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Konyak BM, Soni M, Saikia S, Chang T, Gogoi I, Khongstid I, Chang CM, Sharma M, Pandey RP. Scrub typhus in Northeast India: epidemiology, clinical presentations, and diagnostic approaches. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2024; 118:206-222. [PMID: 37972992 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trad082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Scrub typhus is one of the most neglected tropical diseases, a leading cause of acute undifferentiated febrile illness in areas of the 'tsutsugamushi triangle', diagnosed frequently in South Asian countries. The bacteria Orientia tsutsugamushi is the causative agent of the disease, which enters the human body through the bite of trombiculid mites (also known as chiggers) of the genus Leptotrombidium deliense. Diagnosis of the disease is challenging, as its early symptoms mimic other febrile illnesses like dengue, influenza and corona viruses. Lack of rapid, reliable and cost-effective diagnostic methods further complicates the identification process. Northeast India, a mountainous region with a predominantly rural tribal population, has witnessed a resurgence of scrub typhus cases in recent years. Various ecological factors, including rodent populations, habitat characteristics and climatic conditions, influence its prevalence. Entomological investigations have confirmed the abundance of vector mites, highlighting the importance of understanding their distribution and the probability of transmission of scrub typhus in the region. Proper diagnosis, awareness campaigns and behavioural interventions are essential for controlling scrub typhus outbreaks and reducing its impact on public health in Northeast India. Further research and community-based studies are necessary to accurately assess the disease burden and implement effective prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beyau M Konyak
- Integrated Molecular Diagnostic and Research Laboratory (BSL-2), District Hospital Tuensang, Tuensang-798612, Nagaland, India
- Department of Biosciences, Assam Don Bosco University, Tapesia Garden, Sonapur, Guwahati-782402, Assam, India
| | - Monika Soni
- Department of Biosciences, Assam Don Bosco University, Tapesia Garden, Sonapur, Guwahati-782402, Assam, India
| | - Shyamalima Saikia
- Department of Life Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh-786004, Assam, India
| | - Tochi Chang
- Integrated Molecular Diagnostic and Research Laboratory (BSL-2), District Hospital Tuensang, Tuensang-798612, Nagaland, India
| | - Indrani Gogoi
- Department of Life Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh-786004, Assam, India
| | - Ibakmensi Khongstid
- Department of Biosciences, Assam Don Bosco University, Tapesia Garden, Sonapur, Guwahati-782402, Assam, India
| | - Chung-Ming Chang
- Master's and PhD Program in Biotechnology Industry, Chang Gung University, No. 259, Wenhua 1st Rd, Guishan District, Taoyuan City-33302, Taiwan (ROC)
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, No. 259, Wenhua 1st Rd, Guishan District, Taoyuan City-33302, Taiwan (ROC)
| | - Mohan Sharma
- Integrated Molecular Diagnostic and Research Laboratory (BSL-2), District Hospital Tuensang, Tuensang-798612, Nagaland, India
| | - Ramendra Pati Pandey
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun-248007, Uttarakhand, India
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Anand AC, Praharaj D. Acute hepatitis in tropics: A rainbow of causes. Indian J Gastroenterol 2023; 42:308-310. [PMID: 37300795 DOI: 10.1007/s12664-023-01403-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anil C Anand
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751 024, India.
