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PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Jun 2024Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi (Salmonella Typhi) causes severe and occasionally life-threatening disease, transmitted through contaminated food and water. Humans...
BACKGROUND
Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi (Salmonella Typhi) causes severe and occasionally life-threatening disease, transmitted through contaminated food and water. Humans are the only reservoir, inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure increases risk of typhoid. High-quality data to assess spatial and temporal relationships in disease dynamics are scarce.
METHODS
We analyzed data from a prospective cohort conducted in an urban slum area of Dhaka City, Bangladesh. Passive surveillance at study centers identified typhoid cases by microbiological culture. Each incident case (index case) was matched to two randomly selected index controls, and we measured typhoid incidence in the population residing in a geographically defined region surrounding each case and control. Spatial clustering was evaluated by comparing the typhoid incidence in residents of geometric rings of increasing radii surrounding the index cases and controls over 28 days. Temporal clustering was evaluated by separately measuring incidence in the first and second 14-day periods following selection. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated using Poisson regression models.
RESULTS
We evaluated 141 typhoid index cases. The overall typhoid incidence was 0.44 per 100,000 person-days (PDs) (95% CI: 0.40, 0.49). In the 28 days following selection, the highest typhoid incidence (1.2 per 100,000 PDs [95% CI: 0.8, 1.6]) was in the innermost cluster surrounding index cases. The IRR in this innermost cluster was 4.9 (95% CI: 2.4, 10.3) relative to the innermost control clusters. Neither typhoid incidence rates nor relative IRR between index case and control populations showed substantive differences in the first and second 14-day periods after selection.
CONCLUSION
In the absence of routine immunization programs, geographic clustering of typhoid cases suggests a higher intensity of typhoid risk in the population immediately surrounding identified cases. Further studies are needed to understand spatial and temporal trends and to evaluate the effectiveness of targeted vaccination in disrupting typhoid transmission.
PubMed: 38913735
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012273 -
Veterinary World May 2024Leptospirosis is a re-emerging zoonosis that is under-reported in tropical countries, and canines can be a potential reservoir of the disease. The objective of this...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Leptospirosis is a re-emerging zoonosis that is under-reported in tropical countries, and canines can be a potential reservoir of the disease. The objective of this study was to diagnose spp. that is actively infected and re-infected in stray dogs and cats from Bogota, D.C., Colombia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A sample of 200 animals, including dogs and cats from the animal protection programs of Bogota, Colombia, were used in this study. Blood was collected from these animals for serum and DNA analysis. Conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using the 16s rRNA primer set, and higher-quality amplification products were sequenced by Sanger. For serodiagnosis, a group of PCR-positive samples was tested using the microagglutination test (MAT).
RESULTS
The overall PCR positivity of stray dogs and cats was 56%, 52.9%, and 65.3% in dogs and cats, respectively. The MAT seropositivity was 77.3%, and only dogs showed titers higher than 1:400. , , , , and and were the serogroups associated with dogs and cats, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the strains belonging to serovars related to isolated samples of American, European, and Asian bats (), dogs, and bovines of American origin.
CONCLUSION
These results showed that stray dogs and cats were previously exposed to different serovars of spp. and re-infected with other serovars that actively participated in the transmission cycle. These findings highlight the importance of actively diagnosing infectious animals to design effective intervention strategies.
PubMed: 38911095
DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.973-980 -
Vaccine Jun 2024In New Zealand, approximately half reported pertussis cases are adult. Studies indicate underestimated pertussis burden in this population and probable reservoir for...
Pertussis epidemiology in adults: Retrospective analysis of pertussis incidence and association with comorbidities among adult populations in Aotearoa New Zealand, using national administrative datasets.
BACKGROUND
In New Zealand, approximately half reported pertussis cases are adult. Studies indicate underestimated pertussis burden in this population and probable reservoir for childhood pertussis. Pertussis is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) development and increased risk with pre-existing COPD. While acellular pertussis vaccines are available for adults, data on pertussis disease burden in adults and association with COPD remain limited.
AIM
To estimate pertussis incidence in New Zealand adult health service user (HSU) population aged ≥ 18 between 2008-2019 and inform adult pertussis vaccination strategies by assessing disease burden and risk factors in different adult populations.
METHODS
Retrospective observational cohort study using an HSU cohort, formed by linking administrative health data using unique National Health Index identifier. For primary analysis, annual incidence rates were calculated using pertussis hospitalisations and notifications. In secondary analysis, Cox proportional hazards survival analyses explored association between pertussis in adults and chronic comorbidities.
RESULTS
The cohort had 2,907,258 participants in 2008 and grew to 3,513,327 by 2019, with 11,139 pertussis cases reported. Highest annual incidence rate of 84.77 per 100,000 PYRS in 2012, notably affecting females, those aged 30-49 years, and European or Māori ethnicity. Adjusting for sociodemographic variables found no significant risk of prior pertussis notification leading to comorbidity diagnosis (Adjusted-HR: 0.972). However, individuals with prior comorbidity diagnosis had 16 % greater risk of receiving pertussis notification or diagnosis (Adjusted-HR: 1.162).
