American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene最新文献

{"title":"Characterization of Transstadial Transmission of Rickettsia Amblyommatis in Haemaphysalis Longicornis Using Optimized Artificial Membrane Feeding System.","authors":"Justin Le, Molly B Thompson, Wan-Yi Yen, Smruti Mishra, David Carlson, Andrew S Handel, Erich R Mackow, Jorge L Benach, Ilia Rochlin, Hwan Keun Kim","doi":"10.4269/ajtmh.24-0782","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.24-0782","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ticks are blood-feeding arthropods and serve as vectors and reservoirs for diverse pathogens. Recent environmental changes have triggered the invasion of ticks into new geographical areas, prompting a public health alert for increased risk of tick-borne diseases. Amblyomma (A.) americanum (lone star tick) has emerged as the most common human-biting tick species in the eastern United States. Amblyomma americanum transmits multiple pathogens, including Rickettsia (R.) amblyommatis, the suspected cause of mild spotted fever rickettsiosis. As an invasive tick species, Haemaphysalis (H.) longicornis (longhorned tick) has rapidly invaded and expanded to high densities in the eastern United States. Haemaphysalis longicornis and A. americanum often share the habitat with preferential feeding on mid- to large-sized animals, such as white-tailed deer. This sympatric association of H. longicornis with A. americanum raises the potential for H. longicornis to acquire pathogens native to A. americanum during blood-feeding on the same host. In its native ranges, H. longicornis transmits R. japonica and R. heilongjiangensis. However, it remains unclear whether H. longicornis can transmit R. amblyommatis abundantly present in A. americanum in the United States. Using artificial membrane feeding, we establish that R. amblyommatis can stably colonize H. longicornis without altering feeding and molting behaviors. Transovarial transmission of R. amblyommatis did not occur in parthenogenetic H. longicornis. However, R. amblyommatis successfully invaded the midgut and salivary glands of H. longicornis, key organ tissues of rickettsial replication and horizontal transmission. Our results suggest that H. longicornis may serve as a vector, but not as a reservoir, for R. amblyommatis transmission.</p>","PeriodicalId":7752,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143956385","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Epstein-Barr Virus Seroprevalence in Thailand: A Temporal and Global Perspective with Health Care and Economic Correlations.","authors":"Lita Tantipraphat, Narakit Sudhinaraset, Thanunrat Thongmee, Sitthichai Kanokudom, Pornjarim Nilyanimit, Natthinee Sudhinaraset, Yong Poovorawan","doi":"10.4269/ajtmh.24-0857","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.24-0857","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects over 90% of the global population and establishes lifelong persistence. Although early childhood infections are often asymptomatic, EBV infection during adolescence can cause infectious mononucleosis, several malignancies, and posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders. The timing of EBV infection and seroprevalence varies globally based on geographic and socioeconomic factors; however, comprehensive and updated data for Thailand are limited. This study investigated EBV seroprevalence across age groups in four provinces representing Thailand's regions, comparing findings with previous data and exploring correlations with economic and health care indicators. Serum samples (N = 1,274) were collected between May and August 2024 from participants ages 6 months old to 80 years old in Ayutthaya, Uttaradit, Buri Ram, and Trang provinces. EBV capsid antigen IgG levels were measured using ELISA. Age-specific seroprevalence increased from 35.9% in infants (6 months old to 2 years old) to nearly 100% in adolescents and adults, with varying antibody levels between age groups. Comparisons with historical data illustrated consistent trends of early EBV acquisition in childhood, but the infection increased slightly slower than in the past. Compared with other countries, EBV seroprevalence in Thailand and other developing countries occurred earlier than in developed countries. Linear regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between age at 50% and 75% EBV seropositive and a national economic indicator (gross domestic product per capita). These findings found little changes in EBV epidemiology over time and provided updated information and analysis to support public health strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":7752,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143953956","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Review of Vaccines for Neglected Pathogens: Strategies, Achievements, and Challenges - Focus on Leprosy, Leishmaniasis, Melioidosis, and Tuberculosis by Myron Christodoulides.","authors":"Christian T K-H Stadtländer","doi":"10.4269/ajtmh.24-0807","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.24-0807","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7752,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143959827","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Spatial Distribution and Epidemiological Characterization of Congenital Syphilis in Monterrey, Mexico, 2016-2024.","authors":"Denisse Natalie Vaquera Aparicio, José Iván Castillo Bejarano, Abiel Mascareñas de Los Santos, Paul Santiago Arcos Viscarra, María Fernanda Cid Ramírez, Diego Armando Alvarado-Lara, Sara Paulina