Journal of Vector Borne Diseases最新文献

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.

Schistosomiasis is one of the most overlooked parasitic diseases worldwide. The new roadmap for neglected tropical diseases (2021-2030), adopted by the World Health Assembly, sets global goals for combating these diseases. eliminating schistosomiasis. Current treatment options for schistosomiasis, such as Praziquantel, are limited. Nanoparticle-based treatments and vaccines have shown promise in overcoming the limitations of Praziquantel therapy by offering targeted and sustained drug delivery. We advocate prioritizing and enhancing funding and collaboration for nanoparticle research targeting schistosomiasis. By investing in these innovative solutions in regions most impacted by schistosomiasis, we have the potential to alleviate the treatment burden and enhance patient adherence. This review paper explores anotechnological solutions, current trends, and long-term outcomes.

Background objectives: Malaria remains a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, with Anopheles gambiae complex, comprising An. gambiae s.s., An. coluzzii , and An. arabiensis , as the principal vectors. These sibling species exhibit diverse ecological and behavioural traits that significantly influence malaria transmission dynamics. Understanding their host preferences, blood-meal sources, and gonotrophic cycles is vital for designing effective vector control strategies. This study investigated the feeding behaviour, blood meal sources, and exophilic tendencies of An. gambiae complex mosquitoes in Igbo-Ora and Idere communities, southwestern Nigeria.

Methods: Indoor-resting mosquitoes were collected using pyrethroid spray collections (PSC) during the rainy season of 2022 over three months. Specimens were identified morphologically and confirmed molecularly. Data on abdominal conditions, feeding behaviour, gonotrophic cycles, and blood-meal sources were analysed. Human blood index (HBI) and exophily degree (DE) were calculated using standard protocols.

Results: A total of 298 An. gambiae complex mosquitoes were examined. Fully-fed mosquitoes accounted for 77.2%, while 12.4% were gravid, and 5.4% were half-gravid. An. coluzzii in Idere exhibited the highest feeding rate (84.6%), followed by An. arabiensis in Igbo-Ora (77.8%). The gonotrophic cycle was longer in Idere (5-6 days) compared to Igbo-Ora (3-4 days). Blood-meal analysis of 421 specimens identified humans as the predominant host (45.8%), with mixed blood meals indicating opportunistic feeding. The highest HBI was recorded in An. gambiae (0.69) in Idere and An. arabiensis (0.96) in Igbo-Ora.

Interpretation conclusion: The findings reveal significant ecological and behavioural variability within the An. gambiae complex, including their strong anthropophilic tendencies and opportunistic feeding behaviour. These characteristics underscore the species' pivotal role in malaria transmission and highlight the need for localized, species-specific vector control interventions targeting feeding and reproductive behaviours.

Background objectives: Dengue fever is a significant public health challenge in India. The 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 district of Karnataka, India 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. Data was collected in Microsoft 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 1836 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) 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: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-bome 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 conclusion: Supportive care remains the standard treatment for CCHF management. The effectiveness of ribavirin in CCHF remains unclear.

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 WHO standard protocol. Additionally, the effects of two lethal concentrations (LC 25 and LC 50 ) 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 LC 25 and LC 50 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.

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 in recent in times during 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 embracing a One Health strategy, fostering collaboration among sectors accountable for human health, animal health, and environmental safeguards. One Health approach challenges the anthropogenic dominance of earth and aims for optimal health and sustainability for humans, animals, and the environment simultaneously.

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 <12 years of age 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 most common presentation with mean duration of 9 days followed by cough and fast breathing. Eschar (33, 55%) was commonly seen in the 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 poses a diagnostic challenge due to overlapping features with other tropical infections. Timely therapy and risk stratification can improve outcomes in resource limited settings.

Malaria remains a critical public health challenge, disproportionately affecting sub-Saharan Africa. Although subSaharan Africa shoulders the greatest burden of malaria, research led by African institutions continues to receive only a small fraction of global research and development funding. This article reflects on the growing importance of South-South collaboration as a catalyst for advancing malaria research and control efforts. By drawing from initiatives like ANDI, the Elimination 8 (E8) group, and the India-Africa Health Sciences Platform, we illustrate how partnerships among low- and middle-income countries can foster innovation, strengthen local research capacity, improve diagnostic tools, enhance regional surveillance systems and address shared challenges. We also discuss barriers such as limited funding and fragmented systems, and outline strategies, like regional investment and regulatory harmonization, that could help unlock the full potential of these South-South collaborations.