Review
Infectious Diseases
Mary Lorraine S. Mationg, Veronica L. Tallo, Gail M. Williams, Catherine A. Gordon, Archie C. A. Clements, Donald P. McManus, Darren J. Gray
Summary: Despite major efforts to control soil-transmitted helminth infections in the Philippines for nearly two decades, high prevalence rates persist due to suboptimal mass drug administration coverage, limited water, sanitation, and hygiene programs, and inadequate health education. Sustainable delivery of integrated control approaches is crucial for reducing the burden of soil-transmitted helminth infections in the Philippines.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Adam W. Bartlett, Elsa P. Mendes, Latifeh Dahmash, Marta S. Palmeirim, Maria C. de Almeida, Luis B. Peliganga, Luis M. M. Lufunda, Ana Direito, Julio Ramirez, Pauline N. Mwinzi, Sergio Lopes, Susana Vaz Nery
Summary: A school PC program for STHs and schistosomiasis has been implemented in Huambo, Uige, and Zaire provinces, Angola since 2013 and 2014. The first impact assessment conducted in 2021 showed limited reduction in the prevalence of schistosomiasis and STHs across the three provinces.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Jose Manuel Correia da Costa, Maria Joao Gouveia, Gabriel Rinaldi, Paul J. Brindley, Julio Santos, Lucio Lara Santos
Summary: Helminthiases are highly prevalent in developing countries and chronic infection with some parasitic worms is associated with carcinogenesis. Understanding parasite-host interactions and mechanisms of carcinogenesis is crucial for developing novel control strategies. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy are potential therapeutic options, with a focus on targeting both the parasite and associated pathologies to combat the cancer-causing effects of helminth infections.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Adam W. Bartlett, Elsa P. Mendes, Latifeh Dahmash, Luis B. Peliganga, Luis M. M. Lufunda, Ana Direito, Pauline N. Mwinzi, Pablo Eulogio, Sergio Lopes, Susana Vaz Nery
Summary: A KAP survey was conducted in Angolan schools to assess the engagement of the target population in schistosomiasis and STH control programs. The results showed differences in sanitation facilities usage and hygiene practices among schoolchildren with or without PC and WASH programs. Integrating both school PC and WASH programs will improve health behaviors and reduce the risk of schistosomiasis and STHs in schoolchildren.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Carolin Vegvari, Federica Giardina, Veronica Malizia, Sake J. de Vlas, Luc E. Coffeng, Roy M. Anderson
Summary: The design and evaluation of control programs for soil-transmitted helminths rely on surveillance data, but there is uncertainty in measurements and interpretation, including measurement error, detection limits, and assumptions about STH biology.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
John Paul Caesar delos Trinos, Dinh Ng-Nguyen, Luc E. Coffeng, Clare E. F. Dyer, Naomi Clarke, Rebecca Traub, Kate Halton, Virginia Wiseman, Caroline Watts, Susana Vaz Nery
Summary: This study compared the cost and cost-effectiveness of mass drug administration (MDA) and school-based targeted preventive chemotherapy (PC) for soil-transmitted helminths (STH) control in Dak Lak, Vietnam. It found that MDA was more cost-effective than school-based targeted PC, resulting in greater DALYs averted over a ten-year period at a lower cost.
