Infectious Disease Reports最新文献

{"title":"Heart Failure Incidence and Risk Factors in U.S. Adults Receiving Bezlotoxumab: A Large Database Analysis.","authors":"Chia-Yu Chiu, Daniel B Chastain, Joseph Sassine, Andrés F Henao-Martínez","doi":"10.3390/idr18020028","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/idr18020028","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Bezlotoxumab is used to prevent recurrent <i>Clostridioides difficile</i> infection. Although well tolerated, heart failure (HF) exacerbations have been reported as adverse events in clinical trials. This study evaluates the incidence and predictors of HF exacerbation following bezlotoxumab.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We used the TriNetX research database to identify U.S. adults who received bezlotoxumab and stratified them into three groups based on HF history: no HF, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The 90-day cumulative incidence of HF events and mortality were assessed. Cox proportional hazard models identified predictors of HF events.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 2515 patients, 89% had no HF history, 4% had HFpEF, and 7% had HFrEF. The 90-day HF event rates were 1%, 29%, and 52% for the no HF, HFpEF, and HFrEF groups, respectively (<i>p</i> < 0.001). The 90-day all-cause mortality was 0.9%. Corresponding 90-day all-cause mortality rates were 0.04%, 4%, and 11%, respectively (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Independent positive predictors of HF events included HFrEF (aHR 19.400), HFpEF (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 8.632), heart transplant (aHR 7.485), hyperlipidemia (aHR 3.184), valvular heart disease (aHR 2.267), chronic kidney disease stage ≥ 3 (aHR 1.715), and ischemic heart disease (aHR 1.987). Protective factors included non-cardiac solid organ transplant (aHR 0.333).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Bezlotoxumab appears safe in patients without HF history but is associated with a significantly increased risk of HF exacerbation in those with pre-existing HF, especially HFrEF.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"18 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13116173/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147770257","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":"Matrix-Dependent Sensitivity of Two Pan-Trematode PCR Assays for Detecting <i>Schistosoma</i> spp. in Clinical Human Samples.","authors":"Hagen Frickmann, Andreas Hahn, Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt, Ulrike Loderstädt, Norbert Georg Schwarz, Ralf Matthias Hagen","doi":"10.3390/idr18020027","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/idr18020027","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong><i>Schistosoma</i> spp. are trematodes occurring in tropical endemic areas but can be imported to non-endemic regions as causes of travel-associated infections. In this study, two pan-trematode-specific real-time PCR assays were evaluated for their diagnostic sensitivity in detecting <i>Schistosoma</i> spp. DNA in diagnostic human samples.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Two previously described pan-trematode-specific real-time PCR assays were comparatively assessed using diagnostic samples containing DNA of either the <i>S. haematobium</i> complex or the <i>S. mansoni</i> complex, as confirmed by <i>Schistosoma</i> species complex-specific real-time PCR.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of a total of 655 samples containing <i>Schistosoma</i> spp. DNA, positive signals in at least one of the two pan-trematode real-time PCR assays were recorded for 17 (2.6%) nucleic acid extractions. Although sensitivity was in the >90% range for stool samples, only a few individual blood plasma and serum samples, and none of the <i>Schistosoma</i> spp. DNA-containing tissue or urine samples, tested positive by pan-trematode PCR. The lower sensitivity of pan-trematode PCR compared with <i>Schistosoma</i> spp.-specific PCR was semi-quantitatively confirmed by higher cycle threshold (Ct) values in the former. When comparing samples with concordant versus discordant positive results for <i>Schistosoma</i> spp.-specific and pan-trematode PCR, Ct values of the <i>Schistosoma</i> spp.-specific PCR were lower in concordantly positive samples than in discordantly positive samples.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>While the assessed pan-trematode PCR assays showed insufficient sensitivity as screening tools for blood plasma, blood serum, tissue, and urine samples from individuals with suspected schistosomiasis, they were sufficiently sensitive when applied to stool samples, in which substantial amounts of target DNA, as indicated by low Ct values in the <i>Schistosoma</i> species complex-specific real-time PCR assays, can be expected. For screening for <i>Schistosoma</i> spp. DNA in sample materials other than stool, the use of highly sensitive target-specific PCR remains necessary.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"18 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13116562/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147770340","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":"Comparative Molecular Docking and Pharmacokinetic Profiling of Cinnamic Acid and Oleic Acid from <i>Cinnamomum verum</i> as Potential Inhibitors of Dengue Virus Proteins.","authors":"Wafaa Hussien Habeeb, Noor Hameed Hanoush, Meena Thaar Alani, Ali Hazim Abdulkareem, Mohammed Obaid Ibrahim, Mohammed Salih Al-Janaby, Mohammed Mukhles Ahmed, Saja Saadallah Abduljaleel, Zaid Mustafa Khaleel","doi":"10.3390/idr18020026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/idr18020026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Dengue virus (DENV) does not have any effective antiviral therapy. The <i>Cinnamomum verum</i> has cinnamic acid and oleic acid that could inhibit important viral proteins.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To compare their inhibitory capacity with the key DENV proteins through molecular docking, molecular dynamics and in silico ADMET.