Announcements

World Malaria Day, observed annually on 25 April, is a global reminder of the urgent need to stay focused on the fight against malaria—a preventable and treatable disease that still threatens millions of lives, especially in vulnerable communities. Despite considerable progress over the past two decades, malaria continues to take a heavy toll, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where children under five remain at most risk.

The theme for 2025, “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite”, is a powerful call to action. It is a strong reminder that the fight against malaria is not over, and that the power to end it lies with all of us.

In recognition of this vital cause, MDPI is spotlighting impactful research across a selection of its journals, highlighting contributions that advance the understanding, prevention, and treatment of malaria. Featured journals include Cells, Insects, Journal of Clinical Medicine (JCM), Metabolites, Parasitologia, Pathogens, Pharmaceuticals, Reports, and TropicalMed. By bringing these articles to the forefront, MDPI reaffirms its commitment to open access knowledge and global health equity.

Prof. Tu Youyou was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015 for discovering artemisinin, a drug that has significantly reduced the mortality rates for patients suffering from malaria.

To honor Prof. Tu Youyou’s remarkable contributions and to continue with her achievements, MDPI established the Tu Youyou Award in 2016. This award aims to acknowledge exceptional scholars committed to the research fields of natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry.

The winners of the 2024 Tu Youyou Award will be announced on 30 April. Visit the award website for the latest updates!

“Blood Source and Anesthetics Effects on the Maintenance of Anopheles darlingi in the Lab-Rearing Condition”
by José Daniel Costa Pontual, Natália Vitória Coelho, Najara Akira Costa dos Santos, Alessandra da Silva Bastos, Jéssica Evangelista Araújo, Alice Oliveira Andrade, Jansen Fernandes Medeiros and Maisa da Silva Araujo
Insects 2025, 16(3), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16030281

“Identification of Bioactive Metabolites of Capirona macrophylla by Metabolomic Analysis, Molecular Docking, and In Vitro Antiparasitic Assays”
by Joseph Evaristo, Elise de Laia, Bruna Tavares, Esdras Mendonça, Larissa Grisostenes, Caroline Rodrigues, Welington do Nascimento, Carolina Garcia, Sheila Guterres, Fábio Nogueira et al.
Metabolites 2025, 15(3), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15030157

“Duplication of a Type-P5B-ATPase in Laverania and Avian Malaria Parasites and Implications About the Evolution of Plasmodium”
by Mark F. Wiser
Parasitologia 2025, 5(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia5010006

“Effect of Health Education Intervention on Knowledge and Adherence to Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in Pregnancy Among Women”
by Pauline N. Atser, Gommaa Hayat and Uchenna B. Okafor
Healthcare 2025, 13(2), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13020105

“Uncovering the Mechanism of Action of Antiprotozoal Agents: A Survey on Photoaffinity Labeling Strategy”
by Alessandro Giraudo, Cristiano Bolchi, Marco Pallavicini, Roberto Di Santo, Roberta Costi and Francesco Saccoliti
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18010028

“Contribution of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies to the Understanding of Cerebral Malaria Pathogenesis”
by Alicia Comino Garcia-Munoz, Isabelle Varlet, Georges Emile Grau, Teodora-Adriana Perles-Barbacaru and Angèle Viola
Pathogens 2024, 13(12), 1042; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13121042

“Prophylaxis Failure and Successful Management of Delayed-Onset Malaria with Renal Complications: A Case Report with Oral Artemether-Lumefantrine Treatment”
by Ilir Tolaj, Gramoz Bunjaku, Murat Mehmeti and Yllka Begolli
Reports 2023, 6(4), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/reports6040053

“Sensitivity Assessment of a Multiplex and Real-Time PCR Protocols for the Detection of Malaria in External Quality Control Samples in the Malaria Reference Center in Greece”
by Nikolaos Tegos, Christos Goumenopoulos, Anastasia Mpimpa, Vasilios Papavasilopoulos, Stavroula Beleri and Eleni Patsoula
Parasitologia 2024, 4(2), 150-161; https://doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia4020013

“Prevention of Malaria in Pregnant Women and Its Effects on Maternal and Child Health, the Case of Centre Hospitalier de Kingasani II in the Democratic Republic of the Congo”
by Japhet Kabalu Tshiongo, Trésor Zola Matuvanga, Patrick Mitashi, Vivi Maketa, Henk D. F. H. Schallig, Petra F. Mens, Hypolite Muhindo Mavoko and Junior Matangila Rika
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(5), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9050092

