Journal of Tropical Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Unveiling Nutritional Disparities in Infantile Tremor Syndrome: A Focus on Holo-Transcobalamin and Essential Fatty Acids.","authors":"Rajesh Gupta, Puneet Agrawal, Jyoti Gupta, Jyoti Singh, Ashish Pathak","doi":"10.1155/jotm/3144439","DOIUrl":"10.1155/jotm/3144439","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Infantile tremor syndrome (ITS), a self-limiting disorder prevalent in the Indian subcontinent, is characterized by tremors, anemia, pigmentary skin changes, developmental delay or regression, and hypotonia. Although a nutritional etiology is suspected, particularly vitamin B12 deficiency, the roles of the bioactive marker holo-transcobalamin (holo-TC) and essential fatty acids (EFAs) remain unexplored. This comparative pilot study was conducted from December 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024, at Government Medical College, Datia, India. The study included 14 infants who were assigned to two groups. Group 1 (<i>n</i> = 7) comprised infants with ITS and tremors, and Group 2 (<i>n</i> = 7) included those with ITS without tremors to assess threshold-dependent biochemical markers across this clinical spectrum. Laboratory investigations included complete hemogram, serum vitamin B12, holo-TC, and EFA profiles. Data were summarized using medians and interquartile ranges. Between-group differences were expressed as effect sizes (median differences) with 95% confidence intervals. Severe developmental delays were more frequent in Group 1 (5/7) than in Group 2 (mild to moderate in 4/7). Both groups were anemic and had low serum vitamin B12 levels (median: 188 pg/mL in Group 1 vs. 198 pg/mL in Group 2). Holo-TC was undetectable (< 5 pmol/L) in Group 1 and in only one patient from Group 2 (median: 10.12 pmol/L in the remaining Group 2 patients). Macrocytosis was higher in Group 1 (median MCV: 98 fL vs. 75.5 fL), with a median difference of 22.5 fL (95% CI: 6.8 to 38.2). Clinical examination also revealed characteristic hair hypochromotrichia and progressive regression in both phenotypes. Both groups exhibited low omega (<i>ω</i>)-3 fatty acid levels, elevated saturated fatty acid levels, and high <i>ω</i>-6:ω-3 ratios (median: approximately 10:1), with small and imprecise between-group differences (confidence intervals crossing zero). Extremely low holo-TC levels were strongly associated with tremors in ITS, suggesting that holo-TC is a superior marker of bioactive vitamin B12 deficiency and a critical metabolic threshold for tremor manifestation. EFA imbalances were prevalent in both groups but not specific to tremor incidence, highlighting the need for larger studies. The overall pathophysiology points toward significant maternal nutritional depletion during pregnancy and lactation as the relevant origin of the syndrome.</p>","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"2026 ","pages":"3144439"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13379889/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148497887","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":"Enhancing Entomological Surveillance to Combat <i>Aedes</i>-Borne Diseases in Southern Iran.","authors":"Fatemeh Bagheri, Abdoljabbar Zakeri, Hossein Farshidi, Mahmoud Hosseinpour, Kaveh Soleimani, Yousef Salari, Jafar Hatami, Masoud Yaryan, Fatemeh Nikpour, Abdolreza Miroliaei, Ahmad Raeisi, Ahmadali Enayati, Mohammad Mehdi Sedaghat, Ghobad Moradi, Madineh Abbasi, Saideh Yousefi","doi":"10.1155/jotm/8874426","DOIUrl":"10.1155/jotm/8874426","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Vector-borne diseases, particularly those transmitted by <i>Aedes</i> mosquitoes, including dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever, represent significant public health challenges globally. The rapid spread of these diseases in urban environments, driven by climate change and human activities, necessitates effective surveillance and control strategies. In Iran, the emergence of <i>Aedes aegypti</i> has raised concerns about potential outbreaks of the disease, particularly in southern regions such as Hormozgan Province.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using routinely collected entomological surveillance data from the national invasive <i>Aedes</i> surveillance program of Iran CDC. The study covered urban areas of Bandar Abbas County, southern Iran, from January 2022 to December 2025. Biweekly ovitrap surveillance and larval survey data were analyzed to describe temporal trends of egg, house, container, and Breteau indices. Surveillance outputs during full and reduced operational capacity phases were compared descriptively. Associations between indices and meteorological variables were assessed using Pearson or Spearman correlation analyses.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Entomological indices showed marked temporal and interannual variability between 2022 and 2025. Egg indices varied seasonally, with an obvious peak in April 2023. House, container, and Breteau indices generally declined during 2023, coinciding with intensified surveillance and control activities, but resurged in parts of 2024 following a substantial reduction in operational capacity. During the reduced-capacity phase, egg indices remained nonzero, whereas larval indices were predominantly zero, likely reflecting decreased surveillance coverage. No statistically significant correlations were observed between entomological indices and temperature, relative humidity, or rainfall.