Tropical Medicine and Health最新文献

{"title":"Micro-scale genetic structure and genetic variation of Neotricula aperta (Gastropoda: Pomatiopsidae), the intermediate host of Schistosoma mekongi (Digenea: Schistosomatidae) in Champasak Province, Laos.","authors":"Naruemon Bunchom, Weerachai Saijuntha, Chairat Tantrawatpan, Wanchai Maleewong, Joseph Valencia, Takeshi Agatsuma, Virasack Bounavong, Philippe Buchy, Moritoshi Iwagami","doi":"10.1186/s41182-025-00775-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41182-025-00775-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Neotricula aperta, a freshwater snail found in the Mekong River, serves as the intermediate host of the blood fluke Schistosoma mekongi, the causative agent of schistosomiasis mekongi in Cambodia and Laos. Understanding the genetic diversity, population structure of this snail in relation to its geographical distribution is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of disease transmission. In this study, we investigated the genetic diversity, and genetic structure of N. aperta in Champasak Province, Laos.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 80 N. aperta snails were collected from 13 various localities across five villages in Khong and Mounlapamok districts in Champasak Province, Laos in May 2024. Species of snails were initially identified based on morphology and subsequently confirmed by DNA barcoding. Molecular analyses were conducted using specific primers to amplify two mitochondrial DNA genes, namely cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA), in order to assess the genetic diversity of N. aperta populations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Based on cox1 sequences, the overall haplotype diversity was 0.996, while the overall nucleotide diversity was 0.049. For the 16S rRNA marker, the overall haplotype diversity was 0.911, and the overall nucleotide diversity was 0.015. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) confirmed significant genetic differentiation (P-value < 0.05) among populations at different spatial scales, including villages, catchments, and countries. This genetic structure likely reflects limited gene flow among snail populations, potentially due to geographical barriers. Although local environmental factors may also contribute to differentiation, the current genetic data are insufficient to distinguish between geographic isolation and adaptive divergence. Further ecological and functional investigations will be needed to determine whether adaptive processes are influencing population structure.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The genetic divergence of N. aperta observed in this study indicates a high level of genetic differentiation both among and within populations. This pattern suggests that N. aperta is possibly undergoing localized adaptation or that barriers to gene flow, such as physical, ecological, or behavioral factors, are promoting the accumulation of genetic differences. Micro-scale genetic structuring within populations may be driven by microhabitats or small-scale ecological gradients, while limited dispersal, localized mating preferences, or other behavioral traits may contribute to differentiation among populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"97"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12288353/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144708969","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":"Ethnobotanical study of traditional antivenom treatments in Burkina Faso.","authors":"Moumouni Bandé, Abdoul Karim Sakira, Noé Rigobert Zangré, Hyacinthe Wendégoudi Bonkoungou, Evance Brice Zoungrana, Cédric Delporte, Pierre Van Antwerpen, Touridomon Issa Somé","doi":"10.1186/s41182-025-00773-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41182-025-00773-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Snakebite envenomation constitutes a major public health challenge in Burkina Faso, particularly within rural communities. Limited access to formal healthcare services, coupled with the high cost of antivenom treatment, has led to widespread reliance on traditional health practitioners (THPs). This study was therefore undertaken to generate empirical data on the role of THPs in the management of snakebite envenomation, with a focus on the medicinal plants employed, methods of remedy preparation, and routes of administration.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A preliminary survey was conducted to identify traditional health practitioners THPs involved in snakebite envenomation management within the study regions. The preliminary survey involved 799 individuals selected through convenience sampling in local markets. Ethnobotanical data were subsequently gathered from the identified practitioners via semi-structured interviews. The collected data were entered and analysed via an Excel spreadsheet. In addition to the sociodemographic characteristics of THPs, the relative frequency of citation (RFC) were also determined.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results revealed that 90% of the THPs were male and that 76.67% illiterate. Over half of the THPs had more than two decades of experience. Diagnosis was mainly based on symptoms, with 60% relying on bite site examination. Most treatments involved plant-based powders (73.33%), typically applied subcutaneously through incisions. Roots were the most commonly used plant part in antivenom preparations (29%), while dried and calcined materials were the predominant form of medicinal plant preparation in the region. The study identified 29 plant species across 18 botanical families. Annona senegalensis Pers., Nauclea latifolia Sm., and Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn had the highest relative frequency of citation (RFC), each at 10%. Encouragingly, 63.33% of THPs had participated in training or awareness sessions with health centres. Additionally, 46.66% referred patients to hospitals when traditional treatments were insufficient.