Article
Infectious Diseases
Hitomi Kinoshita, Yuzo Arima, Mika Shigematsu, Tomimasa Sunagawa, Masayuki Saijo, Kazunori Oishi, Shuji Ando
Summary: This study aimed to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of scrub typhus and Japanese spotted fever in Japan over a 10-year period. The study found that the elderly had higher notification rates and fatalities, with stable notifications for scrub typhus and an increase for Japanese spotted fever expanding towards the east. Seasonality and regional variations in the distribution of the diseases were identified, likely related to the ecology of vectors and etiological agents, providing valuable information for clinical diagnosis and preventative activities.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Clare E. Warrell, Jane Osborne, Laura Nabarro, Barry Gibney, Daniel P. Carter, Jennifer Warner, Catherine F. Houlihan, Timothy J. G. Brooks, Tommy Rampling
Summary: This retrospective study describes the burden of imported rickettsial infection in the UK. Through categorization and analysis of rickettsial cases diagnosed at the national reference laboratory between 2015 and 2022, it was found that there were 220 patients with rickettsioses, with acute spotted fever group infection being the most common import. Thorough history, examination, and timely treatment with doxycycline should be considered if there is suspicion of Rickettsia infection before testing.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Xiu-Gang Guan, Yue-Hong Wei, Bao-Gui Jiang, Shi-Xia Zhou, An-Ran Zhang, Qing-Bin Lu, Zi-Wei Zhou, Jin-Jin Chen, Hai-Yang Zhang, Yang Ji, Yang Yang, Li-Qun Fang, Hao Li, Zhi-Cong Yang, Wei Liu
Summary: This study compared the clinical features and risk factors for severe disease in pediatric and elderly patients with scrub typhus. The findings showed significant differences in clinical characteristics between the two groups. Risk factors for severe disease also differed, with different factors identified for pediatric and elderly patients. These findings highlight the importance of age-specific methods in the diagnosis and risk assessment of scrub typhus.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joo-Hee Hwang, Yeon-Hee Han, M. D. Tazikur Rahman, Chang-Seop Lee
Summary: This study found that dry mouth reported by patients with scrub typhus may be caused by insufficient saliva excretion from the salivary glands into the oral cavity, as indicated by salivary scintigraphy. After treatment, there was a significant increase in radioactivity in the oral cavity and an increase in ejection fraction of the parotid glands.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Christian Keller, Raphael Rakotozandrindrainy, Vera von Kalckreuth, Jean Noel Heriniaina, Norbert Georg Schwarz, Gi Deok Pak, Justin Im, Ligia Maria Cruz Espinoza, Ralf Matthias Hagen, Hagen Frickmann, Jean Philibert Rakotondrainiarivelo, Tsiry Razafindrabe, Denise Dekker, Juergen May, Sven Poppert, Florian Marks
Summary: The study detected rickettsial DNA in blood samples from febrile patients in Madagascar, confirming the presence of rickettsial infections in the region. It found that flea-borne rickettsiosis is rare but neglected in Madagascar and accurate diagnosis is important for appropriate treatment.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sidharath Dev Thakur
Summary: Scrub typhus is an acute febrile illness endemic to Asia, which can cause multiple organ dysfunction and fatalities. In mountainous regions of India, it often leads to acute febrile illness and neurological complications, with agricultural activities being a major risk factor for the disease.
Review
Immunology
David H. Walker, Nicole L. Mendell
Summary: Scrub typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, is a life-threatening febrile illness in eastern Asia and the Western Pacific and Indian oceans. Despite efforts to develop a vaccine for 80 years, there is still no effective vaccine available. The main challenge lies in understanding the immunity to O. tsutsugamushi.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Yi-Chin Chang, Wu Sun, Jiun-Nong Lin, Yen-Hsu Chen, Chung-Hsu Lai, Chen-Hsiang Lee
Summary: Scrub typhus is a frequently underestimated and potentially fatal febrile disease in the Asia-Pacific region. Risk factors include engaging in at-risk occupations, younger age, and less frequent animal contact. Taiwan, particularly the Island region, Eastern region, and mountainous areas, has a high incidence of ST, and patients with suspected cases should be investigated for the disease.
