Endemic Disease Research Articles

Detection of Leishmania infantum and Leishmania amazonensis in Bats From Endemic and Non-endemic Areas of São Paulo State, Brazil.

Leishmaniasis is an endemic disease in several regions of Brazil, a tropical country that presents specific environmental conditions that contribute to the development of phlebotomine vectors. This study aimed to detect Leishmania species in naturally infected bats from 17 municipalities in the São Paulo state. Spleen and liver samples from 203 bats were analysed by real-time PCR and confirmed by conventional PCR followed by gene sequencing. Leishmania DNA was amplified by real-time PCR in 6.4% of the bats and by conventional PCR followed by sequencing in 3.4% of the bats. Positive samples were characterised and included in GenBank. Leishmania species were confirmed in M. molossus, M. nigricans and E. glaucinus bats. Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis and L. infantum (syn. L. chagasi) were identified. This is the first detection of Leishmania spp. in bats in the studied areas. All the positive bats came from urban areas. Insectivorous bats were statistically more positive. There was similarity between our sequences and those of a human isolate and a phlebotomine from the region. This result points to bats as important possible reservoir of Leishmania in Brazil and guides the country's health authorities towards epidemiological surveillance, control and prevention actions in endemic areas.

One-Pot Synthesis and <i>In Vitro</i> Studies of Calix[4]-2-methylresorcinarene Derivatives as Antimalarial Agents Against <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> Chloroquine-Resistant Strain FCR-3

Malaria is an endemic disease in Indonesia caused by infection from the Plasmodium parasite. Recently, antimalarial resistance significantly contributed to the decline in the cure rate of malaria sufferers. In this work, three calix[4]resorcinarenes have been synthesized from 2-methylresorcinol and different benzaldehyde derivatives, i.e., 4-chlorobenzaldehyde, 4-methoxybenzaldehyde, and 4-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde through the one-pot synthesis procedure. The calix[4]resorcinarenes synthesis was done through a cyclo-condensation reaction by using HCl 37% as the catalyst and ethanol as the solvent in an one-pot reaction. The structures of the synthesized products were confirmed using Fourier transform infrared, proton-nuclear magnetic resonance, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques. The antimalarial activity assay was evaluated against the Plasmodium falciparum FCR-3 strain through an in vitro study. Three synthesized compounds, i.e., C-4-chlorophenylcalix[4]-2-methylresorcinarene, C-4-methoxyphenylcalix[4]-2-methylresorcinarene and C-4-dimethylaminophenylcalix[4]-2-methylresorcinarene have been successfully synthesized in up to 97% yield. The C-4-chlorophenylcalix[4]-2-methylresorcinerene exhibited the most potent antimalarial activity with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 2.66 µM against P. falciparum FCR-3 while the C-4-methoxyphenylcalix[4]-2-methylresorcinarene and C-4-dimethylaminophenylcalix[4]-2-methylresorcinarene gave the IC50 values of 23.63 and 13.82 µM, respectively. From the results, it could be concluded that the antimalarial activity of calix[4]-2-methylresorcinarenes was influenced by the type of substituent of aromatic rings at the para position.

In vitro and In vivo Biological Activity of Two Aryloxy-naphthoquinones in Mice Infected with Trypanosoma cruzi Strains.

Chagas disease, a condition caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is an endemic disease in Latin American countries that affects approximately eight million people worldwide. It is a continuing public health problem. As nifurtimox and benznidazole are the two pharmacological treatments currently used to treat it, the present research proposes new therapeutic alternatives. Previous studies conducted on naphthoquinone derivatives have found interesting trypanocidal effects on epimastigotes, with the molecules 2-phenoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (IC50= 50 nM and SI < 250) and 2-(3-nitrophenoxy)-naphthalene-1,4-dione (IC50= 20 nM and SI=625) presenting the best biological activity.. The present study evaluated the efficacy of in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models of two aryloxyquinones, 2-phenoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (1) and 2-(3-nitrophenoxy)-naphthalene-1,4- dione (2), against two Mexican T. cruzi strains in both their epimastigote and blood Trypomastigote stage. Both compounds were evaluated against T. cruzi using a mouse model (CD1) infected with Mexican isolates of T. cruzi, nifurtimox and benznidazole used as control drugs. Finally, the cytotoxicity of the two compounds against the J774.2 mouse macrophage cell line was also determined. The in vitro and in vivo results obtained indicated that both quinones were more active than the reference drugs. Compound 1 presents in vivo activity, showing up to 40% parasite reduction after 8 h of administration, a finding which is 1.25 times more effective than the results obtained using nifurtimox. These are encouraging results for proposing new naphthoquinone derivatives with potential anti-T. cruzi activity.

