Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease

13 pages, 905 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dog-Mediated Rabies Surveillance in Nigeria (2014–2023): Investigating Seasonality and Spatial Clustering

by Rebecca D. Williams, Mahbod Entezami, Ruth Alafiatayo, Olaniran Alabi, Daniel L. Horton, Emma Taylor, Rachel Tidman, Columba T. Vakuru, Taiwo Olasoju, Abel B. Ekiri and Joaquin M. Prada

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(3), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10030076 - 12 Mar 2025

Abstract

Rabies is an important zoonotic disease responsible for 59,000 human deaths worldwide each year. More than a third of these deaths occur in Africa. The first step in controlling rabies is establishing the burden of disease through data analysis and investigating regional risk [...] Read more.

Rabies is an important zoonotic disease responsible for 59,000 human deaths worldwide each year. More than a third of these deaths occur in Africa. The first step in controlling rabies is establishing the burden of disease through data analysis and investigating regional risk to help prioritise resources. Here, we evaluated the surveillance data collected over the last decade in Nigeria (2014–2023). A spatio-temporal model was developed using the NIMBLE (1.2.1) package in R to assess outbreak risk. Our analysis found a high risk of canine rabies outbreaks in Plateau state and its surrounding states, as well as increased trends of outbreaks from July to September. The high number of reported canine rabies outbreaks in the North Central region could be due to cross-border transmission or improved reporting in the area. However, this could be confounded by potential reporting bias, with 8 out of 37 states (21.6%) never reporting a single outbreak in the period studied. Improving surveillance efforts will highlight states and regions in need of prioritisation for vaccinations and post-exposure prophylaxis. Using a One Health approach will likely help improve reporting, such as through integrated bite-case management, creating a more sustainable solution for the epidemiology of rabies in Nigeria in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Neglected and Emerging Tropical Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 776 KiB

Open AccessReview

Generalized Treatment as Prevention Plus Focused Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Is the Key to Controlling HIV/AIDS

by Julio S. G. Montaner, Viviane D. Lima, Kate A. Salters, Junine Toy, Jeffrey B. Joy, Silvia Guillemi and Rolando Barrios

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(3), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10030075 - 12 Mar 2025

Abstract

Treatment as Prevention (TasP) and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) are both widely recognized as essential biomedical tools to control HIV/AIDS. TasP calls for the immediate initiation of fully subsidized and supported antiretroviral therapy (ART) following HIV diagnosis. TasP effectively prevents progression to AIDS, and [...] Read more.

Treatment as Prevention (TasP) and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) are both widely recognized as essential biomedical tools to control HIV/AIDS. TasP calls for the immediate initiation of fully subsidized and supported antiretroviral therapy (ART) following HIV diagnosis. TasP effectively prevents progression to AIDS, and premature AIDS-related deaths among people living with HIV (PLWH), and simultaneously renders HIV non-transmissible, thus preventing onward HIV transmission. In addition, PrEP has proven effective against HIV transmission among high-risk individuals who are adherent to the regimen. PrEP traditionally consists of two antiretrovirals given orally as one pill daily: originally, tenofovir-DF plus emtricitabine (TDF-FTC), and later, tenofovir-AF (TAF) plus FTC (more recently, other options have become available, including long-acting parenteral formulations; however, these are still of limited availability). Over the last two decades, the province of British Columbia has rolled out TasP among all PLWH, and starting in 2018, PrEP was added as a strategy to reach individuals most at risk of acquiring HIV to further accelerate progress in addressing HIV/AIDS as a public health threat. Our “generalized TasP + focused PrEP” program proved to be synergistic (or multiplicative) as it relates to reducing the HIV effective reproduction number (

R_{e}

). TasP lowers HIV incidence by reducing the pool of individuals able to transmit HIV, which is dependent on the extent of community plasma viral load (pVL) suppression. Meanwhile, PrEP reduces the number of potential new infections among those most susceptible to acquiring HIV in the community, independent of viral load suppression among PLWH. Our results strongly support widespread implementation of the combination of “generalized TasP + focused PrEP” strategy and underscore the importance of long-term monitoring of

R_{e}

at a programmatic level to identify opportunities for optimizing TasP and PrEP programs. This approach aligns with the United Nations goal of “Ending HIV/AIDS as a pandemic by 2030”, both in Canada and globally. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends of Infectious Diseases in Canada)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

