May 11, 2010
Infectious Diseases Caused Two-Thirds of the Nearly 9 Million Child Deaths Globally In 2008
Preventable infectious diseases cause two-thirds of child deaths, according to a new study published today by The Lancet. Experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF’s Child Health Epidemiology Reference Group (CHERG) assessed data from 193 countries to produce estimates by country, region and the world. While the number of deaths has declined globally over the last decade, the analysis reveals how millions of children under five die every year from preventable causes.
“With less than five years to reach the United Nations Millennium Development Goal 4—to reduce child deaths by two-thirds from 1990 levels—it is vital for governments, public health organizations, and donors to have accurate country-level estimates so they can target their efforts effectively,” said lead author Dr. Robert Black, the Edgar Berman Professor and Chair of the Department of International Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
“These findings have important implications for national programs,” said UNICEF Chief of Health, Dr. Mickey Chopra. “The persistence of diarrhea, pneumonia and malaria, all of which are easily preventable and curable but which nonetheless remain the leading single causes of death worldwide, should spur us to do more to control these diseases.”
The study’s country and regional estimates, however, underscore how global efforts must be targeted to have maximum impact. Malaria, for instance, is responsible for approximately 16 percent of deaths in Africa, but is a comparatively minor disease in the rest of the world. The study did reveal successes in fighting some infectious diseases, such as measles and tetanus—each now only accounts for 1 percent of child deaths worldwide.
Newborn deaths—those within the first month of life—increased as a proportion of all child deaths globally from 37 percent in 2000 to 41 percent in 2008. The two greatest single causes of death among neonates are pre-term birth complications and birth-related asphyxia. “These new data make the compelling case that for countries to get on track for Millennium Development Goal 4, they need to scale up low-cost, effective newborn health interventions,” said co-author Dr. Joy Lawn, director of Global Policy and Evidence for Save the Children’s Saving Newborn Lives program.
The quantity and quality of child survival data have steadily improved over the last decade. For the first time, national data from China and India were used instead of modeled estimates. Furthermore, CHERG researchers have continued to refine their analytical methodology. Researchers, for instance, were able to use multi-cause modeling for the age group 1-59 months, which was previously possible only for the neonatal age group. The increasing reliability of data should further motivate the global child survival community to incorporate evidence-based findings into the design and implementation of programming to reach 2015 U.N. Millennium Development Goals.
Global, regional, and national causes of child mortality in 2008: a systematic analysis, by Robert E Black, Simon Cousens, Hope L Johnson, Joy E Lawn, Igor Rudan, Diego G Bassani, Prabhat Jha, Harry Campbell, Christa Fischer Walker, Richard Cibulskis, Thomas Eisele, Li Liu, Colin Mathers, for the Child Health Epidemiology Reference Group of the World Health Organization and UNICEF, was published on May 12 by The Lancet. The study was funded by WHO, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (via the US Fund for UNICEF).
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Mosquito Evolution Threatens Malaria Research Progress
Mosquito evolution may make it harder to fight malaria: Study
Complicating efforts to combat malaria, new research indicates that two physically identical strains of a single mosquito responsible for most disease transmissions appear to be evolving into two genetically distinct species.
Two studies reported in the Oct. 21 issue of Science suggest that the evolution process is occurring faster than previously thought, and note that substantial genetic differences are already apparent.
This development could undermine efforts to control mosquito population growth with strategies that may not be effective against both strains, the researchers said.
“Malaria is a deadly disease that affects millions of people across the world, and amongst children in Africa, it causes one in every five deaths,” George Christophides, a professor in the division of cell and molecular biology at Imperial College London in England, said in a news release from the college. Christophides is one of the lead researchers.
“We know that the best way to reduce the number of people who contract malaria is to control the mosquitoes that carry the disease,” he continued.
“Our studies help us to understand the makeup of the mosquitoes that transmit malaria, so that we can find new ways of preventing them from infecting people.”
Malaria kills one child every 30 seconds worldwide, according to World Health Organization figures cited in the studies.
The new studies focused on the so-called “M” and “S” strains of the “Anopheles gambiae mosquito,” which is involved in most malarial transmissions in sub-Saharan Africa.
After conducting detailed genetic analyses, the authors of one study concluded that significant genetic differences are dispersed all across each strain's genome, potentially altering development, eating habits, and reproductive patterns. The other study examined 400,000 different spots on each strain's genome and those on a third strain called “Bamako” to hone in on genetic variations.
