IJID regions最新文献

{"title":"Prevalence and risk factors associated with infections linked to carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter species circulating in the city of Yaoundé, Cameroon","authors":"Cedric Fossi Tchinda ,&nbsp;Karyom Djim-Adjim-Ngana ,&nbsp;Therence Annie Mbogning ,&nbsp;Brice Fredy Nemg Simo ,&nbsp;Sosthene Boido Baira ,&nbsp;Gaizirene Egoume Feudjieu ,&nbsp;Sonia Gayap Matchuenkam ,&nbsp;Gael Njini Nfor ,&nbsp;Guy Roussel Nguemto Takuissu ,&nbsp;Kikie Josiane Essola ,&nbsp;Connie Constance Georgina Walyaro ,&nbsp;Armelle Deutou Tchamgoue","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100698","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100698","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Carbapenems are critical antibiotics used against multidrug-resistant infections, yet resistance is increasing, especially among Gram-negative bacteria like <em>Acinetobacter</em> species. In Cameroon, while <em>Acinetobacter baumannii</em> is well studied, little is known about other species such as <em>Acinetobacter pittii, Acinetobacter nosocomialis</em>, and <em>Acinetobacter calcoaceticus</em>. This study assessed the prevalence of carbapenemase-producing <em>Acinetobacter</em> and associated risk factors in Yaoundé hospitals.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A 6-month prospective cross-sectional study (April-September 2024) was conducted using 531 clinical samples from four health facilities. Strains were identified via morphologic, biochemical, and API 20 NE® tests. Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed using disc diffusion, and carbapenemases were characterized phenotypically.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of the samples, 4.9% yielded <em>Acinetobacter</em>, with <em>A. baumannii</em> being most common (80.8%), followed by <em>A. calcoaceticus</em> (11.5%) and <em>Acinetobacter anitratus</em> (7.7%). <em>A. baumannii</em> showed high antibiotic resistance, especially to beta-lactams, with 85.71% producing carbapenemases (83.33% class B and 16.67% class A). Significant risk factors included hospitalization, current antibiotic therapy, recent antibiotic use, and age group 38-47 years.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>These findings highlight an urgent need for better surveillance, stricter antibiotic stewardship, and enhanced infection control strategies to limit the spread of resistant <em>Acinetobacter</em> infections in Yaoundé’s health care settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100698"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144713311","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"COVID-19 pandemic reclassification and implications for continuing uptake of COVID-19 vaccination: The case of Savannah Region, Ghana, 2023","authors":"Michael Rockson Adjei ,&nbsp;Kwabena Adjei Sarfo ,&nbsp;Cyril Kwami Azornu ,&nbsp;Peter Gyamfi Kwarteng ,&nbsp;Felix Osei-Sarpong ,&nbsp;Janet Vanessa Baafi ,&nbsp;Nana Akua Afriyie Bafana ,&nbsp;Chrysantus Kubio ,&nbsp;Sally-Ann Ohene ,&nbsp;Martin Peter Grobusch","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100694","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100694","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study assessed the willingness of Ghanaians to accept COVID-19 vaccination following the pandemic reclassification. The findings are envisaged to facilitate implementation of contextual strategies to sustain the COVID-19 vaccination drive and avert case surges.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional study was conducted in three districts (North Gonja, Sawla-Tuna-Kalba, and West Gonja) of the Savannah Region using an electronic questionnaire to interview respondents on willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccinations following the pandemic reclassification. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify factors associated with continuing COVID-19 vaccination uptake.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Respondents who would advocate for COVID-19 vaccination were more likely to accept it (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 8.4; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.18-11.41). Residing in an urban community (AOR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.65-0.83) or having secondary education (AOR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.46-0.89) was associated with reduced odds of COVID-19 vaccination acceptance.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccination was high among the respondents, and the majority would encourage their neighbors to receive vaccination. However, targeted approaches are required to address vaccine hesitancy among specific subpopulations, including urban communities and those with secondary-level education.