Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease

Editorial

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4 pages, 204 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Emerging Diseases/Viruses Prevention, Control, Surveillance, and One Health

by Yannick Simonin

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2023, 8(5), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed8050257 - 29 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3049

Abstract

Emerging diseases have posed a constant threat and major challenge to human health throughout our history [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Diseases/Viruses Prevention: Control, Surveillance, and One Health)

2 pages, 182 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue “Emerging Diseases/Viruses: Prevention, Control, Surveillance, and One Health”

by Yannick Simonin

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2022, 7(10), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed7100301 - 15 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1552

Abstract

Zoonotic diseases account for at least 60% of all infectious diseases and no less than two-thirds of new emerging ones, which underlines the importance of monitoring them as early as possible [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Diseases/Viruses Prevention: Control, Surveillance, and One Health)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review, Other

23 pages, 345 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Barriers and Facilitators to HIV Treatment Adherence in Indonesia: Perspectives of People Living with HIV and HIV Service Providers

by Bona S. H. Hutahaean, Sarah E. Stutterheim and Kai J. Jonas

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2023, 8(3), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed8030138 - 24 Feb 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3403

Abstract

HIV treatment adherence in Indonesia is a major challenge. Although previous studies have demonstrated several barriers and facilitators to adherence, studies providing a comprehensive analysis from both PLHIV and HIV service providers’ perspectives are limited, especially in Indonesia. In this qualitative study with [...] Read more.

HIV treatment adherence in Indonesia is a major challenge. Although previous studies have demonstrated several barriers and facilitators to adherence, studies providing a comprehensive analysis from both PLHIV and HIV service providers’ perspectives are limited, especially in Indonesia. In this qualitative study with 30 people living with HIV on treatment (PLHIV-OT) and 20 HIV service providers (HSPs), we explored, via online interviews, the barriers and facilitators to antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence using a socioecological approach. Both PLHIV-OT and HSPs reported stigma as a major barrier at each socioecological level, including public stigma at the societal level, stigma in healthcare settings, and self-stigma at the intrapersonal level. Stigma reduction must therefore be prioritized. PLHIV-OT and HSPs also reported support from significant others and HSPs as the foremost facilitators to ART adherence. The enablement of support networks is thus an important key to improved ART adherence. Overall, the societal level and health system barriers to ART adherence should be addressed in order to remove barriers and enhance the facilitators at the subordinate socioecological levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Diseases/Viruses Prevention: Control, Surveillance, and One Health)

20 pages, 3946 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Estimating Dengue Transmission Intensity in China Using Catalytic Models Based on Serological Data

by Ning Li, Haidong Li, Zhengji Chen, Huan Xiong, Zhibo Li, Tao Wei, Wei Liu and Xu-Sheng Zhang

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2023, 8(2), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed8020116 - 14 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2031

Abstract

In recent decades, the global incidence of dengue has risen sharply, with more than 75% of infected people showing mild or no symptoms. Since the year 2000, dengue in China has spread quickly. At this stage, there is an urgent need to fully [...] Read more.

In recent decades, the global incidence of dengue has risen sharply, with more than 75% of infected people showing mild or no symptoms. Since the year 2000, dengue in China has spread quickly. At this stage, there is an urgent need to fully understand its transmission intensity and spread in China. Serological data provide reliable evidence for symptomatic and recessive infections. Through a literature search, we included 23 studies that collected age-specific serological dengue data released from 1980 to 2021 in China. Fitting four catalytic models to these data, we distinguished the transmission mechanisms by deviation information criterion and estimated force of infection and basic reproduction number (R₀), important parameters for quantifying transmission intensity. We found that transmission intensity varies over age in most of the study populations, and attenuation of antibody protection is identified in some study populations; the R₀ of dengue in China is between 1.04–2.33. Due to the scarceness of the data, the temporal trend cannot be identified, but data shows that transmission intensity weakened from coastal to inland areas and from southern to northern areas in China if assuming it remained temporally steady during the study period. The results should be useful for the effective control of dengue in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Diseases/Viruses Prevention: Control, Surveillance, and One Health)

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11 pages, 475 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rationality of Prescriptions by Rational Use of Medicine Consensus Approach in Common Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Infections: An Outpatient Department Based Cross-Sectional Study from India

by Debjit Chakraborty, Falguni Debnath, Suman Kanungo, Sandip Mukhopadhyay, Nabanita Chakraborty, Rivu Basu, Palash Das, Kalpana Datta, Suman Ganguly, Prithwijit Banerjee, Nilima Kshirsagar and Shanta Dutta

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2023, 8(2), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed8020088 - 28 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3021

Abstract

Background: Drug utilisation studies are relevant for the analysis of prescription rationality and are pertinent in today’s context of the increasing burden of antimicrobial resistance. Prescriptions for patients with diarrhoea or Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) have been analysed in this study to understand [...] Read more.

Background: Drug utilisation studies are relevant for the analysis of prescription rationality and are pertinent in today’s context of the increasing burden of antimicrobial resistance. Prescriptions for patients with diarrhoea or Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) have been analysed in this study to understand the prescription pattern among various categories of prescribers in two tertiary care centers. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2019 to December 2020 in the medicine and pediatrics outpatient departments of two government teaching hospitals in West Bengal, India. A total of 630 prescriptions were evaluated against WHO standards. Prescriptions were assessed by a ‘Rational Use of Medicine Consensus committee’ approach. Results: The Fixed Dose Combination (FDC) was used in half of the patients (51%). Both the generic prescription (23.3%) and adherence to hospital formulary rates (36.5%) were low. The antibiotics prescription rate was high (57%), and it was higher for diarrhoea than ARI. Deviations from the standard treatment guidelines were found in 98.9% of prescriptions. Deviations were commonly found with prescriptions written by the junior doctors (99.6%). Conclusion: Irrational prescribing patterns prevail in tertiary care centers and indicate the necessity of awareness generation and capacity building among prescribers regarding AMR and its unseen consequences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Diseases/Viruses Prevention: Control, Surveillance, and One Health)

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12 pages, 1184 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Human and Livestock Surveillance Revealed the Circulation of Rift Valley Fever Virus in Agnam, Northern Senegal, 2021

by Moufid Mhamadi, Aminata Badji, Mamadou Aliou Barry, El Hadji Ndiaye, Alioune Gaye, Mignane Ndiaye, Moundhir Mhamadi, Cheikh Talibouya Touré, Oumar Ndiaye, Babacar Faye, Boly Diop, Mamadou Ndiaye, Mathioro Fall, Andy Mahine Diouf, Samba Niang Sagne, Cheikh Loucoubar, Hugues Fausther-Bovendo, Ara XIII, Amadou Alpha Sall, Gary Kobinger, Ousmane Faye, Mawlouth Diallo and Oumar Faye Show full author list Hide full author list

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2023, 8(2), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed8020087 - 27 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2029

Abstract

The mosquito-borne disease caused by the Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV) is a viral hemorrhagic fever that affects humans and animals. In 1987, RVFV emerged in Mauritania, which caused the first RVFV outbreak in West Africa. This outbreak was shortly followed by reported [...] Read more.

