IJID regions最新文献

{"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}

{"title":"Febrile neutropenia in the Middle East and North Africa Region: trends, management, and outcomes (2000-2024)—A systematic review","authors":"Nassar El Assaad ,&nbsp;Akel Azzi ,&nbsp;Francois Haddad ,&nbsp;Joe Lebbos ,&nbsp;Elie Haddad ,&nbsp;Nabil Chehata ,&nbsp;Jacques Choucair ,&nbsp;Gebrael Saliba","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100682","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100682","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a serious complication of chemotherapy, especially in hematologic malignancies, and carries significant risk of morbidity and mortality risks. Infections, often originating from endogenous flora, are common, with gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria being the predominant pathogens. This systematic review, registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD420241008055) examines FN incidence, characteristics, infections, and treatment outcomes in the Middle East and North Africa. A total of 22 studies from nine countries, covering 2864 patients and 3245 FN episodes, were included. Bloodstream infections were the most common source, with gram-negative pathogens more prevalent in solid tumors and gram-positive in hematologic malignancies. Empirical antibiotic choices varied significantly across countries, with piperacillin-tazobactam being the most commonly used. However, antimicrobial resistance, particularly from multidrug-resistant organisms, posed significant challenges. Mortality rates reached 12.5%, influenced by healthcare access and antimicrobial resistance. The findings highlight regional disparities in FN management and emphasize the need for tailored antimicrobial stewardship programs, rapid diagnostics, and standardized treatment protocols to improve patient outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100682"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144655877","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":"Early detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants using genomic surveillance: insights from aircraft wastewater and nasal swabs at Kigali International Airport, Rwanda","authors":"Misbah Gashegu ,&nbsp;Raissa Muvunyi ,&nbsp;Jean Pierre Musabyimana ,&nbsp;Esperance Umumararungu ,&nbsp;Laetitia Irankunda ,&nbsp;Chantal Mutezemariya ,&nbsp;Arlene Uwituze ,&nbsp;Nelson Gahima ,&nbsp;John Rwabuhihi ,&nbsp;Jean Claude Mugisha ,&nbsp;Ayman Ahmed ,&nbsp;Noel Gahamanyi ,&nbsp;Leon Mutesa ,&nbsp;Cecilia A. Prator ,&nbsp;Elizabeth A. Landis ,&nbsp;Casandra W. Philipson ,&nbsp;Nicole Bohme Carnegie ,&nbsp;Albert Tuyishime ,&nbsp;Isabelle Mukagatare ,&nbsp;Noella Bigirimana ,&nbsp;Claude Mambo Muvunyi","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100678","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100678","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>The growing threat of emerging infectious diseases necessitates proactive genomic surveillance, particularly, in regions with limited resources and low levels of existing reporting. This study highlights the implementation of a comprehensive genomic surveillance program at the Kigali International Airport and explores the utility of a dual-sample strategy leveraging environmental aircraft wastewater and pooled nasal swab sample types for comprehensive detection and characterization of SARS-CoV-2 lineages being imported into Rwanda.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Using a combined pooled nasal swab and aircraft wastewater sampling approach resulted in complementary insights in terms of geographic coverage, positivity, and variant characterization.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Mutational profiling in source pooled nasal swabs and aircraft wastewater sample data revealed dynamic shifts in mutation prevalence that corresponded with global patterns. Emerging variant JN.1 was detected early in nasal swab data, demonstrating the power of using genomic surveillance as an early warning system.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>These results support the feasibility of pathogen surveillance in high-traffic settings and may help drive interest in expanding programs to include pathogens beyond SARS-CoV-2.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100678"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144490951","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":"Prevalence of metabolic diseases in patients infected with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman","authors":"Faiqa Alwahibia ,&nbsp;Fatma Al Ismaili ,&nbsp;Ali Haider ,&nbsp;Mohammed Al Kindi ,&nbsp;Hawra Al Lawati ,&nbsp;Abdullah Balkhair","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100679","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100679","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aimed to examine the prevalence and treatment outcome of metabolic disorders among Omani patients living with HIV.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Retrospective observational cross-sectional study of adult patients living with HIV and receiving antiretroviral therapy at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2024.