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Sinha S, Haq MA, Ahmad R, Banik S, Kumar S, Haque M. Unmasking the Hidden Burden: A Delayed Diagnosis of Leprosy Patients With Grade 2 Disability and Its Effects on the Healthcare System in Bangladesh. Cureus 2024; 16:e58708. [PMID: 38651088 PMCID: PMC11033826 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58708] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Leprosy remains a significant cause of preventable disability worldwide. Early diagnosis and treatment of leprosy are critical not only to stop its spread but also to prevent physical and social complications and reduce the disease burden. Objectives The study aims to evaluate the factors that lead to a delayed leprosy diagnosis. Methods This study was conducted in the outpatient departments of Leprosy Control Institute and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, and at Medical College for Women and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from March 2023 to June 2023. A total number of 252 male (148) and female (104) patients were selected with any sign of leprosy, including disability, age ranging from 15 to 74 years. Data was collected in a pre-designed structured questionnaire by the researchers. To assess the risk of independent exposures of Grade 2 leprosy disabilities, we used a logistic regression model. A chi-square test showed the association between significant effects and leprosy disabilities. A p-value of 0.05 was considered as significant. For statistical analysis, STATA version 15 (StataCorp LLC, College Station, Texas, USA) was used. Results The study participants exhibited a higher percentage of disability, with a rate of 25.8% for Grade 2 disabilities. In addition to this, males represented a more considerable proportion, 58.7%, than females among leprosy and disability patients across all levels of disability. In our study, lack of money and painless symptoms showed a significant association (p<0.001) with Grade 2 disability. Conclusion The study reveals that Grade 2 disabilities are more common in males and are particularly prevalent in lower socioeconomic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susmita Sinha
- Physiology, Khulna City Medical College and Hospital, Khulna, BGD
| | | | - Rahnuma Ahmad
- Physiology, Medical College for Women and Hospital, Dhaka, BGD
| | - Suman Banik
- Administration, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Dhaka, BGD
| | - Santosh Kumar
- Periodontology and Implantology, Karnavati School of Dentistry, Karnavati University, Gandhinagar, IND
| | - Mainul Haque
- Therapeutics, Karnavati Scientific Research Center (KSRC), School of Dentistry, Karnavati University, Gandhinagar, IND
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, National Defence University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, MYS
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Bourgeois NM, Wei L, Ho NNT, Neal ML, Seferos D, Tongogara T, Mast FD, Aitchison JD, Kaushansky A. Multiple receptor tyrosine kinases regulate dengue infection of hepatocytes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1264525. [PMID: 38585651 PMCID: PMC10995305 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1264525] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Dengue is an arboviral disease causing severe illness in over 500,000 people each year. Currently, there is no way to constrain dengue in the clinic. Host kinase regulators of dengue virus (DENV) infection have the potential to be disrupted by existing therapeutics to prevent infection and/or disease progression. Methods To evaluate kinase regulation of DENV infection, we performed kinase regression (KiR), a machine learning approach that predicts kinase regulators of infection using existing drug-target information and a small drug screen. We infected hepatocytes with DENV in vitro in the presence of a panel of 38 kinase inhibitors then quantified the effect of each inhibitor on infection rate. We employed elastic net regularization on these data to obtain predictions of which of 291 kinases are regulating DENV infection. Results Thirty-six kinases were predicted to have a functional role. Intriguingly, seven of the predicted kinases - EPH receptor A4 (EPHA4), EPH receptor B3 (EPHB3), EPH receptor B4 (EPHB4), erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (ERBB2), fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2), Insulin like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R), and ret proto-oncogene (RET) - belong to the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family, which are already therapeutic targets in the clinic. We demonstrate that predicted RTKs are expressed at higher levels in DENV infected cells. Knockdown of EPHB4, ERBB2, FGFR2, or IGF1R reduces DENV infection in hepatocytes. Finally, we observe differential temporal induction of ERBB2 and IGF1R following DENV infection, highlighting their unique roles in regulating DENV. Discussion Collectively, our findings underscore the significance of multiple RTKs in DENV infection and advocate further exploration of RTK-oriented interventions against dengue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha M. Bourgeois
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Ling Wei
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Nhi N. T. Ho
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Maxwell L. Neal
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Denali Seferos
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Tinotenda Tongogara
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Fred D. Mast
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - John D. Aitchison
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Alexis Kaushansky
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Gebreselassie AF, Shimelash N, Kallon A, Mkondo G, Huston T, Schurer JM. 'We no longer experience the same pain': a cross-sectional study assessing the impact of Heart and Sole Africa's podoconiosis prevention education program. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2024:trae007. [PMID: 38465481 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trae007] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Podoconiosis is a non-infectious neglected tropical disease caused by long-term exposure to irritant volcanic soils. It results in severe physical, psychological and financial consequences. Heart and Sole Africa (HASA) is a non-governmental, community-based organization providing management to podoconiosis patients in Rwanda. We sought to analyze the impact of their program on the lives of patients. METHODS Quantitative surveys recorded the participants' demographics, adherence to HASA's management recommendations and changes in quality of life (QOL). Qualitative questions were used to gather respondent perspectives on HASA programming. RESULTS We interviewed 127 patients from HASA's Musanze (n=47) and Burera (n=80) clinics. Almost all participants (98.4%) reported statistically significant (p<0.01) improvements in their QOL, and more than one-half (51.2%) had a favorable adherence score of >80%. Qualitative feedback identified specific challenges to adherence and recognition of program success in symptom management. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated the value of community-based podoconiosis programming in improving the lives of patients. Practices such as regular feet washing, emollient application, shoe wearing and limb raising can result in a marked reduction of morbidity. Our findings support the argument for scaling up these management practices across Rwanda.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Natnael Shimelash
- Simulation Center, University of Global Health Equity, Butaro, Rwanda
| | - Ahamed Kallon
- Center for One Health, University of Global Health Equity, Butaro, Rwanda
| | - George Mkondo
- Center for One Health, University of Global Health Equity, Butaro, Rwanda
| | - Tonya Huston
- Hill Country Memorial Physician Practice, Texas, USA
| | - Janna M Schurer
- Center for One Health, University of Global Health Equity, Butaro, Rwanda
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, USA
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Schurer JM, Bayisenge U, Hakizimana D, Rafferty E. 'My feet cannot stand on their own': podoconiosis patient healthcare expenditures and income impacts in Rwanda. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2024:trae006. [PMID: 38456460 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trae006] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Podoconiosis is a progressive and debilitating form of tropical lymphoedema endemic to Rwanda. Although the physical and psychological consequences are well known, few studies have evaluated the financial burden of podoconiosis. METHODS This cross-sectional, quantitative study aimed to characterize direct treatment costs and impacts on annual earnings among individuals living with podoconiosis. Participants from two highly endemic districts were invited to complete a survey focused on health-seeking history, insurance status, out-of-pocket costs and income changes. Direct treatment costs included medical expenditures (consultation, diagnostics, medication) and non-medical expenditures (food, transportation, accommodation). RESULTS Overall, 226 adults (≥18 y of age) diagnosed with podoconiosis participated. Most had access to community-based health insurance (91.6%) but were unable to work (71.7%). Respondents sought care from health centres/posts (61.9%), hospitals (25.1%), traditional healers (5.8%) and/or community health workers (4.0%). On average, study participants paid US$32.50 (range US$0-779.23) annually, or 11.7% of their household salary, on podoconiosis treatments. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the significant financial burden of podoconiosis on individuals and their communities. Increased attention on integrating podoconiosis management into primary care systems and testing cost-effective solutions is needed to protect those who are most vulnerable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janna M Schurer
- Center for One Health, University of Global Health Equity, Butaro, Rwanda
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, USA
| | - Ursin Bayisenge
- Center for One Health, University of Global Health Equity, Butaro, Rwanda
- Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Dieudonne Hakizimana
- Institute of Global Health, University of Global Health Equity, Kigali, Rwanda
- University of Washington, Department of Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ellen Rafferty
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Ilako D, Mwatha S, Wanyama BE, Gichangi M, Bore J, Butcher R, Bakhtiari A, Boyd S, Willis R, Solomon AW, Watitu T, Chelanga D, Nyakundi P, Harding-Esch EM, Matendechero SH. Progress Towards Elimination of Trachoma in Kenya 2017-2020. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38320117 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2023.2280987] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Trachoma is endemic in Kenya. Since baseline trachoma surveys in 2004, a concerted programme has been undertaken to reduce the prevalence of disease. Here, we report on trachoma prevalence surveys carried out between 2017 and 2020 after interventions were implemented in some areas for trachoma elimination purposes. METHODS A total of 48 cross-sectional population-based trachoma prevalence surveys were conducted in 39 evaluation units (EUs; covering 45 subcounties) of Kenya between 2017 and 2020. Thirty EUs were surveyed once and nine EUs were surveyed twice over this period. Individuals ≥ 1 year old were assessed for trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF), trachomatous inflammation-intense (TI) and trichiasis. Data were collected on household access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). RESULTS A total of 147,573 people were examined. At the end of 2020, in the 39 EUs surveyed, the prevalence of TF in 1-9-year-olds was ≥5% in 11 EUs and the prevalence of trichiasis unknown to the health system in individuals aged ≥15 years was ≥0.2% in 25 EUs. A small minority of households (median <50% for all indicators) had access to improved WASH facilities. CONCLUSION Kenya has made excellent progress towards elimination of trachoma as a public health problem. However, there is more work to do. Between one and three rounds of antibiotic mass drug administration are required in 11 EUs. Sustained investment in surgical provision, continued TT case-finding, promotion of facial cleanliness and environmental improvement are required throughout the surveyed area.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Ilako
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - S Mwatha
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Unit, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - M Gichangi
- Ophthalmic Services Unit, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - J Bore
- Kenya National Bureau of Statics, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - R Butcher
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, UK
| | - A Bakhtiari
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - S Boyd
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - R Willis
- International Trachoma Initiative, Task Force for Global Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - A W Solomon
- Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - T Watitu
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Unit, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - D Chelanga
- Ophthalmic Services Unit, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - P Nyakundi
- Ophthalmic Services Unit, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - E M Harding-Esch
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, UK
| | - S H Matendechero
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Unit, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
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Hamid A, Mäser P, Mahmoud AB. Drug Repurposing in the Chemotherapy of Infectious Diseases. Molecules 2024; 29:635. [PMID: 38338378 PMCID: PMC10856722 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29030635] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Repurposing is a universal mechanism for innovation, from the evolution of feathers to the invention of Velcro tape. Repurposing is particularly attractive for drug development, given that it costs more than a billion dollars and takes longer than ten years to make a new drug from scratch. The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a large number of drug repurposing activities. At the same time, it has highlighted potential pitfalls, in particular when concessions are made to the target product profile. Here, we discuss the pros and cons of drug repurposing for infectious diseases and analyze different ways of repurposing. We distinguish between opportunistic and rational approaches, i.e., just saving time and money by screening compounds that are already approved versus repurposing based on a particular target that is common to different pathogens. The latter can be further distinguished into divergent and convergent: points of attack that are divergent share common ancestry (e.g., prokaryotic targets in the apicoplast of malaria parasites), whereas those that are convergent arise from a shared lifestyle (e.g., the susceptibility of bacteria, parasites, and tumor cells to antifolates due to their high rate of DNA synthesis). We illustrate how such different scenarios can be capitalized on by using examples of drugs that have been repurposed to, from, or within the field of anti-infective chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Hamid
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Khartoum, Khartoum 11111, Sudan;
| | - Pascal Mäser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, 4123 Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Abdelhalim Babiker Mahmoud
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Khartoum, Khartoum 11111, Sudan;
- Department of Microbial Natural Products, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, 66123 Saarbruecken, Germany
- Department of Microbial Drugs, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
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Bezerra Alencar VJ, Dantas Lima P, Vieira Machado JP, da Silva Lima MW, da Conceição Gomes S, Silva da Paz W, Santos Ramos RE, Pereira Bezerra L, Gomes de Amorim Santos I. Temporal trends and spatial and spatiotemporal distribution of schistosomiasis mansoni in northeast Brazil between 2005 and 2016. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2024:trad099. [PMID: 38243827 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trad099] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosoma mansoni is a parasitic disease of great magnitude for Brazilian public health. We aimed to analyse the temporal trend and spatial and spatiotemporal distribution of positivity rates for schistosomiasis mansoni in northeast Brazil. METHODS This is a descriptive study with an ecological approach, carried out between 2005 and 2016. We calculated the positivity rate for the disease and then performed a segmented trend analysis (Joinpoint). For spatial analysis, we smoothed the positivity rates using the local empirical Bayesian method. We checked for spatial autocorrelation using Moran's global and local. Subsequently, we performed Kulldorff's space time sweep analysis. RESULTS In the period under review, 7 745 650 tests were performed in the northeast, of which 577 793 were positive for Schistosoma mansoni. In the historical series of positivities, it is noted that the highest rates were in Sergipe, Alagoas and Pernambuco. The states of Alagoas and Sergipe showed higher positivity in relation to the average positivity of the northeast and of Brazil. The spatial analysis maps identify clusters of high risk of schistosomiasis cases, mainly in coastal municipalities. There was also stability in positivity rates in some states and the maintenance of endemic areas. CONCLUSIONS Thus effective public health policies are needed in health education in order to reduce schistosomiasis positivity and improve the health conditions of the northeastern population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pedro Dantas Lima
- Human Parasitology and Malacology laboratory, State University of Alagoas, UNEAL, Santana do Ipanema, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - João Paulo Vieira Machado
- Human Parasitology and Malacology laboratory, State University of Alagoas, UNEAL, Santana do Ipanema, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Maria Wilma da Silva Lima
- Human Parasitology and Malacology laboratory, State University of Alagoas, UNEAL, Santana do Ipanema, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Sheilla da Conceição Gomes
- Human Parasitology and Malacology laboratory, State University of Alagoas, UNEAL, Santana do Ipanema, Alagoas, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Israel Gomes de Amorim Santos
- Human Parasitology and Malacology laboratory, State University of Alagoas, UNEAL, Santana do Ipanema, Alagoas, Brazil
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Chimfwembe K, Shirley H, Baker N, Wamai R. Zambia: A Narrative Review of Success and Challenges in Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination. Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:21. [PMID: 38251218 PMCID: PMC10820422 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9010021] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The establishment of the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) to stop the transmission of infection has significantly reduced the incidence of lymphatic filariasis, a debilitating mosquito-borne neglected tropical disease. The primary strategies that have been employed include mass drug administration (MDA) of anthelminthics and morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP). While some countries have been able to reach elimination status in Africa, there is still active transmission of LF in Zambia. The nematode responsible for the disease is Wuchereria bancrofti, which is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. To alleviate the suffering of those infected by the disease, the Zambian Ministry of Health launched a program to eliminate LF as a public health problem in 2003. This project reviewed the efforts to achieve the elimination of LF in Zambia, past and present government policies, and the anticipated challenges. MDAs have been conducted since 2014 and coverage has been between 87% and 92%. Zambia has now moved towards pre-transmission assessment surveys (PRETAS) and transmission assessment surveys (TAS). MMDP is a major priority and planned to be conducted between 2022 and 2026. COVID-19 presented a new challenge in the control of LF, while climate change, immigration, co-infections, and funding limitations will complicate further progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kingford Chimfwembe