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100694"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144655880","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular characterization and antimicrobial resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from adult patients with invasive pneumococcal disease in northern Japan, 2017-2023","authors":"Mitsuyo Kawaguchiya ,&nbsp;Meiji Soe Aung ,&nbsp;Noriko Urushibara ,&nbsp;Nobuhide Ohashi ,&nbsp;Nobuyuki Kobayashi ,&nbsp;Kenji Kudo ,&nbsp;Masahiko Ito ,&nbsp;Nobumichi Kobayashi","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100693","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100693","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aimed to elucidate the molecular characteristics and antimicrobial resistance of <em>Streptococcus pneumoniae</em> isolates from adults with invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in the northern main island of Japan.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A total of 45 isolates obtained from adults (aged 41-98 years) with IPD between 2017 and 2023 were analyzed for serotype, sequence type (ST), and antimicrobial susceptibility.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of the 45 isolates, serotype 3-ST180 (24.4%) was the most prevalent, followed by 23A-ST338/ST5242 (13.3%); 23F-ST242/ST1437/ST3543 (8.9%); and 6D-ST282, 15A-ST63, 35B-ST558, and 34-ST1439/ST7388 (6.7% each), which collectively accounted for 73.4% of all isolates. The proportion of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) 13, PCV20, and 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) serotypes were 44.5%, 46.7%, and 44.5%, respectively. The rate of non-susceptibility to penicillin was 24.4%, and the majority (n = 10 of 11, 90.9%) were also non-susceptible to erythromycin and tetracycline. The multidrug resistance rate for the non-PCV20/PPSV23 serotype was 83.3%, which was higher than the 71.4% for the vaccine serotypes. Among the non-PCV20/PPSV23 serotypes, 23A, 6D, 15A, 35B, and 6E (genetic variant of 6B) showed multidrug resistance with non-susceptibility to penicillin.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The present study revealed that the non-vaccine serotypes in IPD among adults were associated with a high prevalence of non-susceptibility to antimicrobial agents, suggesting the need for continuous surveillance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100693"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144614037","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections among patients with suspected or confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Deresse Daka ,&nbsp;Belay Tessema ,&nbsp;Awelani Mutshembele ,&nbsp;Amir Alelign ,&nbsp;Wubet Birhan ,&nbsp;Baye Gelaw","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100692","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100692","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study reviews and analyzes non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) isolation from Ethiopian sputum samples, estimating prevalence, identifying common species, and analyzing regional and temporal variations.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine NTM prevalence among diseased individuals in Ethiopia. Using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online, we conducted a comprehensive literature search. Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Meta-analysis was performed using STATA-18 software with a random-effects model and included subgroup analysis. The protocol of this study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251000131).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In this review, a total of 5415 participants were involved, and 53.8% were patients with suspected tuberculosis (TB), 37.6% were patients with pulmonary TB, 4.0% were patients with multidrug-resistant TB, and 4.6% were HIV-positive patients. The NTM prevalence was 3.8%, showing high heterogeneity and regional species variability. The meta-analysis highlighted differences in NTM prevalence across age groups and diagnostic tools, emphasizing the need for enhanced diagnostics and continuous surveillance to improve patient outcomes and inform public health strategies.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The review summarizes the epidemiology and geographical distribution of NTM infections and common NTM species isolated from patients with suspected pulmonary TB in Ethiopia, revealing regional variations and clinical implications. Despite limited data, Ethiopia has a lower prevalence of NTM compared with other African regions and the worldwide average.