2 pages, 285 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Cosma et al. Leishmaniasis in Humans and Animals: A One Health Approach for Surveillance, Prevention and Control in a Changing World. Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9, 258

by Claudia Cosma, Carla Maia, Nushrat Khan, Maria Infantino and Marco Del Riccio

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(3), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10030074 - 12 Mar 2025

Abstract

Error in Figure [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infectious Disease Prevention and Control: A One Health Approach)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

36 pages, 388 KiB

Open AccessReview

Do Statins Affect Viral Infections Encountered by International Travelers?

by Chinmay T. Jani, Christian Mouchati, Nour Abdallah, Ruchi Jani, Loukas Kakoullis and Lin H. Chen

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(3), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10030073 - 11 Mar 2025

Abstract

Statins are among the most frequently prescribed medications. In addition to their well-established effectiveness in lowering total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides, statins have been described to have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties and have been associated with improved endothelial functions. Given the common use [...] Read more.

Statins are among the most frequently prescribed medications. In addition to their well-established effectiveness in lowering total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides, statins have been described to have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties and have been associated with improved endothelial functions. Given the common use of statins, we sought to evaluate the effect of statins on some viral infections encountered by residents in tropical areas or by international travelers. A literature search was performed in PubMED/MEDLINE focusing on keywords that included statins and the viruses of interest, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, yellow fever, dengue, Zika, tick-borne encephalitis, hemorrhagic fever viruses, hepatitis A, norovirus, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, measles, and herpesviruses; findings were synthesized for each virus into a summary. The effects of statins on viral infections vary depending on the specific virus. While some studies indicate potential benefits in chronic HBV and HCV infections, evidence regarding SARS-CoV-2 and influenza remains inconclusive due to mixed findings from observational studies and randomized controlled trials. The role of statins in other viral infections is largely unexplored, with preclinical data available for only a few viruses. Given the conflicting evidence, further prospective studies and randomized controlled trials are warranted to elucidate statins’ role in viral infections, particularly in modulating inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and immune responses. Future research should aim to define the optimal patient populations, target viruses, statin types, and treatment durations that may confer benefits in specific viral infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Travel Medicine and Migrant Health)

6 pages, 648 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Streamlining Preparedness: A Practical Pathway to Special Pathogens Management

by Sarah Irene Brown, Priya Dhagat, Aishani V. Aatresh, Saoirse Bodnar and Syra Madad

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(3), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10030072 - 11 Mar 2025

Abstract

Managing special pathogens cases, also known as high consequence infectious diseases, presents unique challenges for healthcare systems. It requires thorough planning and comprehensive operational protocols, as well as an appreciation of how human and organizational factors influence readiness. Based on the outcomes from [...] Read more.

Managing special pathogens cases, also known as high consequence infectious diseases, presents unique challenges for healthcare systems. It requires thorough planning and comprehensive operational protocols, as well as an appreciation of how human and organizational factors influence readiness. Based on the outcomes from a full-scale Ebola Virus Disease exercise at New York City Health and Hospitals (NYC Health + Hospitals), this paper presents a checklist of considerations to promote healthcare facility preparedness for special pathogens and to minimize gaps between protocol design and real-world implementation. This approach not only strengthens compliance with the new Joint Commission requirements but also provides a replicable framework for enhancing special pathogens preparedness within other healthcare systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Infection Prevention and Control: Practical and Educational Advances)

► Show Figures

Figure A1

16 pages, 925 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Utility of Infectious Disease Prevalence Studies to Inform Public Health Decision-Making in the Samoan Islands: A Systematic Review

by Beatris Mario Martin, Alison Brown, Filipina Amosa-Lei Sam, Aifili Tufa, Luis Furuya-Kanamori and Colleen L. Lau

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(3), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10030071 - 10 Mar 2025

Abstract

We conducted a systematic review of infectious disease (ID) prevalence studies in the Samoan Islands from 2000 to 2024 and aimed to synthesise the prevalence of IDs, the purpose of the studies, and the potential utility of survey results for informing public health [...] Read more.