- Department of Research and Postgraduate Studies, Chreso University, Lusaka 37178, Zambia;
- Ministry of Health, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Hugh Shirley
- Program in Medical Education, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- African Center for Community Investment in Health, Nginyang P.O. Box 48-30404, Kenya;
| | - Natalie Baker
- Program in Medical Education, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Richard Wamai
- African Center for Community Investment in Health, Nginyang P.O. Box 48-30404, Kenya;
- Integrate Initiative for Global Health, Department of Cultures, Societies and Global Studies, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Global and Public Health, University of Nairobi, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Federal Ministry of Health, Lagos 101212, Nigeria
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Chandler DJ, Escalante L, Maldonado A, Tello S, Orellana S, Escalante E. Mycetoma in Ecuador. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2024:trad098. [PMID: 38214978 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trad098] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies on the distribution of mycetoma globally have failed to identify Ecuador as an endemic country. METHODS We present data on 35 cases of mycetoma in Ecuador between 1955 and 2021: 5 cases from our experience and 30 cases from the literature. RESULTS Eight cases of eumycetoma (23%) and 27 cases of actinomycetoma (77%) were diagnosed. Most cases originated from the coastal region of Ecuador. CONCLUSIONS For the first time in an English-language publication, this communication confirms the presence of mycetoma in Ecuador, securing Ecuador's position on the global mycetoma map.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Chandler
- Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, BN1 9PX, UK
- Dermatology Department, Brighton General Hospital, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, BN2 3EW, UK
| | - Luis Escalante
- Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Universidad de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Astrid Maldonado
- Universidad de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Ecuador
- EPHORA Research Group, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Sonia Tello
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Axxis, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Shirley Orellana
- Hospital General del Norte de Guayaquil Los Ceibos, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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Albulescu LO, Westhorpe A, Clare RH, Woodley CM, James N, Kool J, Berry NG, O’Neill PM, Casewell NR. Optimizing drug discovery for snakebite envenoming via a high-throughput phospholipase A2 screening platform. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1331224. [PMID: 38273832 PMCID: PMC10808766 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1331224] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is a neglected tropical disease that causes as many as 1.8 million envenomings and 140,000 deaths annually. To address treatment limitations that exist with current antivenoms, the search for small molecule drug-based inhibitors that can be administered as early interventions has recently gained traction. Snake venoms are complex mixtures of proteins, peptides and small molecules and their composition varies substantially between and within snake species. The phospholipases A2 (PLA2) are one of the main pathogenic toxin classes found in medically important viper and elapid snake venoms, yet varespladib, a drug originally developed for the treatment of acute coronary syndrome, remains the only PLA2 inhibitor shown to effectively neutralise venom toxicity in vitro and in vivo, resulting in an extremely limited drug portfolio. Here, we describe a high-throughput drug screen to identify novel PLA2 inhibitors for repurposing as snakebite treatments. We present method optimisation of a 384-well plate, colorimetric, high-throughput screening assay that allowed for a throughput of ∼2,800 drugs per day, and report on the screening of a ∼3,500 post-phase I repurposed drug library against the venom of the Russell's viper, Daboia russelii. We further explore the broad-spectrum inhibitory potential and efficacy of the resulting top hits against a range of medically important snake venoms and demonstrate the utility of our method in determining drug EC50s. Collectively, our findings support the future application of this method to fully explore the chemical space to discover novel PLA2-inhibiting drugs of value for preventing severe pathology caused by snakebite envenoming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura-Oana Albulescu
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Westhorpe
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel H. Clare
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nivya James
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jeroen Kool
- Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Neil G. Berry
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Paul M. O’Neill
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas R. Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Centre for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Gonzalez-Sanz M, Crespillo-Andújar C, Chamorro-Tojeiro S, Monge-Maillo B, Perez-Molina JA, Norman FF. Chagas Disease in Europe. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:513. [PMID: 38133445 PMCID: PMC10747626 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8120513] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is currently present in many non-endemic countries and remains a neglected tropical disease globally. A review of the literature identified significant gaps and scarcity of updated information from European countries, with most studies reporting data from Spain and Italy. The index of underdiagnosis may be as high as 70%, affecting mainly females of child-bearing age. Standardized screening of fertile, non-pregnant, women from endemic countries and subsequent treatment is considered an essential strategy to control transmission and prevent new cases, yet no uniform legislation for screening risk groups exists. There is heterogeneity in Europe in terms of preventive strategies to avoid transfusion-related transmission of Chagas disease, not necessarily in line with the European directives, with some countries conducting systematic screening for T. cruzi infection in blood donors, whilst others rely on pre-transfusion questionnaires. The growing burden of the infection in resource-rich areas may provide an opportunity for progress in certain aspects of control and prevention. Options for improving screening strategies, management and linkage to care are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Gonzalez-Sanz
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Clara Crespillo-Andújar
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, 28034 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Chamorro-Tojeiro
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, 28034 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Universidad de Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Begoña Monge-Maillo
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, 28034 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Universidad de Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Jose A. Perez-Molina
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, 28034 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francesca F. Norman
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, 28034 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Universidad de Alcalá, 28801 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
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Lynch KD, Brian G, Ahwang T, Morotti W, Wharton G, Newie T, Newie V, Perrett C, Ware W, Mosby L, Walters S, Brown A, Whop LJ, Lambert SB. Assessing the Prevalence of Trachoma: Lessons from Community Screening with Laboratory Testing in Australia's Torres Strait Islands. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2023; 30:663-670. [PMID: 36281525 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2022.2136389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We undertook a screening program between 2016 and 2019 to determine if trachoma was endemic in the Torres Strait Islands of Queensland, Australia. METHODS Eleven screening surveys assessing trachoma prevalence were undertaken in seven communities using the World Health Organization (WHO) simplified grading tool. Additionally, an ophthalmologist performed a detailed clinical assessment including examination for Herbert's pits and corneal pannus and, where clinically indicated, collection of conjunctival specimens to investigate the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis nucleic acid. RESULTS Prevalence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) in children aged 5-9 years for the aggregated first survey across all communities was 6% (17/284). No child had trachomatous inflammation-intense, trachomatous scarring, corneal pannus, or Herbert's pits. Of the 66 times any child was tested for C. trachomatis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the result was negative. No cicatricial trachoma was identified amongst the adults (n = 186) who were opportunistically offered examination. CONCLUSION Whilst TF was present, the lack of intense inflammatory thickening in any child examined, the lack of end-stage trachomatous disease, and the lack of ocular C. trachomatis detection by PCR indicate trachoma is not endemic in the Torres Strait Islands, and no ongoing public health intervention is required. These findings add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that use of the WHO simplified grading tool alone in the peri-elimination setting may overestimate the community burden of trachoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen D Lynch
- Communicable Diseases Branch, Prevention Division, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Australia
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Garry Brian
- Communicable Diseases Branch, Prevention Division, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tomisina Ahwang
- Primary Health Care Services, Northern Sector, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, Thursday Island, Australia
| | - Wendy Morotti
- Communicable Diseases Branch, Prevention Division, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ghislaine Wharton
- Primary Health Care Services, Northern Sector, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, Thursday Island, Australia
- Best Practice Eyecare, Golden Beach, Australia
| | - Tomi Newie
- Primary Health Care Services, Northern Sector, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, Thursday Island, Australia
| | - Victoria Newie
- Primary Health Care Services, Northern Sector, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, Thursday Island, Australia
| | - Christine Perrett
- Primary Health Care Services, Northern Sector, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, Thursday Island, Australia
| | - Wagie Ware
- Primary Health Care Services, Northern Sector, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, Thursday Island, Australia
| | - Lucy Mosby
- Primary Health Care Services, Northern Sector, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, Thursday Island, Australia
| | - Shelley Walters
- Primary Health Care Services, Northern Sector, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, Thursday Island, Australia
| | - Anthony Brown
- Primary Health Care Services, Northern Sector, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service, Thursday Island, Australia
- Chief Executive, South West Hospital and Health Service, Roma, Australia
| | - Lisa J Whop
- National Centre for Epidemiology & Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Stephen B Lambert
- Communicable Diseases Branch, Prevention Division, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Australia
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Surveillance, Coverage, Evaluation and Social Science, National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, Westmead, Australia
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Silva NDS, Alencar CH, Calheiros CML, Heukelbach J. Occurrence of Tungiasis in Ceará State, Northeast Brazil: Results of a Rapid Assessment Method. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2023; 56:e02742023. [PMID: 37970878 PMCID: PMC10637729 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0274-2023] [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: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systematic data on the occurrence of tungiasis are scarce. METHODS We analyzed data on tungiasis in humans and animals from all municipalities of Ceará State, Northeast Brazil, using a rapid assessment questionnaire. RESULTS Among the 184 municipalities, 181 (98.3%) reported tungiasis in the past (before 2021) or currently, 120 (65.2%) reported current occurrence, 155 (84.2%) reported severe cases in the past or currently, 47 (25.5 %) reported severe cases currently, and 132 (71.7%) reported tungiasis in animals. CONCLUSIONS Tungiasis is a significant public health concern in Ceará. A One Health approach is required to reduce the disease burden in humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathiel de Sousa Silva
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Faculdade de Medicina, Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde Pública, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil
| | - Carlos Henrique Alencar
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Faculdade de Medicina, Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde Pública, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil
| | | | - Jorg Heukelbach
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Faculdade de Medicina, Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde Pública, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil
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14
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Awais MM, Zahoor S, Akhtar M, Anwar MI, Shirwany ASAK, Ali MA, Bhatti MS, Razzaq A. Prevalence of antibodies to Toxocara canis and its associated risk factors in socio-economically deprived nomadic communities of Pakistan. Zoonoses Public Health 2023; 70:616-626. [PMID: 37381108 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13070] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Toxocariasis is an important zoonotic disease caused by Toxocara (T.) canis with considerably higher prevalence in developing countries. The data on its epidemiology, especially in socioeconomically deprived nomadic communities, are scarce in Pakistan. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of anti-T. canis antibodies and its associated risk factors in nomadic communities located in and around Multan, Pakistan. A total of 184 sera samples were collected from nomadic communities by simple random sampling technique. The descriptive epidemiological data of participants were collected on well-designed questionnaires. Prior consent was also obtained from the participants to use the data generated from their samples without showing their identity. All the samples were analysed for the detection of anti-T. canis antibodies using commercially available Enzyme-Linked-Immunosorbent-Assay (ELISA) kits having 91% sensitivity and 96% specificity (Bordier Affinity Products, Switzerland). The overall seroprevalence of toxocariasis among nomadic communities was 27.7% (51/184). Various factors, including age, known disease history, nutritional status, contact with dogs, practice of hand washing after contact with dogs, use of unwashed vegetables, body mass index, and drug abuse, showed significant correlation (p < 0.05) with toxocariasis in nomadic communities. Conversely, other factors, including gender, marital status, educational status, awareness about zoonotic diseases, source of drinking water, occupation, location, hand washing before taking food, exposure to soil, and hygienic eating behaviour, showed non-significant correlation (p > 0.05) with seroprevalence of toxocariasis. Results also showed that >50% of seropositive cases were asymptomatic, whereas cough and abdominal pain were recorded in 19.6% and 11.76% of seropositive cases, respectively. Keeping in view, it is suggested to conduct surveys at mass level to rule out the exact disease status at national level and to include nomadic communities in local, national, and regional disease control programs through provision of better healthcare facilities and awareness about the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mian Muhammad Awais
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, One Health Research Laboratory, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Seemab Zahoor
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, One Health Research Laboratory, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Masood Akhtar
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, One Health Research Laboratory, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Irfan Anwar
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, One Health Research Laboratory, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Sammad Ali Khan Shirwany
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, One Health Research Laboratory, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Amjad Ali
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | | | - Abdul Razzaq
- Animal Sciences Division, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, Islamabad, Pakistan
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15
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Cañeda-Guzmán IC, de Oca-Aguilar ACM, Miranda-Caballero CI, Grostieta E, Correa-Morales F, Romero-Pérez R, Romero-Contreras FE, Rodríguez-Atanacio JA, Ruiz-Tovar K, Huerta H, Mis-Avila PC, Quintanilla-Cedillo MR, Lammoglia-Villagómez MA, Blum-Domínguez S, Tamay-Segovia P, Rojas-Ronquillo R, Sánchez-Montes S, Becker I. Entomological Survey and Leishmania ( Leishmania) mexicana Prevalence in Sand Fly Species during an Outbreak of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Quintana Roo State, Mexico. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:465. [PMID: 37888593 PMCID: PMC10610947 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8100465] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Localized cutaneous leishmaniasis is a neglected vector-borne disease that has become a serious public health problem in the Yucatan Peninsula. Although more than 60% of cases originate from the state of Quintana Roo, it is one of the least explored areas in terms of incriminating vectors of the Leishmania parasite. Additionally, cases of leishmaniasis have increased substantially in that region in recent years. For this reason, we explored and provided primary evidence of Leishmania DNA in sand fly species from four localities during outbreaks of leishmaniasis in Quintana Roo. We also contributed information on the regional genetic diversity of Leishmania parasites. (2) Methods: Sand flies were collected during several periods from November 2022 to April 2023 using Mosquito Light Circle and Shannon traps, as well as an active entomological search in refuges. For Leishmania detection, we amplified a fragment of 300-350 bp of the internal transcribed spacer subunit 1 (ITS-1). (3) Results: Of the 242 females collected, we detected Leishmania DNA in 25 specimens represented by Bichromomyia olmeca (1), Psathyromyia shannoni (17), Lutzomyia cruciata (4), Psathyromyia undulata (2), and Dampfomyia deleoni (1). The detection of Leishmania in these last two species represents new records for the Yucatan Peninsula and for Mexico. Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana was the only species detected in the Phlebotominae species, with prevalence values that ranked between 7.41% and 33.33% from specimens collected in the sylvatic areas of Cozumel Island and Petcacab. (4) Conclusions: This study provides the first evidence of infection of Da. deleoni and Pa. undulata by L. (L.) Mexicana. In addition, the presence of three dominant haplotypes in all the evaluated localities was evidenced using the analysis of genetic diversity, and the locality of Petcacab was the one with the circulation of two new haplotypes not previously described in Mexico or neighboring countries. These results highlight the importance of intensive epidemiological surveillance due to the dynamics of transmission of Leishmania between different species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel C. Cañeda-Guzmán
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 06720, Mexico; (I.C.C.-G.); (C.I.M.-C.); (E.G.)
