Infectious Diseases of Poverty最新文献

{"title":"Rapid drug susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis against first-line drugs simultaneously all-in-one plate by using a novel high-sensitive reporter phage combined with the BACTEC MGIT 960 system.","authors":"Ruiqing Ma, Ying Zhang, Minghua Zhu, Muyang Zhang, Chengcheng Qian, Juan Wu, Zhidong Hu, Mingquan Guo, Xiao-Yong Fan","doi":"10.1186/s40249-026-01470-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40249-026-01470-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Reporter phage assay offers a low-cost and rapid approach for drug susceptibility testing (DST) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). However, their adoption in clinical laboratories has been limited by challenges such as low detection sensitivity and operational complexity. To address these challenges, we integrated a novel reporter phage into the clinical laboratory workflow for DST of Mtb.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A novel high-sensitive reporter phage, ΦLSN, was constructed by integrating promoter P_left, the ribosome-binding site (RBS) of promoter P_smyc, and nanoluciferase reporter gene (nluc) into the genome of the temperature-sensitive phage TM4. Subsequently, a rapid, easy-to-use ΦLSN-based workflow was developed for DST of tuberculosis (TB) specimens following mycobacteria growth indicator tube (MGIT) culture, with the distinct advantage of allowing for simultaneous DST of multiple drugs all-in-one plate within 72 h. The accuracy of the ΦLSN DST assay was evaluated against the traditional solid culture assay, using area under the curve (AUC) analysis based on the DeLong test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>When tested against 62 Mtb clinical isolates for susceptibility to first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs (rifampicin, isoniazid, streptomycin, and ethambutol), the ΦLSN DST assay showed sensitivities of 93.8%, 96.4%, 100%, and 80%, and specificities of 100%, 97.1%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. Moreover, preliminary prospective validation against 131 positive MGIT cultures demonstrated that the ΦLSN DST assay achieved sensitivities of 87.5%, 100%, 100%, and 100%, and specificities of 100%, 99.1%, 99.1%, and 99.1% for the four first-line anti-TB drugs within 72 h.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The integration of the BACTEC MGIT 960 with the ΦLSN DST assay provides a high-efficiency and low-cost method for TB DST simultaneously against multiple drugs within 3 days only, presenting potential to enhance the diagnosis and management of drug-resistant TB, especially in the resource-limited regions.</p>","PeriodicalId":48820,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Diseases of Poverty","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13270915/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148266427","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Readmission and survival of hospitalized pulmonary tuberculosis patients: a nationwide record-based cohort analysis in Thailand (2017-2022).","authors":"Kyaw Ko Ko Htet, Nyi Nyi Zayar, Satiti Palupi, Rassamee Chotipanvithayakul, Vorthunju Nakhonsri, Chumpol Ngamphiw, Peerapat Khunkham, Sanya Vasoppakarn, Narumol Atthakul, Sissades Tongsima, Chantisa Keeratipusana, Watcharapot Janpoung, Ponlagrit Kumwichar, Virasakdi Chongsuvivatwong","doi":"10.1186/s40249-026-01467-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40249-026-01467-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Assessing the readmitted diseases and survivors in patients hospitalized with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is crucial for healthcare strategies tailored to TB survivors. This study aims to compare readmissions and survival of hospitalized pulmonary TB patients with those of their matched controls in Thailand.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We retrieved inpatient drug-sensitive pulmonary TB cases from the Thai Health Information Portal database (2017-2022), which included all hospitalized admissions in Thai hospitals. Non-TB controls were selected using 1∶1 propensity score matching by admission date, location, sex, age, and comorbidities. Time to readmission and to death event were the outcome variables. Cox regression with a robust variance sandwich estimator was used and then the E-value was computed. E-values indicate the strength of possible unexplained confounders.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From the propensity score matching, a total of 59,027 patients newly admitted for TB could be matched with 59,027 non-TB inpatient controls. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and E-values for causes of readmission among TB patients were 5.4 (2.1-14.3) and 10.2 for pericarditis, 5.4 (4.1-7.2) and 10.2 for pneumothorax, 3.8 (2.9-4.9) and 7.1 for bronchiectasis, 3.1 (2.4-4.2) and 5.6 for hyperfunction of the pituitary gland, and 2.4 (2.1-2.8) and 4.2 for inflammatory liver diseases. The TB cohort also had a higher risk of death [HR = 1.5 (95% CI: 1.4-1.6) and E-value = 2.3].</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Hospitalized TB patients in Thailand are at higher risk than their non-TB controls in getting readmissions for thoracic problems and death. These problems call for improvement of TB care.