International Journal of Infectious Diseases最新文献

{"title":"A rapid and sensitive extraction-free HiFi-LAMP assay for detecting Mycobacterium leprae","authors":"Zhengfang Wang ,&nbsp;Xi Yang ,&nbsp;Zhi-Ze Wang ,&nbsp;Xiu-Feng Yu ,&nbsp;Zhe Li ,&nbsp;Shangwen Song ,&nbsp;Yongjuan Zhao ,&nbsp;Yi-Qun Kuang ,&nbsp;Yu-Ye Li ,&nbsp;Chiyu Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.ijid.2025.107835","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijid.2025.107835","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Timely and accurate detection of <em>Mycobacterium leprae</em> (<em>M. leprae</em>) is crucial for efficient treatment and early intervention of leprosy, which requires a simple and rapid extraction-free assay.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A HiFi-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was developed for detection of <em>M. leprae</em>. The performance of the assay was assessed by comparing with qPCR and nested PCR assays using clinical samples. The extraction-free HiFi-LAMP assay was assessed by saliva from individuals with leprosy.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The <em>M. leprae</em> HiFi-LAMP assay has high specificity and sensitivity with a limit of detection (LOD) of 43 copies/25 µL reaction. Both sensitivity and specificity of the HiFi-LAMP assay were 100% for 130 purified DNA from nasal and oral samples, and the sensitivity was slightly higher than 50%-88.9% by the qPCR assay. A higher detection rate of <em>M. leprae</em> was observed in nasal swabs than oral swabs. The extraction-free assay directly using 6 µL saliva has a LOD of 11,833 <em>M. leprae</em> RLEP copies/mL saliva, can be completed within 30 mins, and showed 66.7% sensitivity for three saliva samples when compared with the assay using purified DNA.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The standard and/or extraction-free HiFi-LAMP assays can be used for detecting and monitoring <em>M. leprae</em> in endemic areas in resource-limited settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":14006,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"152 ","pages":"Article 107835"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143390828","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Climate change-driven vector-borne diseases spread to temperate climate territories: The frying pan theory.","authors":"Prof Miguel Clavero ,&nbsp;Dr Sergio Magallanes ,&nbsp;Ms Pilar Aguilera-Sepulveda ,&nbsp;Dr Maria Jose Ruiz-Lopez ,&nbsp;Dr Josue Martinez-De la Puente ,&nbsp;Dr Francisco Llorente ,&nbsp;Dr Ana Vazquez ,&nbsp;Dr Elisa Perez-Ramirez ,&nbsp;Dr Martina Ferraguti ,&nbsp;Dr Jovita Fernandez-Pinero ,&nbsp;Prof Jordi Figuerola","doi":"10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107418","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107418","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Introduction&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Recently, as the effects of anthropogenic climate change (ACC) become evident, vector-borne diseases (VBD) are spreading and establishing in temperate regions of the world. We investigated whether these two phenomena are related. We hypothesized that ACC has turned many areas, previously considered “unsuitable” for sustaining VBD cycles, into “suitable” ones. The hypothesis assumes that VBD pathogens have historically been able to reach temperate areas, but only started to thrive there under the influence of ACC, hence their current spread. To support this hypothesis, which we tentatively named “The frying pan theory”, we have chosen the recent spread of West Nile virus (WNV) in Spain as a model of study.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods &amp; Materials&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The study area was Southern Spain, now endemic for WNV. We analyzed eighteen years (2003 to 2020) of data on WNV seroprevalence in common coots and horses and compared them statistically with annual series of climate variables (temperature, pluviometry, etc). We also performed phylogenetic analyses using WNV sequences from samples of mosquitoes, birds and horses, collected in the area up to 2022, and analyzed the pathogenicity of representative Spanish WNV isolates from this area and period in a mouse model.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Coots’ and horses’ seroprevalences exhibited a biphasic curve indicating at least two epizootic waves, one before and another after 2010. Seroprevalence in coots correlated with maximum winter temperature and average spring temperature. Horses’ seroprevalence correlated positively with average minimum annual temperature and the number of rain days per year and negatively with total annual precipitations. Phylogenetic analyses revealed at least six independent introductions of WNV into Southern Spain during the study period. Some introductions succeeded in establishing in the area and spreading to neighboring regions, while others did not. No significant changes in the pathogenicity of the strains studied were observed.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Discussion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Long-term comparisons between annual variation of pathogen exposure and climate variables allow forecasting VBD trends. In this regard, higher minimum temperatures are among the ACC trends that may favor vector biology and hence VBD. Our data support that VBD pathogens like WNV can spread to new territories, but they will only establish their cycles successfully if they find suitable conditions. In Spain, competent WNV hosts (birds) and vectors (Culex mosquitoes), have always been present, and the virus has likely been introduced occasionally since long, e.g. by bird migrations. However, local WNV cycles would only be established if these necessary ingredients are “heated” by ACC much like well-cooked bacon and eggs may result only if heated in a frying pan.