Exposure of pelagic seabirds to Toxoplasma gondii in the Western Indian Ocean points to an open sea dispersal of this terrestrial parasite.

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that uses felids as definitive hosts and warm-blooded animals as intermediate hosts. While the dispersal of T. gondii infectious oocysts from land to coastal waters has been well documented, transmission routes to pelagic species remain puzzling. We used the modified agglutination test (MAT titre ≥ 10) to detect antibodies against T. gondii in sera collected from 1014 pelagic seabirds belonging to 10 species. Sampling was carried out on eight islands of the Western Indian Ocean: Reunion and Juan de Nova (colonized by cats), Cousin, Cousine, Aride, Bird, Europa and Tromelin islands (cat-free). Antibodies against T. gondii were found in all islands and all species but the great frigatebird. The overall seroprevalence was 16.8% [95% CI: 14.5%-19.1%] but significantly varied according to species, islands and age-classes. The low antibody levels (MAT titres = 10 or 25) detected in one shearwater and three red-footed booby chicks most likely resulted from maternal antibody transfer. In adults, exposure to soils contaminated by locally deposited oocysts may explain the detection of antibodies in both wedge-tailed shearwaters on Reunion Island and sooty terns on Juan de Nova. However, 144 adults breeding on cat-free islands also tested positive. In the Seychelles, there was a significant decrease in T. gondii prevalence associated with greater distances to cat populations for species that sometimes rest on the shore, i.e. terns and noddies. This suggests that oocysts carried by marine currents could be deposited on shore tens of kilometres from their initial deposition point and that the number of deposited oocysts decreases with distance from the nearest cat population. The consumption of fishes from the families Mullidae, Carangidae, Clupeidae and Engraulidae, previously described as T. gondii oocyst-carriers (i.e. paratenic hosts), could also explain the exposure of terns, noddies, boobies and tropicbirds to T. gondii. Our detection of antibodies against T. gondii in seabirds that fish in the high sea, have no contact with locally contaminated soils but frequent the shores and/or consume paratenic hosts supports the hypothesis of an open-sea dispersal of T. gondii oocysts by oceanic currents and/or fish.

Molecular and epidemiological investigation of a colistin-resistant OXA-23-/NDM-1-producing Acinetobacter baumannii outbreak in the Southwest Indian Ocean Area.

Dual resistance to colistin and carbapenems is a milestone reached by certain extensively-drug resistant (XDR) Gram-negative bacteria. This study describes the first outbreak of XDR colistin- and carbapenem-resistant OXA-23-/NDM-1-producing Acinetobacter baumannii (CCRAB) in the European overseas territory of Reunion Island (France, Indian Ocean). Between April 2019 and June 2020, 13 patients admitted to the University Hospital of Reunion Island were involved in the outbreak, of whom eight were infected and six died. The first case was traced to a medical evacuation from Mayotte Island (Comoros archipelago). An epidemiological link could be established for 11 patients. All of the collected CCRAB isolates showed the same resistance profile and co-produced intrinsic ß-lactamases OXA-69 and ADC-191, together with acquired carbapenem-hydrolysing ß-lactamases OXA-23 and NDM-1. A mutation likely involved in colistin resistance was detected in the two-component system PmrAB (D82N in PmrA). All of the isolates were found to belong to STPas1/STOx231 clonal complex and were phylogenetically indistinguishable. Their further characterization by whole-genome sequence analyses (whole-genome multi-locus sequence typing, single nucleotide polymorphisms) provided hints about the transmission pathways. This study pleads for strict application of control and prevention measures in institutions where the risk of imported XDR bacteria is high.

The Geographic Distribution, Venom Components, Pathology and Treatments of Stonefish (Synanceia spp.) Venom.

Stonefish are regarded as one of the most venomous fish in the world. Research on stonefish venom has chiefly focused on the in vitro and in vivo neurological, cardiovascular, cytotoxic and nociceptive effects of the venom. The last literature review on stonefish venom was published over a decade ago, and much has changed in the field since. In this review, we have generated a global map of the current distribution of all stonefish (Synanceia) species, presented a table of clinical case reports and provided up-to-date information about the development of polyspecific stonefish antivenom. We have also presented an overview of recent advancements in the biomolecular composition of stonefish venom, including the analysis of transcriptomic and proteomic data from Synanceia horrida venom gland. Moreover, this review highlights the need for further research on the composition and properties of stonefish venom, which may reveal novel molecules for drug discovery, development or other novel physiological uses.

