High Infection Rates Research Articles

Hosts of lung helminth <i>Crenosoma vulpis</i> (Rudolphi, 1819)

The purpose of the research is to study the species composition of Crenosoma spp. dwelling in the body of wild canines (Vulpes vulpes, Canis lupus, and Canis aureu).Materials and methods. The research material was 36 wild canines belonging to three species (19 Vulpes vulpes, six Canis lupus, and 11 Canis aureu). The animals were studied using the method of partial helminthological dissections per K. I. Skryabin. The dissections determined the infection intensity (sp./animal) and prevalence (%).Results and discussion. We studied pulmonary helminth infections of wild animals in the Republic of Ingushetia. The study results showed a high infection rate in wild carnivores. The average prevalence in the animals was 47.2%. The foxes were the most heavily infected (73.6%); they were found to have two Crenosoma spp., Crenosoma vulpis and C. petrowi. The prevalence was 16.6% in wolf, and 18.2% in jackal.

Genome and evolution of Tibet orbivirus, TIBOV (genus Orbivirus, family Reoviridae).

Tibet orbivirus (TIBOV) was first isolated from Anopheles maculatus mosquitoes in Xizang, China, in 2009. In recent years, more TIBOV strains have been isolated in several provinces across China, Japan, East Asia, and Nepal, South Asia. Furthermore, TIBOVs have also been isolated from Culex mosquitoes, and several midge species. Additionally, TIBOV neutralizing antibodies have been detected in serum specimens from several mammals, including cattle, sheep, and pigs. All of the evidence suggests that the geographical distribution of TIBOVs has significantly expanded in recent years, with an increased number of vector species involved in its transmission. Moreover, the virus demonstrated infectivity towards a variety of animals. Although TIBOV is considered an emerging orbivirus, detailed reports on its genome and molecular evolution are currently lacking. Thus, this study performed the whole-genome nucleotide sequencing of three TIBOV isolates from mosquitoes and midges collected in China in 2009, 2011, and 2019. Furthermore, the genome and molecular genetic evolution of TIBOVs isolated from different countries, periods, and hosts (mosquitoes, midges, and cattle) was systematically analyzed. The results revealed no molecular specificity among TIBOVs isolated from different countries, periods, and vectors. Meanwhile, the time-scaled phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) of TIBOV appeared approximately 797 years ago (95% HPD: 16-2347) and subsequently differentiated at least three times, resulting in three distinct genotypes. The evolutionary rate of TIBOVs was about 2.12 × 10-3 nucleotide substitutions per site per year (s/s/y) (95% HPD: 3.07 × 10-5, 9.63 × 10-3), which is similar to that of the bluetongue virus (BTV), also in the Orbivirus genus. Structural analyses of the viral proteins revealed that the three-dimensional structures of the outer capsid proteins of TIBOV and BTV were similar. These results suggest that TIBOV is a newly discovered and rapidly evolving virus transmitted by various blood-sucking insects. Given the potential public health burden of this virus and its high infectious rate in a wide range of animals, it is significant to strengthen research on the genetic variation of TIBOVs in blood-feeding insects and mammals in the natural environment and the infection status in animals.

Not surprising: a rebound in antibacterial consumption in Europe, with Cyprus and Greece on the podium.

Recent European-wide data place Cyprus and Greece in the highest positions of total antimicrobial consumption. While this level of consumption might be partly attributed to the high rates of infections due to MDR bacteria in these countries, several other reasons should be sought to help apply local measures, to decrease inappropriate and excess antimicrobial use. The present viewpoint aims to provide a roadmap for interventions, by briefly discussing the various factors that underlie antimicrobial use and prescribing practices in Greece and Cyprus.

