Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-09-10DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100754
Ching-En Jason Chou , Yi-Hsuan Lee , Wen-Ching Lin , Shao-Yi Cheng , Kuo-Chin Huang , Chia-Wen Lu
Objectives
To examine a decade of dengue data in Taiwan, focusing on high-risk groups, the influence of imported cases on local outbreaks, and the role of the climate in disease spread.
Methods
A descriptive study was carried out utilizing the statistical databases of the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control. The incidence of dengue was analyzed by age, sex, and administrative area. Chi-square tests and t-tests were employed to test differences across subgroups. Geographic information system was used to compare the spatial distribution of dengue incidence.
Results
The highest incidence was observed in individuals aged ≥70 years. Comparison of the 2015 and 2023 outbreaks showed a significant surge in dengue incidence in Yunlin County, the first county north of the Tropic of Cancer. Furthermore, no indigenous cases were observed in 2021, the year marked with the longest period of COVID-19 border control in Taiwan.
Conclusions
Taiwan should target older age groups and enhance the border control to mitigate dengue outbreaks. Subtropical areas should learn from experienced regions and implement strict preventive strategies against climate change.
{"title":"Ten-year trend and geographic analysis of the incidence of dengue in Taiwan","authors":"Ching-En Jason Chou , Yi-Hsuan Lee , Wen-Ching Lin , Shao-Yi Cheng , Kuo-Chin Huang , Chia-Wen Lu","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100754","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100754","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To examine a decade of dengue data in Taiwan, focusing on high-risk groups, the influence of imported cases on local outbreaks, and the role of the climate in disease spread.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A descriptive study was carried out utilizing the statistical databases of the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control. The incidence of dengue was analyzed by age, sex, and administrative area. Chi-square tests and <em>t</em>-tests were employed to test differences across subgroups. Geographic information system was used to compare the spatial distribution of dengue incidence.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The highest incidence was observed in individuals aged ≥70 years. Comparison of the 2015 and 2023 outbreaks showed a significant surge in dengue incidence in Yunlin County, the first county north of the Tropic of Cancer. Furthermore, no indigenous cases were observed in 2021, the year marked with the longest period of COVID-19 border control in Taiwan.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Taiwan should target older age groups and enhance the border control to mitigate dengue outbreaks. Subtropical areas should learn from experienced regions and implement strict preventive strategies against climate change.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100754"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145268991","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}
Effective early risk stratification of COVID-19 pneumonia patients in emergency departments (EDs) is crucial, especially in resource-limited settings. Common clinical scores (National Early Warning Score version 2 [NEWS2], quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment [qSOFA], and CRB-65) were not developed for COVID-19 and may inadequately predict short-term mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic performance of these scores and to develop and internally validate a novel score—the Chiang Mai COVID-19 Pneumonia 7-Day Mortality Prediction Score (CCP-7).
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients aged ≥16 years presenting to a tertiary ED in Northern Thailand with confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia between January 2020 and December 2023. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were extracted from electronic records. The predictive accuracy of NEWS2, qSOFA, CRB-65, and the newly developed CCP-7 score for 7-day mortality was assessed using a regression framework, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), calibration, and DeLong tests for AUROC comparisons.
Results
Among 735 patients included, the 7-day mortality rate was 5.2%. Four variables—respiratory rate greater than 30/min, altered mental status, abnormal white blood cell count, and thrombocytopenia—were independently associated with mortality and incorporated into the CCP-7. The CCP-7 score demonstrated superior discrimination (AUROC, 0.83; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76-0.90) compared to CRB-65 (0.80, 95% CI: 0.74-0.86), NEWS2 (0.77, 95% CI: 0.68-0.85), and qSOFA (0.64, 95% CI: 0.52-0.75). DeLong tests showed no statistically significant differences between CCP-7 and CRB-65 or NEWS2. At a cutoff of ≥3 points, CCP-7 achieved 57.1% sensitivity and 89.4% specificity.