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100692"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144655878","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Outcomes of a 24-month study of patients with HIV with Cryptococcal meningitis on high-dose fluconazole induction in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, between 2012 and 2016","authors":"Affoué Gisèle Kouakou ,&nbsp;Raoul Moh ,&nbsp;Frédéric Nogbou Ello ,&nbsp;Constant Ozigré ,&nbsp;Salif Diawara ,&nbsp;Hermann N’Guessan Faitey ,&nbsp;Serge Niangoran ,&nbsp;Alain N’douba Kassi ,&nbsp;Chrysostome Mossou ,&nbsp;Fulgence Kondo Kassi ,&nbsp;Aristophane Tanon ,&nbsp;Serge Paul Eholié","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100691","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100691","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a common cause of meningitis in patients with AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa, with a mortality rate of over 50% at 10 weeks. The preferred treatment in resource-limited countries without access to amphotericin B or 5-fluorocytosine is high-dose fluconazole (FCZ). However, survival and factors associated with mortality after completion of FCZ-based treatment are not well known. To assess the outcomes at 24 months of patients with HIV with CM who have completed the initial FCZ treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Retrospective cohort study of adult patients with HIV with CM on oral FCZ 1200 mg/day induction, having completed 10 weeks of specific treatment between January 2012 and December 2016. The survival probability (not lost to follow-up or death) at 24 months was determined and the risk factors associated with death were identified using the Cox proportional hazard model.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Thirty-one (31) patients were enrolled from a total of 82. The median age was 42 years (38-44). Overall, 58% of the patients were female (n = 18) and 50% (14/28) were antiretroviral therapy experienced. The following outcomes were observed after 24 months of follow-up: 13 patients (41.9%) were lost to follow-up, 12 (38.7%) were still alive, 6 (19.3%) died, and 5 (16.1%) relapsed. The mortality rate was reduced by 77% where the clusters of differentiation 4 count was less than 100 cells/mm³, with adjustments for length of hospitalization and history of morbidities.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Long-term survival among patients with HIV with CM was poor. Interventions to strengthen linkage to HIV treatment and care and continuation of secondary fluconazole prophylaxis are critical.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100691"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144588618","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Real-world effectiveness, safety, and health-related quality of life in people living with HIV receiving bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide—12-month results of the BICSTaR French cohort","authors":"Laurent Hocqueloux ,&nbsp;Fabrice Bonnet ,&nbsp;Claudine Duvivier ,&nbsp;Matteo Vassallo ,&nbsp;Franck Tollinchi ,&nbsp;Pascale Leclercq ,&nbsp;Marina Karmochkine ,&nbsp;Hugues Cordel ,&nbsp;Colin Deschanvres ,&nbsp;Alicia C. Gordon ,&nbsp;David Thorpe ,&nbsp;Tali Cassidy ,&nbsp;Francois Durand ,&nbsp;Sabrinel Sahali ,&nbsp;Olivier Robineau","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100685","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100685","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>BICSTaR is a multinational, prospective, observational study that aimed to evaluate bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (B/F/TAF) in HIV treatment-naïve (TN) and treatment-experienced (TE) participants in routine clinical practice.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Month 12 analysis of the French cohort with respect to virologic effectiveness, drug-related adverse events (DRAEs), emergence of resistance, body weight, and patient-reported outcomes using the HIV Symptom Index and the HIV Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 240 participants initiated B/F/TAF in January-July 2019 (56 TN, 184 TE), 79% of whom were male, with a median age of 50 years. At baseline, 63% (TN: 46%, TE: 68%) presented with comorbidities. At month 12, HIV-1 RNA was &lt;50 cp/mL in 92% (43/47) of TN and 96% (134 of 139) of TE in missing = excluded analysis (discontinuation = failure analysis: TN: 92% [43 of 47], TE: 92% [134 of 146]). No major mutations associated with B/F/TAF resistance emerged. A total of 7% (16 of 240) discontinued B/F/TAF, including 4% (10 of 240) due to DRAEs and none for virologic reasons. DRAEs were reported in 13% (30 of 240) (no renal DRAE). The median changes in body weight were +6.5 kg in TN and +1.0 kg in TE. The number of bothersome symptoms decreased in the TN group, and treatment satisfaction significantly increased in the TE group.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>These French real-world data confirm the effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of B/F/TAF in TN and TE participants with a high prevalence of comorbidities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100685"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144534825","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical presentation, genotypic diversity, and intracellular bacteria in Acanthamoeba keratitis patients treated at a referral eye hospital in Sydney, Australia","authors":"Binod Rayamajhee ,&nbsp;Mark Willcox ,&nbsp;Fiona L. Henriquez ,&nbsp;Gauri Sr Shrestha ,&nbsp;Uday Narayan Yadav ,&nbsp;Amberin Fazal ,&nbsp;Sheng Chiong Hong ,&nbsp;Alexander Chorny ,&nbsp;Yalewayker Asrat ,&nbsp;Constantinos Petsoglou ,&nbsp;Nicole Carnt","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100690","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100690","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div><em>Acanthamoeba</em> keratitis (AK) is an emerging corneal infection. This study evaluated the prevalence of AK, assessed circulating <em>Acanthamoeba</em> genotypes, and identified potential sources of infection.