We conducted a systematic review of infectious disease (ID) prevalence studies in the Samoan Islands from 2000 to 2024 and aimed to synthesise the prevalence of IDs, the purpose of the studies, and the potential utility of survey results for informing public health decision-making. We searched five academic databases, the Western Pacific Region Index Medicus, and grey literature up until April 2024. English language publications of ID surveys in American Samoa and Samoa were included. Each study’s aim, design, and prevalence results were extracted and categorised by disease and data sources. We identified 46 publications reporting the prevalence of 15 different IDs; 42 publications (91%) reported data from 31 original surveys, of which three (9%) investigated the prevalence of multiple IDs. Twenty-eight (62%) publications primarily aimed to report prevalence to inform public health interventions. Samples from one survey, initially conducted for leptospirosis, were subsequently tested to confirm transmission, describe prevalence, and investigate risk factors for seven other diseases. We emphasise the valuable contribution of prevalence studies in supporting evidence-based public health interventions. The extensive prevalence studies in the Samoan Islands illustrate the need for adopting integrated multipathogen approaches to surveillance to reduce costs, document burden, and generate actionable insights to support evidence-based decisions to prevent, control, and eliminate infectious diseases. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 502 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Sensitivity of Immunodiagnostic Tests in Localized Versus Disseminated Tuberculosis—A Systematic Review of Individual Patient Data

by Michael Eisenhut, Shagun Shah, Ozge Kaba, Manolya Kara, Murat Sütçü, Kyoung-Ho Song, Hong Bin Kim and Maoshui Wang

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(3), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10030070 - 7 Mar 2025

Abstract

Our objective was to perform a systematic review of individual patient data comparing immunodiagnostic test sensitivity in patients with localized versus disseminated tuberculosis who are from high- and less-than-high-income countries. In a systematic review of individual patient data, we compared IGRA results and [...] Read more.

Our objective was to perform a systematic review of individual patient data comparing immunodiagnostic test sensitivity in patients with localized versus disseminated tuberculosis who are from high- and less-than-high-income countries. In a systematic review of individual patient data, we compared IGRA results and characteristics of patients with disseminated tuberculosis with IGRA results and characteristics of patients with localized tuberculosis. Data were extracted from Pubmed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library, analyzed and presented following the PRISMA-IPD and STROBE statements. We identified 52 patients with localized and 105 with disseminated tuberculosis. Immunodiagnostic tests in localized tuberculosis from high-income countries were positive in 88.8% and in 67.3% of patients with disseminated tuberculosis (p = 0.034). In patients from less-than-high-income countries, the sensitivity of immunodiagnostic tests was not significantly lower with disseminated tuberculosis. Patients with disseminated tuberculosis were significantly younger and had a higher rate of microbiological confirmation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that rate of microbiological confirmation was associated with a negative IGRA. Disseminated tuberculosis may be associated with a reduced sensitivity of IGRA in high-income countries and this may be related to a higher bacterial load with a negative IGRA. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 1293 KiB

Open AccessArticle

18-Fluorine-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Computer Tomography Imaging in Melioidosis: Valuable but Not Essential

by Joshua Bramwell, Natalia Kovaleva, Joshua J. Morigi and Bart J. Currie

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(3), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10030069 - 6 Mar 2025

Abstract

Melioidosis is an endemic tropical disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. It typically causes pulmonary disease and bacteraemia but can disseminate to cause multi-organ disease. 18-F FDG PET/CT has an evolving role in diagnosing other infectious diseases, especially where the pathogen or extent [...] Read more.

Melioidosis is an endemic tropical disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. It typically causes pulmonary disease and bacteraemia but can disseminate to cause multi-organ disease. 18-F FDG PET/CT has an evolving role in diagnosing other infectious diseases, especially where the pathogen or extent of infection is challenging to elucidate clinically and with conventional imaging (CT, US and MRI). We present a case series of patients diagnosed with melioidosis who also underwent 18-F FDG PET/CT from December 18th 2018 to September 30th 2022. Indications for imaging were categorised and analysed as to whether 18-F FDG PET/CT changed management over conventional imaging. Twenty-one 18-F FDG PET/CT scans were performed for sixteen patients. Two scans (9.5%) performed for pyrexia of unknown origin changed management in both cases. Twelve scans (57.1%) performed to ascertain the extent of dissemination of melioidosis changed management in only three (25%) cases. Five scans (23.8%) performed to monitor the response to treatment of known foci changed management in all five cases. Five scans (23.8%) performed for suspected or known malignancy changed management in three (60%) cases. 18-F FDG PET/CT is an emerging tool which improves diagnosis and changes the management of melioidosis when applied judiciously and for well-selected indications. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 372 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Process Evaluation of Pragmatic Cluster-Randomized Trials of Digital Adherence Technologies for Tuberculosis Treatment Support: A Mixed-Method Study in Five Countries

by Norma Madden, Amare W. Tadesse, Chung Lam Leung, Bianca Gonçalves Tasca, Jason Alacapa, Natasha Deyanova, Nontobeko Ndlovu, Nontobeko Mokone, Baraka Onjare, Andrew Mganga, Kristian van Kalmthout, Degu Jerene and Katherine Fielding

