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PubMedDate not supplied

Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in the Austral archipelago, French Polynesia: identification of transmission patterns for the formulation of immunization strategies.

A sero-epidemiological survey of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in a randomly selected sample of 957 persons from the population of the Austral Island group in French Polynesia was conducted as a first step before developing an immunization programme strategy. Prevalence rates of HBsAg ranged from 3.09% to 27% in the different islands of the group with a weighted mean of 10.48%, while the prevalence rate for at least one marker ranged from 46.91% to 81.03% with a weighted mean of 64.12%. In the 0-11 months and 1-4 years age groups, 2.08% and 10.57%, respectively, of the children were HBsAg carriers. These findings, when compared to the mean population carrier rate of 10.48%, suggest that HBV transmission occurred mostly after the first year of life. The highest prevalence rate for HBeAg positivity was in the 5-19 years age group (more than 40% of the HBsAg carriers were HBeAg positive), suggesting that contagiousness was greatest in childhood and adolescence. HBsAg was found in 11.45% of women of child-bearing age and HBeAg in 19.09% of women positive for HBsAg. It is concluded that immunization of newborns and infants, using vaccine alone, should be the most effective strategy for reducing HBV infection in the Austral Islands archipelago.

Age Factors↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Dengue 1 epidemic in French Polynesia, 1988-1989: surveillance and clinical, epidemiological, virological and serological findings in 1752 documented clinical cases.

An epidemic of dengue 1 occurred in French Polynesia in December 1988 and June 1989. This paper records (i) the trend of the outbreak and its surveillance and (ii) the clinical, epidemiological and virological data obtained from 1752 documented cases. The epidemic reached its peak in February in Tahiti Island, 7 weeks after its recognition. Among 6034 suspect cases reported by sentinel physicians, 60.3% were < 20 years old. The illness was classical dengue. No fatality or case of dengue haemorrhagic fever/dengue with shock syndrome was reported. Of 4792 patients subjected to laboratory testing, 41% were confirmed as positive. The serological attack rate was c. 40%. The estimated number of dengue infections in the Windward Islands was about 20,000. Transmission was associated with Aedes aegypti. Study of documented cases showed a higher confirmation rate in both the civilian population < 15 years old (46.5%) and the susceptible French military population (47.6%) than in older civilians (31.1%, P < 0.05). Furthermore, primary dengue infections were predominant in both of the first 2 groups. The diagnosis was mostly confirmed (i) by virus isolation on day < 5 of illness and (ii) by detection of immunoglobulin (Ig) M on day > or = 5 of illness. The study showed that adequate surveillance of an epidemic requires both clinically and laboratory-based systems.

Dengue↗
PubMed1998

Parasite diversity/host age and size relationship in three coral-reef fishes from French Polynesia.

The parasite communities of three coral-reef fish species (Stegastes nigricans, Dascyllus aruanus and Cephalopholis argus) were on Tiahura reef, French Polynesia. The age and growth of each fish was analysed by otolith increment counts and a significant correlation between these variables was found. Stegastes nigricans was parasitised by six adult parasite species, D. aruanus by two adult parasite species and C. argus by five adult parasite species. The most common parasite species were found in all fish size classes. Ectoparasites showed a positive relationship between their abundance and host body length for all three reef fish species. A positive relationship was found only between host size and parasite abundance for common endoparasite species. Parasite species richness, Brillouin's diversity index, and host size and age were positively related. Finally, we discuss the influence of different biological (host diet, host immune response, parasite life-cycle) and ecological factors on parasite community structure in these three reef fishes. Host diet quality seems to be one of the major factors affecting the endoparasite community structure in these reef fishes. Ectoparasite communities seem to be influenced more by biological factors such as, for example, host immunity for the caligid larvae or parasite life-cycle for the gnathiid praniza larvae. In addition, the effect of ecological factors such as cleaning symbiosis on these ectoparasites cannot be dismissed.

Aging↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Control of bancroftian filariasis in an endemic area of Polynesia by ivermectin 400 micrograms/kg.

Community treatment with ivermectin was implemented in Opoa, French Polynesia from April 1991 to October 1993. All consenting inhabitants aged 3 years or more were treated with twice-yearly single doses of ivermectin, pregnant women excepted. A dosage of 100 microgram/kg was used for the 3 first treatments and then abandoned because it did not reduce the prevalence of microfilariae (mf) carriers. With a dosage of 400 micrograms/kg dosage, this prevalence decreased dramatically from 21% to 7%, and the mf level in carriers dropped to only 0.5% of its initial value after 3 treatments. The 400 micrograms/kg dosage was well tolerated and compliance was excellent. The twice-yearly single dose strategy with ivermectin at 400 micrograms/kg is safe and highly effective for filariasis control in an endemic area.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Plasma levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha and transforming growth factor beta-1 in children with dengue 2 virus infection in French Polynesia.