CONCLUSIONS
Study found significant pertussis burden among the HSU adult cohort and highlighted higher risk of pertussis for those with recent comorbidity diagnoses. Vaccination for pertussis should be recommended for individuals with comorbidities to reduce infection risk and disease severity. GPs must have capability to test for pertussis, given it is notifiable disease with implications for individuals, their families, and broader population. High-quality disease surveillance is crucial for informing policy decisions.
PubMed: 38910093
DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.06.016 -
Poultry Science Jun 2024Migratory wild birds can carry various pathogens, such as influenza A virus, which can spread to globally and cause disease outbreaks and epidemics. Continuous...
Migratory wild birds can carry various pathogens, such as influenza A virus, which can spread to globally and cause disease outbreaks and epidemics. Continuous epidemiological surveillance of migratory wild birds is of great significance for the early warning, prevention, and control of epidemics. To investigate the pathogen infection status of migratory wild birds in eastern China, fecal samples were collected from wetlands to conduct pathogen surveillance. The results showed that duck orthoreovirus (DRV) and goose parvovirus (GPV) nucleic acid were detected positive in the fecal samples collected from wild ducks, egrets, and swan. Phylogenetic analysis of the amplified viral genes reveals that the isolates were closely related to the prevalent strains in the regions involved in East Asian-Australasian (EAA) migratory flyway. Phylogenetic analysis of the amplified viral genes confirmed that they were closely related to circulating strains in the regions involved in the EAA migration pathway. The findings of this study have expanded the host range of the orthoreovirus and parvovirus, and revealed possible virus transmission between wild migratory birds and poultry.
PubMed: 38909506
DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103940 -
Annals of Medicine Dec 2024The lung is an important site of extramedullary platelet formation, and megakaryocytes in the lung participate in immune responses in addition to platelet production. In... (Review)
Review
The lung is an important site of extramedullary platelet formation, and megakaryocytes in the lung participate in immune responses in addition to platelet production. In acute lung injury and chronic lung injury, megakaryocytes and platelets play a promoting or protective role through different mechanisms. The authors reviewed the role of megakaryocytes and platelets in common clinical lung injuries with different course of disease and different pathogenic factors in order to provide new thinking for the diagnosis and treatment of lung injuries.
Topics: Megakaryocytes; Humans; Blood Platelets; Acute Lung Injury; Lung Injury; Lung; Animals; Respiratory Distress Syndrome
PubMed: 38902986
DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2362871 -
Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory... Jun 2024The role of vitamin D deficiency in cardiovascular disease (CVD) is controversial. Inherent biological and analytical limitations compromise the specificity of widely...
OBJECTIVES
The role of vitamin D deficiency in cardiovascular disease (CVD) is controversial. Inherent biological and analytical limitations compromise the specificity of widely used 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] cut-offs. Simultaneous determination of 25(OH)D and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [24,25(OH)D] permits a functional assessment of vitamin D metabolism. The present study compared the associations of functional vitamin D deficiency and low vitamin D reservoirs with CVD mortality and CVD burden.
METHODS
25(OH)D, 24,25(OH)D, the degree of coronary obstruction on angiography, high-sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and 10-year CVD mortality were obtained from 2,456 participants of the LURIC (Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health) study.
RESULTS
Neither low 25(OH)D concentrations nor functional vitamin D deficiency were associated with the number of atherosclerotic coronary arteries or the degree of coronary obstruction. Over a median follow-up of 9.9 years, 454 participants died (23.6 %) due to CVD. CVD mortality was doubled in individuals with 25(OH)D concentrations below the widely used cut-off for deficiency of <50 nmol/L [20 ng/mL] (21.6 vs. 11.5 %). In individuals with and without functional vitamin D deficiency, CVD mortality was 25.0 and 16.7 %, respectively. NT-proBNP and heart failure prevalence were also higher in vitamin D deficient individuals.
CONCLUSIONS
Vitamin D deficient individuals have markedly higher CVD mortality, but only marginally higher hs-cTnT concentrations. A higher prevalence of heart failure and higher NT-proBNP concentrations suggest a link between vitamin D deficiency and cardiac function. The traditional and metabolic assessment of vitamin D status showed comparable associations for the different parameters of cardiac health.
PubMed: 38890759
DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2024-0391 -
BMJ Open Jun 2024Urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS) caused by is endemic in Southern Tanzania. The disease has significant implications for both socioeconomic and public health. Because...
BACKGROUND
Urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS) caused by is endemic in Southern Tanzania. The disease has significant implications for both socioeconomic and public health. Because infections with usually peak in childhood, the majority of studies have concentrated on school-aged children leaving other groups such as males which might be continuous reservoir of infection transmission. However, despite its chronic consequences in the male population, the disease has received insufficient attention, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This study was conducted to describe the previous and current schistosomiasis status among adult males living in high-endemic areas of southern Tanzania DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was employed to gather data on the prevalence of UGS among adult men residing at schistosomiasis endemic in the Mtama District Council. Quantitative methods of data collection which included questionnaire and laboratory procedures were used.