| | - Ana C. Montes de Oca-Aguilar
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán 97000, Yucatán, Mexico;
| | - Carlos I. Miranda-Caballero
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 06720, Mexico; (I.C.C.-G.); (C.I.M.-C.); (E.G.)
| | - Estefania Grostieta
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 06720, Mexico; (I.C.C.-G.); (C.I.M.-C.); (E.G.)
| | - Fabián Correa-Morales
- Programa de Enfermedades Transmitidas Por Vectores, Centro Nacional de Programas Preventivos y Control de Enfermedades, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City 11800, Mexico; (F.C.-M.); (R.R.-P.); (F.E.R.-C.); (J.A.R.-A.)
| | - Raquel Romero-Pérez
- Programa de Enfermedades Transmitidas Por Vectores, Centro Nacional de Programas Preventivos y Control de Enfermedades, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City 11800, Mexico; (F.C.-M.); (R.R.-P.); (F.E.R.-C.); (J.A.R.-A.)
| | - Francisco E. Romero-Contreras
- Programa de Enfermedades Transmitidas Por Vectores, Centro Nacional de Programas Preventivos y Control de Enfermedades, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City 11800, Mexico; (F.C.-M.); (R.R.-P.); (F.E.R.-C.); (J.A.R.-A.)
| | - José A. Rodríguez-Atanacio
- Programa de Enfermedades Transmitidas Por Vectores, Centro Nacional de Programas Preventivos y Control de Enfermedades, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City 11800, Mexico; (F.C.-M.); (R.R.-P.); (F.E.R.-C.); (J.A.R.-A.)
| | - Karina Ruiz-Tovar
- Laboratorio de Entomología, Instituto de Diagnóstico y Referencia Epidemiológicos ‘Dr, Manuel Martínez Báez’, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City 01480, Mexico; (K.R.-T.); (H.H.)
| | - Herón Huerta
- Laboratorio de Entomología, Instituto de Diagnóstico y Referencia Epidemiológicos ‘Dr, Manuel Martínez Báez’, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City 01480, Mexico; (K.R.-T.); (H.H.)
| | - Pedro. C Mis-Avila
- Departamento de Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vector y Zoonosis, Servicios Estatales de Salud de Quintana Roo, Chetumal Quintana Roo 77000, Mexico
| | | | - Miguel A. Lammoglia-Villagómez
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Región Tuxpan, Universidad Veracruzana, Tuxpan de Rodríguez Cano, Veracruz 92870, Mexico; (M.A.L.-V.); (R.R.-R.)
| | - Selene Blum-Domínguez
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Tropicales, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas de la Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Campeche 24039, Mexico;
| | - Paulino Tamay-Segovia
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vectores y Zoonosis, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas de la Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Campeche 24039, Mexico;
| | - Rebeca Rojas-Ronquillo
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Región Tuxpan, Universidad Veracruzana, Tuxpan de Rodríguez Cano, Veracruz 92870, Mexico; (M.A.L.-V.); (R.R.-R.)
| | - Sokani Sánchez-Montes
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 06720, Mexico; (I.C.C.-G.); (C.I.M.-C.); (E.G.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Región Tuxpan, Universidad Veracruzana, Tuxpan de Rodríguez Cano, Veracruz 92870, Mexico; (M.A.L.-V.); (R.R.-R.)
| | - Ingeborg Becker
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 06720, Mexico; (I.C.C.-G.); (C.I.M.-C.); (E.G.)
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Kachhwaha A, Kumar A, Garg P, Sharma A, Garg MK, Gopalakrishnan M. Delayed Compression Paralysis Following an Iliopsoas Hematoma 30 Days After Saw-Scaled Viper (Echis carinatus sochureki) Envenoming: A Case Report. Wilderness Environ Med 2023; 34:366-371. [PMID: 37179190 DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2023.03.005] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is a neglected tropical disease disproportionately affecting the rural and marginalized population in low-middle-income countries. The saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus) is a clinically important snake that causes serious morbidity and mortality in the Indian subcontinent. Even though it is within the so-called big-four snakes against which polyvalent antivenom is available throughout India, reports of antivenom ineffectiveness are emerging in saw-scaled viper envenoming, especially around Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. This case report highlights a patient with saw-scaled viper envenoming with an ineffective antivenom response complicated by acute kidney injury as well as local and systemic bleeding complications, which subsequently resulted in a pelvic hematoma that compressed the lumbosacral nerves, causing lower-limb weakness and sensory deficits. He was successfully managed with hematoma aspiration and supportive care. This case brings into focus the challenges of managing saw-scaled viper envenoming in this region with antivenom ineffectiveness, resulting in delayed and significant coagulopathy and its complications leading to prolonged hospital stay and morbidity. Our report spotlights less emphasized aspects of long-term morbidity in snakebite survivors, such as loss of working days and productivity. We also highlight the need for an organized system of long-term follow-up of snakebite survivors to screen for possible complications and manage them early.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Kachhwaha
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Akhilesh Kumar
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Pawan Garg
- Department of Interventional Radiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Ankur Sharma
- Department of Anesthesiology and critical care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Mahendra K Garg
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Maya Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India.
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Kollie KK, Jenkins J, Theobald S, Nallo G, Kpadeh O, Jones L, Borbor D, Phillip M, Wickenden A, Kollie JT, Rogers E, Zaizay Z, Stewart M, Dean L. Unpacking the impact of integrating the neglected tropical disease supply chain into the national supply chain system: illustrative evidence from Liberia. Parasitology 2023; 150:1052-1062. [PMID: 37927101 PMCID: PMC10801370 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023000896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Effective supply chain management is a critical pillar of well-functioning health systems ensuring that medical commodities reach those in need. In Liberia, the national neglected tropical disease (NTD) programme supports health systems strengthening for case management of NTDs. Integration of NTD commodities into the national health system supply chain is central to the integrated approach; however, there is minimal evidence on enablers and barriers. Drawing on qualitative evaluation data, we illustrate that perceived benefits and strengths to integrating NTD commodities into the supply chain include leveraged storage and management capacities capitalized at lower system levels; the political will to integrate based on cost-saving and capacity strengthening potential and positive progress integrating paper-based reporting tools. Challenges remain, specifically the risk of reliance on donor funding; difficulty in accessing commodities due to bureaucratic bottlenecks; lack of inclusion of NTD commodities within electronic data tools and poor coordination leading to an inability to meet demand. Collectively, the negative consequences of ineffective integration of NTD commodities into the supply chain has a detrimental impact on health workers (including community health workers) unable to deliver the quality of care to patients. Trust between affected populations and the health system is compromised when treatments are unavailable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsor K. Kollie
- Department of Health Services, Ministry of Health-Liberia, Congo Town Back Road, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Jack Jenkins
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Sally Theobald
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Gartee Nallo
- University of Liberia Pacific-Institute for Research Evaluation, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Otis Kpadeh
- University of Liberia Pacific-Institute for Research Evaluation, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Lent Jones
- University of Liberia Pacific-Institute for Research Evaluation, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Darwosu Borbor
- Cuttington University Graduate School, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Maneesh Phillip
- Effect Hope, 200-90 Allstate Pkwy, Markham, ON L3R 6H3, Canada
| | - Anna Wickenden
- Effect Hope, 200-90 Allstate Pkwy, Markham, ON L3R 6H3, Canada
| | - Jewel Tarpeh Kollie
- A. M. Dogliotti School of Medicine, University of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Emerson Rogers
- Department of Health Services, Ministry of Health-Liberia, Congo Town Back Road, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Zeela Zaizay
- Action Transforming Lives, Congo Town Backroad, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Martyn Stewart
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Laura Dean
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
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18
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Shahid SK. Recent patents in the treatment and prevention of leishmaniasis. Pharm Pat Anal 2023; 12:237-248. [PMID: 38063376 DOI: 10.4155/ppa-2023-0022] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease, is caused by protozoal parasites of the genus Leishmania. Clinical manifestations vary from asymptomatic to lethal grade depending on the type of the disease. The currently available antileishmanial drugs suffer from considerable limitations. There is a dire need for better and safer drugs and/or vaccines to eradicate this disease. There are enormous developments ongoing in this field. Newer combinations of existing drugs and newer drugs targeting these intracellular parasites as well as their vectors are being tried to control the disease. Attempts to develop vaccines to enhance the immunity of the patient have shown some promise. This article is a peep into the recent patent developments in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukhbir K Shahid
- Consultant Paediatrician & Paediatric Pulmonologist, Mumbai, 400077, India
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19
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Thielecke M, McNeilly H, Mutebi F, Banalyaki MB, Arono R, Wiese S, Reichert F, Mukone G, Feldmeier H. High Level of Knowledge about Tungiasis but Little Translation into Control Practices in Karamoja, Northeastern Uganda. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:425. [PMID: 37755887 PMCID: PMC10537667 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8090425] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Tungiasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that can cause significant suffering and disability. Health promotion is an important pillar in NTD control programs, assuming that better knowledge contributes to reduced risk behavior and reduced risk of infection. The study objective was to assess tungiasis-related knowledge and its translation into control practices in a rural and highly endemic setting in Karamoja, Northeastern Uganda. We applied a mixed-methods design on household and community level. A semi-quantitative questionnaire on knowledge, practices, and attitudes (KAP) regarding tungiasis was administered to 1329 individuals with the main caring responsibilities in the household. Additionally, eight community dialogue meetings were held and analyzed. Overall, knowledge of tungiasis in humans was high but knowledge of tungiasis in animals was low. Most questionnaire respondents knew the causative agent and clinical presentations of tungiasis in humans, risk factors, and preventive measures. This tungiasis-related knowledge was translated into simple prevention measures. However, adequate tungiasis control was impeded due to a lack of resources, such as access to water and effective medical treatment. In conclusion, health promotion campaigns should be integrated with support towards adequate tungiasis control measures, such as provision of safe treatment, hardening of non-solid floors in the houses, and improved access to water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Thielecke
- Charité Center for Global Health, Institute of International Health, Charité University Medicine, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Hannah McNeilly
- Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK
| | - Francis Mutebi
- Innovations for Tropical Disease Elimination (IFOTRODE), Kampala P.O. Box 24461, Uganda
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7062, Uganda
| | - Mike B. Banalyaki
- Innovations for Tropical Disease Elimination (IFOTRODE), Kampala P.O. Box 24461, Uganda
| | - Rebecca Arono
- Innovations for Tropical Disease Elimination (IFOTRODE), Kampala P.O. Box 24461, Uganda
| | - Susanne Wiese
- Institute of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Charité University Medicine, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Felix Reichert
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - George Mukone
- Innovations for Tropical Disease Elimination (IFOTRODE), Kampala P.O. Box 24461, Uganda
| | - Hermann Feldmeier