The mosquito-borne disease caused by the Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV) is a viral hemorrhagic fever that affects humans and animals. In 1987, RVFV emerged in Mauritania, which caused the first RVFV outbreak in West Africa. This outbreak was shortly followed by reported cases in humans and livestock in Senegal. Animal trade practices with neighboring Mauritania suggest northern regions of Senegal are at high risk for RVF. In this study, we aim to conduct a molecular and serological survey of RVFV in humans and livestock in Agnam (northeastern Senegal) by RT-PCR (reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction) and ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay), respectively. Of the two hundred fifty-five human sera, one (0.39%) tested RVFV IgM positive, while fifty-three (20.78%) tested positive for RVFV IgG. For animal monitoring, out of 30 sheep recorded and sampled over the study period, 20 (66.67%) showed seroconversion to RVFV IgG antibodies, notably during the rainy season. The presence of antibodies increased significantly with age in both groups (p < 0.05), as the force of RVF infection (FOI), increased by 16.05% per year for humans and by 80.4% per month for livestock sheep. This study supports the usefulness of setting up a One Health survey for RVF management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Diseases/Viruses Prevention: Control, Surveillance, and One Health)

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25 pages, 8857 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The COVID-19 Infodemic on Twitter: A Space and Time Topic Analysis of the Brazilian Immunization Program and Public Trust

by Victor Diogho Heuer de Carvalho, Thyago Celso Cavalcante Nepomuceno, Thiago Poleto and Ana Paula Cabral Seixas Costa

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2022, 7(12), 425; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed7120425 - 9 Dec 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1863

Abstract

The context of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the infodemic phenomenon and the problem of misinformation. Agencies involved in managing COVID-19 immunization programs are also looking for ways to combat this problem, demanding analytical tools specialized in identifying patterns of misinformation [...] Read more.

The context of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the infodemic phenomenon and the problem of misinformation. Agencies involved in managing COVID-19 immunization programs are also looking for ways to combat this problem, demanding analytical tools specialized in identifying patterns of misinformation and understanding how they have evolved in time and space to demonstrate their effects on public trust. The aim of this article is to present the results of a study applying topic analysis in space and time with respect to public opinion on the Brazilian COVID-19 immunization program. The analytical process involves applying topic discovery to tweets with geoinformation extracted from the COVID-19 vaccination theme. After extracting the topics, they were submitted to manual annotation, whereby the polarity labels pro, anti, and neutral were applied based on the support and trust in the COVID-19 vaccination. A space and time analysis was carried out using the topic and polarity distributions, making it possible to understand moments during which the most significant quantities of posts occurred and the cities that generated the most tweets. The analytical process describes a framework capable of meeting the needs of agencies for tools, providing indications of how misinformation has evolved and where its dissemination focuses, in addition to defining the granularity of this information according to what managers define as adequate. The following research outcomes can be highlighted. (1) We identified a specific date containing a peak that stands out among the other dates, indicating an event that mobilized public opinion about COVID-19 vaccination. (2) We extracted 23 topics, enabling the manual polarity annotation of each topic and an understanding of which polarities were associated with tweets. (3) Based on the association between polarities, topics, and tweets, it was possible to identify the Brazilian cities that produced the majority of tweets for each polarity and the amount distribution of tweets relative to cities populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Diseases/Viruses Prevention: Control, Surveillance, and One Health)

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24 pages, 5293 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Bacterial Communities and Tick-Borne Pathogens in Haemaphysalis spp. Collected from Shanghai, China

by Wenbo Zeng, Zhongqiu Li, Tiange Jiang, Donghui Cheng, Limin Yang, Tian Hang, Lei Duan, Dan Zhu, Yuan Fang and Yi Zhang

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2022, 7(12), 413; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed7120413 - 1 Dec 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2178

Abstract

Ticks can carry and transmit a large number of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses and protozoa, posing a huge threat to human health and animal husbandry. Previous investigations have shown that the dominant species of ticks in Shanghai are Haemaphysalis flava and Haemaphysalis longicornis [...] Read more.

Ticks can carry and transmit a large number of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses and protozoa, posing a huge threat to human health and animal husbandry. Previous investigations have shown that the dominant species of ticks in Shanghai are Haemaphysalis flava and Haemaphysalis longicornis. However, no relevant investigations and research have been carried out in recent decades. Therefore, we investigated the bacterial communities and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in Haemaphysalis spp. from Shanghai, China. Ixodid ticks were collected from 18 sites in Shanghai, China, and identified using morphological and molecular methods. The V3–V4 hypervariable regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene were amplified from the pooled tick DNA samples and subject to metagenomic analysis. The microbial diversity in the tick samples was estimated using the alpha diversity that includes the observed species index and Shannon index. The Unifrac distance matrix as determined using the QIIME software was used for unweighted Unifrac Principal coordinates analysis (PCoA). Individual tick DNA samples were screened with genus-specific or group-specific nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for these TBPs and combined with a sequencing assay to confirm the results of the V3–V4 hypervariable regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. We found H. flava and H. longicornis to be the dominant species of ticks in Shanghai in this study. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria are the main bacterial communities of Haemaphysalis spp. The total species abundances of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, are 48.8%, 20.8% and 18.1%, respectively. At the level of genus analysis, H. longicornis and H. flava carried at least 946 genera of bacteria. The bacteria with high abundance include Lactobacillus, Coxiella, Rickettsia and Muribaculaceae. Additionally, Rickettsia rickettsii, Rickettsia japonica, Candidatus Rickettsia jingxinensis, Anaplasma bovis, Ehrlichia ewingii, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Coxiella spp. and Coxiella-like endosymbiont were detected in Haemaphysalis spp. from Shanghai, China. This study is the first report of bacterial communities and the prevalence of some main pathogens in Haemaphysalis spp. from Shanghai, China, and may provide insights and evidence for bacterial communities and the prevalence of the main pathogen in ticks. This study also indicates that people and other animals in Shanghai, China, are exposed to several TBPs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Diseases/Viruses Prevention: Control, Surveillance, and One Health)

