{"title":"Estimating childhood tuberculosis incidence and under-reporting in Gedeo Zone, Ethiopia: a Bayesian hidden Markov model","authors":"Solomon Hailemariam Tesfaye , Tsion Mulat Tebeje , Daneil Sisay , Mektew Belete , Yohannes Kifle , Asresu Feleke , Abinet Meno","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100673","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100673","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To estimate the incidence and under-reported cases of childhood tuberculosis (TB) in rural Ethiopia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We used a Bayesian hidden Markov model with Spatio-temporal random effects to analyze TB notification data from rural areas between 2018 and 2023. Spatial dependence and HIV infection were included as covariates for estimating TB incidence, while the availability of diagnostic services informed the case detection process. Sensitivity analysis were conducted to assess the robustness of the results with alternative prior distributions.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Childhood TB incidence in the Gedeo Zone increased from 141 cases per 100,000 population (95% uncertainty interval: 96-193) in 2018 to 157 cases (95% uncertainty interval: 114-207) in 2023. Estimated case detection rates ranged from 56 cases per 100,000 in 2018 to 62 in 2023, indicating substantial under-reporting. Spatial lags of TB notifications predicted incidence in adjacent areas. Sensitivity analysis confirmed result robustness.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The gap between estimated TB incidence and reported cases highlights the urgent need to strengthen TB surveillance in the study area.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100673"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144254838","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}
IJID regionsPub Date : 2025-06-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100668
Mohini Bryant-Ekstrand , Peter Luu , Thomas Gooding , Rachel Jaten , Andrew Thomas Lovering , Hans C. Haverkamp
{"title":"Pulmonary function, diffusing capacity, and forced oscillometry after recovery from COVID-19 in young, healthy, recreationally active men and women","authors":"Mohini Bryant-Ekstrand , Peter Luu , Thomas Gooding , Rachel Jaten , Andrew Thomas Lovering , Hans C. Haverkamp","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100668","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100668","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aimed to examine the long-term impact of COVID-19 on pulmonary function (spirometry and forced oscillometry technique, and lung diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide [DL<sub>CO</sub>]) in a large group of young, recreationally active adults.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A total of 71 participants (aged 21 years) who had recovered from a positive COVID-19 infection (COVID<sup>+</sup>) and 55 participants (aged 24 years) who had never tested positive for COVID-19 (COVID<sup>−</sup>) performed routine spirometry and DL<sub>CO</sub>. Some patients also completed forced oscillometry technique (<em>n</em> = 22 COVID<sup>+</sup>; <em>n</em> = 18 COVID<sup>−</sup>).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity (FEV<sub>1</sub>/FVC) and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of FVC (FEF<sub>25-75%</sub>) were slightly but significantly lower in patients who were COVID<sup>+</sup> than those who were COVID<sup>−</sup> (FEV<sub>1</sub>/FVC = 93.6 ± 8.3 vs 96.9 ± 6.7%-predicted, <em>P</em> = 0.019; FEF<sub>25-75%</sub> = 86.0 ± 21.2 vs 94.5 ± 21.1%-predicted, <em>P</em> = 0.015, respectively). There were no associations between any pulmonary function variables or DL<sub>CO</sub> and the number of days between COVID-19 infection and testing.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Our findings provide evidence that pulmonary function and DL<sub>CO</sub> are largely preserved after recovery from mild COVID-19 in young, healthy, active men and women.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100668"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144241469","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":"Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas isolated from water at primary health care centers in Gaza, Palestine: a cross-sectional study","authors":"Reem Abu-Shomar , Mark Zeitoun , Aula Abbara , Abdelraouf Elmanama","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100671","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100671","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To assess the antibiotic resistance profile, multiple antibiotic resistance index (MARI), and genetic determinants of <em>Pseudomonas</em> spp. isolated from water sources in primary health care centers in Gaza. This investigation aimed to understand potential risks for nosocomial transmission, particularly in the context of deteriorating healthcare and water infrastructure in conflict zone.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A total of 64 water samples were collected from five primary health care centers across Gaza (April-August 2022). Isolates were identified using standard microbiological techniques. Antibiotic susceptibility was tested via the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method; MARI was calculated, and polymerase chain reaction was used to detect New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (<em>NDM</em>) genes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div><em>Pseudomonas</em> spp. were isolated from 59.4% of samples (desalinated: 48.3%; municipal: 68.6%). High resistance was observed to imipenem (84%) and piperacillin (84%), followed by aztreonam (31.6%) and gentamicin (28.9%). The average MARI was 0.4. <em>NDM</em> genes were detected in a subset of isolates.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The presence of multidrug-resistant, <em>NDM</em>-producing <em>Pseudomonas</em> in reverse osmosis and municipal water highlights the urgent need for water safety, screening, and infection control in conflict-affected health care settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100671"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144261590","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}
