Tropical Medicine and Health最新文献

{"title":"Traditional medicine practices for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Kalu District, South Wollo, Ethiopia.","authors":"Massame Tadesse Ergicho, Mulugeta Tamire, Yordanos Tadesse, Stephen L Walker, Jennifer Palmer, Yohannes Hailemichael, Takele Gezahegn Demie, Tara Mtuy, Endalamaw Gadisa, Mirgissa Kaba, Sharp Collaboration","doi":"10.1186/s41182-025-00804-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41182-025-00804-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease of public health importance in Ethiopia, with an estimated 40,000 new cases per year. Access to allopathic diagnostic and treatment facilities is limited. Traditional healthcare is an accessible option in many communities, but there is limited evidence on the types of traditional treatments utilized for cutaneous leishmaniasis in Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To explore the traditional treatment practices used for cutaneous leishmaniasis in Kalu district, South Wollo, Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted an ethnographic study from April to August 2023 in Kalu district, Amhara region. Interviews with ten cutaneous leishmaniasis affected individuals, five traditional healers, and three local opinion leaders were conducted to understand their experiences, treatment choices, and perceptions. In addition, observations at three traditional healers were used to document traditional treatment procedures, materials used, and healer-client interactions. The interviews were transcribed verbatim in Amharic and translated to English and thematically analyzed alongside observation notes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Cutaneous leishmaniasis affected individuals reported using traditional treatments to manage cutaneous leishmaniasis. The factors influencing this choice were lack of awareness about the availability of allopathic treatments, limited access to healthcare facilities, the long duration and high cost of allopathic treatment, trust in traditional healers, and recommendations from community members. Plant-based remedies were commonly applied to lesions, while other treatments included honey, dried bat meat, application of heated metallic objects, and spiritual practices. Traditional healers recommended various behavioral modifications as part of the therapeutic process to facilitate healing, which included dietary restrictions, limiting farm work and cooking, celibacy, and social isolation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In Kalu, traditional medicines are the primary source of treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis. With limited access to allopathic care, cost of services, and trust in local healers, traditional healing of cutaneous leishmaniasis is widely recognized. While further research may help to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of traditional healing practices, there is a need to find ways of engaging healers to support interventions tackling skin diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"126"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12487468/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145201576","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":"First report of the pyrethroid-resistance-associated V1016I mutation in Aedes aegypti at the seaport of Cotonou, Benin, West Africa.","authors":"Antoine Salomon Lokossou, Rock Aikpon, Murielle Dossou, Bruno Adjottin, Fridolin Ubald Dossou-Sognon, Alphonse Konkon, Halid Bakary, Halalou Ali Mamam, Yao Abotsi, Erick Akpo, Richard Akanni-Ediko, Anges Yadouleton","doi":"10.1186/s41182-025-00806-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41182-025-00806-5","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Monitoring insecticide resistance in disease vectors is a key strategy to anticipate emerging and re-emerging diseases, particularly in the context of interventions such as vector control interventions. This study aims to assess the insecticide resistance profile of three major mosquito species in the Port of Cotonou and to characterize the molecular mechanisms associated with resistance, with a focus on mutations in Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae s.l.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;This study was conducted at the Port of Cotonou from June 2023 to November 2024. Standard WHO susceptibility tube tests were performed using several insecticides: deltamethrin, permethrin, and alpha-cypermethrin (pyrethroids), bendiocarb (carbamate), and pirimiphos-methyl (organophosphate). The potential role of metabolic resistance mechanisms was investigated through synergist assays using piperonyl butoxide (PBO). In addition, molecular analyses were performed: SINE-PCR was used to differentiate Anopheles gambiae from Anopheles coluzzii, while allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) assays were employed to detect the mutations L1014F and L1014S in Anopheles gambiae s.l., as well as the F1534C, S989P, and V1016I mutations in Aedes aegypti.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;The three mosquito species tested showed confirmed resistance to most pyrethroids (rate mortality &lt; 90%). The addition of PBO significantly restored the efficacy of alpha-cypermethrin, with mortality rates of 93% in Culex, 100% in Aedes, and 98.97% in Anopheles, compared to 45, 89.80, and 69.39% respectively, when alpha-cypermethrin was used alone. This difference was statistically significant, with p-values &lt; 0.05. Pirimiphos-methyl remained effective, inducing 100% mortality across all species. Suspected resistance to bendiocarb was observed in Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae, with respective mortality rates of 92.78 and 95.83%, while resistance to bendiocarb was confirmed in Culex quinquefasciatus, with a mortality rate of 85.86%. The analysis of kdr mutations in Anopheles gambiae s.s. and Anopheles coluzzii revealed a high prevalence of the L1014F mutation in both species, with allele frequencies of f(F) = 0.8421 in An. gambiae s.s. and f(F) = 0.9292 in An. coluzzii. No individuals carried the wild-type homozygous genotype (SS) for this mutation, indicating a high level of fixation of the resistant L1014F allele, particularly in An. coluzzii. The L1014S mutation, previously detected in northern Benin, was identified for the first time in the southern region in heterozygous Anopheles gambiae s.s.