Efforts toward the Elimination of Visceral Leishmaniasis in South Asia: A Review of Progress in Bhutan
Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2024 Mar 12:tpmd230642. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0642. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTLeishmaniases are a group of diseases under the category of neglected tropical diseases targeted for global elimination. However, they continue to pose major clinical and public health problems, especially among those living in poor socioeconomic conditions. Here, we summarize leishmaniasis elimination efforts in Bhutan. Between 1994 and 2022, Bhutan recorded 54 cases of leishmaniasis across 14 of its 20 districts. There are seven species of Phlebotomus and three species of Sergentomyia sand flies documented in the country....
Source: Am J Trop Med Hyg - March 12, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Thinley Dorji Sithar Dorjee Tenzin Wangdi Tshokey Tshokey Ambika Rani Pradhan Kinley Penjor Rinzin Namgay Togbye Togbye Nadira Karunaweera Source Type: research

Asymptomatic Enteric Virus Infections and Association with the Gut Microbiome in Rural Residents of Northern Laos
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with asymptomatic enteric virus infection in adults in northern Laos. Fecal samples were collected from apparently healthy participants who did not report diarrhea or high fever at the time of the survey in northern Laos, and enteric viruses were detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. Individual characteristics, including the gut microbiome, were compared between asymptomatic carriers and noncarriers of each enteric virus. Of the participants (N = 255), 12 (4.7%) were positive for norovirus genogroup I (GI), 8...
Source: Am J Trop Med Hyg - March 12, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Sae Sekiya Hiroaki Masuoka Yuki Mizuno Mihoko Kibe Satoko Kosaka Kazumi Natsuhara Kazuhiro Hirayama Nouhak Inthavong Sengchanh Kounnavong Shinsuke Tomita Lena Takayasu Wataru Suda Fumihiro Yagyu Masahiro Umezaki Source Type: research

Targeted Testing and Treatment To Reduce Human Malaria Transmission in High-Risk Populations: A Systematic Review
Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2024 Mar 12:tpmd230097. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0097. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTAs countries approach elimination of malaria, groups with increased exposure to malaria vectors or poor access to health services may serve as important human reservoirs of infection that help maintain transmission in the community. Parasitological testing and treatment targeted to these groups may reduce malaria transmission overall. This systematic review assessed the effectiveness of targeted testing and treatment (TTaT) to reduce malaria transmission, the contextual factors, and the results of modeling studies that esti...
Source: Am J Trop Med Hyg - March 12, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Beena Bhamani Elisabet Mart í Coma-Cros Maria Tusell Vita Mithi Elisa Serra-Casas Nana Aba Williams Kim A Lindblade Koya C Allen Source Type: research

Adolescents' Perspective Regarding a Community-Wide Mass Drug Administration Program for Soil-Transmitted Helminths in India
This study was undertaken to understand the perspective of adolescents in endemic communities of India regarding soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections and community-wide mass drug administration (cMDA). A multicountry community-based cluster-randomized trial, the Deworm3 trial, tested the feasibility of interrupting STH transmission with cMDA, where all individuals aged 1-99 are treated empirically with albendazole. Using a guideline based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, eight focus group discussions were conducted among 57 adolescents from the trial site in India and analyzed on ATLAS.ti 8....
Source: Am J Trop Med Hyg - March 12, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Kumudha Aruldas Jabaselvi Johnson Malvika Saxena Angelin Titus Amy Roll Rohan Michael Ramesh Judd L Walson Arianna Rubin Means Sitara Swarna Rao Ajjampur Source Type: research

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Tropical Diseases among Nursing Students: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study
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.PMID:38471162 | DOI:10.4269/ajtmh.23-0342 (Source: Am J Trop Med Hyg)
Source: Am J Trop Med Hyg - March 12, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Yayu Nidaul Fithriyyah Atikah Kurnia Alda Tomi Satalar I Made Moh Yanuar Saifudin Source Type: research

