Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a severe but poorly documented threat in Somalia due to its fragmented healthcare system. This study reviews AMR prevalence and clinical impact in Somalia, comparing the findings to regional trends to address this critical data gap.
Methods
This study was a systematic literature review of antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in Somalia. Data on resistance rates for common Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were extracted, calculated as a proportion of resistant isolates, and then narratively synthesized in summary tables.
Results
The data reveal a critical state of AMR in Somalia. Among Gram-positive bacteria, there is a near-total prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus at 97.4%. Gram-negative bacteria like Escherichia coli show extensive resistance to common treatments (94.6% to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole). Multidrug resistance is rampant, with pathogens such as Acinetobacter baumannii exhibiting 100% resistance to multiple drug classes, including Reserve group carbapenems. These rates are markedly higher than in neighboring Ethiopia, highlighting a severe and escalating public health emergency.
Conclusions
Somalia’s AMR crisis has rendered standard antibiotics ineffective. Urgent action is required, including national surveillance, local treatment guidelines, and antimicrobial stewardship to control this threat.
{"title":"Prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in Somalia: A systematic review","authors":"Shafie Abdulkadir Hassan , Mohamed Hassan Osman , Mowlid Abdikarin Mohamed","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100800","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100800","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a severe but poorly documented threat in Somalia due to its fragmented healthcare system. This study reviews AMR prevalence and clinical impact in Somalia, comparing the findings to regional trends to address this critical data gap.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study was a systematic literature review of antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in Somalia. Data on resistance rates for common Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were extracted, calculated as a proportion of resistant isolates, and then narratively synthesized in summary tables.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The data reveal a critical state of AMR in Somalia. Among Gram-positive bacteria, there is a near-total prevalence of methicillin-resistant <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> at 97.4%. Gram-negative bacteria like <em>Escherichia coli</em> show extensive resistance to common treatments (94.6% to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole). Multidrug resistance is rampant, with pathogens such as <em>Acinetobacter baumannii</em> exhibiting 100% resistance to multiple drug classes, including Reserve group carbapenems. These rates are markedly higher than in neighboring Ethiopia, highlighting a severe and escalating public health emergency.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Somalia’s AMR crisis has rendered standard antibiotics ineffective. Urgent action is required, including national surveillance, local treatment guidelines, and antimicrobial stewardship to control this threat.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100800"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145617851","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}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100801
Agbogbenkou Tevi Dela-Dem Lawson, Maimouna Sidibé, Mohamed Achraf Mahmoud, Bruno Hans Bidzanga Bahada, Sylvie Audrey Diop
Objectives
Severe malaria remains a major cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality. This study assessed the characteristics and mortality of severe malaria in children and adolescents in Thiès, Senegal.
Methods
Retrospective multicenter study in four multicenter referral hospitals (July 2019–June 2024), including children aged 5 to 15 hospitalized for confirmed severe malaria, defined by a positive rapid diagnostic test and/or thick blood smear, along with at least one World Health Organization (WHO) criterion (2015). Analyses used R software.
Results
We recorded 109 cases. Mean age 9.56 ± 2.87 years (5–15); sex ratio 1.95. Most patients (60%) originated from rural areas, with admissions mainly in the post-rainy season, especially in October (36.7%) and November (22.9%). Frequent signs included prostration (27%), convulsions (21.10%), coma (17.43%), alongside severe anemia (33%) and thrombocytopenia (61.62%). All patients tested positive on rapid diagnostic tests; among the 46 thick blood smear tests, 97.8% were positive. Injectable artesunate was first-line, followed by artemisinin-based combination therapy (82%); antibiotics were used in 50.46%. Outcomes were favorable in 90%, with 5.5% sequelae and 4.5% mortality. Mortality was significantly associated with respiratory distress and ≥2 WHO severity criteria.
Conclusions
The associated lethality and mortality are considerable, with notable neurological and functional sequelae observed.
