Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jane F. Namuganga, Adrienne Epstein, Joaniter Nankabirwa, Arthur Mpimbaza, Moses Kiggundu, Asadu Sserwanga, James Kapisi, Emmanuel Arinaitwe, Samuel Gonahasa, Jimmy Opigo, Chris Ebong, Sarah G. Staedke, Josephat Shililu, Michael Okia, Damian Rutazaana, Catherine Maiteki-Sebuguzi, Kassahun Belay, Moses R. Kamya, Grant Dorsey, Isabel Rodriguez-Barraquer
Summary: Implementation of indoor residual spraying (IRS) of insecticide, a proven vector control intervention, has been limited and difficult to sustain. Discontinuation of IRS in Uganda was associated with increased malaria incidence, while introduction of IRS was associated with decreased incidence.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Yakubu Alhassan, Duah Dwomoh, Susan Ama Amuasi, Justice Nonvignon, Harriet Bonful, Mary Tetteh, Kofi Agyabeng, Martha Kotey, Alfred E. Yawson, Samuel Bosomprah
Summary: This study analyzed data from Ghana and found that household access to insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) can significantly reduce self-reported malaria prevalence among women. This highlights the importance of integrating malaria control interventions in the elimination of malaria in Ghana.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Julie R. Gutman, Carole Khairallah, Kasia Stepniewska, Harry Tagbor, Mwayiwawo Madanitsa, Matthew Cairns, Anne Joan L'lanziva, Linda Kalilani, Kephas Otieno, Victor Mwapasa, Steve Meshnick, Simon Kariuki, Daniel Chandramohan, Meghna Desai, Steve M. Taylor, Brian Greenwood, Feiko O. ter Kuile
Summary: The study found that ISTp-ACT was not superior to IPTp-SP in the prevention of malaria during pregnancy, and may result in more subpatent infections. Subpatent infections were associated with increased risk of low birthweight and preterm delivery.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Claire M. Cote, Varun Goel, Rabbison Muhindo, Emmanuel Baguma, Moses Ntaro, Bonnie E. Shook-Sa, Raquel Reyes, Sarah G. Staedke, Edgar M. Mulogo, Ross M. Boyce
Summary: The study found that LLIN use and sourcing were correlated with household elevation and estimated distance to the nearest health facility. Current facility-based distribution strategies appear to have limitations in reach. More frequent mass distribution campaigns and complementary approaches may be necessary to maintain universal LLIN coverage and high rates of use among children in rural Uganda.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Moses Ocan, Fred Katabazi Ashaba, Savannah Mwesigwa, Kigozi Edgar, Moses R. Kamya, Sam L. Nsobya
Summary: This study investigated the mutations associated with artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium falciparum parasites in Uganda. The results showed a significant increase in the prevalence of pfmdr-2 gene mutations in samples collected from 2005 to 2013, while the prevalence of K13 and arps10 gene mutations did not change significantly. The findings suggest the need for continuous surveillance of molecular markers of artemisinin resistance in malaria-affected regions.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Carlos Chaccour, Rose Zulliger, Joe Wagman, Aina Casellas, Amilcar Nacima, Eldo Elobolobo, Binete Savaio, Abuchahama Saifodine, Christen Fornadel, Jason Richardson, Baltazar Candrinho, Molly Robertson, Francisco Saute
Summary: A two-year trial in Mozambique's Zambezia district showed that combining IRS with ITNs can significantly reduce malaria incidence among children under five in highly endemic areas.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Virtue Fiawokome De-Gaulle, Joseph Kamgno, Verner N. Orish, Agnes Kotoh, Wilfred Mbacham, Harry Tagbor, Pascal Magnussen
Summary: This study investigates the contextual health system factors influencing the delivery of intermittent preventive treatment using sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) and insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) in Ghana. The findings reveal that inadequate training of health staff on malaria delivery directives, confusion among health workers on when to commence IPTp-SP, and stock-outs of SP and ITNs in facilities are major challenges affecting the delivery of these interventions to eligible pregnant women attending antenatal care.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joaniter Nankabirwa, Teun Bousema, Sara Lynn Blanken, John Rek, Emmanuel Arinaitwe, Bryan Greenhouse, Philip J. Rosenthal, Moses R. Kamya, Sarah G. Staedke, Grant Dorsey
Summary: Tororo District in Uganda has experienced a decline and subsequent resurgence in malaria burden due to changes in vector control interventions. A study comparing different areas in Tororo District and a neighboring district found that the absence of indoor residual spraying of insecticide led to higher malaria transmission rates. Additionally, individuals over the age of 15 were at a higher risk of symptomatic malaria if microscopic parasitemia was present.
