Pub Date : 2025-02-07DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107548
Yasmine Saadene, Amina Salhi
Introduction
Climate change presents a significant challenge to global public health, especially regarding vector-borne diseases such as cutaneous leishmaniasis. This study aims to investigate the impact of climate change on the distribution of CL in North Africa, with a focus on Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco.
Methods
We analyzed historical epidemiological and climatic data from 2000 to 2020 and employed a Generalized Additive Model to assess the influence of climatic variables including temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and precipitation on CL incidence. Additionally, climate projection data from the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) under the RCP 2.6 scenario were utilized to predict future CL incidence from 2021 to 2100.
Results
The findings indicate an increase in CL cases in Mediterranean coastal areas, particularly in eastern Tunisia, Algeria, and parts of Morocco, due to rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns. The analysis revealed varying temporal peaks in CL incidence across the three countries: short-term for Algeria (2025), mid-term for Morocco (2065), and long-term for Tunisia (2085).
Conclusions
This study underscores the need for region-specific surveillance and response systems and emphasizes the importance of integrating climate forecasts into public health strategies to mitigate the risks of CL spread under changing climatic conditions in North Africa.
{"title":"Spatio-temporal modeling of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis under climate change scenarios in the Maghreb region (2021–2100)","authors":"Yasmine Saadene, Amina Salhi","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107548","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107548","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Climate change presents a significant challenge to global public health, especially regarding vector-borne diseases such as cutaneous leishmaniasis. This study aims to investigate the impact of climate change on the distribution of CL in North Africa, with a focus on Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We analyzed historical epidemiological and climatic data from 2000 to 2020 and employed a Generalized Additive Model to assess the influence of climatic variables including temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and precipitation on CL incidence. Additionally, climate projection data from the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) under the RCP 2.6 scenario were utilized to predict future CL incidence from 2021 to 2100.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The findings indicate an increase in CL cases in Mediterranean coastal areas, particularly in eastern Tunisia, Algeria, and parts of Morocco, due to rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns. The analysis revealed varying temporal peaks in CL incidence across the three countries: short-term for Algeria (2025), mid-term for Morocco (2065), and long-term for Tunisia (2085).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study underscores the need for region-specific surveillance and response systems and emphasizes the importance of integrating climate forecasts into public health strategies to mitigate the risks of CL spread under changing climatic conditions in North Africa.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 107548"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143381436","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-03DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107542
Ester dos Santos Motta , Arthur Daniel Rocha Alves , Luciane Almeida Amado Leon , José Rodrigo Santos Silva , Marcelo Cerilo-Filho , Margarete do Socorro Mendonça Gomes , Rubens Alex de Oliveira Menezes , Ricardo Luiz Dantas Machado , Rita de Cássia Nasser Cubel Garcia
While human parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection is widespread in Brazil, over 99 % of reported malaria cases occur in the Amazon region, mainly by Plasmodium vivax. As B19V infection may contribute to anemia in children living in P. falciparum endemic areas, this study aimed to investigate the impact of B19V/P. vivax coinfection in residents of the municipality of Oiapoque, Amapá, Brazil. A total of 300 serum samples collected in 2014–2015, from individuals infected by P. vivax (n = 148) and non-infected (n = 152), were tested for B19V by serologic and molecular methods. Hemoglobin dosage and cytokine levels were evaluated by automatic method and flow cytometry/ELISA, respectively. Acute B19V infection was diagnosed in 56.8 % (84/148) of infected with P. vivax and 38.2 % (58/152) of non-infected individuals (p < 0.01), and P. vivax was considered a risk factor for B19V infection (OR=2.19; 95 % CI; p = 0.001). Participants were grouped into: B19V/P. vivax coinfected (CO), P. vivax monoinfected (M), B19V monoinfected (B19V), and endemic control (EC) who were negative for both agents. A significant association was found between the CO group and lower hemoglobin levels (RRR= 0.66; 95 % CI; p = 0.0019), but no link was found between anemia and coinfection. It was found that higher gametocyte counts (OR=1.002; 95 % CI; p = 0.0164), IL-5 (RRR=1.74, 95 % CI; p = 0.025) and IL-10 (RRR=1.45; 95 % CI; p = 0.004) levels were strongly associated with the CO group. No difference in viral load was observed between the CO and B19V groups. Our study highlights the importance of monitoring the circulation of B19V in P. vivax endemic areas.