The pathogenesis of dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) is not well understood. In the absence of predictive clinical or biological criteria, the management of DHF patients remains difficult. The role played by cytokines in the occurrence of DHF has been suggested by several authors. In this study, we determined the plasma levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF beta-1) in 52 children with laboratory-confirmed dengue virus infection admitted to hospital during the recent dengue 2 outbreak in French Polynesia. Thirty-three children were classified as having dengue fever (DF) and 19 as DHF. The plasma of both DF and DHF patients contained similar levels of TNF alpha. By contrast, plasma obtained from children with DHF had significantly higher levels of TGF beta-1 than plasma from children with DF, especially from days 1 to 3 after the onset of fever.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Incidence of haematological malignancies in French Polynesia between 1990 and 1995.

To determine the incidence of haematological malignancies in French Polynesia from 1990 to 1995, we collected cases from the local cancer registry, sanitary evacuation files and all the histopathology and clinical biology laboratories. All leukaemias, non Hodgkin's lymphomas, and multiple myelomas incidence was slightly lower among French Polynesians than among Maoris from New-Zealand and Hawaiians of Hawaii. Standardised Incidence Ratio (SIR) for Hodgkin's disease among females was 0.08 when comparing to Hawaiians and 0.33 when comparing to Maoris. Other salient features were a high proportion of high grade and Burkitt's lymphoma, the absence of Hodgkin's disease after 40 years of age, a low incidence of chronic lymphoid leukaemia, and a high non lymphoblastic/lymphoblastic acute leukaemia ratio in childhood. This study stresses the peculiar incidence of some haematological malignancies in this south pacific area.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

[Zonation of macrobenthic communities along two bays in an insular coral reef ecosystem (Moorea, French Polynesia)].

Zonation of macrobenthic communities (corals, algae, molluscs, sponges and echinoderms) on fringing reefs was investigated in two bays in a coral reef ecosystem (Moorea, French Polynesia). Species richness, abundance and coral cover, and species richness of macroalgae increased from the bayhead to the bay entrance. For molluscs and sponges, no general trend was observed. Species richness and abundance of echinoderms increased from the head to the entrance of Opunohu Bay, but this trend was less pronounced in Cook Bay. The gradients observed for corals, macroalgae and echinoderms were correlated with one or several of the following abiotic factors: salinity, turbidity, concentration of silicates in surface waters, and concentrations of organic carbon, carbohydrates and amino acids in the sediments. These factors are associated with terrestrial run-off via river discharge that occurs at the bayheads, where the major river is located. The high degree of confinement in the bayheads allowed the establishment of only a few tolerant macrobenthic species. Although the low diversity and abundance of corals and echinoderms seem to be a characteristic of Polynesian bays, a high diversity of corals can be found in the vicinity of the bayheads in coral reefs of the western Pacific.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Significance of IgM titration by an immunoenzyme technic for the serodiagnosis and epidemiological surveillance of dengue in French Polynesia].

The usefulness of IgM antibody capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA-IgM) for the diagnosis of dengue was studied using several groups of sera. An attempt was made to detect IgM against each dengue serotype. Of 76 paired sera from patients with dengue type 4 infection, the diagnosis was confirmed by ELISA-IgM in 74: in 47 out of 49 primary dengue infections and in all 27 secondary dengue infections. It was possible to detect IgM in 15 of the acute sera of primary infections and in 16 of the acute sera of secondary infections. In 20 patients from whom only single serum with high haemagglutination-inhibition titre (greater than or equal to 640) was available, 18 were found positive for dengue IgM. Dengue infection was also confirmed in 10 patients with dengue type 1 and in 10 patients with dengue type 2. IgM was detected in 1 of the acute sera of patients with either dengue type 1 or dengue type 2 infection. In all cases in which IgM was detected, a positive response was obtained for the homologous antigen. ELISA-IgM on sequential serum samples from 7 proven cases of dengue type 4 revealed that antibody titres greater than or equal to 400 are reached early in the second week of the illness and persist for 60 days or more at a low level (titre less than 400). An attempt was made to obtain a type-specific presumptive diagnosis by analysing the relative titre against each of the 4 antigens. It was possible to make a diagnosis of dengue type 4 in 85% and 52% of IgM-positive responses in primary and secondary infections (p less than 0.01), respectively, using paired sera from patients with known dengue type 4 infection. ELISA-IgM was shown to be of interest in the diagnosis and surveillance of dengue in French Polynesia where dengue viruses are, presently, the only known flavivirus.

