Spatiotemporal Analysis of Malaria Transmission in the Autonomous Indigenous Regions of Panama, Central America, 2015-2022.

Despite ongoing efforts for elimination, malaria continues to be a major public health problem in the Republic of Panama. For effective elimination, it is key that malaria foci and areas of high transmission are identified in a timely manner. Here, we study malaria transmission records for the 2015-2022 period, a time when cases have increased by a factor of ten. Using several methods to study spatial and spatiotemporal malaria confirmed case clusters at the level of localities, including LISA and scan, we found that cases are clustered across indigenous villages located within the autonomous indigenous regions of Ngäbe-Buglé, Guna Yala, and Embera, with the latter on the eastern border of Panama (with Colombia). We discuss the different factors that might be shaping the marked increase in malaria transmission associated with these clusters, which include an inflow of malaria-exposed migrating populations hoping to reach the USA, insufficient health services, and the lack of culturally sensitive actionable tools to reduce malaria exposure among the ethnically diverse and impoverished indigenous populations of Panama.

Madariaga and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus seroprevalence in rodent enzootic hosts in Eastern and Western Panama.

While rodents are primary reservoirs of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), their role in Madariaga virus (MADV) transmission remains uncertain, particularly given their overlapping geographic distribution. This study explores the interplay of alphavirus prevalence, rodent diversity, and land use within Darien and Western Panama provinces. A total of three locations were selected for rodent sampling in Darien province: Los Pavitos, El Real de Santa Maria and Santa Librada. Two sites were selected in Western Panama province: El Cacao and Cirí Grande. We used plaque reduction neutralization tests to assess MADV and VEEV seroprevalences in 599 rodents of 16 species across five study sites. MADV seroprevalence was observed at higher rates in Los Pavitos (Darien province), 9.0%, 95% CI: 3.6-17.6, while VEEV seroprevalence was elevated in El Cacao (Western Panama province), 27.3%, 95% CI: 16.1-40.9, and El Real de Santa María (Darien province), 20.4%, 95% CI: 12.6-29.7. Species like Oryzomys coesi, 23.1%, 95% CI: 5.0-53.8, and Transandinomys bolivaris, 20.0%, 95% CI: 0.5-71.6 displayed higher MADV seroprevalences than other species, whereas Transandinomys bolivaris, 80.0%, 95% CI: 28.3-99.4, and Proechimys semispinosus, 27.3%, 95% CI: 17.0-39.6, exhibited higher VEEV seroprevalences. Our findings provide support to the notion that rodents are vertebrate reservoirs of MADV and reveal spatial variations in alphavirus seropositivity among rodent species, with different provinces exhibiting distinct rates for MADV and VEEV. Moreover, specific rodent species are linked to unique seroprevalence patterns for these viruses, suggesting that rodent diversity and environmental conditions might play a significant role in shaping alphavirus distribution.

Detection of Mansonella ozzardi in peripheral blood in two malaria-endemic areas in Panama.

Introduction: Studies conducted in 1984 demonstrated the presence of Mansonella ozzardi in the Darien and Colon provinces. Since then, there have not been further reports of this parasitic infection in Panama. Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional assessment of peripheral blood samples of individuals across Panama over a 4-year period (2013-2016) as part of malaria surveillance activities. Results: We identified microfilaria in 96 cases. Most of these cases were found in East Panama (78%) followed by the Darien region (22%). Mansonella ozzardi was the filarial parasite identified by morphological features in all cases. Conclusion: After 36 years of epidemiological silence, we identified human cases of Mansonella ozzardi infection in Panama. This is, however, the first report of this filarial parasite's presence in the Eastern region of Panama. There is a need for further surveillance efforts to elucidate the epidemiology associated with Mansonella infections in Panama.

Long-term transmission patterns and public health policies leading to malaria elimination in Panamá.

