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Despite the high global impacts of canine vector-borne diseases (CVBD) due to their wide distribution and zoonotic potential, the current epidemiological situation of CVBD in many tropical and subtropical regions remains unknown. This study examines the seroprevalence and molecular prevalence of Ehrlichia canis and other pathogens causing CVBDs (Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria immitis, Babesia spp., Anaplasma spp. and Hepatozoon canis) in dogs living on the island of Boa Vista (Cape Verde Republic). Blood samples and infesting ticks were taken from 150 dogs across the island (stray, shelter, and pet dogs). Serum samples were tested using a rapid immunochromatographic test (Uranotest® Quattro) that detects antibodies against E. canis, L. infantum, Anaplasma spp. and D. immitis antigen. Levels of serum antibodies against E. canis were measured using the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). In addition, tick-borne pathogens in blood samples (Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp., and Ehrlichia canis) were detected by microscopy observation and/or PCR plus sequencing. The seroprevalence of E. canis was extremely high at 82% (123/150), as revealed by both immunochromatography and IFAT. Most dogs returning a seropositive test result (82.92%; 102/123) had antibody titres > 1:1280 but showed no clinical signs or notable laboratory abnormalities. Of the 123 animals testing seropositive for E. canis, 67 (54.47%) also presented antibodies against Anaplasma spp., and 13 (10.56%) showed the presence of Hepatozoon spp. gamonts in the blood smear. Ehrlichia canis infection was detected in 17.1% (25/146) of dogs tested by direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. Co-infections were detected in seven of these dogs: four dogs tested PCR-positive for both E. canis and A. platys, two dogs tested positive for E. canis and Hepatozoon spp., and one dog tested positive for E. canis, A. platys and Hepatozoon spp. Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato was the only tick species found infesting the canine study population. The high prevalence of tick-borne pathogens detected in dogs from Boa Vista Island highlights a need for improved control measures designed to prevent the transmission of these pathogens.
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Enfermedades de los Perros , Ehrlichia canis , Ehrlichiosis , Animales , Perros , Ehrlichia canis/aislamiento & purificación , Ehrlichia canis/genética , Ehrlichia canis/inmunología , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Perros/microbiología , Ehrlichiosis/epidemiología , Ehrlichiosis/veterinaria , Ehrlichiosis/microbiología , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Cabo Verde/epidemiología , Anaplasma/aislamiento & purificación , Anaplasma/genética , Anaplasma/inmunología , Leishmania infantum/inmunología , Leishmania infantum/aislamiento & purificación , Leishmania infantum/genética , Prevalencia , Babesia/aislamiento & purificación , Babesia/inmunología , Babesia/genética , Femenino , Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vectores/epidemiología , Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vectores/microbiología , Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vectores/veterinaria , Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vectores/parasitología , Masculino , Coccidiosis/epidemiología , Coccidiosis/veterinaria , Coccidiosis/parasitología , Anticuerpos Antibacterianos/sangre , Anaplasmosis/epidemiología , Anaplasmosis/microbiología , Enfermedades por Picaduras de Garrapatas/epidemiología , Enfermedades por Picaduras de Garrapatas/veterinaria , Enfermedades por Picaduras de Garrapatas/microbiología , Enfermedades por Picaduras de Garrapatas/parasitología , Dirofilaria immitis/inmunología , Dirofilaria immitis/aislamiento & purificación , Dirofilaria immitis/genéticaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic and related disruptive consequences in the economic, health, and educational sectors have impacted people's lives, contributing to a context of increased economic and social vulnerability. The pandemic has revealed and accentuated social inequalities and discrimination based on racial or ethnic origin. This study aimed to contribute to the promotion