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(3), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10030068 - 6 Mar 2025

Abstract

Digital adherence technologies (DATs) could improve the person-centeredness of tuberculosis (TB) treatment. DATs are found to be acceptable, though evidence of their effectiveness is varied. Our objective was to understand the fidelity of DAT interventions within five cluster-randomized trials. Two DATs (smart pillbox, [...] Read more.

Digital adherence technologies (DATs) could improve the person-centeredness of tuberculosis (TB) treatment. DATs are found to be acceptable, though evidence of their effectiveness is varied. Our objective was to understand the fidelity of DAT interventions within five cluster-randomized trials. Two DATs (smart pillbox, medication labels) were assessed, with real-time adherence data available to healthcare providers (HCPs) on a digital platform in Ethiopia, the Philippines, South Africa, Tanzania, and Ukraine. A framework assessed four components of implementation: inputs (training, support, mobile access), processes (SMS, home visits, platform usage), outputs (DAT engagement, manual dosing), and outcomes (people with TB (PwTB)–HCP relationship). Fidelity was evaluated by quantitative indicators, and content analysis of qualitative sub-studies supplemented some indicators. Engagement with DATs was high among PwTB. Pillbox users showed high levels of sustained engagement (box opening), with digitally recorded doses ranging from 82% to 91%. Differences were observed in login frequency by HCPs to the adherence platform. In Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Ukraine, there was at least one login to the platform on 71% of weekdays per facility compared with the Philippines and South Africa at 42% and 52%, respectively. Intervention fidelity varied among countries, suggesting a need for future work on optimizing implementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transforming TB Prevention and Care: The Era of Technology and AI)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1298 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Syndemic Factors Associated with Zika Virus Infection Prevalence and Risk Factors in a Cohort of Women Living in Endemic Areas for Arboviruses in Northeast Brazil

by Ligia Kerr, Carlos Sanhueza-Sanzana, Marto Leal, Italo Aguiar, Kasim Allel, Moisés H. Sandoval, Cristiane Cunha Frota, Marco Túlio Aguiar, Adriano Ferreira Martins, Livia Dias, Rosa Livia Freitas de Almeida, Francisco Herlânio Costa Carvalho, Francisco Gustavo Silveira Correia, Roberto da Justa Pires Neto, Fernanda Montenegro Araújo, Shirlene Telmos Silva de Lima, Leda Maria Simões Mello, Lucas de Lima Nogueira, Terezinha do Menino Jesus Silva Leitão, Maria da Glória Teixeira, Jeni Stolow, Guilherme Loureiro Werneck, Ivo Castelo Branco Coelho, Ronald Blanton, Ana Zaira da Silva, George W. Rutherford and Carl Kendall Show full author list Hide full author list

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(3), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10030067 - 1 Mar 2025

Abstract

Background: We sought to explain the seroprevalence of Zika Virus (ZIKV) as a syndemic of socioeconomic, environmental, and health factors in a cohort of women living in Brazil. Methods: This is a cohort study comprising 1498 women between 15 and 39 years of [...] Read more.