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-WESTERN PACIFIC
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Hugues C. Nana-Djeunga, Linda Djune-Yemeli, Andre Domche, Cyrille Donfo-Azafack, Arnauld Efon-Ekangouo, Cedric Lenou-Nanga, Narcisse Nzune-Toche, Yves Aubin Balog, Jean Gabin Bopda, Steve Mbickmen-Tchana, Velavan P. Thirumalaisamy, Veronique Penlap-Beng, Francine Ntoumi, Joseph Kamgno
Summary: This study reveals high rates of onchocerciasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis infections in children under five years of age, indicating their potential contribution to disease transmission and hindrance to elimination efforts. Urgent treatment is needed for these preschool-aged children.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Babatunde Adewale, Hammed Mogaji, Joshua Balogun, Emmanuel Balogun, Francisca Olamiju, De'Broski Herbert
Summary: Nigeria, particularly the Borgu region, has seen a significant decline of 51.9% in soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) infection since 2013. However, the lack of access to latrine facilities and the prevalence of walking barefoot among children remain concerning. The prevalence of STH infection is associated with community, age, and parental occupation.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Belachew Bokicho, Dejene Hailu, Bethlehem Eshetu, Male Matie, Tafese Tadele
Summary: This study assessed the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthes among school children in Hawassa City, southern Ethiopia, and found that almost half of the students were infected. The study also revealed inadequate water, sanitation, and poor personal hygiene practices in schools. These findings are valuable for improving the school environment and promoting health behaviors.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Ameyo M. Dorkenoo, Anna E. Phillips, Luke Klein, Fiali Lack, Essoham Ataba, Kossi Yakpa, Atna-Edi Tagba, Bozi-Esso Assoti, Efoe Sossou, Maweke Tchalim, Gbati Datagni, Anders Seim, Marie Denise Milord, Yao Kassankogno
Summary: After 10 years of high coverage integrated mass drug administration, Togo has achieved a low prevalence of schistosomiasis infection through sub-district implementation. However, soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection remains a problem in some areas. additional measures such as improving treatment coverage among preschool age children and hygiene and sanitation practices are needed.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Nathan C. Lo, Fernando Schemelzer Moraes Bezerra, Daniel G. Colley, Fiona M. Fleming, Mamoun Homeida, Narcis Kabatereine, Fatma M. Kabole, Charles H. King, Margaret A. Mafe, Nicholas Midzi, Francisca Mutapi, Joseph R. Mwanga, Reda M. R. Ramzy, Fadjar Satrija, J. Russell Stothard, Mamadou Souncalo Traore, Joanne P. Webster, Juerg Utzinger, Xiao-Nong Zhou, Anthony Danso-Appiah, Paolo Eusebi, Eric S. Loker, Charles O. Obonyo, Reginald Quansah, Song Liang, Michel Vaillant, M. Hassan Murad, Paul Hagan, Amadou Garba
Summary: Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease infecting approximately 250 million people worldwide, has been controlled through preventive chemotherapy programs. However, the recent increase in scientific evidence and the global supply of praziquantel has resulted in the need to update public health guidance. In 2022, the WHO published new guidelines that expand preventive chemotherapy eligibility, lower the prevalence threshold for treatment, and increase the frequency of treatment.
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Biology
Nilmini T. G. A. Chandrasena, I. E. Gunaratna, Dileepa Ediriweera, N. R. de Silva
Summary: Sri Lanka has successfully controlled lymphatic filariasis (LF) and soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) through preventive chemotherapy. LF has been eliminated as a public health problem, while STH transmission persists in high-risk communities. Long-term control measures are needed to interrupt transmission in Sri Lanka.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Hugo C. Turner, Wilma A. Stolk, Anthony W. Solomon, Jonathan D. King, Antonio Montresor, David H. Molyneux, Jaspreet Toor
Summary: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) continue to be a significant burden in low-income and middle-income countries, with preventive chemotherapy being the main control method. Current estimates show that preventive chemotherapy is generally cost-effective, but there are still evidence gaps that require further research. These findings are crucial for informing global health policy and supporting ongoing efforts in NTD control and elimination.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Clare E. F. Dyer, Dinh Ng-Nguyen, Naomi E. Clarke, Sze Fui Hii, Hieu Quoc Nguyen, Van-Anh Thi Nguyen, Thai Van Nguyen, Trong Van Nguyen, Tam Thi Ngo, H. M. P. Dilrukshi Herath, Handan Wand, Luc E. Coffeng, Justine C. Marshall, Darren J. Gray, Roy M. Anderson, Archie C. A. Clements, John M. Kaldor, Rebecca J. Trau, Susana Vaz Nery
Summary: This study aimed to compare the impact of community-wide mass drug administration (MDA) and school-based targeted preventive chemotherapy (PC) on soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection in school-aged children. The results showed that MDA was more effective in reducing the infection intensity of N. americanus in children compared to PC. However, due to lower baseline prevalence, the study was underpowered to detect a statistical difference in the reduction of infection prevalence between the two intervention arms.
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-WESTERN PACIFIC
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Chandni Patel, Ladina Keller, Sophie Welsche, Jan Hattendorf, Somphou Sayasone, Said M. Ali, Shaali M. Ame, Jean Tenena Coulibaly, Eveline Huerlimann, Jennifer Keiser
Summary: This study evaluated the potential intestinal morbidity markers in individuals infected and non-infected with STHs and found no statistically significant association between certain STH infections and FC concentration. More studies are needed to better understand the relationship between intestinal morbidity and STH infections to improve monitoring and control interventions for STHs.