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A prospective case series study was conducted at the Sydney Eye Hospital, Australia, from June 2021 and October 2022. Corneal swabs from AK patients were collected for culture, and their domestic water samples were also analyzed. Cyst morphology, polymerase chain reaction, and Sanger sequencing were performed to confirm the <em>Acanthamoeba</em> isolates.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 21 AK patients were recruited in this study (41 ± 12.3 years). Six (28.6%) corneal and four (44.4%) water samples tested positive for <em>Acanthamoeba</em> genotype T4. One corneal and one water isolate harbored intracellular bacteria, with the water isolate containing <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em>. Eight patients were contact lens wearers. Eye pain was the primary symptom (66.7%), followed by red eye. The median duration of symptoms was 24.5 days (interquartile range: 13–95 days). Polyhexamethylene biguanide was the main therapy, followed by chlorhexidine. The median treatment duration was 12 weeks (interquartile range: 8–26 weeks).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>In Sydney, the prevalent genotype of <em>Acanthamoeba</em> among AK patients and tap water was T4. This study suggests a higher annual incidence of AK than previously reported.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100690"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144534826","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigating persistent measles dynamics associated with population immunity in Chad: a national secondary data model analysis from 2011 to 2025","authors":"Gilson Kipese Paluku ,&nbsp;Balcha Girma Masresha ,&nbsp;Antoinette Demian Mbaïlamen ,&nbsp;Tamadji Mbaihol ,&nbsp;Djalal Mohamed El-hafiz ,&nbsp;Thierry Vincent ,&nbsp;Jacques L. Tamuzi ,&nbsp;Patrick DMC Katoto ,&nbsp;Charles S. Wiysonge ,&nbsp;Blanche-Philomene Melanga Anya","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100684","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100684","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To model the population measles immunity gaps in a birth cohort of children aged 0-14 years in Chad from 2011 to 2025.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study used the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention–established population modeling analysis measles immunity profile approach, including data published by World Health Organization, United Nations Children’s Fund, and United Nations Population. Excel and R Software were used to build a stacked bar chart of population immunity using immunity by measles-containing vaccine (MCV) dose 1 (MCV1) (%), by MCV dose 2 (MCV2) (%), by supplemental immunization activities (%), by maternal antibodies (%), and the rate of unprotected individuals against measles.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The population immunity gaps ranged from 5% to 6% in the cohort of children born in 2011-2013. We estimated the immunity gaps to be 13% in 2014-2015. Our results revealed an increase in population immunity gaps of 21% in 2016 and 2017 and 20% computed in 2018. From 2019 to 2022, the immunity gaps are ranged from 6% to 8%, correlating with a decrease of three to four times less than 2016-2018. A significant increase in immunity was observed in 2023, 2024, and 2025, with 46%, 53%, and 36%, respectively. The overall cohort showed a significative cumulative number of cases of measles susceptibility correlated with population immunity gaps. The findings also revealed insufficient MCV1 coverage, a late introduction of MCV2, poor MCV2 coverage, and a high MCV1/MCV2 abandonment rate over time.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The risk of recurrent measles outbreaks remains high because of high population immunity profile gaps, increasing the population susceptible. To address immunity gaps, it is necessary to increase coverage by routine vaccination and high-quality supplemental immunization activities in Chad.