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
Cell Biology
Ming-Kai Jhan, Chia-Ling Chen, Ting-Jing Shen, Po-Chun Tseng, Yung-Ting Wang, Rahmat Dani Satria, Chia-Yi Yu, Chiou-Feng Lin
Summary: Infection with flaviviruses can lead to neuronal damage and infiltration of inflammatory cells, resulting in viral encephalitis. Studies have shown that this is associated with polarization of M1 macrophages in the brain.
Article
Immunology
Mya Myat Ngwe Tun, Aung Kyaw Kyaw, Khine Mya Nwe, Shingo Inoue, Kyaw Zin Thant, Kouichi Morita
Summary: A study conducted among monastic school children in Mandalay, Myanmar showed that 87% of students still had neutralizing antibodies against JEV six months after receiving the SA-14-14-2 live-attenuated vaccine. Antibody titers increased with age, with statistically significant differences noted across age groups.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Thomas Pichl, Catherine J. Wedderburn, Chandrashekar Hoskote, Lance Turtle, Tehmina Bharucha
Summary: A systematic review of brain imaging findings in Japanese encephalitis (JE) and dengue virus (DENV) neurological infection revealed that thalamic lesions were commonly observed, but more frequent in JE. No radiological findings were found to be specific to either disease.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Virology
Manjari Baluni, Sneha Ghildiyal, Tanzeem Fatima, Rashmi Tiwari, Shivbrat Upadhyay, Tapan N. Dhole, D. Himanshu Reddy, Dharamveer Singh
Summary: Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a serious vector-borne viral encephalitis disease that poses a major threat to public health. Research has found significantly altered expression of miR-155 and miR-21 in the serum of JEV-infected patients, indicating their potential as noninvasive biomarkers for the diagnosis of JE.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Tomohiro Kotaki, Yurie Nagai, Atsushi Yamanaka, Eiji Konishi, Masanori Kameoka
Summary: This study focused on developing a Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine that does not induce antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of dengue virus (DENV) infection. By introducing a mutation at the 106th amino acid residue of the JEV E protein, the modified JE vaccine was able to significantly reduce the production of cross-reactive ADE-prone antibodies against DENV.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Maria M. Galardi, Gavin M. Sowa, Cameron D. Crockett, Robert Rudock, Alyssa E. Smith, Ei E. Shwe, Thidar San, Kyaw Linn, Aye Mya M. Aye, Prashanth S. Ramachandran, Maham Zia, Anne E. Wapniarski, Isobel A. Hawes, Chaw S. Hlaing, Ei H. Kyu, Cho Thair, Yi Y. Mar, Nway Nway, Gregory A. Storch, Kristine M. Wylie, Todd N. Wylie, Josep Dalmau, Michael R. Wilson, Soe S. Mar
Summary: Pediatric encephalitis is prevalent in Myanmar, and the study found that advanced technologies can increase the identification of treatable infectious and autoimmune causes. Developing affordable advanced tests globally is crucial for improving the diagnosis and prognosis of encephalitis.
ANNALS OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mya Myat Ngwe Tun, Aung Kyaw Kyaw, Takeshi Nabeshima, Aung Min Soe, Khine Mya Nwe, Kyaw Ko Ko Htet, Thet Htoo Aung, Thein Thein Htwe, Thidar Aung, Su Su Myaing, Tu Tu Mar, Ei Phyu Lwin, Hlaing Myat Thu, Kyaw Zin Thant, Kouichi Morita
Summary: This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of DENV strains circulating among pediatric patients in Myanmar, highlighting an increasing trend of DENV-3 cases in 2018 with the first detection of genotype 1. Despite this trend, DENV-1 remained the predominant serotype in the study area since 2013.
Article
Microbiology
Nikita Nanaware, Dipen Desai, Anwesha Banerjee, Kamran Zaman, Mahim Mittal, Mahima Mittal, Smita Kulkarni
Summary: This study conducted serological diagnosis, isolation of OT in cell culture, confirmation by PCR, and characterization by Sanger sequencing to investigate OT infections. The study identified dual infections and multiple OT genotypes, highlighting the significance of enriching OT in cell culture systems for efficient molecular detection.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Yukiya Kurahashi, Weerawan Hattasingh, Supawat Chatchen, Tawatchai Yingtaweesak, Chukiat Sirivichayakul
Summary: This study examined the association between nutrition and infectious diseases in children under 14 years old in a border area of Thailand. The results showed that underweight was still prevalent in rural areas and was associated with malaria and acute diarrhea, despite improvements in nutritional status and healthcare facilities.
JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Hesham Abboud, John C. Probasco, Sarosh Irani, Beau Ances, David R. Benavides, Michael Bradshaw, Paulo Pereira Christo, Russell C. Dale, Mireya Fernandez-Fournier, Eoin P. Flanagan, Avi Gadoth, Pravin George, Elena Grebenciucova, Adham Jammoul, Soon-Tae Lee, Yuebing Li, Marcelo Matiello, Anne Marie Morse, Alexander Rae-Grant, Galeno Rojas, Ian Rossman, Sarah Schmitt, Arun Venkatesan, Steven Vernino, Sean J. Pittock, Maarten J. Titulaer
Summary: This paper evaluates evidence and expert opinions in the management of autoimmune encephalitis, presenting choices for first-line and second-line therapies based on survey responses from clinicians worldwide. The preferences for corticosteroids and rituximab as treatments are highlighted, with a focus on individual responses and the consensus among the surveyed members.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY NEUROSURGERY AND PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
A. M. Alam, J. P. K. Chen, G. K. Wood, B. Facer, M. Bhojak, K. Das, S. Defres, A. Marson, J. Granerod, D. Brown, R. H. Thomas, S. S. Keller, T. Solomon, B. D. Michael
Summary: The presence and degree of cerebral edema in patients with AES are associated with acute seizure activity and long-term neurological outcomes.
Article
Surgery
Joshua M. Wong, Aidsa Rivera, Hannah R. Volkman, Brenda Torres-Velasquez, Dania M. Rodriguez, Gabriela Paz-Bailey, Laura E. Adams
Summary: Dengue, the leading cause of arboviral disease worldwide, had a significant increase in the number of cases among US travelers in 2019, reaching a record high. The areas suitable for dengue transmission and the population at risk for infection are expected to increase, emphasizing the importance of healthcare providers' knowledge and preventive measures.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Manoon Surabotsophon, Poonsak Laohachavalit, Sunsern Ponglikitmongkol, Suporn Chuncharunee, Thanwa Sudsang, Vipa Thanachartwet, Duangjai Sahassananda, Taweewun Hunsawong, Chonticha Klungthong, Stefan Fernandez, Siripen Kalayanarooj, Varunee Desakorn, Suthee Leelasetakul
Summary: This article reports a rare case of dengue-associated rhombencephalitis and discusses the rare occurrences of bleeding and refractory thrombocytopenia associated with dengue. During the recovery phase, the patient received treatment with methylprednisolone and a thrombopoietin receptor agonist to increase platelet count and stop the bleeding.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Umaporn Limothai, Sasipha Tachaboon, Janejira Dinhuzen, Taweewun Hunsawong, Prapapun Ong-ajchaowlerd, Butsaya Thaisomboonsuk, Stefan Fernandez, Supachoke Trongkamolchai, Mananya Wanpaisitkul, Chatchai Chulapornsiri, Anongrat Tiawilai, Thawat Tiawilai, Terapong Tantawichien, Usa Thisyakorn, Nattachai Srisawat
Summary: This study conducted a serosurvey on 115 healthy individuals aged 10-22 in Ratchaburi province, Thailand, finding that nearly 80% of adolescents and youth had been exposed to one or more dengue virus serotypes. The dengue IgG rapid diagnostic test exhibited low sensitivity and may not be suitable for pre-vaccination screening. These results support the use of IgG ELISA test for dengue vaccination in endemic areas.
Article
Virology
Youichi Suzuki, Atsushi Tanaka, Yusuke Maeda, Akino Emi, Yoshihiko Fujioka, Shoichi Sakaguchi, Subhash G. Vasudevan, Takeshi Kobayashi, Chang-Kweng Lim, Tomohiko Takasaki, Hong Wu, Takashi Nakano
Summary: In this study, two DNA-based CHIKV infectious clones were generated from Indian Ocean Lineage SL11131 strain and prototype Ross strain. The replication capabilities of these clones were evaluated in different cell lines, showing that SL11131 strain replicated more efficiently in C6/36 cells but had limited replication in BHK-DRV cells. Through infection experiments using chimeric CHIKV, it was revealed that the replication activities of SL11131 in different cells were determined by structural and nonstructural genes.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Tetsuya Suzuki, Satoshi Kutsuna, Takato Nakamoto, Masayuki Ota, Masahiro Ishikane, Kei Yamamoto, Takahiro Maeki, Shigeru Tajima, Eri Nakayama, Satoshi Taniguchi, Chang-Kweng Lim, Masayuki Saijo, Norio Ohmagari
Summary: Dengue fever outbreaks have been frequently reported in Cote d'Ivoire, with DENV-1 being the predominant strain in the 2019 outbreak showing high homology with Southeast Asian strains. In a previous outbreak in 2017, DENV-1 accounted for 5% of the DENY serotypes. The endemic DENV-1 strain in Abidjan in 2019 could have been imported from Southeast Asia.
