Hasil untuk "Infectious and parasitic diseases"

Junwei Yang, Teerawat Simmachan, Subij Shakya et al.

Nina I. Smirnova, D. A. Rybal’chenko, Yu. V. Lozovsky et al.

Introduction. High genome variability of the 7th cholera pandemic agent, V. cholerae El Tor, led to emergence of genovariants with distinct set of altered genes. The aim of the work was to analyze the dynamics of changes in pathogenicity, epidemicity as well as drug resistance and phylogeny in toxigenic strains of V. cholerae El Tor isolated in Russia and endemic regions during three waves of ongoing pandemic. Materials and methods. We used whole-genome nucleotide sequences of 155 strains, obtained by us (42) and taken from the NCBI Genbank (113). DNA sequencing was performed on Ion PGM platform. Phylogenetic relations were determined based on the Bayesian analysis of core SNPs obtained using Snippy 4.6 software package. Antibiotic resistance was assessed applying disk diffusion test. Results. SNP data revealed that the studied strains (1970–2023) might be divided into three clusters. A clear correlation between each-cluster strain genotype and relevant isolation timing was observed. Separation of genetically altered cluster II and III strains isolated during the 2nd and 3rd waves of the pandemic from typical cluster I strains is associated with acquisition of new DNA regions and mutations in pathogenicity and drug resistance genes. Due to different combination of mutations, cluster III strains are genetically heterogeneous. Genome comparison showed that this diversity increased dramatically during the 3rd wave, which led to emergence of new genovariants with higher pathogenic and epidemic potential. It is demonstrated that antibiotic resistance in strains both from endemic regions and Russia over the past 30 years (1993–2023) has undergone significant changes. Thereat, the changing drug resistance clearly correlated with the occurrence of mutations in various pathogenicity genes. Conclusion. It is shown that over the past two decades the agent genome underwent a rather rapid change resulting in emergence of various genovariants. A change in the pathogen variants in Russia has been established. Strains combining genetic markers of hyper-virulence and multiple drug resistance are of particular concern. Genome variability of the strains identified in points at a need for constant genomic surveillance to obtain data on altering epidemically important properties for timely generation of new diagnostic and preventive means.

Eric Lyimo, Neema B. Kulaya, Lembris Njotto et al.

Abstract Background Malaria, which affects over half of the world’s population, is controlled through clinical interventions and vector control strategies. However, these efforts are threatened by resistance to anti-malarial drugs and insecticides, as well as affected by environmental, ecological, and climatic changes. This study examined changes in malaria prevalence and related factors based on data from 18 cross-sectional surveys conducted in two villages in northeastern Tanzania. Methods From 2003 to 2021, annual cross-sectional malariometric surveys were conducted in two study villages, Mkokola (lowland) and Kwamasimba (highland), samples collected to determine Plasmodium falciparum infection and human exposure to malaria vector Anopheles. Pearson's chi-squared test was used for comparing proportions, logistic and linear regressions test were used analyse associations. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) was used to analyse the relationship between malaria prevalence and climatic variables. Results Malaria prevalence in Kwamasimba and Mkokola dropped from ~ 25% and ~ 80% to 0% and 1%, respectively, between 2003 and 2011, reaching 0% in both villages by 2014. This decline was associated with increased bed net use and reduced exposure to Anopheles bites. However, between 2018 and 2021, prevalence resurged, with Kwamasimba reaching 2003–2004 levels despite high bed net use. Between 2003 and 2021 there was an increasing trend in average monthly maximum temperatures (R2 = 0.1253 and 0.2005), and precipitation (R2 = 0.125 and 0.110) as well as minimum relative humidity (R2 = 0.141 and 0.1162) in Kwamasimba and Mkokola villages, respectively, while maximum relative humidity slightly decreased. Furthermore, during 2003–2011, malaria prevalence was positively associated with temperature, maximum temperature, and relative humidity, while precipitation showed a negative association (Estimate:− 0.0005, p < 0.001). Between 2012–2021, all climatic factors, including temperature (Estimate: 0.0256, p < 0.001), maximum temperature (Estimate: 0.0121, p < 0.001), relative humidity (Estimate: 0.00829, p < 0.001), and precipitation (Estimate: 0.000105, p < 0.001), showed positive associations. Conclusion From 2003 to 2014, malaria prevalence declined in two Tanzanian villages but resurged after 2018, particularly in highland Kwamasimba. Most likely, vector dynamics affected by changing climatic conditions drove this resurgence, emphasizing the need for adaptive, climate-informed malaria control strategies.

