Showing papers in "Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health in 1982"

Opisthorchis viverrini : intensity and rates of infection in cyprinoid fish from an endemic focus in Northeast Thailand.

Abstract: The infection rates and monthly variations in intensities of Opisthorchis viverrini infection in cyprinoid fish from an endemic focus in Northeast Thailand were investigated between April 1980 and March 1981. Out of six species of cyprinoid fish examined, four were found to harbour O. viverrini metacercariae. All four species of infected fish showed high rates of infection. Among the four species of O. viverrini infected fish, Cycloccheilicthys apagon and Puntius leiacanthus were found in abundance. The results indicate very little variation in the rates of infection throughout the year. On the other hand, intensities of infection varied from month to month, ranging from 8 to 88 metacercariae per fish for C. apagon and from 8 to 32 metacercariae per fish for P. leiacanthus. O. viverrini metacercariae were found in the fish muscle throughout the body; however, the body muscle harboured the highest density of metacercariae, followed by the dorsal fin, pectoral fin, pelvic fin and anal fin muscles respectively. In lieu of all these findings, it is therefore invalid to assume as indicated by the former workers that any potential intermediate fish host that does not have the O. viverrini metacercariae in its pectoral fin muscle in negative with opisthorchiasis.

An epidemiological study on Schistosoma japonicum in domestic animals in Leyte, Philippines.

Abstract: An epidemiological study of Schistosoma japonicum in domestic animals in two municipalities of the Eastern coastal plain of Leyte, Philippines, showed that pigs and dogs have the highest rates of prevalence. Dogs had the highest mean 24-hour egg output, and pigs the proportion of hatchable eggs. However, dogs serve an important role in maintaining the transmission of the parasite as indicated by a high transmission potential and the close habitual contact of the animals to human. Although necropsy of 49 dogs and 35 pigs which were coprologically and serologically negative revealed 10 dogs and 6 pigs with adult schistosomes in the mesenteric and portal veins, statistical analysis showed a positive correlation (p less than 0.05) between merthiolate iodine formalin concentration technique and circumoval precipitin test indicating the usefulness of the two tests in field diagnosis of schistosomiasis in domestic animals.

ELISA for the detection of angiostrongylus cantonensis antibodies in patients with eosinophilic meningitis.

Abstract: The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to examine sera from twelve Taiwanese children with eosinophilic meningitis suspected to be induced by infection with Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Polystyrene tubes were coated with Angiostrongylus cantonensis antigens (5 micrograms/ml protein) prepared from fourth-stage larvae recovered from the brains of experimentally infected rats. Alkaline phosphatase labelled goat antihuman IgG conjugate was used in a dilution of 1 to 500; sera were diluted 1 to 1000. Positive control sera were from patients with parasitologically confirmed infections; the negative control sera from healthy persons. The ELISA values for sera from suspected cases of angiostrongyliasis ranged from 4.5 to 23.1; the positive control sera, 12.7 to 34.4 and the negative control sera 1.3 and 2.2. The assay shows promise and with the use of more purified antigens, micromethods and automated ELISA readers it should become valuable in the presumptive diagnosis of angiostrongyliasis in endemic areas.

Serum quinine concentrations following the initial dose in children with falciparum malaria.

Abstract: Serum quinine concentrations were determined in 51 children with uncomplicated falciparum malaria and 22 controls. Quinine 10 mg salt/kg was given one-hour, two-hour, four-hour intravenously in group A (14 patients, 5 controls), group B (12 patients, 6 controls), Group C (10 patients, 6 controls) and given orally in group D (15 patients, 5 controls). In malaria patients, the highest serum quinine levels were observed at the end of intravenous infusion and by the 4th hour after oral medication. Mean of the peaks of the drug concentrations of the 4 schedules were not significantly different, ranging from 22 to 28 n mol/ml. Serum concentrations in the patients were significantly higher than those of the controls. The total clearance of quinine in the patients were approx. 1 ml/min/kg, which was significantly less than those of the controls. The total apparent volume of distribution of the drug was similarly reduced. In patients it was about 0.8 litre/kg. The elimination half times of quinine ranged from 9 to 11 hours, whereas the value in the controls ranged from 3 to 7 hours. Side effects of quinine were not observed.

Electrolytes, sugar, calories, osmolarity and pH of beverages and coconut water.

