{"title":"Current therapies and advances in the development pipeline of pre-erythrocytic preventive drugs","authors":"Nie Tan , Yuanli Gao , Wenyue Xu , Taiping Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100064","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100064","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Malaria prevention remains a cornerstone strategy for reducing global mortality and morbidity. Although the two World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended pre-erythrocytic malaria vaccines, RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M, demonstrate substantial reductions in disease burden, they exhibit only partial efficacy and fail to provide sterilizing immunity against clinical malaria. As a result, chemotherapies targeting the pre-erythrocytic stage are critical for comprehensive prevention. However, compared to erythrocytic-stage interventions, the availability of prophylactic drugs against exoerythrocytic forms (EEFs), particularly hypnozoites, is limited. Existing agents also face significant challenges from drug-resistant <em>Plasmodium</em> strains, which compromise clinical efficacy. Therefore, there is an urgent need for pre-erythrocytic prophylactics to complement or replace current preventive chemotherapy regimens. In this review, we comprehensively summarize recent advances in the development of pre-erythrocytic prophylactic drugs and outline target product profiles for next-generation agents. We also discuss strategies to expand the repertoire of preventive chemotherapy and describe successful discovery paradigms for compounds targeting the pre-erythrocytic stage.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100358,"journal":{"name":"Decoding Infection and Transmission","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100064"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145750155","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}
Yongle Song , Haiqiong Yu , Shenquan Liao , Minna Lv , Xuhui Lin , Haiming Cai , Xiangjie Chen , Yibin Zhu , Jianfei Zhang , Nanshan Qi , Juan Li , Mingfei Sun
{"title":"Sexual development in apicomplexan parasites: past and future","authors":"Yongle Song , Haiqiong Yu , Shenquan Liao , Minna Lv , Xuhui Lin , Haiming Cai , Xiangjie Chen , Yibin Zhu , Jianfei Zhang , Nanshan Qi , Juan Li , Mingfei Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100054","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100054","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sexual development is an important process in eukaryotic organisms that involves the fusion of gametes to produce genetically diverse offspring. In apicomplexan parasites, sexual development is crucial for their life cycle and transmission. This paper reviews historical advancements in the understanding of sexual development in these parasites and discusses future research directions. Key discoveries related to gamete production, fertilization, and the formation of infectious stages are explored. Additionally, potential avenues for further investigation are proposed, including the molecular mechanisms governing sexual development, the role of host factors, and the influence of environmental cues. This review aims to help future research and improve our understanding of the complex sexual development processes in apicomplexan parasites by highlighting past achievements and outlining future research directions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100358,"journal":{"name":"Decoding Infection and Transmission","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100054"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144780256","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}
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}
{"title":"Recurring diphtheria outbreaks in Nigeria: A holistic review of challenges, knowledge and strategic recommendations for control","authors":"Adelekan Oluseyi Okunlade , Ridwan Olamilekan Adesola , Ibrahim Idris , Foluke Olajumoke Jemilehin","doi":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100057","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100057","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable bacterial disease that has contributed to the large number of deaths in Nigeria. There have been numerous outbreaks after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the challenges associated with this occurrence have not been well studied in Nigeria. In this study, we aimed to extensively review the challenges and knowledge gaps associated with the spread of diphtheria in Nigeria, while providing holistic approaches to tackle this menace. Several challenges have been identified contributing to the spread of diphtheria in Nigeria. These challenges were categorized into systemic, social, and environmental categories. Addressing these challenges with a holistic and multifaceted approach, as highlighted in this review, will curb the spread and eradicate diphtheria completely in Nigeria and other parts of the world.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100358,"journal":{"name":"Decoding Infection and Transmission","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100057"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144902367","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":"A novel approach to disease modeling: The SEIVR model with a vulnerable compartment","authors":"Santosh CJ, Anurag Shakya","doi":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100051","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100051","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The SEIR model is a cornerstone in epidemiology and offers insights into the spread of infectious diseases. It extends the basic SIR model to include an Exposed (E) compartment, to account for the incubation period of diseases. However, the traditional SEIR model falls short in addressing varying disease severity, particularly the need for hospitalization, which is crucial for understanding the full impact of a disease outbreak.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aims to increase the predictive power of the traditional SEIR model by introducing a Vulnerable (V) compartment, thus creating the SEIVR model. This new compartment captures individuals who are exposed to a transmitted disease and require hospitalization to recover, thereby providing a more nuanced view of disease progression.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>To develop the SEIVR model, we modified the SEIR framework to include the Vulnerable (V) compartment. We used differential equations to describe the transitions between compartments. Parameter estimation was performed using least squares fitting, and the model was rigorously validated against real-world data to ensure its accuracy in predicting hospitalizations and healthcare demands.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The SEIVR model accurately predicted the progression of disease and its impact on healthcare resources. Model predictions closely mirrored the observed data, thus showcasing its effectiveness in estimating new cases, hospitalizations, and recoveries. This validation underscores the capability of the model to provide a realistic representation of disease dynamics to inform public health interventions.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>With the addition of the Vulnerable compartment, the SEIVR model offers a more precise and comprehensive understanding of disease dynamics. It excels in predicting new cases, hospitalizations, and recoveries, making it an invaluable tool for public health planning and resource allocation. This model is particularly beneficial for diseases which may require hospitalization, such as COVID-19, thus enhancing the accuracy of predictions of healthcare demand.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100358,"journal":{"name":"Decoding Infection and Transmission","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100051"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144231488","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}
