MALARIA: FROM CONTROL TO ELIMINATION IN THE WHO EUROPEAN REGION (1999-2014).

Malaria in the WHO European Region has gone from control to elimination thanks to the great efforts of health services in endemic countries. Locally transmitted malaria cases decreased from 90,000 late in the 20th century to 0 in 2015. Currently, there is a real threat to resurgence of malaria in the south of the European and Asian parts of the Region.

[The effect of increased concentration of lipoprotein (a) on identification of sub-faction of lipoproteins using native electrophoresis technique].

The quantitative analysis of sub-fractions of lipoproteins acquires growing significance in diagnostic and prognosis of cardiovascular diseases. It is well known that presence of lipoprotein (a) in high concentrations significantly distorts results of biochemical analysis, in particular detection of level of cholesterol of low-density lipoproteins. The lipoprotein (a) is a heterogeneous particle and its mobility in the systems used for analysis of sub-fractions of lipoproteins can have significant variability that will bring inaccuracy into results.

Epidemiology of visceral leishmaniasis in Georgia.

This study investigated the transmission and prevalence of Leishmania parasite infection of humans in two foci of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) in Georgia, the well known focus in Tbilisi in the East, and in Kutaisi, a new focus in the West of the country. The seroprevalence of canine leishmaniasis was investigated in order to understand the zoonotic transmission. Blood samples of 1575 dogs (stray and pet) and 77 wild canids were tested for VL by Kalazar Detect rK39 rapid diagnostic tests.

Global trends in the use of insecticides to control vector-borne diseases.

Background: Data on insecticide use for vector control are essential for guiding pesticide management systems on judicious and appropriate use, resistance management, and reduction of risks to human health and the environment.

Objective: We studied the global use and trends of insecticide use for control of vector-borne diseases for the period 2000 through 2009.

Methods: A survey was distributed to countries with vector control programs to request national data on vector control insecticide use, excluding the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LNs).

Status of legislation and regulatory control of public health pesticides in countries endemic with or at risk of major vector-borne diseases.

Background: Legislation and regulation of pesticides used in public health are essential for reducing risks to human health and the environment.

Objective: We assessed the global situation on legislation and regulatory control of public health pesticides.

Methods: A peer-reviewed and field-tested questionnaire was distributed to 142 member states of the World Health Organization (WHO); 113 states completed the questionnaire.

Status of pesticide management in the practice of vector control: a global survey in countries at risk of malaria or other major vector-borne diseases.

Background: It is critical that vector control pesticides are used for their acceptable purpose without causing adverse effects on health and the environment. This paper provides a global overview of the current status of pesticides management in the practice of vector control.

Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to WHO member states and completed either by the director of the vector-borne disease control programme or by the national manager for vector control.

Malaria in the WHO European Region (1971-1999).

The number of autochthonous reported cases of malaria fell from 90 506 to 37 170 between 1996 and 1999 in the WHO European Region. There has been, however, an eight-fold increase in imported cases since the 1970s: 1500 cases were reported in 1972, 13 000 cases in 1999. France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom are the west European countries with the largest numbers of cases.

Hospital-based study of severe malaria and associated deaths in Myanmar.

The present study identifies factors that contribute to malaria deaths in township hospitals reporting large numbers of such deaths in Myanmar. Between July and December 1995, we identified a total of 101 patients with severe and complicated malaria by screening the cases admitted to hospital with a primary diagnosis of falciparum malaria. Unrousable coma and less marked impairment of consciousness with or without other severe malaria complications, in contrast to severe malaria anaemia, were associated with all malaria deaths.

Response of falciparum malaria to different antimalarials in Myanmar.

The purpose of the study was to ascertain the therapeutic efficacy of different treatments for uncomplicated falciparum malaria in the hospitals in Sagaing, northern and eastern Shan, to facilitate updating the existing national antimalarial drug policy. The proposed 14-day trial for monitoring the efficacy of treatments of uncomplicated falciparum malaria is an efficient method for identifying treatment failure patterns at the intermediate level (township hospital) in the Union of Myanmar. Minimal clinical and parasitological data for days 0-14 were required to classify treatment failure and success.