Pathogens and Global Health最新文献

Jingmen tick virus (JMTV) is a single-stranded RNA virus transmitted to humans through tick bites and classified within the Flaviviridae family. It has been detected in various arthropods and mammals. JMTV causes an acute febrile illness with symptoms such as skin lesions, fatigue, headache, nausea, and vomiting; however, limited research exists on its clinical impact and pathogenesis in humans. This study aims to report the first detection and molecular characterization of JMTV in patients with Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) in Türkiye. During the 2022 outbreak, serum samples from 206 hospitalized CCHF-suspected patients were retrospectively analyzed. JMTV was identified in 3 (1.5%) cases using nested PCR. The nucleotide similarity within the three JMTV sequences was found to be between 98.0% and 99.0%. Phylogenetic analysis showed 82-98% similarity with previously identified JMTV isolates in Türkiye. This study presents the first detection and molecular characterization of JMTV in humans in Türkiye. Clinicians should consider JMTV in patients with a history of tick bites, especially in CCHF-endemic regions.

It is now a well-known fact that antibiotic resistance in bacteria has increased with the widespread and uncontrolled use of antibiotics. However, the increase in antibiotic resistance should not be attributed solely to the use of antibiotics. Other antimicrobial agents used in the control of bacterial infections and even heavy metals are also among the factors causing an increase in antibiotic resistance. It is therefore important to study the effects of these agents on bacterial cells. It is generally believed that the selection of resistance typically occurs at high concentrations of antibiotics. However, accumulating evidence demonstrates that selection can also occur at sub-inhibitory levels, making it essential to better understand their impact. While most studies have focused on antibiotics, fewer have examined the influence of biocides, heavy metals, and bioactive components. In this review, we discuss how low concentrations of these agents not only contribute to the development of resistance but also modulate bacterial virulence by affecting biofilm formation, siderophore production, cell morphology, and gene expression. A comprehensive literature review has been conducted, highlighting both the potential risks of these agents in resistance development and their implications for bacterial virulence in the future.

Whole-genome sequencing, supported on short-read-sequencing, has revolutionized the precision to track Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) transmission. However, the complexity of the MTB genome (10% repetitive regions and 65% GC content) challenges short-read mapping and assembly, leading to the exclusion of certain genomic regions from the analysis. Long-read sequencing can overcome these limitations, giving access to these regions, generally uninterrogated. Our study aims to evaluate the potential of long-read sequencing in redefining long-term MTB transmission clusters, previously characterized by short-read sequencing. We selected 78 cases from eight long-term clusters (5-17 years; 7 to 16 cases), from a population-based genomic epidemiology program in Almería, Spain. The clusters were carefully selected to ensure cases i) infected by identical strains (0 SNPs), ii) exhibiting pairwise-SNP-based distances from 1 to 16 SNPs and iii) distributed along different branches in the genomic networks. Long-read analysis increased the distances of each cluster from the reference by an average of 258 SNPs and intercluster distances by 113 SNPs. Within-cluster diversity also increased, with pairwise distances rising from 1 to 22 SNPs across 1-7 network branches. In one cluster, the acquisition of diversity led to overpass the 12-SNP threshold to consider a transmission cluster. Additionally, in four clusters, 1-2 cases previously classified as infected by identical strains were now reclassified due to the identification of additional SNP differences. Thanks to the identification of new diversity between the cases we could identify index cases, reconstruct transmission chronologies, precise patient-to-patient relationships and propose new epidemiological interpretations among the cases in cluster.

Early detection and effective management of malaria are crucial for elimination efforts. Microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have been the main diagnostic methods for over fifteen years, but they have limitations, especially in cases of low parasite density or deletions of target markers (HRP2/3). This study compares the diagnostic performance of a novel hemozoin-based diagnostic assay (Hz-MOD) with RDTs for detecting malaria in febrile patients in southwestern India. A prospective observational study involved 480 patients screened with Hz-MOD, RDT, microscopy, and nested PCR. Among the samples, 121 were positive by both microscopy and PCR. The sensitivity of Hz-MOD was 94.21% compared to microscopy and 91.74% compared to PCR. For RDTs, sensitivity was 90.91% compared to microscopy and 87.60% compared to PCR. In terms of specificity, Hz-MOD showed 98.61% compared to microscopy and 97.77% compared to PCR, while RDTs had 100% specificity against microscopy and 98.89% against PCR. These results suggest that the hemozoin-based test demonstrates similar sensitivity to RDTs and could serve as an effective screening tool for malaria detection.

The global expansion of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and West Nile virus is a major public health concern, intensified by climate change and environmental alterations. Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, and Culex pipiens are among the most important vectors for these pathogens, contributing to their transmission across increasingly broad geographic areas. In Europe, the expanding distribution and vectorial competence of Ae. albopictus and Cx. pipiens highlight the need for innovative control strategies beyond traditional chemical and mechanical interventions, which face growing limitations due to resistance and sustainability concerns. This review examines the potential of radiofrequency (RF) exposure as a novel method to disrupt mosquito development and reduce vector competence. While the biological effects of RF have been studied in other systems, its impact on mosquito physiology and pathogen transmission remains underexplored. Preliminary findings suggest that RF exposure may alter larval viability, adult emergence, and reproductive capacity, with possible downstream effects on pathogen replication and transmission. We contextualize RF-based approaches alongside other emerging biocontrol strategies, including Wolbachia-based methods, genetic modification, and sterile insect techniques, emphasizing their integration into climate-responsive vector control programs. Additional consideration is given to other arthropod vectors of medical relevance, such as sandflies (Phlebotominae) and biting midges (Culicoides spp.), which contribute to the spread of arboviruses. Finally, we identify research gaps and propose directions for interdisciplinary studies to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and ecological impact of RF-based interventions. By targeting mosquito competence through non-chemical, scalable technologies, RF exposure offers a promising avenue to strengthen arbovirus prevention in the context of climate-driven vector expansion.

