< i > Leishmania < /i > blood parasite dynamics during and after treatment of visceral leishmaniasis in Eastern Africa: A pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model
ConclusionThis semi-mechanistic pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model adequately captured the blood parasite dynamics during and after treatment, and revealed that high blood parasite loads on Day 28 and Day 56 after start of treatment are an early indication for VL relapse, which could be a useful biomarker to assess treatment efficacy of a treatment regimen in a clinical trial setting. (Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases)
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - April 19, 2024 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Luka Verrest Source Type: research

Bayesian modeling of post-vaccination serological data suggests that yearly vaccination of dog aged < 2 years old is efficient to stop rabies circulation in Cambodia
The objective of this study was to assess the short and long-term vaccination-induced immunity in Cambodian dogs under field conditions, and to propose optimized vaccination strategies. A cohort of 351 dogs was followed at regular time points following primary vaccination only (PV) or PV plus single booster (BV). Fluorescent antibody virus neutralization test (FAVNT) was implemented to determine the neutralizing antibody titer against rabies and an individual titer ≥0·5 IU/mL indicated protection. Bayesian modeling was used to evaluate the individual duration of protection against rabies and the efficacy of two differen...
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - April 18, 2024 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Heidi Auerswald Source Type: research

Design, development, and validation of multi-epitope proteins for serological diagnosis of Zika virus infections and discrimination from dengue virus seropositivity
by Samille Henriques Pereira, Mateus S á Magalhães Serafim, Thaís de Fátima Silva Moraes, Nathalia Zini, Jônatas Santos Abrahão, Maurício Lacerda Nogueira, Jordana Grazziela Alves Coelho dos Reis, Flávia Fonseca Bagno, Flávio Guimarães da Fonseca Zika virus (ZIKV), an arbovirus from theFlaviviridae family, is the causative agent of Zika fever, a mild and frequent oligosymptomatic disease in humans. Nonetheless, on rare occasions, ZIKV infection can be associated with Guillain-Barr é Syndrome (GBS), and severe congenital complications, such as microcephaly. The oligosymptomatic disease, however, presents symptom...
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - April 18, 2024 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Samille Henriques Pereira Source Type: research

Impact of conflict on the elimination targets of lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths in Cabo Delgado province, Mozambique
ConclusionMost of the districts of Cabo Delgado were considered to be at risk of not meeting the neglected tropical diseases road map 2021 –2030 targets due to the humanitarian crisis ongoing. There is the need for practical strategies and funding to overcome these hostile challenges. (Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases)
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - April 18, 2024 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Xavier Badia-Rius Source Type: research

Perceived needs of disease vector control programs: A review and synthesis of (sub)national assessments from South Asia and the Middle East
by Henk van den Berg, Kabirul Bashar, Rajib Chowdhury, Rajendra M. Bhatt, Hardev Prasad Gupta, Ashwani Kumar, Shanmugavelu Sabesan, Ananganallur N. Shriram, Hari Kishan Raju Konuganti, Akhouri T. S. Sinha, Mohammad Mehdi Sedaghat, Ahmadali Enayati, Hameeda Mohammed Hassan, Aishath Shaheen Najmee, Sana Saleem, Surendra Uranw, Pahalagedera H. D. Kusumawathie, Devika Perera, Mohammed A. Esmail, Lauren B. Carrington, Samira M. Al-Eryani, Roop Kumari, Bhupender N. Nagpal, Sabera Sultana, Raman Velayudhan, Rajpal S. Yadav Systems for disease vector control should be effective, efficient, and flexible to be able to tackle contem...
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - April 17, 2024 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Henk van den Berg Source Type: research

Global seroprevalence of Zika virus in asymptomatic individuals: A systematic review
Conclusions/SignificanceThe study highlights the high heterogeneity and gaps in the distribution of seroprevalence. The implementation of standardized protocols and the development of tests with high specificity are essential for ensuring a valid comparison between studies. Equally crucial are vector surveillance and control methods to reduce the risk of emerging and re-emerging ZIKV outbreaks, whether caused byAe.aegypti orAe.albopictus or by the Asian or African ZIKV. (Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases)
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - April 17, 2024 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Paola Mariela Saba Villarroel Source Type: research

Dengue vector control in high-income, city settings: A scoping review of approaches and methods
ConclusionsAs most studies reported reductions in vector densities, rather than any effects on human DENV incidence or prevalence, we can draw no clear conclusions on which interventions might be most effective in reducing dengue in high-income, city areas. More research is needed linking evidence on the effects of different DENV vector control methods with dengue incidence/prevalence or mosquito vector densities in high-income, city settings as this is likely to differ from low-income settings. This is a significant evidence gap as climate changes increase the global reach of DENV. The importance of community involvement ...
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - April 17, 2024 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Anna Durrance-Bagale Source Type: research

Edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) for real-time automatic quantification of filariasis in mobile microscopy
by Lin Lin, Elena Dacal, Nuria D íez, Claudia Carmona, Alexandra Martin Ramirez, Lourdes Barón Argos, David Bermejo-Peláez, Carla Caballero, Daniel Cuadrado, Oscar Darias-Plasencia, Jaime García-Villena, Alexander Bakarjiev, Maria Postigo, Ethan Recalde-Jaramillo, Maria Flores-Chavez, Andrés Santos, María Jesús Ledesma-Carba yo, José M. Rubio, Miguel Luengo-Oroz Filariasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by roundworms, is a significant public health concern in many tropical countries. Microscopic examination of blood samples can detect and differentiate parasite species, but it is time consuming and requires ...
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - April 17, 2024 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Lin Lin Source Type: research

Predominance of multidrug-resistant < i > Salmonella < /i > Typhi genotype 4.3.1 with low-level ciprofloxacin resistance in Zanzibar
ConclusionsWe report a high rate of MDR and low-level ciprofloxacin resistantS. Typhi circulating in Zanzibar, belonging to genotype 4.3.1.1, which is widespread in Southeast Asia and African countries and associated with low-level ciprofloxacin resistance. Few therapeutic options are available for treatment of typhoid fever in the study setting. Surveillance of the prevalence, spread and antimicrobial susceptibility ofS. Typhi can guide treatment and control efforts. (Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases)
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - April 17, 2024 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Annette Onken Source Type: research

The Vicious Worm education tool improves the knowledge of community health workers on < i > Taenia solium < /i > cysticercosis in Rwanda
This study has shown gaps in knowledge regardingT.solium infections within rural Rwanda, particularly neurocysticercosis. Health education using the Vicious Worm education software should be considered in integrated control programs. (Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases)
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - April 17, 2024 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Esther Uwibambe Source Type: research

Modelled impact of Tiny Targets on the distribution and abundance of riverine tsetse
ConclusionsDespite its simplifications, the model can assist planning and teaching, but allowance should be made for any complications due to seasonality and management challenges associated with greater scale. (Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases)
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - April 16, 2024 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Glyn A. Vale Source Type: research

Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) drug efficacy study landscape: A systematic scoping review of clinical trials and observational studies to assess the feasibility of establishing an individual participant-level data (IPD) platform
ConclusionsOur review identified studies with very limited sample size for the three major drugs (miltefosine, L-AmB, and pentavalent antimony), while the number of patients combined across studies suggest that the IPD platform would be valuable. With the support of relevant stakeholders, the global PKDL community and sufficient financing, a PKDL IPD platform can be realised. This will allow for exploration of different aspects of treatment safety and efficacy, which can potentially guide future healthcare decisions and clinical practices. (Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases)
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - April 16, 2024 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Sauman Singh-Phulgenda Source Type: research

Schistosome infection among pregnant women in the rural highlands of Madagascar: A cross-sectional study calling for public health interventions in vulnerable populations
Discussion and conclusionThe high prevalence of schistosome infection in pregnant women supports the consideration of preventive schistosomiasis treatment in ANCs of the Malagasy highlands. We strongly advocate for adapting schistosomiasis programs in highly endemic contexts. This, would contribute to both the WHO and SDGs agendas overall to improving the well-being of women and consequently breaking the vicious cycle of poverty perpetuated by schistosomiasis. (Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases)
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - April 16, 2024 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Raph äel Rakotozandrindrainy Source Type: research

Machine learning for predicting Chagas disease infection in rural areas of Brazil
ConclusionOur findings highlight the potential of applying machine learning to improve the sensitivity and effectiveness of Chagas disease diagnosis and prevention. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of integrating socio-demographic and environmental factors into neglected disease prediction models to enhance their performance. (Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases)
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - April 16, 2024 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Fabio De Rose Ghilardi Source Type: research

Association of liver function and prognosis in patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome
by Shaoqiu Zhang, Jian Wang, Qun Zhang, Yifan Pan, Zhiyi Zhang, Yu Geng, Bei Jia, Yuanyuan Li, Yali Xiong, Xiaomin Yan, Jie Li, Huali Wang, Chao Wu, Rui Huang ObjectivesSevere fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an epidemic emerging infectious disease with high mortality rate. We investigated the association between liver injury and clinical outcomes in patients with SFTS. MethodsA total of 291 hospitalized SFTS patients were retrospectively included. Cox proportional hazards model was adopted to identify risk factors of fatal outcome and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate cumulative risks. Results60.1% o...
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - April 16, 2024 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Shaoqiu Zhang Source Type: research