- Institute of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Charité University Medicine, 12203 Berlin, Germany
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20
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Klowak M, Boggild AK. The efficacy of a whole foods, plant-based dietary lifestyle intervention for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain in leprosy: a randomized control trial protocol. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1196470. [PMID: 37469546 PMCID: PMC10352581 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1196470] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite effective treatment of leprosy via WHO-approved multi-drug therapy (MDT), patients still suffer from debilitating neuropathic sequelae, including peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP), and continue to develop intercurrent etiologies (such as diabetes), and progressive existing neuropathy over time. Strategies seeking to improve physiological and metabolic wellness, including those that reduce systemic inflammation and enhance immune responsiveness to neurotoxic factors may influence underlying neuropathic etiologies. A whole food plant-based diet (WFPBD) has been shown to be effective in the management of neuropathic pain due to diabetes, limiting severity and relevant symptomology. Diabetes remains a significant sequela of leprosy, as up to 50% of patients in reaction requiring corticosteroids, may develop a biochemical diabetes. As nutritional interventions may modulate both leprosy and diabetes, a specific exploration of these relationships remains relevant. Objectives (1) To demonstrate the effect of a WFPBD lifestyle intervention, on neuropathic pain variables in leprosy; and (2) To contextualize the significance of diet in the treatment of chronic sequelae in leprosy by evaluating tolerability and side effect profile. Methods A prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blind, multicentre interventional trial is described. Weekly one-hour dietary counseling sessions promoting a WFPBD emphasizing vegetables, fruits, whole-grains, nuts, and legumes, omitting animal products, and limiting fat intake over a six-month duration will be implemented. Participants will be 70 age and sex-matched individuals experiencing active or treated "cured" leprosy and PNP, randomized to either intervention or control groups. Primary outcome measures include efficacy via visual analog scale, subjective questionnaire and objective quantitative sensory testing, as well as safety, tolerability, and harms of a WFPBD on PNP in leprosy. This study will be initiated after Research Ethics Board (REB) approval at all participating sites, and in advance of study initiation, the trial will be registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. Expected impact It is hypothesized that WFPBDs will mitigate progression and severity of PNP and potentially reduce the adverse events related to standard corticosteroid treatment of leprosy reactions, thereby reducing disease severity. By examining the effects of WFPBDs on PNP in leprosy, we hope to illuminate data that will lead to the enhanced therapeutic management of this neglected tropical disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Klowak
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrea K. Boggild
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Tropical Disease Unit, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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21
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Liau MYQ, Toh EQ, Shelat VG. Opisthorchis viverrini-Current Understanding of the Neglected Hepatobiliary Parasite. Pathogens 2023; 12:795. [PMID: 37375485 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Opisthorchiasis due to Opisthorchis viverrini infection continues to be a significant public healthcare concern in various subregions of Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam. The main mode of transmission is via consumption of raw or undercooked fish, which is deeply embedded in the culture and tradition of the people living near the Mekong River. After ingestion, the flukes migrate to the bile ducts, potentially causing many hepatobiliary complications, including cholangitis, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, advanced periductal fibrosis and cholangiocarcinoma. Several mechanisms of opisthorchiasis-associated cholangiocarcinogenesis have been proposed and elucidated in the past decade, providing insight and potential drug targets to prevent the development of the sinister complication. The gold standard for diagnosing opisthorchiasis is still via stool microscopy, but the advent of novel serological, antigen, and molecular tests shows promise as more convenient, alternative diagnostic methods. The mainstay of treatment of opisthorchiasis is praziquantel, while treatment of opisthorchiasis-associated cholangiocarcinoma depends on its anatomic subtype and resectability. Thus far, the most successful fluke control programme is the Lawa model based in Thailand, which raised awareness, incorporated education, and frequent surveillance of intermediate hosts to reduce transmission of opisthorchiasis. Development of vaccines using tetraspanins shows promise and is currently ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Yi Quan Liau
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - En Qi Toh
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Vishalkumar Girishchandra Shelat
- Department of General Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433, Singapore
- Surgical Science Training Centre, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433, Singapore
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22
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Wang YC, Namsanor J, Law A, Sithithaworn P. A Socio-Ecological Framework for Examining Foodborne Parasitic Infection Risk. Acta Trop 2023:106957. [PMID: 37269890 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106957] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Human liver fluke infection through the consumption of raw freshwater fish is one of the foodborne parasitic infections of global concern. Despite decades of health campaign efforts, high prevalence of infection remains in different areas of the Lower Mekong Basin. This necessitates the consideration of the infection differences between places and the human-environment complexities of disease transmission. This paper used the socio-ecological model as a framework to unraveled the social science dimensions of liver fluke infection. We conducted questionnaire surveys in Northeast Thailand to gather participants' knowledge on liver fluke infection and reasons for raw fish consumption. We synthesized our findings with prior work to identify factors influencing liver fluke infection at four socio-ecological levels. At the individual level, gender and age differences in food consumption habits and personal hygiene of open defection presented the behavioral risks. At the interpersonal level, family tradition and social gathering affected the disease risk. At the community level, physical-social-economic environments of land use and modernization, community health infrastructure and health volunteer support accounted for the varying degree of infection. At the policy level, impacts of regional and national regulations on disease control, health system organization structure, and government development projects were of concerned. The findings provide insights into how infection risks are shaped by people's behavior, social connectedness, interactions with places, and the interplay of these multi-level socio-ecological influences. The framework therefore allows a more comprehensive understanding of liver fluke infection risks to inform a culturally sensitive and sustainable disease control program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chen Wang
- Department of Geography, National University of Singapore, 1 Arts link, Block AS2, Singapore 117568, Singapore.
| | - Jutamas Namsanor
- Department of Geography, National University of Singapore, 1 Arts link, Block AS2, Singapore 117568, Singapore.
| | - Andrea Law
- Department of Geography, National University of Singapore, 1 Arts link, Block AS2, Singapore 117568, Singapore.
| | - Paiboon Sithithaworn
- Department of Parasitology and Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, 123 Mittraphap Rd, Mueang Khon Kaen District, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
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23
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Norman FF, Chen LH. Travel-associated melioidosis: a narrative review. J Travel Med 2023; 30:7087080. [PMID: 36971472 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taad039] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, may be considered a neglected tropical disease that remains underdiagnosed in many geographical areas. Travellers can act as the sentinels of disease activity, and data from imported cases may help complete the global map of melioidosis. METHODS A literature search for imported melioidosis for the period 2016-22 was performed in PubMed and Google Scholar. RESULTS In total, 137 reports of melioidosis associated with travel were identified. The majority were males (71%) and associated with exposure in Asia (77%) (mainly Thailand, 41%, and India, 9%). A minority acquired the infection in the Americas-Caribbean area (6%), Africa (5%) and Oceania (2%). The most frequent comorbidity was diabetes mellitus (25%) followed by underlying pulmonary, liver or renal disease (8, 5 and 3%, respectively). Alcohol/tobacco use were noted for seven and six patients, respectively (5%). Five patients (4%) had associated non-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related immunosuppression, and three patients (2%) had HIV infection. One patient (0.8%) had concomitant coronavirus disease 19. A proportion (27%) had no underlying diseases. The most frequent clinical presentations included pneumonia (35%), sepsis (30%) and skin/soft tissue infections (14%). Most developed symptoms <1 week after return (55%), and 29% developed symptoms >12 weeks after. Ceftazidime and meropenem were the main treatments used during the intensive intravenous phase (52 and 41% of patients, respectively) and the majority (82%) received co-trimoxazole alone/combination, for the eradication phase. Most patients had a favourable outcome/survived (87%). The search also retrieved cases in imported animals or cases secondary to imported commercial products. CONCLUSIONS As post-pandemic travel soars, health professionals should be aware of the possibility of imported melioidosis with its diverse presentations. Currently, no licensed vaccine is available, so prevention in travellers should focus on protective measures (avoiding contact with soil/stagnant water in endemic areas). Biological samples from suspected cases require processing in biosafety level 3 facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca F Norman
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, Universidad de Alcalá, CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lin H Chen
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Travel Medicine, Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Faculty of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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24
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Van Hove B, Kanagale P, Quinten T, Gaiki S, Collignon K, Swar Y, Shah J, Verheyen E, Preda FM, Samanta A, Fernandez E, Caporicci G, Ferreira T, Lequieu W, Masschelein J, Schaufelberger D. Development of a New Age-Appropriate, Chewable Tablet of Mebendazole 500 mg for Preventive Chemotherapy of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections in Pre-School and School-Age Children. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2023:S0939-6411(23)00135-2. [PMID: 37207943 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.05.013] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop an age-appropriate tablet of mebendazole 500 mg to be used in large donation programs by the World Health Organization (WHO) for preventive chemotherapy of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections in pre-school and school-age children living in tropical and subtropical endemic areas. To that end, a new oral tablet formulation was developed that can be either chewed or given to young (≥1 year old) children by spoon after rapid disintegration to a soft mass with the addition of a small amount of water directly on the spoon. Although the tablet was manufactured using conventional fluid bed granulation, screening, blending, and compression processes, one of the main challenges was to combine properties of a chewable, dispersible, and regular (solid) immediate release tablet to meet the predefined requirements. The tablet disintegration time was below 120 s, allowing for administration by the "spoon method". The tablet hardness was higher (160-220 N) than normally applicable for chewable tablets, permitting shipment along a lengthy supply chain in a primary 200-tablet count bottle packaging. In addition, the resulting tablets are stable for 48 months in all climatic zones (I-IV). In this article, several aspects of the development of this unique tablet are described, including formulation, process development, stability, clinical acceptability testing, and regulatory filing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Van Hove
- Janssen R&D BE, Turnhoutseweg 30, Beerse, Antwerp 2340, BE.