Multi-Party Private Edge Computing for Collaborative Quantitative Exposure Detection of Endemic Diseases

Multi-Party Private Edge Computing for Collaborative Quantitative Exposure Detection of Endemic Diseases

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Endemic Diseases: A Case Study of Kijumo Village-Western Uganda

This research presents the findings of a study conducted in Kijumo Village, Bushenyi District/ Western Uganda which assesses the prevalence and the contributing factors of endemic diseases. The study aimed to identify the most common endemic diseases in the region and the factors influencing their prevalence. The data was collected through surveys, and interviews of 69 households on socio-demographic characteristics, hygienic variables, health-related variables, and health conditions. Malaria was the major health condition that households had experienced one month preceding the survey, hypertension diseases were the second most common ailment; other specific health conditions included typhoid fever, diarrheal conditions, and respiratory disease. Regression analysis was directed to explore socio-demographic characteristics, hygienic characteristics, health related factors, and health conditions. Results indicate a significant association between family size, profession, household wealth index, and health conditions. However, sources of water for domestic use, having a net, and sleeping under a net were strictly associated with health conditions. There was also a significant difference between health conditions with seeking initial treatment, However, many respondents tried at least to use traditional medicine or patient medicine dealers. Endemic diseases are a major public health concern in Kijumo village thus, a need for targeted interventions like improving sanitation and hygiene, strengthening healthcare services, poverty alleviation programs, and health education and promotion. Keywords: Endemic disease, prevalence, factors associated, health conditions, Kijumo village

Morbidity of SARS-CoV-2 in the evolution to endemicity and in comparison with influenza

BackgroundThere are three possible SARS-CoV-2 post-pandemic scenarios: (i) ongoing severity, (ii) influenza-like severity, and (iii) a transition to an endemic disease with lesser morbidity similar to that of other human coronaviruses.MethodsTo assess a possible evolution of the pandemic under the three scenarios, we use data from the US National Covid Cohort Collaborative, CDC COVID-NET, and CDC Fluview and from the WastewaterSCAN Dashboard. We include influenza disease and treatment response as benchmark. The US National Covid Cohort Collaborative allows the quantification of viral-specific morbidity using electronic health records from 424,165 SARS-CoV-2 cases, 53,846 influenza cases, and 199,971 uninfected control subjects from 2021–2022. Evolution of hospitalization rates is estimated from the correlation between national SARS-CoV-2 and influenza hospitalization data and viral gene copies in wastewater.ResultsOur findings reveal that medically attended SARS-CoV-2 infections exhibit similar morbidity to influenza [indicative of scenario (ii)], but SARS-CoV-2 hospitalization rates are one order of magnitude lower than influenza when considering virus concentration in wastewater [indicative of scenario (iii)]. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 displays a more favorable response to antiviral therapy.ConclusionsOur analysis confirms a rapid decline in SARS-CoV-2 morbidity as it transitions to an endemic state.

STUDY OF HUMAN LEPTOSPIROSIS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, VISAKHAPATNAM

Objective: Prevalence of leptospirosis in humans is found in an alarming number in recent times. This endemic zoonotic disease is widespread and potentially fatal. It is usually seen in areas with poor socioeconomic conditions, water stagnation, garbage accumulation, which becomes breeding sites for the rodents. Infection may turn epidemic during monsoon. Reservoir of infection is rat scientifically named as Rattus rattus and infection results from direct or indirect exposure to host animals that carry the pathogen in their renal tubules and shed pathogenic leptospires in their urine. The main objective of this study was to estimate the seropositivity of leptospirosis in patients presenting with undifferentiated acute febrile illness for 5 to 7 days during one year period from February 2023 to February 2024 in a tertiary care hospital, Visakhapatnam, India. Methods: A total of 279 blood samples received from suspected cases of leptospirosis were subjected to IgM ELISA. Results: Out of total 279 cases, 20 were positive for leptospirosis (OD ratio ≥1.00). All the positive cases presented with a fever more than 99.5°F, chills and headache with elevated serum procalcitonin levels. Peak incidence of cases was recorded during July and August 2023. Conclusion: Seroprevalence of human leptospirosis in this study was found to be 7.2%.