</p><p><strong>Discussion and conclusion: </strong>The findings emphasize the need for continuous entomological surveillance and community engagement in managing <i>Aedes</i>-borne diseases. This study highlights the necessity for integrated vector management strategies that include community-based interventions and robust monitoring systems. Despite initially low entomological indices, effective surveillance and control measures are essential for preventing <i>Aedes</i>-borne disease outbreaks in southern Iran. The insights gained can guide public health policies and serve as a model for similar regions facing vector-borne disease threats.</p>","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"2026 ","pages":"8874426"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13377613/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148579150","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":"Effectiveness of the Smart Home Model for Integrated Malaria Prevention: A Case-Control Study in Oyam District, Uganda.","authors":"Anastasia Troia, Annalisa Rosso, Giovanni Cioni, Giovanna Letizia Calò, Lamberto Manzoli, Maria Elena Flacco","doi":"10.1155/jotm/6299085","DOIUrl":"10.1155/jotm/6299085","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Malaria is the most prevalent vector-borne disease worldwide, with Uganda ranking third for malaria burden in 2023. In resource-limited settings, where access to diagnosis and treatment is often constrained and recent vaccination strategies may face challenges, traditional primary prevention remains essential and cost-effective. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the smart home model-an integrated malaria prevention strategy promoted by the Uganda Ministry of Health-in reducing infections among children aged < 5 years. A case-control study was conducted in Oyam District, Northern Uganda, between October 2023 and February 2024. Data from 3093 households were analyzed. Malaria status was assessed using rapid diagnostic tests. Household adherence to nine vector-control measures defined the smart home score, categorized as low (0-3), intermediate (4-6), or high (7-9). Higher scores were significantly associated with lower malaria prevalence. An inverse association emerged between household score and infection status: households with scores ≥ 7 were associated with a 80% lower presence of infection, as compared to households with scores ≤ 3 (AOR: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.16-0.27). The most protective measures included consistent use of bed nets, closing windows and doors by 6 p.m., eliminating water reservoirs, adopting proper farming practices, and compound cleanliness. These findings may provide further evidence supporting integrated malaria control strategies, alongside vaccines deployment, particularly in low-resource settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"2026 ","pages":"6299085"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13366497/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148447729","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":"Phylogenetic Analysis and In Vitro Antimicrobial Potential of Some Herbal Extracts Against Multidrug-Resistant <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> Isolate Recovered From Hospital Wastes.","authors":"Muhammad Nazir Uddin, Taha Fatima, Mian Syed Ali Shah, Ishaq Khan, Wajid Khan, Saeedah Musaed Almutairi, Mohamed Soliman Elshikh, Farman Ullah, Iftikhar Ali, Adnan Shahzad, Taj-Ud-Din","doi":"10.1155/jotm/4668333","DOIUrl":"10.1155/jotm/4668333","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> in healthcare settings poses a critical global health challenge, intensified by limited therapeutic options and the environmental spread of pathogens through hospital waste. This study addresses the urgent need for alternative strategies by investigating the phylogenetic profile and antimicrobial resistance of <i>P. aeruginosa</i> isolated from hospital dry waste in Saidu Sharif, Pakistan, while evaluating the antibacterial and antioxidant potential of nine ethnomedicinal herbs. The isolate, identified via 16S rRNA sequencing, exhibited 99% homology to the MDR strain <i>P. aeruginosa</i> 610D6 reported from China, underscoring potential transboundary resistance dissemination. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed resistance to 14 of 21 tested agents, with retained efficacy only for imipenem, cefoperazone/sulbactam (25-mm inhibition zones), and fosfomycin (24 mm). Ethanol extracts of <i>Punica granatum</i>, <i>Myrtus communis</i>, and <i>Olea ferruginea</i> demonstrated remarkable antipseudomonad activity (26-mm, 26-mm, and 25-mm zone of inhibitions, respectively) and potent antioxidant properties (97.57%, 95.55%, and 96.85% DPPH scavenging). Notably, solvent polarity significantly influenced extraction yields and bioactivity, with ethanol. This work highlights the therapeutic promise of plant-derived compounds against MDR pathogens while encouraging for One Health approaches to mitigate antibiotic resistance.