External quality assessment of Rift Valley fever diagnosis in countries at risk of the disease: African, Indian Ocean and Middle-East regions.

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), an arbovirus belonging to the Phlebovirus genus of the Phenuiviridae family, causes the zoonotic and mosquito-borne RVF. The virus, which primarily affects livestock (ruminants and camels) and humans, is at the origin of recent major outbreaks across the African continent (Mauritania, Libya, Sudan), and in the South-Western Indian Ocean (SWIO) islands (Mayotte). In order to be better prepared for upcoming outbreaks, to predict its introduction in RVFV unscathed countries, and to run efficient surveillance programmes, the priority is harmonising and improving the diagnostic capacity of endemic countries and/or countries considered to be at risk of RVF. A serological inter-laboratory proficiency test (PT) was implemented to assess the capacity of veterinary laboratories to detect antibodies against RVFV. A total of 18 laboratories in 13 countries in the Middle East, North Africa, South Africa, and the Indian Ocean participated in the initiative. Two commercial kits and two in-house serological assays for the detection of RVFV specific IgG antibodies were tested. Sixteen of the 18 participating laboratories (88.9%) used commercial kits, the analytical performance of test sensitivity and specificity based on the seroneutralisation test considered as the reference was 100%. The results obtained by the laboratories which used the in-house assay were correct in only one of the two criteria (either sensitivity or specificity). In conclusion, most of the laboratories performed well in detecting RVFV specific IgG antibodies and can therefore be considered to be prepared. Three laboratories in three countries need to improve their detection capacities. Our study demonstrates the importance of conducting regular proficiency tests to evaluate the level of preparedness of countries and of building a network of competent laboratories in terms of laboratory diagnosis to better face future emerging diseases in emergency conditions.

Incidence of hepatitis A and hepatitis E viruses and norovirus and rotavirus in fish and shrimp samples caught from the Persian Gulf / [Incidência de vírus da hepatite A e hepatite E e norovírus e rotavírus em amostras de peixes e camarões capturados no Golfo Pérsico]

Foodborne viruses including hepatitis A virus (HAV), norovirus (NoV), rotavirus (RoV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) are easily transmitted through contaminated seafoods. The current research was done to assess the incidence of RoV, NoV GI and GII,hAV and hEV in fish and shrimp samples caught from the Persian Gulf, Iran. Three-hundred and twenty fish and shrimp samples were collected. The presence of foodborne viruses were assessed by the real-time PCR. Forty-nine out of 320 (15.31%) fish and shrimp samples were positive for foodborne viruses. Distribution of hAV, NoV GI and NoV GII amongst all studied samples were 0.93%, 5.93% and 8.43%, respectively. hEV and RoV viruses were not found in studied samples. Parastromateus niger and Scomberomorus commerson fish and Penaeus monodon shrimp were the most frequently contaminated samples. Simultaneous incidence of hAV and NoV GI and hAV and NoV GII were 0.31% and 0.93%, respectively. Distribution of foodborne viruses in samples collected through spring, summer, autumn and winter seasons were 14.28%, 9.33%, 11.76% and 24.44%, respectively. Findings revealed that the incidence of foodborne viruses was significantly associated with seafood species and also season of sampling.(AU)

