Prevalence and Characteristics of Malaria and Influenza Co-Infection in Febrile Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Influenza in travelers from Germany returning from abroad: a retrospective case-control study

BACKGROUND

Influenza is the most common vaccine-preventable infection among travelers, affecting approximately one percent of those travelling to subtropical and tropical destinations.

METHODS

We analysed demographic, travel-related and clinical information from travelers diagnosed with influenza at our travel clinic between January 2015 and March 2020 and influenza-negative controls.

RESULTS

We included 68 travelers diagnosed with influenza and 207 controls. In total, 22.1% of influenza patients (n = 15) were older than 60 years and/or had comorbidities for which annual influenza vaccination is recommended, but only one had received an influenza vaccine. Patients with respiratory and musculoskeletal symptoms who presented during the German influenza season had the highest risk proportion of positive tests (54%, n = 25/46). Overall, three (4.4%) influenza patients were hospitalised, two (2.9%) received antiviral treatment, and eight (11.8%) received antibiotic therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Influenza occurs throughout the year in international travelers and can cause significant morbidity. Travelers with febrile illness should be tested for influenza, especially if they have respiratory or musculoskeletal symptoms, present during the local influenza season, or have travelled to South-East Asia. Influenza vaccination coverage among international travelers needs to be improved among high-risk individuals.

A breath of fresh air: impact of insect-borne protozoan parasites on the respiratory system

The protozoan parasites Plasmodium, Leishmania, and Trypanosoma are transmitted by hematophagous insects and cause severe diseases in humans. These infections pose a global threat, particularly in low-resource settings, and are increasingly extending beyond the current endemic regions. Tropism of parasites is crucial for their development, and recent studies have revealed colonization of noncanonical tissues, aiding their survival and immune evasion. Despite receiving limited attention, cumulative evidence discloses the respiratory system as a significant interface for host-pathogen interactions, influencing the course of (co)infection and disease onset. Due to its pathophysiological and clinical implications, we emphasize that further research is needed to better understand the involvement of the respiratory system and its potential to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and interruption of the chain of transmission.

Emerging Diseases/Viruses Prevention, Control, Surveillance, and One Health

Emerging diseases have posed a constant threat and major challenge to human health throughout our history [...].