Impact of environmental temperatures on resistance to organophosphate insecticides in Aedes aegypti from Trinidad.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of increasing larval rearing temperatures on the resistance status of Trinidadian populations of Aedes aegypti to organophosphate (OP) insecticides. METHODS: In 2007-2008, bioassays and biochemical assays were conducted on A. aegypti larvae collected in 2006 from eight geographically distinct areas in Trinidad (Trinidad and Tobago). Larval populations were reared at four temperatures (28 ± 2ºC, 32ºC, 34ºC, and 36ºC) prior to bioassays with OP insecticides (fenthion, malathion, and temephos) and biochemical assays for esterase enzymes. RESULTS: Most larval populations reared at 28 ± 2ºC were susceptible to fenthion (>98% mortality) but resistant to malathion and temephos (< 80% mortality). A positive association was found between resistance to OP insecticides and increased activities of α- and ß-esterases in larval populations reared at 28 ± 2ºC. Although larval populations reared at higher temperatures showed variations in resistance to OPs, there was a general increase in susceptibility. However, increases or decreases in activity levels of enzymes did not always correspond with an increase or decrease in the proportion of resistant individuals reared at higher temperatures. CONCLUSIONS: Although global warming may cause an increase in dengue transmission, based on the current results, the use of insecticides for dengue prevention and control may yet be effective if temperatures increase as projected.

Impact of environmental temperatures on resistance to organophosphate insecticides in Aedes aegypti from Trinidad / Repercusión de las temperaturas ambientales sobre la resistencia de Aedes aegypti a los insecticidas organofosforados en Trinidad

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of increasing larval rearing temperatures on the resistance status of Trinidadian populations of Aedes aegypti to organophosphate (OP) insecticides. METHODS: In 2007-2008, bioassays and biochemical assays were conducted on A. aegypti larvae collected in 2006 from eight geographically distinct areas in Trinidad (Trinidad and Tobago). Larval populations were reared at four temperatures (28 ± 2ºC, 32ºC, 34ºC, and 36ºC) prior to bioassays with OP insecticides (fenthion, malathion, and temephos) and biochemical assays for esterase enzymes. RESULTS: Most larval populations reared at 28 ± 2ºC were susceptible to fenthion (>98% mortality) but resistant to malathion and temephos (< 80% mortality). A positive association was found between resistance to OP insecticides and increased activities of α- and β-esterases in larval populations reared at 28 ± 2ºC. Although larval populations reared at higher temperatures showed variations in resistance to OPs, there was a general increase in susceptibility. However, increases or decreases in activity levels of enzymes did not always correspond with an increase or decrease in the proportion of resistant individuals reared at higher temperatures. CONCLUSIONS: Although global warming may cause an increase in dengue transmission, based on the current results, the use of insecticides for dengue prevention and control may yet be effective if temperatures increase as projected.

OBJETIVO: Examinar los efectos del aumento de las temperaturas de desarrollo larvario sobre el estado de resistencia a los insecticidas organofosforados de las poblaciones de Aedes aegypti en Trinidad. MÉTODOS: En 2007 y 2008 se llevaron a cabo ensayos biológicos y bioquímicos en larvas de A. aegypti recogidas en el 2006 de ocho áreas geográficamente separadas en Trinidad (Trinidad y Tabago). Las poblaciones larvarias se desarrollaron en cuatro temperaturas (28 ± 2 ºC, 32 ºC, 34 ºC y 36 ºC) antes de los ensayos biológicos con insecticidas organofosforados (fentión, malatión y temefós) y los análisis bioquímicos para las enzimas de esterasa. RESULTADOS: La mayoría de las poblaciones larvarias que se desarrollaron a 28 ± 2 ºC fueron susceptibles al fentión (mortalidad > 98%) pero resistentes al malatión y al temefós (mortalidad < 80%). Se encontró una asociación positiva entre la resistencia a los insecticidas organofosforados y la mayor actividad de αy β-esterasas en las poblaciones larvarias que se desarrollaron a 28 ± 2 ºC. Aunque las poblaciones larvarias que se desarrollaron a temperaturas mayores mostraron variaciones en la resistencia a los organofosforados, hubo un aumento general de la sensibilidad. Sin embargo, los aumentos o las disminuciones en los niveles de actividad de las enzimas no siempre se correspondieron con un aumento o disminución en la proporción de individuos resistentes desarrollados a las temperaturas más altas. CONCLUSIONES: Aunque el recalentamiento del planeta puede causar un aumento de la transmisión del dengue, según los resultados de este estudio el uso de insecticidas para la prevención y el control del dengue todavía puede ser eficaz si las temperaturas aumentan según lo proyectado.

