Pathogens and Global Health最新文献

Dengue virus (DENV) remains one of the most common arboviral infections threatening humans. This study was conducted to systematically review the available literature and provide an updated overview of the overall prevalence of DENV infection in Saudi Arabia. The prevalence data was pooled from 21,891 participants recruited in 17 studies. Using random-effects model, the overall prevalence of DENV infection in Saudi Arabia was calculated as 30.8% (95% CI: 20.8-49.8%). The pooled IgM and IgG seroprevalence rates were 17.7% and 26.6%, respectively. Furthermore, the detection of DENV-NS1 antigen and viral RNA revealed pooled estimates of 16.4% and 37.0%, respectively. This study reports a relatively high burden of DENV infection in Saudi Arabia. The findings of this SRMA provide valuable information on the epidemiology of DENV infections in the country, highlighting the need for additional epidemiological investigations to assess the current situation of DENV infection in the country.

Aspergillus fumigatus-specific IgG is often used as a diagnostic test for chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA), but few studies have evaluated the performance and serology of IgGs from species other than A. fumigatus. In this study, we evaluated the serology and performance of different Aspergillus species-specific IgG antibodies in patients with CPA and at-risk populations and whether different Aspergillus species-specific IgGs could be of clinical utility and aid in the diagnosis of CPA caused by all Aspergillus species. A total of 187 participants were included between 2020 and 2022 (12 with CPA, 75 with old tuberculosis [TB], 45 with active TB and 55 with bronchiectasis). We measured the serum Aspergillus fumigatus, flavus, terreus, niger-specific, and mixed Aspergillus IgG levels (Phadia ImmunoCap). The correlation was the strongest between A. fumigatus and A. niger (Spearman's rank: 0.940), followed by A. niger and A. flavus (Spearman's rank: 0.915). A. terreus-specific IgG was less strongly correlated with the other three Aspergillus species-specific IgG (Spearman's rank: 0.828-0.849). A. flavus (4 of 6, 67%) was the dominant species. Using the at-least-one-positive approach, the highest performance was obtained when A. fumigatus and A. flavus IgGs were used (sensitivity, 0.75; specificity, 0.84). Significant cross-reactivity exists among different Aspergillus-species IgGs although the correlation may be less significant for A. terreus. In addition to the commonly used A. fumigatus IgG test, IgGs specific to local prevalent Aspergillus species may provide additional clinical utility.

Hepatic schistosomiasis is a neglected parasitosis that affects millions of people each year worldwide and leads to high healthcare costs and increased morbidity and mortality in infected humans. It is a disease that has been widely studied in terms of its pathophysiology; therefore, the signaling pathways that lead to liver damage, with the consequent development of liver fibrosis, are now better understood. Research has elucidated the role of soluble egg antigen in the development of hepatic granulomas and liver fibrosis, the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and its participation in liver damage, the role of heat shock protein 47 and its involvement in liver fibrosis, the anti-inflammatory effects caused by interleukin-37, and the role of natural killer and natural killer T cells in the development of the disease. Hepatic schistosomiasis can range from simple hepatomegaly to the development of portal hypertension combined with hepatic fibrosis. For diagnostic purposes, a microscopic examination of excreta remains the gold standard; however, abdominal ultrasound has recently taken on an important role in the assessment of liver lesions produced by the parasite. Praziquantel is considered the management drug of choice, and has been associated with a potential preventive antifibrotic effect.

Introduction and aim: In Malaysia, pertussis in children beyond infancy is underreported. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Bordetella pertussis and the prevalence of pertussis-susceptible children aged ≥4 years who presented with acute respiratory infections.

Methods: This single-center, cross-sectional study conducted at the Paediatric Emergency Department from 1 October 2022, to 31 January 2023, included children aged 4 years and older with ARTIs symptoms and excluded those who were COVID-19 positive. B. pertussis was detected via quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction on nasopharyngeal swabs and pertussis toxin (PT) IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: Children (n = 298) with a median (Interquartile range, [IQR]) age of 6.0 (5.0, 8.0) years old were recruited, and 98% were vaccinated adequately. Two cases of B. pertussis (n = 2/298, 0.67%) were detected. Both children were also co-infected with Bordetella spp. The majority of the patients (n = 246/296, 83.1%) had low protective antibodies against pertussis (anti-PT IgG <5 IU/ml), and children 5 years and older were more likely to have lower anti-PT Ig G levels of <5 IU/ml (odds ratio 2.02 [95% CI 1.04,3.90]) compared to children 4 years old.

