Pathogens and Global Health最新文献

The issue of bacterial resistance remains a significant public health problem, with carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella spp and E. coli having adverse effects on agriculture and healthcare. Nonetheless, the true prevalence of CRE in non-clinical settings in Nigeria is unknown. Thus, for the first time, this study undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to offer comprehensive data on the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant E. coli and Klebsiella spp in non-clinical isolates from Nigeria. The guideline of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) was followed. Multiple databases were searched for relevant studies and data from eligible studies were analyzed using the random effect model. From 321 retrieved records, 17 were included. The pooled prevalence of carbapenem-resistant E. coli was 14.2% (95% CI: 4.6-36.0, I² = 94.51, p < 0.001), which was lower than carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella spp at 37.8% (95% CI: 13.6-70.2, I² = 86.48, p < 0.001). The prevalence of E. coli and Klebsiella spp was highest in Nasarawa and Ebonyi, with estimates of 85.0% (95% CI: 70.4% - 93.1%) and 80.1% (95% CI: 69.8-87.5%), respectively. The prevalence of Klebsiella spp. was greater in the South-East region (63.0%) compared with the South-West region (4.5%) of the country. There was a significant variation in the prevalence of these pathogens depending on the sample sources, with a progressive increase observed over time. This study underscores a notable prevalence of carbapenem-resistant pathogens in non-clinical settings, highlighting the imperative for a holistic management approach.

Integrated One Health studies are essential to assess the potential risks associated with leishmaniosis hotspots in Europe. Thus, the aim was to holistically evaluate Leishmania infantum epidemiology in a rural hotspot in Spain with a high incidence of human leishmaniosis. Samples from 145 humans (blood), 41 dogs (blood and hairs), and 41 wild lagomorphs (blood, skin, and spleen) were collected during 2022-2023. Sandflies were captured with CDC-traps, and blood-feeding was evaluated. L. infantum exposure was assessed using indirect immunofluorescence and/or quantitative PCR. Positivity was detected in 6.2% of humans, 73.2% of dogs, and 100% of lagomorphs. A total of 1,347 sandflies were captured, predominantly Phlebotomus perniciosus. Blood meal analysis identified several synanthropic animals, as well as humans, as blood-sources. L. infantum DNA was detected in 65.7% of pooled and 25.8% of individual sandfly specimens. A spatial cluster of L. infantum positivity was identified near a hunting area harboring lagomorphs. Phylogeny revealed high homology between L. infantum isolates from lagomorphs and sandflies. Our results reinforce the role of wild lagomorphs as pivotal L. infantum reservoirs, favoring the occurrence of human leishmaniosis at the wildlife-human-domestic interface. This study underscores the need to integrate One Health approaches in endemic areas of leishmaniosis to establish effective prevention and control measures.

Introduction: After an absence of more than four decades, dengue reemerged in Mauritius in 2009, with seven outbreaks being recorded to date.

Aim: This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of the Mauritian population on dengue.

Methods: A questionnaire was designed, and a survey was carried out among 405 participants. The KAP scores of respondents were calculated and categorized as excellent, adequate or poor.

Result: The correlation between knowledge and practice was very weak (τ = 0.088; p = 0.022) while that between attitude and practice was moderate (τ = 0.198; p = 0.001). It was noted that 47.2 % respondents had excellent scores on general knowledge on dengue, 96.5% obtained excellent scores on the knowledge of preventive practices and 17.5% had excellent scores on implementation of the preventive measures. Poor knowledge was noted on the cure for dengue (4.2%), re-infections could lead to health complications (22.5 %), and dengue vector biting in the early mornings and evenings (36.8 %). Furthermore, only 20.0% used mosquito repellent creams, 21.0% used mosquito nets on windows, 33.8% wore protective clothes and 36.8% checked their yards for water accumulation weekly. Elderly, those with lower education background, of lower socio-economic class and residing in rural areas obtained significantly lower KAP scores within their respective sub-group. Females were more likely to wear mosquito repellent cream (p = 0.028) and long-sleeved clothes (p = 0.015).

Conclusion: This study revealed high knowledge of dengue preventive practices but poor prevention practices among respondents. This calls for additional sensitization programs in specific identified groups.

In 1819, a puzzling outbreak of infectious blindness afflicted nearly all crew members and African slaves aboard the French vessel Le Rôdeur during the transatlantic slave trade. This paper investigates the etiology of this unique event, comparing different pathogens that cause blindness: Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Onchocerca volvulus; endemic in the African Continent. Reviewing naval medicine since the seventeenth century and eye infection knowledge in 1800, alongside historical records, we explore the singular case of Le Rôdeur's outbreak. While some clinical features favor trachoma, rapid onset, and progression align with gonococcal conjunctivitis. We suggest both as possible causes, underscoring the intricate intersection of infectious diseases and transatlantic trade.