{"title":"Characteristics and mortality factors of severe malaria in children and teenager aged from 5 to 15 years in Thiès region, Senegal","authors":"Agbogbenkou Tevi Dela-Dem Lawson, Maimouna Sidibé, Mohamed Achraf Mahmoud, Bruno Hans Bidzanga Bahada, Sylvie Audrey Diop","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100801","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100801","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Severe malaria remains a major cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality. This study assessed the characteristics and mortality of severe malaria in children and adolescents in Thiès, Senegal.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Retrospective multicenter study in four multicenter referral hospitals (July 2019–June 2024), including children aged 5 to 15 hospitalized for confirmed severe malaria, defined by a positive rapid diagnostic test and/or thick blood smear, along with at least one World Health Organization (WHO) criterion (2015). Analyses used R software.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We recorded 109 cases. Mean age 9.56 ± 2.87 years (5–15); sex ratio 1.95. Most patients (60%) originated from rural areas, with admissions mainly in the post-rainy season, especially in October (36.7%) and November (22.9%). Frequent signs included prostration (27%), convulsions (21.10%), coma (17.43%), alongside severe anemia (33%) and thrombocytopenia (61.62%). All patients tested positive on rapid diagnostic tests; among the 46 thick blood smear tests, 97.8% were positive. Injectable artesunate was first-line, followed by artemisinin-based combination therapy (82%); antibiotics were used in 50.46%. Outcomes were favorable in 90%, with 5.5% sequelae and 4.5% mortality. Mortality was significantly associated with respiratory distress and ≥2 WHO severity criteria.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The associated lethality and mortality are considerable, with notable neurological and functional sequelae observed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100801"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145617848","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}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100803
Emmanuel Edwar Siddig , Ayman Azhary , Claude Mambo Muvunyi
{"title":"Sudan and the erosion of global health ethics: reclaiming the forgotten mandate of sustainable development goals","authors":"Emmanuel Edwar Siddig , Ayman Azhary , Claude Mambo Muvunyi","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100803","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100803","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100803"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145684409","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}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100781
Doutchi Mahamadou , Adamou Bara Abdoul-Aziz , Lamine Mahaman Moustapha , Ibrahim Alkassoum , Souleymane Adoum Fils , Bagnou Hamsatou , Goni Bachir , Yacouba Abdourahmane , Manzo Farouk , Adamou Lagare , Adehossi Eric , Djibo Issifou , Nasser Hassane , Idé Habibatou , Serge Paul Eholié
Objectives
Several epidemic outbreaks have affected the Zinder region. These include diseases targeted by the expanded immunization program and other emerging diseases. This study aimed to analyze these epidemics.
Methods
This is documentary research of the epidemics of meningitis, measles, cholera, COVID-19, and diphtheria, which occurred in the Zinder region from 2015 to 2023, as well as their determinants. The data collection is made from the linear list of notifiable diseases of the Regional Directorate of Health and Public Hygiene of Zinder, associated with literature review on the determinants of the appearance of these epidemics.
Results
The number of meningitis cases has gradually increased in Zinder from 2019 to 2024. A total of 5019 cases were registered during these epidemics, with a mortality rate of 6.31%. Five measles epidemics have been recorded since 2015. A total of 13,887 cases were notified during these epidemics, with a mortality rate of 0.30%. Three cholera epidemics occurred: in 2021, in 2022, and in 2024. During these epidemics, 884 cases were recorded, with 24 deaths or a lethality of 2.71%. The COVID-19 epidemic occurred in 2020, with 364 cases, including 17 deaths, i.e. a mortality rate of 4.67%. Since 2022, the region has been facing a diphtheria epidemic. A total of 3310 cases has been reported, with 173 deaths. The causes of these epidemics are multifaceted; they involve the decline in vaccination coverage, migration, insecurity, the COVID-19 pandemic, and climate change.
Conclusions
The impact of epidemics on the health of the population and the socio-economic development of regions implies a greater mastery of the root causes mentioned in this study.
{"title":"Resurgence of epidemics in Zinder: effect of the decrease in vaccination coverage and the impacts of climate change","authors":"Doutchi Mahamadou , Adamou Bara Abdoul-Aziz , Lamine Mahaman Moustapha , Ibrahim Alkassoum , Souleymane Adoum Fils , Bagnou Hamsatou , Goni Bachir , Yacouba Abdourahmane , Manzo Farouk , Adamou Lagare , Adehossi Eric , Djibo Issifou , Nasser Hassane , Idé Habibatou , Serge Paul Eholié","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100781","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100781","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Several epidemic outbreaks have affected the Zinder region. These include diseases targeted by the expanded immunization program and other emerging diseases. This study aimed to analyze these epidemics.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This is documentary research of the epidemics of meningitis, measles, cholera, COVID-19, and diphtheria, which occurred in the Zinder region from 2015 to 2023, as well as their determinants. The data collection is made from the linear list of notifiable diseases of the Regional Directorate of Health and Public Hygiene of Zinder, associated with literature review on the determinants of the appearance of these epidemics.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The number of meningitis cases has gradually increased in Zinder from 2019 to 2024. A total of 5019 cases were registered during these epidemics, with a mortality rate of 6.31%. Five measles epidemics have been recorded since 2015. A total of 13,887 cases were notified during these epidemics, with a mortality rate of 0.30%. Three cholera epidemics occurred: in 2021, in 2022, and in 2024. During these epidemics, 884 cases were recorded, with 24 deaths or a lethality of 2.71%. The COVID-19 epidemic occurred in 2020, with 364 cases, including 17 deaths, i.e. a mortality rate of 4.67%. Since 2022, the region has been facing a diphtheria epidemic. A total of 3310 cases has been reported, with 173 deaths. The causes of these epidemics are multifaceted; they involve the decline in vaccination coverage, migration, insecurity, the COVID-19 pandemic, and climate change.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The impact of epidemics on the health of the population and the socio-economic development of regions implies a greater mastery of the root causes mentioned in this study.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100781"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145617740","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}
Ceftriaxone is the most commonly prescribed cephalosporin antibiotic in hospital settings. The overall prescribing compliance with the national antibiotic guidelines remained unassessed at Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH), Bhutan.