Confirming non-endemicity of podoconiosis in Guatemala and in Idukki District in Kerala (India): a comparison of two approaches potentially suitable for other neglected tropical diseases

BackgroundPodoconiosis is an underreported lymphoedema whose distribution is uncertain at global level and within endemic countries. Previous work has identified countries with historical evidence of podoconiosis, but which do not currently report cases. Podoconiosis may persist in these countries or have been eliminated due to socioeconomic development. Here we describe two different approaches used to clarify podoconiosis endemicity status in Guatemala and in Idukki District (Kerala State, India).MethodsTwo different epidemiological approaches were used by different research teams, determined by the available resources and contextual factors in the two settings. In Guatemala, where lymphoedema cases are routinely recorded in the health information system, 102 municipalities with suspected cases, historical evidence of podoconiosis, high poverty rates, or environmental suitability for the disease were visited. Active case searches were conducted from July 2016 to October 2018, and suspected cases were clinically examined to confirm or rule out podoconiosis. In Idukki, where lymphoedema cases were not routinely recorded, a population-based prevalence survey for lymphoedema was conducted from September to December 2022, covering 13,664 individuals aged 15 years and older.ResultsBoth approaches were effective at clarifying podoconiosis endemicity. In Guatemala, 20 cases with lower limb swelling were investigated. Podoconiosis was ruled out in all cases, and filarial lymphoedema was suspected in three. In Idukki District, 105 cases of lower limb swelling were identified. None was confirmed to have podoconiosis, with post-surgical lymphoedema and hypertension being the most common diagnoses. Active filarial infection was identified in two cases in Idukki District.ConclusionsThese investigations provide evidence that podoconiosis is currently non-endemic in Guatemala and in Idukki District in India. They also demonstrate that population-based surveys and targeted case searches both provide effective ways to explore disease endemicity in areas where this is uncertain. The most appropriate approach depends on a combination of contextual and research-based factors, including evidence for endemicity, resources available, and geographical, population, and health system factors.

Progress Toward Global Dracunculiasis (Guinea Worm Disease) Eradication, January 2023-June 2024.

The effort to eradicate Dracunculus medinensis, the etiologic agent of dracunculiasis, or Guinea worm disease, began at CDC in 1980. In 1986, with an estimated 3.5 million global cases in 20 African and Asian countries, the World Health Assembly called for dracunculiasis elimination. The Guinea Worm Eradication Program (GWEP) was established to help countries with endemic dracunculiasis reach this goal. GWEP is led by The Carter Center and supported by partners, including the countries with endemic disease, CDC, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization. Since 2012, infections in dogs, cats, and baboons have posed a new challenge for GWEP, as have ongoing civil unrest and insecurity in some areas. As of June 2024, dracunculiasis remained endemic in five countries (Angola, Chad, Ethiopia, Mali, and South Sudan). Fourteen human cases and 886 animal infections occurred, including 407 dogs in Chad and 248 dogs in Cameroon, reported in 2023, and three human cases and 297 animal infections reported during January-June 2024. Animal infections, primarily in dogs in Cameroon and Chad, and impeded access due to civil unrest and insecurity in Mali, threaten the near-term possibility of global eradication. Nevertheless, countries appear poised to reach zero cases.

Global Epidemiology of Meningococcal Disease-Causing Serogroups Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review.

