Research and Reports in Tropical Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Practice of Epidemiological Surveillance and Availability of Resources in Health Facilities of the Littoral Region of Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Ketina Hirma Tchio-Nighie, Augustin Murhabazi Bashombwa, Willy Armand Nguemnang Nguemnang, Collins Buh Nkum, Etienne Guenou, Jerome Ateudjieu","doi":"10.2147/RRTM.S545135","DOIUrl":"10.2147/RRTM.S545135","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Epidemiological surveillance is recommended in health systems to monitor existing and emerging health threats and guide the response to epidemics. This study was conducted to assess the distribution of tools and practice of epidemiological surveillance in health facilities in the littoral region of Cameroon.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the health districts of the littoral region of Cameroon from April to May 2024. This study targeted health facilities selected through stratified random sampling from eight health districts. Surveyors collected data using a face-to-face structured questionnaire administered to the head of each health facility on the implementation of epidemiological surveillance activities.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 345 health facilities reached, 320 (92.8%) consented to participate. Of 320 health facilities, 252 (78.8%) declared that they were involved in the implementation of epidemiological surveillance. None of the eight health districts had all of their facilities involved in disease surveillance. Less than 30% of health facilities conduct surveillance for hemorrhagic fever while approximately 80-90% conduct surveillance for cholera, measles, and yellow fever. Only 14 (5.6%) health facilities declared to conduct surveillance of all events. A total of 200 (79.4%) health facilities had at least one personnel trained in epidemiological surveillance and the mean number of personnel trained per health facility was 2.2 (±1.7). Nurses were the category more frequently involved in epidemiological surveillance (95.2%). A total of 123 (48.8%), 78 (31.0%), and 217 (86.1%) health facilities had registers/line listings, integrated disease surveillance and response guide, and notification forms, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Health facilities' coverage regarding the implementation of epidemiological surveillance remains limited with the situation being more critical in private confessional health facilities. The implementation of epidemiological surveillance in health facilities needs to be monitored, and personnel training and surveillance tools should be considered.</p>","PeriodicalId":21138,"journal":{"name":"Research and Reports in Tropical Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"91-102"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12453041/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145131717","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":"Visceral Leishmaniasis Service Delivery in Somalia: A Comprehensive Literature Review.","authors":"Abdirahman Moallim Ibrahim, Lul Mohamud Mohamed, Anoop Khanna","doi":"10.2147/RRTM.S536971","DOIUrl":"10.2147/RRTM.S536971","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that affects millions of people globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. It is caused by the <i>Leishmania</i> parasite, transmitted through sandfly bites, leading to severe illness and high mortality if untreated. Globally, VL is prevalent in East Africa, South Asia, and parts of South America, with East Africa accounting for a significant proportion of cases. Somalia, a country with a fragile healthcare system, faces a growing burden of the disease, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas. Despite efforts to control the disease, it remains a public health challenge due to a lack of comprehensive data on its exact burden. In Somalia, VL service delivery is hindered by several barriers, including an under-resourced health system, shortages of skilled healthcare providers, inadequate diagnostic equipment, medication shortages, and weak infrastructure. The ongoing conflict and insecurity have exacerbated these challenges, particularly in areas most affected by VL. Stigma, cultural misconceptions, economic constraints, and limited access to healthcare further impede effective VL management. Current programs, supported by international organizations, provide some relief but are insufficient to address the widespread challenges comprehensively. To improve VL service delivery in Somalia, several strategies are recommended. Integration of VL services into primary healthcare, expanding training for healthcare workers, and increasing domestic funding are critical steps to reduce dependency on international aid. Strengthening community engagement, increasing awareness about VL, and leveraging technological innovations like telemedicine and DHIS2 for surveillance and care are vital. Public-private partnerships should be enhanced to ensure the availability of affordable treatments. Through a multifaceted approach that addresses systemic barriers and builds local capacities, sustainable improvements in VL control and service delivery in Somalia can be achieved.