Vector borne and zoonotic diseases最新文献

Introduction: Bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) envenomations (SE) can cause life-threatening reactions and occur commonly in Arizona. Methods: We described the epidemiology of reported SE in Maricopa County during 2017-2021 using hospital discharge data (HDD) and regional poison center (PC) data. We also estimated actual SE incidence using 2-source capture-recapture methodology. Results: In total, 45,179 SE were reported across both systems. During 2017-2021, Maricopa County hospitals recorded 17,884 unique visits in hospital discharge data. PCs consulted on 30,331 SEs. Capture-recapture calculations estimated 178,625 total SE during the 5-year period. Conclusions: We estimated approximately four times the total SE occurred than were captured in databases. Regional PC data captured ∼60% more SE reports than HDD and provided a secondary data source to enhance our understanding of the incidence of these injuries using capture-recapture methods.

Objective: To perform SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) epidemiology in patients with clinical signs suggestive of COVID-19. Methods: From April 2020 to December 2021, data were collected and analyzed by the RT-PCR nasopharyngeal secretions from patients in the metropolitan region of Umuarama. Results: The development profile of COVID-19 prevailed in the elderly. Furthermore, this work confirmed that females are more predisposed to contact with the virus and consequently higher prevalence (23.4%). Regarding clinical presentation, the highest number of positive cases (38.8%) was found in patients with more than three symptoms (cough, myalgia, and sore throat). The number of pre-existing morbidities increased the chance of infection by the virus, with a prevalence of three morbidities (30%). The different variables analyzed showed a significant effect (p < 0.01) in the chi-square or Fisher's exact test. Conclusion: The easy spread of the virus was proven by the investigation of close contact with infected or suspected COVID-19 people, which showed greater positivity.

Background: The Liao ning virus (LNV), belonging to the genus Seadornavirus within the family Sedoreoviridae, is a mosquito-borne virus. It was originally isolated from Aedes dorsalis mosquitoes in China. The original LNV strain, LNVS-NE97-31, was reported to infect several mammalian cell lines and cause hemorrhagic symptoms in mice. Subsequently, another LNV strain, LNV NSW B115745, was isolated from Australian mosquitoes; it was reported to exhibit insect-specific infection. Materials and Methods: Virus isolation was performed on mosquitoes collected in northern Hokkaido, Japan, in 2022. The isolated virus was subjected to genomic and growth kinetics analyses. Results: A LNV strain was isolated from Aedes vexans mosquitoes. Genomic sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed the new strain as 22WN03, and it formed a robust clade with the original Chinese strain, LNVS-NE97-31. Growth kinetics analysis did not reveal any mammalian or avian cell line susceptible to infection by the strain 22WN03. Conclusion: Overall, the results suggested that the strain 22WN03 has insect-specific infection characteristics, similar to as the Australian strain. Taken together, our findings could expand our knowledge of not only the diversity and geographical distribution of seadornaviruses in Asia but also the ecology of LNV.

Background: Flaviviruses represent a significant worldwide threat to human health and have the potential to emerge and cause outbreaks in non-endemic geographical regions. Ongoing surveillance for these viruses in the United States-Mexican border communities such as El Paso, Texas, is lacking. As a continuing effort to better understand the prevalence and to determine which arboviruses are endemic, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence rate of specific flavivirus antibody among 910 human umbilical cord blood samples obtained from mothers who delivered newborns in El Paso, Texas. Materials and Methods: The samples were screened for West Nile virus (WNV) and dengue virus (DENV) IgG antibodies with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and confirmed by a plaque reduction neutralization test for DENV, WNV, Zika virus (ZIKV) and Saint Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV). Results: Among the 910 samples, 2% were positive for specific IgG antibody to DENV, 4.4% to WNV, 0.1% to SLEV, and 0.0% for ZIKV antibody. The results confirmed the local transmission of WNV and supported a low prevalence rate for DENV, and this was the first reported serological evidence of SLEV infection in the El Paso community. Conclusion: The interpretation of the public health significance of these observations supported previous findings of ongoing transmission of WNV and suggested the possibility of DENV transmission and re-emergence of SLEV in the community. Therefore, prospective studies are needed to obtain a more conclusive understanding of the prevalence of flaviviruses in the El Paso community.

