Ministry of Health & Wellness Advises on Vector and Waterborne Diseases Due to Flooding October 12, 2022 / Ministry of Health & Wellness Advises on Vector and Waterborne Diseases Due to Flooding October 12, 2022

The Ministry of Health & Wellness advises that flood waters can be the source of many infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and injuries and, therefore, urges the public to avoid walking, working, or playing in floodwaters. Exposure to contaminated floodwater can cause wound infections, skin rashes, stomach illnesses, tetanus, and waterborne diseases such as typhoid fever, cholera, leptospirosis, and hepatitis A.

The occurrence of non-O1 vibrio cholerae in non-potable water samples in Barbados

Fourteen freshwater or brackish-water samples taken from different sites were examined for the presence of Vibrio cholerae. Standard enrichment techniques, using pre-incubation in alkaline peptone water and plating on thiosulfate citrate bile sucrose agar (TCBS) followed by biochemical, physiological and morphological characterization of the isolates, revealed the presence of Vibrio cholerae at nine of the sites examined. Serotyping for type O1 only was performed. All the strains isolated were non-O1 Vibrio cholerae (AU)

Direct filtration for recovery of Schistosoma mansoni carcariae in the field

The recovery of schistosome cercariae from natural waters has been limited by variations in turbidity and in the accuracy of recovery with different techniques. A modification of the Rowan vacuum paper filtration method employing a battery-operated pumping system, a glass-silicone plate filter, and a specially designed filter holder is described and evaluated. Field tests of St. Lucia indicate a mean filtration volume of 12.2 litres per filters at a mean turbidity of 20.3 Jackson turbidity units. Overall, 86 percent of the volumes filtred per filter were in excess of 6 litres. Particle size, rather than turbidity, was found to be the main factor influencing filter blockage, reading time, and accuracy. Recoveries of 0.01 cercaria (Schistosoma mansoni) per litre sampled were obtained, but the practical limit of the method is considered to be closer to 0.1 cercaria per litre sampled.(AU)

A new medium for the differentiation of B. coli in water analysis

B. coli (lactose +, indol +) may be isolated by the standard method not only from faeces and polluted waters, but also from unpolluted soils and unpolluted waters. As a standard indicator of faecal contamination its value is therefore unquestionable. Local experience indicates that the utilisation of citrate by B. coli may be of value in differentiating faecal from non-faecal B. coli in water analysis (Summary)

Water requirements of breast-fed infants in a hot climate

To estimate the water requirements of exclusively breast-fed infants in a hot climate, theoretical calculations of water requirements were made and field study was carried out in Jamaica. Three urine samples ranged from 1.005 through 1.015, with a mean of 1.009 (SD ñ 0.002). Corresponding values for osmolality were calculated to be 103 through 468 mOsmole/liter with a mean of 258 mOsmole/liter. The mean specific gravity for an infant ranged from 1.006 through 1.012, or 139 through 358 mOsmole/liter. The mean outdoor temperature was 27.6 C and the humidity 76 percent. Because the values for specific gravity were universally low it was concluded that healthy, exclusively breast-fed infants living in a hot climate will manage well without additional water. Additional water may be desirable during illness (AU)

Sodium, potassium, and rate constants for sodium efflux in leucocytes from hypertensive Jamaicans

Leucocyte sodium and potassium content and concentrations were measured along with ouabain-sensitive and ouabain-insensitive rate constants for sodium efflux in 14 controls and 20 black patients with essential hypertension. Leucocyte sodium content was significantly increased in the patients (mean 101.1 ñ 7.8 mmol/kg dry solids v 74.5 ñ 7.6 mmol/kg dry solids; p<0.05), whereas the rate constants for sodium efflux were not significantly reduced. There was no difference between the two groups in cell potassium values. The increase in leucocyte sodium content in the presence of normal rate constants for sodium efflux suggests an increase in membrane permeability to sodium, which might be important in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension. (AU)

Dispersion of St. Lucian Schistosoma mansoni cercariae in natural standing and running waters determined by cercaria counts and mouse exposure

Experiments were carried out to investigate the dispersion of Schistosoma mansoni cercariae in natural standing waters on St. Lucia using Sandt's method and mouse exposure. In standing-water habitats, cercariae located and infected mice as far as 3.1m. The worm burdens in mice increased in direct proportion to the numbers of cercariae, from 300 worms at the 200 cercariae per mouse level to 942 worms at the 800 cercariae per mouse level. At each cercarial level, more male than female worms were recovered. The sex ratios (male to female) of the worms were 1.8 at the 200 cercariae per mouse level, 1.5 at the 400 cercariae per mouse level and 1.1 at the 800 cercariae per mouse level. Between 1.2 and 6.9 percent of the cercariae succesfully infected mice. In running-water habitits, cercariae were carried down-stream as far as 195.1m, but they infected mice only as far as 97.5m. The mice exposed in water with an average water velocity of39.9cm/sec yielded the highest number of worms, followed by those exposed at 10.4cm/sec and 74.4cm/sec. In each case, more male than female worms were recovered. The sex ratios of the worms were 2.5 at 10.4cm/sec, 9.6 at 39.9cm/sec and 18.0 at 74.4cm/sec. Between 0.100 and 0.185 percent of the cercariae succesfully infected mice. On St. Lucia, cercariae shed by infected snails in standing-water habitats such as marshes and banana drains, probably play little role in transmission owing to the limited ability of cercariae to move very far. These habitats might, however, assume greater importance where they border streams because cercariae could be swept into them. On the other hand, running waters extend significantly the dispersion of cercariae and increase the risk of people becoming infected while washing their clothes and bathing in the streams (Summary)