Antibodies, Viral↗
PubMed2002

[Isotopic composition of the delta-18O--delta-13C from the otoliths of reef fish from Taiaro (Tuamotu, French Polynesia): isotopic and biological implications].

Nuclei (larval stage) and outer parts (adult stage) of fish otoliths from the Taiaro closed lagoon (French Polynesia) and adjacent ocean have been analysed for the C-O isotopic compositions. delta 18O values of the nuclei of both populations indicate that isotopic equilibrium is reached. This implies that the lagoonal fish population has done its complete biological cycle in the lagoon and represents an adaptation in a closed system. delta 18O values of the outer parts show a slight isotopic disequilibrium (< 0.2@1000) interpreted in term of vital effect. All the delta 13C values exhibit a strong isotopic disequilibrium related to metabolic activity.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Cancer mortality in French Polynesia between 1984 and 1992.

A mortality study of French Polynesia in the period 1984-92, although limited by the small population living close to the test sites and the high proportion of deaths attributed to ill-defined causes, found no excess of cancer that could confidently be attributed to the 41 atmospheric test explosions in 1966-74. A study of cancer incidence is planned.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

[The specific epidemiological surveillance of dengue: the method and its importance since the dengue-2 epidemic in French Polynesia in 1996].

Dengue fever is present in tropical and subtropical regions and its geographical extension and the simultaneous increase of its mortality are worrisome. In endemic or epidemic countries, the aim of dengue-specific epidemiological surveillance is to confirm as soon as possible the circulation of a new viral dengue serotype, i.e. the beginning of an epidemic. The efficiency of the control strategy is improved by an earlier epidemic alert. In French Polynesia, dengue-3 virus circulated since 1989 at low level and, in May 1996, a specific epidemiological surveillance was undertaken because of the threat of a dengue-4 epidemic. From each suspected dengue case reported by 18 Polynesian physicians located in the Société Islands, a blood sample was taken for virological assay and clinical data were reported. Between May and November 1996, the virology unit of the Institut Malardé isolated 21 viruses (2 dengue-3 and 19 dengue-2) from 302 suspected cases. The dengue-specific epidemiological surveillance confirmed that dengue-2 virus was circulating and reduced the time of the epidemiological alert by 2 or 3 months compared to previous epidemics. Taking into account the day of illness, a logistic regression undertaken on the clinical data showed that the absence of cough was the only predictive sign of dengue diagnosis. The performance of this dengue-specific epidemiological surveillance system led us to consider its implementation in all concerned countries. A collaboration with international reference laboratories could be a solution for the developing countries.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Changing clinical and biological manifestations of dengue during the dengue-2 epidemic in French Polynesia in 1996/97--description and analysis in a prospective study.

In August 1996 dengue-2 virus was detected in French Polynesia for the first time since 1976. A prospective study was conducted from November 1996 to April 1997. Each time one of 7 physicians suspected dengue, the patient was enrolled and epidemiological, clinical and biological data were recorded. Dengue diagnosis was confirmed by virus isolation and IgM detection. The aims of this study were to find clinical and biological predictive factors constituting a specific profile of dengue (DF) and dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF/DSS) and to assess the possibility of diagnosing dengue at primary health care level using clinical criteria and basic laboratory parameters. Of 298 clinically suspect cases, 196 (66%) were confirmed as dengue. The association of macular rash, pruritus, low platelet count and leukopenia was statistically predictive of dengue but not clinically, since these four signs occur in many other viral infections. As the prevalence of clinical and biological manifestations varied over time in our study, a specific profile useful for dengue diagnosis cannot be defined. With six cases of DHF, the morbidity of this dengue-2 outbreak was very low despite the sequential infection scheme DEN-3/DEN-2. The clinical expression of dengue could depend on a specific virus strain circulating in a specific population in a particular place, with varying virulence over time.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Possible dengue sequential infection: dengue spread in a neighbourhood during the 1996/97 dengue-2 epidemic in French Polynesia.