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These results highlight the therapeutic potential of local medicinal plants in the treatment of snakebite envenomation and support the need for strengthened collaboration between traditional and biomedical healthcare systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"96"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12281730/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144683206","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":"A retrospective review of measles outbreaks in Ibb Governorate, Yemen (2020-2023).","authors":"Wadee Abdullah Al-Shehari, Wadhah Hassan Edrees, Eglal Ahmed Qasem, Yahya Ali Al-Qadhi, Abdulrahman Abdullah Humaid, Ali Ahmed Al-Halani","doi":"10.1186/s41182-025-00776-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41182-025-00776-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Measles, a highly infectious disease that can lead to serious health problems and even death, has recently recurred worldwide despite the measures taken, with Yemen experiencing the most outbreaks among countries worldwide. There is a scarcity of current information regarding the measles epidemic in the Ibb Governorate of Yemen. Consequently, this retrospective analysis aimed to ascertain the pattern of measles outbreaks in Ibb Governorate, Yemen, during the 4-year period from 2020 to 2023.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The secondary measles data contained in the database of the Health and Environment Office at Ibb Governorate between 2020 and 2023 were used for this retrospective analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 3,898 suspected measles cases, the majority of cases were recorded among males (53.2%), in the 0-4 age group (65.5%), in autumn (31.6%), and in 2023 (52.5%). The cumulative incidence rate of measles cases was 12.6 cases per 10,000 population, with the highest rates in males (13.7 cases) and the age group of 0-4 years (57.9 cases). The incidence rate has been increasing between 2020 and 2023, from 0.7 to 6.8 cases per 10,000 people. Furthermore, the overall fatality rate for measles cases was 0.87% and was significantly higher in children aged 0-4 years. The districts of As Saddah (44.7 cases) and Yarim (30.6 cases) recorded the highest incidences of measles. Most of the people who had measles had a rash (3,898; 100%), fever (3,887; 99.7%), cough (3,269; 83.9%), and runny nose (2,763; 70.9%). Additionally, 60.8% (2,370) of the cases were among unvaccinated individuals.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Current findings indicate that measles cases are increasing over the years and could pose a significant threat to the population if left unaddressed. A stronger vaccination program, better healthcare infrastructure, the fight against vaccine hesitancy, and international collaboration are crucial for controlling and eliminating measles in this country.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"95"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12278601/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144683205","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":"Sociocultural and structural determinants of healthcare-seeking of people affected by leprosy in Sierra Leone's Western area: a qualitative study.","authors":"Alexandra Asboeck, Lansana Hassim Kallon, Fabian Schlumberger, Matthew Willis, Anil Fastenau, Anja Krumeich","doi":"10.1186/s41182-025-00772-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41182-025-00772-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Leprosy, a neglected tropical disease, remains a major global health concern. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent disabilities and severe social stigma, profoundly impacting the well-being of those affected and their families. Leprosy is a public health concern in Sierra Leone, affecting hundreds of people each year. A significant number of individuals are already living with disabilities at the time of diagnosis, indicating delays in detection and treatment. These delays contribute to a vicious cycle of poverty, social exclusion, and long-term health complications.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study employed a qualitative approach to explore healthcare-seeking behaviors among people affected by leprosy in Sierra Leone's Western Area. Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals affected by leprosy, traditional healers, and community health workers in the Western Area of Sierra Leone in May and June 2024. An inductive thematic analysis was used to identify key patterns and factors influencing healthcare-seeking decisions. This methodology provided an in-depth understanding of the sociocultural and systemic barriers affecting early diagnosis and treatment.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study found that healthcare-seeking behavior is shaped by factors at the individual, community and healthcare system levels. Individually, misconceptions about leprosy, stigmatization and financial hardship delay care. Social attitudes in communities reinforce stigmatization and isolation. At the healthcare system level, poor access, limited services, and economic motives hinder treatment. These factors, compounded by widespread poverty, create significant obstacles to timely diagnosis and care.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The complex interplay of individual, societal, and healthcare-related factors underscores the need for a multi-faceted approach to improving leprosy care in Sierra Leone. Multi-dimensional strategies involving people affected, traditional healers, healthcare workers, community leaders and public health policymakers are needed to address the factors contributing to diagnostic delays. Strengthening community awareness, integrating traditional healing practices with biomedical medicine, and enhancing healthcare accessibility and affordability are critical to ensuring early detection and reducing the burden of leprosy in Sierra Leone.