Vector-borne Infections Research Articles

Under-diagnosis of vector-borne diseases among individuals suspected of having Scrub Typhus in South Korea.

Due to environmental and ecological changes and suitable habitats, the occurrence of vector-borne diseases is increasing. We investigated the seroprevalence of four major vector-borne pathogens in human patients with febrile illness who were clinically suspected of having Scrub Typhus (ST) caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. A total of 187 samples (182 patient whole blood and sera samples, including 5 follow-up) were collected. Antibodies to Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Bartonella henselae were tested by using indirect immunofluorescence assays. Molecular diagnoses were performed using real-time PCR. Of the 182 cases, 37 (20.3%) cases were designated as confirmed cases of ST, and the remaining 145 (79.7%) cases as other febrile diseases (OFDs). The seroprevalence of A. phagocytophilum, E. chaffeensis, B. burgdorferi, and B. henselae was 51.4% (19/37), 10.8% (4/37), 86.5% (32/37), and 10.8% (4/37) among the ST group, and 42.8% (62/145), 10.4% (19/145), 57.7% (105/145), and 15.9% (29/145) among the OFD group, respectively. There were no significant differences in the seroprevalence between the ST and the OFD groups. Considering the co-occurrence, 89.0% (162/182) had at least one antibody to tick-borne pathogens, 37.0% (60/162) were positive for two pathogens, 17.3% (28/162) for three pathogens, and 6.2% (10/162) for four pathogens. In real-time PCR, O. tsutsugamushi was positive in 16 cases [15 (40.5%) in ST group and 1 (2.2%) in OFD group], and the four other pathogens were negative in all cases except one confirmed as anaplasmosis. In evaluating the five follow-up samples, the appearance of new antibodies or an increase in the pre-existing antibody titers was detected. Our data highlighted that acute febrile illness and manifestations suggestive of a vector-borne infection must be recognized and further considered for coinfections in clinical practice and the laboratory.

Ticks of the Ixodidae family as reservoirs and carriers of pathogens of vector-borne infections in the Republic of Guinea

Ticks of the Ixodidae family as reservoirs and carriers of pathogens of vector-borne infections in the Republic of Guinea

Chemosensory protein regulates the behavioural response of Frankliniella intonsa and Frankliniella occidentalis to tomato zonate spot virus-Infected pepper (Capsicum annuum).

Many herbivorous insects rely on plant volatiles to locate their host plants. Vector-borne viral infections induce changes in plant volatiles, which render infected plants more attractive to insect vectors. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying the olfactory responses of insect vectors induced by the volatiles produced by virus-infected plants are poorly understood. Here, we show that volatiles emitted by pepper (Capsicum annuum) plants infected with tomato zonate spot virus (TZSV), particularly the volatile cis-3-hexenal, which is recognized by chemosensory protein 1 of the thrips Frankliniella intonsa (FintCSP1), are more attractive to F. intonsa than the volatiles emitted by non-infected pepper plants. FintCSP1 is highly abundant in the antenna of F. intonsa. Silencing of FintCSP1 significantly decreased electroantennogram responses of F. intonsa antennae to cis-3-hexenal and impaired thrips' responses to TZSV-infected pepper plants and cis-3-hexenal, as assessed using a Y-tube olfactometer. Three-dimensional model predictions indicated that FintCSP1 consists of seven α-helixes and two disulfide bridges. Molecular docking analysis suggested that cis-3-hexenal is positioned deep inside the binding pocket of FintCSP1 and binds to residues of the protein. We combined site-directed mutagenesis and fluorescence binding assays and identified three hydrophilic residues, Lys26, Thr28, and Glu67, of FintCSP1 as being critical for cis-3-hexenal binding. Furthermore, CSP of F. occidentalis (FoccCSP) is also a key olfactory protein involved in modulating the behaviour of F. occidentalis to TZSV-infected pepper. This study revealed the specific binding characteristics of CSPs to cis-3-hexenal and confirmed the general hypothesis that virus infections induce changes in host volatiles, which can be recognized by the olfactory proteins of the insect vector to enhance vector attraction and this may facilitate viral spread and transmission.