</p>","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"2026 ","pages":"4668333"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13317471/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148361054","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 Formative Cross-Sectional Study to Assess the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Caregivers of Children Under Five Towards Malaria Control in the Buea Health District of Cameroon.","authors":"Mildred Nje Laban, Elvis Asangbeng Tanue, Emmanuel Yenshu Vubo, Dickson Shey Nsagha","doi":"10.1155/jotm/5566468","DOIUrl":"10.1155/jotm/5566468","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria is a major public health problem in Cameroon, disproportionately affecting children under five. The success of prevention and control programmes depends on caregivers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). Assessing these domains and their determinants could provide evidence for targeted interventions. The study set out to determine the levels of KAP towards malaria prevention and identify associated factors among caregivers of children under five in the Buea Health District in Cameroon.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 394 caregivers in peri-urban and rural communities of the Buea Health District. The survey was conducted from April 3 to July 12, 2024. Participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire which captured the KAP of caregivers of under-five children. Association between variables and community setting was measured using chi square test, and a multivariate logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices on malaria prevention.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most respondents were female (85.3%), parents of the child (88.6%), and self-employed (78.2%). Overall, 58.4% (95% CI: 53.5%-63.0%) had adequate knowledge, 42.9% (95% CI: 38.0%-47.8%) demonstrated positive attitudes, and 54.1% (95% CI: 49.2%-59.0%) reported good practices towards malaria prevention. Adequate knowledge was associated with being a caregiver rather than household head (AOR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.10-4.49), employed (AOR = 8.12, 95% CI: 1.86-35.28), and living in brick houses (AOR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.20-2.95).Positive attitudes were more likely among caregivers in peri-urban areas (AOR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.12-2.65), those with secondary (AOR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.04-4.67) or tertiary education (AOR = 3.18, 95% CI: 1.16-8.71), and those with better living standards (e.g., owned a television set, radio, or phone [AOR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.29-3.63]). Good practices were associated with peri-urban residence (AOR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.12-2.67), adequate knowledge (AOR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.37-3.09), positive attitudes (AOR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.23-2.77), higher maternal education (secondary: AOR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.01-3.58), and requesting malaria testing before treatment (AOR = 3.15, 95% CI: 2.01-4.94).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Over half of caregivers had adequate knowledge and good practices, but fewer demonstrated positive attitudes, with rural caregivers showing significant gaps. KAP were influenced by sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and behavioural factors. Targeted health education, particularly for rural caregivers and those with lower education or fewer assets, could improve malaria prevention behaviours and reduce disease burden among children under five.</p>","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"2026 ","pages":"5566468"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13318479/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148360910","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":"Molecular Identification and Phylogeny of Natural <i>Wolbachia</i> Infection in Iranian Mosquitoes With a New Record of <i>Wolbachia</i> Supergroup B Infecting <i>Anopheles hyrcanus</i> Populations.","authors":"Fatemeh Askari, Azim Paksa, Shahin Saeedi, Aioub Sofizadeh, Aboozar Soltani","doi":"10.1155/jotm/3704339","DOIUrl":"10.1155/jotm/3704339","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Mosquitoes are significant vectors of infectious diseases such as malaria and arboviruses, which pose public health challenges globally. <i>Anopheles hyrcanus</i> is widely distributed in northern Iran and neighboring Middle Eastern countries and is considered a potential vector of mosquito-borne diseases in these regions. <i>Wolbachia</i>, an endosymbiotic bacterium, is known for its reproductive manipulations and potential to reduce the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases. This study aimed to investigate the molecular identification and phylogeny of <i>Wolbachia</i> in mosquito species from Golestan Province, Iran, with a focus on <i>Anopheles hyrcanus</i>, <i>Culex theileri</i>, <i>Culex tritaeniorhynchus</i>, and <i>Culex pipiens</i>.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Adult mosquitoes were collected from nine locations in Golestan Province between April and December 2023. DNA was extracted from these mosquitoes, and the <i>Wolbachia</i> surface protein (WSP) gene was amplified via PCR. The resulting sequences were analyzed to determine phylogenetic relationships using the maximum likelihood method.