Pub Date : 2024-11-01DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9110260
Stefani Piedrahita, Margarita M Correa
Anopheles species composition, abundance, and Plasmodium natural infection are important aspects to assess malaria transmission risk. In this study, these aspects were evaluated in a large number of localities in the most important malaria-endemic regions of Colombia. Mosquitoes were collected from 2012 to 2015 in 55 localities of northwestern and western Colombia. Anopheles species composition, abundance, and Plasmodium infection were estimated. A total of 13,218 Anopheles specimens were evaluated. The highest species richness was detected in the northwest, where the main vectors, An. albimanus (27.8%) and An. nuneztovari (26.7%), were the most abundant species. In the west, An. nuneztovari predominated (51.6%), followed by An. darlingi (29.2%). Six species were infected with Plasmodium, An. darlingi, An. nuneztovari, An. albimanus, An. calderoni, An. triannulatus, and An. braziliensis. Results showed that in these localities the main Colombian vectors are widely spread, which suggests a high malaria risk. Notably, this study is the first to report An. braziliensis from Colombia as being naturally infected with Plasmodium. Infection results for species that are suspected local vectors indicate the importance of conducting further studies to assess their epidemiological importance. This information provides the basis for the application of directed vector control strategies that are species-specific.
按蚊的种类组成、数量和疟原虫自然感染是评估疟疾传播风险的重要方面。本研究在哥伦比亚最重要的疟疾流行地区的大量地点对这些方面进行了评估。从 2012 年到 2015 年,在哥伦比亚西北部和西部的 55 个地方收集了蚊子。对疟蚊的种类组成、数量和疟原虫感染情况进行了估计。共评估了 13,218 份按蚊标本。西北部的按蚊物种丰富度最高,主要的传播媒介是白头按蚊(27.8%)和努涅斯托瓦里按蚊(26.7%)。在西部,主要是 An. nuneztovari(51.6%),其次是 An. darlingi(29.2%)。有 6 个物种感染了疟原虫,分别是 An. darlingi、An. nuneztovari、An. albimanus、An. calderoni、An. triannulatus 和 An. braziliensis。结果表明,在这些地方,哥伦比亚的主要病媒广泛分布,这表明疟疾风险很高。值得注意的是,这项研究首次报告了哥伦比亚的巴西疟蚊自然感染疟原虫的情况。对疑似本地病媒物种的感染结果表明,开展进一步研究以评估其流行病学重要性非常重要。这些信息为应用针对特定物种的定向病媒控制战略提供了依据。
{"title":"Malaria Vectors and <i>Plasmodium</i> Transmission in Malaria-Endemic Localities of Colombia.","authors":"Stefani Piedrahita, Margarita M Correa","doi":"10.3390/tropicalmed9110260","DOIUrl":"10.3390/tropicalmed9110260","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Anopheles</i> species composition, abundance, and <i>Plasmodium</i> natural infection are important aspects to assess malaria transmission risk. In this study, these aspects were evaluated in a large number of localities in the most important malaria-endemic regions of Colombia. Mosquitoes were collected from 2012 to 2015 in 55 localities of northwestern and western Colombia. <i>Anopheles</i> species composition, abundance, and <i>Plasmodium</i> infection were estimated. A total of 13,218 <i>Anopheles</i> specimens were evaluated. The highest species richness was detected in the northwest, where the main vectors, <i>An. albimanus</i> (27.8%) and <i>An. nuneztovari</i> (26.7%), were the most abundant species. In the west, <i>An. nuneztovari</i> predominated (51.6%), followed by <i>An. darlingi</i> (29.2%). Six species were infected with <i>Plasmodium, An. darlingi</i>, <i>An. nuneztovari</i>, <i>An. albimanus</i>, <i>An. calderoni</i>, <i>An. triannulatus</i>, and <i>An. braziliensis</i>. Results showed that in these localities the main Colombian vectors are widely spread, which suggests a high malaria risk. Notably, this study is the first to report <i>An. braziliensis</i> from Colombia as being naturally infected with <i>Plasmodium</i>. Infection results for species that are suspected local vectors indicate the importance of conducting further studies to assess their epidemiological importance. This information provides the basis for the application of directed vector control strategies that are species-specific.</p>","PeriodicalId":23330,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease","volume":"9 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11598795/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142733023","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-31DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9110259
Simone S C Oliveira, Fernanda A Marinho, Leandro S Sangenito, Sergio H Seabra, Rubem F Menna-Barreto, Claudia M d'Avila, André L S Santos, Marta H Branquinha
Leishmaniasis encompasses a group of neglected diseases caused by flagellated protozoa belonging to the Leishmania genus, associated with high morbidity and mortality. The search for compounds with anti-Leishmania activity that exhibit lower toxicity and can overcome the emergence of resistant strains remains a significant goal. In this context, the calpain inhibitor MDL28170 has previously demonstrated deleterious effects against promastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis, which led us to investigate its role on axenic amastigote forms. The calpain inhibitor MDL28170 was able to decrease the viability of amastigotes in a typically dose-dependent manner. The treatment with the IC50 dose (13.5 μM) for 72 h led to significant amastigote lysis and increased cell-to-cell aggregation. Ultrastructural analysis revealed several cellular alterations, including disruption of the trans-Golgi network and the formation of autophagosomes when treated with MDL28170 at ½ × IC50 dose. Additionally, mitochondrial swelling and the formation of concentric membranous structures inside the mitochondrion were observed after incubation with the IC50 dose. These results reinforce the potential application of the calpain inhibitor MDL28170 against L. amazonensis, highlighting its effectiveness and possible mechanism of action against the parasite.