The Spread of Amoebic Dysentery in Balad District/Salah Al-Din Governorate/Iraq

Fecal samples were collected from the laboratory of Balad General Hospital in Salah al-Din Governorate, for age groups that ranged between (1-60) years and for both sexes for the period from December 2022 until May 2023, and the Entamoeba histolytica parasite was diagnosed through microscopic examination. For fecal samples in 60 samples out of 225 samples, with a percentage of 26.66%. The highest rate of infection with the parasite was recorded in March, at 37.5%, and the lowest rate of infection was in May, at 13.33%. The highest infection rate was recorded in females, reaching 30.43%, while it reached 22.72% in males. The highest percentage was in the age group 11-20 years, where the percentage reached 38.71%, while the lowest infection percentage was recorded in the group 1-10 years, which was 17.75%. The highest rate of infection with the parasite was recorded in Yathrib, at 28.76%, and the lowest rate of infection was in the Hadera area, at 23.18%. The highest rate of infection with the parasite was among uneducated people, at 31.25%, and the lowest rate of infection was among university students, at 21.42%. The study aimed to know the prevalence of amoebic dysentery in Balad district and the impact of some prevalence standards on the spread of the disease.

An evaluation of the management of severe open tibial fractures in the United Kingdom's major trauma centres

AimTo evaluate the management of patients with severe open tibial fractures at major trauma centres (MTCs) in the UK with respect to BOAST 4 guidelines. MethodsData collected by the Trauma and Audit Research Network (TARN) for all severe open tibial fractures treated at the 23 adult MTCs were evaluated. Key performance indicators (KPIs) included MTC admission under orthoplastics, administration of antibiotics within three hours of injury, initial debridement within 24 h and definitive fixation and soft tissue coverage within 72 h. Outcomes included 30-day infection rate, amputation rate and mortality rate.A score was calculated according to overall attainment of KPIs, and correlated to outcomes. ResultsFrom 2014 to 2020, 3359 adults with Gustilo-Anderson (GA) IIIB and/or IIIC fractures were admitted to MTCs. Male to female ratio was 2:1 with a mean age of 43 and 65 years respectively.There was a negative correlation between KPI score and mortality rate (r=-0.4929, p = 0.0169). Direct admission to an MTC was positively correlated with receipt of antibiotics within three hours (r = 0.5452, p = 0.0070). Joint orthoplastic plans were documented in 89 % of patients (MTC range 30–95 %). Soft tissue cover was achieved within 72 h for 48 % (MTC range 5.23–89.39 %).Patients over 65 were significantly more likely to have a delay to MTC admission and prophylactic antibiotic administration. Mortality rate in this group was 6% vs 2 % in those under 65. The older cohort were twice as likely to require an amputation. ConclusionThis is the largest cohort of open tibial injuries managed in the UK with wide variation in practice between centres demonstrated and better adherence to BOAST guidelines linked to reduced mortality in those aged 65 and over. The older cohort of patients also had higher rates of infection and amputation.It is unclear whether these poor outcomes are due to the pre-morbid physiological status of the patient or non-compliance to Standards. We present these data to highlight the need for improved adherence to Standards – the adoption of a scoring system provides a simple way to evidence this.

Prospective Investigation of Feline Leukemia Virus Infection in Stray Cats Subjected to a Trap-Neuter-Return Program in Switzerland.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) remains a serious concern in some countries despite advances in diagnostics and vaccines. FeLV-infected cats often have reduced lifespans due to FeLV-associated diseases. The infection is transmitted through social interactions. While Northern European countries have reported a decrease in FeLV among pet cats, Switzerland's rates remain stagnant at 2.7% (2016/17: 95% CI 1.4-5.2%). Research on FeLV in Swiss stray cats has been lacking, even though these animals could serve as a virus reservoir. Sampling stray cats that do not receive regular veterinary care can be challenging. Collaboration with the Swiss Network for Animal Protection (NetAP) allowed for the prospective collection of saliva samples from 1711 stray cats during a trap-neuter-return program from 2019 to 2023. These samples were tested for FeLV RNA using RT-qPCR as a measure for antigenemia. Viral RNA was detected in 4.0% (95% CI 3.1-5.0%) of the samples, with 7.7% (95% CI 4.9-11.3%) in sick cats and 3.3% (95% CI 2.4-4.4%) in healthy ones. We identified three geographically independent hotspots with alarmingly high FeLV infection rates in stray cats (up to 70%). Overall, including the previous data of privately owned cats, FeLV-positive cats were scattered throughout Switzerland in 24/26 cantons. Our findings underscore welfare concerns for FeLV infections among stray cats lacking veterinary attention, highlighting the potential risk of infection to other free-roaming cats, including those privately owned. This emphasizes the critical significance of vaccinating all cats with outdoor access against FeLV and developing programs to protect cats from FeLV infections.