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"94"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12269222/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144650613","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":"Global, regional, and national lifetime risks of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia in men aged over 40: a population-based cross-sectional study from 1990 to 2021.","authors":"Yongming Chen, Yuhao Li, Lingfeng Li, Miao Wang, Zhengtong Lv, Shengjie Liu, Huimin Hou, Shengfeng Wang, Ming Liu","doi":"10.1186/s41182-025-00770-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41182-025-00770-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent condition among older men that significantly reduces quality of life. Despite its global impact, comprehensive estimates of lifetime risk remain limited. This study aims to quantify the lifetime risk of BPH at both global and regional levels using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>We estimated the lifetime risk of developing BPH in men aged over 40 using the \"adjusted for multiple primaries (AMP)\" method, derived from age-specific incidence rates provided by GBD. The analysis included data from 204 countries and regions covering the period from 1990 to 2021, stratified by age, region, and sociodemographic index (SDI).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In 2021, the global lifetime risk of BPH from age 40 to death was estimated at 27.29% (95% CI 27.26-27.31), with significant regional and socioeconomic inequalities. Eastern Europe exhibited the highest risk (37.57%), while Central Sub-Saharan Africa had the lowest (13.66%). When stratified by SDI, lifetime risk increased from 19.46% in low SDI regions to 31.51% in high-middle SDI regions but declined to 24.71% in high SDI settings. Across all regions, most cases were observed in individuals aged 50-70. Furthermore, between 1990 and 2021, the global lifetime risk of BPH showed a gradual increase. Projections indicate that this risk will remain stable over the next 30 years, with pronounced regional disparities expected to persist.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study offers a comprehensive assessment of the global lifetime risk of BPH, revealing significant regional variations and age-related trends. These findings underscore the need for targeted prevention and management strategies, particularly for high-risk regions and men aged 50-70, to reduce the global burden of BPH.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"93"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12257823/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144638089","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":"Power imbalances in tropical medicine journals: an analysis of editorial board representation.","authors":"Sushree Nibedita Panda, Manish Barik, P Ratna, Prabhu Kalyan Das","doi":"10.1186/s41182-025-00752-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41182-025-00752-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Shaped by its colonial origins, tropical medicine sustains inequitable power dynamics in global health, sidelining low-middle-income countries (LMICs) in critical decision-making processes over research agendas and priorities. Editorial boards of tropical medicine journals, dominated by scholars from high-income countries (HICs), risk reinforcing power imbalances and excluding context-driven expertise from endemic regions. This study examines the diversity of editorial boards across gender, geographic, socioeconomic, and geopolitical dimensions to assess systemic inequities.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A systematic search of the National Library of Medicine (NLM) catalog was conducted via a targeted strategy between October and December 2024. After screening 153 journals for title relevance and applying exclusion criteria based on publication status, availability of editorial information, and global scope, 24 journals were selected. Data on 2,226 editorial board members were extracted from journal and institutional websites. Data on gender, country of affiliation (classified by World Bank income/regions), and geopolitical groups (G7, G20, BRICS) were extracted from public sources. Gender determination used a sequential approach (journal descriptions, Genderize.io, and consensus). Descriptive statistics were used to perform the analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The editorial board comprised 2,226 members, 66% male, 31.2% female, and 2.8% undetermined, from 120 nations. The regional contributions included Europe and Central Asia (21.9%), North America (20.9%), East Asia and the Pacific (16.6%), and Latin America and the Caribbean (16.2%), whereas Sub-Saharan Africa (11.2%), South Asia (9.7%), and the Middle East and North Africa (3.4%) were underrepresented. Over half (52.8%) were affiliated with high-income countries. Geopolitically, 40.3% were from the G7, 67.1% were from the G20, and 24.2% were from the BRICS. Some journals showed skewing, with 85.2% North American representation and 90.3% East Asia-Pacific dominance.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Tropical medicine editorial boards are steeped in systemic inequities that echo colonial legacies, with the overrepresentation of HICs and men limiting LMIC perspectives and local expertise. This imbalance undermines research relevance and ethical integrity by prioritizing Global North agendas over the needs of populations most affected by tropical diseases. To address these disparities, substantial reforms are essential. Strategies such as instituting DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion), creating targeted mentorship programs for LMIC researchers, and enforcing transparent, bias-resistant recruitment practices are important. Such measures will create a more inclusive editorial landscape that aligns research priorities with global health needs, promoting equitable and contextually relevant solutions.