The research team theorized that the strains seem to be evolving in different directions, perhaps in reaction to environmental differences or divergences in the diseases and predators each mosquito strain must combat.
The research team included scientists from the University of Notre Dame, the J.C. Venter Institute, Washington University and the Broad Institute.
(Source: HealthDay News)
Malaria Ramblings: Truth In Photography: Robert Semeniuk's New Blog
Malaria Ramblings: Truth In Photography: Robert Semeniuk's New Blog
http://truthinphotography.blogspot.com/
Improving mothers' literacy skills best way to boost children's achievement.
For Immediate Release
Monday, October 25, 2010
Improving mothers' literacy skills may be best way to boost children's achievement
Monday, October 25, 2010
Improving mothers' literacy skills may be best way to boost children's achievement
Researchers funded by the National Institutes of Health concluded that programs to boost the academic achievement of children from low income neighborhoods might be more successful if they also provided adult literacy education to parents.
The researchers based this conclusion on their finding that a mother's reading skill is the greatest determinant of her children’s future academic success, outweighing other factors, such as neighborhood and family income.
The analysis, performed by Narayan Sastry, Ph.D., of the University of Michigan, and Anne R. Pebley, Ph.D., of the University of California, Los Angeles, examined data on more than 3,000 families.
The study, appearing in Demography, was supported by NIH's Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
"The findings indicate that programs to improve maternal literacy skills may provide an effective means to overcome the disparity in academic achievement between children in poor and affluent neighborhoods," said Rebecca Clark, Ph.D., chief of the Demographic and Behavioral Sciences Branch at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), the NIH institute that funded the study.
After mother's reading level, neighborhood income level was the largest determinant of children's academic achievement.
The researchers undertook the study to isolate factors contributing to the disparity in academic achievement that other studies have found between children in low income and affluent neighborhoods.
Sastry and Pebley's analysis was based on data collected between April 2000 and December 2001 as part of the Los Angeles Family and Neighborhood Survey, an ongoing examination of families in 65 LA county communities. The information included the results of reading and math assessments of 2,350 children ages 3 to 17, their mothers' education level, census records of neighborhood income, and family income and assets. The participants in the study were representative of the larger Los Angeles community.
Sastry and Pebley noted that neighborhood income had the largest impact on achievement for children ages 8 to 17, who are at the middle and higher end of the age range. This is consistent with the idea that the environment outside the home becomes more important as children grow older, they said.
"This analysis gives us a chance to isolate the different factors that affect children’s achievement," Dr. Sastry said. "Policy measures to encourage mixed-income neighborhoods, improve early childhood education, and build mothers’ reading skills each could have positive effects on children’s achievement scores."
The NICHD sponsors research on development, before and after birth; maternal, child, and family health; reproductive biology and population issues; and medical rehabilitation. For more information, visit the Institute’s Web site athttp://www.nichd.nih.gov/.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) — The Nation's Medical Research Agency — includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Volume 16, Number 11–November 2010
Research
Genetic Structure of Plasmodium falciparum and Elimination of Malaria, Comoros Archipelago
Stanislas Rebaudet,1 Hervé Bogreau,1 Rahamatou Silaï, Jean-François Lepère, Lionel Bertaux, Bruno Pradines, Jean Delmont, Philippe Gautret, Philippe Parola, and Christophe Rogier 
Author affiliations: Institute for Biomedical Research of the French Army, Marseille, France (S. Rebaudet, H. Bogreau, L. Bertaux, B. Pradines, C. Rogier); Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille (J. Delmont, P. Parola); Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille (P. Gautret); Programme National de Lutte contre le Paludisme, Moroni, Comoros (R. Silaï); and Dispensaire de Bandraboua, Mayotte, France (J.-F. Lepère)
Author affiliations: Institute for Biomedical Research of the French Army, Marseille, France (S. Rebaudet, H. Bogreau, L. Bertaux, B. Pradines, C. Rogier); Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille (J. Delmont, P. Parola); Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille (P. Gautret); Programme National de Lutte contre le Paludisme, Moroni, Comoros (R. Silaï); and Dispensaire de Bandraboua, Mayotte, France (J.-F. Lepère)
Rebaudet S, Bogreau H, Silaï R, Lepère J-F, Bertaux L, Pradines B, et al. Genetic structure of Plasmodium falciparum and malaria elimination, Comoros archipelago. Emerg Infect Dis [serial on the Internet]. 2010 Nov [date cited]. http://www.cdc.gov/EID/content/16/11/1686.htm
Figure 2 |
 |
Figure 2. Genetic differentiation (Fst) betweenPlasmodium falciparumpopulations from the islands of Grande Comore (GC), Moheli (MOH), Anjouan (ANJ), and Mayotte (MAY) and from Marseille, France (MARS), according to 6 microsatellite loci... |
Abstract
The efficacy of malaria control and elimination on islands may depend on the intensity of new parasite inflow. On the Comoros archipelago, where falciparum malaria remains a major public health problem because of spread of drug resistance and insufficient malaria control, recent interventions for malaria elimination were planned on Moheli, 1 of 4 islands in the Comoros archipelago. To assess the relevance of such a local strategy, we performed a population genetics analysis by using multilocus microsatellite and resistance genotyping of Plasmodium falciparum sampled from each island of the archipelago. We found a contrasted population genetic structure explained by geographic isolation, human migration, malaria transmission, and drug selective pressure. Our findings suggest that malaria elimination interventions should be implemented simultaneously on the entire archipelago rather than restricted to 1 island and demonstrate the necessity for specific chemoresistance surveillance on each of the 4 Comorian islands.
