Journal of Tropical Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Community Pharmacists' Knowledge, Perceptions and Practices Regarding Antibiotic Use and Antimicrobial Resistance in Lusaka, Zambia.","authors":"Martin Kampamba, Wayne Chiweza, Christabel Mwila Hikaambo, Boris Mwanza, Patricia Mbambara, Ann Silwimbwa, Divine Mbambala, Janipher Zulu, Jimmy Hangoma","doi":"10.1155/jotm/9766260","DOIUrl":"10.1155/jotm/9766260","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The inappropriate use of antibiotics is a major contributor to antibacterial resistance, which poses a serious threat to global health. Community pharmacists (CPs) play an essential role in promoting antimicrobial stewardship and the prudent use of antibiotics.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>This study evaluated CPs' antibiotic dispensing practices, knowledge and perceptions of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional survey was conducted among 254 CPs in Lusaka using an adapted self-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using STATA Version 15.1. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with good knowledge and practices regarding antibiotics and antibiotic resistance.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 254 CPs, 206 (81.0%) demonstrated adequate knowledge, 217 (85.4%) had positive perceptions, and 155 (61.0%) exhibited good antibiotic dispensing practices. However, most pharmacists, 169/254 (66.6%), reported that they only sometimes or rarely dispensed antibiotics strictly upon presentation of a prescription, while 233 (91.7%) perceived weak regulations and inadequate monitoring as facilitating nonprescription antibiotic dispensing. In the adjusted analysis, male pharmacists had lower odds of adequate knowledge (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.14-0.64) but higher odds of good dispensing practices (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.27-4.11) than females. Part-time pharmacists also had higher odds of adequate knowledge than full-time pharmacists (AOR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.06-2.21).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>CPs demonstrated high levels of knowledge, positive perceptions and generally good antibiotic dispensing practices. Nevertheless, frequent dispensing without prescriptions remained common, indicating important gaps in adherence to recommended dispensing standards. Strengthening regulatory oversight, routine monitoring and targeted antimicrobial stewardship interventions is necessary to promote consistent and responsible antibiotic dispensing in community pharmacies.</p>","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"2026 ","pages":"9766260"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13655379/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149172284","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Scrub Typhus in Pregnancy: A Retrospective Observational Study From Primary Hospital of Southwest China.","authors":"Mengji Zhang, Su Pan, Xi Lan, Yueming Li, Xiaomei Wu","doi":"10.1155/jotm/4922171","DOIUrl":"10.1155/jotm/4922171","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Scrub typhus is an acute zoonotic disease caused by <i>Orientia tsutsugamushi</i>. There are limited reports on scrub typhus in pregnancy, and the misdiagnosis rate is relatively high, potentially leading to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective observational study analyzed 19 pregnant patients with scrub typhus admitted to the People's Hospital of Ximeng Wa Autonomous County, Southwest China, from August 2023 to November 2025. Epidemiological, clinical, test, treatment, and outcome data were collected and descriptively analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All patients were farmers, with 73.68% reporting a history of outdoor activities. Common symptoms included fever (100%), myalgia (78.94%), headache (57.89%), and eschar (94.74%). Laboratory findings revealed elevated transaminases (ALT or AST 94.74%) and decreased eosinophil percentages (89.47%). Initial misdiagnosis occurred in 10.53% (upper respiratory infection). Among the 18 patients treated with azithromycin, fever resolution occurred within 1 to 5 days. No maternal deaths occurred. However, adverse fetal outcomes included spontaneous miscarriage (<i>n</i> = 1), embryonic arrest (<i>n</i> = 1), and embryo demise (<i>n</i> = 3). Among 19 cases, 14 resulted in live births; 2 premature infants required pediatric care, and all live-born newborns showed normal development at six-month follow-up.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Scrub typhus in pregnancy poses serious maternal-fetal risks. Early clinical recognition and prompt azithromycin therapy are crucial for improving maternal and perinatal outcomes, especially in resource-limited settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"2026 ","pages":"4922171"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13655380/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149182754","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tuberculosis Incidence and Predictors Among People Living With HIV After Isoniazid-Rifapentine (3HP) Preventive Therapy in Ethiopia: A Retrospective Cohort Study.","authors":"Edao Sinba Etu, Edao Wajiso Kallo, Kelil Husen Lenbo, Biftu Geda, Kemal Ahmed Kuti, Musa Kumbi Ketero, Habtemu Jarso Hebo, Shumi Negewo Berarti, Mark Spigt","doi":"10.1155/jotm/4521687","DOIUrl":"10.1155/jotm/4521687","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Global