The control of hookworm disease in Commonwealth Caribbean countries.

Like other countries around the globe where conditions existed for the parasites causing hookworm disease to thrive, this disease was a serious problem to settlers in countries of the Commonwealth Caribbean, i.e. those countries that were formerly part of the British Empire. Early in the 20th century, the Rockefeller Foundation (RF) assisted the southern United States in controlling this disease. Soon other countries requested assistance and the Rockefeller Foundation responded by creating their International Health Commission to target the problem. Guyana (then British Guiana) was the first country where work was started. Through a system of chemotherapy, sanitation with the provision of latrines and health education the RF assisted the Commonwealth Caribbean countries during the period 1914-1925 in controlling the disease. Most countries continued the programmes started by the Rockefeller Foundation and this paper provides evidence through a series of surveys to show that hookworm disease is no longer a public health problem.

Characterization of insecticide resistance in Trinidadian strains of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

Bioassays and biochemical assays were conducted on eight Trinidadian strains of Aedes aegypti larvae to determine the involvement of biochemical mechanisms in resistance to insecticides. Larval strains were assayed to dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), bendiocarb, temephos and permethrin, using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) time-mortality bioassay method. A Resistance Threshold (RT) was calculated for each insecticide in relation to the CAREC reference susceptible Ae. aegypti strain and larval strains with <80% mortality were considered to be resistant. Biochemical assays were performed to determine the activities of nonspecific esterases (α- and ß-), PNPA-esterases, mixed function oxidases (MFO), glutathione-S-transferases (GST) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzymes which are involved in insecticide resistance in mosquitoes. Enzyme profiles of each strain were compared with those of the CAREC reference susceptible strain by Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's multiple comparison tests (p<0.05). The CAREC 99th percentile was calculated for each enzyme and the percentage of individuals with enzyme activities above that of the CAREC 99th percentile was calculated. Activities were classified as unaltered (<50%), incipiently altered (15-50%) or altered (>50%) for each strain. The established RTs for permethrin and bendiocarb were 30 and 75 min, respectively; and 120 min for DDT and temephos. All strains were resistant to DDT (1.00-40.25% mortality) and temephos (11.50-74.50% mortality) while six strains were resistant to bendiocarb (51.50-78.50% mortality) and five to permethrin (6.50-42.50% mortality). Biochemical assays revealed that the median activity levels for all enzymes varied significantly (p<0.05). The Curepe strain had incipiently altered levels of α-esterase while the other seven strains had altered activity with five of them registering 100%. The St Clair strain showed altered activity levels of ß-esterase while three strains had incipiently altered levels. The majority of strains had altered activity of MFO enzymes but only the St Clair strain showed altered activity of GST. PNPA-esterases activity was unaltered in all strains and only the Haleland Park strain showed altered remaining AChE activity in the presence of propoxur. Elevated levels of enzymes (incipiently altered or altered), except in the case of PNPA-esterases, show that biochemical resistance may play an important role in the manifestation of insecticide resistance in Trinidadian populations of Ae. aegypti. It is therefore important for insecticide resistance surveillance to be ongoing as the detection of resistance before it spreads throughout an entire population makes it possible for early intervention.

Organophosphate resistance in Trinidad and Tobago strains of Aedes aegypti.

