The effect of the community-directed treatment approach versus the school-based treatment approach on the prevalence and intensity of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis among schoolchildren in Tanzania

This study compared the effect of the community-directed treatment (ComDT) approach and the school-based treatment approach on the prevalence and intensity of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) among schoolchildren. Following a parasitological survey in a randomly selected sample of 1140 schoolchildren, school-age children in 10 study villages received one dose of praziquantel (40 mg/kg body weight) against schistosomiasis and one dose of albendazole (400mg) against STH. Five of these villages implemented the ComDT approach and received treatment by community drug distributors, while school teachers administered treatment in five other villages using the school-based approach. At 12 months follow-up, the prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni and Trichuris trichiura infections were similar between the ComDT and the school-based approaches when examined in randomly selected schoolchildren (10.1 vs. 9.4%, P=0.66 and 0.8 vs. 1.4%, P=0.37). However, the prevalence of S. haematobium and hookworm infections were significantly lower in the ComDT approach villages compared to the school-based approach villages (10.6 vs. 16.3%, P=0.005 and 2.9 vs. 5.8%, P=0.01, respectively). The results showed that the ComDT approach is at least as effective as the school-based approach in reducing prevalence and intensity of schistosomiasis and STH among schoolchildren.     

Current status of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis in Beyla and Macenta Prefectures, Forest Guinea

A cross-sectional survey was undertaken in children aged 9-14 years in Beyla and Macenta Prefectures, Forest Guinea. Stool samples were examined by Kato-Katz and urine samples were examined by the centrifugation method. The overall prevalence and intensity of infection was 66.2% and 462.4 eggs per gram of faeces (epg) for Schistosoma mansoni, 21.0% and 17.8 eggs per 10 ml of urine for S. haematobium, 51.2% and 507.5 epg for hookworm, 8.1% and 89.1 epg for Ascaris lumbricoides and 2.4% and 16.7 epg for Trichuris trichiura. The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis (S. mansoni and/or S. haematobium) was 70.7%. The prevalence of schistosomiasis was similar to those reported in the 1990s in the region; however, the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths has since fallen. These findings illustrate the need for schistosomiasis control in Guinea.     

Progress towards countrywide control of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis in Uganda

Schistosomiasis caused by infection with Schistosoma mansoni is a serious public health burden in 38 of the 56 districts of Uganda. This article reviews the initial experience of the national control programme. Launched in 2003, this started with a pilot phase with the main aim of utilizing the experience to formulate feasible and appropriate methods of drug delivery. Overall, 432,746 people were treated and coverage was 91.4% in schools and 64.7% in communities. The issues raised by independent evaluators included that most communities did not participate in the selection of community drug distributors (CDD) and that teachers and CDDs needed refresher training mainly on health education and the management of side effects. As a way forward, it is suggested that the Ministry of Health should integrate deworming into the existing health infrastructure so that every time a child is reached for any health service, the child is also de-wormed.     

Cure rate is not a valid indicator for assessing drug efficacy and impact of preventive chemotherapy interventions against schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis

Every year in endemic countries, several million individuals are given anthelminthic drugs in the context of preventive chemotherapy programmes for morbidity control of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis. The capacity to evaluate accurately the efficacy of the drugs used as well as the health impact produced by treatment is of utmost importance for appropriate planning and implementation of these interventions. Cure rate is an indicator of drug efficacy that was originally developed for assessing the clinical efficacy of antibiotics on selected bacterial diseases. Over time, this indicator has also been widely applied to anthelminthic drugs and consequently used to monitor and evaluate preventive chemotherapy interventions. In the author's opinion, however, measurement of cure rate provides information of limited usefulness in the context of helminth control programmes. The present article analyses the peculiarities of helminth infections and those of the drugs used in preventive chemotherapy, explaining the reasons why the cure rate is not an adequate indicator in this specific public health context.     

Efficacy and safety of drug combinations in the treatment of schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis

This review concerns the efficacy and safety of combinations of various drugs, including albendazole (ALB), diethylcarbamazine (DEC), ivermectin (IVM), mebendazole and praziquantel (PZQ). There were no significant pharmacokinetic interactions when ALB-PZQ, ALB-DEC, ALB-IVM or ALB-IVM-PZQ were co-administered. ALB did not add to the cure rate of PZQ in the treatment of Schistosoma japonicum, S. mansoni and S. haematobium. ALB and DEC in combination and alone were ineffective against S. haematobium infections. No combinations (ALB-PZQ, ALB-IVM and ALB-DEC) were superior to ALB against Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm infections, whilst IVM, but not PZQ or DEC, added to the effect of ALB in the treatment of Trichuris trichiura. Results with ALB added to single-drug therapy with IVM or DEC against lymphatic filariasis were inconclusive, but DEC and IVM in combination appeared to be superior to DEC or IVM alone. None of the drug combinations against lymphatic filariasis showed more adverse reactions than single-drug therapy. In onchocerciasis patients, ALB and IVM were safe in those also infected with lymphatic filariasis, but were not superior to IVM alone. Existing policies are based on limited knowledge. Well conducted, comparative, randomised controlled studies would greatly aid in the future use of these drug combinations.     