{"title":"Susceptibility of <i>Leishmania amazonensis</i> Axenic Amastigotes to the Calpain Inhibitor MDL28170.","authors":"Simone S C Oliveira, Fernanda A Marinho, Leandro S Sangenito, Sergio H Seabra, Rubem F Menna-Barreto, Claudia M d'Avila, André L S Santos, Marta H Branquinha","doi":"10.3390/tropicalmed9110259","DOIUrl":"10.3390/tropicalmed9110259","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Leishmaniasis encompasses a group of neglected diseases caused by flagellated protozoa belonging to the <i>Leishmania</i> genus, associated with high morbidity and mortality. The search for compounds with anti-<i>Leishmania</i> activity that exhibit lower toxicity and can overcome the emergence of resistant strains remains a significant goal. In this context, the calpain inhibitor MDL28170 has previously demonstrated deleterious effects against promastigote forms of <i>Leishmania amazonensis</i>, which led us to investigate its role on axenic amastigote forms. The calpain inhibitor MDL28170 was able to decrease the viability of amastigotes in a typically dose-dependent manner. The treatment with the IC<sub>50</sub> dose (13.5 μM) for 72 h led to significant amastigote lysis and increased cell-to-cell aggregation. Ultrastructural analysis revealed several cellular alterations, including disruption of the <i>trans</i>-Golgi network and the formation of autophagosomes when treated with MDL28170 at ½ × IC<sub>50</sub> dose. Additionally, mitochondrial swelling and the formation of concentric membranous structures inside the mitochondrion were observed after incubation with the IC<sub>50</sub> dose. These results reinforce the potential application of the calpain inhibitor MDL28170 against <i>L. amazonensis</i>, highlighting its effectiveness and possible mechanism of action against the parasite.</p>","PeriodicalId":23330,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease","volume":"9 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11598141/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142731860","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
(1) Background: HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) poses a significant challenge to the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy and the overall management of HIVand AIDS. Understanding the predictors of HIVDR is critical for developing strategies to mitigate its impact. The objectives of this study were to identify the predictors of HIVDR among Zimbabwe Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (ZIMPHIA 2020) study participants, a national population-based survey. (2) Methods: Data from people living with HIV who participated in the ZIMPHIA 2020 were used to determine the predictors of HIVDR. (3) Results: The prevalence of HIVDR was 44.9%. Acquired HIVDR was present in 76.1% of people with a virological failure and transmitted resistance is 22.6% in naïve individuals. Factors associated with HIVDR in adjusted analysis were the number of lifetime sexual partners (aOR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.06, p = 0.017), each additional year since the first HIV positive result (aOR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.09-1.25, p < 0.01), each additional year on ART (aOR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.06-1.23, p = 0.001), initiating ART before 2014 (aOR = 3.08, 95% CI: 1.72-5.49, p = 0.020), ever had switched antiretrovirals (aOR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.15-5.29, p = 0.020) or had ever had a viral load test (aOR = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.54-4.17, p < 0.001) and a CD4 count < 350 (aOR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.48-2.83, p < 0.01), while age ≥ 50 (aOR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.32-0.98, 32 p = 0.04), condom use at last encounter (OR: 0.49, 95%CI: 0.33-0.73, p < 0.001), and not being on ART (aOR = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.06-0.13, p < 0.01) were associated with reduced odds of HIVDR. Conclusions: HIVDR was high among the participants. There is a need to address HIVDR and enhance the mechanisms already in place. This study introduces more information that would help in developing targeted interventions to prevent HIVDR and improve patient outcomes.