Acinetobacter baumannii is a multidrug-resistant bacterium that has emerged as a significant nosocomial pathogen globally and renowned for its ability to acquire antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes. However, understanding of its resistance mechanisms to certain drug classes remains limited. This study focused on four bacterial strains (AB863, AB889, AB930, and AB960) exhibiting carbapenem resistance. They demonstrated high minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (128 mg/L) to meropenem and were categorized as extensively drug-resistant strains. Subsequently, they were identified as A. baumannii through 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and species-specific PCR targeting the bla_OXA51-like gene. Three strains were sequenced for their genomes to study the genetic determinants and functional relevance of carbapenem resistance. The draft genome length of the strains ranged from 3.8 to 4.0 Mbp. A total of 16 antibiotic resistance genes including the genes bla_OXA-23 and bla_OXA-66 which mediate carbapenem resistance were identified in the genomes. A comprehensive multilocus sequence typing analysis involving 95 A. baumannii strains from different Asian countries assigned the four strains to sequence type 2 (ST2), the most predominant ST circulating in Asia. Comparative genome analysis also revealed bla_OXA-66 as the most dominant variant of bla_OXA-51-like gene and also a widespread distribution of bla_OXA-23 gene. In addition, various mobile genetic elements associated with AMR genes and three efflux pumps families were detected in the genomes of the strains. Transformation of bla_OXA-23 and bla_OXA-66 genes resulted in meropenem resistance in the transformant which exhibited a MIC of 2 mg/L, thus confirming direct involvement of both genes in carbapenem resistance.

Mpox is a zoonotic viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus (MPXV). Human cases have been mainly restricted to the African continent until the worldwide multi-country outbreak unfolded in 2022. We reconstructed epidemiological links of 53 MPXV infections using genomic epidemiology in Rio Grande do Sul State, southern Brazil, during 2022 and 2023. We detected five well-supported clades, three representing local transmission chains that were mostly restricted to the 2022 virus spread, one supported year-long maintenance encompassing samples from 2022 and 2023, and one new importation from Europe in 2023. Our results provide new insights into the geographic extent of community transmission and its association with viral diversity during the more pronounced 2022 mpox upsurge and during the following lower incidence phase. These findings highlight the power of continued genomic surveillance to uncover hidden transmission chains to understand viral dynamics and inform public health responses. The detection of sustained transmission in the state is important to guide targeted control measures to curtail further community and international transmission and highlight the need for maintaining genomic surveillance efforts.

Diphtheria is a reemerging vaccine-preventable infection of public health concern. Pooled estimates of serum IgG anti-diphtheria antibody levels can assist in estimating the susceptible population. The objective was to estimate pooled estimate of protective IgG anti-diphtheria antibodies in population globally. We searched three databases until May 2023. We included studies reporting serum anti-diphtheria antibody titre > 0.1 IU/ml as seroprotection. NHLBI checklist was used for quality assessment. Heterogeneity was explored and resolved by statistical methods. 1720 articles were retrieved out of which 51 articles were included. The pooled seropositivity rate against diphtheria was 57%. After removal of two influential outlier studies, pooled seropositivity became 51%. The meta-regression results for age depicted that seroprevalence significantly decreased with increasing age. Subgroup analysis done on basis of geographical distribution significantly reduced heterogeneity and revealed that the Western Pacific region and African regions had lower seroprotectivity compared to other regions. Subgrouping done based on year of sample collection revealed seroprotection was lower (55.63%) between 1986 and 2005 which increased to 67.11% between 2006 and 2015 and again dropped to 45.75% between 2016 and 2023. We concluded that after 2015, the disease has reemerged globally, with seroprotection level below 50% (45.75%) and overall only half of the population being seroprotected against diphtheria. So, there is a need for reinforcement of immunity against diphtheria (supplementary vaccination) after screening for antibody titre. PROSPERO registration number CRD42023458131.

The effectiveness of conventional techniques for removal of water contaminants remains doubtful on micropollutants, including waterborne protozoa. To the best of knowledge, this study is the first highlighting the use of electrospun polymeric nanofiber composite membranes coated with metal nanoparticles against Cyclospora cayetanensis and Giardia lamblia in vitro. Plain and hybrid nanofiber membranes loaded with zinc oxide, copper oxide and silver nanoparticles were prepared, characterized, and used for filtration of contaminated drinking water. Comparison between membranes was achieved through water examination microscopically and molecularly, counting and viability assessment of trapped protozoa on the membranes after filtration. Moreover, the membranes were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for detection of the trapped Cyclospora oocysts and Giardia cysts ultrastructural changes. Results showed that following water filtration, no protozoa were detected microscopically and melting curves were not plotted. A statistically significant reduction in the number of viable Cyclospora oocysts and Giardia cysts incubated for 4 days was reported. By SEM, dramatic distortions were observed in the trapped protozoa on hybrid membranes with superiority of silver nanoparticles. We concluded that the electrospun polymeric nanofibers composite membranes can be considered a promising alternative to standard water filtration methods.