Uncovering the knowledge gap: A web-based survey of healthcare providers' understanding and management of dengue fever in East Azerbaijan, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Dengue fever (DF) is increasingly recognized as one of the world's major mosquito-borne diseases and causes significant morbidity and mortality in tropical and subtropical countries. Appropriate and timely diagnosis and risk stratification for severe disease are crucial in the appropriate management of this illness. Healthcare providers (HCPs) play a key role in dengue fever diagnosis, management and prevention. The present study was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among HCPs in East Azerbaijan Province, Iran. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey among 948 HCPs, using a structured questionnaire, was conducted in East Azerbaijan Province from May to July 2022. Data analysis was undertaken using descriptive methods, the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression. A P-value <0.05 was considered for statistical significance. RESULTS: Out of the 948 (68.5% female) respondents, 227 were physicians and 721 were health professionals. The knowledge level of DF was found to be largely inadequate in the present study population (80.4%). The physician vs. health professional were a significant factor in differentiating attitude scores. The mean practice score regarding DF prevention and control measures among respondents was 8.40±1.97. CONCLUSION: The findings call for urgent continuous education and training courses to increase KAP levels and increased capacity and capability for DF prevention and control. This is of outmost importance for the first point of care of DF patients.

Molecular characterization, biological forms and sporozoite rate of Anopheles stephensi in southern Iran

Objective: To identify the biological forms, sporozoite rate and molecular characterization of the Anopheles stephensi (An. stephensi) in Hormozgan and Sistan-Baluchistan provinces, the most important malarious areas in Iran. Methods: Wild live An. stephensi samples were collected from different malarious areas in southern Iran. The biological forms were identified based on number of egg-ridges. Molecular characterization of biological forms was verified by analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I and II (mtDNA-COI/COII). The Plasmodium infection was examined in the wild female specimens by species-specific nested–PCR method. Results: Results showed that all three biological forms including mysorensis, intermediate and type are present in the study areas. Molecular investigations revealed no genetic variation between mtDNA COI/COII sequences of the biological forms and no Plasmodium parasites was detected in the collected mosquito samples. Conclusions:Presence of three biological forms with identical sequences showed that the known biological forms belong to a single taxon and the various vectorial capacities reported for these forms are more likely corresponded to other epidemiological factors than to the morphotype of the populations. Lack of malaria parasite infection in An. stephensi, the most important vector of malaria, may be partly due to the success and achievement of ongoing active malaria control program in the region.

Bioassay evaluation on the efficacy of α-cypermethrin impregnated into long lasting insecticide treated nets using Anopheles stephensi

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the bioefficacy of α-cypermethrin impregnated into long lasting insecticide treated nets (LLITNs-INTERCEPTOR®) against main malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi (An. stephensi).@*METHODS@#The effectiveness of bed net impregnated with α-cypermethrin (INTERCEPTOR®) with washing was evaluated. The washing procedure and bioassay tests were carried out according to the WHO-recommended methods. Malaria vector, An. stephensi was exposed to impregnated bed net for three minutes and then mortality measured after 24 h recovery period. Knockdown was also measured according to the logarithmic times.@*RESULTS@#Result of cone bioassay method showed that bioefficacy of α-cypermethrin decreased from 100% in unwashed to 15% in 20 washes. KT(50) was measure as one minute in one wash and increased to 40 min in 20 washes.@*DISCUSSION@#Findings of this study provide guideline for malaria vector control authorities and people using pyrethroid-impregnated bed nets.