Tropical Medicine and Health最新文献

{"title":"Presence of the Anopheles culicifacies complex species A in southeast Iran.","authors":"Seyed Massoud Madjdzadeh, Nahid Behi, Mohammad Amin Gorouhi, Arsalan Amirkafi, Mohammad Ali Oshaghi","doi":"10.1186/s41182-025-00683-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41182-025-00683-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The Anopheles culicifacies complex is one of the most important malaria vectors in Southeast Asia and Southeastern Iran. Although the sibling species within this complex are morphologically indistinguishable, they differ significantly in their disease transmission potential, blood-feeding behaviour, and other biological traits. Cytogenetic and chromosomal studies have identified five sibling species within this complex: A, B, C, D, and E. Understanding the species composition and distribution of this complex is crucial for malaria control strategies.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to identify the sibling species of the An. culicifacies complex in Qaleh Ganj County, Kerman Province, Southeastern Iran. Specifically, the study sought to determine the presence of species A, which is known to be a primary vector of malaria in the region.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We employed allele-specific PCR and sequencing PCR techniques to identify the sibling species. DNA was extracted from mosquito specimens, and the D3 region of the 28S rDNA gene and a segment of the COII gene from the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) were targeted for amplification and sequencing.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Data analysis revealed a positive correlation between An. culicifacies s.l. specimens and altitude, with most specimens collected from mountainous areas. Both allele-specific PCR and sequencing PCR confirmed the presence of species A in the study areas of Kerman Province.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Given that species A is a primary malaria vector, the findings of this study provide valuable insights for guiding malaria control strategies in Southeastern Iran. Further studies are recommended to assess the vector competence and ecological dynamics of other species within the An. culicifacies complex in the region.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"8"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11730149/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142984887","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":"Characteristics and long-term health outcomes of the first domestic COVID-19 outbreak cases in Da Nang, Vietnam: a longitudinal cohort study.","authors":"Miyuki Tsuruoka, Mai Kim Huynh, Michiko Toizumi, Thanh Tien Hoang, Trieu Bao Nguyen, Anh The Dao, Luong Dinh Nguyen, Huy Xuan Le, Chung Thanh Le, Anh Quang Dang, Hung Thai Do, Lay Myint Yoshida","doi":"10.1186/s41182-024-00670-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41182-024-00670-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Vietnam experienced the first COVID-19 domestic outbreak due to the Wuhan strain (B.1.1) in Da Nang from July 2020. COVID-19 can cause acute as well as long-term health problems. We aimed to characterise clinical features and risk factors related to severe illness of COVID-19 among Da Nang outbreak cases and to describe long-term health outcomes among survivors of this outbreak.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted an ambidirectional cohort study. Study subjects were all hospitalised cases with positive real-time PCR test of SARS-CoV-2 in the three major hospitals in Da Nang from 25 July to 28 August 2020. Clinical and demographic information was retrospectively collected from medical charts. Then, the survivors were followed-up prospectively at 6 and 16 months after acute infection to assess their health status via standardized questionnaires, physical examinations, chest X-rays and pulmonary function tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 362 cases including 20 fatal cases were enrolled into the study retrospectively. The median age of the participants included in the medical chart review was 46.5 years and 60.8% were female. Overall, 7.8% of the participants required respiratory support during hospitalisation and 20 of them died. Compared to the survivors, the fatal cases were significantly older (median age of survivors 45.0 yr vs fatal cases 66.5 yr, P < 0.001) and more likely to have underlying conditions. The proportions of participants who had at least one long COVID symptom within the 7 days of each follow-up at 6 and 16 months were 72.0% (134/186) and 63.5% (47/74), respectively. We also found that females and adults reported symptoms more often in the follow-up surveys, 78.9% (90/114) [females] vs 61.1% (44/72) [males] at 6 months, P = 0.008; 68.7% (46/67) [ <math><mo>≥</mo></math> 20 years] vs 14.3% (1/7) <math><mrow><mo>[</mo> <mo><</mo></mrow> </math> 20 years] at 16 months, P = 0.004.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In the first domestic COVID-19 outbreak in Vietnam, the mortality rate was approximately 6% and associated with underlying medical conditions. In the follow-up surveys, a substantial proportion of participants reported long COVID related health problems, although the prevalence declined over time. Females and adults reported symptoms more often, which might be due to the pathophysiological differences according to sex and age.