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is associated with high morbidity and mortality and predominantly caused by five Neisseria meningitidis serogroups (A/B/C/W/Y). Polysaccharide conjugate vaccines induce T-cell-dependent immune responses, are immunogenic in infants and adults, and reduce carriage, and vaccination of age groups associated with high-carriage can provide indirect protection in the unvaccinated (herd immunity). Successful vaccination programs must be tailored to local epidemiology, which varies geographically, temporally, and by age and serogroup. Serogroup A IMD once predominated globally, but has largely disappeared following mass vaccination programs. Serogroup B was a predominant cause of IMD in many global regions from 2010 to 2018, typically affecting younger age groups. Spread of serogroup C clonal complex-11 IMD in the 1990s prompted implementation of MenC vaccine programs in many countries, resulting in declines in prevalence. Serogroup C still caused>20% of global IMD through the mid-2010s. Serogroup W became a significant contributor to global IMD after Hajj pilgrimage outbreaks in 2000; subsequent increases of endemic disease and outbreaks were reported pre-pandemic in many regions. Serogroup Y emerged in the 1990s as a significant cause of IMD throughout various regions and prevalence had increased or stabilized from 2010 to 2018. Serogroup X is uncommon outside the African meningitis belt, and its prevalence has declined since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Global IMD declines during the pandemic were followed by resurgences generally caused by serogroups that were prevalent pre-pandemic and affecting mainly unvaccinated age groups (particularly adolescents/young adults). Recent IMD epidemiology underscores the importance of vaccinating at-risk age groups against regionally prevalent serogroups; for example, the anti-serogroup X component of the recently prequalified MenACWXY vaccine is likely to provide limited protection outside the African meningitis belt. In other regions, comprehensive vaccination against MenB and MenACWY, which could be streamlined by the recently approved MenABCWY vaccine, seems more appropriate.

Genetic function algorithm (GFA) based QSAR, molecular design, and ADMET screening to assess the antimalarial potential of Amodiaquine derivatives

The ongoing fight against endemic diseases is complicated by the increasing resistance of malaria parasites to widely used drugs. As a result, the search for more effective antimalarial treatments continues. This research focuses on developing modified Amodiaquine analogues with enhanced efficacy. Additionally, the designed derivatives will be evaluated for their drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic properties. A predictive QSAR model was created using twenty-two Amodiaquine derivatives in the Material Studio to estimate the activity of newly designed derivatives. The most active derivative (used as a design template) was modified by applying descriptor implications at various positions, resulting in different derivatives. The drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic properties of these derivatives were assessed using SwissADME software and the pkCSM web application. Compound A-01, with the highest activity (pIC50 = 9.491), was selected as the prototype for designing thirteen improved derivatives. These derivatives were systematically created by altering substituents and saturations at specific positions on the template. All designed derivatives demonstrated greater activity than the template, Amodiaquine (pIC50 = 8.668), and Chloroquine (pIC50 = 8.111). Among them, the derivative ac, 4-((7-chloroquinolin-4-yl)amino)-2-(cyclohexyl(4-(pyridin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl)methyl)phenol, proved to be the most potent. The designed derivatives functioned as substrates for P-glycoprotein, showed limited permeability across the blood-brain barrier, did not significantly penetrate the central nervous system, inhibited CYP1A2 and CYP2C19, and showed potential as renal OCT2 substrates. Thirteen Amodiaquine derivatives were developed with improved efficacy while adhering to Lipinski and Veber rules. These derivatives are largely non-toxic, skin-safe, and show promise for the development of effective antimalarial drugs.

Chronic brucellosis with sacroiliitis: A case report.

Brucellosis, especially with osteoarticular involvement, is uncommon and difficult to diagnose, but it should be considered in a case presenting with prolonged fever, joint pain, and back pain. The diagnosis requires a combination of history, serological examinations, and radiographic studies. When the condition is detected and treated early, the prognosis is good. Brucella exploits host immune defenses to establish the chronic infection brucellosis, an endemic zoonotic disease. While human brucellosis affects multiple organs, osteo articular involvement is rare. We report the case of a 41-year-old woman with a history of goat farming who presented with fewer associated with low back pain and multiple joint pain for 4 months. Brucellosis was documented by positive serological tests (ELISA). Radiological findings suggested of right sacroiliitis and fracture line on the right sacral ala though had no history of trauma. Treatment consisted of NSAIDs and multiple antibiotic therapy. At follow-up, her low back pain, joint pain, and fever had subsided. After 4 weeks of follow-up, her symptoms were completely relieved with no recurrence. Brucellosis with atypical localization should be considered with a high index of suspicion based on detailed history and physical examination to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.

Understanding the factors contributing to dengue virus and chikungunya virus seropositivity and seroconversion among children in Kenya.

