Article
Microbiology
Nelli Westercamp, Mary Owidhi, Kephas Otieno, Winnie Chebore, Ann M. Buff, Meghna Desai, Simon Kariuki, Aaron M. Samuels
Summary: The study compared the efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine (AL) and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. The results showed that both AL and DP were efficacious and well tolerated, but the efficacy of AL appeared to be waning.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Chris Ebong, Asadu Sserwanga, Jane Frances Namuganga, James Kapisi, Arthur Mpimbaza, Samuel Gonahasa, Victor Asua, Sam Gudoi, Ruth Kigozi, James Tibenderana, John Bosco Bwanika, Agaba Bosco, Denis Rubahika, Daniel Kyabayinze, Jimmy Opigo, Damian Rutazana, Gloria Sebikaari, Kassahun Belay, Mame Niang, Eric S. Halsey, Leah F. Moriarty, Naomi W. Lucchi, Samaly S. Svigel Souza, Sam L. Nsobya, Moses R. Kamya, Adoke Yeka
Summary: In Uganda, DP remains highly effective and safe for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria, while monitoring of AL efficacy shows recurrent infections.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Guoming Li, Yueming Yuan, Shaoqin Zheng, Chenguang Lu, Mingqiang Li, Ruixiang Tan, Hongying Zhang, Rahamatou Silai, Ruimei Liu, Kamal Said Abdallah, Affane Bacar, Qin Xu, Jianping Song, Wanting Wu, Changsheng Deng
Summary: The study found that artemisinin-piperaquine and artemether-lumefantrine maintained high efficacy and tolerance in treating uncomplicated falciparum malaria in the Comoros. However, asymptomatic malaria infections may pose new challenges to malaria control.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Dawit Getachew Assefa, Gizachew Yismaw, Eyasu Makonnen
Summary: Both DHA-PQ and AL were effective in reducing gametocyte carriage, but DHA-PQ showed a significant increase in serum haemoglobin levels compared to AL on days 28 and 42, indicating a greater impact on haemoglobin recovery.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mateusz M. Plucinski, Joel L. N. Barratt
Summary: This study introduces a novel method for nonparametric statistical testing of relatedness for P. falciparum parasites. The approach showed high sensitivity and reliability in identifying related genotypes.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2021)
Review
Parasitology
Ian M. Hastings, Ingrid Felger
Summary: Estimating drug efficacy for malaria requires genetic profiling, which is notoriously difficult in practice. The recent update to WHO guidelines provides a wider range of analyses for more accurate estimates of drug failure rates. However, due to better detection of treatment failures, estimated failure rates may double.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Benjamin Abuaku, Paul Boateng, Nana Yaw Peprah, Alexander Asamoah, Nancy Odurowah Duah-Quashie, Sena Adzoa Matrevi, Eunice Obeng Amoako, Neils Quashie, Felicia Owusu-Antwi, Keziah Laurencia Malm, Kwadwo Ansah Koram
Summary: In 2020, DHAP was adopted as a second-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria in Ghana. A study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of DHAP using a 42-day follow-up schedule and PCR genotyping in three malaria sentinel sites. The results showed high efficacy of DHAP, with a national average of 97.0% (95% CI: 93.4 - 98.8). This data will serve as a baseline for future DHAP efficacy studies in Ghana.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Teerachat Saeheng, Kesara Na-Bangchang
Summary: This study aimed to explore new combination therapy regimens for the treatment of patients with mefloquine-sensitive and resistant P. falciparum malaria. It was found that a three-day standard artesunate-mefloquine regimen is suitable for mefloquine-resistant malaria only when the parasite's sensitivity is lower than 36 nM. For mefloquine-sensitive malaria, different dose regimens of combination therapy can be chosen based on the parasite's sensitivity.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Bakary Fofana, Shannon Takala-Harrison, Amed Ouattara, Issaka Sagara, Amadou H. Togo, Hamadoun Diakite, Mohamed Keita, Kassim Sanogo, Sekou Toure, Ogobara K. Doumbo, Abdoulaye A. Djimde
Summary: A study conducted in a high-transmission setting in Mali found significant heterogeneity in the number of clinical episodes of malaria, with age, residence, and treatment regimen identified as risk factors. Fine-mapping malaria risks at subdistrict levels is crucial for targeted and customized interventions.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Gabriel Kishoyian, Eliud N. M. Njagi, George O. Orinda, Francis T. Kimani, Kevin Thiongo, Damaris Matoke-Muhia
Summary: After a decade of use, artemether-lumefantrine remains highly effective in clearing Plasmodium falciparum parasites in children aged between 6 and 60 months in Kenya. Continued monitoring is essential to prevent potential resistance to the drug in all target users.