Does Anterior Plating of Pelvic Ring Fractures Increase Infection Risk in Patients With Bladder or Urethral Injuries?

Evaluate the effect of anterior fixation on infection in patients with operative pelvic fractures and bladder or urethral injuries. Retrospective. Eight centers. Adult patients with closed pelvic fractures with associated bladder or urethral injuries treated with anterior plating (AP), intramedullary screw (IS), or no anterior internal fixation (NAIF, including external fixation or no fixation). Deep infection. There were 81 extraperitoneal injuries and 57 urethral injuries. There was no difference in infection between fixation groups across all urologic injuries (AP: 10.8%, IS: 0%, NAIF: 4.9%, P = 0.41). There was a higher rate of infection in the urethral injury group compared with extraperitoneal injuries (14.0% vs. 2.5%, P = 0.016). Among extraperitoneal injuries, specifically, there was no difference in deep infection related to fixation (AP: 2.6%, IS 0%, NAIF: 2.9%, P = 0.99). Among urethral injuries, there was no statistical difference in deep infection related to fixation (AP: 23.1%, IS: 0%, NAIF: 7.4%, P = 0.21). There was a higher rate of suprapubic catheter (SPC) use in urethral injuries compared with extraperitoneal injuries (57.9% vs. 4.9%, P < 0.0001). In the urethral injury group, SPC use did not have a statistically significant difference in infection rate (SPC: 18.2% vs. No SPC: 8.3%, P = 0.45). Early removal of the SPC before or during the definitive orthopaedic intervention did not significantly affect infection rate (early: 0% vs. delayed: 25.0%, P = 0.16). Surgeons should approach operative pelvic fractures with associated urologic injuries with caution given the high risk of infection. Further work must be done to elucidate the effect of anterior implants and SPC use and duration. Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Construction of an aerolysin-based multi-epitope vaccine against Aeromonas hydrophila: an in silico machine learning and artificial intelligence-supported approach.

Aeromonas hydrophila, a gram-negative coccobacillus bacterium, can cause various infections in humans, including septic arthritis, diarrhea (traveler's diarrhea), gastroenteritis, skin and wound infections, meningitis, fulminating septicemia, enterocolitis, peritonitis, and endocarditis. It frequently occurs in aquatic environments and readily contacts humans, leading to high infection rates. This bacterium has exhibited resistance to numerous commercial antibiotics, and no vaccine has yet been developed. Aiming to combat the alarmingly high infection rate, this study utilizes in silico techniques to design a multi-epitope vaccine (MEV) candidate against this bacterium based on its aerolysin toxin, which is the most toxic and highly conserved virulence factor among the Aeromonas species. After retrieval, aerolysin was processed for B-cell and T-cell epitope mapping. Once filtered for toxicity, antigenicity, allergenicity, and solubility, the chosen epitopes were combined with an adjuvant and specific linkers to create a vaccine construct. These linkers and the adjuvant enhance the MEV's ability to elicit robust immune responses. Analyses of the predicted and improved vaccine structure revealed that 75.5%, 19.8%, and 1.3% of its amino acids occupy the most favored, additional allowed, and generously allowed regions, respectively, while its ERRAT score reached nearly 70%. Docking simulations showed the MEV exhibiting the highest interaction and binding energies (-1,023.4 kcal/mol, -923.2 kcal/mol, and -988.3 kcal/mol) with TLR-4, MHC-I, and MHC-II receptors. Further molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated the docked complexes' remarkable stability and maximum interactions, i.e., uniform RMSD, fluctuated RMSF, and lowest binding net energy. In silico models also predict the vaccine will stimulate a variety of immunological pathways following administration. These analyses suggest the vaccine's efficacy in inducing robust immune responses against A. hydrophila. With high solubility and no predicted allergic responses or toxicity, it appears safe for administration in both healthy and A. hydrophila-infected individuals.

