Acta tropica最新文献

{"title":"Predominance of non-archetypal Toxoplasma gondii genotypes in Brazil and Argentina: Evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Elisa Helman ,&nbsp;Javier Mariani ,&nbsp;Victoria Canova ,&nbsp;Camila Musumeci ,&nbsp;María Soledad Fernández ,&nbsp;Juan Manuel Unzaga ,&nbsp;Lais Pardini ,&nbsp;Mariana Bernstein","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107841","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107841","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> is a zoonotic protozoan of global concern, capable of infecting all warm-blooded animals, with important implications for both public health and food safety. In South America, this parasite exhibits high genetic diversity. This study included systematically reviewed and meta-analysed genotyping data reported between 2013 and 2023, using the multiplex nested PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphisms technique. Forty-five studies were included (<em>n</em>_Brazil = 42; <em>n</em>_Argentina = 3) and hosts were categorized as birds, rodents, humans, domestic and wild animals and livestock. Among the 480 DNA samples analysed, genotypes were successfully obtained from 421, of which 22 (5.2 %) were archetypal and 399 (94.8 %) non-archetypal. Meta-analysis of proportions revealed a pooled prevalence of 0.44 (CI₉₅_%: 0.20–0.72) for archetypal genotypes and 0.98 (CI₉₅_%: 0.95–0.99) for non-archetypal ones. Non-archetypal genotypes predominated across all host groups. Among the most frequently reported genotypes, the following stood out: in the archetypal, Type II (#1/#3) and in the non-archetypal, #13, #108, #163 and #206. Buenos Aires (Argentina) exhibited a variety of archetypal genotypes, while Minas Gerais and Paraíba (Brazil) showed the highest diversity of non-archetypal ones. This is the first meta-analysis specifically addressing the molecular diversity of <em>T. gondii</em> genotypes reported in South America over the last decade. By consolidating regional evidence, it provides an updated overview of circulating genotypes and highlights critical knowledge gaps. Using pooled genotype proportions across host groups and countries, pattern synthesis and bias diagnostics (heterogeneity, subgroup analysis, funnel plots), it is demonstrated that the evidence is uneven and method-dependent, limiting inference on transmission routes; this reaffirms the need for strengthened, standardized molecular surveillance in South America.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"271 ","pages":"Article 107841"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145079128","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Human exposure to Dirofilaria immitis following a canine heartworm disease elimination program in Linosa Island (Sicily, Italy)","authors":"S. Gabrielli ,&nbsp;J.A. Mendoza-Roldan ,&nbsp;E. Napoli ,&nbsp;G. De Benedetto ,&nbsp;D.D. Liapis ,&nbsp;A. Cascio ,&nbsp;A. Basile ,&nbsp;R. Iatta ,&nbsp;L. Perles ,&nbsp;M. Pombi ,&nbsp;D. Otranto ,&nbsp;E. Brianti","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107838","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107838","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The recent reports of <em>Dirofilaria immitis</em> causing canine heartworm disease (HWD) in highly endemic foci of Italy suggested the increasing risk for dogs and humans. In southernmost areas, such as Linosa island (Sicily), previous studies showed <em>D. immitis</em> infection in 58.9 % of dogs and a parasitic exposure in 7.9 % of islanders. These findings prompted a targeted elimination program, which led to HWD elimination by 2022. Hence, the present study aimed to assessantibody response and kinetics among Linosa residents one year after the implementation of canine HWD elimination program.</div><div>In 2023, blood samples were collected from 89 residents and 39 dogs. Participants completed a questionnaire with demographic and clinical data, including symptoms and relevant risk factors. Human sera were tested for <em>D. immitis</em> exposure using an in-house ELISA. Dog samples were analyzed using Knott test and a commercial ELISA rapid test (SNAP 4DX Plus, IDEXX). Additionally, previously infected dogs underwent echocardiographic evaluation. Genomic DNA was extracted from all human and dog samples and tested by PCR using <em>Dirofilaria</em> spp. and <em>Wolbachia</em>-specific protocols.</div><div>Serological analyses revealed that 25.8 % of the volunteers were seropositive for <em>D. immitis</em>, indicating an increase of seropositivity compared to 2020 (8 %). None of the human and dog samples tested positive for <em>Dirofilaria</em> spp. or <em>Wolbachia</em> by PCR.</div><div>Despite the successful elimination of <em>D. immitis</em> in dogs, the increased seroprevalence in humans indicates that the level of human exposure remains stable, even in the absence of canine infection. However, new seropositive cases may reflect exposures that had not yet seroconverted at the time of initial testing in 2020, or exposures that occurred outside the island. Long-term studies on antibody persistence and vector surveillance are essential to improve elimination efforts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"271 ","pages":"Article 107838"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145068807","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A multidimensional space-time geospatial analysis for examining the spatial trends of vector-borne diseases: 20 years of malaria in Kenya","authors":"Justine I Blanford,&nbsp;Caroline Kioko","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107839","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107839","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Malaria continues to be a global burden with a disproportionate share of cases reported on the African continent. Knowing where malaria is distributed can aid in the development of different intervention strategies. Since geographic information on malaria is now available for 20 years, we examined how the distribution of malaria and the use of malaria interventions such as bed nets and antimalarials have changed over time in Kenya.