Background and Aim: Schistosomiasis (SCH) japonica is a zoonotic disease that can infect several mammalian hosts. Bovines, particularly water buffaloes, are considered the most important reservoir hosts due to the high levels of schistosome eggs, they excrete into the environment. In the Philippines, the previous studies have revealed a high prevalence of SCH in bovines in selected provinces in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. However, there is a lack of studies on SCH in the Davao Region, Mindanao, where the infection remains a public health concern. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of SCH in water buffaloes in four barangays (villages) each in Braulio Dujali, Davao del Norte and Maragusan, Davao de Oro, Southeastern Mindanao, the Philippines. Materials and Methods: Fecal samples from 91 water buffaloes were collected intrarectally, processed using the formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation technique, and examined microscopically to determine the prevalence of SCH. Results: A total of three water buffaloes (8.6%) in Maragusan were determined to be positive for Schistosoma japonicum, while none in Braulio Dujali. The prevalence of other parasites (Fasciola spp. [53.8%], Paramphistome spp. [20.9%], Amphistome spp. [16.5%], Strongyle spp. [11.0%], Balantidium spp. [9.9%], Eurytrema spp. [2.2%], and Gongylonema pulchrum [1.1%]) was also observed. Conclusion: The results of the study provide baseline data on the presence of S. japonicum in water buffaloes in the Davao Region, Mindanao. Strategies for controlling and eliminating SCH in animal reservoir hosts, especially in water buffaloes, are necessary for the long-term control and elimination of SCH in humans.
Schistosomiasis japonica remains a public health concern in many areas of the Philippines. Adequate and updated information is essential to enhance policy and service delivery toward control and elimination. Despite the efforts on schistosomiasis control in the Philippines, some challenges remain in these dimensions. An integrated surveillance system is recommended to determine the prevalence of infection in humans, animal reservoirs, and snail intermediate hosts, allowing the identification of high-priority areas for targeted interventions. This will entail the enhancement of laboratory diagnosis capacity through the use of more sensitive techniques, complemented by capacity building of concerned human and animal health professionals. Given the zoonotic nature of schistosomiasis japonica, adopting the One Health approach is essential to influence policies and interventions that may accelerate control and elimination. This can be achieved through the attainment of mass drug administration coverage targets and intensified case finding and management, robust implementation and integration of veterinary public health activities, the conduct of snail control measures, provision of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services, and health promotion and education into the national schistosomiasis control and elimination program. This review aimed to describe the status of schistosomiasis japonica control in the Philippines in the context of human health, animal health, vector ecology and management, environmental health, and sociocultural dimensions.
Philippine indigenous berries are known as rich sources of antioxidants that may promote health and prevent the occurrence of diseases. Thus, the study investigated the nutritional, antioxidant, anti-obesity, and lipid-lowering properties of freeze-dried “duhat” (FDD) (Syzgium cumini L. Skeel) fruit using proximate analysis, in vitro antioxidant assays, and in vivo efficacy using obese diet-induced ICR mice, respectively. Mice were randomly allocated to five groups fed with various diets ad libitum for nine weeks as follows: Group 1 with normal diet (ND) and served as the control, Group 2 with high-fat diet (HFD) that served as the negative control, Group 3 with HFD + 10% w/w FDD powder, Group 4 with HFD + 20% w/w FDD powder, and Group 5 with HFD + 30% w/w FDD powder. Proximate composition of FDD fruit flesh includes 20.16 ± 0.75% moisture content, 2.64 ± 0.06% total crude fiber, 4.50 ± 0.21% crude fat, 7.10 ± 0.20% crude protein, and 62.22 ± 1.11% carbohydrate. It is a rich source of antioxidants with a total flavonoid content (TFC) of 0.02 mg QE/g FDD, total phenolic content (TPC) of 12.52 ± 0.02 mg GAE/ g FDD, and anti-oxidant activity of 96.07 ± 0.86. Results of the in vivo study showed significant reduction in blood TG by 50% at 30% FDD supplementation (w/w) and by 30% at 20% FDD supplementation (w/w) (p < 0.05). Also, a significant increase of up to 45% in HDL-C in the 30% FDD-supplemented group was noted compared to the baseline mean (Week 0) at Weeks 3 and 6 of supplementation (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, no significant findings were noted in the blood total cholesterol (TC) levels. The improvement in lipid profile could be attributed to the nutritional and bioactive compounds found in Philippine duhat. Taken collectively, this study yielded interesting findings that can be further investigated at the cellular and molecular levels.
Introduction: The emergence of biological threats that can potentially affect millions emphasizes the need to develop a policy framework in the Philippines that can mount an adequate and well-coordinated response. The objective of the study was to assess, strengthen, and harmonize efforts in biorisk management through the development of a National Biorisk Management Framework. Methods: The development of the National Biorisk Management Framework was carried out in two phases: (1) assessment of the current biosafety and biosecurity landscape and (2) framework development. Results: This study identified policy gaps in the incorporation of biosafety in course curricula, professional development, and organizational twinning. The desired policy outcomes focus on increasing the capacity and quality of facilities, and the development of the biosafety officer profession. The tabletop exercises revealed weak implementation of existing protocols and unclear coordination mechanisms for emergency response. Based on these, a framework was drafted composed of eight key areas in biosafety and biosecurity, and four key contexts in risk reduction and management. Discussion and Conclusion: Reforms in biosafety and biosecurity policies are expected to improve coordination, ensure sustainability, capacitate facilities, and professionalize biosafety officers. Because of the complexity of reforms necessary, success will require a consistent and coherent policy framework that (1) provides well-coordinated mechanisms toward harmonized risk reduction and management, (2) establishes and enforces guidelines on biosafety, biosecurity, and biorisk management, (3) regulates facilities essential for occupational safety and public health, and (4) is financed by the General Appropriations Act as part of the national budget.
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