Journal of Infection and Public Health最新文献

{"title":"Prevalence of ESBL resistance genes and fecal carriage of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from patients with chronic kidney disease at the Laquintinie Hospital in Douala, Littoral Region, Cameroon","authors":"Ballue S.T. Dadjo ,&nbsp;Armelle T. Mbaveng ,&nbsp;Michael F. Kengne ,&nbsp;Ornella D. Tsobeng ,&nbsp;Giresse D.T. Fonjou ,&nbsp;Victor Kuete","doi":"10.1016/j.jiph.2024.102651","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jiph.2024.102651","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> is an opportunistic Gram-negative bacterium capable of causing severe infections in immunocompromised patients such as those suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to determine the resistance profile of <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em>, and the prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) resistance genes in patients with chronic kidney disease.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The prevalence of <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> was investigated in 458 patients, including 197 CKD patients and 261 patients suffering from gastrointestinal infections. The study was conducted at Laquintinie Hospital in Douala from January 2022 to December 2023. Stool samples were used to isolate <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> on Cetrimide agar. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out using the Kirby-Bauer diffusion method. extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) resistance genes were detected by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The prevalence of fecal carriage of <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> was 9.17 % (n = 42/458), including twenty-nine (69.05 %) in patients with chronic kidney disease and thirteen (30.95 %) in patients without chronic kidney disease. The <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> isolates had a high rate of resistance to ceftazidime (72.41 %) in patients with CKD compared to patients without CKD (69.23 %). All isolates had a high resistance to ticarcillin (93.10 % and 92.31 %). The prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> isolates was 73.81 %. The MDR <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> were higher (70.97 % <em>vs.</em> 29.03 %) in patients suffering from CKD compared to patients without CKD. Up to 85.71 % of the <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> isolates harbored at least one ESBL gene. The <em>bla</em>_TEM type gene (66.67 %) was the most frequently detected gene, followed by <em>bla</em>_CTX-M (61.90 %) and <em>bla</em>_SHV (47.62 %). ESBL resistance genes were more common in CKD patients (72.22 %) compared to patients without CKD (27.78 %).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These results demonstrate that antibiotics belonging to the carbapenem and aminoglycoside classes could be used for <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> infection. This highlights the importance of regular surveillance of multidrug resistance and extended-spectrum β-lactamase production for <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> infections in patients with chronic kidney disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16087,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Infection and Public Health","volume":"18 2","pages":"Article 102651"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142950072","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of COVID-19 on testing, positive cases, patient characteristics, and hospital contacts for respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, and pneumococcus in Danish children","authors":"Andreas Jensen ,&nbsp;Lone Graff Stensballe","doi":"10.1016/j.jiph.2025.102660","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jiph.2025.102660","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Respiratory infections substantially impact pediatric health. The COVID-19 pandemic introduced widespread non-pharmaceutical interventions, which influenced the incidence of common respiratory infections. This comprehensive study investigates the impact of these interventions on the incidence of respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, and invasive pneumococcal disease in Danish children.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a descriptive study based on a cohort of 1,790,464 Danish children from 2012 to 2022. We analyzed data from microbiology tests and hospital contacts to assess infection rates and testing patterns before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The relationships between testing and sex, age groups, chronic disease status, and hospital contacts were analyzed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We observed a marked decrease in cases of respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, and pneumococcus disease during the lockdown period. Once restrictions were lifted, there was a substantial resurgence in these infections. The frequency of testing for respiratory pathogens increased over time, with a rising proportion of healthy individuals without underlying chronic disease being tested. The proportion of positive tests linked to hospital contacts varied: there was a notable decline for respiratory syncytial virus and influenza post-lockdown, while pneumococcus cases continued to be strongly linked to hospital contacts.