Browsing by Autor "Mimmo Roselli"

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A Neuroepidemiological Survey in Rural Bolivia: Background and Methods
(Karger Publishers, 1998) Alessandra Nicoletti; A. Reggio; Alessandro Bartoloni; Gaetano Failla; Filippo Bartalesi; Mimmo Roselli; Herlan Gamboa; Esteban González Salazar; Franco Paradisi; G Tempera
A door-to-door survey was carried out in rural areas of the Cordillera province, Santa Cruz Department, Bolivia. A cluster sample of 10,124 inhabitants was selected. The aim was to determine the prevalence of the most common neurological diseases (epilepsy, stroke, parkinsonism and peripheral neuropathy) in this population using a modification of the World Health Organization screening instrument. 1,130 subjects screened positive and were then investigated by neurologists. In this paper we describe the background and methods of the survey and the characteristics of the population.
Anticuerpos contra Trichinella spiralis en la población rural de la provincia Cordillera, Bolivia
(Pan American Health Organization, 1999) Alessandro Bartoloni; Gabriella Cancrini; Filippo Bartalesi; Alessandra Nicoletti; Gerardo Méndez Prado; José Rosado; Mimmo Roselli; Franco Paradisi
A seroepidemiological study was conducted to determine the prevalence of antibodies to Trichinella spiralis among rural residents of Cordillera province, Santa Cruz Department, Bolivia. Using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), 234 serum samples were examined, and antibodies were detected in seven of the samples (3%). The results document for the first time the presence of human infestation with Trichinella in Bolivia and suggest the need to strengthen trichinelosis surveillance in the municipal slaughterhouses, to prevent the clandestine slaughter of animals, and particularly to ensure that residents and meat producers in the area become aware of the dangers of this zoonosis.
Canine Trypanosoma cruzi infection in the Bolivian Chaco
(BioMed Central, 2018) Simona Gabrielli; Michele Spinicci; Fabio Macchioni; David Rojo; Valentina Totino; Patricia Rojas; Mimmo Roselli; Herlan Gamboa; Gabriella Cancrini; Alessandro Bartoloni
A cross-sectional study on Trypanosoma cruzi was carried out in 2013 to evaluate the role of dogs as possible source of infection for humans in two rural communities of the highly endemic Bolivian Chaco (Bartolo, Chuquisaca Department, n = 57 dogs; and Ivamirapinta, Santa Cruz Department, n = 48 dogs). Giemsa-stained thick and thin smears, rapid immunochromatographic test (ICT) (Chagas Quick test, Cypress Diagnostic, Belgium) and polymerase chain reaction for T. cruzi on dried blood spots were performed. All smears proved negative by microscopic examination, whereas 23/103 (22%) were positive by ICT and 5/105 (5%) blood samples contained T. cruzi DNA, evidencing the potential role of dogs in the domestic transmission of the parasite.
Cross-sectional study on intestinal parasite infections in different ecological zones of the Department of La Paz, Bolivia
(Elsevier BV, 2021) Jorge Aruni Chura; Fabio Macchioni; Federica Furzi; Victor Balboa; Érika Mercado; José M. Gómez; Patricia Rojas Gonzales; Veronica Poma; Armando Loup; Mimmo Roselli
Feasibility of a Combined Mobile-Health Electrocardiographic and Rapid Diagnostic Test Screening for Chagas-Related Cardiac Alterations
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 2021) Michele Spinicci; Carlo Fumagalli; Niccolò Maurizi; Enrico Guglielmi; Mimmo Roselli; Herlan Gamboa; Marianne Strohmeyer; Veronica Poma; Roberto Vargas; Iacopo Olivotto
Combined mobile-Health and RDTs was a reliable and effective low-cost strategy to identify patients at high risk of disease needing cardiologic assessment suggesting potential future applications.
High Prevalence of Acquired Antimicrobial Resistance Unrelated to Heavy Antimicrobial Consumption
(Oxford University Press, 2004) Alessandro Bartoloni; Filippo Bartalesi; Antonia Mantella; Emanuela Dell’Amico; Mimmo Roselli; Marianne Strohmeyer; Herlan Gamboa Barahona; Virgilio Prieto Barrón; Franco Paradisi; Gian María Rossolini
In a very remote rural Bolivian community where the use of antimicrobials has been minimal and where exchanges with the exterior are very limited, 67% of subjects were found to be carriers of fecal Escherichia coli with acquired resistance to >/=1 antimicrobial agent(s); the highest rates were observed for tetracycline (64%), ampicillin (58%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (50%), and chloramphenicol (41%). The most relevant implication of these findings is that, in certain settings, the spread and maintenance of antimicrobial resistance can occur, regardless of whether selective pressure generated by the use of antimicrobials is present.
