Total Infection Rate Research Articles

Epidemiological characteristics of five non-COVID respiratory viruses among 37,139 all-age patients during 2018 − 2023 in Weifang, China: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundCommon non-COVID respiratory viruses, such as influenza virus (IFVA/IFVB), parainfluenza virus (PIV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and adenovirus (ADV), often cause acute respiratory infections (ARIs). This study aimed to explore the epidemiological characteristics of these five viruses in patients with ARIs before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic from 2018 to 2023.MethodsA total of 37,139 serum specimens and epidemiological data from all-aged patients who presented with ARIs were collected from January 2018 to December 2023. The IgM antibodies of five non-COVID respiratory viruses were tested by an IgM kit with indirect immunofluorescent assay (lFA).Results12,806 specimens were screened as positive for any one of the targeted viruses, with an overall positivity rate of 34.48%. Among all age groups, the most prevalent respiratory viruses were PIV (21.30%) and influenza virus (17.30% of IFVB and 9.91% of IFVA). Children aged 1–14 years were most vulnerable to lower respiratory viruses, and children aged 4–6 years have the highest prevalence no matter the positivity rate for overall viruses (53.06%) or for each virus. From 2018 to 2023, the annual percentage change (APC) revealed that the prevalence of total viruses have a 13.53% rise (p < 0.05), which increased with statistically significant for all age groups. In addition, both the infection rate and the number of samples detected have decreased significantly in the “first-level response” stage of the COVID-19 pandemic and in the “first three months” after fully lifted. Compared to those in the previous five years, the total infection rate (44.64%) and infection rate (26.93%) of the older adults (> 60 years) were all the highest in 2023, and the number of samples collected in 2023 sharply increased, increasing by 77.10% compared to the average of the number of detected in 2018–2022.ConclusionsThe data from this study indicate that the epidemiological characteristics of five non-COVID respiratory viruses are vulnerability to the environment, age, sex, and epidemics status among AIR patients, and that the detected number and positivity rate of these viruses have increased in the “post-pandemic era”, which is critical for the late or retrospective diagnosis and can serve as a useful surveillance tool to inform local public policy in Weifang, China.

Laparoscopic-Assisted Peritoneal Access in Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Placement: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The most common treatment of hydrocephalus is ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting. Peritoneal access is commonly conducted through an open laparotomy, but laparoscopic peritoneal access is gaining popularity. Many studies have reported the benefits of minimally invasive laparoscopic peritoneal access, but there is no consensus on its use. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare open laparotomy vs laparoscopic peritoneal access in VP shunting. A systematic search was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines using 3 databases. Twelve studies included only adults, 3 included only pediatric patients, and 3 included both adults and pediatric patients. Compared with open laparotomy, laparoscopic peritoneal access was associated with a reduction in distal shunt failure (6.1% vs 2.2%, P = .01), operative time (69.4 vs 56.3 minutes, P < .001), and length of stay (LOS) (9.6 vs 7.3 days, P < .001). There were no differences in proximal shunt failure, total shunt failure, intraoperative complications, or infection rate. In the pediatric population, laparoscopic access was associated with a reduced LOS (7.8 vs 5.9 days, P < .001). Heterogeneity was high but explained by the varying study populations and techniques. Laparoscopic peritoneal access for VP shunt insertion is associated with improved outcomes, including reduced distal shunt failure, reduced operative time, and reduced hospital LOS, when compared with open laparotomy and should be considered for shunt insertion. Additional studies are necessary to further determine the benefit of laparoscopic access, especially in the pediatric population.

Investigation of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Yunnan Semi-fine Wool Sheep (Ovis aries) and wild Rodents in Yunnan, China.