Editorial Material
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Feiko O. ter Kuile
Summary: Malaria is a major cause of adverse pregnancy outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa and resistance to the recommended antimalarial, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, is threatening progress. A trial of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine as an alternative to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine showed significant reductions in placental malaria and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The results raise questions about the discrepancies with previous trials.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Michelle E. Roh, Arthur Mpimbaza, Brenda Oundo, Amanda Irish, Maxwell Murphy, Sean L. Wu, Justin S. White, Stephen Shiboski, M. Maria Glymour, Roly Gosling, Grant Dorsey, Hugh Sturrock
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of a large-scale indoor residual spraying campaign on pregnancy outcomes in Eastern Uganda. The results suggest that the campaign can reduce the incidence of low birth weight, but does not have a substantial effect on stillbirth incidence. HIV-positive women may require additional interventions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Timothy Hugh Barker, Jennifer Stone, Sabira Hasanoff, Carrie Price, Alinune Kabaghe, Zachary Munn, James Colborn
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effectiveness of dual active-ingredient (DAI) insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) for malaria prevention. The study found that ITNs containing both pyrethroid and non-pyrethroid insecticides significantly reduced malaria case incidence. However, ITNs containing both pyrethroid and insect growth regulator did not show the same level of effectiveness. Dual active-ingredient ITNs with pyrethroid and non-pyrethroid insecticides may offer a novel intervention for malaria control.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Walter R. Taylor, Peter Olupot-Olupot, Marie A. Onyamboko, Pimnara Peerawaranun, Winifred Weere, Cate Namayanja, Peter Onyas, Harriet Titin, Joy Baseke, Rita Muhindo, Daddy K. Kayembe, Pauline Ndjowo, Benjamin B. Basara, Georgette S. Bongo, Charles B. Okalebo, Grace Abongo, Sophie Uyoga, Thomas N. Williams, Chiraporn Taya, Mehul Dhorda, Joel Tarning, Arjen M. Dondorp, Naomi Waithira, Caterina Fanello, Kathryn Maitland, Mavuto Mukaka, Nicholas Day
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the safety of age-dosed, single low-dose primaquine in children from Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The study found that single low-dose primaquine treatment is safe in children infected with Plasmodium falciparum and supports the broader implementation of this treatment in Africa.
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mohammed Aliye Mohammed, Tao Hong
Summary: The study reveals a negative correlation between vector control intervention strategy and malaria cases, with an increase in malaria cases in the post-intervention period compared to the pre-intervention period. Furthermore, a significant decrease in malaria-related death rates was observed in all regions after the implementation of the strategy. Additionally, a significant relationship between indoor residual spraying, insecticide-treated mosquito nets, and malaria was demonstrated during the strategic periods.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Ekpereonne B. Esu, Chioma Oringanje, Martin M. Meremikwu
Summary: In sub-Saharan Africa, intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) with antimalarial drugs may reduce the risk of clinical malaria, anemia, and hospital admission in infants, but the efficacy of some drugs appears to decline over time. Studies show positive impacts on treating clinical malaria, anemia, and hospital admissions, while the effect on all-cause mortality remains unclear.
COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Jessica Williams, Victoria A. Ingham, Marion Morris, Kobie Hyacinthe Toe, Aristide S. Hien, John C. Morgan, Roch K. Dabire, Wamdagogo Moussa Guelbeogo, N'Fale Sagnon, Hilary Ranson
Summary: Targeting mosquitoes with insecticides is an effective method to prevent malaria transmission. Burkina Faso, a country with high malaria burden, is also a hotspot for insecticide resistance evolution. This study establishes laboratory colonies from multiple species of malaria vectors and provides a profile of insecticide resistance in each colony. The findings highlight the importance of screening potential new insecticides against a wide range of mosquito populations and provide valuable insights into the genetic changes driving resistance.
Article
Parasitology
Gabriela Martinez Moura Tavares, Hannar Angelica de Melo Alverga, Estela Moraes Felix, Giovana de Oliveira Dichman, Gabriel Monteiro Pinheiro, Yara Juliano, Priscila Paruci, Dennis Minoru Fujita, Lucas Melo Neves, Marina Tiemi Shio, Luiz Henrique da Silva Nali
Summary: This study investigated the frequency of N. gonorrhoeae infection in women in a poor area of São Paulo and found that most of the strains detected showed resistance to one or more antimicrobials.
Article
Parasitology
Qian Yao, Ying-Ying Fan, Shuang Huang, Gui-Rong Hu, Jun-Ke Song, Xin Yang, Guang-Hui Zhao
Summary: This study found that the expression of miR-4521 was upregulated during C. parvum infection, and this upregulation was related to the TLR/NF-kappa B signal pathway. Additionally, miR-4521 promoted the propagation of C. parvum in HCT-8 cells by regulating BCL2-mediated cell apoptosis through targeting foxm1.
Article
Parasitology
Cho Naing, Maxine A. Whittaker, Wong Siew Tung, Htar Aung, Joon Wah Mak
Summary: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of zoonotic brugian filariasis in animals and compare it with the prevalence in humans in the same area. The findings suggest that cats, dogs, and leaf-eating monkeys may serve as potential reservoirs for human brugian filariasis.
Review
Parasitology
Raissa Nogueira de Brito, Susan Tanner, Julie Velasquez Runk, Juliana Hoyos
Summary: This study conducted a scoping review to identify major research themes and knowledge gaps in the social science literature on leishmaniases or Chagas disease. The findings showed that research in this field mainly focuses on the sociocultural, economic, historical, and political dimensions of the diseases. Future research should pay more attention to how social institutions and economic factors shape disease education, control measures, healthcare access, and quality of life of affected individuals.
Article
Parasitology
Minghao Zheng, Mengyao Zhang, Hao Li, Shipo Wu, Yuee Zhao, Jinlong Zhang, Yunyue Zhou, Mohamed Boie Jalloh, Kun Zhang, Lina Chen, Zhiqiang Mi, Yong Cui, Lihua Hou
Summary: Rapid and convenient detection of Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite in Africa, is crucial for malaria eradication efforts in medical resource-limited settings. A CRISPR-based diagnostic method that can detect P. falciparum without nucleic acid extraction was developed and showed high sensitivity and consistency with qPCR test. It can also detect artemisinin-resistant strains and other laboratory-cultured strains. This method has great potential for clinical testing and large-scale community screening in Africa and other regions.
Article
Parasitology
Fabian Correa-Morales, Cassandra Gonzalez-Acosta, David Ibarra-Ojeda, Miguel Moreno-Garcia
Summary: Since 2002, West Nile Virus (WNV) has been reported in 18 states in Mexico. This paper discusses the proposed hypotheses for the absence of WNV outbreaks in Latin America and provides a context-specific explanation for Mexico.
Article
Parasitology
Umberto Molini, Lauren M. Coetzee, Vernon Christians, Maria Y. Hemberger, Bernard Chiwome, Maria Amukwaya, Siegfried Khaiseb, Giovanni Cattoli, William G. Dundon, Giovanni Franzo
Summary: Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV-3) has been reported globally since its first identification in 2015. Limited data on PCV-3 in Africa led to a study in Namibia, which found a high prevalence of PCV-3 in backyard piggeries, but not in commercial farms with higher biosecurity measures. The source of viral introduction and factors such as semen importation, feeding backyard pigs with human food waste, pig exchanges, and wildlife movements may be involved in the dispersal of PCV-3 within Namibia. Further studies are needed to understand the epidemiology and impact of PCV-3 on pig productivity and wildlife health.
