Tropical Medicine and Health最新文献

{"title":"Potential of coconut oil as a mosquito repellent.","authors":"Shiho Hara, Micheal Teron Pillay, Toshihiko Sunahara, Masaru Nagashima, Lucy Atieno Okech, Chiaki Tsurukawa, Yasuhiko Kamiya","doi":"10.1186/s41182-025-00714-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-025-00714-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Naturally derived products have become popular as a mosquito repellent in addition to mosquito nets and chemical repellents. Coconut-derived fatty acids have demonstrated repellent properties against various blood-feeding arthropods, including mosquitoes. Daily use moisturizers and body soaps containing coconut have displayed some repellent effect against mosquitoes. However, no studies have been conducted on coconut oil specifically, and the effects of pure coconut oil still remain unknown in the western Kenya region.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this study, we investigated the effect of coconut oil on decreasing mosquito bites in a laboratory and field setting. Using Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes, the laboratory experiment compared coconut oil treated and non-treated membranes on a Hemotek blood feeding device. In the cross-sectional study in western Kenya, we investigated bite counts among 490 children, 5 years and under. Descriptive analysis, simple, multiple and mixed regression models were employed. The outcome was the number of mosquito bite marks, the primary explanatory variable was skin cream types, in addition to demographic, environmental, behavioral and socio-economic variables.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Coconut oil significantly reduced mosquito blood feeding, with a pooled Mantel-Haenszel odds ratio of 0.06, a Mantel-Haenszel chi-square statistic of 79.82 (p = 0.01), and an average blood-feeding rate of 1% compared to 31% in the control group. The mixed model identified significant factors influencing mosquito bite counts while accounting for village-level random effects. Coconut oil users experienced 15% reduction in bites (p = 0.01) compared to synthetic creams users. High and medium cream application frequencies reduced bites by 57% (p < 0.001) and 17% (p = 0.007), respectively. Late cream application and late net entry significantly increased bite counts by 41% (p < 0.001) and 53% (p < 0.001), respectively. In addition, higher temperatures from the preceding 2 weeks in the region was associated with a 26% (p = 0.003) increase in bite counts.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings underscore the protective impact of cream application and timing and net use timing, as well as environmental temperature influences on bite outcomes. Particularly, the effect of coconut oil in decreasing mosquito bites and its potential as an alternative repellent has been observed in both laboratory and field settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"57"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12016410/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144051628","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":"Prevalence of chikungunya virus infection in Sabah, Malaysia during 2017-2020.","authors":"Mya Myat Ngwe Tun, Jecelyn Leaslie John, Thanh Vu Nguyen, Maurine Mumo Mutua, Abdul Marsudi Manah, Yuki Takamatsu, Takeshi Urano, Kouichi Morita, Kamruddin Ahmed","doi":"10.1186/s41182-025-00735-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-025-00735-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus and an emerging global health threat. Most research on CHIKV in Malaysia has primarily focused on Peninsular Malaysia, with limited data on its distribution in the endemic regions of Borneo, particularly Sabah. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CHIKV infection in Sabah, Malaysia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 130 serum samples, comprising 74 from febrile patients and 56 healthy individuals were collected between 2017 and 2018. Subsequently, 188 serum samples were obtained from febrile patients in Sabah, Malaysia during 2019-2020. All samples underwent quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for the detection of the CHIKV genome. Additionally, serological tests were conducted to identify anti-CHIKV IgM and IgG antibodies. Serologically positive samples were further validated using neutralization assays to confirm the presence of CHIKV-specific antibodies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In 2017-2018, 16 out of 130 samples (12.3%) tested positive for recent CHIKV infections based on CHIKV RT-qPCR or anti-CHIKV IgM results, while in 2019-2020, 7 out of 188 samples (3.7%) showed recent infections. Among the 16 recent CHIKV-positive cases in 2017-2018, four were asymptomatic individuals. In 2017-2018, 24 (18.4%) individuals tested positive for anti-CHIKV IgG, with 15 (11.5%) showing positive neutralization test results. In 2019-2020, 20 (10.6%) febrile patients were seropositive for anti-CHIKV IgG, with 17 (9.0%) showing CHIKV neutralization positivity. The CHIKV infection rate in Sabah was higher during 2017-2018 compared to 2019-2020.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report confirming the presence of CHIKV in both patients and healthy individuals in Sabah using RT-qPCR and neutralization tests. Although the likelihood of transmission from asymptomatic individuals is low, they still present a considerable public health risk. Our results indicate that both basic scientists and clinicians should consider CHIKV when diagnosing febrile patients, and policymakers should put in place effective surveillance and control measures.