</p>","PeriodicalId":21138,"journal":{"name":"Research and Reports in Tropical Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"103-113"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12452973/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145131686","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":"Proceedings from the Fourth Mesoamerican Symposium \"Dr. Roberto Navarro López\" on Emerging Zoonotic Disease and Arboviruses: Commenting Insights and Research Findings.","authors":"Nadia A Fernández-Santos, Mario A Rodríguez-Pérez, Sofía Segovia-Mancillas, Luis L Rodríguez, Sarah A Hamer, Gabriel L Hamer, Fabián Correa-Morales, Susano Medina-Jaramillo, Maria Gabriela Palacios-Mendoza, Epigmenio Cruz-Aldán, Gabriela Del Carmen Rodriguez-Dominguez, Carlos H Gomez-Hernandez, Arturo Larraga-Guillén, Irene López González, Luis M Rodríguez-Martínez, Aldo I Ortega-Morales, Ma Isabel Salazar, Héctor Enrique Valdez-Gómez, Miguel A Márquez Ruiz, Maria J Perteguer, Benjamín Gastón Gómez-Gordillo, Jesús A Aguilar-Durán, Ingeborg D Becker Fauser, Scott C Weaver, Michael J Turell, Laura D Kramer, Jose Guillermo Estrada-Franco","doi":"10.2147/RRTM.S512767","DOIUrl":"10.2147/RRTM.S512767","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Zoonotic pathogens such as arboviruses, arenaviruses, filoviruses, coronaviruses, highly pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1) viruses, vesiculoviruses, and many others are emerging and reemerging worldwide, jeopardizing global veterinary and public health. Parasitic diseases such as visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis (<i>Trypanosoma cruzi</i>), myiasis, and river blindness (<i>Onchocerca volvulus</i>) are also paramount for public health in the Americas and elsewhere. In the fall 2024, a group of experts convened in Chiapas, Mexico, for the Fourth Mesoamerican Symposium \"Dr. Roberto Navarro López\" on Arboviruses and Emerging Zoonotic Diseases. Here, we highlight the importance of some zoonotic pathogens and parasites affecting human health that are being impacted by anthropogenic activities. In this context, there are drivers such as changes in climate and landscape transformations, unsound agricultural practices, and wildlife niche replacement delivering numerous opportunities for zoonotic pathogens to emerge and threaten human health and food security.</p>","PeriodicalId":21138,"journal":{"name":"Research and Reports in Tropical Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"65-89"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12326630/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144795259","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":"Schistosomiasis Among Schoolchildren in Amd District of Hadhramout Governorate, East of Yemen: A Hotspot for <i>Schistosoma haematobium</i> Transmission.","authors":"Saeed S Al-Bowri, Abdulsalam M Al-Mekhlafi, Rashad Abdul-Ghani, Ahmed A Azazy","doi":"10.2147/RRTM.S532602","DOIUrl":"10.2147/RRTM.S532602","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Schistosomiasis persists as a public health problem in Hadhramout, the largest governorate in the eastern part of Yemen. Despite its endemicity, epidemiological patterns in many districts remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with schistosomiasis among schoolchildren in the Amd District of Hadhramout Valley.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted with 380 schoolchildren aged 6-16 years. Data on the children's sociodemographic characteristics, infection-related behaviors, and environmental factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Urine filtration and Kato-Katz techniques were used to detect and count the eggs of <i>Schistosoma haematobium</i> and <i>S. mansoni</i>, respectively. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests, and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of schistosomiasis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In Amd District, 33.7% (95% CI: 28.9-38.7) of schoolchildren had light-intensity infection with any <i>Schistosoma</i> species, indicating a moderate risk level, specifically <i>S. haematobium</i> among 31.6% (95% CI: 26.9-36.3) and <i>S. mansoni</i> among 2.1% (95% CI: 0.7-3.6) of children. Macrohematuria, microhematuria, and proteinuria were significantly associated with <i>S. haematobium</i> infection. However, neither hematochezia nor diarrhea was significantly associated with <i>S. mansoni</i> infection. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis identified male gender (AOR = 4.2; 95% CI: 2.48-7.12; <i>P</i> <0.001), age ≥10 years (AOR = 3.1; 95% CI: 1.70-5.56; <i>P</i> <0.001), and contact with natural water sources (AOR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.06-3.58; <i>P</i> = 0.032) as independent predictors of schistosomiasis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The risk of schistosomiasis in Amd District is moderate and predominated by <i>S. haematobium</i>, with light-intensity infections affecting approximately one-third of schoolchildren. Therefore, biannual preventive chemotherapy with praziquantel is recommended for all enrolled and non-enrolled school-age children. Macrohematuria, microhematuria, and proteinuria are important indicators of <i>S. haematobium</i> infection. Meanwhile, male gender, older age, and water contact can independently predict infection.