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M P Grobusch

Publications and source records attributed to M P Grobusch.

44 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Plasmodium falciparum: in vitro chloroquine susceptibility and allele-specific PCR detection of Pfmdr1 Asn86Tyr polymorphism in Lambarene, Gabon.

Plasmodium falciparum resistance to chloroquine has been described in many parts of the world particularly in Africa where malaria is endemic. High levels of chloroquine resistance in our study area, Lambarene-Gabon, has led to the use of an alternative regimen for treatment and prevention of P. falciparum infection. In this study, we examined the in vitro chloroquine sensitivity of 15 isolates from this area and assessed the prevalence of a putative chloroquine resistance associated Pfmdr1 polymorphism (Asn86Tyr) using a novel allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Only 4 of the isolates examined were chloroquine sensitive. The allele-specific PCR shows that all 15 isolates carried the variant (86Tyr) codon. Eleven of these were resistant to chloroquine suggesting a 73% agreement between chloroquine resistance phenotype and the point mutation. This molecular marker was examined in a further 73 Gabonese isolates, where 58 (79.5%) showed 86Tyr and 15 (20.5%) showed 86Asn. In all, 4 (4.5%) of the 88 isolates assessed carry both mutant and wild-type codons, suggesting mixed parasite populations. The incomplete agreement found between chloroquine resistance phenotype and Pfmdr1 (86Tyr) polymorphism would support the view that other genetic factors as well as Pfmdr1 may be involved in chloroquine resistance. While our results suggest a high prevalence of 86Tyr polymorphism in Lambarene, the Asp1246Tyr polymorphism (a point mutation which to date has only been associated with South American P. falciparum) seems to be absent in our study area.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Use of dipstick tests for the rapid diagnosis of malaria in nonimmune travelers.

BACKGROUND: Swift diagnosis of falciparum malaria in nonendemic areas is frequently complicated by lack of experience on the side of involved laboratory personnel. Diagnostic tools based on the dipstick principle for the detection of plasmodial histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP-2) (ICT Malaria P.f. (R)) and parasite-specific lactate-dehydrogenase (pLDH) (OptiMal(R)), respectively, have become available for the qualitative detection of falciparum malaria. METHODS: In order to evaluate currently available assays, a series of studies was conducted: sensitivity and specificity were evaluated by investigation of specimens from 231 febrile returnees from endemic areas, cross reactivity in patients with rheumatoid factor (RF) was assessed among 92 patients from a rheumatology unit, and the quality of dipstick self-use by febrile travelers was tested in Kenya. RESULTS: Whereas the test kit based on the detection of HRP-2 performed with a sensitivity of 92.5% and a specificity of 98.3%, the kit for the detection of pLDH showed a sensitivity of 88.5% and a specificity of 99.4%. Cross-reactions with sera positive for rheumatoid factor occurred in 6.6% with the ICT Malaria P.f.(R), and in 3.3% with the OptiMal(R) test. Only ICT Malaria P.f.(R) was tested for quality of self-use among travelers. This dipstick assay was performed successfully by 67 patients (68.4%), but 31 (31.6%) were unable to obtain a result. CONCLUSION: Dipstick tests have the potential of enhancing speed and accuracy of the diagnosis of falciparum malaria, especially if nonspecialized laboratories are involved. However, microscopical testing remains mandatory in every single patient with the possible diagnosis of malaria. Self-use of dipstick tests for malaria diagnosis by travelers should only be recommended after appropriate instruction and training, including a successful performance of the test procedure.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Imported schistosomiasis in Europe: sentinel surveillance data from TropNetEurop.

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is a major parasitic disease, increasingly imported into temperate climates by immigrants from and travelers to endemic areas. METHOD: To generate valid data on imported infectious diseases to Europe and to recognize trends over time, the European Network on Imported Infectious Diseases Surveillance (TropNetEurop) was founded in 1999. Three hundred and thirty-three reports of schistosomiasis were analyzed for epidemiologic and clinical features. RESULTS: Male patients accounted for 64% of all cases. The average age of all patients was 29.5 years. The majority of patients were of European origin (53%). Europeans traveled predominantly for tourism (52%). Main reasons for travel for people from endemic areas were immigration and refuge (51%) and visits to relatives and friends (28%). The majority of infections were acquired in Africa; 92 infections were clearly attributable to Schistosoma haematobium, 130 to Schistosoma mansoni, and 4 to Schistosoma intercalatum. Praziquantel was the only treatment used. No deaths were recorded. CONCLUSION: TropNetEurop sentinel provides valuable epidemiologic and clinical data on imported schistosomiasis to Europe.

Adolescent↗