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Biomedical subjects

C J Thomas

Publications and source records attributed to C J Thomas.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources
PubMed1977

Retention of bacteria in liquid films at agar surfaces.

The number of bacteria retained by agar dipslides immersed in bacterial suspensions was dependent solely on suspension population density and was unaffected by the nutrient status of the agar surface or liquid, disturbance of the liquid, or bacterial motility and chemotaxis.

Agar↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Local-scale variation in malaria infection amongst rural Gambian children estimated by satellite remote sensing.

We investigated local-scale variation in malaria transmission and infection in children within a continuous landscape by retrospective spatial analysis of entomological and clinical data collected during 1988 and 1989 in The Gambia, West Africa. Parasite prevalence was negatively correlated with vector abundance and exposure to malaria parasites in 10 villages where entomological surveillance had been carried out. Variation in bednet use did not explain this finding. Mosquito-breeding habitat was retrospectively mapped using 20-m spatial resolution multispectral SPOT satellite imagery from 1988. From these data we estimated by linear regression the risk of exposure to malaria parasites in 26 villages where clinical surveys of children had been made. As exposure increased, so did parasite prevalence; but at higher levels of exposure, parasite prevalence declined. Our findings demonstrate marked differences in exposure to malaria in villages over distances of less than 2 km from mosquito breeding sites and suggest that there are also large differences in immunity between neighbouring settlements.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Mapping and estimating the population at risk from lymphatic filariasis in Africa.

Lymphatic filariasis remains a major public health problem in Africa and is 1 of the World Health Organization's 6 diseases targeted for global eradication. However, no detailed maps of the geographical distribution of this disease exist, making it difficult to target control activities and quantify the population at risk. We hypothesized that the distribution lymphatic filariasis is governed by climate. The climate at sites in Africa where surveys for lymphatic filariasis had taken place was characterized using computerized climate surfaces. Logistic regression analysis of the climate variables predicted with 76% accuracy whether sites had microfilaraemic patients or not. We used the logistic equation in a geographical information system to map risk of lymphatic filariasis infection across Africa, which compared favourably with expert opinion. Further validation with a quasi-independent data set showed that the model predicted correctly 88% of infected sites. A similar procedure was used to map risk of microfilaraemia in Egypt, where the dominant vector species differs from those in sub-Saharan Africa. By overlaying risk maps on a 1990 population grid, and adjusting for recent population increases, we estimate that around 420 million people will be exposed to this infection in Africa in the year 2000. This approach could be used to produce a sampling frame, based on estimated risk of microfilaraemia, for conducting filariasis surveys in countries that lack accurate distribution maps and thus save on costs.

Africa↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Triazole therapy for mucocutaneous candidiasis in HIV-infected patients.

Mucocutaneous candidiasis, such as oropharyngeal candidiasis, esophageal candidiasis, and vulvovaginal candidiasis, are common problems in patients with HIV infection. These conditions adversely affect patient quality of life and morbidity status. New oral triazole agents provide improved treatment options for patients with these and other opportunistic fungal infections; however, the development of resistance in some Candida species poses new challenges. This article provides an overview of the diagnosis of mucocutaneous candidiasis, current treatment modalities, concomitant drug interactions, common adverse drug reactions, and the emergence of fungal resistance, and it suggests nursing interventions to maximize patient benefits from antifungal therapy.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