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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

The epidemiologic transition to chronic diseases in developing countries: cardiovascular mortality, morbidity, and risk factors in Seychelles (Indian Ocean). Investigators of the Seychelles Heart Study.

The occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and related risk factors was evaluated in Seychelles, a middle level income country, as accumulating evidence supports increasing rates of CVD in developing countries. CVD mortality was obtained from vital statistics for two periods, 1984-5 and 1991-3. CVD morbidity was estimated by retrospective review of discharge diagnoses for all admissions to medical wards in 1990-1992. Levels of CVD risk factors in the population were assessed in 1989 through a population-based survey. In 1991-93, standardized mortality rates were in males and females respectively, 80.9 and 38.8 for cerebrovascular disease and 92.9 and 47.0 for ischemic heart disease. CVD accounted for 25.2% of all admissions to medical wards. Among the general population aged 35-64, 30% had high blood pressure, 52% of males smoked, and 28% of females were obese. These findings substantiate the current health transition to CVD in Seychelles. More generally, epidemiologic data on CVD mortality, morbidity, and related risk factors, as well as similar indicators for other chronic diseases, should more consistently appear in national and international reports of human development to help emphasize, in the health policy making scene, the current transition to chronic diseases in developing countries and the subsequent need for appropriate control and prevention programs.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

Dengue in the Seychelles.

Epidemics of dengue-like illness occurred in the Seychelles from December 1976 to April 1977 and from December 1978 to January 1979. Dengue 2 virus was isolated from individuals who had been in the Seychelles in 1977. From February to April 1979, sera were collected from outpatients in Mahé, Seychelles, who had not previously been hospitalized with a dengue-like illness. Results of neutralization tests with these sera indicated that prevalence rates for the four dengue viruses were between 81% and 91.8% and that dengue 2 was the most probable etiological agent in the epidemics. In addition, antibodies to chikungunya (8.7%) and Sindbis (7.4%) viruses were found, providing, for the first time, evidence of the presence of these two alphaviruses in the Seychelles.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

High prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in the Seychelles (Indian Ocean).

In recent years, increasingly high rates of cardiovascular diseases have been recorded in the Seychelles. A survey was performed to investigate the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in that population, which is shifting from its traditional habits to a westernized lifestyle. The Seychelles population is of predominantly black African origin. A sex- and age-stratified random sample of 1,309 subjects was drawn from 21,256 people aged 25-64 years. A response rate of 86% was achieved. The data showed a high prevalence of hypertension (25%) and cigarette smoking (54%) in men and a high prevalence of hypertension (20%) and obesity (21%) in women. Hypercholesterolemia (greater than 6.5 mmol/l) was found in 9% of men and 15% of women. High density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (mean +/- SD) were higher in men (1.42 +/- 0.49 mmol/l) than in women (1.36 +/- 0.34 mmol/l). High levels of lipoprotein(a) (mean +/- SD) were found both in men (319 +/- 362 mg/l) and women (328 +/- 415 mg/l). The high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors identified in the Seychelles indicates a pressing current need for effective preventive strategies.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

The Seychelles study of fetal methylmercury exposure and child development: introduction.

Studies of outbreaks of methylmercury poisoning in Japan and Iraq from consumption of methylmercury (MeHg)-contaminated fish or bread proved that brain was the target organ, the toxic effects were dose-related, and the fetal brain was especially susceptible. Previous population studies suggested that a 5% risk of minimal fetal effect may be associated with a maternal hair mercury concentration during pregnancy of 10-20 ppm (mu g/g), a level that can be readily achieved by frequent consumers of fish. However, these studies had limitations, and as a result no definite conclusion concerning the lowest effect level could be reached and the question of a possible hazard to public health remained unanswered. There was a clear need for a more definitive study that would be prospective, involve a large enough cohort for risk analysis and adhere to accepted epidemiological principles. An appropriate site for such a study is the Republic of Seychelles, a location that afforded successful collaboration between the Seychelles Ministry of Health and faculty of the University of Rochester. A pilot study of 804 infant-mother pairs was followed by a main study of 779 mother-infant pairs. In the pilot study children were examined once between 5 and 109 weeks of age; in the main study they are being evaluated longitudinally starting at 6 1/2 months of age. This paper introduces both the pilot and main studies, describes their design, and summarizes the findings through 6 1/2 months of age. When the Seychelles study is completed, the analyses will provide a database for those nations that choose to regulate their citizens' fish consumption and/or provide dietary education.

Child↗
PubMed1983

Mercury content of commercially important fish of the Seychelles, and hair mercury levels of a selected part of the population.

Mercury and methyl mercury concentrations were determined in the muscle of 12 of the most important commercial fish species found in Seychelles waters. The concentration of mercury in a few of the larger specimens of Kingfish (Acanthocybium solandri), Becune (Sphyraena forsteri), Carangue balo (Caranx gymnostethus), and Bonito (Euthynnus affinis) exceeded the provisional maximum permissible level of 1.0 mg/kg of total mercury established by the Food and Drug Administration (1979) in the United States. More than half of the Dogtooth tuna (Gymnosarda unicolor) examined exceeded this level with two fish having levels of 3.3 and 4.4 ppm. The hair mercury levels of fishermen and mothers and their newborn babies have been examined since the Seychelles population has one of the highest fish consumption figures in the world (80-100 kg per person per annum), much of it being predatory species.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Medicinal plants of Seychelles.