Article
Parasitology
Giuseppe Cringoli, Alessandra Amadesi, Maria Paola Maurelli, Biase Celano, Gabriele Piantadosi, Antonio Bosco, Lavinia Ciuca, Mario Cesarelli, Paolo Bifulco, Antonio Montresor, Laura Rinaldi
Summary: The Kubic FLOTAC microscope is a compact, low-cost digital microscope that shows high precision and consistency, suitable for fecal egg count of gastrointestinal nematodes in cattle. Combining Mini-FLOTAC technology with an automated system can improve the accuracy and efficiency of parasite diagnosis.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Donal Bisanzio, Antonio Montresor, Michael French, Richard Reithinger, Paola Rodari, Zeno Bisoffi, Dora Buonfrate
Summary: This study estimates the global number of people affected by Strongyloides stercoralis and the demand for ivermectin treatment for school-age children; an estimated 283.9-160.7 million school-age children worldwide would require deworming intervention, with a focus on countries like India, China, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Nigeria; the analysis may support endemic countries in evaluating the quantity of ivermectin needed for integrating strongyloidiasis into existing STH programs and may encourage the production of generic ivermectin.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Lisa Staadegaard, Saverio Caini, Sonam Wangchuk, Binay Thapa, Walquiria Aparecida Ferreira de Almeida, Felipe Cotrim de Carvalho, Richard Njouom, Rodrigo A. Fasce, Patricia Bustos, Jan Kyncl, Ludmila Novakova, Alfredo Bruno Caicedo, Domenica Joseth de Mora Coloma, Adam Meijer, Mariette Hooiveld, Sue Huang, Tim Wood, Raquel Guiomar, Ana Paula Rodrigues, Daria Danilenko, Kirill Stolyarov, Vernon Jian Ming Lee, Li Wei Ang, Cheryl Cohen, Jocelyn Moyes, Amparo Larrauri, Concepcion Delgado-Sanz, Mai Quynh Le, Phuong Vu Mai Hoang, Clarisse Demont, Mathieu Bangert, Jojanneke van Summeren, Michel Duckers, John Paget
Summary: The study initiated the Global Epidemiology of RSV in Hospitalized and Community care (GERi) to better understand the global epidemiology of RSV. Data from 44 countries showed a high number of RSV cases among <1-year-olds, indicating a need for prevention efforts in this group.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
J. J. G. T. van Summeren, C. Rizzo, M. Hooiveld, J. C. Korevaar, J. M. T. Hendriksen, M. L. A. Duckers, D. Loconsole, M. Chironna, M. Bangert, C. Demont, A. Meijer, S. Caini, E. Pandolfi, J. Paget
Summary: A standardized protocol was developed and evaluated to measure the disease burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in children under 5 years old in primary care. The study found that RSV symptoms are common after 14 days, highlighting the importance of measuring outcomes like health care use, symptom duration, and socio-economic impact at Day-30 as well. The protocol was deemed suitable for assessing the clinical and socio-economic burden of RSV in young children in primary care.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Matthias Lange, Christine Happle, Juliane Hamel, Michael Doerdelmann, Mathieu Bangert, Rolf Kramer, Frank Eberhardt, Marcus Panning, Axel Heep, Gesine Hansen, Martin Wetzke
DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Lisa Staadegaard, Saverio Caini, Sonam Wangchuk, Binay Thapa, Walquiria Aparecida Ferreira de Almeida, Felipe Cotrim de Carvalho, Rodrigo A. Fasce, Patricia Bustos, Jan Kyncl, Ludmila Novakova, Alfredo Bruno Caicedo, Domenica Joseth de Mora Coloma, Adam Meijer, Mariette Hooiveld, Q. Sue Huang, Tim Wood, Raquel Guiomar, Ana Paula Rodrigues, Vernon Jian Ming Lee, Li Wei Ang, Cheryl Cohen, Jocelyn Moyes, Amparo Larrauri, Concepcion Delgado-Sanz, Clarisse Demont, Mathieu Bangert, Michel Duckers, Jojanneke van Summeren, John Paget
Summary: The study found that RSV epidemics mainly occur in winter in most temperate countries, lasting 10-21 weeks. More variation in seasonality was observed in (sub)tropical countries, with substantial differences at a subnational level. There was no clear association between epidemic timing and the dominant RSV subtype.
