BMC Infectious Diseases最新文献

{"title":"Transcriptional alterations of virulence factors in Leishmania major clinical isolates harboring Leishmania RNA virus 2 (LRV2).","authors":"Sara Sabeti, Mona Koosha, Elham Kazemirad, Zahra Mirabedini, Mehdi Mohebali, Reza Saberi, Mahdi Fakhar, Homa Hajjaran","doi":"10.1186/s12879-025-10717-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-025-10717-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by an intracellular protozoan, Leishmania. Various factors, including host immunity and the Leishmania species, influence the manifestation and severity of the disease. Recent investigations have shed light on the potentially significant role of Leishmania RNA virus (LRV) in the clinical prognosis of leishmaniasis. This study aims to investigate the influence of LRV2 + on various pathogenic genes of Leishmania.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this study, 35 Leishmania isolates were obtained from patients diagnosed with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Leishmania species and the presence of LRV2 + were identified with the PCR-RFLP and semi-nested PCR methods, respectively. Additionally, the RNA expression levels of cysteine protease (CP), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), heat shock protein 83 (HSP83), glycoprotein 63 (GP63), and mannose phosphate isomerase (MPI) were assessed in LRV2 + and LRV2- Leishmania clinical isolates using RT-qPCR.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of the 35 isolates, 20 were selected from CL patients, all confirmed as Leishmania major. These isolates were divided into two groups, LRV2 + and LRV2-, with 10 isolates in each group. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that HSP83, MPI, and GP63 gene expression levels were statistically upregulated in LRV2 + isolates compared to LRV2- isolates (P < 0.05). Although HSP70 and CP genes showed slight up-regulation in LRV2 + isolates, it was not statistically significant compared to LRV2- isolates.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The notable increase in gene expression levels, particularly for GP63, HSP83, and MPI genes, suggests that the presence of LRV2 + may significantly influence the expression of these factors in L. major clinical isolates.</p><p><strong>Clinical trial number: </strong>Not applicable.</p>","PeriodicalId":8981,"journal":{"name":"BMC Infectious Diseases","volume":"25 1","pages":"319"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143571815","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A novel malaria mathematical model: integrating vector and non-vector transmission pathways.","authors":"Emmanuel Akowe, Queeneth Ojoma Ahman, Benedict Celestine Agbata, Solomon Onuche Joseph, Emmanuel Olorunfemi Senewo, Abdul Yusuf Danjuma, Danjuma Jibrin Yahaya","doi":"10.1186/s12879-025-10653-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-025-10653-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria remains one of the most significant global health challenges, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Despite ongoing control efforts, malaria transmission persists due to complex biological, environmental, and socio-economic factors. Traditional malaria models have primarily focused on vector-borne transmission, overlooking the growing importance of non-vector transmission pathways, such as blood transfusions, congenital transmission, and human-to-human transmission through healthcare settings.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A novel mathematical model was developed to integrate both vector-borne and non-vector transmission routes. The model expands the traditional Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) framework by incorporating compartments for vaccinated and non-vector exposed human populations, as well as dynamics for both human and mosquito populations. Numerical simulations were performed using MATLAB to evaluate the impact of vaccination, vector control, non-vector control, and treatment strategies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results indicate that vaccination significantly reduces susceptibility to malaria, with numerical simulations showing an approximate 43% reduction in the susceptible human population. However, vector control remains critical in limiting exposure, and non-vector transmission pathways including blood transfusions, congenital transmission, and direct human-to-human transmission pose a substantial risk even in regions with effective mosquito control. This underscores the need for integrated strategies that address both vector and non-vector transmission routes.