In this paper, we present a novel compartmental model to capture the transmission dynamics of measles, incorporating both single- and double-dose vaccination strategies. The model accounts for differential vaccine efficacies between partially and fully vaccinated individuals, providing a more realistic representation of population immunity. To quantify and forecast the future trajectory of measles in Texas, we calibrated our model using the 2025 measles outbreak data from Texas, USA, from January 20 to May 27, 2025. In addition, we employed time series forecasting approaches, Facebook Prophet and Gated Recurrent Units (GRU), to predict daily new measles cases. Results from the forecasting analysis reveal that the Prophet model outperformed the GRU model based on standard performance metrics. Both models suggest that measles will persist in Texas with an estimated average of 1-2 (95% CI, 1-2 ), daily new cases per day until August 30, 2025, unless additional public health interventions are implemented. Our findings highlight the importance of achieving and maintaining high vaccination coverage to prevent future outbreaks and mitigate the long-term risk of endemic measles. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and health authorities aiming to strengthen measles control strategies in both endemic and non-endemic regions of Texas, USA.Clinical trialNot applicable.

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a tick-borne disease with a high mortality rate. While research has focused on high-risk rural populations and healthy individuals in endemic regions, such as Jeju Island, data on patients with underlying chronic diseases remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of SFTS virus (SFTSV) in patients with various chronic diseases across the Republic of Korea. Serum samples (N = 2948) collected from 10 regional biobanks between 2009 and 2019 were analyzed using a double-antigen sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The overall seroprevalence was 1.22% (36/2948). Seropositivity was significantly higher in males (1.73%) than in females (0.73%, p = 0.013) and increased with age (p = 0.001), peaking at 2.73% in individuals aged 70–79. Geographically, the highest rates were in Gyeongbuk (3.03%), Jeonnam (2.40%), and Gangwon (1.83%). Multivariable logistic regression showed older age (adjusted odds ratio 1.47 per 10-year increase, 95% confidence interval: 1.12–1.97) as the strongest independent predictor of seropositivity. Patients with hepatobiliary/pancreatic cancer (3.16%) and prostate cancer (2.50%) exhibited higher seroprevalence than those in other disease groups. SFTSV exposure is non-negligible among those with chronic diseases, particularly older males in rural provinces. Public health strategies should specifically address these vulnerable populations.

The epidemiology of human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) among sexual minority cisgender women (SMCW) remains poorly understood globally. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 251 SMCW in Belém, Brazilian Amazon, between March 2023 and April 2025. Participants underwent serological screening (ELISA) with molecular confirmation (qPCR). The prevalence of HTLV infection was 0.4% (1/251), with HTLV-2 identified in a 46-year-old asymptomatic bisexual woman with previous male partners and a current female partner. Serological testing showed strong ELISA reactivity (OD ratio 3.8), and qPCR confirmed HTLV-2 with a Ct value of 28.4 for the pol gene, while HTLV-1 remained negative. This represents the first documented HTLV-2 case in SMCW in the Amazon region, demonstrating viral circulation in an understudied population. Despite the low prevalence, comparable to the general population, these findings highlight the need for inclusive epidemiological surveillance and culturally sensitive prevention strategies for LGBTQIA+ communities in endemic regions.

Infection by Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of Chagas disease, is endemic to the Americas and can irreparably damage the cardiac and gastrointestinal systems during decades of parasite persistence. Diagnosis of chronic infection requires confirmation by multiple serological assays due to the imperfect performance of existing tests. Current serology tests were developed using small specimen sets predominantly from South America, and lower performance has been observed in patients who acquired infection in Central America and Mexico. To improve Chagas disease serology, we evaluated antibody responses against the entire T. cruzi proteome with phage display immunoprecipitation sequencing and further evaluated high prevalence antigens by immunoassay. We utilized specimen sets representing Mexico, Central America and South America and varying cardiac disease presentations, from 185 cases and 143 controls. We identified over 1,300 antigenic T. cruzi peptides. A trans-sialidase antigen demonstrated high seroprevalence across all regions and has not previously been described as a diagnostic target. Orthogonal validation of this peptide demonstrated increased antibody reactivity for infections originating from Central America. This study provides proteome-wide identification of seroreactive T. cruzi peptides across a range of endemic populations not previously represented in antigen discovery and identifies a trans-sialidase peptide antigen (TS23) with potential for translation into diagnostic serological assays. Not Applicable.