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"6"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11731347/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142984946","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":"Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) implementations to control cholera outbreak in Oromia region, Ethiopia.","authors":"Dabesa Gobena, Esayas Kebede Gudina, Getahun Fetensa, Tizta Tilahun Degfie, Tessema Debela, Afework Tamiru, Zenebu Begna Bayissa, Dereje Diriba, Tarekegn Sarbessa, Daniel Bekele, Natinel Teferi, Achalu Layesa, Abate Zewdie, Dawit Worku Ayele, Meron Debebe Mersha, Chala Bafikadu, Senahara Korsa Wake, Lemi Abebe, Tesfaye Kebebew, Tefera Goshu, Birhanu Kenate, Yadeta Dessie, Zeleke Mekonnen","doi":"10.1186/s41182-024-00679-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41182-024-00679-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Oromia regional state experiencing cholera outbreaks in a protracted pattern despite various interventions at local and regional levels. This study aimed to examine the implementation of Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) activities for cholera outbreak control in the region.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a quantitative and qualitative mixed-method study. The study included 422 respondents for quantitative, 22 key informant interviews (KII), and 4 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) for the qualitative methods. Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) activities were assessed using standard questionnaires adapted from national cholera guideline later categorized as poor, satisfactory and good. The findings have also been derived qualitatively from three distinct themes or pillars, specifically (coordination and logistics, RCCE, and the Oral Cholera Vaccine). The quantitative data were analyzed using Stata, version 14.0, and ATLAS.ti9 software was used for qualitative data analysis. An ordinal logistic regression model was applied to identify factors associated with the RCCE status, and a thematic content analysis was performed for the qualitative study. Odds Ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to present the findings from the quantitative analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Only 53% (223) of participants had received health information on cholera of whom 22.8% (96) had material for Social Behaviour Change (SBC) in the local language (Afan Oromo). The overall RCCE implementation status was rated as poor by 73% of the respondents, satisfactory by 23%, and only 4% rated it as good. Level of education and occupation of the house are among the factors affecting the implementation of RCCE. The qualitative findings revealed a lack of regular community dialogues, and community engagements were notably minimal during the early phase of the outbreak. Overall, the RCCE implementation activities were characterized by inconsistency, a lack of comprehensiveness, and uniformity across all levels.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The RCCE-related intervention activities were found to be minimal, inconsistent and less focused. The RCCE interventions and awareness creation need to begin with the small units of the community structures, including individuals and families and have to happen continuously with the community, and health workers' involvement at all level. Preliminary evaluation of Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) materials before their distribution should be made, and adopting diverse communication modalities to control the outbreak.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"4"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11726941/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142972285","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":"Scoping review of infectious disease prevention, mitigation and management in passenger ships and at ports: mapping the literature to develop comprehensive and effective public health measures.","authors":"Lemonia Anagnostopoulos, Sotirios Vasileiadis, Leonidas Kourentis, Zacharoula Bogogiannidou, Ioanna Voulgaridi, Gordon Nichols, Fani Kalala, Matthaios Speletas, Christos Hadjichristodoulou, Varvara A Mouchtouri","doi":"10.1186/s41182-025-00681-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41182-025-00681-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>With various infectious disease risks to passenger ship travellers, guidance for infectious disease prevention, mitigation and management (PMM) exists. Emerging infections and emergencies necessitate updated, context-specific guidelines and practices. New evidence for infection PMM must be translated into guidance for governmental authorities and the passenger ship industry. Under the European HEALTHY SAILING project, we conducted a scoping review of publications in PubMed, Scopus and grey literature for scientific articles, regulations, guidelines and policies describing infectious disease PMM in seaports, cruise, ferry, expedition and river cruise ships between 1990 and 2023.</p><p><strong>Main findings: </strong>Of 620 publications most were peer-reviewed articles (57.7%) and technical guidance (27.9%), followed by reports/other documents (9.1%), industry guidance (3.4%) and legislation (1.9%). Half (50.5%) of all publications addressed respiratory illnesses, fewer addressed gastroenteritis (11.5%), Legionnaire's (6.1%), other vaccine-preventable (3.2%), vector-borne (1.6%) and sexually transmitted (1.0%) diseases. Most publications focus on infectious disease in seagoing cruise ships (75.7%) compared to ferries, expedition and river cruise ships (26.6%, 16.9%, 16.3%, respectively). Fewer publications addressed seaports (39.0%), shore-side personnel (19.7%) and port communities (2.4%). Most literature was published between 2020 and 2023 (50.2%) with a peak addressing respiratory illnesses (264 publications) during this period. A trend in volume and type was observed based on public health emergencies associated with the publication year.