Article
Parasitology
Phoebe Rivory, Rogan Lee, Jan Slapeta
Summary: Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a parasitic worm that can infect non-permissive accidental hosts, such as dogs, humans, horses, marsupials, and birds. Its infective larvae are sourced from molluscs and can be ingested by accidental hosts. The larvae can spontaneously emerge from dead snails in water and can infect rats. Our study found that a higher proportion of A. cantonensis larvae emerged from crushed and submerged snails 62 days post-infection (30.3%). The total larval burden of snails increased at 91 days post-infection, suggesting that the emerged larvae can be recycled by the snail population. There is a window of opportunity for infective larvae to autonomously escape dead snails between 1 and 3 months. The mode of infection, whether through ingestion of infected gastropods or drinking water contaminated with escaped larvae, needs to be considered from a human and veterinary medicine perspective.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Natalia Martin-Carrillo, Carlos Feliu, Nestor Abreu-Acosta, Elena Izquierdo-Rodriguez, Roberto Dorta-Guerra, Jordi Miquel, Estefania Abreu-Yanes, Aaron Martin-Alonso, Katherine Garcia-Livia, Maria Antonieta Quispe-Ricalde, Jordi Serra-Cobo, Basilio Valladares, Pilar Foronda
Summary: Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the leading cause of eosinophilic meningitis, is an emerging zoonotic parasite found in only one of the eight islands in the Canary Islands archipelago, indicating a limited distribution possibly due to recent introduction or isolation effect. The presence of this parasite poses risks to humans and other animals, highlighting the importance of implementing control measures to prevent its expansion to other areas.
Review
Microbiology
Divakaran Pandian, Tomas Najer, David Modry
Summary: Human angiostrongylosis, caused by larvae of Angiostrongylus nematodes, is an emerging zoonosis worldwide. The disease mainly manifests as eosinophilic meningitis or ocular form in humans. However, there is a lack of comprehensive studies on angiostrongylosis in the Indian subcontinent. Our research highlights the increasing incidence of angiostrongylosis in humans in India, emphasizes the importance of studying potential causes and clinical course of the disease, and suggests the use of monitor lizards as effective sentinels.
Article
Parasitology
Lucia Anettova, Elena Izquierdo-Rodriguez, Pilar Foronda, Vojtech Balaz, Ladislav Novotny, David Modry
Summary: Angiostrongylus cantonensis is an invasive parasitic nematode that parasitizes endemic lizards in the Canary Islands, posing a threat to other species in the ecosystem.
Article
Parasitology
Tsung Yu Pai, Wieland Meyer, Fraser R. Torpy, Shannon L. Donahoe, John Ellis, Richard Malik, Rogan Lee
Summary: This study investigates the transmission dynamics of Angiostrongylus cantonensis, a parasitic nematode, focusing on the migration and distribution of larvae within the snail host. The results show that infective larvae are mainly distributed in the anterior cephalopedal mass and the mantle skirt of the snail. Additionally, the study finds that free-swimming third-stage larvae can retain viability for 4 to 8 weeks under laboratory conditions.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Georgiana Deak, Eduardo Berriatua, Andrei Daniel Mihalca
Summary: A survey among veterinarians in Romania revealed that some veterinarians have diagnosed cases of canine angiostrongylosis, with symptoms including respiratory distress, cardiopathy, coagulopathies, and neurological signs. Diagnosis for most cases was mainly based on larval detection by coprology and serological antigen detection test. Further epidemiological studies are needed to assess the distribution of this disease in the country and improve understanding and treatment methods among veterinarians.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Maria Teresa Galan-Puchades, Mercedes Gomez-Samblas, Antonio Osuna, Sandra Saez-Duran, Ruben Bueno-Mari, Marius V. Fuentes
Summary: Recently, the rat lungworm was found for the first time in rats in the sewer system of Valencia, Spain. Further analysis revealed that 8 out of 94 rats were infected, with the highest prevalence of infection (20%) in rats trapped in orchards surrounding the city. The risk of acquiring neuroangiostrongylosis should be minimal if proper precautions are taken.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Xiaowei Ma, Jianyun Lu, Weisi Liu
Summary: This study aims to investigate the knowledge of emerging and reemerging infectious diseases among the public in Guangzhou and provide a scientific basis for health information strategies. The results show that the majority of participants have heard of Middle East respiratory syndrome and Zika, while the knowledge of Ebola and plague is relatively low. Education level and income are key factors that influence knowledge rates.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Yu Liang Cao, Yue Guo, Hui Zhang, Chun Sheng Wang
Summary: In recent years, snails Pomacea canaliculata and Achatina fulica, along with their new breeds, the gold snail and the white jade snail, have been sold on the Internet in China. A total of 24,853 sales of P. canaliculata and A. fulica were recorded before 2019. Surprisingly, 51% of the sellers were located in endemic areas of Angiostrongylus cantonensis, but no infected snails were found among those sold online. Laboratory experiments confirmed that all 4 breeds of snails can transmit A. cantonensis. Internet sales of these snails pose a temporary biosafety risk and a high risk for spreading angiostrongyliasis in China, therefore, it is important to pay attention to online sales of P. canaliculata and A. fulica.
PAKISTAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Randi L. Rollins, Mallique Qader, William L. Gosnell, Cong Wang, Shugeng Cao, Robert H. Cowie
Summary: This study developed a high-throughput screening method for parasitic nematodes using the wMicroTracker system, and validated its effectiveness in testing natural products against Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Screening of extracts from Hawaiian fungi led to the discovery of two previously unknown compounds with anthelmintic properties. The study also highlighted the value of A. cantonensis and Hawaiian fungi in the search for new anthelmintics.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Jenee Odani, Erika Sox, Will Coleman, Rajesh Jha, Richard Malik
Summary: Two young dogs in Honolulu, Hawaii presented with neurologic symptoms related to spinal cord disease, and were diagnosed with neuroangiostrongyliasis. Both dogs responded well to treatment and made a complete recovery. These are the first confirmed cases of autochthonous neuroangiostrongyliasis in canine patients in the United States, and the first dogs anywhere to be definitively diagnosed with A cantonensis infection based on real-time polymerase chain reaction testing of CSF.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ANIMAL HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Tao Li, Xiangyu Yan, Xin Du, Fei Huang, Ni Wang, Ni Ni, Jingjuan Ren, Yanlin Zhao, Zhongwei Jia
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the magnitude and main subtypes of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) in China. The results showed that EPTB is a significant burden on public health in China, but it is currently not a notifiable infectious disease. EPTB mainly occurs in the respiratory, musculoskeletal, and peripheral lymphatic systems, with higher burden observed in children, female patients, clinically diagnosed patients, provincial and prefectural health facilities, and Central and West China. The study suggests that EPTB should be added to the National Tuberculosis Program and that the diagnosis and treatment capacity for EPTB in primary medical facilities should be strengthened.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Fabrizio Bert, Antonino Russotto, Alex Pivi, Benedetta Mollero, Gianluca Voglino, Giancarlo Orofino, Roberta Siliquini
Summary: This study evaluated the KAP of PLWH regarding vaccines and trust in the Italian NHS. A survey involving 160 HIV-positive patients was conducted at a hospital in Turin, Italy. Results showed that some patients had hesitations or misconceptions about vaccination and there were concerns about trust in the Italian NHS and communication by healthcare workers.
Article
Virology
Min Du, Ruitong Wang, Jie Yuan, Xuan Lv, Wenxin Yan, Qiao Liu, Chenyuan Qin, Nijuan Xiang, Lin Zhu, Wannian Liang, Min Liu, Jue Liu
Summary: This study examined the changing trends and disparities of national notifiable infectious diseases in China from 2010 to 2019. The overall incidence rate of infectious diseases remained stable, but there was an increase in mortality for sexually transmitted, blood-borne, and mother-to-child-borne diseases. The implementation of new healthcare reform in 2009 led to a decrease in incidence rates for Class-A and Class-B diseases, but age, gender, regional, and economic disparities still exist. Concerted efforts are needed to reduce the impact of seasonal influenza and AIDS-related mortality, particularly among specific age groups.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Qing-Liang Wang, Bing-Hua Huang, Wen-Pei Liu, Hong-Gang Yi, Shao-Wen Tang
Summary: The study found that while the development of infectious disease hospitals in China is generally good, there are still issues such as small scale, weak response to major emergencies, and irrational resource allocation.