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Combining vaccination efforts with robust vector control, improved healthcare practices, and stringent non-vector transmission prevention measures is essential to effectively reduce malaria transmission. Sustained interventions, including improved blood screening and safe medical practices, are necessary to prevent malaria resurgence, particularly in high-transmission settings. This model provides valuable insights into malaria dynamics and offers a framework for designing more effective public health policies and strategies for malaria eradication.</p>","PeriodicalId":8981,"journal":{"name":"BMC Infectious Diseases","volume":"25 1","pages":"322"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143571692","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genomic characterisation and traceability analysis of a Clostridium botulinum strain involved in a food poisoning incident.","authors":"Guiman Li, Huiwen Wang, Yan Zhang, Jun Yan, Zhongwen Duan, Lei Pang, Xianhui Xiong, Qiyan Cha, Siwen Zhao, Min Hou, Yanyan Liu","doi":"10.1186/s12879-025-10700-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-025-10700-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To identify the source of Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum) involved in a food poisoning case in Kunming and analyze its molecular characteristics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This study examined samples from a clustered food poisoning incident, including pickled pig liver consumed by three patients, hospital vomit from a deceased patient, and household waste mixed with vomit. Enrichment culture, microscopic examination, and real-time quantitative PCR confirmed the presence of C. botulinum (designated KM001) with type E botulinum toxin. The full-length genomic sequence of this strain was obtained through second and third-generation sequencing, revealing a genome size of 3,713,470 bp. KEGG annotation indicated that 1,840 single genes were assigned to 44 KEGG pathways. Whole-genome sequencing revealed genetic diversity among toxin gene clusters, with 94.76% homology to C. botulinum E3 strain (Alaska E43) and 93.65% homology to C. botulinum B strain (Eklund 17B, NRP). Evolutionary analysis, incorporating complete genomes of foodborne and environmental C. botulinum strains worldwide along with KM001, showed stronger phylogenetic affinity of KM001 to other type E strains.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Overall, this study identified KM001 as the causative agent in a food poisoning incident, marking the first report of type E botulinum toxin poisoning in the region. Genomic analysis revealed the serotype and genetic diversity among toxin gene clusters, providing insights into its gene function, virulence, and evolutionary relationships. Understanding the genetic relationships and evolutionary pathways of different C. botulinum strains is crucial for predicting infection risks and implementing effective control measures.The findings contribute to the documentation of botulinum toxin incidents in Yunnan, China, but do not examine the antimicrobial resistance of C. botulinum or its interactions with other microorganisms; further research is needed to address these aspects.</p>","PeriodicalId":8981,"journal":{"name":"BMC Infectious Diseases","volume":"25 1","pages":"323"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143571707","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mycobacterium celatum encephalitis in an immunocompromised host mimicking autoimmune striatal encephalitis: the first case report.","authors":"Thanapoom Taweephol, Thanakit Pongpitakmetha, Prakit Anukoolwittaya, Chayoot Marukatat, Wanakorn Rattanawong, Pasin Hemachudha, Jakapat Vanichanan, Suwatchareeporn Rotcheewaphan, Abhinbhen W Saraya","doi":"10.1186/s12879-025-10602-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-025-10602-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Encephalitis is rarely caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), which is generally not considered a highly virulent pathogen. However, NTM encephalitis in immunocompromised hosts occurs with varied clinical presentations, posing a diagnostic challenge in clinical practice. This study aims to describe an atypical case of NTM encephalitis caused by Mycobacterium celatum, which has not previously been reported to infect the central nervous system of immunocompromised hosts, mimicking autoimmune striatal encephalitis (ASE).