Molecular analysis demonstrates high prevalence of chloroquine resistance but no evidence of artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium falciparum in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh

Background Artemisinin resistance is present in the Greater Mekong region and poses a significant threat for current anti-malarial treatment guidelines in Bangladesh. The aim of this molecular study was to assess the current status of drug resistance in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh near the Myanmar border. Methods Samples were obtained from patients enrolled into a Clinical Trial (NCT02389374) conducted in Alikadam, Bandarban between August 2014 and January 2015. Plasmodium falciparum infections were confirmed by PCR and all P. falciparum positive isolates genotyped for the pfcrt K76T and pfmdr1 N86Y markers. The propeller region of the kelch 13 (k13) gene was sequenced from isolates from patients with delayed parasite clearance. Results In total, 130 P. falciparum isolates were available for analysis. The pfcrt mutation K76T, associated with chloroquine resistance was found in 81.5% (106/130) of cases and the pfmdr1 mutation N86Y in 13.9% (18/130) cases. No single nucleotide polymorphisms were observed in the k13 propeller region. Conclusion This study provides molecular evidence for the ongoing presence of chloroquine resistant P. falciparum in Bangladesh, but no evidence of mutations in the k13 propeller domain associated with artemisinin resistance. Monitoring for artemisinin susceptibility in Bangladesh is needed to ensure early detection and containment emerging anti-malarial resistance.</p

Abundance of macrozoobenthos in relation to bottom soil textural types and water depth In aquaculture ponds

The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of bottom soil textural classes and different water depths on abundance of macrozoobenthos in aquaculture ponds. Three treatments, i.e., ponds bottom with sandy loam (T1), with loam (TS2) and with clay loam (T3) were considered in this experiment. Samples were collected from three different depths (60.96 cm, 106.68 cm and 152.40 cm) with three replications. The ranges of water quality parameters were suitable for the growth of macrozoobenthos during the experimental period. Similarly, chemical properties of soil were also within suitable ranges and every parameter showed comparatively higher ranges in T2. Eight genera were recorded belonging to major groups of Chironomidae, Oligochaeta, Mollusca and Ceratoponogonidae. The highest population densities of Oligochaeta (1200±4.25 per m2), Chironomidae (1422±4.88 per m2), Ceratopogonidae (399±1.56 per m2) and Mollusca (977±2.24 per m2) were found in T2. The population densities of macrozoobenthos showed fortnightly variations in all the treatments. Among the three depths, significantly highest densities of macrozoobenthos were recorded in 106.68 cm in every treatment. The mean abundance of macrozoobenthos was significantly highest in T2. The present study indicates that loamy soil pond bottom along with water depth 106.68 cm is suitable for the growth and production of macrozoobenthos in aquaculture ponds

Knowledge and self-care practice regarding diabetes among type 2diabetics: experience from a non-profit hospital chain in Bangladesh

© 2017, Research Society for Study of Diabetes in India. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is generally being perceived as a problem of the developed world, but currently, people from developing countries like Bangladesh are suffering from chronic diseases of which diabetes is a major one. The aim of the study was to assess knowledge and self-care practice regarding diabetes among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) subjects. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 11,917 (age ≥ 18 years, 4418 males and 7499 females) T2DM subjects attending the health care centers and hospitals in Dhaka (Capital) and also in the northern part of Bangladesh operated by the local diabetic association. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaire. The levels of knowledge and self-care practice were measured by predefined scores, categorized as poor (mean + 1 SD). Independent samples t test, ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation were used to determine the association between different variables considering p value < 0.05. The mean (± SD) age (years) of the T2DM was 50 ± 12. The proportion of “poor,” “average,” and “good” score for knowledge were 34%, 51%, and 15% and for that practice were 16%, 72%, and 12%, respectively. Knowledge was significantly associated with practice (r = 0.299, p = 0.001). The study reveals a difference between knowledge and self-care practice related to T2DM. T2DM health literacy program needs to be developed for better health promotion