Article
Parasitology
Chutchai Piewbang, Panida Poonsin, Pattiya Lohavicharn, Panitnan Punyathi, Sawang Kesdangsakonwut, Tanit Kasantikul, Somporn Techangamsuwan
Summary: This study provides insights into the pathology of natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs, revealing severe damage to the lungs and involvement of multiple organs. The findings suggest the potential utility of dogs as a model for studying SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans, highlighting the need for further investigation.
Article
Parasitology
Julian Avila-Jimenez, Juan David Gutierrez, Mariano Altamiranda-Saavedra
Summary: Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease transmitted to humans by sandfly vectors and vertebrate hosts. This study used ecological niche modeling to investigate the potential distribution of host and vector species associated with cutaneous leishmaniasis transmission, revealing different distribution patterns under varying climatic conditions.
Article
Parasitology
Luis A. Gomez-Puerta, Juan Olazabal, Santiago Paredes, Juan Lopez, Miguel Anampa, Angelica Mondragon, Ana Vargas-Calla, Hugo Castillo
Summary: This study reports the first detection of Candidatus M. haemolamae infection in vicunas from the Pampa Galeras National Reserve in Peru, using molecular diagnosis. Tick-infested vicunas had a higher likelihood of being infected with Candidatus M. haemolamae compared to tick-free vicunas. Gender and age were not associated with infection.
Article
Parasitology
Berlin Londono-Renteria, Zakaria Seidu, Helena Lamptey, Michael F. Ofori, Lars Hviid, Mary Lopez-Perez
Summary: Heterozygous carriers of HbAS and HbAC have a reduced risk of severe malaria, but not immunity against Plasmodium falciparum infection. Antibody levels against gSG6-P1 peptide in Anopheles mosquito saliva can serve as a serological biomarker for exposure to Plasmodium infection. This study highlights the importance of studying the role of hemoglobinopathies in malaria transmission for improving control interventions.
Article
Parasitology
Imane Belbacha, Meryem El Azzouzi, Rajae Bensghir, Kamal Filali Marhoum, Khadija Hajjout, El Mir Elharti, Khalid Sadki, Hicham Oumzil
Summary: This study investigates the association of three SNPs in the APOBEC3G gene with disease outcomes in Moroccan HIV-1 infected patients. The rs2294367 CG genotype is strongly associated with protection against HIV-1 infection, particularly in older individuals.
Article
Parasitology
Tan Luong, Do Kien Tran, Anh Hung Pham, Thi Thu-Ha Hoang, Van Khang Pham, Quang Thai Pham, Thi Mai Hung Tran, Minh Hoa Luong, Thanh Long Pham, Jason K. Blackburn
Summary: This study examined the epidemiology of anthrax in Lai Chau province, Vietnam, using historical data. Spatial clusters of human and livestock anthrax were identified, and the characteristics of the disease were described. The study found that there were distinct differences between the high-risk areas for human and livestock anthrax, and most human cases occurred during specific seasons. Additionally, the decrease in livestock anthrax vaccine coverage was associated with an increase in disease incidence.
Article
Parasitology
Jin-tao Chen, Jian-bo Zhan, Ming-chao Zhu, Kai-ji Li, Man-qing Liu, Bin Hu, Kun Cai, Hai-rong Xiong, Shu-liang Chen, Wei-long Tan, Liang-jun Chen, Wei Hou
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence and variation of orthohantavirus in rodents and humans in Hubei province, China. It identified the diversity of orthohantaviruses circulating in the region, with the HV004-like subtype being the main genotype in rodents and patients. This highlights the importance of continued attention and research on orthohantaviruses, especially newly identified strains.