IJID regionsPub Date : 2025-06-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100670
Mst. Noorjahan Begum , Selim Reza Tony , Nure Sharaf Nower Samia , Yeasir Karim , Kinkar Ghosh , Reaz Mobarak , Md. Abu Tayab , Probir Kumar Sarkar , Farhana Ahmed , Mashud Parvez , Nigha Zannat Dola , Afsana Rashed , Sabik Khair , Shaheen Alam , Mohammad Jubair , Mustafizur Rahman
{"title":"Dengue virus detection in nasopharyngeal swabs among pediatric cases in Bangladesh","authors":"Mst. Noorjahan Begum , Selim Reza Tony , Nure Sharaf Nower Samia , Yeasir Karim , Kinkar Ghosh , Reaz Mobarak , Md. Abu Tayab , Probir Kumar Sarkar , Farhana Ahmed , Mashud Parvez , Nigha Zannat Dola , Afsana Rashed , Sabik Khair , Shaheen Alam , Mohammad Jubair , Mustafizur Rahman","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100670","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100670","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Dengue virus (DENV) remains a major public health threat worldwide, with a significant burden in Bangladesh. Despite whole blood being the gold standard for DENV detection, emerging evidence suggests that non-blood specimens, such as nasopharyngeal swabs (NPSs), may offer a less invasive alternative for diagnosis. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of NPSs for detecting DENV RNA in pediatric patients in Bangladesh.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We collected 130 paired NPS and blood specimens from children with suspected dengue (aged 1 month to 15 years) at Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute. Viral RNA was extracted from both sample types and subsequently detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of the 130 paired specimens, DENV RNA was detected in 115 blood samples and 104 NPSs. Compared with blood, NPS exhibited a sensitivity of 90.43%, specificity of 100%, and overall accuracy of 91.54%. An analysis of demographic and clinical factors revealed no significant differences between NPS-positive and -negative cases.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study underscores the potential of NPSs as a viable alternative diagnostic specimen for DENV detection, particularly, in settings where blood collection is difficult. Integrating NPS into existing diagnostic and surveillance systems could enhance early detection and outbreak management, ultimately improving patient care and public health response.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100670"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144231489","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}
IJID regionsPub Date : 2025-06-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100660
Jamie Ponmattam , Marcia M.T. Machado , Valerie Scott , Rafael Claro , Marcia C Castro
{"title":"Acceptance of a dengue vaccine and potential change in vector control behavior","authors":"Jamie Ponmattam , Marcia M.T. Machado , Valerie Scott , Rafael Claro , Marcia C Castro","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100660","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100660","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aimed to examine the attitudes toward dengue vaccine acceptance for adults and children and expected changes in vector control behaviors post-vaccination in three Brazilian cities.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>From March to June 2022, a telephone survey asked respondents about their knowledge and attitudes toward vaccination, dengue and vector control, acceptance of a hypothetical dengue vaccine, and anticipated changes in current vector control practices post-vaccination. The risk and protective factors associated with vaccine acceptance and post-vaccination behavior changes were analyzed using rake-weighted logistic regressions.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Most participants were knowledgeable about dengue symptoms (72%), engaged in at least one vector control behavior (92%), and willing to vaccinate themselves and their children (87%). Strong disagreement with the statement that vaccines are effective indicated lower odds of accepting a hypothetical dengue vaccine (odds ratio 0.27, 95% confidence interval: 0.12-0.61), compared with strong agreement. Although most respondents reported that they would not stop or reduce any dengue prevention methods (87-88%), those who trusted in the medical advice of doctors/nurses (odds ratio 2.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.1-7.64) have higher odds of reducing at least one vector control behavior.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Possible changes in vector control behavior after dengue vaccination suggest that routine vector control sensitization and information sharing by medical providers, media communication, and during vaccination campaign events are needed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100660"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144223301","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}
IJID regionsPub Date : 2025-06-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100675
Khuntsaria Irakli , Kekelia Elene , Abuladze Mariam , Mamiseishvili Ana , Dumbadze Eter , Akhvlediani Manana , Kaufmann Andreas Martin , Abiatari Ivane , Kldiashvili Ekaterina
{"title":"Molecular and serological prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus among asymptomatic men in Georgia","authors":"Khuntsaria Irakli , Kekelia Elene , Abuladze Mariam , Mamiseishvili Ana , Dumbadze Eter , Akhvlediani Manana , Kaufmann Andreas Martin , Abiatari Ivane , Kldiashvili Ekaterina","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100675","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100675","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide, associated with a range of anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers in men. Despite this, male populations are often underrepresented in HPV surveillance and prevention programs, particularly in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of high-risk HPV in asymptomatic men in Georgia using both serologic and molecular diagnostics.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a cross-sectional study of 372 asymptomatic men aged 25-65 years, recruited from urban outpatient clinics in Tbilisi. Serum samples were analyzed using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit (DiaPro) to detect immunoglobulin G antibodies specific to HPV16 and HPV18. Simultaneously, HPV DNA was extracted and genotyped using the Anyplex™ II HPV28 Detection Assay (Seegene), which identifies 28 genotypes, including 14 high-risk types.