</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A 35-year-old immunosuppressed woman presented with prolonged fever for 4 months and rapidly progressive cognitive decline for 3 months. Neurological examination showed impaired cognition and parkinsonism. Laboratory testing was unremarkable. Her brain imaging on T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (T2/FLAIR) exhibited lesions involving basal ganglia and subcortical white matter in both hemispheres, mimicking ASE. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed mild pleocytosis with normal glucose and protein levels. CSF comprehensive microbiological studies and autoimmune panels were negative. ASE was suspected, and immunotherapies were given. Despite immunotherapies, her condition worsened with seizures, warranting a stereotactic brain biopsy to achieve a definite diagnosis. Her brain tissue pathology result was non-specific. However, we identified M. celatum from her brain tissue. Thus, the final diagnosis was M. celatum encephalitis. Therefore, we discontinued immunotherapies and started anti-NTM treatment, including isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and levofloxacin. After completing a 16-month treatment course, her clinical condition was stable, afebrile, and seizure-free.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>We proposed that NTM invades the central nervous system and also triggers immune dysregulation, developing features resembling ASE. In case of suspicious autoimmune encephalitis with poor response to immunotherapies, a tissue biopsy should be performed to exclude chronic infection.</p>","PeriodicalId":8981,"journal":{"name":"BMC Infectious Diseases","volume":"25 1","pages":"321"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143571642","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to control influenza spread among children in primary school and kindergarten: class-suspension or symptom-based isolation?","authors":"Hui Xiang, Jie Zhang, Linlin Yang, Yan Wang, Tao Li, Xiaoqing Tang, Jing Qin, Wenwen Deng, Rui Zhang","doi":"10.1186/s12879-025-10701-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-025-10701-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) are critical for influenza control and prevention, however, the data about such interventions are insufficient among students in grades below middle school. Hence, this study aims to explore the effectiveness of NPIs (class-suspension and symptom-based isolation) on the control of influenza spread among children in primary school and kindergarten. Findings will support evidence-based strategies for influenza control among children enrolled in primary schools and kindergartens.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We purposively selected two regions (Zigong and Nanan) in Southwest China as study places, and class-suspension and symptom-based isolation was conducted in the two regions, respectively. RT (effective reproduction number) value, incidence cases, and attack rate were considered as outcome indicators. R4.1.2 software was used to conduct statistical analysis, and p < 0.05 (two-tailed) was considered as statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 593 students in the Nanan district received symptom-based isolation while 1340 students in Zigong city received class-suspension. The vaccination rate of Zigong (21.27%) was much greater than Nanan (8.26%) (p < 0.001). Parents in the Nanan were more highly educated, with undergraduate, master and above degrees, compared to parents in the Zigong (p < 0.05). Though there was no statistical significance difference in RT between Nanan (1.23) and Zigong (1.16) after quarantine and control measures were conducted, the RT value in the two regions was sharply decreased. The incident cases after class-suspension was much higher than symptom-based isolation in both kindergarten and primary school. The attack rate had a significant difference between class-suspension and symptom-based isolation in primary school (p < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Both symptom-based isolation and class-suspension are effective measures in control of influenza spread, and symptom-based isolation are more effective than class-suspension in primary school. Health education and daily surveillance are needed in the control and prevention of influenza.