Tropical Medicine & International Health最新文献

{"title":"Diet, Diarrhoea and Maternal Factors Associated With Wasting in Ghanaian Children Aged 6-23 Months: A Machine Learning Predictive Approach Using the 2022 Demographic and Health Survey.","authors":"Luis Javier Sánchez-Martínez, Mohammed Bukari, Martin Nyaaba Adokiya","doi":"10.1111/tmi.70171","DOIUrl":"10.1111/tmi.70171","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study estimates the prevalence of wasting and examines associated factors among children aged 6-23 months in Ghana from a machine-learning perspective, with a particular focus on predicting new cases to inform preventive efforts.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study is a secondary analysis of the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, which includes 1506 children. Wasting status was assessed using the weight-for-height z-score. A broad set of 150 child-, maternal-, household- and environmental-level variables was considered. Factors associated with wasting were first identified using survey-weighted logistic regression, whereas Multiple Correspondence Analysis was applied to explore structural relationships among predictors. Subsequently, an ensemble machine learning model was fitted to evaluate the combined predictive capacity of these factors in classifying wasting status, also comparing algorithm performance.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Wasting prevalence in Ghana was 9.4%, with marked regional heterogeneity. Lower odds of wasting were associated with higher maternal body weight, maternal formal employment, female sex of child and consumption of animal-source foods, whereas recent diarrhoeal episodes were associated with higher odds. The exploratory analyses further showed that these factors clustered into coherent vulnerability profiles, distinguishing more clearly between wasting and non-wasting patterns. The ensemble model outperformed individual algorithms, achieving an AUC of 0.79, with high sensitivity (0.85) and moderate specificity (0.62), indicating moderate-to-good internal predictive performance.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings suggest that wasting is associated with interacting biological vulnerabilities and ecological constraints during a critical developmental window. Integrating nutritional quality, infection control and maternal socioeconomic conditions is essential for addressing acute malnutrition in early childhood and for advancing a holistic understanding of child growth within human populations, guiding data-driven public policies.</p>","PeriodicalId":23962,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine & International Health","volume":" ","pages":"1323-1337"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148056951","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Uncomplicated Malaria in Infancy and Neurodevelopment at 1 and 6 Years: Evidence From the MiPPAD Birth Cohort Study of Benin.","authors":"Juthathip Khongpetch, Michael J Boivin, Michel Cot, Jacqueline Milet, Roméo Zoumenou, Christophe Fermanian, Achille Massougbodji, Florence Bodeau-Livinec","doi":"10.1111/tmi.70179","DOIUrl":"10.1111/tmi.70179","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In malaria-endemic regions, repeated episodes of uncomplicated malaria during infancy are common; however, their associations with neurodevelopment remain unclear. We examined relationships between malaria frequency in infancy and neurodevelopmental outcomes in early and middle childhood, using data from the APEC birth cohort nested within the MiPPAD birth cohort study of Benin. Children were enrolled between January 2010 and June 2011 and followed from birth to 24 months of age. Malaria was assessed at scheduled visits at 6, 9 and 12 months using both PCR and microscopy, and at unscheduled visits for symptomatic episodes using only microscopy; haemoglobin was measured concurrently. Neurodevelopment was assessed at age 1 and 6 years. Analyses included 311 children at 1-year and 248 at 6-year assessments. Malaria exposure was defined as the number of episodes from birth to 1-year neurodevelopmental assessment for three measures: (i) total malaria (PCR- or microscopy-positive), (ii) symptomatic malaria (positive with fever) and (iii) malaria with anaemia (positive with haemoglobin < 11.0 g/dL). Associations with neurodevelopment and haemoglobin's mediating role were assessed using adjusted generalized linear models and mediation analysis. We found that a higher number of symptomatic malaria episodes during infancy was associated with lower motor scores at age one (β: -2.81, [-4.73, -0.89]) and age six (β: -1.43, [-2.65, -0.22]), partially and potentially mediated by haemoglobin concentration. Malaria with anaemia was associated with lower motor scores at age one (β: -1.57, [-3.04, -0.10]) and age six (β: -0.96, [-1.86, -0.05]). No consistent associations were observed with cognitive outcomes. These findings indicate that uncomplicated malaria in infancy is an important risk factor for impaired child development and should not be overlooked. Integrating anaemia screening and management into malaria control and routine child health services may help mitigate long-term developmental impacts in malaria-endemic settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":23962,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine & International Health","volume":" ","pages":"1395-1407"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13628417/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148284665","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Divergent Epidemiology of Maternal Mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Case for Differentiated Regional Strategies to Achieve 2030 SDG Targets.","authors":"Amadou Barrow, Friday E Okonofua, Anne Baber Wallis","doi":"10.1111/tmi.70197","DOIUrl":"10.1111/tmi.70197","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite global efforts, sub-Saharan Africa continues to account for 70% of maternal deaths, yet systematic cause-specific analyses across African regions remain limited. We examined 33-year trends in maternal mortality to identify epidemiologic divergence and guide differentiated intervention strategies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using the 2023 Global Burden of Disease Study, maternal mortality ratios (MMR), cause-specific deaths, and age-specific patterns were analysed across five African regions (Central, Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Western Africa) from 1990 to 2023. Absolute and relative changes, average annual rates of change, cause-specific mortality proportions, and progress against Sustainable Development Goal targets were assessed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>MMR reduction varied dramatically across regions. Northern Africa achieved the greatest decline (65.0%; 241.2 to 84.4 per 100,000 live births), while Central Africa achieved only 16.7% reduction (818.1 to 681.3). Cause-specific patterns diverged strikingly: HIV-related causes accounted for 87.3% of maternal deaths in Southern Africa versus 34.2% in Central Africa, while direct obstetric causes showed inverse patterns (6.3% vs. 39.9%). HIV-related maternal deaths increased 76%-454% across most regions despite antiretroviral therapy (ART) scale-up. Age-extreme populations faced 1.3- to 7.2-fold elevated risks; adolescents in Central Africa had an MMR of 852.3, and women aged 45-49 years reached 2233.0. Central Africa's MMR remained 3.6 times the global average, with sepsis burden (15.3%) more than double other regions (4%-7%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>African regions demonstrate distinct epidemiologic profiles requiring tailored intervention strategies. Universal maternal health approaches inadequately address HIV-dominant versus obstetric-dominant regional burdens or age-extreme vulnerability. Central Africa's minimal progress signals that standard interventions fail under protracted humanitarian crises. Post-2025 strategies must integrate linked HIV-maternal care, emergency obstetric services, crisis-adapted approaches, and age-targeted programming while recognizing within-region heterogeneity to achieve equitable maternal health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":23962,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine & International Health","volume":" ","pages":"1465-1482"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148362648","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Short Report: Update on CCHFV Seroprevalence in Mauritanian Camels and Cattle Sampled Between 2020 and 2021.","authors":"Abdallahi Diambar Beyit, Balal Sadeghi, Yahya Barry, Felicitas Bergmann, Abdellahi El Ghassem, Mariem Seyidna Khayar, Mariem Cheikh Ahmed, Mohamed Ould Baba Ould Gueya, Cheikh El Rida Mohameden, Mohamed Lemine Haki, Martin H Groschup, Ansgar Schulz, Yaghouba Kane","doi":"10.1111/tmi.70175","DOIUrl":"10.1111/tmi.70175","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a zoonotic tick-borne virus causing severe and potentially fatal disease in humans, with case fatality rates of up to 30%. In contrast, domestic ruminants and camelids remain asymptomatic. Since the first reported case in Mauritania in 1983, CCHFV antibodies have been repeatedly detected in humans and animals. This study aimed to assess the local circulation of CCHFV in camels and cattle in southern Mauritania and in Nouakchott.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 317 blood samples (174 cattle, 143 camels) were collected from southern regions bordering Mali and Senegal (n = 170) and from Nouakchott (slaughterhouse and animal market; n = 147). Sera were analyzed at the ONARDEP laboratory using the ID Screen CCHF Double Antigen Multi-species ELISA. The effects of age, species, sex and sampling year on seropositivity were evaluated using a generalized linear mixed-effects model (GLMM).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall seroprevalence was 70% (222/317). Camels showed a higher seroprevalence (> 81%; 117/143) than cattle (> 60%; 105/174). Increasing age was significantly associated with higher seropositivity. Age and species had significant effects on CCHFV antibody status. Descriptive age-specific seroprevalence increased with age in both cattle and camels, whereas sex and sampling year showed no significant effect.