The Experts below are selected from a list of 297 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform

Aya Yajima - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • surveillance efforts after mass drug administration to validate elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem in vanuatu
    Tropical Medicine and Health, 2017
    Co-Authors: Fasihah Taleo, George Taleo, Patricia M. Graves, Peter Wood, Sung Hye Kim, Masayo Ozaki, Hayley Joseph, Alex Pavluck, Brian K Chu, Aya Yajima
    Abstract:

    Vanuatu was formerly highly endemic for lymphatic filariasis (LF), caused by Wuchereria bancrofti and transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. After a baseline survey showing 4.8% antigen prevalence in 1998, the country conducted nationwide (in one implementation unit) annual mass drug administration (MDA) with albendazole and diethylcarbamazine citrate from 2000 to 2004 and achieved prevalence of 0.2% by 2006 in a representative nationwide cluster survey among all age groups. Post MDA surveillance was conducted from 2006 to 2012. After MDA, the country was divided for surveillance into three evaluation units (EUs) formed by grouping provinces according to baseline prevalence: EU1: Torba, Sanma and Malampa; EU2: Penama; EU3: Shefa and Tafea. The study compiled all past data and information on surveys in Vanuatu from the country programme. This paper reviews the surveillance activities done after stopping MDA to validate the interruption of transmission and elimination of LF as a public health problem. Post-MDA surveillance consisting of at least three transmission assessment surveys (TAS) in each of the three EUs was conducted between 2006 and 2012. Sentinel and spot check surveys identified a few villages with persistent high prevalence; all antigen positive cases in these sites were treated and additional targeted MDA conducted for 3 years in 13 villages in one area of concern. All three EUs passed all TAS in 2007, 2010 and 2012 respectively, with no positives found except in EU2 (Penama province) in 2012 when 2 children tested positive for circulating filariasis antigen. Assessment of the burden of chronic filariasis morbidity found 95 cases in 2003 and 32 remaining cases in 2007, all aged over 60 years. Vanuatu has achieved validation of elimination of LF as a public health problem. Post-validation surveillance is still recommended especially in formerly highly endemic areas.

  • Surveillance efforts after mass drug administration to validate elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem in Vanuatu
    BMC, 2017
    Co-Authors: Fasihah Taleo, George Taleo, Patricia M. Graves, Peter Wood, Sung Hye Kim, Masayo Ozaki, Hayley Joseph, Brian Chu, Alex Pavluck, Aya Yajima
    Abstract:

    Abstract Background Vanuatu was formerly highly endemic for lymphatic filariasis (LF), caused by Wuchereria bancrofti and transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. After a baseline survey showing 4.8% antigen prevalence in 1998, the country conducted nationwide (in one implementation unit) annual mass drug administration (MDA) with albendazole and diethylcarbamazine citrate from 2000 to 2004 and achieved prevalence of 0.2% by 2006 in a representative nationwide cluster survey among all age groups. Methods Post MDA surveillance was conducted from 2006 to 2012. After MDA, the country was divided for surveillance into three evaluation units (EUs) formed by grouping provinces according to baseline prevalence: EU1: Torba, Sanma and Malampa; EU2: Penama; EU3: Shefa and Tafea. The study compiled all past data and information on surveys in Vanuatu from the country programme. This paper reviews the surveillance activities done after stopping MDA to validate the interruption of transmission and elimination of LF as a public health problem. Results Post-MDA surveillance consisting of at least three transmission assessment surveys (TAS) in each of the three EUs was conducted between 2006 and 2012. Sentinel and spot check surveys identified a few villages with persistent high prevalence; all antigen positive cases in these sites were treated and additional targeted MDA conducted for 3 years in 13 villages in one area of concern. All three EUs passed all TAS in 2007, 2010 and 2012 respectively, with no positives found except in EU2 (Penama province) in 2012 when 2 children tested positive for circulating filariasis antigen. Assessment of the burden of chronic filariasis morbidity found 95 cases in 2003 and 32 remaining cases in 2007, all aged over 60 years. Conclusions Vanuatu has achieved validation of elimination of LF as a public health problem. Post-validation surveillance is still recommended especially in formerly highly endemic areas

