PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases最新文献

{"title":"Detection of Haemophilus ducreyi from environmental and animal samples in Cameroon.","authors":"Philippe Ndzomo, Serges Tchatchouang, Onana Boyomo, Tania Crucitti, Michael Marks, Sara Eyangoh","doi":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0013091","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0013091","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Children in parts of Africa, the South Pacific, and Southeast Asia frequently develop cutaneous ulcers caused by two bacteria: Haemophilus ducreyi (HD) and Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue (causative agent of yaws). The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to eradicate yaws using mass administration of azithromycin. This also leads to a temporary decrease in ulcers caused by HD followed by a rebound suggesting an ongoing reservoir of infection. The aim of this study was to investigate whether HD could spread through the environment or animals.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Alongside detection of human cases of cutaneous ulcers from villages in Cameroon, we additionally collected samples from animals (dogs, cats, flies), fomites (bedsheets, clothing, benches, doors), and water sources (marigots and lakes). DNA was extracted and tested for HD and T. pallidum using two specific qPCR assays.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>HD was not detected in any of the environmental samples but it was on both clothing (13.3%) and in flies (27%). Flies also tested positive for T. pallidum, but at a lower rate (2.6%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These results suggest that flies and some fomites may contribute to the transmission of HD. Future research should focus on determining whether either of these are capable of carrying live bacteria that can cause onward transmission.</p>","PeriodicalId":49000,"journal":{"name":"PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases","volume":"19 5","pages":"e0013091"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144055373","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development and validation of a simple-to-use nomogram for predicting severe scrub typhus in children.","authors":"Yonghan Luo, Yan Guo, Yanchun Wang, Xiaotao Yang","doi":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0013090","DOIUrl":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0013090","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to develop and validate a simple-to-use nomogram for predicting severe scrub typhus (ST) in children.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective study of 256 patients with ST was performed at the Kunming Children's Hospital from January 2015 to November 2022. ALL patients were divided into a common and severe group based on the severity of the disease. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model was used to identify the optimal predictors, and the predictive nomogram was plotted by multivariable logistic regression. The nomogram was assessed by calibration, discrimination, and clinical utility.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>LASSO regression analysis identified that hemoglobin count (Hb), platelet count (PLT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatine kinase isoenzyme MB(CK-MB) and hypoproteinemia were the optimal predictors for severe ST. The nomogram was plotted by the six predictors. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the nomogram was 0.870(95% CI = 0.812 ~ 0.928) in training set and 0.839(95% CI = 0.712 ~ 0.967) in validation set. The calibration curve demonstrated that the nomogram was well-fitted, and the decision curve analysis (DCA) showed that the nomogram was clinically beneficial.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study developed and validated a simple-to-use nomogram for predicting severe ST in children based on six predictors including Hb, PLT, LDH, BUN, CK-MB and hypoproteinemia, demonstrating excellent predictive accuracy for the data, though external and prospective validation is required to assess its potential clinical utility.</p>","PeriodicalId":49000,"journal":{"name":"PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases","volume":"19 5","pages":"e0013090"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12083823/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144055070","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 psychosocial and emotional burden of lymphatic filariasis: A systematic review.","authors":"Jorge Vasconez-Gonzalez, Camila Miño, María de Lourdes Noboa, Andrea Tello-De-la-Torre, Juan S Izquierdo-Condoy, Esteban Ortiz-Prado","doi":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0013073","DOIUrl":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0013073","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease affecting an estimated 882.5 million people at risk of infection. It is caused by the filarial nematodes Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori, leading to lymphedema, and severe deformation of extremities and resulting in both physical and mental health consequences. Affected individuals often suffer from depression, anxiety, and anger, exacerbated by disability, marginalization, and societal rejection due to their physical disability.