</div><div>Multidimensional space-time pattern mining methods were used to identify malaria hot spots and examine how these have changed over time. Twenty years of <em>Plasmodium falciparum</em> incidence, mortality and prevalence data and intervention use data for bednets and antimalarials were obtained from the Malaria Atlas Project. We conducted a local hotspot analysis (LHA) and an emerging hotspot analysis (EHA) on the full dataset (2000–2020) and at 10-year intervals (2000–2009 and 2010–2019). The EHA was used for identifying the directional shift in disease clusters and whether these hotspot clusters are intensifying or expanding over time. The LHA identified areas with disease hotspots, coldspots, outliers or a mixture of where these different types were distributed. For each LHA hotspot type, we further examined annual malaria prevalence and intervention use trends.</div><div>In this study, we found that in Kenya there has been a general decline in malaria prevalence with a slight increase in between 2016–2018. The spatial distribution of malaria is changing in Kenya. We identified four key malaria zones with an additional two areas where malaria has been increasing. Bed net and anti-malarial use has increased over time. Although malaria has been greatly reduced in Kenya, malaria continues to be a problem mainly in cross-border regions. Having long-term data are useful for evaluating changes in the distribution of malaria and exploring the factors contributing to these changes over time. The space-time methods used in this study are useful for identifying where high-burden areas are distributed and provide insights into the trends taking place within these geographic locations, and as such, are useful for refining malaria elimination strategies and helping reduce the burden of malaria. Since the data used in this study are openly available and available globally, the analyses conducted here can be used elsewhere.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"271 ","pages":"Article 107839"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145063231","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A multicenter evaluation of the Filariasis IgG4 Rapid Test for detection of lymphatic filariasis","authors":"Rahmah Noordin ,&nbsp;Paiboon Sithithaworn ,&nbsp;Helena Ullyartha Pangaribuan ,&nbsp;Phattharaphon Wongphutorn ,&nbsp;Nungki Hapsari Suryaningtyas ,&nbsp;Emelia Osman ,&nbsp;Nor Suhada Anuar","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107840","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107840","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Most endemic regions for lymphatic filariasis (LF), caused by <em>Brugia malayi</em> and <em>Wuchereria bancrofti</em>, are well-defined and rapid tests for each species are available. However, in co-endemic areas and situations, such as screening foreign workers from various endemic regions, a single rapid test that detects both species is needed. The Filariasis IgG4 Rapid Test (Reszon Diagnostics International, Selangor, Malaysia) is an improved version of the previous PanLF Rapid, which detects IgG4 antibodies against both LF species. The ‘new’ test may also be helpful for post-validation surveillance in <em>W. bancrofti</em> areas<em>.</em> The test features two test lines with BmR1 and BmSXP recombinant antigens, alongside a control line. A 20 μL sample is added to the sample well, followed by two drops of buffer. The result is read visually after 15 minutes. We conducted a multicentre laboratory evaluation of the rapid test across centres in three countries (Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia), using 296 serum/plasma samples. These included samples from individuals infected with <em>B. malayi</em> (n = 55), <em>W. bancrofti</em> (n = 25), other parasitic infections (n = 184), healthy individuals (n = 30), and two cases of hyper-IgE syndrome. The rapid test demonstrated an overall sensitivity of 98.7% (100% for <em>B. malayi</em>, 96% for <em>W. bancrofti</em>) and 100% specificity. However, a limitation of the test is non-suitability for areas co-endemic with non-lymphatic filaria due to potential cross-reactivity. These results suggest that it is a promising point-of-care test for LF surveillance, particularly for the aforementioned use cases, and merit further laboratory and field validation studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"271 ","pages":"Article 107840"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145063185","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploratory study of antimicrobial resistant bacteria isolated from Psychodinae in a tertiary-level teaching hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil","authors":"Kéren Vieira-Alcântara ,&nbsp;Cláudia Rezende Vieira de Mendonça Souza ,&nbsp;Laura Brandão Martins ,&nbsp;Lorrane de Andrade Pereira ,&nbsp;Margareth Maria de Carvalho Queiroz ,&nbsp;Nathalia Gonçalves Caldeira ,&nbsp;Thiago Pavoni Gomes Chagas ,&nbsp;viviane zahner","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107836","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107836","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Psychodinae, or 'drain flies', constitute a subfamily of insects within the Psychodidae family, commonly found in human-modified environments. Although generally considered harmless, they have been identified as potential carriers of pathogenic microorganisms. These flies may contribute to contamination in healthcare settings and could therefore be