Bing Lu , Wenjiao Chang , Huaiwei Lu , Zhengchao Nie , Yongqin Wu , Xiaoling Ma , Yunbo Chen , Xiaofang Wang , Yangyan Wang , Yonghong Xiao , Yuanyuan Dai
{"title":"Trends in the minimum inhibitory concentrations for four agents against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in bloodstream infections in China: a 6-year multi-center study from 2017 to 2022","authors":"Bing Lu , Wenjiao Chang , Huaiwei Lu , Zhengchao Nie , Yongqin Wu , Xiaoling Ma , Yunbo Chen , Xiaofang Wang , Yangyan Wang , Yonghong Xiao , Yuanyuan Dai","doi":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100052","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100052","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div><em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> bacteremia is a critical and pernicious infection, and in particular methicillin-resistant <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> (MRSA) is increasing in treatment failure. This study analyzed trends in the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of limited antimicrobials against MRSA bloodstream isolates in China; specifically, the antibiotics vancomycin, daptomycin, linezolid, and teicoplanin.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A total of 3901 <em>S. aureus</em> blood isolates, including 1065 MRSA isolates, were collected from ten Chinese provinces between 2017 and 2022. Broth microdilution was used to establish the MICs for the four antimicrobials. The geometric mean MICs (GM MICs), MIC50s (inhibition of 50 % of <em>S. aureus</em>), MIC90s (inhibition of 90 % of <em>S. aureus</em>), and MICs distribution were determined for each year.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The geometric mean inhibitory concentration of vancomycin for MRSA isolates increased from 0.58 mg/L in 2018 to 1.01 mg/L by 2022; and that of linezolid decreased from 1.52 mg/L in 2017 to 0.94 mg/L in 2022. Daptomycin and teicoplanin demonstrated no clear trends. MRSA isolates with vancomycin MICs ≤0.5 mg/mL significantly decreased from 77.1 % in 2018 to 8.8 % in 2022. For linezolid, those with MICs >1 and ≤ 2 mg/L also decreased from 62.8 % in 2017 to 26.1 % in 2022. The highest geometric mean MICs of daptomycin, linezolid, vancomycin, and teicoplanin were respectively seen in Yunnan (0.465 mg/L), Henan (1.368 mg/L), Gansu (0.908 mg/L), and Hubei (0.579 mg/L); whereas the lowest values were observed in Jiangxi (0.355 mg/L), Yunnan (0.896 mg/L), Yunnan (0.600 mg/L), and Henan (0.438 mg/L). MRSA isolates originating from tertiary care hospitals exhibited lower sensitivity for teicoplanin than those from non-tertiary care hospitals.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>MRSA isolates from bloodstream infections in China are presently showing lower sensitivity to vancomycin and higher sensitivity to linezolid.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100358,"journal":{"name":"Decoding Infection and Transmission","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100052"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144579923","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":"Mosquitoes as pesticide disseminators: Advancing pyriproxyfen-based technologies for next-generation vector control","authors":"Mengyan He, Yuting Chen, Hao Yang, Yongjun Li","doi":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100059","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100059","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and malaria, pose significant global health challenges, exacerbated by rising insecticide resistance in key vectors like <em>Aedes</em> and <em>Anopheles</em>. Pyriproxyfen (PPF), an insect growth regulator (IGR), offers a promising alternative due to its unique mode of action, mimicking juvenile hormone to disrupt mosquito metamorphosis and reproduction at low concentrations, with minimal mammalian toxicity. This review examines PPF's role in mosquito control, focusing on its mechanisms, conventional applications, novel dissemination strategies, and challenges in the context of escalating resistance, with particular emphasis on PPF-based novel mosquito control technologies, namely the PPF-dissemination stations (PDS) and boosted sterile or incompatible insect techniques (BSIT/BIIT). These advanced technologies leverage mosquitoes to spread PPF to breeding sites (including the cryptic ones), offering targeted and cost-effective solutions. We propose that future research should prioritize the refinement of PPF delivery systems, improvement of community engagement, assessment of PPF's effects on vector competence, and establishment of international collaborative networks for PPF-resistance monitoring. This review highlights the significant value of PPF in combating mosquito-borne diseases, emphasizing the need for continued innovation to ensure its role as a valuable complement of global vector control initiatives, especially in regions prone to resistance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100358,"journal":{"name":"Decoding Infection and Transmission","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100059"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145157290","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}
Man Zhang , Zexin Wang , Zhihao Yu , Guzhen Cui , Zhenghong Chen , Daoyan Wu
{"title":"Decoding the host-pathogen-environment interaction: Integrated insights into Helicobacter pylori virulence and epidemiological transmission","authors":"Man Zhang , Zexin Wang , Zhihao Yu , Guzhen Cui , Zhenghong Chen , Daoyan Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100062","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dcit.2025.100062","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A primary cause of peptic ulcer, gastric carcinoma, and chronic gastritis is the Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria <em>Helicobacter pylori</em> (<em>H. pylori</em>). Grasping its mechanisms of pathogenesis and transmission pathways is critical for disease prevention, control, and therapeutic intervention. The pathogenesis of <em>H. pylori</em> and the currently identified transmission are outlined in this review. The three primary components of the pathogenic mechanism of <em>H. pylori</em> infection are the environment, the host, and the bacterium. <em>H. pylori</em> accomplish the processes of colonization, barrier disruption, infection, and sustained damage through elements such as adhesins and virulence factors. The immune response and genetic susceptibility of the host create favorable conditions for <em>H. pylori</em> invasion. The environment and gut microenvironment exert a profound influence on the successful establishment <em>H. pylori</em>. The transmission channels of <em>H. pylori</em> include horizontal transmission (Oral–Oral, Gastro-Oral, and Fecal-Oral routes) and vertical transmission (Mother-to-child). This review serves as a foundational reference for preventing diseases associated with <em>H. pylori</em> and facilitates the progress of subsequent research in this field.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100358,"journal":{"name":"Decoding Infection and Transmission","volume":"3 ","pages":"Article 100062"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145464922","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":"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}