Dengue virus (DENV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) are causes of endemic febrile disease among Kenyan children. The exposure risk to these infections is highly multifactorial and linked to environmental factors and human behavior. We investigated relationships between household, socio-economic, demographic, and behavioral risk factors for DENV and CHIKV seropositivity and seroconversion in four settlements in Kenya. We prospectively followed a pediatric cohort of 3,445 children between 2014-2018. We utilized the Kaplan-Meier curves to describe the temporal patterns of seroconversion among tested participants. We employed logistic regression built using generalized linear mixed models, to identify potential exposure risk factors for DENV and CHIKV seroconversion and seropositivity. Overall, 5.2% children were seropositive for DENV, of which 59% seroconverted during the study period. The seroprevalence for CHIKV was 9.2%, of which 54% seroconverted. The fraction of seroconversions per year in the study cohort was <2% for both viruses. Multivariable analysis indicated that older age and the presence of water containers ((OR: 1.15 [95% CI: 1.10, 1.21]), (OR: 1.50 [95% CI: 1.07, 2.10])) increased the odds of DENV seropositivity, whereas higher wealth (OR: 0.83 [95% CI: 0.73, 0.96]) decreased the odds of DENV seropositivity. Multivariable analysis for CHIKV seropositivity showed older age and the presence of trash in the housing compound to be associated with increased odds of CHIKV seropositivity ((OR: 1.11[95% CI: 1.07, 1.15]), (OR: 1.34 [95% CI: 1.04, 1.73])), while higher wealth decreased the odds of CHIKV seropositivity (OR: 0.74[95% CI: 0.66, 0.83]). A higher wealth index (OR: 0.82 [95% CI: 0.69, 0.97]) decreased the odds of DENV seroconversion, whereas a higher age (OR: 1.08 [95% CI: 1.02, 1.15]) and the presence of water containers in the household (OR: 1.91[95% CI: 1.24, 2.95]) were significantly associated with increased odds of DENV seroconversion. Higher wealth was associated with decreased odds for CHIKV seroconversion (OR: 0.75 [95% CI: 0.66, 0.89]), whereas presence of water containers in the house (OR: 1.57 [95% CI: 1.11, 2.21]) was a risk factor for CHIKV seroconversion. Our study links ongoing CHIKV and DENV exposure to decreased wealth and clean water access, underscoring the need to combat inequity and poverty and further enhance ongoing surveillance for arboviruses in Kenya to decrease disease transmission. The study emphasizes the co-circulation of DENV and CHIKV and calls for strengthening the targeted control strategies of mosquito borne diseases in Kenya including vector control, environmental management, public education, community engagement and personal protection.

Forecasting of diarrhea disease using ARIMA model in Kendari City, Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

BackgroundIn Indonesia, diarrhea is one of the endemic diseases that often leads to death. The high number of diarrhea cases has the potential to become an extraordinary event, thus requiring more serious attention. This research aims to analyze the data on recorded cases of diarrhea in the Health Department of Kendari City from January 2016 to June 2022. MethodsThe ARIMA model, commonly referred to as ARIMA (p, d, q), is used, where p represents the autoregressive terms, d indicates the non-seasonal differences required for achieving stationarity, and q denotes the lagged forecast errors in the prediction equation. To determine the order of the autoregressive (AR) and moving average (MA) components included in the ARIMA model, the patterns of the plot of the auto-correlation function (ACF) and the partial auto-correlation function (PACF) were utilized. Data analysis was carried out using Minitab Release 16 software. ResultsThe forecast using this model indicates a decrease in diarrhea cases over the next two years, from July 2022 to June 2024. The forecast estimates a total of 1.971 diarrhea cases from July 2022 to June 2023 and 1.255 cases from July 2023 to June 2024. ConclusionsThe incidence of diarrhea in Kendari City fluctuates every year. This forecast provides an early warning to the government to take preventive measures against diarrhea. It is hoped that this system will reduce the negative impact of diarrhea in Kendari City.

A One Health approach to pastoral (im)mobility, health, and disease: A qualitative participatory study in Plateau State, Nigeria.