“An Epidemiological Survey of Malaria Infection in Espírito Santo State, Brazil, from 2007 to 2017”
by Nayna Carvalho Oliveira, Lais Rosa Boscalha, Cinthia Emerich Toledo, Felipe Sarlo Pezzin, Bruno Costanza Cisari, Suellen Rodrigues Maran, Laís Rodrigues Diniz, Pedro Henrique Schultz Corcino Freitas, Adenilton Cruzeiro, Frederico Eutropio et al.
Parasitologia 2023, 3(3), 215-222; https://doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia3030022

“Low Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum Histidine-Rich Protein 2 and 3 Gene Deletions—A Multiregional Study in Central and West Africa”
by Tina Krueger, Moses Ikegbunam, Abel Lissom, Thaisa Lucas Sandri, Jacques Dollon Mbama Ntabi, Jean Claude Djontu, Marcel Tapsou Baina, Roméo Aimé Laclong Lontchi, Moustapha Maloum, Givina Zang Ella et al.
Pathogens 2023, 12(3), 455; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12030455

“Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Malaria Control in Africa: A Preliminary Analysis”
by Liping Gao, Qi Shi, Zhiguo Liu, Zhenjun Li and Xiaoping Dong
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2023, 8(1), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed8010067

World Immunization Week, celebrated annually during the last week of April, is a global health awareness initiative highlighting the critical role of vaccines in protecting people of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases.

On this momentous occasion, we are thrilled to present a thoughtfully selected compilation of articles and Special Issues that focus on the pioneering research and cutting-edge strategies in immunology and vaccination. We encourage readers to delve into these scholarly contributions and stand with us in our commitment to preserving and enhancing global immunization health.

Join us as we explore the latest findings and innovative methods that are shaping the future of immunization. Together, we can strive towards a world where every individual has access to the life-saving benefits of vaccines.

We hope that the established journals in the fields of biology life sciences and medicine and pharmacology at MDPI will provide a communication platform for innovative ideas regarding prevention and treatment.

“Lifestyle and Biochemical Parameters That May Hamper Immune Responses in Pediatric Patients After Immunization with the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine”
by Anthie Damianaki, Antonios Marmarinos, Margaritis Avgeris, Dimitrios Gourgiotis, Elpis-Athina Vlachopapadopoulou, Marietta Charakida, Maria Tsolia and Lydia Kossiva
Diseases 2025, 13(3), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases13030078

“Evaluating the Potential of Herbal Extracts as Treatment in Immune Thrombocytopenia: A Review of Evidence and Limitations”
by Russell W. Wiggins, Jihoo Woo, John Nicholas Cauba and Shizue Mito
Appl. Biosci. 2025, 4(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/applbiosci4010001

“Immunotherapeutic Strategies for the Treatment of Glioblastoma: Current Challenges and Future Perspectives”
by Ilaria Salvato and Antonio Marchini
Cancers 2024, 16(7), 1276; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16071276

“Unveiling Extramedullary Hematopoiesis: A Case Report Highlighting the Causes, Symptoms, and Management Strategies”
by Konstantinos Manganas, Aikaterini Xydaki, Angeliki Kotsiafti, Olympia Papakonstantinou and Sophia Delicou
Thalass. Rep. 2024, 14(2), 26-32; https://doi.org/10.3390/thalassrep14020004

“Inhibitors of Immune Checkpoints: Small Molecule- and Peptide-Based Approaches”
by Natalie Fuchs, Longfei Zhang, Laura Calvo-Barreiro, Katarzyna Kuncewicz and Moustafa Gabr
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(1), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14010068

“Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia: Clinicopathologic Features and New Perspectives on Anti-PF4 Antibody-Mediated Disorders”
by Yi Zhang, Anna-Lise Bissola, Jared Treverton, Michael Hack, Mark Lychacz, Sarah Kwok, Addi Arnold and Ishac Nazy
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(4), 1012; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13041012

“Immune Response to Respiratory Viral Infections”
by Antonella Gambadauro, Francesca Galletta, Alessandra Li Pomi, Sara Manti and Giovanni Piedimonte
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(11), 6178; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25116178