reports of tuberculosis (TB) in 2024 estimated 10.7 million cases, of which 5.8% were HIV-positive individuals. Despite the implementation of TB preventive therapy, TB incidence rates remain high, especially among HIV-infected patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective cohort study was conducted from 1 October 2020 to 31 October 2025. A two-stage sampling procedure was used to select both health facilities and study participants. First, seven public health facilities in the West Arsi zone were selected using simple random sampling. Second, 426 people living with HIV were randomly selected from ART registers of the selected health facilities. The data were collected via the Kobo Toolbox and analysed via SPSS Version 26. Kaplan‒Meier estimates were used for time‒event distribution; for survival, curves were compared via log-rank tests. Risk factors for active TB were identified through Cox proportional hazards regression, with significance at <i>p</i> < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 426 HIV-positive patients were followed for 1867 person-years, during which 71 individuals (16.7% of participants) developed TB, resulting in a TB incidence density rate of 3.78 per 100 person-years. The identified risk factors for developing active TB were WHO Clinical Stages II to IV (adjusted hazard ratios [AHR] = 3.44 [95% CI: 1.50-7.85], 5.41 [95% CI: 2.47-11.84] and 7.52 [95% CI: 3.09-18.32], respectively). Participants who received daily isoniazid for 6 months (INH/6H) and those who did not receive any TPT regimen had significantly greater hazard of developing TB compared to those receiving 3HP (AHR = 5.01, 95% CI: 2.35-10.65 and AHR = 12.53, 95% CI: 5.65-27.79, respectively). Similarly, individuals with haemoglobin (HBg) levels < 11 g/dL had a markedly increased risk of TB (AHR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.31, 4.60), as did those with a body mass index < 18.5 kg/m² (AHR = 4.37, 95% CI: 2.14, 8.95).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study revealed that 16.7% of participants developed active TB. Significant risk factors for TB incidence among HIV-positive individuals were identified, highlighting the need for targeted preventive strategies to address these risks, particularly in high-risk populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"2026 ","pages":"4521687"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13640529/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149111416","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mechanisms, Significance, Detection and Emerging Therapies for Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Oluchi Judith Osuala, Chioma Miracle Ojiako, Chioma C Ezeuko, Kasso Terhemen, Constance Chinyere Ezemba, Victor O Etikudike, Charles O Nnadi, Angus Nnamdi Oli","doi":"10.1155/jotm/5663176","DOIUrl":"10.1155/jotm/5663176","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Carbapenems are among the most important broad-spectrum β-lactam antibiotics for the treatment of severe infections caused by multi-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. However, the global emergence and dissemination of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), particularly carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE), have significantly compromised their clinical utility. Resistance is primarily driven by the acquisition of genes encoding carbapenemases, often in combination with porin alterations, efflux pump overexpression and AmpC hyperproduction, resulting in limited treatment options and increased morbidity and mortality.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This scoping review aimed to synthesise current evidence on the molecular mechanisms of carbapenem resistance, the classification and epidemiology of carbapenemases, advances in diagnostic approaches and emerging therapeutic strategies for CRE infections.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Literature published between January 2005 and March 2026 was identified through systematic searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Google Scholar. Eligible studies included original research articles, surveillance reports, systematic reviews and clinical guidelines addressing carbapenem resistance mechanisms, carbapenemase epidemiology, diagnostics or treatment strategies. Data were extracted and synthesised using a narrative and thematic approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Carbapenemase production was identified as the predominant mechanism of resistance among CRE, with KPC, NDM, OXA-48-like, VIM and IMP enzymes driving global dissemination. Considerable geographical variation exists in carbapenemase distribution, reflecting differences in antimicrobial use, surveillance capacity and healthcare infrastructure. Advances in molecular diagnostics, including polymerase chain reaction, loop-mediated isothermal amplification, whole-genome sequencing and rapid immunochromatographic assays, have improved detection and surveillance. Emerging therapeutic options, particularly novel β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations and cefiderocol, have expanded treatment possibilities, although resistance to newer agents continues to emerge.