involved in healthcare-associated infections. To investigate the potential of Psychodinae as reservoirs of Gram-negative antimicrobial resistant bacteria in a hospital in the state of Rio de Janeiro, specimens were collected, processed, macerated, and used to inoculate a variety of selective bacterial media. Identification of pure cultures was performed by MALDI-TOF MS (Bruker), and antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed via the Kirby-Bauer method as well as determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) for polymyxin. Extracted DNA samples were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for genotypic detection of a range of enzymatic resistance mechanisms. A total of 115 bacterial isolates were obtained from 45 specimens of Psychodinae. The predominant genera were <em>Acinetobacter</em> spp. (34.5%) and <em>Pseudomonas</em> spp. (31%). Twenty-seven isolates were resistant to multiple drugs, and fragments of the genes bla_OXA-143, <em>bla_NDM, bla_CTX−M</em>, and <em>bla_TEM</em> were detected by PCR. These findings corroborate and expand upon data from phenotypic studies, which suggested that drain flies may harbor resistant bacteria. This study represents the first genotypic analysis of antimicrobial resistance in drain flies. Based on these results, the incorporation of drain flies into surveillance and control programs is recommended. This perspective is expected to contribute to the development of novel, effective strategies for vector management and the investigation of other possible sources of contamination in hospitals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"271 ","pages":"Article 107836"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145058275","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The urgent need for more research on Wolbachia-based mosquito interventions in public health","authors":"Osvaldo Marinotti","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107815","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107815","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The release of <em>Wolbachia pipientis</em>-infected <em>Aedes aegypti</em> mosquitoes has emerged as a novel strategy to reduce the transmission of arboviruses such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. Wolbachia-based approaches to dengue control include population replacement, which reduces vector competence by establishing Wolbachia in wild populations of <em>Aedes aegypti</em>, and population suppression, which lowers mosquito densities through cytoplasmic incompatibility. Field trials of the population replacement strategy, based on wMel <em>Wolbachia</em>-infected mosquitoes, have shown variable success and concerns persist about long-term efficacy, safety and ecological impact. Uncertainties arise from an incomplete understanding of the mechanisms underlying pathogen blocking, possible bacteria and vector strain-specific effects, and the influence of environmental, host, and viral factors on the success of such a strategy. Moreover, some <em>Wolbachia</em> strains may enhance mosquito susceptibility to certain pathogens. Additionally, large-scale deployment raises the possibility of biodiversity disruption and the emergence of viral resistance. Given these unresolved concerns, it is premature and potentially irresponsible to expand the program to new areas without first rigorously assessing its safety, efficacy and sustainability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"271 ","pages":"Article 107815"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145058250","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identification and characterization of a DNA-binding protein from starved cells (Dps) homologue in Acanthamoeba: Implications for encystment-induced DNA protection","authors":"Seunghyeok Bang ,&nbsp;So-Young Joo ,&nbsp;Ja Moon Aung ,&nbsp;Je Chul Lee ,&nbsp;Byoung-Kuk Na ,&nbsp;Yeonchul Hong ,&nbsp;Minsang Shin","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107837","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107837","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Acanthamoeba</em> spp. are free-living amoebae recognized as opportunistic human pathogens. Under harsh conditions, trophozoites transform into cysts, undergoing degradation of internal structures and macromolecules, including DNA, which enhances their survival by increasing resistance. However, the mechanism underlying DNA protection in protozoa, such as <em>Acanthamoeba</em>, during the encystment under adverse conditions remains unclear. We cloned a bacterial Dps homologue (AcDps) from <em>Acanthamoeba</em>, then expressed and purified the recombinant AcDps to investigate its functional characteristics. Expression of AcDps is minimal in trophozoites but initiates following encystment induction. When tagged with EGFP, AcDps appears as multiple small vesicle-like structures scattered throughout the cysts' cytoplasm. We examined the factors influencing the formation of rAcDps oligomeric complexes and DNA-rAcDps complexes under various divalent cation and pH conditions by utilizing techniques such as electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and atomic force microscopy imaging. These complexes effectively bind both linear and supercoiled plasmid DNA in the presence of Zn²⁺ divalent cations, creating quasi-DNA complexes that protect the DNA from DNase I degradation. The capacity of rAcDps to oligomerize and bind to DNA, presumed to serve as a protective barrier against damage, highlights its functional and evolutionary importance and suggests its potential as a therapeutic target.