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Neglected and Emerging Tropical Diseases in South and Southeast Asia and Northern Australia

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A special issue of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease (ISSN 2414-6366). This special issue belongs to the section "Neglected and Emerging Tropical Diseases".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2017) | Viewed by 78595

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Patricia Graves

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Guest Editor

College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia
Interests: neglected tropical diseases; lymphatic filariasis; mosquito control; malaria elimination; Pacific islands; Papua New Guinea; Myanmar; surveillance

Assoc. Prof. Thewarach Laha

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Head, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
Interests: soil-transmitted helminths; liver fluke infection; immunodiagnosis; cholangiocarcinoma; Thailand; molecular biology; genetics; immunology

Prof. Dr. Peter A. Leggat

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1. Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
2. School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
Interests: neglected tropical diseases; lymphatic filariasis; dengue; malaria; occupational health; travel medicine; emerging public health threats
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Khin Saw Aye

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Deputy Director General, Department of Medical Research, Ministry of Health and Sports, Myanmar
Interests: leprosy; drug resistance; molecular epidemiology; tuberculosis; dengue; malaria: immuno-pathology; hepatitis B; lymphatic filariasis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on recent research on the important emerging and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in South and South East Asia and Northern Australia. This region stretches from Afghanistan in the west to Papua New Guinea in the east, and includes the Indian subcontinent, mainland South-East Asia (Indo China), maritime South East Asia, and the tropical regions of Australia. Many of these areas are highly endemic for important NTDs and emerging infectious diseases including lymphatic filariasis, leprosy, soil-transmitted helminthiases (hookworm, Trichuris, Ascaris, and Strongyloides), food-borne trematodiases, schistosomiasis, dengue/chikungunya/zika, leptospirosis, meloidosis, scabies, trachoma, and yaws. Several of these diseases are targeted for elimination or enhanced control by the World Health Organization in the next 5 to 10 years, although some have chronic lasting sequelae needing lifelong management. Control methods used include preventive chemotherapy, enhanced screening and treatment, intensified disease management, vector control, interruption of human to animal transmission, environmental/sanitation improvements and disability prevention/mitigation.

Prof. Patricia Graves
Assoc. Prof. Thewarach Laha
Prof. Peter Leggat
Dr. Khin Saw Aye
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Emerging tropical diseases
Neglected tropical diseases
South Asia
South East Asia
Northern Australia
Lymphatic filariasis
Leprosy
Soil-transmitted helminthiases (hookworm, Trichuris, Ascaris and Strongyloides)
Food-borne trematodiases
Schistosomiasis
Dengue
Chikungunya
Zika
Leptospirosis
Meloidosis
Scabies
Trachoma
Yaws
Elimination
Enhanced control
Preventive chemotherapy
Enhanced screening and treatment
Intensified disease management
Vector control
Interruption of animal to human transmission
Environmental/sanitation improvements
Disability prevention/mitigation
Zoonoses
One Health
Ectoparasites

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 158 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Neglected and Emerging Tropical Diseases in South and Southeast Asia and Northern Australia

by Peter A. Leggat, Patricia Graves, Thewarach Laha and Khin Saw Aye

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2018, 3(3), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed3030070 - 22 Jun 2018

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3003

Abstract

n/a Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neglected and Emerging Tropical Diseases in South and Southeast Asia and Northern Australia)

Research

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1356 KiB

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Infection of Rodents by Orientia tsutsugamushi, the Agent of Scrub Typhus in Relation to Land Use in Thailand

by Kittipong Chaisiri, Jean-François Cosson and Serge Morand

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2017, 2(4), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed2040053 - 06 Oct 2017