In Plateau State, pastoralism has historically been a cost effective and resilient economic system well-suited to the ecological context. However, changes in land use and conflict have increasingly changed patterns of mobility. Pastoralist movement is now often associated with zoonotic disease transmission, environmental degradation and conflict, increasingly resulting in forced sedentarisation. Rather than a direct outcome of population movement however, animal, human and zoonotic disease drivers are complex and influenced by a range of socio-economic and environmental factors. The interlinkages of (im)mobility and health requires better understanding of underlying vulnerabilities to disease, which we aim to address in this study. Using a multisite case study methodology we investigated pastoralists' animal and human health concerns and priorities in Plateau State, Nigeria. We deployed participatory tools, including open-ended Focus Group Discussions, transect walks, mapping exercises, calendars and matrices. Data were analysed using a One Health conceptual framework. We interviewed 105 participants, from transhumance, migratory and sedentary households, dependent on livestock and small-scale crops. While transhumance was often preferred, participants had become sedentary as a result of insecurity, loss in livestock, and household characteristics. Humans and animals suffered from several endemic diseases, including zoonoses, however veterinary and human health services are only available in larger towns, and people mostly rely on community (animal) health workers and self-medication. Both transhumance and sedentary livestock keepers face challenges around forage grazing, regularly blocked by landowners, sometimes escalating into conflict. While conflict and changes in land use affected animal and human disease patterns, underlying political, social and economic risk factors were important determinants of health. There is a need for more inclusive, transdisciplinary, multilevel approaches to address animal and human disease, based on better contextualization of the challenges, through the participation of affected communities.

Factors Associated With The Incidence Of Diarrhea In Toddlersin The Meureubo Health Center Working Area, Meureubo Sub-District, West Aceh District In 2023

Diarrhea is a potential endemic disease that can result in extraordinary outbreaks (KLB) and is often associated with mortality. According to data from the Meureubo Health Center in 2022, this center recorded the highest percentage of diarrhea cases among toddlers, reaching 67%. This study aims to examine the relationship between several factors clean water sources, latrine facilities, household waste management, wastewater disposal, maternal knowledge and education, nutritional status, personal hygiene, and environmental sanitation and the incidence of diarrhea in toddlers within the Meureubo Health Center working area, Meureubo District. This quantitative research utilizes a cross-sectional design and was conducted from May 13-29, 2023. The population includes all toddlers in the Meureubo Health Center working area, with a sample size of 97. Proportional random sampling was used to select the 97 respondents. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test with Stata 15, including univariate and bivariate analyses. The univariate results show that 43.30% of toddlers experienced diarrhea, 19.58% lacked access to clean water, 5.15% had inadequate latrine facilities, 57.73% faced insufficient household waste management, and 21.65% had improper wastewater disposal systems. Additionally, 30.93% of mothers had poor knowledge, 35.05% had a primary education level, 20.62% of toddlers were malnourished, and 39.18% had poor personal hygiene and environmental sanitation. Bivariate analysis reveals significant relationships between diarrhea incidence in toddlers and clean water sources (p-value: 0.0001), latrine facilities (p-value: 0.013), household waste management (p-value: 0.0001), wastewater disposal (p-value: 0.0001), maternal knowledge (p-value: 0.0001), maternal education (p-value: 0.036), nutritional status (p-value: 0.022), and personal hygiene and environmental sanitation (p-value: 0.0001). It is recommended that health workers, particularly those in health promotion, provide counseling on personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness

Evolving epidemiology, clinical features, and genotyping of dengue outbreaks in Bangladesh, 2000-2024: a systematic review.

The 2023 dengue outbreak has proven that dengue is not only an endemic disease but also an emerging health threat in Bangladesh. Integrated studies on the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, seasonality, and genotype of dengue are limited. This study was conducted to determine recent trends in the molecular epidemiology, clinical features, and seasonality of dengue outbreaks. We analyzed data from 41 original studies, extracting epidemiological information from all 41 articles, clinical symptoms from 30 articles, and genotypic diversity from 11 articles. The study adhered to the standards of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) Statement and Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. A total of 565,438 dengue cases and 2,587 fatalities were documented from January 2000 to March 2024. Notably, 60% of cases during the 2019 and 2023 outbreaks were reported in regions previously considered non-endemic. Fatalities were more frequent among women (70%). The majority of the studies (95-100%) used the NS1Ag test, followed by IgG or IgM and RT-PCR tests. New hotspots of dengue transmission were identified in the southern (Khulna, 10.8% and Barishal, 11.8%) and southeastern (Chattogram, 13.8%) regions of Bangladesh. Serotyping was conducted on 92.4% (1,456 of 1,575) of isolates between 2012 and 2023. Of the four serotypes, DENV3 was the most prevalent (57%), followed by DENV2 (30%), DENV1 (11%), and DENV4 (<1%). Genotype DENV3-I (43 of 59 isolates) was the most prevalent, followed by DENV3-II (8 of 59). The highest frequency of dengue cases was observed in August (26.3%), followed by September (22.5%), October (20.2%), and November (13.08%). Fever (90.51, 95% CI 85-100%) was the most prevalent symptom, followed by headache (57.98, 95% CI 12-100%), vomiting (51.16, 95% CI 23-91%), abdominal pain (34.12, 95% CI 12-85%), and myalgia (25.53, 95% CI 13-85%), respectively. This study provides integrated insights into the molecular epidemiology, clinical features, seasonality, and transmission of dengue in Bangladesh and highlights research gaps for future studies.