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"271 ","pages":"Article 107837"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145058222","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Spatiotemporal epidemiological characteristics of human clonorchiasis in China","authors":"Lu Liu ,&nbsp;Hui-Hui Zhu ,&nbsp;Ji-Lei Huang ,&nbsp;Xiao-Ping Han ,&nbsp;Men-Bao Qian ,&nbsp;Kun Yang ,&nbsp;Xiao-Nong Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107832","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107832","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study explores the spatiotemporal distribution of <em>Clonorchis sinensis</em> infection rates across China using multiple spatial analysis methods, including spatial autocorrelation, hot spot analysis, kernel density estimation, and standard deviation ellipse analysis. By systematically reviewing historical literature and incorporating data from three national parasitic disease surveys, we identified significant clustering patterns and high-risk regions associated with the infection. The results show that infection rates were predominantly concentrated along major river systems, including the Dongting Lake, Songhua River, and Pearl River Basins. Notably, the analysis revealed a southward shift in the infection risk distribution over time, with a reduction in the geographic spread of the disease since the early 2000s. This shift is indicative of the success of public health interventions, such as mass drug administration and sanitation improvements, which have reduced infection rates in some areas. However, the persistence of high-risk zones in traditional endemic regions suggests that sustained control measures are necessary. The findings underscore the need for targeted, stratified interventions that consider ecological, socioeconomic, and demographic factors to effectively reduce transmission risks. This study provides valuable spatiotemporal evidence that can guide future epidemiological research and inform public health strategies for clonorchiasis control in China.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"271 ","pages":"Article 107832"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145038907","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"High-sensitivity detection of asymptomatic malaria in high-risk Thai populations using droplet digital PCR","authors":"Min Kramyoo ,&nbsp;Kanyarat Boonpeng ,&nbsp;Chaiya Janchoo ,&nbsp;Kamonwan Siriwattanakul ,&nbsp;Kemmanan Phankhod ,&nbsp;Nan Vongthanom ,&nbsp;Paphon Kritprayoch ,&nbsp;Watcharee Yokanit ,&nbsp;Suttipat Srisutham","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107831","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107831","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Asymptomatic infections present a major obstacle to malaria elimination efforts, particularly within high-risk populations where low-density parasitemia often escapes detection by conventional diagnostic methods. In such cases, onward transmission remains possible, sustaining the parasite reservoir. Therefore,highly sensitive screening techniques are essential for effective malaria prevention and control. Molecular methods provide greater sensitivity and specificity in detecting low-level infections compared to traditional approaches. In this study, we evaluated droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) for its ability to detect asymptomatic <em>Plasmodium</em> infections, with the aim of supporting malaria transmission reduction and elimination strategies.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Specimens were collected from individuals residing in malaria-endemic regions of Thailand (<em>n</em> = 403) and from Thai workers returning from Sudan (<em>n</em> = 270). All samples were evaluated for malaria using ddPCR and microscopic examination. The ddPCR assay targeted multicopy genomic regions, including the <em>18S rRNA</em> gene for genus-level screening, as well as and species-specific markers for the five human <em>Plasmodium</em> species (<em>P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale</em> and <em>P. knowlesi)</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The ddPCR assays identified malaria infections in 0.25 % of samples from Tak, Thailand, and 7.41 % of samples from Sudan. Both dried blood spots (DBS) and venous blood specimens were analyzed using the ddPCR assay. Compared with microscopy, ddPCR demonstrated superior sensitivity by detecting a greater proportion of low-parasitemia infections. Only 2.59 % of samples collected from workers returning from Sudan were positive for <em>Plasmodium falciparum</em> by microscopic examination. The ddPCR method quantified <em>18S rRNA</em> copy numbers at the genus level, which showed a positive correlation with species-specific quantification. The median concentration of positive samples measured by the genus-specific ddPCR assay was 0.95 copies/μL (IQR: 0.37–29.48), with concentrations ranging from 0.16 to 7033.43 copies/μL.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study applied the ddPCR assay totwo specimen types for surveillance of asymptomatic malaria, demonstrating its capability to detect hidden parasite reservoirs that are critical targets for malaria control and elimination strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"270 ","pages":"Article 107831"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145038917","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diagnostic fallacies in the alleged Lyme borreliosis in Venezuela","authors":"Carlos Ramiro Silva-Ramos ,&nbsp;J. Manuel Matiz-González ,&nbsp;Marcelo B. Labruna ,&nbsp;Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales ,&nbsp;Álvaro A. Faccini-Martínez","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107834","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107834","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"271 ","pages":"Article 107834"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145038912","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}