Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Claire Waller, Marianne Tiemensma, Bart J. Currie
Summary: A patient diagnosed with Japanese encephalitis in February 2021 has been identified as a likely sentinel human case of the 2022 outbreak of the disease in Australia.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Claire Waller, Marianne Tiemensma, Bart J. Currie
Summary: A patient diagnosed with Japanese encephalitis in February 2021 is identified as a likely sentinel human case of the 2022 outbreak of the disease in Australia, raising alerts.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gerard C. Kelly, Agus Rachmat, Robert D. Hontz, Marvin J. Sklar, Long Khanh Tran, Chonthida Supaprom, Malen Luy, Sin Lina, Michael J. Gregory, Heng Sopheab, John S. Brooks, Ian W. Sutherland, Karen S. Corson, Andrew G. Letizia
Summary: Diarrheal diseases are a significant cause of mortality, especially in low and middle-income countries. However, accessing surveillance data to understand community-level etiology and risk is challenging, particularly in remote and resource limited populations. A long-term prospective cohort study conducted in rural and peri-urban villages in Cambodia provided valuable insights into the epidemiology and etiology of acute diarrheal diseases. The study found a high incidence of bacterial, helminth, and protozoan infections, as well as the presence of mixed infections. Additionally, unemployment and lack of access to protected water sources and sanitation facilities were identified as risk factors for diarrhea.
Article
Microbiology
Sebastien Boyer, Benoit Durand, Sony Yean, Cecile Brengues, Pierre-Olivier Maquart, Didier Fontenille, Veronique Chevalier
Summary: Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a major cause of human encephalitis in Southeast Asia, primarily transmitted from pigs to humans by mosquitoes. A study found that the main vectors of JE have a strong preference for feeding on pigs, with dogs also possibly being used as a proxy for infection risk.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Paul Hutchings, Simon Willcock, Kenneth Lynch, Dilshaad Bundhoo, Tim Brewer, Sarah Cooper, Daniel Keech, Sneha Mekale, Prajna Paramita Mishra, Alison Parker, Charlie M. Shackleton, Kongala Venkatesh, Dolores Rey Vicario, Indunee Welivita
Summary: This article discusses the simplification of the urban-rural divide in research and highlights the importance of peri-urban landscapes and service provisions. It presents a framework to explain the processes of rapid change and service provision decline in peri-urban areas in the Global South, and emphasizes the significance of systems theory in studying peri-urban issues.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Guy-Marino Hinnouho, Elaine L. Ferguson, Amy MacDougall, Hou Kroeun, Prak Sophonneary, Mary Chea, Alissa M. Pries
Summary: Consumption of unhealthy commercial foods and beverages is common among infants and young children in low- and middle-income countries. A study in rural/peri-urban Cambodia found that the majority of children either maintained or developed an unhealthy consumption pattern. This highlights the need for national policies and programs to address the use of unhealthy commercial foods and beverages in infant and young child feeding.
MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Anup Itihas, Smita Jategaonkar, Manish Jain, Rahul Narang, Varsha Chauhan, B. V. Tandale, Shilpa Tomar
Summary: This study compared the clinical characteristics and outcomes of Japanese encephalitis (JE) and acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) in children. A total of 56 consecutive children with AES symptoms were included. JE patients (n=24) who tested positive for anti-JE-IgM antibodies in serum or cerebrospinal fluid were compared with non-JE AES cases (n=32). Presenting symptoms included fever, seizures, and altered sensorium. In JE children, low GCS, status epilepticus, meningeal irritation, raised CSF protein, and INR > 1.5 showed a significant association with mortality (p value < 0.05), while only low GCS was significantly associated with mortality in non-JE AES cases. The JE-specific mortality rate was 29%, lower than the mortality rate of non-JE AES children (41%). Both JE and non-JE AES children had similar clinical profiles, but only poor clinical and laboratory parameters in JE children were associated with adverse outcomes.
INDIAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Emilie Egholm Bruun Jensen, Victoria Sedor, Emmanuel Eshun, Patrick Njage, Saria Otani, Frank M. Aarestrup
Summary: Limited knowledge and research exist on the bacteriome and resistome in livestock in Africa. This study compared the antimicrobial resistance gene (ARG) pools and bacteriome in pigs and poultry from Ghana and European countries. Significant differences were found in ARG and bacterial abundance and composition between Ghanaian and European samples. The resistome composition also varied, with different resistance genes being more abundant in Ghanaian or European samples. This is the first report on the resistome in livestock from Sub-Saharan Africa using metagenomics.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Michael C. Thigpen, Svay Sarath, Sann Chan Soeung, Ork Vichit, Paul Kitsutani, Hardeep Sandhu, Christopher Gregory, Marc Fischer, Chheng Morn, Susan L. Hills
Summary: This article describes the lessons learned from a mass Japanese encephalitis (JE) immunization campaign conducted in Battambang province, Cambodia in 2013, and the specific observations for vaccination with the CD-JEV vaccine. These findings will be beneficial for public health officials and future planning for JE or other vaccine-preventable diseases in Cambodia and other regions.
Article
Plant Sciences
Alexis (Steinman) Wanek, Christina L. M. Hargiss, Jack Norland
Summary: Wetland and pond hydric vegetation in rural, peri-urban, and urban zones are affected by human activities. This study compared vegetation composition and species richness in different zones, showing that rural sites differed from peri-urban and urban sites due to urbanization reducing the cover of wetland species. Peri-urban sites had the highest species richness, while urban sites had the lowest due to the use of rock riprap. The results provide important information for wetland professionals, environmental managers, and urban planners.
URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING
(2022)
Article
Virology
Long Pham-Thanh, Thang Nguyen-Tien, Ulf Magnusson, Vuong Bui-Nghia, Anh Bui-Ngoc, Duy Le-Thanh, Ake Lundkvist, Minh Can-Xuan, Thuy Nguyen-Thi Thu, Hau Vu-Thi Bich, Hu Suk Lee, Hung Nguyen-Viet, Johanna Lindahl
Summary: The study in Hanoi city found a high prevalence of flavivirus in domestic dogs, with significant associations at the animal level related to district location, age, breed, and keeping practice. At the household level, major risk factors included rural and peri-urban locations, presence of pigs, coil burning, and lack of mosquito-borne disease experience. The results suggest that mosquito control measures could help reduce seropositivity in dogs, but further actions are needed to mitigate flavivirus exposure risk.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daniel A. Malashock, Marissa N. DeLang, Jacob S. Becker, Marc L. Serre, J. Jason West, Kai-Lan Chang, Owen R. Cooper, Susan C. Anenberg
Summary: City-level estimates of ambient ozone concentrations and associated disease burdens show significant variations worldwide. Asian and African cities have the highest levels of ozone and ozone-attributable mortality, while cities in higher-income regions also face high ozone concentrations and mortality rates. Reducing ozone precursor emissions in areas that influence peri-urban concentrations can yield substantial health benefits.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Samuel Thorburn, Deborah Friedman, John Burston, Paul M. Kinsella, Genevieve E. Martin, Deborah A. Williamson, Justin Jackson
Summary: Prior to January 2022, there was only one reported case of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection on the Australian mainland, acquired in the northern extremity on Cape York. We present the clinical characteristics of a cluster of cases confirming the local acquisition of JEV in southern Australia along the Murray River bordering New South Wales and Victoria.
INTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Daniel M. Parker, Catalina Medina, Jennifer Bohl, Chanthap Lon, Sophana Chea, Sreyngim Lay, Dara Kong, Sreynik Nhek, Somnang Man, Johannes S. P. Doehl, Rithea Leang, Hok Kry, Huy Rekol, Fabiano Oliveira, Volodymyr M. Minin, Jessica E. Manning
Summary: In this study, a comprehensive geostatistical analysis was conducted to assess exposure to Aedes mosquito bites among a pediatric cohort in a peri-urban setting endemic to dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses. The study found that hotspots of exposure to Ae. aegypti salivary gland extract (SGE) were relatively small and stable, and demographic and environmental factors were more predictive of exposure than commonly used entomological indices. Targeted house-or neighborhood-focused interventions may be appropriate for vector control in this setting.