In silico strategies for identifying therapeutic candidates against Acinetobacter baumannii: spotlight on the UDP-N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine-D-glutamate:meso-diaminopimelate ligase (MurE)

The opportunistic bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii, which belongs to ESKAPE group of pathogenic bacteria, is leading cause of infections associated with gram-negative bacteria. Acinetobacter baumannii causes severe diseases, such as VAP (ventilator-associated pneumonia), meningitis, and UTI (urinary tract infections) among the nosocomial infections contracted in hospitals. The high infection rate and growing resistance to the vast array of antibiotics makes it paramount to look for new therapeutic strategies against this pathogen. The most promising therapeutic targets are the proteins involved in the synthesis of peptidoglycan which is chief component of bacterial cell wall, MurE is one of those enzymes and is responsible for the addition of one unit of meso-diaminopimelic acid (meso-A2pm) to the nucleotide precursor, UDPMurNAc-L-Ala-D-Glu, and aids in the formation of crosslinker pentapeptide chain. The three-dimensional structure of MurE was modelled using homology modelling technique and then vHTS was performed using this model against Approved Drug Library on DrugRep server using AutoDock Vina. Out of 500 drug molecules, two were selected based on estimated binding affinity, interaction pattern, interacting residues, etc. The selected drug molecules are DB12887 (Tazemetostat) and DB13879 (Glecaprevir). Then, MD simulations were performed on native MurE and its complexes with ligands to examine their dynamical behaviour, stability, integrity, compactness, and folding properties. The protein-ligand complexes were then subjected to binding free energy calculations using the MM/PBSA-based binding free energy analysis and the values are −109.788 ± 8.03 and −152.753 ± 11.98 kcal for MurE-DB12887 and MurE-DB13879 complex, respectively. All the analysis performed on MD trajectories for the complexes of these ligands with protein provided plenty of dependable evidences to consider these molecules for inhibition of MurE enzyme from A. baumannii. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Assessing the Chemical and Biological Effectiveness of Nano-Engineered Factors in Enhancing Resistance in tomato against Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria

Bacterial spot a significant disease that affects tomato crops, despite limited studies and scientific research on this disease, So This study aimed to assess the efficacy of various biological and chemical factors in controlling bacterial spot disease in the field. A field survey was conducted in Najaf Al-Ashraf, specifically in areas such as Al-Haidariya, Al-Rahima, Al-Abbasia, and 20 plastic houses. The disease incidence was observed in these locations, with infection rates from 24% to 60%. Among them, Al-Haidariya had the highest infection rate at 60%, while Al-Abbasia had the lowest at 24%. Regarding to the impact of chemical and biological inducing factors on infection severity, the treatment using nanoscale zinc oxide demonstrated superior effectiveness in reducing the severity of infection caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria, In reducing the severity of the infection, which amounted to 11.6%, compared with the treatment of X.campestris 2 (control 2) only, which amounted to 74.2%.Field results also indicated that the nanoscale zinc oxide treatment was highly effective in increasing chemical indicators such as chlorophyll content, peroxidase enzyme and catalase enzyme. The values for these indicators were 12.69 mg g-1, 183.25-unit min-1 g-1 FW and 177.84-unit min-1 g-1 FW, respectively, compared to the control treatment, which recorded values of 7.79 mg g-1, 88.3-unit min-1 g-1 FW, and 74.17-unit min-1 g-1 FW, respectively. Furthermore, the treatment using Pseudomonas putida demonstrated superiority in increasing the percentage of TSS, vitamin C content, and acid percentage. The values for these parameters were 8.45%, 20.86 mg g-1, and 0.862%, respectively, compared to the control treatment, which recorded values of 4.78%, 11.09 mg g-1 and 0.462%, respectively. Moreover, the nanoscale zinc oxide treatment exhibited superior effectiveness in increasing the yield per plant, early fruit yield per plant, and total yield. The values for these parameters were 7.54 kg plant-1, 10.261 kg. plant-1 and 8.591 tons plastichouse-1 (500 m²), respectively, compared to the control treatment, which recorded values of 4.15 kg plant-1, 3.752 kg plant-1, and 4.929 tons/plastic house (500 m²), respectively.

