Hongrang Zhou , Xiaoling Wang , Shuai Han , Ning Xiao
{"title":"Advances and challenges in the prevention, control and research of echinococcosis in China","authors":"Hongrang Zhou , Xiaoling Wang , Shuai Han , Ning Xiao","doi":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100041","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100041","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Echinococcosis is a group of chronic zoonotic parasitic diseases caused by the larval stage of <em>Echinococcus</em> tapeworms, which infect both humans and animals. Due to the complex life cycle, broad geographic distribution and wide range of host species of <em>Echinococcus</em>, controlling and eliminating echinococcosis remains highly challenging. Source control and the interruption of transmission pathways are critical but difficult, which always impede prevention and control efforts. Therefore, accurate detection, differentiation, diagnosis, and effective treatment, along with real-time monitoring of infections across various hosts, are essential prerequisites. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current epidemiological status of echinococcosis, research progress, prevention and control measures, and the main challenges in efforts from control toward elimination of the disease in China, with the aim of providing reference for further optimization of present control strategies and surveillance methods.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100358,"journal":{"name":"Decoding Infection and Transmission","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100041"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143592791","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Alongshan virus: A comprehensive review of its pathogenic characteristics, epidemiology, and detection strategies","authors":"Sunjie Yang , Zedong Wang , Ruixin Guo , Yong Qi","doi":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100045","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100045","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Alongshan virus (ALSV) is an emerging tick-borne segmented RNA virus belonging to the <em>Flaviviridae</em> family, first identified in Northeastern China in 2017. ALSV is currently classified within the Jingmenvirus group, which includes other segmented flavi-like viruses. Since its discovery, ALSV has been detected in various regions, including China, Russia, and several European countries, highlighting its expanding geographic distribution. This review summarizes the latest research progress on ALSV, focusing on its pathogenic characteristics, pathogenicity, epidemiological features, and detection methods. ALSV exhibits a segmented genome, unique structural and nonstructural proteins, and potential neurotropism, with clinical symptoms resembling other tick-borne diseases. Detection methods, including nucleic acid detection and high-throughput sequencing, have advanced ALSV research, though challenges remain in standardization and clinical application. Understanding ALSV's ecological characteristics, transmission mechanisms, and public health impact is crucial for developing effective prevention and control strategies. This review provides valuable insights for healthcare institutions and policymakers to mitigate ALSV's risks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100358,"journal":{"name":"Decoding Infection and Transmission","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100045"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143835181","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abdullahi Tunde Aborode , Oche Joseph Otorkpa , Omobolaji Omokorede Ayeseni , Sedoten Oluwaseun Ogun , Chibuzor Stella Amadi , Sharmistha Roy , Abdulhakeem Abayomi Olorukooba , Kenechukwu Obumneme Samuel Nwosu , Oluwafunto Adepeju Aladekomo , Barakat Olajumoke Kolawole , Tolulope Tiwa Ogundipe , Seto Charles Ogunleye , Segun Olapade , Bakare-Abidola Taiwo , Isreal Ayobami Onifade
{"title":"Rabies in Africa: Vaccination coverage and strategies for elimination by 2030","authors":"Abdullahi Tunde Aborode , Oche Joseph Otorkpa , Omobolaji Omokorede Ayeseni , Sedoten Oluwaseun Ogun , Chibuzor Stella Amadi , Sharmistha Roy , Abdulhakeem Abayomi Olorukooba , Kenechukwu Obumneme Samuel Nwosu , Oluwafunto Adepeju Aladekomo , Barakat Olajumoke Kolawole , Tolulope Tiwa Ogundipe , Seto Charles Ogunleye , Segun Olapade , Bakare-Abidola Taiwo , Isreal Ayobami Onifade","doi":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100047","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100047","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rabies remains a significant public health threat in Africa, and disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations to cause thousands of deaths annually. Rabies is a preventable disease and control efforts include a global target of rabies elimination by 2030. But, challenges impede this goal, such as limited access to vaccines, insufficient public awareness, and weak healthcare infrastructure. This review evaluates the barriers to vaccination coverage, including logistical constraints in vaccine delivery, high costs, and the lack of sustained funding. Additionally, the review discusses innovative strategies and best practices for rabies control, such as community-based education programs, and the integration of One Health approaches. This study synthesizes current evidence, to emphasize the urgent need for coordinated efforts, increased investment, and policy reforms to achieve sustainable rabies elimination in Africa.