Short Report: Low Rate of Asymptomatic Dengue Infection Detected in Coastal Kenya Using Pooled Polymerase Chain Reaction Testing
Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2024 Mar 12:tpmd230650. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0650. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTAsymptomatic dengue virus (DENV) infections have important public health implications but are challenging to identify. We performed a cross-sectional study of reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction on pooled sera of asymptomatic individuals from the south coast of Kenya at two time periods to identify cases of asymptomatic viremia. Among 2,460 samples tested in pools of 9 or 10, we found only one positive case (0.04% incidence). Although pooling of samples has the potential to be a cost-effective and t...
Source: Am J Trop Med Hyg - March 12, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Melanie Kiener Nader Shayegh Sindiso Victor Nyathi Bryson Alberto Ndenga Francis Maluki Mutuku Angelle Desiree LaBeaud Source Type: research

Mass Testing and Treatment to Accelerate Malaria Elimination: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2024 Mar 12:tpmd230127. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0127. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTIn regions where malaria transmission persists, the implementation of approaches aimed at eliminating parasites from the population can effectively decrease both burden of disease and transmission of infection. Thus, mass strategies that target symptomatic and asymptomatic infections at the same time may help countries to reduce transmission. This systematic review assessed the potential benefits and harms of mass testing and treatment (MTaT) to reduce malaria transmission. Searches were conducted in March 2021 and updated ...
Source: Am J Trop Med Hyg - March 12, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Beena Bhamani Elisabet Mart í Coma-Cros Maria Tusell Vita Mithi Elisa Serra-Casas Nana Aba Williams Kim A Lindblade Koya C Allen Source Type: research

Contemplating the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Introduction in Pakistan: Is Now the Time?
Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2024 Mar 12:tpmd230790. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0790. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTHuman papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine introduction is anticipated in many countries in the coming years. This Perspective addresses the opportunities and challenges of introducing HPV vaccination in Pakistan. A substantial portion of the population within the high-risk age group necessitates the implementation of a robust vaccination strategy. Advocacy, community mobilization, and stakeholder engagement are the key elements for the successful implementation of the vaccination program. However, for long-term control strategies,...
Source: Am J Trop Med Hyg - March 12, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Rabab Batool Source Type: research

Epidemiology of Murine Typhus in Taiwan from 2013 to 2020
In conclusion, murine typhus is an endemic and important zoonotic rickettsial disease in Taiwan that cannot be ignored. Further epidemiological surveillance and clinical characteristics should be continuously investigated to prevent and control murine typhus.PMID:38471176 | DOI:10.4269/ajtmh.23-0155 (Source: Am J Trop Med Hyg)
Source: Am J Trop Med Hyg - March 12, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Yeou-Lin Hsueh Hsiang-Fei Chen Mei-Chun Chang Tsai-Ying Yen Chien-Ling Su Hsien-Chun Chiu Huai-Chin Hu Ya-Ting Chung Pei-Yun Shu Su-Lin Yang Source Type: research

Handwashing Practices among Public Primary School Students in East Dembiya District, Ethiopia
This study showed that handwashing practice among primary school students was low. Availing handwashing facilities, better media access, formation of a hygiene and sanitation club in the school, celebration of "Handwashing Day" with students, and leading behavior change communication are all important for improving students' handwashing practice.PMID:38471179 | DOI:10.4269/ajtmh.23-0201 (Source: Am J Trop Med Hyg)
Source: Am J Trop Med Hyg - March 12, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Garedew Tadege Engdaw Desalegn Alemu Mekuriaw Alemayehu Amensisa Hailu Tesfaye Source Type: research

