PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases最新文献

{"title":"Clinical characteristics and serotype association of dengue and dengue like illness in Pakistan.","authors":"Najeeha Talat Iqbal, Kumail Ahmed, Aqsa Khalid, Kehkashan Imtiaz, Qamreen Mumtaz Ali, Tania Munir, Syed Faisal Mahmood, Unab Khan, Badar Afzal, Farah Naz Qamar, Jesse J Waggoner, Hannah Fenelon, Helene McOwen, Erum Khan, Peter Rabinowitz, Wesley C Van Voorhis","doi":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0012978","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0012978","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pakistan has been an endemic country for dengue virus since 1994, with a significant increase in cases reported in 2022 largely due to heavy rainfall and flooding. All four serotypes of the dengue virus (DENV) are present in Pakistan, with DENV 1 and DENV 2 being the most prevalent. The current study aims to explore the clinical presentations and features of dengue fever in a tertiary care hospital.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>We enrolled and studied 349 cases of suspected and confirmed dengue presenting for care at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi between June 2021 and November 2023. Collected data on cases included clinical symptoms and laboratory results including qRT-PCR and serotype characterization.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The majority of subjects enrolled (75%) had mild disease without warning signs, while 11% exhibited warning signs, 1.4% had severe dengue, and 12.6% had no dengue diagnosis. Patients with severe dengue (SD) had significantly higher levels of liver enzymes (AST and ALT) compared to those with non-severe dengue (NSD) (AST; p = 0.024 and ALT; p = 0.047). Additionally, a higher grade of thrombocytopenia was significantly associated with hospitalization (p = 0.0008), and prolonged illness (p = 0.03). Both Platelet (p < 0.0001) and WBC counts (p = 0.001) were significantly lower in dengue PCR-positive patients in comparison to Dengue PCR-negative. Among those tested for dengue serotypes, DENV 1 (34%) and DENV 2 (45%) emerged as the predominant serotypes, with mixed infections accounting for 17%. The sensitivity of q-RT PCR was found to be 87.25% and the specificity of 68.35%. qRT-PCR detected 43.5% of cases with viral fever initially screened negative by IgM or NS1.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The epidemiology of dengue fever during a widespread outbreak in 2022 showed a predominance of DENV 1 and DENV 2 serotypes with milder phenotype of viral illness. Screening with rapid tests requires further confirmation by molecular assay in cases with dengue and dengue-like illness. The sensitivity of q-RT PCR using gold standard.</p>","PeriodicalId":49000,"journal":{"name":"PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases","volume":"19 5","pages":"e0012978"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12068610/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144051240","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of Blastocystis carriage and colonization intensity on gut microbiota composition in a non-westernized rural population from Colombia.","authors":"Sergio Castañeda, Jeff Tomiak, Lee O'Brien Andersen, Claudia Patricia Acosta, Luis Reinel Vasquez-A, Christen Rune Stensvold, Juan David Ramírez","doi":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0013111","DOIUrl":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0013111","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The role of Blastocystis, a common intestinal parasitic protist of humans and other animals, in human health and disease remains elusive. Recent studies suggest a connection between Blastocystis colonization, healthier lifestyles, and high-diversity gut microbiota. Nevertheless, studies concerning the relationship between Blastocystis colonization, its intensity, and gut microbiota composition -involving both bacterial and eukaryotic communities- remain limited.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study examines the impact of Blastocystis carriage and colonization intensity on gut microbiota composition in a rural community in Colombia. A total of 88 human samples were collected from the rural population of Las Guacas village, located in the Cauca department in southwest Colombia. We utilized 16S and 18S rDNA sequencing to analyze both bacterial and eukaryotic microbiota, comparing Blastocystis-positive and -negative individuals, as well as groups with varying Blastocystis colonization intensity (low, medium, high), to identify distinct microbiota profiles and differentially abundant taxa linked to each condition.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The analysis revealed significant differences between Blastocystis-positive and -negative individuals. In terms of bacterial composition and structure, Blastocystis-positive individuals exhibited distinct microbiota profiles, as shown by beta diversity analysis. Taxa associated with colonization included Bacteroides, Prevotella, Oscillibacter, Faecalibacterium, and Alistipes. Higher Blastocystis colonization intensity was associated with an increased abundance of taxa such as Alistipes and Lachnospira, while lower intensities correlated with beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia. Regarding eukaryotic composition, beta diversity analysis revealed distinct profiles associated with Blastocystis colonization. Differentially abundant taxa, including Entamoeba coli, were more prevalent in Blastocystis-positive individuals, while Blastocystis-negative individuals exhibited a higher abundance of opportunistic fungi, such as Candida albicans. Machine learning models, including random forest classifiers, supported these findings, identifying Faecalibacterium and Bacteroides as predictors of Blastocystis colonization.