The efficacy of malaria control and elimination on islands may depend on the intensity of new parasite inflow. On the Comoros archipelago, where falciparum malaria remains a major public health problem because of spread of drug resistance and insufficient malaria control, recent interventions for malaria elimination were planned on Moheli, 1 of 4 islands in the Comoros archipelago. To assess the relevance of such a local strategy, we performed a population genetics analysis by using multilocus microsatellite and resistance genotyping of Plasmodium falciparum sampled from each island of the archipelago. We found a contrasted population genetic structure explained by geographic isolation, human migration, malaria transmission, and drug selective pressure. Our findings suggest that malaria elimination interventions should be implemented simultaneously on the entire archipelago rather than restricted to 1 island and demonstrate the necessity for specific chemoresistance surveillance on each of the 4 Comorian islands.
Emerging Infectious Diseases: November Report
SYNOPSES
Safety of Probiotic Use
V. Venugopalan et al.
MEDSCAPE CME ACTIVITY
Sulfadoxine/Pyrimethamine Intermittent Preventive Treatment for Malaria during Pregnancy
P. Deloron et al.
Oropharyngeal Cancer Epidemic and Human Papillomavirus
T. Ramqvist and T. Dalianis
Salmonella enterica Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis Clusters, Minnesota, 2001–2007
J.M. Rounds et al.
Genetic Structure of Plasmodium falciparum and Elimination of Malaria, Comoros Archipelago
S. Rebaudet et al.
Effect of Vaccination on Bordetella pertussis Strains, China
L. Zhang et al.
Lymphotropism of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection, Nova Scotia, Canada
S. Toracchio et al.
Comparison of 3 Infrared Thermal Detection Systems and Self-Report for Mass Fever Screening
A.V. Nguyen et al.
Decreasing Shigellosis-related Deaths without Shigella spp.–specific Interventions, Asia
P. Bardhan et al.
Measles Virus Strain Diversity, Nigeria and Democratic Republic of the Congo
J.R. Kremer et al.
Outbreaks of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and Seasonal Influenza A (H3N2) on Cruise Ship
K.A. Ward et al.
MEDSCAPE CME ACTIVITY
Enhanced Surveillance of Coccidioidomycosis, Arizona, 2007–2008
C.A. Tsang et al.
Experimental Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Virus Infection of Cats
J.M.A. van den Brand et al.
Reassortment of Ancient Neuraminidase and Recent Hemagglutinin in Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Virus
P. Bhoumik and A.L. Hughes
Prevalence and Genetic Structures of Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotype 6D, South Korea
E.H. Choi et al.
Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella enterica Serovar Infantis, Israel
O. Gal-Mor et al.
Extended-Spectrum beta-Lactamase–producing Escherichia coli in Neonatal Care Unit
S. Tschudin-Sutter et al.
Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Sheltered Homeless Persons, France
S. Shahmahmoodi et al.
Enterovirus 71 Infection with Central Nervous System Involvement, South Korea
W.-S. Ryu et al.
Genome Sequence Conservation of Hendra Virus Isolates during Spillover to Horses, Australia
G.A. Marsh et al.
Importation of Dengue Virus Type 3 to Japan from Tanzania and Cote d'Ivoire
M.L. Moi et al.
Comparison of Survey Methods in Norovirus Outbreak Investigation, Oregon, 2009
J.Y. Oh et al.
Typing of Lymphogranuloma Venereum Chlamydia trachomatis Strains
L. Christerson et al.
Enterovirus 75 Encephalitis in Children, Southern India
P. Lewthwaite et al.
Isolation of Ancestral Sylvatic Dengue Virus Type 1, Malaysia
B.-T. Teoh et al.
Estimates of the True Number of Cases of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009, Beijing, China
X. Wang et al.
Plasmid-mediated Quinolone Resistance among Non-Typhi Salmonella enterica Isolates, USA
M. Sjolund-Karlsson et al.
Perspectives on a Grandmother's Hemolytic–Uremic Syndrome
L.C. Crawford et al.
Typhoid Fever among Children, Ghana
F. Marks et al.
Shigella spp. Antimicrobial Drug Resistance, Papua New Guinea, 2000–2009
A. Rosewell et al.
Fatal Avian Influenza (H5N1) Infection in Human, China
J. Zhang
Mycobacterium heckeshornense Infection in HIV-infected Patient
R.A. Ahmed et al.
Geographic Expansion of Baylisascaris procyonis Roundworms, Florida, USA
M.J. Yabsley et al.
Vibrio cholerae O1 Variant with Reduced Susceptibility to Ciprofloxacin, Western Africa
M.-L. Quilici et al.
Yersinia pestis DNA Sequences in Late Medieval Skeletal Finds, Bavaria
I. Weichmann et al.
Two Clusters of HIV-1 Infection, Rural Idaho, 2008
R.J. Nett et al.
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and Oseltamivir Resistance in Hematology/Oncology Patients
C. Wolfe et al.
Acute Encephalopathy and Pandemic (H1N1) 2009
S.M. Moon et al.
Oseltamivir-Resistant Pandemic (H1N1) 2009
L. Da Dalt et al.
Enteric Viruses in Ready-to-Eat Packaged Leafy Greens (response)
The Persistence of Influenza Infection (response)
Smallpox Zero: An Illustrated History of Smallpox and Its Eradication
P.L. Stockton
International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2010
N. Marano et al.
A Moveable Feast
P. Potter
Etymologia: Baylisascaris
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Patient Stories: Omar from Georgia tells of his experiences with MSF
"EIGHT MONTHS AGO, I FELL SICK..."
Georgia / 18.03.08
Omar is 39 years old. Suffering from multiple drug-resistant tuberculosis, he has been under the MSF team at Zougdidi since last July. Two months after starting his treatment, he was able to leave hospital to continue being looked after at home.
How did you know you had contracted multi-resistant tuberculosis?
Eight months ago, I fell sick. I went to the hospital at Zougdidi, where I have lived for the last few years: before the 1992 war, I lived in Abkhazia - I am Georgian, but I had to leave the region in order to stay safe - like 200,000 other people. I stopped in the first city, Zougdidi, five kilometres from the border with Abkhazia. Abkhazia province wants autonomy from Georgia. At Zougdidi hospital, the tests showed I had multiple drug-resistant tuberculosis. I was hospitalised on 23 July and started getting treatment. Two months later they said I could leave hospital and continue my treatment at home. MSF modernised a room in my house so that I can live decently with my wife and three children. I attend hospital every day for my treatment, and in over eight months, I haven't missed a single time!
What has changed since you've been receiving treatment for multiple drug-resistant tuberculosis?
Before, I couldn't run or walk normally. I couldn't work. I had even lost my voice, completely. I was very sick. Today, my voice is still broken, but it's getting better. In the beginning, I found it very hard to take medicines. But I got used to it, and now I follow my treatment properly.
What support have you received from MSF?
They've helped a lot. They did work on my house so that I could return home. I get food aid every two weeks. They bought me a stove and wood so that I can stay warm over the winter. I’ve had a lot of help. They also bought me warm clothing and school books for the children. And in particular, they provide the treatment at Zougdidi hospital so I get the care I need. My health is coming back, slow but sure.
Why did you decide to accept the treatment?
I wanted to avoid contaminating my family and transmitting the illness to them as well. I wanted to keep them safe. Today, thanks to the treatment, I'm no longer infectious. I really wanted the care, and even though there’s a lot of medicines to take every day, I can do it. I have to take doctors’ orders -- they told me the treatment would last two years.
How do you see the future?
In the future, I intend taking the treatment like I've done so far. And when I’m better, I'd like to go back to work.
More from MSF here...
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