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5047

Abstract

The relationship between land use structures and occurrence of scrub typhus agent, Orientia tsutsugamushi infection in small wild mammals was conducted in three provinces of Thailand: Buriram, Loei, and Nan. Orientia tsutsugamushi detection was performed using 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) amplicon sequencing approach using Miseq Illumina platform. In total, 387 animals (rodents and shrews) were examined for the bacterium infection. The 16S rDNA sequences of the bacterium were found in nine animals from Bandicota savilei, Berylmys bowersi, Leopoldamys edwardsi, Rattus exulans, R. tanezumi, and Rattus sp. phylogenetic clade 3, yielding 2.3% infection rate, with two new rodent species infected by the bacterium in Thailand: B. bowersi and L. edwardsi. Using a Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) and Random Forest analyses for investigating the association between human-land use and occurrence of the bacterium, forest habitat appeared as a strong explicative variable of rodent infection, meaning that O. tsutsugamushi-infected animals were more likely found in forest-covered habitats. In terms of public health implementation, our results suggest that heterogenous forested areas including forest-converted agricultural land, reforestation areas, or fallow are potential habitats for O. tsutsugamushi transmission. Further understanding of population dynamics of the vectors and their hosts in these habitats could be beneficial for the prevention of this neglected zoonotic disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neglected and Emerging Tropical Diseases in South and Southeast Asia and Northern Australia)

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546 KiB

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Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Children in a Remote Aboriginal Community in the Northern Territory: Hookworm is Rare but Strongyloides stercoralis and Trichuris trichiura Persist

by Deborah C. Holt, Jennifer Shield, Tegan M. Harris, Kate E. Mounsey, Kieran Aland, James S. McCarthy, Bart J. Currie and Therese M. Kearns

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2017, 2(4), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed2040051 - 04 Oct 2017

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4912

Abstract

(1) Background: soil-transmitted helminths are a problem worldwide, largely affecting disadvantaged populations. The little data available indicates high rates of infection in some remote Aboriginal communities in Australia. Studies of helminths were carried out in the same remote community in the Northern Territory in 1994–1996 and 2010–2011; (2) Methods: fecal samples were collected from children aged <10 years and examined for helminths by direct smear microscopy. In the 2010–2011 study, some fecal samples were also analyzed by agar plate culture and PCR for Strongyloides stercoralis DNA. Serological analysis of fingerprick dried blood spots using a S. stercoralis NIE antigen was also conducted; (3) Results and Conclusions: a reduction in fecal samples positive for S. stercoralis, hookworm and Trichuris trichiura was seen between the studies in 1994–1996 and 2010–2011, likely reflecting public health measures undertaken in the region to reduce intestinal helminths. Comparison of methods to detect S. stercoralis showed that PCR of fecal samples and serological testing of dried blood spots was at least as sensitive as direct smear microscopy and agar plate culture. These methods have advantages for use in remote field studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neglected and Emerging Tropical Diseases in South and Southeast Asia and Northern Australia)

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786 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lymphatic Filariasis Increases Tissue Compressibility and Extracellular Fluid in Lower Limbs of Asymptomatic Young People in Central Myanmar

by Janet Douglass, Patricia Graves, Daniel Lindsay, Luke Becker, Maureen Roineau, Jesse Masson, Ni Ni Aye, San San Win, Tint Wai, Yi Yi Win and Susan Gordon

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2017, 2(4), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed2040050 - 27 Sep 2017

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5478

Abstract

When normal lymphatic function is hampered, imperceptible subcutaneous edema can develop and progress to overt lymphedema. Low-cost reliable devices for objective assessment of lymphedema are well accepted in clinical practice and research on breast-cancer related lymphedema but are untested in populations with lymphatic filariasis (LF). This is a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data in a longitudinal study on asymptomatic, LF antigen-positive and -negative young people in Myanmar. Rapid field screening was used to identify antigen-positive cases and a group of antigen-negative controls of similar age and gender were invited to continue in the study. Tissue compressibility was assessed with three tissue tonometers, and free fluids were assessed using bio-impedance spectroscopy (BIS). Infection status was confirmed by Og4C3 antigen assay. At baseline (n = 98), antigen-positive cases had clinically relevant increases in tissue compressibility at the calf using a digital Indurometer (11.1%, p = 0.021), and in whole-leg free fluid using BIS (9.2%, p = 0.053). Regression analysis for moderating factors (age, gender, hydration) reinforced the between-infection group differences. Results demonstrate that sub-clinical changes associated with infection can be detected in asymptomatic cases. Further exploration of these low-cost devices in clinical and research settings on filariasis-related lymphedema are warranted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neglected and Emerging Tropical Diseases in South and Southeast Asia and Northern Australia)