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Only five participants (1.34%; 95% confidence interval: 0.6-3.1%) tested positive for HPV16/18-specific immunoglobulin G antibodies. In contrast, HPV DNA was detected in 165 participants (44.4%). The most common genotypes were HPV31 (15.1%), HPV16 (10.0%), HPV33 (5.4%), and HPV18 (4.8%). All detected genotypes were high-risk. Among seropositive individuals, three had HPV16, one had HPV31, and one had HPV18.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>These findings reveal a high prevalence of high-risk HPV genotypes in asymptomatic Georgian men, despite low seropositivity. The results support the need for gender-neutral HPV vaccination and underscore the limitations of serological testing in male populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100675"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144231490","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}
IJID regionsPub Date : 2025-06-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100669
Maria Christina Mallet , Sylvie Trottier , Mariana Baz , Immanuel Redah , Venkata R. Duvvuri , Robert Kozak , Marie-Louise Vachon , Patrick Daigneault , Maurice Boissinot , Michel G Bergeron , Cécile Tremblay , Yves Longtin , Ann Huletsky , Rodica Gilca , Simon Berthelot , Sandra Isabel
{"title":"Clinical presentation of Enterovirus D68 in adults with acute respiratory infections consulting in emergency departments in Quebec, Canada","authors":"Maria Christina Mallet , Sylvie Trottier , Mariana Baz , Immanuel Redah , Venkata R. Duvvuri , Robert Kozak , Marie-Louise Vachon , Patrick Daigneault , Maurice Boissinot , Michel G Bergeron , Cécile Tremblay , Yves Longtin , Ann Huletsky , Rodica Gilca , Simon Berthelot , Sandra Isabel","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100669","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100669","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is mainly studied in children, while data in adults are limited. We described the clinical presentation of EV-D68 in adults, compared with other enterovirus/rhinovirus (EV/RV) infections.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We used clinical and laboratory data from 1143 adults visiting four emergency departments in Quebec, Canada, for acute respiratory infections (February 2022 to March 2023). We analyzed nasopharyngeal swabs using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction; positive EV/RV samples were further tested with EV-D68–specific polymerase chain reaction assays. We calculated the Pandemic Medical Early Warning Score (PMEWS) to assess severity.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of 155 (14%) EV/RV samples, 19 (12%) were EV-D68 and occurred from July to October, 2022. Patients with EV-D68 more frequently lived with other people (100% vs 73%, <em>P</em> = 0.02) and tended to have more underlying chronic respiratory diseases (26% vs 20%) and respiratory symptoms (e.g., dyspnea: 84% vs 75%; wheezing: 63% vs 44%; and chest pain: 63% vs 49%), although these differences were not statistically significant. PMEWS, hospitalizations, and median time spent in the emergency department did not differ significantly between the EV-D68 and the other EV/RV group.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Respiratory symptoms tended to be more common among participants with EV-D68 than those with other EV/RV, although disease severity was similar. Larger studies are needed to better characterize EV-D68 infections in adults.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100669"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144261553","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}
IJID regionsPub Date : 2025-06-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100672
Su Myat Han , Puah Ser Hon , Ho Ying Na , Trevor Tan Hwee Yong , Paul Anantharajah Tambyah , Yeo Tsin Wen
{"title":"Viral non-SARS-CoV-2 etiology of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in Southeast Asia: a review and pooled analysis","authors":"Su Myat Han , Puah Ser Hon , Ho Ying Na , Trevor Tan Hwee Yong , Paul Anantharajah Tambyah , Yeo Tsin Wen","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100672","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100672","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, including in Southeast Asia (SEA). While bacterial causes are well studied, viral etiologies are less characterized. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the significance of viral pneumonia, alongside ongoing concerns from zoonotic influenza, human metapneumovirus, and other outbreaks. This review identified 16 studies from SEA, encompassing 8421 CAP patients (2012-2023), describing the viral etiology of CAP. Influenza virus (IV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and human rhinovirus/enterovirus (hRV/EV) were the most frequently tested viral pathogens in 16, 13, and 12 studies, respectively. The pooled positivity rates were 9.02% (hRV/EV), 7.28% (IV), and 5.17% (RSV). While viral etiologies of CAP in SEA align with global trends, data remain limited. Enhancing microbiology capacity in SEA is essential to strengthen CAP surveillance, optimize treatment strategies, inform vaccination policies, and improve pandemic preparedness.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100672"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144271199","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}
IJID regionsPub Date : 2025-06-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100656
Fatemeh Estaji , Ali Kamali , Masoud Keikha
{"title":"Comments on “Tuberculosis outcomes among international migrants living in Europe compared with the nonmigrant population: A systematic review and meta-analysis”","authors":"Fatemeh Estaji , Ali Kamali , Masoud Keikha","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100656","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100656","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100656"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144321380","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}