Vírus transmitidos por alimentos, incluindo hepatite A (HAV), norovírus (NoV), rotavírus (RoV) e hepatite E (HEV) são facilmente transmitidos através de frutos do mar contaminados. Esta pesquisa foi realizada para avaliar a incidência de RoV, NoV GI e GII, hAV e hEV em amostras de peixes e camarões capturadas no Golfo Pérsico, Irã. Foram coletadas 300 amostras de peixes e camarões. A presença de vírus transmitidos por alimentos foi avaliada por PCR em tempo real. Quarenta e nove das 320 amostras de peixes e camarões (15,31%) foram positivas para vírus transmitidos por alimentos. A distribuição de hAV, NoV GI e NoV GII entre as amostras estudadas foi 0,93%, 5,93% e 8,43%, respectivamente. Os vírus hEV e RoV não foram encontrados nas amostras estudadas. Os peixes Parastromateus niger e Scomberomorus commerson e o camarão Penaeus monodon foram as amostras mais frequentemente contaminadas. A incidência simultânea de hAV e NoV GI, e hAV e NoV GII foi de 0,31% e 0,93%, respectivamente. A distribuição dos vírus transmitidos por alimentos nas amostras coletadas na primavera, verão, outono e inverno foi de 14,28%, 9,33%, 11,76% e 24,44%, respectivamente. Os resultados demonstram que a incidência de vírus transmitidos por alimentos foi significativamente associada às espécies de frutos do mar e também à época da amostragem.(AU)

A New Onchoproteocephalidean Cestode Species from the Spot-Tail Shark, Carcharhinus sorrah (Müller et Henle), in the Persian Gulf.

INTRODUCTION: Members of the onchoproteocephalidean genus Phoreiobothrium Linton, 1889 infect carcharhinid and sphyrnid sharks. Although the Persian Gulf harbors a rich fauna of sharks, the taxonomic diversity of Phoreiobothrium in this region has been explored little. A new species of Phoreiobothrium is herein described from Carcharhinus sorrah (Müller et Henle) off southern Iran. METHODS: Cestodes were isolated from the spiral intestine of Carcharhinus sorrah, fixed in 10% seawater-buffered formalin, and stored in 70% ethanol. For morphological examinations, worms were stained using acetic carmine; a subset was prepared for SEM. RESULTS: Phoreiobothrium sorrahcola n. sp. is the first record of the genus from C. sorrah and most closely resembles Phoreiobothrium rozatii Alijanpour Darvishi et Haseli, 2019 recently described from the Gulf of Oman. However, it differs from P. rozatii in its possession of the rectangular, rather than triangular, bothridia, a longer cephalic peduncle (878-1300 vs 466-841), the longer axial prongs of lateral and medial hooks (B 56-80 vs 43-52; B' 66-98 vs 46-62), and a greater maximum width of worm at level of scolex (302-415 vs 215-298). CONCLUSIONS: With the description of this new species, three species of Phoreiobothrium have been reported so far from the southern waters of Iran. Phoreiobothrium now includes 17 valid species infecting 16 shark species.

Incidence and prevalence of multiple sclerosis in persian gulf area: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is an unapprehended diversity in the epidemiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) in different geographical regions. In this study, for the first time, we systematically review the studies estimating the incidence and/or prevalence of MS in the Persian Gulf area. The goal is to obtain the overall incidence and prevalence of MS and elucidate the reasons for the geographical variation. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was carried out using MEDLINE and EMBASE through articles published between January 1985 and December 2018 on MS epidemiology in Persian Gulf countries including Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Search terms included 'Multiple sclerosis', 'Incidence', 'Prevalence', 'Epidemiology', 'Persian Gulf', 'Arabian Gulf' and name of each country. Only full-text articles published in English were included. All abstracts were considered and two trained reviewers evaluated the study quality using an assessment tool specifically designed for this study. RESULTS: 39 studies met the inclusion criteria. The mean age at disease onset varied in each country and the pooled mean age of onset was 23.11. The overall pooled MS incidence was 5.03/100,000 person-years (95% CI: 0.04 - 10.02). Prevalence was 39.31/100,000 (95% CI: 29.12 - 49.50) and the result of the meta-regression method showed that prevalence increased by 2.3% per year between 1985-2018 (p = 0.04). Quality scores ranged from 4/7 to 8/8. CONCLUSION: The prevalence and incidence of MS in the Persian Gulf region has gone through significant changes during the past decades. This study highlights the need for future studies of MS prevalence and incidence, which will further elucidate the possible etiologies leading to periodical and geographical variations in MS incidence.

The spread of mosquito-borne viruses in modern times: A spatio-temporal analysis of dengue and chikungunya.