ZOONOSES AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jihye Um, Yeonghwa Nam, Ji Na Lim, Misuk Kim, Yeonsu An, Se Hee Hwang, Jun-Sun Park
Summary: This study investigated the seroprevalence of antibodies against scrub typhus, murine typhus, and spotted fever groups among North Korean refugees within 1 year of their arrival in South Korea. The findings suggest that rickettsial infections should be considered in the differential diagnosis for North Koreans with fever after entering South Korea.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Piyada Linsuwanon, Nutthanun Auysawasdi, Sirima Wongwairot, Surachai Leepitakrat, Wuttikon Rodkhamtook, Elizabeth Wanja, Taweesak Monkanna, Matthew Wegner, Silas Davidson, Yong Poovorawan, Betty Poole-Smith, Chawin Limsuwon, Patrick McCardle
Summary: The study observed a high prevalence of O. tsutsugamushi and Rickettsia-infected chiggers in grassland and forest ecotone areas, with chigger and rodent species composition negatively associated with the level of human disturbance. Increased rodent density led to an increase in chigger population and subsequent prevalence of O. tsutsugmaushi infection in chiggers the following year.
TRAVEL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Karen O. Mathews, David Phalen, Jacqueline M. Norris, John Stenos, Jenny-Ann Toribio, Nicholas Wood, Stephen Graves, Paul A. Sheehy, Chelsea Nguyen, Katrina L. Bosward
Summary: This study assessed the exposure levels and risk factors for Rickettsia spp. among Australian wildlife rehabilitators, finding that rehabilitators are more likely to contract Rickettsia-related illnesses. However, the exact source of increased seropositivity remains unclear.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Panita Looareesuwan, Kristen Aiemjoy, Sakarn Charoensakulchai, Janjira Thaipadungpanit, Jantana Wongsantichon, Ampai Tanganuchitcharnchai, Artharee Rungrojn, Stuart D. Blacksell, Wasin Matsee
Summary: This article presents a unique case of scrub typhus in a child traveller, discussing the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, laboratory findings, and antibody dynamics.
JOURNAL OF TRAVEL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Jyoti Ranjan Behera, Sanjay Kumar Sahu, Niranjan Mohanty, Nirmal Kumar Mohakud, Amos Lal
Summary: This study found that manifestations of scrub typhus in infants tend to be severe, involving hematologic, pulmonary, and hepatic issues, often requiring intensive care. Infants requiring intensive care typically exhibit characteristics such as thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, and elevated transaminases. The response to doxycycline treatment is good in these cases.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Alvaro A. Faccini-Martinez, David H. Walker, Lucas S. Blanton
Summary: Murine typhus is an undifferentiated febrile illness that has historically been prevalent in Latin America but has been rarely reported in recent decades. However, endemic foci have reemerged when clinicians and researchers are aware. The demonstrable seroprevalence in areas without reported cases indicates that murine typhus is an underappreciated infectious disease in Latin America.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Silvita Fitri Riswari, Susantina Prodjosoewojo, Siti Rasnawati Mony, Imam Megantara, Shelly Iskandar, Wulan Mayasari, Henhen Heryaman, Quirijn de Mast, Andre van der Ven, Herman Kosasih, Bachti Alisjahbana
Summary: The study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of murine typhus (MT) cases in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. Results showed that MT is an important cause of acute febrile illness (AFI) in Indonesia, but is rarely reported. Common clinical symptoms in confirmed MT cases included headache, arthralgia, malaise, and myalgia. The study suggested including MT in the differential diagnosis of AFI and considering empirical treatment with doxycycline.
Article
Immunology
Yu-Yao Chiu, Chun-Yu Lin, Ling-Shan Yu, Wen-Hung Wang, Chung-Hao Huang, Yen-Hsu Chen
Summary: This study retrospectively evaluated the association between nutritional status and dengue severity in adult patients with laboratory-confirmed dengue. The results showed that obese patients had more petechiae, dyspnea, severe hepatitis, lower nadir platelet count, and higher peak hematocrit level. However, no difference in severe dengue or mortality was observed between the obese and nonobese groups.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY IMMUNOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Chih-Yen Lin, Wen-Hung Wang, Meng-Chi Li, Yu-Ting Lin, Zih-Syuan Yang, Aspiro Nayim Urbina, Wanchai Assavalapsakul, Arunee Thitithanyanont, Kai-Ren Chen, Chien-Cheng Kuo, Yu-Xen Lin, Hui-Hua Hsiao, Kun-Der Lin, Shang-Yi Lin, Yen-Hsu Chen, Ming-Lung Yu, Li-Chen Su, Sheng-Fan Wang
Summary: In this study, a quick and precise phase-sensitive surface plasmon resonance (PS-SPR) biosensor integrated with a newly generated anti-S monoclonal antibody was developed for highly sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.