Hymenolepis nana—An Emerging Intestinal Parasite Associated with Anemia in School Children from the Bolivian Chaco
(American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2018) Michele Spinicci; Fabio Macchioni; Simona Gabrielli; David Rojo; Herlan Gamboa; Ana Liz Villagrán; Yolanda Vallejos; Marianne Strohmeyer; Mimmo Roselli; Gabriella Cancrini
Tropical anemia can have multiple causes, whether socioeconomic, dietary, or infectious. In the Bolivian Chaco, soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH), malaria, and Chagas disease are potential infectious causes of anemia among school-aged children (SAC). Following years of preventive chemotherapy with mebendazole, the prevalence of STH among SAC living in that area is now negligible, whereas protozoan infections are still highly prevalent (81%); Hymenolepis nana is the most frequent intestinal helminth (∼13%). We present results of hemoglobin (Hb) assessment and the association between parasitic infections and Hb levels of that SAC population. Overall, 511 SAC (girls:boys ratio 1:1, mean age 9.4 years [95% confidence interval {CI}: 9.3-9.5]) had Hb levels measured by using a point of care testing (HemoCue® Hb 301 System; HemoCue, Angelhome, Sweden). The prevalence of anemia was 23% (117/511), with mean and median Hb level = 12.2 g/dL (95% CI: 12.1-12.3; range 9.2-15.4 g/dL). By multivariate analysis, H. nana infection was associated with an increased risk of anemia (odds ratio 2.9, 95% CI: 1.5-5.7, P = 0.002). Two samples (0.5%) were positive for Trypanosoma cruzi and none for Plasmodium spp. by polymerase chain reaction of the 439 children tested. Anemia is still a concern among SAC living in the Bolivian Chaco. Our findings call for a greater attention to fecal-oral emerging pathogens, such as H. nana, and highlight the importance of water, sanitation, and hygiene improvements for disadvantaged population such as those living in the Bolivian Chaco.
Intestinal parasitic infections and associated epidemiological drivers in two rural communities of the Bolivian Chaco
(Open Learning on Enteric Pathogens, 2016) Fabio Macchioni; Higinio Segundo; Valentina Totino; Simona Gabrielli; Patricia Rojas; Mimmo Roselli; Grover Adolfo Paredes; Mario Masana; Alessandro Bartoloni; Gabriella Cancrini
These results highlight the need for the promotion of access to clean water, improved sanitation and better hygiene, thus reducing the frequency of preventive chemotherapy for STHs while continuing to monitor the population for possible recrudescence.
Long-Standing International Cooperation in Parasitology Research: A Summary of 35 Years of Activities in the Bolivian Chaco
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 2022) Simona Gabrielli; Fabio Macchioni; Michele Spinicci; Marianne Strohmeyer; Mimmo Roselli; Alessandra Nicoletti; Calogero Edoardo Cicero; Veronica Poma; David Rojo; Yunni Lara
The Bolivian Chaco is a semiarid region with a low population density, situated in the southeast part of the Plurinational State of Bolivia. Here, despite the improvements of the last 15 years, poverty remains high in rural areas, where social vulnerability is widespread. The Guaraní ethnic group often lives in isolated communities with a low standard of hygiene and sanitation. This epidemiological scenario favors the spread of transmissible diseases, including several parasitic infections belonging to the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) group. In this area, a long-standing research activity, built upon the synergism between local and foreign institutions, has been established since the late 1980s and helps to fill in the knowledge gap about the epidemiology dynamics of soil-transmitted helminths, vector-borne parasites, and other parasitic diseases. A 35-year history of cooperation programs in parasitology research has contributed to informing local health authorities of the NTD burden in the Bolivian Chaco and, ultimately, supports local healthcare providers in the management of parasitic diseases.
Persistence of Trypanosoma cruzi vector-borne transmission among school-age children in the Bolivian Chaco documented by 24-month longitudinal serosurveillance
(Oxford University Press, 2022) Michele Spinicci; Fabio Macchioni; Herlan Gamboa; Veronica Poma; Ana Liz Villagrán; Marianne Strohmeyer; Mimmo Roselli; Roberto Vargas; Alessandro Bartoloni; Simona Gabrielli
Our findings support the persistence of vector-borne T. cruzi transmission in this area, highlighting the need for strengthening multidisciplinary efforts against Chagas disease.