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 491 female mosquitoes representing six species were morphologically identified, of which five species were screened for <i>Wolbachia</i> infection using wsp-PCR. Infection was detected in four species. The observed infection prevalence among tested specimens was 100% in <i>Culex pipiens</i> (15/15; 95% CI: 79.6%-100%), 100% in <i>Culex theileri</i> (1/1 pooled sample; 95% CI: 20.6%-99.9%), 37.5% in <i>Culex tritaeniorhynchus</i> (15/40; 95% CI: 24.2%-53.0%), and 25% in <i>Anopheles hyrcanus</i> (10/40; 95% CI: 14.2%-40.2%), while <i>Anopheles maculipennis</i> tested negative (0/9; 95% CI: 0.0%-29.9%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all detected strains clustered within <i>Wolbachia</i> Supergroup B. Notably, this study represents the first report of <i>Wolbachia</i> Supergroup B detected in <i>Anopheles hyrcanus</i> in the Middle East region.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The detection of <i>Wolbachia</i> Supergroup B in <i>Anopheles hyrcanus</i> provides new insights into the distribution and phylogeny of <i>Wolbachia</i> in Iranian mosquito populations. However, these findings represent preliminary molecular evidence, and further experimental studies are required to determine infection stability, transmission dynamics, and any potential implications for vector control.</p>","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"2026 ","pages":"3704339"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13309913/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148345742","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":"Central Nervous System Toxoplasmosis is an Under-Recognized Opportunistic infection in Uganda.","authors":"Nathan C Bahr, John Kasibante, Laura Nsangi, Enock Kagimu, Kenneth Ssebambulidde, Morris K Rutakingirwa, Lillian Tugume, Prashanth S Ramachandran, Fiona Cresswell, David B Meya, David R Boulware, Michael R Wilson, Jayne Ellis","doi":"10.1155/jotm/2158978","DOIUrl":"10.1155/jotm/2158978","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In Uganda<i>, Toxoplasma</i> meningoencephalitis remains underdiagnosed due to the low sensitivities and specificities of available diagnostics. In our recent publication, we identified 15 cases of possible <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> meningoencephalitis by cerebrospinal fluid metagenomic next-generation sequencing in patients with suspected meningitis. We herein discuss, in detail, these cases to highlight the ongoing limitations of utilizing clinical symptoms to diagnose <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> meningoencephalitis, the importance of access to rapid diagnostics, and the frequency of toxoplasmosis as a possible co-infection with other opportunistic diseases among people with advanced HIV.</p>","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"2026 ","pages":"2158978"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13306119/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148345739","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":"Spatial Inequality in Under-Five Children Undernutrition: Evidence From Ethiopia.","authors":"Abigail Chari, Tafadzwa Dzinamarira, Patrick Gad Iradukunda, Elliot Mbunge, John Batani, Godfrey Musuka","doi":"10.1155/jotm/7022986","DOIUrl":"10.1155/jotm/7022986","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Many developing countries are overburdened by child undernutrition, skewed towards poor and rural populations. This has long-lasting effects on adult livelihoods through reduced productivity and living standards, which vary across different countries and within countries. In that regard, we examined the spatial disparities in child undernutrition and its contributors in Ethiopia. Using 2019 Ethiopia Demographic Health Survey data and subnational boundaries as well as thematic maps and spatial autoregressive model at the cluster or kebele level, we found the presence of spatial disparities in child undernutrition, where children in the northern and northeast kebeles are more likely to have undernutrition than other kebeles. In addition, we found that aridity, precipitation, skilled health worker availability, geographical location and women's education significantly influence undernutrition. We also found positive and significant spillover effects in stunting, wasting and undernutrition between clusters, showing spatial dependence in Ethiopia. There is a need to focus on underserved regions to ensure that resources are allocated to those in need. Policymakers need to design better educational and economic strategies to increase food and nutrition security for children from poor and rural households, especially those in southern, northern, northeast and some eastern regions. Thus, there is a need to ensure targeted nutrition programmes in arid regions, climate-resilient agricultural interventions, expansion of maternal education programmes and strengthening rural health systems to improve nutrition outcomes for children under five.</p>","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"2026 ","pages":"7022986"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13306528/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148345906","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":"<i>Leptospira</i> in Working Horses From Rural Ecuador: A Neglected Occupational Risk.","authors":"Eduardo A Díaz, Carolina Sáenz, Diego Guzmán, Juan S Galecio, Talima Pearson, Verónica Barragán","doi":"10.1155/jotm/8883896","DOIUrl":"10.1155/jotm/8883896","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Neglected tropical zoonotic diseases such as leptospirosis continue to have a significant impact on animal and human health, especially in low-income countries due to limitations in surveillance and knowledge gaps to guide mitigation. In this context, equines have the potential