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20 pages, 2188 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of COVID-19 Quarantine on Tuberculosis and Diabetes Mellitus Cases: A Modelling Study

by Nuning Nuraini, Ilham Saiful Fauzi, Bony Wiem Lestari and Sila Rizqina

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2022, 7(12), 407; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed7120407 - 29 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2087

Abstract

COVID-19 has currently become a global pandemic and caused a high number of infected people and deaths. To restrain the coronavirus spread, many countries have implemented restrictions on people’s movement and outdoor activities. The enforcement of health emergencies such as quarantine has a [...] Read more.

COVID-19 has currently become a global pandemic and caused a high number of infected people and deaths. To restrain the coronavirus spread, many countries have implemented restrictions on people’s movement and outdoor activities. The enforcement of health emergencies such as quarantine has a positive impact on reducing the COVID-19 infection risk, but it also has unwanted influences on health, social, and economic sectors. Here, we developed a compartmental mathematical model for COVID-19 transmission dynamic accommodating quarantine process and including tuberculosis and diabetic people compartments. We highlighted the potential negative impact induced by quarantine implementation on the increasing number of people with tuberculosis and diabetes. The actual COVID-19 data recorded in Indonesia during the Delta and Omicron variant attacks were well-approximated by the model’s output. A positive relationship was indicated by a high value of Pearson correlation coefficient,

r = 0.9344

for Delta and

r = 0.8961

for Omicron with a significance level of

p < 0.05

. By varying the value of the quarantine parameter, this study obtained that quarantine effectively reduces the number of COVID-19 but induces an increasing number of tuberculosis and diabetic people. In order to minimize these negative impacts, increasing public awareness about the dangers of TB transmission and implementing a healthy lifestyle were considered the most effective strategies based on the simulation. The insights and results presented in this study are potentially useful for relevant authorities to increase public awareness of the potential risk of TB transmission and to promote a healthy lifestyle during the implementation of quarantine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Diseases/Viruses Prevention: Control, Surveillance, and One Health)

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12 pages, 1903 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Arbovirus Seroprevalence Study in Bangphae District, Ratchaburi Province, Thailand: Comparison between ELISA and a Multiplex Rapid Diagnostic Test (Chembio DPP^® ZCD IgG)

by Ruba Chakma, Pimolpachr Sriburin, Pichamon Sittikul, Jittraporn Rattanamahaphoom, Warisa Nuprasert, Nipa Thammasonthijarern, Pannamas Maneekan, Janjira Thaipadungpanit, Watcharee Arunsodsai, Chukiat Sirivichayakul, Kriengsak Limkittikul and Supawat Chatchen

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2022, 7(11), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed7110378 - 15 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2444

Abstract

Arboviruses, particularly dengue virus (DENV), Zika virus (ZIKV), and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), pose a growing threat to global public health. For disease burden estimation and disease control, seroprevalence studies are paramount. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of DENV, ZIKV, and [...] Read more.

Arboviruses, particularly dengue virus (DENV), Zika virus (ZIKV), and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), pose a growing threat to global public health. For disease burden estimation and disease control, seroprevalence studies are paramount. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of DENV, ZIKV, and CHIKV on healthy individuals aged from 1–55 years old in Bangphae district, Ratchaburi province, Thailand. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) were performed on archived samples from a dengue serological survey conducted from 2012–2015. All 2012 samples had been previously tested using an anti-DENV immunoglobulin (Ig)G ELISA, and 400 randomly selected samples stratified by age, sex, and residential area were assessed by an in-house anti-ZIKV IgG ELISA and a commercial anti-CHIKV IgG ELISA to determine virus-specific antibody levels. An RDT (Chembio DPP^® ZCD IgM/IgG System) was also used to investigate the presence of antibodies against DENV, ZIKV, or CHIKV. The ELISA results indicate that the seroprevalences of DENV, ZIKV, and CHIKV were 84.3%, 58.0%, and 22.5%, respectively. The youngest age group had the lowest seroprevalence for all three arboviruses, and the seroprevalences for these viruses were progressively higher with increasing participant age. The DPP^® IgG sensitivities, as compared with ELISAs, for DENV, ZIKV, and CHIKV were relatively low, only 43.92%, 25.86%, and 37.78%, respectively. The ELISA results indicate that 16% of the study population was seropositive for all three viruses. DENV had the highest seroprevalence. ZIKV and CHIKV were also circulating in Bangphae district, Ratchaburi province, Thailand. The DPP^® ZCD rapid test is not sensitive enough for use in seroprevalence studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Diseases/Viruses Prevention: Control, Surveillance, and One Health)

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13 pages, 3223 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Recombinant Vaccinia Virus Expressing Plasmodium berghei Apical Membrane Antigen 1 or Microneme Protein Enhances Protection against P. berghei Infection in Mice

by Min-Ju Kim, Ki-Back Chu, Su-Hwa Lee, Hae-Ji Kang, Keon-Woong Yoon, Md Atique Ahmed and Fu-Shi Quan

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2022, 7(11), 350; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed7110350 - 4 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1913

Abstract

Recombinant vaccinia viruses (rVV) are effective antigen delivery vectors and are researched widely as vaccine platforms against numerous diseases. Apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) is one of the candidate antigens for malaria vaccines but rising concerns regarding its genetic diversity and polymorphism have [...] Read more.