Aedes aegypti larvae from 8 sites in Trinidad and 1 in Tobago were assayed against temephos, malathion, and fenthion using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention time-mortality-based bioassay method. Resistance ratios (RRs) and resistance thresholds (RTs) for each insecticide were calculated in relation to the Caribbean Epidemiology Center reference susceptible strain. Results showed that the Haleland Park and Tobago strains were susceptible to fenthion and malathion, respectively (RRs < 1), while the San Fernando strain had a high RR (33.92) to malathion. All other strains had low-level resistance to fenthion and malathion. Resistance to temephos was more intense with 4 strains showing high-level resistance. The established RT was 60 min for fenthion, 75 min for bendiocarb, and 120 min for temephos and malathion. At the RTs, all Trinidad strains were resistant to temephos (11.50-74.50% mortality), 7 resistant to fenthion (21.25-78.75% mortality), and 5 resistant to malathion (56.25-77.50% mortality). The other strains were incipiently resistant (80-97% mortality). Despite the discrepancies between the RR levels and RT status, it is evident that the organophosphate insecticide resistance is prevalent in Trinidad and Tobago populations of Ae. aegypti. These results suggest that operational failure could soon occur and alternative strategies should be developed and implemented to reduce the probability of further selection pressure on resistant Ae. aegypti populations in Trinidad and Tobago.

Relative importance of the various environmental sources of Cryptosporidium oocysts in three watersheds.

This study was conducted to guide the prioritisation of efforts to manage Cryptosporidum contamination of drinking water supplies in Trinidad, W.I. The main objective was to investigate the relative importance of three main types of sources of Cryptosporidium oocysts: urban, agriculture and wildlife. Weekly surface water samples were collected from 19 sites distributed among three watersheds, and examined for the presence of oocysts. A stratified random sampling design was used with each watershed representing one of the three main sources of oocysts listed above. Results showed a significant association between watershed and the occurrence of positive samples (chi(2)=16.523, d.f. =2, p = 0.000), indicating that land use influenced the presence of oocysts. Urban and forested lands were the two most important sources of oocysts. There was no apparent association between agriculture and the presence of oocysts, and there was no significant difference between the percentage of positive samples at sites below agricultural facilities and sites not associated with agriculture within a single watershed (chi(2)=2.45, d.f. =1, p = 0.117). We conclude that urban and wildlife are the main types of sources of Cryptosporidium contamination of surface water, whereas the contribution of agriculture is minor.

Evidence for the interruption of transmission of lymphatic filariasis among schoolchildren in Trinidad and Tobago.

This study was carried out to provide some evidence for the interruption of transmission of lymphatic filariasis (LF) among schoolchildren in Trinidad and Tobago. A cross-sectional survey for LF antigenaemia was performed among 63 (13.2%) of the 479 primary schools located in eight administrative (and geographical) regions of Trinidad and Tobago. From these communities, 2597 schoolchildren aged 6-12 years were sequentially selected for a survey of bancroftian antigenaemia. From each child, 100 microl (finger-prick) whole blood sample was applied to a Binax immunochromatographic card test (ICT), and read for the presence of antigenaemia. The ICT results showed a negative finding for LF antigenaemia and suggest that LF transmission has been interrupted in the survey areas.

Short communication: concomitant malaria and filariasis infections in Georgetown, Guyana.

Lymphatic filariasis and malaria are endemic in Guyana, South America. To determine the prevalence of concomitant infections, we conducted a 1-year survey of febrile patients attending the malaria (day) and filariasis (night) clinics in Georgetown. In all, 1278 thick blood smears were collected: 769 for filariasis, of which 103 were positive for Wuchereria bancrofti, and three for both W. bancrofti and malaria parasites; and 509 for malaria, 21 of which tested positive for malaria and 17 for both malaria and filariasis. The age groups and sex of the infected persons with malaria and W. bancrofti are described. These results suggest that the incidence of concomitant infections in Guyana may be quite low but efforts should be made to reduce the disease burden in Georgetown, Guyana.