Abstract. Lyme periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is rare, with only 8 cases reported in the literature. In this paper, we describe 2 cases and review the prior 8 cases to better characterize its diagnosis and management. All 10 cases presented with culture-negative PJI in Lyme-endemic regions and were confirmed to have Lyme PJI via a positive Borrelia-targeted polymerase chain reaction (PCR) run on joint specimens. Treatment strategies varied: 5 underwent debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR); 1 had exchange arthroplasty; and 4 were managed non-operatively. Antimicrobial treatment also varied considerably. All patients achieved clinical cure. Lyme disease should be considered a potential cause of culture-negative PJI occurring in endemic regions. Because Borrelia-targeted PCR is not routinely included in standard PJI diagnostic workup, diagnosis may be delayed; therefore, clinicians should consider ordering this test when Lyme PJI is part of the differential.

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a transboundary bovine viral disease. It has a significant economic impact and is caused by the Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV). Effective surveillance tools are essential for the early detection of infection, outbreak control, and assessment of vaccination coverage in endemic regions such as India. In this study, an in-house ELISA based on inactivated whole-virus antigen (WVA) was developed, optimized, and validated for the detection of LSDV antibodies in cattle. Its field applicability was assessed through a cross-sectional seroprevalence survey conducted across five Indian states. A local field isolate of LSDV (strain 5-Chitra) was cultured in MDBK cells, inactivated using binary ethylenimine (BEI), and used as the antigen source. The assay was optimized by checkerboard titration and evaluated against the Serum Neutralization Test (SNT). Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) analyses, while cross-reactivity was assessed using sera positive for HS, IBR, BQ, MCF, GTP, SPP, CE, FMD, and Brucellosis. Assay reproducibility was confirmed through inter- and intra-laboratory validation. For the seroprevalence study, 3230 cattle serum samples were collected using a stratified random sampling design across five Indian states, and logistic regression analysis of a subset of 1302 samples was performed to assess the influence of age and sex on LSDV seropositivity. Checkerboard titration identified optimal ELISA conditions at 50 ng of antigen per well, a 1:150 serum dilution, and a 1:10,000 dilution of anti-bovine HRP-conjugated secondary antibody. The WVA-ELISA demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance, with 100% sensitivity, 95% specificity, and no cross-reactivity with other ruminant bacterial or viral pathogens, and showed high laboratory reproducibility (κ > 0.96). Seroprevalence ranged from 50.6% to 71.1% across the five states, indicating widespread exposure to LSDV. Risk factor analysis revealed significantly higher odds of seropositivity among calves (≤1 year old) and female cattle, suggesting age- and sex-dependent susceptibility.

We report two such cases. Case 1: A 30-year-old male presented with right forearm swelling and pain; examination revealed a non-mobile, fluctuant intramuscular swelling. Case 2: A 30-year-old female had a 3-month history of midline chest pain with a mobile, fluctuant swelling over the xiphisternum. In both cases, aspirated pus showed numerous pus cells with few Gram-negative bacilli. Culture revealed non-lactose fermenting, smooth convex colonies identified as Salmonella Typhi by biochemical tests, Vitek 2 (bioMérieux), and serology. The isolates were susceptible to ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, cotrimoxazole, and ampicillin, but resistant to chloramphenicol. Both patients were immunocompetent, with no history of trauma, diabetes, or haemoglobinopathy, and responded well to antibiotic therapy. These cases highlight the need for clinical awareness of atypical presentations of S. Typhi osteomyelitis and the importance of timely diagnosis in endemic regions.

Deep venous thrombosis due to Wuchereria bancrofti-induced reactive hypereosinophilia syndrome: a case report.

Maternal schistosomiasis threatens the health of pregnant women and their foetuses in endemic regions. Although praziquantel is recommended for treatment, its utilization remains low. This study explored the experiences of healthcare providers (HCPs) with schistosomiasis, particularly maternal schistosomiasis, and their perceived management barriers in Tanzania. This qualitative case study was conducted in October 2024 with nine purposefully selected HCPs. In-depth interviews guided by a semi-structured tool analysed HCPs' experiences with schistosomiasis, maternal schistosomiasis and perceived management barriers. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed to identify key insights and barriers. Barriers to maternal schistosomiasis management were identified across three levels. At the policy level, the absence of guidance on diagnosis, treatment and prophylaxis in maternal health guidelines, along with the exclusion of pregnant women from mass drug administration programs, were prominent. Health system barriers included limited knowledge and training among HCPs and concerns about praziquantel safety in pregnancy. At the community level, inadequate health education, misconceptions, reliance on drug outlets and negative perceptions of praziquantel further impeded effective management. Maternal schistosomiasis management in Tanzania is hindered by policy gaps, limited HCP training and community misconceptions. Integrating care into antenatal services, updating guidelines and strengthening community education are essential in endemic settings.

