5^th International Conference on Neglected Tropical & Infectious Diseases August 29-30, 2018 Boston, MA, USA

Biography:

Dr. Bin Gong is an Associate Professor of Pathology, the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, TX. Dr. Gong’s laboratory is active in the determination of novel pathogenic mechanisms focusing on the interface between the endothelium and highly virulent intracellular pathogens, in particular the highly invasive bacterial genus Rickettsia and the viral family Filoviridae. Dr. Gong is being the P.I. of active R01 project R01AI121012 and the co P.I. of active R01 projects R01AI111464.

Abstract:

Biography:

Kagimu Enock is 25 years, completed his bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery at Makerere university, college of health sciences (MAKChs), principal investigator of study on evaluation of CrAg screening program in reduction of HIV associated cryptococcal meningitis in Uganda, research assistant of the study on determining effectiveness of vitamin-c in management of tetanus, and an active member of Day of lung science on implementation science MAKChs.

Abstract:

Cryptococcus neoformans is the most common cause of meningitis among HIV infected adults in sub-Saharan Africa, and it is responsible for approximately 20-25% of AIDS-related deaths in the region (Uganda HIV ART Addendum report 2014). The 6-month case fatality rate for cryptococcal meningitis (CM) in Uganda is 40%, compared to 9% the US, Oceania, and Western Europe, thus more fatal than HIV/TB co-infection. Asymptomatic patients with a positive cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) test in the blood (antigenemia) typically develop meningitis in approximately 3 weeks. This provides a window of opportunity in which treatment with fluconazole as pre-emptive therapy can prevent progression to cryptococcal meningitis. Unlike T.B, Cryptococcus routine screening hasn’t been emphasised or evaluated much in number of facilities despite its inclusion in guidelines 1 year back by MoH, HIV positive patients are indeed presenting with meningitis even shortly after ART initiation, with 57% 10 week survival even with effective treatment (article by Boulware DR et al.) and incurring the expensive treatment strategy for cryptococcal meningitis. Through review of Crag registers and patient open MRS (chats), and doing in-depth interviews with the Nurse in-charges ART clinic and infectious disease wards, lab personnel concerned with Crag testing, in 7 sample facilities in Kampala city and 7 from the rural setting, plan to assess, how many; facilities are currently using a standard Crag register, do patients who are ART naive or CD4 <100 go through the Crag screening cascade, how many complete it, how long it takes to know their results, and the final outcome of whether they developed the CM or not. Through the interviews we intend to assess whether there was any CME on HIV/CM, Staffing of the facility, and supplies of CrAg kits, follow up the process of patients, and any gaps and successes of the screening program. There is clear evidence of cost-effectiveness and straightforward recommendations for the integration of CrAg screening and CM pre-emptive therapy into routine HIV care. Results of the study will be used to generate a standardized tool for evaluating the screening by Uganda Ministry of Health and groups that may be involved in funding the program, including but not limited to CDC. Our goal is to improve clinical practice and thus, reduce morbidity and mortality among HIV/CM patients.

Biography:

Sen Claudine Henriette Ngomtcho has completed her Master at the age of 28 years from the University of Ngaoundéré. She won a DAAD grant for a two year Ph. D sandwich Program at the University of Bremen. She has been working on the coinfection of human by human and animal trypanosomes. Back to Cameroon 4 months ago, she will be defending her thesis very soon. She has published 1 paper in a reputed journal. She is a former medical lab technologist who worked for the ministry of public health of Cameroon. She is interested in doing careers in Research.

Abstract:

African trypanosomes are mainly transmitted through the bite of tsetse flies (Glossina spp.). The present study investigated the occurrence of pathogenic trypanosomes in tsetse flies and cattle in tsetse fly-infested areas of northern Cameroon. Trypanosomes were identified using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region, both by size estimation and sequencing of PCR products. Trypanosoma prevalence infection rate for the tsetse fly gut (40%) and proboscis (19%) were recorded. Among the flies where trypanosomes were detected in the gut, 41.7% were positive for T. congolense and 14.6% for T. brucei ssp., whereas in the proboscis 36% harbored T. congolense and 62% contained T. vivax. T. grayi was highly prevalent in tsetse fly gut (58%). Trypanosome prevalence rate in cattle blood was 6%. Surprisingly, in one case T. grayi was found in cattle, providing its first evidence in mammals. The mean packed cell volume (PCV) of cattle positive for trypanosomes was significantly lower (24.1 ± 5.6%; P < 0.05) than that of cattle in which trypanosomes were not detected (27.1 ± 4.9%). Interestingly, the occurrence of T. theileri or T. grayi DNA in cattle also correlated with low PCV at pathological levels. This molecular epidemiological study of Trypanosoma species in northern Cameroon revealed active foci of trypanosomes in Dodeo and Gamba. These findings are relevant in assessing the status of trypanosomosis in these regions and will serve as a guide for setting the priorities of the government in the control of the disease.

