Parasite Epidemiology and Control最新文献

{"title":"Prevalence, risk factors, and rifampicin resistance pattern of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Sekota town, Northwest Ethiopia","authors":"Getaneh Mengistu ,&nbsp;Zinaye Tekeste ,&nbsp;Daniel Mehabie ,&nbsp;Solomon Tesfaye ,&nbsp;Amir Alelign","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00471","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00471","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality globally, particularly in developing countries. However, in some parts of Ethiopia there is limited information on the prevalence, associated risk factors and the level of drug resistant TB. Therefore, this study aimed to determine TB prevalence, identify associated risk factors, and assess rifampicin resistance in Sekota Town, northwest Ethiopia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2023 at Tefera Hailu Memorial Hospital in Sekota town. Morning sputum and fine needle aspirate samples from pulmonary and extrapulmonary cases, respectively, were collected from 422 individuals who visited the hospital during the study period, and the samples were tested for <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</em> using the GeneXpert MTB/RIF molecular assay. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and clinical data.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The overall prevalence of all forms of TB in this study was 19.90 %. Of the overall TB cases, 52.4 % were pulmonary (EPTB), whereas 47.6 % were extra-pulmonary (PTB). Among TB positive cases, the prevalence of rifampicin resistant TB was determined to be 2.4 %. Students (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.66; 95 % CI: 1.11–19.61), pastoralists (AOR = 2.75; 95 % CI: 1.19–6.33), and merchants (AOR = 13.96; 95 % CI: 1.20–162.40) had higher odds of TB infection. Regular alcohol consumption (AOR = 2.62; 95 % CI: 1.10–6.24) and contact with TB patients (AOR = 3.95; 95 % CI: 2.02–7.33) were associated with increased odds of TB infection. HIV sero-positives and those over the age of 45 years were also found to be more likely to be infected with TB. The prevalence of rifampicin-resistant TB among confirmed cases was 2.4 %.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study revealed a high prevalence of TB, with risk factors including HIV infection, alcohol use, contact with TB patients, and high-risk occupational and social groups such as students, merchants, and pastoralists. Targeted TB prevention and control efforts focusing on these high-risk populations are needed to reduce the disease burden in the study area.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article e00471"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145798701","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":"Plants with promising antileishmanial activity in Colombia: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Carlos Nieto-Clavijo ,&nbsp;Liliana Morales ,&nbsp;Guillermo Zambrano ,&nbsp;Andrés Delgado-Aldana ,&nbsp;Zayda-Lorena Corredor-Rozo ,&nbsp;Eliana Patricia Calvo ,&nbsp;Dario Tinjacá ,&nbsp;Jacqueline Chaparro-Olaya","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00467","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00467","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Leishmaniasis remains a global public health challenge. The exceptional biodiversity of Colombia includes numerous plants that constitute a promising resource for the development of new antileishmanial therapies.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>To systematically assess the <em>in vitro</em> antileishmanial activity of Colombian plants, estimate pooled IC₅₀ values through meta-analysis, and identify plant-derived preparations with favorable selectivity indices (SI) as potential candidates for further investigation.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>A systematic search (2000–April 2025) of PubMed, EMBASE, and LILACS identified <em>in vitro</em> studies reporting IC₅₀ values of Colombian plant-derived preparations against <em>Leishmania spp.</em> A random-effects model was used to estimate pooled IC₅₀ values. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified QUIN tool. Subgroup analyses explored methodological and biological factors such as plant part, extraction solvent, and taxonomic family.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Thirteen studies provided complete data for meta-analysis. The pooled mean IC₅₀ was 37.89 μg/mL (95 % CI: 34.99–40.78), with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 100 %), consistent with marked differences in plant species, plant parts, extraction solvents, <em>Leishmania</em> species/strains, cell lines, and assay protocols. Leaf essential oils of <em>Xylopia discreta</em>, crude leaf extracts of <em>Lippia origanoides</em> and <em>Moquilea salicifolia</em>, and bark/wood fractions of <em>Handroanthus chrysanthus</em>, exhibited potent <em>in vitro</em> leishmanicidal activity (IC₅₀ = 0.39–11.1 μg/mL) and high selectivity indices (SI = 18.9–134).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Colombian plants represent a promising source of leishmanicidal agents, with several species exhibiting strong <em>in vitro</em> antileishmanial activity and remarkably high SI values. However, since SI thresholds were originally established for purified compounds, their interpretation for other plant-derived preparations should be approached with caution. Moving toward standardized assays and reporting practices will be key to translating these findings into reproducible and actionable knowledge.