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Challenges and Solutions in Combating Major Infections in Mid-Income and...
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Challenges and Solutions in Combating Major Infections in Mid-Income and Low-Income Countries: An Interdisciplinary Perspective

A special issue of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease (ISSN 2414-6366). This special issue belongs to the section "Infectious Diseases".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2024) | Viewed by 15674

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Kovy Arteaga-Livias

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Hermilio Valdizán, Huanuco 10003, Peru
Interests: tropical diseases; antimicrobial resistance; medical education; COVID-19

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Infectious diseases remain a significant global health problem. However, in mid-income and low-income countries, where access to basic healthcare services, clean water, and sanitation is limited, it has become crucial to address this issue. This Special Issue aims to bring together a collection of articles from leading experts in public health, medicine, and social sciences to explore the challenges and potential solutions in combating major infections in mid-income and low-income countries. The interdisciplinary perspective presented in this Special Issue offers new insights and innovative approaches to address this complex topic.

This Special Issue covers a wide range of topics, including the epidemiology and pathophysiology of major infections such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and neglected tropical diseases. Additionally, the articles discuss the challenges of implementing effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. It is important to note that mid-income and low-income countries faced severe complications during the COVID-19 pandemic and also often deal with emerging and re-emerging diseases.

Furthermore, the articles may examine the socioeconomic determinants of infection, the role of community engagement, and the importance of partnerships between researchers, healthcare providers, and policymakers to achieve sustainable solutions. Overall, this Special Issue is a valuable resource for scientists and researchers interested in global health, infectious diseases, and public health policy in mid-income and low-income countries.

Prof. Dr. Kovy Arteaga-Livias
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • infectious disease
  • epidemiology
  • clinical epidemiology
  • Asia
  • Western Pacific Region
  • South-East Asia
  • control
  • elimination
  • One Health
  • Tuberculosis/TB
  • Malaria
  • HIV
  • neglected tropical diseases
 