{"title":"Human parvovirus B19 infection in a Plasmodium vivax endemic area on the Brazil-French Guiana border","authors":"Ester dos Santos Motta , Arthur Daniel Rocha Alves , Luciane Almeida Amado Leon , José Rodrigo Santos Silva , Marcelo Cerilo-Filho , Margarete do Socorro Mendonça Gomes , Rubens Alex de Oliveira Menezes , Ricardo Luiz Dantas Machado , Rita de Cássia Nasser Cubel Garcia","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107542","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107542","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>While human parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection is widespread in Brazil, over 99 % of reported malaria cases occur in the Amazon region, mainly by <em>Plasmodium vivax</em>. As B19V infection may contribute to anemia in children living in <em>P. falciparum</em> endemic areas, this study aimed to investigate the impact of B19V/<em>P. vivax</em> coinfection in residents of the municipality of Oiapoque, Amapá, Brazil. A total of 300 serum samples collected in 2014–2015, from individuals infected by <em>P. vivax</em> (<em>n</em> = 148) and non-infected (<em>n</em> = 152), were tested for B19V by serologic and molecular methods. Hemoglobin dosage and cytokine levels were evaluated by automatic method and flow cytometry/ELISA, respectively. Acute B19V infection was diagnosed in 56.8 % (84/148) of infected with <em>P. vivax</em> and 38.2 % (58/152) of non-infected individuals (<em>p</em> < 0.01), and <em>P. vivax</em> was considered a risk factor for B19V infection (OR=2.19; 95 % CI; <em>p</em> = 0.001). Participants were grouped into: B19V/<em>P. vivax</em> coinfected (CO), <em>P. vivax</em> monoinfected (M), B19V monoinfected (B19V), and endemic control (EC) who were negative for both agents. A significant association was found between the CO group and lower hemoglobin levels (RRR= 0.66; 95 % CI; <em>p</em> = 0.0019), but no link was found between anemia and coinfection. It was found that higher gametocyte counts (OR=1.002; 95 % CI; <em>p</em> = 0.0164), IL-5 (RRR=1.74, 95 % CI; <em>p</em> = 0.025) and IL-10 (RRR=1.45; 95 % CI; <em>p</em> = 0.004) levels were strongly associated with the CO group. No difference in viral load was observed between the CO and B19V groups. Our study highlights the importance of monitoring the circulation of B19V in <em>P. vivax</em> endemic areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 107542"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143254503","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-03DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107544
Bowen Jiang, Wenping Zhang, Ning Deng, Gang Li, Chao Ren, Fang Sun, Xiaojun Wang, Shaohu Xi, Shijie Wei
Background
Elizabethkingia infections are caused by the species Elizabethkingia, which recently has become important as a cause of serious infection among neonates and immunocompromised adults. The systematic review summarized clinical data on symptomatic infections caused by Elizabethkingia, including species identification, patient outcomes, and therapeutic approaches.
Methods
The PRISMA guidelines were followed in conducting the systematic review. A literature search was made across major databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The inclusion criteria emphasized case reports and case series on symptomatic human infection caused by Elizabethkingia species. The studies would involve pediatric and adult subjects. Data extraction was to be performed independently by two reviewers, and because the data were heterogeneous, a narrative synthesis was done.
Results
A total of 45 studies were included, covering cases from 2011. Elizabethkingia anophelis had the highest mortality rate (39.1 %), followed by E. meningoseptica (11.8 %) and E. miricola (33.3 %). Pediatric cases, particularly neonates, showed favorable recovery rates, with a 100 % recovery in neonates and 85.72 % in infants. In contrast, adults had a higher mortality rate (33.33 %), particularly those with comorbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Species identification was crucial for determining appropriate antimicrobial treatment, with E. anophelis demonstrating significant antibiotic resistance.
Conclusions
Clinical outcomes from Elizabethkingia infection are quite variable, depending on species and age group. Neonates and children generally tend to have better outcomes with appropriate and timely treatment, but adults, especially those with comorbidities, have higher mortality rates. Precise species identification and targeted treatment strategies play an important role in optimizing patient outcomes. Future research should be directed at fine-tuning diagnostic techniques, exploring the evolving taxonomy, and developing age-specific therapeutic regimens.
