Publications by authors named "M A H Braks"
Article Synopsis
- Scabies, caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, has seen rising diagnoses in the Netherlands since 2011, prompting a study that analyzed the genetics of the mite through PCR-positive skin samples collected from 2016 to 2023.
- The research identified 15 distinct genetic subtypes of the mite, with the most common subtype found in various demographic groups, and showed similarities with strains from countries like Australia, the USA, and China, indicating global distribution.
- Findings revealed that a significant number of patients (73%) required multiple treatments to eliminate scabies, with no differences in treatment effectiveness among the various subtypes, highlighting the need for more extensive research to better understand mite transmission patterns and enhance control measures.
Article Synopsis
- Mosquitoes are key vectors for diseases and are changing their geographical distribution due to global environmental changes, increasing the need for accurate predictions of their distribution patterns.
- Ecological niche modelling (ENM) using high-resolution local environmental variables reveals that variations in mosquito distributions are influenced by local conditions rather than just macroclimatic factors.
- The study on Bonaire highlights that urban environments attract introduced mosquito species, while native species prefer specific habitats like mangroves and forests, emphasizing the need for localized strategies in mosquito management to combat disease risks.
Health inequity refers to the existence of unnecessary and unfair differences in the ability of an individual or community to achieve optimal health and access appropriate care. Kidney diseases, including acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease, are the epitome of health inequity. Kidney disease risk and outcomes are strongly associated with inequities that occur across the entire clinical course of disease.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackgroundArthropod vectors such as ticks, mosquitoes, sandflies and biting midges are of public and veterinary health significance because of the pathogens they can transmit. Understanding their distributions is a key means of assessing risk. VectorNet maps their distribution in the EU and surrounding areas.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Climate change and globalization are impacting how vector-borne diseases spread, with regions like Beijing and the Netherlands needing to anticipate new health threats.
- A study compared disease preparedness in these two regions through expert interviews and literature, highlighting their unique approaches.
- Key differences include Beijing focusing on syndromic surveillance and mosquito control, while the Netherlands emphasizes laboratory confirmations and public education on tick safety, indicating areas for mutual learning.