Methods
A retrospective analytical study was conducted by evaluating the medical records of patients who received ceftriaxone between January and December 2020 in the Medical Ward, JDWNRH. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 26.
Results
A total of 201 (17.82%) patients, with a mean age of 54.83 years (SD ± 20.93), received ceftriaxone, and pneumonia (49.25%) was the most frequently documented indication. The overall appropriate use of ceftriaxone was observed among 37 patients (18.41%), while 47 cases (23.38%) were not assessable. Doxycycline (35.82%) and metronidazole (19.90%) were the most commonly co-prescribed antibiotics. Contraindications and serious drug-drug interactions were observed among 20 (9.95%) and 21 (10.45%) patients, respectively. The proportion of inappropriate use of ceftriaxone was significantly higher among patients who experienced a hospital stay of ≤7 days (P = 0.016).
Conclusions
Routine monitoring and evaluation of ceftriaxone use as part of an antimicrobial stewardship program are recommended to prevent antibiotic resistance in the future.
{"title":"Ceftriaxone use evaluation at the Medical Ward, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral hospital in Bhutan: A retrospective analytical study","authors":"Kezang Tshering , Mongal Singh Gurung , Sonam Wangda , Pelden Chejor","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100799","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100799","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Ceftriaxone is the most commonly prescribed cephalosporin antibiotic in hospital settings. The overall prescribing compliance with the national antibiotic guidelines remained unassessed at Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH), Bhutan.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A retrospective analytical study was conducted by evaluating the medical records of patients who received ceftriaxone between January and December 2020 in the Medical Ward, JDWNRH. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 26.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 201 (17.82%) patients, with a mean age of 54.83 years (SD ± 20.93), received ceftriaxone, and pneumonia (49.25%) was the most frequently documented indication. The overall appropriate use of ceftriaxone was observed among 37 patients (18.41%), while 47 cases (23.38%) were not assessable. Doxycycline (35.82%) and metronidazole (19.90%) were the most commonly co-prescribed antibiotics. Contraindications and serious drug-drug interactions were observed among 20 (9.95%) and 21 (10.45%) patients, respectively. The proportion of inappropriate use of ceftriaxone was significantly higher among patients who experienced a hospital stay of ≤7 days (<em>P</em> = 0.016).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Routine monitoring and evaluation of ceftriaxone use as part of an antimicrobial stewardship program are recommended to prevent antibiotic resistance in the future.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100799"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145684408","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}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100802
Wilmer Silva-Caso , Giancarlo Pérez-Lazo , Miguel Angel Aguilar-Luis , Ronald Aquino-Ortega , Yordi Tarazona-Castro , Fernando Soto-Febres , Luis J. del Valle , Jhonathan Bazalar-Gonzales , Kocfa Chung-Delgado , Ivonne Melissa Ramírez , Sami Alcedo , Roxana Sandoval , Juana del Valle-Mendoza
Objectives
Cocirculation of Oropouche virus (OROV) with other endemic pathogens means coinfections can occur. This study aimed to characterize viral and bacterial coinfections in OROV-positive patients, evaluating their clinical features and exploring the impact on hospital stay and antibiotic use across different infection groups.
Methods
Cross-sectional study in an eastern Peruvian Amazon region among patients with acute febrile illness who tested positive for OROV. Patients were stratified into five groups: OROV monoinfection, OROV + dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2): American/Asian II coinfection, OROV + Rickettsia coinfection, OROV + Leptospira coinfection, and a control group of OROV-negative febrile patients.
Results
A total of 75 patients were included. Patients with OROV + Leptospira coinfection had the longest mean hospital stay (6.00 SD 1.40). Empirical antibiotic use at admission varied by group (overall 7/75, 9.3%). However, only two cases (both OROV + Leptospira) had appropriate antibiotic coverage for the confirmed pathogen. In all coinfected groups, there was frequent discordance between initial antibiotic treatment and the etiologic agent.
