Scientific Program

Conference Series Ltd invites all the participants across the globe to attend Neglected Tropical Diseases Congress: The Future Challenges Amsterdam, Netherlands.

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Scientific Program Day 1
Scientific Program Day 2

Day 2 :

Keynote Forum

Stef Stienstra

Dutch Armed Forces, Netherlands

Keynote: Drug delivery by tattooing to treat cutaneous leishmaniasis

Time : 09:00-09:45

Conference Series Tropical Diseases 2018 International Conference Keynote Speaker Stef Stienstra photo
Biography:

Strategic and creative consultant in biomedical science, with a parallel career in the Dutch Civil-Military Interaction Command in which he has responsibility for the counter measures in CBNRe threats and (medical) consequence management both in a military and a civilian (terrorism) setting. He was the director of the 2014 & 2016 World Congress of CBRNe Science & Consequence Management in Tbilisi, Georgia. He works internationally as consultant or scientific supervisory board member for several medical and biotech companies, merely involved in biodefense, clinical diagnostics and therapies. He is also visiting professor for Punjab University in Pakistan and Rhein-Waal University in Germany and visiting professor at the University of Rome Tor Vergata. He has finished both his studies in Medicine and in Biochemistry at the University of Groningen in The Netherlands and has extensive practical experience in cell biology, immuno-haematology, biodefense and transfusion medicine. His natural business acumen and negotiation competence helps to initiate new successful businesses, often created out of unexpected combinations of technologies. His thorough understanding of abstract science combined with excellent skills in the communication of scientific matters to non-specialists, helps him with strategic consulting at top level management.

Abstract:

Background: Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease that is caused by obligate intra-macrophage protozoa of the Leishmania species. Leishmaniasis can cause different clinical syndromes, including Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL), in which the patient generally presents with one or several ulcer(s) or nodule(s) on the skin, resulting from the infection of phagocytic cells located in the dermis. It often results into severe scar tissue in the skin. Most of the twelve million people infected with leishmania worldwide are CL cases, a 1.5 million new cases occur annually. Objective: WHO has a program to develop new treatments for CL. This study establishes a proof-of-concept that a tattoo device can target intra-dermal drug delivery against CL. Methods: The selected drug is Oleylphosphocholine (OlPC) formulated as liposomes, particles known to be prone to macrophage ingestion. First is shown that treatment of cultured leishmania-infected macrophages with OlPC-liposomes results in a direct dose-dependent killing of intracellular parasites. Based on this, in vivo efficacy is demonstrated using a 10 day tattooing-mediated treatment in mice infected with L. major and L. mexicana. In both models this regimen results in rapid clinical recovery with complete regression of skin lesions by day 28. Parasite counts and histopathology examination confirm high treatment efficacy at the parasitic level. Low amount of drug required for tattooing combined with fast clinical recovery may have a positive impact on CL patient management. Results & Conclusion: This first example of tattoo-mediated drug delivery could open to new therapeutic interventions in the treatment of skin diseases. This study demonstrates that the use of a tattoo instrument for drug delivery is possible in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis and that this method can successfully eliminate intracellular parasites at the site of infection. After showing that the selected drug oleylphosphocholine (OlPC) formulated as liposomes could efficiently reach intracellular parasites when in contact with infected macrophages, the activity of the drug was compared in vivo in mouse models of old (L. major) and new world (L. mexicana) leishmaniasis. Three routes of administrations of the same drug formulation were investigated: Systemic (IP) administration, topical administration as a drop and administration via the tattoo instrument. Evaluation parameters included clinical (lesion sizes) and parasitological parameters (burdens) using quantitative and qualitative methods. In all experiments, the tattooing delivery procedure was the most efficacious at both the clinical and parasitological levels

Keynote Forum

Galina Migalko

Universal Medical Imaging Group, USA

Keynote: The importance of interstitial fluid evaluation in relationship to any health condition

Time : 09:45-10:30

Conference Series Tropical Diseases 2018 International Conference Keynote Speaker Galina Migalko photo
Biography:

Galina Migalko graduated with her M.D. from Uzghorod Medical University (Ukraine) in 1988, After finishing the California School of Medical Sciences and earning an additional ARDMS license in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, she founded the Universal Medical Imaging Group an alternative and complementary practice that uses the Comprehensive Full Body Screening. In 2011, She received her NMD from the University of Science Arts and Technology (Montserrat, British West Indies and London, England) with a degree in Naturopathic Medicine. 