Conclusions
CCP-7 is a simple and context-appropriate tool for predicting 7-day mortality in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Although it showed numerically higher discrimination than other scores, the differences were not statistically significant. Its reliance on routine ED parameters makes it particularly suited for rapid risk stratification in low-resource settings, but external validation is essential.
{"title":"Predicting 7-day mortality in COVID-19 pneumonia: performance of NEWS2, qSOFA, and CRB-65 and development of the CCP-7 prediction scores","authors":"Panika Praputpittaya , Areeya Phunsupruk , Piyapat Rattanasuwan , Borwon Wittayachamnankul , Wachira Wongtanasarasin","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100792","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100792","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Effective early risk stratification of COVID-19 pneumonia patients in emergency departments (EDs) is crucial, especially in resource-limited settings. Common clinical scores (National Early Warning Score version 2 [NEWS2], quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment [qSOFA], and CRB-65) were not developed for COVID-19 and may inadequately predict short-term mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic performance of these scores and to develop and internally validate a novel score—the Chiang Mai COVID-19 Pneumonia 7-Day Mortality Prediction Score (CCP-7).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients aged ≥16 years presenting to a tertiary ED in Northern Thailand with confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia between January 2020 and December 2023. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were extracted from electronic records. The predictive accuracy of NEWS2, qSOFA, CRB-65, and the newly developed CCP-7 score for 7-day mortality was assessed using a regression framework, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), calibration, and DeLong tests for AUROC comparisons.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among 735 patients included, the 7-day mortality rate was 5.2%. Four variables—respiratory rate greater than 30/min, altered mental status, abnormal white blood cell count, and thrombocytopenia—were independently associated with mortality and incorporated into the CCP-7. The CCP-7 score demonstrated superior discrimination (AUROC, 0.83; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76-0.90) compared to CRB-65 (0.80, 95% CI: 0.74-0.86), NEWS2 (0.77, 95% CI: 0.68-0.85), and qSOFA (0.64, 95% CI: 0.52-0.75). DeLong tests showed no statistically significant differences between CCP-7 and CRB-65 or NEWS2. At a cutoff of ≥3 points, CCP-7 achieved 57.1% sensitivity and 89.4% specificity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>CCP-7 is a simple and context-appropriate tool for predicting 7-day mortality in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Although it showed numerically higher discrimination than other scores, the differences were not statistically significant. Its reliance on routine ED parameters makes it particularly suited for rapid risk stratification in low-resource settings, but external validation is essential.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100792"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145466169","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 : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-09-29DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100775
Nguyen Minh Nam , Nguyen Thi Lan Dung , Nguy Thi Diep , Le Van Khanh , Nguyen Thi Thuy Diu , Ha Van Quang , Ngo Thu Hang , Le Van Nam , Nguyen Linh Toan , Hoang Van Tong
Objectives
Many viruses can present with clinical symptoms resembling dengue fever (DF), including human parvovirus B19 (B19V). Therefore, patients with DF are not often tested for secondary pathogens. The current study aimed to investigate B19V infection and its association with clinical features in dengue patients.
Methods
A total of 230 subjects were recruited for this study, including patients with DF (n = 86), DF with warning signs (DWS, n = 53), and healthy controls (n = 91). Plasma samples were analyzed for B19V using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, nested polymerase chain reaction, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. The potential association between B19V infection and dengue progression was investigated.
Results
Anti-B19V immunoglobulin M antibodies were detected across all groups: 17.4% in the DF group, 7.5% in the DWS group, and 13.2% in healthy controls. Anti-B19V immunoglobulin G positivity was most prevalent in DF patients (26.7%), followed by healthy controls (22.0%) and DWS patients (20.8%). B19V DNA was identified in 10 of 139 dengue patients (7.2%), but not in healthy controls. The rate of B19V infection was significantly higher in DWS patients than in those with DF, suggesting that B19V infection during dengue may be associated with an increased risk of a more severe form of disease (odds ratio = 4.4, P = 0.043). B19V-positive dengue patients had lower platelet counts compared with B19V-negative patients (P = 0.046), although multivariate analysis revealed no significant difference. In addition, only genotype 1, specifically subgenotype 1A, was detected.