Plants are known to contain pharmacologically active substances. Traditional medical practitioners have considerable knowledge of herbal medicines. The Seychelles have many unique plants which have not been studied in depth. The people of Seychelles originate from diverse ethnic backgrounds which has resulted in a culture with a strong tradition of use of herbal medicines and consultation with traditional healers. Some of the plants and their use in traditional healing are outlined.

Cultural Characteristics↗
PubMed1987

Tropical spastic paraparesis in the Seychelles Islands: a clinical and case-control neuroepidemiologic study.

We confirmed the occurrence of endemic tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP) in the Seychelles. Most patients (14/21) were low-income black women. Mean age at onset was 42.8 years (range, 20 to 65). In 62%, onset and progression were slow. Complete paralysis developed in 8/21 (38%) after an evolution of 2 to 15 years. All patients had bilateral pyramidal signs. Loss of vibratory perception occurred in 6/21 (28%). A case-control study of putative risk factors failed to show significant differences. The clinical and epidemiologic features of TSP in the Seychelles appear to be similar to those described in other tropical countries.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Alcohol-related cardiomyopathy in the Seychelles.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency and features of alcohol-related cardiomyopathy in the Seychelles. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: The study was multifaceted investigation involving: a randomised cross-sectional survey of drinking habits in the general population; a cross-sectional survey of blood alcohol levels in patients admitted to hospital; a prospective case series of all consecutive patients hospitalised with alcohol-related cardiomyopathy; a retrospective review of medical records; and an analysis of volatile oils and trace metals in alcoholic drinks. SETTING: Data on drinking habits were obtained from a randomised sample of 1309 adults from the total population of the Seychelles (66,000). All clinical data were obtained from patients in the Victoria Hospital, which is the single reference hospital of the country. INTERVENTION: Hospitalised patients with alcohol-related cardiomyopathy were treated initially with vitamin B1 and/or diuretics. RESULTS: The survey of alcohol habits revealed that 75% of the male population were regular alcohol consumers, with 19% of men consuming more than 100 g of alcohol per day. The estimated annual consumption of alcohol per capita was 26.4 L for men and 3.5 L for women. The survey of blood alcohol levels showed that 28% of male and 13% of female patients had raised alcohol levels at hospital admission. Throughout 1989, 96 patients were diagnosed as having alcohol-related cardiomyopathy and 12 of these had beriberi. The majority of young patients responded with marked diuresis within four hours of a single administration of thiamine. Overall, one-third of all male medical admissions were due to alcohol-related disease. The pathological effects of alcohol consumption were detected in 47% of autopsies and in 20% there was evidence of alcohol-related cardiomyopathy. CONCLUSIONS: These findings confirm the high frequency of alcohol-related disease in general and cardiomyopathy in particular.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Leptospirosis in the Seychelles.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the incidence of leptospirosis in the Seychelles, identify its sources, review diagnostic features and assess complications. DESIGN: A prospective survey over a two-year period 1988-1990 of all cases diagnosed as having leptospirosis at Victoria Hospital, the main referral hospital for the Islands. RESULTS: Eighty cases were diagnosed on clinical grounds with serological confirmation in 58 (73%). Leptospira interrogans serovar icterohaemorrhagiae was identified in 27 (33%) and serovar autumnalis in 2 (3%), there was broad cross-reactivity in the other specimens. In a further 7 (9%), the diagnosis was confirmed at autopsy. Useful diagnostic aids were the finding of myalgia in 68 (85%) and a raised creatine phosphokinase (CPK) level in 61 (76%). CPK elevation was found to be a more reliable indicator of disease the earlier in the illness it was measured. Other important clinical signs are reviewed. Sixty (76%) were regular drinkers suggesting a relationship with home-brewed alcohol, 48 (60%) were in at-risk occupations; 13 (16%) deaths resulted. CONCLUSIONS: Leptospirosis in the Seychelles is likely to be rat borne. An annual incidence of 60 per 100,000 was found with significant mortality. Muscle tenderness and raised CPK levels were the most reliable early diagnostic aids.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Seroepidemiology of bancroftian filariasis in the Seychelles Islands.

Wuchereria bancrofti is the only human filarioid present in the Seychelles archipelago. The last parasitological survey carried out in Mahé revealed a microfilaraemia rate of 3.6%. Serum samples from 417 native individuals living in Mahé were tested for the presence of filarial antibodies by ELISA method, using crude soluble extract of Brugia pahangi adult worm as antigen. The results seem to show a proportion of the population (17%) has been exposed to W. bancrofti (with OD values greater than 0.5) and 7% (with OD greater than 0.7) have specific filarial antibodies. The pattern of distribution of antibody levels in the sample population studied strongly suggest that filariasis is still endemic in Seychelles (Mahé).