Population movements and cholera spread in Cordillera Province, Santa Cruz Department, Bolivia
(Elsevier BV, 1992) P Guglielmetti; Alessandro Bartoloni; Mimmo Roselli; H Gamboa; Daniela Antúnez; Ida Luzzi; F. Rosmini; Francesca Paradisi
Prevalence of measles antibody among children under 15 years of age in Santa Cruz, Bolivia: implications for vaccination strategies
(Oxford University Press, 1995) Felicity T. Cutts; Alessandro Bartoloni; P Guglielmetti; Fernando Gil; David Brown; M. L. Bianchi Bandinelli; Mimmo Roselli
We conducted a community-based survey in Santa Cruz city, Bolivia, to determine the age-specific prevalence of measles antibodies, determine factors associated with absence of detectable measles antibodies, and to compare results of salivary and serum measles immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody assays. Serum samples from 1654 children were assayed for measles IgG antibody using the haemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay, and salivary samples were also obtained from 187 children and tested for measles IgG antibody using an antibody capture radioimmunoassay. Reported measles vaccine coverage in children aged 12-35 months was 77% (95% confidence interval [CI], 72-81%). Eighty-seven percent (95% CI 85-89%) had detectable HI antibody, but a high proportion had antibody levels below 200 miu (30-40% of 2-14 years old children). Measles seronegativity was associated with not being vaccinated against measles, a negative history of measles disease, living in the inner city, being a lifetime resident of Santa Cruz, and young age. Of 212 children without detectable measles antibody, 58% had a positive history of vaccination or measles disease, so that historical information was not sufficiently reliable to identify susceptibles. The salivary measles antibody assay was not sufficiently sensitive to be used for population screening; only 54% of 171 salivary samples from children who had detectable serum HI antibody were positive. A mass measles vaccination campaign of all children under 15 years of age is planned in Bolivia in 1994. Although only 7% of school-age children in Santa Cruz were seronegative, the effectiveness of a mass campaign in this age group depends in part on the response to revaccination of children with low, but detectable, antibody levels.
Scaling down of a deworming programme among school‐age children after a thirty‐year successful intervention in the Bolivian Chaco
(Wiley, 2018) Michele Spinicci; Fabio Macchioni; David Rojo; Herlan Gamboa; Ana Liz Villagrán; Yolanda Vallejos; Marianne Strohmeyer; Mimmo Roselli; Simona Gabrielli; Gabriella Cancrini
Our findings support the role of preventive chemotherapy in reducing soil-transmitted helminthiases transmission, as otherwise poor hygienic and health conditions persist in the Bolivian Chaco. A national survey, involving areas from all the ecological zones of Bolivia, is now warranted.
Seroepidemiological trend of strongyloidiasis in the Bolivian Chaco (1987–2013) in the absence of disease‐specific control measures
(Wiley, 2017) Michele Spinicci; Fabio Macchioni; Antonia Mantella; Simona Gabrielli; Mimmo Roselli; David Rojo Mayaregua; Joaquín Monasterio Pinckert; Herlan Gamboa Barahona; Grover Adolfo Paredes; Percy Halkyer
The significant reduction in S. stercoralis seroprevalence in Bolivian Chaco cannot be explained by preventive chemotherapy or improved social-sanitary conditions. As the drop is seen in younger generations, it is consistent with little transmission occurring. However, the risk of transmission still exists, as prevalence is persistently high in older individuals, who present a potential reservoir due to the lifelong nature of S. stercoralis infections.
Serologic Survey for Antibodies toBorrelia burgdorferiin Sheep, Goats and Dogs in Cordillera Province, Bolivia
(Wiley, 1997) L. Ciceroni; S. Ciarrocchi; Antonella Pinto; Francesca Paradisi; Mimmo Roselli; Alessandro Bartoloni; P Guglielmetti; C. Valdez Vasquez; Herlan Gamboa Barahona
A serosurvey for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted on sheep, goat and dog serum samples collected in Cordillera Province, Bolivia, in 1992 Sera from 98 sheep, 218 goats and 43 dogs were tested. The observed seroprevalence in sheep and dogs was 0.0%, whereas the seropositivity rate for goat serum samples was 5.0%. Upon analysing 10 positive sera by Western immunoblotting, five reacted against the specific protein antigens and all of them met the criteria for positivity on the basis of immunoglobulin G (IgG) bands, indicating that goats in Cordillera Province were exposed to B. burgdorferi. These findings, which are further proof of the existence of B. burgdorferi infection in Bolivia, indicate the serologic analysis of goats as a suitable tool for Lyme borreliosis surveillance.
