Ecology of domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) as a host for Guinea worm (Dracunculus medinensis) infection in Ethiopia.

The global programme for the eradication of Guinea worm disease, caused by the parasitic nematode Dracunculus medinensis, has been successful in driving down human cases, but infections in non-human animals, particularly domestic dogs (Canis familiaris), now present a major obstacle to further progress. Dog infections have mainly been found in Chad and, to a lesser extent, in Mali and Ethiopia. While humans classically acquire infection by drinking water containing infected copepods, it has been hypothesized that dogs might additionally or alternatively acquire infection via a novel pathway, such as consumption of fish or frogs as possible transport or paratenic hosts.

Ecology of domestic dogs Canis familiaris as an emerging reservoir of Guinea worm Dracunculus medinensis infection.

Global eradication of human Guinea worm disease (dracunculiasis) has been set back by the emergence of infections in animals, particularly domestic dogs Canis familiaris. The ecology and epidemiology of this reservoir is unknown. We tracked dogs using GPS, inferred diets using stable isotope analysis and analysed correlates of infection in Chad, where numbers of Guinea worm infections are greatest.

Progress Toward Global Eradication of Dracunculiasis - January 2018-June 2019.

Dracunculiasis (also known as Guinea worm disease) is caused by the parasite Dracunculus medinensis and is acquired by drinking water containing copepods (water fleas) infected with D. medinensis larvae. The worm typically emerges through the skin on a lower limb approximately 1 year after infection, resulting in pain and disability (1).

High-resolution contact networks of free-ranging domestic dogs Canis familiaris and implications for transmission of infection.

Contact patterns strongly influence the dynamics of disease transmission in both human and non-human animal populations. Domestic dogs Canis familiaris are a social species and are a reservoir for several zoonotic infections, yet few studies have empirically determined contact patterns within dog populations. Using high-resolution proximity logging technology, we characterised the contact networks of free-ranging domestic dogs from two settlements (n = 108 dogs, covering >80% of the population in each settlement) in rural Chad.

Progress Toward Global Eradication of Dracunculiasis - January 2017-June 2018.

Dracunculiasis (Guinea worm disease), caused by the parasite Dracunculus medinensis, is acquired by drinking water containing copepods (water fleas) infected with its larvae. The worm typically emerges through the skin on a lower limb approximately 1 year after infection, causing pain and disability (1). The worldwide eradication campaign began at CDC in 1980.

Paralytic poliomyelitis associated with Sabin monovalent and bivalent oral polio vaccines in Hungary.

Historical records of patients with vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP) in Hungary during 1961-1981 were reviewed to assess the risk of VAPP after oral polio vaccine (OPV) administration. A confirmed VAPP case was defined as a diagnosis of paralytic poliomyelitis and residual paralysis at 60 days in a patient with an epidemiologic link to the vaccine. Archived poliovirus isolates were retested using polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of the viral protein 1 capsid region.

Household latrine use, maintenance and acceptability in rural Zinder, Niger.

We conducted a survey in rural Niger to assess use, maintenance and acceptability of household latrines one year after a subsidized promotion project. Standard interviews were conducted with 200 randomly selected project participants and a visual latrine inspection. Before the project, 21.

Prevalence of risk factors and severity of active trachoma in southern Sudan: an ordinal analysis.

We aimed to investigate prevalence of potential risk factors, and associations between risk factors and active trachoma in southern Sudan. Surveys were undertaken in ten sites and children aged 1-9 years examined for trachoma. Risk factors were assessed through interviews and observations.

Effect of 3 years of SAFE (surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and environmental change) strategy for trachoma control in southern Sudan: a cross-sectional study.

Background: A trachoma control programme was started in southern Sudan in 2001. We did a 3-year evaluation to quantify uptake of SAFE (surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and environmental change) interventions, and to assess the prevalence of active trachoma and unclean faces.

Methods: Cross-sectional surveys, including clinical assessment of trachoma (WHO simplified system) and structured questionnaires, were done in four intervention areas at baseline and follow-up.

The epidemiology of trachoma in Eastern Equatoria and Upper Nile States, southern Sudan.

Objective: Limited surveys and anecdotal data indicate that trachoma is endemic in the states of Eastern Equatoria and Upper Nile in southern Sudan. However, its magnitude and geographical distribution are largely unknown. We conducted surveys to ascertain the prevalence and geographical distribution of trachoma, and to identify targets for control interventions.

Antibiotic dosage in trachoma control programs: height as a surrogate for weight in children.

Purpose: National programs for trachoma control are implementing mass treatment programs in which azithromycin is used as part of the control strategy. Dose is determined by weight, which can be difficult to determine in field conditions. The purposes of this study were to determine whether an accurate dose could be determined by using height as a surrogate for weight and whether a single model of height-based dosage would be applicable in more than one setting.