</p>","PeriodicalId":8981,"journal":{"name":"BMC Infectious Diseases","volume":"25 1","pages":"324"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143571663","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Implementation of an infection prevention and control response strategy to combat the Sudan Virus Disease outbreak in an urban setting, the Kampala Metropolitan area, Uganda, 2022.","authors":"S Judith Nanyondo, Shillah Nakato, Janelle Franklin, Andrew Kwiringira, Marvin Malikisi, Maureen Kesande, Abdullah Wailagala, Rebecca Suubi, Dathan M Byonanebye, Elizabeth Katwesigye, Paul Katongole, Juliet Kasule, Louis B Bayo, Martin Kasendwa, Diriisa Musisi, Jennifer Hunter, Lisa P Oakley, Cori Dennison, Linus Ndegwa, Lindsay K Tompkins, Neil Gupta, Rony Bahatungire, Victoria Willet, Amy R Kolwaite, Sarah Zalwango, Elizabeth Bancroft, Stacey Mearns, Mohammed Lamorde","doi":"10.1186/s12879-025-10720-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-025-10720-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In October 2022, the Uganda Ministry of Health (MoH) confirmed the first case of a Sudan Virus Disease (SVD) outbreak in the Kampala Metropolitan area (KMA). A multicomponent infection prevention and control (IPC) strategy was implemented to control the spread of Orthoebolavirus sudanense (SUDV) in KMA. We describe the deployment of this strategy, its effect on IPC capacities, and the successful control of the SVD outbreak in KMA during the 2022 outbreak.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>The multicomponent IPC strategy included (1) IPC pillar coordination: an IPC task force convened by government and health partner representatives and designated focal persons at the district level (2) Ring IPC: intense and targeted IPC support was developed to provide support to healthcare facilities (HCFs) and communities around each confirmed case, (3) IPC in HCFs: HCFs were assessed using a modified WHO SVD IPC scorecard rapid assessment tool that measured 15 IPC capacity domains, mentorship and IPC supplies were provided to HCFs with low scores on the rapid assessment.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A KMA task force was established, and 13 IPC Rings were activated; 790 HCFs were assessed for IPC readiness, and 2,235 healthcare workers (HCWs) were trained. The mean (± standard-deviation) IPC score was 59.2% (± 18.6%) at baseline and increased to 65.5% (± 14.7%) at follow-up after 2 weeks (p < 0.001) of support. The mean IPC scores at baseline were lowest for primary HCFs (57%) and private-for-profit HCFs (47.1%). Similar gaps were revealed across all HCFs, with eight out of 15 (53.3%) IPC capacity areas assessed, resulting in scores < 50% at baseline. At follow-up, only four out of 15 (26.7%) capacity areas (26.7%) were below this threshold.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The IPC strategy enhanced the IPC capacities at HCFs and could be adopted for future outbreaks. Leadership commitment and resource allocation to IPC during non-outbreak periods are critical for preparedness, rapid response, and access to safe care.</p>","PeriodicalId":8981,"journal":{"name":"BMC Infectious Diseases","volume":"25 1","pages":"317"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143571616","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Re-emergence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae before and after COVID-19 pandemic in Germany.","authors":"Frederike Waldeck, Tobias Siegfried Kramer, Sebastien Boutin, Jens Matten, Jan Kramer, Jan Rupp","doi":"10.1186/s12879-025-10657-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-025-10657-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) is a common pathogen of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Epidemics occur every 3-7 years especially in pediatric patients. We collected data from a large laboratory network in Germany to define the epidemiological dynamics in the pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic period.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this retrospective cohort study we included all patients that obtained targeted or multiplex PCR for M. pneumoniae from nasopharyngeal swabs, sputum or bronchoalveolar fluids from 2015 to 2024. Demographic data (age, sex, place of residence, in- or outpatient status) were compared between M. pneumoniae positive and negative patients and co-infections with bacterial or viral pathogens analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We screened 38,204 patients for M. pneumoniae. We identified 1448 cases (3.8%) of M. pneumoniae (48.8% females). Pediatric patients ≤ 18 years represented 75.7% of M. pneumoniae patients and 2.3% were ≥ 60 years. Incidence of M. pneumoniae increased in fourth quartile 2015 (16.2%), second quartile 2018 (14.8%) and fourth quartile 2023 (13.4%). No cases were detected during COVID-19 pandemic 2021. Young age (aOR 0.98 95%-CI 0.97-0.98), outpatient status (aOR 0.56 95%-CI 0.43-0.71) and year of testing (OR dependent on year of testing) were predictors of M. pneumoniae detection in multivariate analysis (p < 0.001). We observed a significant increase in outpatients with M. pneumoniae after COVID-19 pandemic (86.7 vs. 96.5%, p = < 0.001, aOR 0.25, 95% CI 0.15-0.4).