</p>","PeriodicalId":21138,"journal":{"name":"Research and Reports in Tropical Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"55-64"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12164834/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144302788","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":"Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> Infection in People Living with HIV: A Cross-Sectional Study from Maputo Central Hospital, Mozambique.","authors":"Leonardo Manuel, Isac Rodrigues Comia, Regina Daniel Miambo, Irina M Sousa, Nelson Cuboia, Awa Carimo, Sara Jacob Massuanganhe, Titos Paulo Buene, Lucas Raimundo Banze, Belmiro Paulo Paraque, Noémia Nhancupe, Robert T Schooley, Gabriela Maria Santos-Gomes, Emília Virgínia Noormahomed, Constance A Benson","doi":"10.2147/RRTM.S519938","DOIUrl":"10.2147/RRTM.S519938","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in people living with HIV (PWH) in Maputo, Mozambique, exploring the interactions between HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and toxoplasmosis, including HIV-related factors such as the World Health Organization (WHO) HIV/AIDS clinical stage, degree of immunosuppression based on CD4⁺ T-cell count, and associated risk factors. Additionally, it aimed to assess the prevalence of neurological and psychiatric disorders (NPD) among study participants and its possible association with toxoplasmosis seropositivity.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study of 200 patients aged >18 years who were admitted to Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique, between March 2020 and October 2021. The participants were recruited by convenience, regardless of the reason for their admission. Sociodemographic and clinical data, such as age, sex, WHO HIV/AIDS stage, and CD4⁺ T-cell count, were collected. NPD disorders were assessed using the International Classification of Diseases criteria. Venous blood (5 mL) was obtained from each participant to determine anti-<i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> IgM and IgG antibodies using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants were aged 18-72 years, with the majority being female (64%) and unemployed (57%). Overall, 54.5% of patients tested positive for at least one anti-<i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> IgG (52%) or IgM (6.5%). Risk factors for <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> infection (<i>p</i> < 0.05) were associated with age group 18-28 years, being male and unemployed. Moreover, 68.5% of the participants had NPD and of those, 65.1% exhibited anti-<i>Toxoplasma</i> antibodies. We found a significant association between anxiety and IgM seropositivity for <i>p</i> = 0.016. Though three out of four participants with positive anti-<i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> IgG had mood disorders, no significant association was found between <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> infection with mood disorders, nor with other NPD assessed (56% depression, 33% motor disorder, 25.5% psychosis, 17% cognitive impairment, 7.5% mental retardation).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Toxoplasmosis may contribute to NPD in PWH patients. Further studies are recommended to better understand the complex interactions between <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i>, NPD disorders, and HIV.</p>","PeriodicalId":21138,"journal":{"name":"Research and Reports in Tropical Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"43-53"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12145787/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144249418","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":"Seven Steps in Seven Days to Managing Allergy in the Tropics.","authors":"Yibala Ibor Oboma, Bassey Okon Ekpenyong, Matthew Chibunna Igwe, Judith Jepkosgei Chelimo, Yakubu Sunday Bot, Salma Osman Mohammed, Letticia Ikiomoye Beredugo, Okama Eko Ibiang, Umi Omar Bunu, Glory Mbe Egom Nja","doi":"10.2147/RRTM.S518158","DOIUrl":"10.2147/RRTM.S518158","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Allergic conditions, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis, are increasingly recognized as critical global health concerns in tropical regions. The unique environmental characteristics of the tropics, such as high humidity, diverse vegetation, persistent pollen exposure, and elevated levels of mold and insect allergens, increase the prevalence and severity of allergic diseases. Addressing these challenges requires tailored strategies that are both practical and evidence-based. This review introduces a comprehensive seven-day and seven-step framework for managing allergies in tropical climates. This is designed to empower individuals with actionable steps and scientifically supported interventions. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE were used. The search strategy includes specific keywords and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms related to allergies or offering insights into preventive measures. The plan encompasses a structured approach, beginning with identifying triggers and creating an allergen-friendly environment. Symptoms management, prevention of cross-contamination, dietary optimization, and long-term evaluation. Emphasis is placed on the adaptability of these measures to resource-constrained settings in tropical regions by integrating modern scientific insights with practical, step-by-step guidance. This framework addresses the distinct challenges of managing allergies in tropical environments but also highlights the importance of education, environmental control, and community-level engagement. This review underscores the need for sustainable and locally relevant solutions to improve health outcomes and enhance the quality of life for individuals living in tropical climates.