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100358,"journal":{"name":"Decoding Infection and Transmission","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100047"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143903719","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Recurrent cholera outbreaks in Nigeria: A review of the underlying factors and redress","authors":"Ikechukwu Emmanuel Onwunta , Gerald Obinna Ozota , Chizaram Adaeze Eze , Izuchukwu Favour Obilom , Onyeka Chinenye Okoli , Cynthia Nneka Azih , Christabel Ogechukwu Okoye , Ebube Lilian Agbo","doi":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100042","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100042","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cholera outbreaks remain a matter of public health since this outbreak of the epidemic is experienced almost every year. In June 2024, the African Region had registered 7964 new cases of cholera across 11 countries, and 1094 of them were from Nigeria. Although several advancements have been made towards reducing cholera outbreaks, its recurrence in 2024 highlights the challenges in its management. This study explores the underlying factors responsible for recurring cholera outbreaks in Nigeria and formulates practical recommendations for its prevention and control in the long term. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Google Scholar and PubMed, including studies that discussed cholera outbreaks, contributing factors, and control strategies, especially in Nigeria. The implications and challenges of recurrent cholera outbreaks in Nigeria were also examined from the literature, and recommendations were given. The study identified some of the implications of these outbreaks on the country, including increased mortality rates, the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant <em>Vibrio cholerae</em> strains, and socioeconomic implications. The major challenges hindering effective cholera management were found to be vaccination uptake, late diagnosis and management, unpreparedness of the healthcare system, environmental factors and lack of government will. Mitigating these drivers of recurring outbreaks in Nigeria is crucial to creating more targeted and more efficient prevention and control measures. Recommendations have been made to combat this menace and achieve long-term eradication in Nigeria, which include enhancing the infrastructure for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), expanding the reach of vaccinations, surveillance and rapid response systems and resolving socioeconomic and environmental factors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100358,"journal":{"name":"Decoding Infection and Transmission","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100042"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143534837","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Joshua Femi Oluwadele , Anthony Ekeocha , Ezekiel Olukunle Akinwumi
{"title":"The prevalence, impact, and control measures of brucellosis in Nigeria: An analytical study","authors":"Joshua Femi Oluwadele , Anthony Ekeocha , Ezekiel Olukunle Akinwumi","doi":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100046","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100046","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to assess the prevalence, economic impact, and control measures of brucellosis in livestock and humans across four Nigerian states (Lagos, Kano, Oyo, and Kaduna) from 2018 to 2020.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Data were collected through stratified random sampling, alongside secondary sources such as government reports and hospital records. Serological tests, including the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), were employed to detect <em>Brucella</em> antibodies in livestock and human samples. A total of 1200 livestock samples (400 per state) and 600 human samples (150 per state) were tested.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study revealed an increasing prevalence of brucellosis, with Kano and Kaduna exhibiting the highest incidence rates of 19 % and 16 %, respectively. Economic losses due to brucellosis were substantial, particularly in Kano, where losses amounted to $2.5 million annually; primarily from livestock value depreciation, veterinary expenses, and reduced productivity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings underscore the necessity for a comprehensive approach to controlling brucellosis, including enhanced surveillance, vaccination programs, and public health education. A One Health approach is crucial to control the spread of the disease and reduce both its economic and public health impacts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100358,"journal":{"name":"Decoding Infection and Transmission","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100046"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143864422","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Promise Udohchukwu Okereke , Mohamed Terra , Wisdom Obumneme Okereke , David Obiyenwa , Collins Chidera Uche , Anthony Chukwuebuka Okeke , Emmanuel Onyekachukwu Okwor , Oladayo Damilola Akinwale