Jun Wang, Godwin Imade, Alani S. Akanmu et al.

Abstract Objectives Cervical cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), accounting for nearly 85% of the global cervical cancer burden. High-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection is the main cause of cervical cancer. Easy-to-use, rapid, scalable, high-throughput, and cost-effective HPV tests are urgently needed for low-resource settings. Atila Biosystems’ clinically validated ScreenFire HPV Risk Stratification (RS) assay identifies 13 hrHPV in 4 groups based on their oncogenic risk (i.e., HPV16, HPV18/45, HPV31/33/35/52/58, and HPV51/59/39/56/68). While the current standard format is subject to laboratory contamination Atila has developed an innovative, contamination-preventive Zebra BioDome format. Recently we published the analytical performance of ScreenFire RS Zebra BioDome on the BioRad CFX-96 real-time PCR instrument. This current study evaluated its analytical performance on three additional qPCR platforms: Atila Portable iAMP-PS96, Atila Powergene9600 Plus, and Thermo Fisher Quantstudio-7. Methods We tested 173 DNA samples from Nigerian women with cervical cancer. These samples were tested simultaneously using the ScreenFire HPV Zebra BioDome assay (M5FHPV-96) on four different real-time PCR machines (Atila portable iAMP-PS96, Atila Powergene9600 Plus, Thermo Fisher QuantStudio-7, and BioRad CFX-96). We used overall agreement rate and unweighted kappa values to compare different platforms. Results The overall agreement for detection of hrHPV using Atila portable iAMP-PS96 was 96.5% with kappa value 0.95 (95% confidence interval: 0.91–0.99) compared to Thermo Fisher QuantStudio-7, and 97.1% with kappa value 0.96 (95% confidence interval: 0.92–0.99) compared to BioRad CFX-96. For genotype HPV16 and risk stratification (RS) genotype groups (HPV18/45, HPV31/33/35/52/58, and HPV51/59/39/56/68) agreement rates were all > 98.3%. For Atila Powergene9600 Plus the overall agreement was 98.8% with a kappa value of 0.98 (95% confidence interval: 0.96–1.0) compared to Thermo Fisher QuantStudio-7, and 96.5% with a kappa value of 0.96 (95% confidence interval: 0.94–0.99) compared to BioRad CFX-96. The agreements for the HPV16 and RS genotype groups (HPV18/45, HPV31/33/35/52/58, and HPV39/51/56/59/68) were at least 98.3%. Conclusion The novel ScreenFire HPV Zebra BioDome format produced highly concordant hrHPV positivity and RS genotype results on all four qPCR platforms. The data suggests that this innovative technology has the potential to improve HPV testing uptake in low-resource settings without further investment in purchasing new equipment.

Rahul Tyagi, Bruce A Rosa, Amanda Swain et al.