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Individuals: &lt;/strong&gt;This mutation was absent in An. coluzzii but was detected at a very low frequency of f(S) = 0.052 in An. gambiae s.s.. For the F1534C mutation, the frequency of the mutant C allele was f(C) = 0.7284. Regarding the V1016I mutation, the mutant I allele had a frequency of f(I) = 0.1935. Notably, this is the first detection of this mutation in","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"125"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12487304/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145201486","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":"Sustained humoral immunity in the patients recovered from severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome.","authors":"Ryotaro Kubo, Rokusuke Yoshikawa, Yuji Fujii, Takumi Kawasaki, Takahiro Takazono, Koichi Izumikawa, Koya Ariyoshi, Hiroshi Mukae, Jiro Yasuda","doi":"10.1186/s41182-025-00807-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41182-025-00807-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a tick-borne viral disease with a mortality rate of 10-30%; however, effective vaccines and therapies for this disease have not yet been developed. Understanding the long-term immune response of recovered individuals is critical for vaccine development and treatment. In this study, we conducted an epidemiological investigation of antibody and memory B cell trends in individuals with SFTS.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma were collected from 16 survivors of SFTS and five healthy controls. SFTS virus (SFTSV)-specific humoral immune responses were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), biolayer interferometry (BLI), neutralization assays, and flow cytometry.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>SFTSV Gn-specific IgG was detected in plasma samples from all patients using ELISA and BLI. All patient plasma samples also presented neutralizing activity against SFTSV infection, and the IC₅₀ values were correlated with ELISA OD values (ρ = 0.700, P = 0.003 and BLI signals (ρ = 0.818, P = 0.0002). Neutralizing antibodies and SFTSV Gn-specific memory B cells were detected in samples from patients up to 6.7 years post-infection.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>SFTSV-specific humoral immunity, including neutralizing antibodies and memory B cells, can persist in the majority of recovered patients, including those as late as 6.7 years post-infection. This information will be useful for the development of vaccines and antiviral therapies using antibodies against SFTS.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"127"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12487157/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145201613","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":"No evidence of Wuchereria bancrofti infection in Anopheles species after 10 years without mass drug administration: a molecular xenomonitoring study in Hauts-Bassins, Burkina Faso.","authors":"Achille Sindimbasba Nikièma, Lassane Koala, Rabila Bamogo, Simon P Sawadogo, Arielle Bettina Sandra Badiel, Ali Ouari, Abdoul-Aziz Millogo, Clarisse Bougouma, Mamadou Sermé, Soungalo Traoré, Babacar Faye, Roch Kounbobr Dabiré","doi":"10.1186/s41182-025-00808-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41182-025-00808-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Programme was launched in Burkina Faso in 2001 aiming to eliminate the disease as a public health concern through mass drug administration (MDA). After eight years of MDA, the Hauts-Bassins region successfully passed the Transmission Assessment Survey (TAS), which led to the MDA being stopped. This study aims to assess whether parasite transmission has resurfaced in areas where MDA was stopped more than ten years ago.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional entomological survey was conducted in the villages of Tiebalogo and Tondogosso, in the Hauts-Bassins region. From August to December 2022, adult mosquitoes were collected using Human Landing Collection (HLC) indoor and outdoor, Window Exit Trap (WET) and Pyrethrum Spray Collection (PSC). Mosquitoes were identified morphologically. Genomic DNAs extracted from An. gambiae s.l., An. funestus, An. nili were amplified by PCR for Wuchereria bancrofti parasite detection.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 2688 mosquitoes were collected in both study sites, with 630 being collected in Tondogosso and 2058 in Tiebalogo. The An. gambiae s.l. was the predominant mosquitoes, with high numbers being collected in both sites. Of those collected in Tiebalogo, 1786 (86.78%) were identified as An. gambiae s.l., while 373 (59.21%) were identified in Tondogosso. The HLC method collected the greatest number of mosquitoes, followed by the PSC and WET methods. No Wuchereria bancrofti DNA was detected in any of the mosquito pools analyzed in both sites.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings provide further evidence that there is no Lymphatic Filariasis transmission occurring in Hauts-Bassin's post-TAS area. Molecular xenomonitoring of the filarial parasite which is a sensitive tool, could also serve as a complementary tool for monitoring transmission in post-MDA area and help national neglected tropical disease control program with surveillance in these areas.