Review
Microbiology
So Lee Park, Yan-Jang S. Huang, Dana L. Vanlandingham
Summary: Pigs may play an important role in the transmission and maintenance of Japanese encephalitis virus, shedding the virus through multiple routes and showing persistent infection.
Article
Immunology
Romain Coppee, Veronique Sarrasin, Rizwana Zaffaroulah, Azza Bouzayene, Marc Thellier, Harold Noel, Jerome Clain, Sandrine Houze
Summary: This study investigates nosocomial malaria transmissions in French hospitals using genomic analysis. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of genomic analysis in resolving these transmissions despite uncertainties in the mode of contamination. The study highlights the importance of considering nosocomial transmission of life-threatening parasites when universal precautions are not rigorously followed.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Thomas Williams, Sandra Jackson, Ian Barr, Shabana Bi, Jinal Bhiman, Joanna Ellis, Anne von Gottberg, Stephen Lindstrom, Teresa Peret, Sanjiv Rughooputh, Mariana Viegas, Siddhivinayak Hirve, Maria Zambon, Wenqing Zhang
Summary: The 2019-2020 WHO RSV EQA assessed the performance of 28 laboratories in the molecular detection and subtyping of RSV. The majority of laboratories performed at a high standard.
INFLUENZA AND OTHER RESPIRATORY VIRUSES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Paul F. Horwood, Srey Viseth Horm, Sokhoun Yann, Songha Tok, Malen Chan, Annika Suttie, Y. Phalla, Sareth Rith, Jurre Y. Siegers, Sorn San, Holl Davun, Sothyra Tum, Sowath Ly, Arnaud Tarantola, Philippe Dussart, Erik A. Karlsson
Summary: Live bird market workers are at increased risk of aerosol exposure to avian influenza viruses during periods of high circulation, highlighting the need for interventions. Novel approaches, such as environmental sampling, should be further explored as potentially cost-effective alternatives for monitoring pandemic threats.
ZOONOSES AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Virology
Norosoa Harline Razanajatovo, Tsiry Hasina Randriambolamanantsoa, Joelinotahiana Hasina Rabarison, Laurence Randrianasolo, Miamina Fidy Ankasitrahana, Arve Ratsimbazafy, Antso Hasina Raherinandrasana, Helisoa Razafimanjato, Vololoniaina Raharinosy, Soa Fy Andriamandimby, Jean-Michel Heraud, Philippe Dussart, Vincent Lacoste
Summary: Three waves of COVID-19 occurred in Madagascar from March 2020 to May 2022, with a positivity rate of SARS-CoV-2 ranging from 21% to 33%. The study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the epidemiology of respiratory viruses in Madagascar. The results showed that 19% of samples from COVID-19 negative patients tested positive for at least one respiratory virus.