Abstract Background Parasitic nematodes, significant pathogens for humans, animals, and plants, depend on diverse organ systems for intra-host survival. Understanding the cellular diversity and molecular variations underlying these functions holds promise for developing novel therapeutics, with specific emphasis on the neuromuscular system’s functional diversity. The nematode intestine, crucial for anthelmintic therapies, exhibits diverse cellular phenotypes, and unraveling this diversity at the single-cell level is essential for advancing knowledge in anthelmintic research across various organ systems. Results Here, using novel single-cell transcriptomics datasets, we delineate cellular diversity within the intestine of adult female Ascaris suum, a parasitic nematode species that infects animals and people. Gene transcripts expressed in individual nuclei of untreated intestinal cells resolved three phenotypic clusters, while lower stringency resolved additional subclusters and more potential diversity. Clusters 1 and 3 phenotypes displayed variable congruence with scRNA phenotypes of C. elegans intestinal cells, whereas the A. suum cluster 2 phenotype was markedly unique. Distinct functional pathway enrichment characterized each A. suum intestinal cell cluster. Cluster 2 was distinctly enriched for Clade III-associated genes, suggesting it evolved within clade III nematodes. Clusters also demonstrated differential transcriptional responsiveness to nematode intestinal toxic treatments, with Cluster 2 displaying the least responses to short-term intra-pseudocoelomic nematode intestinal toxin treatments. Conclusions This investigation presents advances in knowledge related to biological differences among major cell populations of adult A. suum intestinal cells. For the first time, diverse nematode intestinal cell populations were characterized, and associated biological markers of these cells were identified to support tracking of constituent cells under experimental conditions. These advances will promote better understanding of this and other parasitic nematodes of global importance, and will help to guide future anthelmintic treatments.

Brittney van de Water, Madelyn McLean, Colin Knutson et al.

Students often seek opportunities to enrich their classroom learning. Providing students the chance to engage in research studies or global health projects allows for experiential enrichment. However, the impact on partners and partner sites, financial implications, and equity of student opportunity, as well as the logistical burden potentially placed on multiple parties, all need to be considered. If challenges are minimized, students can make meaningful contributions to projects, be a catalyst for partner engagement, and allow for formative learning.

Kanar Sweiss, Abdallah Y. Naser, Mohammed Samannodi et al.

Abstract Background Infectious diseases continue to account for considerable illness and death worldwide, and emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are a significant burden on global economies and public health. This study aimed to investigate the trends in infectious and parasitic disease (IPD) hospital admissions (HA) in England and Wales between 1999 and 2019. Methods This is an ecological study using publicly available data taken from the Hospital Episode Statistics database in England and the Patient Episode Database for Wales. Hospital admission data were collected for the period between April 1999 to March 2019. IPDHA were identified using the tenth version of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases system, diagnostic codes (A00–B99). The trend in hospital admissions was assessed using a Poisson model. Results The overall annual number for IPD hospital admissions for various causes increased by 412.9%, from 151,336 in 1999 to 776,215 in 2019, representing an increase in hospital admission rate of 349.9% from 290.25 (95% CI 288.79–291.71) in 1999 to 1305.88 (95% CI 1303.00–1308.77) in 2019 per 100,000 persons: trend test, p < 0.01. The most common causes of infectious and parasitic disease hospital admissions were intestinal infectious diseases, other bacterial diseases, and other viral diseases, which accounted for 33.6, 27.5, and 23.8%, respectively. Patients aged 15 years and below accounted for 34.2% of the entire number of IPD hospital admissions, followed by the age group 15–59 years with 27.9%, the age group 75 years and above with 22.7%, and then the age group 60–74 years with 15.2%. Conclusion There was an increase in the hospital admission rate due to infectious diseases in the UK from 1999 to 2019. The most common causes of infectious and parasitic disease hospital admissions were intestinal infectious diseases, other bacterial diseases, and other viral diseases.

Ovsyannikov N.V., Bilevich O.A.

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic announced by the World Health Organization in March 2020 assigned medical community to the new tasks that require immediate solutions. Recent studies have shown that invasive aspergillosis associated with COVID-19 often complicates a course of the disease and leads to death. This review aims to describe the diagnosis and therapy challenges due to COVID-19 associated invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.

Andréa Magalhães, Lucas P. Carvalho, Rúbia Costa et al.