BACKGROUND: The present study provides a countrywide perspective of the malaria situation in Panamá over a long-term framework, with the purpose of identifying historical malaria resurgence events and their potential causes. METHODS: A descriptive-ecological study was conducted by analysing demographic and epidemiological annual malaria time series data in Panamá (1884-2019) using several data sources. Malaria intensity indicators were calculated during the study period. The effects of El Niño Southern Oscillation on malaria transmission were also analysed using a retrospective analysis of malaria cases between 1957 and 2019. RESULTS: Several factors were identified responsible for malaria resurgence in Panamá, mostly related with Malaria Control Programme weakening. During the past 20 years (2000-2019) malaria has progressively increased in prevalence within indigenous settlements, with a predominance of male cases and a high proportion (15% of total cases) in children less than 5 years old. During this period, a significant and increasing proportion of the Plasmodium falciparum cases were imported. Retrospective analysis (1957-2019) evidenced that ENSO had a significant impact on malaria transmission dynamics in Panamá. CONCLUSIONS: Data analysis confirmed that although authorities have been successful in focalizing malaria transmission in the country, there are still neglected issues to be solved and important intercultural barriers that need to be addressed in order to achieve elimination of the disease by 2022. This information will be useful for targeting strategies by the National Malaria Elimination Programme.

Frequency of Toxoplasma gondii and Risk Factors Associated with the Infection in Stray Dogs and Cats of Panama.

Stray animals such as dogs and cats have an important role in maintaining the transmission cycles and dissemination of Toxoplasma gondii. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of T. gondii in stray dogs and cats in six different regions of Panama and determine risk factors associated with the dynamics of infection in each of the studied regions. Data were obtained using serological tests for the detection of anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies. The results of this study revealed an overall infection frequency of 23.73%. The infection frequencies found in dog and cat populations were 25.70% and 21.93% respectively, showing no statistically significant difference. Risk factor correlations suggested different infection dynamics depending on the region analyzed. The San Miguelito, North and West regions were more associated with positive cases in dogs with an age range greater than 13 months. Conversely, the Metro, Central and East regions were more associated with negative cases in cats with age ranging between 0 and 5 months. Infection of the parasite in stray animals can be influenced by intrinsic characteristics of each region, which can potentiate different risk factors associated with the different routes of transmission.

Perfil genético del trastorno bipolar en Panamá: análisis de genes relacionados y otros factores determinantes en una región de alta prevalencia de episodios maníacos en la República de Panamá / Genetic profile of bipolar disorder in Panama: related gene analysis and other determi­ning factors in a high prevalence region of manic episodes in the Republic of Panama

Introducción El Trastorno Bipolar es una enfermedad que causa discapacidad física y cognitiva, afectando tanto a hombres como mujeres, con edad de inicio temprano y con un alto componente hereditario. Objetivo Estimar el comportamiento del Trastorno Bi­polar, variables sociodemográficas, antecedentes y su relación con los genes CACNA1­C (12p13.3) y DAOA (13q34) entre personas de 18 años y más en áreas específicas de la Región de Azuero de Panamá. Metodología La muestra calculada fue de 267 perso­nas de 18 años y más (IC 95%) utilizando un muestreo aleatorio, de distribución propor­cional según sexo. Se utilizaron las variables: "trastorno bipolar" medido a través del cuestionario de trastornos del estado de ánimo (Mood Disorder Questionnaire, MDQ por sus siglas en inglés); "genes asociados a la bipolaridad" (genes CACNA1­C (12p13.3) y DAOA (13q34)); y un cuestionario de datos sociodemográficos y antecedentes persona­les ­ familiares. El análisis genético se realizó con PCR (tiempo real). Se utilizaron por­centajes como medida de frecuencia relativa y se consideró significancia estadística para un valor de p ≤ 0.05. Resultados La prevalencia de bipolaridad en la muestra es­tudiada fue 3.7% (IC 95% 3.5 ­ 4.1), siendo mayor en mujeres, 6.0% (IC 95% 5.9 ­ 6.3). El 74.2% (IC 95% 73.9 ­ 74.4) de los participantes tenía presente el polimorfismo del gen CACNA1­C (12p13.3), y 19.1% (IC 95% 18.9 ­ 19.4) el del gen DAOA (13q34). Para todas las variables de estudio, la presencia del gen CACNA1­C (12p13.3) fue mayor que la del gen DAOA (13q34). De los 10 casos con MDQ+, 3 presentaron el gen CAC­NA1­C. Conclusión Esta es la primera investigación sobre bipolaridad, genes y otros factores asociados en Panamá. El gen CACNA1­C fue más prevalente que el DAOA y se asoció más al MDQ +.