The Effect of COVID‑19 on the Incidence of Human Vector-Borne Infections Transmitted by Ixodid Ticks (Illustrated by the Example of Krasnoyarsk Territory)

In 2022, there was an increase in the incidence of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and ixodid tick-borne borreliosis (ITBB) in the subjects of the Russian Federation, federal districts and the country as a whole. At the same time, among people affected by ixodid ticks, the proportion of clinical forms of the diseases has increased. The aim of this study is to analyze the possible causes of the simultaneous increase in the incidence of vector-borne infections and the proportion of clinical forms among the people bitten by the ticks, using the materials on Krasnoyarsk Territory as an example. Materials and methods. We analyzed the incidence of TBE and ITBB among the people who have or haven’t had COVID‑19, the number of people affected by tick bites in 2021–2022 in Krasnoyarsk Territory. Statistical analysis is performed by standard methods of variational statistics using Excel. Results and discussion. It is shown that in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, with a decrease in the number of individuals affected by tick bites in 2022 as compared to 2021 (12216 and 13214, respectively), there was an increase in the number of cases of TBE (from 124 to 250) and ITBB (from 115 to 224), as well as the proportion of people who had clinical forms of the infections after tick bites. Among three possible explanations of the observed pattern, a decrease in the immune status of Krasnoyarsk residents who had had COVID‑19 before the contact with ticks is considered as the most likely one. Using statistical methods it was substantiated that among people with TBE and ITBB, the proportion of individuals who have had COVID‑19 is significantly higher than expected, based on the actual incidence of the Krasnoyarsk Territory population with a new coronavirus infection. Thus, COVID‑19 affects the incidence of vector-borne infections indirectly, through a change in the number of people contacts with natural stations, and directly, by changing the immune status.

Natural products derived steroids as potential anti-leishmanial agents; disease prevalence, underlying mechanisms and future perspectives.

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne infection caused by protozoan parasites from the genus leishmania and is among the most neglected tropical diseases. It is highly prevalent disease, affecting about 350 million population worldwide. Only limited number of anti-leishmanial agents are approved for clinical use till now and they are associated with side effects and have limited efficacy. Subsequently, natural products based discovery of more safe and effective drugs against leishmania is under scientific consideration. Various studies reported the efficacy of natural products against intracellular and extracellular forms of leishmania species. This work is aimed to evaluate current literature focused on the anti-leihmanial efficacy of steroidal moieties from natural products and their mechanism of action. Compounds including steroidal saponins, steroidal alkaloids and phytosterols were found to exhibit considerable anti-leishmanial efficacy. For instance, steroidal saponin, (25R)-spirost-5-en-3b-ol,3-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-[a-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)]-glucopyranoside isolated from A. paradoxum has completely eradicated Leishmania major promastigotes at 50µgmL-1 dose. Spirostanic saponins isolated from Solanum paniculatum L. were effective against Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes. Turgidosterones isolated from Panicum turgidum exhibited high leishmanicidal potentials against Leishmania donovani promastigotes with IC50 of 4.95-8.03µgmL-1 and even better activity against amastigotes exhibiting an IC50 of 4.50-9.29µgmL-1. Likewise, racemoside-A from Asparagus racemosus was found effective against an antimonial sensitive (AG83) and antimonial resistant (GE1F8R) strains of the L. donovani. Moreover, steroidal alkaloids including hookerianamide-1, hookerianamide-H, hookerianamide-J, hookerianamide-K, dehydrosarsalignone, vagenine-A, sarcovagine-C, holaphylline, saracodine, holamine, 15-α hydroxyholamine, holacurtin, N-desmethyl holacurtine and elasticine has exhibited time and dose-dependent efficacy against various strains of leishmania. β-sitosterol was found active against multiple strains of leishmania. These compounds mainly exhibit their therapeutic efficacy via liberation of ROS, mitochondrial depolarization, morphological and ultra-structural changes, accumulation of lipid droplets, depletion of non-protein thiols and triggering apoptotic pathways. In conclusion, leishmaniasis is a major health problem in many countries. Plants-derived steroids moieties have reveled efficacy against leishmaniasis and is a source of lead compounds. Further detailed molecular studies are warranted for the discovery of more effective and safe anti-leishmanial drugs.

