Related Experiment Videos
[Epidemiological considerations of the arbo- and arenaviruses]
A Ivan1, D Azoicăi, R Grigorescu
1Catedra de Epidemiologie, Facultatea de Medicină, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie Gr. T. Popa, Iaşi.
Abstract:
The complex epidemiological process of arboviral and arenaviral diseases, their dependence on a multitudine of etiologic agents, the risk of severe manifestations, absence of a specific treatment and difficulties in preparing the vaccines, place these diseases among those of high concern at national and international level. The multidisciplinary investigations carried out in Moldavia by M. Duca, Eugenia Duca, Gr. Teodorovici, Alla Vâţă, St. Dumitriu, V. Luca, D. Buiuc, A. Ivan and others have elucidated numerous aspects regarding the epidemiology and prevention of arboviral diseases. The increased morbidity by meningitis and meningoencephalitis recorded in Romania the interval summer--early fall 1996 was attributed based on serologic diagnosis, to West Nile virus. The etiological investigations were done both in our country (Cantacuzino Institute, Institute of Virology, Laboratory of the Ministry of National Defence) and abroad (Pasteur Institute at Paris, Colindale Institute London, CDC, Atlanta, USA). For the Romanian population the risk for a periodical re-emergence of some arbovirus diseases is due to favorable local conditions with the relationships with geographical areas were these diseases have and endemic-epidemic evolution are added.
Insights
Arboviral and arenaviral diseases pose significant public health risks due to their complex nature and lack of specific treatments. Research in Moldavia and Romania highlights West Nile virus as a cause of meningitis and meningoencephalitis, underscoring the need for ongoing surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Virology
- Public Health
Context:
- Arboviral and arenaviral diseases present complex epidemiological challenges.
- These diseases require multidisciplinary investigations for effective prevention and control.
- Factors such as etiologic agents, severe manifestations, and vaccine development difficulties elevate their national and international concern.
Purpose:
- To elucidate aspects of arboviral disease epidemiology and prevention.
- To identify the etiological agent responsible for increased meningitis and meningoencephalitis morbidity in Romania.
- To assess the risk of arbovirus re-emergence in the Romanian population.
Summary:
- Multidisciplinary investigations in Moldavia have advanced understanding of arboviral disease epidemiology and prevention.
- Serologic diagnosis attributed increased meningitis and meningoencephalitis in Romania (1996) to West Nile virus.
- Etiological investigations involved national and international research institutions, including the Pasteur Institute and CDC.
Impact:
- Findings contribute to the understanding of arboviral disease dynamics.
- Identified West Nile virus as a significant public health threat in Romania.
- Highlights the risk of periodical arbovirus re-emergence due to favorable local and geographical conditions.