Conclusion: The prevalence of pertussis was low. However, there is significant waning immunity. Booster doses of pertussis vaccine should be given to all school-aged children.

Enterovirus (EV)-associated hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a significant public health issue worldwide, commonly occurring in children five years of age or younger. The leading causes of most HFMD cases are EVs, which are members of the Picornaviridae family. The typical clinical manifestations of EV-associated HFMD are febrile presentations with mucosal herpangina, oral ulcerations, and skin rashes on the hands and feet. The majority of HFMD cases resolve without consequence; however, a subset progresses to severe neurological and cardiopulmonary complications, which can be fatal. In the past two decades, EV-associated HFMD has received significant attention. In this review, we organize published papers and provide updates on epidemiology, pathogenesis, surveillance, and vaccine developments for EV-associated HFMD. The impact of EV-associated HFMD is increasing globally. Developing efficacious vaccines has become a priority for preventing EV infections without adequate treatment. Simultaneously, emerging EV infections (including EV-D68, EV-A71, Coxsackieviruses, and echoviruses) are increasing, highlighting the need to create a vigilant surveillance system for EV infections worldwide.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a widespread tick-borne viral disease. YKL-40 (also known as chitinase-3-like-1 protein) is an acute phase protein released by various immune cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between YKL-40 level and the clinical course and prognosis of CCHF. The study included 78 patients who were admitted to our hospital between April 15 and 30 August 2022 and had a positive polymerase chain reaction test result for CCHF. The patients were divided into two groups, severe and non-severe. In addition, a control group consisting of 22 healthy people was established. Mean serum YKL-40 levels were significantly higher in patients than controls (106.8 ng/mL ± 91.2 and 47.1 ng/mL ± 35.3, respectively; p < 0.001). However, mean YKL-40 levels were also significantly higher in patients with severe CCHF compared to non-severe cases (173.3 ± 112.3 and 67.5 ± 41.7, respectively; p < 0.001). A comparison of the 10 exitus patients and the 68 survivors revealed significantly higher YKL-40 levels in the exitus group (mean: 214.0 ± 139.0 and 92.8 ± 73.6, respectively; p = 0.001). A receiver operating characteristic analysis for YKL-40 levels to distinguish between severe and non-severe patients found an area under the curve of 0.925. YKL-40 levels were measured with a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 84% with a cutoff value of 90.7 ng/mL. YKL-40 levels measured at the time of hospital presentation in patients with CCHF can be used as a biomarker for clinical course and prognosis.

The mortality rate of Nipah virus (NiV) can vary in different regions, and its pattern across timelines has yet to be assessed. The primary objective is to perform a comparative analysis of mortality rates across different timelines and countries. Articles reporting NiV mortality from inception to November 2023 were analyzed in PubMed, Ovid Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. A meta-analysis utilizing random-effects models determined the mortality rate secondary to NiV complications. The initial search strategy yielded 1213 records, of which 36 articles met the inclusion criteria, comprising 2736 NiV patients. The Global mortality rate of the Nipah virus in the 2014-2023 decade was 80.1% (CI: 68.7-88.1%), indicating a significant 24% increase compared to the preceding decade (2004-2013) with a mortality rate of 54.1% (CI: 35.5-71.6%). Among the countries analyzed for overall mortality from 1994-2023, India experienced the highest mortality rate at 82.7% (CI: 74.6-88.6%), followed by Bangladesh at 62.1% (CI: 45.6-76.2%), Philippines at 52.9% (CI: 30-74.5%), Malaysia at 28.9% (CI: 21.4-37.9%), and Singapore at 21% (CI: 8-45%). Subgroup analysis revealed that India consistently had the highest mortality rate for the past two decades (91.7% and 89.3%). The primary complication leading to mortality was encephalitis, accounting for 95% of cases. This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed a noteworthy surge in NiV mortality rates, particularly in the current decade (2014-2023). The escalation, with India reporting a concerning level of mortality of 89.3-91.7% in the past decades, signifies a pressing public health challenge.

In the fourth year of the COVID-19 occurrence, a new COVID-19 variant, JN.1, has emerged and spread globally and become the dominant strain in several regions. It has some specific mutations in its spike proteins, empowering it with higher transmissibility. Regarding the significance of the issue, understanding the clinical and immunological traits of JN.1 is critical for enhancing health strategies and vaccination efforts globally, with the ultimate goal of bolstering our collective response to the pandemic. In this study, we take a look at the latest findings of JN.1 characteristics and mutations as well as its consequences on bypassing immune system. We demonstrate the importance of continual surveillance and strategic adaptation within healthcare frameworks along with the significance of wastewater sampling for the rapid identification of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.