Peter Wilf - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • new age constraints for early paleogene strata of central patagonia argentina implications for the timing of south american land mammal ages
    Geological Society of America Bulletin, 2017
    Co-Authors: Marcelo J Krause, Timothy Barnum, William C. Clyde, Mauricio Ibanezmejia, Mark D Schmitz, Eduardo S Bellosi, Peter Wilf
    Abstract:

    The Rio Chico Group in the San Jorge Basin of central Patagonia (Argentina) preserves some of South America’s most significant Paleogene records of biotic and climatic change. Three of its constituent formations, the Penas Coloradas, Las Flores, and Koluel-Kaike, host vertebrate faunas referred to the “ Carodnia faunal zone,” the Itaboraian South American Land Mammal Age (SALMA), and the Riochican SALMA. However, the precise absolute ages of these units, and thus their associated faunas and paleoclimate records, are poorly resolved. Herein, we report new paleomagnetic and geochronologic results from these formations in south-central Chubut Province, Argentina. U-Pb dating of four volcanic ashes, using both laser ablation−multicollector−inductively coupled plasma−mass spectrometry and high-resolution chemical abrasion−isotope dilution−thermal ionization mass spectrometry, indicates ages of igneous crystallization of 51.403 ± 0.037 (0.045) [0.071] Ma for a level within the middle Las Flores Formation and 46.714 ± 0.012 (0.026) [0.057] Ma, 44.579 ± 0.013 (0.026) [0.054] Ma, and 42.856 ± 0.017 (0.027) [0.054] Ma for levels in the lower, middle, and upper Koluel-Kaike Formation, respectively. Combining these with previous isotopic ages in our new magnetostratigraphic framework, we correlate the Penas Coloradas Formation to chrons C27n-26r (ca. 62.5 to ca. 61.6 Ma; late Danian) and the section from the middle Las Flores to the uppermost Koluel-Kaike to chrons C23n to C19r (ca. 51.4−42.2 Ma; mid Ypresian−late Lutetian). We combine these data with other recently published chronostratigraphic results from Paleogene units in Patagonia to better constrain the ages of noteworthy Paleogene plant and mammal fossil sites in Patagonia and to develop a revised temporal calibration of the Las Flores, Vacan, and “Sapoan” faunas.

  • new age constraints for the salamanca formation and lower rio chico group in the western san jorge basin patagonia argentina implications for cretaceous paleogene extinction recovery and land mammal age correlations
    Geological Society of America Bulletin, 2014
    Co-Authors: William C. Clyde, Rudy Slingerland, Timothy Barnum, Emily E Comer, Peter Wilf, Ari Iglesias, Timothy J. Bralower, Peter K Bijl, Henk Brinkhuis, Brian T. Huber
    Abstract:

    The Salamanca Formation of the San Jorge Basin (Patagonia, Argentina) preserves critical records of Southern Hemisphere Paleocene biotas, but its age remains poorly resolved, with estimates ranging from Late Cretaceous to middle Paleocene. We report a multi-disciplinary geochronologic study of the Salamanca Formation and overlying Rio Chico Group in the western part of the basin. New constraints include (1) an 40Ar/39Ar age determination of 67.31 ± 0.55 Ma from a basalt flow underlying the Salamanca Formation, (2) micropaleontological results indicating an early Danian age for the base of the Salamanca Formation, (3) laser ablation HR-MC-ICP-MS (high resolution-multi collector-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry) U-Pb ages and a high-resolution TIMS (thermal ionization mass spectrometry) age of 61.984 ± 0.041(0.074)[0.100] Ma for zircons from volcanic ash beds in the Penas Coloradas Formation (Rio Chico Group), and (4) paleomagnetic results indicating that the Salamanca Formation in this area is entirely of normal polarity, with reversals occurring in the Rio Chico Group. Placing these new age constraints in the context of a sequence stratigraphic model for the basin, we correlate the Salamanca Formation in the study area to Chrons C29n and C28n, with the Banco Negro Inferior (BNI), a mature widespread fossiliferous paleosol unit at the top of the Salamanca Formation, corresponding to the top of Chron C28n. The diverse paleobotanical assemblages from this area are here assigned to C28n (64.67–63.49 Ma), ∼2–3 million years older than previously thought, adding to growing evidence for rapid Southern Hemisphere floral recovery after the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction. Important Peligran and “Carodnia” zone vertebrate fossil assemblages from coastal BNI and Penas Coloradas exposures are likely older than previously thought and correlate to the early Torrejonian and early Tiffanian North American Land Mammal Ages, respectively.