Conclusions
Coinfection with Leptospira was associated with a longer length of hospital stay and was the only scenario in which empiric antibiotic therapy aligned with the true etiology. OROV monoinfections and viral coinfections (with DENV-2 American/Asian II) showed similar clinical profiles, underscoring that routine clinical assessment alone cannot readily distinguish these infections or coinfections.
{"title":"Oropouche fever: Clinical characteristics and viral–bacterial coinfections in a region of the Peruvian Amazon: A cross-sectional study","authors":"Wilmer Silva-Caso , Giancarlo Pérez-Lazo , Miguel Angel Aguilar-Luis , Ronald Aquino-Ortega , Yordi Tarazona-Castro , Fernando Soto-Febres , Luis J. del Valle , Jhonathan Bazalar-Gonzales , Kocfa Chung-Delgado , Ivonne Melissa Ramírez , Sami Alcedo , Roxana Sandoval , Juana del Valle-Mendoza","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100802","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100802","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Cocirculation of Oropouche virus (OROV) with other endemic pathogens means coinfections can occur. This study aimed to characterize viral and bacterial coinfections in OROV-positive patients, evaluating their clinical features and exploring the impact on hospital stay and antibiotic use across different infection groups.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Cross-sectional study in an eastern Peruvian Amazon region among patients with acute febrile illness who tested positive for OROV. Patients were stratified into five groups: OROV monoinfection, OROV + dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2): American/Asian II coinfection, OROV + <em>Rickettsia</em> coinfection, OROV + <em>Leptospira</em> coinfection, and a control group of OROV-negative febrile patients.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 75 patients were included. Patients with OROV + <em>Leptospira</em> coinfection had the longest mean hospital stay (6.00 SD 1.40). Empirical antibiotic use at admission varied by group (overall 7/75, 9.3%). However, only two cases (both OROV + <em>Leptospira</em>) had appropriate antibiotic coverage for the confirmed pathogen. In all coinfected groups, there was frequent discordance between initial antibiotic treatment and the etiologic agent.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Coinfection with <em>Leptospira</em> was associated with a longer length of hospital stay and was the only scenario in which empiric antibiotic therapy aligned with the true etiology. OROV monoinfections and viral coinfections (with DENV-2 American/Asian II) showed similar clinical profiles, underscoring that routine clinical assessment alone cannot readily distinguish these infections or coinfections.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100802"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145684413","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}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100740
Narin A. Rasheed
{"title":"Reply to “Spa gene diversity in MRSA: Assessing the limits of PCR-based typing”","authors":"Narin A. Rasheed","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100740","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100740","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100740"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145736386","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}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100773
Nandini Singh , Loick Pradel Kojom Foko , Jyoti Chhibber-Goel, Amit Sharma
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) remains endemic in India, with the National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control targeting elimination by 2027 through mass drug administration and other control tools. We reviewed 157 studies on filariasis in India (2001-2023) via PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases. We did futher screening using Covidence and Cochrane’s tools and analyzed data using GraphPad Prism and R. From 1,488,432 examined subjects (1,486,508 humans and 1924 canines), 22,938 humans were positive for LF, 26 were confirmed cases for human dirofilariasis, and 228 canines had filarial infections. Puducherry showed the highest LF prevalence (∼43%) while Kerala reported significant canine dirofilariasis (∼22%). Atypical symptoms (e.g., breast filariasis) and diagnostic gaps (e.g., lack of filaria-specific tests) complicated management, with coinfections (e.g., with Leishmania, Plasmodium) further challenging treatment. Enhanced surveillance in non-endemic states, improved diagnostics, and a One Health approach integrating human, animal, and vector data will be critical for meeting LF elimination.
{"title":"Two decades of filariasis in India: Insights into prevalence, diagnostic challenges, and strategies for elimination by 2027","authors":"Nandini Singh , Loick Pradel Kojom Foko , Jyoti Chhibber-Goel, Amit Sharma","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100773","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100773","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lymphatic filariasis (LF) remains endemic in India, with the National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control targeting elimination by 2027 through mass drug administration and other control tools. We reviewed 157 studies on filariasis in India (2001-2023) via PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases. We did futher screening using Covidence and Cochrane’s tools and analyzed data using GraphPad Prism and R. From 1,488,432 examined subjects (1,486,508 humans and 1924 canines), 22,938 humans were positive for LF, 26 were confirmed cases for human dirofilariasis, and 228 canines had filarial infections. Puducherry showed the highest LF prevalence (∼43%) while Kerala reported significant canine dirofilariasis (∼22%). Atypical symptoms (e.g., breast filariasis) and diagnostic gaps (e.g., lack of filaria-specific tests) complicated management, with coinfections (e.g., with <em>Leishmania, Plasmodium</em>) further challenging treatment. Enhanced surveillance in non-endemic states, improved diagnostics, and a One Health approach integrating human, animal, and vector data will be critical for meeting LF elimination.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100773"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145617739","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}
During the COVID-19 pandemic, airport-based measures, such as fever screening and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing were implemented in Japan. Okinawa Prefecture introduced a voluntary airport PCR testing program for domestic travelers at Naha Airport (OKA). Their indirect behavioral effects on travelers remain underexplored. This study aims to describe self-reported pre-travel health awareness among participants in this program.