Virale Erkrankungen des Nervensystems – ausgewählte neue und alte Viren

Viral diseases of the nervous system are ancient and poliomyelitis was described in Egypt as early as 2000BC. They can cause awide range of neurological symptoms, such as meningitis, encephalitis, meningoencephalitis, Guillain-Barré-like syndrome and stroke, often leaving mild to severe residuals. Depending on the pathogen, the symptoms appear quickly within hours, or lead to increasing chronic symptoms within 1week or months. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus2 (SARS-CoV-2), which was newly identified in January 2020 and occurs worldwide, illustrates the sequelae of aphenomenon that has been known for centuries, the possible rapid spread of pathogen-related infectious diseases. Due to vaccination programs some pathogens are becoming rarer or are considered to be eradicated. Nevertheless, vaccination programs, especially in the poorer regions, are repeatedly interrupted, for example by wars. The most recent example is the interruption of vaccination against poliomyelitis in Ukraine. As life expectancy continues to rise and years of life lost to infectious diseases decrease, the new infectious disease threat is likely to come from emerging and re-emerging infections; however, according to arecent analysis of population data from 29countries, life expectancy during the corona pandemic has decreased, e.g., by 28months in the USA and by 6months in Germany. Climate change, rapid urbanization and changing land-use patterns could increase the risk in the coming decades. In particular, the climate change can alter the spectrum of global pathogens and especially vector-borne infections can spread to new areas. Asustained increase in travel, trade and mobility enables the pathogens to spread quickly.

Perspectives of vector management in the control and elimination of vector-borne zoonoses.

The complex transmission profiles of vector-borne zoonoses (VZB) and vector-borne infections with animal reservoirs (VBIAR) complicate efforts to break the transmission circuit of these infections. To control and eliminate VZB and VBIAR, insecticide application may not be conducted easily in all circumstances, particularly for infections with sylvatic transmission cycle. As a result, alternative approaches have been considered in the vector management against these infections. In this review, we highlighted differences among the environmental, chemical, and biological control approaches in vector management, from the perspectives of VZB and VBIAR. Concerns and knowledge gaps pertaining to the available control approaches were discussed to better understand the prospects of integrating these vector control approaches to synergistically break the transmission of VZB and VBIAR in humans, in line with the integrated vector management (IVM) developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) since 2004.

Determination of the effect of collars containing 10% w/w imidacloprid and 4.5% w/w flumethrin (Seresto®) on the incidence of Leishmania and other canine vector-borne pathogen infections in Greece

BackgroundThe objective of this field study was to assess the effect of treating a considerable portion of a dog population naturally exposed to canine vector-borne pathogens (CVBPs) in endemic areas with a 10% w/w imidacloprid/4.5% w/w flumethrin collar (Seresto®) on the transmission of CVBPs and the resulting incidence of infection.MethodsA total of 479 dogs from two sites were enrolled in the study. Collars were placed on all dogs continuously for 21 months, with replacement of the collar every 7 months. All dogs were examined, including body weight and blood/conjunctival swab collections, every 7 months. Serum samples were analysed for the presence of antibodies against Leishmania infantum, Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. PCR assays were also performed on blood samples and conjunctival swab collected from the dogs for the presence of L. infantum, and on blood samples only for the presence of Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. Sand flies were collected, identified to species level and molecularly tested for L. infantum throughout two vector activity seasons.ResultsThe results showed that the Seresto collar was safe with continuous use. At study inclusion, 419, 370 and 453 dogs tested negative for L. infantum, Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp., respectively (353 dogs tested negative for any pathogen). Overall, 90.2% of the dogs were protected from L. infantum infection on both sites combined. The entomological survey confirmed the presence of competent vectors of L. infantum at all monitored locations, namely the sand flies Phlebotomus neglectus and Phlebotomus tobbi, both of which are regarded as the most important competent vectors in the Mediterranean basin. All captured sand flies tested negative for L. infantum. Protection against ticks and fleas was high, with only two dogs showing a low number of ticks and seven dogs having low numbers of fleas at single evaluation time points. Across the entire study population, a number of dogs became infected with tick-transmitted pathogens, but prevention of transmission was 93% for E. canis and 87.2% for Anaplasma spp. when all cases from both sites were combined.ConclusionsThe Seresto® (10% w/w imidacloprid/4.5% w/w flumethrin) collar significantly reduced the risk of CVBP transmission when compared to previously observed incidences of CVBP infections in two highly endemic areas under field conditions.Graphical