Jornet Gibert Montsant - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Conducció sota els efectes de l’alcohol: el paper de la personalitat i la Teoria de la Conducta Planificada = Driving under the influence of alcohol: the role of personality and the Theory of Planned Behaviour
    'Edicions de la Universitat de Barcelona', 2019
    Co-Authors: Jornet Gibert Montsant
    Abstract:

    [cat] La conducció sota els efectes de l’alcohol és un dels principals factors de risc de la sinistralitat viària. Malgrat els esforços de governs i institucions per reduir les xifres de sinistralitat, el nombre d’accidents de trànsit relacionats amb el consum d’alcohol s’ha mantingut estable en els darrers anys. La reforma del Codi Penal en matèria de trànsit del 2007 ha suposat un increment dels penats per conducció temerària. La conducció sota la influència de begudes alcohòliques representa aproximadament el 50% de les condemnes per delictes contra la seguretat del trànsit. Conèixer quines són les característiques psicològiques més rellevants relacionades amb aquest delicte suposaria un pas endavant en la prevenció i la intervenció en seguretat viària, i facilitaria el disseny d’estratègies enfocades a prevenir aquesta conducta i la reincidència delictiva. Aquesta tesi s’estructura en dos grans objectius, que es desenvolupen en els estudis 1 i 2. L’estudi 1 pretén identificar els factors de risc de la conducció sota els efectes de l’alcohol, i conèixer quines són les característiques psicològiques dels penats per aquest delicte. En aquest estudi comparem les característiques de personalitat i actitudinals d’un grup de penats per conducció sota els efectes de l’alcohol i un grup de conductors control. Una anàlisi descriptiva dels resultats no revela diferències significatives entre els dos grups en cap de les dimensions de personalitat avaluades, mentre que el grup de penats mostra més actituds antisocials. Malgrat això, els resultats de l’anàlisi de regressió indiquen que la conducció sota els efectes de l’alcohol es relaciona amb un alt neuroticisme, baixes puntuacions en responsabilitat i fortes actituds antisocials. Els resultats d’aquest estudi mostren una alta coincidència entre el perfil psicològic de la conducció sota els efectes de l’alcohol, la conducta antisocial general, i l’abús d’alcohol. Aquests resultats s’haurien de tenir en compte en el desenvolupament de programes de prevenció, identificant aquells conductors amb un major risc de conduir sota els efectes de l’alcohol, així com aquells perfils amb una major resistència al canvi. D’altra banda, les actituds antisocials són un bon target a tenir en compte en els programes d’intervenció en conductors penats per conducció sota els efectes de l’alcohol. L’estudi 2 té com a objectiu avaluar la utilitat de la Teoria de la Conducta Planificada (TPB) per a predir intenció de conduir sota els efectes de l’alcohol. La TPB és un model àmpliament utilitzat en la recerca de la conducció de risc. En aquest estudi ens proposem posar a prova la TPB per a predir intenció de conduir havent begut en un grup de penats per conducció sota els efectes de l’alcohol complint una pena de presó, un grup de penats per conducció sota els efectes de l’alcohol complint una pena substitutiva a la presó, i un grup de conductors control. D’altra banda, ens proposem millorar aquest model incloent aquelles variables de personalitat i actitudinals que s’han relacionat amb la conducta antisocial i la conducció de risc. Els resultats d’aquest estudi mostren que els components de la TPB són capaços d’explicar entre un 20% i un 57% de la variància en intenció de conduir sota els efectes de l’alcohol, en línia amb els resultats d’altres estudis amb característiques similars. El component amb una major influència en la intenció és el control conductual percebut. La personalitat no representa una aportació rellevant en el model. Aquests resultats posen de manifest la necessitat d’incloure el control percebut dels conductors en les intervencions centrades en evitar la conducció sota els efectes de l’alcohol. També, suggereixen que la intenció de conduir sota els efectes de l’alcohol no està influïda directament per característiques de personalitat concretes, i obren noves línies de recerca centrades en explorar els mecanismes pels quals la personalitat influeix en la conducció sota els efectes de l’alcohol.[eng] Driving under the influence of alcohol is one of the main risks of road accidents. Knowing which are the most relevant psychological characteristics related to this crime would be a step forward in the prevention and intervention in traffic safety, and would help in the design of strategies aiming to prevent this behaviour and the recidivism. This thesis is structured in two main objectives, which are developed in studies 1 and 2. Study 1 aims to identify the risk factors for driving under the influence of alcohol, and to determine the psychological characteristics of those who have been convicted for this crime. In this study we compare personality and attitudes of a group of DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol) offenders and a group of control drivers. A descriptive analysis does not show significant differences between the two groups in any of the personality dimensions, while offenders show more antisocial attitudes. However, results of the regression analysis indicate that driving under the influence of alcohol is related to a high neuroticism, low scores in conscientiousness and strong antisocial attitudes. Study 2 aims to evaluate the usefulness of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to predict the intention to drive under the influence of alcohol. Our aim is to test the TPB to predict drunk driving intention in a group of DUI offenders serving a prison sentence, a group of drivers following a diversion programme as an alternative sanction for a DUI offense, and a group of control drivers. On the other hand, we aimed to improve the TPB model, including those personality and attitudinal variables that have been linked to antisocial behaviour and risky driving. Results of this study show that the TPB components are capable of explaining between 20% and 57% of the variance in intention to drive under the influence of alcohol, in line with the results of other studies with similar characteristics. The component with a greater influence on intention is perceived behavioural control. Personality does not represent a significant contribution to the models. The final part discusses the implications of these findings in the design and improvement of targeted programmes focused on preventing drunk driving and intervention programmes for DUI offenders