Recombinant vaccinia viruses (rVV) are effective antigen delivery vectors and are researched widely as vaccine platforms against numerous diseases. Apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) is one of the candidate antigens for malaria vaccines but rising concerns regarding its genetic diversity and polymorphism have necessitated the need to search for an alternative antigen. Here, we compare the efficacies of the rVV vaccines expressing either AMA1 or microneme protein (MIC) of Plasmodium berghei in mice. Mice (BALB/c) were immunized with either rVV-AMA1 or rVV-MIC and subsequently challenge-infected with P. berghei. Compared to the control group, both antigens elicited elevated levels of parasite-specific antibody responses. Immunization with either one of the two vaccines induced high levels of T cells and germinal center B cell responses. Interestingly, rVV-MIC immunization elicited higher levels of cellular immune response compared to rVV-AMA1 immunization, and significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine productions were observed from the former vaccine. While differences in parasitemia and bodyweight changes were negligible between rVV-AMA1 and rVV-MIC immunization groups, prolonged survival was observed for the latter of the two. Based on these results, our findings suggest that the rVV expressing the P. berghei MIC could be a vaccine-candidate antigen. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Diseases/Viruses Prevention: Control, Surveillance, and One Health)

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11 pages, 2168 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Surveillance of Tahyna Orthobunyavirus in Urban Areas in Croatia—The “One Health” Approach

by Vladimir Stevanovic, Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek, Vladimir Savic, Ana Klobucar, Snjezana Kovac, Marcela Curman Posavec, Suncica Petrinic, Maja Bogdanic, Marija Santini, Vanja Tesic, Nathalia de Albuquerque Soares and Ljubo Barbic

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2022, 7(10), 320; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed7100320 - 20 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2412

Abstract

Background: Tahyna orthobunyavirus (TAHV) is a neglected mosquito-borne bunyavirus. Although the virus is widespread in continental Europe, TAHV infections are rarely reported. We analyzed the prevalence of TAHV in humans and different animal species as well as mosquitoes collected in urban areas of [...] Read more.

Background: Tahyna orthobunyavirus (TAHV) is a neglected mosquito-borne bunyavirus. Although the virus is widespread in continental Europe, TAHV infections are rarely reported. We analyzed the prevalence of TAHV in humans and different animal species as well as mosquitoes collected in urban areas of Zagreb and its surroundings in the period from 2020 to 2022. Methods: The study included 32 patients with neuroinvasive disease (NID), 218 asymptomatic individuals, 98 horses, 94 pet animals (dogs and cats), and 4456 Aedes vexans mosquitoes. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and urine samples of patients with NID were tested for the TAHV RNA using a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Human and animal serum samples were tested for TAHV-neutralizing (NT) antibodies using a virus-neutralization test (VNT). Mosquito pools were tested for TAHV RNA using an RT-qPCR. Results: TAHV NT antibodies were detected in 3/9.4% of patients with NID, 8/3.7% of asymptomatic individuals, 29/29.6% of horses, and 11/11.7% of pet animals. There was no difference in the seroprevalence according to age, sex, and area of residence in asymptomatic individuals. In addition, TAHV seropositivity did not differ according to age and sex in pet animals. None of the tested mosquito pools was TAHV RNA-positive. Conclusions: The presented results highlight the importance of interdisciplinary surveillance (“One Health”) of this neglected viral zoonosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Diseases/Viruses Prevention: Control, Surveillance, and One Health)

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8 pages, 1367 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Infant HIV Testing Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic and Evolving PMTCT Guidelines in Johannesburg, South Africa

by Coceka N. Mnyani, Andomei Smit and Gayle G. Sherman

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2022, 7(10), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed7100302 - 15 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2002

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted HIV programmes with the diversion of resources and lockdown measures. We assessed the impact of COVID-19 on infant HIV diagnosis in the context of updated 2019 prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) guidelines in Johannesburg, South Africa. [...] Read more.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted HIV programmes with the diversion of resources and lockdown measures. We assessed the impact of COVID-19 on infant HIV diagnosis in the context of updated 2019 prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) guidelines in Johannesburg, South Africa. Methods: HIV PCR data for children <2 years were extracted from the National Health Laboratory Service database from October 2018 to September 2021, inclusive. Trends in the total number of tests performed and the total number of children with HIV diagnosed, stratified by age, were determined to assess the effect of different COVID-19 lockdown levels and updated guidelines. Results: When comparing three 12-month periods ending September 2019–2021, respectively, the total number of HIV PCR tests performed increased (from 41 879 to 47 265 to 56 813), and the total number of children with HIV decreased (from 659 to 640 to 620), year-on-year. There was a substantial increase in 6-month testing in response to updated guidelines. Excluding 6-month testing, the year-on-year increase in total tests was maintained with birth and 10-week testing closely approximating total live births to women living with HIV. A decrease in the total number of children with HIV diagnosed was noted in Q2 2020, coinciding with the most restrictive lockdown, followed by a rebound in cases. Conclusions: Despite the restrictions and diversion of resources associated with COVID-19, there was a successful implementation of PMTCT guideline updates and minimal disruption to infant HIV testing. However, much work remains in order to achieve the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Diseases/Viruses Prevention: Control, Surveillance, and One Health)

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10 pages, 257 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Chlamydial Infection with Ectopic and Full-Term Pregnancies: A Case-Control Study

by Valliammai Jayanthi Thirunavuk Arasoo, Mariyammah Masalamani, Amutha Ramadas, Nisha Angela Dominic, Darien Daojuin Liew, Robin Wai Jen Sia, Anuradha Wanigaratne, Keshawa Weerawarna, William Lik Loong Wong and Ravichandran Jeganathan

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2022, 7(10), 285; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed7100285 - 6 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1984

Abstract

Ectopic pregnancies (EPs) are potentially fatal if not recognized early. Evidence of an association with chlamydial infection in South East Asia is lacking. This case-control study aims to (i) compare chlamydial infection in women with EP to women who delivered a full-term pregnancy, [...] Read more.

Ectopic pregnancies (EPs) are potentially fatal if not recognized early. Evidence of an association with chlamydial infection in South East Asia is lacking. This case-control study aims to (i) compare chlamydial infection in women with EP to women who delivered a full-term pregnancy, (ii) investigate classical factors associated with EP, and (iii) investigate rupture status in EP. Seventy-two women with a confirmed diagnosis of EP and sixty-nine who delivered a full-term pregnancy in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia were recruited from November 2019 to January 2022. Demographic and relevant clinical data and intraoperative findings were documented. Blood samples for testing IgG levels of chlamydia were obtained. Women with EP were more likely to have tested positive for chlamydia than those with a full-term delivery (34.7% vs. 13.0%, AOR = 4.18, 95% CI = 1.67–10.48, p = 0.002). The majority did not have the classic risk factors associated with EP. An amount of 52.8% presented with a ruptured EP, with 84.2% of ruptures occurring after six weeks of gestation. An amount of 44.2% had an estimated blood loss of more than 500 cc, with 20% losing more than 1500 cc of blood. The prevalence of prior chlamydial infection in women with EP is significant enough to necessitate a review of early pregnancy care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Diseases/Viruses Prevention: Control, Surveillance, and One Health)