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>CREs remain a major global public health threat. Strengthened surveillance systems, improved access to rapid diagnostics, carbapenemase-directed therapeutic strategies and continued antimicrobial development are essential to limit the spread of resistance and improve clinical outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"2026 ","pages":"5663176"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13639380/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149111487","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> Coinfection With Tuberculosis Disease Severity and Treatment Outcomes.","authors":"Joseph Baruch Baluku, Mary Magdalen Ichumar, Daphine Zawedde, Martin Nabwana, Diana Nanyanzi, Harriet Yvonne Wanda, Sharon Namiiro, Brenda Namanda, Eva Nabawanuka, Sharif Kikomeko, Judith Mutesi, Grace Kansiime, Edwin Nuwagira, Christian Kraef, Joshua Rhein, Emmanuel Seremba, Ian G Munabi, Sarah Kiguli","doi":"10.1155/jotm/9151347","DOIUrl":"10.1155/jotm/9151347","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong><i>Helicobacter pylori</i> (HP) has immunomodulatory properties, but its relationship with tuberculosis (TB) severity and outcomes remains uncertain. We evaluated the association between HP infection and TB severity and explored factors associated with HP coinfection and TB treatment outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We enrolled adults (≥ 18 years) with drug-sensitive, newly diagnosed, bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB from two public clinics in Uganda. HP infection was determined using stool antigen testing. Severe TB was defined as GeneXpert cycle threshold < 16 or smear grade 3+ (microbiological), Bandim TBscore ≥ 8 (clinical), and chest X-ray Timika score > 71 (radiological). Treatment outcomes were determined ≥ 7 months after treatment initiation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 200 participants, 67 (33.5%) were HP positive. Severe radiological TB was more frequent among HP-positive participants (34.8% vs. 22.1%, <i>p</i> = 0.060). Severe clinical (14.9% vs. 11.3%, <i>p</i> = 0.549) and microbiological TB (40.0% vs. 33.8%, <i>p</i> = 0.856) were also more frequent in HP. HP was not significantly associated with severe radiological (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 1.56; 95% CI 0.96-2.53, <i>p</i> = 0.074), clinical (aPR 1.17; 95% CI 0.53-2.60, <i>p</i> = 0.694), or microbiological TB (aPR 1.14; 95% CI 0.80-1.63, <i>p</i> = 0.462). HP coinfection was independently associated with rural residence (aPR 1.61; 95% CI 1.04-2.47, <i>p</i> = 0.031), anorexia (aPR 1.72; 95% CI 1.01-2.90, <i>p</i> = 0.045), and lower diastolic blood pressure (aPR 0.98; 95% CI 0.96-1.00, <i>p</i> = 0.013). TB treatment success was similar among those with and without HP (95.5% vs. 95.5%, <i>p</i> = 0.180).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>HP was not significantly associated with TB severity or outcomes, though a trend toward greater radiological severity warrants further investigation in larger, prospective studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"2026 ","pages":"9151347"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13639381/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149111427","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors Associated With the Syndromic Diagnosis of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW): Findings From the Namibia DREAMS Program.","authors":"Enos Moyo, Endalkachew Melese, Hadrian Mangwana, Simon Takawira, Bernadette Harases, Rosalia Indongo, Perseverance Moyo, Ntombizodwa Makurira Nyoni, Tafadzwa Dzinamarira","doi":"10.1155/jotm/8628807","DOIUrl":"10.1155/jotm/8628807","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Approximately one million curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are contracted daily by individuals aged 15-49 years worldwide. The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of syndromic STIs and associated factors among AGYW participating in the Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe (DREAMS) program implemented by Project HOPE Namibia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data for this retrospective study were obtained from the DREAMS program, covering 2018 to 2024. The population for the study consisted of sexually active AGYW aged 15-24 years who were screened for STIs. Data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 29 by employing chi-squared tests and binomial and multinomial logistic regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 27,992 participants in this analysis, 3184 (11.4%) were syndromically diagnosed with an STI (95% CI: 11.0%-11.8%). Participants less likely to have an STI diagnosis included those aged 15-19 years (AOR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.68-0.81), pregnant or breastfeeding (COR = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.02-0.87), and those using family planning (AOR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.23-0.29). Higher likelihoods of syndromic STI diagnosis were seen in recurrent postexposure prophylaxis users (COR = 2.71, 95% CI: 1.21-6.07) and those engaging in sex under the influence of alcohol or drugs (AOR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.2-2.95).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>We recommend that the program intensify education on safe sexual practices and the consistent use of condoms to prevent STIs among high-risk AGYW. Additionally, we recommend that AGYW refrain from taking alcohol and drugs.