to play an important role in the maintenance and transmission of <i>Leptospira</i> spp. due to their susceptibility to a variety of serovars (often without signs of disease) and close contact with humans. To better understand the epidemiological role of horses, we evaluated exposure and identified circulating leptospires by collecting blood and urine samples from 13 horses used on agricultural and livestock work in the rural areas of La Concordia and Mompiche, located near the coast of Ecuador. Microscopic agglutination tests showed anti-<i>leptospira</i> antibodies for a variety of serotypes in 100% of 9 serum samples analyzed and pathogenic <i>Leptospira</i> DNA from <i>L. interrogans</i> and <i>L. santarosai</i> in 61.5% of 13 urine samples. These results indicate that exposure of horses to <i>Leptospira</i> is common, and a substantial proportion may actively excrete the pathogen without showing signs of disease. While the small sample size and single time point limit definitive conclusions, in areas where horses interact closely with humans and other animals, these findings suggest that horses could play a role in local environmental cycling of <i>Leptospira</i>. Our findings emphasize the need to strengthen preventive measures in both veterinary and public health areas based on hygiene and sanitary practices that are aligned with a One Health approach.</p>","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"2026 ","pages":"8883896"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13291556/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148330593","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":"Frequency of Intestinal Parasitic Infection and Associated Factors Among HIV Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: A 5-Year Retrospective Study.","authors":"Dessie Tegegne, Mulu Kebede, Getaneh Tegegne, Yikeber Abateneh, Teklehaimanot Kiros, Mulat Erkihun, Andargachew Almaw, Ayenew Assefa, Ayenew Berhan, Alemie Fentie, Tegenaw Tiruneh, Birhanemaskal Malkamu, Mahider Shimelis Feyisa, Biruk Legese, Sisay Getu, Mitikie Wondimagegn Meberat, Birhanu Getie, Shewaneh Damtie, Bekele Sharew, Getu Abeje","doi":"10.1155/jotm/1173013","DOIUrl":"10.1155/jotm/1173013","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Intestinal parasite infections (IPIs) are significant public health concerns, particularly for those with HIV/AIDS. Low hygiene standards, tainted water, and inadequate sanitation all contribute to Ethiopia's high frequency of IPIs. HIV patients are still susceptible to several parasitic illnesses even after antiretroviral medication (ART) and deworming efforts have been implemented. The data in the study area are restricted, despite the fact that few studies describe IPIs among HIV patients. Furthermore, by taking sociodemographic and clinical aspects into account, this study produced thorough 5-year data. In order to fill in the gaps in local epidemiological data and guide focused treatments, this study evaluated the frequency of IPIs and the factors that are linked to them among HIV patients receiving ART.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess the frequency of IPIs and related variables in HIV/AIDS patients receiving ART at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (DTCSH), Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A 5-year retrospective hospital-based study was conducted using medical records of 600 HIV patients on ART at DTCSH. Included were data registered between May 2020 and May 2025. Data on sociodemographic, CD₄ counts, ART duration, and IPIs were extracted from patient cards using a convenient sampling technique. SPSS Version 26 was utilized for data entry and analysis. Descriptive statistics along with bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted. All variables in the multivariable logistic regression were deemed statistically significant if their <i>p</i> value was less than 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval. Text, tables, and graphs were used to display the data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 600 records, 33.5% of people have IPIs. <i>Entamoeba histolytica</i> (59.7%) and <i>Giardia lamblia</i> (33.3%) were the most common parasites found. Individuals with age over 60 years and those living in rural areas had considerably higher IPIs (<i>p</i> < 0.05). However, when comparing patient records examined in the first year to those in the fifth, the frequency of IPIs declined. Furthermore, those with low CD₄ counts (less than 200 cells/μL), advanced WHO clinical stages (3-4), and shorter ART durations (less than 5 years) had significantly higher likelihood of IPIs (<i>p</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Among HIV patients receiving ART, IPIs remain prevalent. Important determinants of IPIs include age, place of residency, CD₄ count, WHO stages, and adherence to ART. Long-term ART adherence has shown protective advantages, underscoring its importance in reducing the burden of IPIs. Enhancing the management of parasitic infections and HIV requires integrated strategies that include improved sanitation, frequent testing, and health education. Future large-scale research is also necessary.</p>","PeriodicalId":17527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Tropical Medicine","volume":"2026 ","pages":"1173013"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13284548/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148308648","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}