Prevalence Of Antigen Research Articles

Determination of cryptococcal antigen in newly diagnosed HIV infected patients attending Specialist Hospital Sokoto North-Western Nigeria

Abstract Cryptococcal Meningitis (CM), an infection and inflammation of the meninges, predominantly affects individuals with compromised immune systems, particularly HIV/AIDS patients. This study aims to assess the CD4 count of newly diagnosed HIV patients, prevalence of cryptococcal antigen in those with low CD4 counts, and socioeconomic risk factors associated with cryptococcal diseases in Sokoto, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 154 newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients at Specialist Hospital Sokoto, utilizing blood samples for CD4 count and cryptococcal antigen detection via lateral flow assay. The study found that 38.2% of patients with CD4 < 200 cells/µL were positive for cryptococcal antigen, highlighting a significant association between low CD4 count and cryptococcal infection (p value 0.000). The prevalence was highest among the 31–40 years age group (47.6%) and married individuals (61.9%), although no significant associations were found with age or marital status. Socioeconomic factors revealed higher prevalence among Hausa/Fulani (85.7%) and individuals with informal education (66.7%). The study underscores the necessity of routine cryptococcal antigen screening in HIV clinics to reduce CM-related morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and preventive interventions are crucial to address the substantial burden of cryptococcal infection among HIV patients in Sokoto State, Nigeria.

Prostate-specific antigen testing in the United States during 2008–2022 in relation to the US preventive services task force recommendations

The prevalence of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing has consistently fallen for several years. This study explored how the decreasing trend differs by selected variables and reasons for taking the PSA test. Analyses involved men, aged 40 years or older, who completed the Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey in even number years from 2008 through 2022. Trends in PSA testing rates within the past year declined by 46% from 2008 to 2020 and then increased 21% from 2020 to 2022. The greatest changes corresponded with the years of new USPSTF guidelines. Declining PSA testing rates occurred across the levels of all variables considered but were more pronounced in younger men and men never married, less educated, and without health care coverage. After adjusting for these variables, declining PSA testing rates did not significantly differ between racial/ethnic groups or between income groups. The level of several variables influenced the decline, as a function of perceived risk, accessibility, and desire for the test. Inconsistencies with the USPSTF’s guidelines were seen in higher PSA testing in older and more educated men. The distribution of main reasons for taking the test (part of a routine exam [72%], prostate problem/cancer [12%], family history [6%], and other [10%]) remained constant. PSA testing as part of a routine exam (vs. no PSA test) increased with age and was higher in non-Hispanic Blacks, married (or cohabitating), and in men with higher education, higher income, and health care coverage. PSA testing because of a prostate problem/cancer or family history of prostate cancer according to these variables are also described in this study.

High Cryptococcal Antigenuria Prevalence in a Population of PLHIV with Neurological Symptoms Hospitalized in the Infectious Diseases Wards of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Libreville, Gabon.

Introduction: Cryptococcal meningitis is a major cause of death in HIV/AIDS patients due to the existence of Cryptococcus neoformans in the central nervous system. Our objective was to evaluate the prevalence of Cryptococcus antigenuria in a population of HIV-infected patients in Libreville, Gabon. Patients and Methods: This study was conducted from April to October 2021 at the Infectious Diseases ward of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Libreville. Hospitalized patients with HIV were included. The detection of cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) in urine was performed using the Pastorex Crypto Plus Kit. Results: Out of the 255 PLHIV, 142 benefited from the CrAg detection. The prevalence of urine CrAg was 24.6% (n = 35). The majority of CrAg+ patients (82.8%; n = 29) were under 55 years old. Almost three-quarters of them (n = 25; 71.4%) had CD4 counts < 200, and 80.0% (n = 28) were at WHO clinical stages III and IV. All patients with neck stiffness at admission had a CrAg positive test. Conclusion: This study showed a non-negligible prevalence of Cryptococcal urinary antigen in HIV-infected patients with neurological symptoms. These data underline the importance of CrAg screening in routine care for better management of PLHIV.

Epidemiology of Lymphatic Filariasis Antigen and Microfilaria in Samoa, 2019: 7-9 Months Post Triple-Drug Mass Administration.

The elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF) as a public health problem remains an ongoing challenge in the Pacific region. This study reports on antigen (Ag) and microfilaria (Mf) prevalence in Samoa in 2019, 7-9 months after the completion of the first round of triple-drug mass drug administration (MDA). It evaluates the effectiveness of the intervention for reducing Ag prevalence to below a 2% threshold, and how this differs between 5-9-year-olds and ≥10-year-olds. We surveyed 30 randomly selected and five purposefully selected primary sampling units (PSUs) in Samoa in 2018 (1-3 months post-triple-drug MDA) and, again, in 2019. In each PSU, we conducted a community survey of 15-20 households and a convenience survey of 5-9-year-old children. A finger-prick blood sample was collected from all participants to test for Ag and Mf. Demographic details were also collected. There was no significant change in adjusted Ag prevalence in the 30 randomly selected PSUs between 2018 (3.9% [95% CI: 2.7-5.6%]) and 2019 (4.1% [95% CI 2.7-5.9%]). Significantly higher Ag prevalence was observed in participants aged ≥10 years (4.6%, 95% CIs 3.0-6.7%) compared to 5-9-year-olds (1.1%, 95% CIs 0.5-2.2%), supporting existing evidence that post-MDA surveillance should not be based on Ag prevalence among 6-7-year-olds. A single round of triple-drug MDA was insufficient to break LF transmission in Samoa 7-9 months post-MDA.

Hepatitis B Virus Exposure, Seroprotection Status, and Susceptibility in Health Care Workers From Lao People's Democratic Republic: Cross-Sectional Study.

Despite the high prevalence of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in adults in Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Lao health care workers (HCWs) have previously been shown to have low levels of protection against infection. Furthermore, the prevalence of hepatitis D virus (HDV), which increases disease severity in individuals infected with HBV, is not known in Lao PDR. This study aimed to estimate the exposure and seroprotection against HBV, as well as exposure to HDV, in Lao HCWs from 5 provinces. In 2020, a total of 666 HCWs aged 20 to 65 years from 5 provinces of Lao PDR were recruited, and their sera were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to determine their HBV and HDV coinfection status. HBV exposure, as indicated by the presence of anti-hepatitis B core antibodies, was 40.1% (267/666) overall and significantly higher for HCWs from Oudomxay province (21/31, 67.7%; adjusted odds ratio 3.69, 95% CI 1.68-8.12; P=.001). The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen was 5.4% (36/666) overall and increased with age, from 3.6% (9/248) in those aged ≤30 years to 6.8% (8/118) in those aged ≥50 years. Only 28.7% (191/666) of participants had serological indication of immunization. We could find no evidence for HDV exposure in this study. The study found intermediate hepatitis B surface antigen prevalence among HCWs in Lao PDR, with no evidence of HDV coinfection. Notably, a significant proportion of HCWs remains susceptible to HBV, indicating a substantial gap in seroprotection against the disease.

Frequency of ABO, Rh and Kell Blood Group among Blood Donors in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo

Introduction: Blood group antigens play an essential role in transfusion safety and in avoiding the risk of alloimmunization. The ABO, Rh and Kell blood group systems are the most clinically important. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of ABO, Rh and Kell blood groups among blood donors in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among blood donors in Brazzaville, republic of Congo, from June 2021 to November 2022. The blood samples were tested for ABO, Rh and Kell antigens by standard tube agglutination method. The statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 21.0. Results: A total of 350 participants were included, of which 258(73.7%) of donors were males and 92 (26.3%) females. The antigen frequencies of ABO and Rh(D) blood group system showed that O was the most prevalent blood group 46.8% followed by A (28.9%), B (16.9%), and AB (7.4%). The Rh-positive donors were more prevalent (94.86%) as oppose to the Rh-negative (5.14%). The most common Rh phenotype is the Dccee (64.86%) while the rarest phenotype is the dCcee (0.86%). The prevalence of K and k antigen was 0.9% and 99.1%, respectively. Conclusion: This study determined the phenotypic variability of ABO and Rh blood group antigens with low prevalence of Kell antigen. The extensive phenotypic status of Rh and Kell systems in blood donors is important for the efficient management of blood banks and transfusion services.

Human leukocyte antigen compatibility and incidence of donor-specific antibodies in pediatric liver transplant recipients.

Antibody-mediated rejection following liver transplantation (LT) has been increasingly recognized, particularly with respect to the emergence of de novo donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) and their impact on graft longevity. While substantial evidence for adult populations exists, research focusing on pediatric LT outcomes remains limited. To investigate the prevalence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatches and DSA and evaluate their association with rejection episodes after pediatric LT. A cohort of pediatric LT recipients underwent HLA testing at Santa Casa de Porto Alegre, Brazil, between December 2013 and December 2023. Only patients who survived for > 30 days after LT with at least one DSA analysis were included. DSA classes I and II and cross-matches were analyzed. The presence of de novo DSA (dnDSA) was evaluated at least 3 months after LT using the Luminex® single antigen bead method, with a positive reaction threshold set at 1000 MFI. Rejection episodes were confirmed by liver biopsy. Overall, 67 transplanted children were analyzed; 61 received grafts from living donors, 85% of whom were related to recipients. Pre-transplant DSA (class I or II) was detected in 28.3% of patients, and dnDSA was detected in 48.4%. The median time to DSA detection after LT was 19.7 [interquartile range (IQR): 4.3-35.6] months. Biopsy-proven rejection occurred in 13 patients at follow-up, with C4d positivity observed in 5/13 Liver biopsies. The median time to rejection was 7.8 (IQR: 5.7-12.8) months. The presence of dnDSA was significantly associated with rejection (36% vs 3%, P < 0.001). The rejection-free survival rates at 12 and 24 months were 76% vs 100% and 58% vs 95% for patients with dnDSA anti-DQ vs those without, respectively. Our findings highlight the importance of incorporating DSA assessment into pre- and post-transplantation protocols for pediatric LT recipients. Future implications may include immunosuppression minimization strategies based on this analysis in pediatric LT recipients.

Results of Integrated Transmission Assessment Surveys for Lymphatic Filariasis and Malaria in Haiti, 2017-2022.

Haiti is endemic for lymphatic filariasis (LF) and malaria, two mosquito-transmitted parasitic diseases targeted for elimination. The World Health Organization recommends a transmission assessment survey (TAS-1) to determine if LF prevalence is significantly beneath putative transmission thresholds (<2% antigen prevalence in Haiti, where Culex is the primary vector for Wuchereria bancrofti) to stop mass drug administration (MDA). Repeated TASs (TAS-2 and TAS-3) are recommended at 2-3-year intervals during post-treatment surveillance. From 2017 to 2022, The Carter Center assisted the Haitian Ministry of Public Health and Population in conducting 15 TASs in 11 evaluation units (EUs) encompassing 54 of the country's 146 districts. Children 6-7 years old were assessed for circulating filarial antigen (CFA) by Filariasis Test Strip: n = 5,239 in TAS-1; n = 11,866 in TAS-2; and n = 1,842 in TAS-3, of whom eight (0.15%), 20 (0.17%), and eight (0.43%) tested positive, respectively. The number of positive results in children was less than the threshold in each EU. When available, participants (n = 16,663) were also tested for malaria by rapid diagnostic test, with 31 (0.19%) children testing positive for Plasmodium falciparum. Integrated TASs provided an efficient means to collect epidemiological data for LF and malaria in Haiti. Results indicated thresholds for stopping and maintaining the halt of MDA for LF have been achieved in all EUs, with the halt of MDA for 571,358 people in four districts and the first TAS-3 surveys conducted in Haiti. Investigations are needed to assess the potential of ongoing LF transmission, especially in areas where CFA-positive samples were detected in TAS-3.

Seroprevalence and molecular detection of cytomegalovirus and some viral STDs and their infection risk factors in male subjects in Onitsha, South-East, Nigeria

Viral infections including latent viruses have been known to affect semen quality of men negatively thereby affecting reproductive potentials. A cross-sectional study was done to assess the prevalence of CMV antigen/ antibody (IgG and IgM), HBV, HCV, HIV, confirm CMV molecularly and determine their risk factors for infection. Blood and semen samples were collected from 96 apparently healthy men aged between 24 – 65years in Onitsha, South-East, Nigeria. Ethical approval and informed consents were obtained. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and standard WHO tool for STDs. Method: HBV and HCV antibodies were screened immunochromatographically; HIV tested by parallel method, confirmed using Western-blot; CMV IgG and IgM were screened using ELISA, confirmed molecularly with quantitative PCR. Data was assessed using SPSS version 23 set at 0.05 at 95% confidence interval. Result: This revealed that CMV IgG had the highest prevalence of 68(70.8%) (p=0.04), HIV had 2(2.1%) (p=0.904) and HCV had 1(1.0%) (p=0.167). None of the subjects tested positive to CMV IgM and HBV. One out of 17 samples tested positive for CMV qPCR 1(5.9%). HIV was significantly associated with multiple partners (p=0.002) and unprotected anal sex (p=0.019). Conclusion: Early screening and treatment should be done for a more quality health and reproductive life.

Harnessing the potential of blood donors negative for high prevalence Rh antigens: A database initiative for thalassaemia care

Background and objectivesWith increasing life expectancy and prevalence of thalassaemia, it has led to a greater need for safe blood, yet the current supply from voluntary donors is insufficient to meet this demand. Thalassaemia recipients face a significant risk of alloimmunization because of repeated exposure to foreign red cell antigens. Study aims to determine high prevalent Rh antigen negative donors in western India donor population along with what percentage of these donors are willing to become dedicated voluntary donors for thalassaemia patients. Study also aims to examine factors influencing their willingness and challenges faced in mobilizing dedicated donors. Method700 whole blood donors from western India, following screening for inclusion & exclusion criteria as per Drugs and Cosmetic Act (DCA) 2020 amendment guidelines & were sero-negative for transfusion transmitted infections were enrolled for the study. Red cell phenotyping was performed using Conventional Tube Technique (CTT) for “D”, “C”, “E”, “c”, “e” and “K” antigen using known antisera. Donors that were “C” AND/OR “e” antigen negative were contacted telephonically and were counseled and motivated for becoming voluntary blood donors. Statistical analysis assessed correlation between donation frequency, donor’s occupation and education. ResultAmong 700 donors, 96.6% (n = 676) were males and 3.4% (n = 24) were females. The most predominant blood group was B > O > A > AB. Rh(D) antigen was present in 91.44% (n = 640) and absent in 8.6% (n = 60). Prevalence of other Rh antigens is as follows: “e” (99%) > “C” (85.4%) > “c” (59.1%) > “E” (18.0%). Only 1.15% had “K” antigen positive. The commonest Rh phenotype R1R1 (DCe/DCe) was expressed by 40.57% (n = 283), and the least common r″r (cE/ce), r″r″ (cE/cE) and r′r′ (Ce/Ce) was found in 0.14% (n = 1), respectively. ‘C’ negative, ‘e’ negative, ‘C’ and ‘e’ antigen negative donors constituted 14.8% (n = 104) with 93.2% (n = 97) C-antigen negative, 1.92% (n = 2) e-antigen negative and 4.8% (n = 5) both “C” and “e” antigen negative donors. The commonest phenotypes among C-antigen and e-antigen negative donors were rr (50%) and RzR2 (1.94%) respectively. Likewise, the most common phenotype amongst both C- and e-antigens negative donors was R2R2 (3.84%). 61.5% of the donors agreed to enroll for voluntary blood donation following telephonic invitation, while 6.8% of them refused permanently. Approximately, 3.9% of the blood donors were willing to donate blood only when needed and 27.8% of them could not be contacted. ConclusionCreating a database of voluntary donors with known phenotype, especially who lack very common antigens like “C” and “e” and are willing to become dedicated, regular voluntary donors for thalassemic patients can ensure timely administration of safe blood. One of the major challenges for this noble initiative was lack of awareness which can be circumvent effectively with proper counseling efforts.

Transplacental Infections Associated with Macavirus in Aborted Bovine Fetuses.

The Macavirus genus, Gammaherpesvirinae subfamily, Herpesviridae family, contains ovine gammaherpesvirus 2 (OvGHV2), the cause of sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever (SA-MCF). Members of the Macavirus genus associated with the development of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) in their respective hosts share the 15A antigenic epitope, are conserved within the DNA polymerase gene and are collectively referred to as the malignant catarrhal fever virus (MCFV) complex. The ability of MCFV and/or OvGHV2 to produce abortions in ruminants is currently unknown, with little documentation of infections by these agents in bovine fetuses. This report presents the findings observed due to the detection of OvGHV2 DNA and MCFV tissue antigens in aborted bovine fetuses from southern Brazil. Four aborted bovine fetuses from three farms, located in a geographical region of Paraná State with elevated immunohistochemical (IHC) prevalence of MCFV tissue antigens, with gestational ages varying between 78 to 208 days were investigated. Significant gross and histopathological alterations were not observed in any of these fetuses. An IHC assay using the 15A-monoclonal antibody (15A-MAb), which is based on the 15A antigenic epitope of Macavirus, identified MCFV tissue antigens in multiple organs from two fetuses (#1 and #4); however, positive immunoreactivity to the 15A-MAb IHC assay was not detected in Fetus #2 and #3. Molecular testing amplified OvGHV2 DNA only from the myocardium and lungs of Fetus #1 that had positive intracytoplasmic immunoreactivity to the 15A-MAb IHC assay in these tissues. Furthermore, infections by Leptospira spp. were confirmed by molecular assays in fetuses #1, #3, and #4, while PCR detected Neospora caninum in the myocardium of Fetus #2. Additionally, molecular assays to identify well-known fetopathy agents of cattle, including bovine viral diarrhea virus, bovine alphaherpesvirus 1, Histophilus somni, and Listeria monocytogenes, did not amplify the nucleic acids of these pathogens. PCR assays to identify bovine gammaherpesvirus 6 (BoGHV6), another Macavirus known to infect cattle in Brazil, were unsuccessful. These findings confirmed that the 15A-MAb IHC assay can be efficiently used to detect MCFV antigens in organs of aborted bovine fetuses. The identification of MCFV antigens with the simultaneous detection of OvGHV2 DNA confirmed that Fetus #1 was infected by OvGHV2 and added to the few descriptions of this infection in aborted fetuses of ruminants worldwide. Moreover, the IHC detection of MCFV in multiple organs of Fetus #4, without the molecular detection of OvGHV2 or BoGHV6, may suggest that this fetus was infected by a Macavirus that was not previously diagnosed in cattle herds from Brazil. These findings strongly suggest that OvGHV2 and MCFV can produce transplacental infections in cattle.

Field laboratory comparison of STANDARD Q Filariasis Antigen Test (QFAT) with Bioline Filariasis Test Strip (FTS) for the detection of Lymphatic Filariasis in Samoa, 2023.

To monitor the progress of lymphatic filariasis (LF) elimination programmes, field surveys to assess filarial antigen (Ag) prevalence require access to reliable, user-friendly rapid diagnostic tests. We aimed to evaluate the performance of the new Q Filariasis Antigen Test (QFAT) with the currently recommended Filariasis Test Strip (FTS) for detecting the Ag of Wuchereria bancrofti, the causative agent of LF, under field laboratory conditions. During an LF survey in Samoa, 344 finger-prick blood samples were tested using FTS and QFAT. Microfilariae (Mf) status was determined from blood slides prepared from any sample that reported Ag-positive by either Ag-test. Each test was re-read at 1 hour and the next day to determine the stability of results over time. Overall Ag-positivity by FTS was 29.0% and 30.2% by QFAT. Concordance between the two tests was 93.6% (kappa = 0.85). Of the 101 Mf slides available, 39.6% were Mf-positive, and all were Ag-positive by both tests. Darker test line intensities from Ag-positive FTS were found to predict Mf-positivity (compared to same/lighter line intensities). QFAT had significantly higher reported test result changes than FTS, mostly reported the next day, but fewer changes were reported between 10 minutes to 1hour. The field laboratory team preferred QFAT over FTS due to the smaller blood volume required, better usability, and easier readability. QFAT could be a suitable and user-friendly diagnostic alternative for use in the monitoring and surveillance of LF in field surveys based on its similar performance to FTS under field laboratory conditions.

PREVALENCE OF KELL BLOOD GROUP SYSTEM IN BLOOD DONORS ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE IN NORTHWESTERN INDIA

Objective: The Kell blood group system is amongst one of the clinically significant blood group system in blood transfusion, consisting of different types of antigens with high immunogenicity which can be a potential cause of serious transfusion reactions and hemolytic disease of fetus and newborn. Knowledge of the antigenic frequency is crucial to assess the risk of alloimmunisation and to guide the probability of finding antigen-negative donor blood, which can be useful for a patient with corresponding or multiple red cell alloantibodies. Methods: This is a retrospective study which was done at Department of Immunohematology and Transfusion medicine, SMS Medical College, Jaipur over a period of one year from 1st Jan to 31st Dec 2020. During the study period, blood both voluntary donors as well as replacement donors were typed for Kell antigens by automated red cell antigen typing by capture-R technology in neo immucor. Results: A Total of 9677(Nine Thousand Six Hundred Seventy Seven) Blood donors were typed for Kell Antigens. Out of these 9677 samples, 288 were Positive for Kell positive (K+) resulting in overall frequency of Kell (K) Antigen as 2.9%. Conclusion: This is the first study that set out to determine the prevalence of Kell antigens among Blood Donors in Northwestern India. These results appear to be useful in providing better care for patients by implementing tests that should become a routine in blood banks. The Kell system is very important in Transfusion medicine practice.

Reducing the Antigen Prevalence Target Threshold for Stopping and Restarting Mass Drug Administration for Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination: A Model-Based Cost-effectiveness Simulation in Tanzania, India and Haiti.

The Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) aims to reduce and maintain infection levels through mass drug administration (MDA), but there is evidence of ongoing transmission after MDA in areas where Culex mosquitoes are the main transmission vector, suggesting that a more stringent criterion is required for MDA decision making in these settings. We use a transmission model to investigate how a lower prevalence threshold (<1% antigenemia [Ag] prevalence compared with <2% Ag prevalence) for MDA decision making would affect the probability of local elimination, health outcomes, the number of MDA rounds, including restarts, and program costs associated with MDA and surveys across different scenarios. To determine the cost-effectiveness of switching to a lower threshold, we simulated 65% and 80% MDA coverage of the total population for different willingness to pay per disability-adjusted life-year averted for India ($446.07), Tanzania ($389.83), and Haiti ($219.84). Our results suggest that with a lower Ag threshold, there is a small proportion of simulations where extra rounds are required to reach the target, but this also reduces the need to restart MDA later in the program. For 80% coverage, the lower threshold is cost-effective across all baseline prevalences for India, Tanzania, and Haiti. For 65% MDA coverage, the lower threshold is not cost-effective due to additional MDA rounds, although it increases the probability of local elimination. Valuing the benefits of elimination to align with the GPELF goals, we find that a willingness to pay per capita government expenditure of approximately $1000-$4000 for 1% increase in the probability of local elimination would be required to make a lower threshold cost-effective. Lower Ag thresholds for stopping MDAs generally mean a higher probability of local elimination, reducing long-term costs and health impacts. However, they may also lead to an increased number of MDA rounds required to reach the lower threshold and, therefore, increased short-term costs. Collectively, our analyses highlight that lower target Ag thresholds have the potential to assist programs in achieving lymphatic filariasis goals.

Epidemiological investigation of dengue fever outbreak and its socioeconomic determinants in Banadir region, Somalia

BackgroundDengue has become an alarming global problem and is endemic in many countries, particularly in tropical and subtropical countries. The aim of this study was to investigate dengue fever outbreak in Banadir Region, Somalia, to understand the risk factors (time, place, personal characteristics).MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the levels of circulating anti-dengue virus antibodies and DENV NS1 antigen among Banadir Region residents, while a questionnaire survey was conducted to understand the clinical and demographic characteristics of the patients.ResultsA total of 735 febrile patients were studied, with 55.6% men and 44.3% women. The majority of the participants were children aged 14 years and younger. Among them, 10.8% tested positive for IgM antibodies against dengue virus (DENV), while the prevalence of DENV NS1 antigen was 11.8%. Fever and myalgia were the most common symptoms observed in the DENV-positive patients.ConclusionsA dengue fever outbreak has been confirmed in Banadir region, Somalia. This study provides information on the most affected districts and identifies risk factors contributing to DF outbreaks. The study recommends improving outbreak readiness and response, particularly in surveillance and laboratory diagnostics, by fostering intersectoral collaboration and establishing regulatory frameworks for financial and operational participation.

Prevalence of Rotavirus antigen in children with gastroenteritis in Auchi Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of rotavirus infection among children in Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria, and its association with selected demographic factors. Rotavirus infections are a major cause of viral gastroenteritis in children globally, and despite the availability of vaccines, they continue to pose a significant health burden. The study population consisted of 200 children aged 2-15 years, with data collected through a questionnaire and stool samples analysed using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kits (Abbexa, UK) following the manufacturer's instructions. The overall prevalence of rotavirus infection was found to be 6%, which was relatively low compared to previous studies in Nigeria and other countries. The study revealed that children in the age group of 6-10 years had the highest prevalence of rotavirus infection, while the prevalence was lower among nursery and secondary school children. There was no significant association between any of the participant's demographic factors and rotavirus infection. However, living in rural areas was associated with a higher risk of rotavirus infection compared to semi-urban and urban areas. The study emphasizes the importance of rotavirus vaccination, promoting good hygiene practices, and raising awareness among parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Further investigation is needed to explore additional risk factors and improve understanding of rotavirus infection in this population.

Elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem in Malawi.

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes, causing severe pain, disfiguring, and disabling clinical conditions such as lymphoedema and hydrocoele. LF is a global public health problem affecting 72 countries, primarily in Africa and Asia. Since 2000, the World Health Organization (WHO) has led the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) to support all endemic regions. This paper focuses on the achievements of the Malawi LF Elimination Programme between 2000 and 2020 to eliminate LF as a public health problem, making it the second sub-Saharan country to receive validation from the WHO. The Malawi LF Programme addressed the widespread prevalence of LF infection and disease across the country, using the recommended WHO GPELF strategies and operational research initiatives in collaboration with key national and international partners. First, to stop the spread of infection (i.e., interrupt transmission) and reduce the circulating filarial antigen prevalence from as high as 74.4% to below the critical threshold of 1-2% prevalence, mass drug administration (MDA) using a two-drug regime was implemented at high coverage rates (>65%) of the total population, with supplementary interventions from other programmes (e.g., malaria vector control). The decline in prevalence was monitored and confirmed over time using several impact assessment and post-treatment surveillance tools including the standard sentinel site, spot check, and transmission assessment surveys and alternative integrated, hotspot, and easy-access group surveys. Second, to alleviate suffering of the affected populations (i.e., control morbidity) the morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP) package of care was implemented. Specifically, clinical case estimates were obtained via house-to-house patient searching activities; health personnel and patients were trained in self-care protocols for lymphoedema and/or referrals to hospitals for hydrocoele surgery; and the readiness and quality of treatment and services were assessed with new survey tools. Malawi's elimination of LF will ensure that future generations are not infected and suffer from the disfiguring and disabling disease. However, it will be critical that the Malawi LF Elimination programme remains vigilant, focussing on post-elimination surveillance and MMDP implementation and integration into routine health systems to support long-term sustainability and ongoing success. Lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, is a disabling, disfiguring, and painful disease caused by a parasite that infected mosquitoes transmit to millions of people worldwide. Since 2000, the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) has supported endemic countries such as Malawi in south-eastern Africa, to eliminate the disease as a public health problem. The Malawi National LF Elimination Programme has worked tirelessly over the past two decades to implement the GPELF recommended strategies to interrupt the transmission with a two-drug regime, and to alleviate suffering in patients with lymphoedema and/or hydrocoele through morbidity management and disability prevention. Additionally, the LF Programme has collaborated with national and international stakeholders to implement a range of supplementary operational research projects to address outstanding knowledge gaps and programmatic barriers. In 2020, the World Health Organisation validated that Malawi had successfully eliminated LF as a public health problem, making it the second country in sub-Saharan Africa to achieve this, which is remarkable given that Malawi previously had very high infection rates. The LF Programme now remains vigilant, putting its efforts towards post-elimination surveillance and the continued implementation of care for patients with chronic conditions. Malawi's elimination of LF will ensure that future generations are not affected by this devastating disease.

A study to determine proportions of red cell phenotypes in the blood donors at a tertiary care blood center in Southern India

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The data on the incidence of antigens of various blood groups in the local donor population are of great utility in routine blood transfusion practices, especially in blood centers that handle patients with chronic or repeated transfusions. This study aimed to provide data regarding the frequency of various blood group antigens with their phenotypic expression in donors at a single center in Southern India and compare them with other ethnic groups/populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed from January 2019 to June 2022. The phenotyping for Rh antigens c, C, e, E, K, k, Lea, Leb, Lua, Lub, P1, Kpa, Kpb, Jka, JKb, M, N, S, s, Fya, and Fyb was done by system profile cards, namely, I, II, and III from DiaClon ID, Bio Rad Laboratories, Inc; USA. The phenotypic data were expressed as frequencies and percentages. RESULTS: A total number of 191 participants were included in the study. The Le (a− b+) was the most common phenotype in the Lewis blood group system, with a prevalence of 61% and 98% for Lu (a− b+). The prevalence of RhD negative donors was 6.3%. C, c, E, and e frequencies were 87%, 58%, 20%, and 98%, respectively. The prevalence of antigens M and N was 88.7% and 68.4%, whereas those of S and s were 54.8% and 91.6%. The prevalence of negativity for K antigen was about 97% and 96% for Kpa. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of various phenotypes for clinically significant antigen types in our study is similar to those described elsewhere in the country.

Assessment of microfilaremia in 'hotspots' of four lymphatic filariasis endemic districts of Nepal during post-MDA surveillance.

The lymphatic filariasis (LF) elimination program in all sixty-three endemic districts of Nepal was based on annual mass drug administration (MDA) using a combination of diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and albendazole for at least 5 years. The MDA program was started in the Parsa district of the Terai region and at least six rounds of MDA were completed between 2003 and 2017 in all filariasis endemic districts of Central Nepal. Transmission Assessment Survey (TAS) report indicated that circulating filarial antigen (CFA) prevalence was below the critical value i.e., ≤ 2% in selected LF endemic districts of Central Nepal. Based on the TAS report, antigen-positive cases were found clustered in the foci of those districts which were considered as "hotspots". Hence the present study was designed to assess microfilaremia in hotspots of four endemic districts of Central Nepal after the MDA program. The present study assessed microfilaremia in hotspots of four endemic districts i.e. Lalitpur and Dhading from the hilly region and Bara and Mahottari from the Terai region of Central Nepal. Night blood samples (n = 1722) were collected by finger prick method from the eligible sample population irrespective of age and sex. Community people's participation in the MDA program was ensured using a structured questionnaire and chronic clinical manifestation of LF was assessed using standard case definition. Two districts one each from the hilly region (Lalitpur district) and Terai region (Bara district) showed improved microfilaria (MF) prevalence i.e. below the critical level (<1%) while the other two districts are still over the critical level. There was a significantly high prevalence of MF in male (p = <0.05) and ≥41 years of age group (p = <0.05) community people in the hotspots of four endemic districts. People who participated in the previous rounds of the MDA program have significantly low MF prevalence. The upper confidence limit of MF prevalence in all hotspots of four districts was above the critical level (>1%). Chronic clinical manifestation of LF showed significant association with the older age group (≥41 years) but not with sex. The study revealed LF transmission improved in hotspots of two districts while continued in others but the risk of LF resurgence cannot be ignored since the upper confidence level of MF prevalence is over 1% in all the hotspots studied districts. High MF prevalence is well correlated with the number of MDA rounds but not with the MDA coverage. Community people involved in MDA drug uptake in any previous and last rounds have significantly less MF infection. Hence it is recommended that before deciding to stop the MDA rounds it is essential to conduct the MF survey at the hotspots of the sentinel sites.

Status Quo of Feline Leukaemia Virus Infection in Turkish Cats and Their Antigenic Prevalence

Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) is a member of the Gammaretrovirus genus, which has two genotypes in cats: endogenous (replication-defective provirus) and exogenous (replication-competent). In this study, 550 cats were examined, and 112 of them (20.36%) were found to have the endogenous FeLV (enFeLV) genotype. EnFeLV-positive animals were also tested for additional viral infections, and 48 cats (42.85%) were discovered to be co-infected with other viruses. According to co-infection data, these cats were infected with feline coronavirus (FCoV) (27/112, 24.1%), feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) (14/112, 12.5%), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) (0/112, 0%), and domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH) (13/112, 11.6%). Their age, sex, breed, clinical state, lifestyle (in/outdoor), and immunization data against FeLV were also evaluated. In line with our results, the prevalence of enFeLV and co-infection with other pathogens in cats admitted to the clinic for various reasons were discussed. The majority of positive animals in terms of FeLV (94/112, 83.93%) had clinical findings. We emphasized that the FeLV-positive situation of cats should be taken into consideration by veterinarians when planning treatment and vaccination programs. Additionally, in this study, we questioned the group in which our enFeLVs were phylogenetically located. Therefore, we performed a phylogenetic analysis based on a comparison with global FeLV sequences obtained from the GenBank database. The sequenced positive samples were in the AGTT subgroup within Group-II.