Rhizomicrobiome Diversity and Bioactive Bacterial Metabolomes of Cultivated and Wild Solanum Species Suppress Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum.

The genus <italic> Rhytisma </italic> Alderslade, 2000 (Octocorallia: Malacalcyonacea: Lemnaliidae), formerly comprising four nominal species (<italic> R. fulvum </italic>, <italic> R. fuscum </italic>, <italic> R. monticulum </italic>, and <italic> R. rubiginosum </italic>), is revised using an integrative approach. We combine morphological and phylogenomic data for newly-collected and historical specimens. A neotype is designated for <italic> R. fulvum </italic> and a lectotype for <italic> R. fuscum </italic> to stabilize the application of these names. Six new species are described from the Indo-Pacific: <italic> R. acoronatum </italic> sp. nov., <italic> R. calyaceum </italic> sp. nov., <italic> R. oblongum </italic> sp. nov., <italic> R. inaequale </italic> sp. nov., <italic> R. karibu </italic> sp. nov., and <italic> R. sperkolae </italic> sp. nov. Species delimitation is supported by discrete combinations of morphological characters-particularly those of the tentacle and polyp sclerites-as well as multi-locus DNA barcoding and phylogenomic analyses of conserved elements (UCE and exon loci). Our findings highlight the diagnostic value of tentacle sclerites and reveal extensive species-level diversity that was previously obscured by insufficient morphological examination. The revised genus currently comprises ten valid species, many of which display restricted geographic distributions, reflecting patterns of regional endemism in Indo-Pacific octocoral assemblages. These results underscore the importance of integrative taxonomy in uncovering hidden biodiversity.

Immunization with radiation-attenuated sporozoites (RAS) drives effective sterilizing immunity against liver-stage Plasmodium infection. However, protection is compromised in individuals living in malaria endemic regions and the mechanisms of vaccine failure are unclear. Here we show that previous blood-stage exposure in a mouse model of Plasmodium yoelii infection compromises Plasmodium berghei RAS-induced essential CD8+ T cell responses and subsequent protection. The persisting malarial pigment haemozoin mediates impaired CD8+ T cell responses owing to impaired antigen uptake by dendritic cells, leading to reduced T cell activation. We designed a lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated mRNA vaccine that encodes a string of Plasmodium CD8+ T cell epitopes, which overcomes the defective T cell response and restores protection in Plasmodium-exposed mice. A combined RAS-plus-mRNA vaccine regimen enhances liver-resident memory T cells and protection in murine malaria-experienced hosts. The identification of haemozoin as a potential obstacle to vaccine efficacy in malaria endemic areas can inform the design of more effective malaria vaccines.

Leveraging machine learning for predicting Opisthorchis viverrini infection in cats: A tool for veterinary epidemiology.

Development of a LAMP-based diagnostic method for HTLV-1 using Iranian clinical samples.

Health-economic impacts of age-targeted and sex-targeted Lassa fever vaccination in endemic regions of Nigeria, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone: a modelling study.