Background: We sought to explain the seroprevalence of Zika Virus (ZIKV) as a syndemic of socioeconomic, environmental, and health factors in a cohort of women living in Brazil. Methods: This is a cohort study comprising 1498 women between 15 and 39 years of age followed up in two waves between February 2018 and August 2019. Two questionnaires addressed the arbovirus’s socioeconomic, demographic, and behavioral aspects and participants’ arbovirus infection history. Blood samples were collected to detect IgM and IgG for ZIKV, chikungunya virus (CHIKV), and dengue virus (DENV), and RT-PCR for ZIKV. Results: The baseline prevalence for ZIKV was 43% (95%CI: 40.5, 45.6), increasing to 44.7% in the following period (95%CI: 42, 47.1). We found a prevalence of 44.1% among women having one syndemic factor, 49.9% for those having two, and 58% for women having three or more factors. Women reporting a single syndemic factor resulted in higher odds of acquiring ZIKV (OR = 1.6, 95%CI: 1.2–2.4). There were increased adjusted odds among women having two or three or more factors (OR = 2.1, 95%CI: 1.6–3.1; OR = 2.9, 95%CI: 2.0–4.3, respectively). Conclusions: Tailored interventions targeting syndemic conditions, such as the co-circulation of urban arboviruses and poor living conditions, are crucial to improving the burden produced by ZIKV. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Vector-Borne Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 759 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Estimating Dengue Outbreak Thresholds in West Africa: A Comprehensive Analysis of Climatic Influences in Burkina Faso, 2018–2024

by John Otokoye Otshudiema, Watton R. Diao, Sonia Marie Wend-Kuuni Ouedraogo, Alain Ngoy Kapete, Laurent Moyenga, Emmanuel Chanda, Tieble Traore, Otim Patrick Ramadan and Alimuddin Zumla

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(3), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10030066 - 28 Feb 2025

Abstract

Background: Dengue, transmitted by Aedes spp. mosquitoes, poses significant public health challenges in Burkina Faso. This study investigated outbreak thresholds, utilizing historical data since 2018 to explore the climatic impacts on dengue transmission and address knowledge gaps. Methodology: This retrospective ecological study utilized [...] Read more.

Background: Dengue, transmitted by Aedes spp. mosquitoes, poses significant public health challenges in Burkina Faso. This study investigated outbreak thresholds, utilizing historical data since 2018 to explore the climatic impacts on dengue transmission and address knowledge gaps. Methodology: This retrospective ecological study utilized historical and contemporary data from Burkina Faso’s Public Health Ministry (2018–2024) to model dengue outbreak thresholds. A combination of epidemic channel analysis, joinpoint regression, climate–disease relationship analysis, and negative binomial regression was employed to provide comprehensive insights into the factors driving dengue outbreaks. Principal Findings: The incidence of probable dengue cases remained stable, mostly below 5 cases per 100,000 people, except for a sharp surge in week 40 of 2023, peaking at 38 cases per 100,000. This surge was brief, normalizing by week 47, but coincided with a marked increase in mortality, reaching 90 deaths in week 45. Joinpoint regression identified key thresholds, an alert at 2.1 cases per 100,000 by week 41 and an intervention threshold at 19.1 cases by week 44, providing a framework for timely public health responses. Climatic factors significantly influenced dengue transmission, with higher temperatures (RR = 2.764) linked to increased incidence, while higher precipitation (RR = 0.551) was associated with lower case numbers, likely due to disrupted mosquito breeding conditions. Additionally, intermediate precipitation levels showed a complex relationship with higher incidence rates. Conclusions: This study established evidence-based epidemiological thresholds for dengue outbreak detection in Burkina Faso (2018–2024), demonstrating temperature as a primary transmission driver while precipitation showed inverse relationships. Analysis of the 2023 outbreak identified a critical five-week intervention window (weeks 40–45), providing a framework for climate-sensitive early warning systems. These findings advance the understanding of dengue dynamics in West Africa, though future research should integrate geographical and socioeconomic variables to enhance predictive modeling and outbreak preparedness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Intervention Strategies Used to Control Mosquito Populations and Reduce Disease Transmission)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1015 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Association Between Syphilis Infection and HIV Acquisition and HIV Disease Progression in Sub-Saharan Africa

by Sindhuri Gandla, Raja Nakka, Ruhul Ali Khan, Fatemeh Salboukh and Musie Ghebremichael

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(3), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10030065 - 28 Feb 2025

Abstract

Syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are highly prevalent in most regions experiencing severe human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemics. In sub-Saharan Africa, the region most heavily affected by HIV, the prevalence of syphilis among people living with HIV (PLWH) is notably high. [...] Read more.

Syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are highly prevalent in most regions experiencing severe human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemics. In sub-Saharan Africa, the region most heavily affected by HIV, the prevalence of syphilis among people living with HIV (PLWH) is notably high. This region accounts for 40% of global STIs and 70% of HIV cases. Despite the high prevalence of syphilis and other STIs among PLWH in the region, there are limited studies on the interplay between the two infections from the region. Most studies on the association between syphilis and HIV transmission/progression from the region are limited to specific groups of people, such as female sex workers or pregnant women. In this manuscript, we evaluated the association between the two infections using population-based surveys conducted in the region. Statistical methods (such as logistic regression models and propensity score matching) were employed to assess the interplay between the two infections. Our findings indicated that syphilis infection was associated with higher odds of HIV acquisition. Moreover, co-infection with syphilis was associated with higher odds of HIV disease progression among antiretroviral therapy (ART)-treated PLWH, though the association did not reach statistical significance. Our findings suggest that the recognition and treatment of syphilis to reduce the risk of HIV acquisition/progression should be a public health priority in sub-Saharan Africa, where ART may not be readily available. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Infectious Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 689 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Etiology and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Community-Onset Urinary Tract Infections in a Low-Resource/High-Resistance Area of Latin America

by Maria Micieli, Selene Rebecca Boncompagni, Tiziana Di Maggio, Yenny Bertha Mamani Ramos, Antonia Mantella, Ana Liz Villagrán, Carmen Angélica Revollo Yelma, Evelin Esther Fortún Fernández, Michele Spinicci, Marianne Strohmeyer, Lucia Pallecchi, Gian Maria Rossolini and Alessandro Bartoloni

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(3), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10030064 - 27 Feb 2025

Abstract

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common and are typically treated empirically, based on local antimicrobial resistance (AMR) data, which are often scarce in low- and middle-income countries. This study examines the AMR patterns of pathogens causing community-onset (CO) UTIs in the Bolivian Chaco. [...] Read more.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common and are typically treated empirically, based on local antimicrobial resistance (AMR) data, which are often scarce in low- and middle-income countries. This study examines the AMR patterns of pathogens causing community-onset (CO) UTIs in the Bolivian Chaco. Urine samples were collected from subjects with suspected CO-UTIs and analyzed by culture techniques. Significant isolates were tested for their antimicrobial susceptibility. Additionally, bla_CTX-M and mcr genes were searched for using real-time PCR. A total of 361 CO-UTI episodes were diagnosed among 731 subjects from February 2020 to November 2021. The cases included uncomplicated and complicated UTIs (58.2% and 41.8%, respectively), with females accounting for the majority (85.3%) of cases. Escherichia coli was the most prevalent pathogen (86.6%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (5.4%) and Proteus spp. (2.2%). Very high resistance rates (>50%) were observed for ampicillin, trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole and fluoroquinolones, high resistance rates (>20%) for amoxicillin–clavulanate, third-generation cephalosporins and gentamicin, while lower resistance rates (<10%) were observed for nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin. The prevalence of bla_CTX-M among E. coli was high (26.7%). Colistin resistance was detected in 3.4% of E. coli, mostly associated with mcr genes. CO-UTIs from this area were characterized by high resistance rates to commonly used antibiotics (trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, amoxicillin–clavulanic acid and ciprofloxacin), highlighting the importance of knowledge of the local epidemiology to inform the selection of appropriate empirical antibiotic regimens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Infectious Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1408 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Comparative Performance of Klypson 500WG and 2GARD-WP Sprayed on Different Wall Surfaces Against Anopheles gambiae s.l. in Lower Moshi, Northern Tanzania

by Maua J. Mohamed, Deokary J. Matiya, Fred D. Chibwana, Winfrida Kidima, Aneth M. Mahande and Eliningaya J. Kweka

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(3), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10030063 - 27 Feb 2025

Abstract

The emergence of insecticide resistance among malaria vector populations poses a significant threat to existing malaria vector control tools. This phenomenon necessitates an increased pace of developing and deploying new effective compounds in insecticides for vector control. Therefore, this study investigated the comparative [...] Read more.

