Medicine
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This repository contains the published and unpublished research of the Faculty of Medicine by the staff members of the faculty
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Item Intestinal parasitoses and the nutritional status of internally displaced children in Vavuniya(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2005) Chandrasena, T.G.A.N.; Hapuarachchi, H.A.C.; Dayanath, M.Y.D.; de Silva, N.R.OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and the nutritional status of children of internally displaced families residing in refugee camps. MeTHODOLOGY: Saline smears and modified Kato Katz techniques were performed on stool samples collected from children of displaced families residing in the Adappankulam refugee camp in Vavuniya. The heights and weights of the children were measured and standard anthropometric indices, weight- for-height (WH), Height- for- age (HA) and weight- for- age (WA) Z scores were calculated using Epi Info. RESULTS: Stool samples of 159(83 males) of 200 children registered at Adappankulam refugee camp were screened for intestinal parasites. The mean age of the study population was 7.0 years (range 2-15 years). One or more intestinal parasites were detected in 40.25 % (64/159). Twenty point one percent had helminth and 24.5% (39) had protozoan infection. Of 32 children with helminth infections, 29(18.2%) had hook worm, 2(1.25%) Ascaris lumbricoides, 3 (1.8%) Trichuris trichiura and 1(0.62%) Enterobius .vermicularis infections. The most common pathogens were hookworm and Giardia lamblia (23, 14.5%). The anthropometric indices of 161 children (100 males) were calculated. Of the 105(65.2%) children with growth retardation, 76(47.7%) were wasted 56(34.7%) stunted and 122(75.7%) underweight. There was no significant correlation of the mean Z scores with Giardia or hookworm infection. CONCLUSIONS: There was an elevated prevalence of growth retardation among this group of displaced children. The prevalence of'Giardia and hookworm infections was moderately high. Other pathogenic intestinal parasites were scarce in this community.Item Role of Aedes albopictus in transmitting dengue virus in some endemic areas in Kurunegala District.(University of Kelaniya, 2003) Hapugoda, M.D.; de Silva, N.R.; Abeysundara, S.; Bandara, K.B.A.T.; Dayanath, M.Y.D.; Abeyewickreme, W.Abstract AvailableItem Detection of dengue virus in Aedes albopictus mosquitoes by Reverse Transcription Polymerase-Chain Reaction-Liquid Hybridization (RT-PCR-LH) based assay.(Sri Lanka College of Microbiologists, 2003) Hapugoda, M.D.; Gunasekera, M.B.; de Silva, N.R.; Gunasena, S.; Prithimala, L.D.; Dayanath, M.Y.D.; Abeyewickreme, W.Dengue is an important public health problem. In this study an RT-PCR-LH assay was developed for the detection of dengue virus in Ae.albopictus, a vector of dengue. Laboratory bred Ae.albopictus (adults inoculated with dengue prototypes were tested by RT-PCR-LH assay. RT-PCR products of NS3 gene of 4 dengue prototypes were hybridized in liquid phase with 32P) labelled cocktail of dengue serotype-specific ologonucliotides. Semi-Nested-PCR agarose gel electrophoresis (Semi-Nested-PCR-AGE) assay with dengue type specific oligonucliotides was carried out for typing of RT-PCR products. Wild-caught Ae.albopictus (larvae (n=89 pools) and adults (n=69 pools) collected from dengue case reported stations during the period of 1999-2002 were also tested by RT-PCR-LH and typed by Nested-PCR-AGE assay). A DNA band (470bp) specific for dengue virus was observed in all pools of Ae.albopictus (inoculated with dengue prototypes in RT-PCR-LH assay. When RT-PCR products of dengue prototypes inoculated mosquitoes were typed by Semi-Nested-PCR-AGE assay, bands of 169,362, 265, 426 bp sizes corresponding to DEN1, DEN2, DEN3 and DEN4 respectively were observed. The DNA band specific for dengue virus (470bp) was also observed in 6 pools of wild-caught adults in RT-PCR-LH assay. They were found to be infected with DEN3 (265bp DEN3 specific DNA band was detected) by Semi-Nested-PCR-AGE assay. None of the wild-caught larvae showed dengue specific DNA band (470bp) in RT-PCR-LH assay). RT-PCR-LH with Semi-Nested-PCR-AGE assays are useful for the detection and typing of dengue virus in Ae.albopictus. Ae.albopictus (in Sri Lanka is competent in transmitting DEN3 and possibly other serotypes. Detection of dengue virus for the first time in Ae.albopictus in Sri Lanka confirms earlier observations that it may play an important role in transmitting dengue). Acknowledgements: Financial assistance by the International Atomic Energy Agency (Technical Co¬operation grant no SLR/ 06 / 024) and University of Kelaniya (Research grant no RP/03/04/06/01/00) is gratefully acknowledged.Item Silent transmission as a risk factor affecting transmission of dengue fever.(Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, 2007) Hapangama, H.A.D.C.; Hapugoda, M.D.; Gunawardene, Y.I.N.S.; Premaratna, R.; Dayanath, M.Y.D.; Abeyewickreme, W.The global incidence of dengue fever has increased by more than four-folds over the last 30 years, making it the most threatening mosquito-borne viral disease at present. Objective of this study is to determine the role of silent transmission •on' incidence of dengue. A total of 40 households, living within a 300 m radius of seven selected ‘confirmed dengue cases at different dengue high risk localities in Gampaha District were recruited for this study. A minimum of three inhabitants were tested for anti-dengue antibodies using a commercial kit to determine the prevalence of silent transmission on dengue infection in each households. Entomological surveillance was carried out in all seven localities. Out of 40 households, 26 (65%) houses were positive for dengue viral infection. Total of 148 inhabitants (68 Males); mean age; 35.9 years were enrolled. Of the 148, 41 (27.7%) had evidence of exposure to dengue virus [positive for IgM: 28/41(68.4%), IgM'& IgG: 7/41(17%) and IgG: 6/41(14.6%)]. Out of 28 primary infections, 20(71.4%) were asymptomatic. Of the 7 secondary infections, 1(14.28%) was asymptomatic. Of the 6 previous exposures to dengue 4(66.67%) were asymptomatic. Of the 7 localities investigated, 1 had >50%, 4 had >25% and 2 had <25% clustering of cases. Ae. albopictus found in all seven localities and Ae. aegypti found only in two localities. This study suggests presence of silent transmission of dengue virus with a trend towards clustering around cases and also this shows that the presence of vectors increases the incidence of dengue.Item Recent chikungunya outbreak in Sri Lanka 2006-2007(Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 2007) Abeyewickreme, W.; Bandara, K.B.A.T.; Dayanath, M.Y.D.; Sumanadasa, D.; Hapuarachchi, H.A.C.; Gunawardena, N.K.; Hapugoda, M.D.; Wijesiriwardena, B.; de Silva, S.; Perera, T.BACKGROUND: Chikungunya(CHIK) is a viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Cases with symptoms of CHIK had been reported from several parts of Sri Lanka in 2006-2007. Laboratory testing of samples is a prime requirement for confirmation of transmission. OBJECTIVES: To confirm CHIK infection in suspected patients by rapid Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay(RT-PCR), find out manifestations specific for CHIK infection and study the transmission of CHIK virus by vector mosquitoes. METHODOLOGY: Serura. samples and information on clinical manifestations were collected from 189 chikungunya-suspected patients from different geographical areas in Sri Lanka from September 2006 to September 2007. Samples were tested for Chikungunya RNA by RT-PCR. Amplified products were visualized by agarose gel electrophoresis. Adult mosquitoes were also collected from chikungunya case-reported stations. They were tested for Chikungunya RNA through RT-PCR-followed by agarose gel electrophoresis assay. RESULTS: Of the CHIK-suspected patients reported from all parts of the island 86/189 (45.5%) were positive for CHIK virus. Of the PCR positive 06, all had fever with either arthralgia or arthritis or both. Headache (95.3%) and backache (84.6%) were also common among above patients. Eight percent (4/50) of both species of Aedes mosquitoes were RT-PCR positive. DISCUSSION: RT- PCR is important in early diagnosis of the infection and differentiation from dengue fever. The most common clinical symptoms observed were fever with either arthralgia, arthritis or both. Both Aedes aegypti and Aedes. albopictus are important in transmitting the disease.Item Transmission study of dengue fever in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka(Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 2007) Hapangama, H.A.D.C.; Gunawardene, Y.I.N.S.; Hapugoda, M.D.; Dayanath, M.Y.D.; Abeyewickreme, W.RATIONALE: Dengue is an important flaviviral infection in Sri Lanka.OBJECTIVES; To determine the effect of possible contributing factors on transmission of Dengue METHODS: A total of 40 households situated around 7 selected dengue cases confirmed by both IgM-IgG ELISA and HAI assay were taken. A minimum of 3 inhabitants from each household were tested for anti-dengue antibodies. At each household, mosquito surveillance was carried out. RESULTS: Of the 40 households, 26(65%) were positive for dengue viral infection. Of the 148 inhabitants, 41 had evidence of exposure to dengue. Of the 41. asymptomatic dengue infection was observed in 25(61%). Paired sera were collected from 36/41 volunteers and tested by HAI assay which confirmed dengue virus infection in 4(11.1%) and were confirmed secondary. Three (75%) of them were asymptomatic. Balance 32(88.9%) was diagnosed as recent dengue infections. Of that 21(65.6%) were asymptomatic probable secondary 7(33.3%), recent dengue 14(66.6%)]. Clustering of cases was observed in all localities varying from 56.5%. There was a significant statistical association between the presence of a definitive dengue infection with the presence of Aedes vectors (x2=3.1, p=0.1). Ae. albopictus were found in all localities 'while Ae. aegypti was