Abstract:

Due to the many ineffective and incomplete diagnostic and treatment results of conventional medical protocols (e.g. Comprehensive Blood and Chemistry tests,  mammograms,  antibiotics, antivirals, chemotherapy and radiation), more efficient alternative methods are needed. The potential of Non-invasive Medical Diagnostics (NMD) coupled with an Alkaline Lifestyle and Diet (ALD) as a legitimate alternative to  radioactive diagnostice and chemical treatments are examined. While largely ignored in conventional Medicine, the pH and electrolytes of the interstitial fluids of the Interstitum is suggested as an important part in identifying any viral, bacterial, fungal and/or cancerous condition. It is further suggested that all of these conditions may be the result of an over-acidic chemistry of the interstitial fluids of the body that can be prevented or reversed with an alkalizing lifestyle and diet (ALT). Non-invasive Blood Testing (NBT) and Full Body Bio-Electro Interstitial Fluid Scan (FBBIES) are presented as a noninvasive and non-radioactive diagnostic tests to examine the body fluids pH, chemistry, metabolic data and functionality of the organs and organ systems in the presence of any acidic disease causing condition. In addition, non-invasive Full-Body Thermography (FBT) and Full-Body Ultrasound (FBU) combined with the interstitial fluid testing (FBBIES) are presented as noninvasive methods to examine the physiology, the anatomy and the functionality of the organs, organ systems, glands and tissues in relationship to acute or chronic health conditions in the prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and monitoring the progress of  any therapy progress. Finally, qualitative and quantitative non-invasive Blood Evaluation (NBE) is used as an important part of determining hematological data to compare with the interstitial fluid analysis (FBBIES). In contrast, to the potential chemical acidosis caused by conventional medical treatments, ALT methods such as Intravenous Nutritional Infusion (INI), Rectal Nutritional Infusion (RNI), alkaline foods and drinks, alkaline nutritional supplements, detoxification, exercise and stress reduction provide an alkalizing approach in preventing and reversing any serious health condition.
 

  • Virology | Medical Virology | Clinical Aspects of Viral Infection | Vaccines for Tropical Diseases | Tropical Viral Diseases
Location: Dubai, UAE

Session Introduction

Ghweil Ali Abdelrahman

South Valley University, Egypt

Title: Reactivation of Herpesvirus in patients with Hepatitis C treated with direct-acting antiviral agents
Speaker
Biography:

Ghweil Ali Abdelrahman was a Resident of (Tropical medicine and Gastroenterology) for three years .He worked as a Clinical demonstrator and assistant lecturer of Tropical medicine and Gastroenterology, Sohag University.  He was working as a Lecturer of Tropical medicine and Gastroenterology, South Valley University. Currently, he is the Head of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology department, South Valley University. He is also a member of the European Society of Liver Diseases (EASL).
 

Abstract:

We performed a case-series analysis of reactivation of Herpesvirus in patients with Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection treated with Direct-Acting Antiviral (DAA) agents. Eight cases were detected among 100 treated patients with direct acting antiviral regimens in Qena University Hospital from June 2016 to June 2017. Herpesvirus was reactivated in 8 patients who received DAA therapy. None of the cases had risk factor for HZ reactivation. The DAAs used regimens were sofosbuvir/ daclatasvir in 6 cases and sofosbuvir/ledipasvir in 2 cases. Immune changes that follow HCV clearance might lead to reactivation of other viruses, such as Herpesvirus. Patients with HCV infection suspected of having Herpesvirus infection should be treated promptly.
 

Zakeya Al Rasbi

United Arab Emirates University, UAE

Title: Study of the prevalence and risk factors of parasite (Helminthes and Protozoa) amongst labors in Al Ain District
Speaker
Biography:

Zakeya Al Rasbi works as Assistant Professor, in Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences at United Arab Emirates University the Emirates. Also, she is the Emirates Center for Happiness Research (ECHR) Director. Her research lab focuses on the connection between parasitology and immunology, and how recent studies link parasitic infection in gastrointestinal tract to autoimmune disorders.

Abstract:

Introduction: United Arab Emirates is a multicultural country and approximately 65% of the population are expatriates from low- and middle-income developing countries that have a high burden of intestinal parasitic infections (IPI). Aim: The primary aim is to estimate the prevalence of, and factors associated with IPI in an occupational sample of expatriates in Al-Ain. Methodology: This study utilized an observational analytical cross- sectional study and recruited a representative sample of expatriate employees. Participants completed a questionnaire; and provided a fresh stool sample. Fecal specimens were analyzed for a range of IPI species using microscopy, Ziehl–Neelsen stain, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Results: 25% of participants harbored intestinal parasites; 15% with protozoa, while 10% had helminths infection according to microscopy diagnosis. Higher incidents of protozoa and helminths infection were identified using PCR. Conclusion: IPI can be found in more than quarter of the survey population and this conclusion shed a light on the importance of this study in understanding the pattern of IPI infection and transmission in the UAE.
 