| | - Pritam Kanagale
- Janssen India, Janssen, Higi House Johnson and Johnson LBS Marg, Mulund - W, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400080, IN
| | - Thomas Quinten
- Janssen R&D BE, Turnhoutseweg 30, Beerse, Antwerp 2340, BE
| | - Sheetal Gaiki
- Janssen R&D US, 1000 Route 202 South, Raritan, NJ 08869, US
| | | | - Yogesh Swar
- Janssen India, Janssen, Higi House Johnson and Johnson LBS Marg, Mulund - W, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400080, IN
| | - Jimit Shah
- Janssen India, Janssen, Higi House Johnson and Johnson LBS Marg, Mulund - W, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400080, IN
| | - Ellen Verheyen
- Janssen R&D BE, Turnhoutseweg 30, Beerse, Antwerp 2340, BE
| | | | - Asim Samanta
- Janssen India, Janssen, Higi House Johnson and Johnson LBS Marg, Mulund - W, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400080, IN
| | | | | | - Teresa Ferreira
- Lusomedicamenta/Recipharm Lisbon, Estrada Consiglieri Pedroso, 69-B, Queluz de Baixo, 2730-055 Barcarena, PT
| | - Wouter Lequieu
- Janssen R&D BE, Turnhoutseweg 30, Beerse, Antwerp 2340, BE
| | | | - Daniel Schaufelberger
- Schaufelberger Consulting LLC and Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Neuroscience, All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL, USA
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25
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Caldwell N, Afshar R, Baragaña B, Bustinduy AL, Caffrey CR, Collins JJ, Fusco D, Garba A, Gardner M, Gomes M, Hoffmann KF, Hsieh M, Lo NC, McNamara CW, Nono JK, Padalino G, Read KD, Roestenberg M, Spangenberg T, Specht S, Gilbert IH. Perspective on Schistosomiasis Drug Discovery: Highlights from a Schistosomiasis Drug Discovery Workshop at Wellcome Collection, London, September 2022. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:1046-1055. [PMID: 37083395 PMCID: PMC10186373 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00081] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
In September 2022, the Drug Discovery Unit at the University of Dundee, UK, organised an international meeting at the Wellcome Collection in London to explore the current clinical situation and challenges associated with treating schistosomiasis. The aim of this meeting was to discuss the need for new treatments in view of the clinical situation and to ascertain what the key requirements would be for any potential new anti-schistosomals. This information will be essential to inform ongoing drug discovery efforts for schistosomiasis. We also discussed the potential drug discovery pathway and associated criteria for progressing compounds to the clinic. To date, praziquantel (PZQ) is the only drug available to treat all species causing schistosomiasis, but it is often unable to completely clear parasites from an infected patient, partially due to its inactivity against juvenile worms. PZQ-mediated mass drug administration campaigns conducted in endemic areas (e.g., sub-Saharan Africa, where schistosomiasis is primarily prevalent) have contributed to reducing the burden of disease but will not eliminate the disease as a public health problem. The potential for Schistosoma to develop resistance towards PZQ, as the sole treatment available, could become a concern. Consequently, new anthelmintic medications are urgently needed, and this Perspective aims to capture some of the learnings from our discussions on the key criteria for new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Caldwell
- Wellcome
Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Drug Discovery Unit, Division
of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, United Kingdom
| | - Rana Afshar
- Global
Health Institute of Merck, a subsidiary of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt,
Germany, Ares Trading
S.A., Route de Crassier 1, 1262 Eysins, Switzerland
| | - Beatriz Baragaña
- Wellcome
Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Drug Discovery Unit, Division
of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, United Kingdom
| | - Amaya L. Bustinduy
- Department
of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene
& Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
| | - Conor R. Caffrey
- Center
for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School
of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC0657, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - James J. Collins
- Department
of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical
Center, Forest Park Road, Dallas, Texas 75235, United States
| | - Daniela Fusco
- Department
of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard
Nocht Institute of Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
- German
Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Borstel-Lübeck-Riems, 38124 Brunswick, Germany
| | - Amadou Garba
- Department
of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mark Gardner
- Salvensis
Ltd., 27 New Dover Rd., Canterbury, Kent CT1 3DN, United Kingdom
| | - Mireille Gomes
- Global
Health Institute of Merck, a subsidiary of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt,
Germany, Ares Trading
S.A., Route de Crassier 1, 1262 Eysins, Switzerland
| | - Karl F. Hoffmann
- Department
of Life Sciences (DLS), Aberystwyth University, Edward Llwyd Building, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Hsieh
- Division
of Urology, Children’s National Hospital, and Department of
Urology, George Washington University, Washington, D.C. 20010, United States
| | - Nathan C. Lo
- Division
of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94110, United States
| | - Case W. McNamara
- Calibr,
a division of Scripps Research, North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Justin Komguep Nono
- Unit
of Immunobiology and Helminth Infections, Institute of Medical Research
and Medicinal Plant Studies (IMPM), Ministry
of Scientific Research and Innovation, Yaoundé 13033, Cameroon
| | - Gilda Padalino
- School
of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3NB, United
Kingdom
| | - Kevin D. Read
- Wellcome
Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Drug Discovery Unit, Division
of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, United Kingdom
| | - Meta Roestenberg
- Department
of Parasitology and Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Spangenberg
- Global
Health Institute of Merck, a subsidiary of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt,
Germany, Ares Trading
S.A., Route de Crassier 1, 1262 Eysins, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Specht
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ian H. Gilbert
- Wellcome
Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Drug Discovery Unit, Division
of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, United Kingdom
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26
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Mahli Y, Aldamegh MS, Aljohani M. Rare presentation of gallbladder schistosomiasis: a case report. J Int Med Res 2023; 51:3000605231166278. [PMID: 37170560 PMCID: PMC10184214 DOI: 10.1177/03000605231166278] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that is widely considered a neglected tropical disease. It is ranked first after malaria among all parasitic diseases. The major forms of schistosomiasis are intestinal and urogenital; however, gallbladder involvement is rare and usually accompanied by imaging findings similar to those of acute cholecystitis, such as wall thickening or pericholecystic inflammation. We encountered a patient who did not show these typical imaging findings. A man in his late 40s presented to the emergency department with a 2-month history of abdominal distention. His initial laboratory examination showed iron deficiency anemia. Computed tomography revealed a mildly distended gallbladder with septations and a small calcified gallstone. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed for better characterization, and it showed gallbladder stones with multiseptated, cystic gallbladder mural lesions and no wall thickening or pericholecystic fluid. On his second visit, the patient complained of mild epigastric pain. A provisional diagnosis of cholecystitis was considered, and laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed. Histopathological evaluation revealed a gallbladder wall with multiple foci of chronic granulomatous inflammation. Schistosoma-like ova were observed in the mucosa and submucosa and were consistent with schistosomiasis. Periodic acid-Schiff staining of the ova was positive. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahia Mahli
- Abdominal Imaging Department, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed S Aldamegh
- Department of Radiology, Unaizah College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Unaizah, Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Moath Aljohani
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Unaizah College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Unaizah, Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia
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27
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Lynn MK, Rodriguez Aquino MS, Cornejo Rivas PM, Kanyangarara M, Self SCW, Campbell BA, Nolan MS. Chagas Disease Maternal Seroprevalence and Maternal-Fetal Health Outcomes in a Parturition Cohort in Western El Salvador. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8040233. [PMID: 37104358 PMCID: PMC10146685 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8040233] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital Chagas disease is a growing concern, prioritized by the World Health Organization for public health action. El Salvador is home to some of the highest Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi infection) burdens in the Americas, yet pregnancy screening remains neglected. This pilot investigation performed a maternal T. cruzi surveillance study in Western El Salvador among women presenting for labor and delivery. From 198 consented and enrolled pregnant women, 6% were T. cruzi positive by serology or molecular diagnosis. Half of the infants born to T. cruzi-positive women were admitted to the NICU for neonatal complications. Geospatial statistical clustering of cases was noted in the municipality of Jujutla. Older women and those knowing an infected relative or close friend were significantly more likely to test positive for T. cruzi infection at the time of parturition. In closing, maternal T. cruzi infections were significantly higher than national HIV or syphilis maternal rates, creating an urgent need to add T. cruzi to mandatory pregnancy screening programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary K Lynn
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | | | | | - Mufaro Kanyangarara
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Stella C W Self
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Berry A Campbell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prisma Health, Columbia, SC 29203, USA
| | - Melissa S Nolan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
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28
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Ma J, Todd M, van de Sande WWJ, Biersack B. Antifungal Activity of Natural Naphthoquinones and Anthraquinones Against Madurella mycetomatis. Chem Biodivers 2023; 20:e202300151. [PMID: 37067830 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202300151] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Eumycetoma, the fungal form of the neglected tropical disease mycetoma, is a crippling infectious disease with low response rates to currently available antifungal drugs. In this study, a series of natural naphthoquinones and anthraquinones was evaluated for their activity against Madurella mycetomatis, which is the most common causative agent of eumycetoma. The metabolic activity of Madurella mycetomatis as well as the viability of Galleria mellonella larvae upon treatment with quinones was investigated. Several hydroxy-substituted naphthoquinones exhibited activity against Madurella mycetomatis. In particular, naphthazarin (5,8-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) was identified as a considerably active antifungal compound against Madurella mycetomatis (IC50 = 1.4 µM), while it showed reduced toxicity to Galleria mellonella larvae, which is a well-established in vivo invertebrate model for mycetoma drug studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Ma
- Erasmus MC, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Dr. Molwaterplein 40, Rotterdam, NETHERLANDS
| | - Matthew Todd
- UCL School of Pharmacy: University College London School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, UNITED KINGDOM
| | - Wendy W J van de Sande
- Erasmus MC, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Dr. Molwaterplein 40, Rotterdam, NETHERLANDS
| | - Bernhard Biersack
- Universität Bayreuth Fakultät für Biologie Chemie Geowissenschaften: Universitat Bayreuth Fakultat fur Biologie Chemie Geowissenschaften, Organische Chemie 1, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440, Bayreuth, GERMANY
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Gologorsky MB, Mechler CM, Forgó E, Charville GW, Howitt MR. The abundance and morphology of human large intestinal goblet and tuft cells during chronic schistosomiasis. Parasite Immunol 2023; 45:e12981. [PMID: 37038837 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis affects nearly 240 million people in predominately low- and middle-income countries and ranks second in the number of cases and socio-economic burden among all parasitic diseases. Despite the enormous burden posed by schistosomes, our understanding of how schistosomiasis impacts infected human tissues remains limited. Intestinal schistosomiasis in animal models leads to goblet cell hyperplasia, likely increasing mucus production and reflecting an intestinal type 2 immune response. However, it is unknown whether these same changes occur in schistosome-infected humans. Using immunofluorescence and light microscopy, we compared the abundance and morphology of goblet cells in patients diagnosed with schistosomiasis to uninfected controls. The mucin-containing vesicles in goblet cells from schistosome-infected patients were significantly larger (hypertrophic) than uninfected individuals, although goblet cell hyperplasia was absent in chronic human schistosomiasis. In addition, we examined tuft cells in the large intestinal epithelium of control and schistosome-infected patients. Tuft cell numbers expand during helminth infection in mice, but these cells have not been characterized in human parasite infections. We found no evidence of tuft cell hyperplasia during human schistosome infection. Thus, our study provides novel insight into schistosome-associated changes to the intestinal epithelium in humans, suggesting an increase in mucus production by large intestinal goblet cells but relatively minor effects on tuft cell numbers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew B Gologorsky
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Claire M Mechler
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Erna Forgó
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Gregory W Charville
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Michael R Howitt
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
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Calvopiña M, Romero-Alvarez D, Vasconez E, Valverde-Muñoz G, Trueba G, Garcia-Bereguiain MA, Orlando SA. Leptospirosis in Ecuador: Current Status and Future Prospects. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8040202. [PMID: 37104328 PMCID: PMC10141158 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8040202] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The location of Ecuador-an equatorial nation-favors the multiplication and dispersal of the Leptospira genus both on the Pacific Coast and in the Amazon tropical ecoregions. Nevertheless, leptospirosis epidemiology has not been fully addressed, even though the disease has been recognized as a significant public health problem in the country. The purpose of this literature review is to update knowledge on the epidemiology and geographical distribution of Leptospira spp. and leptospirosis in Ecuador to target future research and develop a national control strategy. A retrospective literature search using five international, regional, and national databases on Leptospira and leptospirosis including humans, animals, and environmental isolations of the bacteria and the disease incidence in Ecuador published between 1919 and 2022 (103 years) with no restriction on language or publication date was performed. We found and analyzed 47 publications including 22 of humans, 19 of animals, and two of the environments; three of these covered more than one of these topics, and one covered all three (i.e., One Health). Most (60%) of the studies were conducted in the Coastal ecoregion. Twenty-four (51%) were published in international journals, and 27 (57%) were in Spanish. A total of 7342 human and 6314 other animal cases were studied. Leptospirosis was a frequent cause of acute undifferentiated febrile illness in the Coast and Amazon and was associated with rainfall. All three major clusters of Leptospira-pathogenic, intermediate, and saprophytic-were identified from both healthy and febrile humans, the environment, and animals; moreover, nine species and 29 serovars were recorded over the three Ecuadorian ecoregions. Leptospira infections were diagnosed in livestock, companion, and wild animals from the Amazon and the Coast regions along with sea lions from the Galápagos Islands. Microscopic-agglutination test was the diagnostic tool most widely used. Three reviews covering national data on outpatients and inpatients determined the varied annual incidence and mortality rate, with males being more commonly affected. No human cases have been reported in the Galápagos Islands. Genomic sequences of three pathogenic Leptospira were reported. No studies on clinical ground, antibiotic resistance, or treatment were reported, nor were control programs or clinical-practice guidelines found. The published literature demonstrated that leptospirosis was and still is an endemic disease with active transmission in the four geoclimatic regions of Ecuador including the Galápagos Islands. Animal infections, distributed in mainland and insular Ecuador, pose a significant health risk for humans. Nationwide epidemiological surveys-encouraging more research on the fauna and environment with appropriate sampling design on risk factors for human and animal leptospirosis, Leptospira genotyping, increased laboratory capability, and readily available official data-are required to improve our understanding of transmission patterns and to develop effective national intervention strategies with the intention of applying One Health approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Calvopiña
- One Health Research Group, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Las Américas (UDLA), Quito 170124, Ecuador
| | - Daniel Romero-Alvarez
- One Health Research Group, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Las Américas (UDLA), Quito 170124, Ecuador
- Biodiversity Institute and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Eduardo Vasconez
- One Health Research Group, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Las Américas (UDLA), Quito 170124, Ecuador
| | - Gabriela Valverde-Muñoz
- Proyecto de Fortalecimiento de la Atención Integral de Personas con Discapacidad, Ministerio de Salud Pública, Quito 170702, Ecuador
| | - Gabriel Trueba
- Institute of Microbiology, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito 170901, Ecuador
| | - Miguel Angel Garcia-Bereguiain
- One Health Research Group, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Las Américas (UDLA), Quito 170124, Ecuador
- Universidad Latinoamerica de Costa Rica, San Jose 11501, Costa Rica
| | - Solon Alberto Orlando
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública INSPI, Quito 3961, Ecuador
- Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil 092301, Ecuador
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Al-Khateeb T, Al-Haidari S, Butcher R, Rajamani A, Mahdy MAK, Jimenez C, Dejene M, Boyd S, Bakhtiari A, Solomon AW, Thabit A, Harding-Esch EM, Al-Shami R. Prevalence of Trachoma in Four Evaluation Units in Yemen after Implementation of Trachoma Elimination Measures. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2023:1-9. [PMID: 36908236 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2023.2180805] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In baseline trachoma prevalence surveys, six districts in two governorates of Yemen were identified as requiring interventions. We set out to estimate the prevalence of trachoma 6-12 months after one round of antibiotic mass drug administration (MDA) and implementation of measures to encourage facial cleanliness. METHODS A population-based prevalence survey was conducted in each of the four evaluation units in October 2019. Contemporary World Health Organization recommendations for trachoma surveys were followed. Participants were selected using a two-stage cluster sampling process. The prevalence of inflammatory and late-stage trachoma was measured through eye examination. Water, sanitation, and hygiene facility access among visited households was estimated. RESULTS The prevalence of trachomatous inflammation-,follicular (TF) in 1-9-year-olds per EU was <5.0% in three EUs (Al Mighlaf, Al Munirah, and As Salif; Az Zaydiyah; and Mudhaykhirah districts) and 5.0-9.9% in one EU (Far Al Udayn District). The prevalence of TT unknown to the health system in ≥15-year-olds per EU was <0.2% in all four EUs. Per EU, the proportion of households with an improved drinking water source ranged from 40% to 100%; access to an improved drinking water source within 30-minute return journey of the household ranged from 45% to 100%; and with an improved latrine ranged from 32% to 83%. CONCLUSION An additional round of antibiotic MDA should be administered in Far Al Udayn district before it is resurveyed. In the other surveyed districts, pre-validation surveillance surveys should be conducted in 2 years' time to determine if the TF prevalence <5% has been maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tawfik Al-Khateeb
