TDI NEWS Featured story:
OUCOM students help control Chagas disease Ecuador
Five
students from Ohio University College of Osteopathic
Medicine took part in a four to five week education abroad
research experience to the country of Ecuador. The study was
composed of a collaboration of efforts between OUCOM and the
Catholic University in Quito to determine the risks and
prevalence of Chagas disease in children between 0-15 years
of age. |
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Chagas disease results from an undetected
infection with Trypanosoma cruzi parasite. The parasite is
primarily transmitted through vector borne transmission via
Triatomine insects and the insects are found in houses made
from materials such as mud, adobe, straw, and palm thatch.
The effects of untreated Chagas disease in adults are
devastating and result in mega colon, enlarged esophagus and
sudden death due to cardiac causes. However, the disease is
preventable with medication if it is detected in its early
stages. |
Meet the participants |
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Individual research studies conducted by Merrian Brooks
OMSII focused on the use of bed nets as a prevention
method for contracting the parasite via the Triatomine
insect. Collection of data for this study involved visiting
homes, conversing with parents and evaluating the use and
effectiveness of bed nets as a prevention tool.
Jose Bustillo OMSII focused on the prevalence of
anemia in children as it relates to nutritional status and
their ability to combat parasitic infections. We collected
finger-prick hemoglobin samples in order to assess iron
deficiency anemia. |
Leah Beegan
OMSII with a few of the many Ecuadorian children that were
seen at the clinic in the province of Manabi.
|
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OUCOM students Emily Miller, Leah Beegan, and Mirna
Martinez assisted in all facets of the overall and
individual research initiatives by assisting in the daily
function of the medical clinic and facilitated the ministry
of health in providing health care to the children and
assessing their nutritional status. The research was
conducted in various communities within Manabí, and Loja
provinces. The experience allowed for the collaboration of
individuals from diverse career backgrounds which included
entomologists, a film crew, a cartographer, biologists and
other medical students from around the country, PH.D
students, and physicians among others.
Mirna Martinez OMSII |
Jose Bustillo obtains finger
prick blood samples in order to run the laboratory tests. |
|
My favorite part of the TDI trip
to Ecuador was getting to go into people’s homes to talk
with them and help search the house for chinchorros
(Triatomine insects). Many of the people welcomed us with
small gifts like fruit or juice and really wanted us to feel
welcome in their homes. As we searched the house and yard
together, I felt like for a few minutes I was a part of
their family. They really appreciated our help and it meant
a lot to me to be welcomed with open arms. |
Leah Beegan
OMSII with Emily Miller OMSII taking the opportunity to play
with the children that were seen at the clinic in the
province of Manabi. |
|
Working in the children’s clinic
was also rewarding. I felt very fortunate to get the
opportunity to serve Ecuador and its people through our
clinic. Although our clinic was basic, we were able to
provide necessary medical care that most of the Ecuadorians
do not usually receive. The best part of the clinic was
getting to talk and play with the children after our long
day was finished.
Leah Beegan OMSII |
Merrian Brooks OMSII always found time to make the children
smile. |
|
Taking
this trip was a one in a million experience. In addition to
being lucky
enough
to be part of a research project that will affect so many
lives, we were able to really connect with the communities
and get to know a beautiful culture and country. And on top
of that, I've made some friends I know I will keep with me
forever. This experience helped me learn so much about the
process of research and got me interested in
rural/international medicine. I
wish I
could go every year!
Emily
Miller OMSII |
Emily Miller
OMSII working alongside SNEM participants in finding and
collecting Triatomine Insects. |