{"title":"A systematic review of reported symptomatic Elizabethkingia infection cases in children and adults","authors":"Bowen Jiang, Wenping Zhang, Ning Deng, Gang Li, Chao Ren, Fang Sun, Xiaojun Wang, Shaohu Xi, Shijie Wei","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107544","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107544","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Elizabethkingia infections are caused by the species Elizabethkingia, which recently has become important as a cause of serious infection among neonates and immunocompromised adults. The systematic review summarized clinical data on symptomatic infections caused by Elizabethkingia, including species identification, patient outcomes, and therapeutic approaches.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The PRISMA guidelines were followed in conducting the systematic review. A literature search was made across major databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The inclusion criteria emphasized case reports and case series on symptomatic human infection caused by Elizabethkingia species. The studies would involve pediatric and adult subjects. Data extraction was to be performed independently by two reviewers, and because the data were heterogeneous, a narrative synthesis was done.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 45 studies were included, covering cases from 2011. Elizabethkingia anophelis had the highest mortality rate (39.1 %), followed by E. meningoseptica (11.8 %) and E. miricola (33.3 %). Pediatric cases, particularly neonates, showed favorable recovery rates, with a 100 % recovery in neonates and 85.72 % in infants. In contrast, adults had a higher mortality rate (33.33 %), particularly those with comorbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Species identification was crucial for determining appropriate antimicrobial treatment, with E. anophelis demonstrating significant antibiotic resistance.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Clinical outcomes from Elizabethkingia infection are quite variable, depending on species and age group. Neonates and children generally tend to have better outcomes with appropriate and timely treatment, but adults, especially those with comorbidities, have higher mortality rates. Precise species identification and targeted treatment strategies play an important role in optimizing patient outcomes. Future research should be directed at fine-tuning diagnostic techniques, exploring the evolving taxonomy, and developing age-specific therapeutic regimens.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 107544"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143254502","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-02DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107538
Abderrahmane Zahri , Kassim Abdullahi Jimale , Marcos Antônio Bezerra-Santos , Renata Fagundes-Moreira , Felix Gregor Sauer , Salma El Allali , Abdelwahed Allouch , Filipe Dantas-Torres , Maria Bourquia , Domenico Otranto
Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) are of major concern in veterinary medicine worldwide. Amongst the arthropods transmitting CVBD-causing pathogens, the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato) is an important vector of agents, such as Babesia vogeli, Cercopithifilaria spp., Ehrlichia canis, Hepatozoon canis, and Anaplasma platys. While data on CVBDs transmitted by Rh. sanguineus s.l. are limited in Morocco, Leishmania spp., transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies, are known to be endemic in several regions of the country. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) (i.e., Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp., Hepatozoon spp., Rickettsia spp.), Leishmania spp. and filarioids in shelter dogs and their ticks in central Morocco. Blood samples were collected from 144 dogs, and 5,363 ticks were removed from 314 dogs of the same population. DNA samples extracted from blood and from 276 ticks (divided into 55 pools) were screened for selected pathogens by PCR and DNA sequencing. Ticks were morphologically identified as Rh. sanguineus s.l., and molecular analysis of 10 representative specimens confirmed them as Rh. sanguineus s.s. Out of 144 dogs tested, 78 (54.1 %) scored positive for at least one pathogen, with 15 (10.4 %) being co-infected. H. canis was the most prevalent pathogen (38.2 %, 55/144), followed by L. infantum (15.3 %; 22/144), A. platys (5.6 %; 8/144), B. vogeli and E. canis (2.8 %; 4/144). Tick DNA pools scored positive for H. canis (36.4 %; n = 20/55). All dogs tested negative for filarioids and Rickettsia spp. Data herein reported demonstrate a high overall prevalence of CVBD-causing pathogens in dogs from central Morocco, with the unprecedented report of H. canis in dogs and ticks in this country.
犬病媒传染病（CVBD）是全世界兽医学关注的主要问题。在传播导致 CVBD 的病原体的节肢动物中，褐狗蜱（Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato）是一种重要的病原体传播媒介，例如巴贝西亚蜱（Babesia vogeli）、栉水母蜱（Cercopithifilaria spp.）、犬艾氏菌（Ehrlichia canis）、犬肝吸虫（Hepatozoon canis）和板疽（Anaplasma platys）。在摩洛哥，由沙蝇传播的 CVBDs 数据有限，而由血吸虫沙蝇传播的利什曼原虫则在该国多个地区流行。在这项研究中，我们调查了摩洛哥中部收容犬及其蜱虫中蜱传病原体（TBPs）（即阿那普拉斯菌属、巴贝斯菌属、埃利希菌属、肝包虫属、立克次体属）、利什曼原虫和丝虫的发生情况。研究人员从 144 只狗身上采集了血液样本，并从同一群体的 314 只狗身上清除了 5363 只蜱虫。通过聚合酶链式反应和 DNA 测序，对从血液和 276 只蜱（分为 55 组）中提取的 DNA 样本进行了选定病原体的筛查。在接受检测的 144 只狗中，78 只（54.1%）至少对一种病原体呈阳性反应，其中 15 只（10.4%）同时受到感染。犬蜱是最常见的病原体（38.2%，55/144），其次是利什曼原虫属（15.3%；22/144）、A. platys（5.6%；8/144）、B. vogeli 和 E. canis（2.8%；4/144）。蜱虫 DNA 池对犬蜱呈阳性（36.4%；n = 20/55）。本文报告的数据表明，摩洛哥中部地区的狗体内导致 CVBD 的病原体总体流行率很高，狗和蜱虫中的犬白喉杆菌的报告也是史无前例的。