Methods
In February-March 2021, we conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire survey among Naha Airport PCR test Project (NAPP) participants (n = 4545; March subset n = 1859). The survey assessed demographics, travel purpose, awareness of airport screening (fever screening and PCR testing), pre-travel health awareness, COVID-19 history, and symptoms. Logistic regression evaluated factors associated with self-reported symptoms in the March subset.
Results
Among respondents aware of fever screening and PCR testing, 94.1% and 96.4%, respectively, reported increased attention to their physical condition before travel. Overall, 3.9% reported symptoms, mainly mild respiratory complaints. The proportion symptomatic varied by reason for testing; workplace-mandated testers reported fewer symptoms than family-motivated testers (adjusted odds ratio 0.36, 95% confidence interval 0.15-0.78).
Conclusions
Awareness of voluntary airport screening measures was associated with greater self-reported pre-travel health awareness among voluntary testers. These findings may inform context-specific behavioral strategies aimed at promoting health-conscious travel during infectious disease outbreaks.
{"title":"Pre-travel health awareness and perceptions of voluntary airport PCR testing during COVID-19: A cross-sectional study in Okinawa, Japan","authors":"Masahiro Kozuka , Yusuke Shimakawa , Gerardo Chowell , Tetsuharu Nagamoto , Ryota Matsuyama , Ryosuke Omori , Yining S. Xu , Yoshiro Shimoji , Kaoru Ogawa , Yoshihiro Takayama , Kenji Mizumoto","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100817","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100817","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>During the COVID-19 pandemic, airport-based measures, such as fever screening and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing were implemented in Japan. Okinawa Prefecture introduced a voluntary airport PCR testing program for domestic travelers at Naha Airport (OKA). Their indirect behavioral effects on travelers remain underexplored. This study aims to describe self-reported pre-travel health awareness among participants in this program.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In February-March 2021, we conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire survey among Naha Airport PCR test Project (NAPP) participants (n = 4545; March subset n = 1859). The survey assessed demographics, travel purpose, awareness of airport screening (fever screening and PCR testing), pre-travel health awareness, COVID-19 history, and symptoms. Logistic regression evaluated factors associated with self-reported symptoms in the March subset.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among respondents aware of fever screening and PCR testing, 94.1% and 96.4%, respectively, reported increased attention to their physical condition before travel. Overall, 3.9% reported symptoms, mainly mild respiratory complaints. The proportion symptomatic varied by reason for testing; workplace-mandated testers reported fewer symptoms than family-motivated testers (adjusted odds ratio 0.36, 95% confidence interval 0.15-0.78).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Awareness of voluntary airport screening measures was associated with greater self-reported pre-travel health awareness among voluntary testers. These findings may inform context-specific behavioral strategies aimed at promoting health-conscious travel during infectious disease outbreaks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100817"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145791400","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}
Pub Date : 2025-11-29DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100819
Kiara Lijarza-Ushiñahua , Kovy Arteaga-Livias , Vicky Panduro-Correa , Sofia E. Romero , Isabel Colan-Rojas , Lysien Zambrano , Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales
Objectives
Dengue is a public health problem that requires a comprehensive approach to reduce its incidence in endemic areas. Playful learning, particularly through low-cost educational video games, could be an effective tool for adoption of knowledge and preventive practices in resource-limited settings. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of an educational video game on the level of knowledge and preventive practices against dengue in schoolchildren in Ucayali, Peru.
Methods
A quasi-experimental, prospective, and longitudinal study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational video game on the level of knowledge and preventive practices against dengue. Participants played the video game for four sessions, one per week. Subsequently, a post-test was performed to compare the results.
Results
Overall, 51% of the population was female, and 43% had a history of previous dengue infection—a statistically significant increase in knowledge and preventive practices after the intervention was found.
Conclusions
Educational video games are effective tools for improving knowledge and preventive practices in public health, specifically in the prevention of dengue.
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