| | - Dibyalochan Praharaj
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751 024, India
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Kotepui M, Mala W, Kwankaew P, Kotepui KU, Masangkay FR, Wilairatana P. Distinct cytokine profiles in malaria coinfections: A systematic review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011061. [PMID: 36716305 PMCID: PMC9886258 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few data exist on the distinct cytokine profiles of individuals with malaria coinfections and other diseases. This study focuses on data collation of distinct cytokine profiles between individuals with malaria coinfections and monoinfections to provide evidence for further diagnostic or prognostic studies. METHODS We searched five medical databases, including Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, Ovid, and Scopus, for articles on cytokines in malaria coinfections published from January 1, 1983 to May 3, 2022, after which the distinct cytokine patterns between malaria coinfection and monoinfection were illustrated in heat maps. RESULTS Preliminary searches identified 2127 articles, of which 34 were included in the systematic review. Distinct cytokine profiles in malaria coinfections with bacteremia; HIV; HBV; dengue; filariasis; intestinal parasites; and schistosomiasis were tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interferon (IFN)-γ, IFN-α, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-1 receptor antagonist (Ra), IL-4, IL-7, IL-12, IL-15, IL-17; TNF, IL-1Ra, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, IL-18, CCL3, CCL5, CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL11, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF); TNF, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, CCL2; IFN-γ, IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, G-CSF; IL-1Ra, IL-10, CXCL5, CXCL8, CXCL10; TNF, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10; and TNF, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, transforming growth factor-β, CXCL8, respectively. CONCLUSION This systematic review provides information on distinct cytokine profiles of malaria coinfections and malaria monoinfections. Further studies should investigate whether specific cytokines for each coinfection type could serve as essential diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers for malaria coinfections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manas Kotepui
- Medical Technology Program, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
- * E-mail: (MK); (PW)
| | - Wanida Mala
- Medical Technology Program, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Pattamaporn Kwankaew
- Medical Technology Program, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Kwuntida Uthaisar Kotepui
- Medical Technology Program, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | | | - Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail: (MK); (PW)
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Wilairatana P, Mala W, Masangkay FR, Kotepui KU, Kotepui M. The Prevalence of Malaria and Bacteremia Co-Infections among Febrile Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7090243. [PMID: 36136654 PMCID: PMC9503679 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7090243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Comprehensive data on the relative contribution of bacteremia to malaria outcomes in a large number of participants are lacking. Therefore, we collated data on the co-existence of malaria and bacteremia in the literature to provide evidence-based information for future studies investigating the clinical significance of this co-infection. The study protocol was registered at PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021287971). Relevant studies were identified from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The pooled prevalence of (1) co-existent malaria and bacteremia among febrile patients, (2) the pooled prevalence of bacteremia among patients with malaria, (3) the probability of co-infection, and (4) the pooled prevalence of deaths were estimated by the random-effects model. Fifty-one studies involving 1583 cases of co-infection were included in the analyses. Typhoidal Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus were the most common Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, respectively. The prevalence of co-existent malaria and bacteremia among febrile patients was 1.9% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.5–2.2%, I2 = 96.64%, 31 studies). The prevalence of bacteremia among patients with malaria was 7.6% (95% CI = 6.7–8.7%, and I2 = 96.68%, 43 studies). Co-infection by malaria and bacteremia did not occur by chance (p = 0.024, odds ratio = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.43–0.94, and I2 = 95.7%, 29 studies). The pooled prevalence of deaths among patients with co-infection was 15.0% (95% CI = 8.0–23.0%, I2 = 75.23%, 8 studies). On the basis of this study, we conclude that although the prevalence of co-infection was low, patients with malaria appear at greater risk of bacteremia and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Wanida Mala
- Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
- Center of Excellence Research for Melioidosis and Microorganisms, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Frederick Ramirez Masangkay
- Department of Medical Technology, Institute of Arts and Sciences, Far Eastern University–Manila, Manila 1008, Philippines
| | - Kwuntida Uthaisar Kotepui
- Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Manas Kotepui
- Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +66-954392469
