The role of point-of-care ultrasound in the assessment of schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis: A systematic scoping review
ConclusionsThe exclusive use of the image patterns in many studies despite lack of specific acquisition guidance, the increasing number of studies over time that conduct ultrasound staging of schistosomal PPF, and the advances in ultrasound technology used since 2000 all indicate a need to consider an update to the Niamey protocol. The protocol update should simplify and prioritise what is to be assessed, advise on who is to conduct the ultrasound examination, and procedures for improved standardisation and external reproducibility. (Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases)
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - March 20, 2024 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Eloise S. Ockenden Source Type: research

Epidemiological, clinical, and geographical characterization of Leprosy in the County of Santar ém-Pará: Insights for effective control and targeted intervention
This study highlights the need to characterize the nuances of leprosy and its variability within the urban environment, according to different areas. Further research is essential to inform the implementation of public policies aimed at addressing the population with the highest vulnerabilit y index, thereby reducing leprosy rates in Santarém. (Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases)
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - March 20, 2024 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Edson Jandrey Cota Queiroz Source Type: research

Expression of Concern: Molecular Characterization of Severin from < i > Clonorchis sinensis < /i > Excretory/Secretory Products and Its Potential Anti-apoptotic Role in Hepatocarcinoma PLC Cells
by The PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases Editors (Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases)
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - March 19, 2024 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: The PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases Editors Source Type: research

Correction: < i > Entamoeba < /i > lysyl-tRNA Synthetase Contains a Cytokine-Like Domain with Chemokine Activity towards Human Endothelial Cells
by Manuel Castro de Moura, Francesc Miro, Jung Min Han, Sunghoon Kim, Antonio Celada, Llu ís Ribas de Pouplana (Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases)
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - March 19, 2024 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Manuel Castro de Moura Source Type: research

Sero-prevalence and risk factors associated with occurrence of anti- < i > Brucella < /i > antibodies among slaughterhouse workers in Uganda
Conclusions and recommendationsOur study demonstrates the combined practical application of the RBT and BrucellaCapt in the diagnosis of human brucellosis in endemic settings. Both pharmaceutical (e.g., routine testing and timely therapeutic intervention), and non-pharmaceutical (e.g., higher index of suspicion of brucellosis when investigating fevers of unknown origin and observation of strict abattoir hygiene) countermeasures should be considered for control of the disease in high-risk groups. (Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases)
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - March 18, 2024 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: James Katamba Bugeza Source Type: research

Comparative evaluation of four rapid diagnostic tests that detect human < i > Trypanosoma cruzi- < /i > specific antibodies to support diagnosis of Chagas Disease in urban population of Argentina
ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that, under controlled laboratory conditions, commercially available RDTs for CD have a performance comparable to the Argentinian diagnostic algorithm, which is based on laboratory-based serological tests. For the next stage of our work, the RDTs will be evaluated in real-world settings. (Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases)
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - March 15, 2024 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Roc ío Rivero Source Type: research

Cross-sectional serosurvey of < i > Leptospira < /i > species among slaughter pigs, goats, and sheep in Uganda
Conclusion/significance: Detection of a moderate seroprevalence, and severalLeptospira serogroups among pigs, sheep, and goats from all regions of Uganda, supports existing reports in cattle and dogs, and implies widespreadLeptospira exposure in domestic animals in Uganda. These findings may inform future programs for the control of leptospirosis in livestock in Uganda. (Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases)
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - March 15, 2024 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Lordrick Alinaitwe Source Type: research

Cryptic circulation of chikungunya virus in S ão Jose do Rio Preto, Brazil, 2015–2019
Conclusions/significanceOur data suggest cryptic CHIKV circulation in SJdRP detected by continual active surveillance. These low levels, but increasing, of viral circulation highlight the possibility of CHIKV outbreaks, as there is a large na ïve population. Improved knowledge of the epidemiological situation might aid in outbreaks prevention. (Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases)
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - March 14, 2024 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Nathalia Zini Source Type: research

