterfeit drugs contribute to the spread of drug-resistant malaria parasites and may lead to increasing therapeutic failure and medical expense.     

2019年昆明市输入性登革热病例流行病学和病原学特征分析

目的 分析云南省昆明市2019年输入性登革热病例流行病学及病原学特征,为登革热防控提供决策依据。方法 按《全国登革热监测方案》收集2019年昆明市输入性登革热病例信息;采集1—6月部分输入性病例血清,采用实时荧光RT-PCR对血清样本进行登革病毒（dengue virus, DENV）血清型分型,扩增病毒E基因序列并进行系统进化分析。结果 2019年昆明市共报告输入性登革热病例400例,境外输入297例（占74.25%）,主要来自柬埔寨（187例）、缅甸（38例）和老挝（28例）;境内输入99例（占24.75%）,主要来自云南省西双版纳州（93例）。全年均有病例输入,5—10月为输入高峰。男女比例为2.01∶1;各年龄组均有病例报告,以青壮年为主,20～50岁病例占84.25%;职业主要为家务及待业人员（占19.50%）、商业服务人员（占14.00%）、干部职员（占13.00%）、农民（占11.50%）和工人（占10.75%）。1—6月共采集60份输入性登革热病例血清样本,来源国为柬埔寨（49例）、老挝（1例）、缅甸（3例）、越南（3例）、泰国（1例）和非洲地区（3例）,共检出29例D...     

Registering medicines for low‐income countries: how suitable are the stringent review procedures of the World Health Organisation,the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency?

New medicines are registered after a resource‐demanding process. Unfortunately, in low‐income countries (LICs), demand outweighs resources. To facilitate registration in LICs, stringent review procedures of the European Medicines Agency (EMA Article‐58), Food and Drug Administration (FDA PEPFAR‐linked review) and WHO Prequalification programme have been established. Only the PEPFAR‐linked review gives approval, while the others make recommendations for approval. This study assessed the performance and discussed the challenges of these three stringent review procedures. Data from WHO, FDA, EMA, Medline and Internet were analysed. Over 60% of medicines reviewed by stringent review procedures are manufactured in India. Until 2012, WHO prequalified 400 medicines (211 vaccines, 130 antiretrovirals, 29 tuberculostatics, 15 antimalarials and 15 others). PEPFAR‐linked review approved 156 antiretrovirals, while EMA Article 58 recommended approval of 3 antiretrovirals, 1 vaccine and 1 antimalarial. WHO Prequalification and PEPFAR‐linked review are free of charge and as a result have accelerated access to antiretrovirals. They both built capacity in sub‐Saharan Africa, although WHO prequalification relies technically on stringent regulatory authorities and financially on donors. Article‐58 offers the largest disease coverage and strongest technical capacities, is costly and involves fewer LICs. To meet the high demand for quality medicines in LICs, these stringent review procedures need to enlarge their disease coverage. To improve registration, EMA Article 58 should actively involve LICs. Furthermore, LIC regulatory activities must not be fully resigned to stringent review procedure.     

Human bocavirus amongst an all‐ages population hospitalised with acute lower respiratory infections in Cambodia

Please cite this paper as: Arnott et al. (2013) Human bocavirus amongst an all‐ages population hospitalised with acute lower respiratory infections in Cambodia. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 7(2) 201–210. Background Human bocavirus (HBoV) is a novel parvovirus that is associated with respiratory and gastrointestinal tract disease. Objectives To investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of HBoV amongst hospitalized patients with acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) in Cambodia. Study Design Samples were collected from 2773 patients of all ages hospitalised with symptoms of ALRI between 2007 and 2009. All samples were screened by multiplex RT‐PCR/PCR for 18 respiratory viruses. All samples positive for HBoV were sequenced and included in this study. Results Of the samples tested, 43 (1·5%) were positive for HBoV. The incidence of HBoV did not vary between the consecutive seasons investigated, and HBoV infections were detected year‐round. The incidence of HBoV infection was highest in patients aged <2 years, with pneumonia or bronchopneumonia the most common clinical diagnosis, regardless of age. A total of 19 patients (44%) were co‐infected with HBoV and an additional respiratory pathogen. All isolates were classified as HBoV type 1 (HBoV‐1). High conservation between Cambodian NP1 and V1V2 gene sequences was observed. Conclusions Human bocavirus infection can result in serious illness, however is frequently detected in the context of viral co‐infection. Specific studies are required to further understand the true pathogenesis of HBoV in the context of severe respiratory illness.     