Abstract: Oral rehydration has been recommended in patients with diarrhoea to replace fluid loss from the gastrointestinal tract and reduce the need for intravenous therapy. Beverages (i.e. Cola, Sprite etc.) and coconut water may be used as sources of oral fluid when glucose-electrolyte solution is not available. To evaluate the usefulness and effectiveness of these soft drinks, the basic data such as electrolytes, sugar, calories, osmolarity and pH were determined. The electrolytes of the beverages were significantly lower (p less than 0.001) than the coconut water, especially potassium. The osmolarity of the beverages, which were 693 mOsm/l, was significantly higher (p less than 0.001) than the coconut water (288 mOsm/l); pH of the beverages (3.1) was more acidic (p less than 0.001) than the coconut water (5.4). While the sugar content of the beverages, which were 8.7 gm/dl, was significantly higher (p less than 0.001) than the coconut water (1.1 gm/dl). On comparison, all brands of beverages would give more calories than the coconut water however the coconut water would be absorbed more easily than any brand of soft drink beverage.

Clinical features of viper bites in 72 Thai children.

Abstract: A study of snake bites in 72 children admitted to Department of Paediatrics Chulalongkorn Hospital, during January 1972 to December 1977, was investigated in depth. In 29 cases, snakes were definitely identified as green pit viper. Nature of the bite was demonstrated. Their two main clinical manifestations were local swelling and bleeding diathesis. The former was graded I to IV in increasing severity. The latter consisted of ecchymosis, haematoma, haematemesis, haematuria, bleeding gums, epistaxis and bloody stool. Each of these two clinical signs seemed to be caused by a different component of the venom as they did not always manifest in association. Swelling, though not a specific sign, was however generally the sign that heralded the envenomization. 88.1% and 94.5% of systemic bleeding episodes occurred respectively within 24 and 48 hours after the bite. Only 6 episodes, 5.5%, occurred beyond 48 hours.

A study on the prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in Singapore.

Abstract: The indirect fluorescence antibody technique has been employed to study the prevalence of toxoplasma antibodies in Singapore. 42.5% of clinically suspected cases of toxoplasmosis showed antibody titres. Of these, 17.5% had titres greater than or equal to 1.64. Malays and Indians have higher positive rates compared to the main ethnic group, the Chinese. Antibody titres are found in both males and females and span through the various age groups. The possible mode of transmission is discussed and the importance of congenital toxoplasmosis is indicated.

Comparative bioassays of Bacillus thuringiensis H-14 formulations against four species of mosquitoes in Malaysia.

Abstract: Comparative laboratory bioassays of three formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis H-14 (IPS-78, San 402-I and Bactimos) were conducted against late 3rd/early 4th instar larvae of four species of mosquito, viz., Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus, Anopheles balabacensis and Mansonia (Mansonioides) indiana, in Malaysia. From the average response of the mosquito larvae to the three formulations of B. thuringiensis H-14, Ae. aegypti was found to be most susceptible, followed by Cx. quinquefasciatus, An. balabacensis and M. (M.) indiana in decreasing order. The LC50 values for Ae. aegypti, Cx. quinquefasciatus, An. balabacensis and M. (M.) indiana after a 48-hour exposure to IPS-78 formulation were 50.9, 129.3, 117.8 and 169.6 International Toxic Unit (ITU) Ae. ae./l; to San 402-I formulation were 54.6, 223.1, 405.1 and 177.6 ITU Ae. ae/l and to Bactimos formulation were 57.2, 175.7, 35.6 and 514.5 ITU Ae. ae./l respectively. The efficacy of the bacterial product was also found to be determined by its formulation in relation to the feeding and resting habits of the mosquito larvae. No delayed pupation or emergence was observed on the larvae exposed to B. thuringiensis H-14 at sub-lethal concentrations.

A long term study of rotavirus infection in Thai infants and children with diarrhoea.

Abstract: During 1977-1980, human rotavirus was detected by electron microscopic technique in the stool of 55 (30.7%) of 179 patients, hospitalized in Bangkok Metropolis. Characteristic particles 65-70 nm in diameter, round shape, resembling a little wheel with radius capsomeres from the dense core. Other some adenovirus and small virus particles were seen, 2.8% and 2.2% respectively. Seasonal distribution among Thai patients with rotavirus infection mostly occurred in January (58.8%). The youngest patient in this study was 30 days old, and the frequency of human rotavirus infection was highest at age six to eleven months.

Glycolytic enzymes in juvenile and adult Angiostrongylus cantonensis.

Abstract: In extracts of adult Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the activities of enzymes including glucokinase, phosphoglucoisomerase, phosphofructokinase, aldolase, triosepho sphate isomerase, glyceraldehydephosphate dehydrogenase, phosphoglycerokinase, phosphoglyceromutase, enolase, pyruvate kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, pyruvate decarboxylase, alcohol dehydrogenase, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glycerophosphate dehydrogenase and pyruvate dehydrogenase complex were demonstrated. The present of significant activity of glycerophosphate dehydrogenase and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase may indicate the possibility of an operative of alpha-glycerophosphate and pentose phosphate pathway.

