Disparities in Accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health Services and Rights Among Adolescents and Young People During COVID-19 Pandemic: Culture, Economic, and Gender Perspectives
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAs the world grapples with the health systems ’ challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing the needs of the already vulnerable adolescents and young people is vital. This narrative synthesis is aimed to highlight the current gender, cultural, and socioeconomic dynamics fueling inequalities to accessing sexual, reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services among adolescents and young people in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).Recent FindingsThe COVID-19 pandemic has in most countries exacerbated already existing inequalities due to economic, gender, cultural, and legal aspects. St...
Source: Current Tropical Medicine Reports - October 24, 2022 Category: Tropical Medicine Source Type: research
The Silent Pandemic: the Impact of COVID-19 on the Mental Health of Adolescents Living with HIV
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe pandemic caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has resulted in millions of confirmed cases and likely more than six million deaths globally Worldometer (2022). We sought to understand secondary mental effects in adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) on the African continent caused by lockdowns, school closures, and other restriction measures for infection control. We reviewed the broader literature and conducted 86 retrospective chart reviews of mental health disorders of ALHIV and interventions utilized at a pediatric clinic in Eswatini.Recent FindingsALHIVs are disproportionately affecte...
Source: Current Tropical Medicine Reports - October 18, 2022 Category: Tropical Medicine Source Type: research
Can Giardia lamblia Assemblages Drive the Clinical Outcome of Giardiasis?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo carry out a bibliographic survey from June 2001 until March 2021 on the possible association betweenGiardia lamblia genotypes and clinical manifestations of giardiasis.Recent FindingsG. lamblia infection leads to a broad spectrum of clinical conditions, ranging from asymptomatic to acute or chronic symptomatic forms. There are several open questions regarding the direct damage of the parasite and the host response to giardiasis pathogenesis. The wide genetic variability ofG. lamblia prompts speculation on the possible relationship between its assemblages and the clinical manifestations.SummarySt...
Source: Current Tropical Medicine Reports - October 17, 2022 Category: Tropical Medicine Source Type: research
Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Nutritional Status, Feeding Practices, and Access to Food Among Infants and Children in Lower and Middle-Income Countries: a Narrative Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe COVID-19 pandemic has affected children across the planet and the consequences on their health, nutritional status, and social structure have been more pronounced in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This review will focus on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on infant growth and feeding practices and access to food and obesity prevalence among children in LMICs. An electronic search was performed on MEDLINE and Embase to identify relevant articles in the English language.Recent FindingsA higher prevalence of infections by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and a lower mortality rate were found in...
Source: Current Tropical Medicine Reports - October 10, 2022 Category: Tropical Medicine Source Type: research
Neurocysticercosis in the Tropics (and Beyond)
AbstractPurpose of ReviewHuman cysticercosis is caused by ingestion ofTaeniasolium eggs from asymptomatic taenia carriers and not by eating undercooked pork. Neurocysticercosis (NCC), a disease caused by the invasion of the CNS and its coverings by the larval stage ofTaenia solium, has trespassed the boundaries of tropical regions and is the most common helminthic infection of the CNS worldwide. Here, recent advances in the diagnosis and management of NCC are discussed with attention to the introduction of modern neuroimaging techniques, sophisticated immune diagnostic tests, and studies focusing on the usefulness of cysti...
Source: Current Tropical Medicine Reports - October 1, 2022 Category: Tropical Medicine Source Type: research
Newly Diagnosed Diabetes Mellitus During COVID-19: The New Pandemic – A Literature Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a spike in newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus (NDDM). NDDM and COVID-19 infection are not well established as a cause-and-effect relationship; hence, the present review aims to define the underlying causes and consequences of COVID-19 infection in relation to the condition.Recent Findingsβ-Cells are infiltrated by SARS-CoV-2, causing glycometabolic dysfunction and insulin dysregulation. The disease causes systemic inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as hormonal changes that lead to insulin resistance and hyperglycemia that are difficul...
Source: Current Tropical Medicine Reports - September 26, 2022 Category: Tropical Medicine Source Type: research
Herpesvirus-Associated Encephalitis: an Update
This article describes recent advances in the diagnosis, treatment, complications, and management of these infections. (Source: Current Tropical Medicine Reports)
Source: Current Tropical Medicine Reports - September 23, 2022 Category: Tropical Medicine Source Type: research
Possibility of Leishmania Transmission via Lutzomyia spp. Sand Flies Within the USA and Implications for Human and Canine Autochthonous Infection
AbstractPurpose of ReviewLeishmaniasis is a leading cause of parasitic death, with incidence rising from decreased resources to administer insecticide and anti-leishmanial treatments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Leishmaniasis is nonendemic in the United States (U.S.), but enzootic canine populations and potentially competent vectors warrant monitoring of autochthonous disease as a fluctuating climate facilitates vector expansion. Recent studies concerning sand fly distribution and vector capacity were assessed for implications of autochthonous transmission within the U.S.Recent FindingsClimate change and insecticide resis...
