IJID regions最新文献

{"title":"Assessing the evidence for antibiotic management of laboratory-confirmed Streptococcus A skin infections to prevent acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease: a systematic review","authors":"Trudy D Leong ,&nbsp;Ameer SJ Hohlfeld ,&nbsp;Funeka Bango ,&nbsp;Denny Mabetha ,&nbsp;Ntombifuthi Blose ,&nbsp;Joy Oliver ,&nbsp;Mark E Engel ,&nbsp;Tamara Kredo","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100642","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100642","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) are potential sequelae of untreated group A streptococcal (<em>Strep A</em>) infections. Guidelines focus on treating <em>Strep A</em> pharyngitis but seldom on skin infections. This systematic review explored whether directed antibiotic therapy for superficial <em>Strep A</em> skin infections prevents ARF/RHD.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We searched PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and clinical trial registries for published and ongoing trials measuring the eradication of <em>Strep A</em> and clinical resolution of polymicrobial infections with antibiotics through December 13, 2024. We calculated risk ratios and absolute risk differences, using the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) to assess the certainty of evidence.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>No trials were reported on ARF/RHD outcomes. However, we identified 12 trials and pooled data comparing penicillin, cotrimoxazole, macrolides, and cephalosporins. There was probably no difference between interventions for eradicating <em>Strep A</em> (very low certainty evidence). For clinical resolution, cotrimoxazole was comparable to intramuscular benzathine benzylpenicillin and macrolides to penicillin (moderate certainty evidence). First- and second-generation cephalosporins showed no difference (low certainty evidence), whereas third-generation cephalosporins demonstrated improved clinical response (moderate certainty evidence)<em>.</em> Benzathine benzylpenicillin-associated injection-site pain and oral antibiotic-associated gastrointestinal disorders were commonly reported.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The available evidence for directed treatment of <em>Strep A</em> skin infections to prevent ARF/RHD is uncertain, requiring further research, with consideration of antimicrobial resistance and the limited antibiotic pipeline.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100642"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143829937","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cholera resurges in Zambia: Challenges and future directions","authors":"Clyde Moono Hakayuwa ,&nbsp;Olivier Sibomana ,&nbsp;Chapline Shike Kalasa","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100640","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100640","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cholera remains a major global health challenge, disproportionately affecting low-income countries with inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure. Zambia, historically prone to outbreaks, experienced a severe resurgence in 2023-2024, with over 10,887 cases and 432 deaths. The contributing factors include poor WASH access, systemic health care weaknesses, stigma, and logistical barriers. Only 32% of households have basic water services, and health care worker shortages persist, especially in densely populated areas. Misinformation and cultural practices hinder public health efforts, whereas fiscal constraints limit prevention strategies. Strengthening epidemic preparedness through WASH investments, systems thinking, predictive modeling, artificial intelligence–driven surveillance, and multi-sectoral approach integrating community engagement and health system resilience is essential to mitigate the outbreak. This commentary explores Zambia's cholera control challenges and outlines strategic directions for a resilient, sustainable response to this enduring public health threat.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100640"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143844916","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and associated factors of soil-transmitted helminth infections among children in previous leprosarium and non-leprosarium areas in Eastern Ethiopia: A community-based comparative study","authors":"Fitsum Weldegebreal ,&nbsp;Junedin Abamecha ,&nbsp;Ukash Umer ,&nbsp;Getachew Kabew Mekonnen ,&nbsp;Assefa Desalew ,&nbsp;Temam Beshir Raru ,&nbsp;Kedir Urgesa","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100633","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100633","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) infection is one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that mainly affect peoples living in resource-limited settings and poor sanitation. However, the extent and potential predisposing factors of this infection among peoples living in previous leprosarium settlements in Eastern Ethiopia are not well understood. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the prevalence and associated factors of STHs infections among children aged 1-15 years in previous leprosarium and non-leprosarium areas in Eastern Ethiopia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 580 systematically selected households from November 1, 2023 to February 30, 2024. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demography, and associated factors of STHs infections. Approximately 5 g of stool sample was collected and processed using the formol-ether concentration technique. Data were entered in Epi-Data version 4.2, and analysis was performed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 26. A chi-square test was used to show statistical differences between the two groups. Binary logistic regression was performed to assess the association between independent variables and STHs infection.