The Experts below are selected from a list of 360 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform

Thomas R Unnasch - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • pool screen polymerase chain reaction for estimating the prevalence of onchocerca volvulus infection in simulium damnosum sensu lato results of a field trial in an area subject to successful vector control
    American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 1999
    Co-Authors: L Yameogo, L Toe, Jeanmarc Hougard, B A Boatin, Thomas R Unnasch
    Abstract:

    Detection of infective parasites in the vector population can be an early indicator of recrudescence in areas freed of new cases of onchocerciasis. However, dissection of vector black flies is inefficient in areas subject to effective control. Recently, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay has been used to detect a single Onchocerca volvulus-infected black fly in pools containing large numbers of uninfected flies. This method had not been validated on wild-caught black flies in an area subject to effective vector control. Here, we report a method of restricting the pool screen PCR assay to infectious parasites and the results of a field test in an area subject to long-term vector control. The prevalence of infection determined by dissection did not differ from that determined by pool screen PCR. The results suggest that the PCR assay may be a useful tool for Epidemiologic Surveillance for 0. volvulus infection.

  • pool screen polymerase chain reaction for estimating the prevalence of onchocerca volvulus infection in simulium damnosum sensu lato results of a field trial in an area subject to successful vector control
    American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 1999
    Co-Authors: L Yameogo, Jeanmarc Hougard, B A Boatin, Thomas R Unnasch
    Abstract:

    Detection of infective parasites in the vector population can be an early indicator of recrudescence in areas freed of new cases of onchocerciasis. However, dissection of vector black flies is inefficient in areas subject to effective control. Recently, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay has been used to detect a single Oncho- cerca volvulus- infected black fly in pools containing large numbers of uninfected flies. This method had not been validated on wild-caught black flies in an area subject to effective vector control. Here, we report a method of restricting the pool screen PCR assay to infectious parasites and the results of a field test in an area subject to long- term vector control. The prevalence of infection determined by dissection did not differ from that determined by pool screen PCR. The results suggest that the PCR assay may be a useful tool for Epidemiologic Surveillance for O. volvulus infection. One of the major challenges of the Onchocerciasis Control Program (OCP) in West Africa is to place the 11 participat- ing countries in a position to be able to take over its residual activities when the program comes to an end in 2002. At that time, Epidemiologic Surveillance and ivermectin treat- ment will remain the residual activities to be implemented by the countries. To ensure the success of these activities, the program must make available to the countries tools and methods for detecting recrudescence of Onchocerca volvulus infection that are both efficient and acceptable to the endem- ic population. The most direct method of Surveillance for O. volvulus recrudescence is to detect new infections in the endemic population. To this end, several methods are being tested to replace the skin snip method, which is becoming less and less acceptable to the endemic population. 1 In addition to conducting Surveillance activities to detect new infections, it is also useful to detect O. volvulus infective larvae in the vector population. This is because the presence of O. vol- vulus infective larvae in the vector population is a direct demonstration that transmission is occurring, providing early warning that new infections may be developing. This is im- portant because the prepatent period for the infection in hu- mans is 18 months to two years. 2 Measurements of trans- mission can thus be used to rapidly identify potential areas of recrudescence of infection. Onchocerca volvulus transmission has historically been measured through dissection of wild-caught vector black flies.

L Yameogo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • pool screen polymerase chain reaction for estimating the prevalence of onchocerca volvulus infection in simulium damnosum sensu lato results of a field trial in an area subject to successful vector control
    American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 1999
    Co-Authors: L Yameogo, L Toe, Jeanmarc Hougard, B A Boatin, Thomas R Unnasch
    Abstract:

    Detection of infective parasites in the vector population can be an early indicator of recrudescence in areas freed of new cases of onchocerciasis. However, dissection of vector black flies is inefficient in areas subject to effective control. Recently, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay has been used to detect a single Onchocerca volvulus-infected black fly in pools containing large numbers of uninfected flies. This method had not been validated on wild-caught black flies in an area subject to effective vector control. Here, we report a method of restricting the pool screen PCR assay to infectious parasites and the results of a field test in an area subject to long-term vector control. The prevalence of infection determined by dissection did not differ from that determined by pool screen PCR. The results suggest that the PCR assay may be a useful tool for Epidemiologic Surveillance for 0. volvulus infection.