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study highlights the impact of COVID-19 interventions on the epidemiology of pediatric respiratory infections, revealing a pattern of decreased incidence during lockdowns followed by a resurgence. More tests were carried out among an increasing proportion of healthy individuals. Such changes in testing practices and changing characteristics of tested populations have implications for understanding post-pandemic infection trends and healthcare resource allocation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16087,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Infection and Public Health","volume":"18 2","pages":"Article 102660"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143006735","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis outbreaks associated with Coxsackievirus A-24 in India, 2023","authors":"Nutan A. Chavan ,&nbsp;Pooja Shinde ,&nbsp;Sanjaykumar Tikute ,&nbsp;Rajlakshmi Vishwanathan ,&nbsp;Avinash R. Deoshatwar ,&nbsp;Yogesh K. Gurav ,&nbsp;Rishabh Waghchaure ,&nbsp;Nishat H. Ahmed ,&nbsp;Vannavada S. Rani ,&nbsp;Vikram Khan ,&nbsp;Aditya Kelkar ,&nbsp;Harsh H. Jain ,&nbsp;Amita Jain ,&nbsp;Mallika Lavania ,&nbsp;Babasaheb V. Tandale","doi":"10.1016/j.jiph.2024.102626","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jiph.2024.102626","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC), commonly called pink eye, saw an alarming increase in incidence from July to September 2023 in different parts of India. Pink eye occurrences had reportedly increased three to four times more than in prior years, raising concerns among the community and healthcare professionals. This study aimed to identify the aetiological agent associated with AHC in 2023, genetically characterize the agent and describe the clinical presentation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>From July to September 2023, 300 ocular and throat swab samples were collected from patients with AHC across various regions of India, including Maharashtra, Daman &amp; Diu, Delhi, Lucknow, and Hyderabad. These samples represented a diverse geographic spread of the condition. The swabs were examined for qRT-PCR analyses, to detect adenovirus and enterovirus. Following this, conserved regions within the enteroviral 5′-UTR and VP2/3 C gene were further investigated for serotype identification.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Enterovirus was found in 52.6 % (158 out of 300) of the patients. Among the enterovirus-positive samples, coxsackievirus-A24 was present in every positive sample.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The rise in AHC cases in India in 2023 was attributed to the Coxsackievirus-A24 strain GIV C5.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16087,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Infection and Public Health","volume":"18 2","pages":"Article 102626"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142909711","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of dolutegravir on weight changes and lipid profile compared with efavirenz in people living with HIV: A retrospective cohort study","authors":"Rachawit Setpakdee,&nbsp;Sasisopin Kiertiburanakul","doi":"10.1016/j.jiph.2024.102630","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jiph.2024.102630","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>There are limited data on DTG-associated weight gain among treatment-naïve Asian people living with HIV (PLHIV).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Eighty-one and 100 PLHIV initiating DTG-based and efavirenz (EFV)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART), respectively, were retrospectively investigated for weight changes and lipid profiles at 6 and 12 months after ART initiation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>At baseline, the DTG group had a lower mean body weight (BW) (60.7 kg vs. 64.3 kg, p = 0.071) and lower mean cholesterol level (172 mg/dL vs. 185 mg/dL, p = 0.029) than the EFV group. Mean BW remained lower in the DTG group than in the EFV group at 6 [58.2 kg vs. 66.0 kg, mean difference (MD) −7.8, p = 0.005] and 12 (59.6 kg vs. 67.0 kg, MD −7.3, p = 0.008) months. BW did not significantly change between baseline and 12 months in the DTG group (60.7 kg vs. 59.6 kg, p = 0.495), whereas it significantly increased between baseline and 12 months in the EFV group (64.3 kg vs. 66.9 kg, p = 0.019). Cholesterol levels did not significantly increase between baseline and 12 months in either group. After adjustment, DTG use [MD −5.85, 95 % confidence interval (CI) −10.45, −1.24, p = 0.013] and baseline BW (MD 0.97, 95 % CI 0.79, 1.15, p &lt; 0.001) were significantly associated with BW changes over time.