RISK MANAGEMENT AND HEALTHCARE POLICY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Markus Gerber, Christin Lang, Johanna Beckmann, Jan Degen, Rosa du Randt, Stefanie Gall, Kurt Z. Long, Ivan Mueller, Madeleine Nienaber, Peter Steinmann, Uwe Puehse, Juerg Utzinger, Siphesihle Nqweniso, Cheryl Walter
Summary: The study found that socioeconomic status has an impact on physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness among children from poorer and wealthier families in South Africa. Children from lower SES engaged in more physical activity, while those from higher SES spent more time in sedentary behaviors but participated in more sports and dance after school. Family car ownership was associated with higher levels of parent-reported leisure-time physical activity.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Patricia Arnaiz, Larissa Adams, Ivan Mueller, Markus Gerber, Cheryl Walter, Rosa du Randt, Peter Steinmann, Manfred Max Bergman, Harald Seelig, Darelle van Greunen, Juerg Utzinger, Uwe Puehse
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of the KaziKidz and KaziHealth interventions in promoting positive lifestyle changes among children and educators in disadvantaged schools in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa. The study has an observational, longitudinal, mixed-methods design and will follow up on educators and children from the KaziBantu study.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Lubia Maieles Gomes Machado, Emerson Soares dos Santos, Arielle Cavaliero, Peter Steinmann, Eliane Ignotti
Summary: This study analyzed the spatio-temporal changes in the distribution of index cases and co-prevalent cases among contacts of leprosy patients during a leprosy post-exposure prophylaxis program. The results showed that the distribution of the disease was partly explained by poverty indicators and that the program influenced the spatial dynamic of the disease. The study highlights the importance of systematic contact surveillance for leprosy elimination.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Liang Shi, Jian-Feng Zhang, Wei Li, Kun Yang
Summary: Schistosomiasis is a serious parasitic disease that is of great importance to the prevention and control work in China. The combination of traditional and new technologies allows for accurate assessment of schistosomiasis transmission risk, providing more effective approaches to accelerate the elimination of schistosomiasis.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Xinyao Wang, Saleh Juma, Wei Li, Mchanga Suleman, Mtumweni Ali Muhsin, Jian He, Mingzhen He, Dacheng Xu, Jianfeng Zhang, Robert Bergquist, Kun Yang
Summary: This study found that the climate conditions in mainland China can support the annual regeneration of Bulinus globosus, and there is a gradual expansion trend from south to north from 2015 to 2019. This indicates a potential risk of colonization of B. globosus in mainland China under climate change.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Hong Lin, Song Zhao, Yuying Ye, Lei Shao, Nizhen Jiang, Kun Yang
Summary: In this study, a rapid, sensitive, and specific detection method for B. microti was developed using recombinase-aided amplification (RAA) assay, which showed promising results and potential application in screening potentially infected individuals.
KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Johanna Beckmann, Siphesihle Nqweniso, Sebastian Ludyga, Rosa du Randt, Annelie Gresse, Kurt Z. Long, Madeleine Nienaber, Harald Seelig, Uwe Puehse, Peter Steinmann, Juerg Utzinger, Cheryl Walter, Markus Gerber, Christin Lang
Summary: This study examined the effects of school-based physical activity and multi-micronutrient supplementation on cognitive and academic performance. The results showed improvements in cognitive performance for all intervention groups, but no significant effects on academic achievement. Future research should further explore the optimal design of school-based nutrition and physical activity programs.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Markus Gerber, Christin Lang, Johanna Beckmann, Rosa du Randt, Kurt Z. Long, Ivan Mueller, Madeleine Nienaber, Nicole Probst-Hensch, Peter Steinmann, Uwe Puhse, Jurg Utzinger, Siphesihle Nqweniso, Cheryl Walter
Summary: This study found that in South African primary schoolchildren living in peri-urban settings, girls are more likely to be overweight/obese and have higher relative body fat. Lower moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is associated with overweight/obesity, higher relative body fat, and lower relative fat-free mass, bone mass, muscle mass, and body water. Therefore, future physical activity interventions should specifically target girls to prevent overweight/obesity-related non-communicable diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Zhe Wang, Lu Liu, Liang Shi, Xinyao Wang, Jianfeng Zhang, Wei Li, Kun Yang
Summary: The study found that the distribution of Oncomelania hupensis along the Yangtze River in Jiangsu Province showed significant spatial aggregation, with different determinants affecting the distribution in various areas, which could provide a scientific basis for precise prevention and control of the snails. The GTWR model was used to identify dynamic determinants for the distribution of O. hupensis, contributing to national programs for the control of schistosomiasis and other snail-borne diseases.