Prices of antihypertensive medicines in sub‐Saharan Africa and alignment to WHO’s model list of essential medicines

Objective To investigate compliance of National Essential Medicines Lists (NEMLs) with the WHO Essential Medicines List (WHO/EML) in 2007 and to compare prices of antihypertensive drugs in and between 13 sub‐Saharan African countries. Methodology Data on NEMLs and drug prices were collected from 65 public and 65 private pharmacies (five of each per country). Prices were compared with the International Drug Price Indicator Guide (IDPIG). The cost of drug treatment within a country was calculated using defined daily doses (DDD) and between countries using DDD prices adjusted for purchasing power parity‐based gross domestic product per capita. Results All surveyed countries had a NEML. However, none of these lists were in complete alignment with the 2007 WHO/EML, and 38% had not been updated in the last 5 years. Surveyed medicines were cheaper when on the NEMLs; they were also cheaper in public than in private pharmacies. Prices varied greatly per medicine. A large majority of the public prices were higher than those indicated by the IDPIG. Overall, hydrochlorothiazide is the cheapest drug. Conclusion There are substantial differences in NEML composition between the 13 countries. The proportion of NEMLs not regularly updated was double the global United Nations estimates. Prices of WHO/EML‐advised drugs differ greatly between drugs and for each drug within and between countries. In general, the use of drugs on the NEML improves financial accessibility, and these drugs should be prescribed preferentially.     

Morphological diversity of Trichuris spp. eggs observed during an anthelminthic drug trial in Yunnan,China, and relative performance of parasitologic diagnostic tools

The presence of large Trichuris spp. eggs in human faecal samples is occasionally reported. Such eggs have been described as variant Trichuris trichiura or Trichuris vulpis eggs. Within the frame of a randomised controlled trial, faecal samples collected from 115 Bulang individuals from Yunnan, People's Republic of China were subjected to the Kato–Katz technique (fresh stool samples) and the FLOTAC and ether-concentration techniques (sodium acetate–acetic acid–formalin (SAF)-fixed stool samples). Large Trichuris spp. eggs were noted in faecal samples with a prevalence of 6.1% before and 21.7% after anthelminthic drug administration. The observed prevalence of standard-sized T. trichiura eggs was reduced from 93.0% to 87.0% after treatment. Considerably more cases of large Trichuris spp. eggs and slightly more cases with normal-sized T. trichiura eggs were identified by FLOTAC compared to the ether-concentration technique. No large Trichuris spp. eggs were observed on the Kato–Katz thick smears.     

Characterization of hepatitis B surface antigen strains circulating in the Kingdom of Cambodia

A collection of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-reactive serum specimens from the Pasteur Institute of Cambodia was investigated for the genotype, predicted serotype and the presence of diagnostically significant mutations in the surface protein. From a set of 794 samples, 15 were identified serologically to harbour possible HBsAg mutants and were investigated further. An additional 20 samples were included into the study for PCR and sequence analysis. Of the 22 samples which were HBV-DNA-positive, 16 were of genotype C with the remaining six being genotype B. Point mutations resulting in amino acid substitutions were noted in 10 samples. The majority of these mutations occurred outside the a determinant.     