Rosales-González, Kassandra Abigail Martínez Rivera, Ingrid Gabriela López-Reyna, Manuel Alejandro Saldaña Chacón, Susana Patricia Cantú González","doi":"10.4269/ajtmh.24-0474","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.24-0474","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Congenital syphilis is a preventable infectious disease that is rising in low- and middle-income countries. The CDC classifies congenital syphilis into four clinical scenarios to guide diagnosis and treatment: Scenario 1, proven or highly probable congenital syphilis; Scenario 2, possible congenital syphilis; Scenario 3, less likely congenital syphilis; and Scenario 4, unlikely congenital syphilis. Geolocation is crucial for analyzing the distribution of infectious diseases by pinpointing high-prevalence areas and enabling targeted interventions. This retrospective observational study analyzed Scenario 1 and 2 cases from a tertiary hospital in Monterrey, Mexico (2016 to 2024). Geocoding was performed by converting descriptive location data, such as patients' postal codes, into geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) using Python v. 3.10.13 (Python Software Foundation, Wilmington, DE). These coordinates were then used in spatial analysis and visualized through kernel density mapping to identify high-incidence zones. Logistic regression identified associations with geographic, socioeconomic, and clinical factors, and odds ratios quantified risks. Data analysis was performed with SPSS version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). A total of 167 Scenario 1 and 2 cases were identified, with the highest incidence in 2023 (82.3%, n = 51). The mean maternal age was 23 years; 56.3% of maternal syphilis cases were diagnosed postpartum, 49.7% of cases were late latent syphilis, and 48.5% of patients received no treatment. Higher prevalence was observed in densely populated areas such as Monterrey. This study highlights the utility of geolocation and kernel mapping for designing prevention strategies tailored to high-risk regions. Strengthening prenatal care, early diagnostic testing, and timely treatment is crucial for reducing congenital syphilis rates.</p>","PeriodicalId":7752,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143958142","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Isolation of Fluconazole-Resistant South Asian Clade Candida auris in Beijing, China.","authors":"Linlin Yan, Fan Zhao, Ke Zhang, Pengfei Wang, Shoukui Hu","doi":"10.4269/ajtmh.24-0748","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.24-0748","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Since first isolate of Candida (C.) auris was recognized in 2018 in China, over 60 cases of C. auris colonization or infection have been reported up to 2022, with at least two distinct genetic clade. Most isolates from South Asian clade and South African clade were sensitive and resistant to fluconazole, respectively. Here, we report an isolate of fluconazole-resistant South Asian clade C. auris (PUSH159) from blood. The efflux pump genes MDR1, CDR1, CDR4, SNQ2, and ARB1, and ergosterol biosynthesis gene ERG11 were detected in strain PUSH159. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis revealed that strain PUSH159 carried multiple mutations in drug resistance-associated genes, including a hot-spot mutation (Y132F) in ERG11, missense mutation of E709D in CDR1, and missense mutations of K52N and E464K in SNQ2. Our findings support the genetic diversity and differences in antifungal susceptibility within the South Asian clade, and provide early warning for the emergence of fluconazole-resistant South Asian clade isolates in China.</p>","PeriodicalId":7752,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143956943","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Disseminated Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania major in Immunocompetent Sudanese Child.","authors":"Abdelsalam Nail, Elwaleed M Elamin, Omaima Abdel Majeed Salih, Yousif M Kordofani, Musa M Kheir, Maowia M Mukhtar","doi":"10.4269/ajtmh.24-0816","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.24-0816","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Leishmania major is the predominant cause of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Sudan. The disease frequently presents as localized skin lesions that usually heals spontaneously. A 10-year-old girl from Darfur, presented to Khartoum Dermatology Hospital with a 1-year history of widespread skin lesions. The lesions began as small papules on her upper and lower limbs and progressively involved all exposed areas, including her face, over 5 months. Diagnosis was confirmed by parasitology and culture from lesions aspirates. Leishmania major was identified by polymerase chain reaction. The patient was initially treated with intramuscular sodium stibogluconate (10 mg/kg) for 1 month, with no significant improvement. Subsequently, intravenous liposomal amphotericin B (Ambisome) was administered at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg daily in dextrose 5% for 14 days. Marked clinical improvement was observed, with lesions beginning to heal. Treatment was extended for an additional 40 days. The patient showed full recovery, with healed lesions leaving scars.