{"title":"Prevalence and Risk Factors of HIV Drug Resistance in Zimbabwe: Evidence from Zimbabwe Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (ZIMPHIA) 2020 Survey.","authors":"Munyaradzi Mapingure, Solomon Mukwenha, Innocent Chingombe, Rutendo Birri Makota, Elliot Mbunge, Enos Moyo, Garikayi Chemhaka, John Batani, Brian Moyo, Godfrey Musuka","doi":"10.3390/tropicalmed9110257","DOIUrl":"10.3390/tropicalmed9110257","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>(1) Background: HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) poses a significant challenge to the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy and the overall management of HIVand AIDS. Understanding the predictors of HIVDR is critical for developing strategies to mitigate its impact. The objectives of this study were to identify the predictors of HIVDR among Zimbabwe Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (ZIMPHIA 2020) study participants, a national population-based survey. (2) Methods: Data from people living with HIV who participated in the ZIMPHIA 2020 were used to determine the predictors of HIVDR. (3) Results: The prevalence of HIVDR was 44.9%. Acquired HIVDR was present in 76.1% of people with a virological failure and transmitted resistance is 22.6% in naïve individuals. Factors associated with HIVDR in adjusted analysis were the number of lifetime sexual partners (aOR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.06, <i>p</i> = 0.017), each additional year since the first HIV positive result (aOR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.09-1.25, <i>p</i> < 0.01), each additional year on ART (aOR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.06-1.23, <i>p</i> = 0.001), initiating ART before 2014 (aOR = 3.08, 95% CI: 1.72-5.49, <i>p</i> = 0.020), ever had switched antiretrovirals (aOR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.15-5.29, <i>p</i> = 0.020) or had ever had a viral load test (aOR = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.54-4.17, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and a CD4 count < 350 (aOR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.48-2.83, <i>p</i> < 0.01), while age ≥ 50 (aOR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.32-0.98, 32 <i>p</i> = 0.04), condom use at last encounter (OR: 0.49, 95%CI: 0.33-0.73, <i>p</i> < 0.001), and not being on ART (aOR = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.06-0.13, <i>p</i> < 0.01) were associated with reduced odds of HIVDR. Conclusions: HIVDR was high among the participants. There is a need to address HIVDR and enhance the mechanisms already in place. This study introduces more information that would help in developing targeted interventions to prevent HIVDR and improve patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":23330,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease","volume":"9 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11598774/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142733033","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-28DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9110258
Claudia Cosma, Carla Maia, Nushrat Khan, Maria Infantino, Marco Del Riccio
Leishmaniasis is classified as a neglected tropical disease (NTD), caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania, which are transmitted to humans and other animals through the bite of infected female phlebotomine sandflies. There are three forms of the disease: cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) manifested by ulcers and scars; systemic or visceral leishmaniasis (VL), which can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated; and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL), which can destroy the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth and throat. Human leishmaniasis is endemic in many countries across Africa, Asia, Southern Europe, the Middle East, and Central and South America. The interconnection of environmental, animal and human health underlies the spread of the Leishmania parasite. Environmental disruptions, such as climate change, deforestation or urbanisation, but also globalisation and migration, significantly affect the distribution and abundance of sand fly vectors and reservoir hosts. Climate change alters the breeding patterns of sandflies and expands their geographic range; deforestation and misuse of large areas disrupt ecosystems, leading to increased human-vector contact; and urbanisation increases the potential for contact between parties, particularly in densely populated areas. Migration of humans and animals, either through natural migration or, for example, the pet trade and breeding, can facilitate the spread of Leishmania parasites. In addition, socio-economic factors, including poverty and lack of access to healthcare, increase the burden of leishmaniasis in vulnerable populations. Due to this multitude of reasons, the geographic distribution of sandflies has expanded to higher latitudes and altitudes in recent years, with a consequent increase in disease burden. Indeed, despite ongoing challenges in the surveillance systems, data from the last available year have shown an increase in many cases in both humans and dogs. This perspective explores the interconnected factors influencing the spread of leishmaniasis worldwide and the epidemiology of the disease. In addition, it illustrates the importance of integrated strategies in a One Health approach: surveillance, prevention and control of vectors, animals and humans.