Conclusions
This study reports the prevalence of B19V infection in Vietnamese dengue patients and reveals a potential association with dengue progression and clinical features.
{"title":"Human parvovirus B19 infection in dengue patients and potential association with disease progression and clinical outcomes","authors":"Nguyen Minh Nam , Nguyen Thi Lan Dung , Nguy Thi Diep , Le Van Khanh , Nguyen Thi Thuy Diu , Ha Van Quang , Ngo Thu Hang , Le Van Nam , Nguyen Linh Toan , Hoang Van Tong","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100775","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100775","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Many viruses can present with clinical symptoms resembling dengue fever (DF), including human parvovirus B19 (B19V). Therefore, patients with DF are not often tested for secondary pathogens. The current study aimed to investigate B19V infection and its association with clinical features in dengue patients.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A total of 230 subjects were recruited for this study, including patients with DF (n = 86), DF with warning signs (DWS, n = 53), and healthy controls (n = 91). Plasma samples were analyzed for B19V using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, nested polymerase chain reaction, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. The potential association between B19V infection and dengue progression was investigated.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Anti-B19V immunoglobulin M antibodies were detected across all groups: 17.4% in the DF group, 7.5% in the DWS group, and 13.2% in healthy controls. Anti-B19V immunoglobulin G positivity was most prevalent in DF patients (26.7%), followed by healthy controls (22.0%) and DWS patients (20.8%). B19V DNA was identified in 10 of 139 dengue patients (7.2%), but not in healthy controls. The rate of B19V infection was significantly higher in DWS patients than in those with DF, suggesting that B19V infection during dengue may be associated with an increased risk of a more severe form of disease (odds ratio = 4.4, <em>P</em> = 0.043). B19V-positive dengue patients had lower platelet counts compared with B19V-negative patients (<em>P</em> = 0.046), although multivariate analysis revealed no significant difference. In addition, only genotype 1, specifically subgenotype 1A, was detected.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study reports the prevalence of B19V infection in Vietnamese dengue patients and reveals a potential association with dengue progression and clinical features.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100775"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145321258","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 : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-09-25DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100771
Shafie Abdulkadir Hassan , Maryan Jamal Isak , Abdullahi Mohamed Osman , Yonis Mohamud Hassan , Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed , Sara Ali Mire , Kassim Abdi Jimale , Abdifetah Ibrahim Omar , Nur Rashid Ahmed
Objectives
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a severe global health threat, with a disproportionate impact on low-income countries like Somalia. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the e-Bug educational module in improving knowledge and understanding of AMR among secondary school students in Mogadishu, Somalia, a setting with limited public awareness and a high burden of infectious diseases.
Methods
A prospective quasi-experimental pre-post study was conducted among 384 Form four (Grade 12) students in Mogadishu. A structured questionnaire assessed knowledge of microbiology, hygiene, and AMR before and after the implementation of the e-Bug educational module. The intervention consisted of standardized, interactive lessons on AMR, hygiene, and infection prevention. Changes in knowledge were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the McNemar-Bowker test was used to determine the statistical significance of the change in responses from pre-test to post-test.
Results
Participants were predominantly male (54.2%), with most aged 16-18 years (51.6%). Baseline data revealed strong knowledge of general hygiene, such as handwashing (93.5%), but notable misunderstandings regarding AMR. Notably, 61.5% of students incorrectly believed antibiotics are effective against viral infections like influenza. Following the e-Bug intervention, a statistically significant improvement in overall AMR knowledge was observed (P = 0.003). Post-test results showed enhanced understanding of key AMR concepts, including a 9.6% increase (from 84.4% to 94.0%) in the awareness that antibiotic misuse drives resistance. However, the misconception that antibiotics treat viral infections remained prevalent (58.3%).