Since the 1970s, mosquito-borne pathogens have spread to previously disease-free areas, as well as causing increased illness in endemic areas. In particular, dengue and chikungunya viruses, transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti and secondarily by Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, represent a threat for up to a third of the world population, and are a growing public health concern. In this study, we assess the spatial and temporal factors related to the occurrences of historic dengue and chikungunya outbreaks in 76 nations focused geographically on the Indian Ocean, with outbreak data from 1959 to 2009. First, we describe the historical spatial and temporal patterns of outbreaks of dengue and chikungunya in the focal nations. Second, we use a boosted regression tree approach to assess the statistical relationships of nations' concurrent outbreak occurrences and annual occurrences with their spatial proximity to prior infections and climatic and socio-economic characteristics. We demonstrate that higher population density and shorter distances among nations with outbreaks are the dominant factors that characterize both dengue and chikungunya outbreaks. In conclusion, our analysis provides crucial insights, which can be applied to improve nations' surveillance and preparedness for future vector-borne disease epidemics.

Five New Species of the Tapeworm Genus Anthocephalum (Rhinebothriidea: Anthocephaliidae) Parasitizing A Single Species of Indo-Pacific Stingray and A Revised Diagnosis of the Genus.

Five new species of the elasmobranch tapeworm genus Anthocephalum Linton, 1890 (Rhinebothriidea: Anthocephaliidae Ruhnke, Caira and Cox, 2015 ) are described from the mangrove whipray, Urogymnus granulatus (Macleay) from the Solomon Islands and northern Australia. Anthocephalum blairi n. sp., Anthocephalum gravisi n. sp., Anthocephalum haroldsoni n. sp., Anthocephalum mounseyi n. sp., and Anthocephalum ruhnkei n. sp. differ from one another and their congeners based on quantitative and qualitative features of the scolex and proglottid anatomy. Species boundaries recognized by these distinguishing morphological features are supported by a maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis based on combined 18S rDNA and 28S rDNA (D1-D3) sequence data showing the new species as independent lineages among 13 of the 18 species of Anthocephalum described to date. Several morphological features (the possession of columns of vitelline follicles that are interrupted by the ovary, a uterus that does not extend to the anterior margin of the proglottid but stops short in the anterior region of the field of testes, proximal surfaces of the marginal loculi covered with acicular filitriches only throughout, or with gladiate spinitriches and acicular filitriches throughout, and proximal bothridial surfaces with gladiate spinitriches and acicular filitriches) are collectively exhibited by the 5 new species and have not been documented previously in other species of Anthocephalum. The genus is herein amended to reflect these features. Additionally, the replacement name Anthocephalum centrurum ( Southwell, 1925 ) Ruhnke, 1994 is reinstated as the valid name for the type species of the genus, Anthocephalum gracile Linton, 1890 , with the latter being the junior secondary homonym of A. gracile ( Wedl, 1855 ) Ruhnke, 1994 . The description of these new species increases the number of valid species of Anthocephalum from 18 to 23.

Ultrastructural and molecular characteristics of Kudoa crenimugilis n. sp. infecting intestinal smooth muscle of fringelip mullet Crenimugil crenilabis in the Red Sea.

This study describes infection of intestinal smooth muscle in fringelip mullets Crenimugil crenilabis with Kudoa crenimugilis n. sp. Of 30 individuals sampled from the Red Sea off Saudi Arabia, 6 (20%) were infected. Ovoid plasmodia (279-412 × 157-295 µm) in the smooth muscle of the intestine were packed with only mature myxospores with 4 valves. Specifically, light and transmission electron microscopy revealed quadrate myxospores with 4 equal, rounded, spore valves uniting at thin delicate suture lines. The mature myxospores were 8 (7-9) µm long, 5.2 (5-6) µm thick and 7.8 (7-8) µm wide. The 4 polar capsules were equal-sized, elliptical to ovoid, and measured 5 (4-5) µm long and 2 (1.5-3) µm wide, possessing 2 filament coils. The sporoplasm was uninucleated and composed of a primary cell enveloping a secondary cell. The parasite had a significant histopathological impact since the developing plasmodia replaced normal muscle tissue and was associated with the myolysis of local muscle fibres and the inflammatory infiltration of lymphocytes and macrophages. The partial sequences of the 18S and 28S rDNA showed that K. crenimugilis n. sp. has the highest level of nucleotide similarity with K. ciliatae (98.46 and 94.11%, respectively) and K. cookii (97.51 and 92.11%, respectively), both of which have previously been reported from the intestines of their host fish. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that K. crenimugilis consistently clustered with these other 2 intestinal Kudoa species in a well-supported subclade, confirming the evaluative association between Kudoa species infecting the same organs.