JAPANESE JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Myat Htut Nyunt, Hnin Ohnmar Soe, Kay Thi Aye, Wah Wah Aung, Yi Yi Kyaw, Aung Kyaw Kyaw, Theingi Win Myat, Aung Zaw Latt, Min Min Win, Aye Aye Win, Yin Min Htun, Khaing Mar Zaw, Phyu Win Ei, Kyaw Thu Hein, Lai Lai San, Nan Aye Thida Oo, Htin Lin, Nan Cho Nwe Mon, Khin Than Yee, Khin Lapyae Htun, Lynn Pa Pa Aye, Yamin Ko Ko, Thitsar Htet Htet Htoo, Kham Mo Aung, Hnin Azili, Soe Soe Han, Ni Ni Zaw, Su Mon Win, Wai Myat Thwe, Thin Thin Aye, Myat Su Hlaing, Wai Yan Minn, Pyae Phyo Thu, Hlaing Myat Thu, Zaw Than Htun
Summary: This study investigated mutational and phylogenetic analysis of 30 whole-genome sequences collected in the early phase and sudden surge of local transmission during the pandemic. Samples in the early phase were of the B.6 lineage, while all samples in the sudden surge belonged to the B.1.36 lineage. The second wave outbreak was linked to the single-introduction of a variant (B.1.36) due to strict international travel restrictions and containment efforts.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Masahiro Suzuki, Takumi Imai, Aki Sakurai, Satoshi Komoto, Tomihiko Ide, Chang Kweng Lim, Ayumi Shintani, Yohei Doi, Takayuki Murata
Summary: This study sequenced the genomes of SARS-CoV-2 in patients involved in a favipiravir clinical trial, showing the early presence of clade 19B strains followed by clade 20B strains. Cytopathic effect was strongly associated with disease onset time, viral load, age, and male sex. All except one patient who received favipiravir therapy had identical paired genomes, indicating no evidence of resistance development.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mya Myat Ngwe Tun, Aung Kyaw Kyaw, Takeshi Nabeshima, Aung Min Soe, Khine Mya Nwe, Kyaw Ko Ko Htet, Thet Htoo Aung, Thein Thein Htwe, Thidar Aung, Su Su Myaing, Tu Tu Mar, Ei Phyu Lwin, Hlaing Myat Thu, Kyaw Zin Thant, Kouichi Morita
Summary: This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of DENV strains circulating among pediatric patients in Myanmar, highlighting an increasing trend of DENV-3 cases in 2018 with the first detection of genotype 1. Despite this trend, DENV-1 remained the predominant serotype in the study area since 2013.
Article
Virology
Eri Nakayama, Yasuhiro Kawai, Satoshi Taniguchi, Jessamine E. Hazlewood, Ken-Ichi Shibasaki, Kenta Takahashi, Yuko Sato, Bing Tang, Kexin Yan, Naoko Katsuta, Shigeru Tajima, Chang Kweng Lim, Tadaki Suzuki, Andreas Suhrbier, Masayuki Saijo
Summary: The study using a mouse pregnancy model found that congenital ZIKV infection can lead to a wide range of symptoms, with the timing of embryonic infection being a crucial factor in determining offspring outcomes. Maternal neutralizing antibodies were shown to protect neonatal mice from death, suggesting a potential criteria for vaccine candidate screening.
Article
Virology
Mya Myat Ngwe Tun, Kishor Pandey, Takeshi Nabeshima, Aung Kyaw Kyaw, Mandira Adhikari, Sandra Kendra Raini, Shingo Inoue, Shyam Prakash Dumre, Basu Dev Pandey, Kouichi Morita
Summary: Dengue virus (DENV) is increasingly prevalent in Nepal, with the most common serotype being DENV-2. Genomic analysis showed multiple amino acid substitutions in the E, NS3, and NS5 genes, and DENV-2 isolates in Nepal were classified into Asian and Indian clades. Further research on different DENV serotypes is needed to understand the epidemics in Nepal.
Article
Immunology
Mya Myat Ngwe Tun, Aung Kyaw Kyaw, Khine Mya Nwe, Shingo Inoue, Kyaw Zin Thant, Kouichi Morita
Summary: A study conducted among monastic school children in Mandalay, Myanmar showed that 87% of students still had neutralizing antibodies against JEV six months after receiving the SA-14-14-2 live-attenuated vaccine. Antibody titers increased with age, with statistically significant differences noted across age groups.