Article
Immunology
Heidi Auerswald, Alvino Maestri, Sothy Touch, Saraden In, Nisa Ya, Borita Heng, Valerie Bosch-Castells, Christele Augard, Celine Petit, Philippe Dussart, Yiksing Peng, Tineke Cantaert, Sowath Ly
Summary: A 1-week intradermal regimen of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis induces a similar antibody and T cell response as the standard 2-week intramuscular regimen. The shortened intradermal (ID) regimen saves vaccine doses, costs, and treatment time. Due to costs and vaccine shortage, dose-saving intradermal (ID) administration of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is encouraged by WHO.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Virology
Arianna Ceruti, Ndongo Dia, Adeleye Solomon Bakarey, Judah Ssekitoleko, Soa Fy Andriamandimby, Padra Malwengo-Kasongo, Rasheeda H. A. Ahmed, Rea Maja Kobialka, Jean Michel Heraud, Moussa Moise Diagne, Marie Henriette Dior Dione, Idrissa Dieng, Martin Faye, Ousmane Faye, Jean Theophile Rafisandratantsoa, Jean-Pierre Ravalohery, Claudio Raharinandrasana, Tsiry H. Randriambolamanantsoa, Norosoa Razanajatovo, Iony Razanatovo, Joelinotahina H. Rabarison, Phillipe Dussart, Louis Kyei-Tuffuor, Abigail Agbanyo, Olubusuyi Moses Adewumi, Adeola Fowotade, Muideen Kolawole Raifu, Patient Okitale-Talunda, Gracia Kashitu-Mujinga, Christelle Mbelu-Kabongo, Steve Ahuka-Mundeke, Anguy Makaka-Mutondo, Enas M. Abdalla, Sanaa M. Idris, Wisal A. Elmagzoub, Rahma H. Ali, Eman O. M. Nour, Rasha S. M. Ebraheem, Huda H. H. Ahmed, Hamadelniel E. Abdalla, Musab Elnegoumi, Izdihar Mukhtar, Muatsim A. M. Adam, Nuha Y. I. Mohamed, Shahinaz A. Bedri, Hamdan Mustafa Hamdan, Magid Kisekka, Monica Mpumwiire, Sharley Melissa Aloyo, Joanita Nabwire Wandera, Andrew Agaba, Rogers Kamulegeya, Hosea Kiprotich, David Patrick Kateete, Paul Kadetz, Uwe Truyen, Kamal H. Eltom, Anavaj Sakuntabhai, Julius Boniface Okuni, Sheila Makiala-Mandanda, Vincent Lacoste, George Olusegun Ademowo, Michael Frimpong, Amadou Alpha Sall, Manfred Weidmann, Ahmed Abd El Wahed
Summary: In this study, a novel isothermal amplification method was validated for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 in seven sub-Saharan African countries. The RdRP-based amplification method showed the best assay accuracy. The study highlighted the challenges of implementing rapid molecular assays in field conditions, emphasizing the importance of standardized operation procedures, continuous training for staff, and enhanced quality control measures for successful deployment.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Jeremy Zeggagh, Olivier Ferraris, Maud Salmona, Arnaud Tarantola, Jean-Michel Molina, Constance Delaugerre
Review
Virology
Timothee Bonifay, Paul Le Turnier, Yanouk Epelboin, Luisiane Carvalho, Benoit De Thoisy, Felix Djossou, Jean-Bernard Duchemin, Philippe Dussart, Antoine Enfissi, Anne Lavergne, Remi Mutricy, Mathieu Nacher, Sebastien Rabier, Stanislas Talaga, Antoine Talarmin, Dominique Rousset, Loic Epelboin
Summary: French Guiana (FG), a French overseas territory in South America, is vulnerable to tropical diseases caused by arboviruses. The tropical climate facilitates the breeding and establishment of vectors, making it difficult to control transmission. In recent years, FG has experienced outbreaks of imported arboviruses like Chikungunya and Zika, as well as endemic arboviruses such as dengue, Yellow fever, and Oropouche virus. This article aims to summarize the current knowledge of these arboviruses in FG and discuss the challenges associated with their emergence and reemergence.
Article
Virology
Olga De Santis, Emilie Pothin, Nicolas Bouscaren, Seth R. Irish, Marie-Christine Jaffar-Bandjee, Luce Menudier, Julie Ramis, Cedric Schultz, Florence Lamaurt, Ania Wisniak, Antoine Bertolotti, Sarah Hafsia, Philippe Dussart, Laurence Baril, Patrick Mavingui, Antoine Flahault
Summary: The number of dengue cases has dramatically increased over the past 20 years and is a major concern due to urbanization. The importance of asymptomatic cases in transmission is unclear, and better understanding is needed to guide control efforts. A recent outbreak in La Reunion revealed focal transmission in time and space, with environmental factors being associated with dengue infections.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Lison Rambliere, Agathe de Lauzanne, Jean-Baptiste Diouf, Andrianirina Zafitsara Zo, Myriam Landau, Perlinot Herindrainy, Delphine Hivernaud, Fatoumata Diene Sarr, Touch Sok, Muriel Vray, Jean-Marc Collard, Laurence Borand, Elisabeth Delarocque-Astagneau, Didier Guillemot, Elsa Kermorvant-Duchemin, Bich-Tram Huynh
Summary: This study aims to provide reliable estimates of stillbirth and neonatal mortality rates in three LMICs and identify their main causes and associated risk factors.