Evaluation of the diagnostic efficacy of a reagent kit for <i>in vitro</i> diagnosis of West Nile fever using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction with fluorescent probe-based detection

West Nile fever is a vector-borne zoonotic arbovirus infection with natural foci. Its clinical course is similar to that of acute febrile syndrome, and severe cases may result in neuroinvasive disease. Several genetic lineages (1, 2, and 4) of the West Nile virus (WNV) with different pathogenicity for humans are circulating in the Russian Federation. Therefore, it is an urgent task to develop a diagnostic reagent kit for differentiating between WNV genetic lineages and to implement the kit in clinical laboratory practice.The aim of the study was to conduct technical and clinical tests and evaluate the quality, efficacy, and safety of the Ampligen-WNV-genotype-1/2/4 diagnostic reagent kit for detecting WNV RNA and differentiating between WNV genetic lineages 1, 2, and 4 by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with fluorescent probe-based detection.Materials and methods. The authors determined the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the Ampligen-WNV-genotype-1/2/4 reagent kit (Volgograd Research Institute for Plague Control, Russia) by real-time RT-PCR with 216 clinical samples and 204 biological samples. Sanger sequencing was used as a reference method. Statistical analysis of clinical test results was carried out in accordance with the Russian national standard for clinical laboratory tests (GOST R 53022.3-2008).Results. When tested with the Ampligen-WNV-genotype-1/2/4 reagent kit, real-time RT-PCR demonstrated the analytical sensitivity of 1×104 GEq/mL for the detection of WNV cDNA of genetic lineages 1, 2, and 4. The assessment of its analytical specificity showed no positive results for cDNA samples of heterologous viruses at a concentration of 1×106 GEq/mL. The diagnostic sensitivity with the reagent kit was at least 98.5%, and the diagnostic specificity was at least 99%, with 90% confidence levels for both parameters.Conclusions. The Ampligen-WNV-genotype-1/2/4 reagent kit can be recommended for use in clinical laboratory diagnostics to detect WNV RNA and differentiate between WNV genetic lineages 1, 2, and 4.

Companion Vector-Borne Pathogens and Associated Risk Factors in Apparently Healthy Pet Animals (Dogs and Cats) in Khukhot City Municipality, Pathum Thani Province, Thailand.

Pet animals (dogs and cats) can be infected with several companion vector-borne pathogens (CVBPs). Morbidity and mortality have been reported in pet animals due to CVBP infections. Pet animals living in close proximity to humans are able to transmit zoonotic pathogens. This study used molecular techniques to investigate the prevalence of CVBPs in apparently healthy pet animals (dogs and cats) from Khukhot City Municipality, Pathum Thani province, Thailand. In total, 210 blood samples were randomly collected from 95 dogs and 115 cats for the detection of seven companion vector-borne pathogens (Anaplasma, Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, Hepatozoon, Mycoplasma, and Rickettsia) using polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that 10.5% (22/210) of apparently healthy pet animals were infected with at least one pathogen, comprising 6 dogs (6.3% of all dogs tested) and 16 cats (13.9% of all cats tested). Ehrlichia (6.3%) was present only in dogs; furthermore, 1.1% of the dogs were positive for Anaplasma. There was one dog case co-infected with two pathogens (1.1%). In cats, Mycoplasma (9.6%) was the predominant CVBP, followed by Rickettsia (4.4%). The DNA sequences of all positive animals were 97-99% homologous to those found in the GenBank™ database for all CVBPs identified, namely Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, Rickettsia felis, Mycoplasma haemofelis, and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum. Additionally, the risk of infection with CVBPs in pets was significantly associated with age, with young dogs more likely to be infected with CVBPs than adult dogs (OR 8.5, 95% CI 1.4-50.1, p = 0.006), while adult cats were more likely to be infected with CVBPs than young cats (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.0-14.0, p = 0.038). The detection of CVBPs demonstrated the potential risk of infection that may occur in apparently healthy pet animals in Pathum Thani province. These results confirmed that apparently healthy pet animals may still be at risk of vector-borne infections and could maintain the infection cycle in pet populations. Furthermore, sampling a greater number of apparently healthy pet animals may disclose predictors of CVBP positivity in domesticated animals in this area.