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The data obtained support our hypothesis, which may also apply to most o","PeriodicalId":14006,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"152 ","pages":"Article 107418"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143520778","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advances in vaccine-preventable diseases","authors":"Prof Helena Maltezou","doi":"10.1016/j.ijid.2025.107821","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijid.2025.107821","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Introduction&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Recent advances in VPDs were reviewed.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;A modelling study showed that vaccinations accounted for 40% of the reduction of infant mortality during 1974-2024. Measles vaccines accounted for most of the averted mortality the past 50 years. During 2000-2023 alone, measles deaths were reduced by 87%, while vaccination averted 60.3 million deaths globally. Regarding HPV vaccine, a US study showed a 62% drop in cervical cancer deaths in women &lt;25 years over the last decade, which is mainly attributed to the HPV vaccines. From 2022, the WHO recommends 1-dose HPV vaccination schemes in low-income countries to surpass financial barriers. After the introduction of this schedule, 6 m more girls were vaccinated globally in 2023. Regarding RSV, a meta-analysis of trials of RSV vaccination during pregnancy found a risk ratio of 0.64 (95% CI: 0.43-0.96) of medically attended lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in infants whose mothers were vaccinated and a risk ratio of 0.37 (95% CI: 0.18-0.79) of severe LRTIs in infants of vaccinated mothers. The effectiveness against LRTIs was documented at day 90, 120, 150 and 180 after birth and against severe LRTIs at day 90, 120 and 150 after birth. The study also showed that RSV vaccination during pregnancy is associated with a vaccine effectiveness (VE) against antimicrobial use of 16.9% (95% CI: 1.4-29.4%). The third topic concerned the efficacy and safety of the Butantan-dengue vaccine in children followed for a mean of 3.7 years. VE against any dengue serotype was 64.6% in 2-6 years children and 70.6% in 7-17 years old children. VE was higher in those with past infection. VE against severe dengue was 89%. No difference in vaccine safety was noted between vaccinated and control groups. The next study concerned the reduction in antibiotic use that occurred after the introduction of pneumococcus conjugate and the Haemophilus influenzae vaccines in the vaccination program in India in mid-2010 as well as future gains to 2028 if vaccination rates were to increase. The authors reported that a coverage similar to the coverage of DTP3 vaccine would avert 61.4% of attributable antibiotic use compared with 0%. It is also expected that 90% coverage would reduce health inequalities in antibiotic demand in this country. Regarding influenza vaccine, the US FDA approved the self- or caregiver-administration of the nasal spray influenza vaccine. Lastly, a large observational study from Italy found that COVID-19 vaccination was associated with lower risk of long-COVID at 3, 6, and 12 months after infection, particularly in adolescents.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Discussion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;In 2024 there have been considerable advances in major VPDs and vaccinations.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This overview showed the current ","PeriodicalId":14006,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"152 ","pages":"Article 107821"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143520426","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"mRNA Nanovaccine Against Mycobacterium tuberculosis Elicits Robust Immunity in Mice","authors":"Mr Bubacarr J. B Touray","doi":"10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107446","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107446","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), remains a major global health concern. Despite the availability of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, there is an urgent need for more effective TB vaccines. Here, we developed an mRNA nanoadjuvant vaccine targeting key M.tb antigens and evaluated its immunogenicity and protective efficacy in a murine model.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>C57BL/6 mice (N=15/group) were immunized with a two-dose regimen of 10 µg mRNA encoding Ag85B, Hsp70, and ESAT-6 at 4-week intervals through the subcutaneous or intranasal routes. Mice vaccinated with PBS or BCG served as unvaccinated and positive controls, respectively. The immunogenicity and protective immunity of the vaccine were evaluated by stimulating splenocytes and lung cells with M.tb purified protein derivative (PPD), Ag85B, and HSP70 purified proteins. Cellular immune responses were assessed by flow cytometry.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The mRNA nanoadjuvant vaccine elicited robust cellular and humoral immune responses in immunized mice comparable to BCG. Elevated levels of antigen-specific IgG antibodies were detected post-immunization. Additionally, significant IFN-γ, TNF-a, IL-17A, and IL-2 production by antigen-specific T cells was observed. Overall, mRNA nanovaccines induce robust T cell responses characterized by activation of both memory and effector T cell populations that are polyfunctional.