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings suggest that Blastocystis may modulate gut microbiota, contributing to microbial balance providing new insights into the ecological implications of Blastocystis in rural populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":49000,"journal":{"name":"PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases","volume":"19 5","pages":"e0013111"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12097710/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144056264","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"XDR typhoid in Pakistan: A threat to global health security and a wake-up call for antimicrobial stewardship.","authors":"Muhammad Ahmed Abdullah, Babar Tasneem Shaikh, Maryam Ashraf, Shahzad Ali Khan","doi":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0013067","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0013067","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid, caused by Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi, has emerged as a critical global health security threat, with Pakistan, particularly Sindh province, at its epicenter. The misuse of antibiotics, inadequate diagnostic tools, and poor water and sanitation infrastructure have created ideal conditions for the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). XDR typhoid strains resistant to multiple first-line antibiotics have been linked to environmental contamination, with urban areas like Karachi demonstrating high rates of waterborne transmission. International travel has amplified this threat, exporting cases to countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, thus highlighting its global implications. This commentary examines the historical context of typhoid treatment, the drivers of AMR in Pakistan, and the critical role of antimicrobial stewardship in combating XDR typhoid. It advocates for an integrated approach that would encompass improvements in water quality, expanded vaccination coverage with typhoid conjugate vaccines (TCVs), and stringent audit of antibiotic prescription practices. Immediate local and global action is needed to contain this public health crisis and prevent the resurgence of typhoid as a largely untreatable disease. This situation underscores the urgency of addressing AMR to safeguard global health security.</p>","PeriodicalId":49000,"journal":{"name":"PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases","volume":"19 5","pages":"e0013067"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12068562/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144020762","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The impact and cost of a new rapid diagnostic test for school-based prevalence mapping and monitoring and evaluation surveys of schistosomiasis: A modelling study.","authors":"Joshua M Chevalier, Kyra H Grantz, Sarah Girdwood, Stella Kepha, Thierry Ramos, Brooke E Nichols, Shaukat Khan, Sarah Hingel","doi":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0013071","DOIUrl":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0013071","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In endemic communities where the prevalence of Schistosomiasis is ≥ 10%, annual preventive chemotherapy is recommended. Traditional sampling methods determine infection prevalence through district-level surveys in school-aged-children (SAC). Recently, an alternative sampling strategy-the Schistosomiasis Practical and Precision Assessment (SPPA) protocol-was developed to aid in targeting treatment to the sub-district level. A prototype circulating anodic antigen rapid diagnostic test (CAA RDT) could avoid the pitfalls associated with current microscopy techniques and therefore be better suited to support precision-mapping.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>We modelled the ability of a CAA RDT to correctly classify sub-district prevalence above or below the 10% threshold in simulated districts under alternative sampling strategies. Each district (10 sub-districts/district) had varying mean prevalence and prevalence distributions. Test sensitivity (60-100%) and specificity (95-100%) of the CAA RDT was varied. We then determined the associated survey costs for prevalence mapping or monitoring and evaluation for each sampling strategy using the CAA RDT compared to microscopy.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The CAA RDT cost/SAC was US$12.14, which was similar to Kato-Katz (US$13.23/SAC) using traditional sampling. Sampling with the CAA RDT cost the least when conducting SPPA sampling or M&E, or when both Kato-Katz and urine filtration were required. High specificity of the CAA RDT was a key determinant of performance and a test with 100% specificity and 85% sensitivity correctly classified the most sub-districts (87%) under SPPA sampling. SPPA sampling generally led to less under- and overtreatment of sub-districts compared to traditional sampling.