Falciparum malaria treated with a chloroquine suspension administered rectally in Trinidad

A new mode of administering malaria chemotherapy to patients unable to tolerate oral medication is described. A patient with Plasmodium falciparum malaria, severe hyponatraemia and hypokalaemia who regurgitated oral treatment of chloroquine phosphate and pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine (Fansidar) is presented. But neither chloroquine nor quinine intravenous formulations were available locally. As the patient was deteriorating, a suspension of chloroquine phosphate was prepared and administered rectally, resulting in a decline in the level of parasitaemia from ++++ to ++ within 48 hours. The patient improved, and further clinical management was uncomplicated (AU)

Falciparum malaria treated with a chloroquine suspension administered rectally in Trinidad

A new mode of administering malaria chemotherapy to patients unable to tolerate oral medication is described. A patient with Plasmodium falciparum malaria, severe hyponatraemia and hypokalaemia who regurgitated oral treatment of chloroquine phosphate and pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine (Fansidar) is presented. But neither chloroquine nor quinine intravenous formulations were available locally. As the patient was deteriorating, a suspension of chloroquine phosphate was prepared and administered rectally, resulting in a decline in the level of parasitaemia from ++++ to ++ within 48 hours. The patient improved, and further clinical management was uncomplicated.

Falciparum malaria treated with a chloroquine suspension administered rectally in Trinidad

A new mode of administering malaria chemotherapy to patients unable to tolerate oral medication is described. A patient with Plasmodium falciparum malaria, severe hyponatraemia and hypokalemia who regurgitated oral treatment of chloroquine phosphate and pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine (Fansidar) is presented. But neither chloroquine nor quinine intravenous formulations were available locally. As the patient was deteriorating, a suspension of chloroquine phosphate was prepared and administered rectally, resulting in a decline in the level of parasitaemia from ++++ to ++ within 48 hours. The patient improved, and further clinical management was uncomplicated (AU)

Distribution patterns of tunga penetrans within a community in Trinidad - abstract

This paper describes patterns of infection with Tunga penetrans within the town of Icacos, Trinidad, West Indies, assessed by the number of persons infected and the extent of the chigoe flea burden by physical examination. The overall prevalence of infection was 31.4 percent (102/325 persons examined) with 58 percent males and 42 percent females. A significant difference was found among the different age groups with peak chigoe burden found among the 5-9, 10-14 and >55 years age groups, with 224, 90 and 168 fleas, respectively. The frequency distribution of chigoe flea burden fitted negative binomial probability model (p > 0.05) despite 68 percent of the people sampled not having tungiasis. In contrast, there were no significant sex and age-associated differences in the prevalence or intensity of infection. The patterns of infection found suggest that all cases of tungiasis should be treated and the source of infection effectively managed or eradicated. (AU)

Serum cholinesterase levels of vector control workers in Trinidad, West Indies (1979-1987)

During 1979-1987 studies were carried out in vitro on the serum cholinesterase levels of 46 vector control workers exposed to insecticides on a daily basis but without clinical manifestations of insecticide poisoning. The results were compared with those of a control group of workers who had not been exposed to insecticides at home or at work. Cholinesterase levels of both groups were determined by a standard colorimetric method. Suppressed serum cholinesterase levels were detected in all 46 workers exposed to insecticides, 25 of whom were aged 30-39 years. Four persons from the control group showed suppressed levels of enzyme; one of these had a genetically low level, and the other three were on medication when the low levels were recorded. (AU)

Emergency vector control of urban vectors during an epizootic of yellow fever in Trinidad: 1988-1989

Sylvatic yellow fever outbreaks in Trinidad have been known to occur since the 17th century. During 1988-89 an outbreak of yellow fever occurred with the virus being isolated from monkeys and mosquitoes. This article summarizes the vector control operations adopted to prevent urban transmission of the yellow fever virus by Aedes aegypti Linn. No human cases of yellow fever were detected either in the rural or urban areas (AU)

Sylvatic yellow fever activity in Trinidad 1988-1989

Of a total of 18,068 mosquitoes (361 pools) collected in south-eastern Trinidad forests from December, 1988 to May, 1989, 47 species belonging to 14 genera were identified. Five yellow fever virus isolates were made from Haemagogus janthinomys and one from Sabethes chloropterus. All the other pools of mosquitoes examined were negative for the virus. The mosquito isolates were made in December and January. In addition, in late February and early March, two infected howler monkeys (Alouatta sp.) were detected. Since March, despite continued surveillance, no yellow fever virus has been detected in mosquitoes or monkeys. There has been no reported human infection (AU)

Vector control operations during a sylvatic yellow fever outbreak in Trinidad,1978-1980

An outline is given of the vector control measures adopted during the 1978-1980 yellow fever epidemic in Trinidad and the efficacy of the yellow fever plan of action is discussed (AU)

Vector control operations during a sylvatic yellow fever outbreak in Trinidad,1978-1980

An outline is given of the vector control measures adopted during the 1978-1980 yellow fever epidemic in Trinidad and the efficacy of the yellow fever plan of action is discussed.