{"title":"The implications of Mpox for healthcare Providers: Understanding transmission, clinical presentation, and infection control","authors":"Promise Udohchukwu Okereke , Mohamed Terra , Wisdom Obumneme Okereke , David Obiyenwa , Collins Chidera Uche , Anthony Chukwuebuka Okeke , Emmanuel Onyekachukwu Okwor , Oladayo Damilola Akinwale","doi":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100049","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100049","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a zoonotic viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, a member of the <em>Orthopoxvirus</em> genus. Since the 2022 global outbreak, the virus has been increasingly reported in non-endemic regions, with evidence supporting person-to-person transmission, including through sexual contact. By August 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to its rapid international spread. This review synthesizes the current understanding of Mpox transmission dynamics, clinical presentation, and the role of healthcare providers, including clinicians, dentists, and nurses, in its detection and control. A narrative review was conducted using scientific literature indexed in PubMed, WHO reports, and CDC guidelines from 2017 to 2024. The review highlights the need for increased awareness of atypical presentations, including oral and genital lesions, which may initially be misdiagnosed. Special emphasis is placed on the responsibilities of dental and clinical professionals in early detection, infection prevention, and patient education. As cases continue to appear globally, a comprehensive understanding of Mpox is crucial to protect both patients and healthcare workers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100358,"journal":{"name":"Decoding Infection and Transmission","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100049"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144131131","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bashar Haruna Gulumbe , Abdulrakib Abdulrahim , Shamsuddeen Kele Ahmad , Kadai Alhaji Lawan , Mohammed Bashar Danlami
{"title":"WHO report signals tuberculosis resurgence: Addressing systemic failures and revamping control strategies","authors":"Bashar Haruna Gulumbe , Abdulrakib Abdulrahim , Shamsuddeen Kele Ahmad , Kadai Alhaji Lawan , Mohammed Bashar Danlami","doi":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100044","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100044","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>According to the World Health Organization's Global Tuberculosis Report 2024, tuberculosis (TB) has resurged as the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, overtaking Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). With 8.2 million diagnoses and 1.25 million deaths in 2023, the highest since monitoring began in 1995, this commentary analyzes factors contributing to TB's resurgence and the limitations of current control strategies. Contributing factors include the diversion of healthcare resources during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to diagnostic delays and treatment interruptions; the rise of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), complicated by complex treatment regimens and limited diagnostic capacity; socioeconomic barriers such as poverty and overcrowding hindering access to care; and funding shortfalls impeding program implementation and research efforts. We advocate for reevaluating TB control strategies by integrating TB services into primary healthcare, leveraging digital technologies, and investing in capacity building. Addressing drug resistance requires accelerated research, improved diagnostics, and enhanced adherence programs. Essential socioeconomic interventions include poverty alleviation, community engagement, and nutritional support. Securing sustainable funding through increased domestic investment, international cooperation, and private-sector engagement is critical. Reversing TB's resurgence requires global commitment and coordinated action. Political will, robust community involvement, and global solidarity are vital. Ending the TB epidemic is both a medical and moral imperative aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Immediate and decisive action is imperative to prevent further loss of life and achieve a TB-free world.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100358,"journal":{"name":"Decoding Infection and Transmission","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100044"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143747676","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A rare case of Trichosporon inkin bloodstream infection in an immunocompetent patient: Diagnostic challenges and antigenic cross-reactivity","authors":"Yongqin Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100043","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100043","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Trichosporon inkin</em> is a rare opportunistic pathogen typically associated with superficial infections but can also cause invasive infections, particularly in immunocompromised hosts. Here, we report a rare case of <em>T. inkin</em> bloodstream infection in an immunocompetent male with a history of cerebral hemorrhage surgery. The patient presented with fever, limb twitching, and brain lesions. Blood cultures revealed fungal growth, which was initially misidentified as <em>Trichosporon ovoides</em> by mass spectrometry but was later confirmed as <em>T. inkin</em> through ITS and IGS1 sequencing. The isolate exhibited low MICs for azoles and amphotericin B but high MICs for echinocandins. Notably, the