Biography:

Dr. Jose Miguel De Angulo is the Regional Director for Latin America for MAP International. He has worked with the MAP for over 30 years in the area of maternal and child health. He has worked internationally in various public health programs, community health programs, and grass-roots community organization projects, including TDs control programs. Dr. De Angulo earned his Medical Degree from Universidad del Cauca in Colombia. He received a Masters of Public Health (MPH) from John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, and holds a Masters of Arts in Religion (MAR) from Eastern Baptist Seminar in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Abstract:

Over the last three decades, MAP International has used a Community Based strategy to resolve many public health problems in Bolivia. For two decades, we have implemented Community Based Chagas Control Programs focused on building community capacity to understand and diagnose Chagas, treat and follow-up patients, overcome myths that reproduce conditions for Chagas, prevention measures such as changing the vector's (vinchucas) ecosystem niche, introduce sanitary and hygiene practices, and building local capacity of the local health system for diagnosis, treatment and follow up of patients, among others. The Chagas control program uses a set of indicators to establish an epidemiological map of the presence of the disease, presence of risk factors, including the presence of the vector (vinchuca), and identified patients and support provided to complete their Chagas treatment. Community authorities and members play a central role in building local capacity to engage the Health System and synergically make the program sustainable. The presentation will describe the program and how to engage communities and government officials. It also will present the indicators used to for surveillance and monitoring achievements and impact. This presentation will show a variety of integrated community-based activities for Chagas control, such as training families, health promoters, and local authorities; environmental changes and home improvement to eradicate the vector; how we screen populations in the communities, confirm diagnoses, and follow up with patients; family and community support for patients; fostering networks between government agencies and grassroots organizations; mobilization for Chagas control, and other related subjects.

Biography:

Ephrem Abiy Ejigu has completed his MSc at the age of 25 years from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. He was NTD program officer at RTI International Ethiopia office and currently working as Senior Project Coordinator at Vector control Abt projects in Ethiopia. He has about 7 publications that have been cited over 6 times and has been serving as an editorial board member of Siftdesk, OMICS Ebooks, and Sokoto Journal.

Abstract:

Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths are among seventeen WHO prioritized neglected tropical diseases that infect humans. These parasitic infections can be treated using single-dose and safe drugs. Ethiopia successfully aped the distribution of these infections nationwide. According to the mapping, there are an estimated 37.3 million people living in schistosomiasis endemic areas, and 79 million in schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths endemic areas. The Federal Ministry of Health successfully scaled up Schistosomiasis and schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths intervention in endemic areas and treated over 19 million individuals in 2015. The Ministry of Health has made a huge effort to establish neglected tropical diseases, including schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths program in the health system which helped to map majority of the worlds and initiate nationwide intervention. The National control programme is designed to achieve elimination for those diseases as a major public health problem by 2020 and aim to attain a transmission break by 2025. The programme focuses on reaching those school-aged children who are not attending school, integration between neglected tropical diseases programme, and further collaboration with the WASH actors.

Biography:

Abstract:

Human schistosomiasis is one of the neglected tropical parasitic diseases affecting nearly 200 million people worldwide, which is endemic in more than 70 countries with five known species causing the disease. Schistosoma mansoni is one of the common species existing in tropical countries. It is known to modulate the host’s immune system with the help of soluble egg proteins such as omega-1 and kappa-5, but most of these mechanisms have only been unraveled in vitro. Going towards, developing effective tools for the study of how S. mansoni influences T cells, we have developed S. mansoni eggs expressing chicken egg ovalbumin (OVA), using a lentiviral transduction system. Indeed, OVA is a “neutral antigen” and can be used to activate T cell from T cell receptor transgenic mice. The expression was confirmed by real-time RT-PCR of OVA-specific mRNA and western blotting using polyclonal antibodies specific for OVA. T cells from OT-II transgenic mice, mice expressing a T cell receptor specific for the OVA323-339 peptide, recognized the OVA expressed by transduced S. mansoni eggs. Using flow cytometry on CFSE-labelled OT-II splenocytes, we demonstrated that OVA-transduced eggs elicit higher OT-II T cell proliferative responses than untransduced eggs. The OT-II T cells also produced TNF and IFN-γ following exposure to OVA-transduced eggs. In addition, moderate amounts of IL-6 and IL-17A were also detected. In contrast, no IL-10, IL-4, and IL-2 were detected in cultures, whether the cells were stimulated with transduced or untransduced eggs. Thus, the cytokine signatures showed the transfected eggs induced a mixed type of Th1 and Th17 responses, with a small amount of IL-6. This study was further extended to analyze the degree of OVA detection by OT-II T cells in vivo following adoptive transfer and showed a considerable proliferation of T cells by OVA-transduced eggs comparing to untransduced eggs. Hence, the present finding signifies a detail investigation of the mechanism of parasite manipulation in vivo.

Human schistosomiasis is one of the neglected tropical parasitic diseases affecting nearly 200 million people worldwide, which is endemic in more than 70 countries with five known species causing the disease. Schistosoma mansoni is one of the common species existing in tropical countries. It is known to modulate the host’s immune system with the help of soluble egg proteins such as omega-1 and kappa-5, but most of these mechanisms have only been unraveled in vitro. Going towards, developing effective tools for the study of how S. mansoni influences T cells, we have developed S. mansoni eggs expressing chicken egg ovalbumin (OVA), using a lentiviral transduction system. Indeed, OVA is a “neutral antigen” and can be used to activate T cell from T cell receptor transgenic mice. The expression was confirmed by real-time RT-PCR of OVA-specific mRNA and western blotting using polyclonal antibodies specific for OVA. T cells from OT-II transgenic mice, mice expressing a T cell receptor specific for the OVA323-339 peptide, recognized the OVA expressed by transduced S. mansoni eggs. Using flow cytometry on CFSE-labelled OT-II splenocytes, we demonstrated that OVA-transduced eggs elicit higher OT-II T cell proliferative responses than untransduced eggs. The OT-II T cells also produced TNF and IFN-γ following exposure to OVA-transduced eggs. In addition, moderate amounts of IL-6 and IL-17A were also detected. In contrast, no IL-10, IL-4, and IL-2 were detected in cultures, whether the cells were stimulated with transduced or untransduced eggs. Thus, the cytokine signatures showed the transfected eggs induced a mixed type of Th1 and Th17 responses, with a small amount of IL-6. This study was further extended to analyze the degree of OVA detection by OT-II T cells in vivo following adoptive transfer and showed a considerable proliferation of T cells by OVA-transduced eggs comparing to untransduced eggs. Hence, the present finding signifies a detail investigation of the mechanism of parasite manipulation in vivo.