“Neutrophil Extracellular DNA Traps in Response to Infection or Inflammation, and the Roles of Platelet Interactions”
by William A. Chen and Danilo S. Boskovic
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(5), 3025; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25053025

“Host Immune Regulation in Implant-Associated Infection (IAI): What Does the Current Evidence Provide Us to Prevent or Treat IAI?”
by Zulipikaer Maimaiti, Zhuo Li, Chi Xu, Jun Fu, Li-Bo Hao, Ji-Ying Chen and Wei Chai
Bioengineering 2023, 10(3), 356; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10030356

“Airborne Pollen Calendar of Toluca City, Mexico”
by Maria Cid del Prado, Osvaldo Zarco-Cid del Prado, Hilda Adriana Guerrero-Parra and Karla Elisa Juárez Contreras
Aerobiology 2023, 1(1), 54-69; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerobiology1010005

“Innovative Therapies and Management of Complications in Hemoglobinopathies”	“Peptide-Based Vaccines: An Efficient Alternative to Combat Infectious Diseases and Drug Resistance”
“Immunotherapy in the Management of Hematologic Malignancy”	“Feature Review for Applied Biosciences”
“Advances in Transfusion Medicine and Immunological Research”	“Advancements in Artificial Intelligence for Bioaerosol Detection, Characterization, and Modeling”

World Chagas Disease Day 2025 brings global attention to one of the most neglected tropical diseases, reinforcing our collective responsibility to “leave no one behind” in the pursuit of health equity.

Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, affects over 7 million people worldwide—primarily among poor and underserved communities in Latin America, but with increasing prevalence in non-endemic regions due to migration and globalization. Often progressing without symptoms in its early stages, Chagas is known as a “silent and silenced disease”, leading to potentially fatal cardiac and digestive complications if left untreated. Despite its growing global impact, awareness and access to diagnosis and treatment remain limited.

To change the trajectory of Chagas disease, we must foster multidisciplinary collaboration across research, clinical practice, and public policy. From early detection and vector control to treatment access and patient-centered care, every stakeholder has a role to play. Health systems must adapt to address not only the biological and clinical dimensions of the disease but also the social and economic determinants that perpetuate its neglect.

In recognition of World Chagas Disease Day 2025, we invite you to explore a curated collection of articles and Special Issues from selected MDPI journals, including Insects, Pathogens, Microorganisms, Parasitologia, Diseases, Healthcare, and TropicalMed. These resources offer vital perspectives on the epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of Chagas disease, while also encouraging cross-sector collaboration. Through scientific engagement and public awareness, we can work together toward the goal: early detection, equitable care, and the eventual elimination of Chagas disease.

 “Development and Characterization of Innovative Nifurtimox Formulations as Therapeutic Alternative for Chagas Disease”
by Ana Lia Mazzeti, Karolina Ribeiro Gonçalves, Patrícia Ferreira Boasquivis, Maria Terezinha Bahia and Vanessa Carla Furtado Mosqueira
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(2), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10020050

“Molecular Characterization of Trypanosoma cruzi from Triatomine Species in São Paulo State, an Area Free of Vector-Borne Chagas Disease”
by Eliana Ferreira Monteiro, Rubens Antonio da Silva, Arlei Marcili and Karin Kirchgatter
Insects 2025, 16(2), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16020161

“The Impact of Environmental and Housing Factors on the Distribution of Triatominae (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) in an Endemic Area of Chagas Disease in Puebla, Mexico”
by Miguel Ortega-Caballero, Maria Cristina Gonzalez-Vazquez, Miguel Angel Hernández-Espinosa, Alejandro Carabarin-Lima and Alia Mendez-Albores
Diseases 2024, 12(10), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12100238

“Zoonotic Cycle of American Trypanosomiasis in an Endemic Region of the Argentine Chaco, Factors That Influenced a Paradigm Shift”
by Andrea Gómez-Bravo, Sebastián Cirignoli, Diana Wehrendt, Alejandro Schijman, Cielo M. León, María Flores-Chaves, Javier Nieto, Troy J. Kieran, Marcelo Abril and Felipe Guhl
Insects 2024, 15(7), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15070471