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Empirical treatment of CAP patients often does not include coverage of M. pneumoniae. A more thorough implementation of available surveillance data into clinical routine, respective therapies could be adapted more quickly during epidemic outbreaks of M. pneumoniae infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":8981,"journal":{"name":"BMC Infectious Diseases","volume":"25 1","pages":"318"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143571683","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Time trend and identification of risk areas for physical disability due to leprosy in Brazil: An ecological study, 2001-2022.","authors":"Thais Silva Matos, Carlos Dornels Freire de Souza, Tania Rita Moreno de Oliveira Fernandes, Márcio Bezerra Santos, Rodrigo José Videres Cordeiro de Brito, Diogo Uester Silva Matos, Rodrigo Feliciano do Carmo, Tarcísio Fulgêncio Alves da Silva","doi":"10.1186/s12879-025-10586-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-025-10586-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that affects the peripheral nerves, leading to neurological damage and physical disability. This study analyzed the temporal trend in the rate of new leprosy cases with grade 2 physical disability in Brazil and identified spatial clusters of risk for physical disability.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This is an ecological study of all new cases of leprosy with grade 2 physical disability (G2D) at diagnosis between 2001 and 2022 in Brazil, macro-regions, states and municipalities. Data were extracted from the National System of Notifiable Diseases and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. Sociodemographic and clinical variables such as age, sex, race/colour, education and clinical form of the disease were analyzed, as well as the rate of new cases of leprosy with grade 2 physical disability at the time of diagnosis per million inhabitants. Data analysis was divided into three stages: 1- Descriptive analysis of the socio-demographic and clinical profile; 2- Time series analysis: In this stage, the joint-point regression model was used; 3- Spatial analysis, using global and local Moran statistics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were 50,466 new cases of leprosy with G2D during the period studied, 97.4% aged > 14 years, 70.2% male, 45.7% brown, 87.6% with low education, 90.2% multibacillary and 47.5% dimorphic clinical form. There was a downward trend in the detection of leprosy with physical disability grade 2, with an average annual reduction of 2.8% (13.6/1 million in 2001 and 9.1/1 million in 2022). The southeast, south and north regions showed a downward trend. A total of 14 states and 4 capitals showed a decrease in the rate, the most significant being Roraima (-11.0%/year). Tocantins was the only state with an upward trend (3.2%/year). 635 (14.1%) municipalities were in the high-high quadrant. These municipalities belong to 12 Brazilian states and accounted for 30% (n = 15,139) of all cases recorded in the country over the 22 years analyzed.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These results suggest an overall decrease in the detection of leprosy with physical disability in Brazil and highlight geographical disparities in the occurrence of leprosy disability. Interventions to promote early diagnosis should be targeted at areas with the highest rate of new cases with grade 2 disability.</p>","PeriodicalId":8981,"journal":{"name":"BMC Infectious Diseases","volume":"25 1","pages":"320"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143571687","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, northwestern of Iran.","authors":"Narges Soozangar, Farhad Jeddi, Adel Spotin, Soheila Molaei, Behnam Mohammadi-Ghalehbin, Shahram Habibzadeh, Jafar Mohammadshahi, Hafez Mirzanejad-Asl, Hadi Peeri Dogaheh","doi":"10.1186/s12879-025-10728-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12879-025-10728-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is one of the most acute tick-transmitted zoonotic diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine the molecular characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of the CCHF virus based on the S-segment nucleocapsid gene in Ardabil Province, northwestern Iran.