{"title":"Leishmaniasis in Humans and Animals: A One Health Approach for Surveillance, Prevention and Control in a Changing World.","authors":"Claudia Cosma, Carla Maia, Nushrat Khan, Maria Infantino, Marco Del Riccio","doi":"10.3390/tropicalmed9110258","DOIUrl":"10.3390/tropicalmed9110258","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Leishmaniasis is classified as a neglected tropical disease (NTD), caused by protozoan parasites of the genus <i>Leishmania</i>, which are transmitted to humans and other animals through the bite of infected female phlebotomine sandflies. There are three forms of the disease: cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) manifested by ulcers and scars; systemic or visceral leishmaniasis (VL), which can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated; and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL), which can destroy the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth and throat. Human leishmaniasis is endemic in many countries across Africa, Asia, Southern Europe, the Middle East, and Central and South America. The interconnection of environmental, animal and human health underlies the spread of the <i>Leishmania</i> parasite. Environmental disruptions, such as climate change, deforestation or urbanisation, but also globalisation and migration, significantly affect the distribution and abundance of sand fly vectors and reservoir hosts. Climate change alters the breeding patterns of sandflies and expands their geographic range; deforestation and misuse of large areas disrupt ecosystems, leading to increased human-vector contact; and urbanisation increases the potential for contact between parties, particularly in densely populated areas. Migration of humans and animals, either through natural migration or, for example, the pet trade and breeding, can facilitate the spread of <i>Leishmania</i> parasites. In addition, socio-economic factors, including poverty and lack of access to healthcare, increase the burden of leishmaniasis in vulnerable populations. Due to this multitude of reasons, the geographic distribution of sandflies has expanded to higher latitudes and altitudes in recent years, with a consequent increase in disease burden. Indeed, despite ongoing challenges in the surveillance systems, data from the last available year have shown an increase in many cases in both humans and dogs. This perspective explores the interconnected factors influencing the spread of leishmaniasis worldwide and the epidemiology of the disease. In addition, it illustrates the importance of integrated strategies in a One Health approach: surveillance, prevention and control of vectors, animals and humans.</p>","PeriodicalId":23330,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease","volume":"9 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11598728/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142733020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-25DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9110256
Francisco Javier Bedoya-Rodríguez, Carlos Eduardo Guevara-Fletcher, Jonathan S Pelegrin
Citizen science resources have had great relevance in community educational intervention, fostering interest in ecological research projects. This study investigated the influence of the application of multimedia didactic resources focused on citizen science and analysis of sociodemographic variables to improve the levels of ecological knowledge about mosquito-borne diseases. For this, a probabilistic sample of 172 participants from an urban sector in southwestern Colombia was selected. A multimedia didactic material was designed for the educational intervention and evaluated by means of pretest and posttest. To assess whether the educational intervention was statistically significant, the data were processed with statistical inference to determine the influence of various variables (gender, age, marital status, schooling, and occupation) on each person's ecological knowledge. The findings showed a significant increase in the knowledge levels of the participants. The marital status variable (married and cohabiting) significantly influenced ecological knowledge. These participants are more likely to obtain high knowledge, associated with the prevention of their family environment. This study demonstrated that multimedia didactic strategies are an important factor to take into account in the structuring of environmental education and citizen science projects. For future research, it is suggested to deepen the relationship between sociodemographic variables and ecological knowledge.