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever remains an endemic zoonosis and a significant public health threat in Mauritania and neighbouring countries. Our findings confirm high CCHFV seroprevalences in cattle and camels in the study area. However, important knowledge gaps remain regarding virus circulation and transmission dynamics. Strengthening diagnostic capacity, conducting integrated epidemiological studies across livestock, ticks and humans, and enhancing awareness and regional surveillance are essential for a better understanding and control of CCHFV spread.</p>","PeriodicalId":23962,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine & International Health","volume":" ","pages":"1494-1498"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148056931","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Risk Factors Associated With Time to Disease Onset Among Leprosy Contacts: A Cohort-Based Survival Analysis.","authors":"Edilamar Silva de Alecrin, Maria Auxiliadora Parreiras Martins, Dulcinea Oliveira, Ana Laura Grossi de Oliveira, Ana Thereza Chaves, Maria Aparecida de Faria Grossi, Sandra Lyon, Fernando Henrique Pereira, Ilka Afonso Reis, Manoel Otávio da Costa Rocha, Isabela Maria Bernardes Goulart","doi":"10.1111/tmi.70174","DOIUrl":"10.1111/tmi.70174","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease affecting the skin and peripheral nerves, potentially causing deformities and disabilities. Transmission occurs mainly via aerosols and nasal secretions, with persistent endemicity in countries such as Brazil, India and Indonesia. Systematic monitoring of contacts is a key strategy for early detection and disease control.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To investigate risk factors associated with time to disease onset among leprosy contacts and describe the temporal dynamics of disease development in a historical cohort.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective cohort of 600 contacts of newly diagnosed leprosy cases (2002-2022) was followed for up to 5 years. Variables included age, Mitsuda test, anti-PGL-I IgM serology, qPCR in peripheral blood, BCG scar and type of contact. Disease-free survival was estimated with Kaplan-Meier curves and differences between groups were tested using the log-rank test. Variables with p < 0.20 were included in a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model, with stepwise removal until only variables with p < 0.05 remained.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>During follow-up, 123 contacts (20.5%) developed leprosy, with a higher incidence in the first 24 months: 33.3% of cases occurred in the first year and 25.2% in the second year, followed by a relative stabilisation of new cases in subsequent years. Median survival time was 52 months. In multivariate analysis, positive qPCR (HR = 3.67; 95% CI = 2.42-5.55) and positive anti-PGL-I IgM (HR = 5.48; 95% CI = 3.79-7.92) were independently associated with earlier disease onset. Other factors, including age, Mitsuda test, BCG scar and type of contact, were not significant after adjustment.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Contacts with positive biomarkers face a higher risk of developing leprosy within 5 years. Understanding the temporal dynamics of disease onset supports targeted surveillance and timely intervention strategies, contributing to more effective leprosy control in endemic settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":23962,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine & International Health","volume":" ","pages":"1338-1347"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148164506","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lessons for Immunisation Policy and Practice From the Deadly Measles Resurgence in Bangladesh.","authors":"Md Masudul Haque, Juma Rahman, Shaira Hassan, Imdadul Haque Talukdar, Mohammad Zahirul Islam, Kazi Mizanur Rahman, Janine Paynter","doi":"10.1111/tmi.70190","DOIUrl":"10.1111/tmi.70190","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Bangladesh is experiencing one of the deadliest outbreaks of measles in 2026, with at least 472 suspected child deaths and over 67,079 suspected cases as of 27 May 2026. It has happened primarily following a fall in measles vaccination coverage in 2025, largely due to the cancellation of a planned 2024 Measles-Rubella vaccination Campaign and major political unrest. This editorial, based on available surveillance data, disease transmission modelling and lower vaccination coverage, argues that the 2026 measles outbreak was predictable, preventable and needed prompt action and management. We urge attention to addressing the issues related to structural and programmatic barriers, political and financial gaps in the planning, challenges related to Supplementary Immunisation Activity (SIA) scheduling and recommended-to protect vulnerable high-risk communities.</p>","PeriodicalId":23962,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine & International Health","volume":" ","pages":"1499-1504"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13628433/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148333367","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Eosinophilia in the Tropics: Should Empirical Anthelmintic Treatment Be Considered Standard Practice? A Prospective Cohort Study.","authors":"Smith Kungwankiattichai, Patsharaporn T Sarasombath, Pattaraporn Tunsing, Weerapat Owattanapanich","doi":"10.1111/tmi.70191","DOIUrl":"10.1111/tmi.70191","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Eosinophilia is a common clinical finding with diverse etiologies. Helminthiasis is a major aetiology in tropical regions, but data from haematology consultation services at tertiary centres in endemic settings are limited.