A DEN-2 epidemic occurred in French Polynesia from August 1996 to April 1997 after 7 years of DEN-3 circulation. The susceptible population constituted all expatriates and Polynesians under 21. In August 1996, two successive DEN-2 cases occurred in Teroma, a Tahitian neighbourhood close to the international airport of Tahiti. A serological prospective study of persons < 21 years living in Teroma was conducted. The study population was bled in September 1996, October 1996 and June 1997. Analysis of dengue spread in Teroma confirmed that dengue transmission occurs primarily in the house, thus vector control campaigns should incorporate focal insecticide spraying and systematic daily use of insecticide in houses. The evolution in time of the disease demonstrated that among a susceptible population, prevalence and incidence rates are related to the time of exposure, and consequently to age. Comparison of dengue incidence or dengue prevalence between populations therefore requires adjusted age rates. Most studies did not adjust for age, leading to the conclusion that DHF is more frequent during secondary than during primary dengue infection. Prospective studies taking into account the time of dengue exposure are necessary to confirm the sequential infection hypothesis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Cancer incidence in French Polynesia 1985-95.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the variations in cancer incidence in the population born in French Polynesia (FP) according to the archipelago of birth and to compare this incidence with that of Hawaiians and Maoris. METHODS: Study of data from the Cancer Registry of FP, evacuation files, insurance records, hospital and pathology laboratory files. RESULTS: The overall world standardized cancer incidence in FP during the 1985-95 period in the populations born and living in FP was 246 per 105 person-years (PY) among women and 244 per 105 PY among men. The overall cancer incidence was similar to that in Hawaiians, but 25% lower than in Maoris. Digestive tract cancer incidence was a third that of these two reference populations, whereas that of pharynx, larynx and thyroid cancers was approximately twice as high. The overall cancer incidence rate increased between the period 1985-89 and the period 1990-95 in women, but was stable in men. Colorectal cancer incidence was highest in inhabitants born on the Windward Islands. Women born on the Austral Islands had a higher thyroid and liver cancer incidence and a lower breast cancer incidence. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies are needed to elucidate the variations observed between FP archipelagos, Maoris and Hawaiians.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

[Features of larval development in Simulium buissoni Roubaud, 1906, and S. sechani Craig and Fossati, 1995 (Diptera: Simuliidae) in the Marquesas Archipelago (French Polynesia)].

Two anthropophilic species are known from the Marquesas archipelago (French Polynesia): Simulium buissoni Roubaud, 1906 and S. sechani Craig & Fossati, 1995. The need to control them requires good knowledge about their larval growth, larvae being the only stage actually susceptible to control. A biometric study based on cephalic measures of the two species, shows that they both have seven larval instars. Size variations following species and sampling sites are examined, as are variations of the sex of the two last larval instars. A recolonization experiment, after treatment of a part of a river, allows us to quantify larval growing length of S. buissoni, which is about 12 days. These data allow us to determine the optimal treatment frequency.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

[Aspects of the aggressivity cycle of Simulium buissoni Roubaud, 1906 (Diptera: Simuliidae) in Nuku-Hiva, Marquesas Archipelago (French Polynesia)].

High density of haematophagous blackflies on Nuku-Hiva Island (Marquesas archipelago, French Polynesia) is a handicap to its optimal development. The present study contains observations from many sampling sites to examine aggressive periods of Simulium buissoni Roubaud, 1906. Density of aggressive females is very high, principally in highly irrigated sites of the island. Biting rates show low variation between days, and a diurnal activity, with a poorly pronounced circum-meridian maximum. Parity rates show great variation between sampling stations, but are lowest during the day. A hypothesis of greater spatial dispersion of nulliparous females allows explanation of much of the observed variation. Sampling in and out of a house shows exophily of blackflies. Proportion of parous females is greater in the house. Data collected over a long period show that earlier densities were greater than recent ones. Perturbation of the environment is probably the basis of this decrease.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Biological control of Culicidae with the copepod Mesocyclops aspericornis and larvivorous fish (Poeciliidae) in a village of French Polynesia.

The copepod Mesocyclops aspericornis Daday and the larvivorous fishes Gambusia affinis (B. & G.) and Poecilia reticulata R. & B., were released into mosquito breeding sites in Tuherahera village, Tikehau atoll, French Polynesia, to control larvae of Aedes aegypti (L.), Ae.polynesiensis Marks, Culex annulirostris Skuse and Cx quinquefasciatus Say. Treatments were completed within a week, in January 1990. Fish quickly eliminated mosquito larvae from the open breeding sites (ponds, wells). The impact of copepods in water tanks, drums and covered wells was inconsistent, apparently depending on the availability of microfaunal diet for growth of copepod nauplii. As the biting rate of adult Ae.aegypti seemed to be unaffected by the biological control of larvae, this village-scale experiment was judged to be unsuccessful as a means of vector control.

Aedes↗
PubMed1993

Ecology of the biting midge Leptoconops albiventris in French Polynesia. I. Biting cycle and influence of climatic factors.

The diurnal biting cycle of Leptoconops albiventris de Meijere (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) is described from beaches of Nuku-Hiva, French Polynesia. Biting activity increased during the morning, diminished during the afternoon and was sufficiently intense to constitute a nuisance throughout the whole day. Correspondence Analysis indicated that climatic factors influenced biting activity. Activity was initiated by and positively associated with sunshine, whereas high temperatures, increased wind speed and rainfall were factors limiting activity. Decreased density of females during the dry season and their low capacity for dispersal were considered potentially advantageous with respect to control.

Animals↗