of the mental health and well-being of migrant populations living in Portugal via the definition of an analytical framework and recommendations emerging from the EQUALS4COVID19 project. METHODS: To gather information on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and resilience determinants among immigrants, a mixed-methods approach was implemented in 2022, combining a cross-sectional survey targeting immigrant adults in Portugal, focus groups with immigrants, focus groups with healthcare professionals, and in-depth individual interviews with stakeholders involved in the implementation of measures related to mental health and well-being during the pandemic. The analysis followed an integrated framework; quantitative data informed the script of qualitative data collection methods, and qualitative analysis informed the reinterpretation of quantitative data. RESULTS: The survey with 604 Brazilian and Cape Verdean immigrants revealed that gender (being a woman) was associated with both psychological distress and depression-related symptomatology and that the perception of discrimination was a major risk factor for psychological suffering, while perceived social support and individuals' resilience characteristics were protective factors. Qualitative data provided deeper insights into these findings, revealing the ways mental health is affected by social structures, such as gender and ethnic hierarchies. Migrants tend to work in precarious jobs requiring physical presence, which, together with dense housing conditions, puts them at higher risk of infection. The deterioration of the economic conditions of the general population has also increased the perception of ethnic-racial discrimination, which was found to be related to the increase in insecurity and anxiety-related symptomatology among the migrant population. Newly arrived migrants, with reduced support networks, experienced a greater sense of insecurity as well as concern and anguish regarding relatives who live far away, in their home country. Migrant women reported greater family-related distress, including work-life balance problems. CONCLUSIONS: Proposals to address mental health inequalities should be considered in the context of the necessary global changes both at the societal level and in the delivery of mental health services. Additionally, they should be considered with the active involvement of migrants, families, and communities in the design and delivery of mental health promotion and care processes.
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COVID-19 , Salud Mental , Humanos , Portugal/epidemiología , Estudios Transversales , Masculino , Femenino , COVID-19/epidemiología , COVID-19/psicología , Adulto , Migrantes/psicología , Migrantes/estadística & datos numéricos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Grupos Focales , Emigrantes e Inmigrantes/psicología , Emigrantes e Inmigrantes/estadística & datos numéricos , Brasil/epidemiología , Cabo Verde , Investigación Cualitativa , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Cervical cancer ranks as the third most common female cancer in Cape Verde and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the country. While Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, which started in 2021, is anticipated to significantly reduce disease incidence, cervical screening remains crucial for non-vaccinated women. We retrospectively reviewed gynecologic cytology exams and HPV tests performed in Cape Verde between 2017 and April 2023 and processed at IMP Diagnostics. For this study, we considered 13035 women with cytology examinations performed and, 2013 of these, also with an HPV molecular test. Cytology diagnostics comprised 83 % NILM cases; 12 % ASC-US; 2.7 % LSIL; 1.2 % ASC-H; 0.5 % HSIL and 0.1 % SCC. In 505 (25.1 %) high-risk HPV infection was detected. Prevalence of HPV infection varied with age, peaking at young ages - ≤24 years old (55.5 %) and 25-35-year-old women (31.5 %) - and the lowest after 66 years old (9.7 %). Herein we present a comprehensive study regarding Cape Verde's cervical cytology and HPV distribution, aiming to provide a snapshot of the country's cervical cytology results and HPV distribution in recent years. Moreover, these data may contribute to establish a baseline to assess, in the future, the vaccination impact in the country.