{"title":"Vector-borne pathogens in dogs and in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu stricto ticks in Morocco","authors":"Abderrahmane Zahri , Kassim Abdullahi Jimale , Marcos Antônio Bezerra-Santos , Renata Fagundes-Moreira , Felix Gregor Sauer , Salma El Allali , Abdelwahed Allouch , Filipe Dantas-Torres , Maria Bourquia , Domenico Otranto","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107538","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107538","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) are of major concern in veterinary medicine worldwide. Amongst the arthropods transmitting CVBD-causing pathogens, the brown dog tick (<em>Rhipicephalus sanguineus</em> sensu lato) is an important vector of agents, such as <em>Babesia vogeli, Cercopithifilaria</em> spp., <em>Ehrlichia canis, Hepatozoon canis</em>, and <em>Anaplasma platys</em>. While data on CVBDs transmitted by <em>Rh. sanguineus</em> s.l. are limited in Morocco, <em>Leishmania</em> spp., transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies, are known to be endemic in several regions of the country. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) (i.e., <em>Anaplasma</em> spp., <em>Babesia</em> spp., <em>Ehrlichia</em> spp., <em>Hepatozoon</em> spp., <em>Rickettsia</em> spp.), <em>Leishmania</em> spp. and filarioids in shelter dogs and their ticks in central Morocco. Blood samples were collected from 144 dogs, and 5,363 ticks were removed from 314 dogs of the same population. DNA samples extracted from blood and from 276 ticks (divided into 55 pools) were screened for selected pathogens by PCR and DNA sequencing. Ticks were morphologically identified as <em>Rh. sanguineus</em> s.l., and molecular analysis of 10 representative specimens confirmed them as <em>Rh. sanguineus</em> s.s. Out of 144 dogs tested, 78 (54.1 %) scored positive for at least one pathogen, with 15 (10.4 %) being co-infected. <em>H. canis</em> was the most prevalent pathogen (38.2 %, 55/144), followed by <em>L. infantum</em> (15.3 %; 22/144), <em>A. platys</em> (5.6 %; 8/144), <em>B. vogeli</em> and <em>E. canis</em> (2.8 %; 4/144). Tick DNA pools scored positive for <em>H. canis</em> (36.4 %; <em>n</em> = 20/55). All dogs tested negative for filarioids and <em>Rickettsia</em> spp. Data herein reported demonstrate a high overall prevalence of CVBD-causing pathogens in dogs from central Morocco, with the unprecedented report of <em>H. canis</em> in dogs and ticks in this country.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 107538"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143187954","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107531
Francesco Vladimiro Segala , Giacomo Guido , Giacomo Stroffolini , Lorenzo Masini , Paolo Cattaneo , Lucia Moro , Leonardo Motta , Federico Gobbi , Emanuele Nicastri , Serena Vita , Roberta Iatta , Domenico Otranto , Pietro Locantore , Edoardo Occa , Giovanni Putoto , Annalisa Saracino , Francesco Di Gennaro
The Anthropocene era is marked by unprecedented human-induced alterations to the environment, resulting in a climate emergency and widespread ecological deterioration. A staggering number of up to one million species of plants and animals are in danger of becoming extinct, which includes over 10 % of insect species and 40 % of plant species. Unrestrained release of greenhouse gases, widespread deforestation, intense agricultural practices, excessive fishing, and alterations in land use have exceeded the ecological boundaries that were once responsible for humanity's wellbeing. As per the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), existing policies are expected to result in a minimum rise in global temperature of +2 °C, with more recent assessments indicating a potential increase of up to +2.9 °C. The effects of climate change and ecological degradation on the formation of diseases are complex and have multiple aspects. Deforestation diminishes biodiversity and compels wildlife to come into greater proximity with humans, hence promoting the transmission of zoonotic diseases. Climate change intensifies these impacts by modifying the habitats of disease carrying organisms, resulting in the expansion of vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Zika virus into previously unaffected areas. Furthermore, climate change amplifies the occurrence and severity of extreme weather phenomena, which undermines water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices. This creates an environment conducive to the transmission of waterborne diseases such as cholera in densely populated resettlement camps. Climate-induced disasters contribute to the complexity of epidemiological landscapes, exacerbating antimicrobial resistance and posing a threat to modern medical advancements. This narrative review investigates the complex connections between the ecological-climatic crises and emerging illnesses, offering an overview on how environmental changes contribute to outbreaks that pose a substantial threat to public health.