8 pages, 892 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combining Immunoassays to Identify Zika Virus Infection in Dengue-Endemic Areas

by Pichamon Sittikul, Pimolpachr Sriburin, Jittraporn Rattanamahaphoom, Kriengsak Limkittikul, Chukiat Sirivichayakul and Supawat Chatchen

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2022, 7(10), 254; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed7100254 - 21 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1731

Abstract

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that has recently emerged as a global health threat. The rise in ZIKV infections has driven an increased incidence of neonates born with microcephaly or other neurological malformations. Therefore, screening for ZIKV infection can considerably impact [...] Read more.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that has recently emerged as a global health threat. The rise in ZIKV infections has driven an increased incidence of neonates born with microcephaly or other neurological malformations. Therefore, screening for ZIKV infection can considerably impact pregnant women, especially during the first trimester. The majority of ZIKV infections are mild or asymptomatic, and clinical diagnosis is inaccurate. Moreover, given the high level of cross-reactivity among flaviviruses, serological approaches to distinguish ZIKV from dengue virus (DENV) infections are complicated. We used the combination of DENV and ZIKV nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and ZIKV NS1 blockade-of-binding (BOB) ELISA to test the convalescent sera of non-flavivirus, primary DENV, secondary DENV, and ZIKV infections. Our findings indicate that primary testing using a ZIKV NS1 IgG ELISA, the test of choice for large-scale ZIKV serosurvey studies, provided relatively high sensitivity. Moreover, the confirmation of positive ELISA results using the ZIKV NS1 BOB ELISA increased average specificity to 94.59% across serum samples. The combined use of two simple ELISAs for ZIKV serosurveys and the monitoring of ZIKV infection during pregnancy can elucidate the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and complications of ZIKV in DENV-endemic areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Diseases/Viruses Prevention: Control, Surveillance, and One Health)

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17 pages, 3182 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Importation, Local Transmission, and Model Selection in Estimating the Transmissibility of COVID-19: The Outbreak in Shaanxi Province of China as a Case Study

by Xu-Sheng Zhang, Huan Xiong, Zhengji Chen and Wei Liu

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2022, 7(9), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed7090227 - 3 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2169

Abstract

Background: Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, many models have been applied to understand its epidemiological characteristics. However, the ways in which outbreak data were used in some models are problematic, for example, importation was mixed up with local transmission. Methods [...] Read more.

Background: Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, many models have been applied to understand its epidemiological characteristics. However, the ways in which outbreak data were used in some models are problematic, for example, importation was mixed up with local transmission. Methods: In this study, five models were proposed for the early Shaanxi outbreak in China. We demonstrated how to select a reasonable model and correctly use the outbreak data. Bayesian inference was used to obtain parameter estimates. Results: Model comparison showed that the renewal equation model generates the best model fitting and the Susceptible-Exposed-Diseased-Asymptomatic-Recovered (SEDAR) model is the worst; the performance of the SEEDAR model, which divides the exposure into two stages and includes the pre-symptomatic transmission, and SEEDDAAR model, which further divides infectious classes into two equally, lies in between. The Richards growth model is invalidated by its continuously increasing prediction. By separating continuous importation from local transmission, the basic reproduction number of COVID-19 in Shaanxi province ranges from 0.45 to 0.61, well below the unit, implying that timely interventions greatly limited contact between people and effectively contained the spread of COVID-19 in Shaanxi. Conclusions: The renewal equation model provides the best modelling; mixing continuous importation with local transmission significantly increases the estimate of transmissibility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Diseases/Viruses Prevention: Control, Surveillance, and One Health)

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7 pages, 262 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence of Escherichia coli ST1193 Causing Intracranial Infection in Changsha, China

by Yi-Ming Zhong, Xiao-He Zhang, Zheng Ma and Wen-En Liu

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2022, 7(9), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed7090217 - 31 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1884

Abstract

ST1193 is an emerging new virulent and resistant clone among Escherichia coli with a tendency to spread rapidly across the globe. However, the prevalence of intracranial infection-causing E. coli ST1193 is rarely reported. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of E. coli [...] Read more.

ST1193 is an emerging new virulent and resistant clone among Escherichia coli with a tendency to spread rapidly across the globe. However, the prevalence of intracranial infection-causing E. coli ST1193 is rarely reported. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of E. coli ST1193 isolates, causing intracranial infections in Changsha, central China. A total of 28 E. coli isolates were collected from the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with intracranial infection over a four-year period. All isolates were differentiated using multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and phylogenetic grouping, and tested for antibiotic resistance. MLST analysis showed 11 sequence types (ST) among the 28 E. coli isolates. The most prevalent ST was B2-ST1193 (28.6%, 8/28), followed by B2-ST131 (21.4%, 6/28) and F-ST648 (10.7%, 3/28). Of the eight ST1193 isolates, three carried CTX-M-55, and one carried CTX-M-27. All eight ST1193 isolates were resistant to Ciprofloxacin, showing gyrA1AB/parC4A mutations. Two ST1193 isolates carried the aac(6′)-Ib-cr gene. All ST1193 isolates were recovered from infants with meningitis, with a fatal outcome for one three-month-old infant. ST1193 has emerged as the predominant type of E. coli strain causing intracranial infections in Changsha, China. This study highlights the importance of implementing appropriate surveillance measures to prevent the spread of this emerging public health threat. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Diseases/Viruses Prevention: Control, Surveillance, and One Health)

6 pages, 511 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceCommunication

Can Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Serum Predict Disease Severity in West Nile Virus Infection? A Pilot Study

by Maxim Van Herreweghe, Annelies Breynaert, Tess De Bruyne, Corneliu Petru Popescu, Simin-Aysel Florescu, Yaniv Lustig, Eli Schwartz, Federico Giovanni Gobbi, Nina Hermans and Ralph Huits

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2022, 7(9), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed7090207 - 24 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1840

Abstract

West Nile virus (WNV) can cause asymptomatic infection in humans, result in self-limiting febrile illness, or lead to severe West Nile Neuroinvasive disease (WNND). We conducted a pilot study to compare selected biomarkers of oxidative stress in sera of viremic West Nile virus [...] Read more.