</p>","PeriodicalId":21138,"journal":{"name":"Research and Reports in Tropical Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"31-41"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11973120/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143804223","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":"Novel Drug Targets for the Bradyzoite Form of <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i>.","authors":"Justin Orlando Ortiz, Anna K Potter, Imaan Benmerzouga","doi":"10.2147/RRTM.S431290","DOIUrl":"10.2147/RRTM.S431290","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> is a world-wide parasite, with an estimated prevalence of approximately 30%. Toxoplasmosis is a severe disease in the immunocompromised, but few symptoms are exhibited by patients with an intact immune system, making this parasite a worldwide burden. Currently, few drugs exist in treating acute toxoplasmosis and no drugs exist to eliminate the bradyzoite of <i>T. gondii</i>. Effective therapies against acute and chronic toxoplasmosis are urgently needed to reduce the burden of this disease. This review aims to give a summary of recent findings in the bradyzoite form of <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> and the implication of these findings on drug development. A thorough search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases was used to identify studies within the past 10 years that illustrate targetable key elements in the differentiation and formation of the bradyzoite form of <i>T. gondii.</i></p>","PeriodicalId":21138,"journal":{"name":"Research and Reports in Tropical Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"25-30"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11963886/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143773208","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":"The Perception and Practices of Black African Subjects Toward Hemorrhoidal Disease: The Relevant Effects of Beliefs and Misconceptions in Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa.","authors":"Alassan Kouame Mahassadi, Hyacinthe Chepig Motcheyo, Dimitri Hatrydt Kouame, Fulgence Mamert Yao-Bathaix","doi":"10.2147/RRTM.S498009","DOIUrl":"10.2147/RRTM.S498009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The perception of black African subjects toward hemorrhoidal disease is surrounded by myths and misconceptions in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to determine the magnitude of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of black African subjects toward hemorrhoidal disease and the impact of knowledge on their attitudes and practices.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional KAP survey was conducted through convenience sampling of 735 participants (mean age, 38.8 years; men, 59.2%) from urban and rural areas in Côte d'Ivoire. They received an auto questionnaire of 25 items on Likert scales depicting their KAP toward hemorrhoidal disease. A mean score of KAP < 50 points was considered low. Logistic and linear regression models were used to determine the factors associated with self-reported hemorrhoidal disease and the impact of knowledge on attitudes and practices.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall Cronbach score was 0.75, and the sample proportions of self-reported or symptom-based hemorrhoidal disease were 44.4% (9% CI: 41-48) and 21.2% [95% CI: 18.4-24.4], respectively. The overall mean (SD) scores of KAP were low: 49 (34.4), 43.4 (18.7), and 33.6 (21.7), respectively. The attitudes and practices of the participants remained unchanged regardless of their knowledge. Hemorrhoidal disease was negatively associated with attitudes (beta = -3.1, p = 0.02) or practices (beta = -3.4, p < 0.05). Overall, the participants agreed that hemorrhoidal disease led to sexual dysfunction (85.2%) and infertility (67.1%). They preferred indigenous (52.4%) over modern treatments (30.2%) and perceived surgery for hemorrhoidal disease to be dangerous (24.4%) and not recommended (56.6%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Knowledge did not change the attitudes and practices of black African subjects toward hemorrhoidal disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":21138,"journal":{"name":"Research and Reports in Tropical Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"11-23"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11928437/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143693137","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":"Subclinical <i>Plasmodium</i> spp. Infections in a Community Setting in Bangui, Central African Republic.","authors":"Romaric Nzoumbou-Boko, Mireille Cornelia Ingrid Denissio Morissi Nalingbo, Brice Martial Yambiyo, Roger Detol, Ermeland Rock Feller Moussa, Didita Nalinga, Lydie Joella-Venus de la Grace Namsenei-Dankpea, Alexandre Manirakiza, Lawrence Ayong, Yap Boum Ii","doi":"10.2147/RRTM.S495282","DOIUrl":"10.2147/RRTM.S495282","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria is a major public health problem in the Central African Republic (CAR). Data on malaria epidemiology are often derived from confirmed cases of symptomatic malaria using passive detection approaches, with very limited knowledge of the extent of subclinical and submicroscopic infections.