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Phytochemical profiling of the ethanolic extract of the bark was done by GCMS. AutoDock Vina (version 1.2.0) was used to dock cinnamic acid and oleic acid to key proteins of DENV (NS5, NS3, and envelope) in the presence of ribavirin as the reference. The best complexes were then subjected to 50 ns of molecular dynamics simulation and stability measured by RMSD, RMSF, Rg, SASA, hydrogen bonding and RDF. Validated in silico tools were used to predict the ADMET properties.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Analysis of GC-MS revealed cinnamic acid (85.92%) and oleic acid (5.33%). The outcome of docking was that the cinnamic acid had the greatest affinity with NS5 (-5.970 kcal/mol) and the capsid protein (-5.755 kcal/mol), and oleic acid showed the highest affinity with the capsid (-6.150 kcal/mol) and then with NS5 (-5.209 kcal/mol). Both ligands had a relatively weak interaction with NS3. Simulation of the molecular dynamics showed the stability of the top complexes, especially the cinnamic acid-NS5 complex, that retained low RMSD (1.6-1.9 A), stable Rg and SASA profiles, and continued hydrogen bonding during the 50 ns period. The use of cinnamic acid in ADMET projections was more preferable, as it was more soluble, orally bioavailable (0.91), and drug-like (QED 0.65), but oleic acid revealed higher lipophilicity and lower drug-like properties (QED 0.29).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Cinnamic acid showed specificity towards the NS5 proteins with the help of stable dynamics and good predicted pharmacokinetics, which are features that make it a promising multi-target anti-DENV scaffold. Oleic acid exhibited poor affinity and poor pharmacokinetic properties. The findings are predictive and must be validated using biochemical, cellular, and toxicological means to prove the antiviral efficacy and safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"18 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13116094/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147770360","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":"Global Review on <i>Naegleria fowleri</i> Cases: Contemporary Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Treatment and Outcomes.","authors":"Andreas Sarantopoulos, Annalisa Quattrocchi, Ioannis Kopsidas, Oliver A Cornely, Danila Seidel, Itamar Grotto, Zoi Dorothea Pana","doi":"10.3390/idr18020025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/idr18020025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare, fulminant, and often fatal central nervous system infection caused by the opportunistic free-living amoeba <i>Naegleria fowleri</i>. Although <i>Naegleria</i> species are widely present in freshwater and soil worldwide, human disease is associated specifically with pathogenic <i>N. fowleri</i> rather than the many nonpathogenic environmental species, and virulence may vary across <i>N. fowleri</i> isolates. This systematic review aimed to synthesize contemporary global data from 2000 to 2024 to identify recent trends in epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library, identifying 58 eligible publications encompassing 66 individual cases.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most reports originated from the United States, India, and China. The median patient age was 14 years, with 78% of cases occurring in males. Annual case reports increased from one per year (2000-2005) to over four per year (2020-2024), reflecting either a true rise in incidence or improved detection. Common presenting symptoms included fever, headache, and altered mental status. Diagnosis was confirmed via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing or post-mortem biopsy in nearly one-third of cases. Treatment regimens varied, with amphotericin B and miltefosine being the most frequently used agents. Overall mortality was 83%, with survival strongly associated with early initiation of combination therapy. Pediatric patients had a higher survival rate (22%) compared to adults (7.1%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The findings highlight the need for heightened clinical awareness, especially in the context of climate-driven ecological changes that may expand <i>N. fowleri</i>'s geographic range. This review underscores critical gaps in surveillance and diagnostics and emphasizes the importance of a One Health approach to addressing emerging threats like PAM. Further research into novel therapeutics, rapid diagnostics, and global case reporting systems is urgently needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"18 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13115685/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147769735","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":"Clinical Management of Severe <i>Cupriavidus gilardii</i> Superinfection After Influenza a Virus Pneumonia: A Case Report and Literature Review.","authors":"Chenxia Guo, Cuihong Sun, Jiajia Zheng, Qingtao Zhou, Ying Liang","doi":"10.3390/idr18020024","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr18020024","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong><i>Cupriavidus</i> is an aerobic Gram-negative bacterium and a rare conditional pathogen that mainly infects immunocompromised patients or those undergoing invasive procedures.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We present the case of a 70-year-old male with diabetes mellitus who developed septic shock following influenza A virus (IAV) pneumonia. <i>Cupriavidus gilardii</i> (<i>C. gilardii</i>) was identified in his blood and sputum samples. Through a literature review, we identified 31 reported cases of <i>Cupriavidus</i> infections. Clinical data, including demographic information, clinical characteristics, comorbidities, laboratory results, <i>Cupriavidus species</i>, treatment, and clinical outcomes, were collected.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among these 32 patients (including our patient), 23 were male (71.9%) and 9 were female (28.1%). The median patient age was 32.5 (2.12-70) years. Most patients had relevant risk factors or comorbidities before <i>Cupriavidus</i> infection, including exposure to polluted environments and recent invasive procedures (68.9%). Among these cases, <i>Cupriavidus pauculus</i> was the most common strain, accounting for 56.3% of cases. The mortality rate was the highest for <i>Cupriavidus pauculus</i> infections.