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"124"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12465151/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145150832","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":"Screening for Leishmania spp. infection in patients treated with biologic agents for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: results of an Italian multicentric prospective study.","authors":"Emma Balducelli, Ana Torres, Sara Morselli, Andrea Angheben, Chiara Piubelli, Francesca Perandin, Salvatore Scarso, Cinzia Scambi, Alessandro Bartoloni, Lorenzo Zammarchi, Anna Barbiero, Filippo Lagi, Michele Spinicci, Francesca Nacci, Margherita Ortalli, Simone Baiocchi, Lorena Bernardo, Javier Moreno, Eugenia Carrillo, Stefania Varani","doi":"10.1186/s41182-025-00802-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41182-025-00802-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Escalation in the use of biologic agents including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors to treat immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID) is linked to higher susceptibility of severe infections caused by intracellular pathogens, including Leishmania.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This multicentric prospective study assessed the presence of Leishmania spp. infection among patients with IMID under treatment with biologic agents in two Italian clinical centers. We utilized a combination of diagnostic tests: real-time PCR for the detection of parasitic kinetoplast DNA in peripheral blood, Western blot for the identification of serum IgG antibodies, and a Whole blood assay to assess cytokine and chemokine responses following stimulation with parasitic antigen.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 126 patients residing in Italy were enrolled. Patients testing positive in at least one assay were classified as Leishmania-positive. Of the 125 asymptomatic individuals, 25 (20%) tested positive for Leishmania infection, revealing a significant rate of subclinical infection. The most frequent marker of infection was positive serology (15/126, 12%) followed by a detectable cell-mediated immune response (9/125, 7%). Parasitic DNA was detected in 3 patients (2%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study showed a high prevalence of asymptomatic Leishmania infection in Italian patients with IMID under treatment with biologic agents, with a north-to-south gradient. Given the risk of disease reactivation, these patients may benefit from close monitoring. Further research is warranted to clarify the clinical implications of these findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"123"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12461971/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145138952","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":"Molecular containment of iron source inhibits larval survival of Schistosoma mansoni and egg-laying behavior of the female adult worms via ovarian atrophy.","authors":"Takashi Kumagai, Rieko Shimogawara, Akira Wada","doi":"10.1186/s41182-025-00800-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41182-025-00800-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic flatworms of the genus Schistosoma. Currently, praziquantel is the only medication available for treating schistosomiasis. However, crucial issues regarding drug resistance, reinfection, and prevention remain unresolved. Therefore, it is indispensable to develop new antischistosomal drugs, whose mechanisms of action are distinct from that of praziquantel. This diversification in treatment is vital to promote the eradication of schistosomiasis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this study, to explore the untapped antischistosomal compounds against Schistosoma species, which have diverse life cycles, we initially investigated the effects of a series of phenanthroline-based compounds (PHN-X) with iron-binding affinity on the survival capacity of Schistosoma mansoni larvae and egg production by paired adult worms in vitro. Subsequently, we examined the impacts of PHN-X on the egg production and fecundity of female adult worms in vivo, following oral administration of them to mice infected with S. mansoni cercariae. Finally, we conducted a morphological analysis of the reproductive organs of the female adult worms after treating S. mansoni-infected mice with a newly identified compound with high anti-fecundity effect.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The assay for determining IC₅₀ and IC₉₀ values against schistosomula indicated that PHN-X effectively led to larval death, unlike deferoxamine and praziquantel. The larvicidal activity depended on the strength of the coordination bonds between its nitrogen atoms and an iron ion. Furthermore, PHN-X with electron-donating groups substantially inhibited the egg-laying behavior of paired adult worms in vitro. Notably, orally administrating PHN-(OMe)₂ with two methoxy groups to S. mansoni-infected mice decreased the egg production rate of the female adult worms. The analyses of the ovarian area and the reaction of PHN-(OMe)₂ with iron ions indicated that containment of Fe(II) ions caused abnormal ovarian atrophy, contributing to the expression of its anti-fecundity effect in vivo.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>PHN-(OMe)₂, which has an affinity for Fe(II) ion-binding affinity, significantly affected the survival of larvae and egg-laying behavior of female adult worms. Thus, the strategy for containing the iron source required by S. mansoni could offer valuable insight for developing new drugs to diversify the treatment options for schistosomiasis.