- Prevention of Blindness Program, Ministry of Public Health & Population, Sana'a, Yemen
| | - Sami Al-Haidari
- Neglected Tropical Diseases Directorate Ministry of Public Health & Population, Sana'a, Yemen
| | - Robert Butcher
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Anusha Rajamani
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Sarah Boyd
- Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Anthony W Solomon
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Adnan Thabit
- Ophthalmology Department, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen
| | - Emma M Harding-Esch
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rasheed Al-Shami
- Taskforce for Trachoma Control Program, Ministry of Public Health & Population, Sana'a, Yemen
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Moraes JD, Figueiró Longo JP. Can nanomedicine improve the effectiveness of drugs used to treat neglected tropical diseases? Nanomedicine (Lond) 2023; 18:85-87. [PMID: 36852980 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2023-0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Josué de Moraes
- Research Center for Neglected Diseases, Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, SP, 07023-070, Brazil
| | - João P Figueiró Longo
- Department of Genetics & Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, 70910-900, Brazil
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Khan S, Cable J, Younus M, Rashid MI, Hailer F, Akbar H. IEg67 kDa Bovine Hydatid Cyst Antigen: A Candidate for Developing Sero-Diagnostic Assays for Cystic Echinococcosis, a Disease of One Health Importance. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13050866. [PMID: 36899724 PMCID: PMC10000060 DOI: 10.3390/ani13050866] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (hydatidosis) is a world-wide zoonotic disease of mainly humans, livestock and dogs, caused by Echinococcus granulosus. The disease can negatively impact food production and animal welfare and causes socio-economic hardship. Here, we aimed to identify the local bovine hydatid cyst fluid (BHCF) antigen for developing a sero-diagnostic assay to be used for the pre-slaughter screening of food animals. In total, 264 bovines approved for slaughter in Pakistan were subjected to serum collection and post-mortem screening for hydatid cysts. These cysts were assessed microscopically to assess fertility and viability, and by PCR for molecular confirmation of species. A BHCF antigen was identified from positive sera via SDS-PAGE, confirmed by Western blot, and quantified via a bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay. The quantified crude BHCF antigen (iEg67 kDa) was then used in ELISA screening to test all sera collected from known positive and negative animals based on hydatid cyst presence/absence. Of the 264 bovines examined, 38 (14.4%) showed hydatid cysts during post-mortem examination. All of these individuals, plus an additional 14 (total: 52; 19.6%) tested positive based on less time-consuming ELISA examination. Based on ELISA, occurrence in females (18.8%) was significantly higher than in males (9.2%) and was higher in cattle (19.5%) compared to buffalo (9.5%). The infection rate increased with age in both host species: cumulatively, 3.6% in animals aged 2-3 years, 14.6% in 4-5-year-olds and 25.6% in 6-7-year-olds. The occurrence of cysts in cattle was significantly higher in the lungs (14.1%) compared to their livers (5.5%), whereas the opposite was true in buffalo (6.6% livers, 2.9% lungs). For both host species, most cysts in the lungs were fertile (65%), while the majority in the liver were sterile (71.4%). We conclude that the identified iEg67 kDa antigen is a strong candidate for the development of a sero-diagnostic screening assay for the pre-slaughter diagnosis of hydatidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakandar Khan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animals Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Jo Cable
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Muhammad Younus
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Narowal, Sub-Campus, University of Veterinary and Animals Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran Rashid
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animals Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Frank Hailer
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Haroon Akbar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animals Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
- Correspondence:
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Smoniewski CM, Borujeni PM, Petersen A, Hampton M, Salavati R, Zimmer SL. Circular mitochondrial-encoded mRNAs are a distinct subpopulation of mitochondrial mRNA in Trypanosoma brucei. bioRxiv 2023:2023.02.10.528059. [PMID: 36798374 PMCID: PMC9934643 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.10.528059] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Since the first identification of circular RNA (circRNA) in viral-like systems, reports of circRNAs and their functions in various organisms, cell types, and organelles have greatly expanded. Here, we report the first evidence of circular mRNA in the mitochondrion of the eukaryotic parasite, Trypanosoma brucei . While using a circular RT-PCR technique developed to sequence mRNA tails of mitochondrial transcripts, we found that some mRNAs are circularized without an in vitro circularization step normally required to produce PCR products. Starting from total in vitro circularized RNA and in vivo circRNA, we high-throughput sequenced three transcripts from the 3' end of the coding region, through the 3' tail, to the 5' start of the coding region. We found that fewer reads in the circRNA libraries contained tails than in the total RNA libraries. When tails were present on circRNAs, they were shorter and less adenine-rich than the total population of RNA tails of the same transcript. Additionally, using hidden Markov modelling we determined that enzymatic activity during tail addition is different for circRNAs than for total RNA. Lastly, circRNA UTRs tended to be shorter and more variable than those of the same transcript sequenced from total RNA. We propose a revised model of Trypanosome mitochondrial tail addition, in which a fraction of mRNAs is circularized prior to the addition of adenine-rich tails and may act as a new regulatory molecule or in a degradation pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara M. Smoniewski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School Duluth Campus, Duluth, MN, USA
| | | | - Austin Petersen
- Department of Biology, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Marshall Hampton
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Reza Salavati
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sara L. Zimmer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School Duluth Campus, Duluth, MN, USA
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de Jesus AV, Sevá ADP, Guedes PEB, Dos Santos KC, Harvey TV, de Oliveira GMS, Bitar TV, Ferreira F, Albuquerque GR, Carlos RSA. Spatial Distribution of Off-Host Stages of Tunga penetrans in the Soil within the Home Range of Nine Infected Dogs in An Endemic Tourist Area in Brazil. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8. [PMID: 36828514 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8020098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tungiasis is a neglected disease caused by the sand flea Tunga penetrans, and dogs are considered the main reservoirs in Brazil. This study aimed to identify the role of dogs as tungiasis dispersers and to investigate the presence of T. penetrans in the soil of an endemic tourist area. Nine dogs infected by T. penetrans were included in this study and received GPS collars to analyze their movement through the village. Duplicate sand samples were collected in different areas of the community. Those areas were classified as peridomicile (n = 110), open area (n = 110), beach (n = 50), and river (n = 58). The analysis of the points recorded by the collars showed that the dogs roamed throughout the community, potentially facilitating the spread of the disease. Samples contaminated with developmental forms of the parasite were found in the circulation area of three dogs. Adult fleas were found in 3/328 samples. These data emphasize that infected dogs' roaming can influence the fleas' dispersion in the soil. Statistically, none of the study variables had a significant correlation (p > 0.5) with the presence of T. penetrans in the area analyzed. This study was the first to assess infected dogs' role as tungiasis propagators.
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Paul A, Singh S. Visceral leishmaniasis in the COVID-19 pandemic era. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2023; 117:67-71. [PMID: 36283121 PMCID: PMC9620367 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trac100] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral l eishmaniasis (VL), also known as kala-azar, had once been targeted for elimination in 2020, which now has been shifted to 2030. The year 2020 was also the year in which the world was gripped by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This review sheds light on the impact of COVID-19 on VL elimination programmes and the increasing incidences of COVID-19/VL cases. Lockdowns were imposed worldwide that led to the suspension of surveys, active case finding and mass drug administration, which are important activities to manage neglected tropical diseases. Healthcare machinery was redirected to control the pandemic and acute resource shortages were seen. Budget cuts from funding agencies and donors also came as a severe blow. Priority changes for manufacturers of drugs and diagnostic kits have also exacerbated the situation. Cases where patients were co-infected with VL and COVID-19 were reported across various settings and in people of various age groups, posing unprecedented challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Concerted efforts from all stakeholders are required to understand and deal with the impact that this pandemic has had on VL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anindita Paul
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, Punjab-160062, India
| | - Sushma Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar, Mohali, Punjab-160062, India
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Boateng EM, Dvorak J, Ayi I, Chanova M. A literature review of schistosomiasis in Ghana: a reference for bridging the research and control gap. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2023:6997900. [PMID: 36688317 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trac134] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is endemic in most sub-Saharan African countries, including Ghana, where the need for effective control involving preventive chemotherapy was indicated by the WHO. Mass drug administration commenced in 2008 and has continued since then in Ghana, but the country remains highly endemic. Here, we review the literature on schistosomiasis to identify research and knowledge gaps potentially affecting disease control. A total of 100 Ghana-related schistosomiasis literature sources were reviewed, showing that most studies were conducted on epidemiology, control of transmission and diagnosis. By contrast, many aspects of this disease remain neglected, including livestock schistosomiasis and its zoonotic potential, recent distribution of disease vectors or widely overlooked genital schistosomiasis. Stratified by region, the highest number of studies focus on Greater Accra, while studies are limited or absent for several other regions. Although this review shows apparent progress in terms of schistosomiasis research and control, a considerable amount of work remains to achieve at least a reduction in the prevalence of the disease, which affects a significant proportion of the population. National epidemiological data based on a nationwide survey, integrated control and improved monitoring and evaluation must be ensured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enoch Mensah Boateng
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Center of Infectious Animal Diseases, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Kamycka 129, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic.,Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Studnickova 7, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Dvorak
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Center of Infectious Animal Diseases, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Kamycka 129, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic.,Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo namesti 2, 16000 Prague, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Kamycka 129, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Irene Ayi
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, LG 1181, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Marta Chanova
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Studnickova 7, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
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Barbiero A, Mazzi M, Mantella A, Trotta M, Rossolini GM, Antonelli A, Bordonaro P, Colao MG, Speciale AR, Di Benedetto T, Di Tommaso M, Mantengoli E, Petraglia F, Galli L, Pezzati M, Dani C, Caldes Pinilla MJ, Berni C, Dannaoui B, Albajar Viñas P, Bartoloni A, Zammarchi L. A Questionnaire Integrated with the Digital Medical Record Improved the Coverage of a Control Program for Congenital Chagas Disease in Tuscany, Italy. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11010154. [PMID: 36677446 PMCID: PMC9866674 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The leading route of Chagas disease transmission in nonendemic countries is congenital. However, policies concerning screening, prevention, and management of congenital Chagas disease are rare in these settings. Since 2012, serological screening for Chagas disease should be provided for pregnant women at risk in Tuscany, Italy according to a Regional resolution. Due to difficulties in the implementation, in November 2019, a checklist aimed at identifying pregnant women at risk for Chagas disease was introduced in digital clinical records at Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the "Chagas checklist", data about the number of deliveries by women at risk and their screening coverage between 2012 and June 2022 were collected. Out of 1348 deliveries by women at risk, 626 (47%) Trypanosoma cruzi serology tests were performed during the study period. The annual screening coverage increased from an average of 40.3% between 2012 and 2019 to 75.7% between 2020 and June 2022, underlining the big impact of the checklist. Four Chagas disease serological tests out of 626 (0.6%) resulted positive, corresponding to 2 affected women. No cases of congenital transmission occurred. The study showed that a simple digital tool led to a tangible improvement in the coverage of the screening program; its application in a setting where digital charts are available will contribute to the control and elimination of congenital Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Barbiero
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Martina Mazzi
- School of Human Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Antonia Mantella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Tuscany Regional Referral Center for Tropical Diseases, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Michele Trotta
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Tuscany Regional Referral Center for Infectious Diseases in Pregnancy, Careggi University Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Gian Maria Rossolini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Clinical Microbiology and Virology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Alberto Antonelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Patrizia Bordonaro
- Hospital General Laboratory, Careggi University Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Colao
- Clinical Microbiology and Virology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Anna Rosa Speciale
- Department of Health Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology Branch, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Tullio Di Benedetto
- Department of Health Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology Branch, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Di Tommaso
- Department of Health Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology Branch, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Mantengoli
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Luisa Galli
- Department of Health Sciences University of Florence, Paediatric Infectious Diseases Division, Anna Meyer Children’s University Hospital, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Pezzati
- Pediatric Unit, Santa Maria Annunziata Hospital, AUSL Toscana Centro, Via Antella, 58, Bagno a Ripoli, 50012 Florence, Italy
| | - Carlo Dani
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Careggi University Hospital of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Maria José Caldes Pinilla
- Tuscany Regional Center for Global Health, Anna Meyer Children’s University Hospital, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Cecilia Berni
- Citizenship Rights and Social Cohesion Directorate, Tuscany Region, Via Camillo Cavour, 2, 50122 Florence, Italy
| | - Bassam Dannaoui
- Technological Innovation in Clinical-Assistance Activities Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Pedro Albajar Viñas
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Bartoloni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Tuscany Regional Referral Center for Tropical Diseases, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Zammarchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Tuscany Regional Referral Center for Tropical Diseases, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Tuscany Regional Referral Center for Infectious Diseases in Pregnancy, Careggi University Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Kaur H, Lynn AM. Mapping the FtsQBL divisome components in bacterial NTD pathogens as potential drug targets. Front Genet 2023; 13:1010870. [PMID: 36685953 PMCID: PMC9846249 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1010870] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytokinesis is an essential process in bacterial cell division, and it involves more than 25 essential/non-essential cell division proteins that form a protein complex known as a divisome. Central to the divisome are the proteins FtsB and FtsL binding to FtsQ to form a complex FtsQBL, which helps link the early proteins with late proteins. The FtsQBL complex is highly conserved as a component across bacteria. Pathogens like Vibrio cholerae, Mycobacterium ulcerans, Mycobacterium leprae, and Chlamydia trachomatis are the causative agents of the bacterial Neglected Tropical Diseases Cholera, Buruli ulcer, Leprosy, and Trachoma, respectively, some of which seemingly lack known homologs for some of the FtsQBL complex proteins. In the absence of experimental characterization, either due to insufficient resources or the massive increase in novel sequences generated from genomics, functional annotation is traditionally inferred by sequence similarity to a known homolog. With the advent of accurate protein structure prediction methods, features both at the fold level and at the protein interaction level can be used to identify orthologs that cannot be unambiguously identified using sequence similarity methods. Using the FtsQBL complex proteins as a case study, we report potential remote homologs using Profile Hidden Markov models and structures predicted using AlphaFold. Predicted ortholog structures show conformational similarity with corresponding E. coli proteins irrespective of their level of sequence similarity. Alphafold multimer was used to characterize remote homologs as FtsB or FtsL, when they were not sufficiently distinguishable at both the sequence or structure level, as their interactions with FtsQ and FtsW play a crucial role in their function. The structures were then analyzed to identify functionally critical regions of the proteins consistent with their homologs and delineate regions potentially useful for inhibitor discovery.
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Rosas-Hostos Infantes LR, Paredes Yataco GA, Ortiz-Martínez Y, Mayer T, Terashima A, Franco-Paredes C, Gonzalez-Diaz E, Rodriguez-Morales AJ, Bonilla-Aldana DK, Vargas Barahona L, Grimshaw AA, Chastain DB, Sillau S, Marcos LA, Henao-Martínez AF. The global prevalence of human fascioliasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2023; 10:20499361231185413. [PMID: 37434654 PMCID: PMC10331341 DOI: 10.1177/20499361231185413] [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: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Fascioliasis is a parasitic zoonosis that can infect humans and be a source of significant morbidity. The World Health Organization lists human fascioliasis as a neglected tropical disease, but the worldwide prevalence of fascioliasis data is unknown. Objective We aimed to estimate the global prevalence of human fascioliasis. Data sources and methods We performed a systematic review and prevalence meta-analysis. We used the following inclusion criteria: articles published in the English, Portuguese, or Spanish languages from December 1985 to October 2022 and studies assessing the prevalence of Fasciola in the general population with an appropriate diagnostic methodology, including longitudinal studies, prospective and retrospective cohorts, case series, and randomized clinical trials (RCTs). We excluded animal studies. Two reviewers independently reviewed the selected studies for methodological quality, performing critical standard measures from JBI SUMARI. A random-effects model was conducted of the summary extracted data on the prevalence proportions. We reported the estimates according to the GATHER statement. Results In all, 5617 studies were screened for eligibility. Fifty-five studies from 15 countries were selected, including 154,697 patients and 3987 cases. The meta-analysis revealed a pooled prevalence of 4.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.1-6.1; I2 = 99.4%; T2 = 0.07]. The prevalence in South America, Africa, and Asia was 9.0%, 4.8%, and 2.0%, respectively. The highest prevalence was found in Bolivia (21%), Peru (11%), and Egypt (6%). Subgroup analysis showed higher prevalence estimates in children, in studies from South America, and when Fas2-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used as a diagnostic method. A larger study sample size (p = 0.027) and an increase in female percentage (p = 0.043) correlated with a decrease in prevalence. Multiple meta-regression showed a higher prevalence for hyperendemic than hypoendemic (p = 0.002) or mesoendemic (p = 0.013) regions. Conclusion The estimated prevalence and projected disease burden of human fascioliasis are high. Study findings support that fascioliasis continues to be a globally neglected tropical disease. Strengthening epidemiological surveillance and implementing measures to control and treat fascioliasis is imperative in the most affected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yeimer Ortiz-Martínez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universidad Industrial de Santander and Hospital Universitario de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Treana Mayer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Angelica Terashima
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Tropicales y Dermatológicas, Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - Carlos Franco-Paredes
- Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, México City, México
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panamá
| | - Esteban Gonzalez-Diaz
- Epidemiological Surveillance and Preventive Medicine Unit, Hospital Civil de Guadalajara Fray Antonio Alcalde, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales
- Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Faculty of Medicine, Fundacion Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas-Institucion Universitaria Vision de las Americas, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Master of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Universidad Cientifica del Sur, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Lilian Vargas Barahona
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Daniel B. Chastain
- Department of Clinical & Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Albany, GA, USA
| | - Stefan Sillau
- Department of Neurology and Biostatistics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Luis A. Marcos
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Departments of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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de Santiago-Silva KM, da Silva Gomes GF, Perez CC, da Silva Lima CH, de Lima Ferreira Bispo M. Molecular Targets for Chalcones in Antileishmanial Drug Discovery. Mini Rev Med Chem 2023; 23:1414-1434. [PMID: 36705240 DOI: 10.2174/1389557523666230127125058] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniases are infectious diseases caused by flagellated protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Leishmania that infect cells of the mononuclear phagocytic system. These parasites are transmitted to humans by biting an infected female sandfly belonging to the genera Phlebotomus in the Old World and Lutzomyia in the New World. Despite representing a major public health problem, the therapeutic options are old and have several disadvantages. Given this scenario, developing vaccines or drugs for oral administration is necessary. Therefore, integrating computational and experimental strategies into the studies on molecular targets essential for the survival and virulence of the parasite is fundamental in researching and developing new treatments for leishmaniasis. In the effort to develop new vaccines and drugs, molecular docking methods are widely used as they explore the adopted conformations of small molecules within the binding sites of macromolecular targets and estimate the free energy of target-ligand binding. Privileged structures have been widely used as an effective model in medicinal chemistry for drug discovery. Chalcones are a common simple scaffold found in many compounds of natural and synthetic origin, where studies demonstrate the great pharmacological potential in treating leishmaniasis. This review is based on scientific articles published in the last ten years on molecular docking of chalcone derivatives for essential molecular targets of Leishmania. Thus, this review emphasizes how versatile chalcone derivatives can be used in developing new inhibitors of important molecular targets involved in the survival, growth, cell differentiation, and infectivity of the parasites that cause leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaio Maciel de Santiago-Silva
- Laboratório de Síntese de Moléculas Medicinais (LaSMMed), Departamento de Química, Centro de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Felix da Silva Gomes
- Laboratório de Síntese de Moléculas Medicinais (LaSMMed), Departamento de Química, Centro de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Carla Cristina Perez
- Laboratório de Síntese de Moléculas Medicinais (LaSMMed), Departamento de Química, Centro de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Camilo Henrique da Silva Lima
- Departamento de Química Orgânica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcelle de Lima Ferreira Bispo
- Laboratório de Síntese de Moléculas Medicinais (LaSMMed), Departamento de Química, Centro de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
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Kibone W, Semulimi AW, Kwizera R, Bongomin F. Improving mycetoma case detection through the training of community health workers in Northern Uganda: protocol for a stepped-wedge cluster-randomized trial. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2023; 10:20499361231198332. [PMID: 37693860 PMCID: PMC10492465 DOI: 10.1177/20499361231198332] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The World Health Organization acknowledges the need for countries to incorporate neglected tropical disease care into their routine health care system. However, low detection rates and late presentation of mycetoma to health facilities have been observed in endemic countries, including Uganda. Objective To empower community health workers (CHWs) in Northern Uganda to recognize and refer suspects of mycetoma to health facilities. Design This will be a stepped-wedge cluster-randomized trial based in Gulu and Pader districts over a period of 9 months with sequential crossover from intervention phase to the control phase at different time points until both districts are exposed to the intervention. Methods and Analysis The study will leverage on the ongoing partnership between Northern Uganda Medical Mission and the Uganda Ministry of Health that has trained over 300 CHWs in Gulu and Pader. The study evaluation will be done using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework. The expected outcome of the study is increased detection and referral of suspects of mycetoma. Data will be analyzed using STATA 17.0 and Friedman statistics or Analysis of Variance to determine increase in case identifications and referrals. Ethics and Registration The study was approved by Mulago Hospital Research and Ethics Committee (MHREC 2406) and registered with Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR202301534749787). Dissemination The results from this trial will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. In addition, the findings will be shared at conferences, with funders, and at other research meetings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winnie Kibone
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Andrew Weil Semulimi
- Makerere Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Richard Kwizera
- Translational Research Laboratory, Department of Research, Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Felix Bongomin
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
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Parajuli N, Prajapati B. Use of mobile tele-dermatology in managing cutaneous leishmaniasis from a remote district of Nepal during the COVID 19 pandemic: A case series. Trop Doct 2023; 53:158-160. [PMID: 36344234 PMCID: PMC9643109 DOI: 10.1177/00494755221136910] [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] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
With the invent of smart phones, tele-dermatology has become a cheap and cost-effective medium to provide medical services to rural population. Its usefulness is more prominently noted during the COVID 19 pandemic and much more in countries with difficult terrain with limited specialist health providers. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease which may cause significant disability if treatment is delayed. Here, we discuss three cases of CL from a remote district by use of tele-dermatology during the pandemic lockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niraj Parajuli
- Assistant Professor/ Senior Consultant
Dermatologist, Department of dermatology and venereology, National Academy of
Medical Sciences, Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal,Niraj Parajuli, Assistant Professor/ Senior
Consultant Dermatologist, Department of dermatology and venereology, National
Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal.