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong><i>Cupriavidus</i> is a rare opportunistic pathogen in patients with compromised immune function. Early identification of pathogen and timely treatment are crucial. When traditional microbiological detection methods encounter difficulties, gene sequencing can be used as an auxiliary diagnostic tool and can further predict drug resistance. Targeted anti-infection treatment is effective in most cases, but some severe infection cases may lead to death due to serious complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"18 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13010603/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147503765","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":"<i>Mycobacterium fortuitum</i>: A Neglected Cause of Culture-Negative Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis and a Literature Review.","authors":"Selen Şahin, İrem Tümkaya Kılınç, Eda Yüksel, Çağla Mehmet, Bedia Dinç, Emine Alp Meşe","doi":"10.3390/idr18020023","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr18020023","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria is a rare but serious condition and is often associated with delayed diagnosis due to initially negative routine blood cultures with late positivity after prolonged incubation. <i>Mycobacterium fortuitum</i>, a rapidly growing mycobacterium, is an uncommon cause of endocarditis but may result in significant morbidity if not promptly identified.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We report a 67-year-old man with prior cardiac surgery who presented 18 months later with recurrent fever, weight loss, and renal dysfunction. Initial blood cultures, echocardiography, and standard imaging were non-diagnostic. Ongoing clinical suspicion prompted extended mycobacterial cultures with prolonged incubation and molecular identification performed at a reference laboratory, which revealed <i>M. fortuitum</i>.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Antimicrobial susceptibility testing demonstrated susceptibility to amikacin, ciprofloxacin, and clarithromycin, and treatment was initiated with an amikacin-based combination regimen. The patient showed marked clinical and laboratory improvement, including resolution of fever and stabilization of renal function.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of <i>M. fortuitum</i> prosthetic valve endocarditis and underscores the limitations of routine diagnostic methods in culture-negative endocarditis. It also emphasizes the importance of prolonged incubation and targeted microbiological workflows in suspected cases.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"18 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13010777/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147503738","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":"Trace Elements and Viral Infectious Diseases: Dual Roles in Pathogenesis and Immunity.","authors":"Carla Mariana da Silva Medeiros, Michely da Silva Sousa, Lucas Hestevan Malta Alfredo, Jemmyson Romário de Jesus, Cícero Alves Lopes Júnior","doi":"10.3390/idr18020022","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr18020022","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Trace elements such as zinc, selenium, iron, copper, and manganese play a vital role in human health-especially in how the immune system responds and how the body handles viral infections. These trace elements have complex and sometimes context-dependent effects: while they can strengthen the body's defenses, imbalances may promote viral replication and worsen tissue damage.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Relevant articles discussed in this narrative review were identified through searches in major databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, primarily those published from 2020 onwards.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>In this review, we examine key findings on how trace elements influence antioxidant defense, modulate viral replication, and regulate cytokine signaling, considering the context of innate immunity and the pathology of viral diseases. We discuss their impact on major infections such as HIV, viral hepatitis, and coronaviruses, highlighting how deficiencies or excesses of certain minerals can affect disease severity, immune responses, and clinical outcomes. The therapeutic use of trace element supplementation is also examined, emphasizing the importance of maintaining proper balance to avoid harmful effects.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between micronutrients and viral infections, which can inform the development of more effective prevention and treatment strategies. This review underscores the need for further clinical and experimental studies to define optimal levels of these elements in different health and disease scenarios.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"18 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13010761/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147503733","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":"<i>Streptococcus intermedius</i> Septic Arthritis of the Acromioclavicular Joint with Periarticular Abscesses in an Elderly Man with Diabetes and Recent Canine Exposure: A Case Report and Literature Review.","authors":"Gabriel A Godart, Vidit Yadav, Elizabeth P Wellings, Rupert O Stanborough, Vincent C Zummo, Bryan D Springer, Ravi V Durvasula, Sammer M Elwasila","doi":"10.3390/idr18020021","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr18020021","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong><i>Streptococcus intermedius</i>, a member of the <i>Streptococcus anginosus</i> group, is characterized by a marked propensity for abscess formation but only rarely causes native-joint septic arthritis. Involvement of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint is particularly uncommon. We describe a case of native AC joint septic arthritis due to <i>S. intermedius</i> in a patient with multiple predisposing factors and highlight diagnostic and management considerations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We report the clinical course of a 72-year-old man with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus who presented with progressive right shoulder pain, erythema, and swelling following recurrent minor skin abrasions from a newly adopted dog. Initial management for presumed inflammatory shoulder pathology included brief systemic corticosteroids and an ultrasound-guided intra-articular ketorolac injection. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed after symptom progression. The patient underwent operative irrigation and debridement with collection of synovial fluid and deep tissue cultures. Blood cultures and transthoracic echocardiography were obtained to evaluate for systemic involvement.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>MRI demonstrated multiloculated periarticular abscesses and osteolysis centered on the AC joint. Operative cultures yielded high colony counts of <i>S. intermedius</i> from synovial fluid and deep tissues. Blood cultures and echocardiography were negative. The patient required multiple operative debridements with irrigation, adjunctive local antibiotic therapy, and prolonged targeted β-lactam treatment. Clinical and radiographic improvement was achieved following surgical source control and antimicrobial therapy.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Native AC joint septic arthritis due to <i>S. intermedius</i> is rare. Older age, uncontrolled diabetes, recent intra-articular intervention, and possible zoonotic inoculation from canine wound licking may represent contributory risk factors. Early imaging, prompt surgical source control, and guideline-concordant antimicrobial therapy are essential when bone and soft tissue involvement is present.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"18 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13010664/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147503801","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":"Post-COVID-19 Rabies Surveillance and Risk Factors in Rural Eastern Cape, South Africa: A One Health Perspective.","authors":"Sithabile Moso, Laston Gonah, Mojisola Clara Hosu, Ntandazo Dlatu, Teke Apalata, Lindiwe Modest Faye","doi":"10.3390/idr18020020","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr18020020","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Rabies remains a neglected zoonotic disease in South Africa, particularly in rural areas where surveillance weaknesses, behavioral gaps, and limited One Health coordination persist.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study assessed rabies surveillance, behavioral risk factors, and system responsiveness in two rural Eastern Cape communities, with a focus on post-pandemic resilience within a One Health framework.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional, community-based pilot study was conducted among 109 residents using structured questionnaires to collect data on demographics, rabies awareness, vaccination practices, and service disruptions. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses identified predictors of dog-bite exposure and pet vaccination. Machine learning models (Decision Tree and Random Forest) were applied to explore risk hierarchies. A composite Surveillance Gap Index (SGI) was developed to integrate behavioral and systemic indicators.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>While 88% of participants were aware of rabies, only 35% attended awareness campaigns. Dog-bite exposure affected 51% of households, with significantly higher risk among males (aOR = 4.33; <i>p</i> = 0.003). Education was positively associated with pet vaccination (aOR = 1.78). Despite 45% reporting COVID-19 disruptions, communities maintained high post-pandemic vaccination coverage (85.7%). Predictive models (AUC = 0.82-0.86) identified education, gender, awareness, and distance as key risk drivers.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Integrating behavioral insights and predictive analytics into One Health strategies can strengthen rabies surveillance and support progress toward eliminating human rabies by 2030.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"18 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13010760/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147503786","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":"Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Prescribing Practices in a Lyme Disease-Endemic Area.","authors":"Eun Bin Lee, Anna Schotthoefer, Philip Whitfield","doi":"10.3390/idr18010019","DOIUrl":"10.3390/idr18010019","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>The 2020 Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guidelines recommend a single 200 mg dose of doxycycline within 72 h of tick removal after a high-risk bite for Lyme disease prophylaxis. However, limited data are available on prescribing practices related to this recommendation in highly endemic Lyme disease areas.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a retrospective chart review on adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) who received a single dose of oral doxycycline for Lyme disease prevention for the period 2022-2024 within a rural Wisconsin health system. Patient and provider prescribing characteristics were evaluated. Manual data abstraction was performed on a random sample of 155 prescribing events to assess adherence to IDSA guidelines.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 2404 prophylaxis prescriptions were identified; 44% were prescribed to older adults between 65 and 79 years of age, 54% were prescribed to males, and 66% were prescribed to patients living in rural areas. Prescriptions peaked in spring and summer months, consistent with the known seasonal trends in tick activity. Prescribing was distributed relatively evenly across provider types, with the majority (77%) of cases occurring in outpatient and urgent care settings. Upon manual abstraction, doxycycline was indicated in 12% with the remainder either classified as possibly indicated or not indicated due to suboptimal documentation and nonadherence.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our study identified high rates of incomplete documentation and uncertainty in guideline concordance in a Lyme-endemic health system, highlighting the opportunities to support evidence-based prescribing and to improve documentation practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":13579,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Disease Reports","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12921887/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146258168","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}