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"55"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12010572/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144053129","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":"Serious psychological distress among slum dwellers and unhoused people in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: a pilot study.","authors":"Hitoshi Murakami, Nguyen Thuy Linh, Masami Fujita, Lam Ngoc Thuy, Nguyen Hong Phuc, Kieu Thi Mai Huong, Le Tuan Anh, Pham Thi Ngoc Mai, Khuat Thi Hai Oanh","doi":"10.1186/s41182-025-00729-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-025-00729-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Mental health is reported to be a significant issue among slum dwellers and unhoused (homeless) individuals worldwide, particularly those facing housing instability. Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city and industrial hub of Vietnam, has a substantial population experiencing housing instability, although its exact scale has rarely been accurately measured. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of serious psychological distress among slum dwellers and unhoused individuals in Ho Chi Minh City and to identify factors associated with serious psychological distress.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional survey involving 415 individuals experiencing housing instability, including 383 slum dwellers and 32 unhoused individuals, was conducted between November 2023 and April 2024. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire incorporating the 6-item version of the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall prevalence of serious psychological distress was 19.8%, with 18.5% among slum dwellers and 34.4% among unhoused people. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between serious psychological distress and female gender (adjusted odds ratio = 3.086, p < 0.001), labour exploitation (adjusted odds ratio = 1.914, p = 0.046), and debt (adjusted odds ratio = 3.109, p < 0.001). Notably, 68.7% of the participants reported experiencing some form of labour exploitation, which commonly included contract rejections, forced overwork, wage theft, and physical or verbal abuse. Furthermore, 43.7% of the participants were in debt, with 38.6% borrowing from moneylenders.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The prevalence of serious psychological distress among individuals with unstable housing in Ho Chi Minh City was significantly higher than that of the general population, highlighting the urgent need for mental health interventions targeted at this population. Those with serious psychological distress frequently faced both labour and economic exploitation, without sufficient social protection. In terms of labour exploitation, policy interventions, particularly from an occupational health perspective, are necessary. To address economic exploitation through debt, given the prevalence of loan sharks, efforts to crack down on predatory lending and promote financial inclusion are essential.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"53"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11995648/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144016431","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":"Understanding local determinants of dengue: a geographically weighted panel regression approach in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.","authors":"Marko Ferdian Salim, Tri Baskoro Tunggul Satoto, Danardono","doi":"10.1186/s41182-025-00734-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-025-00734-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Dengue remains a major public health concern in tropical regions, including Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Understanding its spatiotemporal patterns and determinants is crucial for effective prevention strategies. This study explores the spatiotemporal determinants of dengue incidence and evaluates the spatial variability of predictors using a geographically weighted panel regression (GWPR) approach.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This ecological study applied a spatiotemporal approach, analyzing dengue incidence across 78 sub-districts in Yogyakarta from 2017 to 2022. The dataset included meteorological variables (rainfall, temperature, humidity, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure), sociodemographic data (population density), and land-use characteristics (built-up areas, crops, trees, water bodies, and flooded vegetation). A GWPR model with a Fixed Exponential kernel was used to assess local variations in predictor influence.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The Fixed Exponential Kernel GWPR model showed strong explanatory power (Adjusted R² = 0.516, RSS = 43,097.96, AIC = 28,447.38). Local R-Square values ranged from 0.25 (low-performing sub-districts) to 0.75 (high-performing sub-districts), indicating significant spatial heterogeneity. Sub-districts such as Pakem, Cangkringan, and Girimulyo exhibited high local R² values (>0.75), indicating robust model performance, whereas Kalibawang showed lower values (<0.25), suggesting weaker predictive power. High-dengue-burden sub-districts, including Kasihan (0.743), Banguntapan (0.731), Sewon (0.716), Wonosari (0.623), and Wates (0.540), demonstrated stronger associations between dengue incidence and key predictors. In Wonosari, the most influential predictors were Rainfall Lag 1, Rainfall Lag 3, temperature, humidity, wind speed, atmospheric pressure, and land-use variables, while in Wates, significant predictors included Rainfall Lag 1, Rainfall Lag 3, atmospheric pressure, and land-use factors. Lower model performance in Sedayu and Kalibawang suggests the necessity of incorporating additional predictors such as sanitation conditions and vector control activities.