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article e00467"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145841486","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":"Residual antimalarial drug concentrations before treatment in malaria patients in Asia and Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis depicting its implication for drug pressure","authors":"Karol J. Marwa ,&nbsp;Maria Zinga ,&nbsp;Hussein R. Mnkungwe ,&nbsp;Ritah Mutagonda ,&nbsp;Anthony Kapesa ,&nbsp;Richard O. Mwaiswelo ,&nbsp;Bruno Mmbando ,&nbsp;John P.A. Lusingu ,&nbsp;Erasmus Kamugisha","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00477","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00477","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Resistance to antimalarial drugs has been a major hindrance towards malaria control and elimination. Extensive drug use may increase pressure on parasites, thereby promoting the emergence and spread of resistance, particularly when drug levels are below minimum inhibitory concentrations. Therefore, this review aimed to assess the magnitude of pre-treatment with antimalarial drugs among patients attending health facilities.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Studies reporting residual drug levels among <em>Plasmodium falciparum</em> malaria patients were searched through the Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), LILACS, and EMBASE online databases. The protocol for the review was registered at PROSPERO (Reference number: CRD42024581540). Two independent reviewers extracted data. Potential publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot. Pooled proportion estimates were calculated using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using I² statistics.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Fifteen (15) studies involving 3522 malaria patients were included in the analysis. The heterogeneity among the studies included in the meta-analysis was high (I² &gt; 95% and <em>p</em> &lt; 0.01). The overall estimated pooled proportions of malaria patients with pre-treatment drug levels using the random effects model were 24.0% (95% CI 16.0%- 34.0%), with the pooled proportion estimates being higher in Africa (31.0%, 95% CI 19.0%- 44.0%) than in Asia (11.0%, 95% CI 5.0%- 18.0%). Subgroup analysis (per drug type) showed that the pooled proportion estimates of malaria patients with pre-treatment drug levels were higher for Chloroquine and Lumefantrine (55.0%, 95% CI 26.0%–82.0% &amp; 34.0%, 95% CI 10.0%–63.0%, respectively), contributed by most studies from Africa. With regard to mefloquine, the proportion estimates were 10.0%, 95% CI 01.0%–26.0% contributed by most studies from Asia.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The substantial pooled proportions of malaria patients with pre-treatment drug levels imply the existence of drug pressure, which is potential for the development of antimalarial drug resistance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article e00477"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077866","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":"Efficacy of topical Ivermectin in controlling human Demodex infestation: Evidence from systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Anon Paichitrojjana ,&nbsp;Kitsarawut Khuancharee ,&nbsp;Anand Paichitrojjana","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00461","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00461","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Demodex</em> mites are usually harmless but can contribute to inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea, blepharitis, and demodicosis. While new therapies like lotilaner, niclosamide, and berberine show promise against <em>D. folliculorum</em>, ivermectin remains widely used for its strong antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the direct effectiveness of ivermectin in reducing <em>Demodex</em> mite density in associated skin diseases is not fully quantified.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched for studies published between December 2014 and December 2024. Eligible studies have assessed the effect of topical ivermectin on <em>Demodex</em> mite number or density using standardized diagnostic methods. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Non-randomized Studies (RoBANS) and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Data were pooled using a random-effects model where appropriate.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 2344 studies were identified, with five studies (<em>n</em> = 180 participants) meeting the inclusion criteria. All studies reported significant reductions in <em>Demode</em>x mite count or density after daily application of topical ivermectin 1 %. Meta-analyses demonstrated a mean reduction of 70.01 mites/cm² and an 80 % decrease in <em>Demodex</em>-positive (≥5 D/cm²) rates. A 16-week treatment duration was associated with a notable reduction, with effects sustained for up to 12 weeks post-treatment. Only mild, localized adverse events were reported, with no systemic side effects observed.