{"title":"Citizen Science and Multimedia Didactic Resources: Knowledge of Mosquito-Borne Diseases in an Urban Area of Southwestern Colombia.","authors":"Francisco Javier Bedoya-Rodríguez, Carlos Eduardo Guevara-Fletcher, Jonathan S Pelegrin","doi":"10.3390/tropicalmed9110256","DOIUrl":"10.3390/tropicalmed9110256","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Citizen science resources have had great relevance in community educational intervention, fostering interest in ecological research projects. This study investigated the influence of the application of multimedia didactic resources focused on citizen science and analysis of sociodemographic variables to improve the levels of ecological knowledge about mosquito-borne diseases. For this, a probabilistic sample of 172 participants from an urban sector in southwestern Colombia was selected. A multimedia didactic material was designed for the educational intervention and evaluated by means of pretest and posttest. To assess whether the educational intervention was statistically significant, the data were processed with statistical inference to determine the influence of various variables (gender, age, marital status, schooling, and occupation) on each person's ecological knowledge. The findings showed a significant increase in the knowledge levels of the participants. The marital status variable (married and cohabiting) significantly influenced ecological knowledge. These participants are more likely to obtain high knowledge, associated with the prevention of their family environment. This study demonstrated that multimedia didactic strategies are an important factor to take into account in the structuring of environmental education and citizen science projects. For future research, it is suggested to deepen the relationship between sociodemographic variables and ecological knowledge.</p>","PeriodicalId":23330,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease","volume":"9 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11598130/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142732925","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-25DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9110255
Temitope Agbana, Omolade Omotade, Moses Aderogba, David Bell, Jacob Solomon, Saheed Animashaun, Peace Alabi, Oladimeji Ajayi, Adebowale Akinwumi, Samuel Popoola, Alex Bunda, Jan-Carel Diehl, Gleb Vdovine, Louise Makau-Barasa
Community mobilisation is a vital process for raising awareness and increasing participation in healthcare interventions, research, and programmes that require human sample collection and mass management. In this report, we present the community mobilisation approach undertaken for the implementation of the operational mapping and assessment of granular schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The mobilisation was conducted in 177 communities/wards of the 16 local government areas. A total of 15,340 urine and stool samples were collected in 34 days. The efficacy and success of the strategy were evaluated through the following three performance metrics: community compliance rate, the participant response rate at the community level, and the overall compliance response rate of the four most sensitive LGAs. Community compliance was 93.7% as sample collection was denied in nine communities and two other communities demanded the return of the collected samples despite our mobilisation effort because of cultural bias and myths that connect the collection of stool and urine samples to ritual activities in the local context. The participant response rate at the community level was 86.7%. Three of the four sensitive LGAs (based on previous assessment programmes) demonstrated satisfactory compliance rates of 100%, while a response rate of 64.0% was computed for one of the LGAs. We believe our approach contributed to effective community mobilisation and awareness and that the developed model has the potential to improve participation rates in large healthcare assessments and intervention programmes.
{"title":"Community Mobilisation for Human Sample Collection in Sensitive Communities: Experiences from Granular Mapping of Schistosomiasis and Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Ekiti State, South West, Nigeria.","authors":"Temitope Agbana, Omolade Omotade, Moses Aderogba, David Bell, Jacob Solomon, Saheed Animashaun, Peace Alabi, Oladimeji Ajayi, Adebowale Akinwumi, Samuel Popoola, Alex Bunda, Jan-Carel Diehl, Gleb Vdovine, Louise Makau-Barasa","doi":"10.3390/tropicalmed9110255","DOIUrl":"10.3390/tropicalmed9110255","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Community mobilisation is a vital process for raising awareness and increasing participation in healthcare interventions, research, and programmes that require human sample collection and mass management. In this report, we present the community mobilisation approach undertaken for the implementation of the operational mapping and assessment of granular schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The mobilisation was conducted in 177 communities/wards of the 16 local government areas. A total of 15,340 urine and stool samples were collected in 34 days. The efficacy and success of the strategy were evaluated through the following three performance metrics: community compliance rate, the participant response rate at the community level, and the overall compliance response rate of the four most sensitive LGAs. Community compliance was 93.7% as sample collection was denied in nine communities and two other communities demanded the return of the collected samples despite our mobilisation effort because of cultural bias and myths that connect the collection of stool and urine samples to ritual activities in the local context. The participant response rate at the community level was 86.7%. Three of the four sensitive LGAs (based on previous assessment programmes) demonstrated satisfactory compliance rates of 100%, while a response rate of 64.0% was computed for one of the LGAs. We believe our approach contributed to effective community mobilisation and awareness and that the developed model has the potential to improve participation rates in large healthcare assessments and intervention programmes.</p>","PeriodicalId":23330,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease","volume":"9 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11598542/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142732932","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-24DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9110254
Michael W Curtis, Job E Lopez
Ticks are vectors of public health concern because the pathogens they transmit can cause detrimental diseases in humans. Lyme disease, tick-borne relapsing fever, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tick-borne encephalitis, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and babesiosis are some of the most common diseases caused by the pathogens transmitted by ticks. The overlap between human activities and tick habitats is growing, contributing to an increase in tick-borne disease cases. Unfortunately, pregnancy as a risk factor for tick-borne diseases is largely ignored. In this narrative review we use case reports, epidemiological studies, and animal studies to evaluate the maternal, pregnancy, and fetal outcomes caused by Lyme disease, tick-borne relapsing fever, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tick-borne encephalitis, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and babesiosis during pregnancy.