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Poverty, Dietary Intake, Intestinal Parasites, and Nutritional Status among School-Age Children in the Rural Philippines

by Allen G. Ross, Keren Papier, Ruby Luceres-Catubig, Thao N. Chau, Marianette T. Inobaya and Shu-Kay Ng

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2017, 2(4), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed2040049 - 21 Sep 2017

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 9743

Abstract

Intestinal helminths are endemic throughout the Philippines; however, there is limited evidence with respect to their prevalence, intensity, and impact on children’s nutritional status. A cross-sectional survey was carried out on 693 children from five rural villages in Northern Samar, the Philippines. Data on dietary intake, nutritional status, and intestinal parasites were collected. Infection with Schistosoma japonicum, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworm was evident in 20.1, 54.4, 71.4, and 25.3% of the children. The majority (84.7%) was infected with one or more helminth species, with about one-quarter of the sample (24.7%) infected with three or more. About half (49.2%, n = 341) of the children were stunted and 27.8% (n = 193) were wasted. A lower prevalence of normal height-for-age (48.3%) appeared in those with polyparasitism, while the prevalence of stunted children increased with infection (46.7% monoparasitism and 51.7% polyparasitism). There was a decreasing trend between infection intensity and the mean values of HAZ and BAZ identified for T. trichiura or hookworm infections. Stunted children were more likely to be male (AOR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.05–2.39; p = 0.028), older in age (10–14 years) (AOR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.29–2.88; p = 0.001), and living in poorer households with palm leaves/nipa roof (AOR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.14–3.01; p = 0.013). Intestinal parasitic treatment needs to be combined with nutrient supplements and health education in order to interrupt the parasite life cycle and achieve sustainable control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neglected and Emerging Tropical Diseases in South and Southeast Asia and Northern Australia)

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Trends in Strongyloides stercoralis Faecal Larvae Detections in the Northern Territory, Australia: 2002 to 2012

by Johanna K. Mayer-Coverdale, Amy Crowe, Pamela Smith and Robert W. Baird

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2017, 2(2), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed2020018 - 19 Jun 2017

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4354

Abstract

Strongyloides stercoralis is a soil-transmitted helminth (STH) endemic to tropical and subtropical areas. We reviewed the temporal detection trends in patients with S. stercoralis larvae present in faecal samples, in Northern Territory (NT) Government Health facilities, between 2002 and 2012. This was a retrospective observational study of consecutive patients with microbiologically confirmed detection of S. stercoralis in faeces. The presence of anaemia, eosinophilia, polyparasitism, and geographic and demographic data, were included in the assessment. S. stercoralis larvae were present in 389 of 22,892 faecal samples (1.7%) collected across the NT over 11 years, examined by microscopy after formol ethyl acetate concentration. 97.7% of detections were in Indigenous patients. Detections, by number, occurred in a biphasic age distribution. Detections per number of faecal samples collected, were highest in the 0–5 year age group. Anaemia was present in 44.8%, and eosinophilia in 49.9% of patients. Eosinophilia was present in 65.5% of the ≤5 age group, compared to 40.8% of >5 year age (p < 0.0001). Polyparasitism was present in 31.4% of patients. There was an overall downward trend in larvae detections from 2.64% to 0.99% detections/number of faecal samples year between 2002 and 2012, consistent with the trends observed for other local STHs. S. stercoralis remains an important NT-wide pathogen. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neglected and Emerging Tropical Diseases in South and Southeast Asia and Northern Australia)

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Epidemiology and Characteristics of Rickettsia australis (Queensland Tick Typhus) Infection in Hospitalized Patients in North Brisbane, Australia

by Adam Stewart, Mark Armstrong, Stephen Graves and Krispin Hajkowicz

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2017, 2(2), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed2020010 - 15 Apr 2017