Introduction Bipolar disorder is a disease that causes physical and cognitive disability, affecting both men and women, with an early onset age and a high hereditary compo­nent. Objective To estimate Bipolar Disorder demeanor, sociodemographic variables, antecedents and its relationship with CACNA1­C (12p13.3) and DAOA (13q34) genes among people aged 18 years and over in specific areas of the Azuero Region of Pana­ma. Methodology The calculated sample was 267 people aged 18 and over (95% CI) using random sampling, proportional distribution according to sex. The variables were used: "bipolar disorder" measured through the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ); "genes associated with bipolarity" (CACNA1­C (12p13.3) and DAOA (13q34) genes); and a sociodemographic data questionnaire and personal ­ family background. The ge­netic analysis was performed with PCR (real time). Percentages were used as a re of relative frequency and statistical significance was considered for a value of p ≤ 0.05. Results The prevalence of bipolarity in the studied sample was 3.7% (CI 95% 3.5 ­ 4.1), being higher in women, 6.0% (CI 95% 5.9 ­ 6.3). 74.2% (CI 95% 73.9 ­ 74.4) of the participants were aware of the polymorphism of the CACNA1­C gene (12p13.3), and 19.1% (CI 95% 18.9 ­ 19.4) of the DAOA gene (13q34). For all study variables, the pre­sence of the CACNA1­C gene (12p13.3) was greater than that of the DAOA gene (13q34). Of the 10 cases with MDQ +, 3 presented the CACNA1­C gene. ConclusionThis is the first research on bipolarity, genes and other associated factors in Panama. The CACNA1­C gene was more prevalent than DAOA and was more associated with MDQ +.

Percepción de riesgo laboral del personal de salud en la Región Metropolitana de Salud. Panamá / Perception of labor risk in the health personnel of Metropolitan Health Region. Panama

Introducción: El sector sanitario es complejo por los riesgos y número de trabajadores expuestos a condiciones de trabajo y efectos sobre la salud, que requiere visualización, seguimiento e inversión para su mejoramiento. Objetivo: evaluar la percepción de riesgo laboral, según profesión de salud en el primer nivel de atención. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo transversal con una muestra de 336 personas, en 17 centros de salud. Los riesgos considerados: físico, químico, biológico, ergonómico y psicosocial. Se elaboró un cuestionario en escala de Likert, preguntas con valor de 1 a 5 puntos: totalmente de acuerdo (5), de acuerdo (4), en desacuerdo (3), totalmente en desacuerdo (2) y no sabe (1). La escala de riesgo fue de <1.8 (bajo), de 1.8 a 2.0 (medio) y > de 2.0 (alto), analizadas en medidas no paramétricas y de tendencia central. Resultados: El 48% del personal, percibe el riesgo químico, el 44% el riesgo biológico, ambos estadísticamente significativos: X2 Pearson (0.001 < p= 0.05), el 74% del perso­nal percibe el riesgo físico, el 63% el riesgo ergonómico y el 69% el riesgo psicosocial. Estas per­cepciones no fueron significativas Conclusión: No todo el personal de salud percibe el riesgo laboral, existe desconocimiento y parece estar habituado al ambiente laboral. El estudio no contempló: tiempo de exposición al riesgo, ni cul­tura organizacional. Se requerirá investigar la asociación de exposición al riesgo y su efecto a la sa­lud y si el desconocimiento del riesgo laboral es un condicionante de adaptación o un factor cultural de la organización.

Introduction: The health s ec tor is complex due to the risks and the number of workers exposed to working conditions and the effects on health, which requires visualization, monitoring and invest­ ment for its improvement. Objective: to assess the perception of labor risk, ac cording to the health profession in the first level of health care. Methodology: Cross­sectional descriptive study with a sample of 336 people, in 17 health centers. The ris ks cons idered: physical, c hemical, biologic al, ergonomic and ps ychos oc ial. A ques tionnaire was elaborated on a Lik ert scale, questions with a value of 1 to 5 points: totally agree (5), agree (4), dis agree (3), totally dis agree (2) and do not know (1). The risk scale was <1.8 (low), 1.8 to 2.0 (me­ dium) and> 2.0 (high), analyzed in non­parametric measures and central tendency. Results: 48% of the staff perceives the c hemical risk, 44% the biological risk, both statistically s ignificant: X2 Pear­ son (0.001

Spatial-Temporal Distribution of Hantavirus Rodent-Borne Infection by Oligoryzomys fulvescens in the Agua Buena Region--Panama.