Successful introgression of < i > w < /i > Mel < i > Wolbachia < /i > into < i > Aedes aegypti < /i > populations in Fiji, Vanuatu and Kiribati
by Cameron P. Simmons, Wesley Donald, Lekon Tagavi, Len Tarivonda, Timothy Quai, Raynelyn Tavoa, Tebikau Noran, Erirau Manikaoti, Lavinia Kareaua, Tabomoa Tinte Abwai, Dip Chand, Vineshwaran Rama, Vimal Deo, Kharishma Karti Deo, Aminiasi Tavuii, Wame Valentine, Ravi Prasad, Eremasi Seru, Leikitah Naituku, Anaseini Ratu, Mark Hesketh, Nichola Kenny, Sarah C. Beebe, Anjali A. Goundar, Andrew McCaw, Molly Buntine, Ben Green, Tibor Frossard, Jeremie R. L. Gilles, D. Albert Joubert, Geoff Wilson, Le Quyen Duong, Jean B Bouvier, Darren Stanford, Carolyn Forder, Johanna M. Duyvestyn, Etiene C. Pacid ônio, Heather A. Flores, Nata...
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - March 14, 2024 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Cameron P. Simmons Source Type: research

Absence of Anti- < i > Babesia microti < /i > antibody in commercial intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)
ConclusionsCommercially available IVIG may not be of therapeutic benefit for babesiosis patients. Additional sampling of IVIG for B. microti antibody and a clinical trial of babesiosis patients given IVIG compared with controls would provide further insight into the use of IVIG for the treatment of babesiosis. (Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases)
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - March 14, 2024 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Julia Kostka Source Type: research

Analysis of diagnostic test outcomes in a large loiasis cohort from an endemic region: Serological tests are often false negative in hyper-microfilaremic infections
ConclusionNone of the tests demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for loiasis. Indirect diagnostic assays were characterized by low specificity. Additionally, hyper-microfilaremic individuals often tested negative by RDT and ELISA, indicating that these tests are not suitable for individual case management in endemic populations. (Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases)
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - March 14, 2024 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Luzia Veletzky Source Type: research

Community ’s knowledge, perceptions and preventive practices on Onchocerciasis in Jimma zone, Ethiopia, formative mixed study
This study aimed to elucidate the awareness, perceptions and practices of endemic communities in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia. Methods and materialsCommunity-based cross-sectional study triangulated with qualitative method was conducted from October-November, 2021. A multistage sampling was employed and data were collected using a pre-tested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of comprehensive knowledge and preventive practice. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated at 95% confidence interval (CI) and considered significant with a p-value of (Source: PLoS Neglect...
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - March 13, 2024 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Daba Abdissa Source Type: research

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic skin microbiota modifications triggered by < i > Leishmania < /i > infection in localized Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
by Jes ús Jaimes, Luz Helena Patiño, Giovanny Herrera, Claudia Cruz, Julie Pérez, Camilo A. Correa-Cárdenas, Marina Muñoz, Juan David Ramírez Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a tropical disease characterized by cutaneous ulcers, sometimes with satellite lesions and nodular lymphangitis.Leishmania parasites, transmitted by sandfly vectors, cause this widespread public health challenge affecting millions worldwide. CL ’s complexity stems from diverseLeishmania species and intricate host interactions. Therefore, this study aims to shed light on the spatial-temporal distribution ofLeishmania species and exploring the i...
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - March 13, 2024 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Jes ús Jaimes Source Type: research

Correction: Development of a Humanized Antibody with High Therapeutic Potential against Dengue Virus Type 2
by Pi-Chun Li, Mei-Ying Liao, Ping-Chang Cheng, Jian-Jong Liang, I-Ju Liu, Chien-Yu Chiu, Yi-Ling Lin, Gwong-Jen J. Chang, Han-Chung Wu (Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases)
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - March 13, 2024 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Pi-Chun Li Source Type: research

One Health approach for < i > Brucella canis < /i > : Serological and molecular detection in animal-hoarding individuals and their dogs
by Let ícia Schiavo, Matheus Lopes Ribeiro, Meila Bastos de Almeida, Graziela Ribeiro da Cunha, Giselle Almeida Nocera Espírito Santo, Vivien Midori Morikawa, Acácia Ferreira Vicente, Claire Ponsart, Carlos Eduardo de Santi, Louise Bach Kmetiuk, Jane Megid, Alexander Welker Biondo Animal hoarding disorder (AHD) is classified as a psychiatric obsessive-compulsive condition characterized by animal accumulation and often accompanied by unsanitary conditions and animal cruelty. Although AHD may increase pathogen transmission and spread, particularly for zoonotic diseases, human and dog exposure in such cases has yet to be ...
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - March 12, 2024 Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Let ícia Schiavo Source Type: research