Seroprevalence of antibodies to Trichinella spiralis among rural residents of Cordillera province, Bolivia
(1999) Alessandro Bartoloni; Gabriella Cancrini; Filippo Bartalesi; Alessandra Nicoletti; Gerardo Méndez Prado; José Rosado; Mimmo Roselli; Franco Paradisi
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis A Virus, Hepatitis E Virus, and Helicobacter pylori in Rural Communities of the Bolivian Chaco, 2013
(American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2018) Irene Campolmi; Michele Spinicci; David Rojo Mayaregua; Herlan Gamboa Barahona; Antonia Mantella; Yunni Lara; Mimmo Roselli; Marianne Strohmeyer; Giampaolo Corti; Francesco Tolari
In the Bolivian Chaco, south-east of Bolivia, studies conducted over the past three decades reported hepatitis A virus (HAV) and Helicobacter pylori seroprevalences above 90% and 60%, respectively. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) prevalence was previously found to be 6-7% but is probably an underestimate because of the poor sensitivity of the assays used. In November 2013, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 263 healthy volunteers from two rural communities of the Bolivian Chaco, aiming to reassess HAV, HEV, and H. pylori seroprevalence 10-20 years following the previous surveys. Hepatitis A virus seroprevalence was 95%, with universal exposure after the first decade of life; HEV seroprevalence was considerably higher (31-35%) than that previously reported; H. pylori seroprevalence was 59%, with an age-dependent distribution. The high prevalence of these infections suggests that major efforts are still needed to reduce fecal-oral transmission and to improve human health in the Bolivian Chaco.
Seroprevalence of varicella zoster and rubella antibodies among rural populations of the Chaco region, south‐eastern Bolivia
(Wiley, 2002) Alessandro Bartoloni; Filippo Bartalesi; Mimmo Roselli; Antonia Mantella; Francesca Dini; Esteban Salazar Carballo; Virgilio Prieto Barrón; Franco Paradisi
OBJECTIVE To determine the seroprevalence of antibodies against varicella zoster virus (VZV) and rubella virus among the population of two rural areas, Camiri and Villa Montes, Chaco region, south‐eastern Bolivia. METHODS In a cross‐sectional study, serum samples from randomly selected subjects were screened for VZV‐ and rubella antibodies using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS The prevalence of VZV antibodies was 80% (391 of 489). No significant differences were observed between genders and study areas. The prevalence increased with age with a seropositivity rate of 21.2% in the 1–4‐year‐old children, 56.9% in the 5–9 age group and 83.7% in the 10–14 age group, and reached 98.2% in over 45‐year olds. The prevalence of rubella virus antibodies was 76.9% (377 of 490), without significant differences between genders and study areas. Similar to the trend observed for VZV antibodies, the seroprevalence increased with age with a seropositivity rate of 18.1% in the 1–4‐year‐old children, 53.9% in the 5–9 age group and 78.4% in the 10–14 age group, and reached 94.7% in over 45‐year‐old subjects. Among the 95 women of childbearing age (15–44 years) the susceptibility rate was 11.6%. CONCLUSIONS A common seroimmunological profile was evidenced for the two infections. The age‐specific profile of VZV seropositivity differs from that reported for other tropical countries where higher median age of seroconversion and lower seroprevalence among adults are observed. Data concerning the prevalence of immunity to rubella may be useful to evaluate the impact of the recently introduced rubella immunization programme.
Trypanosoma cruzi infection in the human population of the Bolivian Chaco: four serosurveys over a 26-year period (1987-2013)
(Open Learning on Enteric Pathogens, 2020) Michele Spinicci; Simona Gabrielli; David Rojo; Herlan Gamboa; Fabio Macchioni; Antonia Mantella; Yunni Lara; Ana Liz Villagrán; Mimmo Roselli; Marianne Strohmeyer
T. cruzi transmission is still active and CD remains a concern throughout the Bolivian Chaco. More efforts are needed in order to achieve a sustainable interruption of vector-borne CD transmission in this area.