Conclusions
The e-Bug educational module is an effective tool for improving AMR knowledge among secondary school students in Mogadishu. However, the persistence of critical misconceptions, particularly regarding the use of antibiotics for viral illnesses, highlights the need for sustained and reinforced educational efforts. Integrating the e-Bug module into the national curriculum and developing targeted public health campaigns are recommended to address these deep-seated misunderstandings and combat the growing threat of AMR in Somalia.
{"title":"Effectiveness of an e-Bug–based antimicrobial resistance education intervention: A prospective quasi-experimental study among Grade 12 students in Mogadishu, Somalia","authors":"Shafie Abdulkadir Hassan , Maryan Jamal Isak , Abdullahi Mohamed Osman , Yonis Mohamud Hassan , Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed , Sara Ali Mire , Kassim Abdi Jimale , Abdifetah Ibrahim Omar , Nur Rashid Ahmed","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100771","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100771","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a severe global health threat, with a disproportionate impact on low-income countries like Somalia. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the e-Bug educational module in improving knowledge and understanding of AMR among secondary school students in Mogadishu, Somalia, a setting with limited public awareness and a high burden of infectious diseases.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A prospective quasi-experimental pre-post study was conducted among 384 Form four (Grade 12) students in Mogadishu. A structured questionnaire assessed knowledge of microbiology, hygiene, and AMR before and after the implementation of the e-Bug educational module. The intervention consisted of standardized, interactive lessons on AMR, hygiene, and infection prevention. Changes in knowledge were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the McNemar-Bowker test was used to determine the statistical significance of the change in responses from pre-test to post-test.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Participants were predominantly male (54.2%), with most aged 16-18 years (51.6%). Baseline data revealed strong knowledge of general hygiene, such as handwashing (93.5%), but notable misunderstandings regarding AMR. Notably, 61.5% of students incorrectly believed antibiotics are effective against viral infections like influenza. Following the e-Bug intervention, a statistically significant improvement in overall AMR knowledge was observed (<em>P</em> = 0.003). Post-test results showed enhanced understanding of key AMR concepts, including a 9.6% increase (from 84.4% to 94.0%) in the awareness that antibiotic misuse drives resistance. However, the misconception that antibiotics treat viral infections remained prevalent (58.3%).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The e-Bug educational module is an effective tool for improving AMR knowledge among secondary school students in Mogadishu. However, the persistence of critical misconceptions, particularly regarding the use of antibiotics for viral illnesses, highlights the need for sustained and reinforced educational efforts. Integrating the e-Bug module into the national curriculum and developing targeted public health campaigns are recommended to address these deep-seated misunderstandings and combat the growing threat of AMR in Somalia.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100771"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145321259","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 : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-06DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100784
William Leung , Michael G. Baker , Laurens Manning , Julie Bennett
Objectives
Acute rheumatic fever is a preventable condition that can lead to chronic illness and early death. Standard prevention with 4-weekly intramuscular (IM) benzathine penicillin G (BPG) injections for ≥10 years may be associated with poor adherence. High-dose 10-weekly subcutaneous penicillin injections (SCIP) may improve adherence by reducing injection frequency. Since 2025, SCIP has been included in the repository of standard operating procedures in lower North Island hospitals in New Zealand (NZ). We compare the costs of delivering a full course of secondary prophylaxis using SCIP vs IM BPG injections in NZ children with a first acute rheumatic fever presentation and no/mild carditis.
Methods
Treatment administration costs and productivity losses from SCIP vs IM BPG were modeled using real-world survey data on time off school and work. Starting age of secondary prophylaxis, adherence, and administration site over the treatment period were varied. Costs are in 2024 NZ$, discounted at 3.5%.