{"title":"Insights into the ecological and climate crisis: Emerging infections threatening human health","authors":"Francesco Vladimiro Segala , Giacomo Guido , Giacomo Stroffolini , Lorenzo Masini , Paolo Cattaneo , Lucia Moro , Leonardo Motta , Federico Gobbi , Emanuele Nicastri , Serena Vita , Roberta Iatta , Domenico Otranto , Pietro Locantore , Edoardo Occa , Giovanni Putoto , Annalisa Saracino , Francesco Di Gennaro","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107531","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107531","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Anthropocene era is marked by unprecedented human-induced alterations to the environment, resulting in a climate emergency and widespread ecological deterioration. A staggering number of up to one million species of plants and animals are in danger of becoming extinct, which includes over 10 % of insect species and 40 % of plant species. Unrestrained release of greenhouse gases, widespread deforestation, intense agricultural practices, excessive fishing, and alterations in land use have exceeded the ecological boundaries that were once responsible for humanity's wellbeing. As per the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), existing policies are expected to result in a minimum rise in global temperature of +2 °C, with more recent assessments indicating a potential increase of up to +2.9 °C. The effects of climate change and ecological degradation on the formation of diseases are complex and have multiple aspects. Deforestation diminishes biodiversity and compels wildlife to come into greater proximity with humans, hence promoting the transmission of zoonotic diseases. Climate change intensifies these impacts by modifying the habitats of disease carrying organisms, resulting in the expansion of vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Zika virus into previously unaffected areas. Furthermore, climate change amplifies the occurrence and severity of extreme weather phenomena, which undermines water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices. This creates an environment conducive to the transmission of waterborne diseases such as cholera in densely populated resettlement camps. Climate-induced disasters contribute to the complexity of epidemiological landscapes, exacerbating antimicrobial resistance and posing a threat to modern medical advancements. This narrative review investigates the complex connections between the ecological-climatic crises and emerging illnesses, offering an overview on how environmental changes contribute to outbreaks that pose a substantial threat to public health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"262 ","pages":"Article 107531"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142998389","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107529
Lu Li , Yuxuan Yao , Lili Cao , Yukun Le , Xin Li , Xiaocen Wang , Xichen Zhang , Jianhua Li , Nan Zhang , Weina Jiang , Pengtao Gong
Giardia duodenalis is a waterborne zoonotic protozoan that causes gastrointestinal inflammation. Giardiasis and metabolic illnesses share features such as chronic inflammation and intestinal symptoms. Receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) signaling plays a role in metabolic illnesses and intestinal inflammatory responses. The presence of protozoan viruses can influence host immunological responses triggered by protozoa. However, these effects of G. duodenalis remain unknown. In this study, mice treated with the RAGE inhibitor FPS-ZM1 showed more severe intestinal damage, including increased intestinal permeability and lesions, compared to that of the untreated group. Next, we found that G. duodenalis infection activated RAGE, leading to increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1 β, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α and IFN-γ in mouse intestinal epithelial cells. Notably, these pro-inflammatory responses were significantly higher in Giardiavirus (GLV)-free Giardia than those of GLV-containing Giardia, except for IFN-γ. Additionally, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, GSDMD-N cleavage, and the morphological observation of pyroptosis were significantly higher in cells induced by GLV-free Giardia than those infected with GLV-carrying Giardia. Differences were also observed in the MAPK (p-JNK, p-38, p-ERK) and NF-κB pathway activation, as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, with higher activation in cells infected by GLV-free Giardia, and the ROS was involved in the regulation of p38 MAPK and JNK activation. These findings reveal the potential of RAGE as a target for developing vaccines or drugs, suggesting the differences in the regulation of host immune responses induced by GLV-free Giardia or GLV-containing Giardia, providing new insights for the prevention and treatment of giardiasis.
{"title":"RAGE-mediated intestinal pro-inflammatory responses triggered by Giardia duodenalis","authors":"Lu Li , Yuxuan Yao , Lili Cao , Yukun Le , Xin Li , Xiaocen Wang , Xichen Zhang , Jianhua Li , Nan Zhang , Weina Jiang , Pengtao Gong","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107529","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107529","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Giardia duodenalis</em> is a waterborne zoonotic protozoan that causes gastrointestinal inflammation. Giardiasis and metabolic illnesses share features such as chronic inflammation and intestinal symptoms. Receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) signaling plays a role in metabolic illnesses and intestinal inflammatory responses. The presence of protozoan viruses can influence host immunological responses triggered by protozoa. However, these effects of <em>G. duodenalis</em> remain unknown. In this study, mice treated with the RAGE inhibitor FPS-ZM1 showed more severe intestinal damage, including increased intestinal permeability and lesions, compared to that of the untreated group. Next, we found that <em>G. duodenalis</em> infection activated RAGE, leading to increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1 β, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α and IFN-γ in mouse intestinal epithelial cells. Notably, these pro-inflammatory responses were significantly higher in Giardiavirus (GLV)-free <em>Giardia</em> than those of GLV-containing <em>Giardia</em>, except for IFN-γ. Additionally, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, GSDMD-N cleavage, and the morphological observation of pyroptosis were significantly higher in cells induced by GLV-free <em>Giardia</em> than those infected with GLV-carrying <em>Giardia</em>. Differences were also observed in the MAPK (p-JNK, p-38, p-ERK) and NF-κB pathway activation, as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, with higher activation in cells infected by GLV-free <em>Giardia</em>, and the ROS was involved in the regulation of p38 MAPK and JNK activation. These findings reveal the potential of RAGE as a target for developing vaccines or drugs, suggesting the differences in the regulation of host immune responses induced by GLV-free <em>Giardia</em> or GLV-containing <em>Giardia</em>, providing new insights for the prevention and treatment of giardiasis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"262 ","pages":"Article 107529"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143027761","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107530
Nyanda C. Justine , Humphrey D. Mazigo , Antje Fuss , Bonnie L. Webster , Eveline T. Konje , Titus R. Leeyio , Klaus Brehm , Andreas Mueller
Background
Regular mass drug administration of praziquantel has a positive impact on reducing the burden of human schistosomiasis, however transmission still persists in many areas. To reach disease elimination; tailored interventions are needed to not only further reduce infections but also to tackle areas of persistent high prevalences of infection. One proposed approach is timed treatment based on the natural disease transmission cycle in relation to seasons. This study assessed the effectiveness of timed praziquantel treatment in a seasonal transmission foci of S. haematobium in northwestern Tanzania.