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Catherine Segbefia, Seth Kwabena Amponsah, Adwoa K. A. Afrane, Mame Yaa Nyarko, Yvonne Brew, Nihad Salifu, Samuel Yao Ahorhorlu, Abdul Malik Sulley, Lars Hviid, Michael Fokuo Ofori, George Obeng Adjei
Summary: In this study, interactions between hydroxyurea (HU) and antimalarials in sickle cell disease (SCD) were explored. The study found that parasite clearance and adverse event occurrence were similar in SCD children treated with artemether-lumefantrine (AL) regardless of HU status. However, distinct patterns of changes in laboratory indices suggest the potential need for larger, more focused studies in the future.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Adama Gansane, Leah F. Moriarty, Didier Menard, Isidore Yerbanga, Esperance Ouedraogo, Paul Sondo, Rene Kinda, Casimir Tarama, Edwige Soulama, Madou Tapsoba, David Kangoye, Cheick Said Compaore, Ousmane Badolo, Blami Dao, Samuel Tchwenko, Halidou Tinto, Innocent Valea
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy of artemisinin-based combinations for treating uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Burkina Faso. Results showed inadequate efficacy of the treatments in two sites, suggesting a change of first-line ACT may be warranted.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Beatrice Gachie, Kelvin Thiong'o, Brenda Muriithi, Jean Chepngetich, Noah Onchieku, Jeremiah Gathirwa, Peter Mwitari, Gabriel Magoma, Daniel Kiboi, Francis Kimani
Summary: This study evaluated the frequency of the Pfnfs1 K65 resistance marker and associated K65Q resistant allele in recurrent infections collected from P. falciparum-infected individuals living in Matayos, Busia County, in western Kenya. The results showed a higher frequency of the K65 resistance marker in patients with recurrent infection during the study period, highlighting the need for consistent monitoring of molecular markers of resistance in regions of high malaria transmission.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sri Riyati Sugiarto, Balbir Singh, Madhu Page-Sharp, Wendy A. Davis, Sam Salman, King Ching Hii, Timothy M. E. Davis
Summary: The study aimed to assess the pharmacokinetic properties of artemether, lumefantrine, and their active metabolites in Plasmodium knowlesi malaria. The results showed that the disposition of these drugs in knowlesi malaria largely parallels that in other human malarias.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Gaston Tona Lutete, Ghyslain Mombo-Ngoma, Serge-Brice Assi, Jude D. Bigoga, Felix Koukouikila-Koussounda, Nsengi Y. Ntamabyaliro, Francine Ntoumi, Selidji T. Agnandji, Mirjam Groger, Jangsik Shin, Isabelle Borghini-Fuhrer, Sarah Arbe-Barnes, Stephen J. Allen, Peter G. Kremsner, Robert Miller, Stephan Duparc, Michael Ramharter
Summary: In a study conducted in Africa, pyronaridine-artesunate showed good tolerability and effectiveness in the treatment of acute uncomplicated malaria under conditions similar to everyday clinical practice, supporting its use as a useful addition in managing this condition.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Nuria Torre Monmany, Joaquin Americo Astete, Dasarath Ramaiah, Jyothi Suchitra, Xavier Krauel, Manolo Fillol, Yadamala Balasubbaiah, Ana Alarcon, Quique Bassat
Summary: This study describes the status of perinatal mortality in an Indian rural hospital. The results show that antepartum complications are the main cause of perinatal deaths, while infections, congenital malformations, and prematurity are the main causes of neonatal deaths. The stillbirth rate is 11.8/1,000 births, neonatal mortality rate is 4.4/1,000 livebirths, and perinatal mortality rate is 15.8/1,000 births.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PERINATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Ermengol Coma, Marti Catala, Leonardo Mendez-Boo, Sergio Alonso, Eduardo Hermosilla, Enric Alvarez-Lacalle, David Pino, Manuel Medina, Laia Asso, Anna Gatell, Quique Bassat, Ariadna Mas, Antoni Soriano-Arandes, Francesc Fina Aviles, Clara Prats
Summary: This study investigates the effectiveness of mandating face covering masks in schools in reducing COVID-19 transmission. Results show that there were no significant differences in SARS-CoV-2 incidence or transmission between children who were mandated to wear masks and those who were not. Age was found to be the most important factor in explaining transmission risk among school children.
