Infectious Research Articles

A Novel Bayesian Spatio-Temporal Surveillance Metric to Predict Emerging Infectious Disease Areas of High Disease Risk.

Identification of areas of high disease risk has been one of the top goals for infectious disease public health surveillance. Accurate prediction of these regions leads to effective resource allocation and faster intervention. This paper proposes a novel prediction surveillance metric based on a Bayesian spatio-temporal model for infectious disease outbreaks. Exceedance probability, which has been commonly used for cluster detection in statistical epidemiology, was extended to predict areas of high risk. The proposed metric consists of three components: the area's risk profile, temporal risk trend, and spatial neighborhood influence. We also introduce a weighting scheme to balance these three components, which accommodates the characteristics of the infectious disease outbreak, spatial properties, and disease trends. Thorough simulation studies were conducted to identify the optimal weighting scheme and evaluate the performance of the proposed prediction surveillance metric. Results indicate that the area's own risk and the neighborhood influence play an important role in making a highly sensitive metric, and the risk trend term is important for the specificity and accuracy of prediction. The proposed prediction metric was applied to the COVID-19 case data of South Carolina from March 12, 2020, and the subsequent 30 weeks of data.

Consensus Statements on Assessments and Vaccinations Prior to Commencement of Advanced Therapies for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

Given the introduction of new advanced therapies for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), expanded risk mitigation strategies are essential. To create a comprehensive set of statements on assessment procedures and vaccinations before starting monoclonal antibodies, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors or sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) modulators for IBD. We examined literature, guidelines and drug product information regarding vaccination and assessment recommendations for initiating advanced IBD therapies. Using a modified Delphi approach, delegates voted anonymously on the acceptability of these statements prior to and following consensus discussion. We developed eight statements on the domains of infectious diseases screening, vaccinations and assessments prior to commencing JAK inhibitors and S1P modulators. Six statements received agreement. Pre-advanced therapy screening for infectious diseases was established, and the vaccination protocol was revised. Malignancy, cardiovascular and thromboembolic risk assessments are necessary before initiating JAK inhibitors. Those starting S1P modulators need cardiac and ophthalmic assessments. These consensus statements combine vaccination and assessments on the currently available advanced therapies for IBD as a single comprehensive document that may reduce IBD complications associated with use of advanced therapies. Knowledge gaps identified during the consensus process will provide further research opportunities.

A critical review on the active anti-viral metabolites of bioprospecting traditionally used plant species from semi-arid regions of the subcontinent.

Plants are crucial medicinal resources, with 80 % of people relying on them for primary healthcare. The search for natural antiviral compounds is increasing, especially in semi-arid ecosystems where abiotic stress promotes the production of beneficial secondary metabolites. This review highlights semi-arid plants with the potential as functional foods to combat viral diseases and other illnesses. Literature was searched in databases like ScienceDirect to gather information on novel compounds from stress-tolerant semi-arid plant species. These compounds have potential uses in treating viral infections and other health issues such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The review screened 61 semi-arid plants known for their antiviral metabolites. Eight plants were identified with novel antiviral compounds. Key metabolites include agathisflavone, pectic arabinogalactan, azadirachtin, aloin, aloe-emodin, aloesaponarin I, allicin, terpenoids, chlorogenic acids, curcumin, chromones, β-sitosterol, lupeol, oleuropein, carissol, β-amyrin, and ∆-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Stress-tolerant semi-arid plants are significant sources of metabolites for treating infectious diseases and boosting immune systems. Further research on these metabolites in animal models is needed to verify their efficacy for treating human diseases during endemic and pandemic outbreaks, such as COVID-19.

Infection detection revolution: Harnessing AI-powered image analysis to combat infectious diseases.

Infectious diseases wield significant influence on global mortality rates, largely due to the challenge of gauging their severity owing to diverse symptomatology. Each nation grapples with its unique obstacles in combatting these diseases. This study delves into three distinct decision-making methodologies for medical diagnostics employing Neutrosophic Hypersoft Set (NHSS) and Plithogenic Hypersoft Set (PHSS), extensions of the Hypersoft set. It introduces state-of-the-art AI-driven techniques to enhance the precision of medical diagnostics through the analysis of medical imagery. By transforming these images into the aforementioned sets, the analysis becomes more refined, facilitating more accurate diagnoses. The study advocates various courses of action, including isolation, home or specialized center quarantine, or hospitalization for further treatment. The novelty in this study utilizes cutting-edge AI methods to enhance medical imaging, transforming them into accurate diagnostic tools, marking a significant change in how infectious diseases are addressed. By combining machine learning and pattern recognition, it offers the potential to overhaul healthcare worldwide, facilitating accurate diagnoses and customized treatment plans, ultimately reducing the global burden of infectious diseases on mortality rates.

Respiratory pathogen analysis in pediatric inpatients unraveled the infection pattern of Mycoplasma pneumoniae post the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundTo counteract the COVID-19 pandemic, nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) were implemented globally, exerting a profound influence on a wide spectrum of infectious diseases, encompassing respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Subsequent to the easing of NPIs, China experienced a significant outbreak of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP).MethodsOver a decade from 2015 to 2024, our study scrutinized 12 common infectious diseases among pediatric children. Etiologically diagnostic data and clinical outcome metrics of children with RTIs, tested for 13 pathogens, were analyzed to evaluate changes during and after the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic periods, with a notable emphasis on age profile and coinfection patterns of MP.ResultsAmong 57,471 hospitalized children, 23,178 were diagnosed with infectious diseases. Under NPIs, most respiratory infections declined compared to pre-pandemic levels, rebounding by 69.64% in 2023. While the infection rate of common respiratory pathogens decreased, cases of respiratory syncytial virus increased during the period of extensive NPI implementation. In 2023, pediatric intensive care unit durations for these pathogens increased, suggesting greater severity of illness compared to 2019. MP exhibited the highest infection rate (31.38% average), with a notable outbreak post-pandemic due to severity increase in <3 year olds and rise among older children. NPIs reduced MP coinfections and mitigated their severity, while exerting a significant influence on bacterial coinfections with MP over the span of 5 years, in contrast to their impact on viral pathogens.ConclusionNPIs effectively curb transmission of respiratory infections by most pathogens, resulting in increased average age of MP infections and altered patterns of coinfection post-pandemic.

Epidemiologic Characterization and Risk Factors for Congenital Syphilis in Northeast Mexico: A Case-control Study 2016–2024

Background: Congenital syphilis (CS) is an infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum, which is transmitted through the placenta during pregnancy. Since 2001, a notable and consistent rise in the prevalence of CS cases has been observed, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Currently, information regarding the risk factors for this phenomenon has been scarcely addressed. Methods: A case-control study was conducted to analyze the risk factors for CS. Cases of CS were defined according to scenarios 1 and 2 from Centers for Disease Control criteria, while controls were considered those from scenarios 3 and 4. Data were collected from clinical records from 2016 to 2024 from a hospital in the metropolitan area of Monterrey, Mexico. Statistical analysis was conducted through SPSS V.22. Results: In total 297 syphilis-infected mothers were included in the analyses. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that CS was related to late maternal diagnosis, especially after birth [OR: 4.352 (1.313–14.423)]. Additionally, women with a high nontreponemal serum test titer (≥1:8) had an increased risk of delivering an infant with CS [OR: 4.380 (1.946-9.856)]. Infants born to mothers receiving adequate treatment [OR: 0.213 (0.101-0.450)] were a protective factor. Conclusion: CS is a major public health worldwide. Adequate treatment is critical for the prevention of CS. Strategies focusing on prenatal care, early diagnosis, and adequate treatment among those with high nontreponemal titer should be strengthened to prevent CS.

Analyzing Hypertension and Reviewing Epidemiology and How to Overcome it

Infectious diseases and malnutrition will soon replace non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, cancer and depression as causes of death and disability in developing countries. Cardiovascular disease (31.9%), including hypertension (6.8%) and stroke (15.4%), is the highest cause of death, according to the results of the 2007 Basic Health Research in Indonesia. Hypertension is a condition in which blood pressure in the body’s arteries continuously increases, which can cause serious risks to health such as heart disease, stroke and other organ damage. This article will contain information about hypertension and its management. The method used is literature study by taking existing data and then collecting it in this article. It is hoped that this article will be useful and beneficial for various needs.

Spermidine Associated with Gut Microbiota Protects Against MRSA Bloodstream Infection by Promoting Macrophage M2 Polarization.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major human pathogen that causes various diseases. Extensive researches highlight the significant role of gut microbiota and its metabolites, particularly spermidine, in infectious diseases. However, the immunomodulatory mechanisms of spermidine in MRSA-induced bloodstream infection remain unclear. Here, we confirmed the protective effects of spermidine in bloodstream infection in mice. Spermidine reduced the bacterial load and expression of inflammatory factors by shifting the macrophage phenotype to an anti-inflammatory phenotype, ultimately prolonging the survival of the infected mice. The protective effect against MRSA infection may rely on the elevated expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor 2 (PTPN2). Collectively, these findings confirm the immunoprotective effects of spermidine via binding to PTPN2 in MRSA bloodstream infection, providing new ideas for the treatment of related infectious diseases.

Hepatitis Delta Coinfection Rates and All-Cause Mortality Among Hepatitis B-Infected Veterans in the USA.

Screening for hepatitis D virus (HDV) is recommended for all individuals with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Coinfected individuals experience more severe liver-related outcomes. We determined the HDV testing and coinfection rates and all-cause mortality among those infected with HBV. We used the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system's national databases to identify individuals with HBV infection. We determined the proportion of individuals referred to gastroenterologists/hepatologists, or infectious diseases providers, and the proportion screened and tested positive for HDV. We calculated the HBV treatment rates, defined as ≥ 3 months of continuous prescription with an approved drug. Finally, we calculated all-cause mortality stratified by HDV coinfection and HBV treatment status. Among 44,951 individuals with at least one positive HBsAg, HBeAg or HBV DNA test, 5964 (13.3%) were screened for HDV (180 [3.0%] tested positive), and 28,291 (62.9%) were referred to gastroenterology/hepatology or infectious diseases. Treatment for HBV was prescribed for 73 (40.5%) of HDV-coinfected and 2425 (41.9%) HDV-uninfected individuals. All-cause mortality rate per 100 person-years was lower among those without HDV coinfection (2.98 for untreated HBV, 2.53 for treated HBV; p < 0.001) compared with those with HDV coinfection (5.14 for untreated HBV, 3.0 for treated HBV; p = 0.02). Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated a significantly higher mortality among HDV-coinfected individuals who were not treated for HBV (log-rank p < 0.0001). Screening rates for HDV among HBV-infected individuals are suboptimal. While HDV coinfection is associated with higher all-cause mortality, HBV treatment may confer a survival benefit.

Conceptual model of electrostatic non-ionizing air filter

Abstract Many infectious diseases such as SARS-CoV-2, rhinovirus, adenovirus, and influenza are transmitted through small respiratory droplets and various filtration systems are used to reduce the risk of airborne infection. Here, we develop a conceptual model of a filter, which is based on the electrostatic deposition of air droplets potentially containing pathogens. Within the model, we explore the effect of polarization of neutral spherical droplets moving in an air flow past cylindrical electrodes. The strength of electric field they produce is low enough to eliminate corona discharge and minimize air ionization, but high enough to capture the droplets. Based on the proposed model, we calculate the filtration efficiency in a quasi-continuous approximation. Also, we conduct numerical simulations of the deposition of respiratory droplets on a compact periodic array of cylindrical electrodes located at the nodes of a square lattice. The droplets with a radius of 10-20 μm pose the greatest threat in spreading the respiratory infections, and as we demonstrate, the proposed system is very effective in capturing droplets of this size, specifically, for a filter element with a width of about 5 mm, the filtration efficiency exceeds 90%.

Can immuno-PCR (IPCR) transform bacterial disease diagnostics?

Approximately 15 million deaths occur globally each year due to infectious diseases. Timely diagnosis is crucial in promoting cure and preventing disease transmission. Currently, molecular diagnostics have replaced many conventional diagnostic tools due to their inherent limitations. However, the full potential of Immuno Polymerase Chain Reaction (IPCR) remains largely untapped. This review focuses on the use of IPCR in the diagnosis of different bacterial diseases, highlighting its advantages over traditional methods. Early and accurate diagnosis of infectious diseases is crucial because it enhances treatment effectiveness, reduces morbidity and mortality, helps identify potential causes of sepsis earlier, and reduces the risk of unknowingly spreading the disease to others. IPCR in turn has shown promise for the early diagnosis of bacterial diseases as an alternative to conventional culture-based or serological diagnostic assays leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. IPCR has the potential to revolutionize the diagnostic field due to its increased sensitivity and specificity. Although efforts are needed to reduce the time of the assay and to reduce background noise, IPCR can be combined with other platforms like lateral flow assay/biosensors/automation to improve its use as a point-of-care assay, especially in resource-limited settings.

SMART Designs: Bridging the Gap Between Clinical Trials and Practice in Infectious Diseases.

Traditional Randomized Controlled Trials often fall short in addressing the specific needs of clinical practice due to their one-size-fits-all treatment approaches. Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trials (SMARTs) offer a dynamic and adaptive approach, allowing for multiple randomizations based on patient responses and evolving conditions. SMARTs enable personalized treatment pathways, such as in the trial for antiretroviral therapy (ART) in South Africa, which adjusts treatment based on patient outcomes. Despite these advantages, the use of SMARTs in infectious diseases remains limited. Greater adoption of SMARTs could promote more personalized treatment approaches, improve flexibility in response to public health needs, and enhance the effectiveness of interventions. However, challenges such as recruitment and increased expertise needed for more complex analyses must be addressed. Additionally, combining SMARTs with other adaptive designs could further improve the relevance and outcomes of clinical research.

Current Challenges and Advances on Infectious Diseases in Solid Organ Transplantation

Current Challenges and Advances on Infectious Diseases in Solid Organ Transplantation

Occurrence and seroprevalence of infectious viral, bacterial, and protozoal diseases among patients attending the Ore General Hospital in southwestern Nigeria

Infectious diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, protozoans, and fungi continue to pose significant challenges globally, with transmission routes including person-to-person contact, animal vectors, and environmental exposure. Despite global efforts to control these diseases, limited studies and resource constraints in Ore, Nigeria, have led to increasing prevalence, highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions. This study aimed to determine the distribution of infectious diseases among patients attending General Hospital Ore, Odigbo, Nigeria. Serum samples from consenting patients were assayed for the presence of malaria parasites, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), Salmonella infection, Helicobacter pylori infection, high vaginal swab (HVS) results, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). The subjects included 1900 males (38.8%) and 3000 females (61.2%). The overall prevalence rates were as follows: HIV (40%), malaria (35%), typhoid (37.5%), HBsAg (20%), H. pylori (6.3%), HVS (45%), and UTIs (10%). The high rates of infectious diseases observed in this study, compared to rates reported elsewhere, suggest the need to strengthen public health measures and infection prevention strategies in the area. In addition, routine screening for these diseases and early passive or active immunization for vaccine-preventable diseases are essential to further reduce the burden of these infections.

Choroid Plexus Pathophysiology.

This review examines the crucial roles of the choroid plexus (ChP) in central nervous system (CNS) pathology, emphasizing its involvement in disease mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Structural changes in the human ChP have been reported across various diseases in case reports and descriptive work, but studies have yet to pin down the physiological relevance of these changes. We highlight primary pathologies of the ChP, as well as their significance in neurologic disorders, including stroke, hydrocephalus, infectious diseases, and neurodegeneration. Synthesizing recent research, this review positions the ChP as a critical player in CNS homeostasis and pathology, advocating for enhanced focus on its mechanisms to unlock new diagnostic and treatment strategies and ultimately improve patient outcomes in CNS diseases. Whether acting as a principal driver of disease, a gateway for pathogens into the CNS, or an orchestrator of neuroimmune processes, the ChP holds tremendous promise as a therapeutic target to attenuate a multitude of CNS conditions.

Relationship between COVID-19 Cases and Environmental Contaminants in Quito, Ecuador

The relationship between COVID-19 infections and environmental contaminants provides insight into how environmental factors can influence the spread of infectious diseases. By integrating epidemiological and environmental variables into a mathematical framework, the interaction between virus spread and the environment can be determined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of atmospheric contaminants on the increase in COVID-19 infections in the city of Quito through the application of statistical tests. The data on infections and deaths allowed to identify the periods of greatest contagion and their relationship with the contaminants O3, SO2, CO, PM2.5, and PM10. A validated database was used, and statistical analysis was applied through five models based on simple linear regression. The models showed a significant relationship between SO2 and the increase in infections. In addition, a moderate correlation was shown with PM2.5, O3, and CO, and a low relationship was shown for PM10. These findings highlight the importance of having policies that guarantee air quality as a key factor in maintaining people’s health and preventing the proliferation of viral and infectious diseases.

Distribution of The Health Workers in The Tuberculosis Sector, Mongolia: Assessment Results Using the Gini Index

Background: Mongolia was classified as one of the 30 countries with the highest tuberculosis burden by World Health Organization in 2021 and tuberculosis is the first leading cause of mortality among deaths from all communicable diseases in the country. The number and distribution of health workers to provide tuberculosis healthcare services will play an important role in the fight against tuberculosis. However, there has been no quantitative evaluation of the distribution of tuberculosis health workers in Mongolia. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the distribution of health workers in the tuberculosis sector using the Gini index. The results provide quantifiable information for monitoring resource distribution and serve as a basis for informed decision-making on resource allocation, facilitating targeted interventions and equitable healthcare distribution in Mongolia. Methods: Data from the National Center for Communicable Diseases and the National Statistical Information Service of Mongolia was obtained and analyzed. The Gini coefficients were calculated to reflect the inequality of distributions. Results: Total number of health workers in the tuberculosis sector was only 1.29 per 10,000 population. The Gini index values for the distribution of tuberculosis doctors, assistant workers, nurses, and laboratory technicians were at 0.61, 0.67, 0.43, and 0.33 respectively, all showing a range from severe to relative inequality. Conclusions: Findings showed the number and distribution of tuberculosis health workers were both inadequate and unequal and ring the need for proper health system planning. To plan the tuberculosis control and address the high burden of the disease in the country, the human resources situation should be analyzed and handled regularly. Keywords: Mongolia, Tuberculosis, Health workers, Distribution, Gini index

ANEMIA HEMOLÍTICA IMUNOMEDIADA SECUNDÁRIA A ERLIQUIOSE

Ehrlichiosis is an infectious and contagious disease that can be transmitted to humans and is therefore considered a zoonosis. During the development of the disease, immune- mediated haemolytic anemia occurs, characterized by a decrease in red blood cells due to the action of the phagocytic system in association with the presence of immunoglobulins. This research is based on the relationship between immune-mediated hemolytic anemia and Ehrlichiosis, with the aim of understanding both diseases, relating how they develop in the body, as well as their etiology, symptoms, laboratory changes, treatment and prophylaxis. To achieve this goal, data was collected through bibliographic research, and the results indicated the importance of controlling and preventing the disease through measures linked to the use of ticks and periodic monitoring by the veterinarian, since immune-mediated hemolytic anemia occurs secondary to this hemoparasitosis.

Arterial Thrombosis in Acute Respiratory Infections: An Underestimated but Clinically Relevant Problem

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was increased interest in the issue of thrombotic complications of acute respiratory infections. Clinical reports and pathological studies have revealed that thrombus formation in COVID-19 may involve the venous and arterial vasculature. As thrombotic complications of infectious respiratory diseases are increasingly considered in the context of COVID-19, the fact that thrombosis in lung diseases of viral and bacterial etiology was described long before the pandemic is overlooked. Pre-pandemic studies show that bacterial and viral respiratory infections are associated with an increased risk of thrombotic complications such as myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, pulmonary embolism, and other critical illnesses caused by arterial and venous thrombosis. This narrative review article aims to summarize the current evidence regarding thrombotic complications and their pathogenesis in acute lower respiratory tract infections.

Correlation of COVID-19 vaccination and RT-PCR ct value among cases in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: implication for future preparedness

BackgroundThe COVID-19 disease requires accurate diagnosis to effectively manage infection rates and disease progression. The study aims to assess the relationship between vaccination status and RT-PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values by comparing clinical, RDT and RT-PCR results.MethodsA total of 453 suspected COVID-19 cases were included in this study. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected for both RDT and RT-PCR testing, with RDTs conducted on-site and RT-PCR at the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) genomics laboratory. Detailed clinical, RDT, and RT-PCR results were analyzed. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation, and Chi-Square tests to investigate the connections between diagnostic outcomes and vaccination status, with a focusing on Ct values.ResultsRDT results showed 34.0% negative and 65.8% positive, while RT-PCR results indicated 35.8% negative and 64.2% positive cases. The discrepancies between RDT and RT-PCR results emphasize the importance of thorough testing. No significant association was found between vaccination status and viral load, as indicated by Ct values. Among RT-PCR positive cases, 49.8% had been vaccinated, suggesting challenges in interpreting results among vaccinated individuals. Further analysis revealed that vaccination (first or second dose) had minimal impact on Ct values, indicating limited influence of vaccination status on viral load dynamics in infected individuals.ConclusionsThe study highlights the significant differences between RDT and RT-PCR outcomes, underscoring the need for a comprehensive testing approach. Additionally, the findings suggest that vaccination status does not significantly impact RT-PCR Ct values, complicating the interpretation of diagnostic results in vaccinated individuals, especially in breakthrough infections and potential false positives.