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The GWPR model provides valuable insights into the spatiotemporal dynamics of dengue incidence, emphasizing the role of localized predictors. Spatially adaptive prevention strategies focusing on high-risk areas are essential for effective dengue control in Yogyakarta and similar tropical regions.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"54"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11995575/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144051207","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":"Community-based pathogen-specific incidence of influenza-like illness due to respiratory viruses in South-central Vietnam in 2009-2012: after a pandemic of influenza A viruses.","authors":"Kensuke Takahashi, Shinya Tsuzuki, Minh Nhat Le, Nguyen Hien Anh, Dang Duc Anh, Koya Ariyoshi, Lay-Myint Yoshida","doi":"10.1186/s41182-025-00711-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-025-00711-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Influenza-like illness (ILI) is one of the most common illnesses caused by various respiratory viruses and directly or indirectly incurs high expenses to households. However, the pathogen-specific incidence and health-seeking behaviour in communities have not been well described.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A longitudinal cohort study using a self-recorded health calendar among 1000 households was performed in South-central Vietnam from October 2009 to September 2012. Endemic respiratory viruses in the community were monitored using random sampling in public health clinics (polyclinics). The monthly incidence of specific pathogens was calculated using the Bayesian method.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Among 5,016 household members, 3,687 ILI episodes were reported during the study period. The incidence rate of ILI was 21.7 (95% confidence interval 21.0-22.4) per 1,000 person-months for all ages and highest in children under 2 years with 71.6 (64.7-81.8) followed by 2-4 years with 71.3 (65.8-78.2). Rhinovirus had the highest incidence with 22.5 among the age under 2 years, followed by adenovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) with 12.5 and 9.9, respectively. Most young children sought treatment from clinics and hospitals, whereas most schoolchildren and adults sought treatment from drugstores. RSV outbreaks significantly increase the number of healthcare visits among children under 2 years, but not in older age groups.</p><p><strong>Interpretation: </strong>Several surges of ILI were attributed by multiple respiratory viruses. Healthcare seeking patterns were varied among pathogens. Highly transmissible viruses, such as rhinovirus and adenovirus, pose the potential risk of the next pandemic.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"51"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11984152/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144040030","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":"Determinants of diarrheal diseases among patients attending public health centers in Addis Ababa and Hossana, Ethiopia: a matched case-control study.","authors":"Deneke Wolde, Girmay Medhin, Haile Alemayehu, Genet Asfaw Tilahun, Kehabtimer Shiferaw Kotiso, Woinshet Hailu, Adane Mihret, Feyissa Regassa Senbato, Aklilu Feleke Haile, Tadesse Eguale","doi":"10.1186/s41182-024-00675-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-024-00675-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The incidence of diarrheal diseases varies widely between and within countries due to different socioeconomic, environmental and behavioural factors. The aim of this study was to assess the determinants of diarrheal diseases among patients attending public health facilities in Addis Ababa and Hossana, Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An age-matched case-control study was conducted in health facilities to recruit study participants and collect data from December 2021 to September 2022. Socio-demographic data and other risk factors were collected from study participants using a structured questionnaire. Conditional logistic regression was used to identify the independent predictor variables. The strength of the associations was measured using the adjusted odds ratio with the corresponding 95%CI. Statistical significance is indicated whenever the p value is less than 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Being partially vaccinated (AOR: 2.70; 95% CI 1.2, 5.9), use of tap water for drinking (AOR: 2.20; 95% CI 1.1, 4.4) and use of protected well/spring water for drinking (AOR: 13.90; 95% CI 3.7, 51.5), overcrowded sleeping places (AOR: 1.50; 95% CI 1.2, 1.8), contact with animal feces/food (AOR: 15.10; 95% CI 4.2, 53.6), the cleaning frequency of water-fetching materials (i.e., cleaned sometimes (AOR: 2.40; 95% CI 1.2, 4.5) and rarely (AOR: 3.03; 95% CI 1.2, 7.4)), and using an open latrine (AOR: 5.61; 95% CI 1.5, 21.0) were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of diarrhea. A higher BMI (AOR: 0.75; 95% CI 0.7, 0.8) was significantly associated with not having diarrhea.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The incidence of diarrheal diseases was influenced by several factors, including children's immunization status and unhygienic living conditions. Therefore, timely immunization, access to safe drinking water, proper hygiene practices and improved sanitation facilities are essential for the control of diarrheal diseases and safeguarding public health.