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Topical ivermectin is effective and well-tolerated for reducing the number and density of <em>Demodex</em> mites. A 16-week treatment course significantly decreases mite burden and improves clinical outcomes with minimal adverse events. However, the potential for mite repopulation after treatment underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring. Study heterogeneity and the limited number of included trials warrant cautious interpretation of the findings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e00461"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145222903","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":"Community knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the use of plants for mosquito control: The case of Arjo Gudatu District, East Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia","authors":"Lensa Tesfaye,&nbsp;Esayas Aklilu,&nbsp;Ketema Tolossa,&nbsp;Abebe Animut","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00463","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00463","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Mosquitoes are the species that transmit malaria and various viral diseases to humans. The main mosquito control strategies, particularly indoor spraying with insecticides and long-lasting insecticide-treated nets, have proven to reduce the incidence and spread of malaria. However, their effectiveness is threatened by the emergence and spread of insecticide-resistant vectors. Indigenous plants offer a safe, effective, and locally accessible solution to address the rising threat of mosquito-borne diseases.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the inhabitants of Arjo Gudatu District, Ethiopia, regarding the use of plants to control mosquitoes.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the inhabitants of Mada Jalala, Karsa Dako, and Lalisa Dimtu kebeles (the lowest administrative level) in the Arjo Gudatu district, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Randomly selected households were interviewed using a questionnaire developed for this study. The data were collected through door-to-door interviews, checked for completeness and consistency, entered into SPSS version 25, cleaned, and analyzed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of the 398 household representatives interviewed, 63.5 % (253 individuals) reported knowing the use of plants for mosquito control. Of these, about 75 % (190 out of 253) plants were for this purpose, and 79 % (200 out of 253) expressed a positive attitude to using plants to control mosquitoes. The most frequently mentioned plant was <em>Securidaca Longpedunculata</em> (31 respondents, 12 %), followed by <em>Echinops Sphaocephalus L.</em> (28 respondents, 11 %) and <em>Agave Sisalana Perrine Ex Engelm.</em> (21 respondents, 8.3 %). These plants were cited for their roles as repellents, adulticides, and larvicides.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div><em>Agave sisalana Perrine ex Engeln, Securidaca longepedunculate,</em> and <em>Echinops sphaerocephalus</em> L. were the plants most commonly used to control mosquitoes. The plants were used in traditional mosquito control as adulticides, larvicides, and repellents.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e00463"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145466060","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":"Visceral leishmaniasis outbreak investigation and risk factors among communities in South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2022–2023","authors":"Tadele Shiwito Ango ,&nbsp;Daniel Dansa Dana ,&nbsp;Sefonias Getachew ,&nbsp;Wakgari Deressa","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00466","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00466","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), also known as kala-azar, remains a major public health problem in Ethiopia, caused mainly by <em>Leishmania donovani</em> and transmitted through infected female <em>Phlebotomine</em> sandflies. The disease disproportionately affects impoverished, rural populations. Understanding the epidemiology and risk factors of outbreaks is vital for timely prevention and control.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study was aimed to investigate a VL outbreak and associated risk factors among communities in South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2022–2023.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A descriptive cross-sectional study followed by an unmatched case–control study (1:2 ratio) was conducted from June 2022 to January 2023. Forty-five laboratory-confirmed VL cases and ninety controls without previous VL history were included. Data on socio-demographic, environmental, and behavioral factors were collected using structured interviews. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors, and the strength of association was expressed using adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Statistical significance was set at <em>p</em> &lt; 0.05.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 45 VL cases and 3 deaths were recorded, yielding an attack rate of 9.7 per 100,000 population and a case fatality rate of 7 %. The highest attack rate occurred in Salamago District (51.6/100,000), followed by Nyangatom (19.5/100,000). Adults were the most affected group (87 % of cases). The epidemic curve suggested a propagated outbreak peaking in week 24 of 2022. Independent predictors of VL infection included never using long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) (AOR = 7.97; 95 % CI: 1.63–39.04), inconsistent LLIN use (AOR = 5.33; 95 % CI: 1.59–17.83), sleeping under acacia trees (AOR = 5.13; 95 % CI: 1.26–20.78), and living in houses with wooden walls (AOR = 6.62; 95 % CI: 2.07–21.25).