Short communication: concomitant malaria and filariasis infections in Georgetown, Guyana

Lymphatic filariasis and malaria are endemic in Guyana, South America. To determine the prevalence of concomitant infections, we conducted a 1-year survey of febrile patients attending the malaria (day) and filariasis (night) clinics in Georgetown. In all, 1278 thick blood smears were collected; 769 for filariasis, of which 103 were positive for Wucheria bancrofti, and three for both W. bancrofti and malaria parasites; and 509 for malaria, 21 of which tested positive for malaria and 17 for both malaria and filariasis. The age groups and sex of the infected persons with malaria and W. bancrofti are descibed. These results suggest that the incidence of concomitant infections in Guyana may be quite low but efforts should be made to reduce the disease burden in Georgetown, Guyana (AU)

Seroprevalence of toxocariasis in schoolchildren in Trinidad.

The seroprevalence of toxocariasis was investigated in 1997/98 in 1009 schoolchildren (aged 5-12 years) throughout Trinidad. Infection, as measured by titre, was found to be high compared to values obtained from children in other countries. Using an excretory-secretory antigen and performing an ELISA test, it was found that 62.3% of children had an IgG antibody titre of > or = 1:100, indicating exposure to the parasite, while 27.2% had a titre of > or = 1:800, indicating a current or recent infection. Relationships were explored between seroprevalence and host factors including age, sex, school location, and other risk factors including geophagia, thumb-sucking, presence of other gastrointestinal-tract parasitism and pet ownership. There was no significant relationship between age and the presence of current or recent infection (P = 0.746). Boys were significantly more commonly infected than girls as were the attendees of rural schools versus urban schools (P < 0.001). The percentage of seropositivity among children varied widely from school to school. Pet ownership and the absence of pipe-borne water in the household were found to be significantly associated with positive serology (P < 0.05). Clinical symptoms mostly associated with positive serology were eczema, seizures and chronic cough. Recommendations derived from this study include health education in order to increase the public awareness on the transmission of the disease, de-worming all dogs and cats periodically and the curbing of stray dogs and cats. Environmental sanitation measures should include keeping children away from contaminated areas and practising proper hygiene after play.

Lymphatic filariasis in the Caribbean region: the opportunity for its elimination and certification

In order to support the case for a certification of elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF) in some Caribbean countries, we compared the prevalence of circulating Wucheria bancrofti antigen in communities in Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad. For the study, we assayed school children in six communities in Guyana, five communities in Suriname, and three communities in Trinidad for the prevalence of circulating W. bancrofti antigen, using a new immunochromatographic test for LF. We also assayed adults in these three countries, with a special focus on Blanchisseusse, Trinidad, where mass treatment for LF elimination had been carried out in 1981. The prevalence of W. bancrofti circulating antigen found in the school children populations ranged from 1.7 percent to 33.2 percent in Guyana and were .22 percent overall in Suriname and 0.0 percent in Trinidad. Among adults in two Guyana communities the prevalences were 16.7 percent and 32.1 percent. The results were all negative from 211 adults in communities in the north, center, and south of Trinidad, as well as from 29 adults in Suriname. The data suggest that contrary to reports of LF endemicity from the World Health Organization, LF may no longer be present in Trinidad and may be of very low prevalence in Suriname. Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean nations proven negative could seek to be awarded a certificate of LF elimination. In Suriname the small localized pocket of infected persons who may serve as a reservoir of LF infection could be tested and appropriately treated to achieve LF elimination. Such LF-positive countries as Guyana should access new international resources being made available for LF elimination efforts. An adequate certification program would help identify which countries should seek the new LF elimination resources (AU)

Lymphatic filariasis in the Caribbean region: the opportunity for its elimination and certification

