One Health & Risk Management

Enhancing BWC Implementation in Moldova

2025-06-16T13:20:15+00:00

The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) celebrates its 50th anniversary this
year. Building on the foundations of the 1925 Geneva Protocol, the Convention has
established a strong and comprehensive norm against an entire category of Weapons
of Mass Destruction.

Recognizing the evolving risks posed by rapid scientific advancements and the dual
use nature of life sciences, the Republic of Moldova, a State Party to the Convention
since 2005, recently appointed its National Agency for Public Health as its BWC
National Contact Point to strengthen national implementation and collaboration.

The BWC Implementation Support Unit looks forward to working closely with the
National Agency for Public Health in the Republic of Moldova to further strengthen
the national implementation of the Convention and congratulates the Moldavian
Biosafety and Biosecurity Association on its publication “One Health & Risk
Management” in support of these efforts.

Exploring the relationship between dietary patterns and the RS2241766 polymorphism of adiponectin gene in coronary artery disease

2025-06-16T17:29:07+00:00

Introduction. The coronary artery disease remains a major health issue worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries where genetic predispositions significantly contribute to its prevalence.

Materials and methods. This study, conducted at Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Kelambakkam, India, from January to April 2024, investigates the relationship between dietary patterns, genetic variations in Adiponectin, and coronary artery disease risk. Genetic analysis of the adiponectin (45T/G) polymorphism was performed using the Tetra-primer Amplification Refractory Mutation System Polymerase Chain Reaction method.

Rezults. The results revealed notable links between genetic variations, dietary behaviours, and health indicators coronary artery disease patients. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements showed that narrowed coronary arteries were associated with elevated BMI and waist circumference. Lifestyle and sleep patterns also differed significantly between the groups. Among coronary artery disease participants, 64% followed non-vegetarian diets, with higher consumption of red meat and fast food, negatively impacting lipid profiles. The rs2241766 GG genotype of the adiponectin gene was significantly associated with these dietary habits (p<0.01) and obesity (OR=5.1429, p=0.0084). Similarly, the GT genotype demonstrated a strong correlation with obesity (OR=22.15, p < 0.050).

Conclusions. This study highlights the intricate connections between genetic predispositions, dietary choices, and coronary artery disease risk. The rs2241766 GG genotype emerged as a strong predictor of coronary artery disease susceptibility compared to the rs2231142 TT genotype, emphasizing the complex interplay of diet, genetics and obesity in coronary artery disease development.

The knowledge, attitude and practices of pregnant women in preventing iron deficiency anemia in Georgia

2025-06-16T11:58:33+00:00

Introduction. Anemia in pregnancy is a serious global health challenge, affecting, especially developing countries.

Materials and methods. A qualitative research method was used to survey pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and physicians through in-depth interviews. The target sample consisted of 9 gynecologists and 26 pregnant women, selected through purposive sampling from three maternity hospitals in Tbilisi (Georgia).

Results. The majority of pregnant women (n=22; 84.6%) knew IDA and correctly identified its symptoms. However, despite high awareness, most lacked adequate knowledge about the causes and risk factors of IDA. While pregnant women were aware of healthy eating practices, they did not follow a proper diet. Relevant obstacles to adopting a healthy eating pattern included limited financial access to food as well as cultural and religious barriers. Although the respondents had some knowledge about iron-rich foods, they were generally unaware of the need to take iron supplements for prevention. The majority of pregnant women (n=21; 80.8%) received little information about anemia from their family physicians, indicating the limited role of family doctors in preventing IDA during pregnancy.

Conclusions. Although pregnant women have knowledge and positive attitudes regarding the prevention of IDA, the practice is unsatisfactory. The results indicate a weak link between knowledge about IDA prevention and healthy behavior, which is a major contributing factor to the prevalence of anemia. To solve the problem, it is necessary to encourage proper counseling on nutrition for pregnant women during antenatal care, with a key role played by family doctors. Raising awareness of the problem among women of reproductive age and adolescent girls should also be promoted.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis e virus in five high-risk populations from the Republic of Moldova: a cross-sectional study

2025-06-16T11:58:18+00:00

Introduction. The study assessed the seroprevalence of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) markers in different at-risk groups within the Republic of Moldova. The risk groups included blood donors, hemodialysed patients, medical workers, tuberculosis (TB) patients, and intravenous drug users (IDUs).

Material and methods. A cross-sectional descriptive-epidemiological study was conducted from 2019 to 2023, with participants randomly selected from different risk groups. Blood samples were collected and tested using ELISA for Anti-HEV IgG and IgM markers. Seroprevalence was calculated with 95% confidence intervals, and statistical analyses were conducted using Epi Info 7.2 software.