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Mahittikorn A, Kotepui KU, Mala W, Wilairatana P, Kotepui M. Procalcitonin as a Candidate Biomarker for Malarial Infection and Severe Malaria: A Meta-Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:11389. [PMID: 36141662 PMCID: PMC9517210 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Procalcitonin (PCT), as a marker of malaria severity, remains to be investigated. The present study collated and compared the levels of PCT between patients with severe malaria, uncomplicated malaria, and control participants to assess their role in predicting malaria infection and disease severity. The systematic review was registered at PROSPERO with registration number CRD42021297243. The search for relevant studies that reported PCT in patients with malaria was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The following meta-analyses were conducted; (1) the pooled mean PCT levels in patients with severe and uncomplicated malaria, and (2) the pooled mean difference in PCT levels between patients with severe and uncomplicated malaria. Fifteen studies were included for qualitative and quantitative syntheses. The meta-analysis results show that the pooled mean PCT levels in patients with uncomplicated malaria were 3.92 ng/mL (95% CI: 2.26-5.58 ng/mL, I2: 96.5, five studies), whereas the pooled mean PCT levels in patients with severe malaria were 14.13 ng/mL (95% CI: 8.75-19.5 ng/mL, I2: 92.6, six studies). The meta-analysis showed that patients with severe malaria had an equal mean of PCT compared to those with uncomplicated malaria when the random-effects model was used (p: 0.055, weighted mean difference: 6.93, 95% CI: -0.16-14.02, I2: 84.6%, four studies). There were probable correlations between the level of parasitemia, immunity level, and possibly bacterial or other parasitic co-infection that could affect the PCT level among different clinical severities of malaria. Therefore, the PCT level alone does not seem to be a suitable biomarker to discriminate the severe/uncomplicated or infected/uninfected cases. Further studies should investigate the increased PCT levels in combination with other markers in association with malaria infection and severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aongart Mahittikorn
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Kwuntida Uthaisar Kotepui
- Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Wanida Mala
- Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Manas Kotepui
- Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
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Imad HA, Ali AA, Nahuza M, Gurung R, Ubaid A, Maeesha A, Didi SA, Dey RK, Hilmy AI, Hareera A, Afzal I, Matsee W, Nguitragool W, Nakayama EE, Shioda T. Acalculous Cholecystitis in a Young Adult with Scrub Typhus: A Case Report and Epidemiology of Scrub Typhus in the Maldives. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:tropicalmed6040208. [PMID: 34941664 PMCID: PMC8707333 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6040208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Scrub typhus is a neglected tropical disease predominantly occurring in Asia. The causative agent is a bacterium transmitted by the larval stage of mites found in rural vegetation in endemic regions. Cases of scrub typhus frequently present as acute undifferentiated febrile illness, and without early diagnosis and treatment, the disease can develop fatal complications. We retrospectively reviewed de-identified data from a 23-year-old woman who presented to an emergency department with complaints of worsening abdominal pain. On presentation, she appeared jaundiced and toxic-looking. Other positive findings on abdominal examination were a positive Murphey’s sign, abdominal guarding and hepatosplenomegaly. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography demonstrated acalculous cholecystitis. Additional findings included eschar on the medial aspect of the left thigh with inguinal regional lymphadenopathy. Further, positive results were obtained for immunoglobulins M and G, confirming scrub typhus. The workup for other infectious causes of acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) detected antibodies against human herpesvirus 4 (Epstein–Barr virus), suggesting an alternative cause of AAC. Whether that represented re-activation of the Epstein–Barr virus could not be determined. As other reports have described acute acalculous cholecystitis in adult scrub typhus patients, we recommend doxycycline to treat acute acalculous cholecystitis in endemic regions while awaiting serological confirmation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisham Ahmed Imad
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
- Department of Viral Infections, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (E.E.N.); (T.S.)
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +66-631501402
| | - Aishath Azna Ali
- Department of Surgery, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Malé 20002, Maldives; (A.A.A.); (M.N.); (R.G.); (A.U.)
| | - Mariyam Nahuza
- Department of Surgery, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Malé 20002, Maldives; (A.A.A.); (M.N.); (R.G.); (A.U.)
| | - Rajan Gurung
- Department of Surgery, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Malé 20002, Maldives; (A.A.A.); (M.N.); (R.G.); (A.U.)
| | - Abdulla Ubaid
- Department of Surgery, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Malé 20002, Maldives; (A.A.A.); (M.N.); (R.G.); (A.U.)
| | - Aishath Maeesha
- Department of Medicine, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Malé 20002, Maldives; (A.M.); (S.A.D.); (R.K.D.); (A.I.H.)
| | - Sariu Ali Didi
- Department of Medicine, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Malé 20002, Maldives; (A.M.); (S.A.D.); (R.K.D.); (A.I.H.)
| | - Rajib Kumar Dey
- Department of Medicine, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Malé 20002, Maldives; (A.M.); (S.A.D.); (R.K.D.); (A.I.H.)
| | - Abdullah Isneen Hilmy
- Department of Medicine, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Malé 20002, Maldives; (A.M.); (S.A.D.); (R.K.D.); (A.I.H.)
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7935, South Africa
| | - Aishath Hareera
- Health Protection Agency, Ministry of Public Health, Malé 20002, Maldives; (A.H.); (I.A.)
| | - Ibrahim Afzal
- Health Protection Agency, Ministry of Public Health, Malé 20002, Maldives; (A.H.); (I.A.)
| | - Wasin Matsee
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
| | - Wang Nguitragool
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Emi. E. Nakayama
- Department of Viral Infections, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (E.E.N.); (T.S.)
| | - Tatsuo Shioda
- Department of Viral Infections, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (E.E.N.); (T.S.)
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