  • Conducció sota els efectes de l’alcohol: el paper de la personalitat i la Teoria de la Conducta Planificada = Driving under the influence of alcohol: the role of personality and the Theory of Planned Behaviour
    'Edicions de la Universitat de Barcelona', 2018
    Co-Authors: Jornet Gibert Montsant
    Abstract:

    La conducció sota els efectes de l’alcohol és un dels principals factors de risc de la sinistralitat viària. Malgrat els esforços de governs i institucions per reduir les xifres de sinistralitat, el nombre d’accidents de trànsit relacionats amb el consum d’alcohol s’ha mantingut estable en els darrers anys. La reforma del Codi Penal en matèria de trànsit del 2007 ha suposat un increment dels penats per conducció temerària. La conducció sota la influència de begudes alcohòliques representa aproximadament el 50% de les condemnes per delictes contra la seguretat del trànsit. Conèixer quines són les característiques psicològiques més rellevants relacionades amb aquest delicte suposaria un pas endavant en la prevenció i la intervenció en seguretat viària, i facilitaria el disseny d’estratègies enfocades a prevenir aquesta conducta i la reincidència delictiva. Aquesta tesi s’estructura en dos grans objectius, que es desenvolupen en els estudis 1 i 2. L’estudi 1 pretén identificar els factors de risc de la conducció sota els efectes de l’alcohol, i conèixer quines són les característiques psicològiques dels penats per aquest delicte. En aquest estudi comparem les característiques de personalitat i actitudinals d’un grup de penats per conducció sota els efectes de l’alcohol i un grup de conductors control. Una anàlisi descriptiva dels resultats no revela diferències significatives entre els dos grups en cap de les dimensions de personalitat avaluades, mentre que el grup de penats mostra més actituds antisocials. Malgrat això, els resultats de l’anàlisi de regressió indiquen que la conducció sota els efectes de l’alcohol es relaciona amb un alt neuroticisme, baixes puntuacions en responsabilitat i fortes actituds antisocials. Els resultats d’aquest estudi mostren una alta coincidència entre el perfil psicològic de la conducció sota els efectes de l’alcohol, la conducta antisocial general, i l’abús d’alcohol. Aquests resultats s’haurien de tenir en compte en el desenvolupament de programes de prevenció, identificant aquells conductors amb un major risc de conduir sota els efectes de l’alcohol, així com aquells perfils amb una major resistència al canvi. D’altra banda, les actituds antisocials són un bon target a tenir en compte en els programes d’intervenció en conductors penats per conducció sota els efectes de l’alcohol. L’estudi 2 té com a objectiu avaluar la utilitat de la Teoria de la Conducta Planificada (TPB) per a predir intenció de conduir sota els efectes de l’alcohol. La TPB és un model àmpliament utilitzat en la recerca de la conducció de risc. En aquest estudi ens proposem posar a prova la TPB per a predir intenció de conduir havent begut en un grup de penats per conducció sota els efectes de l’alcohol complint una pena de presó, un grup de penats per conducció sota els efectes de l’alcohol complint una pena substitutiva a la presó, i un grup de conductors control. D’altra banda, ens proposem millorar aquest model incloent aquelles variables de personalitat i actitudinals que s’han relacionat amb la conducta antisocial i la conducció de risc. Els resultats d’aquest estudi mostren que els components de la TPB són capaços d’explicar entre un 20% i