Results
SCIP reduced 12-month costs by nearly half to NZ$ 1629 for a 10-year-old child. Over a full course, SCIP consistently offered societal cost-savings, especially in younger children and higher adherence scenarios.
Conclusions
Prevention using SCIP is cost-saving to NZ society. Increased adherence to SCIP may contribute to longer, healthier lives for those diagnosed with rheumatic fever.
{"title":"Prevention of rheumatic heart disease in New Zealand: High-dose subcutaneous benzathine penicillin is cost-saving compared with traditional intramuscular injections","authors":"William Leung , Michael G. Baker , Laurens Manning , Julie Bennett","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100784","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100784","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Acute rheumatic fever is a preventable condition that can lead to chronic illness and early death. Standard prevention with 4-weekly intramuscular (IM) benzathine penicillin G (BPG) injections for ≥10 years may be associated with poor adherence. High-dose 10-weekly subcutaneous penicillin injections (SCIP) may improve adherence by reducing injection frequency. Since 2025, SCIP has been included in the repository of standard operating procedures in lower North Island hospitals in New Zealand (NZ). We compare the costs of delivering a full course of secondary prophylaxis using SCIP vs IM BPG injections in NZ children with a first acute rheumatic fever presentation and no/mild carditis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Treatment administration costs and productivity losses from SCIP vs IM BPG were modeled using real-world survey data on time off school and work. Starting age of secondary prophylaxis, adherence, and administration site over the treatment period were varied. Costs are in 2024 NZ$, discounted at 3.5%.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>SCIP reduced 12-month costs by nearly half to NZ$ 1629 for a 10-year-old child. Over a full course, SCIP consistently offered societal cost-savings, especially in younger children and higher adherence scenarios.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Prevention using SCIP is cost-saving to NZ society. Increased adherence to SCIP may contribute to longer, healthier lives for those diagnosed with rheumatic fever.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100784"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145362400","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}
We aimed to determine the prevalence of dengue among febrile patients in Bamako and explore its seasonal and demographic variations.
Methods
We conducted cross-sectional surveys in July 2021 and February 2022 among febrile patients seeking care at four community health centers in Bamako. Febrile patients were enrolled, and blood samples were tested for dengue using rapid diagnostic tests and polymerase chain reaction.
Results
A total of 325 patients were enrolled (175 in July and 150 in February). The overall prevalence of dengue in communes V and VI of Bamako was 16.9%. Females were more represented (66.2%). The median age of the participants was 20 years (interquartile range: 8-30). Adult age (≥18 years) was the only factor significantly associated with an increased risk of dengue infection (odds ratio = 3.2; 95% confidence interval: 1.1-9.4).
Conclusions
The prevalence of dengue (16.9%) in communes V and VI suggests that dengue is endemic in Bamako, with a predominance among young adults and females. Adult age was identified as the only significant factor associated with increased risk. Further studies are needed for more insight into the dynamics of dengue transmission and to guide public health actions, particularly those targeting the adult population, to reduce dengue transmission in Bamako.