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"92"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12247218/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144609697","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 health volunteer support for regular blood pressure monitoring in Indonesia: spatial regression models.","authors":"Mayumi Mizutani, Sofi Oktaviani, Harumi Bando, Heri Sugiarto, Ritsuko Nishide, Susumu Tanimura","doi":"10.1186/s41182-025-00765-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41182-025-00765-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Community-based blood pressure monitoring is essential for effective hypertension management, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Indonesia, where community health volunteers (CHVs) are vital. However, there is a lack of strong evidence regarding which aspects of CHV support are most effective at encouraging regular blood pressure monitoring. This study examined the spatially adjusted relationship between the prevalence of regular blood pressure monitoring and the specific traits of Indonesian CHV support.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The researchers conducted an ecological study utilizing sub-district level data from the fifth wave of the Indonesian Family Life Survey. The analysis included data on 25,829 individuals across 1774 sub-districts, with a focus on 612 CHVs in 259 sub-districts. To explore the spatially adjusted relationships between regular blood pressure monitoring and 16 CHV traits, ordinary regression and spatial regression models were employed. Additionally, geographically weighted regression (GWR) was implemented to examine geographical variations in the strength of these associations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall prevalence of regular blood pressure monitoring across the 1774 sub-districts was 17.5%. Regression models revealed positive associations between this prevalence and CHVs being described as \"considerate and kind\" (B = [3.85, 4.24], p = 0.038-0.048) and \"helpful\" (B = [4.60, 4.82], p = 0.038-0.041). The GWR analysis showed notable variations in regression coefficients, with \"considerate and kind\" yielding B = [3.79, 4.07] and \"helpful\" yielding B = [4.42, 4.79], both demonstrating stronger associations in the western and northern region of Sumatra Island. Meanwhile, \"values artistic/aesthetic experiences\" showed a negative association, significant only in spatial regression models (B = [- 2.47, - 2.44], p = 0.046-0.048).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study emphasized the crucial role that CHVs play in promoting regular blood pressure monitoring in Indonesia. Compassion, kindness, and helpfulness were especially vital for improving community-based blood pressure monitoring, which leads to the better management of hypertension.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"90"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12210472/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144544997","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":"Evidence of human-associated genetic similarity and a cryptic lineage in wild boar-derived Ascaris from Ishikawa Prefecture in Japan.","authors":"Takahiro Matsumura, Kota Mochizuki, Kayoko Matsuo, Tomoyoshi Komiya, Masaharu Tokoro","doi":"10.1186/s41182-025-00769-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41182-025-00769-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Two species of Ascaris nematodes infect humans: Ascaris lumbricoides, a human parasite, and Ascaris suum, which primarily infects pigs. Since these species are morphologically similar, molecular techniques are necessary for species identification in human Ascaris cases. A common method involves analyzing nucleotide sequences in the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) region, particularly at positions 133 and 246. Although Ascaris nematodes have also been detected in wild boars, they are often classified as A. suum without molecular analysis due to their genetic similarity to pigs. In this study, we conducted molecular identification of Ascaris specimens collected from wild boars in Ishikawa Prefecture to examine their potential origin.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Six Ascaris specimens from wild boars in Ishikawa Prefecture were analyzed by PCR and sequencing of the ITS-1 and COX1 regions. ITS-1 sequences were aligned to reference data, and phylogenetic analysis was performed using COX1 sequences.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Alignment analysis of the ITS-1 region revealed a nucleotide deletion at position 129, with guanine (G) at position 133 and thymine (T) at position 246. This sequence was 100% identical to the reference A. lumbricoides sequence derived from humans. However, phylogenetic analysis of the COX1 region revealed that these wild boar-derived genotypes belonged to a clade that has not been identified in human-derived A. lumbricoides.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The ITS-1 sequences of Ascaris from wild boars were identical to those of \"lumbricoides\" genotypes, suggesting possible past transmission from humans. However, COX1-based phylogenetic analysis revealed a distinct clade, indicating a potentially novel lineage within wild boars. These findings highlight the limitations of relying solely on ITS-1 for determining host origin and suggest that wild boars may serve as reservoirs of zoonotic Ascaris in Japan.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study highlights the presence of \"lumbricoides\" genotypes sequences in wild boars and their potential role in human ascariasis. Reevaluation of unexplained cases in relation to wild boar distribution is warranted, along with enhanced attention to zoonotic transmission risks.