Case Report: Clinical and Pathological Findings of Tuberculous Gumma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2024 Mar 12:tpmd230510. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0510. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTTuberculous gumma (TG) is a rare type of cutaneous tuberculosis thought to occur as a result of the hematogenous spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is more common in immunosuppressed individuals. An 8-year-old boy presented with a 2-month history of multiple indolent enlarging ulcerated nodules on his left upper extremity. He had a past medical history of bacille Calmette-Guerin vaccine induced lupus vulgaris. Skin biopsy of the nodules showed granulomas and neutrophil-dominated purulent inflammation. Ziehl-Neelsen...
Source: Am J Trop Med Hyg - March 12, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Li-Jia Deng Qian Ye Si-Yu Luo Qin-Xiao Wang Sheng Fang Source Type: research

Efforts toward the Elimination of Visceral Leishmaniasis in South Asia: A Review of Progress in Bhutan
Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2024 Mar 12:tpmd230642. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0642. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTLeishmaniases are a group of diseases under the category of neglected tropical diseases targeted for global elimination. However, they continue to pose major clinical and public health problems, especially among those living in poor socioeconomic conditions. Here, we summarize leishmaniasis elimination efforts in Bhutan. Between 1994 and 2022, Bhutan recorded 54 cases of leishmaniasis across 14 of its 20 districts. There are seven species of Phlebotomus and three species of Sergentomyia sand flies documented in the country....
Source: Am J Trop Med Hyg - March 12, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Thinley Dorji Sithar Dorjee Tenzin Wangdi Tshokey Tshokey Ambika Rani Pradhan Kinley Penjor Rinzin Namgay Togbye Togbye Nadira Karunaweera Source Type: research

Asymptomatic Enteric Virus Infections and Association with the Gut Microbiome in Rural Residents of Northern Laos
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with asymptomatic enteric virus infection in adults in northern Laos. Fecal samples were collected from apparently healthy participants who did not report diarrhea or high fever at the time of the survey in northern Laos, and enteric viruses were detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. Individual characteristics, including the gut microbiome, were compared between asymptomatic carriers and noncarriers of each enteric virus. Of the participants (N = 255), 12 (4.7%) were positive for norovirus genogroup I (GI), 8...
Source: Am J Trop Med Hyg - March 12, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Sae Sekiya Hiroaki Masuoka Yuki Mizuno Mihoko Kibe Satoko Kosaka Kazumi Natsuhara Kazuhiro Hirayama Nouhak Inthavong Sengchanh Kounnavong Shinsuke Tomita Lena Takayasu Wataru Suda Fumihiro Yagyu Masahiro Umezaki Source Type: research

Targeted Testing and Treatment To Reduce Human Malaria Transmission in High-Risk Populations: A Systematic Review
Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2024 Mar 12:tpmd230097. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0097. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTAs countries approach elimination of malaria, groups with increased exposure to malaria vectors or poor access to health services may serve as important human reservoirs of infection that help maintain transmission in the community. Parasitological testing and treatment targeted to these groups may reduce malaria transmission overall. This systematic review assessed the effectiveness of targeted testing and treatment (TTaT) to reduce malaria transmission, the contextual factors, and the results of modeling studies that esti...
Source: Am J Trop Med Hyg - March 12, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Beena Bhamani Elisabet Mart í Coma-Cros Maria Tusell Vita Mithi Elisa Serra-Casas Nana Aba Williams Kim A Lindblade Koya C Allen Source Type: research

Adolescents' Perspective Regarding a Community-Wide Mass Drug Administration Program for Soil-Transmitted Helminths in India
This study was undertaken to understand the perspective of adolescents in endemic communities of India regarding soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections and community-wide mass drug administration (cMDA). A multicountry community-based cluster-randomized trial, the Deworm3 trial, tested the feasibility of interrupting STH transmission with cMDA, where all individuals aged 1-99 are treated empirically with albendazole. Using a guideline based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, eight focus group discussions were conducted among 57 adolescents from the trial site in India and analyzed on ATLAS.ti 8....
Source: Am J Trop Med Hyg - March 12, 2024 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Kumudha Aruldas Jabaselvi Johnson Malvika Saxena Angelin Titus Amy Roll Rohan Michael Ramesh Judd L Walson Arianna Rubin Means Sitara Swarna Rao Ajjampur Source Type: research