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The overall prevalence of STHs infection was 4.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.31-16.80). The prevalence was 5.7% and 3.3% among children in previous leprosarium and non-leprosarium settlements, respectively (X² = 7.98, <em>P</em> = 0.017). Having no habit of hand washing after helping and cleaning children who had defecated (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.26, 95% CI 1.20-5.80), (AOR = 4.90, 95% CI 2.21-9.33) and before eating (AOR = 3.25, 95% CI 1.40-11.23), (AOR = 18.70, 95% CI 9.21-38.21) was associated with STHs infection in both previous leprosarium and non-leprosarium settlements. However, having no habit of hand washing after toilet use (AOR = 1.80, 95% CI 1.34-7.40) and contact with soil (AOR = 5.98, 95% CI 1.62-22.10) was significantly associated with STHs infection in previous leprosarium settlements only.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>In this study, STHs infections disproportionately affect children living in previous leprosarium compared with non-leprosarium settlements. Therefore, targeted mass deworming and health information dissemination on proper hygiene and sanitation should be given to the community to alleviate the problem.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100633"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143829938","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Successfully treated case of meningitis caused by Elizabethkingia anophelis in an adult with fluoroquinolone-based treatment: A case report and literature review","authors":"Chisato Katsuya ,&nbsp;Maho Adachi-Katayama ,&nbsp;Kazuhiko Ikeuchi ,&nbsp;Masayuki Nakamura ,&nbsp;Hirotaka Hasegawa ,&nbsp;Takuma Hirano ,&nbsp;Yoshimi Higurashi ,&nbsp;Shinya Yamamoto ,&nbsp;Shu Okugawa ,&nbsp;Takeya Tsutsumi","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100638","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100638","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Elizabethkingia anophelis</em>, a Gram-negative bacillus, is a rare cause of adult meningitis with high mortality. Due to its resistance to most β-lactams including carbapenems and aminoglycosides, the standard treatment for meningitis remains undetermined. Herein, we report the first case of adult meningitis caused by <em>E. anophelis</em> after nasal endoscopic transnasal surgery. In our patient, <em>E. anophelis</em> colonized the respiratory tract without clinical evidence of pneumonia. Although an apparent cerebrospinal fluid leak was not identified, we believe that a minor leak following brain surgery was the entry site for <em>E. anophelis</em>. Levofloxacin resulted in rapid resolution of fever and headache. All previously reported cases of meningitis in adults treated with fluoroquinolones survived. We highlighted the importance of prompt identification of the strain and considering changing antimicrobial agents as necessary. Although regional susceptibility rates must be carefully considered, fluoroquinolones can be a viable treatment option for adult meningitis caused by fluoroquinolone-susceptible <em>E. anophelis</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100638"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143808007","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Possible reluctance to shorten antibiotic duration in Gram-negative bacteremia and limitations of mortality-based outcomes: the need to prioritize clinical-microbiologic recurrence in future trials—Insights from the “Bacteremia Antibiotic Length Actually Needed for Clinical Effectiveness” (BALANCE) Trial","authors":"Samadhi Patamatamkul","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100639","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100639","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Shorter antibiotic durations (≤7 days) have demonstrated non-inferiority to longer courses for several bacterial infections, but evidence for bacteremia remains limited. Trials often exclude patients with bacteremia, focus on uncomplicated cases, or lack sufficient power to detect clinically significant effects. The recent Bacteremia Antibiotic Length Actually Needed for Clinical Effectiveness (BALANCE) trial, a multicenter study spanning 74 hospitals, investigated 7 versus 14 days of antibiotic therapy for bloodstream infections, showing non-inferiority in 90-day all-cause mortality. Despite these findings, a possible reluctance to adopt shorter durations persists, as seen in high exclusion rates and protocol deviations. BALANCE highlights the importance of source control in managing bloodstream infections resulting in the relatively low 7-day mortality. However, reliance on 90-day mortality may underestimate clinical failure, with outcomes like suppurative or distant complications and recurrence being more relevant. The trial predominantly included non-severely immunocompromised patients with community-acquired Gram-negative bacteremia, limiting generalizability to multidrug-resistant or hospital-acquired infections. The BALANCE trial, along with the previous three randomized control trials comparing short- versus longer-duration antibiotics for Gram-negative bacteremia, supports guideline recommendations for shorter antibiotic courses in cases involving non-multidrug-resistant organisms, non-severely immunocompromised patients, and effective source control. It also highlights the importance of future trials prioritizing clinically meaningful outcomes and underrepresented populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100639"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143738164","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"High susceptibility to the novel antimicrobial zoliflodacin among Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates in eight WHO