Source: Current Tropical Medicine Reports - September 21, 2022 Category: Tropical Medicine Source Type: research
Our Current Understanding of Chagas Disease and Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in the State of Florida — an Update on Research in this Region of the USA
AbstractPurpose of ReviewChagas disease (CD) is a neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan parasite,Trypanosoma cruzi. Parasite transmission primarily occurs through direct interaction with an infected triatomine insect vector (kissing bug), but other routes are known. We aim to review the literature and discuss the unique circumstances of CD in the US state of Florida.Recent FindingsFlorida is home to naturally occurring kissing bugs that are invading homes and harborT. cruzi. The state is also home to a diverse population of immigrants from Chagas-endemic regions in Latin America. In the USA, Florida is the sta...
Source: Current Tropical Medicine Reports - September 20, 2022 Category: Tropical Medicine Source Type: research
Nervous System Manifestations of Arboviral Infections
AbstractPurpose of ReviewComplex environmental factors and human intervention influence the spread of arthropod vectors and the cycle of transmission of arboviruses. The spectrum of clinical manifestations is diverse, ranging from serious presentations like viral hemorrhagic fever (e.g., dengue, yellow fever, rift valley fever) or shock syndromes (e.g., dengue virus) to organ-specific illness like meningoencephalitis.Recent FindingsA spectrum of clinical neurologic syndromes with potential acute devastating consequences or long-term sequelae may result from some arboviral infections.SummaryIn this review, we describe some ...
Source: Current Tropical Medicine Reports - September 15, 2022 Category: Tropical Medicine Source Type: research
Chagas Disease in the Southeastern USA
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this review, we provide an update on recent research surrounding Chagas disease in the southeastern USA. We identify current gaps in knowledge, suggest areas for future research, and provide short reports of previously unpublished work.Recent FindingsTrypanosoma cruzi has a greater genetic diversity in the region than previously thought, including genotypes previously thought to be confined to South America.Paratriatoma lecticularia, a regional triatomine bug vector ofT. cruzi, has undergone a genus-level reclassification. Deep sequencing technologies inT. cruzi genetics and blood meal analyses ...
Source: Current Tropical Medicine Reports - September 12, 2022 Category: Tropical Medicine Source Type: research
A Review of the Vector Status of North American Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) for Bluetongue Virus, Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus, and Other Arboviruses of Concern
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCulicoides biting midges transmit several pathogens of veterinary importance in North America, but the vector status of many midge species is unresolved. Additionally, the available evidence of vector competence in these species is scattered and variable. The purpose of this review is to summarize current knowledge on confirmed and putative North AmericanCulicoides arbovirus vectors.Recent FindingsWhile the vector status ofCulicoidessonorensis (EHDV, BTV, VSV) andCulicoidesinsignis (BTV) are well established, several other potential vector species have been recently identified. Frequently, these sp...
Source: Current Tropical Medicine Reports - September 10, 2022 Category: Tropical Medicine Source Type: research
The Importance of Screening for Chagas Disease Against the Backdrop of Changing Epidemiology in the USA
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review seeks to identify factors contributing to the changing epidemiology of Chagas disease in the United States of America (US). By showcasing screening programs for Chagas disease that currently exist in endemic and non-endemic settings, we make recommendations for expanding access to Chagas disease diagnosis and care in the US.Recent FindingsSeveral factors including but not limited to increasing migration, climate change, rapid population growth, growing urbanization, changing transportation patterns, and rising poverty are thought to contribute to changes in the epidemiology of Chagas di...
Source: Current Tropical Medicine Reports - September 10, 2022 Category: Tropical Medicine Source Type: research
Health Disparities in Children and Adolescents Living in LMIC During COVID-19 Pandemic
AbstractPurpose of Review
The purpose of this editorial is to introduce the pediatric global health issue focusing on health disparities emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic on children and adolescents living in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).Recent FindingsAs the COVID-19 pandemic ensues, children and adolescents living in LMIC have been disproportionately affected by socio-economic and mitigation practices, leading to widening disparities in health and the social determinants of health that influence their well-being.SummaryThis pediatric global health issue brings to bare the extent, range, and nature of thes...
Source: Current Tropical Medicine Reports - September 10, 2022 Category: Tropical Medicine Source Type: research
Exploring and Mitigating Plague for One Health Purposes
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn 2020, the Appropriations Committee for the U.S. House of Representatives directed the CDC to develop a national One Health framework to combat zoonotic diseases, including sylvatic plague, which is caused by the flea-borne bacteriumYersinia pestis. This review builds upon that multisectoral objective. We aim to increase awareness ofY. pestis and to highlight examples of plague mitigation for One Health purposes (i.e., to achieve optimal health outcomes for people, animals, plants, and their shared environment). We draw primarily upon examples from the USA, but also discuss research from Madagasc...
Source: Current Tropical Medicine Reports - September 2, 2022 Category: Tropical Medicine Source Type: research