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Infecciones por Papillomavirus , Vacunas contra Papillomavirus , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino , Humanos , Femenino , Infecciones por Papillomavirus/epidemiología , Infecciones por Papillomavirus/prevención & control , Infecciones por Papillomavirus/virología , Adulto , Vacunas contra Papillomavirus/administración & dosificación , Persona de Mediana Edad , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino/prevención & control , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino/virología , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino/epidemiología , Adulto Joven , Estudios Retrospectivos , Anciano , Cabo Verde/epidemiología , Vacunación/estadística & datos numéricos , Papillomaviridae/inmunología , Prevalencia , Adolescente , Detección Precoz del Cáncer , Cuello del Útero/virología , Cuello del Útero/patología , Frotis Vaginal , CitologíaRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) in Macaronesia (i.e., Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands, and Cape Verde archipelagos) is poorly known. Our goal was to update it by selecting the most reliable available articles. METHOD: Literature search using MEDLINE, Embase (via Ovid), and Google Scholar, until December 2023, for studies on prevalence of AATD in the general population and in screenings, published in peer-reviewed journals. RESULTS: Three studies carried out in the general population of Madeira, La Palma, and Cape Verde, and three screenings carried out in La Palma (2) and Gran Canaria (1) were selected. The frequencies of PI*S in the general population showed an ascending gradient, from South to North, with values (per thousand) of 35 in Cape Verde, 82 in La Palma, and 180 in Madeira. The PI*Z frequencies showed this same gradient, with values of 2 × 1,000 in Cape Verde, 21 in La Palma, and 25 in Madeira. Screenings detected high percentages of defective alleles, including several rare and null alleles, some unique to these islands. CONCLUSION: The frequencies of PI*S and PI*Z in Madeira are comparable to the highest in the world. Those of the Canary Islands are similar to those of the peninsular population of Spain, and contrast with the low rates of Cape Verde. Screenings detected high numbers of deficient alleles. These results support the systematic investigation of AATD in clinically suspected patients and in relatives of index cases, to reduce underdiagnosis and apply early preventive and therapeutic measures in those affected.
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Deficiencia de alfa 1-Antitripsina , Humanos , Deficiencia de alfa 1-Antitripsina/genética , Deficiencia de alfa 1-Antitripsina/epidemiología , Prevalencia , alfa 1-Antitripsina/genética , Cabo Verde/epidemiología , Azores/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Mosquitoes play a critical role as vectors of pathogens affecting both humans and animals. Therefore, understanding their biodiversity and distribution is crucial to developing evidence-based vector control strategies. The current study updated the composition and distribution of mosquito species through a comprehensive survey of all municipalities of Cabo Verde. From October 2017 to September 2018, mosquito larvae and pupae were collected from 814 aquatic habitats. Anopheles gambiae (Giles, 1902) and Culex pipiens (Linnaeus, 1758) complexes were subjected to PCR-based techniques for sibling species identification. Ten mosquito species from 5 genera were identified: Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762), Aedes caspius (Pallas, 1771), Anopheles arabiensis (Patton, 1905), Anopheles pretoriensis (Theobald, 1903), Culex bitaeniorhynchus (Giles, 1901), Cx. pipiens, Culex quinquefasciatus (Say, 1823), Culex tritaeniorhynchus (Giles, 1901), Culiseta longiareolata (Macquart, 1838), and Lutzia tigripes (de Grandpre & de Charmoy, 1901). Santiago Island reported the highest number of species (nâ =â 8). Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus were the most widely distributed species across the country. An. arabiensis was the sole species identified within the An. gambiae complex. The findings from our study will help guide health policy decisions to effectively control mosquito-borne diseases.
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Distribución Animal , Culicidae , Mosquitos Vectores , Animales , Culicidae/clasificación , Cabo Verde , Biodiversidad , Larva/crecimiento & desarrollo , Pupa/crecimiento & desarrollo , Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vectores/transmisión , Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vectores/prevención & control , Enfermedades Transmitidas por MosquitosRESUMEN
The green monkey Chlorocebus sabaeus, L. 1766, native to West Africa, was introduced to the Cabo Verde Archipelago in the 16th century. Historical sources suggest that, due to the importance of Cabo Verde as a commercial entrepôt in the Atlantic slave trade, establishing the precise place of origin of this introduced species is challenging. Non-invasive fecal samples were collected from feral and captive green monkey individuals in Cabo Verde. Two mitochondrial fragments, HVRI and cyt b, were used to confirm the taxonomic identification of the species and to tentatively determine the geographic origin of introduction to the archipelago from the African continent. By comparing the new sequences of this study to previously published ones, it was shown that Cabo Verde individuals have unique haplotypes in the HVRI, while also showing affinities to several populations from north-western coastal Africa in the cyt b, suggesting probable multiple sources of introduction and an undetermined most probable origin. The latter is consistent with historical information, but may also have resulted from solely using mtDNA as a genetic marker and the dispersal characteristics of the species. The limitations of the methodology are discussed and future directions of research are suggested.
