Analysis of whole/untreated biological samples using direct thermal desorption combined with gas chromatography

Irth, H. [Promotor]Vreuls, J.J. [Copromotor]Pel, R. [Copromotor

Résistance de la Tique Invasive Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) Microplus à la Nouvelle Gamme d’Acaricides Distribués en Côte d’Ivoire

Ce travail avait pour objectif d’améliorer la lutte contre la tique Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus en Côte d’Ivoire en apportant une assistance aux éleveurs dans le choix des acaricides qui leur sont proposés. Pour ce faire, il a été question de répertorier les spécialités d’acaricides distribuées en Côte d’Ivoire pour le détiquage des bovins et par la suite, évaluer le niveau de résistance-sensibilité des tiques R. (B.) microplus à ces acaricides dans les élevages péri-urbains de bovins au sud de la Côte d’Ivoire, précisément dans la zone d’Azaguié où la tique exotique R. (B.) microplus a été découverte pour la première fois en Afrique de l’Ouest. Il ressort de l’étude que six (6) molécules acaricides sont officiellement distribuées en Côte d’Ivoire (Alphacyperméthrine, Cyperméthrine, Amitraz, Fluméthrine, Deltaméthrine et Fipronil) sous diverses appellations commerciales. Face aux échecs thérapeutiques recurents et aux plaintes des éleveurs, une nouvelle gamme d’acaricides est actuellement proposée aux éleveurs. Elle est essentiellement constituée de produits à base de fluméthrine, de fipronil, de deltaméthrine ou de cyperméthrine associée au chlorpyriphos, au butoxide de pipéronyl et à la citronnelle. La méthode de référence LPT (Larval Packet Test) standardisée par la FAO a été utilisée pour évaluer le niveau de résistance de cette tique invasive R. (B.) microplus à trois (3) molécules acaricides de cette gamme à savoir la deltaméthrine, la fluméthrine et la nouvelle spécialité de molécules associées (cyperméthrine-chlorpyriphos-citronnelle-butoxide de pipéronyl). Une variation du niveau de résistance a été signalée d’un acaricide à l’autre vis-à-vis des populations de tiques R. (B.) microplus testées. L’étude a montré une résistance des populations de tiques R. (B.) microplus à la deltaméthrine et à la fluméthrine. Quant à la nouvelle spécialité de molécules associées, elle a présenté un niveau de sensibilité acceptable exprimé par les populations de tiques R. (B.) microplus.   This work aimed to improve the fight against the tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in Côte d'Ivoire by providing assistance to breeders in the choice of acaricides marketed. To do this, the acaricides distributed in Côte d'Ivoire for cattle treatment was inventoried and then, the level of resistance- susceptibility of R. (B.) microplus to these acaricides was estimated in peri-urban cattle farms in southern Côte d'Ivoire, precisely in the area of Azaguié where the exotic tick R. (B.) microplus was discovered for the first time in West Africa. It appears from the study that six (6) acaricidal molecules are officially distributed in Côte d'Ivoire (Alphacypermethrin, Cypermethrin, Amitraz, Flumethrin, Deltamethrin and Fipronil) under various trade names. Faced with recurrent treatment failures and complaints from breeders, a new range of acaricides is currently being offered to breeders. It essentially consists of products based on flumethrin, fipronil, deltamethrin or cypermethrin associated with chlorpyrifos, piperonyl butoxid and citronella. The reference method LPT (Larval Packet Test) standardized by the FAO was used to estimate the level of resistance of the invasive tick R. (B.) microplus to three (3) acaricides, namely deltamethrin, flumethrin and the new product of associated acaricides (cypermethrin-chlorpyrifos-piperonyl butoxid- citronella). A variation of the resistance of R. (B.) microplus has been reported from one acaricide to another. The study showed a resistance of R. (B.) microplus tick populations to deltamethrin and flumethrin. However, an acceptable level of susceptibility expressed by the population ticks of R. (B.) microplus to the association of acaricides (cypermethrin-chlorpyrifos-piperonyl butoxid-citronella) was reported

Résistance de la Tique Invasive Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) Microplus à la Nouvelle Gamme d’Acaricides Distribués en Côte d’Ivoire