“Mapping the Silent Threat: A Comprehensive Analysis of Chagas Disease Occurrence in Riverside Communities in the Western Amazon”
by Daniela da Silva Paixão, Fernanda Portela Madeira, Adila Costa de Jesus, Hêmilly Caroline da Silva Paixão, Juliana de Souza Almeida Aranha Camargo, Mariane Albuquerque Lima Ribeiro, Leandro José Ramos, Jader de Oliveira, João Aristeu da Rosa, Paulo Sérgio Bernarde et al.
Pathogens 2024, 13(2), 176; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13020176

“Chagas Disease in Europe”
by Marta Gonzalez-Sanz, Clara Crespillo-Andújar, Sandra Chamorro-Tojeiro, Begoña Monge-Maillo, Jose A. Perez-Molina and Francesca F. Norman
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2023, 8(12), 513; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed8120513

“Impact of Laboratory-Adapted Intracellular Trypanosoma cruzi Strains on the Activity Profiles of Compounds with Anti-T. cruzi Activity”
by Melissa L. Sykes, Emily K. Kennedy and Vicky M. Avery
Microorganisms 2023, 11(2), 476; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11020476

“A Review on the Immunological Response against Trypanosoma cruzi”
by Martje Van Neste, Annick Bogaerts, Nina Nauwelaerts, Julia Macente, Anne Smits, Pieter Annaert and Karel Allegaert
Pathogens 2023, 12(2), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12020282

Transboundary animal diseases and emerging zoonoses pose ongoing threats to global food security, public health, and local/national economies. This symposium will feature research and diagnostic procedures undertaken by USDA-supported programs in areas of the world where these diseases are endemic, providing valuable knowledge about molecular epidemiology and effective control methods. The partners will present their findings, and several keynote talks will be given by research leaders working on these diseases in the US and around the world. Abstracts are welcome, and some will be accepted for podium presentation. 

For a detailed agenda, information on submitting abstracts, and registration, please visit https://insights.crdfglobal.org/gpazds. 

We are also collaborating with Pathogens (ISSN: 2076-0817) and have launched a dedicated Special Issue, “Transboundary and Emerging Zoonotic Diseases”, to publish studies related to the symposium topics. We warmly encourage you to contribute. Please visit the Special Issue webpage for more details: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/pathogens/special_issues/N7JX8JXHIN.

Tuberculosis is a disease that is both preventable and treatable, significantly affecting people’s health and quality of life worldwide. Every year, we commemorate World Tuberculosis Day to raise public awareness of the devastating health, social, and economic consequences of tuberculosis (TB) and to intensify efforts to end the global TB epidemic. The date signifies the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of the bacterium responsible for TB, which paved the way for diagnosing and curing this disease. We hope that established journals in the fields of Biology Life Sciences and Medicine & Pharmacology at MDPI, including Pathogens, Microorganisms, Reports, Medical Sciences, Healthcare and Diagnostics will continue to serve as a communication platform for innovative ideas regarding prevention and treatment.

“Impact of Severity of COVID-19 in TB Disease Patients: Experience from an Italian Infectious Disease Referral Hospital”
by Virginia Di Bari, Carlotta Cerva, Raffaella Libertone, Serena Maria Carli, Maria Musso, Delia Goletti, Alessandra Aiello, Antonio Mazzarelli, Angela Cannas, Giulia Matusali, Fabrizio Palmieri, Gina Gualano and on behalf of the TB-INMI Working Group
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2025, 17(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr17010011 

“Cigarette Smoking as a Risk Factor for Tuberculosis in Adults: Epidemiology and Aspects of Disease Pathogenesis”
by Charles Feldman, Annette J. Theron, Moloko C. Cholo and Ronald Anderson
Pathogens 2024, 13(2), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13020151 

“Situation Analysis of Early Implementation of Programmatic Management of Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment among Household Contacts of Pulmonary TB Patients in Delhi, India”
by Yasir Alvi, Sairu Philip, Tanu Anand, Palanivel Chinnakali, Farzana Islam, Neeta Singla, Pruthu Thekkur, Ashwani Khanna and BK Vashishat
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(1), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9010024 

“HLA-DPB1*05:01 and HLA-A*11:01 Is Associated with Adverse Drug Reactions to Isoniazid and Rifampin for Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection in South Korea”
by Bomi Kim, Jungok Kim, Sun-Young Yoon, Hae Suk Cheong, Min-Jung Kwon, Joon-Sup Yeom, Han-Na Kim and Eun-Jeong Joo
Clin. Med. 2024, 13(12), 3563; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13123563 