Can old drugs learn new tricks? Achieving registration and public subsidy listing for off-patent medicines with novel therapeutic applications

With the increasing costs of drug development, repurposing of low-cost medicines for new indications has never been more important. However, there are multiple barriers to repurposing, particularly for off-patent medicines, and limited incentives for the pharmaceutical industry to sponsor registration and public subsidy listing. Here, we explore these barriers and their consequences and provide examples of successful repurposing strategies.     

Evaluation of a New Handheld Instrument for the Detection of Counterfeit Artesunate by Visual Fluorescence Comparison

There is an urgent need for accurate and inexpensive handheld instruments for the evaluation of medicine quality in the field. A blinded evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of the Counterfeit Detection Device 3 (CD-3), developed by the US Food and Drug Administration Forensic Chemistry Center, was conducted in the Lao People''s Democratic Republic. Two hundred three samples of the oral antimalarial artesunate were compared with authentic products using the CD-3 by a trainer and two trainees. The specificity (95% confidence interval [95% CI]), sensitivity (95% CI), positive predictive value (95% CI), and negative predictive value (95% CI) of the CD-3 for detecting counterfeit (falsified) artesunate were 100% (93.8–100%), 98.4% (93.8–99.7%), 100% (96.2–100%), and 97.4% (90.2–99.6%), respectively. Interobserver agreement for 203 samples of artesunate was 100%. The CD-3 holds promise as a relatively inexpensive and easy to use instrument for field evaluation of medicines, potentially empowering drug inspectors, customs agents, and pharmacists.     

Counterfeit anti-infective drugs

The production of counterfeit or substandard anti-infective drugs is a widespread and under-recognised problem that contributes to morbidity, mortality, and drug resistance, and leads to spurious reporting of resistance and toxicity and loss of confidence in health-care systems. Counterfeit drugs particularly affect the most disadvantaged people in poor countries. Although advances in forensic chemical analysis and simple field tests will enhance drug quality monitoring, improved access to inexpensive genuine medicines, support of drug regulatory authorities, more open reporting, vigorous law enforcement, and more international cooperation with determined political leadership will be essential to counter this threat.     

Environment: a potential source of animal and human infection with influenza A (H5N1) virus

Please cite this paper as: Horm et al. (2012) Environment: a potential source of animal and human infection with influenza A (H5N1) virus. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(6), 442–448. Background Very little is known regarding the persistence of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 viruses in natural settings during outbreaks in tropical countries, although environmental factors may well play a role in the persistence and in the transmission of H5N1 virus. Objective To investigate various environmental compartments surrounding outbreak areas as potential sources for H5N1 virus transmission. Methods Environmental specimens were collected following outbreaks of avian influenza in Cambodia between April 2007 and February 2010. The methods used to concentrate H5N1 virus from water samples were based either on agglutination of the virus with chicken red blood cells or on adsorption on glass wool, followed by an elution‐concentration step. An elution‐concentration method was used for mud specimens. All samples that tested positive by real‐time RT‐PCRs (qRT‐PCRs) targeting the HA5, M and NA1 genes were inoculated into embryonated hen eggs for virus isolation. Results Of a total of 246 samples, 46 (19%) tested positive for H5N1 by qRT‐PCRs. Viral RNA was frequently detected in dust, mud and soil samples from the farms’ environment (respectively, 46%, 31% and 15%). Samples collected from ponds gave a lower proportion of positive samples (6%) as compared to those collected from the farms (24%). In only one sample, infectious virus particles were successfully isolated. Conclusion During H5N1 virus outbreaks, numerous environmental samples surrounding outbreak areas are contaminated by the virus and may act as potential sources for human and/or animal contamination.     