INFLUENZA AND OTHER RESPIRATORY VIRUSES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Xin Wang, You Li, Harish Nair, Harry Campbell
Summary: Early-life severe RSV infection is associated with an increased risk of subsequent asthma and wheeze, and this association weakens over time. The association persists for 6 years in children whose first RSV infection occurs at 6-23 months, with adjusted hazard ratios of 3.9 (95% CI, 3.1-4.9) for the first 2 years, 2.3 (95% CI, 1.6-3.2) for 2 to <4 years, and 1.9 (95% CI, 1.2-2.9) for 4 to <6 years of follow-up. In contrast, the association is only significant for the first 2 years after first RSV infection in children aged 0-6 months.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Alexis Rybak, Corinne Levy, Camille Jung, Stephane Bechet, Christophe Batard, Frederic Hassid, Morched Zouari, Fabienne Cahn-Sellem, Mathieu Bangert, Robert Cohen
Summary: Early results from a prospective primary care bronchiolitis surveillance study in France showed a delayed epidemic from February to March 2021, where 55% of children under 2 years with swab testing for a first bronchiolitis episode tested positive for RSV.
PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Xin Wang, You Li, Liliana Vazquez Fernandez, Anne C. Teirlinck, Toni Lehtonen, Maarten van Wijhe, Luca Stona, Mathieu Bangert, Rachel M. Reeves, Hakon Boas, Michiel van Boven, Terho Heikkinen, Caroline Klint Johannesen, Eugenio Baraldi, Daniele Dona, Sabine Tong, Harry Campbell
Summary: A study has found that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of respiratory tract infections in young children. Prevention therapies such as monoclonal antibodies and maternal vaccines can help reduce the number of bed days due to RSV-associated respiratory tract infections in infants. When developing RSV immunization schedules, high-risk birth months should be taken into consideration.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Caroline K. Johannesen, Maarten van Wijhe, Sabine Tong, Liliana Fernandez, Terho Heikkinen, Michiel van Boven, Xin Wang, Hakon Boas, You Li, Harry Campbell, John Paget, Luca Stona, Anne Teirlinck, Toni Lehtonen, Hanna Nohynek, Mathieu Bangert, Thea K. Fischer
Summary: This study aimed to estimate the burden of RSV-associated hospital admissions in different age groups based on national health registers and laboratory databases in 6 European countries. The results showed a clear association between respiratory infections and RSV in children, with the highest proportions observed in children younger than 3 months. The study also found that the annual incidence of RSV-associated hospitalizations was high in infants aged 0-2 months, while incidence rates were low in adults older than 85 years.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Shaali Ame, Fatma Kabole, Alphoncina Masako Nanai, Pauline Mwinzi, Denise Mupfasoni, Said Mohammed Ali, Antonio Montresor
Summary: Despite more than 25 years of preventive chemotherapy for soil-transmitted helminth infections on Pemba Island, high prevalence and intensity remain due to irregular treatment, favorable transmission conditions, low sensitivity, high population density, and poor sanitation. Improving sanitation coverage is crucial for reducing infection rates and intensity.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Antonio Montresor, Pauline Mwinzi, Denise Mupfasoni, Amadou Garba
Summary: Preventive chemotherapy interventions for soil-transmitted helminthiases and schistosomiasis have significantly reduced the number of disability-adjusted life years lost in the past 19 years. Deworming is considered one of the most cost-effective public health interventions due to its low cost and high impact.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
F. Martinon-Torres, M. Carmo, L. Platero, G. Drago, J. L. Lopez-Belmonte, M. Bangert, J. Diez-Domingo, M. Garces-Sanchez
Summary: This study estimated the burden of medically attended acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) cases potentially related to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Spanish children. The findings suggest that RSV infections have a significant impact on children's health, especially in the first year of life. Hospitalization is a major driver of healthcare costs.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Teresa Bandeira, Mafalda Carmo, Hugo Lopes, Catarina Gomes, Margarida Martins, Carlos Guzman, Mathieu Bangert, Fernanda Rodrigues, Gustavo Januario, Teresa Tome, Ines Azevedo
Summary: This study evaluated the hospitalizations related to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children in Portugal. The results showed that RSV is a leading cause of hospitalizations in children, especially during their first year of life. This highlights the need for a comprehensive RSV surveillance system to guide prevention strategies.
INFLUENZA AND OTHER RESPIRATORY VIRUSES
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Rachel Tidman, Kaushi S. T. Kanankege, Mathieu Bangert, Bernadette Abela-Ridder
Summary: This review summarizes available data on the prevalence, risk factors, prevention, testing, and treatment of foodborne trematodiases (FBTs). The results show a significant gap between estimated and reported data on FBTs, highlighting the need for improved surveillance and control measures through a comprehensive One Health approach.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)