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The outbreak was concentrated in the Salamago District, predominantly affecting adult males. Inconsistent use of LLINs, outdoor sleeping under acacia trees, and poor housing conditions significantly increased VL risk. Strengthening vector control programs, promoting consistent LLIN utilization, improving housing quality, and enhancing community awareness are essential to prevent future VL outbreaks in pastoral settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e00466"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145568194","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":"Scorpion species distribution and sting epidemiology in Dena and Boyer-Ahmad, Iran – Implications for management","authors":"Mohsen Fakhraei ,&nbsp;Raziyeh Shahheidari ,&nbsp;Amir Hossein Roozitalab ,&nbsp;Kourosh Azizi ,&nbsp;Mohsen Kalantari","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00462","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00462","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Scorpion envenomation represents a significant public health burden in Iran, particularly in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, which reports 40,000 to 50,000 cases annually. The ecological adaptability and diversity of scorpions contribute to their widespread distribution, heightening the risk of human encounters and the associated economic and psychosocial impacts. This epidemiological study investigated scorpion distribution and sting patterns in Dena and Boyer-Ahmad counties, southwestern Iran, during a six-month sampling period from spring to September 2024. Specimens were collected diurnally and nocturnally using UV light within 500-m radii of predetermined sites, primarily from beneath rocks and old walls in desert environments. Among 208 identified scorpions, <em>Hottentotta zagrosensis</em> (<em>n</em> = 132) predominated, followed by <em>Hemiscorpius lepturus</em> (<em>n</em> = 28), <em>Compsobuthus rugosulus</em> (<em>n</em> = 24), <em>Mesobuthus eupeus</em> (<em>n</em> = 20), and <em>Orthochirus sp.</em> (<em>n</em> = 4). The Buthidae family accounted for 86.53 % of specimens. Concurrently, clinical and demographic data from 156 sting cases recorded in local health centers during 2024 were analyzed. Males comprised 54.5 % of cases, with hands (48.1 %) and feet (37.2 %) being the most frequent sting sites. Most incidents occurred indoors (82.7 %) and between 6 p.m. and midnight (31.4 %). Notably, no fatalities were reported. This research provides the first comprehensive faunistic and epidemiological data for these counties, revealing <em>H. zagrosensis</em> as the dominant species. The findings establish a critical foundation for developing targeted ecological management strategies, public health interventions, and conservation efforts to mitigate scorpion-related risks in southwestern Iran.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e00462"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145269922","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":"Spatio-temporal dynamics of malaria incidence in children under five years of age and correlation with meteorological variability in the North and Far North regions of Cameroon between 2015-2022","authors":"Abas Mouliom ,&nbsp;Fredline Ilorme ,&nbsp;Joël Marcelin Ateba ,&nbsp;Germaine Ekoyol ,&nbsp;Jean Fotso ,&nbsp;Jean Pierre Kidwang ,&nbsp;Janvier Tchopwe ,&nbsp;Sali Djele ,&nbsp;Joel olivier Dzika ,&nbsp;Estelle Essangui Same ,&nbsp;Lawrence Ayong ,&nbsp;Innocent Mbulli Ali ,&nbsp;Else Carole Eboumbou Moukoko","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00464","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00464","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Changes in environmental temperature, humidity, and rainfall can affect the survival and behavior of the mosquito vector of malaria parasites, thereby influencing malaria incidence rates. We investigated the spatiotemporal dynamics of malaria incidence in two geo-epidemiological transmission zones (North and Far North regions) of Cameroon and assessed its correlation with various meteorological factors. Malaria and meteorological data were obtained from the local health information system and by remote sensing, respectively. Malaria risk was stratified according to spatial heterogeneity of incidence. The strength of the association between malaria incidence and meteorological variables was measured using distributed lag nonlinear models (DLNM). A generalized additive quasi-Poisson regression model was used to account for over-dispersion in the number of cases. The values observed during the non-epidemic season were used as exposure reference values for the effects predicted by the DLNM.</div><div>Between 2015 and 2022, the maximum recorded incidence was 190.6 (189.5–191.8) per 1000 person-years for the North region and 243.8 (242.9–244.7) for the Far North region. Stratification of health districts by malaria risk showed that most health districts are located in areas of very low to low transmission. From more than one millimeter rainfall per day (1 mm/day) on average, the risk of malaria transmission was 1.2 times higher (RR = 1.2, 95 % CI: 1.1–1.2) in the North region and 1.4 times higher (RR = 1.4, 95 % CI: 1.3–1.5) in the Far North region and increased with rainfall intensity. Humidity at 70 % increased the risk of transmission 2 times higher (RR = 2, 95 % CI: 1.4–2.8) in the North region and 3.7 times higher (RR = 3.7, 95 % CI: 2–4.6) in the Far North region. Collectively, the data reveal significant year-to-year variations in malaria incidences in the North and Far North regions of Cameroon, and a strong association with meteorological factors such as humidity and rainfall.