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"50"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11983963/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144051626","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":"Assessing dengue forecasting methods: a comparative study of statistical models and machine learning techniques in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.","authors":"Xiang Chen, Paula Moraga","doi":"10.1186/s41182-025-00723-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-025-00723-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease that poses a significant public health threat in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Accurate forecasting of dengue outbreaks is crucial for effective public health planning and intervention. This study aims to assess the predictive performance and computational efficiency of a number of statistical models and machine learning techniques for dengue forecasting, both with and without the inclusion of climate factors, to inform the design of dengue surveillance systems.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The dengue forecasting methods comparison in this study considers dengue cases in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as well as climate factors known to affect disease transmission. Employing a dynamic window approach, various statistical methods and machine learning techniques were used to generate weekly forecasts at several time horizons. Error measures, uncertainty intervals, and computational efficiency obtained with each method were compared. Statistical models considered were Autoregressive (AR), Moving Average (MA), Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), and Exponential Smoothing State Space Model (ETS). In addition, models incorporating temperature and humidity as covariates, such as Vector Autoregression (VAR) and Seasonal ARIMAX (SARIMAX), were employed. Machine learning techniques evaluated were Random Forest, XGBoost, Support Vector Machine (SVM), Long-Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, and Prophet. Ensemble approaches that integrated the top performing methods were also considered. The evaluated methods also incorporated lagged climatic variables to account for delayed effects.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the statistical models, ARIMA demonstrated the best performance using only historical case data, while SARIMAX significantly improved predictive accuracy by incorporating climate covariates. In general, the LSTM model, particularly when combined with climate covariates, proved to be the most accurate machine learning model, despite being slower to train and predict. For long-term forecasts, Prophet with climate covariates was the most effective. Ensemble models, such as the combination of LSTM and ARIMA, showed substantial improvements over individual models.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study demonstrates the strengths and limitations of various methods for dengue forecasting across multiple timeframes. It highlights the best-performing statistical and machine learning methods, including their computational efficiency, underscoring the significance of machine learning techniques and the integration of climate covariates to improve forecasts. These findings offer valuable insights for public health officials, facilitating the development of dengue surveillance systems for more accurate forecasting and timely allocation of resources to mitigate dengue outbreaks.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"52"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11984044/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144029033","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":"Mutational profile of pfdhfr, pfdhps, pfmdr1, pfcrt and pfk13 genes of P. falciparum associated with resistance to different antimalarial drugs in Osun state, southwestern Nigeria.","authors":"Alexandra Martín Ramírez, Akeem Abiodun Akindele, Vicenta González Mora, Luz García, Nicole Lara, Eva de la Torre-Capitán Matías, Irene Molina de la Fuente, Sulaiman Adebayo Nassar, Thuy-Huong Ta-Tang, Agustín Benito, Pedro Berzosa","doi":"10.1186/s41182-025-00732-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41182-025-00732-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Nigeria accounts for the greatest burden of malaria disease globally. Malaria control requires an effective treatment after diagnosis. The efficacy of antimalarial drugs can be assessed through the analysis of genetic changes associated with reduced drug sensitivity.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study includes the analysis of the markers associated with artemisinin (pfk13), sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (pfdhfr and pfdhps), and chloroquine and its derivatives (pfmdr1 and pfcrt) resistances, in blood samples collected from asymptomatic children in south-western Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The 25.95% of samples showed a number of mutations in pfk13 gene. Among those, the validated, C580Y, and the candidate, R515K, mutations by WHO were detected. Twenty-seven pfdhps different haplotypes were observed, with the haplotype ISGKAA as the most prevalent (18.80%), followed by IFGKAA (12.78%) and IAGKAA (11.28%). The VAGKGS was the most common haplotype carrying the I431V mutation (10.53%). Combinations of alleles in pfdhfr and pfdhps genes provided a 40.98% of samples with the partially resistant haplotype (IRNG). No samples exhibited the 'fully resistant' or 'super resistant' pfdhprf-pfdhps combinations, but one sample contained mutations at pfdhfr 51I, 59R, and 108N with pfdhps 431V, 436A, A437G and 540E. The analysis of pfcrt 72-76 variants disclosed a 12.12% of samples with the mutant-type (CVIET). No double mutant pfmdr1 haplotypes 86Y/1246Y (YY) were detected, nor was the haplotype formed by the alleles 86Y pfmdr1 + pfcrt 76 T (YT).