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100684"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144579763","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Profiles of viral pathogens from individuals with acute respiratory tract infections in northern Tanzania","authors":"Joshua Stephen Mollel ,&nbsp;Shabani Ramadhani Mziray ,&nbsp;Arnold Ndaro ,&nbsp;Elimsaada Kituma ,&nbsp;Innocent Kamwamwa ,&nbsp;Lawrence Mapunda ,&nbsp;Hadija Semvua ,&nbsp;Stellah George Mpagama ,&nbsp;Jaffu Othniel Chilongola","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100686","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100686","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) may be misdiagnosed due to bottlenecks in conventional diagnostics. The primary objective was to identify viral pathogens using reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Cross-sectional study was conducted between 2022 and 2024 at Tanzanian referral hospitals. Viral RNA was extracted from oral-nasopharyngeal swabs and amplified using multiplex and singleplex RT-PCR. Cycle threshold values ≤40 and ≤35 were considered positive for multiplex and singleplex RT-PCR, respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We recruited 183 participants with median age of 52 years (interquartile range, 32-69). Of these, 119 (65%) were females. The majority (167 of 183, 91.3%) had no COVID-19 vaccination. Over one-third (67 of 183, 36.61%) were PCR-positive for viral pathogens. Seven viral pathogens were identified, and the more prevalent were influenza A virus (Flu A) (n = 27), SARS-CoV-2 (n = 10), and respiratory syncytial virus (n = 7). The most common co-infecting viruses were FluA + respiratory syncytial virus (n = 6), Flu A + influenza B virus + SARS-CoV-2 (n = 4), and SARS-CoV-2 + Flu A (n = 3). Elderly people (aged &gt;65 years) were commonly infected with Flu A (n = 9) and SARS-CoV-2 (n = 5).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Viral pathogens are common in people with ARTIs. This study emphasizes consideration of RT-PCR in addition to conventional diagnostic approaches for identifying viral pathogens in patients with ARTIs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100686"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144563586","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Establishing a dengue genomic monitoring in Cuba: uncovering virus dynamics to enhance local response","authors":"Melissa Pérez ,&nbsp;Mayling Álvarez ,&nbsp;Lissette Perez ,&nbsp;Ana Julia Benitez ,&nbsp;Silvia Serrano ,&nbsp;Talita Emile Ribeiro Adelino ,&nbsp;Vagner Fonseca ,&nbsp;Sonia Resik ,&nbsp;Vivian Kouri ,&nbsp;Lionel Gresh ,&nbsp;Leticia Franco ,&nbsp;Jairo Mendez Rico ,&nbsp;José Lourenço ,&nbsp;Luiz Carlos Junior Alcantara ,&nbsp;Marta Giovanetti ,&nbsp;Maria G. Guzman","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100683","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100683","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>A major dengue outbreak was reported by the Cuban Ministry of Health in 2022, highlighting the need for strong surveillance, with high pediatric cases showing warning signs. Using phylogenetic and epidemiologic approaches, we provide evidence toward a better understanding of dengue’s recent transmission history.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study details the implementation of the genomic surveillance system for Dengue virus. Pre-screened DENV-3 positive samples (reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] cycle threshold [Ct] &lt;30) with epidemiologic metadata—including symptom onset, sample collection date, sex, age, residence, symptoms, and disease classification—underwent whole genome sequencing using Nanopore technology.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Genome sequences from 2022 to 2023 confirmed DENV-3 genotype III circulation in western, central, and eastern Cuba, covering 15 provinces and one special municipality. All cases were autochthonous, with 93% classified as dengue without warning signs and 7% as severe dengue. Long-term analysis identified a seasonal window of heightened suitability from May to November. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that DENV-3 genotype III has been introduced into Cuba multiple times, primarily from Asia and the Americas. These independent introduction events, likely driven by international travel and trade, underscore the importance of continued viral importation monitoring. The newly sequenced Cuban DENV-3 genotype III genomes were assigned to two distinct sub-lineages within genotype III: 3III_C, corresponding to the older American lineage I (2001-2014), and 3III_B.3, representing a novel introduction into Cuba associated with the more recent American lineage II (2022-2023). Evidence suggests that 3III_C, previously circulating in the country, may have been replaced by 3III_B.3 around 2020.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study outlines the development of a dengue genomic monitoring system in the country. The system will contribute to Cuba’s public health response, facilitating timely interventions and potentially reducing the disease’s impact on the local population.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100683"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144579765","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}