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic review of the literature was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, using the PubMed, Scopus, and Scielo databases without date restrictions, and including articles in both Spanish and English. The quality of selected articles was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale and the JBI critical appraisal checklist. Our protocol was registered in PROSPERO under de code: CRD42024537760.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 23 studies were included in this analysis, which identified the emotional impact of LF. Common symptoms include depression, anxiety, frustration, anger, and feelings of inferiority. Physical disability caused by lymphedema led to societal rejection, contributing to the development of these symptoms. We also found that the severity or advancement of the disease correlated with an increased emotional and social impact.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>LF significantly impacts the quality of life due to both its physical and emotional consequences. Psychological support for affected individuals is crucial from diagnosis, and the education of transmission and treatment of LF in endemic communities is essential to prevent discrimination and exclusion.</p>","PeriodicalId":49000,"journal":{"name":"PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases","volume":"19 5","pages":"e0013073"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12084059/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144033514","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":"Cystatin antibodies interfere with ovary development in Haemaphysalis doenitzi (Acari: Ixodidae).","authors":"Songbo Zhang, Zhihua Gao, Ahmed H Ghonaim, Weijia Xing, Weikang Zhao, Jiayi Zhang, Xiaolong Yang","doi":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0013064","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0013064","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Anti-tick vaccines are gaining attention as a strategy to prevent tick infestations by activating the immune response of the host. Antibodies produced by the host inhibit tick growth and reproduction, but the molecular mechanism remains to be clarified. In this study, we investigated the effects of cystatin antibodies on the ovarian function of Haemaphysalis doenitzi. Histological analysis revealed that exposure to cystatin antibodies resulted in a significant reduction in the number of eggs produced and caused severe damage to the ovarian tissue structure. Immunofluorescence experiments confirmed the significant expression of cystatin within the ovary. Proteomics and phosphoproteomics identified 31 and 10 differentially expressed proteins in the relevant pathways, respectively. These changes in protein levels were found to be regulated by various mechanisms, including ribosomes activity, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, RNA transport, the TCA cycle, drug metabolism, and mTOR signaling pathways. Notably, there was high expression of tropomyosin and low expression of glutathione S-transferase (GST) during ovarian detoxification. Enzyme activity assays indicated a significant down-regulation of GST enzyme activity in the immunized group, suggesting that cystatin antibodies impaired the detoxification capacity of the ticks. Both tropomyosin and GST were successfully cloned and designated as HD-TPMa and HD-GSTa, respectively. RNA interference (RNAi) successfully knocked down the target gene. Ticks subjected to immersion in cystatin antibodies exhibited a significantly increased mortality rate after 72 hours. This study elucidated the molecular mechanism by which cystatin antibodies inhibit the growth and development of tick ovaries, providing an important scientific basis for the development of effective tick ovary control strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":49000,"journal":{"name":"PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases","volume":"19 5","pages":"e0013064"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12057904/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144035386","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":"(In)coherence between Chagas disease policy and the experiences of those affected in Mexico: The need for a transdisciplinary approach.","authors":"Mariela Aké-Chan, Mariana Sanmartino, María Teresa Castillo-Burguete, Adriana González-Martínez, Carlos N Ibarra-Cerdeña","doi":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0013052","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0013052","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, remains a significant public health challenge in México, symbolizing systemic neglect in healthcare. Despite longstanding efforts to control its transmission, there are critical gaps in the alignment of public health policies with the lived experiences of affected individuals. This study examines these dissonances by analyzing qualitative interviews with 61 individuals diagnosed with T. cruzi and reviewing relevant Mexican public health regulations, including national standards and action programs. Findings reveal that most diagnoses occur incidentally, such as during blood donation or vector control campaigns, with minimal active case detection at the primary healthcare