Pediatric Plastic Surgery in the COVID-19 Era.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the healthcare system to adopt novel strategies to treat patients. Pediatric plastic surgeons are uniquely exposed to high rates of infections during examinations and surgeries via aerosol-generating procedures, in part because of the predilection of viral particles for the nasal cavities and pharynx. Telemedicine has emerged as a useful virtual medium for encouraging prolonged patient follow-up while maintaining physical distance. It has proven beneficial in mitigating infection risks while decreasing the financial burden on patients, their families, and healthcare teams. New trends driven by the pandemic added multiple elements to the patient-physician relationship and have left a lasting impact on the field of pediatric plastic surgery in clinical guidelines, surgical care, and patient outcomes. Lessons learned help inform pediatric plastic surgeons on how to reduce future viral infection risk and lead a more appropriately efficient surgical team depending on early triage.

Open versus arthroscopic treatment of the rheumatoid elbow arthritis: a comparison of complications at two years utilizing a nationally representative database.

Symptomatic rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be addressed surgically with open procedures or elbow arthroscopy. Previous studies comparing outcomes of open to arthroscopic arthrolysis for the management of RA did not utilize a large database study. The aim was to compare demographics and two-year complications, in RA patients undergoing open or arthroscopic elbow arthrolysis. A retrospective, cohort study was performed utilizing a private, nationwide, all-payer database. We queried the database to identify patients undergoing open (n = 578) or arthroscopic (n = 379) arthrolysis for elbow RA. The primary goal of the study was to compare complications at two-years. Categorical variables were assessed utilizing the chi-squared test; while, continuous variables were analyzed using the Student's t-test. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess risk factors for infection following open or arthroscopic arthrolysis. RA patients undergoing open elbow arthrolysis were older (55 vs. 49years, p < 0.001), predominately female (61.6% vs 60.9%, p = 0.895), and likely to have chronic kidney disease (20.4 vs. 12.9%), and DM (45.2 vs. 32.2%) (both p < 0.005). Open elbow arthrolysis was also associated with higher rates of infection (31.7 vs. 4.7%) and wound complications (26.8 vs. 3.4%) (both p = 0.001). Nerve injury rates were found to be similar (8.3 vs. 9.0%, p = 0.81). On multivariable logistic regression, open elbow procedures were associated with the highest risk for infection (OR: 8.43). Patients undergoing open arthrolysis for RA were at a higher risk of infection and wound complications compared to arthroscopic arthrolysis utilizing a nationally representative database. While there appears to be a difference in outcomes following these two procedures, higher level evidence is needed to draw more definitive conclusions. Retrospective, Level III.

Spatial Cluster Change of Schistosoma japonicum Transmission Foci in Indonesia During the Schistosomiasis Elimination Program.