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Peer-reviewed articles and guidance primarily address respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses, seagoing cruise ships and onboard populations. Gaps on the following topics exist: other infectious disease types; other passenger ship types; land-based personnel and port communities. Future research could assess risk factors and PMM measure effectiveness considering vaccine-preventable, vector-borne and sexually transmitted diseases. The evidence-base should be strengthened to produce guidelines targeting specificities of seaports, ferries, expedition and river cruise ships. Developing guidelines to standardise passenger ship outbreak investigation reporting could help evaluate PMM measure effectiveness, the impact of passenger ship travel on port communities and vice versa. Modern passenger ship experiences-from educational to elderly focused cruising-present diverse public health risks, requiring continuous efforts by public health authorities and the shipping industry. While outside the review's scope, measures may impact travellers' mental health, necessitating strategies when designing and implementing PMM measures.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"3"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11716204/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142955674","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 rare case of acute myocardial infarction with heart failure following hump-nosed viper bite in a Sri Lankan female.","authors":"W M D A S Wanninayake, Tilan Aponso, Manohari Seneviratne, Dhanapala Dissanayake","doi":"10.1186/s41182-024-00645-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-024-00645-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hump-nosed viper (Hypnale species) bites are an important cause of mortality and morbidity in southern India and Sri Lanka, accounting for 27 and 77% of venomous snake bites, respectively. Previously, we knew them to be moderately venomous snakes, primarily causing local envenomation. However, recent reports have indicated severe systemic envenomation incidents, which include hemostatic dysfunction, microangiopathic hemolysis, kidney injury, myocardial toxicity, and even death. The literature rarely reports cardiac manifestations from hump-nosed viper bites, and all reported cases show cardiac manifestations within hours of the snake bite. The literature did not report late presentations of cardiac manifestations. Here, we report a case of hump-nosed viper bite complicated with type 2 myocardial infarction and acute pulmonary oedema secondary to acute heart failure in a Sri Lankan female presented to the National Hospital of Colombo, Sri Lanka, on day 3 after the snake bite.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A local hospital transferred a previously healthy 39-year-old female from Kegalle, Sri Lanka, to our hospital for further condition management. We identified the offending snake as a hump-nosed viper after she reported a history of snake bites 3 days ago. She complained of chest tightness on day 3 of the illness and was found to have acute heart failure precipitated by troponin-positive non-ST elevation myocardial infarction in initial investigations. We performed a CT coronary angiography along with a metabolic screening, revealing normal coronary arteries and a negative metabolic screening. Supportive therapy with loop diuretics and oxygen managed her condition, and a follow-up 2D echocardiogram revealed complete recovery of her cardiac function. She was asymptomatic 3 months into the follow-up. Therefore, we concluded that the case was a venom-induced type 2 myocardial infarction leading to heart failure with acute pulmonary oedema, as the CT coronary angiogram showed normal coronary arteries.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"2"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142932786","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Latent tuberculosis prevalence in healthcare workers in Laos: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Sypaseuth Duangmixay, Siriphone Virachith, Judith M Hübschen, Phitsada Siphanthong, Sakhone Suthepmany, Somphou Sayasone, Antony P Black","doi":"10.1186/s41182-024-00677-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-024-00677-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Individuals with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) have a high risk of active infection, morbidity and mortality. Healthcare workers are a group who have increased risk of infection and onward transmission to their patients and other susceptible individuals; however, LTBI is often undiagnosed, and individuals are asymptomatic. Interferon gamma release assays (IGRA) can detect evidence of TB infection in otherwise asymptomatic individuals and are a good indication of LTBI. Laos, a resource limited country in southeast Asia, has limited data on TB prevalence in the general population or in healthcare workers. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of LTBI in Lao healthcare workers in Vientiane Capital.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Healthcare workers from high-risk departments from 3 central hospitals in Laos were included (n = 196) and venous blood was tested by IGRA. A questionnaire was administered to determine their knowledge, attitude and practice towards TB and LTBI.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>10.2% of the participants were positive by IGRA, none of whom were previously aware of their TB status. The questionnaire revealed that knowledge and awareness of TB and LTBI were low.