Chemical composition of the whole body and individual tissues of two Jamaican children whose death resulted primarily from malnutrition

A post-mortem chemical analysis has been made of two children who died primarily of malnutrition. The absolute amounts of fat, collagen and non-collagen protein, water, sodium, and potassium found in the whole body and particular organs have been compared with the expected amounts in a normal child of the same height. The results show that the malnourished child is overhydrated with respect to body solids, has lost proportionately more non-collagen protein than collagen protein and may be specifically potassium deficient with respect to nitrogen. (Summary)

Comparison of the chemical and biochemical composition of thirteen muscles of the rat after dietary protein restriction

The objective of this study was to determine whether the chemical and biochemical changes induced by muscle wasting caused by dietary protein restriction are different in various skeletal muscles. Rats were fasted for 3 d and then fed on a 10 g protein/kg diet for 21d. Thirteen muscles from the trunk, forelimb, and hind-limb regions were analysed for muscle weight, and the content of water, fat, cellular and extracellular protein, DNA and RNA. Results were compared to values for an `initial' control group killed at the start of the experiment. Weight loss was greatest in trunk muscles and least in the distal forelimb muscles. Water content decreased in most muscles, but increased in three forelimb muscles. A significant loss of lipid was found in the gastroenemius, while the biceps brachii gained lipid. Changes in lipid content of the muscles did not form a distinctive pattern. All muscles except the distal forelimb muscles lost a significant amount of cellular protein, while all muscles except the diaphragm gained extracellular protein. DNA content was unchanged in all muscles. The value for cellular protein: DNA was significantly reduced in the rectus abdominis and the diaphragm. A significant loss of RNA was found in all muscles; the percentage change was greatest in trunk muscle and least in the distal forelimb muscles. The values for RNA: protein and RNA: DNA were significantly lower in all muscles except two distal forelimb muscles. With the exception of the water and lipid content of the muscles, the directions of the changes in the experimental animals were the same for all muscles. The results suggested, however, that the magnitude of changes in certain chemical and biochemical indices of composition may depend to some extent on the anatomical location of the muscle: trunk muscles tended to show the greatest percentage change, while the distal forelimbs changed the least.(AU)

Chemical composition of organs of children who died from malnutrition

Chemical analysis was carried out on samples of brain, liver, skeletal muscle, heart and kidney obtained from children who died of malnutrition. Total body potassium was measured before autopsy by the 'whole body counting' technique. There was a marked increase in liver fat, and the brain contributed a higher percentage of the body-weight in the more severely malnourished children. All the organs had approximately the same concentrations of non-collagen nitrogen. The proportion of collagen was highest in muscle. All organs were depleted of potassium, but the muscle was most severely affected. Brain potassium as a percentage of total body potassium was higher than normal in the most severely potassium depleted children. Measurements of tissue magnesium showed that there was no difference in magnesium content of tissue when expressed in terms of non-collagen nitrogen. When compared with normal values, muscle was magnesium depleted. The potassium to magnesium ratio was lowest in muscle. (AU)

Sugar absorption and intestinal motility in children when malnourished and after treatment

The ability of malnourished children to absorb lactose, sucrose and glucose was tested by perfusing the jejunum. Intestinal motility was measured simultaneously in a perfused segment by a dye dilution technique. These tests were repeated on the same children after 6-16 weeks of treatment. There was a significant correlation between the rate of hydrolysis of disaccharide perfusing the jejunum and the level of disaccharidase activity within the jejunal mucosa. All ten malnourished children had dimished glucose absorption, eight had reduced lactose and six had impaired sucrose hydrolysis and absorption. Children with the most severe mucosal damage had the lowest rate of sugar absorption. The malabsorption of disaccharide was related to the impairment of hydrolysis and not to the malabsorption of the monosaccharide products. Primary hypermotility of the intestine was not a feature of the malnourished group. Water absorption from all infusions occurred only in the treated group. Water entry into the intestinal lumen in the malnourished group was greatest with the most poorly absorbed sugars. The mean transit time of fluid passing down the intestine was inversely correlated with the sugar remaining unabsorbed within the lumen. Treating the malnourished child in hospital produced an increase in glucose, lactose and sucrose absorption. The generalized nature of the malabsorption and the reversibility of the defects suggests that lactose intolerance in these children is related to the nutritional state and not to a genetic predisposition to lactase deficiency. (Summary)

Relationship between muscle potassium and body potassium in infants with malnutrition

Specimens of muscle were obtained with a biopsy needle from 23 Jamaican children who were recovering from malnutrition. The samples were analysed for water, fat, nitrogen, and potassium, total body potassium was also measured. Muscle water is increased, but potassium concentration declines in malnutrition. A significant relationship exists between the depletions of muscle potassium and of total body potassium in malnourished infants. Analysis of muscle biopsy samples may lead to a better understanding of the response of tissue to protein depletion at the cellular level (Summary)

Persistence of the molluscicide Bayluscide (clonitralide) emulsifiable concentrate on mud surfaces in the tropics

Clonitralide (the active ingredient of the molluscidide Bayluscide) is commonly regarded as non-persistent. It was importnt to determine if this assuption was correct during the development of a programme on St. Lucia to control the intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni, the snail Biomphalaria glabrata. In 3 separate experiments, aqueous solutions of an emulsifiable concentrate of clonitralide were sprayed onto pans containing dried mud or mud covered with 2.5 cm of water. All snails present at the time of spraying were killed, whether or not water was present. Mortalities were high in similar, unsprayed pans but subsequent chemical and biological assays demonstrated that clonitralide remained active for over a year in tropical conditions, despite several cycles of wetting and drying. Clonitrlide residues from vegetation sprayed in an operational snail control programme remained toxic for 8 weeks exposed to full sunlight, heavy rainfall, temperatures of 20 to 30 degrees C and relative humidities of 70 percent to 95 percent. The implications of these findings for the control of aquatic and amphibious snails are discussed together with some possible mechanisms to explain the persitence of the molluscicide.(AU)

Food preparation and sale on the Mona campus, University of the West Indies, Jamaica

In this study, an attempt was made to assess food preparation and sale on the Mona campus of the University of the West Indies, Jamaica, with special emphasis on contaminant levels and the operators' knowledge of food hygiene. The five larger food establishments were inspected and food handlers questioned. Consecutive food samples were taken and analysed. Fresh stool samples were obtained from 78 percent of the food handlers questioned. Inspections revealed dry storage in disarray, absence of use of polythene gloves for preparing salads, lack of thorough fly-proofing and rat-proofing, and very insanitary out-fall of kitchen sinks in all establishments in sample. Food sample results showed that 92 percent of the meat (chicken) samples were food to have a very high coliform count - in excess of 300 cfu/ml. In addition there were two samples which facilitated the growth of Staphylococcus. Faecal E. coli was not found. The 25 vegetable salad samples were found to be heavily contaminated with coliform. Most of the time in excess of 300 cfu/ml. Most of the food samples exceeded the international specification for coliform count in cooked food 10 and raw vegetables 10. Of the five water samples taken, two supported the growth of anaerobic sporebearing bacilli with coliform count greater than 300 cfu/ml. However, no faecal coliforms were isolated. A major recommendation is that in-service training be incorporated in the terms of the operators' contract (AU)

In vivo studies of amino acid, water and electrolyte transport in the small intestine of normal and magnesium depleted rats

Net amino acid, water and electrolyte transport from the small intestine in vivo was studied in normal and magnesium depleted rats, by a single pass perfusion technique. The net absorption of the amino acids, alanine and lysine increased with increasing concentration of the amino acid in the perfusion solution, within the concentration range studied (10 and 50mM). In all cases alanine was absorbed faster than lysine. Dietary magnesium depletion, lasting for a period of twenty eight days did not affect the net rate of transport of these two amino acids in any of the regions of the small intestine which were studied. In general, the presence of amino acids increased the absorption of water by comparison with that from saline. However, lysine at a concentration of 50mM tended to inhibit water absorption by comparison with that observed in the presence of alanine at 50mM. Magnesium depletion did not in general affect net transport rates of water in the presence and absence of amino acids. However, when alanine at a concentration of 50mM was perfused, water absorption was inhibited in the magnesium depleted rats. The presence of amino acids did not affect the transport of sodium in any of the regions of the small intestine. However, magnesium depletion did severely inhibit sodium transport, especially in the presence of alanine at a concentration of 50mM in all three regions of the small intestine. Amino acids stimulated the absorption of chloride by all segments of the small intestine by comparison with that from saline alone. Magnesium depletion however, significantly reduced chloride ion absorption by all three segments. Good correlations were found between the transport rates of sodium and chloride, sodium and water, and total solute and water in all three regions of the small intestine (AU)

Water control level in inspired air on specific airway resistance in rats

The effect of increasing water content in inspired air on specific airway resistance in rats was assessed.The results showed that specific airway resistance were significantly related to the water content of inspired air