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ADN Mitocondrial , Animales , ADN Mitocondrial/genética , Chlorocebus aethiops/genética , Cabo Verde , Filogenia , Citocromos b/genética , Haplotipos , Especies Introducidas , Filogeografía , Heces/químicaRESUMEN
A Missão de Cooperação Técnica ocorreu no período de 22 de janeiro a 02 de fevereiro de 2024, em São Vicente -Cabo Verde. Com seu segundo Banco de Leite Humano inaugurado no dia 01 de setembro de 2022, no anfiteatro do Hospital Batista Sousa na cidade de Mindelo, Ilha de São Vicente em Cabo Verde, o BLH Dr. Batista de Sousa recebeu em janeiro deste ano a visita da equipe técnica dos profissionais da rBLH que teve como objetivo a Expansão e consolidação dos Bancos de Leite Humano em Cabo Verde com ênfase na Agenda 2030 para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável.
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Bancos de Leche Humana , Cooperación Técnica , Brasil , Cabo Verde , Leche HumanaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To characterize the genetic diversity and drug resistance profiles of people with HIV-1 failing ART in Cape Verde (CV). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study conducted between January 2019 and December 2021 in 24 health centres on the islands of Santiago and São Vicente. METHODS: The HIV-1 pol gene was sequenced in individuals with a detectable viral load. HIV-1 genetic diversity was determined by phylogenetic analysis. Drug resistance mutation patterns and resistance phenotypes were estimated using the Stanford algorithm. RESULTS: Viral load was detected in 73 of 252 (29%) enrolled participants and sequencing data were produced for 58 (79%) participants. CRF02 AG strains predominated (46.5%), followed by subtype G (22.4%). Most patients (80%) had mutations conferring resistance to nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) (67%), nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (55%), integrase inhibitors (10%) and/or protease inhibitors (7%) used in Cape Verde, a significant increase compared with a study conducted in 2010-2011. The most common mutations were M184V/I (43%), K103N/S (36%) and G190A/S (19%). NNRTI resistance was associated with younger age and exposure to two or more drug regimens. CONCLUSION: The HIV-1 epidemic in Cape Verde is mainly driven by CRF02_AG and subtype G. Resistance to NNRTIs and/or NRTIs is highly prevalent and resistance to LPV/r and DTG is emerging. Our results support the use of DTG-based first-line ART and protease inhibitor-based regimens for patients with virological failure, but emerging resistance to LPV/r and DTG is a concern. Continued monitoring of drug resistance is essential to ensure adequate healthcare for PWH in Cape Verde.
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Farmacorresistencia Viral , Variación Genética , Infecciones por VIH , VIH-1 , Filogenia , Humanos , VIH-1/genética , VIH-1/efectos de los fármacos , Infecciones por VIH/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones por VIH/virología , Masculino , Farmacorresistencia Viral/genética , Femenino , Estudios Transversales , Adulto , Cabo Verde , Persona de Mediana Edad , Fármacos Anti-VIH/uso terapéutico , Fármacos Anti-VIH/farmacología , Carga Viral , Adulto Joven , Genotipo , Mutación , Adolescente , Productos del Gen pol del Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana/genéticaRESUMEN
Mosquito-borne diseases can pose significant burdens. In many countries, they pose a risk to national economies and the well-being of humans and animals. To mitigate this, mosquito surveillance is crucial to assess the real and potential transmission of mosquito-borne diseases. Between 2020 and 2023, mosquito larvae were collected from both indoor and outdoor breeding sites in urban and rural areas of 4 municipalities of Santiago and Boavista Islands in Cabo Verde. Mosquitoes were identified morphologically and by polymerase chain reaction-based techniques that targeted the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I sequence. During this period, 6,825 breeding sites were assessed, and of 8,094 mosquito specimens screened, 194 specimens of Culex thalassius were identified for the first time in the country in 4 municipalities of Santiago and Boavista Islands. This new finding highlights the importance of including entomological surveillance in health systems. Although this species has only been detected on a few islands, it is important to continuously monitor it to determine its distribution, spread/dispersal, density, and potential involvement in pathogen transmission.