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To determine the prevalence of helminthiasis among patients with eosinophilia at a tropical tertiary care centre and identify clinical and laboratory characteristics differentiating helminth from non-helminth etiologies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A prospective cohort study with predefined retrospective outcome classification was conducted at Siriraj Hospital, Thailand (January 2022 to November 2023) in adult patients with blood eosinophilia above 500 cells/μL. All patients underwent helminth screening through stool examination and serological testing for strongyloidiasis, gnathostomiasis, angiostrongyliasis, filariasis and cysticercosis, and received empirical ivermectin or albendazole with monthly follow-up for 6 months.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 131 patients, 76 (58.0%) were diagnosed with helminthiasis, comprising 49 definite (laboratory-confirmed) and 27 probable (treatment-response-defined) infections. Strongyloidiasis (53.1%) was most common among definite infections, followed by gnathostomiasis (40.8%) and cysticercosis (26.5%), with multiple infections in 24.5% of definite cases. The median time to absolute eosinophil count (AEC) normalization was 1.0 month (IQR: 1.0-2.0), with 93.4% normalizing within 3 months. Probable infections were significantly associated with soil contact and forest travel (all p < 0.05), while definite infections were associated with organism-specific exposures (all p < 0.05). Patients aged 75 years or above showed significantly lower AEC at presentation (adjusted geometric mean ratio 0.52, 95% CI: 0.31-0.89, p = 0.017). Leukopenia and hypoalbuminemia were more prevalent in non-infectious etiologies.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Helminthiasis was identified in more than half of patients with eosinophilia at a tropical tertiary haematology service. Empirical anthelmintic therapy effectively normalized eosinophilia in the majority within 3 months, supporting its use as a standard initial approach in endemic settings. Detailed exposure anamnesis and concurrent evaluation for non-helminth etiologies, particularly in patients with leukopenia or hypoalbuminemia, should be routinely performed.</p>","PeriodicalId":23962,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine & International Health","volume":" ","pages":"1433-1442"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13628429/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148346509","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genomic Surveillance of Dengue Virus During the 2024 Outbreak in a Northeastern Brazilian State.","authors":"Jean Phellipe Marques do Nascimento, Camila Rose Bezerra de Lima, Aloisio Dos Santos Almeida, Magliones Carneiro de Lima, Hazerral de Oliveira Santos, Anderson Brandão Leite, Mykaella Andrade de Araújo, Abelardo Silva-Júnior","doi":"10.1111/tmi.70189","DOIUrl":"10.1111/tmi.70189","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Dengue remains a major public health challenge in tropical regions, where viral genetic diversity, vector ecology and human mobility contribute to recurrent outbreaks. In 2024, Brazil experienced its largest recorded dengue epidemic, with intense transmission across the Northeast region. This study characterizes the epidemiological, genomic and phylogeographic features of dengue virus (DENV) circulation during the 2024 outbreak in Alagoas, northeastern Brazil. Of 6102 suspected cases analysed by molecular diagnostics, 1607 (26.3%) were confirmed as DENV infections. Epidemiological analyses revealed widespread transmission across 79 municipalities, marked seasonality with peak incidence between March and August, and a disproportionate burden among adolescents and young adults. DENV-1 and DENV-2 were the predominant serotypes, accounting for 57.1% and 42.6% of confirmed cases, respectively; three DENV-3 infections and one DENV-1/DENV-2 co-infection were also identified. Whole-genome sequencing yielded high-quality genomic data supporting phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses. DENV-1 sequences belonged to genotype V, classified into lineages E.1 and D.1.1, while DENV-2 sequences clustered within genotype II (lineage F.1.1.2) and genotype III (lineage C.1.1). Time-scaled phylogenetic analyses revealed multiple independent introductions of both serotypes from distinct Brazilian regions, followed by sustained local transmission and lineage expansion. Infections among non-residents, including an international case, further underscore the role of population mobility in viral dissemination. Collectively, these findings indicate that the 2024 outbreak was driven by recurrent viral introductions combined with the persistence of locally established transmission chains, highlighting the value of integrated genomic surveillance for outbreak preparedness and public health response.