Prevalence, management, and outcomes of familial hypercholesterolemia in patients with acute coronary syndromes in the Arabian Gulf.

BACKGROUND: Information on the epidemiology of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) in the Arabian Gulf region, which has an elevated rate of consanguinity and type II diabetes, is scarce. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of FH, its management, and impact on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) outcomes in a multicenter cohort of Arabian Gulf patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: Patients (N = 3224) hospitalized with ACS were studied. FH was diagnosed using the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network criteria. A composite endpoint of nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, transient ischemic attack, and mortality between the "probable/definite" and the "unlikely" FH patients was assessed after 1 year. Analyses were performed using univariate and multivariate statistical techniques. RESULTS: At admission, the proportion of "probable/definite", "possible", and "unlikely" FH in ACS patients was 3.7% (n = 119), 28% (n = 911), and 68% (n = 2194), respectively. Overall, 54% (n = 1730) of patients had diabetes, whereas 24% (n = 783) were current smokers. The "probable/definite" FH group was younger (50 vs 63 years; P < .001), had a greater prevalence of early coronary disease (38% vs 8.8%; P < .001), and previous statin use (87% vs 57%; P < .001) when compared with the "unlikely" FH group. After 1 year, the "probable/definite" FH cohort had worse lipid control (13% vs 23%; P < .001) and presented with a greater association with the composite ASCVD endpoint when compared with the "unlikely" FH group (odds ratio: 1.85; 95% confidence interval: 1.01-3.38; P = .047) after multivariable adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: In Arabian Gulf citizens, FH was common in ACS patients, was undertreated, and was associated with a worse 1-year prognosis.

Work-leave rotation pattern and incidence of offshore workplace injury.

Background: Studies on work-leave rotation pattern and work place injuries among offshore oil and gas workers have been few and limited to a 2- or 3-week rotation schedule. Aims: To examine incidence of workplace injury in relation to the duration of time into work rotation for extended work schedules up to 24 weeks. Methods: Six-year injury data on four offshore installations were extracted. Data were analysed for incidence of injury over time and relative risk using linear trend lines and regression. Results: In total, 311 injuries for 1302 workers were analysed, 39% with rotation schedule of 4 weeks work and 4 weeks rest, 27% 8 weeks work and 4 weeks rest, 23% 16 weeks work and 4 weeks rest and 10% 24 weeks work and 4 weeks rest. Incidence of injury decreased as duration of time into the work rotation increased, corrected for exposure, and this was statistically significant for all rotations in first 4 weeks (P < 0.01). Negative correlation between time offshore and injury was observed in all schedules and consistent for age groups, categories of work, shifts and severity of injury. There was no difference in relative risk of injuries between the four schedules, when corrected for exposure and occupational risk of injury. Conclusions: These results are at variance with previous studies, although no prior study has looked beyond 3-week rotation schedule. Longer offshore schedules are safely possible and this could help decrease manpower and logistics costs for oil and gas companies coping with unprecedented low oil prices.

Systematic review and health risk assessment of arsenic and lead in the fished shrimps from the Persian gulf.