BIOENGINEERING & TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
George R. Thompson III, Alex Soriano, Oliver A. Cornely, Bart Jan Kullberg, Marin Kollef, Jose Vazquez, Patrick M. Honore, Matteo Bassetti, John Pullman, Methee Chayakulkeeree, Ivan Poromanski, Cecilia Dignani, Anita F. Das, Taylor Sandison, Peter G. Pappas
Summary: This study compared the efficacy and safety of intravenous rezafungin with intravenous caspofungin in the treatment of candidaemia and invasive candidiasis. The results showed that rezafungin was non-inferior to caspofungin in terms of efficacy and safety.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shin-Huei Kuo, Tzu-Yin Liu, Tun-Chieh Chen, Chih-Jen Yang, Yen-Hsu Chen
Summary: The study found that PVDC plastic wraps are the best choice for covering elevator buttons, with very low residual bacteria. Door-close and -open buttons were the most frequently touched sites, requiring more accurate and precise disinfection, therefore cleaning intervals of no longer than three hours may be warranted.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Shu-Hsing Cheng, Chia En Lien, Szu-Min Hsieh, Chien-Yu Cheng, Wang-Da Liu, Ching-Lung Lo, Wen-Chien Ko, Yen-Hsu Chen, Ching-Tai Huang, Hsiao-Ting Chang, Shinn-Jang Hwang, Ning-Chi Wang, Ming-Che Liu, Yu-Lin Lee, I-Chen Tai, Josue Antonio Garcia Estrada, Tzou-Yien Lin, Wen-Sen Lee
Summary: This study assessed the safety and immunogenicity of the MVC-COV1901 vaccine in people living with HIV. The vaccine showed robust safety but weaker immune responses in this population, suggesting the need for further investigations to determine improved immunization strategies for HIV patients.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Lung-Chien Chen, Meng-Chi Li, Kai-Ren Chen, Yu-Jui Cheng, Xun-Ying Wu, Sih-An Chen, Meng-Jey Youh, Chien-Cheng Kuo, Yu-Xen Lin, Chih-Yen Lin, Chu-Feng Wang, Chung-Feng Huang, Shang-Yi Lin, Wen-Hung Wang, Yen-Hsu Chen, Ming-Lung Yu, Arunee Thitithanyanont, Sheng-Fan Wang, Li-Chen Su
Summary: Researchers developed a wavelength-based SPR sensor using 3D printing technology and synthesized stable NIR-emitting perovskite nanocomposites. This portable sensor can detect the coronavirus in a quick and simple manner, making it suitable for on-site detection.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Lila Estephan, Ying-Chin Lin, Yi-Tsung Lin, Yen -Hsu Chen, Sung-Ching Pan, Szu-Min Hsieh, Paal Fure Torkehagen, Yi-Jen Weng, Hao-Yuan Cheng, Josue Antonio Estrada, Alexander Waits, Charles Chen, Chia En Lien
Summary: This study compared the safety and immunogenicity of a protein subunit vaccine (MVC-COV1901) with AZD1222 and mRNA-1273 as a third dose in individuals who completed different primary vaccine regimens. The results showed that MVC-COV1901 as a booster dose exhibited the best safety and immunogenicity, and boosting with mRNA-1273 in MVC-COV1901 primed individuals induced the highest antibody titers and cell-mediated immune response.
Article
Virology
Chung-Feng Huang, Tyng-Yuan Jang, Ping-Hsun Wu, Mei-Chuan Kuo, Ming-Lun Yeh, Chih-Wen Wang, Po-Cheng Liang, Yu-Ju Wei, Po-Yao Hsu, Ching- Huang, Ming-Yen Hsieh, Yi-Hung Lin, Hui-Hua Hsiao, Chin-Mu Hsu, Chien-Tzu Huang, Chun-Yuan Lee, Yen-Hsu Chen, Tun-Chieh Chen, Kun-Der Lin, Shuo-Hung Wang, Sheng-Fan Wang, Jee-Fu Huang, Chia-Yen Dai, Wan-Long Chuang, Ming-Lung Yu
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the serological response to COVID-19 vaccination in Taiwanese patients with different comorbidities. The results showed that patients with more comorbidities had a poor immune response to the three-dose COVID-19 vaccination.