Toxoplasma gondii, a globally distributed zoonotic obligate intracellular parasite, infects a wide array of mammals, including humans, sheep, and birds. As a unique sheep breed in southwestern China, Yunnan semi-fine wool sheep occupies an important position in animal husbandry in Zhaotong due to its strong adaptability, high reproductive rate, and excellent wool quality. Lambs infected with T. gondii are prone to neurological symptoms and growth retardation, while T. gondii infection in ewes can cause abortions, stillbirths, and deformities, thus affecting sheep reproduction and sheep product quality. Meanwhile, mutton and dairy products contaminated with T. gondii can become potential sources of human infection, potentially threatening public health and safety. To understand the T. gondii infection in semi-fine wool sheep in Zhaotong, Yunnan Province, 586 blood samples were collected and subjected to indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) for T. gondii antibodies, and the infection-related factors were analyzed through cross-sectional analysis. In the meantime, nested PCR was conducted on a total of 217 samples collected from 31 rodents caught in and around the sheep breeding ground to test the T. gondii B1 gene in rodent tissues. A total of 94 sera tested positive for T. gondii antibodies, with a total positive rate of 16.04% (94/586) (95% CI: 14.77-20.89). Cross-sectional statistical analysis on factors related to semi-fine wool sheep infection rate, including sampling season, sex, age, and weight, suggested that age (< 6 months: 23.81%; 6-12 months: 11.74%; > 12 months: 15.83%) was a significant factor explaining the infection rate differences (P = 0.003 < 0.05, χ2 = 11.62, df = 2). Thus, age was considered a key risk factor for T. gondii infection in this study (odds ratio, OR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.42-3.87). Nested PCR analysis on 217 (heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, brain, and muscle) tissues from the 31 rodents indicated that 11 tested positive. The total infection rate of rodents in and around the breeding ground was 35.48% (11/31), and 14 samples tested positive, with a positive infection rate of 6.45% (14/217). The T. gondii infection rates of semi-fine wool sheep and rodents from their breeding environment in Zhaotong, Yunnan Province, were high, necessitating enhanced prevention, control, and treatment measures to ensure the healthy breeding of semi-fine wool sheep and veterinary public health and safety.

Existence of Blastocystis infection in bar–headed goose (Anser indicus)

Blastocystis is a common intestinal protist in humans and animals. Currently, Blastocystis infection in bar-headed geese is unknown. To understand the prevalence and distribution of Blastocystis subtypes in bar–headed geese, fecal samples were collected from 358 bar–headed geese in three regions. The total infection rate of Blastocystis in bar–headed in China was 5.9% (21/358), with 5.0% (6/120) in Aba (Ngawa) Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefect, Sichuan province, 11.8% (14/119) in Maqu county, Gansu province, and 0.8% (1/119) in Caohai, Wei ning county, Guizhou province. The differences in prevalence rates by region were statistically significant. Sequences analyses showed that one known subtype (ST7, n = 16) and one potentially novel ST (n = 5) in bar–headed geese were detected in this study. This is the first report on the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis in bar–headed geese, which will improve our understanding of the epidemiology and public health implications of Blastocystis infection in wild migratory birds.

Spectrum detection and analysis of the epidemiological characteristics of infectious pathogens in the feline respiratory tract.

Our study was designed to investigate the original spectrum of feline respiratory tract infection and to provide a scientific basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of feline respiratory infections and for precise prevention and control measures. A total of 400 cats with upper respiratory tract infections from animal hospitals in 12 provinces in China were examined from November 2022 to October 2023 to investigate the epidemiology of feline calicivirus (FCV), feline herpes virus type 1 (FHV-1), influenza A virus (IAV), Mycoplasma felis, Chlamydia felis, and Bordetella bronchiseptica through loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) with microfluidic chip detection. The results showed that 396 of the 400 samples tested were positive for at least one of these pathogens, with an overall detection rate of 99.00%. The detection rates were as follows: FCV, 36.00% (144/400); M. felis, 34.00% (136/400); FHV-1, 21.50% (86/400); C. felis, 15.75% (63/400); B. b, 13.00% (52/400); IAV, 4.50% (18/400). There were no statistically significant differences in the detection rates of respiratory pathogens between different sexes, ages, seasons, breeds, or regions (P > 0.05). There were 88 mixed infections, giving a total mixed infection rate of 22.00% (88/400). It is worth noting that the detection rate of FCV at different ages and of FHV-1 in different sexes showed significant differences (P < 0.05). The highest rate of FCV infection was found in animals that were 1 to 2 years old, and the rate of FHV-1 infection in male cats was higher than that in female cats. The results showed that the spectrum of feline respiratory pathogens is complex, with diverse epidemiological characteristics and mixed infections, and some differences among different respiratory pathogens were found with regard to the sex, age, and breed of the cat. Studies should be continued to provide a scientific basis for precise prevention and control of feline respiratory diseases.

Vaccination and transportation intervention strategies for effective pandemic control

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the pivotal role of transportation-related controls and vaccination in mitigating widespread infections. However, the substantial costs associated with these interventions necessitate a nuanced equilibrium between control measures and infection risks. This study, driven by the recognition of spatial heterogeneities in mobility networks and epidemic vulnerability, presents an optimal control framework for two control measures—vaccine distribution and transportation restrictions—within a metapopulation structure. The overarching goal is to minimize the total costs derived from the implementation of control measures and health and opportunity loss from infection. Our findings highlight the effectiveness of transportation control and vaccine distribution in reducing both total costs and infection rates. Notably, the efficacy of these control measures exhibits regional variations, and the simultaneous implementation of both measures emerges as the most effective and economically viable strategy. The synergy effect between vaccine distribution and transportation restrictions is also a key observation in our simulations, showcasing their complementary roles in pandemic control. By considering the spatial nuances of mobility networks and infection vulnerability, this framework provides a flexible and region-specific strategy to optimize the allocation of resources for pandemic control, ultimately striking a balance between efficacy and economic feasibility.

Infection episodes and islet autoantibodies in children at increased risk for type 1 diabetes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

ObjectivesTo determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence rates of infection and islet autoimmunity in children at risk for type 1 diabetes.Methods1050 children aged 4 to 7 months with an elevated genetic risk for type 1 diabetes were recruited from Germany, Poland, Sweden, Belgium and the UK. Reported infection episodes and islet autoantibody development were monitored until age 40 months from February 2018 to February 2023.ResultsThe overall infection rate was 311 (95% Confidence Interval [CI], 304–318) per 100 person years. Infection rates differed by age, country, family history of type 1 diabetes, and period relative to the pandemic. Total infection rates were 321 per 100 person-years (95% CI 304–338) in the pre-pandemic period (until February 2020), 160 (95% CI 148–173) per 100 person-years in the first pandemic year (March 2020—February 2021; P < 0.001) and 337 (95% CI 315–363) per 100 person-years in subsequent years. Similar trends were observed for respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. Islet autoantibody incidence rates were 1.6 (95% CI 1.0–2.4) per 100 person-years in the pre-pandemic period, 1.2 (95% CI 0.8–1.9) per 100 person-years in the first pandemic year (P = 0.46), and 3.4 (95% CI 2.3–4.8) per 100 person-years in subsequent years (P = 0.005 vs. pre-pandemic year; P < 0.001 vs. first pandemic year).ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic was associated with significantly altered infection patterns. Islet autoantibody incidence rates increased two-fold when infection rates returned to pre-pandemic levels.

The prevalence and genotypes of Cryptosporidium spp. in bar-headed goose (Anser indicus) in China

Cryptosporidium spp. is an important foodborne and waterborne pathogen in humans and animals, causing diarrhoea in humans and respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases in birds. However, reports of Cryptosporidium infection in bar–headed goose are limited. To determine the infection rate and species/genotypes of Cryptosporidium in bar–headed goose in China, a total of 358 fecal samples were collected from 3 regions. Nested PCR was used to amplify Cryptosporidium SSU rRNA regions from the fecal extracted–DNA samples. The total infection rate of Cryptosporidium in bar–headed in China was 3.9 % (14/358), with 4.2 % (5/120) in Aba (Ngawa) Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefect, Sichuan province, 7.6 % (9/119) in Maqu county, Gansu province, and 0.0 % (0/119) in Caohai, Wei ning county, Guizhou province. The differences in prevalence rate by region were statistically significant. All positive samples were identified as Cryptosporidium goose genotype I (n = 14). This is the first systematic investigation of the epidemiological status and dominant species/genotypes of Cryptosporidium in bar–headed goose in China, thereby enhancing our understanding of the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium infection in wild migratory birds.

Survival, cumulative hospital days and infectious complications in urgent-start PD compared with urgent-start HD.

Urgent-start peritoneal dialysis (PD) carries a similar efficacy and safety profile compared to urgent-start haemodialysis (HD) but is only sparsely applied due to resource issues and concerns of complication risks. Furthermore, few data exist on adverse outcomes associated with central venous catheter (CVC) insertions in urgent-start HD patients. Thus, we sought to compare patient and dialysis-related outcomes in patients undergoing urgent-start PD or HD. All patients initiating urgent-start PD in a tertiary research hospital in 2005-2018 were included in this retrospective, single-centre, comparative study and matched with urgent-start HD patients of similar age and chronic kidney disease aetiology. All urgent-start PDs were initiated within 72 h after catheter insertion, and urgent-start HDs were performed via a CVC. All analyses were performed at 3 months and at 1 year of follow-up, respectively. Thirty-three patients who commenced urgent-start PD and 58 matched urgent-start HD control patients were included. Altogether, 26 patients (29%; PD: 36%, HD 24%) died within the 1-year follow-up, and patient survival was similar at 3 months (hazard ratio (HR): 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.35-3.81, p = 0.82) and at 1 year of follow-up (HR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.30-1.39, p = 0.26) between the study groups. There were no differences in the total kidney replacement therapy (KRT)-related infection rate (p = 0.66) or cumulative first-year hospital care days (p = 0.43) between the treatment groups. Altogether, 139 CVCs were inserted during the 1-year follow-up. The number of CVCs per patient was associated with the emergence of blood culture-positive bacteraemia and increased cumulative first-year hospital care days. Patient survival, cumulative first-year hospital care days and total KRT-related infection rate at 3 months and 1-year follow-up are similar between urgent-start PD and urgent-start HD patients. Furthermore, CVC insertion rate is associated with incident blood culture-positive bacteraemia and increased cumulative first-year hospital care days.

Impact of Surgeon Type on Total Ankle Arthroplasty Readmission, Complication, and Infection Rates

Introduction/Purpose: Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) remains an attractive surgical option to address end-stage ankle pathology in appropriately selected patients. When successful, TAA can yield high patient satisfaction and marked improvements in patient- reported outcomes. However, surgical complications can lead to significant clinical impairment. TAA can be performed by both orthopedic surgeons and non-orthopedic surgeons – however, no prior study has compared TAA outcomes based on surgeon type. Methods: Utilizing Medicare claims from 2016 to 2019, we retrospectively identified patients ≥65 years of age who underwent TAA based on CPT coding. Patients on Medicare HMO, under age 65, and dual-eligible patients were excluded. Within this dataset, provider type was identified, allowing for comparisons between orthopedic and nonorthopedic surgeons. We compared groups based on readmission, all-complication, and infection rates within 1-year of TAA using logistic regressions controlling for age, sex, race, and comorbidity. To help mitigate bias, we also performed a propensity matched model with the same variables. Data were reported as percentage point (PPT) differences (95% CI) between groups, with a positive number indicating higher rate of complications among patients treated by nonorthopedic surgeons. Results: During our timeframe, 8,244 Medicare patients underwent TAA – 6,928 performed by orthopedic surgeons and 1,316 performed by non-orthopedic surgeons. There were no differences between groups based on age, sex, or race. Readmission rates were similar between groups (p=0.058). TAA performed by non-orthopedic surgeons had higher all-complication rates (43.4% vs. 36.7%, p&lt; 0.001) and infection rates (8.9% vs. 4.7%, p&lt; 0.001) compared to nonorthopedic surgeons. These differences in all- complication risk in non-orthopedic surgeons were further seen in logistic regression analyses (5.8 ppt (95% CI: 2.3, 9.4), p&lt; 0.001) and propensity matched analyses (5.6 ppt (95% CI: 2.1, 9.2), p&lt; 0.001). Group-differences were also revealed in infection risk through logistic regression analyses (3.9 ppt (95% CI: 2.0, 5.9), p&lt; 0.001) and propensity matched analyses (3.8 ppt (95% CI: 1.8, 5.8), p&lt; 0.001). Conclusion: TAA performed by non-orthopedic surgeons had greater all-complication and infection rates as compared to TAA done by orthopedic surgeons. Analyses of complications between orthopedic surgeons and non-orthopedic surgeons performing total ankle arthroplasty

Evaluation of Iron Metabolism in a Sample of Children Infected with Pinworm Disease in Anbar Province/ Iraq

Pinworm Enterobius vermicularis is a common parasitic worm that infects humans, and its disease is widespread around the world, especially among children. Its infection occurs in areas with poor health and environmental conditions that lack personal hygiene. The study was conducted to determine pinworm infection prevalence in the several areas of Anbar Governorate and the status of some physiological indicators associated with it. The entire children attending Fallujah Teaching Hospital ages between 4 and 15 years were part of the study, and the study period included November 2022 to November 2023. The total samples comprised 1350 samples from various locations in Anbar Governorate. The infection was diagnosed in this study by direct microscopic examinations with a Logul-iodine-stained swab, and egg concentration methods, namely flotation with salt and zinc sulphate, and ana adhesive tape method. Physiological tests i.e. iron levels, ferironportin, and iron transporters. Analysis of the study yielded a total pinworm infection rate of 6.28% of all samples. The blood test results showed a marked reduction in hemoglobin level and an increment in eosinophils count in the infected group compared to the healthy controls. Concomitantly, total iron, ferroportin, and diaphoretic transporter levels decreased in the infected group providing an association between infection with the parasite and anemia.

Prevalence Study of the Intestinal Protozoal Parasitic Infections Rates at Babylon and Kerbala Cities

Intestinal protozoa are parasites transmitted by the consumption of contaminated water and food and mainly affect children and older people and cause considerable health problems. They are leading to causes of outpatient morbidity in developing countries due to diarrhea. The aim of this study was invetigation the prévalence of Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia parasites at Kerbala and Babylon cities in 2022. The research was conducted during the period starting from 1/1/2021 until 31/12/2021 in the provinces of Babylon and Kerbala. The Imam Al-Sadiq Hospital in Babylon and the AlHusseini Hospital in Karbala were taken. Data were collected in both hospitals to detect the spread of the disease (E.histolytica) and they were taken. Considering the percentage of injuries for age groups and gender of the injured during the months of the year. Results of this study showed that rates of intestinal parasitic infections at the Hospitals of Babylon City at Imam Sadiq Hospital, while the total infection rates was 6.58% While the total infection rate with the same parasite at Al-Hashimiya Hospital was 29%. At Hospitals of Kerbala city, the total infection rate at Al-Hussein Hospital was 21.37% While the rate of infected people at Al-Husseiniya Hospital was 26.4% The results of infection rates with Giardia lamblia in the current study showed the following:- At hospitals of Babylon city the total infection rate was 14.3% When it reached Imam Sadiq Hospital, the infection rate was 1.72% While the rate of infection in Al-Hashimiya Hospital was: 1.69% At hospitals of Kerbala city the infection rate was in Al-Hussein Hospital 1.83% While the rate of infected people was at Al-Husseiniya Hospital 2.21% The total infection rate was .4..% as the infection rate was in Al-Hussein Hospital 1.83%, while the infection rate in Al-Husseiniyah Hospital was 2.21%.&#x0D;

Surveillance of Infections and Antibiotic Use in 21 Nursing Home Wards during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Assessment.

Residents in nursing homes are fragile and at high risk of serious illness or death from healthcare-associated infections. The COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant risk of suffering and mortality for residents of nursing homes. Surveillance of infections is essential for infection prevention and is missing in many countries. The aim of this study is to explore infection rates and antibiotic use in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data collection was conducted from February to September 2021. Each week, healthcare workers at 21 nursing home wards answered a questionnaire on infections, antibiotic use, deaths, and hospital admissions related to infections. A total of 495 infections were reported, and 97.6% were treated with antibiotics. The total infection rate was 5.37 per 1000 bed days, and there were reported 53 hospital admissions and 11 deaths related to or caused by infections. The infection rate and high use of antibiotics found in this study indicated that it is difficult to treat infections in residents in nursing homes and make it difficult to achieve the global goal of reducing infections and antibiotic resistance rates. This emphasizes the need for stricter infection control programs to reduce antibiotic use and patient suffering.

Role of ixodid ticks in tick-borne pathogen spread and circulation in the Belarusian Lakeland

Results of ixodid tick analysis for their ecological, epizootological and epidemiological significance for tick-borne pathogen spread across the Belarusian Lakeland are presented. The ticks were collected in publicly accessible areas of the Vitebsk Raion in April – November 2022: 8 routes were tracked, 18 flag-km were passed, 529 tick specimens were collected, including 350 imago ticks and 179 nymph ticks. The ixodid tick genus and species were determined using N. A. Filippova’s ixodid tick determinator. All caught ticks were tested for Borrelia spp., Anaplasma spp. (Ehrlichia spp.), Babesia spp. and Tick-borne encephalitis virus genetic materials with real-time polymerase chain reaction using the reagent kit for nucleic acid extraction from environmental samples in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruc­tions. The specimens were grouped in accordance with the MG 3.1.1027-01 “Collection, recording and preparation for laboratory tests of blood-sucking arthropods being vectors of natural focal infections”; therewith, one specimen includes only one tick. Differences in the numbers of ixodid ticks and the occurrence of genetic markers of tick-borne pathogens in them were found to be associated with ecological characteristics of the examined territories. The following epidemically and epizootically significant ticks contributing to transmissible infection and invasion spread were found in the Belarusian Lakeland: ticks of Ixodes and Dermacentor genera; their frequency index was 70.1 and 29.9%, respectively. Tick-transmitted pathogen prevalence rate in the examined territories of the Vitebsk Raion was as follows: 61.7% for Borrelia spp., 25.8% for Anaplasma spp. (Ehrlichia spp.) and 25% for Babesia spp., mixed infections were found in 10.8% of the ticks. No tick-borne encephalitis virus genetic materials were found in the specimens. Total infection rate for ixodid ticks was 22.7%.

Nematode fauna of fish in Armenia

The purpose of the research is to study the species composition of nematodes dwelling in fish in natural reservoirs and on artificial pond fish farms in Armenia.Materials and methods. The studies were performed at the Research Center for Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary and Sanitary Expertise of the Armenian National Agrarian University and at the Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology of the Scientific Center of Zoology and Hydroecology from March 2020 to December 2022. Traditional ichthyo-parasitological methods were used to study 246 fish of 10 species from fish farms in the Ararat and Armavir Regions, from Lake Sevan and the Sevjur, Hrazdan, Marmarik, Akhuryan and Debed Rivers, as well as the Yerevan, Aparan and Akhuryan reservoirs. The study results were statistically processed (descriptive statistics) using the BioStat software.Results and discussion. The fish were found to have four types of nematodes: Contracaecum microcephalum Rudolphi, 1819, Philometroides sanguineus Rudolphi, 1819, Rhabdochona fortunatowi Dinnik, 1933 and Cystidicola farionis Fischer, 1798. Parasites were found in the body, on the serosa, in the air bladder walls, the intestinal lumen and the caudal fin thickness. The total nematode infection rate in fish was 9.76%. The nematode infection rate in fish was characterized by low values of prevalence and intensity other than the infection by the species Rh. fortunatowi (up to 24 specimens per fish). Among the found nematodes, the species C. microcephalum posed a potential threat to human health.

Brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) as potential reservoirs of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Heilongjiang Province, China: high prevalence, genetic heterogeneity, and potential risk for zoonotic transmission.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi, an obligatory intracellular fungus, is prevalent among animals and humans. Due to their close interaction with humans and their extensive regional distribution, brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) are important pathogen reservoirs. To assess the zoonotic transmission potential of E. bieneusi, a molecular investigation was conducted on 817 R. norvegicus from four cities in Heilongjiang Province, China. A total of 817 R. norvegicus were collected from four cities in Heilongjiang Province, China. The genotyping of E. bieneusi was conducted through PCR amplification of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA)'s internal transcribed spacer (ITS) segments. Phylogenetic and similarity analyses were used to examine zoonotic potential and genetic characteristics of the E. bieneusi-positive specimens. Among the 817 R. norvegicus, the total infection rate was 33.3% (272/817). Seventy-five genotypes were identified, including 14 known genotypes D (n = 167), A (n = 15), HLJ-CP1 (n = 12), WR8 (n = 6), EbpC (n = 2), BEB6 (n = 1), CS-4 (n = 1), CHPM1 (n = 1), Henan-II (n = 1), HNH-22 (n = 1), HNH-25 (n = 1), I (n = 1), JLD-XI (n = 1), SDD5 (n = 1), and 61 novel genotypes designated as SHWR1 (n = 10), SYSWR1 (n = 2), and SHWR2 to SHWR17, SYSWR2 to SYSWR36 and QTHWR1 to QTHWR8 (n = 1, each). Moreover, 10 samples exhibited mixed genotype infections, including D + A (n = 3), D + EbpC (n = 1), D + HLJ-CP1 (n = 1), D + SHWR1 (n = 1), D + SHWR16 (n = 1), D + SHWR17 (n = 1), SDD5 + WR8 (n = 1), and CS-4 + SYSWR36 (n = 1). Phylogenetic analysis grouped the genotypes into three main groups: group 1 (n = 67), group 2 (n = 5), and group 9 (n = 3). The high prevalence and genetic diversity of E. bieneusi in Heilongjiang Province's R. norvegicus imply that these animals spread the pathogen. The R. norvegicus that E. bieneusi carries can spread zoonotic disease, making it a serious hazard to the local human population. Therefore, it is imperative to raise awareness about the dangers posed by R. norvegicus and implement measures to reduce their population to prevent environmental contamination.

Optimal ordering strategy and budget allocation for the Covid-19 vaccination planning

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the most important thing was to control the overall infection rate. To achieve this goal, social managers can choose to use vaccines with different production cycles and therapeutic effects for epidemic prevention and control under financial budget constraints. In this paper we adopt a two-tier queueing system with reneging to characterize the operation management of COVID-19 vaccine ordering and vaccination, in which a higher–efficacy vaccine queue (HQ) and a lower-efficacy vaccine queue (LQ) are employed to account for two types of vaccines service. In light of this framework, a recursive formula is proposed for deriving the infection rates of residents in both HQ and LQ. Social managers can achieve the lowest total infection rate by selecting appropriate vaccine ordering strategies under fixed service capacity, or by allocating financial budgets reasonably under the investment cost regime. Accordingly, we obtain the socially optimal vaccine ordering strategies and financial budget allocation. Finally, we analyze the sensitivity of various parameters to relevant optimal strategies and discover that utilizing a mixed ordering strategy is socially optimal in most circumstances. However, in some extreme cases, ordering a single type of vaccine (higher- or lower-efficacy) may also result in the lowest societal infection rate.

Investigação e estudo genotípico sobre a infecção de camundongos selvagens Blastocystis sp. em Guangdong e Chongqing

ABSTRACT Blastocystis are common digestive tract parasites in humans and animals, extensively parasitic in humans and other primates. They exhibit extensive genetic diversity; Currently, 17 subtypes (STs) and some populations called non mammalian and avian STs (NMASTs) have been proposed. To understand the infection status and genotype distribution of Blastocystis sp. in wild mouse, this study used PCR technology to study the fecal DNA samples of 111 Leopoldomys edwardsi and 117 Berylmys bowersi collected from Guangdong and Chongqing. Among 228 fecal samples, 4 samples were positive for Blastocystis sp., with a total infection rate of 1.8% (4/228). Four positive samples formed two subtypes of ST3 and ST4, all of which were zoonotic genotypes. This article aims to investigate the infection status and genotype distribution of wild mouse Blastocystis sp., which will help reduce the infection of this pathogen to animals and thereby reduce their risk of zoonotic transmission.

A Survey of Ecto-Parasites in Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Nile Tilapia) in Zobe Reservoir, Katsina State

This study examined the occurrence and severity of ectoparasitic infestations in Oreochromis niloticus (Nile Tilapia) sourced from Zobe Artificial Lake in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State. A total of 108 Nile tilapia specimens were collected from Zobe Reservoir in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina, Nigeria at bi-weekly intervals during the period from July- September; 2023 for the discovery of ectoparasites and subjected to thorough parasitological examination. Experimental samples was range between 10.0-15.0cm fry, 16.1-20.0cm fingerlings, 21.0-25.0cm adults. Among the examined male Nile tilapia, 40 (45.45%) were found to be infected with ecto-parasites, while a higher infection rate of 75.00% was observed among the females. Overall infection of 55 (50.92%) was recorded in this study. Among the examined individuals, 21 (46.67%) were infected with Trichodina spp on the skin. Trichodina spp also infected 8 individuals (17.78%) in the gills. No individuals were infected with Gyrodactylus spp on the skin. Gyrodactylus spp infected 16 individuals (35.55%) in the gills. An overall infection rate, the total infection rate on the skin is 46.67%. While the total infection rate in the gills is 53.33%. The outcomes of this survey serve up as a reference point for upcoming research, offering valuable information for fisheries management and the sustainable conservation of aquatic ecosystems in Zobe Reservoir. High prevalence of ectoparasites was recorded in this study. There is need for proper handling of Nile tilapia from Zobe Reservoir before consumption.

Prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia infection among patients attending Heet Hospital in Al-Anbar, Iraq

This study was designed to estimate the spread of Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia and study the age, sex and months effect in the infection rate. 398 stool samples (215 males and 183 females) were collected from both children and adults attending to Heet General Hospital, and some of private laboratories affiliated to Heet. The total infection rate was 64.3%. Entamoeba histolytica infection rate was higher (56.7%) than Giardia lamblia infection (7.5%). Regarding the seasonal effect on the infection rate, E. histolytica highest rate was observed in August (14.6%) and the lower rate was in September (9%). And the age related infections appear to be mostly in ages older than 35 years significantly (26.63%) followed by ages younger than 15 years (16.83%). In comparison, the infection could be considered non gender specific with a shallow elevation in males (29.4%) over the rate in females (27.3%). Regarding Giardia lamblia, the prevalence was considered significantly lower. The seasonal related infection considered much greater in May and June (2%) compared to July, August, September (125%,1.25%,1%) respectively. With convergent rate of infection retention among different ages or between females (3.2%) and males (4.3%).