</p>","PeriodicalId":48820,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Diseases of Poverty","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13267298/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148260081","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Global distribution, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of human intestinal capillariasis, 2000-2025: a systematic review.","authors":"Jurairat Jongthawin, Kinley Wangdi, Frederick Ramirez Masangkay, Manas Kotepui","doi":"10.1186/s40249-026-01464-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40249-026-01464-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Intestinal capillariasis, caused by Capillaria philippinensis, is an uncommon but potentially fatal parasitic infection associated with the consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater fish. Despite its sporadic occurrence, its clinical severity and diagnostic challenges warrant a comprehensive synthesis of available evidence. This systematic review aimed to summarize the geographic distribution, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and treatment outcomes of human intestinal capillariasis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic search of six electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, Nursing & Allied Health Premium, Ovid) was conducted to identify studies published between January 2000 and August 2025. Eligible studies included case reports, case series, and observational studies investigating C. philippinensis infection in humans. Study selection was performed independently by two reviewers, while data extraction was conducted by one reviewer using a standardized template and independently verified by a second reviewer, with discrepancies resolved through discussion. Data were extracted and synthesized narratively following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thirty-two studies involving 348 patients were included, comprising studies from Asia (25/32), Africa (6/32), and South America (1/32). The burden of intestinal capillariasis was high in symptomatic or high-risk groups (5.0-23.0%) but extremely low (< 0.01%) in community-based or routine screening populations. Consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater fish was consistently identified as the principal risk factor. Clinical features were highly consistent across studies, characterized by chronic watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and peripheral edema. Hypoalbuminemia was the hallmark laboratory abnormality, frequently accompanied by electrolyte disturbances and anemia. Diagnosis relied primarily on stool microscopy, although limited sensitivity often required repeated examinations; histopathology and polymerase chain reaction provided important adjunctive confirmation in selected cases. Co-infections with other intestinal parasites were commonly reported. Treatment with albendazole or mebendazole was generally effective, with comparable outcomes between agents; however, delayed diagnosis was associated with severe complications and occasional mortality.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Intestinal capillariasis is an underrecognized foodborne infection with a consistent clinical and laboratory profile across study designs. Early diagnosis through repeated stool examination and timely treatment with benzimidazoles is critical to improving outcomes. Strengthening food safety practices and enhancing surveillance are essential to reduce disease burden.</p>","PeriodicalId":48820,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Diseases of Poverty","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13267653/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148260134","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Climate change and infectious diseases: translating evidence into action.","authors":"Xiaoming Shi, Tiantian Li, Yu Wang, Qiyong Liu, Jiao Wang, Jie Ban, Patrick L Kinney, Shilu Tong","doi":"10.1186/s40249-026-01468-z","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40249-026-01468-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Climate change is reshaping the global landscape and transmission of infectious diseases, posing a profound threat to public health systems. Despite a growing body of evidence on expanding transmission of infectious diseases due to climate change, translating this evidence into effective actions to reduce infectious disease burden remains insufficient. To address these challenges, we organized this special issue Climate Change and Infectious Diseases and synthesized new evidence on climate-sensitive infectious diseases and response frameworks. To bridge the implementation gap, we propose a core framework of four evidence-based strategies to mitigate impacts of climate change on infectious diseases, including strengthening health adaptation actions, applying innovative and comprehensive control measures, building climate-resilient and low-carbon health systems, and improving global governance and equity. We advocate for translating evidence into action to reduce infectious disease burdens in the context of global climate change, and policymakers, researchers, and clinical practitioners need to work together to achieve this important goal.</p>","PeriodicalId":48820,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Diseases of Poverty","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13251223/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148220343","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development and field evaluation of a multiplex qPCR assay for environmental DNA detection of Schistosoma mekongi and its intermediate snail host Neotricula aperta in the Mekong River Basin.","authors":"Jian He, Peter S Andrus, Sengrloun Phonekeo, Kun Yin, Leshan Xiu, Shan Lv, Kun Yang, Somphou Sayasone, Xiao-Nong Zhou","doi":"10.1186/s40249-026-01466-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40249-026-01466-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Schistosoma mekongi remains an important cause of intestinal schistosomiasis in the lower Mekong River Basin. Sensitive environmental surveillance tools are needed to support transmission monitoring, particularly where conventional snail surveys are seasonally constrained. This study developed and evaluated a multiplex quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay for simultaneous detection of S. mekongi and its intermediate snail host, Neotricula aperta, in aquatic environmental DNA (eDNA) samples.