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>DTG-based ART was not significantly associated with increased BW and cholesterol levels compared with EFV-based ART in treatment-naïve Thai PLHIV.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16087,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Infection and Public Health","volume":"18 2","pages":"Article 102630"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142950151","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antimicrobial resistance and epidemiological patterns of Streptococcus pyogenes in Türkiye","authors":"Nihan Ünübol ,&nbsp;Nese Caglayan ,&nbsp;Sinan Cebeci ,&nbsp;Yeşim Beşli ,&nbsp;Banu Sancak ,&nbsp;Neval Yurttutan Uyar ,&nbsp;Siavosh Salmanzadeh Ahrabi ,&nbsp;Masoud Alebouyeh ,&nbsp;Tanıl Kocagöz","doi":"10.1016/j.jiph.2024.102633","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jiph.2024.102633","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Drug-resistant Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci remain significant infectious agents globally. This study investigated the major <em>S. pyogenes</em> strains responsible for infections in Türkiye and their susceptibility to beta-lactam and macrolide antibiotics.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We determined the minimum inhibitory concentration using the penicillin gradient test and performed <em>emm</em> typing and DNA fingerprinting via pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to analyze the clonal spread of 92 <em>S. pyogenes</em> strains isolated from two hospitals in Türkiye between 2020 and 2022.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Our findings revealed the predominant <em>S. pyogenes</em> strains causing infections in the population and provided insights into the epidemiological relatedness of these drug-resistant strains. This study also evaluated the correlation between <em>emm ty</em>ping and PFGE in tracking <em>S. pyogenes</em> epidemiology. In this study, the current resistance patterns of <em>S. pyogenes</em> strains in Türkiye identified erythromycin resistance in a few strains, but no resistance to penicillin was detected.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study revealed that <em>emm ty</em>pes 1, 12 and 89 as <em>S. pyogenes</em> strain genotypes were responsible for epidemic infections in Türkiye. PFGE genotyping and <em>emm ty</em>ping were found to provide better phylogenetic classification in the investigation of <em>S. pyogenes</em> epidemiology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16087,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Infection and Public Health","volume":"18 2","pages":"Article 102633"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142927359","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Emergence of a blaNDM-5-carrying extensively drug-resistant Enterobacter cloacae ST1718 in Saudi Arabia: Insights from comprehensive genome analysis","authors":"Ibrahim A. Al-Zahrani ,&nbsp;Thamer M. Brek","doi":"10.1016/j.jiph.2024.102645","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jiph.2024.102645","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Patients with severe COVID-19 may require intensive care unit (ICU) admission to manage life-threatening complications. However, ICU admission is associated with an increased risk of acquiring nosocomial infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, particularly carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterale (CRE). <em>Enterobacter cloacae</em> complex (ECC), a group of closely related species including <em>Enterobacter cloacae</em>, is a common cause of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study conducted a comprehensive genomic analysis of an extensively drug-resistant (XDR) <em>E. cloacae</em> strain (ECloa-JZ71) isolated from the blood of a critically ill COVID-19 patient in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>ECloa-JZ71 exhibited resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents, except for amikacin, gentamycin, and fosfomycin. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that ECloa-JZ71 had a rarely reported sequence type, ST1718. Resistance to β-lactam antibiotics was primarily mediated by the genes <em>bla</em>_{<em>CMH-3</em>}<em>, bla</em>_{<em>TEM-1B</em>}<em>, bla</em>_{<em>LAP-2</em>}, and <em>bla</em>_{<em>NDM-5</em>}. The strain was found to harbor IncFIB(pECLA) and IncX3 plasmid replicons, with the latter encoding the <em>bla</em>_{<em>NDM-5</em>} gene. The IncX3 plasmid was identified as a significant contributor to the dissemination of the <em>bla</em>_{<em>NDM-5</em>} gene among Enterobacterale species The coexistence of <em>bla</em>_{<em>NDM-5</em>} and other carbapenem-hydrolyzing enzymes explains the reduced efficacy of β-lactam drugs in ECloa-JZ71. The coexistence of <em>bla</em>_{<em>NDM-5</em>} and other carbapenem-hydrolyzing enzymes explains the reduced efficacy of β-lactam drugs in ECloa-JZ71. The presence of specific virulence factors along with carbapenem resistance in ECloa-JZ71 may enhance its pathogenesis, complicating treatment and control efforts.