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A CAA RDT with high specificity will lead to similar treatment success at lower costs, under either sampling strategy, as compared to Kato-Katz and urine filtration. The CAA RDT could be a valuable diagnostic tool for determining schistosomiasis prevalence and could better support precision mapping strategies through reduced costs, thereby improving mass drug administration and aiding programmes to eliminate schistosomiasis as a public health problem.</p>","PeriodicalId":49000,"journal":{"name":"PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases","volume":"19 5","pages":"e0013071"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12097705/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144023597","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical features of talaromycosis in people living with HIV/AIDS (PWHA) and patients with anti-interferon-γ autoantibodies.","authors":"Kawisara Krasaewes, Narootchai Patanadamrongchai, Quanhathai Kaewpoowat, Jiraprapa Wipasa, Saowaluck Yasri, Antika Wongthanee, Romanee Chaiwarith","doi":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0012992","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0012992","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Talaromycosis is increasingly reported in HIV-uninfected, immunocompromised individuals in an endemic area. The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics and mortality associated with talaromycosis in adult immunocompromised individuals caused by the anti-interferon-gamma autoantibody (anti-IFN- γ AAb) with those of people living with HIV/AIDS (PWHA).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, Thailand, in adults with confirmed HIV infection or anti-IFN- γ-AAbs diagnosed with talaromycosis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thirty-two patients with anti-IFN- γ-AAbs and 235 PWHA were included. Patients with anti-IFN- γ-AAbs were older and more likely to have comorbidities. PWHA were more likely to have constitutional symptoms, cough, dyspnea, diarrhea, splenomegaly, umbilicated skin lesions, abnormal chest radiographs, and fungemia. Patients with anti-IFN- γ-AAbs were more likely to have skin lesions such as macule/papules/nodules, abscesses and Sweet's syndrome, as well as bone and joint infections and higher white blood cell counts. The time from first symptom to treatment was longer in patients with anti-IFN- γ-AAbs (44.5 days vs. 30.0 days, p-value = 0.049). The 24-week mortality rate was 9.4% (3 patients) in patients with anti-IFN- γ-AAbs and 15.3% (36 patients) in PWHA (p-value = 0.372).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The clinical features of talaromycosis in patients with anti-IFN- γ-AAbs differed from PWHA. Clinicians in areas where talaromycosis is endemic should be aware of the different features of talaromycosis in patients with anti-IFN- γ AAbs.</p>","PeriodicalId":49000,"journal":{"name":"PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases","volume":"19 5","pages":"e0012992"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12064013/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144018193","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Socio-cultural and structural barriers influencing parents' knowledge and access to information on schistosomiasis in children around Ugandan Lakes.","authors":"Lisa Sophie Reigl, Maxson Kenneth Anyolitho, Stella Neema, Mary Amuyunzu-Nyamongo, Andrea Buhl, Jennifer Burrill, Marie Frese, Djouquou Alexise Gnahore, Eveline Hürlimann, Lobohon Suzanne Lavry Épouse Yao, Janet Masaku, Nora Monnier, Ashley Preston, Alice Sereti Sinkeet, Peter Steinmann, Alain Toh, Orkan Okan, Andrea S Winkler, Isabelle L Lange","doi":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0013050","DOIUrl":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0013050","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In Uganda, the national prevalence of schistosomiasis is 36.1% among the two-to-four-year age group. Knowledge about schistosomiasis and socio-cultural factors have been reported to influence adult participation in mass drug administrations of praziquantel, the standard medication used to treat the disease. In advance and support of the (pilot) introduction of the recently developed paediatric praziquantel formulation (arpraziquantel), we conducted research on parent and other community members' knowledge about paediatric schistosomiasis, their information sources, and potential perceived barriers that influence knowledge and access to information on schistosomiasis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional qualitative study consisted of 65 in-depth interviews and ten focus group discussions with parents/guardians of preschool-aged children (PSAC), Village Health Teams (VHTs), health professionals, community leading persons and district officials, in addition to direct observations. We collected data concurrently in Hoima District at Lake Albert and Bugiri at Lake Victoria, Uganda, in 2022. The analysis followed both an inductive and a deductive thematic approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Despite high parental awareness of the disease and knowledge of signs and symptoms, we identified less familiarity with its transmission and prevention. With limited communication channels, VHTs emerged as the primary information sources but reflected varied local understandings of schistosomiasis. Parents expressed a desire to be informed about the new paediatric treatment through VHTs, health professionals, and community leaders, and partly through the radio. Other mentioned socio-cultural and structural barriers to information flow included language barriers, illiteracy, high population movement, fears, and resentment from restrictive government fishing laws.