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4666

Abstract

Queensland Tick Typhus (QTT; Rickettsia australis) is a Spotted Fever Group (SFG) rickettsial infection endemic to Australia. It is an underreported and often unrecognized illness with poorly defined epidemiology. This article describes epidemiological features and the geographical distribution of QTT in hospitalized patients. Cases of QTT were identified retrospectively from 2000–2015 at five sites in Northern Brisbane through a pathology database. Included cases had a four-fold rise in SFG-specific serology, a single SFG-specific serology ≥256 or an SFG-specific serology ≥128 with a clinically consistent illness. Of the fifty cases identified by serology, 36 were included. Age ranged from 3–72 years (with a mean of 39.5 years) with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.1. Fifteen of 36 (42%) study participants had hobbies and/or occupations linked with the acquisition of the disease. Seventeen of 36 (47%) identified a tick bite in the days preceding presentation to hospital, and reported exposure to a known animal host was minimal (25%). QTT infection occurred throughout the year, with half reported between April and July. Recent ecological and sociocultural changes have redefined the epidemiology of this zoonotic illness, with areas of heightened infection identified. Heightened public health awareness is required to monitor QTT disease activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neglected and Emerging Tropical Diseases in South and Southeast Asia and Northern Australia)

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Relative Performance and Predictive Values of Plasma and Dried Blood Spots with Filter Paper Sampling Techniques and Dilutions of the Lymphatic Filariasis Og4C3 Antigen ELISA for Samples from Myanmar

by Jesse Masson, Jan Douglass, Maureen Roineau, Khin Saw Aye, Kyi May Htwe, Jeffrey Warner and Patricia M. Graves

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2017, 2(2), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed2020007 - 11 Apr 2017

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4791

Abstract

Diagnostic testing of blood samples for parasite antigen Og4C3 is used to assess Wuchereria bancrofti in endemic populations. However, the Tropbio ELISA recommends that plasma and dried blood spots (DBS) prepared using filter paper be used at different dilutions, making it uncertain whether these two methods and dilutions give similar results, especially at low levels of residual infection or resurgence during the post-program phase. We compared results obtained using samples of plasma and DBS taken simultaneously from 104 young adults in Myanmar in 2014, of whom 50 (48.1%) were positive for filariasis antigen by rapid antigen test. Results from DBS tests at recommended dilution were significantly lower than results from plasma tested at recommended dilution, with comparisons between plasma and DBS at unmatched dilutions yielding low sensitivity and negative predictive values of 60.0% and 70.6% respectively. While collection of capillary blood on DBS is cheaper and easier to perform than collecting plasma or serum, and does not need to be stored frozen, dilutions between different versions of the test must be reconciled or an adjustment factor applied. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neglected and Emerging Tropical Diseases in South and Southeast Asia and Northern Australia)

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Concordance between Plasma and Filter Paper Sampling Techniques for the Lymphatic Filariasis Bm14 Antibody ELISA

by Jesse Masson, Jan Douglass, Maureen Roineau, Khin Saw Aye, Kyi May Htwe, Jeffrey Warner and Patricia M. Graves

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2017, 2(2), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed2020006 - 07 Apr 2017

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4292

Abstract

Diagnostic testing for the antibody Bm14 is used to assess the prevalence of bancroftian and brugian filariasis in endemic populations. Using dried blood spots (DBS) collected on filter paper is ideal in resource-poor settings, but concerns have been raised about the performance of DBS samples compared to plasma or serum. In addition, two versions of the test have been used: the Bm14 CELISA (Cellabs Pty Ltd., Manly, Australia) or an in-house CDC version. Due to recent improvements in the CELISA, it is timely to validate the latest versions of the Bm14 ELISA for both plasma and DBS, especially in settings of residual infection with low antibody levels. We tested plasma and DBS samples taken simultaneously from 92 people in Myanmar, of whom 37 (40.2%) were positive in a rapid antigen test. Comparison of results from plasma and DBS samples demonstrated no significant difference in positive proportions using both the CELISA (46.7% and 44.6%) and CDC ELISA (50.0% and 47.8%). Quantitative antibody unit results from each sample type were also highly correlated, with coefficients >0.87. The results of this study demonstrate that DBS samples are a valid collection strategy and give equivalent results to plasma for Bm14 antibody ELISA testing by either test type. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neglected and Emerging Tropical Diseases in South and Southeast Asia and Northern Australia)

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Review

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Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Tropical Australia and Asia

by Catherine A. Gordon, Johanna Kurscheid, Malcolm K. Jones, Darren J. Gray and Donald P. McManus

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2017, 2(4), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed2040056 - 23 Oct 2017