Background: Previous studies have shown that clinician's abilities to diagnose Lyme disease, particularly in the emergency department (ED), from symptoms alone are limited. The aim of this study is to determine the diagnostic testing characteristics of demographic and clinical characteristics in ED patients being evaluated for Lyme disease in a hyper-endemic region. Materials and Methods: This is a multicenter retrospective chart review between 2016 and 2017. Eligible cases were identified by searching the electronic health record ED database. Patients were excluded if they were miscoded or had missing clinical information. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, LR+, and LR- with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for 39 predictor variables using a gold standard of Lyme disease diagnosis, defined as a positive standard two-tier test or clinician-directed ICD-10 code A69.2. All analysis was performed using MedCalc online statistical software. Results: Of the 1527 eligible patients, 577 patients were included in the data analysis. Of these 577, 72 (12.5%) were diagnosed with Lyme disease. Of the predictor variables analyzed, the following were statistically significant: rash (LR+ = 1.73 [95% CI: 1.07-2.78]), joint pain (LR+ = 1.55 [95% CI: 1.17-2.07]), rural residence (LR+ = 1.29 [95% CI: 1.04-1.61]), winter season (LR+ = 0.18 [95% CI: 0.05-0.72]), summer season (LR+ = 1.34 [95% CI: 1.06-1.70]), age less than 16 years old (LR+ = 1.87 [95% CI: 1.21-2.89]), male sex (LR+ = 1.48 [95% CI: 1.24-1.77]), female sex (LR+ = 0.54 [95% CI: 0.36-0.81]), recent tick bite (LR+ = 1.94 [95% CI: 1.02-3.69]), and recent travel (LR+ = 2.24 [1.34-3.74]). Conclusions: No single demographic or clinical characteristic is a strong independent predictor for Lyme disease in ED patients being evaluated for Lyme disease in hyper-endemic regions.

Background: Lyme borreliosis (LB) is the most common tick-borne disease in Europe. Incidence is increasing partly due to climate change and changing human behaviors. This review compiled updated national European LB surveillance data to assess recent incidence trends from 2015 to 2023. Methods: Publicly available LB surveillance data sources were identified for 29 European countries. Cases were collected from reports and dashboards. Estimates of population-based incidence were calculated. Countries were categorized based on their case classification criteria and geographic region. Subnational regions were classified as high-incidence areas if they reported ≥10 cases per 100,000 population per year (PPY) over a three-year period. The percentage of people residing in these high-incidence regions was calculated. Results: An average of 132,000 LB cases were reported to surveillance systems annually. Countries that included both erythema migrans and laboratory-confirmed LB cases in their reporting had the highest incidence rates-particularly Estonia, Finland, and Slovenia, exceeding 100 cases per 100,000 PPY. Overall, variation of incidence at the subnational level was observed, showing incidence at the national level can mask subnational differences in rates. Temporary decreases in incidence were observed during 2019-2021, but incidence increased from 2021 to 2023. A minimum of 223 million people, equating to 30% of the entire European population and 51% of those living in a European country with available subnational data, live in an area with high LB incidence. Conclusion: High LB incidence across Europe was observed from 2015 to 2023, particularly in parts of Northern, Eastern, and Western Europe. For nearly 70% of countries with recently published LB surveillance, incidence increased an average of 36% in the last two years of reporting. These findings emphasize the need for continued monitoring of LB across Europe and new public health prevention tools, such as enhanced tick prevention campaigns, improved education among health care providers, and effective vaccines.

Background: This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of p-cymene (CM) alone and in combination with quinine (Qu) against Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. Methods: A total of 108 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into nine groups included six infected groups, which received normal saline, Qu (10 mg/kg), CM 5 mg/kg, CM 10 mg/kg, CM (5 mg/kg) + Qu (10 mg/kg), and CM (10 mg/kg) + Qu (10 mg/kg) as well as three noninfected groups, which received normal saline, CM 5 mg/kg, and CM 10 mg/kg. Mice were intraperitoneally infected by 1 × 10⁶ P. berghei malaria-infected erythrocytes. Infected mice were orally treated daily over a period of 4 days. Then parasite growth suppression (PGS), survival rate, the level of oxidant and antioxidant markers, and analysis of immune response-related genes were also evaluated. Results: The highest survival rate of 100% was observed in infected mice treated with a combination of CM and Qu, which also demonstrated a PGR value of 100% (p < 0.001). The combination of CM and Qu resulted in the most significant reductions in tissue concentrations of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, while upregulating the expression of the superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and interleukin-(IL)10 (>fourfold change) genes resulted in a reduction in the expression level of the tumor necrosis factor (<1.3-fold-change) and IL-1β (<1.4-fold change) genes. The combination of CM and Qu also caused significant modulation of serum levels of liver and kidney markers in malaria-infected mice. Conclusion: The results of this survey indicate that the combination therapy of CM with Qu demonstrates significant effectiveness in treating malaria-infected mice by regulating oxidative stress, enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, and modulating inflammatory responses. However, to further validate the therapeutic potential of this compound, it is essential to conduct clinical trials that evaluate both its toxicity and therapeutic efficacy.