Age distribution of dengue cases in southern Vietnam from 2000 to 2015.

Dengue is the most common vector-borne viral infection. In recent times, an increase in the age of cases with clinical dengue has been reported in the national surveillance system and published literature of Vietnam. This change not only alter the risk of transmission and disease burden in different populations but also will impact for prevention and control strategies. A retrospective study was conducted from 2000 to 2015 in 19 provinces of southern Vietnam to describe the changes in age distribution of dengue cases and circulating serotypes. The study is a time trend analysis of the data aggregated from the database of dengue surveillance system. The database consisted of clinically diagnosed and laboratory-confirmed cases of dengue in southern Vietnam from 2000 to 2015. In the study period, the mean age of dengue cases increased from 12.2 ± 8.8 years old (y/o) to 16.8 ± 13.3 y/o between 2000 and 2015. Majority of severe cases were observed in the age group of 5-9 y/o and 10-14 y/o. Overall, the mortality and case fatality rates (CFR) were lowest during 2010 to 2015, and all four serotypes of dengue were observed. With the exception of severe form, the age distribution of clinical cases of dengue appears to be shifting towards older age groups. An increase in the mean age of clinical cases of dengue has been observed in southern Vietnam over the past decade, and the highest incidence was observed in age group of 5-14 y/o. All serotypes of dengue were in circulation.

Arthropod-Borne Pathogens in Wild Canids

Wild canids, as well as other wild animal species, are largely exposed to bites by ticks and other hematophagous vectors where the features favoring their presence and spread are found in wooded and semi-wooded areas. Much of the information about arthropod-borne infections concerns domestic and companion animals, whereas data about these infections in wild canids are not exhaustive. The present study is a narrative review of the literature concerning vector-borne infections in wild canids, highlighting their role in the epidemiology of arthropod-borne bacteria and protozoa.

Prevalence of anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis in reindeer of the nenets autonomous okrug

Vector-borne diseases pose a serious threat to the sanitary and epidemiological wellbeing of a person. As a rule, the source of pathogens of this group of diseases is considered to be carrier animals that can keep the pathogen in their body for life. Changing climate conditions lead to changes in the habitat of insect vectors, which inevitably leads to the expansion of the geographical boundaries of vector-borne infections. The aim of the work is to study the prevalence of anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis among reindeer of the Nenets Autonomous Okrug. The material for the research was stabilized EDTA venous blood from reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) of the Nenets breed. The diagnosis was established by PCR. It has been proved that the infection of reindeer with anaplasmosis averages 14.3%, while vazhenki have the greatest extent of invasion – 21.4%, while males and calves are less affected by the pathogen (9.1% and 12.5%, respectively). Infection of animals with ehrlichiosis turned out to be more significant: DNA of ehrlichiae was present in 44.9% of samples, while the infection of vazhenok was 57.1%, calves – 37.5%, choirs – 45.5%. The morphological composition of the blood of healthy and infected reindeer had no significant differences in a number of indicators, which indicates a latent chronic course of the disease. Thus, the results of the work indicate that anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis are widespread among reindeer living on the territory of the Low-Earth tundra, which serve as a natural reservoir for these pathogens.

Pakistan needs an equitable investment in the health system and collaborative efforts

Pakistan needs an equitable investment in the health system and collaborative efforts

Evolutionary outlook on the impending endgame of malaria

Malaria is a highly debilitating vector-borne parasitic infection which has been known to be mortal and morbid to human beings for centuries now. As of today, the success rate of effective control strategies is less; however there have been several riveting developments. These include: 1. A global incidence of decrease in malaria cases; 2. The development of several non-malaria transmissible transgenic mosquitoes and 3. The launch of the vaccine has been a game changer as it is now being given to children with the success rate being high. In this review, we discuss if the current control strategies in place and the launch of the vaccine and its speculated success in children has become/been a game changer. Our take on the coevolution of parasites and vector can be the answer to the questions above. We highlight that parasites and vectors have evolved together for millions of years now, and to break this liaison will not be as easy.