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Bangui, the capital of the CAR, to assess the prevalence of subclinical malaria parasitaemia. Proportions of positive tests for malaria parasites were determined by combining the results of antigen-based malaria rapid diagnostic test (mRDT), thick blood smear microscopy, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 638 participants (mean age, 26.44 years (range, [1-75] years) with a sex ratio (M/F) of 1.22) were tested for malaria using all three detection methods. Proportions of positives were 32.45% by PCR, 27.59% by mRDT, and 23.51% by Giemsa-based thick blood smear microscopy, representing the burden of subclinical malaria. In addition, a 9.56% prevalence of submicroscopic infections was observed. Subclinical malaria was more common in individuals aged 15-49 years, and microspatial heterogeneity in positivity was observed, with the majority of cases occurring in semi-urban areas by mRDT and microscopy, respectively. Approximately, 80% of microscopy-positive subjects had a low parasite density (<1000 parasites/µL whole blood). Although <i>P. falciparum</i> was the most common species (98.55%), the transmission of <i>P. ovale</i> appears to be well-established in the area, occurring either as mono-infection (1.45%) or co-infection (1.93%) with <i>P. falciparum</i>.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study of community malaria in Bangui highlights the high burden of subclinical malaria in the community and provides essential baseline data to guide future research on malaria parasites in the CAR, particularly regarding the circulating parasite species. The high prevalence of community malaria demonstrates its persistence as a major public health challenge in the country, highlighting the need to intensify its ongoing control using new tools such as the upcoming malaria vaccine.</p>","PeriodicalId":21138,"journal":{"name":"Research and Reports in Tropical Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11762253/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143053469","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":"Implementation of Mass Drug Administration for Lymphatic Filariasis in Madagascar: The Progress, Effectiveness and Financial Savings of Integrating into an Existing Polio Campaign.","authors":"Vatsiharizandry Mandrosovololona, Patricia Rasoamihanta, Kpandja Djawe, Denise Mupfasoni, Brusa Andriamino, Rivomalala Rakotonavalona, Didier Bakajika, Arsène Claude Ratsimbasoa, Joses Kirigia, Laurent Musango","doi":"10.2147/RRTM.S487163","DOIUrl":"10.2147/RRTM.S487163","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This paper presents (a) the progress made towards achieving the 2023 Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign goals, (b) the estimated financial savings resulting from integrating LF MDA into Polio immunization campaigns, and (c) the best practices, challenges, and recommendations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In 2023, 21,336,057 people in 83 districts were affected by LF and required Preventive Chemotherapy (PC). The National NTD Control Programme (NTDCP) conducted three phases of LF MDA campaigns in those districts. In the first phase, 24 districts received triple therapy of Ivermectin, Diethylcarbamazine, and Albendazole (IDA), while the remaining 59 districts continued to receive dual therapy of Diethylcarbamazine and Albendazole (DA) as before. The first phase (15 districts) was not integrated, while the second phase (61 districts) was conducted simultaneously with the Polio Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIA) fourth round. The third phase (7 districts) was combined with periodic intensification of routine immunization (PIRI) and vitamin A supplementation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In Phases 2 and 3, the campaign covered 99.97% of the targeted 12,208 villages, meaning only three villages remained untreated. In contrast, Phase 1 covered all the targeted 2,847 villages, attaining 100% geographic coverage. The 68 districts (Phase 2 and 3) that implemented an integrated approach attained an average therapeutic coverage of 76.6% (STDEV=8.3) compared to 73.2% (STDEV=6.7) among the 15 districts (Phase 1) that conducted MDA for LF without integration. The p-values for geographical and therapeutic coverage were below the significance level of 0.05, leading to the conclusion that the average geographic and therapeutic coverages for districts implementing LF MDA with and without integration into Polio immunization campaigns differed significantly. Integrating the LF MDA campaign into the Polio SIA and PIRI campaigns saved US$1,431,203.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Incorporating LF MDA into polio immunization campaigns can improve financial efficiency and effectiveness in meeting the objectives of LF programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":21138,"journal":{"name":"Research and Reports in Tropical Medicine","volume":"15 ","pages":"123-147"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11687289/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142915060","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}