un 57% de la variància en intenció de conduir sota els efectes de l’alcohol, en línia amb els resultats d’altres estudis amb característiques similars. El component amb una major influència en la intenció és el control conductual percebut. La personalitat no representa una aportació rellevant en el model. Aquests resultats posen de manifest la necessitat d’incloure el control percebut dels conductors en les intervencions centrades en evitar la conducció sota els efectes de l’alcohol. També, suggereixen que la intenció de conduir sota els efectes de l’alcohol no està influïda directament per característiques de personalitat concretes, i obren noves línies de recerca centrades en explorar els mecanismes pels quals la personalitat influeix en la conducció sota els efectes de l’alcohol.Driving under the influence of alcohol is one of the main risks of road accidents. Knowing which are the most relevant psychological characteristics related to this crime would be a step forward in the prevention and intervention in traffic safety, and would help in the design of strategies aiming to prevent this behaviour and the recidivism. This thesis is structured in two main objectives, which are developed in studies 1 and 2. Study 1 aims to identify the risk factors for driving under the influence of alcohol, and to determine the psychological characteristics of those who have been convicted for this crime. In this study we compare personality and attitudes of a group of DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol) offenders and a group of control drivers. A descriptive analysis does not show significant differences between the two groups in any of the personality dimensions, while offenders show more antisocial attitudes. However, results of the regression analysis indicate that driving under the influence of alcohol is related to a high neuroticism, low scores in conscientiousness and strong antisocial attitudes. Study 2 aims to evaluate the usefulness of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to predict the intention to drive under the influence of alcohol. Our aim is to test the TPB to predict drunk driving intention in a group of DUI offenders serving a prison sentence, a group of drivers following a diversion programme as an alternative sanction for a DUI offense, and a group of control drivers. On the other hand, we aimed to improve the TPB model, including those personality and attitudinal variables that have been linked to antisocial behaviour and risky driving. Results of this study show that the TPB components are capable of explaining between 20% and 57% of the variance in intention to drive under the influence of alcohol, in line with the results of other studies with similar characteristics. The component with a greater influence on intention is perceived behavioural control. Personality does not represent a significant contribution to the models. The final part discusses the implications of these findings in the design and improvement of targeted programmes focused on preventing drunk driving and intervention programmes for DUI offenders

William C. Clyde - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • new age constraints for early paleogene strata of central patagonia argentina implications for the timing of south american land mammal ages
    Geological Society of America Bulletin, 2017
    Co-Authors: Marcelo J Krause, Timothy Barnum, William C. Clyde, Mauricio Ibanezmejia, Mark D Schmitz, Eduardo S Bellosi, Peter Wilf
    Abstract:

    The Rio Chico Group in the San Jorge Basin of central Patagonia (Argentina) preserves some of South America’s most significant Paleogene records of biotic and climatic change. Three of its constituent formations, the Penas Coloradas, Las Flores, and Koluel-Kaike, host vertebrate faunas referred to the “ Carodnia faunal zone,” the Itaboraian South American Land Mammal Age (SALMA), and the Riochican SALMA. However, the precise absolute ages of these units, and thus their associated faunas and paleoclimate records, are poorly resolved. Herein, we report new paleomagnetic and geochronologic results from these formations in south-central Chubut Province, Argentina. U-Pb dating of four volcanic ashes, using both laser ablation−multicollector−inductively coupled plasma−mass spectrometry and high-resolution chemical abrasion−isotope dilution−thermal ionization mass spectrometry, indicates ages of igneous crystallization of 51.403 ± 0.037 (0.045) [0.071] Ma for a level within the middle Las Flores Formation and 46.714 ± 0.012 (0.026) [0.057] Ma, 44.579 ± 0.013 (0.026) [0.054] Ma, and 42.856 ± 0.017 (0.027) [0.054] Ma for levels in the lower, middle, and upper Koluel-Kaike Formation, respectively. Combining these with previous isotopic ages in our new magnetostratigraphic framework, we correlate the Penas Coloradas Formation to chrons C27n-26r (ca. 62.5 to ca. 61.6 Ma; late Danian) and the section from the middle Las Flores to the uppermost Koluel-Kaike to chrons C23n to C19r (ca. 51.4−42.2 Ma; mid Ypresian−late Lutetian). We combine these data with other recently published chronostratigraphic results from Paleogene units in Patagonia to better constrain the ages of noteworthy Paleogene plant and mammal fossil sites in Patagonia and to develop a revised temporal calibration of the Las Flores, Vacan, and “Sapoan” faunas.

  • new age constraints for the salamanca formation and lower rio chico group in the western san jorge basin patagonia argentina implications for cretaceous paleogene extinction recovery and land mammal age correlations
    Geological Society of America Bulletin, 2014
    Co-Authors: William C. Clyde, Rudy Slingerland, Timothy Barnum, Emily E Comer, Peter Wilf, Ari Iglesias, Timothy J. Bralower, Peter K Bijl, Henk Brinkhuis, Brian T. Huber
    Abstract:

    The Salamanca Formation of the San Jorge Basin (Patagonia, Argentina) preserves critical records of Southern Hemisphere Paleocene biotas, but its age remains poorly resolved, with estimates ranging from Late Cretaceous to middle Paleocene. We report a multi-disciplinary geochronologic study of the Salamanca Formation and overlying Rio Chico Group in the western part of the basin. New constraints include (1) an 40Ar/39Ar age determination of 67.31 ± 0.55 Ma from a basalt flow underlying the Salamanca Formation, (2) micropaleontological results indicating an early Danian age for the base of the Salamanca Formation, (3) laser ablation HR-MC-ICP-MS (high resolution-multi collector-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry) U-Pb ages and a high-resolution TIMS (thermal ionization mass spectrometry) age of 61.984 ± 0.041(0.074)[0.100] Ma for zircons from volcanic ash beds in the Penas Coloradas Formation (Rio Chico Group), and (4) paleomagnetic results indicating that the Salamanca Formation in this area is entirely of normal polarity, with reversals occurring in the Rio Chico Group. Placing these new age constraints in the context of a sequence stratigraphic model for the basin, we correlate the Salamanca Formation in the study area to Chrons C29n and C28n, with the Banco Negro Inferior (BNI), a mature widespread fossiliferous paleosol unit at the top of the Salamanca Formation, corresponding to the top of Chron C28n. The diverse paleobotanical assemblages from this area are here assigned to C28n (64.67–63.49 Ma), ∼2–3 million years older than previously thought, adding to growing evidence for rapid Southern Hemisphere floral recovery after the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction. Important Peligran and “Carodnia” zone vertebrate fossil assemblages from coastal BNI and Penas Coloradas exposures are likely older than previously thought and correlate to the early Torrejonian and early Tiffanian North American Land Mammal Ages, respectively.