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>From November 2021 to May 2023, a total of 20 peripheral blood specimens were collected from suspected CCHF patients. Following RNA extraction, the partial nucleotide sequence of the S fragment was amplified (536 bp) using a one-step RT-PCR Kit. PCR products were successfully sequenced to perform phylogenetic analysis and haplotype distribution.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age of CCHF patients was 30.4 ± 10.45 years and all male patients had a history of tick exposure. According to molecular findings, the frequency of CCHFV in patients was 25% (5/20). A high haplotype diversity (Hd: 1; haplotype number: 5) and distinct genetic clade (IV) of CCHFV were identified among the patients in Ardabil province compared to other regions of Iran.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The occurrence of new haplotypes shows new evidence of the emerging threat of the CCHFV in the region. Current findings strengthen our knowledge of transmission dynamics and dispersion of probable drug-resistant alleles of CCHFV in northwestern Iran, also it will become the basis of public health policy to control CCHF in the region.</p><p><strong>Clinical trial number: </strong>Not applicable.</p>","PeriodicalId":8981,"journal":{"name":"BMC Infectious Diseases","volume":"25 1","pages":"316"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143566013","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"High nasopharyngeal and serum IL-6 levels and the - 573G > C polymorphism (rs1800796) are linked with the risk of severe COVID-19 in a Mexican population: a case‒control study.","authors":"Kirvis Torres-Poveda, Margarita Bahena-Román, Carla O Contreras-Ochoa, Alfredo Lagunas-Martínez, Víctor Hugo Bermúdez-Morales, Victoria Pando-Robles, Esmeralda Ortiz-Flores, Fabiola Cortés-Pedroza, María E Santana-Román, Cecilia Martínez-Campos, Miguel Sánchez-Alemán, Joaquin Manzo-Merino, Ausencio Morales-Ortega, Daniel Alberto Madrid-González, Marco Antonio Cantú-Cuevas, Héctor Barón-Olivares, Vicente Madrid-Marina","doi":"10.1186/s12879-025-10695-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12879-025-10695-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>COVID-19 was the leading cause of death in Mexico between 2020 and 2021. SARS-CoV-2 infection varies widely among individuals and populations. Since variations in genes related to the immune response may play a role in the susceptibility to and outcome of COVID-19, the associations of gene polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL-6 (- 573G > C, rs1800796), TNF-α (- 308G > A, rs1800629), and IFN-γ (- 1615 C > T, rs2069705) with the expression levels of these proteins in the nasopharynx and serum were evaluated in a Mexican population with mild, severe, or critical COVID-19.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 560 COVID-19 patients (309 mild, 163 severe, and 88 critical cases) and 560 age- and sex-matched COVID-19-negative controls were recruited for this case‒control study. The selected SNPs were genotyped via allelic discrimination. Logistic regression analysis was conducted considering four models of inheritance, and ORs were determined for each genotypic variant, adjusting for associated comorbidities in the multivariate model. The nasopharyngeal mRNA expression levels of IL-6, IFN-γ and TNF-α were determined. The levels of IL-6, IFN-γ, IFN-α2, and TNF-α in the serum were quantified. Significant differences were assessed via the Wilcoxon Mann‒Whitney U test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The C allele of the IL-6 - 573 SNP was associated with a greater risk of mild and severe COVID-19 (OR: 2.3, CI: 1.897-2.838, p = 0.0001; and OR: 1.5, CI: 1.167-1.949, p = 0.002, respectively), whereas the A allele of the TNF-α - 308 SNP and the T allele of the IFN-γ - 1615 SNP were shown protective roles against severe COVID-19 (OR: 0.3, CI: 0.189-0.537, p = 0.0001; and OR: 0.7, CI: 0.563-1.006, p = 0.05) and against critical COVID-19 (OR: 0.3, CI: 0.158-0.640, p = 0.001; and OR: 0.4, CI: 0.290-0.678, p = 0.0001), adjusting for diabetes and hypertension. Nasopharyngeal IL-6 expression levels were lower in mild COVID-19 patients (p = 0.001) than in critical patients (p = 0.005). Serum IL-6 levels were significantly elevated in the critical cases (p = 0.01).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our results revealed that the IL-6 - 573 G > C SNP and increased IL-6 nasopharyngeal and serum levels are associated with the risk of severe COVID-19 in a Mexican population.</p>","PeriodicalId":8981,"journal":{"name":"BMC Infectious Diseases","volume":"25 1","pages":"315"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143566012","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}