Ce travail avait pour objectif d’améliorer la lutte contre la tique Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus en Côte d’Ivoire en apportant une assistance aux éleveurs dans le choix des acaricides qui leur sont proposés. Pour ce faire, il a été question de répertorier les spécialités d’acaricides distribuées en Côte d’Ivoire pour le détiquage des bovins et par la suite, évaluer le niveau de résistance-sensibilité des tiques R. (B.) microplus à ces acaricides dans les élevages péri-urbains de bovins au sud de la Côte d’Ivoire, précisément dans la zone d’Azaguié où la tique exotique R. (B.) microplus a été découverte pour la première fois en Afrique de l’Ouest. Il ressort de l’étude que six (6) molécules acaricides sont officiellement distribuées en Côte d’Ivoire (Alphacyperméthrine, Cyperméthrine, Amitraz, Fluméthrine, Deltaméthrine et Fipronil) sous diverses appellations commerciales. Face aux échecs thérapeutiques recurents et aux plaintes des éleveurs, une nouvelle gamme d’acaricides est actuellement proposée aux éleveurs. Elle est essentiellement constituée de produits à base de fluméthrine, de fipronil, de deltaméthrine ou de cyperméthrine associée au chlorpyriphos, au butoxide de pipéronyl et à la citronnelle. La méthode de référence LPT (Larval Packet Test) standardisée par la FAO a été utilisée pour évaluer le niveau de résistance de cette tique invasive R. (B.) microplus à trois (3) molécules acaricides de cette gamme à savoir la deltaméthrine, la fluméthrine et la nouvelle spécialité de molécules associées (cyperméthrine-chlorpyriphos-citronnelle-butoxide de pipéronyl). Une variation du niveau de résistance a été signalée d’un acaricide à l’autre vis-à-vis des populations de tiques R. (B.) microplus testées. L’étude a montré une résistance des populations de tiques R. (B.) microplus à la deltaméthrine et à la fluméthrine. Quant à la nouvelle spécialité de molécules associées, elle a présenté un niveau de sensibilité acceptable exprimé par les populations de tiques R. (B.) microplus.   This work aimed to improve the fight against the tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in Côte d'Ivoire by providing assistance to breeders in the choice of acaricides marketed. To do this, the acaricides distributed in Côte d'Ivoire for cattle treatment was inventoried and then, the level of resistance- susceptibility of R. (B.) microplus to these acaricides was estimated in peri-urban cattle farms in southern Côte d'Ivoire, precisely in the area of Azaguié where the exotic tick R. (B.) microplus was discovered for the first time in West Africa. It appears from the study that six (6) acaricidal molecules are officially distributed in Côte d'Ivoire (Alphacypermethrin, Cypermethrin, Amitraz, Flumethrin, Deltamethrin and Fipronil) under various trade names. Faced with recurrent treatment failures and complaints from breeders, a new range of acaricides is currently being offered to breeders. It essentially consists of products based on flumethrin, fipronil, deltamethrin or cypermethrin associated with chlorpyrifos, piperonyl butoxid and citronella. The reference method LPT (Larval Packet Test) standardized by the FAO was used to estimate the level of resistance of the invasive tick R. (B.) microplus to three (3) acaricides, namely deltamethrin, flumethrin and the new product of associated acaricides (cypermethrin-chlorpyrifos-piperonyl butoxid- citronella). A variation of the resistance of R. (B.) microplus has been reported from one acaricide to another. The study showed a resistance of R. (B.) microplus tick populations to deltamethrin and flumethrin. However, an acceptable level of susceptibility expressed by the population ticks of R. (B.) microplus to the association of acaricides (cypermethrin-chlorpyrifos-piperonyl butoxid-citronella) was reported

Malaria and anaemia among children in two communities of Kumasi, Ghana: a cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND: A survey in Kumasi, Ghana found a marked Plasmodium falciparum prevalence difference between two neighbouring communities (Moshie Zongo and Manhyia). The primary objective of this follow-up study was to determine whether this parasite rate difference was consistent over time. Secondary objectives were to compare prevalences of clinical malaria, anaemia, intestinal parasite infections, and malnutrition between these communities; and to identify potential risk factors for P. falciparum infection and anaemia. METHODS: A cross-sectional house-to-house survey of P. falciparum parasitaemia, clinical malaria, anaemia, anthropometric indices, and intestinal helminths was conducted in April-May 2005. Data collection included child and household demographics, mosquito avoidance practices, distance to nearest health facility, child's travel history, symptoms, and anti-malarial use. Risk factors for P. falciparum and anaemia (Hb < 11 g/dl) were identified using generalized linear mixed models. RESULTS: In total, 296 children were tested from 184 households. Prevalences of P. falciparum, clinical malaria, anaemia, and stunting were significantly higher in Moshie Zongo (37.8%, 16.9%, 66.2% and 21.1%, respectively) compared to Manhyia (12.8%, 3.4%, 34.5% and 7.4%). Of 197 children tested for helminths, four were positive for Dicrocoelium dendriticum. Population attributable risks (PAR%) of anaemia were 16.5% (P. falciparum) and 7.6% (malnutrition). Risk factors for P. falciparum infection were older age, rural travel, and lower socioeconomic status. Risk factors for anaemia were P. falciparum infection, Moshie Zongo residence, male sex, and younger age. CONCLUSION: Heterogeneities in malariometric indices between neighbouring Kumasi communities are consistent over time. The low helminth prevalence, and the twofold higher PAR% of anaemia attributable to P. falciparum infection compared to malnutrition, indicate the importance of malaria as a cause of anaemia in this urban population

School Banking as a Strategy for Strengthening Youth Economic Participation in Developing Countries: Lessons from YouthSave