{"title":"Tick-Borne Diseases and Pregnancy: A Narrative Review Evaluating Pregnancy Complications Caused by Tick-Borne Diseases.","authors":"Michael W Curtis, Job E Lopez","doi":"10.3390/tropicalmed9110254","DOIUrl":"10.3390/tropicalmed9110254","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ticks are vectors of public health concern because the pathogens they transmit can cause detrimental diseases in humans. Lyme disease, tick-borne relapsing fever, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tick-borne encephalitis, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and babesiosis are some of the most common diseases caused by the pathogens transmitted by ticks. The overlap between human activities and tick habitats is growing, contributing to an increase in tick-borne disease cases. Unfortunately, pregnancy as a risk factor for tick-borne diseases is largely ignored. In this narrative review we use case reports, epidemiological studies, and animal studies to evaluate the maternal, pregnancy, and fetal outcomes caused by Lyme disease, tick-borne relapsing fever, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tick-borne encephalitis, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and babesiosis during pregnancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":23330,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease","volume":"9 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11598240/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142732362","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-24DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9110253
Juan Bautista De Sanctis, Dolores Moreno, Nancy Larocca, Jenny Valentina Garmendia
It has been suggested that parasitic infections, common in Latin American populations, may amplify the inflammatory response of the airways. There are several reports of atopic and asthmatic patients but few reports of parasitic infection in COPD patients. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of parasitic infections in COPD patients compared with atopic and asthmatic patients attending the Institute of Immunology outpatient clinics and the pneumology service of the University hospital. A case-control study was conducted compising 100 patients with bronchial asthma, 100 patients with COPD, 100 individuals with atopy without respiratory symptoms, and 100 healthy individuals. Serum-specific IgG antibodies against the parasites Ascaris lumbricoides (Al), Strongyloides stercolaris (Ss), and Toxocara canis (Tc) were measured by ELISA. IgE levels were used as an indirect indicator of atopy. Positive IgG for Al was observed in all groups, predominantly in the atopic cohort; Ss positiveness was recorded only in four COPD patients, and Tc positiveness was observed in all groups except in controls. Significant correlations exist between the values of Al and IgE in controls, atopic, and asthmatic patients without COPD. No correlation was found for Tc. IgE levels and the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) correlate only in atopic and asthmatic patients. Parasitic infections are common in atopic patients and moderate and severe asthmatic and COPD patients. Anti-inflammatory treatment may be responsible for the increased frequency of infection in moderate and severe asthmatic and COPD patients.
{"title":"IgG Antibody Titers Against <i>Ascaris lumbricoides</i>, <i>Strongyloides stercolaris</i>, and <i>Toxocara canis</i> in Venezuelan Patients with Asthma or COPD.","authors":"Juan Bautista De Sanctis, Dolores Moreno, Nancy Larocca, Jenny Valentina Garmendia","doi":"10.3390/tropicalmed9110253","DOIUrl":"10.3390/tropicalmed9110253","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>It has been suggested that parasitic infections, common in Latin American populations, may amplify the inflammatory response of the airways. There are several reports of atopic and asthmatic patients but few reports of parasitic infection in COPD patients. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of parasitic infections in COPD patients compared with atopic and asthmatic patients attending the Institute of Immunology outpatient clinics and the pneumology service of the University hospital. A case-control study was conducted compising 100 patients with bronchial asthma, 100 patients with COPD, 100 individuals with atopy without respiratory symptoms, and 100 healthy individuals. Serum-specific IgG antibodies against the parasites <i>Ascaris lumbricoides</i> (<i>Al</i>), <i>Strongyloides stercolaris</i> (<i>Ss</i>), and <i>Toxocara canis</i> (<i>Tc</i>) were measured by ELISA. IgE levels were used as an indirect indicator of atopy. Positive IgG for <i>Al</i> was observed in all groups, predominantly in the atopic cohort; <i>Ss</i> positiveness was recorded only in four COPD patients, and <i>Tc</i> positiveness was observed in all groups except in controls. Significant correlations exist between the values of <i>Al</i> and IgE in controls, atopic, and asthmatic patients without COPD. No correlation was found for <i>Tc</i>. IgE levels and the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) correlate only in atopic and asthmatic patients. Parasitic infections are common in atopic patients and moderate and severe asthmatic and COPD patients. Anti-inflammatory treatment may be responsible for the increased frequency of infection in moderate and severe asthmatic and COPD patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":23330,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease","volume":"9 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11598297/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142732996","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-22DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9110252