ARCHIVES OF DISEASE IN CHILDHOOD
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Yvette N. N. Lowensteyn, Joukje E. E. Willemsen, Natalie I. I. Mazur, Nienke M. M. Scheltema, Nynke C. J. van Haastregt, Amber A. A. ten Buuren, Ichelle van Roessel, Dunja Scheepmaker, Harish Nair, Peter M. M. van de Ven, Louis J. J. Bont
Summary: This study provides the first global case series of children dying with nosocomial RSV infection. Infant-targeted immunization strategies in the future could prevent the majority of nosocomial RSV-related deaths. Although nosocomial RSV deaths are expected to occur at highest rates in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs), the reported number of these deaths was low in these countries. Hospital-based surveillance is needed to capture the full burden of nosocomial RSV mortality in LMICs.
PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jacob Fiksel, Brian Gilbert, Emily Wilson, Henry Kalter, Almamy Kante, Aveika Akum, Dianna Blau, Quique Bassat, Ivalda Macicame, Eduardo Samo Gudo, Robert Black, Scott Zeger, Agbessi Amouzou, Abhirup Datta
Summary: Verbal autopsies are widely used in low- and middle-income countries to determine cause of death, but they can be inaccurate. Computer coded verbal autopsy algorithms used for this task often misclassify cause of death, leading to biased estimates in health-policy making. Recent research has shown that knowing the misclassification rates can help calibrate these estimates and correct for the bias. This manuscript reviews the current practices and issues with these algorithms and provides a guide on how to use the calibratedVA software to correct for verbal autopsy misclassification bias in cause-specific mortality estimates.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Amilcar Magaco, Yara Alonso, Maria Maixenchs, Contardo Ambrosio, Antonio Sitoe, Pio Vitorino, Dianna Blau, Mischka Garel, Robert Breiman, Agbessi Amouzou, Quique Bassat, Inacio Mandomando, John Blevins, Khatia Munguambe
Summary: The Countrywide Mortality Surveillance for Action project aims to implement a child mortality surveillance program by strengthening vital registration event reporting and investigating causes of death based on verbal autopsies. Minimally Invasive Tissue Sampling procedures were added in Quelimane to improve the accuracy of cause of death determination. A socioanthropological study was conducted to understand the potential facilitators and barriers to the acceptability of the implementation. Factors such as the desire to know the cause of death, involvement of community and religious leaders, and provision of transport for bodies back to the community were identified as facilitators, while poor community mobilization and disagreements with religious practices were identified as barriers.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Brian Gilbert, Jacob Fiksel, Emily Wilson, Henry Kalter, Almamy Kante, Aveika Akum, Dianna Blau, Quique Bassat, Ivalda Macicame, Eduardo Samo Gudo, Robert Black, Scott Zeger, Agbessi Amouzou, Abhirup Datta
Summary: The Countrywide Mortality Surveillance for Action platform in Mozambique collects verbal autopsy records to estimate cause-specific mortality fractions (CSMFs) for children and neonates. Misclassification errors were found in the VA-based cause-of-death (COD) determination compared to the minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS) method. A Bayesian VA-calibration method was proposed to account for this bias and produce calibrated estimates of CSMF. The calibrated estimates revealed important changes in CSMF after accounting for VA misclassification bias.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Marcelino Garrine, Llorenc Quinto, Sofia Santos Costa, Augusto Messa, Arsenia J. Massinga, Delfino Vubil, Tacilta Nhampossa, Sergio Massora, Sozinho acacio, Anelsio Cossa, Betuel Sigauque, Quique Bassat, Isabel Couto, Inacio Mandomando
Summary: This study reports on the incidence, epidemiology, and treatment strategies of community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in low-income countries, with a gradual decline in incidence among young children. Despite the decreasing incidence, bacteremia remains an important cause of death among hospitalized children, possibly due to resistance to first-line empirical treatment.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Pediatrics
Isadora S. Oliveira, Manuela B. Pucca, Felipe A. Cerni, Samuel Vieira, Jacqueline Sachett, Altair Seabra de Farias, Marcus Lacerda, Felipe Murta, Djane Baia-da-Silva, Thiago Augusto Hernandes Rocha, Lincoln Luis Silva, Quique Bassat, Joao Ricardo Nickenig Vissoci, Charles J. Gerardo, Vanderson Souza Sampaio, Fan Hui Wen, Paulo S. Bernarde, Wuelton M. Monteiro
Summary: Snakebite envenoming is a neglected tropical disease that affects over 5 million people worldwide, causing significant fatalities and long-term complications. Amongst them, children experience more severe outcomes due to the same venom volume inoculated in smaller bodies. In Brazil, snakebites are a major health concern, with about 15% of the victims being children. However, the lack of epidemiological data on pediatric snakebites hinders the accurate assessment of treatment effectiveness and quality of emergency medical services for children.