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"87"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12210647/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144544999","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 and antimicrobial resistance patterns of nontyphoidal Salmonella in Ghana: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Patience Sarkodie-Addo, Bill Clinton Aglomasa, Eric S Donkor","doi":"10.1186/s41182-025-00731-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41182-025-00731-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS) is a foodborne pathogen of major public health concern, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana, where it causes invasive infections. However, data on its prevalence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns, and associated serovars in Ghana are fragmented across multiple studies.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to consolidate data on the prevalence, phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance profiles of NTS in Ghana.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted on August 8, 2024, across four databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science. A total of 31 studies were included. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of NTS and the resistance levels of antibiotics reported in two or more studies. Subgroup analysis, multivariate analysis, sensitivity analysis, Egger's test, and forest plots were performed to explore variations, assess the influence of individual studies, test for publication bias, and visualize pooled estimates.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The pooled prevalence of NTS was estimated at 4.69% (95% CI 2.65-8.16) with high heterogeneity observed among the studies (I² = 98.6%, τ² = 1.22, τ = 1.10, H = 8.55, Q = 1754.02, p value < 0). Prevalence rates fluctuated over time: 6.27% (2008-2012), 2.09% (2013-2017), and 7.02% (2018-2023), with no significant trend observed (Q = 2.63, df = 2, p value = 0.27). Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rates were high, with resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (56.7%), amoxicillin/ampicillin (50.8%), tetracycline (46.7%), and ampicillin (36.2%). Cefotaxime had the lowest resistance at 18.6%. Salmonella Typhimurium was the most identified serovar (36.7%), followed by S. Enteritidis (7.9%), S. Rubislaw (4.9%), S. Dublin (3.7%), and S. Kentucky (3.6%). Several AMR genes including gyrA, gyrB, qnrB2, and qnrB19 were identified in human and food samples.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite ongoing interventions, NTS remains a significant public health challenge in Ghana, with high AMR levels. The continued rise in resistance to critical antibiotics highlights the need for a One Health approach, improved diagnostics, enhanced surveillance, and targeted public health measures to control NTS and mitigate AMR.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"91"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12210744/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144545001","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":"From early sexual debut to later overweight and obesity: a multilevel analysis of Ghanaian women.","authors":"Joshua Okyere, Castro Ayebeng, Kwamena Sekyi Dickson, Precious Adade Duodu","doi":"10.1186/s41182-025-00753-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41182-025-00753-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Beyond the socio-demographic and lifestyle factors, it is imperative to understand how early-life factors contribute to the development of overweight and obesity. One of such early-life factors is early sexual debut defined as first sexual intercourse before age 16. The study examines the association between early sexual debut and women's risk of overweight/obesity in Ghana using a nationally representative data.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health survey was used. We analyzed the data of 6,478 women aged 16-49 years. The outcome variable was obesity status which was computed using the body mass index. The main explanatory variable was early sexual debut. We utilized multilevel logistic regression models to examine the association between early sexual debut and women's risk of overweight/obesity, controlling for both individual (age, education, internet use, parity, wealth index, anemia status) and community level (residence and ecological zone) confounders.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>An estimated 3,183 (48.8% [95% CI 46.9-50.6]) were overweight/obese while 11.7% experienced early sexual debut. After adjusting for individual and community level factors, we found that women with an early sexual debut had a 25% higher likelihood of being overweight or obese compared to those without early sexual debut [AOR = 1.25; 95% CI 1.04-1.51]. The significant confounders associated with higher odds of obesity were increasing age, higher educational level, higher wealth index, parity, and frequent use of the internet. Rural residence and residence in the savannah ecological zone were associated with lower odds.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study suggests that early sexual debut, a key life course event, may be linked to long-term health consequences including higher risk of overweight/obesity. The results underscore the importance of addressing early-life factors in the prevention of obesity. Public health interventions aimed at delaying sexual initiation could be vital in mitigating the growing burden of obesity in Ghana.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"88"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12211818/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144545000","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}