{"title":"Prevalence of dengue virus among febrile patients in urban setting of Bamako, Mali","authors":"Yacouba Cissoko , Mountaga Diallo , Hermine Meli , Emmanuel Mberkadji Dingamwal , Ibrehima Guindo , Fousseyni Kané , Dramane Ouedraogo , Bakary Monzon Diarra , Ibrahim Cisse , Daouda Thiero , Bréhima Togola , Demba Koita , Oumar Magassouba , Dramane Sogoba , Mariam Soumaré , Assetou Fofana , Issa Konate , Seydou Doumbia , Sounkalo Dao","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100788","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100788","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>We aimed to determine the prevalence of dengue among febrile patients in Bamako and explore its seasonal and demographic variations.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted cross-sectional surveys in July 2021 and February 2022 among febrile patients seeking care at four community health centers in Bamako. Febrile patients were enrolled, and blood samples were tested for dengue using rapid diagnostic tests and polymerase chain reaction.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 325 patients were enrolled (175 in July and 150 in February). The overall prevalence of dengue in communes V and VI of Bamako was 16.9%. Females were more represented (66.2%). The median age of the participants was 20 years (interquartile range: 8-30). Adult age (≥18 years) was the only factor significantly associated with an increased risk of dengue infection (odds ratio = 3.2; 95% confidence interval: 1.1-9.4).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The prevalence of dengue (16.9%) in communes V and VI suggests that dengue is endemic in Bamako, with a predominance among young adults and females. Adult age was identified as the only significant factor associated with increased risk. Further studies are needed for more insight into the dynamics of dengue transmission and to guide public health actions, particularly those targeting the adult population, to reduce dengue transmission in Bamako.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100788"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145617849","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 : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-11-04DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100797
Chenqian Peng , Tingting Li , Dehong Ma , Fen Zeng , Kaiyun Ding , Ziying Wu , Linhong Li , Yue Pan , Junying Chen , Yingcheng Guo , Qiangming Sun
Objectives
From June to November 2023, a severe dengue fever outbreak occurred in Xishuangbanna, China, a border area with Myanmar and Laos. This study aimed to identify the pathogen responsible for this outbreak and analyze the genomic characteristics of epidemic strains, providing reference data for dengue prevention and control.
Methods
Serum samples from dengue virus (DENV) NS1-positive patients (July-October 2023) were collected. RNA extraction, serotyping via probe quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and whole-genome amplification using 18 primer pairs followed by sequencing were performed. Base and amino acid mutations were analyzed using DNAMAN. Phylogenetic trees (maximum likelihood for the whole genome and neighbor-joining for the E protein) were constructed using MEGA11. Protein secondary structures were compared via online tools provided by PRABI Lyon-Gerland.
Results
Among 1465 samples, 833 were DENV-1 positive, with no other dengue serotype or flavivirus co-infection. Genomic analysis of 10 isolates showed high similarity to the 2023 Guangdong strain (PP540291). Non-structural proteins had higher base mutation rates than structural ones, with NS2 showing the highest (10.92%). Many unique 2013 Yunnan strain mutations were preserved. Phylogenetic trees clustered the epidemic strains with Guangdong and Southeast Asian isolates. NS1 RNA-binding sites remained stable.
Conclusions
This study provides valuable insights for dengue control in the China-Myanmar-Laos border areas, as well as for viral pathogenesis research and vaccine development.
{"title":"Whole-genome characterization of prevalent dengue virus serotype-1 in 2023 dengue outbreak of Xishuangbanna, a border area of Laos, Myanmar, and China","authors":"Chenqian Peng , Tingting Li , Dehong Ma , Fen Zeng , Kaiyun Ding , Ziying Wu , Linhong Li , Yue Pan , Junying Chen , Yingcheng Guo , Qiangming Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100797","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100797","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>From June to November 2023, a severe dengue fever outbreak occurred in Xishuangbanna, China, a border area with Myanmar and Laos. This study aimed to identify the pathogen responsible for this outbreak and analyze the genomic characteristics of epidemic strains, providing reference data for dengue prevention and control.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Serum samples from dengue virus (DENV) NS1-positive patients (July-October 2023) were collected. RNA extraction, serotyping via probe quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and whole-genome amplification using 18 primer pairs followed by sequencing were performed. Base and amino acid mutations were analyzed using DNAMAN. Phylogenetic trees (maximum likelihood for the whole genome and neighbor-joining for the E protein) were constructed using MEGA11. Protein secondary structures were compared via online tools provided by PRABI Lyon-Gerland.