Review
Immunology
Awnish Kumar, Vishal Kumar Singh, Rahul Tiwari, Prasoon Madhukar, Shashi Kumar, Vibhav Gautam, Christian Engwerda, Shyam Sundar, Rajiv Kumar
Summary: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a severe and often fatal form of leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania donovani in the Indian sub-continent. Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a late cutaneous manifestation of VL, serving as a significant yet neglected reservoir of infection and posing a serious threat to the VL elimination program in India. Eradicating PKDL should be a priority within the current VL elimination program by understanding its pathogenesis and developing effective strategies for disease management.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Nibedeeta Rani Sarraf, Saikat Mukhopadhyay, Anindyajit Banerjee, Anjan Kumar Das, Syamal Roy, Saikat Chakrabarti, Madhumita Manna, Partha Saha
Summary: The study conducted whole genome sequencing of L. donovani strains from Indian patients, revealing unique genomic variations in 24 genes among para-KDL strains compared to other strains. These distinctive genomic changes among para-KDL strains could be significant for the parasites to become dermatotropic.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ilka Grewe, Thomas Theo Brehm, Benno Kreuels, Oliver M. Steinmetz, Bernhard Dumoulin, Anne Marie Asemissen, Dennis Tappe, Michael Ramharter, Stefan Schmiedel
Summary: We report a case of Leishmania infantum reactivation in an immunocompetent patient who developed visceral leishmaniasis with secondary IgA nephropathy nine years after an initial episode of mucosal leishmaniasis, which had been treated with liposomal amphotericin B.
JOURNAL OF TRAVEL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Slavica Vaselek
Summary: Based on the research, it is evident that leishmaniasis is re-emerging in the Balkans and spreading northward, with historical records showing its presence mainly in the southern parts of the region.
TROPICAL MEDICINE & INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2021)
Review
Pathology
Amanda Virginia Batista Vieira, Pablo Cantalice Santos Farias, Gilberto Silva Nunes Bezerra, Amanda Tavares Xavier, Manoel Sebastiao Da Costa Lima Junior, Elis Dionisio Da Silva, Walter Lins Barbosa Junior, Zulma Maria Medeiros
Summary: This review analyzed PCR-based molecular techniques for detecting asymptomatic cases of VL in humans. qPCR using RNA targets is recommended for the diagnosis of asymptomatic cases of human VL. Further studies are needed to investigate the use of different rRNA targets and to inform public policies for the diagnosis and management of asymptomatic patients.
EXPERT REVIEW OF MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Rajesh Garlapati, Eva Iniguez, Tiago D. Serafim, Prabhas K. Mishra, Basab Rooj, Bikas Sinha, Jesus G. Valenzuela, Sridhar Srikantiah, Caryn Bern, Shaden Kamhawi
Summary: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a potentially deadly parasitic disease prevalent in the northern part of the Indian sub-continent. India, Bangladesh, and Nepal are working together to eliminate VL as a public health problem by 2020 through early detection, prompt treatment, and vector control measures. Despite being close to the elimination target, important aspects of vector biology and sand fly transmission dynamics still need to be determined to ensure sustained elimination.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Anurag Kumar Kushwaha, Breanna M. Scorza, Om Prakash Singh, Edgar Rowton, Phillip Lawyer, Shyam Sundar, Christine A. Petersen
Summary: Leishmania donovani is the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis on the Indian subcontinent, transmitted by sand flies which have been shown to feed on domestic animals in addition to humans. Understanding the role of non-human reservoirs in transmission is critical for sustainable elimination goals. Efforts towards VL elimination in the region may be hindered by the presence of animal reservoirs.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Kristien Cloots, Pia Marino, Sakib Burza, Naresh Gill, Marleen Boelaert, Epco Hasker
Summary: The study found that VL-HIV+ and PKDL cases were both associated with a more than twofold increase in VL incidence at the village level in Bihar, India, indicating the importance of VL-HIV+ patients as infectious reservoirs for Leishmania.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Dermatology
Ritika Sengupta, Sneha Mitra, Aishwarya Dighal, Srija Moulik, Surya Jyati Chaudhuri, Nilay Kanti Das, Uttara Chatterjee, Mitali Chatterjee
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the factors contributing to the hypopigmentation in post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL). The results showed a decrease in melanocytes and key enzymes related to melanogenesis pathway in PKDL patients. Additionally, elevated levels of cytokines and chemokines, along with increased infiltration of CD8(+) T-cells, were observed in PKDL patients. These findings suggest that the hypopigmentation in PKDL is associated with the destruction of melanocytes and an enhanced pro-inflammatory immune milieu.
EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Shyam Sundar, Jitendra Singh, Anju Dinkar, Neha Agrawal
Summary: This study assessed the safety and effectiveness of miltefosine for post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis. The cure rate was 76%, but a significant number of patients experienced ocular complications.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Priya Yadav, Mudsser Azam, V Ramesh, Ruchi Singh
Summary: The diagnosis of leishmaniasis is influenced by the clinical features and infective species, but the rise in atypical presentations poses challenges in patient treatment. Understanding these unusual presentations can help broaden the perspective and prevent misdiagnosis.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Priya Kumari, Afrin Mamud, Anupam Nath Jha
Summary: Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by a protozoan parasite, with no effective medicine/vaccine available. The development of new drugs is crucial, and a vaccine could be a low-risk and effective alternative. Although no vaccine has successfully passed clinical trials, the successful development of a vaccine for canine leishmaniasis provides hope.
CURRENT DRUG TARGETS
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Claudia Faber, Carlos Montenegro Quinonez, Olaf Horstick, Kazi Mizanur Rahman, Silvia Runge-Ranzinger
Summary: This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of indoor residual spraying (IRS) in controlling sandflies and the occurrence of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in humans. Deltamethrin and alpha-Cypermethrin can reduce sandfly populations by up to 95% for at least one month. Combinations of different interventions, such as IRS and Temephos, show promising results. Although there is a lack of direct human transmission data, modeling studies confirm the impact of IRS on human transmission. Overall, IRS continues to be an effective intervention for controlling sandfly-borne VL.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
J. S. Devipriya, Ashok Kumar Gupta, Rajendra Babu Veeri, Pavan Garapati, Rishikesh Kumar, Sameer Dhingra, Krishna Murti, V. Ravichandiran, Krishna Pandey
Summary: The study found a significant gap in knowledge, attitude, and practices towards visceral leishmaniasis among people living with HIV in Bihar, highlighting the need for enhanced health education initiatives in endemic areas to improve awareness and preventive practices for VL.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Kristien Cloots, Om Prakash Singh, Abhishek Kumar Singh, Anurag Kumar Kushwaha, Paritosh Malaviya, Sangeeta Kansal, Epco Hasker, Shyam Sundar
Summary: This study evaluated the positive predictive value of the current diagnostic algorithm for VL in India's low-endemic setting and the specificity of the rK39 RDT. The findings indicate that the diagnostic algorithm, combining suggestive clinical features with a positive rK39 RDT, is still valid in the current low-endemic setting in India.
Article
Parasitology
Klodeta Kura, Diepreye Ayabina, T. Deirdre Hollingsworth, Roy M. Anderson
Summary: This study investigates the optimal treatment strategies for schistosomiasis using two individual-based stochastic models. The results suggest that treating school-age children alone is not sufficient to eliminate transmission within a feasible time frame. Community-wide treatment is necessary to interrupt transmission in all endemic settings.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Carolin Vegvari, Sam Abbott, Frank Ball, Ellen Brooks-Pollock, Robert Challen, Benjamin S. Collyer, Ciara Dangerfield, Julia R. Gog, Katelyn M. Gostic, Jane M. Heffernan, T. Deirdre Hollingsworth, Valerie Isham, Eben Kenah, Denis Mollison, Jasmina Panovska-Griffiths, Lorenzo Pellis, Michael G. Roberts, Gianpaolo Scalia Tomba, Robin N. Thompson, Pieter Trapman
Summary: The reproduction number R has become a popular epidemiological metric during the COVID-19 pandemic, but its interpretation and estimation can vary significantly depending on the definition and statistical methods used. The availability and type of data also play a crucial role in estimating R accurately. Careful consideration and analysis are required when using R as an indicator for managing the epidemic effectively.