Fasihah Taleo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • surveillance efforts after mass drug administration to validate elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem in vanuatu
    Tropical Medicine and Health, 2017
    Co-Authors: Fasihah Taleo, George Taleo, Patricia M. Graves, Peter Wood, Sung Hye Kim, Masayo Ozaki, Hayley Joseph, Alex Pavluck, Brian K Chu, Aya Yajima
    Abstract:

    Vanuatu was formerly highly endemic for lymphatic filariasis (LF), caused by Wuchereria bancrofti and transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. After a baseline survey showing 4.8% antigen prevalence in 1998, the country conducted nationwide (in one implementation unit) annual mass drug administration (MDA) with albendazole and diethylcarbamazine citrate from 2000 to 2004 and achieved prevalence of 0.2% by 2006 in a representative nationwide cluster survey among all age groups. Post MDA surveillance was conducted from 2006 to 2012. After MDA, the country was divided for surveillance into three evaluation units (EUs) formed by grouping provinces according to baseline prevalence: EU1: Torba, Sanma and Malampa; EU2: Penama; EU3: Shefa and Tafea. The study compiled all past data and information on surveys in Vanuatu from the country programme. This paper reviews the surveillance activities done after stopping MDA to validate the interruption of transmission and elimination of LF as a public health problem. Post-MDA surveillance consisting of at least three transmission assessment surveys (TAS) in each of the three EUs was conducted between 2006 and 2012. Sentinel and spot check surveys identified a few villages with persistent high prevalence; all antigen positive cases in these sites were treated and additional targeted MDA conducted for 3 years in 13 villages in one area of concern. All three EUs passed all TAS in 2007, 2010 and 2012 respectively, with no positives found except in EU2 (Penama province) in 2012 when 2 children tested positive for circulating filariasis antigen. Assessment of the burden of chronic filariasis morbidity found 95 cases in 2003 and 32 remaining cases in 2007, all aged over 60 years. Vanuatu has achieved validation of elimination of LF as a public health problem. Post-validation surveillance is still recommended especially in formerly highly endemic areas.

  • Surveillance efforts after mass drug administration to validate elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem in Vanuatu
    BMC, 2017
    Co-Authors: Fasihah Taleo, George Taleo, Patricia M. Graves, Peter Wood, Sung Hye Kim, Masayo Ozaki, Hayley Joseph, Brian Chu, Alex Pavluck, Aya Yajima
    Abstract:

    Abstract Background Vanuatu was formerly highly endemic for lymphatic filariasis (LF), caused by Wuchereria bancrofti and transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. After a baseline survey showing 4.8% antigen prevalence in 1998, the country conducted nationwide (in one implementation unit) annual mass drug administration (MDA) with albendazole and diethylcarbamazine citrate from 2000 to 2004 and achieved prevalence of 0.2% by 2006 in a representative nationwide cluster survey among all age groups. Methods Post MDA surveillance was conducted from 2006 to 2012. After MDA, the country was divided for surveillance into three evaluation units (EUs) formed by grouping provinces according to baseline prevalence: EU1: Torba, Sanma and Malampa; EU2: Penama; EU3: Shefa and Tafea. The study compiled all past data and information on surveys in Vanuatu from the country programme. This paper reviews the surveillance activities done after stopping MDA to validate the interruption of transmission and elimination of LF as a public health problem. Results Post-MDA surveillance consisting of at least three transmission assessment surveys (TAS) in each of the three EUs was conducted between 2006 and 2012. Sentinel and spot check surveys identified a few villages with persistent high prevalence; all antigen positive cases in these sites were treated and additional targeted MDA conducted for 3 years in 13 villages in one area of concern. All three EUs passed all TAS in 2007, 2010 and 2012 respectively, with no positives found except in EU2 (Penama province) in 2012 when 2 children tested positive for circulating filariasis antigen. Assessment of the burden of chronic filariasis morbidity found 95 cases in 2003 and 32 remaining cases in 2007, all aged over 60 years. Conclusions Vanuatu has achieved validation of elimination of LF as a public health problem. Post-validation surveillance is still recommended especially in formerly highly endemic areas