patient's serum tested positive for cryptococcal antigen and <em>Aspergillus</em> galactomannan, despite the absence of clinical signs of cryptococcosis or aspergillosis. The <em>T. inkin</em> isolate expresses cryptococcal antigen but not galactomannan cross-reactive antigens when cultured in standard media. However, it expresses galactomannan cross-reactive antigens when cultured in human whole blood. This case highlights diagnostic challenges, including antigenic cross-reactivity and misidentification, and emphasizes the role of host–pathogen interactions in antigen expression. Our findings underscore the need for improved diagnostics and cautious interpretation of fungal antigen tests. This report expands the understanding of <em>T. inkin</em> infections and provides insights into their clinical management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100358,"journal":{"name":"Decoding Infection and Transmission","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100043"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143725178","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"mRNA vaccination facilitates the prevention and control of infectious diseases at an unprecedented speed","authors":"Jinmin Ma , Meirong Li , Zhihao Xie , Desheng Li","doi":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100048","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100048","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In recent years, amidst the progresses of biotechnology versus the emergence and evolution of diseases, the pursuit of mRNA (messenger RNA) vaccines has become a focal point, particularly after their revolutionary function during the COVID-19 pandemic. mRNA vaccines have assumed a pivotal role against infectious diseases, and represent an avenue of exploration that holds great promise. The merits of mRNA vaccines are manifold, and encompass rapid development, unparalleled flexibility and adaptability, the elicitation of potent immune responses, cost-effective manufacturing, and the potential for personalized medicine. The global scientific community has become inspired by the possibilities of expeditious vaccine development, resulting in an extensive tapestry of research and development. However, realizing the full potential of mRNA vaccines is not without scientific and regulatory pitfalls, and necessitates a concerted effort to surmount these challenges. Nevertheless, incremental advances bear testament to the ever-evolving landscape of mRNA vaccine advancement in the battle against COVID-19. We believe that this technology will further play a significant role in the field of infectious diseases. This article aims to describe mRNA vaccine mechanisms and their applications against infectious diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100358,"journal":{"name":"Decoding Infection and Transmission","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100048"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144098350","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Li Zhang , Guanyong Ou , Yong Chen , Jiumeng Min , Yanjie Li , Liuqing Yang , Jiexiang Liu , Lei Jiang , Zitao Xie , Jinmin Ma , Yingxia Liu
{"title":"Genotype switching in hepatitis B virus as a potential risk for vertical transmission from mother-to-child was first reported","authors":"Li Zhang , Guanyong Ou , Yong Chen , Jiumeng Min , Yanjie Li , Liuqing Yang , Jiexiang Liu , Lei Jiang , Zitao Xie , Jinmin Ma , Yingxia Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100040","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100040","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection represents a significant global public health concern and is endemic in numerous populations. In China, mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) remains the predominant route of HBV infection. The administration of the Hepatitis B vaccine and Hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) to neonates born to mothers with chronic HBV infection constitutes the primary strategy to mitigate the risk of perinatal transmission. Nevertheless, elevated maternal viral loads are a critical risk factor for vertical transmission of HBV, even when infants are immunized at birth and treated with HBIG.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this study, we enrolled 32 mother-child pairs with confirmed vertical transmission of HBV. Despite antiviral therapy administered to three pregnant women, which successfully reduced their viral loads below the threshold (HBV DNA <5.3 log10 IU/mL) within 24 weeks of pregnancy, their infants still contracted HBV despite receiving immunization and HBIG at birth.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Utilizing next-generation sequencing (NGS) and comprehensive HBV genomic analysis, we identified that 28 pairs (87.5 %) were infected with HBV genotype B2, three pairs (9.3 %) with genotype C1, and three pairs (9.3 %) exhibited genotype switching.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study is the first to report the phenomenon of HBV genotype switching during MTCT, with the underlying mechanisms explored through the analysis of HBV quasispecies haplotypes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100358,"journal":{"name":"Decoding Infection and Transmission","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100040"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143437392","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}