Results. Among 794 tested blood donors, 9.6% (95% CI: 7.7-11.8) were positive for Anti-HEV IgG, indicating past exposure, and 8.3% (95% CI: 6.3-10.8) for Anti-HEV IgM, suggesting recent infection. Hemodialyzed patients had a significantly higher seroprevalence: 45.8% (95% CI: 34.8–57.1) for Anti-HEV IgG and 21.6% (95% CI: 9.8–38.2) for Anti-HEV IgM. Medical workers exhibited moderate IgG prevalence at 11.8% (95% CI: 9.1-15.0) and substantially higher IgM prevalence at 38.1% (95% CI: 26.1-51.2). TB patients had lower IgG (11.9%, 95% CI: 7.8-17.2) and IgM (7.8%, 95% CI: 3.6-14.3) prevalences. IDUs had a notable IgG prevalence of 20.5% (95% CI: 12.6-30.4) but no detectable IgM.

Conclusions. This study highlights the significant burden of hepatitis E virus infection among at-risk populations in the Republic of Moldova.

Level of professional Burnout among family physicians in the Republic of Moldova and certain aspects regarding its contributing factors

2025-06-16T13:11:01+00:00

Introduction. Family medicine represents a key component of the healthcare system, a specialty characterized by fragmented work, high demands from patients/families/communities, and often conflicting interactions, all of which are conditions that predict stress and the onset of burnout. The aim of this study was to assess the degree to which family physicians in the Republic of Moldova are affected by professional burnout, as well as to identify its determining factors.

Materials and methods. The research was conducted as a descriptive cross-sectional study from November 2023 to February 2024, on a sample of 352 family doctors.

Rezults. The results show that 100% of family physicians were affected by professional burnout. The most prominent dimension of the burnout syndrome was psycho-emotional exhaustion, with a high level identified in 45.5% of respondents. Family physicians in the younger age group (36-45 years) were more affected by burnout. Family physicians working in urban areas were more affected than those in rural areas. According to the respondents, professional factors were the main contributors to the development of burnout syndrome.

Conclusions. The professional burnout syndrome was identified in all family physicians involved in the study, with the dimension of psycho-emotional exhaustion being the factor with the greatest impact.

Assessing the effectiveness of The Extraordinary Territorial Public Health Commissions coordination mechanisms in the COVID-19 response in Republic of Moldova: coordination and capacity gaps

2025-06-16T11:57:50+00:00

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for effective coordination in managing health crises. In the Republic of Moldova, the response was managed by the National Extraordinary Public Health Commissions but implemented by the Extraordinary Territorial Public Health Commissions (TEPHCs).

Materials and methods. The observational epidemiological study employed a cross-sectional design, collecting data through an online questionnaire between December 2021 and March 2022 from 294 members (94.8% response rate) of TEPHCs from 35 territorial units. The sample included 179 women (60.9%) and 115 men (39.1%). The study assessed coordination mechanisms, existing legislation, and implementation barriers.

Rezults. The results show a high level of awareness of the National Response Plan to COVID-19 (92%) and recognition of its importance (95%). However, only 26% felt that the measures were clear and easy to implement. Resource issues were significant, with 65% reporting staff shortages and 75% reporting financial constraints. Despite 67% of respondents having received training, 94% expressed a need for further support in pandemic management.

Conclusions. TEPHCs have been essential in managing the pandemic at local level, but their effectiveness has been hampered by an inadequate legal framework, poor communication and lack of adequate resources and training. The study recommends updating the legal framework and improving coordination mechanisms. Additional investments in preparedness are vital.

Clinical management and outcomes of snake envenomation: a case series

2025-06-16T12:23:53+00:00

Introduction. In tropical rural communities, snakebite envenomation is among the main causes of morbidity and mortality. It results in shock, hemorrhage, tissue necrosis, and swelling. Diagnosing and identifying snake species is challenging, necessitating thorough clinical assessments and point-of-care tests. Hence this case series examines follow up on the course of clinical care and management of snake envenomation cases in Erode District, India, a location known for poisonous snakes such as the spectacled cobra (Naja naja), Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii), and common krait (Bungarus caeruleus).

Materials and methods. This case series summarizes the hospital experience of patients with snake envenomation who were hospitalized to a local government medical college and hospital.

Rezults. Five patients were confirmed or suspected of having been envenomated by a snake. Four patients received antivenom. The regional venom response team offered management guidance and antivenom. One patient’s hospitalization was protracted and worsened by respiratory failure and corneal dystrophies. All patients survived and were discharged.

Conclusions. This series emphasizes the necessity of early and comprehensive management measures to reduce morbidity and mortality from snake envenomation, as well as the need for ongoing research and interventions to improve patient care in a variety of clinical settings.

Strengthening the Biological Weapons convention in support of global peace and security

2025-06-16T13:16:52+00:00

On 26 March 2025, the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. Over the course of the last five decades, the BWC has established itself as one of the key pillars in multilateral disarmament. The BWC builds on the foundations of the 1925 Geneva Protocol, which prohibited only the use of biological and chemical weapons in warfare. The Convention goes beyond that by comprehensively banning an entire category of weapons of mass destruction. It effectively prohibits the development, production, stockpiling, acquisition, retention and use of biological weapons against humans, animals and plants.

Following its negotiation at the end of the 1960s and early 1970s in Geneva, Switzerland, the Convention was opened for signature on 10 April 1972 in London, Moscow and Washington D.C. It entered into force on 26 March 1975.