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among 1465 samples, 833 were DENV-1 positive, with no other dengue serotype or flavivirus co-infection. Genomic analysis of 10 isolates showed high similarity to the 2023 Guangdong strain (PP540291). Non-structural proteins had higher base mutation rates than structural ones, with NS2 showing the highest (10.92%). Many unique 2013 Yunnan strain mutations were preserved. Phylogenetic trees clustered the epidemic strains with Guangdong and Southeast Asian isolates. NS1 RNA-binding sites remained stable.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study provides valuable insights for dengue control in the China-Myanmar-Laos border areas, as well as for viral pathogenesis research and vaccine development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100797"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145617850","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 : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-09-05DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100747
Md Nasir Ahmed
This study highlights the growing scabies crisis in Bangladesh, particularly affecting urban and rural areas, madrasahs, residential institutions, and Rohingya refugee camps. Drawing on epidemiological data and field studies, it identifies key factors contributing to transmission, such as overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and low socioeconomic status, which disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including children and displaced populations. Although permethrin remains the primary treatment, reinfection is prevalent, and oral ivermectin provides a valuable alternative in water-scarce environments. Behavioral factors and a fragile health infrastructure impede control efforts. Institutional interventions and mass drug administration have demonstrated success, but long-term prevention continues to pose challenges. The findings advocate for alternative pharmacological approaches, integrated WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) strategies, enhanced primary healthcare and surveillance systems, public education initiatives, and policy-level recognition of scabies as a climate-sensitive infectious disease to reduce its impact on marginalized communities.
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Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-08-30DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100738
Fernand Rwamwejo , Vivianne Umuhire Niyonkuru , Gilbert Rukundo , Eric Remera , Edson Rwagasore , Les Sztandera , Charles Ruranga , Elizabeth Krebs
Objectives
Reliable, population-level estimates of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) remain scarce for sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to quantify PASC prevalence and identify associated factors among adult COVID-19 survivors in Rwanda.
Methods
A nationally representative cross-sectional telephone survey (August-October 2024) sampled 3143 adults from the national COVID-19 registry. PASC was defined as new or persisting symptoms ≥3 months after acute illness and lasting ≥2 months. The prevalence was calculated, and multivariable logistic regression identified factors independently associated with PASC.
Results
Overall, PASC prevalence was 34%. Leading symptoms were back pain, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and reduced sexual desire. Higher odds of PASC occurred in women, adults ≥35 years, individuals with ≥2 COVID-19 infections, and those screening positive for anxiety. Current alcohol use was linked to lower odds. COVID-19 vaccination showed no association with PASC.
Conclusions
Approximately one-third of adult Rwandan COVID-19 survivors continue to experience persistent symptoms. This burden signals that post-COVID care must become an integral part of routine health services, especially as new variants periodically drive fresh waves of infection. Preventing repeat infections and integrating mental health support emerge as actionable priorities. Harmonized longitudinal studies are needed to clarify PASC causality.
{"title":"Prevalence and characterization of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) in Rwanda","authors":"Fernand Rwamwejo , Vivianne Umuhire Niyonkuru , Gilbert Rukundo , Eric Remera , Edson Rwagasore , Les Sztandera , Charles Ruranga , Elizabeth Krebs","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100738","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100738","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Reliable, population-level estimates of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) remain scarce for sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to quantify PASC prevalence and identify associated factors among adult COVID-19 survivors in Rwanda.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A nationally representative cross-sectional telephone survey (August-October 2024) sampled 3143 adults from the national COVID-19 registry. PASC was defined as new or persisting symptoms ≥3 months after acute illness and lasting ≥2 months. The prevalence was calculated, and multivariable logistic regression identified factors independently associated with PASC.