level. Affected individuals often encounter insufficient follow-up care, significant barriers to treatment, and misinformation that exacerbates psychological distress. Among the 14 participants who received etiological treatment, access was frequently due to individual persistence rather than systemic support, highlighting inequities in healthcare delivery. Additionally, structural barriers, including economic constraints and insufficient local healthcare infrastructure, further limit access to timely diagnosis and treatment, particularly in rural areas. Policy gaps include the absence of universal T. cruzi testing for pregnant individuals, lack of vertical transmission prevention strategies, and inadequate communication between healthcare providers and patients. Current public health initiatives disproportionately prioritize vector control and blood bank screening, neglecting the broader social and economic challenges faced by those already diagnosed. The study underscores the urgent need for a transdisciplinary approach to Chagas disease management in México, integrating biomedical, sociocultural, and policy perspectives. Recommendations include implementing universal prenatal screening for T. cruzi, enhancing health communication strategies, reframing Chagas as a manageable condition to reduce stigma, and improving follow-up care protocols. Addressing these challenges requires intersectoral collaboration and an inclusive approach that values the lived experiences of affected communities. By bridging the gap between policy and practice, this research contributes to the development of holistic strategies that not only control Chagas disease transmission but also improve the quality of life for those already impacted. These insights are essential for informing public health reforms in México and other endemic regions, advancing equity and effectiveness in neglected tropical disease management.</p>","PeriodicalId":49000,"journal":{"name":"PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases","volume":"19 5","pages":"e0013052"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12058127/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144008488","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":"Enhancing national cholera surveillance using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs): A mixed methods evaluation.","authors":"Erin T Baumgartner, Kendra N Williams, Emee Rai, Erica N Rosser, Rudra P Marasini, Sagar Dahal, Anu Shakya, Julia Lynch, Kshitij Karki, Deepak C Bajracharya, David A Sack, Amanda K Debes","doi":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0013019","DOIUrl":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0013019","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cholera rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) can strengthen existing surveillance systems by offering a cost-effective screening method that improves understanding of cholera burden allowing for targeted prevention and control efforts. The RDT Implementation Strategy and Evaluation (RISE) project is the pilot study for Gavi's innovative Diagnostic Procurement Platform which provides cholera RDTs to enhance national surveillance. Implementation of cholera RDTs was evaluated following their distribution in 2023 to facilities within Nepal's Early Warning and Reporting System (EWARS). Quantitative data was collected through EWARS surveillance reports, national-level and individual-level REDCap surveys from select facilities in Kathmandu. Key-informant interviews were also conducted in Kathmandu with personnel involved in cholera surveillance and response. Interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide and analyzed according to inductively identified themes. Qualitative findings indicated generally positive perceptions of cholera RDTs, highlighting their speed and ease of use, and suitability for deployment in under-resourced areas by unskilled personnel. However, a lack of awareness of the RDTs, limited training, and concerns about the RDTs' quality, availability, and costs were challenges raised consistently. Quantitative findings revealed underreporting of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) and cholera in EWARS and an underutilization of the cholera RDTs, with only 2.6% of reported AGE cases screened using an RDT. This field evaluation demonstrated that RDTs can have an important role in cholera surveillance but highlighted significant challenges with cholera lab capacity, reporting, and training. Both the qualitative and quantitative findings showed gaps in surveillance reporting, which were exacerbated by the complexity of adding RDTs without strong guidance as well as beliefs about the RDTs' poor validity. These misconceptions and challenges need to be addressed at the local and national level to successfully scale-up cholera RDTs in Nepal and beyond.