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>There was no evidence of parasite genomes harbouring multilocus mutations conferring multidrug resistance, although evidence of a validated (C580Y) and a candidate (R515K) mutation in pfk13 gene, high frequency pfdhfr mutant alleles and high variability of pfdhps haplotypes were found in this study, which provides a baseline information essential in monitoring P. falciparum resistances.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"49"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11977893/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143812592","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":"Unveiling malaria vectors: species complex and surveillance insights from Sundergarh, Odisha, India.","authors":"Taru Singh, Syed Shah Areeb Hussain, K Pradhan, Monica Rawat, Ramesh Chand Dhiman","doi":"10.1186/s41182-025-00719-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41182-025-00719-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria is one of the most infectious life-threatening vector-borne diseases affected by climate change. Because of the emerging climate change problem, it was thought prudent to identify prevalent mosquito species and find the malaria parasite's presence in field-collected mosquitoes in Odisha.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>The study was undertaken at four villages in the Rourkela, Sundergarh district of Odisha, India, from January 2018 to January 2020, generating entomological and climatic data. Field-collected mosquitoes were processed, and DNA was extracted, followed by multiplex PCR for differentiation of sibling species for Anopheles culicifacies and Anopheles fluviatilis mosquitoes. Enzyme-Linked immunosorbent assay was also performed for detection of circumsporozoite proteins of Plasmodium. Sequencing was performed, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed using the neighbor-joining method.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>For Anopheles culicifacies, 43.25% of mosquitoes belonged to sibling species C, followed by species B, A, and D. Similarly, for Anopheles fluviatilis, sibling species T was found in 57.5%, followed by species U and S. Sibling species were confirmed on the difference in the sequences of conserved regions of the 28S rDNA.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>We can conclude that sibling species C (Anopheles culicifacies) was predominant in Rourkela, and sequencing further confirmed the presence of parasites (Plasmodium vivax) in Anopheles culicifacies as sibling species C.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"48"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11974068/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143796468","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":"Understanding the resurgence of mpox: key drivers and lessons from recent outbreaks in Africa.","authors":"Adewunmi Akingbola, Christopher Abiodun Adegbesan, Olajumoke Adewole, Courage Idahor, Tolani Odukoya, Emmanuel Nwaeze, Shekoni Mayowa, Owolabi Abdullahi, Petra Kerubo Mariaria","doi":"10.1186/s41182-024-00678-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41182-024-00678-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Mpox has re-emerged as a significant public health threat, particularly in Africa. This study explores the key drivers behind the recent resurgence, focusing on epidemiological trends, transmission dynamics, and lessons learned from recent outbreaks. The research involved a comprehensive review of recent mpox outbreaks, analyzing factors, such as socio-economic conditions, environmental influences, and genetic evolution. Findings indicate that the resurgence is linked to the cessation of smallpox vaccination, increased human-wildlife interactions, and rapid urbanization in endemic regions. The virus, which was previously confined to rural areas, has now spread to urban populations, and crossed national borders, driven by high population mobility and socio-economic instability. A notable shift in transmission dynamics has been observed, with increased human-to-human transmission, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM), contributing to more severe and widespread outbreaks. The study highlights the urgent need to strengthen health systems in Africa, particularly in the areas of diagnostics, surveillance, and public health preparedness. Challenges such as inadequate laboratory infrastructure and delayed response mechanisms have exposed vulnerabilities in current public health frameworks. To prevent future outbreaks, targeted strategies must be implemented, including enhanced community engagement, improved access to vaccines and treatments, and timely, accurate reporting of cases. Coordinated global action is essential to prevent mpox from becoming a more persistent and widespread public health threat. This research discusses the importance of proactive measures and international cooperation in addressing the ongoing threat posed by mpox, particularly in regions with limited healthcare resources.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"47"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11970007/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143781271","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}