STATISTICAL METHODS IN MEDICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emilie Finch, Rachel Lowe, Stephanie Fischinger, Michael De St Aubin, Sameed M. Siddiqui, Diana Dayal, Michael A. Loesche, Justin Rhee, Samuel Beger, Yiyuan Hu, Matthew J. Gluck, Benjamin Mormann, Mohammad A. Hasdianda, Elon R. Musk, Galit Alter, Anil S. Menon, Eric J. Nillesid, Adam J. Kucharski
Summary: This study analysed longitudinal PCR and serological testing data from a cohort of US employees and found that primary infection with SARS-CoV-2 provides protection against reinfection in the majority of individuals for at least 6 months.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Kat S. Rock, Ching- Huang, Ronald E. Crump, Paul R. Bessell, Paul E. Brown, Inaki Tirados, Philippe Solano, Marina Antillon, Albert Picado, Severin Mbainda, Justin Darnas, Emily H. Crowley, Steve J. Torr, Mallaye Peka
Summary: This study examines the transmission and control measures of gHAT in the Mandoul focus of Chad through model refinements. The results indicate that transmission has been interrupted since 2015, but further confirmatory testing and monitoring are recommended.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marina Antillon, Ching- Huang, Ronald E. Crump, Paul E. Brown, Rian Snijders, Erick Mwamba Miaka, Matt J. Keeling, Kat S. Rock, Fabrizio Tediosi
Summary: This study assesses the cost-effectiveness of eliminating human African trypanosomiasis in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The results show that strategies leading to the elimination of transmission can also be considered cost-effective. Vector control and active screening are the primary cost drivers of the elimination strategies. In low-risk settings, a minimum-cost strategy consisting of active and passive screening can achieve elimination of transmission by 2030 with high probability.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ching- Huang, Ronald E. Crump, Paul E. Brown, Simon E. F. Spencer, Erick Mwamba Miaka, Chansy Shampa, Matt J. Keeling, Kat S. Rock
Summary: The authors projected the impacts of gHAT interventions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and identified a priority list of health zones requiring enhanced control. They found that only a small number of health zones are on track to achieve the elimination target using current interventions. The research suggests the need for supplementary vector control in certain health zones.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biology
Thomas Crellen, Melissa Haswell, Paiboon Sithithaworn, Somphou Sayasone, Peter Odermatt, Poppy H. L. Lamberton, Simon E. F. Spencer, T. Deirdre Hollingsworth
Summary: A study on opisthorchiasis found that parasite fecundity varies between populations and the relationship between routine diagnostics and true prevalence is influenced by parasite aggregation.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jan A. C. Hontelez, Nico J. D. Nagelkerke, Sake J. J. De Vlas
TROPICAL MEDICINE & INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ching- Huang, Ronald E. S. Crump, Emily H. Crowley, Andrew J. Hope, Paul R. Bessell, Chansy J. Shampa, Erick Mwamba Miaka, Kat S. J. Rock
Summary: This study examines the impact of external interruptions on the elimination program of gambiense human African trypanosomiasis (gHAT) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, using a previously fitted model. The analysis provides invaluable insight into the potential consequences of interruptions on burden, case reporting, and time to achieve elimination of transmission. It highlights the importance of quantifying the impact of unplanned disruptions on disease control programs.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Biology
Mark M. Dekker, Luc E. Coffeng, Frank P. Pijpers, Debabrata Panja, Sake J. de Vlas
Summary: To combat the initial spread of SARS-CoV-2, many countries implemented nationwide non-pharmaceutical intervention measures, leading to significant socio-economic impacts. However, subnational approaches could potentially achieve similar epidemiological control while minimizing societal consequences. In this study, a high-resolution analysis framework was developed using demographic and spatial data to demonstrate how a subnational approach in the Netherlands resulted in comparable hospital admissions control with the advantage of keeping some regions open for a longer period. This framework can be applicable to other countries and aid in developing policies for future epidemics.
Editorial Material
Biology
Kathryn Forbes, Maria-Gloria Basanez, T. Deirdre Hollingsworth, Roy M. Anderson
Summary: Twenty neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are prioritized by the World Health Organization for eradication, elimination, or control by 2030. This issue discusses the progress made since the 2012 London Declaration on NTDs and the challenges faced in achieving these goals. It includes contributions on intensified disease management and preventive chemotherapy, as well as the impact of COVID-19 on NTD programs.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biology
Emma L. Davis, Ron E. Crump, Graham F. Medley, Anthony W. Solomon, Venkata Ranganadha Rao Pemmaraju, T. Deirdre Hollingsworth
Summary: Many countries are close to eliminating leprosy, but cases are still being detected at low levels. The relationship between observed cases and transmission is uncertain due to the long delay from infection to detection. The World Health Organization's new guidance provides a way for countries to achieve elimination.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Molly A. Brady, Emily Toubali, Margaret Baker, Elizabeth Long, Caitlin Worrell, Kapa Ramaiah, Patricia Graves, T. Deirdre Hollingsworth, Louise Kelly-Hope, Diana Stukel, Bhupendra Tripathi, Arianna Rubin Means, Sultani Hadley Matendechero, Alison Krentel
Summary: This study aims to explore the impact of the never-treated population on neglected tropical disease elimination programs. The research includes the number of never-treated individuals, their characteristics, infection status, and reasons for not receiving treatment. Key issues discussed in the meetings include standardizing measurement methods, data collection, and ensuring representation of the never-treated population.
INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2023)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Daniel Pan, Shirley Sze, Joshua Nazareth, Christopher A. Martin, Amani Al-Oraibi, Rebecca F. Baggaley, Laura B. Nellums, T. Deirdre Hollingsworth, Julian W. Tang, Manish Pareek
Article
Parasitology
Konstantina Kontogianni, Daisy Bengey, Dominic Wooding, Kate Buist, Caitlin Greenland-Bews, Christopher Thomas Williams, Margaretha de Vos, Victor Santana Santos, Camille Escadafal, Emily Rebecca Adams, Thomas Edwards, Ana Isabel Cubas-Atienzar
Summary: This study evaluated the limit of detection of 32 Ag-RDTs using the Gamma variant, and found that most tests exceeded the World Health Organization criteria.
REVISTA DA SOCIEDADE BRASILEIRA DE MEDICINA TROPICAL
(2022)