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>A significant proportion of healthcare workers in this study had evidence of LTBI infection. These individuals were unaware of their TB status and we suggest that testing and treatment, as well as prevention strategies, should be routinely administered in Lao hospitals.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"53 1","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11697743/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142927350","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":"Temporal changes in Plasmodium falciparum genetic diversity and multiplicity of infection across three areas of varying malaria transmission intensities in Uganda.","authors":"Alex Mwesigwa, Steven M Kiwuwa, Benson Musinguzi, Hakiim Kawalya, James Davis Katumba, Andrew Baguma, Irene M Mutuku, Ismail Abiola Adebayo, Samuel L Nsobya, Pauline Byakika-Kibwika, Joan N Kalyango, Charles Karamagi, Joaniter I Nankabirwa","doi":"10.1186/s41182-024-00672-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41182-024-00672-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria is a significant public health challenge in Uganda, with Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) responsible for most of malaria infections. The high genetic diversity and multiplicity of infection (MOI) associated with P. falciparum complicate treatment and prevention efforts. This study investigated temporal changes in P. falciparum genetic diversity and MOI across three sites with varying malaria transmission intensities. Understanding these changes is essential for informing effective malaria control strategies for the different malaria transmission settings.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 220 P. falciparum-positive dried blood spot (DBS) filter paper samples from participants in a study conducted during 2011-2012 and 2015-2016 were analyzed. Genotyping utilized seven polymorphic markers: Poly-α, TA1, TA109, PfPK2, 2490, C2M34-313, and C3M69-383. Genetic diversity metrics, including the number of alleles and expected heterozygosity, were calculated using GENALEX and ARLEQUIN software. MOI was assessed by counting distinct genotypes. Multi-locus linkage disequilibrium (LD) and genetic differentiation were evaluated using the standardized index of association (I_A^S) and Wright's fixation index (F_ST), respectively. Statistical comparisons were made using the Kruskal-Wallis test, and temporal trends were analyzed using the Jonckheere-Terpstra test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 220 samples, 180 were successfully amplified. The majority of participants were males (50.6%) and children aged 5-11 years (46.7%). Genetic diversity remained high, with mean expected heterozygosity (H_e) showing a slight decrease over time (range: 0.73-0.82). Polyclonal infections exceeded 50% at all sites, and mean MOI ranged from 1.7 to 2.2, with a significant reduction in Tororo (from 2.2 to 2.0, p = 0.03). Linkage disequilibrium showed a slight increase, with Kanungu exhibiting the lowest I_A^S in 2011-2012 (0.0085) and Jinja the highest (0.0239) in 2015-2016. Overall genetic differentiation remained low, with slight increases in pairwise F_ST values over time, notably between Jinja and Tororo (from 0.0145 to 0.0353).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study highlights the genetic diversity and MOI of P. falciparum in Uganda's malaria transmission settings, noting a slight decrease in both genetic diversity and MOI overtime. Continued surveillance and targeted control strategies are essential for monitoring the impact of malaria control efforts in Uganda.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"52 1","pages":"103"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11684243/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142903553","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":"Achieving malaria-free: Egypt's journey to WHO certification and global implications for disease control.","authors":"Blessing Olawumi Amisu, Olalekan John Okesanya, Mohamed Mustaf Ahmed, Sohaila Mohamed Mohamed Abdelbar, Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno","doi":"10.1186/s41182-024-00666-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41182-024-00666-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Egypt's recent malaria-free certification by the World Health Organization (WHO) marks a significant achievement in public health, underscoring the effectiveness of sustained national efforts in disease eradication. This milestone, achieved after nearly a century of strategic intervention, highlights the importance of integrated public health programmes and cross-sector collaboration. Egypt's journey involved early initiatives to reduce human-mosquito contact, the establishment of malaria control stations, and comprehensive outbreak management strategies. This country's success serves as an exemplar for other African nations, emphasizing the need for adaptable, community-focused approaches to disease control. Despite challenges such as drug-resistant malaria strains and pesticide-resistant mosquitoes, Egypt's experience demonstrates the potential for successful malaria elimination through coordinated efforts and innovative solutions. This accomplishment contributes to regional health improvements, and provides valuable insights into global malaria eradication strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"52 1","pages":"101"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11674509/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142898546","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 Schistosoma infection and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Shewa Robit Health Center, North-Central Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Woubshet Zewdie, Getaneh Alemu, Tadesse Hailu","doi":"10.1186/s41182-024-00671-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41182-024-00671-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Schistosoma spp. and other intestinal parasites are common in Ethiopia. During pregnancy, SCH increases the risk of adverse birth outcomes. However, its epidemiology among pregnant women and awareness level about the disease are not well addressed in Ethiopia. This study was conducted to address this gap.