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Distribución Animal , Culex , Larva , Animales , Larva/crecimiento & desarrollo , Larva/clasificación , Cabo Verde , Mosquitos Vectores/genética , Complejo IV de Transporte de Electrones/análisis , Complejo IV de Transporte de Electrones/genéticaRESUMEN
Santa Luzia, an uninhabited island in the archipelago of Cabo Verde, serves as a natural laboratory and important nesting site for loggerhead turtles Carettacaretta. The island constitutes an Integral Natural Reserve and a Marine Protected Area. We assessed marine litter accumulation on sandy beaches of the island and analysed their spatial patterns using two sampling methods: at a fine scale, sand samples from 1 × 1 m squares were collected, identifying debris larger than 1 mm; at a coarse scale, drone surveys were conducted to identify visible marine debris (>25 mm) in aerial images. We sampled six points on three beaches of the island: Achados (three points), Francisca (two points) and Palmo Tostão (one point). Then, we modelled the abundance of marine debris using topographical variables as explanatory factors, derived from digital surface models (DSM). Our findings reveal that the island is a significant repository for marine litter (>84% composed of plastics), with up to 917 plastic items per m2 in the sand samples and a maximum of 38 macro-debris items per m2 in the drone surveys. Plastic fragments dominate, followed by plastic pellets (at the fine-scale approach) and fishing materials (at the coarse-scale approach). We observed that north-facing, higher-elevation beaches accumulate more large marine litter, while slope and elevation affect their spatial distribution within the beach. Achados Beach faces severe marine debris pollution challenges, and the upcoming climate changes could exacerbate this problem.
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Arena , Residuos , Residuos/análisis , Cabo Verde , Plásticos/análisis , Playas , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Compulsory treatment involves the hospital admission of individuals with mental disorders in appropriate facilities through judicial decisions. However, limited information is available regarding the similarities and differences in compulsory treatment legislation in Portuguese-speaking countries. AIMS: To analyse the commonalities and differences in compulsory treatment legislation in Portuguese-speaking countries, where Portuguese is the primary official language, including Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, East Timor, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, and São Tomé and Príncipe. METHODS: A comparative analysis of the specific legislation on compulsory treatment in Portuguese-speaking countries was conducted. National development plans were analysed in countries lacking legislation. A purposive sampling of mental health professionals was contacted to gather information on the countries under study. RESULTS: Among the eight Portuguese-speaking countries examined, specific legislation regarding compulsory treatment was found only in Brazil, Cape Verde, and Portugal. These countries, with the lowest poverty rates, exhibited a notable degree of homogeneity in the criteria supporting compulsory treatment, ensuring the protection of individual rights. In contrast, in Angola, East Timor, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, and São Tomé and Príncipe, compulsory treatment primarily relies on mental health development plans, resulting in significant variations in the presented criteria. CONCLUSIONS: The significant disparities in compulsory treatment policies among Portuguese-speaking countries, with only Brazil, Cape Verde, and Portugal having specific legislation, underscore the need for a collective effort to establish more consistent procedures and safeguard individual rights.
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Lenguaje , Humanos , Portugal , Cabo Verde , Guinea Bissau , AngolaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The aim of the investigation was to evaluate past 12-month suicidal behaviour (PSB) among adults in Cabo Verde. METHODS: Data from 4,563 adults (mean age 41.4 years) that participated in the 2020 Cabo Verde STEPS survey were analysed. RESULTS: Results indicate that the proportion of PSB (attempt 0.6%, plan 1.5% and ideation 3.3%) was 3.7% (2.4% men/5.0% women). In adjusted logistic regression analysis, younger age, female sex, unemployed, widowed or divorced, alcohol family problem, heart attack, angina or stroke, current smokeless tobacco use and low fruit/vegetable intake were associated with PSB. CONCLUSION: Almost 4% of participants had PSB and several associated factors were identified that can guide public health interventions.