West Nile virus (WNV) can cause asymptomatic infection in humans, result in self-limiting febrile illness, or lead to severe West Nile Neuroinvasive disease (WNND). We conducted a pilot study to compare selected biomarkers of oxidative stress in sera of viremic West Nile virus patients and asymptomatic infected blood donors to investigate their potential as predictors of disease severity. We found that total oxidant status was elevated in WNND and in uncomplicated WNV infections (median 9.05 (IQR 8.37 to 9.74) and 7.14 (7.03 to 7.25) µmol H₂O₂ equiv./L, respectively) compared to asymptomatic infections (0.11 (0.07 to 0.19) µmol H₂O₂ equiv./L) (p = 0.048). MDA levels showed a similar trend to TOS, but differences were not significant at α = 0.05. Total antioxidant status did not differ significantly between different disease severity groups. Oxidative stress appears to be associated with more severe disease in WNV-infected patients. Our preliminary findings warrant prospective studies to investigate the correlation of oxidative stress with clinical outcomes and severity of WNV infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Diseases/Viruses Prevention: Control, Surveillance, and One Health)

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7 pages, 228 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gender and Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Israel

by Michal Solomon, Inbal Fuchs, Yael Glazer and Eli Schwartz

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2022, 7(8), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed7080179 - 12 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1823

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is estimated to be more common in males than in females. Our purpose was to evaluate differences in preponderance in relation to sex and gender across cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis in Israel. An observational study was performed, including cases of endemic CL [...] Read more.

Leishmaniasis is estimated to be more common in males than in females. Our purpose was to evaluate differences in preponderance in relation to sex and gender across cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis in Israel. An observational study was performed, including cases of endemic CL (cutaneous leishmaniasis) in Israel, and imported MCL (mucocutaneous leishmaniasis). CL is a notifiable disease and is supposed to be reported to the Ministry of Health (MOH). The MOH database shows that males as more likely to be infected by leishmania, with an incidence of 5/100,000 in males vs. 3.5/100,000 in females. However, while conducting a demographic house-to-house survey in several locations in Israel where CL is highly endemic, among 608 people who were screened only 49% were males in Leishmania major (L. major) endemic regions and 41% were males in Leishmania tropica (L. tropica) endemic regions, while among 165 cases of imported New-World cutaneous leishmaniasis in Israeli travelers freturning from abroad, 142 (86%) were males. It may be postulated that there is no real gender difference in leishmanial infection, but, perhaps, infections are more commonly seen in men because of referral/reported bias, due to more risk-taking behaviors by men or, perhaps, men are less likely to strictly adhere to recommended preventive measures and thus increase their risk of contracting the disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Diseases/Viruses Prevention: Control, Surveillance, and One Health)

11 pages, 1473 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Expression Profile Analysis of Circular RNAs in Leishmaniasis

by Zhongqiu Li, Wenbo Zeng, Yufeng Yang, Peijun Zhang, Zhengbing Zhou, Yuanyuan Li, Yunhai Guo and Yi Zhang

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2022, 7(8), 176; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed7080176 - 10 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2442

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease that seriously influences global public health. Among all the parasitic diseases, leishmaniasis is the third most common cause of morbidity after malaria and schistosomiasis. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new type of noncoding RNAs that are involved [...] Read more.

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease that seriously influences global public health. Among all the parasitic diseases, leishmaniasis is the third most common cause of morbidity after malaria and schistosomiasis. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new type of noncoding RNAs that are involved in the regulation of biological and developmental processes. However, there is no published research on the function of circRNAs in leishmaniasis. This is the first study to explore the expression profiles of circRNAs in leishmaniasis. GO and KEGG analyses were performed to determine the potential function of the host genes of differentially expressed circRNAs. CircRNA–miRNA–mRNA (ceRNA) regulatory network analysis and protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks were analyzed by R software and the STRING database, respectively. A total of 4664 significant differentially expressed circRNAs were identified and compared to those in control groups; a total of 1931 were up-regulated and 2733 were down-regulated. The host genes of differentially expressed circRNAs were enriched in ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, endocytosis, the MAPK signaling pathway, renal cell carcinoma, autophagy and the ErbB signaling pathway. Then, five hub genes (BRCA1, CREBBP, EP300, PIK3R1, and CRK) were identified. This study provides new evidence of the change of differentially expressed circRNAs and its potential function in leishmaniasis. These results may provide novel insights and evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of leishmaniasis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Diseases/Viruses Prevention: Control, Surveillance, and One Health)

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10 pages, 1345 KiB

Open AccessArticle

West Nile Virus Lineage 2 Overwintering in Italy

by Giulia Mencattelli, Federica Iapaolo, Andrea Polci, Maurilia Marcacci, Annapia Di Gennaro, Liana Teodori, Valentina Curini, Valeria Di Lollo, Barbara Secondini, Silvia Scialabba, Marco Gobbi, Elisabetta Manuali, Cesare Cammà, Roberto Rosà, Annapaola Rizzoli, Federica Monaco and Giovanni Savini

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2022, 7(8), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed7080160 - 31 Jul 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3357

Abstract

In January 2022, West Nile virus (WNV) lineage 2 (L2) was detected in an adult female goshawk rescued near Perugia in the region of Umbria (Italy). The animal showed neurological symptoms and died 15 days after its recovery in a wildlife rescue center. [...] Read more.

In January 2022, West Nile virus (WNV) lineage 2 (L2) was detected in an adult female goshawk rescued near Perugia in the region of Umbria (Italy). The animal showed neurological symptoms and died 15 days after its recovery in a wildlife rescue center. This was the second case of WNV infection recorded in birds in the Umbria region during the cold season, when mosquitoes, the main WNV vectors, are usually not active. According to the National Surveillance Plan, the Umbria region is included amongst the WNV low-risk areas. The necropsy evidenced generalized pallor of the mucous membranes, mild splenomegaly, and cerebral edema. WNV L2 was detected in the brain, heart, kidney, and spleen homogenate using specific RT-PCR. Subsequently, the extracted viral RNA was sequenced. A Bayesian phylogenetic analysis performed through a maximum-likelihood tree showed that the genome sequence clustered with the Italian strains within the European WNV strains among the central-southern European WNV L2 clade. These results, on the one hand, confirmed that the WNV L2 strains circulating in Italy are genetically stable and, on the other hand, evidenced a continuous WNV circulation in Italy throughout the year. In this report case, a bird-to-bird WNV transmission was suggested to support the virus overwintering. The potential transmission through the oral route in a predatory bird may explain the relatively rapid spread of WNV, as well as other flaviviruses characterized by similar transmission patterns. However, rodent-to-bird transmission or mosquito-to-bird transmission cannot be excluded, and further research is needed to better understand WNV transmission routes during the winter season in Italy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Diseases/Viruses Prevention: Control, Surveillance, and One Health)