Diarrhoeal problems in Southeast Asia.

Abstract: Diarrhoea up till now is still a major problem in Southeast Asia with high morbidity and mortality, particularly among children under 5 years of age, with the peak in children between 6 - 24 months. In Indonesia, in 1981, it was estimated that there are 60 million episodes with 300,000 - 500,000 deaths. In the Philippines, diarrhoea ranks as a second cause of morbidity (600 per 100,000 in 1974) and second cause of infant mortality (5 per 1,000 in 1974). In Thailand, in 1980, the morbidity rate was 524 per 100,000 and the mortality rate 14 per 100,000. In Malaysia, in 1976, diarrhoea was still ranking number 5 (3.1%) as a cause of total admission and number 9 (2.2%) as a cause of total deaths. In Singapore, diarrhoea still ranks number 3 as a cause of deaths (4% of total deaths). In Bangladesh, the overall attack rates imply a prevalence of 2.0% for the entire population, with the highest for under 5 groups i.e. 4.1%. The diarrhoea episode in rural population is 85.4%, 39% of them are children under 5. The most common enteropathogens found in all countries are rotavirus followed by Enterotoxigenic E. coli, Vibrio spp., Salmonella spp., Shigella spp. and Campylobacter. Malnutrition and decline of giving breast-feeding play an important role in causing high morbidity, besides socio-economic, socio-cultural and poor environmental sanitation.

Mass treatment of opisthorchiasis in Northeast Thailand.

Abstract: In an attempt to control opisthorchiasis, a single dose of 40 mg/kg of Praziquantel was given to 666 people in the three villages of Nam Pong Water Resource Development Project, Khon Kaen, Northeast Thailand. The results showed a cure rate after 1 month was 95.9%. The side effect was minimized by alternation of the time of treatment from after breakfast to after dinner. The use of Praziquantel for the mass treatment in control of opisthorchiasis is possible. However, to achieve the objective of control programme other measures such as environmental sanitation improvement, health education and change in eating habits must be integrated into the programme.

Electron microscopy of the advanced third-stage larvae of Gnathostoma spinigerum.

Abstract: The morphological structures of the advanced third-stage larvae of Gnathostoma spinigerum are reported by using the scanning electron microscope. On the head-bulb, the larva bears two lateral lips, two labial papillae on each lip with an amphid between them. The head-bulb bears four transverse row of well-developed single-pointed hooklets. The number of the hooklets in each row increases posteriorly. The appearance of the hooklets by dorsal view and lateral view is also described. The whole body cuticle is transversely striated and covered with transverse rows of single-pointed spines which are dense on the anterior third of the body and became gradually less both in number and size towards the posterior extremity. The average number of transverse rows of these cuticular striations is 234. A pair of cervical papillae and an excretory pore are located on the anterior third of the body. A pair of body papillae is seen on the posterior half of the body. The subterminal anus is seen in the posterior extremity.

Malignant schwannoma occurring with Schistosoma japonicum: a case report.

Abstract: An 18-year-old Filipina presented with a 28 cm retroperitoneal malignant schwannoma arising from the sigmoid colon. Histopathologic examination revealed the presence of numerous schistosome ova immediately adjacent to the tumor and throughout the submucosa. Due to the rarity of malignant schwannomas, their infrequent occurrence in young persons in the absence of von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis, and the presence of schistosomal ovideposition, the possible role of schistosomal infection in the development of this malignancy is discussed. This is the first reported case of a malignant schwannoma occurring together with schistosomiasis.

Salmonella and Shigella carrier rates and environmental sanitation in a rural district, Central Thailand.

Abstract: The study of Salmonella and Shigella carrier rates were carried out in two Tambol (sub districts). Klongjik, Kanon-Laung and Amphur (district) Bang-Pa-In. The carrier rates of Salmonella and Shigella were 3.3% and 0.8% respectively. Most Salmonella strains were sensitive to the antibiotics commonly used; only 6.4% and 3.2% were resistant to tetracycline and neomycin. All Shigella isolated were resistant to chloramphenicol and 75% to tetracycline. One fourth of the families defecated in the river or canal or went to the field and one third disposed the garbage into the river or canal. This contaminated water was used for drinking by 62.7% of all families and only 28.1% treated the water by boiling. The disease vectors bothering the villagers were rats 58.8%, flies and cockroaches which served as important vehicles for cross contamination. The prevalence rate of diarrhoeal disease in the villages was 1933 per 100,000 and presented as the morbidity rate of this disease in the district hospital, only 355 to 363 per 100,000 in 1979 and 1980. Health care for diarrhoeal diseases in these villages were 61% by self-medication, 36% using the village healer and only 3% went to the district hospital. The effective means to eliminate transient and chronic carriers of Shigella and Salmonella typhi may be very important but other means of prevention of diarrhoeal diseases of typhoid fever are through the sanitary disposal of human excreta and the development of safe water supply should be emphasized.