Methods
A longitudinal study was conducted among school aged children (SAC) between November 2022 and May 2023 in the Simiyu region, Tanzania. A single urine sample was collected from each of the participant and examined for S. haematobium eggs by the urine filtration method. Infected children were divided into two cohorts and treated with one dose of praziquantel, 40mg/kg of body weight in two different seasons. The first cohort was treated during the low transmission season, following the conclusion of the dry season in November 2022. In contrast, cohort two was treated during the high-transmission season, after the rainy season ended in May 2023. Cure rates and egg reduction rates were recorded at three-weeks post-praziquantel treatment for both cohorts.
Results
Out of 5265 screened participants, 517 and 274 S. haematobium infected SAC from the first and second cohorts respectively, participated in the study. The mean age for both cohorts was 11.2 ± 1.8 years. The prevalence of S. haematobium infection decreased by 12.0 %, from 17.7 % (95 %CI:16.4–19.1) to 5.7 % (95 %CI: 4.9–6.5) in cohort one, and by 11.4 %, from 15.5 % (95 %CI:13.9–17.1) to 4.1 % (95 %CI:3.2–5.0) in cohort two. The mean intensity of infection also decreased by 37.4 eggs/10 ml, from 41.2 to 3.8 eggs/10 ml of urine in cohort one (p < 0.001), and by 4.1 eggs/10 ml, from 10.3 to 6.2 eggs/10 ml of urine in cohort two (p < 0.001). The egg reduction rate was higher in cohort one (91 %) than in cohort two (40 %). Finally, there was a non-significant difference in cure rates between cohort one (64.2 %) and cohort two (69.7 %), (χ2(1) = 2.4107, p = 0.121).
Conclusion
Timed treatment with Praziquantel was effective in both cohorts, in terms of reduction in prevalence, heavy intensities, cure rate and egg reduction rates. However, it was less effective in the second cohort, which was treated during the high transmission season. In areas with seasonal transmission of Schistosoma haematobium, praziquantel should be administered during the low-transmission season to enhance its efficacy and increase the effectiveness of preventive chemotherapy programmes.
{"title":"Effectiveness of a timed praziquantel treatment of school children in relation to seasonal transmission of urogenital schistosomiasis in Northwestern Tanzania","authors":"Nyanda C. Justine , Humphrey D. Mazigo , Antje Fuss , Bonnie L. Webster , Eveline T. Konje , Titus R. Leeyio , Klaus Brehm , Andreas Mueller","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107530","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107530","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Regular mass drug administration of praziquantel has a positive impact on reducing the burden of human schistosomiasis, however transmission still persists in many areas. To reach disease elimination; tailored interventions are needed to not only further reduce infections but also to tackle areas of persistent high prevalences of infection. One proposed approach is timed treatment based on the natural disease transmission cycle in relation to seasons. This study assessed the effectiveness of timed praziquantel treatment in a seasonal transmission foci of <em>S. haematobium</em> in northwestern Tanzania.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A longitudinal study was conducted among school aged children (SAC) between November 2022 and May 2023 in the Simiyu region, Tanzania. A single urine sample was collected from each of the participant and examined for <em>S. haematobium</em> eggs by the urine filtration method. Infected children were divided into two cohorts and treated with one dose of praziquantel, 40mg/kg of body weight in two different seasons. The first cohort was treated during the low transmission season, following the conclusion of the dry season in November 2022. In contrast, cohort two was treated during the high-transmission season, after the rainy season ended in May 2023. Cure rates and egg reduction rates were recorded at three-weeks post-praziquantel treatment for both cohorts.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Out of 5265 screened participants, 517 and 274 <em>S. haematobium</em> infected SAC from the first and second cohorts respectively, participated in the study. The mean age for both cohorts was 11.2 ± 1.8 years. The prevalence of <em>S. haematobium</em> infection decreased by 12.0 %, from 17.7 % (95 %CI:16.4–19.1) to 5.7 % (95 %CI: 4.9–6.5) in cohort one, and by 11.4 %, from 15.5 % (95 %CI:13.9–17.1) to 4.1 % (95 %CI:3.2–5.0) in cohort two. The mean intensity of infection also decreased by 37.4 eggs/10 ml, from 41.2 to 3.8 eggs/10 ml of urine in cohort one (<em>p</em> < 0.001), and by 4.1 eggs/10 ml, from 10.3 to 6.2 eggs/10 ml of urine in cohort two (<em>p</em> < 0.001). The egg reduction rate was higher in cohort one (91 %) than in cohort two (40 %). Finally, there was a non-significant difference in cure rates between cohort one (64.2 %) and cohort two (69.7 %), (χ<sup>2</sup>(1) = 2.4107, <em>p</em> = 0.121).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Timed treatment with Praziquantel was effective in both cohorts, in terms of reduction in prevalence, heavy intensities, cure rate and egg reduction rates. However, it was less effective in the second cohort, which was treated during the high transmission season. In areas with seasonal transmission of <em>Schistosoma haematobium</em>, praziquantel should be administered during the low-transmission season to enhance its efficacy and increase the effectiveness of preventive chemotherapy programmes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"262 ","pages":"Article 107530"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143045441","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107523