The ingestion of heavy metals through contaminated seafood can causes significant outcomes on human health. In recent years, consume fishes and shrimps has increased in Iran, and several study about heavy metals content in fishes and shrimps from Persian Gulf were carried out to check their food safety. The aims of these systematic reviews and meta-analysis was to summarize the evidence on the relation of the intakes of Arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) levels, based on the origin and sub-groups of shrimp species consumed, Hence that we can estimate the risk of oral cancer induced by Pb and As in these groups of shrimp from the persian gulf. We carried out a search of all suitable studies published between 1995 and 2017 in Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed and Web of Science databases. Since the heterogeneity among studied was significant, we used the random effect model (REM) to perform meta-analysis of data. Data were obtained from 9 articles (14 studies), with 511 samples, and it was reported that pooled levels of As and Pb in the muscle shrimps were 1.37 (95% CI: 0.66-2.08 mg/kg d.w.) and 0.58 (95% CI: 0.33-0.82 mg/kg d.w.), respectively. This pooled levels in muscle shrimps were higher than safe dose reported on Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization guidelines (FAO/WHO). The rank order of shrimps species based on As was Panulirus homarus > Penaeus semisulcatus and for the Pb levels was Litopenaeus vannamei > Panulirus homarus > Fenneropenaeus indicus > Metapenaeus affinis. The lowest and highest risk levels of oral cancer, divided by consumers age groups, were respectively 45-54 (6.94E-04) and 15-24 (8.42E-04) for the Pb, and 45-54 (2.87E-01) and 15-24 (3.51E-01) for arsenic. Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) of Pb and As was higher than 10-4 and 10-3, respectively. All groups (age) of consumers are subject to the cancer risk of due to the consumption of shrimps contaminated by Pb and As, therefore, should be started a control plan for the reduction of the heavy metal bioaccumulation levels in shrimps of the Persian Gulf coupled to a capillary food safety communication.

Morphological and molecular characterization of selected species of Hysterothylacium (Nematoda: Raphidascarididae) from marine fish in Iraqi waters.

Hysterothylacium species are perhaps the most abundant and diverse group of marine ascaridoids; however, their life cycle and specific identification in larval stages in many parts of the world, particularly in Iraqi marine waters, have not been completely understood. In this study three members of the genus Hysterothylacium collected from Khor Abdulla in Iraq are morphologically described, genetically characterized and their relationship with other closely related taxa are compared and discussed. A new Hysterothylacium larval type in the fourth stage of development is described, and morphological and molecular evidence (based on the sequences of internal transcribed spacers) are provided for its distinction from previously known fourth-stage Hysterothylacium larval types. Based on the sequence data it is suggested that the new larval type, which herein was assigned as Hysterothylacium larval type XVI, is H. persicum which was previously reported from the close proximity in Bandar Abbas, Iran. In addition, two other taxa, including Hysterothylacium larval type XV and H. reliquens, have been found in the present study, for which new hosts are reported. This study provides some insights into the taxonomy and systematics of these parasites, not only in this region but also for similar studies elsewhere.

Emergence of melioidosis in the Indian Ocean region: Two new cases and a literature review.

Melioidosis is a disease caused by bacteria called B. pseudomallei. Infections can develop after contact with standing water. This disease can reach all the organs and especially the lungs. It is associated with a high mortality rate (up to 50%). Melioidosis is endemic in northern Australia and in Southeast Asia. Nevertheless, B. pseudomallei may be endemic in the Indian Ocean region and in Madagascar in particular, so clinicians and microbiologists should consider acute melioidosis as a differential diagnosis in the Indian Ocean region, in particular from Madagascar.

Population structure of the monogenean, Paramazocraes thrissocles (Mazocraeidae) on the gills of clupeoid fish, Thryssa mystax of Visakhapatnam coast, Bay of Bengal.

An investigation was undertaken on the population biology of the mazocraeid monogenean Paramazocreas thrissocles occurring on the gills of the engraulid fish Thryssa mystax at Visakhapatnam coast , Bay of Bengal. The influence of season and host size on the parasite population density and the dispersion pattern of the parasite in the host population were analysed. A distinct seasonal pattern in the prevalence and intensity to infection is noted with higher parasite loads prevailing during warmer summer months and very low or no infection during winter months. The heavy infections are found to be promoted by high temperatures prevailing during summer months coupled with high host density and the larger size of fish examined during this period. A positive correlation between host size and prevalence and mean intensity to infection with the monogenean was noted, larger fish often carrying heavy infections. Further the monogenean showed an aggregated distribution on the host population as evidenced by the low value of negative binomial parameter 'K'.

West Nile virus infection in horses, Indian ocean.

The circulation of West Nile virus (WNV) in horses was investigated in the Southwest Indian ocean. In 2010, blood samples were collected from a total of 303 horses originating from Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion and the Seychelles and tested for WNV-specific antibodies. An overall seroprevalence of 27.39% was detected in the Indian Ocean with the highest WNV antibody prevalence of 46.22% (95% CI: [37.4-55.2%]) in Madagascar. The age and origin of the horses were found to be associated with the WNV infection risk. This paper presents the first seroprevalence study investigating WN fever in horses in the Southwest Indian Ocean area and indicates a potential risk of infection for humans and animals. In order to gain a better understanding of WN transmission cycles, WNV surveillance needs to be implemented in each of the countries.