Shigellosis is a leading cause of diarrheal mortality worldwide. Shigella boydii is one of four Shigella species that contributes to this burden, however studies on S. boydii are limited. Here we combined epidemiological and genomic data to better understand S. boydii circulating both in Australia and globally. Between 1991 and 2019, there were 294 cases of S. boydii infections notified to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System by Australian states and territories, with an increasing trend in notifications observed from 2013. Of cases whose place of acquisition was known, 54% (111/206) were acquired overseas, mainly from South-East Asia (57%; 63/111). Our genomic analysis included 250 S. boydii isolates: 44 from Victoria, Australia spanning 22 years (2001-2022) and 206 international isolates spanning 91 years (1930-2020). Phylogenomic analyses identified five major S. boydii phylogenetic lineages circulating globally. The Australian isolates were distributed across all five lineages, but the highest proportion was in Lineage 3. Antimicrobial resistance was common in both international and Australian isolates with > 60% of isolates classified as multi-drug-resistant. Resistance to the main clinically relevant antimicrobials was rare in S. boydii. Ciprofloxacin resistance was detected in seven S. boydii, however reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin was detected in 56 isolates and found in both Australian and international data. Importantly, resistance mechanisms to third-generation cephalosporins and macrolides were also detected. This study is the largest genomic analysis of S. boydii to date, providing insights into the population structure, epidemiology and emerging AMR threats in this neglected Shigella species.

Recent outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza have exposed persistent weaknesses in global pandemic preparedness. Despite scientific advances, surveillance remains fragmented, hospital surge capacity is declining, and frontline workers continue to face inadequate protection. In low-income settings, delayed outbreak detection - exemplified by cholera in Sudan and mpox in central Africa - reflects ongoing gaps in diagnostic access and communication infrastructure. These challenges are compounded by geopolitical instability, fragile supply chains, and a lack of transparent, sustained investment in preparedness. While emerging tools like artificial intelligence offer promise for early warning and response, their impact depends on equitable integration across health systems. Rather than addressing pandemic threats through fragmented national strategies, a shift toward coordinated, inclusive global action is urgently needed. This Commentary highlights key vulnerabilities and proposes strategies to strengthen collective readiness for future infectious disease emergencies - emphasizing that pandemic preparedness is not solely a scientific issue, but a political and moral imperative.

Influenza virus and its various strains are a significant risk for the global health; influenza and its various strains have caused various periodic outbreaks and pandemics. As we delve into this review, it studies the history and the threat possessed by the four prominent strains of influenza H1N1, H3N2, H7N9, and H9N2. It also examines some of recent and notable outbreaks posed by these influenza strains. In 2009, the H1N1 pandemic was originated in the swine and was spread worldwide rapidly. This outbreak highlighted the gaps in the preparations and response in global healthcare system. The other strain H3N2 with a long history of frequent outbreaks distresses the public health and the health care sectors due to its evolution and the ability to adapt. In 2013 China, a novel strain was identified with a high mortality rate and the potential for human-to-human transmission remains a concern to the public health. Another strain H9N2 though less infectious is being monitored for its ability to cause pandemics in the future, and its distinct genetic makeup and sporadic human infections are causes for worry. This review outlines their differences and similarities, the importance of vigilant surveillance, effective treatment strategies, and the preparedness measures to mitigate any future influenza outbreaks.

The mortality trends associated with the mpox virus (MPXV) are not well defined. This study aims to systematically assess the mortality rate of mpox and its stratification across different geographical locations. Comprehensive review of articles from the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases up to June 2025, focusing on studies reporting mortality rates among patients diagnosed with mpox. A random-effects proportional meta-analysis assessed global and regional mpox mortality rates and their geographical variations. Sensitivity analysis using one-study removal method and meta-regression analyses were conducted. Out of 4,098 records, 30 articles met the selection criteria, comprising a total of 47,311 patients diagnosed with mpox. The pooled global mpox mortality rate was 3.1% (95% CI: 1.6%-5.9%). Mortality was significantly higher before 2016 at 11.4% (95% CI: 5.8%-21.1%), compared to 2.4% (95% CI: 1.2%-4.7%) during 2016-2025, and declined further in the post-COVID era to 1.5% (95% CI: 0.7%-3.4%). Mortality was markedly elevated among individuals with HIV co-infection (83.8%; 95% CI: 74.0%-90.5%). Regionally, mortality was highest in Africa (6.3%) and lowest in Europe (0.1%). Among studies conducted in endemic regions, a notable temporal decline was also observed, with mortality decreasing from 11.4% before 2016 to 4.1% during 2016-2025. Meta-regression identified year of publication as a significant predictor of mortality (p = 0.028), indicating improved outcomes over time. Global mpox mortality has declined over time, particularly in endemic regions and the post-COVID era. However, individuals with HIV remain at exceptionally high risk, underscoring the need for targeted interventions.