In order to support the case for a certification of elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF) in some Caribbean countries, we compared the prevalence of circulating Wuchereria bancrofti antigen in communities in Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad. For the study, we assayed school children in six communities in Guyana, five communities in Suriname, and three communities in Trinidad for the prevalence of circulating W. bancrofti antigen, using a new immunochromatographic test for LF. We also assayed adults in these three countries, with a special focus on Blanchisseuse, Trinidad, where mass treatment for LF elimination had been carried out in 1981. The prevalences of W. bancrofti circulating antigen found in the school children populations ranged from 1.7 to 33.2 in Guyana and were 0.22 overall in Suriname and 0.0 in Trinidad. Among adults in two Guyana communities the prevalences were 16.7 and 32.1. The results were all negative from 211 adults in communities in the north, center, and south of Trinidad, as well as from 29 adults in Suriname. The data suggest that contrary to reports of LF endemicity from the World Health Organization, LF may no longer be present in Trinidad and may be of very low prevalence in Suriname. Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean nations proven negative could seek to be awarded a certificate of LF elimination. In Suriname the small localized pocket of infected persons who may serve as a reservoir of LF infection could be tested and appropriately treated to achieve LF elimination. Such LF-positive countries as Guyana should access new international resources being made available for LF elimination efforts. An adequate certification program would help identify which countries should seek the new LF elimination resources

Lymphatic filariasis in the Caribbean region: the opportunity for its elimination and certification

In order to support the case for a certification of elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF) in some Caribbean countries, we compared the prevalence of circulating Wuchereria bancrofti antigen in communities in Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad. For the study, we assayed school children in six communities in Guyana, five communities in Suriname, and three communities in Trinidad for the prevalence of circulating W. bancrofti antigen, using a new immunochromatographic test for LF. We also assayed adults in these three countries, with a special focus on Blanchisseuse, Trinidad, where mass treatment for LF elimination had been carried out in 1981. The prevalences of W. bancrofti circulating antigen found in the school children populations ranged from 1.7 to 33.2 in Guyana and were 0.22 overall in Suriname and 0.0 in Trinidad. Among adults in two Guyana communities the prevalences were 16.7 and 32.1. The results were all negative from 211 adults in communities in the north, center, and south of Trinidad, as well as from 29 adults in Suriname. The data suggest that contrary to reports of LF endemicity from the World Health Organization, LF may no longer be present in Trinidad and may be of very low prevalence in Suriname. Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean nations proven negative could seek to be awarded a certificate of LF elimination. In Suriname the small localized pocket of infected persons who may serve as a reservoir of LF infection could be tested and appropriately treated to achieve LF elimination. Such LF-positive countries as Guyana should access new international resources being made available for LF elimination efforts. An adequate certification program would help identify which countries should seek the new LF elimination resources

A case control study of dengue fever cases in Trinidad in 1997 - Poster abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether or not persons who have been directly affected by dengue fever (DF) in Trinidad in 1997, were made more aware of the disease and developed behaviour patterns that prevented vector production. DESIGN AND METHODS: The study was a matched case control investigation. Cases were persons who were clinically diagnosed with DF and were matched with the cases on residence. A knowledge, attitude, practice and behaviour (KAPB) survey was done using a questionnaire. An entomological survey was done and oviposition traps placed on each premise to detect the presence of gravid Ae aegypti mosquitoes. The study was carried at the beginning of the wet season between June and July 1998. RESULTS: Knowledge of dengue symptoms was higher in the case than the control group. CONCLUSION: Awareness of the disease was higher in cases than controls but this knowledge did not translate into preventive action or significant expected behaviour change. There was therefore no significant differences in attitudes, practices and behaviour between persons who were directly affected by DF and those who were not.(AU)