Enhanced Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme countries in three WHO regions, 2021-2024","authors":"Susanne Jacobsson ,&nbsp;Thitima Cherdtrakulkiat ,&nbsp;Daniel Golparian ,&nbsp;Lon Say Heng ,&nbsp;Irving Hoffman ,&nbsp;Manuel C. Jamoralin Jr. ,&nbsp;Francis Kakooza ,&nbsp;Rossaphorn Kittiyaowamarn ,&nbsp;Peter Kyambadde ,&nbsp;Pham Thi Lan ,&nbsp;Venessa Maseko ,&nbsp;Mitch Matoga ,&nbsp;Etienne Müller ,&nbsp;Thuy Thi Phan Nguyen ,&nbsp;Vichea Ouk ,&nbsp;Daniel Schröder ,&nbsp;Vivi Setiawaty ,&nbsp;Sonia B. Sia ,&nbsp;Verawati Sulaiman ,&nbsp;Mot Virak ,&nbsp;Magnus Unemo","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100624","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100624","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Zoliflodacin, a novel spiropyrimidinetrione, showed non-inferiority compared with recommended ceftriaxone plus azithromycin treatment in a recent global phase III randomized controlled trial for gonorrhea treatment. We evaluated the susceptibility of zoliflodacin among 2993 contemporary gonococcal isolates collected in 2021-2024 in eight World Health Organization (WHO) Enhanced Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme countries in the WHO Southeast Asian Region (Indonesia, Thailand), WHO Western Pacific Region (Cambodia, the Philippines, Viet Nam), and WHO African Region (Malawi, South Africa, Uganda).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of zoliflodacin were determined using the agar dilution technique, and the zoliflodacin target gene (<em>gyrB</em>) was examined with Illumina sequencing.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Zoliflodacin exhibited high activity: MICs ranging from 0.001 to 1 mg/l and a modal MIC of 0.032 mg/l. The zoliflodacin MIC distribution showed mostly a wild-type profile; however, two isolates from Cambodia had MICs of 0.5 mg/l and 1 mg/l. These isolates also harbored the GyrB D429N mutation, associated with increased zoliflodacin MICs.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>We show a high susceptibility to zoliflodacin internationally, including against ceftriaxone- and azithromycin-resistant gonococcal strains. Our findings support the continued clinical development of zoliflodacin as a treatment for gonorrhea, although cautious and monitored introduction and continuous international resistance surveillance are imperative.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100624"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143799130","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of bacterial infections and factors associated with death related to these infections in two medical departments of a tertiary hospital in Dakar, Senegal","authors":"Moustapha Diop ,&nbsp;Chancia Guitoula ,&nbsp;Ajuamendem Ghogomu Tamouh ,&nbsp;Tracie Youbong ,&nbsp;Sokhna Moumy Mbacké Daffé ,&nbsp;Maguette Ndoye ,&nbsp;Mamadou Wagué Gueye ,&nbsp;Fatimata Wone ,&nbsp;Mor Ngom ,&nbsp;Mamadou Seck ,&nbsp;Nogaye Youm ,&nbsp;Oumar Bassoum ,&nbsp;Ndèye Aissatou Lakhe ,&nbsp;Papa Samba Ba ,&nbsp;Adama Faye ,&nbsp;Sarra Boury Gning","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100623","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100623","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of bacterial infections and identify the factors associated with death related to these infections in the internal medicine (Brévié) and infectious diseases departments (Boufflers) of Dakar Principal Hospital.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This cross-sectional study was carried out from January 1 to December 31, 2023, including patients with bacterial infections hospitalized in Boufflers and Brévié. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with death.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Out of 1,085 hospitalized patients, 181 (16.7%) had bacterial infections. The mean age was 60±18 years, with a sex ratio of 1.08. Urinary tract infection (37%) was the most represented clinical presentation. Bacteria were isolated in 123 patients (68%), with <em>Escherichia coli</em> (39%), <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> (12%), and <em>Klebsiella pneumoniae</em> (12%) as the most represented species. Of the 140 identified bacteria, 78 (55.7%) were multidrug-resistant. The death rate was 15%. Multivariate analysis showed that age ≥ 65 years (odds ratio [OR] = 3.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-9.5), prior hospitalization (OR = 2.9; 95% CI 1.1-8.5), and hemoglobin levels between 3.4 g/dl and 7 g/dl (OR = 11.7; 95% CI 2.5-60) or between 8 g/dl and 11 g/dl (OR = 4.9; 95% CI 1.6-18.4) compared with levels ≥11 g/dl were associated with death.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study showed a high prevalence and mortality rate of bacterial infections in the internal medicine and infectious diseases departments, particularly among older adult patients, those with a history of hospitalization, or those with low hemoglobin levels.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100623"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143726282","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness and safety of tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine/bictegravir as a first-line regimen in people with HIV: A retrospective observational study","authors":"Andrea Giacomelli ,&nbsp;Maria Vittoria Cossu ,&nbsp;Davide Moschese ,&nbsp;Giorgia Carrozzo ,&nbsp;Serena Reato ,&nbsp;Federico Sabaini ,&nbsp;Giacomo Pozza ,&nbsp;Martina Laura Colombo ,&nbsp;Chiara Fusetti ,&nbsp;Anna Lisa Ridolfo ,&nbsp;Cristina Gervasoni ,&nbsp;Spinello Antinori ,&nbsp;Andrea Gori","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100622","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100622","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To assess the effectiveness and safety of tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine/bictegravir (TAF/FTC/BIC) in patients newly diagnosed with HIV (PWH) in a non-experimental setting.