Prevalence and intensity of intestinal parasitic infections in relation to nutritional status in Mexican schoolchildren

Undernutrition and intestinal parasitic infections affect childhood development and morbidity in many developing countries. Undernutrition may increase susceptibility to parasitic infections which in turn impair the nutritional status of the host. The relationship between intestinal parasitic infections and nutritional status in 400 Mexican schoolchildren was investigated. More than half of the children in the study showed intestinal parasites and polyparasitism. The prevalence of helminth infections was significantly higher in Oaxaca than in Sinaloa (P < 0.05). Z scores for weight-for-age (WA) and height-for-age (HA) were much lower in children of Oaxaca than in Sinaloa (P < 0.001). A significantly higher Z score for weight-for-height (WH), WA, and HA were found in non-infected versus infected children (P < 0.05). Higher prevalences of intestinal infections were found in children with lower HA and WA than in normally nourished children (P < 0.05). Higher intensities of Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura were found in the schoolchildren of Sinaloa than in Oaxaca (P < 0.01). Negative and significant associations were found between Hymenolepis nana and T. trichiura infection (eggs per gram) and nutritional status. Intestinal parasitic infections may be regarded as main risk factors associated with poor nutritional status in Mexican schoolchildren.     

A randomised controlled clinical trial on the safety of co-administration of albendazole, ivermectin and praziquantel in infected schoolchildren in Uganda

Integrated chemotherapy of neglected tropical diseases (NTD) through mass drug administration given as a single dose would increase treatment coverage and cost-effectiveness. This study reports on the safety of a combination of albendazole, ivermectin and praziquantel in the treatment of lymphatic filariasis (LF), schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) in infected children. In this randomised, controlled, single-blinded clinical trial conducted in 235 primary school children aged 5-18 years in Yumbe District in Northern Uganda, the triple combination therapy was compared with the current NTD programme regimen. Liver function testing was performed for all children who received combined therapy. The study included 48 children with LF alone, 60 children with schistosomiasis (Schistosoma mansoni), 41 children with STH, 49 children with schistosomiasis + LF and 37 children with all three types of infection. Children were closely monitored by a paediatrician for any adverse reactions for 7 days. No serious adverse events were experienced. However, 4 of 18 children in the test group and 2 of 3 children in the control group who did not report any ill conditions before treatment developed adverse drug reactions. The combined and conventional therapies were found to be equally safe. The efficacies of both therapies were comparable and satisfactory. [ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01050517]     

Surveillance and Vector Control of Lymphatic Filariasis in the Republic of Korea

ObjectivesUntil the early 2000s, lymphatic filariasis would commonly break out in the coastal areas in Korea. Through steady efforts combining investigation and treatment, filariasis was officially declared eradicated in 2008. This study surveyed the density of vector species of filariasis in past endemic areas, and inspected filariasis DNA from collected mosquitoes for protection against the reemergence of filariasis.MethodsBetween May and October 2009, mosquitoes were caught using the black night trap in past endemic coastal areas: Gyeongsangnam-do, Jeollanam-do, and Jeju-do. The collected mosquitoes were identified, and the extracted DNA from the collected vector mosquitoes was tested by polymerase chain reaction for Brugia malayi filariasis.ResultsOchletotatus togoi, Anophel es (Hyrcanus) group and Culex pipiens were most frequently caught in Jeollanam-do (Geomun Island, Bogil Island, Heuksan Island), Jeju-do (Namone-ri, Wimi-ri). and Gyeongsangnam-do (Maemul Island). DNA of B malayi was not found in Och Togoi and An (Hyrcanus) group as main vectors of filariasis.ConclusionLymphatic filariasis was not found in the vector mosquitoes collected in past endemic areas. However, considering that the proportion of vector species is quite high, there is a potential risk that filariasis could be reemerging through overseas travel or trade. Thus, there is a need to continuously monitor vector mosquitoes of lymphatic filariasis.     