</p>","PeriodicalId":7752,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143957053","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Subcutaneous Basidiobolomycosis Masquerading as Cellulitis on the Forearm of an Elderly Woman.","authors":"Rhea Ahuja, Vanshika Arora, Arshi Tandon, Sudheer Arava, Neetu Bhari","doi":"10.4269/ajtmh.24-0601","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.24-0601","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Subcutaneous basidiobolomycosis is a rare chronic granulomatous infection, typically affecting skin and soft tissues of immunocompetent individuals in tropical and subtropical regions. We report a case of an elderly woman presenting with an indurated, progressively enlarging swelling on her distal forearm, initially resembling cellulitis. Despite multiple antibiotic courses and incision procedures, there was no improvement. Biopsy revealed hyperplastic squamous epithelium with granulomas and large aseptate hyphal structures, confirming basidiobolomycosis. The patient was treated with oral itraconazole, leading to significant resolution of the swelling within 3 months. This case highlights the atypical presentation of basidiobolomycosis in an elderly patient and emphasizes the importance of considering this diagnosis in subcutaneous swellings, especially in tropical climates. The case also underscores the challenges in diagnosing this condition, particularly when cultures are negative, and the need for further research to improve diagnostic methods.</p>","PeriodicalId":7752,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143963874","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Associations between Organ Dysfunction Scoring Systems and Dysregulated Host Responses in Adults with Severe Infection in Uganda: A Prospective Cohort Study.","authors":"Jonathan Tiao, Barnabas Bakamutumaho, Nicholas Owor, John Kayiwa, Joyce Namulondo, Timothy Byaruhanga, Moses Muwanga, Christopher Nsereko, Irene Nayiga, Xiaoyu Che, W Ian Lipkin, Julius J Lutwama, Max R O'Donnell, Matthew J Cummings","doi":"10.4269/ajtmh.24-0618","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.24-0618","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Scoring systems for organ dysfunction (e.g., the quick Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment [qSOFA], Modified Early Warning Score [MEWS], and Universal Vital Assessment [UVA]) are proposed as clinical criteria for sepsis. The content validity of these scoring systems is poorly understood in sub-Saharan Africa, where the global sepsis burden is concentrated. In a prospective cohort of 288 adults hospitalized with suspected sepsis in Uganda, we show that qSOFA, MEWS, and UVA scores were significantly associated with soluble mediators of innate and adaptive immune activation, endothelial dysfunction, and fibrinolysis. Results were consistent after adjustment for demographics, illness duration, and HIV or malaria coinfection. In resource-limited settings in sub-Saharan Africa, organ dysfunction scores may stratify patients at highest risk of poor outcomes and those with more dysregulated host responses. Further studies are needed to better define these relationships, including the temporal dynamics of dysregulated host responses and organ dysfunction in sepsis.</p>","PeriodicalId":7752,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143961349","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Granulomatous Hepatitis Mimicking Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma.","authors":"Kartik Mehta, Sanjeev Sachdeva, Venkatesh Vaithiyam","doi":"10.4269/ajtmh.24-0850","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.24-0850","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7752,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143952544","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Risk Factors Associated with Oral Candidiasis in Pemphigus Vulgaris Patients: Results from a Case-Control Study in India.","authors":"Preethaa Sri P, Namrata Chhabra, Archana Keche","doi":"10.4269/ajtmh.24-0712","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.24-0712","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a life-threatening chronic autoimmune mucocutaneous disorder managed by corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive agents. Oral candidiasis (OC) is the most common opportunistic infection in PV. This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with OC in PV patients. This case-control study included adult cases with PV and healthy controls. Cases with a history of antifungals within the last 2 weeks were excluded. Potential risk factors based on demographics, clinical activity, and laboratory markers including neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were documented. Seventy-four adult PV cases and healthy controls were included over a period of 18 months. A total of 59.4% (n = 44) of the cases were diagnosed with OC, whereas oral colonization with Candida was present in 8.1% (n = 6) of the controls. Females had 2.7 times higher odds of developing OC than males (P-value = 0.046). Cases with a history of prior topical steroid use had 2.5 times higher odds of developing OC (P-value <0.0001). Cases with a history of prior systemic antibiotic use had 1.8 times higher odds of developing OC (P-value <0.0001). Mean ± SD of NLR and PLR in patients with OC were significantly higher than in cases without OC (P-value <0.0001). OC was not associated with diabetes, oral steroids, or immunosuppressant use in PV in our study. In PV, female gender, prior topical steroid, and systemic antibiotic usage are significant risk factors for the development of OC. NLR and PLR are important laboratory markers that indicate increased predisposition to OC in PV.</p>","PeriodicalId":7752,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143958552","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}