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Our findings highlight the potential of the mRNA nanoadjuvant vaccine encoding immunogenic antigens as a promising candidate for TB vaccine development. This vaccine robustly elicited an immune profile that is known to be protective against M.tb infection in both animals and humans. Further studies are warranted to optimize the vaccine formulation and evaluate its long-term protective efficacy and safety in larger animal models and clinical trials.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study elucidates the promising immunogenicity of mRNA vaccines encoding M.tb immunodominant antigens in mice, with adjuvant and diverse administration routes significantly enhancing vaccine immunogenicity. The absence of adverse effects on mice body weight, combined with superior immune responses, validates the effectiveness of this vaccination strategy against M.tb. Future research endeavors should focus on evaluating the vaccine's performance in more relevant models of M.tb infection, such as non-human primates, and assessing its potential to prevent TB disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":14006,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"152 ","pages":"Article 107446"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143520473","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"First seroprevalence study of West Nile Virus (WNV) infection in blood donors after abrupt increase in West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease (WNND) cases in Southern Italy in 2023","authors":"Dr Francesca Centrone ,&nbsp;Dr Rossella Procacci ,&nbsp;Dr Raffaella Melilli ,&nbsp;Dr Vito Colella ,&nbsp;Dr Emilio Serlenga ,&nbsp;Dr Alessia Stichi Damiani ,&nbsp;Dr Luciano Abbruzzese ,&nbsp;Dr Angela Maria Iannone ,&nbsp;Dr Tommaso Granato ,&nbsp;Dr Marco De Michele ,&nbsp;Dr Luciano Lorusso ,&nbsp;Dr Marina D'Alagni ,&nbsp;Dr Daniela Loconsole ,&nbsp;Dr Giulietta Venturi ,&nbsp;Dr Angelo Ostuni ,&nbsp;Dr Maria Chironna","doi":"10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107421","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107421","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>WNV is an emerging arbovirus commonly transmitted by the Culex species. Human WNV infection can be asymptomatic (80% of cases) or presents with a wide range of clinical manifestations. Less than 1% of cases evolve into a WNND. Until 2023, the Apulia region was classified as a non-endemic area. In 2023 eight autochthonous cases of WNV infection were recorded in Apulia (six manifested WNND and two were identified through blood donor screening). The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of anti-WNV antibodies in a wide sample of blood donors in order to obtain a more accurate estimate of the virus circulation in the Apulia region.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A prospective observational study was conducted on blood donors (aged ≥ 18 years), who attended one of the seven blood donation centers located in five of the six provinces in the Apulia region, between November 2023 and February 2024. All patients answered a short anonymous questionnaire. An anonymized serum sample was collected from each subject. All sera were tested for anti-WNV IgG by ELISA (EUROIMMUN, Lübeck, Germany) and by CLIA (VIRCELL, Granada, Spain). All positive samples were confirmed through the Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test (PRNT).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 1,579 subjects were enrolled. The median age was 47 years (IQR:37-53), and 75% were male. The questionnaires administered showed that 68.6% had not made any trips in the past few weeks prior to blood sampling and 30.5% remembered being bitten by mosquitoes. While 17 samples tested by ELISA were positive for anti-WNV IgG, only six were also positive when tested by CLIA. Analysis by PRNT confirmed 5 cases, representing 0.32% (IC95%:0.07-0.59) of the sera. Of the subjects who tested positive, only one reported having traveled in the past week. None recalled being bitten by mosquitoes or habitually using mosquito repellents.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Mosquito-borne diseases are an emerging threat in Europe. In recent years, global climate change has been identified as a significant driver of the increased spread of the virus. In particular, increased temperatures and precipitation have played a crucial role in WNV spreading in horses and humans. The average temperature in the Apulia region in 2023 was higher than in previous years. The neuroinvasive form of WNV infection occurs in less than 1% of cases. Based on the prevalence data in blood donors (0.32%) and the Apulian population (about 4milion), it could be estimated that more than 12 thousand infections have occurred.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our study confirmed the wide circulation of WNV in Apulia and the potential human health concern of this emergent virus. Strengthening the integrated surveillance system is crucial to address a potential massive spread of WNV in Southern Italy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":14006,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"152 ","pages":"Article 107421"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143520558","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of the LGBT+ rights on reporting cases and deaths of Mpox globally: Relationships with the LGBT+ rights index during 2022-2024 epidemics","authors":"Prof A Rodríguez-Morales ,&nbsp;Dr D. Katterine Bonilla-Aldana ,&nbsp;Dr Jaime A. Cardona-Ospina","doi":"10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107422","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107422","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Introduction&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Multiple aspects of the epidemics of mpox during 2022-2024 have been explored, including clinical features, diagnostic aspects, therapies and vaccines. However, factors associated with reporting of cases and death of Mpox have been poorly assessed. No studies regarding the relationships between the LGBT+ rights and the morbidity and mortality from Mpox have been published yet.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;An ecological study for 106 countries was done using the LGBT+ rights index (LGBT-RI) per country that were obtained from the State Sponsored Homophobia Reports produced by ILGA, LexisNexis, Factiva, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the U.S. State Department, and Velasco report (2020), from Our World in Data, and the cases, calculating the incidence rates (cases per 100,000 pop.), from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Also, mortality rates (cases per 100,000 pop.) and case fatality rates (deaths per 100 cases, %CFR) were calculated. The annual variation of the variables was assessed, and non-linear regression models (exponential) were done at Stata/MP® v.14.0.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The non-linear regression models revealed significant findings. The relationship between epidemiological factors and LGBT-RI was found to be significant. During this epidemic, there was a positive relationship between LGBT-RI and reported of Mpox cases (r2=0.1006; p=0.0040), countries with higher LGBT-RI had higher Mpox cases. Similarly, higher LGBT-RI values were also significantly associated with higher Mpox incidence rates (cases/100,000 pop) (r2=0.5062; p&lt;0.0001). Number of deaths notified were also associated with the LGBT-RI (r2=0.0636; p=0.0328). Consistently, the Mpox mortality rate was also associated with the LGBT-RI (r2=0.1390; p=0.0005). Finally, the %CFR, as expected, this variable was not associated with LGBT-RI (r2=0.0216; p=0.3287).&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Discussion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;These findings underscore the significant influence of stigma and discrimination that may be associated with Mpox. In particular, the LGBT+ rights allow trust in the health system, diagnostic and management. At the same, the proper notification of a Mpox case and its associated outcomes. Even in 2024, there are 88 countries or territories, specially in Africa, Middle East, and Asia, that have not reported yet, even a single case of Mpox. Even in Latin American and the Caribbean, ten countries are included in that list. Despite the epidemics of 2022-2024, Mpox remains a neglected condition worldwide, with a resurgence in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2023-2024. The need for further studies on multiple epidemiological factors of Mpox is therefore paramount.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Sexual rights still influence not just HIV and other sexually transmitted infections epidemiology, but also of the reemerging/emerging Mpox globally.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;","PeriodicalId":14006,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"152 ","pages":"Article 107422"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143520559","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The pathway to Viral Hepatitis Elimination – Where are we in Africa?","authors":"Wendy Spearman","doi":"10.1016/j.ijid.2025.107825","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijid.2025.107825","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In 2016, WHO set a goal to eliminate Hepatitis B and C by 2030, reducing the incidence by 90% and mortality by 65%. Yet in 2022, there was estimated 254 million people living with hepatitis B and 50 million living with hepatitis C; with 1.2 million new hepatitis B infections and nearly 1.0 million hepatitis C infections. However, only 13% of people living with chronic hepatitis B had been diagnosed and 2.6% received antiviral therapy. Only 36% of people living with hepatitis C had been diagnosed between 2015 and 2022, and 20% received curative treatment.</div><div>In the WHO Africa region, 64.7 M are estimated to be HBV-infected with 771 000 new infections but only 4.2% had been diagnosed and 0.2% had received treatment. The WHO Africa Region accounts for 66% of new hepatitis B infections, and yet only 18% of newborns receive the preventative hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination.</div><div>7.8 million people are estimated to be living with Hepatitis C in the WHO Africa region but only 13% have been diagnosed and 3% have received curative Direct acting antiviral therapy.</div><div>Achieving the WHO 2030 targets will globally save 2.85 million lives and avert 9.5 million new infections and 2.1 million cases of cancer. To address the burden of viral hepatitis in WHO Africa, we need to implement the Hepatitis B birth dose vaccine, decentralise management with affordable point-of-care diagnostics, simplified treatment algorithms with universal access to affordable antiviral therapies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":14006,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"152 ","pages":"Article 107825"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143520472","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Epidemics of Dengue and Reemergence of Chikungunya in Latin America","authors":"Prof A Rodríguez-Morales","doi":"10.1016/j.ijid.2025.107829","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijid.2025.107829","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt;In recent years, Latin America has faced significant challenges due to the epidemics of dengue, the reemergence of chikungunya, and other arboviral diseases. Arboviruses pose a serious threat to public health and have far-reaching socio-economic impacts across the region. In dengue, Latin America experiences cyclical outbreaks of dengue, often exacerbated by factors such as urbanisation, population growth, inadequate sanitation, and climate change. However, in 2023-2024, the region is experiencing the worst and largest epidemics, with particular impact in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Colombia, among others. Concurrently, in the last few years, the re-emergence of the chikungunya virus in Latin America has added to the burden of mosquito-borne diseases. The first significant epidemic was during 2013-2015 in Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, and other countries. Now, different countries in the South Cone, such as Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay, also experience new outbreaks. Several factors have contributed to its resurgence including increased international travel and trade, allowing the virus to spread to new regions; urbanisation and inadequate sanitation, creating conducive environments for mosquito breeding; and climate change, which affects the distribution and behaviour of Aedes. Additionally, the lack of immunity in populations previously unexposed to the virus makes them vulnerable to outbreaks. The impact of such coepidemics extends beyond individual health to affect healthcare systems, economies, and social well-being. Healthcare resources are strained by the influx of patients seeking treatment for dengue and chikungunya-related complications and even chronic disease, leading to overcrowded hospitals and overwhelmed medical personnel. The economic burden is substantial, with costs associated with healthcare, vector control measures, and productivity losses due to illness and disability. Efforts to control and prevent dengue and chikungunya in Latin America require a multi-faceted approach that includes vector control, public health interventions, community engagement, and research into vaccines and treatments. Vector control strategies aim to reduce mosquito populations through measures such as insecticide spraying, larval source reduction, and community education on eliminating breeding sites. Public health initiatives focus on early detection, surveillance, and timely management of cases to prevent severe outcomes and minimise transmission. Community engagement plays a pivotal role in sustainable vector control efforts. It involves educating communities about the significance of personal protection measures, such as using insect repellents and wearing long sleeves and pants, and the importance of eliminating stagnant water sources where mosquitoes breed. Ongoing research into vaccines and treatments for these diseases shows promising developments, offering hope for future prevention and control efforts. In conclusio","PeriodicalId":14006,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"152 ","pages":"Article 107829"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143520312","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Normalization of wastewater-based epidemiology data for pathogen surveillance: a case study of campus-wide SARS-CoV-2 surveillance at a South African university","authors":"Dr Rianita Van Onselen ,&nbsp;Ms Sinazo Zingani ,&nbsp;Dr Renee Street ,&nbsp;Prof Rabia Johnson ,&nbsp;Dr Sharlene Govender","doi":"10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107384","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107384","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Background&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has emerged as a valuable tool for monitoring community-level SARS-CoV-2 exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, several limitations of WBE have been identified, which have hindered its wider application. One key challenge is interpreting pathogen incidence data meaningfully, considering that measured pathogen concentrations can be influenced by external factors such as dilution by greywater in combined sewer systems and the sampling method used. This study aimed to evaluate data normalization strategies for viral copy numbers measured in samples collected passively from sewer lines at a South African university.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Wastewater samples were collected weekly over a one-year period from sewer lines at seven on-campus sites at the Nelson Mandela University. Passive, 3D-printed, torpedo-style samplers containing standard medical gauze as adsorbent were deployed directly into sewer lines for 9 hours to interact with wastewater. The gauze was then retrieved from the samplers and solids were eluted into PBS with 0.05% Tween 80. Total RNA was subsequently extracted from the samples using the Qiagen RNeasy Powersoil kit, followed by quantification of the RNA concentration using a NanoDrop spectrophotometer. SARS-CoV-2 copy numbers were determined using RT-qPCR with primers and probes targeting two regions in the nucleocapsid gene, namely N1 and N2. RT-qPCR was also employed to quantify the copy numbers of two commonly used viral normalizers, namely aichi virus (AiV) and pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV). SARS-CoV-2 copy numbers were then normalized against AiV and PMMoV copy numbers and against extracted RNA concentration. Normalized and unnormalized SARS-CoV-2 data were evaluated against clinical numbers using Spearman correlation to determine the most effective normalization strategy.