Vector-borne parasitic infections after the earthquake

The transmission of vector-borne infections after an earthquake is related to the changes in the environment caused by the earthquake. The displacement of thousands of people, especially in areas where vector-borne diseases are endemic, can significantly increase human exposure to mosquitoes and other vectors and the pathogens they may carry in overcrowded environments and inappropriate temporary shelters, leading to an increase in human infection cases. The devastating earthquakes in Türkiye on 6 February 2023 pose a risk of the spread and outbreaks of vector-borne infections such as cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and malaria, which are endemic in the region. Public health authorities should prioritise surveillance in all earthquake-affected areas. Immediate detection and identification of local vector species, monitor environmental conditions and potential breeding grounds, insecticide application and use of mosquito nets and development of interventions to prevent the emergence of vector-borne infections are essential. Case diagnosis and treatment follow-up, prophylaxis, training of the public and health personnel, improving temporary shelter conditions and facilitating access to clean drinking water and health services are essential to minimise the impact of vector-borne infections in post-earthquake situations.

Seasonal prevalence of dengue vector mosquito Aedes aegypti Linn in Jaipur city, Rajasthan, India.

Vector-borne diseases are a significant issue for public health worldwide, especially in India. In recent years, high number of dengue and chikungunya cases have been reported from Rajasthan state of India, those are principally transmitted by Aedes aegypti. These vectors are extremely intrusive and can thrive in practically any climate. However, vector mosquitos' prevalence in Jaipur district is not properly documented. Therefore, current research was carried out to ascertain the seasonal fluctuations of Aedes aegypti in Jaipur city, Rajasthan, India. In order to ascertain the seasonal variation, monitoring of Aedes mosquitoes was conducted from August 2021 to July 2022 at nine selected regions in the Jaipur city. The breeding capacity of vectors was evaluated using three vector indices: the House Index, Breteau Index, and Container Index. A total of 2172 out of 6336 breeding sites and 3735 out of 7477 containers were found positive for Aedes species. Three important species of Aedes vectors were collected in which Aedes aegypti was reported as the most prevalent. The highest values for House Index (57.60%) and Container Index (54.95%) were observed in October and the least rate was observed in March. This survey was carried out to investigate the seasonal prevalence of dengue vectors and the findings revealed seasonal fluctuations in the indices of Aedes reproducing potential. This calls for precautionary actions to avoid infection rates and epidemic emergence. Therefore, to stop epidemics and eradicate vector-borne infections, the current study recommends close monitoring and further vector management efforts.

Vector-borne Endemic Viral Infection in Antalya Region: Sandfly Fever

Objective: Sandfly fever (SF) is a self-limited vector-related viral infection caused by the SF virus and is spread by phlebotomine sandflies (PSF). Fever, headache, myalgia, arthralgia, loss of appetite, weakness, nausea, and vomiting are the most common symptoms. Laboratory findings include leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated liver transaminase enzymes. We aimed to examine the demographic, clinical, and laboratory data of patients who were followed with SF diagnosis. Methods: Patients who were followed with SF diagnosis in our hospital between January 2011 and December 2018 were included. The data were obtained retrospectively. Results: A total of 64 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 33.1 ± 9.7(min:19-max:58) years and 35(54.7%) of them were male. Although 53.1% had a history of contact with PSF, 92.2% had a bite mark. 91.6% of the patients were living on the ground and first floor. Fever was the most common symptom in 95.3% of the patients; 89% had myalgia-weakness, 79.6% had a headache, and 50% had a conjunctival rash. Increased transaminase enzyme levels were observed in approximately 93% of the patients. The average of ALT and AST were 284.7 U/L and 243.5 U/L, respectively. Leukopenia was observed in 79.6% (51/64) of them, and thrombocytopenia in 78% (50/64). CK elevation was 54% ratio (35/64). Samples were tested from 19 patients for the serological diagnosis of SF. IgM was positive in 15 (78.9%) of 19 patients and negative in 4(21%) patients. IgG was positive in 10 (52.6%) of 19 patients. Both IgG and IgM were positive in 9 patients. Only IgG positivity was detected in one patient. Conclusion: SF should be considered in patients presenting with complaints such as fever, headache, muscle joint pain, nausea-vomiting, redness in the eyes, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, elevated transaminase enzyme, CK level, and living in or having a history of travel to subtropical regions, especially during the summer season and a history of PSF contact.