The Government of Indonesia committed to eliminating schistosomiasis by 2025. Collaboratively snail control became one of the crucial strategies to ensure that the prevalence ofSchistosoma japonicuminOncomelania hupensis lindoensisreaches zero by the end of the program. This research investigated the spatial cluster change ofS. japonicumtransmission foci in Indonesia between 2017 and 2021. We mapped the snail foci, collected the snails, and calculated the snail density. We also conducted laboratory tests to detect the existence of cercariae in the snails. Identified infected snails were used to calculate the infection rate (IR) or snails' prevalence of schistosome cercariae among freshwater snails. We then analysed the spatial cluster using the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic to identify the hot and cold spots. The 5-year schistosomiasis elimination program successfully declined 18.84% of the snail foci and reduced 40.37% of the infected snail foci. Local spatial autocorrelation of snail density and infection rate identified that in 2017 and 2021, the number of cold spots decreased by 53.91% and 0%, while hot spots increased by 2.63% and 56.1%. The presence of more hotspots suggests a rise in the number of foci with high snail density and infection rates. The implementation of snail control was not optimal, and the parasite transmission through domestic animals still existed, causing the spatial cluster of hot spots to change during this period. Most hotspots have been observed near settlements, primarily in cocoa plantations, developed and deserted rice fields, grassland, and bush wetlands. During the schistosomiasis elimination program, the number of hot spots increased while cold spots decreased, and there were notable changes in the geographical distribution of hot spots, indicating a shift in the clustering pattern of schistosomiasis cases. The findings become essential for policymakers, particularly in selecting priority areas for intervention. In the Discussion section, we demonstrated the selection process based on the existence of hot and cold spots. Furthermore, we proposed that enhancing cross-sector integration is crucial, particularly in connection with the management of S. japonicum transmission through domestic animals.

ESBL-Type and AmpC-Type Beta-Lactamases in Third Generation Cephalosporin-Resistant Enterobacterales Isolated from Animal Feces in Madagascar.

Third generation cephalosporin-resistant (3GCR) Enterobacterales are known to be prevalent in Madagascar, with high colonization or infection rates in particular in Madagascan patients. Extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) have been reported to be the predominant underlying resistance mechanism in human isolates. So far, little is known on antimicrobial resistance and its molecular determinants in Enterobacterales and other bacteria causing enteric colonization of Madagascan wild animals. To address this topic, swabs from 49 animal stool droppings were collected in the Madagascan Tsimanapesotsa National Park and assessed by cultural growth of bacterial microorganisms on elective media. In addition to 7 Acinetobacter spp., a total of 31 Enterobacterales growing on elective agar for Enterobacterales could be isolated and subjected to whole genome sequencing. Enterobacter spp. was the most frequently isolated genus, and AmpC-type beta-lactamases were the quantitatively dominating molecular resistance mechanism. In contrast, the blaCTX-M-15 gene, which has repeatedly been associated with 3GC-resistance in Madagascan Enterobacterales from humans, was detected in a single Escherichia coli isolate only. The identification of the fosfomycin-resistance gene fosA in a high proportion of isolates is concerning, as fosfomycin is increasingly used to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. In conclusion, the proof-of-principle assessment indicated a high colonization rate of resistant bacteria in stool droppings of Madagascan wild animals with a particular focus on 3GCR Enterobacterales. Future studies should confirm these preliminary results in a more systematic way and assess the molecular relationship of animal and human isolates to identify potential routes of transmission.

Coxiella burnetii infection persistence in a goat herd during seven kidding seasons after an outbreak of abortions: the effect of vaccination.

Q fever is a zoonosis distributed worldwide. Ruminants are the main reservoir, and infection can cause high rates of abortion. After entering a farm, Coxiella burnetii infection can persist in the animal population over several lambing/kidding periods. Once infection is established in a herd, vaccination with the inactivated Phase I vaccine significantly reduces bacterial shedding, but although at low levels, excretion may continue to occur for several lambing/kidding seasons. The time that C. burnetii remains viable in the farm environment after an outbreak of Q fever determines the period when risk of infection is high for the people in close contact. This work showed that this period extends at least three kidding seasons after the outbreak. These results provided valuable information on the epidemiology of C. burnetii infection in goat herds and may help to develop guidelines for controlling the disease and reducing infection risk for susceptible people and animals.

Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of the 2022 Mpox Outbreak in Spain (CEME-22 Study).

We conducted a multicentric national study (SEIMC-CEME-22), to describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of the mpox outbreak in Spain, including the management of the disease. This was a retrospective national observational study conducted by Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica (SEIMC) and Foundation SEIMC-GESIDA. We included patients with a confirmed mpox diagnosis before 13 July 2022, and attended at the Spanish health network (the early phase of the outbreak). Epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic data were collected. Of a total of 1472 patients from 52 centers included, 99% of them were cisgender men, mostly middle-aged, and 98.6% were residents in Spain. The main suspected route of transmission was sexual exposure, primarily among MSM. Occupational exposure was reported in 6 patients. Immunosuppression was present in 40% of patients, mainly due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Only 6.5% of patients had been vaccinated against orthopoxvirus. Virus sequencing was performed in 147 patients (all B.1 lineage). Rash was the most frequent symptom (95.7%), followed by fever (48.2%), adenopathies (44.4%) myalgias (20.7%), proctitis (17%), and headache (14.7%). Simultaneously diagnosed sexually transmitted infections included syphilis (n = 129), gonococcal infection (n = 91), HIV (n = 67), chlamydia (n = 56), hepatitis B (n = 14), and hepatitis C (n = 11). No therapy was used in 479 patients (33%). Symptomatic therapies and antibiotics were used in 50% of cases. The most used therapy regimens were systemic corticoids (90 patients), tecovirimat (6 patients), and cidofovir (13 patients). Smallpox immunoglobulins were used in 1 patient. Fifty-eight patients were hospitalized, and 1 patient died. Mpox outbreak in Spain affected primarily middle-aged men who were sexually active and showed a high rate of HIV infection. A range of heterogeneous therapeutics options was performed.

Resilient education facilities with special focus on classrooms to be compatible with the COVID-19 crisis

ABSTRACT In recent months, the World Health Organization (WHO) expressed concern about the spread of a new pandemic after the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a significant impact on education. UNICEF says Over 168 million children’s classrooms around the world have been shuttered. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to identify the criteria and requirements of resilient design for classrooms to avoid closures during crises. Researchers have addressed the relationship between spaces and the spread of viruses inside them, so the research assumes that there is a relationship between the design criteria of classrooms and the spread of viruses inside them. Hence, the research methodology consists of a qualitative approach then comparative analysis. The first part involves analyzing the literature review to identify a design matrix that includes design criteria for classrooms. The research has identified four resilient design criteria and their requirements for classrooms, such as 1- Epidemic Prevention, 2-Climate Change Adaptation, 3-Integration of Technological Advancements, and 4- Support Advanced Education. The research focused on primary school due to the high infection rates of the Omicron variant among children, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Therefore, the second part involves a comparative analysis of four classrooms in government primary schools using the design matrix. The case studies Two within Egypt and Two outside Egypt. Finally, the results include an evaluation of the four proposed resilient design criteria for the classrooms and which one is the most resilient and adaptable during the crisis.

Transmission ecology of Trypanosoma cruzi by Rhodnius prolixus (Reduviidae: Triatominae) infesting palm-tree species in the Colombian Orinoco, indicates risks to human populations.

Chagas disease, affecting approximately eight million individuals in tropical regions, is primarily transmitted by vectors. Rhodnius prolixus, a triatomine vector, commonly inhabits in ecotopes with diverse palm tree species, creating optimal conditions for vector proliferation. This study aims to explore the transmission ecology of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative parasite of Chagas disease, by investigating the feeding patterns and natural infection rates of R. prolixus specimens collected from various wild palm species in the Colombian Orinoco region. To achieve this objective, we sampled 35 individuals from three palm species (Attalea butyracea, Acrocomia aculeata, and Mauritia flexuosa) in a riparian forest in the Casanare department of eastern Colombia, totaling 105 sampled palm trees. DNA was extracted and analyzed from 115 R. prolixus specimens at different developmental stages using quantitative PCR (qPCR) for T. cruzi detection and identification of discrete typing units. Feeding preferences were determined by sequencing the 12S rRNA gene amplicon through next-generation sequencing. A total of 676 R. prolixus specimens were collected from the sampled palms. The study revealed variation in population densities and developmental stages of R. prolixus among palm tree species, with higher densities observed in A. butyracea and lower densities in M. flexuosa. TcI was the exclusive T. cruzi discrete typing unit (DTU) found, with infection frequency positively correlated with R. prolixus abundance. Insects captured in A. butyracea exhibited higher abundance and infection rates than those from other palm species. The feeding sources comprised 13 mammal species, showing no significant differences between palm species in terms of blood sources. However, Didelphis marsupialis and Homo sapiens were present in all examined R. prolixus, and Dasypus novemcinctus was found in 89.47% of the insects. This study highlights the significance of wild palms, particularly A. butyracea, as a substantial risk factor for T. cruzi transmission to humans in these environments. High population densities and infection rates of R. prolixus were observed in each examined palm tree species.

First molecular evidence of potential Culicoides vectors implicated in bluetongue virus transmission in Morocco.

Bluetongue is a non-contagious viral disease that affects both domestic and wild ruminants. It is transmitted primarily by small hematophagous Diptera belonging to the genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). The current study represents the first molecular investigation into the potential role of Culicoides imicola,Culicoides paolae,Culicoides newsteadi,Culicoides spp., and Culicoides circumscriptus as bluetongue virus (BTV) vectors in Morocco. Additionally, the study aimed to evaluate the vectorial activity of midges during the survey seasons. Parous females of these species were captured from several regions of Morocco (6 out of 12) from 2018 to 2021 using Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute (OVI) traps. A total of 2003 parous female specimens were grouped into 55 batches. The midge body of each batch was dissected into three regions (head, thorax, and abdomen), and these regions were analyzed separately using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). BTV RNA was detected in 45 out of the 55 batches tested, indicating a positivity rate of 81.8%. The RT-qPCR-positive pools of the studied Culicoides species exhibited high levels of BTV positivity in each body part (head, thorax, and abdomen), confirming the successful replication of the virus within midge bodies. The BTV circulation was substantial across all three survey seasons (spring, summer, and autumn). High infection rates, calculated using the minimum infection rate (MIR) and maximum likelihood estimation (MLE), were observed during the collection seasons, particularly in autumn and spring, and for all investigated Culicoides species, most notably for C. imicola and C. newsteadi. These increased infection rates underscore the significant risk ofCulicoidestransmitting the BTV in Morocco. The detection of BTV positivity in Culicoides spp. (lacking wing spots that allow their differentiation according to morphological identification keys) suggested that other Culicoides species are competent for BTV transmission in Morocco. The study results indicated, for the first time at the molecular level, thatC. imicola and C. newsteadiare the primary potential vectors of BTV in Morocco and thatC. paolae andC. circumscriptusare strongly implicated in the propagation of bluetongue at the national level.

Diagnosis of &lt;em&gt;Moniezia expansa&lt;/em&gt; in Babylon and Karbala butchery's sheep

Moniezia expansa is a prevalent species of tapeworm that poses potential health risks to sheep and other ruminant animals. Its distribution is global, including regions such as Babylon and Karbala. The diagnosis of Moniezia expansa in sheep processed through butcheries and abattoirs in these areas typically follows a structured approach. A crucial aspect of the diagnostic process involves postmortem examination, where butchers and inspectors meticulously inspect the sheep's intestines. The small intestines, particularly the jejunum and ileum, often serve as habitats for Moniezia expansa tapeworms. During visual inspection, professionals identify the presence of adult tapeworms or their segments. Subsequently, the identified tapeworm segments undergo specific identification procedures. Typical Moniezia expansa segments exhibit a flat and rectangular shape, often appearing broader than their length and extending several centimeters. Between March 2020 and February 2021, 266 random samples of small intestines were collected from sheep slaughtered in Babylon and Karbala butcheries. The study results indicate that the parasite had a widespread presence in both regions, with infection rates of 30.45% (37.78%, 28.47%) for Babylon and Karbala, respectively. The highest infection rate, reaching 48.71%, was observed during the summer season, particularly in July.