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Carefully designed information campaigns tailored to local circumstances and health literacy needs should be carried out by trained VHTs and preferably supported by health professionals and the local leadership structure. These components are essential to inform parents/guardians of PSAC, enabling them to make well-informed decisions for their children's health.</p>","PeriodicalId":49000,"journal":{"name":"PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases","volume":"19 5","pages":"e0013050"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12091885/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144033922","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unprecedented in vivo activity of telacebec against Mycobacterium leprae.","authors":"Aurélie Chauffour, Emmanuelle Cambau, Kevin Pethe, Nicolas Veziris, Alexandra Aubry","doi":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0013076","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0013076","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>New drugs targeting the electron transport chain (ETC) seem to be a promising advance in leprosy treatment. In this study, we evaluated the bactericidal activity of telacebec (TCB), a phase 2 drug candidate for tuberculosis, alongside known ETC-targeting antibiotics, bedaquiline (BDQ) and clofazimine (CFZ), as monotherapy or in combination.</p><p><strong>Methodology/ principal findings: </strong>We used the reference leprosy proportional bactericidal mouse footpad model. Four hundred and ten mice were inoculated in the footpads with 5x104 to 5x100 bacilli of M. leprae strain THAI53 for the untreated control group and groups treated with drug-monotherapies, and with 5x104 to 5x101 for groups treated with drug-combinations. Mice were randomly allocated into the following groups: 2 control groups (untreated or standard multi drug therapy (MDT), rifampin, dapsone and clofazimine with dosing equipotent to human dosing) and 7 test groups (TCB 10mg/kg, bedaquiline 25mg/kg (BDQ), clofazimine 20mg/kg (CFZ), CFZ + BDQ, TCB + BDQ, TCB + CFZ, TCB + CFZ + BDQ). Mice in the test groups received either one month treatment (MDT) or a single dose of the drugs (TCB, RIF, BDQ, CFZ). Twelve months later, mice were sacrificed to enumerate M. leprae bacilli in the footpad. All the footpads became negative in the MDT, TCB and combination groups except in the TCB + CFZ group where 2 mice remained positive in the 5x104 inoculum.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>We demonstrated that monotherapy of TCB exhibited bactericidal activity against M. leprae comparable to that of MDT and that all combination therapies were as effective as MDT, except the combination TCB + CFZ, possibly due to an antagonism between these two drugs.</p>","PeriodicalId":49000,"journal":{"name":"PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases","volume":"19 5","pages":"e0013076"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12061105/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144065167","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The potential impacts of vector host species fidelity on zoonotic arbovirus transmission.","authors":"Tijani A Sulaimon, Anthony J Wood, Michael B Bonsall, Michael Boots, Jennifer S Lord","doi":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0012196","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0012196","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The interaction between vector host preference and host availability on vector blood feeding behaviour has important implications for the transmission of vector-borne pathogens. However, to our knowledge, the effect of bias towards feeding on the same host species from which a first meal was taken, termed fidelity, has not been quantified. Using a mathematical model we showed that vector fidelity to the host species they take a first blood meal from leads to non-homogeneous mixing between hosts and vectors. Taking Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) as a case study, we investigated how vector preference for amplifying vs dead-end hosts and fidelity can influence JEV transmission. We show that in regions where pigs (amplifying hosts) are scarce compared to cattle (dead-end hosts preferred by common JEV vectors), JEV could still be maintained through vector fidelity. Our findings demonstrate the importance of considering fidelity as a potential driver of transmission, particularly in scenarios such as Bangladesh and India where the composition of the host community might initially suggest that transmission is not possible.