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"121"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12403254/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144970537","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":"Progress and challenges in tuberculosis preventive treatment in the Western Pacific Region: a situational analysis of seven high tuberculosis burden countries.","authors":"Kyung Hyun Oh, Alvin Kuo Jing Teo, Manami Yanagawa, Avinash Kanchar, Dennis Falzon, Cecily Miller, Youngeun Choi, Gyeong In Lee, Fukushi Morishita, Kalpeshsinh Rahevar, Huong Thi Giang Tran, Rajendra Prasad Hubraj Yadav","doi":"10.1186/s41182-025-00805-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41182-025-00805-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) can avert progression from infection to disease, yet scale-up across the World Health Organization Western Pacific Region is patchy. To guide acceleration, we assessed progress, challenges and responses in seven high-burden countries-Cambodia, China, Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR), Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Viet Nam-drawing on 2015-2023 programme data, structured questionnaires, follow-up interviews and a regional validation workshop.</p><p><strong>Main body: </strong>Six of the seven countries have issued national TPT guidelines and five now offer shorter rifapentine- or rifampicin-based regimens. The number of people started on TPT rose sharply in most settings, driven by household contacts aged ≥ 5 years in Cambodia, Mongolia and the Philippines and by people living with HIV in Lao PDR and Papua New Guinea. However, coverage of children under five and other high-risk groups remains low. Cascade analysis revealed major attrition between screening and TPT initiation. Key obstacles, viewed through a socio-ecological lens, include: individual complacency, fear of adverse events and limited provider confidence; stigma and consent barriers in migrant households; intermittent staff training, medicine stock-outs and weak digital tools; long journeys to health facilities; and policy-practice gaps such as the absence of child-friendly formulations and non-notification of tuberculosis infection. Countries and partners endorsed a tiered package combining patient-centred counselling, mobile reminders, shorter paediatric regimens, stigma-reduction campaigns and remote e-consent. Health systems will reinforce staff training, digital supply-chain and adherence tools, while decentralised one-stop outreach and community health-workers extend coverage. A multisector task force will fast-track paediatric fixed-dose registration, make infection notifiable and absorb preventive treatment costs into national budgets and insurance schemes.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The introduction of shorter regimens and rising enrolment confirm that rapid gains are achievable, yet wide disparities persist across age groups, risk categories and care-cascade stages. Implementing the agreed client, community, institutional and policy interventions-backed by integrated governance and sustainable domestic funding-can convert TPT from a promising guideline into a routine, life-saving component of primary health care throughout the Western Pacific Region.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"122"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12403340/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144970530","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":"Acute and sub-acute toxicity assessment of methanolic stem bark extract of Khaya anthotheca (Meliaceae) in Wistar rats.","authors":"Betty Akwongo, Esezah K Kakudidi, Anthony M Nsubuga, Morgan Andama, Mary Namaganda, Patience Tugume, Savina Asiimwe, Godwin Anywar, Esther Katuura","doi":"10.1186/s41182-025-00721-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41182-025-00721-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Khaya anthotheca (Meliaceae) is a medicinal plant with a wide range of therapeutic properties attributable mainly to the diverse limonoids it contains. Different parts of the plant are used in traditional health care for treatment of various diseases including candidiasis. However, inadequate information on its safety prompted this particular study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Acute toxicity was assessed according to OECD guidelines 425 in female rats administered with single oral doses of 2000 and 5000 mg/kg body weight (b.wt), and monitored for 14 days for any sign of toxicity and mortality. Sub-acute toxicity was evaluated in both male and female rats following OECD guideline 407, and were administered with extract doses of 500, 250 and 125 mg/kg b.wt repeatedly for 28 days. Body weights were measured weekly, while food and water intake were measured daily. Blood for biochemistry, hematology, and organs for histopathology were collected at the end of the experimental period. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Turkey's post hoc tests, and repeated measures ANOVA.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Acute toxicity showed no mortality, with half-lethal dose (LD₅₀) being greater than 5000 mg/kg b.wt. For sub-acute toxicity, both male and female rats presented significant increase in food and water consumption, increased body weight with increasing time and extract doses (p < 0.05). The 500 mg/kg dosed female rats showed significant increase in stomach weights and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), while renal function marker of chloride ions (Cl^-) decreased. Male rats showed dose-dependent significant rise in albumin (ALB) (p = 0.024). For both male and female rats, prolonged use of high extract doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg b.wt for 28 days were toxic to the stomach and liver.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The methanolic stem bark extract of K. anthotheca is practically non-toxic at acute dose of 5000 mg/kg b.wt, and safe for clinical use at low sub-acute doses of 125 mg/kg b.wt. However, long-term administration of high extract doses above 125 mg/kg was toxic to mainly the liver and stomach. Thus, long-term administration of high dosage of methanol stem bark extract of K. anthotheca, and phytomedicine development should be done with cautions of potential side effects.