JOURNAL OF GLOBAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Christina Yek, Yimei Li, Andrea R. Pacheco, Chanthap Lon, Veasna Duong, Philippe Dussart, Katherine I. Young, Sophana Chea, Sreyngim Lay, Somnang Man, Souv Kimsan, Chea Huch, Rithea Leang, Rekol Huy, Cara E. Brook, Jessica E. Manning
Summary: The global incidence of dengue fever has increased significantly, and reporting surveillance data is crucial for understanding the scale of the problem and developing strategies for disease control. However, surveillance practices are not standardized, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This article summarizes two decades of policy changes, literature, statistics, and dengue case data in Cambodia to identify important changes in the disease landscape and derive lessons for future surveillance and control strategies.
BULLETIN OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Romain Volle, Lingjie Luo, Richter Razafindratsimandresy, Serge Alain Sadeuh-Mba, Ionela Gouandjika-Valisache, Paul Horwood, Veasna Duong, Philippe Buchy, Marie-Line Joffret, Zhong Huang, Erwin Duizer, Javier Martin, Lisa A. Chakrabarti, Philippe Dussart, Nolwenn Jouvenet, Francis Delpeyroux, Mael Bessaud
Summary: Enterovirus 71 (EV-A71) strains belonging to different genogroups exhibit similar antigenicity and can cross-neutralize each other.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maylis Layan, Laurent Dacheux, Philippe Lemey, Kirstyn Brunker, Laurence Ma, Cecile Troupin, Philippe Dussart, Veronique Chevalier, James L. N. Wood, Sowath Ly, Veasna Duong, Herve Bourhy, Simon Dellicour
Summary: By studying the geographical distribution of rabies virus in Cambodia, the study reveals the internal transmission of the disease in Cambodia and further analyzes the spread dynamics of the virus.
Article
Virology
Amal Bennouna, Michael Luciano Tantely, Vololoniaina Raharinosy, Soa Fy Andriamandimby, Thomas Bigot, Delphine Chretien, Elise Jacquemet, Stevenn Volant, Sarah Temmam, Philippe Dussart, Vincent Lacoste, Romain Girod, Marc Eloit
Summary: This study analyzed the virome of mosquitoes collected in Mahajanga, Madagascar to detect known and unknown viruses and investigate the factors contributing to the low circulation of arboviruses in the area. The analysis revealed a diverse range of viral families and genera and different patterns influenced by the mosquito genus and season of collection. Despite the absence of known arboviruses, this study enhances our understanding of viral ecology and diversity within mosquito populations and provides a foundation for ongoing surveillance and preventive strategies against mosquito-borne viral diseases.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Joelinotahiana Hasina Rabarison, Jean Marius Rakotondramanga, Rila Ratovoson, Bruno Masquelier, Anjaraso Maharavo Rasoanomenjanahary, Anou Dreyfus, Andres Garchitorena, Fidisoa Rasambainarivo, Norosoa Harline Razanajatovo, Soa Fy Andriamandimby, C. Jessica Metcalf, Vincent Lacoste, Jean-Michel Heraud, Philippe Dussart
Summary: Estimating COVID-19-associated mortality in sub-Saharan Africa is challenging due to the lack of comprehensive death registration systems. This study used death registers from the capital city of Madagascar to estimate excess mortality during the pandemic and calculate the loss of life expectancy. The results showed high excess mortality associated with waves of COVID-19, with a drop in life expectancy for men and women beyond the age of 60. Implementing death registration systems in low-income countries is important for documenting the true toll of a pandemic.