</p>","PeriodicalId":49000,"journal":{"name":"PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases","volume":"19 5","pages":"e0012196"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12061148/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144023599","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni infections using parasitological indicators after seven years of preventive chemotherapy among school-age children in Mizan-Aman town.","authors":"Mitiku Abera, Tariku Belay, Daniel Emana, Zeleke Mekonnen","doi":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0013058","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0013058","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Soil-transmitted helminthiasis and Schistosomiasis are major public health problems mainly among school-age children. Despite the seven years of implementing elimination program, the ongoing prevalence and intensity of both diseases have not been assessed in the study area. Hence, this study aimed to determine the parasitological indicator (prevalence and intensity) of soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni infections after seven years of preventive chemotherapy among school-age children in Mizan-Aman town.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 615 school-age children from January to February 2022 in Mizan-Aman Town. Study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Sociodemographic and associated factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. The stool samples were collected and processed using the double-slide Kato-Katz technique. The parasitological indicator was evaluated based on the thresholds set by the elimination program.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths infection was 50.7% (95% CI: 46.8-54.8); with 2.4% moderate and heavy intensity, and Schistosoma mansoni infection prevalence was 25.4% (95% CI: 22.1-28.6), with 3.3% heavy intensity infection. School-age children in public schools; AOR: 3.92, (95% CI: 2.33-6.60), drinking river water; AOR: 1.79, (95% CI: 1.08-2.98), irregular handwashing before meals; AOR: 3.18, (95% CI: 1.24-8.35), eating unwashed fruits; AOR: 2.47, (95% CI: 1.56-3.92), and habits of soil contact; AOR: 2.48, (95% CI: 1.69-3.62), were associated factors for soil-transmitted helminths infection, whereas river swimming habits; AOR: 3.46, (95% CI: 2.18-5.50), bathing in the river; AOR: 3.29, (95% CI: 2.18-5.50), male gender; AOR: 1.72, (95% CI: 1.15-2.58), and school-age children in public schools; AOR: 2.36, 95% CI (1.19-4.68), were predictors of Schistosoma mansoni infection.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite the preventive chemotherapy that has been implemented in the study area, the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni infections persist at a high level. Hence, the preventive chemotherapy implementation could be revised and integrated with other control strategies for elimination.</p>","PeriodicalId":49000,"journal":{"name":"PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases","volume":"19 5","pages":"e0013058"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12061090/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144058306","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring community knowledge, perceptions, and the impacts of anthrax among farming communities living in game management areas in Zambia: A qualitative study using a hybrid approach.","authors":"Chisoni Mumba, Davies Phiri, Exillia Kabbudula, Laila Gondwe, Noanga Mebelo, Gubula Simweene, Mutinta N Hankolwe, Kezzy Besa, Suwilanji S Sichone, Mwila Kayula, Mainda Geoffrey, Kivaria M Fredrick, Charles Bebay, Soumare Baba, Mtui-Malamsha N Jesse, Suze P Filippini, Chitwambi Makungu","doi":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0012852","DOIUrl":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0012852","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Anthrax remains a neglected zoonotic disease of critical public and animal health significance in Zambia, particularly in regions with active human-wildlife-livestock interfaces such as the Western, Southern and Eastern provinces of Zambia. This study explores the socio-ecological drivers of anthrax transmission and examines the role of legal and illegal wildlife trade value chains in sustaining outbreaks. Secondly, the study explores the methodology used to investigate community knowledge, perceptions, and the impacts of anthrax through focus group discussions (FGDs) and a hybrid approach combining traditional thematic analysis with artificial intelligence (AI) tools. The research was framed within the interpretivist paradigm, aiming to understand shared experiences and socio-cultural contexts. The study utilized focus groups to encourage interaction and generate rich, collective insights. The hybrid approach allowed for data analysis that combined researcher-led reflexivity with AI-driven thematic analysis. Findings reveal diverse levels of awareness about anthrax, widespread misconceptions, and the influence of cultural beliefs on health behaviours. Communities linked anthrax outbreaks to interactions with wildlife and the illegal game meat trade, highlighting the complex interplay of ecological, economic, and behavioural factors in disease dynamics. Additionally, the study underscores the socioeconomic toll of anthrax, including livestock losses, disrupted livelihoods, and food insecurity, compounded by inadequate public health and veterinary responses. The insights gained from this research emphasize the need for multi-sectoral interventions tailored to the specific needs of these communities.</p>","PeriodicalId":49000,"journal":{"name":"PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases","volume":"19 5","pages":"e0012852"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12088521/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144023595","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}