The effect of iron and multi-micronutrient supplementation on Ascaris lumbricoides reinfection among Zambian schoolchildren

A randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial was conducted among schoolchildren in Chawama, Lusaka, Zambia, to determine the effect of iron and multi-micronutrients on reinfection with Ascaris lumbricoides. Supplementation was given on every school day for 10 months. Baseline A. lumbricoides prevalence and geometric mean intensity among positives were 43.4% and 2526 eggs per gram (epg) faeces, respectively. Serum ferritin <12microg/l was associated with higher egg counts than serum ferritin >or=12microg/l (4728 vs. 2036epg, P=0.033). Of 406 children recruited, 378 (93.1%) were examined at baseline and all infected children were treated and cure ascertained. The mean number of tablets taken per week was 2.5, giving 50% compliance. At six months 283 (74.9%) children complied, and reinfection intensities in those receiving iron were lower than in those receiving placebo (1600 vs. 3085epg, P=0.056). This effect disappeared at 10 months, where 215 (56.9%) complied. Iron had no effect on A. lumbricoides reinfection rates and multi-micronutrients had no effect on reinfection rates or intensities. Iron appears to affect reinfection intensity with A. lumbricoides, but further investigations are required to confirm this effect and elucidate the mechanisms involved.     

龙岩地区消灭丝虫病的防治策略及流行病学监测研究

目的；本文是龙岩地区消灭丝虫病的防治策略及流行病学监测工作的总结。方法；对全区各年度丝虫病防治监测资料及防治效果进行了统计分析。１９７６年后继续开展残存和输入性传染监测，并系统开展病原学，蚊媒和血清学横向和纵向监测。结果：病原横向监测流行乡镇覆盖率达７２．６５％，人群覆盖率达５．４６％。１９８９年监测点发现２例本地籍微丝蚴血症者已自然有，连续年未发现新病例，蚊媒监测无阳性蚊。     

Comparison of the Kato-Katz thick smear and McMaster egg counting techniques for monitoring drug efficacy against soil-transmitted helminths in schoolchildren on Pemba Island, Tanzania

The Kato-Katz thick smear technique is widely used to assess prevalence and intensity in soil-transmitted helminth (STH) control programmes, but its usefulness in monitoring anthelminthic drug efficacy needs to be validated and compared with other methods. A promising alternative is the McMaster egg counting technique. In the present study, the efficacy of single-dose albendazole against STH infections in 430 schoolchildren on Pemba Island was assessed using both the Kato-Katz and McMaster techniques. The study revealed comparable drug efficacy results for both methods and confirmed the potency of the McMaster technique as an alternative method for monitoring large-scale deworming programmes.     

Reflecting and shaping the discourse: The role of music in AIDS communication in Tanzania

Failure to recognize the importance of oral traditions in Africa and the potential of music and song for stimulating social and behavior change would represent a missed opportunity in HIV prevention strategies. Local narratives concerning AIDS are often utilized in popular songs and constitute rich sources of contextual information about the epidemic that have thus far been un- or underutilized in HIV prevention strategies. Endogenously conceived messages delivered via a channel such as music increase the likelihood of messages being contextually appropriate and culturally engaging. This form of media also presents the greatest opportunity for wide dissemination. Drawing on field work conducted in the Kilimanjaro region, this paper presents examples of how music and musicians in Tanzania reflect and potentially shape AIDS discourse. Three broad recurrent themes addressed in songs are discussed: AIDS metaphors, stigma and broader HIV prevention messages. By tapping into the wealth of information about AIDS discourse contained within popular songs, and by recognizing musicians as potential opinion leaders and agents of social change, the effectiveness of prevention strategies may be increased.     

坦桑尼亚艾滋病流行新态势及跨学科关注的必要性探讨

通过近40年的努力,坦桑尼亚艾滋病疫情出现了新报告数、患病率和死亡数下降,抗病毒治疗数上升的态势,但同时也出现了艾滋病疫情流向农村、中低收入社会阶层、青少年和女性等更值得关注的人群。据此,在整体意义上肯定坦桑尼亚的努力与付出,但同时更应从微观层面来审视其新动向。另外,普遍发生的异性肛交与艾滋病广泛流行的关联亟待加强人类学或者跨学科的关注。     

The effect of single dose ivermectin alone or in combination with albendazole on Wuchereria bancrofti infection in primary school children in Tanzania