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Singleplex and multiplex qPCR assays targeting S. mekongi and N. aperta were compared to establish the optimal amplification system. Field validation was conducted in the Khong District, Champasak Province, Laos, during the dry season (May 2024) and wet season (August 2024) across 20 transmission sites. Method agreement between eDNA detection and malacological surveys was assessed using Cohen's kappa coefficient, and associations between N. aperta density and physicochemical variables were evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The optimized multiplex qPCR assay targeting N. aperta (16S rRNA) and S. mekongi (18S rRNA) showed high sensitivity, with limits of detection of 5 and 6 copies/μl and limits of quantification of 40 and 46 copies/μl, respectively. In mesocosms, both targets were detected at an infected-snail density of 1 snail/L, with median Cq values of 35.23 for N. aperta and 26.54 for S. mekongi. During the dry-season surveys, 978 N. aperta were collected, with a mean density of 46.25 snails per site; wet-season surveys were not feasible. No schistosome infections were detected by crushing microscopy. Field eDNA analysis detected N. aperta but not S. mekongi, with N. aperta eDNA positivity being 90% in the dry season and 40% in the wet season. Agreement with malacological surveys was moderate (κ = 0.44; p = 0.01) and snail density was significantly associated with water temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This multiplex eDNA assay sensitively detected N. aperta in field water samples and may help overcome seasonal limitations of malacological surveys. Although S. mekongi was detected under laboratory conditions, it was not detected in field samples, consistent with the absence of infected snails. Further validation in active-transmission sites is required before reliable field detection of S. mekongi eDNA can be assumed.</p>","PeriodicalId":48820,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Diseases of Poverty","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13235101/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148165343","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genomic epidemiology reveals the origins and transmission dynamics of chikungunya virus in China.","authors":"Wei Chang, Mengyuan Zheng, Yanxian Jiang, Gaowen Liu, Xiao Chen, Xue Wang, Yan Guo, Li Liu, Yue Feng, Xueshan Xia","doi":"10.1186/s40249-026-01465-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40249-026-01465-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The chikungunya virus (CHIKV) poses a significant public health threat in China, driven by travel-related introductions and local outbreaks. A comprehensive understanding of the spatiotemporal dynamics, viral genetic diversity, and origins of these outbreaks is imperative for surveillance and control measures. This study aimed to characterize the spatiotemporal dynamics of CHIKV in China and elucidate the evolutionary origins of outbreak lineages.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic collection of epidemiological data on CHIKV cases in China was conducted up to December 2025, resulting in the identification of 416 imported cases and 25,948 local cases. A comprehensive retrieval of all publicly available CHIKV genomes from China was conducted. The composition of viral lineages was determined by employing maximum likelihood phylogeny. Substitution rates were estimated, and time-scaled transmission clusters were generated using Bayesian evolutionary analysis. Discrete phylogeographic reconstruction was used to infer spatial diffusion pathways, with statistical support evaluated using Bayes Factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From 1987 to 2025, imported chikungunya cases in China mainly originated from Southeast Asia, especially Myanmar, and were accompanied by several major local outbreaks. Significant outbreaks were reported in Guangdong (2010 and 2025), Yunnan (2019), and Taiwan (2019), with the largest outbreak occurring in Guangdong in 2025 and involving 25,335 cases. Genomic analysis of 314 sequences revealed that the East/Central/South African lineage was the most prevalent, accounting for 92.0% of cases. This lineage includes the Indian Ocean (IOL) and Central African clades. The Asian lineage accounted for the remaining 8.0%. Bayesian analysis identified four independent outbreak clusters. Phylogeographic data supported the conclusion that there were multiple introductions. The IOL clusters spread from Africa and South Asia to Southeast Asia. The 2025 Guangdong outbreak cluster (Central African clade) suggests a possible association with introduction from Africa. The Asian lineage circulated persistently in Southeast Asia before entering Yunnan Province.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>CHIKV outbreaks in China are linked to imported cases, and outbreak lineages consistently match recent imports. The virus entered through various, geographically independent routes. These findings underscore the need for genomic-informed surveillance at key entry points and in high-risk regions to anticipate and prevent local epidemics.