Background: In this study, we determined the accuracy of anti-Leishmania IgG and IgG subclasses to distinguish clinical forms of American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) and and determined the relationship between antibodies levels with cytokine production and severity of ATL. Methods: Participants were 40 patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), 20 patients with mucosal leishmaniasis (ML), 20 patients with disseminated leishmaniasis (DL), and 20 individuals with subclinical Leishmania braziliensis infection (SC). Diagnosis was performed by DNA of L. braziliensis or IFN-γ production in SC. IgG and subclasses of IgG to soluble Leishmania antigen and cytokine levels in supernatants of mononuclear cells were detected by ELISA. Results: IgG was detected in 95%, 95%, and 100% of patients with CL, ML, and DL, respectively. Higher levels of anti-Leishmania IgG and IgG2 were seen in DL compared to CL, ML, and SC. ROC analysis confirmed the ability of IgG to distinguish DL from the other clinical forms. A direct correlation was observed between IgG titers and levels of IFN-γ and CXCL10 in CL and DL, and IgG2 antibodies were correlated with the number of lesions in DL. Conclusions: High anti-Leishmania IgG and IgG2 levels are characteristic of DL, and while IgG was correlated with pro-inflammatory cytokines, IgG2 was direct correlated with the number of lesions.

Nadya Ivanova Aleksandrova, Iva Christova, Dimitar Dimitrov et al.

Background: Ixodid ticks are widely studied due to their epidemiological and epizootic importance. It is of great value to know vertebrate host preferences of ticks in order to understand their ecological relationships and distribution. Earlier studies report birds as important hosts of Ixodid tick and a total of 136 ticks species have been frequently found in birds worldwide. However, only few studies related to host preferences of ticks among wild birds in Bulgaria were conducted till now. Aim: To obtain new data on the host preferences of ixodid ticks among wild birds at three locations in Bulgaria. Material and methods: The study was conducted between 2010 – 2020 in three sites in Bulgaria – Biological Experimental Station Kalimok (Silistra region), near Brodilovo village (Burgas region), and the city of Sofia (city park). The birds were caught by mist nets and inspected for ticks. Ticks found were removed by fine tweezers or a special removal tool for ectoparasites. Tick identification was based on external morphological characteristics. Results: A total of 2419 individual birds belonging to 78 species were examined. Of these, 70 individuals (16 species) carried ticks, thus representing 2.9% infestation rate. A total of 262 ticks were collected and identified as: Ixodes ricinus, Hyalomma marginatum, Haemaphysalis punctata, Hae. concinna, Hae. sulcata and two specimens could only be identified to the genus Haemaphysalis. Ixodes ricinus was the most commonly encountered tick (224/262), predominantly nymphs, followed by Hyalomma marginatum (27/262). The highest prevalence of tick infestation was observed among the Eurasian Blackbird, Turdus merula (28.6%), followed by the common nightingale, Luscinia megarhynchos (12.9%) and the common chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs (11.3%). These three bird species harboured the majority of ticks on their heads – some single individuals were infested by 10 up to 25 ticks per bird. Conclusion: Ixodes ricinus was found as the predominant tick species in this study. Nymphs were the most frequently observed stage. Infesting both birds and humans, this tick species has the potential to spread local tick-borne infections.

Ramona Mögling, Adam Meijer, Natasa Berginc et al.

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) created an exceptional situation in which numerous laboratories in Europe simultaneously implemented SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics. These laboratories reported in February 2020 that commercial primer and probe batches for SARS-CoV-2 detection were contaminated with synthetic control material, causing delays of regional testing roll-out in various countries.