Article
Health Policy & Services
Caitlin Jarrett, Yara C. Baxter, Johannes Boch, Conrado Carrasco, Daniel Cobos Munoz, Karina Mauro Dib, Lara Pessoa, Jasmina Saric, Mariana Silveira, Peter Steinmann
Summary: Design thinking is a viable tool for implementing strategies in the healthcare system to translate evidence-based practices and innovations into routine practice.
HEALTH RESEARCH POLICY AND SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Danielle Dolley, Rosa Du Randt, Uwe Puhse, Markus Gerber, Jacob Bosma, Ann Aerts, Larissa Adams, Patricia Arnaiz, Nandi Joubert, Ivan Muller, Siphesihle Nqweniso, Harald Seelig, Peter Steinmann, Jurg Utzinger, Cheryl Walter
Summary: This study aimed to establish the prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity, as well as the level of physical activity among vulnerable children from low-income communities in South Africa. The results showed that a significant percentage of children were underweight, overweight, or obese, and only 64% engaged in the recommended amount of physical activity per day. Girls had a higher risk of being overweight or obese compared to boys. It was also found that underweight to normal-weight children were more likely to engage in physical activity than overweight to obese children.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yiyun Liu, Wenjun Hu, Juma Saleh, Yuyan Wang, Qingkai Xue, Hongchu Wu, Kun Yang, Yuzheng Huang
Summary: This study assessed the understanding, awareness, and behaviors of schistosomiasis among students in Zanzibar, and identified several contributing factors. The findings indicated a lack of knowledge about schistosomiasis among the participants, despite their awareness of the risks. Age, family size, and presence of hematuria were identified as influencing factors. It is crucial to implement various health education methods to improve students' knowledge of schistosomiasis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mtumweni Ali Muhsin, Xinyao Wang, Fatma Mohammed Kabole, January Zilabumba, Kun Yang
Summary: Schistosomiasis is a serious tropical disease that affects millions of people, primarily in Africa. This study found that while mass drug administration alone is ineffective in eliminating the disease, integrated measures such as snail control can help prevent reinfection and contribute to the elimination of schistosomiasis in Africa.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Karine Vila Real Nunes Neves, Lubia Maieles Gomes Machado, Maurcio Nobre Lisboa, Peter Steinmann, Eliane Ignotti
Summary: This study investigated the misdiagnosis of leprosy in Brazil, specifically in the State of Mato Grosso. Data from telephone interviews of leprosy patients released from treatment due to misdiagnosis were analyzed. Results showed that most patients were dissatisfied with their treatment and sought reevaluation, with alternative diagnoses including musculoskeletal diseases, skin and subcutaneous tissue diseases, and even being re-diagnosed with leprosy. The study highlights the importance of collaborative efforts between primary care and reference services in complex diagnostic cases.
CADERNOS DE SAUDE PUBLICA
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Amanda Gabriela de Carvalho, Joao Gabriel Guimaraes Luz, Peter Steinmann, Eliane Ignotti
Summary: This study compared the clinical features of leprosy and American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) in patients diagnosed with both diseases and those diagnosed with only one of the diseases in Mato Grosso State, Brazil. The results showed that patients diagnosed with both leprosy and ATL had more severe symptoms compared to patients diagnosed with only leprosy or only ATL.
REVISTA DO INSTITUTO DE MEDICINA TROPICAL DE SAO PAULO
(2022)