Article
Oncology
I-Ching Kuo, Yi-Chi Chu, Yen-Hsu Chen, Ta-Chien Chan
Summary: This retrospective longitudinal cohort study aimed to explore the association between kidney function decline and cancer-related mortality in community-dwelling elderly individuals. The study found that rapid kidney function decline was significantly associated with increased risk of cancer mortality, particularly in gastrointestinal tract, hepatobiliary, lung, prostate, urinary tract, and hematological malignancies. Regular assessments of dynamic changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) might provide valuable information for cancer prognosis.
Article
Immunology
Hsin-Yun Sun, Bo-Huang Liou, Tun-Chieh Chen, Chia-Jui Yang, Sung-Hsi Huang, Po-Liang Lu, Chung-Hao Huang, Mao-Song Tsai, Shu-Hsing Cheng, Nan-Yao Lee, Wen-Chien Ko, Yen-Hsu Chen, Wang-Da Liu, Shang-Yi Lin, Shih-Ping Lin, Po-Lin Chen, Ling-Shan Syue, Yu-Shan Huang, Yu-Chung Chuang, Cheng-Bin Chen, Ya-Ting Chang, Yuan-Ti Lee, Szu-Min Hsieh, Li-Hsin Su, Chien-Yu Cheng, Chien-Ching Hung
Summary: Using 3-stage pooled-plasma hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA testing performed quarterly among at-risk people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH), we found that if testing had been performed every 6 or 12 months, 58.6%-91.7% of PWH who recently acquired HCV would be delayed for diagnosis and might contribute to onward HCV transmission with longer durations.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Chao-Ying Chen, Yu-Yao Chiu, Yu-Cheng Chen, Chung-Hao Huang, Wen-Hung Wang, Yen-Hsu Chen, Chun-Yu Lin
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the association between obesity and the severity of dengue. The results indicated that obese patients, especially pediatric patients, are more likely to develop severe dengue.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Chia-Hui Wen, Po-Liang Lu, Chun-Yu Lin, Yi-Pei Lin, Tun-Chieh Chen, Yen-Hsu Chen, Shin-Huei Kuo, Shih-Hao Lo, Shang-Yi Lin, Chung-Hao Huang, Ya-Ting Chang, Chun-Yuan Lee
Summary: This study assessed the association between immunological nonresponses and incident non-AIDS-related events among people living with HIV.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY IMMUNOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Muhammad Bilal Khan, Zih-Syuan Yang, Chih-Yen Lin, Ming-Cheng Hsu, Aspiro Nayim Urbina, Wanchai Assavalapsakul, Wen-Hung Wang, Yen-Hsu Chen, Sheng-Fan Wang
Summary: Dengue is a disease caused by dengue virus infection, and its clinical manifestations vary. Currently, there is a lack of effective antiviral drugs and vaccines, so it is necessary to study the virus characteristics, epidemiology, and develop treatment and control strategies.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Imaniar Noor Faridah, Haafizah Dania, Rita Maliza, Wan-Hsuan Chou, Wen-Hung Wang, Yen-Hsu Chen, Dyah Aryani Perwitasari, Wei-Chiao Chang
Summary: Dengue is a global arboviral disease that has become a major public health concern. This study investigated the associations of variations in the MICB and PLCE1 genes with dengue severity and thrombocytopenia in Indonesian and Taiwanese populations. The results showed associations between MICB rs3132468 and dengue shock syndrome (DSS), as well as between PLCE1 rs3740360 and secondary dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) in Indonesian patients.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zih-Syuan Yang, Wen-Hung Wang, Yu-Ting Lin, Chih-Yen Lin, Aspiro Nayim Urbina, Arunee Thitithanyanont, Po-Liang Lu, Yen-Hsu Chen, Sheng-Fan Wang
Summary: This study investigates the individual and collaborative roles of DC-SIGN and Gal3 in H5N1 and H7N9 avian influenza virus (AIV) infection. It is found that DC-SIGN expression significantly promotes viral infection, while Gal3 knockdown reduces viral infection. The co-expression of DC-SIGN and Gal3 enhances infectivity of H5N1 and H7N9 viruses, with stronger regulatory capabilities for H5N1. The study reveals the significance of DC-SIGN and Gal3 in regulating AIV infection and suggests the potential of targeting their interaction with HA protein as antiviral strategies.