found only in one. Breteau index for Ae. albopictus varied from 0-260 while- container index varied from 0-84%. Highest clustering of dengue cases were observed in localities with the highest indices for' mosquitoes. CONCLUSIONS: Study confirms that the presence of asymptomatic infections and clustering of cases. The predominant vector was Ae. albopictus.Item A Comparative retrospective study of novel Reverse-Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction-based Liquid Hybridization (RT-PCR-LH) assay with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification, virus isolation and serological techniques for early, definitive laboratory diagnosis of dengue infection(Malaysian Society of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, 2007) Hapugoda, M.D.; de Silva, N.R.; Khan, B.; Gunasena, S.; Dayanath, M.Y.D.; Abeyewickreme, W.Dengue is an important vector borne viral infection in South East Asia. Dengue virus is responsible for dengue fever, dengue haemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. Early diagnosis of infection helps in monitoring the disease, determining when hospital admission is necessary and in reducing case fatalities. The objective of the study was to carry out a comparative retrospective study of a novel Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction-based Liquid Hybridization (RT-PCR-LH) assay with PCR amplification, virus isolation and serological techniques for laboratory diagnosis of dengue infection. Amplified products of Non Structural-3 gene were hybridized with a mixture of the 4 dengue type-specific Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) probes in liquid phase. The assay was validated in a comparative retrospective study using acute serum samples collected from 88 patients with dengue confirmed by Haemagglutination Inhibition (HAI) assay. The assay was highly specific for diagnosis of dengue infection. As an early (<5 days of fever) laboratory diagnostic method, this assay had 100% sensitivity for detection of dengue patients confirmed by HAI assay. A high analytical sensitivity of 2 fluorescent focus units of dengue virus/reaction was achieved. Novel RT-PCR-LH assay using a single serum specimen offers distinct advantages of specificity and sensitivity over other diagnostic techniques for early definitive laboratory diagnosis of dengue infection at the time during which serological methods cannot be used.Item Confirmation of 2006 chikungunya outbreak in Sri Lanka using RT-PCR(Malaysian Society of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, 2007) Abeyewickreme, W.; Bandara, K.B.A.T.; Perera, H.; Dayanath, M.Y.D.; Hapuarachchi, C.Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by a single-stranded RNA virus of the family Togaviridae, is considered as a rare, non-fatal disease. During February to October 2006, an epidemic of over 1.3 million suspected cases was reported in India and neighbouring countries causing a significant economic loss due to crippling manifestations of this infection. With the outbreak of many viral fevers including dengue and dengue haemorrhagic fever, in October–November 2006, patients with manifestations suggestive of chikungunya such as high fever, headache, arthralgia and arthiritis (particularly, in ankle, knee and small joints of hands) were reported in many parts of Sri Lanka. As no chikungunya cases had been officially reported in the island since 1969, laboratory investigations for the presence of chikungunya virus was a prime requirement for confirmation of the outbreak. A total of 60 venous blood samples collected from suspected patients from different geographical regions of Sri Lanka were analysed using a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique to confirm the presence of chikungunya virus. Viral RNA was extracted from samples collected within 1-4 days of fever by using a Qiagen RNA extraction kit. RT-PCR was performed using chikungunya specific oligonucleotides. Both positive and negative controls were included in each set of reactions. The amplified products (354 bp) were visualized by running in a 1.5% agarose gel followed by ethidium bromide staining. Of the 60 samples, 33 (55%) were positive for chikungunya. They were distributed among almost all the geographical regions, highlighting the presence of a wide-spread epidemic in the country.Item Genetic evidence of emerging sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance of Plassmodium falciparum isolates in an operational area in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2004) Hapuarachchi, H.A.C.; Dayanath, M.Y.D.; Abeysundara, S.; Bandara, K.B.A.T.; Abeyewickreme, W.; de Silva, N.R.Item Population data for CSF1PO, TPOX, THO1, D16S539, D7S820, D13S317, FESFPS, vWA and F13B short tandem repeat (STR) polymorphisms in Sri Lanka(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2004) Manamperi, A.; Gunawardene, Y.I.N.S.; Bandara, K.B.A.T.; Dayanath, M.Y.D.; Hapuarachchi, H.A.C.; Abeyewickreme, W.
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