Caroline Bilen

3M Medical Solutions, UAE

Title: Surgical safety solution to improve patient safety in caesarean procedures
Speaker
Biography:

Caroline holds BS in nursing since 1988, certified in Infection Control (NYIC) as well as educator for NYIC certification. She is JCI certified educator for JCI education program “Safety in Surgical Services”. She has more than 28 years’ experience in Nursing Management, Infection control and Health Care Quality, Accreditation Management and Elderly Care. She held the position of Director of Nursing Services at “Home Care Lebanon”, from 1997 to 2004. From 1994 to 1997 Caroline held the position of Operating Room Nursing Manager in Lebanon. She is working as the Scientific Affair and Education Manager at 3M 3M Medical Solutions, UAE. Since she joined 3M in 2004, she has been working closely with hospitals management team, Infection Control ,Quality and Patient Safety Committees all over the CEEMEA region to improve patient safety, Expectations and outcomes. Her contribution in creating awareness of the best practices and driving surgical safety solution, surgical pathway, clinical evidences and standards of care to prevent Hospital Acquired Infection as well as educating Health Care Staff in CEEMEA region is broadly recognized and appreciated. She is an active public speaker at international and national congresses for Patient Safety, clinical microbiology and infectious disease ,Surgical forum ,Hand Hygiene Campaigns and Infection Preventions summits in CEEMEA region. She has publication on the Reduction of Surgical Site Infections in Cesarean Section Deliveries by Implementation of a Surgical Care Pathway.

Abstract:

Health Care-Associated Infections (HCAI) is the most frequent adverse event in health-care delivery worldwide. Up to 16% of HCAI are Surgical Site Infections (SSI). Managing the risk of SSI is complex. Many patients are affected by SSI each year, leading to significant mortality, morbidity and financial losses for health systems. Caesarean section deliveries are an important surgical procedure that is used to improve both maternal and fetal outcomes in complicated pregnancies. In recent times however the convenience of the surgery for both mother and surgeon has resulted in an increasing global trend of C-section deliveries which according to the world health organization has now reached pandemic proportions. The nature of the surgery makes it a high risk procedure and the incidence of infection have been increasing in both well and under-resourced countries. Since the entire process is not limited to a single hospital department, a multi-disciplinary approach is needed to minimize the risk of infections. For this study a surgical care pathway was introduced as part of a performance improvement project to a private hospital in South Africa which resulted in C-section infection rates decreasing from 5.12±0.82% to 0.23±0.15% (p<0.0001).
 

Ghweil Ali Abdelrahman

South Valley University, Egypt

Title: Liver stiffness predicts relapse after direct acting antiviral therapy against chronic Hepatitis C Virus infection
Speaker
Biography:

Ghweil Ali Abdelrahman was a Resident of (Tropical medicine and Gastroenterology) for three years .He worked as a Clinical demonstrator and assistant lecturer of Tropical medicine and Gastroenterology, Sohag University.  He was working as a Lecturer of Tropical medicine and Gastroenterology, South Valley University. Currently, he is the Head of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology department, South Valley University. He is also a member of the European Society of Liver Diseases (EASL).
 

Abstract:

Background & Aim: Assessment of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis has always been considered of utmost relevance for patient care in clinical hepatology. Over the last years, multiple non-invasive methods were used for diagnosis of hepaic fibrosis, including transient elastography in addition to clinical and biochemical parameters or combinations of both methods. Serum markers and elastography are considered useful techniques for diagnosing severe liver fibrosis and cirrhosis and for excluding significant fibrosis in hepatitis C virus infected patients. Also, liver stiffness may help to foretell treatment response to antiviral therapy. We aimed to evaluate changes of transient elastography values as well as serum fibronectin and AST to Platelet Ratio Index in Patients (APRI) treated with sofosbuvir based treatment regimen. Methods: This is a follow-up study including 100 chronic HCV Egyptian patients treated with sofosbuvir-based treatment regimen. Transient elastography values were recorded as well as serum fibronectin and APRI were calculated at baseline and SVR12. Results: There was a significant improvement of platelets counts, ALT and AST levels, which in turn cause significant improvement in APRI scores at SVR12. Liver stiffness measurements were significantly lower at SVR12 (15.40±8.96 vs. 8.82±4.74 kPa, P=0.000). There was significant decline in serum fibronectin from baseline to SVR 12 (524.14±237.61 vs. 287.48±137.67, P=0.000).
 

Dephney Mathebula

University of Venda, South Africa

Title: Multi-scale modelling of schistosomiasis transmission dynamics
Speaker
Biography:

Dephney Mathebula has her expertise in multi-scale modeling of infectious diseases such as schistosomiasis, malaria and influenza. Her passion is in improving the implementation of infectious diseases control measures by developing multi-scale models that account for both between-host and within-host disease dynamics. Her multi-scale model adequately accounts for the reciprocal influence of the linked within-host and between-host models.