Article
Immunology
Shigeru Tajima, Satoshi Taniguchi, Eri Nakayama, Takahiro Maeki, Takuya Inagaki, Masayuki Saijo, Chang Kweng Lim
Summary: A novel live attenuated Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine with high efficacy against genotype V (GV) JE virus (JEV) was produced in this study. By utilizing genotype I (GI)-GV intertypic recombinant strains and introducing attenuation mutations, the neuroinvasiveness and neurovirulence of mutant viruses were significantly reduced while inducing neutralizing antibodies against GV JEV. The protective efficacy of the mutants against lethal GV JEV infections varied depending on the dose and growth ability, with one mutant showing weaker protection due to reduced growth caused by attenuation mutations.
Article
Microbiology
Nor Azila Muhammad Azami, Meng Ling Moi, Yasushi Ami, Yuriko Suzaki, Satoshi Taniguchi, Shigeru Tajima, Masayuki Saijo, Tomohiko Takasaki, Ichiro Kurane, Chang-Kweng Lim
Summary: This study characterized the viral kinetics and antibody response induced by DENV type 2 Asian I and Asian/American genotypes in marmosets, revealing differences in viremia duration and levels as well as their impact on neutralizing antibody titers and ADE activity. These findings highlight the importance of genotype-specific neutralizing antibodies in vaccine development.
Article
Virology
Madoka Horiya, Guillermo Posadas-Herrera, Mutsuyo Takayama-Ito, Yukie Yamaguchi, Itoe Iizuka-Shiota, Hirofumi Kato, Aikou Okamoto, Masayuki Saijo, Chang-Kweng Lim
Summary: Rabies virus is widely distributed and vaccination is an important preventive measure. This study conducted a genomic analysis of a chicken embryo cell culture vaccine strain and confirmed its genetic characteristics. The evaluated efficacy of the vaccine suggests it is suitable for preventing the current rabies virus.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yasuo Watanabe, Youichi Suzuki, Akino Emi, Takeshi Murakawa, Takayuki Hishiki, Fumihiro Kato, Shoichi Sakaguchi, Hong Wu, Takato Yano, Chang-Kweng Lim, Tomohiko Takasaki, Takashi Nakano
Summary: This study established a Gluc reporter replicon system based on the CHIKV SL11131 strain and identified several compounds that suppress CHIKV infection in Vero cells, with CP-154,526 showing the strongest anti-CHIKV activity. The findings suggest that CRF-R1 antagonists may target a step in the intracellular replication process of CHIKV.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Takahiro Maeki, Shigeru Tajima, Naokatsu Ando, Yuji Wakimoto, Kayoko Hayakawa, Satoshi Kutsuna, Fumihiro Kato, Satoshi Taniguchi, Eri Nakayama, Chang-Kweng Lim, Masayuki Saijo
Summary: In this study, the cross-reactivity of dengue patients' sera from Japan with other flaviviruses was analyzed. The results showed positive IgM antibodies against other flaviviruses and positive IgG antibodies against TBEV in the sera. However, the neutralizing antibody titers against ZIKV, WNV, and TBEV were lower than those against DENV. These findings highlight the importance of using paired serum samples for correctly interpreting serological test results for DENV.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Mya Myat Ngwe Tun, Aung Kyaw Kyaw, Takeshi Nabeshima, Shyam Prakash Dumre, Aung Min Soe, Khine Mya Nwe, Su Su Myaing, Ei Phyu Lwin, Ye Thu Win, Shingo Inoue, Yuki Takamatsu, Takeshi Urano, Hlaing Myat Thu, Kyaw Zin Thant, Zaw Than Htun, Kouichi Morita
Summary: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the Mandalay Children Hospital in Myanmar during the peak season of the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) outbreak in 2019. The study revealed that there were cases of coinfection with both dengue virus (DENV) and CHIKV, and identified two novel epistatic mutations of CHIKV. This study emphasizes the need for effective monitoring and comprehensive surveillance of the co-circulation of these viruses in DENV-endemic regions.
MICROBES AND INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Virology
Mya Myat Ngwe Tun, Aung Kyaw Kyaw, Khine Mya Nwe, Su Su Myaing, Ye Thu Win, Shingo Inoue, Yuki Takamatsu, Takeshi Urano, Hlaing Myat Thu, Saw Wutt Hmone, Kyaw Zin Thant, Kouichi Morita
Summary: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two regions of Myanmar to examine the molecular and seropositivity rate of CHIKV infection. The results of this study will help stakeholders determine the criteria for choosing appropriate recipients when a CHIKV vaccine is introduced in Myanmar.