</p>","PeriodicalId":23962,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine & International Health","volume":" ","pages":"1419-1432"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148309574","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Validation of Health Belief Model and Theory of Planned Behaviour Constructs for Predicting Malaria Vaccine Acceptance in Ghana: A Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling Approach.","authors":"Michael Sarfo, Michael Snowden, Jamie P Halsall","doi":"10.1111/tmi.70193","DOIUrl":"10.1111/tmi.70193","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study examines the predictive power of constructs from the health belief model (HBM) and theory of planned behaviour (TPB) in explaining malaria vaccine acceptance in Ghana in the post-COVID-19 era, while also assessing the reliability of these constructs within this context.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional survey of 622 adults was conducted in two Ghanaian municipalities representing high- and low-malaria endemicity. Constructs from HBM and TPB, alongside contextual factors such as religiosity and traditional medicine use, were measured. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to assess construct validity and estimate their predictive relationships with vaccine intention.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All constructs demonstrated strong reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.894-0.985) and convergent validity (AVE = 0.797-0.971). The model demonstrated strong predictive power, explaining 67.6% of the variance in vaccine intentions (R ² = 0.676). Attitudes (β = 0.578, p < 0.001) and perceived benefits (β = 0.531, p < 0.001) were the strongest predictors of acceptance. Perceived behavioural control had a marginal effect (β = 0.124, p = 0.064). Perceived disease vulnerability negatively predicted intention (β = -0.330, p = 0.006), while perceived severity and subjective norms were non-significant.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>HBM and TPB constructs are reliable and valid in predicting malaria vaccine acceptance in Ghana. Interventions should focus on strengthening positive attitudes and highlighting the benefits of vaccination, while addressing misconceptions among those who perceive themselves as most vulnerable. This study provides novel evidence on malaria vaccine acceptance in a post-pandemic context and underscores the utility of combining HBM and TPB for predicting preventive health behaviours in sub-Saharan Africa.</p>","PeriodicalId":23962,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine & International Health","volume":" ","pages":"1443-1452"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13628419/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148353767","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Descriptive Analysis of Imported Toxocariasis Cases Diagnosed Between 2014 and 2024 in an International Health Unit in Barcelona, Spain.","authors":"Aranza Reynoso, Fernando Salvador, Joan Martínez-Campreciós, Elena Sulleiro, Maria Luisa Aznar, Pau Bosch-Nicolau, Sol M San José-Villar, Diana Pou, Inés Oliveira-Souto, Juliana Esperalba, Adrián Sánchez-Montalvá, Núria Serre-Delcor, Israel Molina","doi":"10.1111/tmi.70169","DOIUrl":"10.1111/tmi.70169","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Toxocariasis is a zoonotic helminthic infection caused by Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati, parasites commonly found in dogs and cats. It is endemic in many low- and middle-income countries, but cases are increasingly reported in non-endemic areas due to global mobility. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with imported toxocariasis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This is a retrospective of all imported toxocariasis cases diagnosed at the Vall d'Hebron-Drassanes International Health Unit in Barcelona, Spain (2014-2024). Diagnosis of toxocariasis was defined by a positive serological test accompanied by clinical and/or labouratorial alterations compatible with the diagnosis. We collected demographic, epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic information from electronic medical records.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Eighty-seven cases of toxocariasis were included. Mean age of patients was 37.2 (SD 18.3) years and 47 (54.0%) were male. Most patients (82, 94.3%) were migrants, and five (5.8%) patients were travellers. Only 20 (23.0%) patients reported having symptoms, with gastrointestinal disturbances being the most common (11, 12.6%). Eosinophilia was present in 64 (74.4%) patients and elevated IgE (58, 84.0%) was common. Co-infections were observed in 26 (29.9%) patients. Of patients that received treatment, most were given albendazole (79, 96.3%). The majority who attended a follow-up appointment showed normalisation in laboratory results despite some remaining seropositive for Toxocara canis.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings underscore the need to consider testing for toxocariasis when treating patients with eosinophilia who have visited endemic areas and highlight the value of a One Health approach in understanding, preventing and managing zoonotic diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":23962,"journal":{"name":"Tropical Medicine & International Health","volume":" ","pages":"1315-1322"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148017664","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}