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e00464"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145568193","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":"Strongyloides seroprevalence in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease at a tertiary hospital in Malaysia: Epidemiological profiles and comparison of two assays","authors":"Emelia Osman ,&nbsp;Rahmah Noordin ,&nbsp;Rozita Mohd ,&nbsp;Lydia Kamaruzaman ,&nbsp;Siti Nor Azreen Abdul Manap ,&nbsp;S. Izuddin Mohd. Zali ,&nbsp;Nur Afrina Azhar ,&nbsp;Nor Suhada Anuar","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00458","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00458","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Strongyloides stercoralis</em> infection poses significant risks to individuals with suppressed immune systems, including patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, data on its prevalence in this population, particularly in Southeast Asia, remains scarce. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence using two assays, as well as to describe its epidemiological characteristics and associated laboratory parameters among patients with advanced CKD at a tertiary hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A total of 220 patients with stages 4 and 5 CKD were recruited. Serum samples were screened using a commercial IgG-ELISA (Bordier) and an IgG4-based rapid diagnostic test (IgG4-RDT). Epidemiological and clinical data were collected through structured interviews and medical records. The overall <em>S. stercoralis</em> seroprevalence was 44 %, with 41.8 % detected by IgG4-RDT and 6.8 % by IgG-ELISA, showing only slight agreement (κ = 0.2). These findings suggest that, despite the impaired humoral immunity typically observed in advanced CKD patients, specific IgG4 responses remain sufficiently detectable. It may reflect both a relatively preserved IgG4 response and the higher sensitivity of the IgG4-based assay in this population. No significant associations were found between seropositivity and demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, or laboratory parameters. However, cough was significantly associated with seropositivity. The results highlight a potentially underrecognized burden of <em>Strongyloides</em> infection among Malaysian CKD patients. Incorporating serological screening, particularly with the IgG4-RDT, into nephrology care may facilitate early detection and better management. Future studies are warranted to assess treatment outcomes and preventive strategies, including ivermectin prophylaxis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e00458"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145110218","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":"Level, trends and factors associated with early seeking care for children under five with a fever in Guinea","authors":"Sidiki Kaba ,&nbsp;Mamadou Dian Dilé Diallo ,&nbsp;Facinet Conté","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00459","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00459","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Malaria remains the leading cause of morbidity in Guinea. To contain it, the National Malaria Control Programme, following the guidelines of the World Health Organisation, prioritises the mass distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, seasonal chemoprevention, intermittent preventive treatment for pregnant women and the proper management of all confirmed cases. The latest survey on malaria and anaemia indicators conducted in 2021 indicates a malaria prevalence of 17 % among children under five. Among these children who had a fever in the two weeks preceding the survey, only 32 % of cases were treated within 48 h in 2021, compared to 37 % in 2018. This represents a decline in the use of health care services, even though the prevalence of malaria remains high. In light of this observation, it is essential to identify the factors that explain this low use of health care and/or treatment for fever in children under five in Guinea.</div><div>In this context, the data used comes from the 2018 Demographic and Health Survey and the 2021 Malaria and Anaemia Indicator Survey. Factors associated with early recourse to care for children with fever in Guinea are identified through descriptive and explanatory analyses.</div><div>The results show that early recourse to care for children with fever is low and declining, while the prevalence of malaria infections has remained unchanged (17 %) since 2018. Indeed, early recourse to health care for children is low in rural areas, in poor households and in the regions of Boké, Kindia, Labé and Nzérékoré.</div><div>Research into the factors associated with children suffering from fever seeking care early, particularly in endemic areas, could help to identify new strategies for eradicating malaria in Guinea. The impact of such research could be profound, saving countless lives and improving the health of the country's children.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e00459"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145110114","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}