</p>","PeriodicalId":49000,"journal":{"name":"PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases","volume":"19 5","pages":"e0013019"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12077796/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144065165","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":"Comprehensive intra-host infection kinetics reveals high arbo-orthoflavivirus transmission potential by neglected vector species, Aedes scutellaris.","authors":"Yudthana Samung, Jutharat Pengon, Chatpong Pethrak, Phonchanan Pakparnich, Saranya Thaiudomsup, Kittitat Suksirisawat, Manop Saeung, Anon Phayakkaphon, Songpol Eiamsam-Ang, Thipruethai Phanitchat, Channarong Sartsanga, Tararat Jantra, Patchara Sriwichai, Natapong Jupatanakul","doi":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0012530","DOIUrl":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0012530","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) are primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. As most studies on vector competence have focused on Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus while neglecting other Aedes species, it is possible that the transmission risks might be underestimated. It is necessary to examine additional species that could potentially serve as competent vectors. This is particularly important considering the potential expansion of their geographical range due to climate change or species-specific vector reduction interventions.</p><p><strong>Methodology/principal findings: </strong>In this study, we examined the infection kinetics and transmission potential of Aedes scutellaris from Thailand, comparing to Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. Our findings demonstrated that Ae. scutellaris and Ae. albopictus had lower rates of midgut infection compared to Ae. aegypti due to smaller blood meal sizes during feeding. However, once the infection has established Ae. scutellaris exhibited efficient replication of ZIKV and DENV1-4 in the midguts, secondary organs, and salivary glands. Notably, Ae. scutellaris had a low salivary gland escape barrier, with comparable transmissibility as Ae. aegypti when inoculated with the same viral load.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlights the potential of Ae. scutellaris as a vector for DENV and ZIKV and emphasizes the importance of considering neglected mosquito species in arbovirus transmission and surveillance efforts.</p>","PeriodicalId":49000,"journal":{"name":"PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases","volume":"19 5","pages":"e0012530"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12080922/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144022324","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":"Environmental risk factors for chronic kidney disease of non-traditional causes in tropical coastal areas: A systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Hsiao-Yu Yang, Kai-Chieh Wen, Ping-Fang Chiu, Wan-Chin Chen, Teng-Hsiang Chang, Che-Jui Chang, Wei-Hung Hsu, Shin-Chien Chen","doi":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0013056","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0013056","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Chronic kidney disease of non-traditional etiology (CKDnt) is a neglected tropical disease prevalent in tropical coastal areas. First reported in the 1990s along the Pacific coast of Central America, its spread to other regions has raised concerns about environmental risk factors, particularly heat stress. However, the relationship between elevated ambient temperatures and CKDnt remains uncertain. The study aimed to identify risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in regions affected by the CKDnt epidemic and to investigate the relationship between ambient temperatures and CKD risk.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a systematic review and meta-regression of CKD in agricultural regions where CKDnt is endemic, covering studies published between January 2010 and October 2023, followed by a meta-analysis to estimate the effect of traditional and non-traditional risk factors for CKD. A meta-regression was used to examine the relationship between geological latitude and ambient temperature on CKD.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We screened 1,327 articles, with 28 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. The pooled OR for CKD in the agricultural population compared to the non-agricultural population was 2.12 (95% CI 1.75‒2.58, I2 = 85.1%). Significant non-traditional kidney disease risk factors for CKD included drinking well water (OR = 2.75, 95% CI 2.04‒3.70), malaria (OR = 2.64, 95% CI 1.44‒4.83), low water intake (pooled OR = 2.06, 95% CI 1.17‒3.63), water sources (pooled OR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.11‒2.02), agrochemicals (OR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.26‒1.77), heat exposure (OR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.37‒1.55), alcohol consumption (OR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.11‒1.46), and low BMI. The meta-regression indicates that geographic latitude and temperature are statistically significant moderators of CKD risk, with a higher risk observed in studies conducted at lower latitudes closer to the equator (QM-test = 10.11, df = 1, P < 0.05). Temperature is a significant moderator (QM-test = 44.36, df = 1, P = 0.04) with 1°C increase in the CKDnt epidemic region associated with an 8% increase in CKD risk (OR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.01-1.16).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>CKDnt is a multifactorial tropical disease driven by heat exposure, infectious diseases, physically demanding work without adequate hydration, water contamination, and agrochemical exposure. Addressing these factors is essential for developing effective occupational health policies and tailored prevention programs to reduce CKDnt among high-risk agricultural populations in tropical endemic regions.