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At least 1,063 records · Page 59Linked to original sources
PubMed1958

Ecology and distribution of Bulinus truncatus in the Middle East; with comments on the effect of some human activities in their relationship to the snail host on the incidence of bilharziasis haematobia in the Middle East and Africa.

The author gives a comprehensive account of the present status of knowledge regarding the ecology and distribution of Bulinus truncatus, the intermediate host of Schistosoma haematobium in the Middle East and North Africa. He discusses in detail the types of habitat favoured by this snail, its life-cycle and seasonal variations in its populations, the effect of ecological factors on its distribution and occurrence, and the relationship between its control and its bionomics, stressing the many aspects of these subjects that require further investigation and suggesting lines for future research.In addition, the author outlines briefly the effect of some human activities (for example, extension of irrigation and agriculture), in their relationship to the snail host, on the incidence of bilharziasis haematobia in the Middle East and Africa. He concludes the paper with a summary of the three basic needs in respect of bilharziasis control: ecological research; prevention of pollution of waters with human excrement; and avoidance of human contact with infective water.

Africa↗
PubMed1961

Ticks (Ixodoidea) on birds migrating from Africa to Europe and Asia.

Hyalomma marginatum marginatum of Europe and Asia and H. marginatum rufipes of Africa, both reservoirs and vectors of organisms pathogenic to humans and animals, have not infrequently been found as incidental specimens or established populations far from their normal endemic geographical boundaries. Owing to ticks' unique ability to transmit or harbour for long periods a variety of pathogens of man and animals, their potential epidemiological role is suspected wherever they occur. Evidence that birds, in themselves hosts of several viruses causing human disease, actually transport the African H. marginatum rufipes northwards was obtained in Egypt by capture of infested migrants during spring passage from East Africa to Europe and Asia. Between 1956 and 1960, 340 birds representing 22 forms (species and subspecies) were found infested by 1025 immature ticks, all but seven of which were or appear to be H. marginatum rufipes. The period of attachment of immature stages of rufipes to their host is sufficient to suggest that many of these ticks are carried some distance into Europe and Asia.

Africa↗
PubMed1964

TUBERCULOSIS IN TROPICAL AFRICA. AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY.

Up to the end of the nineteenth century the tubercle bacillus apparently had little opportunity of disseminating among the rather isolated tribes of tropical Africa. With the creation of large centres of trade and industry in the wake of European colonization, tuberculosis seems to have spread rapidly over the continent and is today found everywhere.In a number of tuberculosis prevalence surveys conducted by WHO during 1955-60, randomly selected population groups were tuberculin tested, X-rayed and had sputa examined by direct microscopy. The three methods of examination were applied independently of one another.Data collected during the surveys have been analysed with a view to discovering common epidemiological features of tuberculosis in tropical Africa, assessing the reliability of the diagnostic methods employed and discussing their usefulness in future tuberculosis control programmes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa: implications for health education.

This paper reviews the current epidemiologic status of AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on what is currently understood about the distinctive features of heterosexual transmission in young men, women, and children. Epidemiologic data show that AIDS is transmitted primarily through heterosexual vaginal intercourse. Heterosexual transmission is highlighted both as the principal mode of spread of AIDS in east, central, and southern Africa and as the primary focus for AIDS education and control of the epidemic. The transmission of AIDS, like that of other sexually transmissible diseases, results from sexual behaviors that are rooted in social and cultural values that are not easily changed. The primary risk factors--including multiple sex partners, prostitution, and unprotected intercourse--are examined. The perceived obstacles to control of the epidemic include unfavorable government reactions to the epidemic, poor public knowledge, prevailing sexual attitudes, and reluctance to use condoms. These and other immediate and competing risk factors like unemployment and poverty combine to complicate the task of AIDS education.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2006

When to initiate highly active antiretroviral therapy in sub-Saharan Africa? A South African cost-effectiveness study.

BACKGROUND: Large-scale programmes increasing access to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) are being implemented in sub-Saharan Africa. However, cost-effectiveness of initiating treatment at different CD4 count thresholds has not been explored in resource-poor settings. METHODS: A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted from a public health perspective using primary treatment outcomes, healthcare utilisation and cost data (Jan 2004 local prices; US dollars 1=7.6 Rands) derived from the Cape Town AIDS Cohort. A Markov state-transition model was developed to estimate life-expectancy, lifetime costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), cost per life-year and QALY gained for initiating HAART at three CD4 cell count thresholds (<200/microl, 200-350/microl and >350/microl), including the no antiretroviral therapy (No-ART) alternative. Each treatment option was compared with the next most effective undominated option. RESULTS: Mean life-expectancy was 6.2, 18.8, 21.0 and 23.3 years; discounted (8%) QALYs were 3.1, 6.2, 6.7 and 7.4; and discounted lifetime costs were US dollars 5,250, US dollars 5,434, US dollars 5,740, US dollars 6,588 for No-ART, and therapy initiation at <200/microl, 200-350/microl and >350/microl scenarios respectively. Clinical benefits increased significantly with early therapy initiation. Initiating therapy at <200/microl had an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of US dollars 54 per QALY versus No-ART, 200-350/microl had an ICER of US dollars 616 versus therapy initiation at <200/microl, and >350/microl had an ICER of US dollars 1,137 versus therapy initiation at 200-350/microl. ICERs were sensitive to HAART cost. CONCLUSIONS: HAART is reasonably cost-effective for HIV-infected patients in South Africa, and most effective if initiated when CD4 count >200/microl. Deferring treatment to <200/microl would reduce the aggregate cost of treatment, but this should be balanced against the significant clinical benefits associated with early therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

Monkeypox and whitepox viruses in West and Central Africa.