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 214 patients living with HIV were included. A total of 138 (64.5%) patients were male, with a median age of 43 years (34-53). The median duration of HIV infection was 11 (4-16) years and the median clusters of differentiation 4 count at HIV diagnosis was 191 (49-299) cells/mm³, with 30.4% of patients suffered an AIDS defining opportunistic infection at presentation. The prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, osteoporosis, osteopenia, and obesity was 25.0%, 21.5%, 49.4%, 18.9%, 44.1%, and 34.5%, respectively. Patients with diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis were significantly older and notably had longer duration of HIV infection. A total of 39.2%, 48.4%, 51.6%, and 76.2% of patients with diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and osteoporosis achieved treatment targets, respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The prevalence of metabolic disorders in Omani patients living with HIV is high especially among older patients and those with long duration of HIV infection. Substantial gap exists in the care of these patients regarding the management of metabolic disorders.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100679"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144514296","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":"Ending tuberculosis in Gulf Cooperation Council countries: an overview of the WHO End TB Strategy 2025 milestones","authors":"Salah Al Awaidy ,&nbsp;Faryal Khamis ,&nbsp;Sami Al Mujeini ,&nbsp;Jameela Al Salman ,&nbsp;Jaffar A. Al-Tawfiq","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100681","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100681","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Tuberculosis (TB) continues to pose a major global public health challenge. Although the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have lower incidence rates of TB (&lt;10 cases per million population), they are still striving to maintain and surpass benchmarks. We describe TB status to the 2025 milestones of the World Health Organization (WHO) End TB Strategy.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A retrospective study conducted using WHO data published from 2015 and between 2020 and 2023 highlights trends in TB incidence, mortality, treatment success, and drug resistance across GCC countries.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Kuwait had the most significant drop in TB infections since 2015, with a reduction of 57%, followed by Qatar at 40% and Saudi Arabia at 31%. Oman, however, recorded a 23% increase. In terms of TB-related deaths, Saudi Arabia achieved a 32% decrease, whereas Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates experienced increases of 14%, 39%, and 22% respectively. Treatment success rates were highest in Qatar (100%), Oman (90%), and Saudi Arabia (87%), whereas Kuwait (44%) and Bahrain (77%) had the lowest rates. Oman reported the highest reduction in multidrug-resistant TB cases at (60%), followed by Saudi Arabia (50%), Kuwait (31%), and Bahrain (50%). Qatar had the highest increase (122%) and United Arab Emirates had no change, reflecting varying degrees of success in controlling drug-resistant TB. HIV-TB co-infection rates was highest in United Arab Emirates (5.4%) and Bahrain (5.1%), followed by Saudi Arabia (2.3%), Oman (1.4%), Qatar (0.6%), and Kuwait (0.5%). Notably, the GCC countries reported zero TB households, with no catastrophic overall expenses since 2020.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Although the GCC countries have made significant strides in TB control, their efforts toward the targets have been inconsistent, with notable differences in TB-related deaths, infection rates, treatment success, and multidrug-resistant TB rates. Strengthening regional collaboration, implementing targeted interventions, and integrating services are essential to meet the WHO’s 2025 and 2035 goals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100681"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144514295","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":"Economic burden of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis in Uganda: a cost-of-illness analysis","authors":"Bwambale Jonani ,&nbsp;Felix Bongomin","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100680","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100680","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (rVVC) affects 6-9% of women worldwide, yet its economic impact in resource-limited settings remains poorly understood. This study estimated the economic burden of rVVC in Uganda from a societal perspective.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We used a cost-of-illness framework using secondary data sources. We modeled the rVVC prevalence by adjusting for three major epidemiologic risk factors: HIV infection, hormonal contraceptive use, and broad-spectrum antibiotic exposure. Direct medical costs were calculated using Uganda’s health care system pricing, whereas indirect costs were estimated using local wage data. Costs were adjusted for pharmaceutical markups (50-60%) and health-specific inflation (6.0%). Prevalence was determined using epidemiologic data adapted to Uganda’s female population aged 15-49 years. Sensitivity analyses addressed uncertainty in prevalence rates, health care–seeking behaviors, episode frequency, and wage variability.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The annual economic burden of rVVC in Uganda was estimated at Uganda shillings 280.077 billion (US $75.696 million), equivalent to approximately 11.22% of the total health care expenditure. Direct medical costs accounted for 71.5% of the total. The average annual cost per patient was Uganda shillings 260,082 (US $70.29), which is approximately 7.0% of per-capita gross domestic product. Health care–seeking behavior and prevalence were the most influential parameters in sensitivity analyses.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>rVVC imposes a substantial economic burden on Ugandan women and the health care system. Our findings highlight the need for enhanced screening, improved diagnostics and therapeutic approaches, and preventive strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100680"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144329750","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}