  • pool screen polymerase chain reaction for estimating the prevalence of onchocerca volvulus infection in simulium damnosum sensu lato results of a field trial in an area subject to successful vector control
    American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 1999
    Co-Authors: L Yameogo, Jeanmarc Hougard, B A Boatin, Thomas R Unnasch
    Abstract:

    Detection of infective parasites in the vector population can be an early indicator of recrudescence in areas freed of new cases of onchocerciasis. However, dissection of vector black flies is inefficient in areas subject to effective control. Recently, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay has been used to detect a single Oncho- cerca volvulus- infected black fly in pools containing large numbers of uninfected flies. This method had not been validated on wild-caught black flies in an area subject to effective vector control. Here, we report a method of restricting the pool screen PCR assay to infectious parasites and the results of a field test in an area subject to long- term vector control. The prevalence of infection determined by dissection did not differ from that determined by pool screen PCR. The results suggest that the PCR assay may be a useful tool for Epidemiologic Surveillance for O. volvulus infection. One of the major challenges of the Onchocerciasis Control Program (OCP) in West Africa is to place the 11 participat- ing countries in a position to be able to take over its residual activities when the program comes to an end in 2002. At that time, Epidemiologic Surveillance and ivermectin treat- ment will remain the residual activities to be implemented by the countries. To ensure the success of these activities, the program must make available to the countries tools and methods for detecting recrudescence of Onchocerca volvulus infection that are both efficient and acceptable to the endem- ic population. The most direct method of Surveillance for O. volvulus recrudescence is to detect new infections in the endemic population. To this end, several methods are being tested to replace the skin snip method, which is becoming less and less acceptable to the endemic population. 1 In addition to conducting Surveillance activities to detect new infections, it is also useful to detect O. volvulus infective larvae in the vector population. This is because the presence of O. vol- vulus infective larvae in the vector population is a direct demonstration that transmission is occurring, providing early warning that new infections may be developing. This is im- portant because the prepatent period for the infection in hu- mans is 18 months to two years. 2 Measurements of trans- mission can thus be used to rapidly identify potential areas of recrudescence of infection. Onchocerca volvulus transmission has historically been measured through dissection of wild-caught vector black flies.

Jeanmarc Hougard - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • pool screen polymerase chain reaction for estimating the prevalence of onchocerca volvulus infection in simulium damnosum sensu lato results of a field trial in an area subject to successful vector control
    American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 1999
    Co-Authors: L Yameogo, L Toe, Jeanmarc Hougard, B A Boatin, Thomas R Unnasch
    Abstract:

    Detection of infective parasites in the vector population can be an early indicator of recrudescence in areas freed of new cases of onchocerciasis. However, dissection of vector black flies is inefficient in areas subject to effective control. Recently, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay has been used to detect a single Onchocerca volvulus-infected black fly in pools containing large numbers of uninfected flies. This method had not been validated on wild-caught black flies in an area subject to effective vector control. Here, we report a method of restricting the pool screen PCR assay to infectious parasites and the results of a field test in an area subject to long-term vector control. The prevalence of infection determined by dissection did not differ from that determined by pool screen PCR. The results suggest that the PCR assay may be a useful tool for Epidemiologic Surveillance for 0. volvulus infection.

  • pool screen polymerase chain reaction for estimating the prevalence of onchocerca volvulus infection in simulium damnosum sensu lato results of a field trial in an area subject to successful vector control
    American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 1999
    Co-Authors: L Yameogo, Jeanmarc Hougard, B A Boatin, Thomas R Unnasch
    Abstract:

    Detection of infective parasites in the vector population can be an early indicator of recrudescence in areas freed of new cases of onchocerciasis. However, dissection of vector black flies is inefficient in areas subject to effective control. Recently, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay has been used to detect a single Oncho- cerca volvulus- infected black fly in pools containing large numbers of uninfected flies. This method had not been validated on wild-caught black flies in an area subject to effective vector control. Here, we report a method of restricting the pool screen PCR assay to infectious parasites and the results of a field test in an area subject to long- term vector control. The prevalence of infection determined by dissection did not differ from that determined by pool screen PCR. The results suggest that the PCR assay may be a useful tool for Epidemiologic Surveillance for O. volvulus infection. One of the major challenges of the Onchocerciasis Control Program (OCP) in West Africa is to place the 11 participat- ing countries in a position to be able to take over its residual activities when the program comes to an end in 2002. At that time, Epidemiologic Surveillance and ivermectin treat- ment will remain the residual activities to be implemented by the countries. To ensure the success of these activities, the program must make available to the countries tools and methods for detecting recrudescence of Onchocerca volvulus infection that are both efficient and acceptable to the endem- ic population. The most direct method of Surveillance for O. volvulus recrudescence is to detect new infections in the endemic population. To this end, several methods are being tested to replace the skin snip method, which is becoming less and less acceptable to the endemic population. 1 In addition to conducting Surveillance activities to detect new infections, it is also useful to detect O. volvulus infective larvae in the vector population. This is because the presence of O. vol- vulus infective larvae in the vector population is a direct demonstration that transmission is occurring, providing early warning that new infections may be developing. This is im- portant because the prepatent period for the infection in hu- mans is 18 months to two years. 2 Measurements of trans- mission can thus be used to rapidly identify potential areas of recrudescence of infection. Onchocerca volvulus transmission has historically been measured through dissection of wild-caught vector black flies.