Prospects for the eradication of smallpox are now highly encouraging. With the cessation of man-to-man transmission, the question of possible animal reservoirs of smallpox becomes increasingly important. During the period 1970-1975, 20 cases of a smallpox-like disease were detected in smallpox-free areas of tropical rain forest in West and Central Africa. Epidemiological and virological investigations revealed that the disease was caused by an animal poxvirus termed monkeypox virus, a member of the orthopox virus group. The disease spread with difficulty even among susceptible close contacts and does not appear to be sufficiently transmissible to permit continuing infection to become established in man. During the investigations, four orthopox viruses termed whitepox viruses were isolated from rodents and monkeys. The isolates were not distinguishable from variola virus with currently available laboratory techniques, but there is no evidence so far that viruses of this group have infected man. Although there is now substantial and accumulating evidence that there is no animal reservoir for smallpox, continued surveillance and studies in West and Central Africa are warranted.

Africa, Central↗
PubMed1991

Spatial differentiation of RH and GM haplotype frequencies in Sub-Saharan Africa and its relation to linguistic affinities.

This study analyzes patterns of variation in eight GM and seven Rhesus (RH) haplotypes across sub-Saharan Africa. We examine the concordance with genetic patterns of both geographic and language-family relationships by spatial analysis and ordination techniques. The genetic variation has significant spatial structure, but positive autocorrelation declines neither asymptotically nor proportionally with increasing distance. Evidently, neither isolation by distance with increasing distance. Evidently, neither isolation by distance nor clinical migration-selection models account for the observed genetic structure. Language-family relationship is the best predictor of genetic relationship and may reflect historic migrations and expansions of ethnically different peoples within sub-Saharan Africa. Yet the greatest part of the genetic variance remains unexplained by the models we have tested.

Africa, Central↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The demand for fertility control in sub-Saharan Africa.

Recent fertility surveys in Africa reveal that a striking majority of women want more children, even among those who practice modern contraception, and that modern contraceptive prevalence is still low for women most motivated to avert pregnancy. This analysis suggests that whereas there is, as yet, little indication of change in conditions anticipated to shift the underlying demand for children, uncertainties attached to successful childraising due to risks of infertility, failure to thrive, disability, and divorce strongly favor traditional forms of fertility regulation. The two major means of fertility regulation in Africa--avoidance of next pregnancy in reference to the last born child's survival and rearrangement of the timing and tempo of childrearing through fostering--are not equivalent to modern contraception in purpose or practice. Against these general observations, particular demand for fertility control is identified for groups of women who demonstrate interest in nontraditional forms of fertility regulation at specific lifecycle points. A range of focused family planning activities is proposed to address this demand.

Abortion, Induced↗
PubMed1985

The epidemiology of African swine fever: the role of free-living hosts in Africa.

The known distribution of African swine fever (ASF) virus in Africa is reviewed in relation to the distributions of its free-living hosts as are the infection rates of these species in different localities in southern Africa. Mechanisms by which ASF virus is maintained in its sylvatic state and ways in which the infection may enter domestic pig populations are discussed.

Africa↗
PubMed1984

Probable chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria in south-western Africa.

Chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria has been described in East, Central and West Africa. We report on 2 patients with probable chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum malaria in south-western Africa. Both patients had been in northern SWA/Namibia and southern Angola, but had taken prophylactic chloroquine. Despite the subsequent administration of adequate courses of chloroquine therapy, the parasitaemias failed to clear completely. Eventual clinical and laboratory-proven cure was only obtained in 1 case after combined quinine and tetracycline therapy. To our knowledge, these represent the first cases of probable chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum malaria acquired in this area.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Trypanotolerant cattle in West and Central Africa.

Two native humpless types of Bos taurus cattle which are tolerant to trypanosomiasis were described in West Africa at the beginning of this century. In spite of the fact that they are small breeds, they already represent some 25% of all cattle present in the region. Their importation into the Congo basin countries has resulted in the development of a cattle industry. Some of the available data on these types are given and discussed. The possibility of satisfying the growing hunger for protein of Africa with trypanotolerant cattle is emphasized.

Africa, Central↗
PubMed1993

AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa: the epidemiology of heterosexual transmission and the prospects for prevention.