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Salud Pública , Ideación Suicida , Masculino , Adulto , Humanos , Femenino , Cabo Verde , Factores de RiesgoRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to estimate trends in the prevalence and associated factors of non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors in adults from 2007 to 2020 in Cabo Verde. DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional study. SETTING: Nationally representative samples of adult population in Cabo Verde from the 2007 and 2020 STEPwise approach to NCD risk factor surveillance (STEPS) surveys. PARTICIPANTS: The sample included 1760 adults in 2007 and 3721 in 2020. OUTCOME MEASURES: Included fruit/vegetable consumption, low physical activity, sedentary behaviour, current tobacco use, hazardous alcohol use, diabetes, total elevated cholesterol, hypertension and overweight/obesity. Logistic regressions adjusted for sociodemographic factors were applied to estimate predictors of each of the nine NCD risk factors. RESULTS: Compared with participants in the study year 2007, participants in the study year 2020 had a significantly higher prevalence of low physical activity (adjusted OR (AOR): 2.21, 95% CI: 1.15 to 4.25) and overweight/obesity (AOR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.26 to 2.23) and significantly lower rate of hypertension (AOR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.64 to 0.93). Low physical activity (AOR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.23 to 2.10), overweight/obesity (AOR: 2.59, 95% CI: 2.10 to 3.20), current tobacco use (AOR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.36 to 2.75), hypertension (AOR: 5.45, 95% CI: 4.24 to 7.00), diabetes (AOR: 8.40, 95% CI: 4.65 to 15.18) and elevated total cholesterol (AOR: 4.58, 95% CI: 2.83 to 7.39) were more common among the 50-64-year-olds. Being male increased the odds of current tobacco use (AOR: 3.64, 95% CI: 2.75 to 4.81) and hazardous alcohol use (AOR: 4.79, 95% CI: 3.15 to 7.27), and decreased the odds of low physical activity (AOR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.39 to 0.58) and overweight/obesity (AOR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.40 to 0.56). CONCLUSIONS: Of the nine NCD risk factors evaluated from 2007 to 2020 in Cabo Verde, two increased (overweight/obesity and low physical activity) and one decreased (hypertension). Several associated variables were identified for each individual NCD risk factor that can help in guiding interventions.
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Hipercolesterolemia , Hipertensión , Enfermedades no Transmisibles , Adulto , Masculino , Humanos , Femenino , Estudios Transversales , Enfermedades no Transmisibles/epidemiología , Cabo Verde , Sobrepeso/epidemiología , Obesidad/epidemiología , Factores de Riesgo , Hipercolesterolemia/epidemiología , Hipertensión/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Inorganic elements such as heavy metals and other potentially toxic elements are frequently detected in humans. The aim of the present study was to analyze the blood concentrations of 49 inorganic elements in a cohort of 401 subjects from Cape Verde. The study was performed in the frame of the Pesticide Residues in Vegetables of the Macaronesia project (PERVEMAC-II). Concentration of inorganic elements, including elements in the ATSDR's priority pollutant list and rare earth elements (RREs) were measured by ICP-MS in the whole blood of participants. A total of 20 out of 49 elements (40.8%) were detected in ≥20% of participants. Arsenic, copper, mercury, lead, selenium, strontium and zinc were detected in ≥99% of samples. Among the REEs, 7 showed detection frequencies above 20%. The median number of different elements detected was 15. In the present series, 77.0, 99.2 and 33.4% of the participants showed values of arsenic, mercury and lead higher than Reference Values 95%. These percentages were much higher than those reported in similar studies. Niobium and tantalum showed the highest median concentrations: 1.35 and 1.34 ng/mL, suggesting an environmental source of these valuable REEs in Cape Verde. Age appeared as the most important factor influencing the blood levels of inorganic elements. Lifestyle had an effect on the concentration of some of these elements. Those subjects whose water source was pond water had significantly higher arsenic levels. The concentration of ∑REEs was significantly higher among individuals who purchase their food in supermarkets (P = 0.013). These variables are of relevance since they can be controlled individually to reduce exposure to these contaminants. Our results may be useful for the implementation of public health measures by the competent authorities.