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Review

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24 pages, 1461 KiB

Open AccessReview

Dengue in Pregnancy: A Southeast Asian Perspective

by Vanessa Chong, Jennifer Zi Ling Tan and Valliammai Jayanthi Thirunavuk Arasoo

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2023, 8(2), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed8020086 - 27 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 8042

Abstract

Dengue cases have been rising in recent years. In 2019 alone, over 658,301 of the 5.6 million reported cases originated from Southeast Asia (SEA). Research has also shown detrimental outcomes for pregnant infected women. Despite this, existing literature describing dengue’s effects on pregnancy [...] Read more.

Dengue cases have been rising in recent years. In 2019 alone, over 658,301 of the 5.6 million reported cases originated from Southeast Asia (SEA). Research has also shown detrimental outcomes for pregnant infected women. Despite this, existing literature describing dengue’s effects on pregnancy in SEA is insufficient. Through this narrative review, we sought to describe dengue’s effects on pregnancy systemically and emphasize the existing gaps in the literature. We extensively searched various journals cited in PubMed and Ovid Medline, national clinical practice guidelines, and governmental reports. Dengue in pregnancy increases the risk of pre-eclampsia, Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF), fetal distress, preterm delivery, Caesarean delivery, and maternal mortality. Vertical transmission, intrauterine growth restriction, and stillbirth are possible sequelae of dengue in fetuses. We found that trimester-specific physiological impacts of dengue in pregnancy (to both mother and child) and investigations and management methods demanded further research, especially in the SEA region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Diseases/Viruses Prevention: Control, Surveillance, and One Health)

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24 pages, 1191 KiB

Open AccessReview

Climatic and Environmental Factors Influencing COVID-19 Transmission—An African Perspective

by Allan Mayaba Mwiinde, Enock Siankwilimba, Masauso Sakala, Faustin Banda and Charles Michelo

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2022, 7(12), 433; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed7120433 - 12 Dec 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2947

Abstract

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 was decreed by the World Health Organization as a public health emergency of worldwide concern, the epidemic has drawn attention from all around the world. The disease has since spread globally in developed and developing countries. The African [...] Read more.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 was decreed by the World Health Organization as a public health emergency of worldwide concern, the epidemic has drawn attention from all around the world. The disease has since spread globally in developed and developing countries. The African continent has not been spared from the pandemic; however, the low number of cases in Africa compared to developed countries has brought about more questions than answers. Africa is known to have a poor healthcare system that cannot sustain the emerging infectious disease pandemic. This study explored climatic and environmental elements influencing COVID-19 transmission in Africa. This study involved manuscripts and data that evaluated and investigated the climatic and environmental elements of COVID-19 in African countries. Only articles written in English were considered in the systematic review. Seventeen articles and one database were selected for manuscript write-ups after the review process. The findings indicated that there is evidence that suggests the influence of climatic and environmental elements on the spread of COVID-19 in the continent of Africa; however, the evidence needs more investigation in all six regions of Africa and at the country level to understand the role of weather patterns and environmental aspects in the transmission of COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Diseases/Viruses Prevention: Control, Surveillance, and One Health)

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Other

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10 pages, 694 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Role of Arbovirus Infection in Arthritogenic Pain Manifestation—A Systematic Review

by Rafaella de Carvalho Cardoso, Bismarck Rezende, Allan Kardec Nogueira Alencar, Fabrícia Lima Fontes-Dantas and Guilherme Carneiro Montes

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2022, 7(11), 390; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed7110390 - 21 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2478

Abstract

The number of publications on the development of arthritic pain after CHIKV infection is increasing; however, there is still a gap in the pathophysiological mechanisms that explain these outcomes. In this review, we conducted a descriptive analysis of the findings of patients to [...] Read more.

The number of publications on the development of arthritic pain after CHIKV infection is increasing; however, there is still a gap in the pathophysiological mechanisms that explain these outcomes. In this review, we conducted a descriptive analysis of the findings of patients to understand their prognosis and to explore therapeutic options. Here, we searched the Cochrane, BVS, PubMed, and Scielo databases using the keywords “arthritis”, “pain”, “arbovirus”, “disease”, “arthritogenic”, and “arthralgia” during the 2000 to 2022 period. Descriptive analyses were conducted to understand the association between CHIKV infection and arthritogenic pain. The present study shows the persistence of acute phase signals for months, making the chronic phase still marked by the presence of arthralgia, often disabling under stimuli, such as temperature variation. CHIKV infection appears to be remarkably similar to rheumatoid arthritis, since both diseases share common symptoms. Once diagnosed, patients are mostly treated with analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD). As there are no prophylactic measures or specific treatments for arboviruses, this study gathered information on the development and manifestations of arthritogenic pain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Diseases/Viruses Prevention: Control, Surveillance, and One Health)

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12 pages, 2058 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Putative Pathogenic Genes of Leptospira interrogans and Leptospira weilii Isolated from Patients with Acute Febrile Illness

by Amira Wahida Mohamad Safiee, Mohammad Ridhuan Mohd Ali, Muhammad Zarul Hanifah Md Zoqratt, Tan Hock Siew, Chua Wei Chuan, Lee Lih Huey, Mohd Hashairi Fauzi, Alwi Muhd Besari, Chan Yean Yean and Nabilah Ismail

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2022, 7(10), 284; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed7100284 - 5 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2165

Abstract

Leptospirosis is an important worldwide tropical disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp. The determination of virulence genes is important, as it influences patients’ clinical manifestations and clinical outcomes. This case report focused on detecting the pathogenic genes of Leptospira in association with the [...] Read more.