Sylvatic yellow fever activity in Trinidad 1988-1989

Of a total of 18,068 mosquitoes (361 pools) collected in south-eastern Trinidad forests from December, 1988 to May, 1989, 47 species belonging to 14 genera were identified. Five yellow fever virus isolates were made from Haemagogus janthinomys and one from Sabethes chloropterus. All the other pools of mosquitoes examined were negative for the virus. The mosquito isolates were made in December and January. In addition, in late February and early March, two infected howler monkeys (Alouatta sp.) were detected. Since March, despite continued surveillance, no yellow fever virus has been detected in mosquitoes or monkeys. There has been no reported human infection.

Emergency vector control of urban vectors during an epizootic of yellow fever in Trinidad: 1988-1989

Sylvatic yellow fever outbreaks in Trinidad have been known to occur since the 17th century. During 1988-89 an outbreak of yellow fever occurred with the virus being isolated from monkeys and mosquitoes. This article summarizes the vector control operations adopted to prevent urban transmission of the yellow fever virus by Aedes aegypti Linn. No human cases of yellow fever were detected either in the rural or urban areas.

Sylvatic yellow fever activity in Trinidad, 1988-1989

Of a total of 18,068 mosquitoes (361 pools) collected in south-eastern Trinidad forests from December 1988 to May 1989, 47 species belonging to 14 genera were identified. Five yellow fever virus isolates were made from Haemagogus janthinomys and one from Sabethes chloropterus. All the other pools of mosquitoes examined were negative for the virus. The mosquito isolates were made in December and January. In addition, in late February and early March, 2 infected howler monkeys (Alouatta sp.) were detected. Since March, despite continued surveillance, no yellow fever virus has been detected in mosquitoes or monkeys. There has been no reported human imfection. (AU)

Peregrine malaria and international travel: the Trinidad experience

Incidence of imported malaria, growth in the gross national product (GNP) and increases in international travel were correlated during 1966 to 1986 in Trinidad, W.I. A significant (P<0.05) relationship was found between imported malaria and business travel. However, it can be inferred that growth in GNP, resulted in increases in international travel (local and foreign). During this study an increase of over 314 percent in international travel was recorded. A total of 84 malaria cases was found, with 44 Plasmodium falciparum, 25 P. vivax, 11 P. malariae and 1 P. ovale. There were 3 cases of mixed infections, 2 of P. malariae and P. vivax in 1985 and 1 of P. malariae and P. ovale in 1980. It is recommended that active port surveillance should be maintained to handle present and future increases in international travel and their associated disease problems. (AU)

Serum cholinesterase levels of vector control workers in Trinidad, West Indies (1979-1982)

During the period 1979-1982, serum cholinesterase levels were determined in blood samples collected from workers employed at the Insect Vector Control Division, Trinidad, W.I. A total of 1,162 blood samples were collected, of which 116 showed suppressed cholinesterase levels. Those workers with low serum cholinesterase levels included 46 residual spraymen, 66 Aedes aegypti operators and 4 controls. The difference in numbers of spraymen and Aedes operators with low cholinesterase levels was significant (p<.001). No significant differences were found in the number of Aedes operators with low cholinesterase levels from North and South Trinidad. Similarly, no differences were found in the number of residual spraymen from North and South Trinidad with low cholinesterase levels. A total of 7 Aedes operators and 4 residual spraymen had persistently low serum cholinesterase levels. It is likely that the main areas of absorption were the hands and forearms, with further absorption occurring via respiration. The need for continuous monitoring and supervision of vector control workers who handle insecticides is stressed (AU)

Fansidar resistant falciparum import to Trinidad from Tanzania

A 27 year old Tanzanian female with an acute P. falciparum malaria infection failed to respond to the recommended radical Fansidar treatment. The case is classified as RII resistance because after 7 days, parasitemia clearance was not achieved. The infection was certainly acquired in Tanzania but diagnosed and treated in a non-malarious country. This is possibly the first case of Fansidar resistant falciparum malaria found sensitive to Chloroquine. Chloroquine and Primaquine effectively eradicated the P. falciparum malaria from the patient. (AU)

Arthropods collected from aircraft at Piarco International Airport, Trinidad, West Indies

Insects were collected and identified from local and foreign aircraft entering Piarico International Airport, Trinidad, West Indies. Nine hundred and sixty seven specimens were collected from 592 aircraft. The specimens collected represented eight taxonomic orders and 25 families. Aedes aegypti, an important vector of dengue and urban yellow fever, and Anopheles albimanus, a non-indigenous malaria vector were among those collected. Musca domestica, the house fly, was by far the most abundant insect in the collection, accounting for over 83 percent of the total catch. The need to maintain entomological surveillance at airports and seaports was encouraged. (AU)