</p>","PeriodicalId":48820,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Diseases of Poverty","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13234983/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148165372","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Repurposing GeneXpert® for rapid diagnosis of HPV-associated anal cancer: a case report of an unusually large lesion.","authors":"Livia Bresciani, Jacqueline Concha-Jaimes, Alonso Díaz-Sheen, Jorge Miguel Sabina-Vela, Heidy Sanchez, Manuel Rojas-Blasquez, Kristopher Pinto, Paolo Vassalini, Cesar Johnny Ramal-Asayag","doi":"10.1186/s40249-026-01457-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40249-026-01457-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is strongly linked to persistent infection with high-risk HPV genotypes, particularly in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), who experience higher rates of viral persistence and oncogenic progression. The burden of HPV-related malignancies is disproportionately higher in low-resource settings, where limited access to screening, histopathology, and specialist care contributes to delayed diagnosis and advanced-stage presentation. In such contexts, rapid molecular diagnostic tools may help overcome diagnostic delays and support earlier clinical decision-making.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>We describe an atypically presenting HPV-associated anal squamous cell carcinoma in a man living with HIV from the Peruvian Amazon, a region characterized by geographic and structural barriers to healthcare access. The patient presented with a large exophytic perianal lesion measuring 16 × 7 × 4 cm³, exceeding sizes typically reported in the literature and reflecting prolonged disease progression. High-risk HPV type 16 was detected using a GeneXpert® assay applied to solid tissue, an approach rarely described, as most available evidence and current guidelines focus on swab-based specimens. Histopathological confirmation of HPV-associated squamous cell carcinoma was delayed due to limited local pathology services. In the interim, molecular HPV testing contributed to early diagnostic orientation and clinical planning. Imaging findings raised suspicion for advanced disease, although definitive metastatic staging could not be established due to incomplete diagnostic workup.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This case highlights the potential utility of tissue-based GeneXpert HPV testing as a rapid adjunctive diagnostic tool in resource-limited settings where access to histopathology is delayed. Early molecular identification of high-risk HPV may support timely clinical decision-making and facilitate linkage to care. However, its clinical impact remains constrained in the context of advanced disease at presentation, underscoring the importance of addressing structural barriers to early diagnosis and sustained HIV and cancer care in underserved regions.</p>","PeriodicalId":48820,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Diseases of Poverty","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13224515/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148139471","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Short-term health system responses to epidemics across hard-to-reach areas in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review.","authors":"Annette A Murunga, Ben Ngoye, Francis P Wafula","doi":"10.1186/s40249-026-01463-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40249-026-01463-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Epidemics and disease outbreaks continue to threaten public health security in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), disproportionately impacting impoverished and hard-to-reach populations. Although many country-specific studies exist, few syntheses have examined short-term health system responses to epidemics in hard-to-reach areas of SSA and their effects on health equity and resilience. This scoping review consolidates regional evidence on structural and policy-relevant lessons for enhancing health system preparedness and epidemic management in resource-limited settings.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Four electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, CAB Direct, and Google scholar) and grey literature sources for studies published between 2012 and 2022. Eligible studies reported short-term (immediate or early-phase) health system responses to epidemic-prone infectious diseases in SSA. Data were extracted thematically using Excel and analysed using a modified Donabedian framework encompassing structures, processes, and outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria and examined responses to Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), and other epidemic-prone infections. Common weaknesses identified included shortages of trained healthcare workers, limited financial resources, poor leadership and coordination, and weak information systems. However, countries such as Rwanda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Uganda demonstrated adaptive governance, decentralised coordination, and the use of digital tools to improve surveillance, communication, and service delivery. Strong community engagement helped reduce stigma and increased adherence to control measures, especially in rural and underserved areas. Countries that incorporated epidemic response into existing primary healthcare and routine services achieved better equity and system resilience.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The scoping review underscores strong evidence for incorporating epidemic preparedness into the broader health system. Policy focus areas include enhancing leadership and governance, establishing swift response mechanisms at subnational levels, and utilising technology for real-time data and coordination. Regional collaborations like those facilitated by the Africa CDC can improve collective resilience. Going forward, policies should prioritise not just emergency response but also ongoing investment in flexible, learning health systems that can withstand shocks while consistently providing essential services.