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings highlight the need for monitoring the spread of multidrug-resistant clones, conducting molecular epidemiological studies, and implementing effective infection control measures to prevent the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in healthcare settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16087,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Infection and Public Health","volume":"18 2","pages":"Article 102645"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143006734","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chronological trend of social contact patterns in Japan after the emergence of COVID-19","authors":"Hwichang Jeong ,&nbsp;Sehyun Park ,&nbsp;June Young Chun ,&nbsp;Norio Ohmagari ,&nbsp;Yongdai Kim ,&nbsp;Shinya Tsuzuki","doi":"10.1016/j.jiph.2024.102629","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jiph.2024.102629","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The social contact data for Japan as of 2022 showed a substantially decreased number of contacts compared with before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is unclear whether social contact continues to be depressed following the end of countermeasures against the pandemic. There is also scarce evidence regarding the influence of influenza-like illnesses (ILIs) on social contacts in Japan. Therefore, this study examined whether the reduction in contact frequency during the pandemic was temporary or persists today and assessed the impact of ILIs on social mixing patterns.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted online questionnaire surveys of individuals who experienced symptoms of ILIs periodically from 2022 to 2024 to compare the number of contacts per day during and after their illnesses. Contact matrices were obtained from the survey data. The impacts of the timing of the survey and the ILIs were examined using negative binomial regression analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Contact patterns were generally age-assortative, and the average contact numbers gradually increased from March 2022 to June 2024. Most recently, the median number of contacts per day during illness was 3 (interquartile range [IQR] 2–7) and then rose to 4.5 (IQR 2–11) after recovery. The earlier survey and ILIs showed a negative association with the frequency of social contacts.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The frequency of social contacts in Japan tended to rise compared with that in 2021 but has not yet reached pre-pandemic levels. Individuals tended to decrease their contacts when they had symptoms caused by ILIs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16087,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Infection and Public Health","volume":"18 2","pages":"Article 102629"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142903289","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"CTX-M, SHV, TEM and VEB β-lactamases, and MCR-1 among multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella isolates from environment near animal farms in Thailand","authors":"Arpasiri Srisrattakarn ,&nbsp;Bhanubong Saiboonjan ,&nbsp;Patcharaporn Tippayawat ,&nbsp;Sunpetch Angkititrakul ,&nbsp;Aroonwadee Chanawong ,&nbsp;Chanakan Pornchoo ,&nbsp;Chokdee Smithkittipol ,&nbsp;Aroonlug Lulitanond","doi":"10.1016/j.jiph.2024.102624","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jiph.2024.102624","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Currently, antimicrobial agents are widely used in both animals and agriculture, causing the crisis of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. In this study we surveyed for 4 important antimicrobial-resistant bacteria: extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing <em>Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae</em> and <em>Salmonella</em> spp., and methicillin-resistant <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> (MRSA) from the environment around chicken and pig farms.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Forty-four soils, 44 water and 15 bootstrap samples were collected from upstream and downstream of the riverside close to 22 animal farms in 2020 (9 farms) and 2023 (13 farms). The samples were cultured in appropriate media and isolated colonies were further identified. Antimicrobial susceptibility and ESBL production were tested by disk diffusion method except for colistin susceptibility determined by broth disk elution test. Common resistance genes were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 123 <em>E. coli</em> (n = 59) and <em>Klebsiella</em> species (n = 64) were identified and 25 isolates of them were MDR; 21 and 4 isolates from the downstream and upstream areas respectively. In addition, 13 isolates were ESBL producers, of which 12 isolates were from the downstream area. The most common ESBL gene among both organisms was <em>bla</em>_CTX-M, whereas colistin resistance gene, <em>mcr-1,</em> was found in 2 <em>E. coli</em> isolates. <em>Salmonella</em> spp. and MRSA were not isolated from any sample.