Schools are the primary settings where both education and health services are delivered to youth in developing countries. A similar approach can be used for financial inclusion. Financial inclusion, in turn, can lead to positive youth development outcomes in education and health. But a critical first step is financial access. This study examines how schools can serve as the setting for financial education and financial services, increasing youth economic participation. Research in four developing countries finds an increase in youth savings account uptake when financial institutions provide opportunities at schools for youth to receive financial education, open savings accounts, and make deposits. Findings are that school banking can overcome some of the regulatory, geographic, and information barriers that limit youth access to safe and affordable savings services. Marginalized youth, including those who are low-income and females, participate as much as other youth. We conclude that schools can play an important role in increasing youth economic participation, a positive step toward economic strengthening and overall well-being. As a possible implication, school-based health programming might consider integrating school banking features, such as opening savings accounts, into future program design and implementation

Democracy, Globalization and Private Investment in Ghana

The article examines the effects of democracy and globalization on private investment in Ghana for the period 1980–2012, using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds test for cointegration and the error correction model (ECM). Two models are used. In Model 1, democracy is proxy by an index for institutional quality (Polity 2), while Model 2 uses an index for civil liberties as proxy for democracy. The results for Model 1 show globalization and public investment increase private investment, while exchange rate volatility and trade openness decrease private investment in both the long and short run. In addition, national income and interest rate reduce private investment in the short run. In the case of Model 2, credit to the private sector and public investment increase private investment, while exchange rate volatility and trade openness decrease private investment in both the long and short run. Finally, national income and interest rate reduce private investment in the short run. The findings and policy recommendations of the article provide vital information for policy implementation in Ghana

Evaluation of a learner-designed course for teaching health research skills in Ghana

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In developing countries the ability to conduct locally-relevant health research and high quality education are key tools in the fight against poverty. The objective of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel UK accredited, learner-designed research skills course delivered in a teaching hospital in Ghana.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Study participants were 15 mixed speciality health professionals from Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana. Effectiveness measures included process, content and outcome indicators to evaluate changes in learners' confidence and competence in research, and assessment of the impact of the course on changing research-related thinking and behaviour. Results were verified using two independent methods.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>14/15 learners gained research competence assessed against UK Quality Assurance Agency criteria. After the course there was a 36% increase in the groups' positive responses to statements concerning confidence in research-related attitudes, intentions and actions. The greatest improvement (45% increase) was in learners' actions, which focused on strengthening institutional research capacity. 79% of paired before/after responses indicated positive changes in individual learners' research-related attitudes (n = 53), 81% in intention (n = 52) and 85% in action (n = 52). The course had increased learners' confidence to start and manage research, and enhanced life-long skills such as reflective practice and self-confidence. Doing their own research within the work environment, reflecting on personal research experiences and utilising peer support and pooled knowledge were critical elements that promoted learning.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Learners in Ghana were able to design and undertake a novel course that developed individual and institutional research capacity and met international standards. Learning by doing and a supportive peer community at work were critical elements in promoting learning in this environment where tutors were scarce. Our study provides a model for delivering and evaluating innovative educational interventions in developing countries to assess whether they meet external quality criteria and achieve their objectives.</p

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Randomized Controlled Trial of RTS,S/AS02D and RTS,S/AS01E Malaria Candidate Vaccines Given According to Different Schedules in Ghanaian Children

Background:The target delivery channel of RTS,S candidate malaria vaccines in malaria-endemic countries in Africa is the World Health Organisation Expanded Program on Immunization. As an Adjuvant System, age de-escalation and schedule selection step, this study assessed 3 schedules of RTS,S/AS01E and RTS,S/AS02D in infants and young children 5&ndash;17 months of age in Ghana.Methodology:A Phase II, partially-blind randomized controlled study (blind to vaccine, not to schedule), of 19 months duration was conducted in two (2) centres in Ghana between August 2006 and May 2008. Subjects were allocated randomly (1:1:1:1:1:1) to one of six study groups at each study site, each defining which vaccine should be given and by which schedule (0,1-, 0,1,2- or 0,1,7-months). For the 0,1,2-month schedule participants received RTS,S/AS01E or rabies vaccine at one center and RTS,S/AS01E or RTS,S/AS02D at the other. For the other schedules at both study sites, they received RTS,S/AS01E or RTS,S/AS02D. The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of serious adverse events until 10 months post dose 1.Results:The number of serious adverse events reported across groups was balanced. One child had a simple febrile convulsion, which evolved favourably without sequelae, considered to be related to RTS,S/AS01E vaccination. Low grade reactions occurred slightly more frequently in recipients of RTS,S/AS than rabies vaccines; grade 3 reactions were infrequent. Less local reactogenicity occurred with RTS,S/AS01E than RTS,S/AS02D. Both candidate vaccines were highly immunogenic for anti-circumsporozoite and anti-Hepatitis B Virus surface antigen antibodies. Recipients of RTS,S/AS01E compared to RTS,S/AS02D had higher peak anti-circumsporozoite antibody responses for all 3 schedules. Three dose schedules were more immunogenic than 2 dose schedules. Area under the curve analyses for anti-circumsporozoite antibodies were comparable between the 0,1,2- and 0,1,7-month RTS,S/AS01E schedules.Conclusions:Both candidate malaria vaccines were well tolerated. Anti-circumsporozoite responses were greater with RTS,S/AS01E than RTS,S/AS02D and when 3 rather than 2 doses were given. This study supports the selection of RTS,S/AS01E and a 3 dose schedule for further development in children and infants