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Arsénico , Mercurio , Humanos , Monitoreo Biológico , Arsénico/análisis , Cabo Verde , VerdurasRESUMEN
At seasonal-to-interannual timescales, Atlantic hurricane activity is greatly modulated by El Niño-Southern Oscillation and the Atlantic Meridional Mode. However, those climate modes develop predominantly in boreal winter or spring and are weaker during the Atlantic hurricane season (June-November). The leading mode of tropical Atlantic sea surface temperature (SST) variability during the Atlantic hurricane season is Atlantic Niño/Niña, which is characterized by warm/cold SST anomalies in the eastern equatorial Atlantic. However, the linkage between Atlantic Niño/Niña and hurricane activity has not been examined. Here, we use observations to show that Atlantic Niño, by strengthening the Atlantic inter-tropical convergence zone rainband, enhances African easterly wave activity and low-level cyclonic vorticity across the deep tropical eastern North Atlantic. We show that such conditions increase the likelihood of powerful hurricanes developing in the deep tropics near the Cape Verde islands, elevating the risk of major hurricanes impacting the Caribbean islands and the U.S.
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Tormentas Ciclónicas , Cabo Verde , Temperatura , Estaciones del Año , El Niño Oscilación del SurRESUMEN
Despite the Naegleria genus being isolated from different natural environments such as water, soil, and air, not all Naegleria species are capable of causing infections in humans, and they are capable of completing their life cycle in environmental niches. However, the presence of this genus may suggest the existence of one of the highly pathogenic free-living amoeba (FLA) species: Naegleria fowleri or the brain-eating amoeba. This facultative parasitic protozoon represents a risk to public health, mainly related to domestic and agricultural waters. In this research, our main objective was to determine the existence of pathogenic protozoa in the Santa Cruz wastewater treatment plant, Santiago Island. Using 5 L of water we confirmed the presence of potentially pathogenic Naegleria australiensis, being the first report on Naegleria species in Cape Verde. This fact demonstrates the low efficiency in the treatment of wastewater and, consequently, a potential threat to public health. Nevertheless, more studies will be needed for the prevention and control of possible infections in this Macaronesian country.
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Amoeba , Naegleria fowleri , Naegleria , Purificación del Agua , Humanos , Cabo Verde , Agua/parasitologíaRESUMEN
Mortality analysis studies in Cabo Verde are scarce and those available are limited to short periods of analysis and to specific population groups. National mortality data reports do not quantify the burden of disease associated with premature mortality. This study estimated the years of potential life lost (YPLL), years of potential productive life lost (YPPLL) and the costs associated with them in Cabo Verde from 2016 to 2020 and aimed to determine trends of early mortality due to all causes of death. Mortality data were obtained from the Ministry of Health, Cabo Verde. Deaths that occurred from 2016 to 2020, in individuals aged between one (1) and 73 years old were analyzed by sex, age group, municipality and cause of death. YPLL, YPPLL and cost of productivity lost (CPL) were estimated using life expectancy and the human capital approach methods, respectively. There were 6100 deaths recorded in the sample population and males represented 68.1% (n = 4,154) of the reported deaths. The number of deaths verified corresponded to 145,544 YPLL, of which 69.0% (n = 100,389) were attributed to males. There were 4,634 deaths among individuals of working age, which resulted in 80 965 YPPLL, with males contributing 72.1% (n = 58,403) of the total YPPLL. The estimated CPL due to premature death was 98,659,153.23 USD. Injuries and external causes together accounted for 21,580,954.42 USD (21.9%) of CPL, while diseases of the circulatory system 18,843,260.42 USD (19.1%) and certain infectious and parasitic diseases accounted for 16,633,842.70 USD (16.9%). The study demonstrated the social and economic burden of premature mortality. The YPLL, YPPLL and CPL measures can be used to complement measures traditionally used to demonstrate the burden and loss of productivity due to premature mortality and to support resource allocation and public health decision making in Cabo Verde.