Biography:

Ryen MacDonald completed her PhD in Neurosciences from McGill University and works as a Product Manager for CTK Biotech, Inc located in San Diego, California.

Abstract:

The increasing burden of dengue virus infection continues to impact populations across the globe, highlighting the importance of multi-parameter dengue diagnostic technologies. Market and literature reviews show that since 2016, there is a soaring demand for early diagnosis of dengue infection, disease discrimination from other flaviviruses such as Zika, and development of accurate serological standards. As a point-of-care IVD company developing and manufacturing dengue antigens, antibodies, and IVD assays for the past decade, CTK Biotech has first-handedly witnessed the extreme limitations in undersourced and remote areas. Thus, as a company, CTK aims to address the issues of quality, ease-of-use, and pricing in an array of dengue products. For early detection of actively replicating virus, CTK offers a real-time PCR test that distinguishes between dengue and related viruses Zika and Chikungunya, and a serotyping assay that identifies dengue types 1-4. For qualification of dengue infection status, they have developed an IgM/IgG antibody test that determines an early or late stage active infection, and an IgG antibody test that identifies past infection only. These products were clinically evaluated in endemic regions, which include Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Malaysia, India, and Bangladesh. Because serological standardization and controls for dengue diagnostics remain a challenge, CTK has developed recombinant dengue murine-human chimeric IgM and IgG antibodies, and are currently developing a quantification method using WHO standards for IgG and IgM. As each technology has its advantages, CTK is committed to the fight against dengue infection and aims to contribute from every angle.

Biography:

Aung Tun has over 25 years’ experiences as a researcher working in the field of NTD control in Myanmar and South-East Asia countries particularly focusing on the elimination of  Lymphatic Filariasis and STH  through mass drug administration. He is a former Director of National NTD Control Programme, Myanmar.He  completed  his  MBBS  from  University of Medicine 2, Yangon, Myanmar and  MPH in MCH from Boston University School of Public Health,Boston, USA. Currently, he is a Technical  Advisor of  Ministry of Health and Sports, Myanmar. He is conducting NTD research studies in collaboration with the London Center for NTD Research, UK and  WHO.

Abstract:

This review analyses published data on STH prevalence and intensity in Southeast Asia over the time period of 1900 to the present to describe age-related patterns in these epidemiological measures. This is with a focus on the four major parasite species affecting humans. Data were also collected on the diagnostic methods used in the published surveys and how the studies were designed to facilitate comparative analyses of recorded patterns and changes therein over time. PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the Global Atlas of Helminth Infections search engines were used to identify studies on STH in Southeast Asia with the search based on the major keywords, and variants on, “soil-transmitted helminth” “Ascaris” “Trichuris” “hookworm” and the country name. A total of 280 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria from 11 Southeast Asian countries. It was concluded that the epidemiological patterns of STH infection by age and species mix in Southeast Asia are similar to those reported in other parts of the world. In the published studies there were a large number of different diagnostic methods used with differing sensitivities and specificities, which makes the comparison of the results both within and between countries difficult. There is a clear requirement to standardize the methods of both STH diagnoses in fecal material and how the intensity of infection is recorded and reported in future STH research and in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of the impact of continuing and expanding mass drug administration (MDA) programmes.

Biography:

Mammar Khames has completed his Ph.D. at the age of 31 years from the Higher National Veterinary School of Algiers, Algeria. He worked about animal and human brucellosis in Algeria, where he characterized a new lineage of Brucella abortus distinct from European and sub-Saharan Africa strains. He did all the experimental work of his Ph.D. in the Institute of tropical health, Pamplona, Spain. He is working as an assistant professor in the department of biology, faculty of sciences, University of Medea, Algeria. He is now looking for a postdoctoral position. He has published two papers in reputed journals, one in Parasitology and the other one in Microbiology.

Abstract:

Brucellosis is a zoonosis caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella that causes important economic losses and human suffering worldwide. Brucellosis control requires an understanding of the Brucella species circulating in livestock and humans and, although prevalent in African countries of the Mediterranean basin, data for this area are mostly restricted to isolates obtained from humans and small ruminants. Here, we report the characterization of twenty-four Brucella strains isolated from Algerian cattle. Bruce-ladder multiplex PCR and conventional biotyping showed that Algerian cattle are infected mostly by B. abortus biovar 3, and to less extent by B. abortus biovar 1 and B. melitensis biovar 3. Extended AMOS-ERY PCR showed that all Algerian B. abortus biovar 3 strains were of the subgroup 3b. Although by multilocus variable number of tandem repeats analysis (MLVA) most isolates were closer to the European counterparts, five strains displayed characteristics distinct from the European isolates and those of countries across the Sahara, including three repetitions of marker Bruce55. These five strains, plus an earlier isolate from an Algerian human patient, may represent an autochthonous lineage not described previously. These data provide the basis for additional molecular epidemiology studies in northern Africa and indicate that further bacteriological and molecular investigations are necessary for a complete understanding of the epidemiology of cattle brucellosis in countries north and south of the Sahara.