A pilot evaluation of impact of school children's anti-dengue/Aedes aegypti environmental Sanitation Competitions on mosquito production in home communities - Poster abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine if children's knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) with respect to dengue prevention and control in the school environment had any impact on the prevention of mosquito production practices at home. DESIGN AND METHODS: A case-control study was designed to compare the mosquito production behaviour of two school populations, the Mt Lambert Roman Catholic (RC) and the Barataria Anglican (AC) schools. The former successful in the environmental sanitation (ES) competitions while the latter, the control school, was never a part of the competitions. Thirty students, aged 7-13 years, were randomly selected from each school and interviewed to assess their KAP in relation to dengue fever (DF). A visit was made to 50 percent of the children's homes where the parents were also interviewed. In addition, a survey was conducted to identify potential and actual Ae aegypti habitats and enhanced oviposition traps placed at each home. RESULTS: Awareness of DF and its vector was high among both sets of children. All students at Mt. Lambert RC school reported practising source reduction in their homes. A positive change in behaviour was noticed by 87 percent of them in their family members. Knowledge among parents was also very high. No parent from Mt Lambert admitted to receiving DF control information from their children, whereas 33 percent from Barataria said otherwise. Inspection of premises yielded 612 containers in Mt. Lambert and 275 in Barataria. Ovitraps were positive in 33 percent of Mt Lambert and 40 percent of Barataria homes. CONCLUSION: Mt Lambert students although sensitized by the ES competitions did not have a distinct advantage over the non-sensitized Barataria students. High knowledge levels in parents could not be attributed to their children. Knowledge had little or no impact on practices as indicated by the potentially large number of Ae aegypti breeding habitats.(AU)

Seroprevalence of Toxocara infections in children in Trinidad: effects of infection on cognitive skills

OBJECTIVE: To determine the seroprevalence of Toxocara infections and their effects on cognitive skills in children. DESIGN AND METHODS: Serum specimens from 1009 students from 27 primary schools in Trinidad were tested by the ELISA method for the presence of antibodies to Toxocara using an excretory-secretory antigen. Students having a titre of > or = 1:800 as well as matched controls were administered with the school achievement test to measure cognitive skills. Relationships between seroloprevalence and host factors were explored using information obtained via a questionnaire. RESULTS: Overall seroprevalence was 62.3 percent while prevalence indicative of current or recent infection (> or = 1:800) was 27.2 percent. There was no significant relationship between age and the presence of infection. Males were significantly more commonly infected than females as were attendees of rural schools. Pet ownership and the absence of pipe-borne water in the house were significantly associated with positive serology (P<0.05). Measurement of cognitive skills by the school achievement test showed that children with positive serology had lower scores (P<0.001) than age- and sex-matched controls with negative serology. CONCLUSION: The high level of infection indicated by earlier though limited studies in Trinidad was confirmed. It is recommended that the public should be educated on the transmission of disease and all dogs and cats should be periodically dewormed and environmental sanitation measures should include children away from contaminated areas.(AU)

Concomitant malaria and filariasis infections in Georgetown, Guyana

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of concomitant malaria and bancroftian filariasis among febrile patients in Georgetown, Guyana, South America. METHODOLOGY: From January to December 1997, all patients visiting the Georgetown Malaria and Filariasis Clinics were enrolled in the study. At the Filariasis Clinic, nocturnal thick blood smears prepared from blood taken between 8:00 pm and 12:00 midnight were dried and stored overnight. At the Malaria Clinic, thick blood smears were taken during the period 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, representing the diurnal study. All slides were stained using the standard Giemsa protocol and microscopically examined for the presence of filariasis and malaria. RESULTS: Of 1,267 persons, 83 percent were of African descent, 10 percent were of East Indian descent, and 7 percent were mixed or of other ethnic origins. Sixty-one per cent (769/1267) of smears were prepared from nocturnal blood samples whereas 509/1267 (40 percent) were diurnal samples from the Malaria Clinic. One hundred and three of 769 nocturnal blood smears were positive for only W bancrofti and 3 smears contained mixed infections, W bancrofti and malaria parasites. Only 21/509 diurnal blood smears had malaria parasites while 17 persons had both malaria and microfilaria parasites. CONCLUSION: The 20 cases of concomitant infection of malaria and bancroftian filariasis in this study may represent the first report of the occurrence of this phenomenon in Guyana.(AU)