Examination of 1829 children from 6 primary schools in coastal Tanzania revealed overall Wuchereria bancrofti microfilaria (mf) and circulating filarial antigen (CFA) prevalences of 17.3% and 43.7%, respectively. A randomized double-blind field trial with a single dose of ivermectin (150-200 microg/kg body weight) alone or in combination with albendazole (400 mg) was subsequently carried out among these children. Both treatment regimens resulted in a considerable decrease in mean mf intensities, with overall reductions being slightly but statistically significantly higher for the combination than for ivermectin alone. The difference in effect between the two treatment regimens was most pronounced at 6 months, whereas it was minor at 12 months after treatment. The relative effect of treatment on mean CFA units was less pronounced than on mf. For both treatment regimens, reductions in CFA intensity appeared to be higher in children who were both CFA and mf positive before treatment, which may suggest that treatment mainly affected the survival and/or production of mf, rather than the survival of adult worms. New cases of infection appeared after treatment with both regimens among the pre-treatment mf and CFA negative children. Adverse reactions were few and mild in both groups, and mainly reported from pre-treatment mf and CFA positive children. The alarmingly high prevalence of W. bancrofti infection in primary school children highlights the importance of also determining the reversibility of already acquired early lesions, and the development of new measures and strategies to specifically protect children from later developing clinical disease.     

北京市海淀区成年人常见慢性病患病及防治现状

目的了解北京市海淀区成年人高血压、糖尿病、血脂异常的流行特征和防治水平。方法采取多阶段等比例分层整群抽样方法于2008年对北京市海淀区2776名18岁～79岁常住居民进行问卷调查、体格测量和实验室检查。结果高血压、糖尿病、血脂异常的患病率分别为37.5%,11.0%和45.7%;高血压患者知晓率、药物治疗率和控制率分别为49.7%,44.3%和9.8%,糖尿病患者分别为56.7%,50.0%和15.0%,血脂异常患者分别为31.1%,13.0%和4.3%;高血压、糖尿病、血脂异常知晓患者的治疗率分别为89.2%,87.5%和34.1%,药物治疗患者的控制率分别为22.1%,42.8%和19.5%。随年龄增长,高血压、糖尿病、血脂异常的患病率、知晓率、药物治疗率增高(P0.05);高血压治疗患者的控制率降低(P0.05)。女性60岁以前高血压、糖尿病、血脂异常患病率均低于男性(P0.05),60岁以后与男性持平。结论海淀区高血压、糖尿病、血脂异常患病水平高,知晓、治疗和控制水平偏低。当前应加强慢性病的三级预防,加强社区慢性病综合防治工作。     

中国部分中年人群糖尿病患病率、知晓率、治疗率及控制率现况调查

目的描述中国14组中年人群空腹血糖受损（IFG）患病率、糖尿病（DM）患病率、知晓率、治疗率、控制率现状及其近年的变化趋势。方法1998年对14组35～59岁人群进行整群抽样调查，测定空腹血糖并询问DM史及治疗史，用于现况研究。对其中4组曾在1993—1994年进行相同调查的人群进行变化趋势研究。结果14组人群IFG和DM年龄标化患病率分别为0．5％～15．6％（平均4．8％）和0．2％～10．6％（平均4．3％），无性别差异，城市高于农村（P〈0．01），年龄越大患病率越高（P〈0．01）。DM知晓率、治疗率、控制率分别为0％～46．2％（平均33．3％）、0％～46．2％（平均27．2％）和0％～15．4％（平均9．7％）；女性大于男性（P〈0．01），城市高于农村（P=0．031）．年龄越大上述三率越高（P〈0．05），与文化程度无显著关联。在DM知晓者中治疗率平均为81．6％，在治疗者中控制率平均为35．6％，且男女、城乡、年龄组问差异无统计学意义。1993-1994年到1998年4组人群DM患病率平均由3．8％上升到4．6％（P=0．037），知晓率、治疗率、控制率有上升趋势但变化无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论中国14组中年人群DM患病率两性之间差异无统计学意义．地区之间差异明显，近年呈上升趋势。DM知晓率、治疗率、控制率总体处于较低水平。解决DM人群防治的关键是改善检出机会和提高治疗效果两个环节。     

干扰素加激光联合治疗巨大和多发尖锐湿疣的临床观察

目的探讨激光和干扰素联合应用治疗外阴部巨大和多发性尖锐湿疣的临床疗效.方法选择1998～2002年在该院皮肤科门诊治疗的34例外阴部巨大和多发性尖锐湿疣患者,采用激光治疗前后加用干扰素局部和全身治疗的治疗方案.结果 34例患者治疗后随访半年,治愈率88.2%,复发率11.8%.结论激光和干扰素联合应用在外阴部巨大和多发性尖锐湿疣的治疗中效果良好.