BACKGROUND: Hotspot detection and characterization has played an increasing role in understanding the maintenance and transmission of zoonotic pathogens. Identifying the specific environmental factors (or their correlates) that influence reservoir host abundance help increase understanding of how pathogens are maintained in natural systems and are crucial to identifying disease risk. However, most recent studies are performed at macro-scale and describe broad temporal patterns of population abundances. Few have been conducted at a microscale over short time periods that better capture the dynamical patterns of key populations. These finer resolution studies may better define the likelihood of local pathogen persistence. This study characterizes the landscape distribution and spatio-temporal dynamics of Oligoryzomys fulvescens (O. fulvescens), an important mammalian reservoir in Central America. METHODS: Information collected in a longitudinal study of rodent populations in the community of Agua Buena in Tonosí, Panama, between April 2006 and December 2009 was analyzed using non-spatial analyses (box plots) and explicit spatial statistical tests (correlograms, SADIE and LISA). A 90 node grid was built (raster format) to design a base map. The area between the nodes was 0.09 km(2) and the total study area was 6.43 km(2) (2.39 x 2.69 km). The temporal assessment dataset was divided into four periods for each year studied: the dry season, rainy season, and two months-long transitions between seasons (the months of April and December). RESULTS: There were heterogeneous patterns in the population densities and degrees of dispersion of O. fulvescens that varied across seasons and among years. The species typically was locally absent during the late transitional months of the season, and re-established locally in subsequent years. These populations re-occurred in the same area during the first three years but subsequently re-established further south in the final year of the study. Spatial autocorrelation analyses indicated local populations encompassed approximately 300-600 m. The borders between suitable and unsuitable habitats were sharply demarcated over short distances. CONCLUSION: Oligoryzomys fulvescens showed a well-defined spatial pattern that evolved over time, and led to a pattern of changing aggregation. Thus, hot spots of abundance showed a general shifting pattern that helps explain the intermittent risk from pathogens transmitted by this species. This variation was associated with seasonality, as well as anthropogenic pressures that occurred with agricultural activities. These factors help define the characteristics of the occurrence, timing, intensity and duration of synanthropic populations affected by human populations and, consequently, possible exposure that local human populations experience.

Prevalence of obesity in panama: some risk factors and associated diseases.

BACKGROUND: To estimate the prevalence of obesity in Panama and determine some risk factors and associated diseases in adults aged 18 years and older. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the provinces of Panama and Colon where 60.4 % of all Panamanians 18 years or older reside, by administering a survey regarding the consumption of protective and predisposing foods and assessing the development of obesity by measuring the weight, height, and waist circumference of 3590 people. A single-stage, probabilistic, and randomized sampling strategy employing multivariate stratification was used. Individuals with a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m(2) (men and women) were considered obese. Prevalence and descriptive analysis were conducted according to sex using Odds Ratio, with statistical significance set at a p value ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: The general prevalence of obesity was 27.1 % (30.9 % women and 18.3 % men). In women, obesity was associated with living in urban areas, being 40-59 years of age, being Afro-Panamanian, consuming beverages / foods rich in sugar, being physically inactive and having a family history of obesity. In men, obesity was associated with living in urban areas, consuming beverages/foods rich in sugar, and having a family history of obesity. Almost the totality of obese women (97.9 %), and 80.0 % of men with obesity had abdominal obesity according to the WHO classification. In both sexes, obesity was a risk factor associated to type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, hypertension, LDL values ≥ 100 mg/dL, and low HDL values (<50 mg/dL for women and < 40 mg/dL for men), Odds Ratio > 1.0; P < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity represents a very serious threat to Panamanian public health. Our study confirms a direct association in Panama between excess weight, hypertension, type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, LDL values ≥ 100 mg/dL and low HDL values for women and men (<50 mg/dL and < 40 mg/dL, respectively). Intervention / treatment programs should be targeted, specially, to Afro-Panamanian women, whom are 40-59 years old, living in urban areas, and those having a family history of obesity.