Yokomi N. Lozano-Sardaneta , Oscar F. Mikery-Pacheco , Herón Huerta , Jorge Eduardo Rojas-Soriano , Atilano Contreras-Ramos
Nearly 32 % of sand fly species recorded in Mexico are related to Leishmania transmission. A correct morphological identification of sand flies is essential to improve epidemiological and control strategies. Wing geometric morphometrics (GM) has proven to be a complementary tool for classical taxonomy, allowing us to explore variations in structure and shape between species. This study evaluated whether the use of wing morphometric traits aids to identify vector sand fly species independently of their geographic distribution. The specimens were identified morphologically using specialized keys, and the right wings were analyzed using 17 landmarks. Principal Component Analysis, Canonical Variate Analysis, and Mahalanobis distances were calculated to quantify morphological differentiation. A total of 305 specimens from nine species were analyzed. Procrustes ANOVA showed significant differences (P < 0.0001) in shape and size for species, as well as significant differences across their distribution between populations of Lutzomyia cruciata (P < 0.0001) and Psathyromyia shannoni (P < 0.0001), respectively. The use of GM tools was effective to separate species at interspecific and intraspecific level, evidencing population differences in vector sand fly species that could favor the transmission of Leishmania.
{"title":"Wing geometric morphometrics is effective to separate sand fly species (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) related with leishmaniasis transmission in Mexico","authors":"Yokomi N. Lozano-Sardaneta , Oscar F. Mikery-Pacheco , Herón Huerta , Jorge Eduardo Rojas-Soriano , Atilano Contreras-Ramos","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107523","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107523","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nearly 32 % of sand fly species recorded in Mexico are related to <em>Leishmania</em> transmission. A correct morphological identification of sand flies is essential to improve epidemiological and control strategies. Wing geometric morphometrics (GM) has proven to be a complementary tool for classical taxonomy, allowing us to explore variations in structure and shape between species. This study evaluated whether the use of wing morphometric traits aids to identify vector sand fly species independently of their geographic distribution. The specimens were identified morphologically using specialized keys, and the right wings were analyzed using 17 landmarks. Principal Component Analysis, Canonical Variate Analysis, and Mahalanobis distances were calculated to quantify morphological differentiation. A total of 305 specimens from nine species were analyzed. Procrustes ANOVA showed significant differences (<em>P</em> < 0.0001) in shape and size for species, as well as significant differences across their distribution between populations of <em>Lutzomyia cruciata</em> (<em>P</em> < 0.0001) and <em>Psathyromyia shannoni</em> (<em>P</em> < 0.0001), respectively. The use of GM tools was effective to separate species at interspecific and intraspecific level, evidencing population differences in vector sand fly species that could favor the transmission of <em>Leishmania</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"262 ","pages":"Article 107523"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142969189","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107528
Carla Andreea Culda , Luciana Cătălina Panait , Cristina Daniela Cazan , Rommel Lenin Vinueza , Diego Páez-Rosas , Erika Guerrero Vásquez , Renato Leon , Andrei Daniel Mihalca
Vector-borne diseases pose significant threats to both human and animal health, including wildlife, particularly in vulnerable island ecosystems like the Galapagos Islands. This study examines the mosquito community composition around domestic dogs and Galapagos sea lion rookeries across four islands: San Cristobal, Isabela, Santa Cruz, and Floreana. Using BG-Sentinel traps, a total of 292 mosquitoes were collected, identifying three species: Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti, and A. taeniorhynchus. Culex quinquefasciatus was the most abundant, with diverse feeding patterns identified through blood meal analysis, revealing host ranges that included domestic chicken, domestic dogs, and sea lions. The presence of Dirofilaria immitis was confirmed in C. quinquefasciatus individuals, indicating a potential risk for heartworm transmission to dogs and to the endangered Galapagos sea lions. Continued surveillance and targeted control measures are crucial for reducing zoonotic disease risks in this fragile ecosystem, emphasizing the need for further research to inform human and animal health prevention strategies.