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 14665

Abstract

Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infect 2 billion people worldwide including significant numbers in South-East Asia (SEA). In Australia, STH are of less concern; however, indigenous communities are endemic for STH, including Strongyloides stercoralis, as well as for serious clinical infections due to other helminths such as Toxocara spp. The zoonotic hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum is also present in Australia and SEA, and may contribute to human infections particularly among pet owners. High human immigration rates to Australia from SEA, which is highly endemic for STH Strongyloides and Toxocara, has resulted in a high prevalence of these helminthic infections in immigrant communities, particularly since such individuals are not screened for worm infections upon entry. In this review, we consider the current state of STH infections in Australia and SEA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neglected and Emerging Tropical Diseases in South and Southeast Asia and Northern Australia)

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Lymphatic Filariasis in Mainland Southeast Asia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prevalence and Disease Burden

by Benjamin F. R. Dickson, Patricia M. Graves and William J. McBride

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2017, 2(3), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed2030032 - 27 Jul 2017

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 10640

Abstract

Accurate prevalence data are essential for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF) as a public health problem. Despite it bearing one of the highest burdens of disease globally, there remains limited reliable information on the current epidemiology of filariasis in mainland Southeast Asia. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of available literature to assess the recent and current prevalence of infection and morbidity in the region. Fifty-seven journal articles and reports containing original prevalence data were identified, including over 512,010 participants. Data were summarised using percentage prevalence estimates and a subset combined using a random effects meta-analysis by country and year. Pooled estimates for microfilaraemia, immunochromatographic card positivity and combined morbidity were 2.64%, 4.48% and 1.34% respectively. Taking into account pooled country estimates, grey literature and the quality of available data, we conclude that Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR), Myanmar and Northeast India demonstrate ongoing evidence of LF transmission that will require multiple further rounds of mass drug administration. Bangladesh, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam appear close to having eliminated LF, whilst Cambodia has already achieved elimination status. We estimate that the burden of morbidity is likely high in Thailand; moderate in Cambodia, Myanmar, and Northeast India; and low in Bangladesh. There was insufficient evidence to accurately estimate the disease burden in Lao PDR, Malaysia or Vietnam. The results of this study indicate that whilst considerable progress toward LF elimination has been made, there remains a significant filariasis burden in the region. The results of this study will assist policy makers to advocate and budget for future control programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neglected and Emerging Tropical Diseases in South and Southeast Asia and Northern Australia)

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Other

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Confronting the Emerging Threat to Public Health in Northern Australia of Neglected Indigenous Arboviruses

by Narayan Gyawali and Andrew W. Taylor-Robinson

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2017, 2(4), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed2040055 - 17 Oct 2017

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5234

Abstract

In excess of 75 arboviruses have been identified in Australia, some of which are now well established as causative agents of debilitating diseases. These include Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, and Murray Valley encephalitis virus, each of which may be detected by both antibody-based recognition and molecular typing. However, for most of the remaining arboviruses that may be associated with pathology in humans, routine tests are not available to diagnose infection. A number of these so-called ‘neglected’ or ‘orphan’ arboviruses that are indigenous to Australia might have been infecting humans at a regular rate for decades. Some of them may be associated with undifferentiated febrile illness—fever, the cause of which is not obvious—for which around half of all cases each year remain undiagnosed. This is of particular relevance to Northern Australia, given the Commonwealth Government’s transformative vision for the midterm future of massive infrastructure investment in this region. An expansion of the industrial and business development of this previously underpopulated region is predicted. This is set to bring into intimate proximity infection-naïve human hosts, native reservoir animals, and vector mosquitoes, thereby creating a perfect storm for increased prevalence of infection with neglected Australian arboviruses. Moreover, the escalating rate and effects of climate change that are increasingly observed in the tropical north of the country are likely to lead to elevated numbers of arbovirus-transmitting mosquitoes. As a commensurate response, continuing assiduous attention to vector monitoring and control is required. In this overall context, improved epidemiological surveillance and diagnostic screening, including establishing novel, rapid pan-viral tests to facilitate early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of febrile primary care patients, should be considered a public health priority. Investment in a rigorous identification program would reduce the possibility of significant outbreaks of these indigenous arboviruses at a time when population growth accelerates in Northern Australia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neglected and Emerging Tropical Diseases in South and Southeast Asia and Northern Australia)

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