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a single-center, retrospective observational study that included all newly diagnosed PWH treated with TAF/FTC/BIC at our institution. Virological failure was defined as two consecutive HIV-RNA values of &gt;50 cp/ml after 48 weeks of treatment. Reasons for TAF/FTC/BIC interruption were also collected. The durability of TAF/FTC/BIC was estimated using Kaplan-Meier curves.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 236 PWH started TAF/FTC/BIC, with a median follow-up time of 13 months (interquartile range [IQR] 4-27 months). Most PWH were cisgender men (178/236, 75.4%) with a median age at diagnosis of 37 years (IQR 29-48) and a median cluster of differentiation 4 cell counts of 302 cells/mm³ (IQR 117-467). One protocol-defined virological failure was observed, without the development of drug resistance, resulting in an incidence of 3.1 per 1000 person-years of follow-up (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.8-17.3). Six (2.5%) PWH discontinued TAF/FTC/BIC because of toxicity. The estimated durabilities of TAF/FTC/BIC at 12 and 24 months were 84.8% (95% CI 78.6-89.3%) and 75.5% (95% CI 67.6-82.6%), respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>In our cohort of newly diagnosed PWH treated with TAF/FTC/BIC, the low occurrence of virological failure and discontinuation related to drug toxicities underscores the effectiveness and tolerability of the regimen.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100622"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143644862","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Operationalizing SARS-CoV-2 wastewater monitoring to assess traveler health in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA","authors":"Casey A. Barber ,&nbsp;Ching-Lan Chang ,&nbsp;Michael A. Moshi ,&nbsp;Shahraiz Akbar ,&nbsp;Van Vo ,&nbsp;Edwin C. Oh ,&nbsp;Daniel Gerrity","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100619","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100619","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study explored expanded traveler- and tourism-focused wastewater monitoring in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA to complement community SARS-CoV-2 surveillance.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Wastewater samples were collected November 2023 to July 2024 from the largest community-scale wastewater treatment plant in Southern Nevada, USA (N = 112 samples) and two upstream utility access holes (i.e. manholes), isolating an international airport (N = 68 samples) and a commercial area with high-density bars and nightclubs (N = 30-33 samples). Polymerase chain reaction-based methods quantified RNA concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 and pepper mild mottle virus; whole genome sequencing characterized SARS-CoV-2 variants (N = 83 qualifying samples).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>SARS-CoV-2 concentrations exhibited concordance between liquids- and solids-based approaches. Similar trends were observed between methods and sampling locations; however, select manhole-level findings suggested potentially divergent COVID-19 infection profiles relative to residents. Whole genome sequencing also demonstrated similarities across sampling locations, although airport samples facilitated the identification of SARS-CoV-2 variants that either failed to spread locally (EG.6, JN.1.11) or preceded detection at the wastewater treatment plant (JN.1.7, KP.3).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>These findings offer new insight into the operationalization of broader traveler- and tourism-focused wastewater monitoring, which may capture SARS-CoV-2 concentration spikes and genomic profiles in high-tourism/nightlife areas that community-scale sampling might otherwise miss.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100619"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143644861","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Global Fund's Bangladesh program","authors":"Md Ferdous Rahman ,&nbsp;Md Sharful Islam Khan ,&nbsp;M Mamun Huda ,&nbsp;Utpal K. Mondal ,&nbsp;Muhammad J.A. Shiddiky ,&nbsp;Allen G. Ross","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100618","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100618","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Global Fund program, launched in 2002, focuses on combating HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria. To date, it has mobilized over US$ 65 billion across 120 countries, contributing to saving more than 65 million lives. In Bangladesh, the Global Fund has played a pivotal role in expanding treatment coverage, enhancing case detection, and strengthening prevention efforts. Despite notable progress, significant challenges persist, particularly among high-risk populations such as people who inject drugs, sex workers, and transgender individuals. These groups face stigma and limited access to healthcare, both of which hinder disease control. Additionally, drug resistance presents a growing threat to the control of malaria and TB. Looking ahead, continued support from the Global Fund will be critical, particularly in scaling up diagnostic infrastructure, promoting community-led interventions, and enhancing cross-border collaboration. These efforts are essential to ensuring sustained progress and achieving the long-term goal of eliminating HIV, TB, and malaria in Bangladesh. Effective coordination among government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international donors will be essential to ensure the success of these initiatives.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100618"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143644859","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}