Biography:

The implementation of the International Health Regulation (IHR) of WHO in 2005 for worldwide public health systems is already in its second extension phase. At the 2012 deadline, only 16% of the countries were fully prepared to detect and respond to pandemics. In 2014 the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in West Africa was another indicator that WHO’s IHR has to be taken seriously. Especially the biosecurity part of IHR is not fully in place yet for most developing countries, which makes the world vulnerable for bioterrorism. According to the World Bank, the returns from investing in public health are extremely impressive and is not a high-risk venture as with a rapid mortality decline many ‘value life years’ (VLYs) are gained. For low- and middle-income countries typically about a quarter of the growth in full income resulted from VLYs gained and supports not only the local economy but also the world economy. Therefore several international programs help to prepare low- and middle-income countries to mitigate outbreaks of infectious diseases. EU CBRN CoE initiatives and the US CBEP, DTRA, CTR, GEIS, DIMO, USAID, PEPFAR and several other programs are involved in establishing public health systems and give local healthcare workers training in both disease outbreak mitigation and biosecurity. Zoonotic diseases are the most dangerous for outbreaks as the population does not have natural or artificial (from vaccination) immune response to new emerging diseases. Zoonotic diseases are often neglected in the first instance in developing countries. The recent Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in West Africa was such an example. Still, there is hope to find fast and supportive therapies with proper blood bank facilities in place. The therapy with immunoglobulins obtained from plasma donations from survivors is a relatively cheap and effective therapy. International there was some criticism of this method, as for this therapy it is extremely important that the convalescent plasma has to be safe for other blood transmissible diseases.  But as it is feasible with other convalescent plasma therapies, the necessary safety tests can be done in the laboratories, which are installed for the outbreak diagnosis. Convalescent plasma can be obtained from a donor, who has survived the disease, with a novel hollow fiber blood separation technology. This results in an immunoglobulin concentration, which does not need for its production any sophisticated infrastructure. This patented and recently developed disposable device is developed in cooperation with the Irish Blood Transfusion Service.

Dr. Stef Stienstra works internationally for several medical and biotech companies as the scientific advisory board member and is also an active reserve-officer of the Royal Dutch Navy in his rank as Commander (OF4). For the Dutch Armed Forces, he is CBRN specialist with the focus on (micro)biological and chemical threats and medical- and environmental functional specialist within the 1st CMI (Civil-Military Interaction) Battalion of the Dutch Armed Forces. For Expertise France he is now managing an EU CBRN CoE public health project in West Africa. He is visiting professor for the University of Rome Tor Vergata in Italy for the CBRN Masters Course and lecturer for the NATO School in Oberammergau in Germany and the Joint NATO CBRN-Defense Center of Excellence in Vyskov in the Czech Republic. In his civilian position, he is at this moment developing with MT-Derm in Berlin (Germany) a novel intradermal vaccination technology as well as a new therapy for cutaneous leishmaniasis for which he has won a Canadian ‘Grand Challenge’ grant. With Hemanua in Dublin (Ireland) he has developed an innovative blood separation unit, which is also suitable to produce convalescent plasma for Ebola Virus Disease therapy. He has finished both his studies in Medicine and in Biochemistry in The Netherlands with a doctorate and has extensive practical experience in cell biology, immuno-hematology, infectious diseases, biodefense, and transfusion medicine. His natural business acumen and negotiation competence help to initiate new successful businesses, often generated by unexpected combinations of technologies.

Abstract:

Dr. Stef Stienstra works internationally for several medical and biotech companies as the scientific advisory board member and is also an active reserve-officer of the Royal Dutch Navy in his rank as Commander (OF4). For the Dutch Armed Forces, he is CBRN specialist with the focus on (micro)biological and chemical threats and medical- and environmental functional specialist within the 1st CMI (Civil-Military Interaction) Battalion of the Dutch Armed Forces. For Expertise France he is now managing an EU CBRN CoE public health project in West Africa. He is visiting professor for the University of Rome Tor Vergata in Italy for the CBRN Masters Course and lecturer for the NATO School in Oberammergau in Germany and the Joint NATO CBRN-Defense Center of Excellence in Vyskov in the Czech Republic. In his civilian position, he is at this moment developing with MT-Derm in Berlin (Germany) a novel intradermal vaccination technology as well as a new therapy for cutaneous leishmaniasis for which he has won a Canadian ‘Grand Challenge’ grant. With Hemanua in Dublin (Ireland) he has developed an innovative blood separation unit, which is also suitable to produce convalescent plasma for Ebola Virus Disease therapy. He has finished both his studies in Medicine and in Biochemistry in The Netherlands with a doctorate and has extensive practical experience in cell biology, immuno-hematology, infectious diseases, biodefense, and transfusion medicine. His natural business acumen and negotiation competence help to initiate new successful businesses, often generated by unexpected combinations of technologies.

Biography:

Abstract:

Lesotho is one of the countries in the world with a high burden of HIV, with a prevalence of 23% and this condition still a challenge for the entire population and the government of the kingdom of Lesotho. Many kinds of neglected disease are developing also in this area. A study on a specific group of population which is the pregnant women and their babies’ birth weight was conducted in Scott hospital with is one of the district hospitals In Lesotho. Before conducting the study many literatures on different sources including PubMed were reviewed The cases were babies born from HIV positive mothers on  only one drug( zidovudine) during pregnancy time as a prophylaxis (option A) and the control which was the group of babies born from HIV positive mothers on full antiretroviral therapy(3 drugs) during the pregnancy time( B and B+) . After analysis of data, we find that the mean weight in option A was 3010, 416 with a stand error of 302106 at 95%     CI: 2950,923 – 3069,909. The mean weight in option B or B+ was 298,578 with the standard error of 41, 61805 at 95% CI: 2899,224 ¬- 3063,224. the combined mean weight was 2, 8838 with a standard error of 3, 72099 at 95%. CI: 21, 51773 – 36, 15827.the calculated T value was 7, 7457 with 383 degrees of freedom. Therefore we realize that the mean weight in option A was superior compared to the mean weight in option B/ B+. 310,416 > 298,578. It means when Zidovudine is used in pregnancy as the prophylaxis it doesn’t have a negative effect on the weight (low birth weight) but when several anti-retroviral therapy drugs are combined during pregnancy there may have an effect on the baby’s weight. (Low birth weight.) Presently the prevention mother to child transmission of HIV, (PMTCT) in Lesotho still on-going successfully with a positive result (reduce in a number of babies congenital HIV) and must be strengthened because of it a strong strategy in the fight of this pandemic viral infectious disease (HIV). I would like in the near future to conduct more research on the specific antiretroviral therapy regimen and their effect on pregnancy and extend the research to same neglected tropical diseases associated with HIV.