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Variability within the Seychelles cytoplasmic incompatibility system in Drosophila simulans.

In Drosophila simulans, we described a cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) system (Seychelles) restricted to insular populations that harbor the mitochondrial type SiI. Since then, these populations have been shown to be heterogeneous, some being infected by one Wolbachia genetic variant only (wHa), while others are infected simultaneously by wHa and by another variant (wNo) always found in association with wHa. We have experimentally obtained two D. simulans strains only infected by the wNo variant. This variant determines its own cytoplasmic incompatibility type. In particular, the cross between wNo-bearing flies and wHa-bearing ones is bidirectionally incompatible. The Seychelles CI type, stricto sensu, is distinguished by being determined by the simultaneous presence of two Wolbachia variants that we found to be mutually incompatible. In addition, we observed incomplete maternal transmission of the Wolbachia.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Human T-lymphotropic virus type I antibodies in the serum of patients with tropical spastic paraparesis in the Seychelles.

Tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP), a chronic myelopathy of unknown etiology, was studied in the Seychelles. Human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) and human immunodeficiency virus antibodies were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and confirmed with an indirect fluorescent antibody test in serum samples of 20 patients with TSP and 16 controls. Test results indicated that 17 patients (85%) and two controls (transverse myelopathy and clinically probable multiple sclerosis) were positive for HTLV-I. Serum samples of nine healthy controls and five with other neurologic diseases were negative for HTLV-I. No serum samples were positive for human immunodeficiency virus. Estimated relative risk for TSP in those subjects whose serum is positive for HTLV-I antibodies is 40. This result is highly statistically significant. Although primarily associated with adult T-cell leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, HTLV-I could also be an etiologic agent of TSP.

Adult↗
PubMed1980

Pediculus humanus capitis on children in Mahé, Seychelles.

The incidence of Pediculus humanus capitis infestation in pre-school and schoolchildren in Mahé, Seychelles, was investigated. High infestation rates were discovered, particularly in urban schoolchildren at district schools. Infestation in pre-schoolchildren increased with age. Girls were more infested than boys. Control of infestation will not be possible using only the child health service and the school health service. A combined approach is necessary based on the family unit.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1980

Birth weight of infants in The Seychelles.

In 1977, a retrospective survey was made of all singleton live births in one year at Victoria Hospital, Seychelles. The mean weight of male infants was 3105 (S.D. 526 g) and of female infants was 3019 (S.D. 498 g). Birth weight of females increased with maternal age and parity whilst males showed a peak birth weight at maternal age 21 to 30 years and at parity one to two.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Seroepidemiology of infection with hepatitis A virus and hepatitis B virus in the Seychelles.

A batch of 417 serum samples obtained from native-born subjects were tested for the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and corresponding antibody (anti-HBs), by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); and antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), e-antigen (anti-HBe), and hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV), by radioimmunoassay (RIA). HBsAg was found in only two of the 417 subjects studied. Anti-HBs was detected in 112 samples (26.8%), anti-HBc in 114 (27.3%) and anti-HBe in 31 samples (7.4%). Serologic evidence of a previous or present infection by hepatitis B virus (HBV) was found in 34.5% of the samples studied. Males showed a greater prevalence of anti-HBs and anti-HBc, while anti-HBe was more common in females; however, these differences were not significant. With regard to age, a significantly higher prevalence of anti-HBs (p less than 0.05), anti-HBc (p less than 0.025) and anti-HBe (p less than 0.025) was found in the older age groups. Anti-HAV antibodies were present in 90% of the subjects studied, with no variation between the sexes. The anti-HAV rate in the group under 20 years was similar to that found in the older age groups. The total infection rate of hepatitis B virus in the Seychelles is lower than in other tropical areas, HBs antigen/antibody ratio approaching that in temperate areas. Elucidation of the reasons for the low prevalence of hepatitis B virus carriers among the Sevchelles population requires further investigation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Prevalence of diabetes and obesity in the adult population of the Seychelles.

The prevalence of diabetes and obesity were assessed in an age- and sex-stratified sample of 1078 individuals living in Mahé, The Republic of Seychelles. Presence or absence of diabetes mellitus was assessed by measuring glucose concentration in fasting venous blood. Prevalence of obesity (standardized for age) was elevated five-fold in women compared with men (20.9 vs 4.2%). In women, it increased from 8.9% at age 25-34 years to 29.4% at age 35-44 years and plateaued thereafter, whereas it did not change with age in men. Prevalence of diabetes (standardized for age) was 3.4% for men and 4.6% for women. It increased markedly with age, from 0.0 and 0.8% at age 25-34 years to 8.8 and 13.4% at age 55-64 years in men and women, respectively. A strong association of diabetes with excess body weight was observed. Most cases of diabetes can be attributed to Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. Fifty-five percent of diabetic individuals were unaware of their disease at the time of the survey.

Adult↗