Haematological Alterations Associated with Selected Vector-Borne Infections and Exposure in Dogs from Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia.

Infections due to Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Dirofilaria, Mycoplasma, Babesia and Hepatozoon continue to be highly prevalent in dogs, especially in tropical and subtropical areas, where vectors of many of them are present. However, many clinical aspects of dogs have not been characterized in detail, including assessing the haematological alterations associated with them, particularly in Colombia and Latin America. A group of 100 dogs with Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Dirofilaria, Mycoplasma, Babesia and Hepatozoon infections/exposure were assessed by blood smear serology (SNAP4DX) and PCR in Pereira, Colombia. We performed blood counts to evaluate anaemia, leukopenia/leukocytosis, neutropenia, neutrophilia, lymphopenia/lymphocytosis, monocytosis, eosinophilia, and thrombocytopenia, among other alterations. Bivariate analyses were performed on Stata®14, with significant p < 0.05. From the total, 85% presented ≥1 infection (past or present), 66% with coinfections (≥2 pathogens) (Ehrlichia 75%), and 89% presented clinical alterations. A total of 100% showed anaemia, 70% thrombocytopenia, 61% monocytosis, and 47% neutropenia, among other alterations. Additionally, 11% presented pancytopenia and 59% bicytopenia. The median platelet count was lower in infected dogs (126,000 cells/μL) versus non-infected (221,000 cells/μL) (p = 0.003). Thrombocytopenia was higher among infected dogs (75%) versus non-infected (40%) (p = 0.006), with a 91% positive predictive value for infection. Median neutrophil count was lower in infected dogs (6591 cells/μL) versus non-infected (8804 cells/μL) (p = 0.013). Lymphocytosis occurred only among those infected (27%) (p = 0.022). Leukopenia was only observed among infected dogs (13%). Pancytopenia was only observed among infected dogs. Ehrlichiosis and other hematic infections have led to a significant burden of haematological alterations on infected dogs, including pancytopenia in a tenth of them, most with thrombocytopenia and all anemic.

Risks, Epidemics, and Prevention Measures of Infectious Diseases in Major Sports Events: Scoping Review.

Major sports events are the focus of the world. However, the gathering of crowds during these events creates huge risks of infectious diseases transmission, posing a significant public health threat. The aim of this study was to systematically review the epidemiological characteristics and prevention measures of infectious diseases at major sports events. The procedure of this scoping review followed Arksey and O'Malley's five-step methodological framework. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase, were searched systematically. The general information (ie, publication year, study type) of each study, sports events' features (ie, date and host location), infectious diseases' epidemiological characteristics (ie, epidemics, risk factors), prevention measures, and surveillance paradigm were extracted, categorized, and summarized. A total of 24,460 articles were retrieved from the databases and 358 studies were included in the final data synthesis based on selection criteria. A rapid growth of studies was found over recent years. The number of studies investigating epidemics and risk factors for sports events increased from 16/254 (6.3%) before 2000 to 201/254 (79.1%) after 2010. Studies focusing on prevention measures of infectious diseases accounted for 85.0% (238/280) of the articles published after 2010. A variety of infectious diseases have been reported, including respiratory tract infection, gastrointestinal infection, vector-borne infection, blood-borne infection, and water-contact infection. Among them, respiratory tract infections were the most concerning diseases (250/358, 69.8%). Besides some routine prevention measures targeted at risk factors of different diseases, strengthening surveillance was highlighted in the literature. The surveillance system appeared to have gone through three stages of development, including manual archiving, network-based systems, and automated intelligent platforms. This critical summary and collation of previous empirical evidence is meaningful to provide references for holding major sports events. It is essential to improve the surveillance techniques for timely detection of the emergence of epidemics and to improve risk perception in future practice.