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Esperanza de Vida , Mortalidad Prematura , Masculino , Humanos , Lactante , Cabo Verde , Estrés Financiero , Salud PúblicaRESUMEN
There are no scientific data available on the occurrence of the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) cluster in definitive hosts (domestic dogs), intermediate hosts (domestic livestock) nor humans in Cape Verde. In this pilot study, environmental dog fecal samples (n = 369) were collected around food markets, official slaughterhouses, as well as home and small business slaughter spots in 8 of the 9 inhabited islands from the Cape Verde archipelago, between June 2021 and March 2022. Additionally, during the same period, 40 cysts and tissue lesions were opportunistically collected from 5 islands, from locally slaughtered cattle (n = 7), goats (n = 2), sheep (n = 1) and pigs (n = 26). Genetic characterization by a multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay targeting the 12S rRNA gene confirmed the presence of E. granulosus s.l. in fecal and tissue material. In total, 17 cyst samples from Santiago (n = 9), Sal (n = 7) and São Vicente (n = 1) and 8 G6/G7-positive dog fecal samples from Santiago (n = 4) and Sal (n = 4) were identified as E. granulosus s.l. G7 by sequence analysis (nad2, nad5 and nad1 genes). This study discloses the transmission of E. granulosus s.l. G7, in pig, cattle and dog in Cape Verde.
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Equinococosis , Echinococcus granulosus , Animales , Humanos , Perros , Bovinos , Ovinos , Porcinos , Equinococosis/epidemiología , Proyectos Piloto , Cabo Verde , Genotipo , CabrasRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Wolbachia pipientis is an endosymbiont bacterium that induces cytoplasmic incompatibility and inhibits arboviral replication in mosquitoes. This study aimed to assess Wolbachia prevalence and genetic diversity in different mosquito species from Cape Verde. METHODS: Mosquitoes were collected on six islands of Cape Verde and identified to species using morphological keys and PCR-based assays. Wolbachia was detected by amplifying a fragment of the surface protein gene (wsp). Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was performed with five housekeeping genes (coxA, gatB, ftsZ, hcpA, and fbpA) and the wsp hypervariable region (HVR) for strain identification. Identification of wPip groups (wPip-I to wPip-V) was performed using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay on the ankyrin domain gene pk1. RESULTS: Nine mosquito species were collected, including the major vectors Aedes aegypti, Anopheles arabiensis, Culex pipiens sensu stricto, and Culex quinquefasciatus. Wolbachia was only detected in Cx. pipiens s.s. (100% prevalence), Cx. quinquefasciatus (98.3%), Cx. pipiens/quinquefasciatus hybrids (100%), and Culex tigripes (100%). Based on the results of MLST and wsp hypervariable region typing, Wolbachia from the Cx. pipiens complex was assigned to sequence type 9, wPip clade, and supergroup B. PCR/RFLP analysis revealed three wPip groups in Cape Verde, namely wPip-II, wPip-III, and wPip-IV. wPip-IV was the most prevalent, while wPip-II and wPip-III were found only on Maio and Fogo islands. Wolbachia detected in Cx. tigripes belongs to supergroup B, with no attributed MLST profile, indicating a new strain of Wolbachia in this mosquito species. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence and diversity of Wolbachia was found in species from the Cx. pipiens complex. This diversity may be related to the mosquito's colonization history on the Cape Verde islands. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to detect Wolbachia in Cx. tigripes, which may provide an additional opportunity for biocontrol initiatives.