</p>","PeriodicalId":48820,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Diseases of Poverty","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13217932/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148057699","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Where you live matters, but action is personal: insights from multilevel analysis of pre-exposure prophylaxis awareness, willingness, and use among men who have sex with men in China.","authors":"Nahom Kiros Gebregziabher, Junfeng Zhang, Qinghua Shang, Qingcui Wu, Zhaoyu Cheng, Hui Gong, Maohe Yu, Zhongdan Chen, Changping Li, Zhuang Cui","doi":"10.1186/s40249-026-01462-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40249-026-01462-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective HIV prevention strategy, yet its uptake among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China remains low. This study aimed to assess whether city-level differences influence the PrEP awareness, willingness, and ever-use among MSM in China.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A secondary analysis of a national cross-sectional survey of MSM (n = 5041) from 42 Chinese cities was conducted. We fitted generalized linear mixed models with city as a random intercept for awareness and ever-use. Willingness showed no significant clustering by city and was analyzed using logistic regression. Independent variables were grouped according to Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use into predisposing, enabling, and need-related factors. Interclass correlation (ICC) quantifies the variance between cities.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The majority (87.2%) had heard of PrEP, 58.4% were willing to use it, and 13.0% had ever used it. In fully adjusted models, city-level clustering remained evident for PrEP awareness (ICC = 5.3%, P = 0.003) and ever-use (ICC = 8.1%, P = 0.011), indicating a measurable influence of place of residence. Willingness showed no significant between-city variation. PrEP awareness was higher among younger MSM (aOR = 0.98, P < 0.05) and those with lower income (< 3000 CNY: aOR = 0.67, P < 0.05), and not knowing partners' HIV status (aOR = 0.57, P < 0.001) was associated with reduced awareness. Willingness to use PrEP was lower among those earning < 3000 CNY (aOR = 0.75, P < 0.05), positively associated with higher per capita health expenditure (aOR = 1.02, P < 0.05), and negatively associated with higher HIV prevalence (aOR = 0.96, P < 0.01). Ever use of PrEP was associated with condomless sex (aOR = 1.62, P < 0.001), while lower income (< 3000 CNY: aOR = 0.45, P < 0.001) remained a significant barrier.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Place of residence affects PrEP awareness and use, but not willingness. However, actual use is primarily driven by individual-level factors. HIV prevention in China should combine city-level service expansion with targeted individual-level interventions to close the gap between PrEP awareness, willingness, and actual use.</p>","PeriodicalId":48820,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Diseases of Poverty","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13200295/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148018459","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Heavy burden of soil-transmitted helminth infections in a remote and impoverished indigenous community of Honduras revealed by real time polymerase chain reaction.","authors":"Maria Esther Araujo, Ana Sanchez, Gabriela Matamoros","doi":"10.1186/s40249-026-01454-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40249-026-01454-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) remain highly prevalent in Honduras, disproportionately affecting rural and underserved populations. Diagnostic limitations, particularly for Necator americanus and Strongyloides stercoralis, hinder accurate burden estimation. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and species distribution of STH infections using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a remote, resource-limited setting.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A rapid, non-representative cross-sectional survey was conducted among children and adults in a remote community in the Honduran Moskitia. Stool samples were analyzed using multiplex real-time PCR. Prevalence was estimated with 95% confidence intervals. Differences between groups were assessed using Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression models were used to explore associations of infection with age and sex. Ct values were summarized using medians and interquartile ranges.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall community STH prevalence was 85.2% [95% confidence intervals (CI): 78.6-92.3], with 72.2% (95% CI: 58.4-83.5) in adults and 98.1% (95% CI: 90.1-100) in school-aged children, who were predominantly infected with Trichuris trichiura (77.8%, 95% CI: 69.9-85.7), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (50.0%, 95% CI: 40.6-59.4), N. americanus (29.6%, 95% CI: 21.0-38.2), and S. stercoralis (3.7%, 95% CI: 0.1-7.3). Younger age and female sex were identified as significant risk factors for T. trichiura.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The extreme hyperendemicity of STH infections in the study community poses a serious health risk to its population, particularly children. These findings support the need for larger, systematically designed parasitological surveys that integrate sensitive diagnostic molecular tools to help precisely map STH epidemiology and guide control efforts in this and other underserved regions.</p>","PeriodicalId":48820,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Diseases of Poverty","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13200298/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148018416","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}