B A Boatin - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • pool screen polymerase chain reaction for estimating the prevalence of onchocerca volvulus infection in simulium damnosum sensu lato results of a field trial in an area subject to successful vector control
    American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 1999
    Co-Authors: L Yameogo, L Toe, Jeanmarc Hougard, B A Boatin, Thomas R Unnasch
    Abstract:

    Detection of infective parasites in the vector population can be an early indicator of recrudescence in areas freed of new cases of onchocerciasis. However, dissection of vector black flies is inefficient in areas subject to effective control. Recently, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay has been used to detect a single Onchocerca volvulus-infected black fly in pools containing large numbers of uninfected flies. This method had not been validated on wild-caught black flies in an area subject to effective vector control. Here, we report a method of restricting the pool screen PCR assay to infectious parasites and the results of a field test in an area subject to long-term vector control. The prevalence of infection determined by dissection did not differ from that determined by pool screen PCR. The results suggest that the PCR assay may be a useful tool for Epidemiologic Surveillance for 0. volvulus infection.

  • pool screen polymerase chain reaction for estimating the prevalence of onchocerca volvulus infection in simulium damnosum sensu lato results of a field trial in an area subject to successful vector control
    American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 1999
    Co-Authors: L Yameogo, Jeanmarc Hougard, B A Boatin, Thomas R Unnasch
    Abstract:

    Detection of infective parasites in the vector population can be an early indicator of recrudescence in areas freed of new cases of onchocerciasis. However, dissection of vector black flies is inefficient in areas subject to effective control. Recently, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay has been used to detect a single Oncho- cerca volvulus- infected black fly in pools containing large numbers of uninfected flies. This method had not been validated on wild-caught black flies in an area subject to effective vector control. Here, we report a method of restricting the pool screen PCR assay to infectious parasites and the results of a field test in an area subject to long- term vector control. The prevalence of infection determined by dissection did not differ from that determined by pool screen PCR. The results suggest that the PCR assay may be a useful tool for Epidemiologic Surveillance for O. volvulus infection. One of the major challenges of the Onchocerciasis Control Program (OCP) in West Africa is to place the 11 participat- ing countries in a position to be able to take over its residual activities when the program comes to an end in 2002. At that time, Epidemiologic Surveillance and ivermectin treat- ment will remain the residual activities to be implemented by the countries. To ensure the success of these activities, the program must make available to the countries tools and methods for detecting recrudescence of Onchocerca volvulus infection that are both efficient and acceptable to the endem- ic population. The most direct method of Surveillance for O. volvulus recrudescence is to detect new infections in the endemic population. To this end, several methods are being tested to replace the skin snip method, which is becoming less and less acceptable to the endemic population. 1 In addition to conducting Surveillance activities to detect new infections, it is also useful to detect O. volvulus infective larvae in the vector population. This is because the presence of O. vol- vulus infective larvae in the vector population is a direct demonstration that transmission is occurring, providing early warning that new infections may be developing. This is im- portant because the prepatent period for the infection in hu- mans is 18 months to two years. 2 Measurements of trans- mission can thus be used to rapidly identify potential areas of recrudescence of infection. Onchocerca volvulus transmission has historically been measured through dissection of wild-caught vector black flies.

Marcus J Zervos - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • application of molecular techniques to the study of hospital infection
    Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 2006
    Co-Authors: Aparajita Singh, Richard V Goering, Shabbir Simjee, Steven L Foley, Marcus J Zervos
    Abstract:

    Nosocomial infections are an important source of morbidity and mortality in hospital settings, afflicting an estimated 2 million patients in United States each year. This number represents up to 5% of hospitalized patients and results in an estimated 88,000 deaths and 4.5 billion dollars in excess health care costs. Increasingly, hospital-acquired infections with multidrug-resistant pathogens represent a major problem in patients. Understanding pathogen relatedness is essential for determining the epidemiology of nosocomial infections and aiding in the design of rational pathogen control methods. The role of pathogen typing is to determine whether Epidemiologically related isolates are also genetically related. To determine molecular relatedness of isolates for Epidemiologic investigation, new technologies based on DNA, or molecular analysis, are methods of choice. These DNA-based molecular methodologies include pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), PCR-based typing methods, and multilocus sequence analysis. Establishing clonality of pathogens can aid in the identification of the source (environmental or personnel) of organisms, distinguish infectious from noninfectious strains, and distinguish relapse from reinfection. The integration of molecular typing with conventional hospital Epidemiologic Surveillance has been proven to be cost-effective due to the associated reduction in the number of nosocomial infections. Cost-effectiveness is maximized through the collaboration of the laboratory, through Epidemiologic typing, and the infection control department during Epidemiologic investigations.