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 457 KiB  
Article
Evaluating Treatment Outcomes and Tuberculosis Infection Risks: A Comparative Study of Centralized Hospitalization vs. Home-Based Treatment
by Fangming Xianyu, Yuemei Huang, Shengqiong Guo and Virasakdi Chongsuvivatwong
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(5), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9050119 - 18 May 2024
Viewed by 1552
Abstract
Background: Guizhou Province in Southwest China has experimented with a centralized hospitalization (CH) treatment for active and severe cases of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). The objective of this study was to compare treatment outcomes of patients with tuberculosis (TB) receiving care in a CH [...] Read more.
Background: Guizhou Province in Southwest China has experimented with a centralized hospitalization (CH) treatment for active and severe cases of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). The objective of this study was to compare treatment outcomes of patients with tuberculosis (TB) receiving care in a CH setting with those receiving home-based (HB) care. In addition, this study aimed to assess the probability of their household contacts contracting tuberculosis infection. Method: A retrospective review of medical records was undertaken for patients with TB who completed their treatment in four counties in Guizhou, China, spanning from January 2022 to August 2023. In addition, a cross-sectional survey was conducted on the tuberculin skin test (TST) among household contacts of new patients with TB who had completed their treatment. Results: In the retrospective study, 94.8% had successful CH treatment, and 93.1% had successful HB treatment (p value = 0.70). In the prospective study, 559 and 448 household contacts of patients receiving CH treatment had 16 positive and 89 negative TST results, whereas those with HB treatment showed 26 positive and 74 negative TST results. Regarding a logistic regression analysis, the CH group was nearly two times more likely to test negative on the TST, 1.95 (95% CI: 0.98, 3.92). After adjusting for confounding variables, the odds ratio increased significantly to 4.42 (95% CI: 1.22, 16.04). Conclusions: CH for treatment of TB did not show superior success rates, but it may reduce the risk of transmitting tuberculosis infection to household contacts compared to home treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Solutions in Combating Major Infections in Mid-Income and Low-Income Countries: An Interdisciplinary Perspective)
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15 pages, 12599 KiB  
Article
The Role of GeneXpert® for Tuberculosis Diagnostics in Brazil: An Examination from a Historical and Epidemiological Perspective
by Tirça Naiara da Silva Iúdice, Marília Lima da Conceição, Artemir Coelho de Brito, Nicole Menezes de Souza, Cristal Ribeiro Mesquita, Ricardo José de Paula Souza e Guimarães, Ismari Perini Furlaneto, Alessandra de Souza Saboia, Maria Cristina da Silva Lourenço, Karla Valéria Batista Lima and Emilyn Costa Conceição
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2023, 8(11), 483; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed8110483 - 26 Oct 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2624
Abstract
The rapid molecular test (RMT) performed on the GeneXpert® system is widely used as a control strategy and surveillance technique for tuberculosis (TB). In the region of the Americas, TB incidence is slowly increasing owing to an upward trend in Brazil, which [...] Read more.
The rapid molecular test (RMT) performed on the GeneXpert® system is widely used as a control strategy and surveillance technique for tuberculosis (TB). In the region of the Americas, TB incidence is slowly increasing owing to an upward trend in Brazil, which is among the high TB-burden countries (HBCs), ranking in the 19th position. In this context, we aimed to (i) describe the implementation and history of RMT-TB (Xpert® MTB/RIF and Xpert® MTB/RIF Ultra) in Brazil; (ii) to evaluate the national RMT laboratory distribution, TB, and resistance to RIF detection by RMT; and (iii) to correlate these data with Brazilian TB incidence. The quantitative data of Xpert® MTB/RIF and Xpert® MTB/RIF Ultra assays performed in the pulmonary TB investigation from 2014 to 2020 were provided by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. A spatial visualization using ArcGIS software was performed. The Southeast region constituted about half of the RMT laboratories—from 39.4% to 45.9% of the total value over the five regions. Regarding the federal units, the São Paulo state alone represented from 20.2% to 34.1% (5.0 to 8.5 times the value) of RMT laboratories over the years observed. There were significant differences (p < 0.0001) in the frequency of RMT laboratories between all years of the historical series. There was an unequal distribution of RMT laboratories between Brazilian regions and federal units. This alerts us for the surveillance of rapid molecular detection of TB in different parts of the country, with the possibility of improving the distribution of tests in areas of higher incidence in order to achieve the level of disease control recommended by national and worldwide authorities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Solutions in Combating Major Infections in Mid-Income and Low-Income Countries: An Interdisciplinary Perspective)
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11 pages, 1055 KiB  
Article
West Nile Virus Lineage 2 in Free-Living Corvus cornix Birds in Poland
by Jowita S. Niczyporuk, Wojciech Kozdrun, Agnieszka Czujkowska, Yannick Blanchard, Mariteragi Helle, Nolwenn M. Dheilly and Gaelle Gonzalez
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2023, 8(8), 417; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed8080417 - 16 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2271
Abstract
The summer temperatures recorded in Poland in 2022 were among the highest in over 30 years and, combined with higher-than-expected rainfall, gave the impression of an almost tropical climate. Such climatic conditions were ideal for the transmission of vector-borne zoonotic diseases such as [...] Read more.
The summer temperatures recorded in Poland in 2022 were among the highest in over 30 years and, combined with higher-than-expected rainfall, gave the impression of an almost tropical climate. Such climatic conditions were ideal for the transmission of vector-borne zoonotic diseases such as West Nile fever. In northeastern Poland, in the Mazowieckie region, the Polish event-based surveillance network reported increased fatalities of free-living hooded crows (Corvus corone cornix). West Nile virus (WNV) lineage 2 was identified for the first time as the etiological agent responsible for the death of the birds. WNV was detected in 17 out of the 99 (17.17%) free-living birds tested in this study. All the WNV-infected dead birds were collected in the same area and were diagnosed in September by the NVRI and confirmed by the EURL for equine diseases, ANSES, in October 2022. Unnaturally high temperatures recorded in Poland in 2022 likely favored the infection and spread of the virus in the avian population. A nationwide alert and awareness raising of blood transfusion centers and hospitals was carried out to prevent human infections by WNV. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Solutions in Combating Major Infections in Mid-Income and Low-Income Countries: An Interdisciplinary Perspective)
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Review

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18 pages, 677 KiB  
Review
The Rapid Emergence of Hypervirulent Klebsiella Species and Burkholderia pseudomallei as Major Health Threats in Southeast Asia: The Urgent Need for Recognition as Neglected Tropical Diseases
by Matthew J. W. Kain, Nicola L. Reece, Christopher M. Parry, Giri Shan Rajahram, David L. Paterson and Stephen D. Woolley
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(4), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9040080 - 8 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2400
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO)’s list of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) highlights conditions that are responsible for devastating health, social and economic consequences, and yet, they are overlooked and poorly resourced. The NTD list does not include conditions caused by Gram-negative bacilli (GNB). [...] Read more.
The World Health Organization (WHO)’s list of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) highlights conditions that are responsible for devastating health, social and economic consequences, and yet, they are overlooked and poorly resourced. The NTD list does not include conditions caused by Gram-negative bacilli (GNB). Infections due to GNB cause significant morbidity and mortality and are prevalent worldwide. Southeast Asia is a WHO region of low- and middle-income countries carrying the largest burden of NTDs. Two significant health threats in Southeast Asia are Burkholderia pseudomallei (causing melioidosis) and hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (HvKp). Both diseases have high mortality and increasing prevalence, yet both suffer from a lack of awareness, significant under-resourcing, incomplete epidemiological data, limited diagnostics, and a lack of evidence-based treatment. Emerging evidence shows that both melioidosis and HvKp are spreading globally, including in high-income countries, highlighting the potential future global threat they pose. In this article, we review both conditions, identifying current trends and challenges in Southeast Asia and areas for future research. We also argue that melioidosis and HvKp merit inclusion as NTDs, and that mandatory global surveillance and reporting systems should be established, and we make an urgent call for research to better understand, detect, and treat these neglected diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Solutions in Combating Major Infections in Mid-Income and Low-Income Countries: An Interdisciplinary Perspective)
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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