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Overall, PASC prevalence was 34%. Leading symptoms were back pain, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and reduced sexual desire. Higher odds of PASC occurred in women, adults ≥35 years, individuals with ≥2 COVID-19 infections, and those screening positive for anxiety. Current alcohol use was linked to lower odds. COVID-19 vaccination showed no association with PASC.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Approximately one-third of adult Rwandan COVID-19 survivors continue to experience persistent symptoms. This burden signals that post-COVID care must become an integral part of routine health services, especially as new variants periodically drive fresh waves of infection. Preventing repeat infections and integrating mental health support emerge as actionable priorities. Harmonized longitudinal studies are needed to clarify PASC causality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100738"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145159270","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 : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-09-10DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100757
Phuong Thu Phan , Gaya Wijayaratne , Champica K. Bodinayake , Judith U. Oguzie , Thang Nguyen-Tien , Lyudmyla V. Marushchak , Jessica Rodriguez , Claudia M. Trujillo-Vargas , Ismaila Shittu , Nga Thanh Pham , Sen Thi Le , Ajith Nagahawatte , Phuong Thai Truong , Ruvini Kurukulasooriya , Armstrong Obale , Emily R. Robie , Emily S. Bailey , Bradly P. Nicholson , Christopher W. Woods , Gayani L. Tillekeratne , Gregory C. Gray
Objectives
We conducted surveillance for novel respiratory viruses among patients hospitalized with pneumonia in Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
Methods
We enrolled patients from January 2020 to July 2022 at one major hospital each in Sri Lanka and Vietnam. The participants’ nasopharyngeal swabs were studied with assays for previously recognized viruses as well as for assays for novel viruses.
Results
A total of 401 hospitalized patients were enrolled, 204 from Sri Lanka and 197 from Vietnam. Laboratory analyses detected a number of previously recognized viruses, including influenza A/(H1N1)pdm09, human respiratory syncytial virus B, human respirovirus 3, rhinovirus A59, enteroviruses, and a human mastadenovirus C. Although an assortment of common human coronaviruses was characterized, 18 (43.9%) of 41 coronavirus-positive samples from Vietnam had evidence of the newly described canine-like coronavirus, CCoV-HuPn-2018 (previously only detected in Malaysia and Haiti).
Conclusions
The detection of a novel, possibly emerging virus, CCoV-HuPn-2018, in multiple patients in Vietnam, demonstrates the value of such periodic novel virus surveillance, especially in regions at risk for viral emergence.
{"title":"Diverse respiratory viruses detected among hospitalized patients with pneumonia in Sri Lanka and Vietnam","authors":"Phuong Thu Phan , Gaya Wijayaratne , Champica K. Bodinayake , Judith U. Oguzie , Thang Nguyen-Tien , Lyudmyla V. Marushchak , Jessica Rodriguez , Claudia M. Trujillo-Vargas , Ismaila Shittu , Nga Thanh Pham , Sen Thi Le , Ajith Nagahawatte , Phuong Thai Truong , Ruvini Kurukulasooriya , Armstrong Obale , Emily R. Robie , Emily S. Bailey , Bradly P. Nicholson , Christopher W. Woods , Gayani L. Tillekeratne , Gregory C. Gray","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100757","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100757","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>We conducted surveillance for novel respiratory viruses among patients hospitalized with pneumonia in Sri Lanka and Vietnam.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We enrolled patients from January 2020 to July 2022 at one major hospital each in Sri Lanka and Vietnam. The participants’ nasopharyngeal swabs were studied with assays for previously recognized viruses as well as for assays for novel viruses.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 401 hospitalized patients were enrolled, 204 from Sri Lanka and 197 from Vietnam. Laboratory analyses detected a number of previously recognized viruses, including influenza A/(H1N1)pdm09, human respiratory syncytial virus B, human respirovirus 3, rhinovirus A59, enteroviruses, and a human mastadenovirus C. Although an assortment of common human coronaviruses was characterized, 18 (43.9%) of 41 coronavirus-positive samples from Vietnam had evidence of the newly described canine-like coronavirus, CCoV-HuPn-2018 (previously only detected in Malaysia and Haiti).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The detection of a novel, possibly emerging virus, CCoV-HuPn-2018, in multiple patients in Vietnam, demonstrates the value of such periodic novel virus surveillance, especially in regions at risk for viral emergence.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100757"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145267915","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}
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