The safety of drugs used in acid-related disorders and functional gastrointestinal disorders

Medicines are frequently used in the management of acid-related disorders and functional gastrointestinal disorders. With the exception of complicated peptic ulcer disease, these disorders are not associated with appreciable mortality. Drug treatments have consequently been held to the highest standards of safety. Some medicines have been withdrawn or restricted based on assessments and perceptions of risk. However, the risk of serious toxicity is low for most of the agents discussed in this article. Assessments are made of the safety and adverse-event profiles of certain drug classes and, where appropriate, individual medicines. For conditions with a low risk of mortality or serious morbidity, clinicians need to balance the risks of potential adverse events with the anticipated benefits of a successful outcome of specific drug treatment.     

1977例急性、亚急性、慢加急性肝衰竭患者的病因与转归分析

目的 探讨急性肝衰竭(ALF)、亚急性肝衰竭(SALF)、慢加急性肝衰竭(ACLF)的病因. 方法回顾性总结1977例肝衰竭患者的临床资料,对病因、年龄、性别、转归等方面进行比较分析.结果 ALF的前三位病因是:HEV感染(33.96%)、HBV感染(13.21%)与药物性肝病(9.43%);SALF为药物性肝病(31.53%)、HEV感染(16.22%)、HBV感染(9.91%);ACLF为HBV感染(90.29%)、洒精性肝病(2.65%)、HBV与HEV重叠感染(2.26%).常见嗜肝病毒感染者占90.09%(1781例),其中单HBV感染占92.93%(1655例).在HBV感染者中(1655例),26～55岁患者占77.10%(1276例).2005-2007年酒精性肝衰竭患者39例,占酒精性病因患者的81.25%(48例);2006-2007年药物性肝衰竭共23例,占药物性病因的56.10%(41例).除药物性肝损伤外,其他病因均男性多于女性.三类肝衰竭总治愈,好转率为35.56%,HEV感染性肝衰竭的治愈,好转率高于药物性肝衰竭(x2=4.42,P<0.05),其他组间差异无统计学意义.结论 不同类型肝衰竭主要病因不同;HBV感染居肝衰竭病因之首,酒精性、药物性肝衰竭呈上升趋势;HEV感染性肝衰竭治愈、好转率相对较高.     

Epidemiology and burden of disease from Japanese encephalitis in Cambodia: results from two years of sentinel surveillance

Objectives  To describe the results from two years of Japanese encephalitis (JE) sentinel surveillance in Cambodia.
Methods  Sentinel site surveillance for JE in children aged 15 years and under was implemented in Cambodia in mid-2006. It was integrated into the routine meningoencephalitis surveillance system. Six hospitals were selected as sentinel sites. Epidemiological information and diagnostic specimens were collected from each patient presenting with meningoencephalitis. Cerebrospinal fluid and sera were tested for presence of immunoglobulin M antibodies against JE and dengue viruses by an ELISA. Surveillance data from 2006 to 2008 were analysed.
Results  Of 586 patients presenting with meningoencephalitis, 110 (19%) were confirmed to have JE. The percentage of confirmed JE cases at individual sentinel sites ranged from 13% to 35% of all meningoencephalitis cases. Mean age was 6.2 years, with 95% of JE cases in children aged 12 years and under. Cases occurred year-round in both 12-month reporting periods.
Conclusions  JE is an important cause of meningoencephalitis in Cambodian children. As JE is a vaccine-preventable disease, an immunization programme could result in a considerable reduction in morbidity and mortality from JE among children in Cambodia.     

吸毒人群尿液、血液平行检测艾滋病病毒1型抗体结果分析

目的 利用吸毒人群尿液和血液标本比较不同方法检测艾滋病病毒1型(HIV-1)抗体结果的一致性。方法 平行采集强制戒毒所234名吸毒者的尿液和血液标本,应用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)分别测定不同标本中HIV-1抗体。结果234人中5人血液标本HIV-1抗体为阳性,其平行尿液标本中4人阳性,另1人蛋白印迹试验确认为阴性。结果显示:两种标本检测HIV-1抗体的符合率为99.6％。结论 尿液标本ELISA试剂的检测结果是可靠的。