{"title":"Feeding sources of mosquitoes in Galapagos Islands: A potential threat to wildlife conservation","authors":"Carla Andreea Culda , Luciana Cătălina Panait , Cristina Daniela Cazan , Rommel Lenin Vinueza , Diego Páez-Rosas , Erika Guerrero Vásquez , Renato Leon , Andrei Daniel Mihalca","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107528","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107528","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Vector-borne diseases pose significant threats to both human and animal health, including wildlife, particularly in vulnerable island ecosystems like the Galapagos Islands. This study examines the mosquito community composition around domestic dogs and Galapagos sea lion rookeries across four islands: San Cristobal, Isabela, Santa Cruz, and Floreana. Using BG-Sentinel traps, a total of 292 mosquitoes were collected, identifying three species: <em>Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti</em>, and <em>A. taeniorhynchus. Culex quinquefasciatus</em> was the most abundant, with diverse feeding patterns identified through blood meal analysis, revealing host ranges that included domestic chicken, domestic dogs, and sea lions. The presence of <em>Dirofilaria immitis</em> was confirmed in <em>C. quinquefasciatus</em> individuals, indicating a potential risk for heartworm transmission to dogs and to the endangered Galapagos sea lions. Continued surveillance and targeted control measures are crucial for reducing zoonotic disease risks in this fragile ecosystem, emphasizing the need for further research to inform human and animal health prevention strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"262 ","pages":"Article 107528"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142977066","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107535
Dehan Malan , Suzanne Van Niekerk , Cécile Häberli , Jennifer Keiser , Frank Van der Kooy
Praziquantel is currently the only effective treatment for schistosomiasis, but several limitations underscore the need for new therapeutic agents. Recent promising in vitro results with Artemisia species and the success of A. annua and its active compound artemisinin in treating parasitic infections warrant the need for further studies. Here we evaluate the in vitro activity of nine Artemisia species, including previously untested species, against newly transformed schistosomula (NTS) and adult Schistosoma mansoni. Three extracts were prepared: an aqueous infusion, a dichloromethane (DCM) fraction of the aqueous infusion, and a DCM extract. All samples were tested for activity at concentrations ranging from 1–25 μg/ml against NTS and the most promising against the adult S. mansoni. All aqueous infusions showed inferior activity against NTS as opposed to the DCM fractions of the infusions and DCM extracts of A. abrotanum, A. arborescens, A. afra, and A. scoparia which displayed superior activity as compared to the positive control praziquantel. The DCM fraction infusions of A. afra (BB) were the most active with IC50 values of 0.35 μg/ml against NTS and 4.5 μg/ml against adult worms. Chemical fingerprinting using High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of the samples revealed some phytochemical similarities and significant differences between the species tested. This study provides supporting evidence of the antischistosomal potential of Artemisia spp. and warrants more in-depth research to identify potential novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of schistosomiasis.
{"title":"In vitro antischistosomal activity of Artemisia species","authors":"Dehan Malan , Suzanne Van Niekerk , Cécile Häberli , Jennifer Keiser , Frank Van der Kooy","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107535","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107535","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Praziquantel is currently the only effective treatment for schistosomiasis, but several limitations underscore the need for new therapeutic agents. Recent promising <em>in vitro</em> results with <em>Artemisia</em> species and the success of <em>A. annua</em> and its active compound artemisinin in treating parasitic infections warrant the need for further studies. Here we evaluate the <em>in vitro</em> activity of nine <em>Artemisia</em> species, including previously untested species, against newly transformed schistosomula (NTS) and adult <em>Schistosoma mansoni</em>. Three extracts were prepared: an aqueous infusion, a dichloromethane (DCM) fraction of the aqueous infusion, and a DCM extract. All samples were tested for activity at concentrations ranging from 1–25 μg/ml against NTS and the most promising against the adult <em>S. mansoni.</em> All aqueous infusions showed inferior activity against NTS as opposed to the DCM fractions of the infusions and DCM extracts of <em>A. abrotanum, A. arborescens, A. afra,</em> and <em>A. scoparia</em> which displayed superior activity as compared to the positive control praziquantel. The DCM fraction infusions of <em>A. afra</em> (BB) were the most active with IC<sub>50</sub> values of 0.35 μg/ml against NTS and 4.5 μg/ml against adult worms. Chemical fingerprinting using High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of the samples revealed some phytochemical similarities and significant differences between the species tested. This study provides supporting evidence of the antischistosomal potential of <em>Artemisia</em> spp. and warrants more in-depth research to identify potential novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of schistosomiasis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"262 ","pages":"Article 107535"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143035829","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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