Background: Peritoneal tuberculosis (PTB) is a significant manifestation of abdominal tuberculosis (TB), common in endemic regions like India, and often mimics other intra-abdominal diseases, leading to diagnostic delays. Radiological imaging plays a central role in detection, but confirmation requires pathological or microbiological correlation. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the clinico-radiological features of PTB and correlate them with pathological findings to improve diagnostic accuracy and guide timely management. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Radio-diagnosis, Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, Jhansi, from December 2023 to March 2025, including 55 patients aged 15–70 years with suspected PTB. Clinical assessment, ultrasound, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography were performed, documenting ascites, peritoneal/omental thickening, mesenteric changes, and lymphadenopathy. When indicated, image-guided biopsy or ascitic fluid analysis (adenosine deaminase [ADA], serum ascites albumin gradient [SAAG], Ziehl–Neelsen staining, Löwenstein–Jensen culture, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR]) was done. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, v22.0, with Chi-square tests. Results: Mean patient age was 37.69 years, with a slight female predominance (54.55%). Wet type PTB was most common (49.09%), followed by dry (27.27%) and fibrotic (10.91%). Mesenteric involvement and lymphadenopathy were universal, whereas omental thickening was seen in 96.36%. RT-PCR positivity was 18.18%, and raised ADA with low SAAG was observed in 63.64%. Pulmonary TB coexisted in 61.82% of patients. Conclusion: Combining clinical evaluation with characteristic imaging findings, supported by ADA and RT-PCR, enhances early diagnosis of PTB. This approach can prevent misdiagnosis, facilitate timely therapy, and reduce unnecessary surgical interventions.

Congenital malaria in Nigeria: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a retrovirus that predominantly targets CD4+ T lymphocytes and is transmitted via breastfeeding, sexual contact, and blood transfusions. Endemic regions of HTLV-1 infection often overlap with those of tuberculosis (TB). The mechanisms linking HTLV-1 to increased TB susceptibility remain unclear; it is hypothesized that the virus impairs T-cell function, which is crucial for immune defense against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, thereby influencing the clinical progression of TB. We conducted a literature review using the Medline, OVID, and Scielo databases, encompassing publications from January 2000 to July 2024. Eight studies involving 6,901 participants from Latin America were included. They examined the relationship between HTLV-1 and TB, focusing on demographic, clinical, and mortality data. Co-infection rates varied across the studies, with HTLV-1-positive individuals showing a higher risk of developing TB compared to uninfected groups. TB symptoms were generally similar between HTLV-1-positive and seronegative patients. While one Peruvian study reported higher mortality rates in HTLV-1 co-infected patients, other analyses found no significant differences. Altered immune responses, such as changes in TNF-α and IL-17 levels, may contribute to the increased susceptibility to TB in individuals infected with HTLV-1. HTLV-1 should be considered during the diagnostic evaluation of TB cases in endemic regions. Given the underrecognition of HTLV-1, public health initiatives should emphasize the identification and management of co-infections. Further studies are necessary to clarify the immune mechanisms involved and generalize findings to other Latin American populations.

Neurocysticercosis is the most common parasitic infection of the CNS and remains a significant, yet often neglected, public health issue in endemic regions. High-quality evidence suggests that albendazole monotherapy leads to superior clinical outcomes compared with placebo or praziquantel. However, there is still insufficient evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of combined albendazole-praziquantel therapy. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare combined antiparasitic therapy with albendazole and praziquantel with albendazole monotherapy, evaluating whether dual therapy offers superior therapeutic benefits in the management of neurocysticercosis while maintaining an acceptable safety profile. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published until April 2024 that compared combined albendazole-praziquantel therapy with albendazole monotherapy for the treatment of neurocysticercosis. Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4.1, with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) reported. A random-effects model was applied to all end points. The risk of bias was assessed for each study, and the certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach. Five RCTs were included, comprising a total of 320 patients, 49% of whom received combined therapy. Complete cyst resolution was significantly more frequent in patients treated with combined albendazole-praziquantel therapy compared with albendazole monotherapy (OR = 3.06; 95% CI [1.81-5.19]; p = 0.0001; I 2 = 5%; high-certainty evidence). In a subgroup analysis restricted to patients with 1-2 cysts (248 patients), no statistically significant difference in complete cyst resolution was observed (OR = 1.98; 95% CI [0.92-4.27]; p = 0.08; I 2 = 34%; very-low-certainty evidence). There was no significant difference in seizure recurrence between treatment strategies (OR = 1.28, 95% CI [0.56-2.91], p = 0.55, I 2 = 0%; moderate-certainty evidence). Similarly, the incidence of adverse effects did not differ significantly between groups (OR = 1.40, 95% CI [0.72-2.72], p = 0.30, I 2 = 0%; moderate-certainty evidence). This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated a threefold increase in complete cyst resolution among patients receiving combined therapy, suggesting its superiority over albendazole monotherapy for the management of neurocysticercosis. In addition, no significant differences were observed between treatment strategies regarding seizure or adverse events.

pLDH to identify severity in imported malaria: Implementing smartphone video analysis for rapid clinical decision-making.