12 pages, 627 KiB  
Commentary
Vibrio cholerae Bacteremia: An Enigma in Cholera-Endemic African Countries
by Foster K. Agyei, Birgit Scharf and Samuel Duodu
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(5), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9050103 - 2 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2023
Abstract
Cholera is highly endemic in many sub-Saharan African countries. The bacterium Vibrio cholerae is responsible for this severe dehydrating diarrheal disease that accounts for over 100,000 deaths each year globally. In recent years, the pathogen has been found to invade intestinal layers and [...] Read more.
Cholera is highly endemic in many sub-Saharan African countries. The bacterium Vibrio cholerae is responsible for this severe dehydrating diarrheal disease that accounts for over 100,000 deaths each year globally. In recent years, the pathogen has been found to invade intestinal layers and translocate into the bloodstream of humans. The non-toxigenic strains of V. cholerae (non-O1/O139), also known as NOVC, which do not cause epidemic or pandemic cases of cholera, are the major culprits of V. cholerae bacteremia. In non-cholera-endemic regions, clinical reports on NOVC infection have been noted over the past few decades, particularly in Europe and America. Although low–middle-income countries are most susceptible to cholera infections because of challenges with access to clean water and inappropriate sanitation issues, just a few cases of V. cholerae bloodstream infections have been reported. The lack of evidence-based research and surveillance of V. cholerae bacteremia in Africa may have significant clinical implications. This commentary summarizes the existing knowledge on the host risk factors, pathogenesis, and diagnostics of NOVC bacteremia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Solutions in Combating Major Infections in Mid-Income and Low-Income Countries: An Interdisciplinary Perspective)
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14 pages, 629 KiB  
Systematic Review
Practical Models of Pharmaceutical Care for Improving Tuberculosis Patient Detection and Treatment Outcomes: A Systematic Scoping Review
by Ivan Surya Pradipta, Erya Oselva Yanuar, Chaca Yasinta Nurhijriah, Nadya Putri Maharani, Laila Subra, Dika Pramita Destiani and Ajeng Diantini
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2023, 8(5), 287; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed8050287 - 20 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3246
Abstract
Decreasing global tuberculosis (TB) notifications indicate problems related to TB patient detection and treatment outcomes. Pharmaceutical care (PC) has potential roles in managing these issues. However, PC practices have not yet become widespread in the real world. This systematic scoping review aimed to [...] Read more.
Decreasing global tuberculosis (TB) notifications indicate problems related to TB patient detection and treatment outcomes. Pharmaceutical care (PC) has potential roles in managing these issues. However, PC practices have not yet become widespread in the real world. This systematic scoping review aimed to identify and analyze the current literature on practical models of pharmaceutical care for improving tuberculosis patient detection and treatment outcomes. We then discussed the present challenges and future considerations for the successful implementation of PC services in TB. A systematic scoping review was performed to identify the practice models of PC in TB. Systematic searches and screening were used to identify relevant articles in the PubMed and Cochrane databases. We then discussed the challenges and recommendations for successful implementation using a framework to improve professional healthcare practice. Our analysis included 14 of 201 eligible articles. We identified that the focuses in the PC of TB are on increasing patient detection (four articles) and improving TB treatment outcomes (ten articles). Practices cover services in the community and hospital settings, such as screening and referring people with presumptive TB, tuberculin test services, collaborative practices for treatment completion, directly observed treatment, the solution of drug-related problems, reporting and managing adverse drug reactions, and medication adherence programs. Although PC services positively increase TB patient detection and treatment outcomes, hidden challenges in the actual practice are analyzed. Several factors should be comprehensively considered in successful implementation, such as guidelines, individual pharmacy personnel, patient, professional interaction, organizational capacity, regulation, incentive, and resource factors. Hence, a collaborative PC program that involves all related stakeholders should be considered to create successful and sustainable PC services in TB. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Solutions in Combating Major Infections in Mid-Income and Low-Income Countries: An Interdisciplinary Perspective)
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