Determinants of outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases : the case of Chikungunya in Indian ocean, 2004-2007. / Facteurs d'émergence épidémique : étude du cas de l'épidémie de Chikungunya dans l'océan Indien en 2004-2007.

Emerging outbreaks of arboviroses are most often tied to the convergence of a set of factors which have physical and environmental, genetic and biological, ecological, social, political and economic origins. Thirteen out of these factors are known as main determinants of emerging infectious disease outbreaks. This paper assesses the role of these factors from exploring the Chikungunya outbreak which occurred in Indian Ocean in 2004-2007, as case study. Chikungunya is an alphavirus borne and transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.

L'émergence d'une épidémie d'arbovirose est le plus souvent liée à la convergence d'un ensemble de facteurs physiques et environnementaux, génétiques et biologiques, écologiques, sociaux, politiques et économiques, favorisant chacun l'adaptation du virus au vecteur et à l'hôte et le démarrage d'un processus épidémique. Cet article évalue le rôle de treize de ces facteurs cités comme contribuant à l'émergence d'épidémies de maladies infectieuses, à travers l'étude de l'épidémie de Chikungunya, un alphavirus transmis par Aedes aegypti et Aedes albopictus, survenue dans l'océan Indien en 2004-2007.

ZFAT gene variant association with multiple sclerosis in the Arabian Gulf population: A genetic basis for gender-associated susceptibility.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are useful genetic markers to investigate the onset of multiple sclerosis (MS). A genome wide association study identified 7 SNPs associated with interferon­ß therapy response, however, not with MS risk in a Spanish population. To investigate these findings in a different cohort, the 7 SNPs were investigated in an Arabian Gulf population. The SNPs were analyzed in 268 subjects (156 patients and 112 healthy volunteers) from the Arabian Gulf region using restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and KBioscience Competitive Allele Specific PCR genotyping methods. Associations between the SNPs and MS were investigated using logistic regression. The present study observed, for the first time, that in an Arabian Gulf population, the ZFAT rs733254 polymorphism (T>G) is a gender­specific risk marker for MS. ZFAT was associated with MS in women but not in men. The G variant was highly associated with the risk of MS [odds ratio (OR)=2.38 and 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.45­3.91); P=0.0014]. Whereas variant T was a significantly protective factor [OR=0.420 (95% CI, 0.25­0.69); P=0.0014, recessive model]. The findings of the present study provide a genetic basis for the gender­associated susceptibility to MS. In addition, this MS-associated rs733254 SNP may predict MS onset in females from the Arabian Gulf population.

Pelopscreadium aegyptense n. gen., n. sp. and Pelopscreadium spongiosum (Bray & Cribb, 1998) n. comb., (Digenea: Lepocreadiidae), each from disjunct populations of the Yellow boxfish, Ostracion cubicus Linnaeus (Ostraciidae).

Bianium spongiosum Bray & Cribb, 1998 (Lepocreadiidae), described from the yellow boxfish, Ostracion cubicus Linnaeus (Ostraciidae), off Lizard Island, Queensland, Australia, possesses a combination of the following three morphological features which distinguishes it from all the other species currently assigned to the genus: (1) large internal patches of large cells forming sponge-like pads we have termed "pelops"("pelop" sing.) laterally in the forebody extending from near the anterior extremity to about the level of the intestinal bifurcation rather than possessing a scoop; (2) ceca that reach to near the posterior extremity where they end blindly without ani; and (3) a vitellarium which is present laterally but not dorsal to the ceca. Based on this we propose the erection of Pelopscreadium n. gen. (Lepocreadiidae) with the assignment of B. spongiosum to this new genus as the type-species, Pelopscreadium spongiosum (Bray & Cribb, 1998) n. comb. Pelopscreadium aegyptense n. sp., also from the yellow boxfish but from the Red Sea off Sharm El-Naga, Egypt, is described as the second member of the new genus because it shares these three characteristics with P. spongiosum.