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Normalization against AiV showed weak correlations with clinical case numbers (r=0.29), and AiV was not consistently detected in all samples. Normalizing SARS-CoV-2 data against PMMoV data improved correlations significantly when compared with unnormalized SARS-CoV-2 (r=0.67 vs r=0.44; P≤0.05). The strongest correlation with clinical case data was obtained when SARS-CoV-2 copy numbers were normalized against initial RNA concentrations (r=0.81; P≤0.05).&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Discussion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;When employing passive sampling to collect wastewater samples for the quantification of pathogens for epidemiology, the traditionally used normalization strategies that apply community and physicochemical parameters and flow rates cannot be employed, especially in mixed grey- and blackwater systems. Normalizing against extracted RNA concentration is not affected by diet, takes into account dilution of pathogens by greywater and the variability in RNA extraction between samples, and improved the correlation between wastewater pathogen concentratio","PeriodicalId":14006,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"152 ","pages":"Article 107384"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143520641","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cholera case trends in Eastern Africa using surveillance data, 2007-2024","authors":"Dr Joy Ebonwu ,&nbsp;Ms Dativa Aliddeki ,&nbsp;Dr Judith Kose Otieno ,&nbsp;Dr Lul Pout Riek ,&nbsp;Ms Kyeng Mercy","doi":"10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107432","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107432","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Introduction&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Cholera is a public health threat in Africa, with an estimated 68,480 cases and 895 deaths reported across seven of 14 Member States in the Eastern region in 2023. Within the region, cholera outbreak has been protracted in the horn of Africa, with countries responding to the outbreak amid prolonged harsh drought, floods and complex humanitarian emergencies. In recent months, an upsurge in cases and deaths has been observed in the region, with five countries reporting active outbreaks this year. We describe the trend of cholera cases in Comoros, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Tanzania for 2007-2024.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Descriptive trend analysis of cholera case data for Comoros, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Tanzania, from 2007-2024, was performed. Data were obtained from the Event Management System of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (2023-2024) and the Global Infectious Disease and Epidemiology Network (GIDEON) online resource for data (2007-2022). Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) data was sourced from WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Program for WASH. The term 'cholera case' includes both confirmed and suspected.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;From 2007 to 5 April 2024, a total of 578,449 cholera cases and 8,514 deaths [case fatality rate (CFR): 1.5%] were reported from Comoros, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Tanzania. Somalia accounted for 55.2% (315,972) of the cases and 54.6% (4,700) of the corresponding deaths. The average CFR per year was 1.4%, ranging from 0.3% in 2014 to 2.4% in 2016. During the review period, notable geographical patterns that were triggered by climate change were observed. Somalia experienced annual cholera outbreaks beginning November and December and receding in May, with largest occurrences in 2011 (77,636 cases) and 2017 (75,414 cases). Widespread outbreaks occurred in Ethiopia from 2007-2010, with a high peak in 2009 (31,509 cases) and recently in 2023 (29,869 cases). For this year, cases in Kenya appear to be on the decline while Tanzania shows an increasing pattern. Comoros reported its first cholera outbreak since 2007 in February 2024 through a cross-border event with Tanzania. Ethiopia is among countries in Africa with the largest population practicing open defecation in 2022.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Discussion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The trend analysis underscores the persistent nature of cholera outbreak in the Eastern region. Climate change impacts the dynamics of the outbreak by limiting access to safe water and sanitation, and triggering increased cross-border movements. The average CFR per year surpassed the recommended &lt;1% threshold.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The cholera response requires a regional multi-sectoral and coordination mechanism approach, given the same protracted nature and cross-border transmissions. Significant resources are needed to implement long-term WASH strategies. With the predicted above-normal rainfall for the ho","PeriodicalId":14006,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Infectious Diseases","volume":"152 ","pages":"Article 107432"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143520661","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}