Abstract:

In this study, we develop a multi-scale model that integrates the within-host and between-host transmission dynamics of schistosomiasis. The resulting linked models are sometimes called immuno-epidemiological models. However, there is still no generalized framework for linking the within-host and between-host dynamics of infectious diseases. Moreover, for environmentally transmitted infections, there is a gap in knowledge on how environmental factors alter many aspects of such infections including susceptibility to infective dose, persistence of infection, pathogen shedding and severity of the disease. In this work, we integrate the within-host and between-host sub-models by identifying the within-host and between-host variables and parameters associated with the environmental dynamics of the pathogen and then design a feedback of the variables and parameters across the within-host and between-host models using human schistosomiasis as a case study. We study the mathematical properties of the linked model and show that the model is epidemiologically well-posed. Using results from the analysis of the endemic equilibrium expression, the disease reproductive number and numerical simulations of the full model, we adequately account for the reciprocal influence of the linked within-host and between-host sub-models. We expect the conceptual modeling framework developed here to be applicable to many environmentally transmitted infectious diseases other than the specific disease system of human schistosomiasis considered here.
 

Camille Fritzell

Pasteur Institute of French Guiana, France

Title: Perceptions and behaviors associated with emerging arboviruses in French Guiana
Speaker
Biography:

Camille F is currently finishing her PhD on the study of perceptions and behaviors related to arboviral infections among the population of French Guiana at the Epidemiology Unit at Pasteur Institute of French Guiana with Dr. Claude Flamand. She has 7 publications in the field of infectious diseases and already presented her research in three congresses.
 

Abstract:

The recent emergence of chikungunya and Zika virus worldwide aroused global attention due to their rapid spread and high potential for epidemics. Effective management of new arboviruses risks in the phase that no specific treatment or vaccination is yet possible is largely dependent on precautionary behavior of the population. The knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms underlying perceptions and behaviors are essential for authorities in charge of vector-borne diseases prevention to implement effective communication and promote precautionary practices. In the context of emerging arboviruses in French Guiana, we conducted two surveys among students and the general population respectively. A multifactorial analysis and a logistic ordinal regression were performed to explore and assess risk perceptions and protective behaviors and identify their potential determinants among the population of French Guiana. An emergent arboviral disease appeared as a new health threat that concern the public more than others existing Aedes mosquito-borne diseases, with a significant degree of perceived worry and severity. Furthermore, perceptions varied considerably among different social groups and geographic areas with an important gender effect related to Zika perceptions. Women were significantly more afraid about Zika, felt more exposed and characterized the disease as more severe and as affecting the patient more than did men (p<0.001). The adoption of protective behaviors was associated with socio economic and environmental factors, risk perceptions and behaviors. A negative association between the level of knowledge and the adoption of protective behaviors was observed (OR=0.69 [0.49-0.98]). Our results suggest that the adoption of protective behaviors would not necessarily rely on the knowledge but on individual factors and perceptions associated with the disease, as a multi-factorial process.  Such data will be subsequently analyzed with seroprevalence data in order to identify from these socio-behavioral factors which are potential determinant of the infection of dengue, chikungunya and/or Zika viruses.
 

Stef Stienstra

Dutch Armed Forces, Netherlands14

Title: Special Session: Information sharing in an international outbreak of a very contagious disease
Speaker
Biography:

Strategic and creative consultant in biomedical science, with a parallel career in the Dutch Civil-Military Interaction Command in which he has responsibility for the counter measures in CBNRe threats and (medical) consequence management both in a military and a civilian (terrorism) setting. He was the director of the 2014 & 2016 World Congress of CBRNe Science & Consequence Management in Tbilisi, Georgia. He works internationally as consultant or scientific supervisory board member for several medical and biotech companies, merely involved in biodefense, clinical diagnostics and therapies. He is also visiting professor for Punjab University in Pakistan and Rhein-Waal University in Germany and visiting professor at the University of Rome Tor Vergata. He has finished both his studies in Medicine and in Biochemistry at the University of Groningen in The Netherlands and has extensive practical experience in cell biology, immuno-haematology, biodefense and transfusion medicine. His natural business acumen and negotiation competence helps to initiate new successful businesses, often created out of unexpected combinations of technologies. His thorough understanding of abstract science combined with excellent skills in the communication of scientific matters to non-specialists, helps him with strategic consulting at top level management.
 

Abstract:

Ghweil Ali Abdelrahman

South Valley University, Egypt

Title: Workshop: Management of HBV infection in special situations
Speaker
Biography:

Ghweil Ali Abdelrahman was a Resident of (Tropical medicine and Gastroenterology) for three years .He worked as a Clinical demonstrator and assistant lecturer of Tropical medicine and Gastroenterology, Sohag University.  He was working as a Lecturer of Tropical medicine and Gastroenterology, South Valley University. Currently, he is the Head of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology department, South Valley University. He is also a member of the European Society of Liver Diseases (EASL).
 

Abstract: