Journal of Vector Borne Diseases最新文献

Background objectives: A 2.5-year placebo controlled double blind trial was conducted to investigate the safety and efficacy of AYUSH- SL, a poly- herbal Ayurvedic formulation on filarial lymphedema in different endemic areas of India. Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is caused by parasitic nematodes from Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, or B. timori that are transmitted through mosquitoes. In Ayurveda, LF has been elaborately narrated under the heading Shlipada, and the literature also includes detailed therapeutic measures.

Methods: The multicenter, prospective, parallel group interventional study of a total of 180 participants were recruited within the duration through competitive enrollment. Diagnosed cases of grade I and grade II filarial lymphedema of Grade I and Grade II (lower extremities) were included in the trial. The study group was treated with MDA and AYUSH-SL or its placebo tablet.

Results: The control group had received MDA and a matching placebo. The primary outcome measure was the reduction in edema calculated for analysis by percentage reduction from baseline at the 4th, 12th and 24th week. Secondary outcome measures included improved quality of life (QoL), which was assessed using the Lymphatic Filariasis Specific QoL Questionnaire, and prevention of recurrence of acute episodes, which was evaluated by investigating the presence and severity of episodes in the past 4 weeks. The water displacement method for the evaluation of the efficacy of the intervention was shown to be highly significant compared to the baseline value (right leg; 3071.60 ± 970.482, 2828.40±829.339, p<0.001and Left leg; 3158.69 ± 1136.391, 2890.73 ±1077.475, p<0.001).

Interpretation conclusion: There was significant improvement of Quality of Life in the LF QoL Questionnaire (p <0.001) at each follow-up visit in both groups. Safety estimations on hematologic and biochemical parameters were within limits and or changes were not significant. The results revealed that AYUSH- SL is safe and effective for FL due to its comprehensive anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-allergic activities.

Background objectives: Vector-borne diseases (VBD) are a major public health concern. Globalization, urbanization & climate change are reasons for the emergence and re-emergence of VBDs. In our study, we looked into the prevalence of VBD infections around our tertiary care hospital in South India. The objective was to determine the prevalence of common VBDs like Malaria, Dengue, Japanese encephalitis (JE), Chikungunya and Scrub typhus in patients with acute febrile illness (AFI).

Methods: This was a prospective laboratory based observational study. Blood samples from patients with AFI were tested for Dengue NS1 Antigen, IgM and IgG; and IgM antibodies for JE, Chikungunya and Scrub typhus using ELISA tests. Peripheral blood smear examination was performed for malarial parasite detection.

Results: Total 802 samples were analysed. The sample positivity rate for VBD was 63.6% (510/802 samples) On diving the positive results across seasons in the study period, the VBD positivity rates were 66.3%, 49.1%, 61.2% and 67.3% for the first post-monsoon, summer, monsoon and the second post-monsoon seasons respectively- a trend of increased rates noted during the post-monsoon seasons. 192 samples (23.9%) were positive for scrub typhus alone, 189 samples (23.6%) were positive for dengue infection alone, six samples (0.7%) were positive for chikungunya infection alone, 121 samples (15.1%) were positive for dengue plus scrub typhus co-infection, two samples (0.2%) were positive for dengue plus chikungunya co-infection, while 292 samples (36.4%) showed negative results. None of the samples were positive for malaria and Japanese encephalitis.

Interpretation conclusion: Scrub typhus and dengue were the most prevalent VBDs in concordance with the prevalence pattern noted in other studies in South India. Increasing awareness and surveillance of the VBDs, developing stringent control policies, easy access to testing and initiating early appropriate therapy can help reduce the incidence of VBDs.

Background objectives: To achieve schistosomiasis eradication plan by 2030, the development of efficient diagnosis is crucial. This study focuses on assessing the immunodiagnostic potential of S. haematobium (Sh) soluble egg antigen (SEA) and worm antigen (SWA) for urogenital schistosomiasis.

Methods: Urine microscopy identified 50 S. haematobium-positive and 50 negative samples from a total of 500 examined. An additional 50 samples from a non-endemic area were included, bringing the total number of samples used for the assay to 150. Indirect ELISA immunoassays using SEA and SWA as the probing antigens evaluated 50 sera samples each from Sh positive, negative endemic (NE), and non-endemic (NNE) individuals. SDS-PAGE analysis of crude protein extracts was conducted, followed by Western blot analysis using primary antibodies from pooled Sh-infected sera samples.

Results: Diagnostic performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity. The AUC values for Sh SEA and SWA were 0.75 and 0.76 in NE samples, and 0.91 and 0.89 in NNE samples, respectively. Sensitivities 90 (95% CI: 78.64 - 95.65)/ 64.71 (95% CI: 52.17 - 75.92), and specificities 50 (95% CI: 36.64 - 63.36)/ 81.25 (95% CI: 63.56 - 92.79) were recorded for SEA and SWA, respectively in NE samples. In addition, sensitivities 90 (78.64 - 95.65)/ 92 (95% CI: 80.77 - 97.78), and specificities 72 (95% CI: 58.33 - 82.53)/ 72.00 (95% CI: 57.51 - 83.77) were recorded for SEA and SWA, respectively in NNE samples. The mean antibody titer against Sh SEA in infected samples was significantly higher than in non-infected samples (P <0.0001). Eight (8) immunoreactive protein bands; 4 each of SEA and SWA were identified, indicating potential for diagnostic tool development.

Interpretation conclusion: Sh SEA and SWA demonstrate promise for diagnosing urogenital schistosomiasis in both endemic and non-endemic regions.

Background objectives: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a zoonotic disease and significant health concern particularly in endemic regions. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy in dexamethasone treatment on clinical outcomes in CCHF patients.

Methods: We included adult patients diagnosed with CCHF and those whose platelet count dropped to 70,000/mm3 or lower. The efficacy of dexamethasone on clinical outcomes was evaluated. It was a retrospective analytical study.

Results: The study included 55 patients. All patients received standard supportive treatment, and none of them received ribavirin therapy. It was observed that 23 (41.8%) of the patients were treated with dexamethasone. No significant differences were observed between patients treated with dexamethasone and those without dexamethasone treatment, regarding factors such as bleeding incidents during hospitalization, the need for blood product transfusions, thrombocyte recovery status, intensive care unit admission, and in-hospital mortality. In-hospital mortality was observed in two patients among all patients (3.6%).

Interpretation conclusion: Our study found that dexamethasone treatment did not lead to a significant improvement in clinical outcomes for CCHF patients.

The epidemiology of dengue has been demonstrating significant changes in recent years, with rising incidence of infection in countries with known endemicity and occurrence of fresh outbreaks in previously unaffected territories. India, which has been a traditional hotspot dengue virus (DENV) transmission in the endemic south-east Asian region, has also been affected by the sweeping changes in dengue epidemiology. Two remarkable developments characterize the alterations witnessed by India 2011-2017. Firstly, all parts of the country have witnessed abrupt replacement of existing DENV lineages with emerging novel strains. Secondly, co-circulation of multiple serotypes of DENV have been reported from all across the country 2011-2017; thereby hinting at the transition of the country towards hyper-endemicity. Considering the potential clinical implications of such epidemiological transformation in terms increasing involvement of pediatric patients and growing predisposition to serious complications, the present review provides an update on the serotypic and genotypic profile of dengue outbreaks that have been witnessed by different zones of India between 2011 and 2017. Dividing the country into northern, southern, eastern, western, central and north-eastern zones, we describe discrete zone-specific distribution patterns of DENV serotypes and genotypes and observe simultaneous circulation of different DENV strains in different parts of the country. Random shifts in the genetic characteristics of the circulating strains and the widespread co- circulation of all four serotypes underscore the need for undertaking continuous and representative molecular surveillance of the circulating DENV strains across the country for prompt identification of emerging strains and novel mutants; gain insights into the formulation of Dengue vaccines and develop a clearer understanding of the molecular basis of immune evasion, disease epidemiology and pathogenesis.

Background objectives: Aedes aegypti is a major vector responsible for spreading dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika viruses worldwide. These illnesses have increased globally due to climate and environmental changes. Vector control and management are the principal tactics for combating mosquitoes-borne diseases in the absence of an effective vaccine. The study aimed to ascertain bioactivities of Ageratum houstonianum leaf acetone extract (AhLAE) against Aedes aegypti.

Methods: Bioefficacy of AhLAE was tested against fourth instar larvae (L4) of Ae. aegypti using standard WHO protocol. The mortality, growth, and development of larvae, pupae and adults were recorded after exposure to the extract.

Results: The AhLAE showed larvicidal activity against L4 with LC50 and LC90 values of 401.88 and 691.24 mg/L, respectively. The mortality of the larvae further increased on subsequent days. The AhLAE caused a significant reduction in pupae formation and adult emergence. It also increased the larval duration of L4 and development duration of the pupa formed from the treated L4, indicating its growth-suppressing effects. The impact of the AhLAE was dose-dependent; high concentrations caused reduction in survival and growth of L4. Consequently, the L4-pupal and L4-adult growth indexes decreased. Additionally, the AhLAE induced developmental anomalies in the form of larva-pupa (L-P) intermediates.

Interpretation conclusion: The study found that the AhLAE exhibited larvicidal, growth-suppressing, and development-altering activities against Ae. aegypti. The findings suggest the potential of AhALE as a natural insecticidal agent for controlling mosquitoes.

Background objectives: Quantum chemical & molecular docking practices to deliver new perceptions into how etoposide, novobiocin, nogalamycin and netropsin interact with the biological targets PF3D7_0918600 (Plasmodium falciparum 3D7). Further the pharmacokinetics of a drug candidate which influenced by a variety of factors, including P- glycoprotein (Pgp) transport, PBB (Plasma protein binding), & BBB (Blood-brain barrier) permeation help to forecast the pharmacological characteristics of acetyl-CoA reductase inhibitors (ADMEs) and their metabolites.

Methods: At this point, we have elevated four compounds such as etoposide, novobiocin, nogalamycin & netropsin. We have also studied molecular docking against the target protein of the Plasmodium falciparum (PF3D7_0918600) through exhausting the AutoDock Vina platform and AutoDock-Tools (ADT) and pharmacokinetic properties were carried out using the ADMET 2.0.

Results: The relative results of molecular docking recommended a greater binding affinity of novobiocin with the selected receptors among other compounds. In-silico ADME screening is a computational approach utilised to forecast the pharmacological characteristics of acetyl- CoA reductase inhibitors (ADMEs) and their metabolites.

Interpretation conclusion: The ADMEs are based on the adsorption-desorption kinetics and pharmacopoeia. Adsorption and distribution analysis are used to assess the potential of the drug candidate. In vitro ADME is exploited to expect the effect of Pgp transport on the drug candidates. ADME has been used to predict CYP1A2 inhibitors and to predict PPB and BBB penetration. This paper summarizes the current knowledge on molecular docking, ADME and identifies potential drug candidates for ADME in vitro and in vivo.

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are the main vectors of arboviruses such as dengue, Zika virus, and chikungunya. Ae. aegypti is a widely spread mosquito in tropical and subtropical regions, whereas Ae. albopictus is a culicid of Asian origin that shows exophilic behavior and can be found in subtropical and temperate areas. Climatic factors could influence the distribution of both species, making them use genetic and environmental resources to adapt to the environment, activating survival mechanisms (embryonic dormancy) that increase the developmental period and keep their offspring in the environment. From this perspective, this review aimed to compare the different physiological mechanisms of embryonic dormancy between Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus and their impact on the development and environmental adaptability of these two species. A total of 62 articles were identified in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases corresponding to the period from 1981 to 2021. In diapause, the results mentioned above are indirectly linked to temperature and directly linked to photoperiod variations. With regard to quiescence, temperature and humidity are directly related to the activation of this mechanism. In conclusion, it is essential to highlight the expansion of arboviruses such as dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika virus and their relationship with embryonic dormancy, diapause and quiescence, extremely important strategies for Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus to keep their offspring in the environment under adverse conditions.

Malaria continues to be a significant global health challenge, with millions of cases and hundreds of thousands of deaths reported annually. To combat this disease effectively, it is imperative to identify and address significant research gaps in malaria control and elimination efforts. This review synthesizes current knowledge and highlights critical gaps in several crucial areas of malaria research. Firstly, we discuss the complexities of vector biology and control, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of vector behavior, particularly in urban settings. Secondly, the study examines the challenges posed by drug resistance and the urgent need for alternative treatment strategies and novel drug targets. Thirdly, the review explores the ongoing quest for an effective malaria vaccine, underscoring the importance of understanding immunological correlates of protection. The study also explores medication resistance genes and genomic epidemiology, highlighting the need for more investigation into potential targets for drugs and vaccine candidates. Furthermore, it addresses the socioeconomic and environmental determinants of malaria transmission, highlighting the importance of integrating multidisciplinary approaches to address transmission dynamics. The study concludes with a discussion of how malaria transmission is impacted by climate change and the necessity of research to guide adaptation measures.

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), posing a substantial threat to human health and property safety. Until now, there has been a lack of specific therapeutic options for treating JEV infections. In this review article, we provide a comprehensive discussion of JEV's characteristics, diagnostic methodologies, vaccine development efforts, and potential anti-JEV pharmaceuticals to provide insights and references that could be used to inform and enhance strategies for the prevention and control of Japanese encephalitis.