Morbidity and mortality study on diarrhoeal diseases in North Jakarta - an urban area.

Abstract: Diarrhoea including its interaction with undernutrition is one of the most important health problems and a major cause of death in young children in developing countries including Indonesia. To quantify the problems and to have comparison with results of other diarrhoeal surveys in Indonesia as well as in other developing countries, a survey was done in urban community comprising a population of 5,115 living in a relatively good area which was not a slum, nor wealthy area. The incidence of diarrhoea in this area was 149 per 1000 population a year and mortality rate of 0.2 per 1000 population, and 1.8% of diarrhoeal cases in the community became dehydrated needing hospitalization. The incidence of diarrhoeal disease was lower than in the survey done in semiurban area Ujung Pandang 8 years ago. This may be due to the improvement of environmental health, socio-economic status and better education. 47% of the diarrhoeal cases had occurred in children under age five. The peak incidence was in the 6 to 12 months age group. Young-age combined with low-nutritional status and early weaning may be factors leading to high incidence and death rates of diarrhoeal diseases. Incidence increased in the middle of the rainy season. 30% of the episodes were caused by enteropathogenic bacteria, 15.4% by rotavirus while for 50% of episodes the causative agent could not be determined.

Alpha chain disease in the Thai man.

Abstract: A 61-year-old Thai man presented with a history of chronic diarrhoea of 1-2 years duration. Stool examination revealed a heavy parasitic infection. Several anthelminthics were given without benefit, despite disappearance of the intestinal parasites. Serum protein studies revealed abnormal alpha heavy chain. Two courses of cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisolone were followed by a brief remission in his symptoms. A 21 day course of tetracycline was then given, resulting in an improvement in his condition. He is still symptom free nine months after confirmation of the diagnosis, without any further treatment. Serum protein studies should be included in laboratory investigations of a patient with chronic diarrhoea.

Epidemic leg ulcers in Thailand.

Abstract: In 1981, two outbreaks of chronic leg ulcers occurred in central Thailand and affected thousands of persons. The lesions were characterized by granulomatous bases with erythematous edges and purulent slough. They were about 1 cm in diameter with irregular shapes. The ulcers lasted two weeks to one month. Ninety percent of the lesions were found on the lower extremities. The outbreak in Nakorn Pathom province occurred in fruit yards. Most of patients were gardeners and students. The outbreak in Ratchaburi province occurred on a sugar cane plantation. The age group of 5-19 years had the highest attack rate in all areas, and there was no significant difference between the attack rates in males and females. The peak incidence occurred in the rainy season with an abrupt decrease at the onset of the dry season. It is hypothesized that trauma precedes the occurrence of the leg ulcer and that a small fly may be a mechanical vector of the causative organism. The organism may be corynebacterium pyogenes, which is a pathogen of certain livestocks and is found in soil. Further studies are planned.

A study of malayan filariasis in Lubuk Mumpo and Datar Lebar villages in Lais Regency, North Bengkulu, Sumatera, Indonesia.

Abstract: Filariasis surveys at Lubuk Mumpo and Datar Lebar, Bengkulu, Sumatera, showed microfilarial rates of 23.9% and 30% respectively. Periodicity studies showed the parasite to be nocturnally periodic B. malayi with a periodicity index of 82.17. However, unlike the Malaysian form of periodic B. malayi, 44-100% of the microfilariae in thick blood smears were sheathed. Mansonia annulata, M. bonneae, M. dives, M. uniformis and Anopheles nigerrimus are probably involved in the transmission of the disease. B. malayi infections were seen in 7.1% of domestic cats and 20% of Macaca fascicularis examined. In addition Edesonfilaria malayensis is reported for the first time in Indonesia, 60% of 5 M. fascicularis being infected.

The biology of Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae in immune rats.

Abstract: Rats acquired protective immunity to Angiostrongylus cantonensis after a single infection with 50 infective larvae. Immunity was stronger after subsequent infections. Fewer worms were recovered which were shorter and produced fewer progeny after secondary and tertiary infections. However, the growth of A. cantonensis during the early developmental stages in the brain and the ability of the young adult parasites to migrate to the lungs was not affected in the immune host.