| | - Bigyan Prajapati
- Consultant General Physician, Kalikot
District Hospital, Kalikot district, Nepal
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Hamamoto Filho PT, Rodríguez-Rivas R, Fleury A. Neurocysticercosis: A Review into Treatment Options, Indications, and Their Efficacy. Res Rep Trop Med 2022; 13:67-79. [PMID: 36601353 PMCID: PMC9807125 DOI: 10.2147/rrtm.s375650] [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: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis, due to the localization of Taenia solium larvae in the Central Nervous System, is a neglected tropical disease still endemic in much of Latin America, Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The therapeutic management of NC has gradually improved with the establishment of neuroimaging studies (CT and MRI) in endemic countries and with the demonstration of the efficacy of albendazole and praziquantel in the 1980s. But the morbidity and mortality of this preventable disease remain an unacceptable fact. In this scoping review, we will revise the different treatment options and their indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Tadao Hamamoto Filho
- Department of Neurology, Psychology and Psychiatry, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP –Universidad de Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Roberto Rodríguez-Rivas
- Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suarez, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Agnès Fleury
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México,Clínica de Neurocisticercosis, Instituto Nacional de Neurología Y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suarez, Ciudad de México, México,Correspondence: Agnès Fleury, Insurgentes Sur 3877 CP 14269 Barrio La Fama, Tlalpan, Ciudad de México, México, Tel +52 5556063822, Email
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Alsolaiss J, Alomran N, Hawkins L, Casewell NR. Commercial Antivenoms Exert Broad Paraspecific Immunological Binding and In Vitro Inhibition of Medically Important Bothrops Pit Viper Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 15:1. [PMID: 36668821 PMCID: PMC9862972 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15010001] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is a life threatening neglected tropical disease that represents a considerable public health concern in the tropics. Viperid snakes of the genus Bothrops are among those of greatest medical importance in Latin America, and they frequently cause severe systemic haemotoxicity and local tissue destructive effects in human victims. Although snakebite antivenoms can be effective therapeutics, their efficacy is undermined by venom toxin variation among snake species. In this study we investigated the extent of paraspecific venom cross-reactivity exhibited by three distinct anti-Bothrops antivenoms (Soro antibotrópico-crotálico, BothroFav and PoliVal-ICP) against seven different Bothrops pit viper venoms from across Latin America. We applied a range of in vitro assays to assess the immunological binding and recognition of venom toxins by the antivenoms and their inhibitory activities against specific venom functionalities. Our findings demonstrated that, despite some variations, the monovalent antivenom BothroFav and the polyvalent antivenoms Soro antibotrópico-crotálico and PoliVap-ICP exhibited extensive immunological recognition of the distinct toxins found in the different Bothrops venoms, with Soro antibotrópico-crotálico generally outperformed by the other two products. In vitro functional assays revealed outcomes largely consistent with the immunological binding data, with PoliVap-ICP and BothroFav exhibiting the greatest inhibitory potencies against procoagulant and fibrinogen-depleting venom activities, though Soro antibotrópico-crotálico exhibited potent inhibition of venom metalloproteinase activities. Overall, our findings demonstrate broad levels of antivenom paraspecificity, with in vitro immunological binding and functional inhibition often highly comparable between venoms used to manufacture the antivenoms and those from related species, even in the case of the monovalent antivenom BothroFav. Our findings suggest that the current clinical utility of these antivenoms could possibly be expanded to other parts of Latin America that currently suffer from a lack of specific snakebite therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaffer Alsolaiss
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
- Tropical Disease Biology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Nessrin Alomran
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
- Tropical Disease Biology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Laura Hawkins
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
- Tropical Disease Biology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Nicholas R. Casewell
- Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
- Tropical Disease Biology Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
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Ness TE, Martin-Blais R, Weatherhead JE. How I Approach Leishmaniasis: Diagnosis and Treatment in the United States. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2022; 11:525-532. [PMID: 36043874 PMCID: PMC9720369 DOI: 10.1093/jpids/piac087] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by over 20 species of obligate intracellular protozoa belonging to the genus Leishmania. Leishmaniasis has a global distribution, including in the United States, and can cause a spectrum of clinical syndromes, including cutaneous, mucosal, and visceral diseases depending on host factors and the infecting Leishmania spp. Accurate diagnosis, including Leishmania species identification, is an important step to guide the most appropriate therapeutic intervention. Antileishmanial therapy is dependent on the Leishmania spp. identified, the clinical syndrome, and the child's immune system. However, many treatment regimens for children have been extrapolated from adult clinical trials, which may lead to underdosing and subsequent poor outcomes in infected children. Additional research is urgently needed to help guide therapy for children and determine appropriate antileishmanial agents, doses, and treatment courses for children with leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara E Ness
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rachel Martin-Blais
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jill E Weatherhead
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Division of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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Owobu T, Ojukwu BT, Azah OO, Sulaiman SA, Halilu M, Nnawuihe UC, Sanni AB. A review of noma cases in a tertiary hospital located in a conflict endemic region in Nigeria. Med Confl Surviv 2022; 38:295-306. [PMID: 36003023 DOI: 10.1080/13623699.2022.2114121] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Noma, a neglected tropical disease (NTD), is a preventable oro-facial gangrenous infection causing destruction of oro-facial tissues if untreated. This descriptive study was conducted in North-Eastern Nigeria which has witnessed armed insurgency increasing risk of noma. Data was obtained from patients' records at a tertiary hospital after a dental educational outreach using radio and visits to the hospital's ante/postnatal clinics. Data analysis was conducted at 95% confidence interval with p≤ 0.05 considered significant. Records of 49 patients were retrieved but 31 (63.3%) were utilised due to poor documentation. Age ranged from 2-63 years. Children (0-16 years) and Adults (17-59 years) were 67.7% and 25.8% respectively. Males were 13 (41.9%) and females, 18 (58.1%). Poor oral hygiene and malnutrition were common findings. Stage (WHO Staging System) 2 (51.6%) and 4 (22.6%) were the most common presentation. Successfully managed and referred cases were 51.6% and 48.4% respectively. Successful management was associated with early stages of noma (p = <0.001). Children were most vulnerable. Outreaches using radio and education to pregnant women and nursing mothers can boost early presentation and better outcomes. Attention to case documentation and inclusion of noma into the WHO list of NTDs are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Owobu
- Department of Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery, Federal Medical Centre, Nguru, Nigeria
| | - Basil Tochukwu Ojukwu
- Department of Clinical Services and Public Health, Intercountry Centre for Oral Health for Africa, Jos, Plateau, Nigeria
| | - Oba Onisoman Azah
- Department of Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery, Federal Medical Centre, Nguru, Nigeria
| | - Shehu Adamu Sulaiman
- Department of Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery, Federal Medical Centre, Nguru, Nigeria
| | - Muhammed Halilu
- Department of Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery, Federal Medical Centre, Nguru, Nigeria
| | - Ukachi Chiwendu Nnawuihe
- Department of Clinical Services and Public Health, Intercountry Centre for Oral Health for Africa, Jos, Plateau, Nigeria
| | - Auwalu Balarabe Sanni
- Department of Clinical Services and Public Health, Intercountry Centre for Oral Health for Africa, Jos, Plateau, Nigeria
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Ishwarlall TZ, Adeleke VT, Maharaj L, Okpeku M, Adeniyi AA, Adeleke MA. Identification of potential candidate vaccines against Mycobacterium ulcerans based on the major facilitator superfamily transporter protein. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1023558. [PMID: 36426350 PMCID: PMC9679648 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1023558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Buruli ulcer is a neglected tropical disease that is characterized by non-fatal lesion development. The causative agent is Mycobacterium ulcerans (M. ulcerans). There are no known vectors or transmission methods, preventing the development of control methods. There are effective diagnostic techniques and treatment routines; however, several socioeconomic factors may limit patients' abilities to receive these treatments. The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine developed against tuberculosis has shown limited efficacy, and no conventionally designed vaccines have passed clinical trials. This study aimed to generate a multi-epitope vaccine against M. ulcerans from the major facilitator superfamily transporter protein using an immunoinformatics approach. Twelve M. ulcerans genome assemblies were analyzed, resulting in the identification of 11 CD8+ and 7 CD4+ T-cell epitopes and 2 B-cell epitopes. These conserved epitopes were computationally predicted to be antigenic, immunogenic, non-allergenic, and non-toxic. The CD4+ T-cell epitopes were capable of inducing interferon-gamma and interleukin-4. They successfully bound to their respective human leukocyte antigens alleles in in silico docking studies. The expected global population coverage of the T-cell epitopes and their restricted human leukocyte antigens alleles was 99.90%. The population coverage of endemic regions ranged from 99.99% (Papua New Guinea) to 21.81% (Liberia). Two vaccine constructs were generated using the Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 agonists, LprG and RpfE, respectively. Both constructs were antigenic, non-allergenic, non-toxic, thermostable, basic, and hydrophilic. The DNA sequences of the vaccine constructs underwent optimization and were successfully in-silico cloned with the pET-28a(+) plasmid. The vaccine constructs were successfully docked to their respective toll-like receptors. Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out to analyze the binding interactions within the complex. The generated binding energies indicate the stability of both complexes. The constructs generated in this study display severable favorable properties, with construct one displaying a greater range of favorable properties. However, further analysis and laboratory validation are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Z. Ishwarlall
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Victoria T. Adeleke
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Leah Maharaj
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Moses Okpeku
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Adebayo A. Adeniyi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
- Department of Industrial Chemistry, Federal University Oye Ekiti, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
| | - Matthew A. Adeleke
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Hassan AA, Khalid HE, Abdalla AH, Mukhtar MM, Osman WJ, Efferth T. Antileishmanial Activities of Medicinal Herbs and Phytochemicals In Vitro and In Vivo: An Update for the Years 2015 to 2021. Molecules 2022; 27. [PMID: 36364404 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is one of the most neglected tropical diseases that present areal public health problems worldwide. Chemotherapy has several limitations such as toxic side effects, high costs, frequent relapses, the development of resistance, and the requirement for long-term treatment. Effective vaccines or drugs to prevent or cure the disease are not available yet. Therefore, it is important to dissect antileishmanial molecules that present selective efficacy and tolerable safety. Several studies revealed the antileishmanial activity of medicinal plants. Several organic extracts/essential oils and isolated natural compounds have been tested for their antileishmanial activities. Therefore, the aim of this review is to update and summarize the investigations that have been undertaken on the antileishmanial activity of medicinal plants and natural compounds derived, rom plants from January 2015 to December 2021. In this review, 94 plant species distributed in 39 families have been identified with antileishmanial activities. The leaves were the most commonly used plant part (49.5%) followed by stem bark, root, and whole plant (21.9%, 6.6%, and 5.4%, respectively). Other plant parts contributed less (<5%). The activity was reported against amastigotes and/or promastigotes of different species (L. infantum, L. tropica, L. major, L. amazonensis, L. aethiopica, L. donovani, L. braziliensis, L. panamensis, L. guyanensis, and L. mexicana). Most studies (84.2%) were carried out in vitro, and the others (15.8%) were performed in vivo. The IC50 values of 103 plant extracts determined in vitro were in a range of 0.88 µg/mL (polar fraction of dichloromethane extract of Boswellia serrata) to 98 µg/mL (petroleum ether extract of Murraya koenigii). Among the 15 plant extracts studied in vivo, the hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Solanum havanense reduced parasites by 93.6% in cutaneous leishmaniasis. Voacamine extracted from Tabernaemontana divaricata reduced hepatic parasitism by ≈30 times and splenic parasitism by ≈15 times in visceral leishmaniasis. Regarding cytotoxicity, 32.4% of the tested plant extracts against various Leishmania species have a selectivity index higher than 10. For isolated compounds, 49 natural compounds have been reported with anti-Leishmania activities against amastigotes and/or promastigotes of different species (L. infantum, L. major, L. amazonensis, L. donovani and L. braziliensis). The IC50 values were in a range of 0.2 µg/mL (colchicoside against promastigotes of L. major) to 42.4 µg/mL (dehydrodieuginol against promastigotes of L. amazonensis). In conclusion, there are numerous medicinal plants and natural compounds with strong effects (IC50 < 100 µg/mL) against different Leishmania species under in vitro and in vivo conditions with good selectivity indices (SI > 10). These plants and compounds may be promising sources for the development of new drugs against leishmaniasis and should be investigated in randomized clinical trials.
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Parke S, Dauda N, Ayarza R. Behaviour Insight Shadowing: examining daily life settings for the prevention of neglected tropical disease. Int Health 2022; 14:ii25-ii32. [PMID: 36130248 PMCID: PMC9492261 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihac042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adaptation of daily behaviours can play a significant role in disease prevention. Behaviour Insight Shadowing (BIS) is a novel qualitative methodology, designed and used for the first time in this study, which applies the Behaviour Settings Theory as a framework for interrogating daily life patterns and identifying optimal opportunities for behaviour change. Methods Nine participant households were shadowed for a day, in Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Guinea Bissau. Shadowing involved close ethnographic observation alongside integrated interviewing techniques, and then followed up with a semistructured cross-examination at the end of the observation period. Real-time insights about the attitudes and behaviours of households at high risk of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) were then categorised by context and analysed thematically. Themes were then applied to a framework of understanding specific to NTD behaviour change and therefore informing more effective social behaviour change communications (SBCC) design. The methodology is adaptable, simple to replicate and produces in-depth, qualitative ethnographic stories. Results Findings highlighted important spatial and temporal aspects of target behaviours, with key differences between private and group activities. Ethnographic stories illustrated hierarchies between economic, social and temporal drivers of behaviour, and highlighted the ways in which health messages were introduced and responded to within and between households. This provided cultural levers for more impactful SBCC interventions that could tie into existing norms. Conclusions BIS methodology, as an adaptive ethnographic approach, provides valuable insights that enhance the findings from surveys and focus groups, specifically in the context of NTD prevention. Contextual categorisation of relevant daily behaviours is key to developing culturally appropriate SBCC and in determining whether such intervention needs to be in alignment with everyday routines and attitudes, or in disruption of them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherrelle Parke
- M&C Saatchi World Services, 36 Golden Square, London W1F 9JX, UK
| | - Nurudeen Dauda
- Sightsavers, 1 Golf Course Road, P.O. Box 503, Kaduna, Nigeria
| | - Ruth Ayarza
- Sightsavers, 35 Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 3BZ, UK
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