</p>","PeriodicalId":49000,"journal":{"name":"PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases","volume":"19 5","pages":"e0013056"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12054882/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144048111","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":"Monitoring the trends of Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection in humans and Pomacea spp. Snails in Dali, Yunnan, China, 2007-2021.","authors":"Tian-Mei Li, Yu-Hua Liu, Wen Fang, Shen-Hua Zhao, Ting Li, Ling Jiang, Peter S Andrus, Yun-Hai Guo, Shao-Rong Chen","doi":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0013065","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0013065","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We summarize historical events related to angiostrongyliasis and analyze surveys of clinically diagnosed and suspected cases of angiostrongyliasis in Dali from 2007 to 2021. We also randomly tested market sold Pomacea spp. snails to detect whether Angiostrongylus cantonensis was present in Dali market stalls from 2008 to 2021. There were a total of 125 cases of angiostrongyliasis (92 clinically diagnosed and 33 suspected) reported in the Dali Prefecture from 2007-2021. Of the 125 cases, 72 patients from 2010 to 2021 were investigated, with the main clinical manifestations being headache (100%), muscle pain (61%), neck stiffness (58.3%), paresthesia (58.3%), fever (55.5%), nausea (48.6%), coughing (26.3%), vomiting (44.4%), photophobia (18%), diplopia (25%), and visual impairment (5.5%). Laboratory testing showed cerebrospinal fluid qualitative protein levels and blood eosinophil levels were abnormal in 100% and 87.5% of patients tested, respectively. Moreover, of the 49,970 Pomacea spp. checked for A. cantonensis infection, 373 (0.75%) were found infected. Our study highlights the importance of enhancing public education, stricter food safety measures, and improved diagnostic methods to help mitigate future outbreaks of angiostrongyliasis.</p>","PeriodicalId":49000,"journal":{"name":"PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases","volume":"19 5","pages":"e0013065"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12052120/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144055432","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 process of residual calcification following antiparasitic treatment in the pig model of neurocysticercosis is dynamic.","authors":"Gianfranco Arroyo, Laura Baquedano, Rosa Diaz-Gongora, Lizziee Tello-Ccente, Erick Castillo, Edson Bernal, Omar Gonzales-Viera, Robert H Gilman, Manuela R Verastegui, Theodore E Nash, Armando E Gonzalez, Hector H Garcia, Javier A Bustos","doi":"10.1371/journal.pntd.0013022","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0013022","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Calcified neurocysticercosis (NCC), the end stage of brain cysts of the pork tapeworm Taenia solium is a common cause of epilepsy. Calcified NCC lesions are not inert and represent potential epileptogenic foci. Understanding the mechanisms of residual calcification in NCC is hindered by the difficulty of accessing human brain biopsies. Since cyst degeneration can be induced by antiparasitic treatment (APT) in NCC-infected pigs, this study assessed the residual calcification process in this model at three time points after APT.</p><p><strong>Methods/principal findings: </strong>Fifteen naturally infected pigs with viable NCC confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging received APT with albendazole and praziquantel and were sacrificed after 4, 8, and 12 months (n = 5 each). The pigs' brains were removed and processed by ex vivo CT scan to assess the proportion of cysts that calcified by post-treatment time points using risk ratios (RR) from Poisson regression. Radiodensity levels (Hounsefield units) of calcified lesions were also measured and compared using linear coefficients from log-transformed values in generalized linear models. The overall proportion of residual calcification on CT scan was 63.9% (156 calcified lesions/244 viable cysts), being statistically higher in treated NCC pigs at 4 months (83.3% [50/60], RR = 2.61, P < 0.001) and 8 months (82.8% [77/93], RR = 2.59, P < 0.001) versus 12 months (31.9% [29/91]). At 8 months after APT, calcifications were more dense (100.6 ± 3.6 HU) compared to 12 months (74.4 ± 3.6 HU, β = 0.37, P = 0.010) and marginally higher compared to 4 months (85.2 ± 3.8 HU, β = 0.24, P = 0.096), and were also larger and more frequently found on histopathology.</p><p><strong>Conclusion/significance: </strong>Calcification in NCC is a dynamic process that can be induced and monitored in naturally infected pigs. Eight months after treatment seems to be an optimal time point for assessing residual calcification.</p>","PeriodicalId":49000,"journal":{"name":"PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases","volume":"19 5","pages":"e0013022"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12052124/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144027056","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}