</p>","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"2026 ","pages":"8628807"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13621816/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149081223","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Study of 29 Pediatric Patients With Osteomyelitis Resulting From Neuropathy and Pressure Effects.","authors":"Fatma Kılınç, Akif Mirioğlu, Derya Alabaz, Ümmühan Çay, Özlem Özgür Gündeşlioğlu","doi":"10.1155/jotm/9967043","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/jotm/9967043","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pediatric osteomyelitis secondary to underlying neuropathies is a rare, complex, but clinically severe entity. Loss of protective pain sensation and proprioception predisposes children to repetitive unperceived microtrauma and chronic pressure ulceration, facilitating insidious progression to deep bone infection. Comprehensive pediatric studies documenting the presentation, diagnostic characteristics, microbiological spectrum, and long-term outcomes of this vulnerable cohort remain exceptionally scarce.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To characterize the clinical presentation, inflammatory biomarker utility, microbiological profile, surgical intervention rates, and disease recurrence patterns in pediatric patients with neuropathy-associated osteomyelitis managed at a tertiary referral center.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This single-center descriptive case series analyzed 29 pediatric patients (< 18 years) with confirmed underlying neuropathies and MRI/pathologically proven chronic osteomyelitis between 10.10.2012 and 20.09.2022. Clinical features, laboratory markers, microbiological isolates, operative procedures, hospitalizations, and long-term recurrence rates were extracted and evaluated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The cohort comprised 15 males (51.7%) and 14 females (48.3%) with a median age at presentation of 122 months (range: 31-211 months). Underlying neuropathies included myelomeningocele (69.0%), hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies (27.6%), and cerebral palsy (3.4%). Overlying cutaneous ulcers were present in 89.7% of cases, with a marked mean diagnostic delay of 22.8 ± 17.8 months (median: 24 months). ESR (65.5%) and CRP (75.9%) demonstrated high diagnostic sensitivity, whereas procalcitonin was elevated in only 10.3%. Microbiological analysis revealed a complex polymicrobial profile yielding 42 distinct isolates across 89.7% of cultured patients. Surgical intervention was required in 86.2% of patients, with 37.9% undergoing lower extremity amputation. The median hospital stay was 36.0 days (range: 1-333 days). Among patients completing regular outpatient follow-up, 100% experienced chronic relapses requiring multiple re-admissions (up to 14 admissions).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Factors such as resistant microorganisms, multiple antibiotic use, prolonged hospitalizations, the financial burden on the healthcare sector, and deterioration in patients' quality of life show the importance of preventive measures for this disease group that progresses with chronic and recurrent osteomyelitis.</p>","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"2026 ","pages":"9967043"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13598438/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149039352","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors Associated With Severe Dengue During the 2019 Outbreak in Southern Colombia: Implications for Hyperendemic Regions.","authors":"Luis F Oliveros, Camilo Eduardo Rivera, María Clemencia Rojas, Carlos F Narváez","doi":"10.1155/jotm/2084096","DOIUrl":"10.1155/jotm/2084096","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>In 2019, Colombia reported over 127,000 dengue virus (DENV) infections, with Huila accounting for 20% of the national total of severe dengue (SD) cases. This highlights the need to identify the local determinants of severity.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We examined 5494 dengue and 251 SD cases with laboratory confirmation reported in Huila, southern Colombia, in 2019. Multiplex RT-qPCR was performed on 571 samples to determine viral serotypes. Multivariate logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, and comorbidities assessed epidemiological, clinical, and virological factors associated with SD.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>SD manifested as vascular leakage with or without shock (76%), organ involvement (13%), severe bleeding (2.7%), and multiple severe manifestations in 8.3%. A trend toward higher frequency of severity among vulnerable patients in the subsidized health insurance system was observed. DENV-1 was the most prevalent serotype, but DENV-2 was associated with severity. Age < 5 years (OR = 4; 95% CI: 2.3-6.8), 5-15 years (OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.1-3.1), diarrhea (OR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.5-2.9), vomiting (OR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.2-2.2), abdominal pain (OR = 3.2; 95% CI: 2.3-4.6), hepatomegaly (OR = 4.7; 95% CI: 3.4-6.7), platelet count < 100,000/μL (OR = 7.2; 95% CI: 5.2-10.1), and fluid accumulation (OR = 10.3; 95% CI: 6-17.8), were the main factors associated with SD.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Young age, gastrointestinal manifestations, hepatomegaly, thrombocytopenia, fluid accumulation, and DENV-2 infection were associated with SD during the 2019 epidemic in southern Colombia.