The emergence of insecticide resistance among malaria vector populations poses a significant threat to existing malaria vector control tools. This phenomenon necessitates an increased pace of developing and deploying new effective compounds in insecticides for vector control. Therefore, this study investigated the comparative performance of newly formulated indoor residual spray compounds, Klypson 500WG (Clothianidin alone) and 2GARD-WP (a mixture of Clothianidin 50% and Deltamethrin 6.25%) against An. gambiae in the lower Moshi area of the rural Moshi district, Tanzania. Before the wall cone bioassay tests, the susceptibility of field-collected adult An. gambiae s.l. to 0.75% Permethrin, 2% Klypson 500WG, 0.05% Deltamethrin, and 0.25% Pirimiphos-methyl was assessed following WHO procedures. For the cone-bioassay testing, 160 houses were randomly selected and sprayed with Klypson 500WG and 2GARD-WP. For the walls sprayed with Klypson 500WG and 2GARD-WP, the knockdown rate of Anopheles gambiae after 60 min of exposure over six months ranged from 70% to 98%, with mortality rates after 24 to 168 h consistently exceeding 90% across all villages and wall types throughout the six months. The susceptibility of wild-collected mosquitoes to Pirimiphos-Methyl, Permethrin, Deltamethrin, and Klypson 500WG was 61, 81, 86, and 93%, respectively. These findings suggest that Klypson 500WG and 2GARD-WP are suitable alternative insecticides that can be incorporated in the vector control toolbox used for malaria control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Intervention Strategies Used to Control Mosquito Populations and Reduce Disease Transmission)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

11 pages, 988 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Characterization and Zoonotic Potential of Leptospira interrogans Identified in Small Non-Flying Mammals from Southeastern Atlantic Forest, Brazil

by Maria Isabel Nogueira Di Azevedo, Ana Clara dos Reis Soares, Camila Ezepha, Filipe Anibal Carvalho-Costa, Anahi Souto Vieira and Walter Lilenbaum

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(3), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10030062 - 27 Feb 2025

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of global public health importance caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. Small non-flying mammals are important reservoirs of the pathogen. The Brazilian Atlantic Forest is a biodiversity hotspot located in a densely populated area and subject [...] Read more.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of global public health importance caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. Small non-flying mammals are important reservoirs of the pathogen. The Brazilian Atlantic Forest is a biodiversity hotspot located in a densely populated area and subject to intense degradation. Although documented through serosurveys and the detection of leptospiral DNA in wild small mammals, no study has performed a genetic characterization of the bacteria in the region. The present study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity of pathogenic leptospires identified in small non-flying mammals in the Southeast Atlantic Forest and to perform intraspecific genetic inferences with other hosts. The studied area included five different conservation units. Molecular diagnosis was performed based on the lipl32 gene. The SLST typing method was applied based on the secY gene. In total, 56% of samples were lipL32-PCR-positive and identified as L. interrogans, with a high genetic identity among them, distributed in four main haplogroups. The largest haplogroup also included reference sequences from humans, dogs, and urban rats, all belonging to the Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup. Our results reinforce the role of small mammals as important carriers of L. interrogans and highlight the Atlantic Forest as a significant environment for the circulation and dissemination of spirochetes with zoonotic potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Leptospirosis and One Health)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 420 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Epidemiological Profile of HPV Genotypes Among Moroccan Women with High-Grade Squamous Lesions and Invasive Cervical Cancer from Souss-Massa Region

by Hanane Rogua, Laila Ferrera, Nezha El Mansouri, Mohamed Nejmeddine and Said Chouham

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(3), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10030061 - 26 Feb 2025

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes among cervical cancer cases in Moroccan women living in the Souss-Massa region. A total of 155 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded cervical tissue samples were tested for the presence of HPV [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes among cervical cancer cases in Moroccan women living in the Souss-Massa region. A total of 155 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded cervical tissue samples were tested for the presence of HPV DNA using a semi-nested PCR assay. HPV genotypes were identified using a direct Sanger sequencing assay. The prevalence of HPV was 85.8%. HPV DNA was found in 87.5% of high squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) cases and 85.7% of invasive cervical cancer (ICC) cases. Ten distinct HPV genotypes were identified, including seven high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) genotypes and three low-risk HPV (LR-HPV) genotypes. Among HR-HPV genotypes, HPV16 was the most prevalent in both HSIL and ICC, detected, respectively, in 42.9% and 55.6% of cases. In ICC cases, HPV18 was the second most common genotype detected, in 10.3% of cases. In addition, HPV31, 33, 35, 45 and 58 were detected in 10.4% of ICC cases. LR-HPV genotypes, namely HPV62, 70 and 87, were detected in 2.4% of ICC cases. Adenocarcinoma (ADC) accounted for 4.1% of ICC cases, with HPV 16 and HPV 18 identified in 60% and 40% of these cases, respectively. Overall, our findings show that the genotypes covered by the bivalent and nonavalent HPV vaccines account, respectively, for 65.4% and 74.6%. These results highlight the importance of introducing HPV vaccination and primary HPV testing for mass screening in Morocco in order to effectively prevent and manage cervical cancer and ultimately save women’s lives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Epidemiology of Human Papillomavirus Infection)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 812 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sex-Specific Immune Responses Mediate Host Specificity in Hookworm Infections

by Andrea Langeland, Catherine A. Jackson, Elise L. McKean, Hajar Errahmani, Damien M. O’Halloran and John M. Hawdon