JOURNAL OF TROPICAL PEDIATRICS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Amir Ariff, Yong Song, Ruth Aguilar, Augusto Nhabomba, Maria Nelia Manaca, Siew-Kim Khoo, Selma Wiertsema, Quique Bassat, Arnoldo Barbosa, Llorenc Quinto, Ingrid A. Laing, Caterina Guinovart, Pedro L. Alonso, Carlota Dobano, Peter Le Souef, Guicheng Zhang
Summary: In a randomized controlled clinical trial in Mozambique, researchers found significant associations between TLR4 gene and related genes with the incidence of clinical malaria. These findings suggest a potential central role of TLR4 in the pathogenesis of clinical malaria.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Amilcar Magaco, Maria Maixenchs, Yury Macete, Nelson Escritorio, Raquel Mucor, Antonio Calia, Antonio Sitoe, Elisio Xirinda, Pio Vitorino, Mischka Garel, Robert F. Breiman, Agbessi Amouzou, Quique Bassat, Inacio Mandomando, John Blevins, Khatia Munguambe
Summary: The Mozambique COMSA Program implemented child mortality surveillance and conducted minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS) on deceased children in addition to cause of death determination. A qualitative study found that some participants did not fully understand the MITS procedure despite the informed consent process due to unclear information and their state of mind after their loss. Factors such as family disagreement, dissatisfaction with the condition of the body after tissue collection, and delays in receiving the body and organizing the funeral increased stress and compromised the acceptability of MITS.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Andrea Alemany, Pere Millat-Martinez, Marc Corbacho-Monne, Clara Suner, Cristina Galvan-Casas, Caty Carrera, Dan Ouchi, Nuria Prat, Jordi Ara, Nuria Nadal, Ricard Riel, Blanca Funollet, Carmen Ojeda-Ciurana, Lluis Esteve Balague, Betlem Salvador-Gonzalez, Anna Forcada Arcarons, Josep Vidal-Alaball, Maria Isabel Del Cura-Gonzalez, Ricardo Rodriguez Barrientos, Rafel Ramos-Blanes, Alberto Alum Bou, Elsa Mondou, Mireia Torres, Neus Campins, Ana Sanz, Yonggiang Tang, Miquel Angel Rodriguez-Arias, Quique Bassat, Bonaventura Clotet, Oriol Mitja
Summary: This study assessed the safety and efficacy of subcutaneous anti-COVID-19 hyperimmune immunoglobulin 20% (C19-IG20%) in preventing the development of symptomatic COVID-19 in asymptomatic individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The results showed that C19-IG20% did not prevent asymptomatic individuals from developing symptomatic COVID-19.
Article
Immunology
Nuria Balanza, Caroline K. Francis, Valerie M. Crowley, Andrea M. Weckman, Kathleen Zhong, Barbara Baro, Rosauro Varo, Quique Bassat, Kevin C. Kain
Summary: In this study, plasma NfL levels were examined in children with uncomplicated and severe malaria. The results showed that the levels increased over time in severe malaria cases, particularly those with neurological manifestations.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Claudia Gomes, Rosauro Varo, Miquel Duran-Frigola, Antonio Sitoe, Rubio Bila, Sonia Machevo, Alfredo Mayor, Quique Bassat, Ana Rodriguez
Summary: Malaria can progress from an uncomplicated infection to a life-threatening severe disease. Early symptoms are often nonspecific, making it difficult to identify patients at high risk. By analyzing the transcriptomic response of human brain microvascular endothelial cells to Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes, several biomarkers have been identified to distinguish uncomplicated from severe malaria, as well as to differentiate children with cerebral malaria within the severe malaria group.
Article
Pediatrics
Maria Hernandez-Garcia, Quique Bassat, Victoria Fumado, Gil Rodas, Ramon Pi, Maite Miranda-Garcia, Monica Girona-Alarcon, Marti Catala, Sergio Alonso, Enrique Alvarez-Lacalle, Daniel Lopez, Maria Mele-Casas, Gemma Pons-Tomas, Mariona F. de Sevilla, Elisenda Bonet-Carne, Claudia Fortuny, Aleix Garcia-Miquel, Cristina Jou, Cristina Adroher, Joana Claverol, Marta Cubells, Anna Codina, Daniel Cuadras, Eduard Gratacos, Pedro Brotons, Carmen Munoz-Almagro, Clara Prats, Juan Jose Garcia-Garcia, Iolanda Jordan
Summary: Studies show that engaging in physical activities in stable sports teams is not associated with an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, whereas indoor sports and closed living settings can increase the risk. Fulfillment of preventive measures is essential.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2023)
Letter
Immunology
Nuria Balanza, Caroline K. Francis, Valerie M. Crowley, Andrea M. Weckman, Kathleen Zhong, Barbara Baro, Rosauro Varo, Quique Bassat, Kevin C. Kain
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)