RESULTS
Out of 245 participants, macrohaematuria and microhaematuria were found in 12 (4.9%, 95% CI 2.4% to 7.8%) and 66 (26.9%, 95% CI 21.6% to 32.7%) participants, respectively. ova were recovered from the urine samples of 54 (22.0%, 95% CI 16.7% to 27.3%) participants. The median intensity of infection was 20 eggs per 10 mL of urine ranging from 1 to 201 eggs per 10 mL of urine (IQR) 60.5). Out of 245 participants 33 (13.5% 95% CI 9.0% to 17.6%) had light intensity of infection and 21 (38.9%, 95% CI; 25.0% to 52.5%) had heavy intensity of infection. Overall, the prevalence of heavy intensity of infection was 8.6% (95% CI 4.9% to 12.6%). The prevalence and intensity of UGS varied significantly by age, marital status and village of residence.
CONCLUSION
This study sheds light on the prevalence of UGS among adult males in endemic areas of southern Tanzania. The results highlight the urgent need for comprehensive intervention strategies to address the burden of the disease.
Topics: Humans; Male; Tanzania; Cross-Sectional Studies; Schistosomiasis haematobia; Adult; Prevalence; Young Adult; Schistosoma haematobium; Endemic Diseases; Middle Aged; Animals; Adolescent; Hematuria
PubMed: 38889945
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079690 -
Journal of Environmental Health Science... Jun 2024Landfill leachate contains antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and microplastics (MPs), making it an important reservoir. However, little research has been conducted on... (Review)
Review
Landfill leachate contains antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and microplastics (MPs), making it an important reservoir. However, little research has been conducted on how ARGs are enriched on MPs and how the presence of MPs affects pathogens and ARGs in leachates and soil. MPs possess the capacity to establish unique bacterial populations and assimilate contaminants from their immediate surroundings, generating a potential environment conducive to the growth of disease-causing microorganisms and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), thereby exerting selection pressure. Through a comprehensive analysis of scientific literature, we have carried out a practical assessment of this topic. The gathering of pollutants and the formation of dense bacterial communities on microplastics create advantageous circumstances for an increased frequency of ARG transfer and evolution. Additional investigations are necessary to acquire a more profound comprehension of how pathogens and ARGs are enriched, transported, and transferred on microplastics. This research is essential for evaluating the health risks associated with human exposure to these pollutants.
PubMed: 38887766
DOI: 10.1007/s40201-023-00879-6 -
Research Square Jun 2024Antiretroviral therapy (ART) improves the quality of life for those living with the human immunodeficiency virus type one (HIV-1). However, poor compliance reduces ART...
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) improves the quality of life for those living with the human immunodeficiency virus type one (HIV-1). However, poor compliance reduces ART effectiveness and leads to immune compromise, viral mutations, and disease co-morbidities. A novel drug formulation is made whereby a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) carrying rilpivirine (RPV) is decorated with the C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5). This facilitates myeloid drug depot deposition. Particle delivery to viral reservoirs is tracked by positron emission tomography. The CCR5-mediated RPV LNP cell uptake and retention reduce HIV-1 replication in human monocyte-derived macrophages and infected humanized mice. Focused ultrasound allows the decorated LNP to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and reach brain myeloid cells. These findings offer a role for CCR5-targeted therapeutics in antiretroviral delivery to optimize HIV suppression.
PubMed: 38883780
DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4433306/v1 -
IMeta Apr 2024The infant gut microbiome is increasingly recognized as a reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes, yet the assembly of gut resistome in infants and its influencing...
The infant gut microbiome is increasingly recognized as a reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes, yet the assembly of gut resistome in infants and its influencing factors remain largely unknown. We characterized resistome in 4132 metagenomes from 963 infants in six countries and 4285 resistance genes were observed. The inherent resistome pattern of healthy infants ( = 272) could be distinguished by two stages: a multicompound resistance phase (Months 0-7) and a tetracycline-mupirocin-β-lactam-dominant phase (Months 8-14). Microbial taxonomy explained 40.7% of the gut resistome of healthy infants, with (25.5%) harboring the most resistance genes. In a further analysis with all available infants ( = 963), we found age was the strongest influencer on the resistome and was negatively correlated with the overall resistance during the first 3 years ( < 0.001). Using a random-forest approach, a set of 34 resistance genes could be used to predict age ( = 68.0%). Leveraging microbial host inference analyses, we inferred the age-dependent assembly of infant resistome was a result of shifts in the gut microbiome, primarily driven by changes in taxa that disproportionately harbor resistance genes across taxa (e.g., more frequently harbored resistance genes than other taxa). We performed metagenomic functional profiling and metagenomic assembled genome analyses whose results indicate that the development of gut resistome was driven by changes in microbial carbohydrate metabolism, with an increasing need for carbohydrate-active enzymes from and a decreasing need for during infancy. Importantly, we observed increased acquired resistance genes over time, which was related to increased horizontal gene transfer in the developing infant gut microbiome. In summary, infant age was negatively correlated with antimicrobial resistance gene levels, reflecting a composition shift in the gut microbiome, likely driven by the changing need for microbial carbohydrate metabolism during early life.
PubMed: 38882494
DOI: 10.1002/imt2.169