Background: Camel brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the genus Brucella and has significant economic and public health effects worldwide, particularly in areas where camels play a significant role in the pastoral economy. This review describes the epidemiological aspects of camel brucellosis and its impact on human health. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases to locate studies on camel brucellosis for recognizing its epidemiological aspects and impact on human health. The search included 274 documents. Results: The disease results in reduced milk output, reproductive failures, arthritis, and financial losses for farmers. The seroprevalence of camel brucellosis across the camel-rearing countries is alarming and ranges between 0.4 and 37.5%. Sudan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are the most affected countries with camel brucellosis. Three species were isolated from diseased camels, including B. abortus, B. melitensis, and B. suis. The potential risk factors of camel brucellosis include age, body condition, gender, physiological status and breed of the camel, herd size, contact with cattle and small ruminants, management, history of abortion, locality, and season. Accurate diagnosis of camel brucellosis is essential for effective management of the disease. Serodiagnosis is still one of the most used techniques for identifying the affected animals. Conclusions: A one health strategy is required from the governments, animal health professionals, and other stakeholders to combat the disease. This strategy includes enhancing veterinary care, increasing public and herders awareness toward the zoonotic importance of the disease as well as value of biosecurity procedures, and putting in place efficient immunization programs aimed at high-risk groups. Due to the socioeconomic impact of camel brucellosis, it is crucial to understand its epidemiology and potential risk factors to implement effective control strategies.

Introduction: Arboviral diseases, transmitted by hematophagous arthropods such as mosquitoes and ticks, represent an escalating global public health challenge. The resurgence and geographic spread of arboviruses particularly dengue virus, Zika virus, chikungunya virus (CHIKV), and West Nile virus are closely linked to environmental change, urbanization, and increased human mobility. Understanding their evolutionary mechanisms, host-vector interactions, and emerging control strategies is critical to effective disease mitigation. Materials and Methods: This systematic review employed a comprehensive multidatabase search (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar) from 2000 to 2025 using MeSH terms and Boolean logic to identify studies on arbovirus evolution, transmission, and control. From 16,320 initial records, 12 high-quality, peer-reviewed studies met the final inclusion criteria based on relevance, methodology, and publication standards. The review followed PRISMA guidelines and adopted an integrative analytical framework, including genomic analysis, meta-epidemiological synthesis, and predictive modeling. Results: The review highlights that arboviruses possess high genomic plasticity, enabling rapid adaptation through mutations (e.g., CHIKV A226V), recombination, and immune evasion. Key molecular mechanisms include subversion of RNA interference (RNAi) and Toll/IMD pathways, and saliva-assisted transmission in vectors. Environmental and anthropogenic driver's climate change, urban sprawl, and globalization are expanding arbovirus endemicity into new regions. Novel control strategies such as CRISPR gene drives, Wolbachia-based interventions, and RNAi antivirals offer promising alternatives to conventional vector control, with mRNA vaccine platforms showing significant potential. Discussion: The findings emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary approach integrating virology, vector biology, synthetic biology, and environmental modeling. Real-time genomic surveillance, predictive analytics, and eco-adaptive vector control strategies are essential for proactive response. However, ethical, ecological, and regulatory concerns around gene editing and microbial interventions warrant careful consideration. The evolving interplay between virus, vector, host, and environment necessitates dynamic public health strategies and sustained international collaboration.

Background: Zika virus (ZIKV) belongs to the Flavivirus genus of the Flaviviridae family. It is an enveloped RNA virus that enters host cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis. The interactions between viral proteins and particular receptors on the host cell surface is the initial step of the virus life cycle, which represents the key targets for antiviral therapeutic. Materials and Methods: This review highlights a variety of cell types infected by ZIKV, including human radial glial cells, endothelial cells, neural progenitor cells, astrocytes, microglia, and Sertoli cells. The cellular molecules involved in the entry process of ZIKV are detailed, and the advances in the development of chemical compounds and neutralizing antibodies targeting the ZIKV entry process are described. Results: The interactions of ZIKV with cellular molecules in various host cells during virus entry are reviewed, as the targets of the development of antiviral therapeutics. Conclusion: The entry of ZIKV into host cells involves complicated mechanisms, which remain to be further explored to facilitate the development of antiviral reagents.