As the epidemic of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in sub-Saharan Africa enters its second decade, much has been learned about the distribution and determinants of the disease and its causative agent, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Over 6 million people, or 2.5% of the adult population, are thought to be infected with HIV. The distribution of HIV is largely determined by sexual behavior; as for other sexually transmitted diseases, the characteristics of sexual networks determine the extent and rate of spread of HIV. Female sex workers and their male clients are at high risk for HIV and have been important in initiating the epidemic in many African countries. The dynamics of HIV in the rest of the population are complex; men with multiple sexual partners are largely responsible for transmission of HIV to women in the general population. Other sexually transmitted diseases and lack of male circumcision may increase the probability of transmission of HIV during sexual intercourse and probably are partially responsible for the rapid diffusion of HIV in Africa. Interventions among high-risk groups are needed, but they must be accompanied by attempts to induce behavior change among men and women in the general population. Epidemiologic studies of the determinants of sexual behavior and sexual contact patterns, as well the design and evaluation of interventions, are urgently needed. Key areas for development are the study of behavioral exposures and outcomes, the evaluation of interventions, developing new methods for conducting interventions in resource-poor environments, and increasing the number of African scientists with the skills and resources to conduct epidemiologic studies.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1995

[AIDS: the view from Africa].

Epidemiological data on AIDS in several zones in Africa is presented. The clinical and diagnostic aspects of HIV infection in Africa, based on the definition of Bangui's AIDS (1986), are analysed and the criteria is presented. The treatment and follow-up of a patient with infusion by HIV in the African context is discussed. Reference is then made to some data on the status of AIDS in Angola.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1997

[Human onchocerciasis in Africa].

Before the 1980s, the only available method for control of onchocerciasis was elimination of blackfly vector populations. This strategy was used with considerable success in the Onchocerciasis Control Programme in West Africa (OCP). The discovery of ivermectin, the first effective drug suitable for mass treatment of onchocerciasis, has revived international interest not only in fundamental research but also in development of new strategies to control onchocerciasis in the countries outside the OCP area. This report gives an overview of current parasitological, clinical, epidemiological and diagnostic data about onchocerciasis. Although little is known about the early development of Onchocerca volvulus in the human host, significant insight has been gained into the population dynamics of the parasite. The pathogenesis of cutaneous and ocular manifestations in onchocerciasis is now better understood. Epidemiological studies are under way to evaluate the extent of systemic manifestations. Recently developed diagnostic methods are more sensitive than conventional parasitological techniques. A new method for rapid assessment of endemic level has provided a detailed picture of the distribution of onchocerciasis. Species- and strain-specific DNA probes have been developed for identification of parasites in West Africa. New methods for quantifying disability allow evaluation of the socio-economic impact of the cutaneous and ocular complications of onchocerciasis.

Africa↗
PubMed1981

John Turner's theory of intra-urban mobility and the African reality: examples from East and West Africa.

"The purpose of this paper is to discover whether Turner's Latin American model of intra-urban mobility also applies to Sub-Saharan Africa. Because of the scarcity of literature on mobility within African cities, it is not entirely possible to arrive at definitive conclusions. Nevertheless, the often temporary nature of rural-to-urban migration, the operation of ethnic networks in the city, the role of the extended family in the integration of migrants and the specific patterns of landownership in the peripheral zones around African cities strongly suggest that the Latin American model is of little value for explaining the African reality."

Africa↗
PubMed1993

African urbanization in metropolitan South Africa--differential urbanization perspectives.

"As a potentially important urban development policy consideration, attention is focused in this paper on differential urbanization trends in South Africa at the metropolitan level. Recent informal urban settlement patterns of the African population within the major metropolitan areas are contrasted against these differential urbanization trends to determine the implications of both for residential development in the metropolitan areas during the post-apartheid era."

Africa↗
PubMed1990

Implications of differential urbanization on deconcentration in the Pretoria-Witwatersrand-Vaal Triangle metropolitan area, South Africa.

Population migration and differences in urbanization patterns in South Africa are examined. "Indications are that the Blacks--a low-income group--are increasing proportionally, while the Whites--the highest-income group--are diminishing proportionally in the inner core zone of the Pretoria-Witwatersrand-Vaal Triangle metropolitan area (PWV), and vice versa in the other zones.... Study results presented in this paper reiterate [inadequacies of government policies] and stress the need for changes in the present official spatial policy for the PWV."

Africa↗
PubMed1991

An economic analysis of family size decision making with reference to the developing areas of South Africa.

A neoclassical utility framework is used to analyze links between decisions about family size and socioeconomic variables using data for 175 women in KwaZulu, South Africa. The demand curve for children is specified within a simultaneous model of family decision-making. "Child education, women's opportunity cost of time and formal market participation were negatively related to fertility, reflecting substitution from numbers of children (time intensive) to fewer, more educated children (less time intensive) as opportunity costs rise. Child labour was positively related to fertility. Strategies to reduce population growth rates should therefore include improvements in women's education and employment opportunities to raise their time costs, and time-saving devices to reduce demand for child labour."

Adolescent↗