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria were found in the environment around the animal farms especially from the downstream area, suggesting the urgent need of judicious use of antimicrobial agents in animal farms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16087,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Infection and Public Health","volume":"18 2","pages":"Article 102624"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142909712","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Regional risk factors associated with adverse outcomes of COVID-19 infection among the older adult: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Olunike Rebecca Abodunrin,&nbsp;Mobolaji Timothy Olagunju,&nbsp;Xinyi Huang,&nbsp;Jianming Wang,&nbsp;Zhibin Hu,&nbsp;Chong Shen","doi":"10.1016/j.jiph.2024.102632","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jiph.2024.102632","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The rapid global spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in millions of infections and deaths, particularly impacting older adults. This study systematically analyzes risk factors reported in different geographical regions such as Asia and Europe that are associated with adverse outcomes in older adults with COVID-19. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we searched five databases up to December 2023 and conducted meta-analyses of odds ratios for 27 risk factors reported in at least two studies using R software (version 4.3.2). Our meta-analysis identified 19 risk factors linked to adverse outcomes, with many of them common across regions, particularly in Asia and Europe. Key factors include old age (above 65 years), male gender, symptoms such as fever and dyspnea, and comorbidities like dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic heart disease, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and malnutrition. Laboratory biomarkers such as low oxygen saturation, thrombocytopenia, and elevated D-dimer were also associated with adverse outcomes. COVID-19 patients in Asia and Europe who are older adults, male, or have specific symptoms combined with underlying health conditions are at an increased risk of progressing to severe illness or mortality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16087,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Infection and Public Health","volume":"18 2","pages":"Article 102632"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142927384","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advancing the understanding of Naegleria fowleri: Global epidemiology, phylogenetic analysis, and strategies to combat a deadly pathogen","authors":"Awadh Alanazi ,&nbsp;Sonia Younas ,&nbsp;Hasan Ejaz ,&nbsp;Muharib Alruwaili ,&nbsp;Yasir Alruwaili ,&nbsp;Bi Bi Zainab Mazhari ,&nbsp;Muhammad Atif ,&nbsp;Kashaf Junaid","doi":"10.1016/j.jiph.2025.102690","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jiph.2025.102690","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Naegleria fowleri</em> is a rare but deadly pathogen that has emerged as an important global public health concern. The pathogen induces primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rapidly progressive and almost always fatal life-threatening brain infection. The devastating impact of <em>N. fowleri</em> and the high mortality rate underscores a deeper understanding and the development of innovative strategies to tackle this issue. Despite various studies that have been conducted on <em>N. fowleri</em>, a comprehensive review that integrates recent findings and addresses critical gaps in understanding remains lacking. This review provides a detailed overview of <em>N. fowleri</em> epidemiology, transmission dynamics, phylogenetic diversity, state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques, therapeutic approaches, and preventive measures. We identified 488 PAM cases globally, reported since 1962, with the highest numbers in the US, Pakistan, and Australia. A phylogenetic analysis of 41 <em>N. fowleri</em> ITS-1, 5.8S, ITS-2 region-based sequences showed genotypic diversity, with genotypes II and III being the most prevalent in Asia, North America, and Europe. Effective approaches to preventing <em>N. fowleri</em> transmission include applying free chlorine to water in storage tanks, taking precautions while swimming, and performing ablution with sterilized water (e.g., boiled or distilled) while avoiding deep inhalation of water, especially in regions with high water contamination. This review highlights the global impact of <em>N. fowleri</em>, future surveillance strategies, prompt diagnosis, potential therapeutic options, and vaccine development to prevent PAM outbreaks. It highlights the importance of joint government and public health efforts to combat this deadly pathogen.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16087,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Infection and Public Health","volume":"18 4","pages":"Article 102690"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143213621","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}