Leptospirosis is an important worldwide tropical disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp. The determination of virulence genes is important, as it influences patients’ clinical manifestations and clinical outcomes. This case report focused on detecting the pathogenic genes of Leptospira in association with the clinical manifestations of patients at the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia, who presented with acute febrile illness. Two cases were found and, to the best of our knowledge, these were the first two cases in Malaysia in which patients presented with febrile illness were associated with successful Leptospira isolation from clinical samples. Both clinical isolates were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing as Leptospira weilii and Leptospira interrogans, respectively, and they were classified as pathogenic Leptospira by the presence of different pathogenic genes, based on a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of targeted genes. This report emphasizes that different infecting Leptospira species and the presence of different virulence factors cause a slight difference in clinical manifestations and laboratory findings of leptospirosis. Genomic sequencing and annotation revealed the detection of classical leptospiral virulence factor genes that were otherwise missed using PCR for detection of Leptospira weilii genome B208. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Diseases/Viruses Prevention: Control, Surveillance, and One Health)

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7 pages, 469 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

SARS-CoV-2 Infections in a High-Risk Migratory Population Arriving to a Migrant House along the US-Mexico Border

by Nadia A. Fernández-Santos, Gabriel L. Hamer, Edith G. Garrido-Lozada and Mario A. Rodríguez-Pérez

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2022, 7(10), 262; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed7100262 - 24 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1848

Abstract

Few reports exist on the COVID-19 epidemiology of migrant populations. We tested 370 migratory individuals from ten countries arriving at a migrant house along the US–Mexico border based on a rapid assay detecting SARS-CoV-2 antigen. Fifty-six were positive, for a prevalence of 15.1% [...] Read more.

Few reports exist on the COVID-19 epidemiology of migrant populations. We tested 370 migratory individuals from ten countries arriving at a migrant house along the US–Mexico border based on a rapid assay detecting SARS-CoV-2 antigen. Fifty-six were positive, for a prevalence of 15.1% (95%–CIs of 11.8–19.2%). Only 21 positive persons presented signs or symptoms associated with the infection (95%–CIs = 25–49%). Most (51.7%) positive migrants arrived in the previous two days before being tested, indicating that the virus infection was acquired during their transit. Out of the total of 56 positive individuals, 37.5% were from El Salvador, 33.9% from Honduras, and 21.4% from Guatemala. This study suggests that vulnerable populations traveling from countries in Latin America and seeking residence in the US are high-risk individuals for exposure to SARS-CoV-2. The rapid antigen COVID-19 testing on arrival at the migrant house, and subsequent 10-day quarantine, was a critical step to help minimize further transmission. Therefore, the present study demonstrates that public health services provided to migratory and vulnerable populations are necessary for pandemic control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Diseases/Viruses Prevention: Control, Surveillance, and One Health)

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15 pages, 2182 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Prevalence and Characteristics of Malaria and Influenza Co-Infection in Febrile Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Polrat Wilairatana, Wanida Mala, Kwuntida Uthaisar Kotepui and Manas Kotepui

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2022, 7(8), 168; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed7080168 - 5 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2417

Abstract

Malaria and influenza are co-endemic in several geographical areas, and differentiation of their clinical features is difficult. The present study aimed to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the prevalence and characteristics of malaria and influenza co-infection in febrile patients. The systematic review was registered [...] Read more.

Malaria and influenza are co-endemic in several geographical areas, and differentiation of their clinical features is difficult. The present study aimed to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the prevalence and characteristics of malaria and influenza co-infection in febrile patients. The systematic review was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42021264525). Relevant literature that reported malaria and influenza co-infection in febrile patients were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus from 20 June to 27 June 2021 and the risk of bias for each study was assessed. Quantitative analysis included pooled prevalence, and the odds of malaria and influenza virus co-infection among febrile patients were estimated using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed to summarize the effect estimate for each group. Funnel plot, Egger’s test, and contour-enhanced funnel plot were used to demonstrate any publication bias among outcomes of included studies. Among 4253 studies retrieved, 10 studies that enrolled 22,066 febrile patients with 650 co-infected patients were included for qualitative and quantitative syntheses. The pooled prevalence of malaria and influenza virus co-infection among febrile patients was 31.0% in Nigeria, 1.0% in Tanzania, 1.0% in Uganda, 1.0% in Malawi, 1.0% in Ghana, 0% in Cambodia, 7.0% in the Central African Republic, and 7.0% in Kenya. Meta-analysis also showed co-infection occurrence by chance (p = 0.097, odds ratio 0.54, 95% CI 0.26–1.12, I² 94.9%). The prevalence of malaria and influenza virus co-infection among febrile patients was heterogeneous by country, characteristics of febrile participants, and diagnostic tests for influenza virus. Further studies should investigate severe clinical manifestations or differentiate clinical outcomes between mono-infected or co-infected individuals, whether the co-infection leads to severe disease outcome. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Diseases/Viruses Prevention: Control, Surveillance, and One Health)

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7 pages, 1712 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceCase Report

Post-Mortem Diagnosis of Pediatric Dengue Using Minimally Invasive Autopsy during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil

by Deborah N. Melo, Giovanna R. P. Lima, Carolina G. Fernandes, André C. Teixeira, Joel B. Filho, Fernanda M. C. Araújo, Lia C. Araújo, André M. Siqueira, Luís A. B. G. Farias, Renata A. A. Monteiro, Jaume Ordi, Miguel J. Martinez, Paulo H. N. Saldiva and Luciano P. G. Cavalcanti

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2022, 7(7), 123; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed7070123 - 30 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2346

Abstract

We report the first pediatric disease in which the use of minimally invasive autopsy (MIA) confirmed severe dengue as the cause of death. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a previously healthy 10-year-old girl living in north-eastern Brazil presented fever, headache, diffuse abdominal pain, diarrhoea, [...] Read more.

We report the first pediatric disease in which the use of minimally invasive autopsy (MIA) confirmed severe dengue as the cause of death. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a previously healthy 10-year-old girl living in north-eastern Brazil presented fever, headache, diffuse abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and vomiting. On the fourth day, the clinical symptoms worsened and the patient died. An MIA was performed, and cores of brain, lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, and spleen were collected with 14G biopsy needles. Microscopic examination showed diffuse oedema and congestion, pulmonary intra-alveolar haemorrhage, small foci of midzonal necrosis in the liver, and tubular cell necrosis in the kidneys. Dengue virus RNA and NS1 antigen were detected in blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples. Clinical, pathological, and laboratory findings, in combination with the absence of other lesions and microorganisms, allowed concluding that the patient had died from complications of severe dengue. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Diseases/Viruses Prevention: Control, Surveillance, and One Health)

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