Journal of Vector Borne Diseases最新文献

Background objectives: Co-infection of dengue virus and acute hepatitis A virus in paediatric population is a major health concern in endemic countries. This cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis A virus among the clinically dengue suspected paediatric cases presented at our tertiary care centre during the two-year period (2022-2023).

Methods: A total of 747 dengue suspected paediatric clinical specimens were included in this study. Serological diagnosis of DENV and HAV was done using Dengue IgM capture ELISA kit and anti-HAV IgM ELISA kits.

Results: Out of the 747 dengue suspected paediatric patients, 245 (32.8%) were seropositive for either DENV, HAV, or both viruses and among these 135 (18.07%) were positive for DENV, 110 (14.72%) were positive for HAV, 22 (2.94%) were co-infected with both DENV2 and HAV. Further, among DENV seronegative cases, 88 (11.78%) clinical samples were found to be HAV positive. Among all the age groups, the highest prevalence of DENV and HAV was observed in 6-10 years. The monsoon season observed the highest number of seropositive cases compared to winter season and summer seasons. Fever was found to be the most prevalent clinical symptom followed by nausea/vomiting and stomach discomfort.

Interpretation conclusion: This study underlines the significance of differential diagnosis for the detection of concurrently transmitted viral diseases during the common seasons in the endemic areas. Diagnostic challenges like misdiagnosis events can be solved by advising differential diagnosis especially in paediatric cases.

Humans, animals, and ecosystems coexist in a delicate web of interdependent means of existence. Each of these play pivotal roles in shaping the sustainability of life on Earth and global health outcomes. Human actions have profoundly transformed ecosystems on a global scale, threatening biodiversity and destabilizing ecological processes. The intricate relationship between humans and animals also extends to the realm of disease transmission such as zoonotic diseases. The term "spillover" commonly refers to an infection originating from animals that spreads to humans, potentially leading to an outbreak that escalates into an epidemic or pandemic through human-to-human transmission. These incidents posed the risk of evolving into pandemics with high mortality rates, which became a reality with a very recent in times the Covid-19 pandemic. The emergence and spread of zoonotic diseases are influenced by a multifaceted interaction of factors including biological, ecological, environmental, socioeconomic, and human-induced influences such as deforestation, agriculture practices, livestock production, climate change and globalization. These modify the dynamics of disease transmission between animals and humans. Effectively averting and controlling zoonotic diseases requires embracing a One Health strategy, fostering collaboration among sectors accountable for human health, animal health, and environmental safeguards. The One health challenges the anthropogenic dominance of earth and aims for optimal health and sustainability for humans, animals, and the environment simultaneously.

Background objectives: Plasmodium falciparum is the most dangerous species of the malaria-causing parasite and remains a significant global health threat. Despite advances in understanding malaria and its pathology, effective treatments are limited, and drug development remains challenging. Computational techniques assist in screening potential drug candidates by simulating interactions between small molecules and target enzymes.

Methods: In this study, Density Functional Theory (DFT), ADME analysis, and molecular docking studies were carried out against the ATP-dependent DNA helicase (UvrD) protein of Plasmodium falciparum 3D7, using three biologically active compounds: Betulinic acid, Celastrol, and Vitamin D3.

Results: Theoretical calculations suggest that all three compounds (Betulinic acid, Celastrol, and Vitamin D3) have strong binding affinity toward Plasmodium falciparum targets. These findings may offer a novel direction for antimalarial drug discovery.

Interpretation conclusion: Computational results predict that Compound 2 (Celastrol) exhibits stronger interactions with the target protein compared to the other two compounds. Its higher reactivity is further supported by a narrower HOMO-LUMO gap and molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) maps.

Background objectives: Malaria is a global health issue, causing over two million deaths annually. The development of new and potent antimalarial drugs is essential to combat the disease. Machine learning has been increasingly applied to predict antimalarial activity of compounds, offering a promising approach for antimalarial pharmaceutical research. This study aims to predict the antimalarial activity of potential compounds using weighted atomic vectors and machine learning algorithms.

Methods: The research employs several machine learning algorithms, such as Decision Tree, Bagging Regressor, and Ada Boost. The study uses weighted atomic vectors to represent compounds and employs machine learning algorithms for prediction. The performance of the models is assessed using metrics like R2, MAE, and RMSLE, statistical validation using Friedman and Wilcoxon Tests.

Results: The results highlight the remarkable efficacy of Ada Boost in predicting antimalarial activity, consistently outperforming other algorithms across different datasets, achieving a maximum precision of 93.

Interpretation conclusion: The combination of weighted atomic vectors and machine learning emerges as a promising approach for antimalarial pharmaceutical research, emphasizing the significance of artificial intelligence in this field.

Background objectives: Dengue fever is a significant public health challenge in India. This threat has been amplified by rapid urbanization. This study analyzes the spatiotemporal patterns of dengue transmission, the influence of climate on dengue transmission, and predict future trends of dengue incidence in Dakshina Kannada from 2024 to 2026.

Methods: The study used retrospective data from January 1, 2019, to April 30, 2024, and covered 288 locations in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. Data was collected in Excel and analyzed using Jamovi 2.3.28 for descriptive statistics. Time series analysis was performed in R version 4.4.0, while spatiotemporal clusters were identified using SaTScan V10.1.2 and visualized in QGIS version 3.30.0. Multivariable linear regression was conducted to identify climate factors affecting dengue cases. ARIMA models were employed for predictive forecasting of future dengue cases.

Results: A total of 1,836 recorded dengue cases was retrieved from the Health Management Information System (HMIS) at the district level. The study identified significant spatiotemporal clusters of dengue cases, with the primary cluster occurring from May 1, 2022, to April 30, 2024. Climatic factors, particularly rainfall and temperature, showed significant correlations with dengue incidence. The ARIMA (3,1,1) (1,0,0) [12] model demonstrated robust forecasting capability for dengue cases, indicating a continuing upward trend, which appears to be influenced by seasonal patterns.

Interpretation conclusion: Dengue transmission in Dakshina Kannada is significantly influenced by climatic factors such as temperature, rainfall, and humidity. The ARIMA-based predictive modeling forecasted increased dengue cases in the coming years. These findings show the need for targeted public health interventions in identified hotspot areas, along with continuous climate-based surveillance to support timely and effective dengue control measures.

Background objectives: The application of essential oils (EOs) as environmentally friendly tools for vector control has become a major focus in biopesticide research. This study aimed to characterize the chemical composition of the EO derived from Juniperus phoenicea L. harvested in the El Ma Labiodh region (Tebessa, Algeria) and to evaluate its larvicidal potential against the fourth larval instar of Culiseta longiareolata (Diptera: Culicidae).

Methods: The EO was extracted from dried leaves by hydrodistillation and characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Its larvicidal activity was evaluated following the World Health Organization (WHO) standard protocol. Additionally, the effects of two lethal concentrations (LC25 and LC50) were assessed on detoxification enzymes activities, glutathione S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT), as well as on major biochemical components (proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates) in larval tissues across different exposure periods.

Results: Hydrodistillation yielded 0.56±0.03% EO, with GC-MS analysis identifying 51 compounds. Pinene (34.64%), Carene (15.26%), Limonene (13.82%), and Myrcene (3.85%) were the predominant constituents. The EO exhibited significant larvicidal activity, with mortality rates ranging from 5 to 100%, and LC25 and LC50 values of 38.14 ppm and 57.31 ppm, respectively. Toxicity was associated with the up regulation of detoxification mechanisms, evidenced by elevated GST and CAT activities, alongside notable alterations in the larvae's biochemical profiles.

Interpretation conclusion: These findings underscore the potential of J. phoenicea EO as a natural larvicide against Cs longiareolata, supporting its use as a sustainable tool for integrated mosquito control strategies.

Background objectives: Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne viral infection with a wide geographic distribution globally. The clinical severity of CCHF varies, with reported mortality rates reaching up to 60%. Despite its spread to new geographic areas and its potential to cause severe and fatal disease, no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment is currently available. Studies on the use of ribavirin for CCHF have yielded conflicting results. Consequently, many physicians manage CCHF patients with supportive care. In this study, we share the positive outcomes observed in CCHF patients who were managed exclusively with supportive treatment without the use of ribavirin.

Methods: The epidemiological characteristics, laboratory results and treatment outcomes of patients with CCHF diagnosis followed up in our clinic between April 1, 2020, and September 31, 2023 were evaluated retrospectively.

Results: The study included 20 patients (5 females and 15 male) with confirmed CCHF. Based on the Severity Scoring Index (SSI) scores, 7 patients with SSI 0-2 were classified as mild cases, 12 patients with SSI 3-9 as moderate cases, and 1 patient with SSI 10-13 as a severe case. No patients received ribavirin as part of their treatment. All patients were managed with supportive care, and no mortality was observed.

Interpretation and conclusion: Supportive care remains the standard treatment for CCHF management. The effectiveness of ribavirin in CCHF remains unclear.

Background objectives: Scrub typhus (ST), a tropical infection caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, has re-emerged as a global concern in the Asia-Pacific region. Limited data on ST in infants reveals unique presentations, complications, and severity predictors. This study was conducted to evaluate the occurrence of ST in infants, comparing clinical, laboratory and outcomes with ST in older children.

Methods: This is a prospective cohort study conducted in the Pediatrics department of a teaching hospital in South India. Children of < 12y years presenting with fever for > 5 days with serology confirmed ST using IgM ELISA for ST were included after excluding other common tropical infections.

Results: Out of 650 children, 60 (10%) were infants. Fever (100%) was the commonest presentation with mean duration of 9 days followed by cough and fast breathing. Eschar (33, 55%) was commonly seen in face (14, 23.3%) and were atypical (10, 16.6%) in appearance. Findings such as pallor, oedema, hepatosplenomegaly, lung crackles and hematological abnormalities like anemia, leukocytosis, elevated transaminases were more prevalent in infants compared to older children. Severe ST was observed in 34 (56.7%) infants, commonly presenting with pneumonia and shock. Doxycycline showed quicker defervesence with no adverse events in infants. Logistic regression identified hypoalbuminemia as a significant predictor of severe ST in infants.

Interpretation conclusion: ST in infants is common and pose diagnostic challenge due to overlapping features of other tropical infections. Timely therapy and risk stratification can improve the outcomes in resource limited setting.

Background objectives: Dengue and Japanese-B-Encephalitis (JE) are Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) that cause public health challenges in rural India with severe socio-economic challenges and health impacts. Assam, a North Eastern state of India is known for its sub-tropical hot and humid conditions that facilitate rapid transmission and survival of disease-carrying vectors. The present study employed the Socio-Economic Systems (SES) framework to explore the key determinants associated with the prevalence of Dengue and Encephalitis in state's diverse environment condition, including urban, peri-urban and rural areas. The study revealed the demographic details, housing conditions, vector control practices offered to households, and community practices in three districts of Assam. Our analysis revealed significant relationships between water supply, water storage systems, and vector breeding site among three districts.

Methods: The study involved 3600 households in three disease prone districts-Dibrugarh, Tinsukia and Karbi Anglong to see the difference in community knowledge and attributes towards Dengue and JE. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire, observation method in Open Data Kit (ODK) platform. Chi-square test was employed to determine district-wise variations.

Results: Chi-square showed significant district-wise variations in water supply in households, water storage system, vector breeding sites, mosquito control practices and socio-demographic characteristics. Despite dense vegetation cover, cases of mosquito-borne diseases recorded low in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia. However, livestock rearing in Dibrugarh poses a threat of Encephalitis cases.

Interpretation conclusion: The identified factors generated during the study can inform the development of targeted intervention strategies, ultimately aiding in the vector control and prevention of Dengue and Encephalitis in Assam's rural and peri-urban areas.