Pediatric restrictive Cardiomyopathy presenting with congestive heart failure: Rare case report and literature review

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is an uncommon form of cardiomyopathy and is characterized by impaired diastolic filling of the ventricles due to increased myocardial stiffness and a normal ventricular systolic functions. In India, RCM is frequently observed in the young and endemic endomyocardial diseases are seen in a significant number of cases. RCM is the least common of all the cardiomyopathies among pediatric patients. RCM has a poor prognosis and commonly requires a cardiac transplant. We are reporting here a case of seven-year-old female child presenting with recurrent chest infections and congestive heart failure since early childhood.

Wastewater Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Slovenia: Key Public Health Tool in Endemic Time of COVID-19.

With the reclassification of COVID-19 as an endemic disease and the relaxation of measures, Slovenia needed a complementary system for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 infections. This article provides an overview of the epidemiological situation of SARS-CoV-2 in Slovenia using a wastewater surveillance system, demonstrating its usefulness as a complementary tool in epidemiological surveillance. This study found that estimated SARS-CoV-2 infections in Slovenia peaked in September 2022 and showed a declining trend with subsequent lower peaks in March-April and December 2023, mirroring the trends observed from clinical data. Based on both surveillance systems, the most prevalent variant in 2022 was BA.5. By 2023, BQ.1 and other Omicron variants increased in prevalence. By the end of 2023, XBB sublineages and the BA.2.86 variant had become predominant, demonstrating consistent dynamic shifts in variant distribution across both monitoring methods. This study found that wastewater surveillance at wastewater treatment plants in Slovenia effectively tracked SARS-CoV-2 infection trends, showing a moderate to strong correlation with clinical data and providing early indications of changes in infection trends and variant emergence. Despite limitations during periods of low virus concentration, the system proved significant in providing early warnings of infection trends and variant emergence, thus enhancing public health response capabilities.

Epidemiological Dynamics of Canine Morbillivirus in Resident Dogs of Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

Canine distemper is an endemic viral disease of dogs in Nigeria. Knowledge of the carrier status of dogs is key to successful control of the disease. In this study, the carrier status of apparently healthy dogs’ resident in parts of Makurdi metropolis was determined using the immunochromatographic rapid antigen assay kit for qualitative detection of canine morbillivirus antigens in ante-mortem samples. Ocular-, nasal-, and rectal- swabs, as well as serum were taken from each of 204 dogs bringing a total of 816 samples. The results showed that 26.96 % of the dogs sampled were positive for Canine morbillivirus antigens. Viral antigens were detected in 9.8%, 11.27%, and 4.41% of nasal, ocular, and rectal swaps respectively, and in 6.37% of the serum samples collected. An age-related susceptibility was observed as viral antigens detection rate was higher in younger dogs compared to older ones. Similarly, 40.43% of vaccinated and 22.93% of unvaccinated dogs were positive for canine morbillivirus antigens. Of significant importance is the prevalence rate in unvaccinated population of dogs. In terms of breed-related detection rate, 23.93% of Nigerian local dogs and 40.63% of exotic breeds tested positive for viral antigens, and it was observed that 25.54% of dogs which had history of contact with other dogs and 40% of dogs which had no such history carried canine morbillivirus antigens. The significance of this study is that it details the current epidemiological dynamics of canine morbillivirus in resident dogs of Makurdi metropolitan area, and the findings are discussed. Subject Areas: Animal infectious disease epidemiology.