Biography:

Abstract:

Background: Hydatid cyst disease is a well-known parasitic disease globally. It develops in humans after ingestion of Echinococcus granulosus eggs. It is important to identify the epidemiologic aspects of this parasitic infection in order to better prevent and control hydatid cyst disease.

Objectives: The current study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology and features of this disease in a livestock-raising area in Khuzestan, southwest of Iran.

Materials and Methods: This present study was a descriptive-analytical study conducted on 360 patients from different areas of Khuzestan Province, southwest of Iran, with a diagnosis of hydatid cyst disease, during a period of 15 years between 2000 and 2015. Data were gathered by reviewing the patient’s records. Demographic data, laboratory findings, clinical features, the need for surgical debridement, and the outcome were collected. Data were summarized and analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistical methods, respectively.

Results: Findings showed that 158 males (43.9%) and 202 females (56.1%) were recorded. The mean age of the patients was 37.36±15.2 years. Results of the study showed that most patients were in the over-50-years-old age group [103 (28.6%)], and the less-than-10-years-old age group had the lowest number [19 (5.3%)]. Most of the cysts were detected in the liver [234 (65%)]. There was no statistically significant association between sex, residing area, and animal contact and the number of the cysts (p=0.12, 0.36, and 0.95, respectively); however, a significant association was found between sex and the body organ involved (p=0.007), so that liver involvement was mostly detected in females (79.9%), while involvement of the lung was mostly found in males (66.4%). No statistically significant association was found between age and the number of the cysts or the body organ involvement (p=0.35 and 0.61, respectively).

Conclusions: Our study showed that hydatid cyst disease could be surprisingly common in apparently low-risk populations, such as those living in urban areas or without direct contact with dogs and farm animals. So, the identification of the populations most at risk and educating the community about the most common modes of acquisition could be helpful for the control and prevention of this disease.

Biography:

Abstract:

Background: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a public health problem of the 21^st century and has been a pandemic disease that threatens the world’s population since it was documented as a separate new disease entity in 1981.

Objectives: This study sought to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and AIDS among pharmacists in Erbil, Iraq.

Methods: A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted using previously developed and modified questionnaires. A hundred and twenty pharmacists were approached to take part in the study including those working in government hospitals and private pharmacies as well as academic pharmacists at Hawler Medical University/College of Pharmacy. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (SPSS) version 20. Results: Most of the participants were female (62%) and 73.8% ranged from 20 to 29 years old. Additionally, 80.3% graduated from Hawler Medical University /College of Pharmacy. Most pharmacists (65%) had adequate knowledge about HIV/AIDS.

Conclusion: The present results showed moderate knowledge about HIV/AIDS treatment, methods of HIV transmission, and educational information about HIV/AIDS among Erbil pharmacists. The curriculum offered should incorporate correct information about HIV/AIDS, thereby minimizing fear, misconceptions, and negatives attitudes towards the infection.

Biography:

Smita Yadav pursuing her Ph.D. from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India. She completed her masters in Biochemistry. Her research area is to find the drug target and drug designing to eliminate lymphatic filariasis. She has published one paper as a co-author in a reputed journal of parasitology research.

Abstract:

Lymphatic filariasis is a neglected tropical disease, causing a major health hazard in the developing world. WHO has ranked the disease as one of the world’s leading causes of permanent and long-term disability. The currently available anti-filarial drugs are most effective against microfilaria. Therefore there is urgent need of drug that are macrofilaricidal. Nanoparticles have gained significance in medical fields due to their high surface-area-to-volume ratio. In this study, we synthesize AgNPs from a medicinally important plant Andrographis paniculata. The plant have been reported for their antimicrobial, cytotoxicity, anti-protozoan, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and antiparasitic activities. This nanocomposite was characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, FT-IR, XRD, SEM, and TEM. Nanocomposite anti-filarial activity was evaluated using motility and viability assay as well as by measuring ROS generation, antioxidant level, and apoptotic markers. The exposure of the nanocomposite to the worms caused a significant decrease in motility and viability leading to their death. Down-regulation of the antioxidant enzymes, as well as alteration in Ca2+ signaling, suggested the ER stress-induced mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. The proteome analysis of treated parasites showed the marked alteration in the protein expression in comparison to the control. In conclusion, the nanocomposite synthesized using plant A. paniculata showed strong anti-filarial activity.

Biography:

Abstract:

Malaria is a disease of global concern. The resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to drugs such as chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine is a major problem in malaria control. Artemisinin derivatives, particularly in combination with other drugs, are thus increasingly used to treat malaria, reducing the probability that parasites resistant to the components will emerge. Artemisinin resistance has recently been reported in the Thai-Cambodia border. The project was designed to demonstrate resistance-mitigating effects of phytochemical A. annua of Artemisia annua relative to pure artemisinin against the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei ANKA and Plasmodium yoelii. The in vivo experiments were done by inoculating the Swiss albino mice with the P. berghei ANKA parasite and P. yoelii and thereafter treated them with pure artemisinin and Artemisia annua phytochemicals. After 4 days parasitemia was determined and the ED₅₀ and the ED_9O  calculated and then the mice were passaged. The ED values got were utilized to determine the doses to be used for resistance development. The ED₅₀ and ED₉₀ got for artemisinin with P. berghei ANKA was 1.43 and 7.18 mg/kg.day respectively, while the ED₅₀ and ED₉₀ got for the A. annua with P. berghei ANKA was 34.5 and 118 mg/kg.day respectively. The chloroquine-resistant murine Plasmodium (P. yoelii) values were as follows artemisinin ED₅₀ and ED₉₀ got was 11.63 and 29.8 mg/kg.day respectively. The efficacy of dihydroartemisinin was also determined in order to compare with artemisinin and the ED₅₀ and ED₉₀ got for DHA with P. berghei ANKA was 1.73 and 8.31 mg/kg.day respectively. In order to determine resistance development, the ED₅₀ and ED₉₀ were determined after every 10 cycles. This was compared with the values that had been obtained before exposure to the drug pressure. The relative index was calculated as final ED₅₀ divided by the parental ED₅₀. The results indicated that there was an incremental increase in the Relative index with an increase in cycles in both P. yoelii and P. berghei ANKA. Resistance obtained in the two murine plasmodium parasites was found to be transient.

Biography:

Ayat Zawawi is a PhD student at the University of Manchester. She is a Lecturer at King Abdul-Aziz University in Jeddah, KSA, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences.           
 

Abstract:

Trichuris trichiura (whipworm) is a soil-transmitted helminth parasite that affects around 500 million people worldwide, resulting in disability and poor child development, especially in areas of poor hygiene and sanitation. The ideal vaccine to protect against T. trichiura in humans would include protein epitopes that elicit a protective T helper cell type 2 immune response. Herein, we used bioinformatics tools to identify candidate histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) molecule T cell epitopes from known Trichuris muris proteins selected using inclusion and exclusion criteria. T. muris is the murine whipworm that is closely related to the human pathogen making it a relevant model parasite. A number of prediction tools are available for the identification of peptides that bind to MHC II molecules. The lack of standardized methodology and the difficulty of MHC II epitope prediction make the selection of an appropriate prediction tool difficult. This study reports a systematic review to choose the most appropriate tools to predict MHC II epitopes. Subsequently, up to fifteen epitopes were predicted, from the selected T. muris proteins and expressed on Hepatitis B core antigen virus-like particles (HBc-Ag). HBc+ T cell epitopes were tested in vitro to address whether they activate antigen presenting cells. We also immunized normally susceptible mice with the HBc+ T cell epitopes prior to infection with T. muris to test the protective immune response in vivo. The predicted epitopes identified using the right combination of immunoinformatics and immunogenicity screening tools have the potential to bring T. trichiura to vaccine trial.  

Biography:

Simon Raymond is a Consultant who specialized in Medical and Scientific Research and an Alumnus of Melbourne University (Rank of Number 1 in Australia and Number 33 in the World). The above stated Researcher has acted as a Reviewer for the respected Medical Journal of Australia, has received invitations internationally to review from prestigious medical journals including the Journal of American Medical Association Network. He has received the award in recognition of his research by Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (PSC, 2006) and invited to conferences internationally as an official Delegate and Researcher, including that in USA and China. He has worked as the Principal Researcher in the highest-powered form of medical trial-Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT). The above stated Researcher is also a Member of the Golden Key International Society for Honored and outstanding Academics and has been cited as a Notable Global Leader.

Abstract:

The current researcher has in previous conferences and publications detailed the conceptualization and development of the new, or third, branch of antimicrobial therapeutics, namely site attachment inhibition which involves negation of cellular attachment by infective agents. This based on the issues with metaphorical superbugs, development of antimicrobial resistance, and the general lack of success currently with respect to the previous two branches which focused on (1) replication of infective agent and, (2) immune system enhancement. This talk explains that site attachment inhibition is intended to consist of both treatment of established infection but also new generation immunization programs. The likely success of new generation immunization programs, based on prenatal stem cell therapy is intended to involve gene mutagenesis or knockout. This preventative (or, immunization) therapy intended to be spanning right back to spermatogenesis and oogenesis. The validation for likely success includes the innate resistance or immunity achieved by inherited genetic mutations, including CCR5-Δ32 against HIV. One major issue is a differentiation between association and causation. Even the known CCR5-Δ32 mutation has not been completely confirmed as direct/causative of the inhibition of attachment observed in research analyses. New content presented in this talk will involve methods around the above issues to do with association and causation. These methods include the use of CRISPR technology in order to analyze properly the genes (and, methods) utilized by those with innate resistance (immunity) in order to determine the proper prenatal genetic therapy, as mentioned above, in new generation immunization programs. Prenatal genetic therapy is becoming increasingly discussed and utilized in medicine and surgery. However, an important issue remains the ethics committee and community consideration in such treatment strategy consideration.

Biography:

Hanaa Adli Siam, a scientific researcher in Department of Medical Entomology – National Public Health Laboratory –Federal Ministry of Health – Sudan, since 2012. She has a Master degree in Medical Entomology and vector control from Faculty of Science - University of Khartoum 2010. She has two published papers and participated in about ten international conferences and workshops

Abstract:

Dengue is becoming an endemic disease in Eastern Sudan with repeated outbreaks during last two decades. This study aimed to investigate an effective method for community participation in dengue vector control (Aedesaegypti) in Kassala city. The study was conducted during May to December 2011. A cluster was composed in eight neighborhood; each cluster was formed of three grouped houses.  One of these grouped houses was allocated randomly into one of three study arms: arm1 intervention of community volunteers; arm 2: intervention of house holder education and arm 3: Control. In arm 1, sixteen volunteers (two per cluster) inspected the water containers of houses weekly. In the house hold arm 2, householders received two educational sessions for breeding site of vectors source elimination and management of their water containers. In the control arm, houses did not receive any interventions. Bimonthly Entomological survey was conducted for eight months in each cluster of the study. The covering situation of inspected water containers was also recorded. From 9537 inspected containers, 545(5.71%) containers were found positive for aquatic stages of Aedes. aegypti. Zieers (localwater containers) composed 436 (80%) from the positive containers. ANOVA analyses were done between the three arms and no significant differences were found. Those entomological indices declined in community volunteers and householders arms. Also, the percentage of covering Zieers increased from 14.1% to 64.7% in community volunteer’s arm and from 12.1% to 32.6% in house holder arm. In control arm there was a fluctuation in all parameters. The arm of Community volunteers may be more effective in increasing the awareness of covering containers and decline of the entomological indices. Thus, it may be used as an approach for community participation in Dengue vector control in Kassala city.

Biography:

Sana Ullah is an active veterinarian who has got his DVM degree from Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, Pakistan. He has a very good experience in parasitological lab techniques, sedimentation method, flotation method and direct smear method for identification of eggs for various parasites. He has done research work on comparative studies on dressing percentage and distribution of cut parts in broiler and layer, in collaboration with the department of Animal Products and Technology. He has also performed a research project on, prospective evaluation of pain in dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy and castration in dogs from the department of surgery and obstetrics.

Abstract:

Six female dogs were operated for ovariohysterectomy and six male dogs were castrated to assess the severity of pain, wound healing and its complications if any from post-operative care. The heart rate, body temperature, and respiratory rate were also recorded. Body temperature, heart rate and respiration in male and female dogs during the process of operation differed significantly (P<0.05). On average the body temperature of female dogs was significantly higher (102.01±0.91°F) than the male dogs (1 OI .86±0.60°F). The heart rate of female dogs was significantly higher (109.42±23.06 beats/minute) than the male dogs (95.42±15.97 beats/minute). Respiratory rate of female dogs was significantly higher (40.68±5.07 breath/minute) than the male dogs (35.93±6.03 breaths/1 minute). The post-operative body temperature on average of female dogs (ovariohysterectomy) was higher than the male dogs castrated. The heart rate varied between animals of the same sex and on the average heart rate of female dogs was higher than the male dogs. The respiration also varied between animals as well as between male and females, but respiration rate was higher in female dogs than the male dogs. The female and male dogs varied markedly in relation to postoperative pain due to their respective operations. There was great variation between dogs for the degree of pain or severity of pain after ovariohysterectomy surgery and is might be associated with the physical health of these animals. The male dogs physically were of different health conditions and may be the weaker dogs felt prolonged pain as compared to those with good health.

Biography:

Dr Benjamin Koudou has over 16 years’ experience as a researcher malaria and filariasis control specialist and, a laboratory scientist and researcher working in the fields of neglected tropical disease (NTD) control in Africa, particularly focusing on elimination of preventive chemotherapy diseases (lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, Schistosomiasis, STH) through mass drug administration. From April 2012 to August 2016, Benjamin support lymphatic filariasis elimination programmes in West African countries. Benjamin is also highly experienced in capacity development and in establishing quality management system for laboratories. Currently, Dr Koudou was primary and secondary supervisor of 7 PhD students who defended successfully from 2012 to 2017 at University of Liverpool and Basel University in Switzerland. Additionally, Benjamin was invited as several international conferences as invited key note speakers and published close to 60 papers in peer reviewed international journals. Dr Koudou was Principal Investigator of several research projects focused on including randomized controlled trials targeting lymphatic filariasis.

Abstract:

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a major cause of acute and chronic morbidity and a significant impediment to socioeconomic development in 73 middle and low-income countries. The disease affects 120 million people and a further 1.4 billion are also at risk of acquiring the disease through exposure to mosquito bites. The Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) through the WHO strategy of preventive chemotherapy and transmission control (PCT), has targeted LF for elimination by 2020. This will be achieved mainly by the mass drug  (MDA) of albendazole in combination with either ivermectin or diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC). GPELF is one of the most rapidly expanding global health programs administering more than 540 million treatments in 54 countries in 2012. The MDA campaign has been most effective in the middle-income economies of Southeast Asia where all 15 endemic countries have initiated MDA. In Africa, only 18 of the 34 endemic countries were implementing MDA in 2012.  Many of the communities in countries yet to start MDA for LF elimination are in hard to reach areas in post-conflict environments with poor health systems infrastructure. Nevertheless, PCT presents an excellent platform for integrated control of other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) where several diseases coexist, given that either or both ivermectin and albendazole are effective against onchocerciasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis. However, there are other challenges to be addressed if the 2020 target is to be achieved. The scientific community will need to address the issue of NTD elimination in urban settings (mainly LF and STH) and the persistence of LF transmission in countries where MDA started for many years.

Biography:

Mr. Orok akwaowo bassey is a research staff of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria. A holder of M.SC in Medical Parasitology, he is currently studying for a PhD degree in the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria. He has published 10 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

In malaria diagnosis and management, parasite-based detection by microscopy remains the cornerstone of diagnosis. However, lack of expertise in staining, slide reading and inability to detect sequestered parasites in deep capillaries are the common demerits of microscopy.  Recently, the easy to use RDTs in the diagnosis of malaria have been adopted to overcome microscopy challenges. RDTs are now being used in homes and in Primary health care centers and the call to ensure precision and quality of services cannot be overemphasized. This study was carried out to determine the sensitivity and specificity of HRP2. A total of 142 (6-15 years) participants were tested.  Inclusion criteria were participants with axillary body temperature, not ˃ 37.50C, Hemoglobin level not Ë‚ 13.0g/dl and White blood cells, not Ë‚4000/cm3.  Two screening methods were used: Pf-HRP2 antigen and microscopy.  Out of the 142 sample tested, 10 (21.1%) tested positive by HRP2 and, 12 (28.3%) by microscopy with sensitivity and specificity at 95% CI being 95.8% and 99.5% respectively (P=0.001). In conclusion, both methods show a diagnostic agreement in precision and reliability in the detection of asymptomatic falciparum malaria.  

Biography:

Abstract:

There is dearth of on evidence policy translation and actions on NTDs risk surveillance and emerging epidemic public health emergency management that pose significant economic concern. Yet the positive value robust and sustainable NTDs surveillance and response systems coupled with advantages of mobile health and digital applications in improving care service deliver quality and access, promoting patient-provider dialogue and mutual learning data and information  sharing remain untapped in the continent. While, the persistence of NTDs and other emerging invasive infectious diseases of poverty public health needs and economic burden continues to ravage high risk and vulnerable populations in sub-Saharan Africa. The price of assessing NTDs risk management and epidemic public health outweighs and underscores the risk of neglect and immense price of assessing NTDs risk management and epidemic public health benefits. The paper analyses practical and effective policy-tailored NTDs insurance approaches and strategies implications and challenges to provide coverage for specific expenses, geographies, types of disease and times. Furthermore, in delivering evidence-based decisions-making policy, actions plans on NTDs threat and epidemics prevention, emergency response and control/containment interventions benefits of such protection and ensuring that exposures are appropriately NTDs, early detection, delivery prevention and management care services in urban remote settings against potential losses in sub-Saharan Africa and worldwide.

Biography:

Mr. Orok, akwaowo Bassey is a research staff of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria. A holder of M.SC in Medical Parasitology, he is currently studying for a Ph.D. degree in the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria. He has a research interest in apicomplexan parasites, Immunology, and non-communicable diseases. He has published 10 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

Toxoplasmosis is the most common zoonotic infection of humans with immense public health importance.  Infection gravitates especially in a habitational setting where poverty, ignorance and low level of hygiene holds sway.  This cross-sectional study investigates the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and co-infection with falciparum malaria among nomads. Eighty-four (84) apparently healthy individuals randomly selected, comprising 53 (63.1%) male and 31 (36.9%) females in Sabo, a nomadic settlement in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria were enrolled for the study. Questionnaires were administered to capture socio-demographic data. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the presence of Toxo-IgG/IgM antibodies in blood samples collected for previous and current infections.  Malaria determination was done using SD- Bioline P. falciparum-histidine rich protein2 (pf-HRP2) antigen test kit and microscopy. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.  From our result, the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies was found to be 28 (33.3%) and 84(100%) respectively (P=0.006, P>0.05). Although all the enrollees had previous exposure to toxoplasmosis, new infection was common in males 17(60.71%) and female 11(39.29%). A total of 8 (9.5%) enrollees had asymptomatic falciparum malaria and cases of toxoplasmosis-malaria co-infection were found to be 3 (37.5%). Findings from this study indicate the high level of Toxoplasma gondii infection exposure in a nomadic settlement with recommendations for public education.

Biography:

Gustave Simo completed his Ph.D. in Molecular Parasitology in 2001 from the University of Yaoundé 1 (Cameroon) and his Habilitation from the University of Montpellier (France). He was Visiting Scientist at Bay Paul Center of MBL at Woods Hole. His postdoctoral studies were performed at the Division of Functional Genome analysis of the German Cancer Research Center of Heidelberg and at the “Institut de Recherche pour le Développement” of Montpellier. He published more than 50 papers in reputed journals where he has been serving as referee. He is heading the Molecular Parasitology and Entomology Unit of the University of Dschang, Cameroon.

Abstract:

Soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) belong to neglected tropical diseases affecting billion of people. Preventive chemotherapy reduced STHs incidence and led to their inclusion into WHO roadmap for elimination. In such a context where large-scale epidemiological studies are required to validate and monitor the elimination, no reliable diagnostic test is available. Efforts on molecular diagnostic of STHs were limited by the use of commercial kits which do not favor large-scale studies. In this light, four DNA extraction methods were tested on stools infected by Ascaris lumbricoides and their performance was evaluated by amplifying A. lumbricoides DNA. Stools were analyzed in triplicate by Kato-Katz and flotation techniques. Aliquots of 10, 20, 40 and 80 milligrams of infected stools were made and Zymo Quick-DNA kit, chelex, thaw-boiled and CTAB extraction methods enabled to extract DNA from these aliquots. Specific primers were used to amplify A. lumbricoides DNA. Of the 316 stools collected, the flotation technique revealed ten (3.2%) with A. lumbricoides. No infection was identified by Kato-Katz. Of the 10 infected stools, no amplification was observed for extracts coming from chelex and thaw-boiling methods. All extracts from the CTAB method and zymo Quick-DNA kit revealed A. lumbricoides whatever the amount of stool tested. In remote clinical laboratories, the flotation technique is appropriate for the identification of STHs in the current elimination context. The CTAB based method is appropriate to extract DNA from stools. It requires the little amount of stool and its low cost could favor large-scale epidemiological studies.