</p>","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"2026 ","pages":"2084096"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13598374/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149039516","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Deworming Coverage and Associated Factors Among Children Aged 12-59 Months in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Multilevel Poisson Regression Analysis Using Demographic and Health Survey Data, 2021-2024.","authors":"Temesgen Gebeyehu Wondmeneh","doi":"10.1155/jotm/7289470","DOIUrl":"10.1155/jotm/7289470","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Under the revised Demographic and Health Survey-8 (DHS-8) guidelines, deworming coverage is assessed only among children aged 12-59 months in accordance with World Health Organization recommendations. However, evidence for this age group in sub-Saharan Africa remains limited.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess deworming coverage and associated factors among children aged 12-59 months in sub-Saharan Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted using DHS data collected between 2021 and 2024 from 11 sub-Saharan African countries. A weighted sample of 96,830 children aged 12-59 months was included. Multilevel Poisson regression with a log link and robust variance estimation was used to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, 47,426 of 96,830 children received deworming medication, giving coverage of 48.98% (95% CI: 48.67-49.30). Deworming coverage ranged from 32.0% in Burkina Faso to 66.0% in Kenya. Higher deworming prevalence was observed among children of mothers aged 25-34 years (APR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02-1.06) and 35-49 years (APR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.06-1.10), those whose mothers had primary (APR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.16-1.22), secondary (APR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.18-1.26), or higher education (APR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.20-1.34), and those who received vitamin A supplementation (APR = 2.75, 95% CI: 2.67-2.83). Children aged 36-59 months were also more likely to receive deworming medication (APR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.08-1.11). Lower deworming prevalence was observed among children from households with ≥ 5 members (APR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95-0.98) and among those whose mothers reported distance to health facilities as a major problem (APR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.92-0.96).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Nearly half of eligible children received deworming medication in sub-Saharan Africa. Strengthening integrated maternal and child health services, improving women's education and decision-making capacity, and expanding access to services in underserved communities are crucial to increase deworming coverage.</p>","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"2026 ","pages":"7289470"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13598377/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149039493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antiplasmodial Activity and Safety Evaluation of Three Widely Distributed Polyherbal Antimalarials in Ghana.","authors":"Lydia Serwaa Gyimah, Godfred Ansah Asiamah, Aaron Opoku Antwi, Eugene Agyei Aboagye, Felix Kwame Zoiku, Evelyn Asante-Kwatia, Arnold Donkor Forkuo","doi":"10.1155/jotm/8959836","DOIUrl":"10.1155/jotm/8959836","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Finished herbal antimalarials are widely used in Ghana, although scientific reports regarding their antiplasmodial activity and safety of these products are limited. This study, therefore, assessed the antiplasmodial activities and safety of three widely distributed antimalarial polyherbal products. These products (samples A, B and C) were obtained through a minisurvey conducted in the Accra and Kumasi Metropolises. The SYBR Green fluorescence antiplasmodial assay was conducted on different stages of chloroquine-resistant and chloroquine-sensitive strains of <i>P. falciparum.</i> Cytotoxicity and subacute toxicity were assessed following MTT assay and OECD guidelines, respectively. Samples A, B and C yielded IC₅₀ (μg/mL) values of 0.869 ± 0.10, 0.828 ± 0.05 and 3.07 ± 0.098, respectively, against the chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) strain at the trophozoite stage. At the schizont stage, samples A, B and C exhibited moderate to weak activities with IC₅₀ (μg/mL) values of 9.96 ± 0.63, 7.71 ± 1.63 and 13.66 ± 1.91, respectively. At the gametocyte stage, samples A, B and C displayed moderate to weak activity with IC₅₀ (μg/mL) values of 13.59 ± 0.49, 17.92 ± 0.814 and 59.65 ± 1.61, respectively. Parasite inhibition against the chloroquine-resistant strain (Dd2) at the trophozoite stage demonstrated good antiplasmodial activities for samples A and B, with IC₅₀ (μg/mL) values of 0.939 ± 0.04 and 0.318 ± 0.01, respectively. Sample C yielded an IC₅₀ (μg/mL) value of 15.09 ± 0.319. In conclusion, the three products are antiplasmodial agents and are safe in the rodent model.</p>","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"2026 ","pages":"8959836"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13594769/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149025373","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}