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"120"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12395998/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144970317","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":"Screening for infectious and neglected tropical diseases among newly arrived migrants from Africa and Asia: a retrospective study from Verona province, Italy.","authors":"Tamara Ursini, Lucia Bonato, Amina Zaffagnini, Cristina Mazzi, Paolo Cattaneo, Elena Salvador, Lucia Moro, Federico Gobbi, Dora Buonfrate","doi":"10.1186/s41182-025-00796-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41182-025-00796-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Migration to Europe has increased in recent years, with Italy serving as a major entry point. Ensuring adequate healthcare for newly arrived migrants includes the prevention and management of infectious diseases. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of selected infections among migrants in northern Italy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study including newly arrived migrants screened at the Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology (DITM) of the IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella (Verona, Italy) between January 2023 and May 2024. Asylum seekers and undocumented migrants aged ≥ 14 years who had arrived within the previous six months from Africa or Asia were screened for tuberculosis (TB), HIV, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), syphilis, strongyloidiasis, schistosomiasis, other intestinal helminthic infections, and filariasis. Diagnostic methods comprised serological, microscopic, molecular, and imaging techniques, applied as appropriate.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the 674 migrants screened (median age: 25 years; 86.4% male), TB infection was detected in 25.4%, and 2.9% were diagnosed with TB disease. HIV prevalence was 1.5%, primarily among individuals from sub-Saharan Africa. Chronic HBV infection was identified in 6.1% of participants, while 55.1% were seronegative -i.e., negative for HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HBc IgG- and thus eligible for vaccination. Helminthic infections were found in 12.3%, mainly strongyloidiasis and schistosomiasis. Eosinophilia was present in 18.3% and was significantly associated with schistosomiasis, strongyloidiasis, and hookworm infection (all p < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings underscore the consistent burden of infectious diseases among migrant populations and support the implementation of geographically tailored screening programs to improve early detection and public health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"119"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12392534/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144970456","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":"Anaemia prevalence and risk factors among nonpregnant and pregnant women of reproductive age in Ghana: an analysis of the Ghana demographic and health survey data.","authors":"Gangtaba Gilbert Agulu, Noudéhouénou Crédo Adelphe Ahissou, Yasuhiko Kamiya, Frank Baiden, Mitsuaki Matsui","doi":"10.1186/s41182-025-00792-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41182-025-00792-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite extensive global and national efforts to reduce anaemia, it remains a major public health concern among Women of Reproductive Age (WRA). However, community-based studies that compare the prevalence and risk factors of anaemia using nationally representative samples are limited in Ghana. This study examines and compares anaemia prevalence and associated risk factors between nonpregnant and pregnant WRA in Ghana.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study utilized cross-sectional data from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS). A total of 15,014 WRA were recruited, of whom 7,557 were screened for anaemia including 7004 nonpregnant and 553 pregnant women. Anaemia was defined as haemoglobin levels below 12 g/dL for nonpregnant and below 11 g/dL for pregnant women. Pearson chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare anaemia prevalence across groups. Poisson regressions were applied to identify risk factors for anaemia. All analyses were conducted using Stata version SE.18.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of anaemia was 40.4% among nonpregnant women and 51.4% among pregnant women. Aside from self-reported health status and toilet facilities being significant determinants for nonpregnant women, common factors affecting both groups included parity, BMI, wealth status, and geographic zone. Multiparous women had a higher risk of anaemia, with nonpregnant and pregnant women experiencing 23% and 43% increased risk, respectively. Underweight nonpregnant women had an 11% higher risk, while overweight pregnant women had a 34% lower risk of anaemia. In terms of wealth, women in the poorest quintile had a significantly higher risk of anaemia 36% among nonpregnant women (APR: 1.36, 95% CI 1.01-1.83, p = 0.049) and 32% among pregnant women (APR: 1.32, 95% CI 1.01-1.76, p = 0.049). Additionally, women residing in the northern zone had a higher anaemia risk compared to those in the southern zone. Among nonpregnant women, those reporting poor health status had a 51% increased risk of anaemia, while those with improved toilet facilities had a 10% lower risk (APR: 0.90, 95% CI 0.83-0.96, p = 0.004).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The prevalence of anaemia, particularly among pregnant women, remains high in Ghana and constitutes a significant public health threat. Addressing this issue requires holistic and tailored public health strategies that improve access to healthcare, nutrition, sanitation, and economic equity.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"118"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12382169/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144970249","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}