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2023 among 422 pregnant women who attended Shewa Robit Health Center. Pregnant women who came to the health center for antenatal care services were enrolled in the study following systematic random sampling technique. Questionnaire data was collected on socio-demographic characteristics, KAP towards SCH, and associated factors. Stool samples were processed using the Kato-Katz technique, while urine samples were tested with urine test strips for hematuria, and filtration and centrifugation methods for detection of S. haematobium. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS software version 25. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were performed at a 95% confidence level.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 422 pregnant women, 38 (9.0%) were positive for hematuria, but none were infected by S. haematobium. Schistosoma mansoni was detected in 40 (9.5%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.6-12.6) participants. Habit of swimming or bathing (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.896; 95% CI: 2.193-10.933, p < 0.001) and habit of crossing freshwater on barefoot (AOR = 5.113; 95% CI: 1.171-22.324, p = 0.030) were significantly associated with S. mansoni infection. Of the participants, only 74 (17.5%) had previously heard of SCH. Out of 74 aware participants, 49 (66.2%) and 14 (18.9%) were unaware of the causative agent and possibility of a cure for SCH, respectively. Sixty-one (82.4%) were aware that SCH is preventable. Fifty-three (71.6%) and 4 (5.4%) participants believed that SCH is preventable and serious disease, respectively. Eight (10.8%) and 9 (12.2%) participants avoided contact with freshwater and used clean water for drinking and washing, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>There is nearly moderate prevalence of S. mansoni infection in the study area. Pregnant women who often had freshwater contact were more likely to contract S. mansoni. Most pregnant women in the study area had low KAP levels towards SCH. Therefore, women of reproductive age groups should be the focus of SCH control programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"52 1","pages":"102"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11673546/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142898553","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":"Plants used for the management of venereal diseases in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and critical assessment of their research status.","authors":"Temitope O Omogbene, Ibraheem O Lawal, Stephen O Amoo, Anne A Adam, Fikisiwe C Gebashe, Adeyemi O Aremu","doi":"10.1186/s41182-024-00651-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41182-024-00651-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Sub-Saharan Africa faces one of the highest burdens of venereal diseases (VDs) globally. This review aims to critically evaluate the existing literature on the diverse Indigenous knowledge and medicinal plants utilised for treating VDs in sub-Saharan Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol to guide the execution of the review. Relevant papers from scientific databases and search engines were assessed. The inclusion criteria included literature published from 2008 and May 16, 2024, and assessment of specific predetermined VDs. Medicinal plants based on certain ethnobotanical indices and data were recorded from each literature.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the 131 studies included in this review, a total of 20 relevant ethnobotanical reports were identified, with Nigeria and South Africa having the highest contributions (25% each). A high diversity and richness of 445 ethnobotanically valued anti-venereal plants (99 families) from over 872 Indigenous knowledge holders were inventoried. Plants with the highest diversity of use in traditional treatment of VDs are Cassia abbreviata, Ziziphus mucronata, Ximenia caffra, Catharanthus roseus, and Terminalia prunioides. The most represented families are Fabaceae (15.8%), Cucurbitaceae (5.9%), Solanaceae (5.9%), Euphorbiaceae (5%), and Combretaceae (5%). Roots and leaves were highly utilised with frequencies of 41.5% and 26.3%, respectively. The most used method of preparation are decoctions (36.7%) and infusions (12.2%), whereas oral route (72.9%) dominated the mode of administration of the medicinal plants.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This review consolidated data from sub-Saharan Africa-notwithstanding a limited number of studies in quantitative synthesis-and identified a diverse array of ethnobotanically valued anti-venereal plants, enabling meaningful conclusions to be drawn for future ethnopharmacological assessments. Effective plant conservation and advancement of ethnobotanical research in the region require stringent regulations and cross-country collaborations.</p>","PeriodicalId":23311,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine and Health","volume":"52 1","pages":"100"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-12-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11670375/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142898550","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}