Mikias Negash, Tigist Girma, Menberework Chanyalew, Dawit H Alemayehu, Diana Alcantara, Gail Davey, Rosemary J Boyton, Daniel M Altmann, Melanie J Newport, Rawleigh Howe
Epidemiological, histological, and immunogenetic studies suggest that podoconiosis (a non-infectious tropical lymphoedema affecting approximately 4 million people globally) is an HLA class II-associated inflammatory condition that develops in response to an unknown trigger found in volcanic red clay soils. Silicate particles of the kaolinite and aluminum types have been identified in femoral lymph node biopsy samples from endemic area residents, suggesting a possible role in the pathogenesis of podoconiosis. We measured in vitro peripheral blood mononuclear cell cytokine responses (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IFN-γ) to stimulation with the minerals kaolinite, chlorite, and beryllium sulfate (all at 100 µM) using ELISA. Real time PCR was used to measure gene expression of signature cytokines in fresh whole blood, comparing podoconiosis patients and endemic healthy controls. Our results showed that the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β from in vitro cell cultures were significantly higher in unstimulated samples from patients compared to controls (p = 0.04 and p = 0.005, respectively). The minerals kaolinite and chlorite induced two and three-fold higher levels of IL-1β following 24 h of stimulation in healthy controls compared to patients, respectively. We did not find significant differences in mRNA expression of the cytokine genes assayed, though a slight fold increment in IL-1β and TGF-β was observed. In conclusion, our data suggest that the immune system is in a state of persistent activation in vivo in podoconiosis patients, and additional studies of immune regulation and exhaustion are needed to further characterize immune dysfunction in the pathogenesis of the disease. A better understanding of the underlying processes could lead to the development of a 'biosignature' detectable in the early reversible stages that could ultimately contribute to the elimination of this preventable, disabling, neglected tropical disease.
{"title":"Differences in Cytokine Expression at Baseline and in Response to Mineral Stimulation by Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Podoconiosis Cases and Healthy Control Individuals.","authors":"Mikias Negash, Tigist Girma, Menberework Chanyalew, Dawit H Alemayehu, Diana Alcantara, Gail Davey, Rosemary J Boyton, Daniel M Altmann, Melanie J Newport, Rawleigh Howe","doi":"10.3390/tropicalmed9110252","DOIUrl":"10.3390/tropicalmed9110252","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Epidemiological, histological, and immunogenetic studies suggest that podoconiosis (a non-infectious tropical lymphoedema affecting approximately 4 million people globally) is an HLA class II-associated inflammatory condition that develops in response to an unknown trigger found in volcanic red clay soils. Silicate particles of the kaolinite and aluminum types have been identified in femoral lymph node biopsy samples from endemic area residents, suggesting a possible role in the pathogenesis of podoconiosis. We measured in vitro peripheral blood mononuclear cell cytokine responses (<i>TNF-α</i>, <i>IL-1β</i>, and <i>IFN-γ</i>) to stimulation with the minerals kaolinite, chlorite, and beryllium sulfate (all at 100 µM) using ELISA. Real time PCR was used to measure gene expression of signature cytokines in fresh whole blood, comparing podoconiosis patients and endemic healthy controls. Our results showed that the levels of <i>TNF-α</i> and <i>IL-1β</i> from in vitro cell cultures were significantly higher in unstimulated samples from patients compared to controls (<i>p</i> = 0.04 and <i>p</i> = 0.005, respectively). The minerals kaolinite and chlorite induced two and three-fold higher levels of <i>IL-1β</i> following 24 h of stimulation in healthy controls compared to patients, respectively. We did not find significant differences in mRNA expression of the cytokine genes assayed, though a slight fold increment in <i>IL-1β</i> and <i>TGF-β</i> was observed. In conclusion, our data suggest that the immune system is in a state of persistent activation in vivo in podoconiosis patients, and additional studies of immune regulation and exhaustion are needed