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(3), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10030060 - 25 Feb 2025

Abstract

Hookworm infections affect 500–700 million people worldwide and can lead to chronic conditions, such as malnutrition and anemia. The challenge of managing these infections is heightened by the absence of effective vaccines and the potential for anthelmintic resistance to develop. A comprehensive understanding [...] Read more.

Hookworm infections affect 500–700 million people worldwide and can lead to chronic conditions, such as malnutrition and anemia. The challenge of managing these infections is heightened by the absence of effective vaccines and the potential for anthelmintic resistance to develop. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular interactions between the parasite and host is vital for unraveling the complexities of infection dynamics. This study aimed to identify the immune system components responsible for host specificity in hookworms by infecting immunodeficient mouse models. Findings herein indicate that innate immunity is essential in protecting against Ancylostoma ceylanicum establishment in mice. Significant differences in parasite development were noted in mice lacking the signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (Stat6⁻), with female mice reliant on this Th2 pathway for protection. Secondary infections in female Stat6⁻ mice and an immunodeficient NSG mouse reached patency, demonstrating that immunodeficient mice fail to develop protective immunity against subsequent infections, similar to human hookworm infections. In contrast, no parasite development was observed in mice infected with A. caninum, highlighting that the survival strategies of this species are independent of the host immune landscape. These results underscore the complexity of host–parasite interactions and point to new directions for therapeutic strategies, which may differ between sex. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Parasitic Neglected Tropical Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

2 pages, 139 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Chen et al. Transcriptome Analysis of Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus Larvae Exposed to a Semi-Lethal Dose of Vermistatin. Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10, 31

by Junhui Chen, Zhiyong Xu, Feiying Yang, Jian Yang, Wendong Kuang, Jianghuai Li, Yaqi Wang and Liang Jin

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(3), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10030059 - 25 Feb 2025

Abstract

In the original publication [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insecticide Resistance and Vector Control)

11 pages, 423 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Acute Respiratory Viral Infections Among Adult Patients in Edirne, Turkey

by Sebnem Bukavaz, Kultural Gungor, Merve Köle and Galip Ekuklu

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(2), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10020058 - 19 Feb 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of viral agents identified by Multiplex PCR in acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI) patients at Edirne Sultan 1, Murat State Hospital, from April 2023 to April 2024, and to investigate the relationship between monthly average [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of viral agents identified by Multiplex PCR in acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI) patients at Edirne Sultan 1, Murat State Hospital, from April 2023 to April 2024, and to investigate the relationship between monthly average humidity and viral positivity rates. Methods: The study included 764 adult patients (aged 18 and older) diagnosed with influenza symptoms. Respiratory viral samples were collected and analyzed for COVID-19, influenza A and B, and RSV using Multiplex PCR, with results evaluated retrospectively. Continuous variables in the study were compared using a t-test, and categorical variables were compared with a chi-square test. A logistic regression analysis was performed for the analysis of COVID-19. In this analysis, PCR positivity was the dependent variable, while age, gender, and humidity level served as independent variables. Results: COVID-19 PCR positivity was detected in 142 patients (18.6%), with INF-A (influenza A) in 13 (3.7%), INF-B (influenza B) in 15 (4.2%), and RSV in 2 (0.6%). Higher humidity (over 60%) was associated with reduced viral PCR positivity rates for COVID-19 and influenza B, while low (up to 40%)/normal (40–60%) humidity correlated with positivity rate (p < 0.05 for both). Logistic regression analysis indicated that high humidity levels offer protection against COVID-19 (OR: 0.356; 95% CI: 0.245–0.518). Conclusions: Our study provides essential epidemiological data by summarizing monthly virus distribution in Edirne. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Respiratory Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Description

Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease

Latest Articles

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Highly Accessed Articles

Latest Books

E-Mail Alert

News

Topics

Conferences

Special Issues

Topical Collections

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI