Tropical Diseases Research Articles

Serological diagnosis of soil-transmitted helminth (Ascaris, Trichuris and hookworm) infections: A scoping review.

The World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of integrated monitoring and evaluation in neglected tropical disease (NTD) control programs. Serological assays offer a potential solution for integrated diagnosis of NTDs, particularly for those requiring mass drug administration (MDA) as primary control and elimination strategy. This scoping review aims (i) to provide an overview of assays using serum or plasma to detect infections with soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) in both humans and animals, (ii) to examine the methodologies used in this research field and (iii) to discuss advancements in serological diagnosis of STHs to guide prevention and control programs in veterinary and human medicine. We conducted a systematic search in the Ovid MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library databases, supplemented by a Google search using predefined keywords to identify commercially available serological assays. Additionally, we performed a patent search through Espacenet. We identified 85 relevant literature records spanning over 50 years, with a notable increased interest in serological assay development in recent years. Most of the research efforts concentrated on diagnosing Ascaris infections in both humans and pigs, primarily using ELISA and western blot technologies. Almost all records targeted antibodies as analytes, employing proteins and peptides as analyte detection agents. Approximately 60% of sample sets described pertained to human samples. No commercially available tests for Trichuris or hookworms were identified, while for Ascaris, there are at least seven different ELISAs on the market. While a substantial number of assays are employed in epidemiological research, the current state of serological diagnosis for guiding STH prevention and control programs is limited. Only two assays designed for pigs are used to inform efficient deworming practices in pig populations. Regarding human diagnosis, none of the existing assays has undergone extensive large-scale validation or integration into routine diagnostics for MDA programs.

ABC transporter inhibition by beauvericin partially overcomes drug resistance in Leishmania tropica.

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease infecting the world's poorest populations. Miltefosine (ML) remains the primary oral drug against the cutaneous form of leishmaniasis. The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are key players in the xenobiotic efflux, and their inhibition could enhance the therapeutic index. In this study, the ability of beauvericin (BEA) to overcome ABC transporter-mediated resistance of Leishmania tropica to ML was assessed. In addition, the transcription profile of genes involved in resistance acquisition to ML was inspected. Finally, we explored the efflux mechanism of the drug and inhibitor. The efficacy of ML against all developmental stages of L. tropica in the presence or absence of BEA was evaluated using an absolute quantification assay. The expression of resistance genes was evaluated, comparing susceptible and resistant strains. Finally, the mechanisms governing the interaction between the ABC transporter and its ligands were elucidated using molecular docking and dynamic simulation. Relative quantification showed that the expression of the ABCG sub-family is mostly modulated by ML. In this study, we used BEA to impede resistance of Leishmania tropica. The IC50 values, following BEA treatment, were significantly reduced from 30.83, 48.17, and 16.83 µM using ML to 8.14, 11.1, and 7.18 µM when using a combinatorial treatment (ML + BEA) against promastigotes, axenic amastigotes, and intracellular amastigotes, respectively. We also demonstrated a favorable BEA-binding enthalpy to L. tropica ABC transporter compared to ML. Our study revealed that BEA partially reverses the resistance development of L. tropica to ML by blocking the alternate ATP hydrolysis cycle.

Neutrophil extracellular traps formation: effect of Leishmania major promastigotes and salivary gland homogenates of Phlebotomus papatasi in human neutrophil culture.

Leishmaniasis as a neglected tropical disease (NTD) is caused by the inoculation of Leishmania parasites via the bite of phlebotomine sand flies. After an infected bite, a series of innate and adaptive immune responses occurs, among which neutrophils can be mentioned as the initiators. Among the multiple functions of these fighting cells, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) were studied in the presence of Leishmania major promastigotes and salivary gland homogenates (SGH) of Phlebotomus papatasi alone, and in combination to mimic natural conditions of transmission. The effect of L. major and SGH on NETs formation was studied in three different groups: neutrophils + SGH (NS), neutrophils + L. major (NL), neutrophils + L. major + SGH (NLS) along with negative and positive controls in 2, 4 and 6h post-incubation. Different microscopic methods were used to visualize NETs comprising: fluorescence microscopy by Acridine Orange/ Ethidium Bromide staining, optical microscopy by Giemsa staining and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the expression level of three different genes NE, MPO and MMP9 was evaluated by Real-Time PCR. All three microscopical methods revealed similar results, as in NS group, chromatin extrusion as a sign of NETosis, was not very evident in each three time points; but, in NL and especially NLS group, more NETosis was observed and the interaction between neutrophils and promastigotes in NL and also with saliva in NLS group, gradually increased over times. Real-time reveals that, the expression of MPO, NE and MMP9 genes increased during 2 and 4h after exposure, and then decreased at 6h in most groups. Hence, it was determined that the simultaneous presence of parasite and saliva in NLS group has a greater impact on the formation of NETs compared to NL and NS groups.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Tropical Diseases among Nursing Students: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to compare bachelor nursing students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding tropical diseases. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 128 participants who were recruited using stratified random sampling and completed a sociodemographics questionnaire and KAP questionnaire concerning tropical diseases. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data, and inferential statistics, including one-way analysis of variance and Mann-Whitney U tests, were calculated to identify potential differences between variables. The study found nursing students who took the tropical nursing courses had better knowledge and attitudes regarding preventing tropical diseases than those who did not. Participants who took the tropical nursing courses had a significantly higher median knowledge score of 22 with an interquartile range (IQR) of 2 (P <0.001) and a median attitude score of 31 (IQR: 6, P = 0.02) compared with those who did not take it. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in practice regarding tropical diseases (P = 0.20). In conclusion, students who take tropical nursing courses may improve their knowledge and attitudes toward tropical diseases, but the two groups in this study did not significantly differ in practice, possibly because of self-reported practices rather than direct observation. This study highlights the potential of accurate digital information to provide credible resources in enhancing nursing students' KAP concerning tropical diseases.

Induced Burkholderia prophages detected from the hemoculture: a biomarker for Burkholderia pseudomallei infection.

Bacteriophages (phages), viruses that infect bacteria, are found in abundance not only in the environment but also in the human body. The use of phages for the diagnosis of melioidosis, a tropical infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is emerging as a promising novel approach, but our understanding of conditions under which Burkholderia prophages can be induced remains limited. Here, we first demonstrated the isolation of Burkholderia phages from the hemocultures of melioidosis patients. The B. pseudomallei-positive hemoculture bottles were filtered to remove bacteria, and then phages were isolated and purified by spot and double agar overlay plaque assays. Forty blood samples (hemoculture-confirmed melioidosis) were tested, and phages were found in 30% of the samples. Transmission electron microscopy and genome analysis of the isolated phages, vB_HM387 and vB_HM795, showed that both phages are Myoviruses. These two phages were stable at a pH of 5-7 and temperatures of 25-37°C, suggesting their ability to survive in human blood. The genome sizes of vB_HM387 and vB_HM795 are 36.3 and 44.0 kb, respectively. A phylogenetic analysis indicated that vB_HM387 has homologs, but vB_HM795 is a novel Myovirus, suggesting the heterogeneity of Burkholderia phages in melioidosis patients. The key finding that Burkholderia phages could be isolated from the blood of melioidosis patients highlights the potential application of phage-based assays by detecting phages in blood as a pathogen-derived biomarker of infection.

Cross Talk between MicroRNAs and Dengue Virus.

Dengue fever (DF) is an endemic infectious tropical disease and is rapidly becoming a global problem. Dengue fever is caused by one of the four dengue virus (DENV) serotypes and is spread by the female Aedes mosquito. Clinical manifestations of DF may range from asymptomatic to life-threatening severe illness with conditions of hemorrhagic fever and shock. Early and precise diagnosis is vital to avoid mortality from DF. A different approach is required to combat DF because of the challenges with the vaccines currently available, which are nonspecific; each is capable of causing cross-reaction and disease-enhancing antibody responses against the residual serotypes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known to be implicated in DENV infection and are postulated to be involved in most of the host responses. Thus, they might be a suitable target for new strategies against the disease. The involvement of miRNAs in cellular activities and pathways during viral infections has been explored under numerous conditions. Interestingly, miRNAs have also been shown to be involved in viral replication. In this review, we summarize the role of known miRNAs, specifically the role of miRNA Let-7c (miR-Let-7c), miR-133a, miR-30e, and miR-146a, in the regulation of DENV replication and their possible effects on the initial immune reaction.

A scoping review of triatomine control for Chagas disease prevention: current and developing tools in Latin America and the United States.

Chagas disease is an infectious disease of human and animal health concern, with 6-8 million chronic human infections and over 50,000 deaths throughout the Americas annually. Hematophagous insects of the subfamily Triatominae, also called kissing bugs, vector the protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi Chagas (Trypanosomatida: Trypanosomatidae),that causes Chagas disease. Despite the large human health burden, Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease with inadequate funding for research and preventive practices. Given the resource-poor environment of most agencies trying to protect public health, it is critical to consider all control options for reducing vector populations and the risk of human exposure to T. cruzi to identify the most appropriate tools for each context. While numerous triatomine control methods exist, the literature lacks a compilation of the strategies used, a critical examination of their efficiency, and a particular focus on triatomine control in the United States compared to elsewhere in the Americas. Here, we present a review of the literature to assess historical intervention strategies of existing and developing triatomine control methods. For each method, we discuss progress in the field, future research to further advance the method, and limitations. While we found that pyrethroid insecticide is still the most commonly used method of triatomine and Chagas disease control, we suggest that complementing these techniques with alternative control methods in development will help to achieve Chagas disease reduction goals.

[Promoting implementation research and One Health approach to respond the four global health challenges: an interpretation of the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) Strategy 2024-2029].

Tropical diseases, notably neglected tropical diseases and infectious diseases of poverty, remain major health problems endangering the poorest and most-marginalized people in the world. The Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), which is co-sponsored by the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank, is an important programme that helps facilitate, support, guide and coordinate global efforts to combat tropical diseases. On July 2023, TDR formally issued its 2024-2029 strategy, which proposed the direction and proprieties of global tropical disease prevention and control in the next six years. Based on its original focus on supporting researchers and research institutions from low and middle-income countries to conduct research on tropical diseases and building their research capabilities, this strategy proposed some new developments, which mainly included incorporating tropical disease prevention and control into the overall framework of addressing major global health challenges and achieving the health goals set by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to combat tropical diseases and contribute to achieving health goals of SDGs in a collaborative and integrated manner; supporting implementation research and encouraging practitioners and social innovators to participate in research to enable generation of solutions that may be used to solve local health problems; promoting and encouraging the One Health concept and interdisciplinary and cross-departmental collaboration; shifting gradually its focus from disease prevention and control to addressing the health needs of the poorest and most-marginalized populations. These new developments deserve the attention of personnel and institutions in China dedicated to the prevention and control of tropical diseases in order to help their future researches and activities.

Hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance among people living with hepatitis B in Senegal (SEN-B): insights from a prospective cohort study

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the predominant cause of hepatocellular carcinoma in west Africa, yet data on the incidence of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma remain scarce. We aimed to describe the uptake and early outcomes of systematic ultrasound-based hepatocellular carcinoma screening in SEN-B, which is a prospective HBV cohort in Senegal. In this prospective cohort study, we included treatment-naive, HBsAg-positive individuals who were referred to the two infectious diseases clinics (the Department of Tropical and Infectious Diseases and Ambulatory Treatment Center) at Fann University Hospital of Dakar, Senegal, between Oct 1, 2019, and Oct 31, 2022. All participants resided within the Dakar region. Participants underwent abdominal ultrasound, transient elastography, and clinical and virological assessments at inclusion and every 6 months. Liver lesions at least 1 cm in diameter on ultrasound were assessed using four-phase CT, MRI, or liver biopsy. Adherence to hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance was measured using the proportion of time covered, calculated by dividing the cumulative months covered by abdominal ultrasound examinations by the overall follow-up time, defined as the number of months from the date of cohort entry until the last recorded visit, hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis, or death. Optimal adherence was defined as a proportion of time covered of 100%. Overall, 755 (99·6%) of 758 participants had at least one abdominal ultrasound performed. The median age of the enrolled participants was 31 years (IQR 25-39), 355 (47·0%) of 755 participants were women, and 82 (10·9%) had a family history of hepatocellular carcinoma. 15 (2·0%) of 755 individuals were HBeAg positive, 206 (27·3%) of 755 individuals had HBV DNA of more than 2000 IU/mL, and 27 (3·6%) of 755 had elastography-defined liver cirrhosis. Of ten (1·3%) participants with a focal lesion at least 1 cm at initial assessment, CT or MRI ruled out hepatocellular carcinoma in nine, whereas imaging and subsequent liver biopsy confirmed one patient with hepatocellular carcinoma. Two further patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were diagnosed at study presentation due to the presence of portal thrombosis on ultrasound. Excluding the three participants with hepatocellular carcinoma identified at baseline, 752 participants were eligible for screening every 6 months. Median follow-up time was 12 months (IQR 6-18) and the median number of ultrasounds per patient was 3 (2-4). During 809·5 person-years of follow-up, one incident hepatocellular carcinoma was reported, resulting in an incidence rate of 1·24 cases per 1000 person-years (95% CI 0·18-8·80). Overall, 702 (93·0%) of 755 participants showed optimal hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance, but this proportion decreased to 77·8% (42 of 54 participants) after 24 months. Hepatocellular carcinoma screening is feasible in HBV research cohorts in west Africa, but its longer-term acceptability needs to be evaluated. Long-term hepatocellular carcinoma incidence data are crucial for shaping tailored screening recommendations. Swiss National Science Foundation, the Swiss Cancer Research Foundation, the National Cancer Institute, and Roche Diagnostics. For the French translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

IJCM_284A: A Community based Cross-sectional study to assess the foot care practice and its associated factors among Lymphatic Filariasis patients in rural areas of Chengalpattu district, 2023.

Background: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical diseases, in which India has 40% of the world’s burden. LF patients suffering from disability, social stigma and severe morbidity remains as a significant public health concern. Patients to avoid acute attacks of lymphadenitis and to alleviate lymphoedema progression should have meticulous foot care practices. Objectives: 1. To assess the foot care practices and its associated factors among lymphatic filariasis patients in rural areas of Chengalpattu. 2. To determine the association between sociodemographic characteristics and clinical foot care practice among lymphatic filariasis patients in rural areas of Chengalpattu. Methodology: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in rural area of Chengalpattu by multi-stage random sampling method among 185 participants with lymphedema using a semi-structured questionnaire for regular foot care by interview. Data was collected by Epi-collect 5 software and analyzed using SPSS v 16. Results: Among 190 participants - 50.5% were above 60 years, 63.2% were females, 59.4% had education up to middle school, 56.8% were unemployed, 70% were from upper lower class and below. 68.4% (95% CI: 61.3-75) had good practice on foot care based on 8 recommended foot care measures. A significant association was found between good foot care practices and those above upper lower socioeconomic class [OR=3.9(1.71-8.90)], with chronic illness [OR=1.9(1.01-3.71)], with water supply at home [OR=3.64(1.23-10.7)], experiencing acute lymphadenitis attack [OR=0.345(0.14-0.82)], patient worn foot wear regularly [OR=3.51(1.26-9.74)], wearing shoes and slippers [OR=0.134(0.35- 0.51)], patient seeking OP services for filariasis regularly [OR=3.18(1.56- 6.47)] had health education[OR=3.31(1.36-8.08)] and attended training programme [OR=2.86(1.50-5.45)]. Conclusion: Study indicated that people living with lymphoedema in rural areas of Chengalpattu district had good foot care practices. But more than one fourth of people had bad foot care practice, which can be improved by strengthening the patient follow-up, health education, training programme for patients and health care workers on foot care practice and morbidity management.

A One Health approach toward the control and elimination of soil-transmitted helminthic infections in endemic areas

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) pose significant health challenges, particularly in developing countries. Over 2 billion people are estimated to have been infected with at least one STH species. These parasites rely on the soil for part of their life cycle and are transmitted to humans through ova ingestion or skin penetration. Key risk factors include poor water, sanitation, hygiene practices, limited healthcare access, and poverty. Globally, STHs are primarily controlled through chemo-preventive deworming of high-risk groups in moderate (where prevalence of STHs is between 20 % and 50 %) to highly endemic areas (prevalence >50 %). Despite the use of deworming to control the STHs in endemic areas, infections still occur. The aim of this article is to explore the potential for enhancing STH control and elimination as Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in endemic areas through an integrated approach—the One Health approach. The current control program has a single strategy of chemoprophylaxis; in the integrated approach to control of STHs, the parasite control strategies besides being based on the epidemiology of the parasite (endemicity), also include strategies based on the biology (transmission cycle) of the parasites and human behavior patterns in endemic areas. Through the involvement of local communities, healthcare authorities, and stakeholders, participatory approaches foster collaborative efforts to devise and implement control measures. By integrating this integrated approach into existing healthcare and educational initiatives, more effective results can be achieved. The promotion of health education, clean water access, improved sanitation, and hygiene awareness can further enhance control strategies and reduce STH prevalence sustainably. Here, we highlight the benefits of adopting an integrated (One Health) approach to tackle STHs in endemic areas. Through community empowerment and multi-sectorial collaboration, we can strengthen our collective efforts to combat STHs and alleviate the burden of these NTDs.

Public health relevance of medicines developed under paediatric legislation in Europe and the USA: a systematic mapping study

BackgroundLegislation in the European Union (EU) and the USA promoting the development of paediatric medicines has contributed to new treatments for children. This study explores how such legislation responds to...

Public health surveillance through community health workers: a scoping review of evidence from 25 low-income and middle-income countries

BackgroundThe last 3 years have witnessed global health challenges, ranging from the pandemics of COVID-19 and mpox (monkeypox) to the Ebola epidemic in Uganda. Public health surveillance is critical for...

Zero Leprosy Strategic Plans: Global and National Level: A Short Communication

Since the launch of multidrug therapy in 1982, the global leprosy situation has undergone significant changes, with the prevalence falling from over 5 million cases in the mid-1980s to &lt;200,000 by the end of 2016. In India, the program reduced the prevalence rate from 57.8/10,000 in 1983 to &lt;1/10,000 by the end of 2005, marking the achievement of the World Health Organizations (WHOs) target of eliminating leprosy as a public health issue. The WHO has recently introduced a new global leprosy plan called “Towards Zero Leprosy” as part of the disease-specific strategies outlined in the WHO's roadmap for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) 2021–2030. This strategy aims to achieve interruption of leprosy transmission by 2030 and provides a framework for direction, objectives, challenges, and strategic pillars at a global level. In India, a committee of over 80 experts in the field of leprosy developed the National Strategic Plan and Roadmap for Leprosy 2023–2027, which was published on January 30, 2023. This policy is aligned with the WHO's NTDs roadmap 2021–2030 and the Global Leprosy Strategy 2021–2030, both of which aim to interrupt leprosy transmission by 2030. In this article, we have discussed the strategic plans of both the National leprosy eradication programme (NLEP) and the WHO.

The Association between Gender, Personal Hygiene Indicators, and Occupancy Density with the Incidence of Pediculosis Capitis at Madrasah Tsanawiyah Pondok Pesantren (Ponpes) Nurus Sunnah Semarang

Background: Pediculosis capitis is one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) caused by Pediculus humanus capitis, an obligate ectoparasite that lives parasitically on human skin. This disease is most common in women, in people with poor personal hygiene, and in densely populated areas. Boarding schools are densely populated and pose a risk for transmission of pediculosis capitis due to the many interactions among residents. Purpose: This study aims to investigate the association between gender, personal hygiene indicators, and occupancy density with the incidence of pediculosis capitis at Madrasah Tsanawiyah Pondok Pesantren Nurus Sunnah Semarang. Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, all the junior high school students at Ponpes Nurus Sunnah were included in a total of 49 subjects. The data were collected by filling out questionnaires, doing a direct examination of the hair, and counting the measurements of the room area. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 23.0 for Windows. Result: Pediculosis capitis infestation was found among 13 (26.5%) students, with a higher incidence in females (46.4%) than males (0%), in respondents with the habit of combing hair using a personal comb (37.1%), and in non-densely populated areas (58.8%). There was an association between gender (p=0.000), the habit of combing hair using a personal comb (p=0.006), and occupancy density (p=0.000) and the incidence of pediculosis capitis. Conclusion: Gender, the habit of combing hair using a personal comb, and occupancy density are associated with the incidence of pediculosis capitis...

Prevalence of Urinary Schistosomiasis among Primary School Pupils in Riverine Community of Garko Local Government Area, Kano State, Nigeria

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that has become endemic in the riverine communities, primarily among school-age children, leading to school absenteeism. The study determines the prevalence of urinary Schistosomiasis and predisposition factors. A total of One hundred and fifty urine samples were examined for the presence of Schistosoma haematobium ova and detection of haematuria. The result obtained was tested using the Chi-Square test, and the overall prevalence was 53.3%. The infection rate was higher among males (58%) than the females (42%). The infection rate was higher among the ≥15 years age group (69.2%), while the 5-9 years age group had the least infection rate (47.2%). The study observed that the highest prevalence (62.0%) was recorded in Kafinchiri Primary School; this might be due to the influence of the water body in the community. The predisposition factors include gender, as males recorded the higher prevalence, which might be related to the economic activities such as irrigation, fishing, and laundry occurring in the riverine area. Age groups among the pupils had an impact on the prevalence of school absenteeism, and running away before closing hours is partially attributed to recreational activities, including swimming. Maintaining a safe distance between schools and water bodies and limiting frequent visits to the riverine area is crucial. The use of personal protective clothing and prompt treatment of infected persons should be encouraged to curtail the infection.

Knowledge and Practice of Nurses Regarding Dengue Fever and Its Prevention in District Swat

Background: Dengue fever is a tropical disease that is carried by mosquitoes and is caused by the dengue virus. Dengue fever has an incubation period of three to fifteen days. It can harm the brain, heart, kidneys, liver, or other organs. The most frequent vector used to spread dengue viruses is Aedes aegypti. While there isn't a certain antiviral treatment, prompt hydration and electrolyte replacement therapy is advised. The aim of this research is to evaluate the dengue illness prevention behaviors and knowledge of nurses in the district of Swat. Methods: At the Saidu Teaching Hospital in Swat, this descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from April 1 to August 31, 2022. The nurses were given questionnaires to complete, and the interviews and answers were documented on a closed-ended questionnaire in order to gather data. It asked questions on age, education, length of service, and nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practices around dengue disease and prevention. Results: The Saidu Teaching Hospitals in Swat were the study's location. Ninety nurses were surveyed in order to gauge their understanding of dengue illness and how to avoid it. The research participants' demographic details were documented. Men made up 25% of the research sample's nursing staff, while women made up 75%. The age range of the majority of participants was 18 to 38 years old. A little over 61% of participants held nursing diplomas. This research assesses nurses' proficiency and understanding of dengue fever prevention. Conclusion: The majority of participants know what dengue fever is. There is a significant dearth of understanding regarding the prevention and transmission of dengue fever. The participants had a thorough understanding of dengue fever, including its main signs and severity of sickness. Few people were misinformed about biting times and vector identification, and the majority took a proactive stance and actively used preventative measures.

Type I/II Immune Balance Contributes to the Protective Effect of AIF-1 on Hepatic Immunopathology Induced by Schistosoma japonicum in a Transgenic Mouse Model.

Schistosomiasis is the second most debilitating neglected tropical disease in the world. Liver egg granuloma and fibrosis are the main damage of schistosomiasis. In this study, the role of allograft inflammatory factor-1 (AIF-1) in liver pathology and its regulation in immune responses were investigated in a transgenic mouse infected with Schistosoma japonicum. We found that AIF-1 overexpression reduced worm burden and decreased egg granuloma sizes and serum alanine aminotransferase levels, along with inhibited hepatic collagen deposition and serum hydroxyproline levels during S. japonicum infection. Moreover, AIF-1 overexpression resulted in an increased ratio of Th1/Th2, increased levels of IFN-γ and T-bet, and lower levels of GATA-3 in the spleen, accompanied by increased M1 percentages, decreased M2 percentages, and thus a higher ratio of M1/M2 in the peritoneal cavity and liver. AIF-1 induced CD68 and iNOS mRNA expression and protein levels of cytoplasmic p-P38 and nuclear NF-κB, along with enhanced levels of TNF-α and TGF-β in macrophages in vitro. Moreover, the hepatic pathology had a negative correlation with Th1/Th2 and M1/M2 ratios in the infected mice. The findings reveal that the beneficial role of AIF-1 in alleviating hepatic damage is related to restoring type I/II immune balance in S. japonicum infection.

Exploring Blood Cell Count-Derived Ratios as Practical Diagnostic Tools for Scabies in Vulnerable Populations.

Scabies is a neglected tropical disease and represents a considerable global burden. Although consensus diagnostic criteria for scabies have been recently published, diagnosing scabies infestation remains challenging in clinical practice. We investigated the diagnostic utility of complete blood cell count (CBC) and CBC-derived ratios obtained at diagnosis in a set of 167 patients who are Vietnamese with confirmed scabies. These parameters were compared with those of patients with dermatophytosis (N = 800) and urticaria (N = 2023), two diseases frequent in Vietnam, which can present with similar skin manifestations to scabies and tend to pose a diagnostic challenge in vulnerable populations. Our analysis revealed that white blood cell, monocyte, and eosinophil counts were significantly higher among patients with scabies than the other two diseases. Similarly, the monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (ELR) were significantly higher among patients with scabies. The optimal cut-off values to distinguish scabies from dermatophytosis and urticaria were 0.094 for ELR (sensitivity: 74.85%, specificity: 70.7%) and 0.295 for MLR (sensitivity: 52.69%, specificity: 73.54%). CBC, ELR, and MLR are low-cost and easily calculated parameters that may be helpful for the diagnosis of scabies.

Evaluation of activity of Matricaria chamomilla against Leishmania amazonensis

Leishmaniasis is a tropical disease caused by different species of Leishmania. The available treatments have limitations linked to high toxicity and low efficacy. Thus, the search for new antileishmanial compounds is needed. Since Matricaria chamomilla L. have several activities described in literature, the aim of this search was to obtain crude extract and fractions of M. chamomilla and to evaluate the activity against the evolutionary forms of Leishmania amazonensis. Floral chapters of M. chamomilla were preserved in 95% ethanol for 12 days and lyophilized to obtain the crude extract (CE). Then, with the aid of a separating funnel and organic solvents, hexane (FHE), ethyl acetate (FEA) and hydromethanolic (FHM) fractions were obtained. The CE and the fractions were tested in vitro against the promastigote and intracellular amastigotes forms and the macrophage cell line J774A.1. The results were plotted on graphs and the IC50 was determined in relation to the control. In view of the evolutionary forms of L. amazonensis, FHE presented the best results, with the IC50 for promastigotes of 14.2 µg/mL, with a selectivity index (IS) of 8.15; Against amastigotes, FHE showed an IC50 of 53.84 and IS of 2.13. Further studies should be conducted to elucidate FHE's antileishmanial actions.