“Pharmacists’ Role in Global TB Elimination: Practices, Pitfalls, and Potential”
by Alina Cernasev, Jonathan Stillo, Jolie Black, Mythili Batchu, Elaina Bell and Cynthia A. Tschampl
Healthcare 2024, 12(11), 1137; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12111137 

“Metabolic Rewiring of Mycobacterium tuberculosis upon Drug Treatment and Antibiotics Resistance”
by Biplab Singha, Sumit Murmu, Tripti Nair, Rahul Singh Rawat, Aditya Kumar Sharma and Vijay Soni
Metabolites 2024, 14(1), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14010063 

“Exploring the Impact of Silicosis Incidence on Tuberculosis Mortality and Morbidity: A Multi-Country Study”
by Muayad Albadrani
Med. Sci. 2023, 11(4), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci11040063

MDPI journals will be attending the 44th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Virology (ASV 2025) as exhibitors. This meeting will be held in Montréal, Québec, Canada, from 14 to 17 July 2025.

The American Society for Virology’s annual meeting provides a forum with which to promote discussion and collaboration among scientists active in all aspects of virology. Attendees will have the chance to learn about virology, share their research, and network with other scientists.

This conference is hosted by McGill University at the Palais des congrès de Montréal. The annual meeting usually attracts 1500–1800 national and international scientists for a program crafted from over 1000 participant-submitted abstracts, 20 invited symposium speakers, and 6 distinctive state-of-the-art speakers.  

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

• Viruses;
• Vaccines;
• Pathogens;
• CIMB;
• COVID;
• Life;
• J;
• Biomolecules;
• Aerobiology.

If you are planning to attend this conference, please feel free to start a conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference and our booth, please visit https://asv.org/asv2025/.

MDPI will attend the 9th European Congress of Virology 2025 (ECV2025) as an exhibitor. This meeting will be held in Cavtat, Croatia, from 27 to 30 April 2025.

ECV provides a unique opportunity for European virologists from all fields of virus research to present their work, exchange ideas, and plan new exciting projects. ECV organizing and scientific committees are busy preparing a high-quality and diverse program for attendees.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

• Viruses;
• Pathogens;
• Diagnostics;
• COVID;
• Microbiology Research.

If you are planning to attend the above conference, please feel free to start a conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference and our booth, please visit the following website: https://eusv-congress.eu/.

MDPI will attend the International Virus Bioinformatics Meeting 2025 (ViBioM2025) as an exhibitor. This meeting will be held in Lisbon, Portugal, from 13 to 15 May 2025.

The International Virus Bioinformatics Meeting (ViBioM) is a pioneering conference uniting leading scientists at the intersection of virology and bioinformatics, fostering collaboration and innovation in the study of viruses.

As we navigate the rapidly changing landscape of viruses and their impact on human health and the broader ecosystem, it has become increasingly essential for virologists and bioinformaticians to work together. ViBioM2025 provides a dynamic platform for the exchange of knowledge, cutting-edge research, and groundbreaking discoveries. It will offer an excellent opportunity to present and discuss your research, (re)connect with colleagues and friends, and establish new collaborations. Its mission is to create an environment where both experts and newcomers can engage in meaningful discussions and build lasting connections. 

The scientific program will cover a wide array of topics, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching experience for all attendees.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

• Viruses;
• Pathogens;
• CIMB;
• COVID;
• J;
• Microorganisms;
• TropicalMed.

If you are planning to attend this conference, please feel free to start a conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference and our booth, please visit https://evbc.uni-jena.de/events/vibiom2025/.

We are pleased to inform you that the journal Pathogens (ISSN: 2076-0817) has been officially accepted into MEDLINE, starting with Volume 13, Issue 1 (2024). This recognition underscores the high-quality research and dedication of our Editorial Board, Guest Editors, reviewers, and authors. Pathogens is now indexed within all the important databases in this field, such as Scopus, SCIE, MEDLINE, PubMed, and PMC. More indexing information can be found at https://www.mdpi.com/journal/pathogens/indexing.

To make the most of this opportunity, we would like to invite you to contribute to Pathogens. If you have a paper on any topic within the journal's scope, please feel free to submit here.

We look forward to working with you in the future.

Pathogens Editorial Office