to further characterize immune dysfunction in the pathogenesis of the disease. A better understanding of the underlying processes could lead to the development of a 'biosignature' detectable in the early reversible stages that could ultimately contribute to the elimination of this preventable, disabling, neglected tropical disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":23330,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease","volume":"9 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11598685/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142732937","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Anopheles vaneedeni and Anopheles parensis (members of the An. funestus group) are generally not considered malaria vectors. However, both species were recently identified as potential vectors in South Africa. A critical factor needed to determine their role in malaria transmission is their preference for human blood. The human blood index of An. vaneedeni and An. parensis and their potential role in the ongoing residual malaria transmission in South Africa is unknown. This study aimed to identify host blood meals from the wild-caught An. funestus group in a longitudinal study, and to establish the relationship between temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation on host feeding preferences. Anopheles leesoni, An. parensis, An. vaneedeni, and Anopheles rivulorum were collected, and females mainly fed on cattle. Climatic parameters did not influence the host feeding preferences of these four members of the An. funestus group, but impacted the proportion of females that took a blood meal. Significant changes in feeding proportions were driven by relative humidity, temperature, and precipitation. The role of these species in the ongoing residual malaria transmission in South Africa needs further investigation, as no human blood meals were identified. It is recommended that vector surveillance teams incorporate climatic monitoring and host blood meal identification into their routine activities. This information could provide the malaria vector control programmes with scientific evidence to evaluate the importance of the An. funestus group in residual malaria transmission.
一般不认为 vaneedeni 按蚊和 parensis 按蚊(属于 An. funestus 类)是疟疾病媒。然而,这两个物种最近在南非被确认为潜在的病媒。确定它们在疟疾传播中的作用所需的一个关键因素是它们对人血的偏好。vaneedeni 和 An. parensis 的人血指数及其在南非持续残留疟疾传播中的潜在作用尚不清楚。本研究旨在通过纵向研究确定野生捕获的疟原虫群体的宿主血餐,并确定温度、相对湿度和降水对宿主取食偏好的关系。研究人员采集了疟原虫(Anopheles leesoni)、疟原虫(An. parensis)、疟原虫(An. vaneedeni)和疟原虫(Anopheles rivulorum),雌性疟原虫主要以牛为食。气候参数并不影响这四种疟原虫的摄食偏好,但会影响雌性疟原虫的血食比例。相对湿度、温度和降水会导致取食比例发生显著变化。由于没有发现人类血餐,这些物种在南非持续的残余疟疾传播中的作用还需要进一步调查。建议病媒监测小组将气候监测和宿主血餐鉴定纳入其日常活动中。这些信息可为疟疾病媒控制计划提供科学证据,以评估疟原虫群在残余疟疾传播中的重要性。
{"title":"Host Preferences and Impact of Climate on Blood Feeding in <i>Anopheles funestus</i> Group from South Africa.","authors":"Tshiama Miriam Mwamba, Yael Dahan-Moss, Givemore Munhenga, Innocent Maposa, Lizette Leonie Koekemoer","doi":"10.3390/tropicalmed9100251","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9100251","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Anopheles vaneedeni</i> and <i>Anopheles parensis</i> (members of the <i>An. funestus</i> group) are generally not considered malaria vectors. However, both species were recently identified as potential vectors in South Africa. A critical factor needed to determine their role in malaria transmission is their preference for human blood. The human blood index of <i>An. vaneedeni</i> and <i>An. parensis</i> and their potential role in the ongoing residual malaria transmission in South Africa is unknown. This study aimed to identify host blood meals from the wild-caught <i>An. funestus</i> group in a longitudinal study, and to establish the relationship between temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation on host feeding preferences. <i>Anopheles leesoni</i>, <i>An. parensis</i>, <i>An. vaneedeni</i>, and <i>Anopheles rivulorum</i> were collected, and females mainly fed on cattle. Climatic parameters did not influence the host feeding preferences of these four members of the <i>An. funestus</i> group, but impacted the proportion of females that took a blood meal. Significant changes in feeding proportions were driven by relative humidity, temperature, and precipitation. The role of these species in the ongoing residual malaria transmission in South Africa needs further investigation, as no human blood meals were identified. It is recommended that vector surveillance teams incorporate climatic monitoring and host blood meal identification into their routine activities. This information could provide the malaria vector control programmes with scientific evidence to evaluate the importance of the <i>An. funestus</i> group in residual malaria transmission.</p>","PeriodicalId":23330,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease","volume":"9 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11511239/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142508839","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}