Francisco Palacios, Concepcion Alonso

N. Dogan

Waleed M. Sweileh

S. Humagain

M. Saminathan, R. Rana, M. Ramakrishnan et al.

India possess huge livestock population, which is endangered by different endemic infectious diseases (bacterial, viral, protozoan and parasitic), which collectively causes significant economic losses to the landless poor farming community. Infectious diseases impose economic losses by causing morbidity, mortality, decreased production (milk, meat, wool etc.), decreased feed conversion ratio which results in reduced weight gain, decreased draught power and fertility. Furthermore, economic burden is also due to the cost of treatment, abortion, consequences on internal livestock movement, germplasm and international trade. In addition, some of the diseases are zoonotic and inflicts considerable impact on public health. Uncertain agrarian climate, unpredictable weather, drought, floods, migration of livestock, scarcity of fodders, and unhygienic zoo-sanitary and healthcare practices together resulted in endemicity of diseases ultimately leads to more incidence and prevalence of livestock and poultry diseases throughout the year. Synchronized monitoring and surveillance of disease throughout the country is a fundamental requirement for sustainable livestock production. With fairly developed telecommunication in India, following technologies like interactive voice response system, SMS through mobile/cell phones and toll-free landline phones (voice mail) are required for enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of

B. Boatin, J. Gyapong

Ramin Shiraly, Afra Khosravi, Saman Farahangiz

Summary: Military troops deployed to endemic areas are at risk of contracting sandfly fever, an arthropod-borne viral infection. Although typically a self-limited disease, sandfly fever can cause significant morbidity and loss of function among soldiers. We conducted this study to determine the extent of past SFV infection in a group of healthy Iranian military personnel in Ilam province on the western border of Iran. A total of 201 serum samples were tested by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) to detect four common sandfly fever virus serotypes. Demographic data were also collected. Overall, 37 samples (18.4%) were positive for specific IgG antibodies to sandfly viruses. Sandfly fever Sicilian virus (SFSV) and sandfly fever Naples virus (SFNV) were the most common serotypes. A positive test was inversely related to nativity (P < 0.01) but was not associated with age (P = 0.163), duration of presence in the border region (P = 0.08) or employment status (P = 0.179).Our findings indicate that past SFV infection is common among military personnel in the western border region of Iran, a Leishmania-endemic region. Therefore, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of troops presenting with acute febrile illness in similar settings. Keywords: Sandfly fever, Virus, Past infection, Military personnel

Liliana Simões-Silva, Sara Silva, Carla Santos-Araujo et al.

Peritonitis and exit-site infections are important complications in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients that are occasionally caused by opportunistic fungi inhabiting distant body sites. In this study, the oral yeast colonization of PD patients and the antifungal susceptibility profile of the isolated yeasts were accessed and correlated with fungal infection episodes in the following 4 years. Saliva yeast colonization was accessed in 21 PD patients and 27 healthy controls by growth in CHROMagar-Candida® and 18S rRNA/ITS sequencing. PD patients presented a lower oral yeast prevalence when compared to controls, namely, Candida albicans. Other species were also isolated, Candida glabrata and Candida carpophila. The antifungal susceptibility profiles of these isolates revealed resistance to itraconazole, variable susceptibility to caspofungin, and higher MIC values of posaconazole compared to previous reports. The 4-year longitudinal evaluation of these patients revealed Candida parapsilosis and Candida zeylanoides as PD-related exit-site infectious agents, but no correlation was found with oral yeast colonization. This pilot study suggests that oral yeast colonization may represent a limited risk for fungal infection development in PD patients. Oral yeast isolates presented a variable antifungal susceptibility profile, which may suggest resistance to some second-line drugs, highlighting the importance of antifungal susceptibility assessment in the clinical practice.

Al-Saeedi M, Al-Hajoj S

Mashael Al-Saeedi,&nbsp;Sahal Al-Hajoj Department of Infection and Immunity, Mycobacteriology Research Section, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Abstract: Despite the efficacy of antibiotics to protect humankind against many deadly pathogens, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, nothing can prevent the emergence of drug-resistant strains. Several mechanisms facilitate drug resistance in M. tuberculosis including compensatory evolution, epistasis, clonal interference, cell wall integrity, efflux pumps, and target mimicry. In this study, we present recent findings relevant to these mechanisms, which can enable the discovery of new drug targets and subsequent development of novel drugs for treatment of drug-resistant M. tuberculosis. Keywords: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, antibiotic resistance, compensatory evolution, epistasis, efflux pumps, fitness cost