Article
Infectious Diseases
Juan M. Bustamante, Angel M. Padilla, Brooke White, Lisa D. Auckland, Rachel E. Busselman, Stephanie Collins, Elizabeth L. Malcolm, Briana F. Wilson, Ashley B. Saunders, Sarah A. Hamer, Rick L. Tarleton
Summary: The trypanocidal compound benznidazole (BNZ) was tested for its ability to prevent new infections in dogs. The study found that the current prophylaxis regimen did not impact the incidence of new infections. Further research is needed to determine if a more rigorous and potent dosing regimen can achieve immediate benefits of prophylaxis.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Eleonora Lima Alves Cunha, Fernanda Karoline Vieira da Silva Torchelsen, Katia da Silva Fonseca, Lucas Resende Dutra Sousa, Paula Melo Abreu Vieira, Claudia Martins Carneiro, Kelerson Mauro de Castro Pinto, Rosalia Morais Torres, Marta De Lana
Summary: Treatment with the combination of benznidazole and itraconazole improved or stabilized the clinical condition of dogs infected with a benznidazole-resistant strain of Trypanosoma cruzi, reducing inflammation and fibrosis.
EXPERIMENTAL PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Juliana Magalhaes Chaves Barbosa, Yasmin Pedra Rezende, Tatiana Galvao de Melo, Gabriel de Oliveira, Cynthia Machado Cascabulho, Evelyn Nunes Goulart da Silva Pereira, Anissa Daliry, Kelly Salomao Salem
Summary: Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, affects millions of people in Latin America. The current treatment options have limitations, and combined therapy with amiodarone and benznidazole shows promise in reducing parasitemia and improving cardiac damage in acutely infected mice.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Juliana Magalhaes Chaves Barbosa, Yasmin Pedra-Rezende, Luiza Dantas Pereira, Tatiana Galvao de Melo, Helene Santos Barbosa, Joseli Lannes-Vieira, Solange Lisboa de Castro, Anissa Daliry, Kelly Salomao
Summary: The combination treatment of Bz + AMD can attenuate the damage caused by T. cruzi infection in cardiac cells and have a certain control effect on parasite replication.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Diana Zapparoli, Thaina Valente Bertozzo, Marcela Alexandrino, Daniela Filadelfo Sanches, Isabella Neves Aires, Suzane Manzini, Maria Izabel Merino de Medeiros, Cilmery Suemi Kurokawa, Rodrigo Mattos dos Santos, Simone Baldini Lucheis
Summary: This study identified the risk of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in acai ice cream and highlights the need for quality control and good manufacturing practices to ensure the safe consumption of acai-derived products.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mudasir Nabi Peerzada, Aysha Gaur, Amir Azam
Summary: This review discusses drug development strategies for human African and American trypanosomiasis, highlighting the most promising compounds identified through various approaches and emphasizing the potential of molecular hybridization in preventing the development of resistance.
CURRENT MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Pathology
Kirsten A. Landsgaard, Sarai M. Milliron, Mayane Faccin, Clark A. Broughton, Lisa D. Auckland, John F. Edwards, Sarah A. Hamer, Martha E. Hensel
Summary: American trypanosomiasis, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, can affect both the heart and the central nervous system. This study reports 4 cases of dogs with disseminated trypanosomiasis and CNS involvement, confirmed by qPCR. Clinical signs included lethargy, respiratory distress, tetraparesis, and seizures. CNS lesions included meningeal congestion, spinal cord necrosis with hemorrhage, and meningoencephalitis, indicating the need to consider trypanosomiasis as a differential diagnosis for dogs with CNS signs in endemic areas.
VETERINARY PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Raquel Durao, Catia Ramalhete, Ana Margarida Madureira, Eduarda Mendes, Noelia Duarte
Summary: Human African trypanosomiasis and American trypanosomiasis are neglected tropical diseases caused by protozoan parasites. They have spread worldwide due to human migration, military interventions, and climate changes. Finding new drugs from higher plants is a valuable approach to treat these diseases.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Robert P. Hunter, Roy Madigan
Summary: This study evaluated the effectiveness of four different formulations of itraconazole and amiodarone. The results showed high variability in serum concentration of itraconazole within the treatment groups, and dosing with the compounded suspensions proved to be challenging.
JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Biology
Aline Antunes Maciel Bortoluzzi, Izabela Virginia Staffen, Fernanda Weyand Banhuk, Aline Griebler, Patricia Karoline Matos, Thais Soprani Ayala, Edson Antonio Alves da Silva, Maria Helena Sarragiotto, Ivania Teresinha Albrecht Schuquel, Tereza Cristina Marinho Jorge, Rafael Andrade Menolli
Summary: The study investigated the anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity of Lonchocarpus cultratus root extracts, revealing that the dichloromethane extract showed the highest activity against all tested forms of the parasite, with IC50 values very close to benznidazole. Additionally, both extracts exhibited varying degrees of cytotoxicity against mammalian cells.
SAUDI JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jennifer Rokhsar, Brinkley Raynor, Justin Sheen, Neal Goldstein, Michael Levy, Ricardo Castillo-Neyra
Summary: This study investigates the use of the insecticide fluralaner to control the transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi. The results show that in regions with high prevalence, treating dogs with fluralaner can reduce transmission, but in regions with low prevalence, it may increase transmission. Therefore, field trials are necessary before widespread implementation of fluralaner treatment.
PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Igor Jose dos Santos Nascimento, Thiago Mendonca de Aquino, Edeildo Ferreira da Silva-Junior
Summary: This review discusses the development of cruzain and rhodesain inhibitors in the past 10 years, which could serve as a basis for the discovery of new trypanocidal drugs in the future.118 studies on inhibitors of cruzain and rhodesain were identified, indicating the potential for developing new treatments against Chagas disease and sleeping sickness.
CURRENT TOPICS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Aline Maria Vasconcelos Queiroz, Johny Wysllas de Freitas Oliveira, Claudia Jassica Moreno, Diego M. A. Guerin, Marcelo Sousa Silva
Summary: Current research focuses on using VLP technology to develop vaccines against trypanosomatids, a family of protozoa causing neglected tropical diseases. This approach offers potential to combat diseases such as Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and sleeping sickness, by targeting protozoan antigens.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Gustavo Benaim, Alberto E. Paniz-Mondolfi, Emilia Mia Sordillo
Summary: Repurposing approved drugs for neglected diseases is a accepted strategy, with amiodarone showing promising trypanocidal and leishmanicidal activity through multiple mechanisms.
CURRENT PHARMACEUTICAL DESIGN
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Juan M. Bustamante, Brooke E. White, Gregory K. Wilkerson, Carolyn L. Hodo, Lisa D. Auckland, Wei Wang, Stephanie McCain, Sarah A. Hamer, Ashley B. Saunders, Rick L. Tarleton
Summary: This study demonstrates that higher dose, intermittent administration of benznidazole can effectively treat Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Administration twice a week, for more than 4 months, provides the best chance for parasitological cure.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Letter
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Muhammad Mainuddin Patwary, Md. Zahidul Haque, Mondira Bardhan, Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales
DISASTER MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS
(2023)
Letter
Immunology
Yeimer Ortiz-Martinez, Juan J. Quintero-Olarte, Matteo Delgado-Camacho, Abdullah Reda, Andres F. Henao-Martinez, Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STD & AIDS
(2023)
Article
Virology
D. Katterine Bonilla-Aldana, Christian David Bonilla Carvajal, Emilly Moreno-Ramos, Joshuan J. J. Barboza, Alfonso J. J. Rodriguez-Morales
Summary: This study used geographic information systems and maps to describe the temporal-spatial distribution of EEEV and VEEV viruses in Colombia between 2008 and 2019. The results showed that EEE cases were concentrated in municipalities of the Casanare department, such as Yopal, Aguazul, and Tauramena. This study is important for the prevention and control of the spread of these viruses.
Review
Virology
Isha Rani, Prakasini Satapathy, Anmol Goyal, Muhammad Aaqib Shamim, Amit Pal, Rosanna Squitti, Kalyan Goswami, Keerti Bhusan Pradhan, Sarvesh Rustagi, Alaa Hamza Hermis, Joshuan J. Barboza, Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales, Ranjit Sah, Bijaya K. Padhi
Summary: This study aimed to estimate cutaneous viral loads among monkeypox patients globally. The results showed that the viral loads in skin lesions were high, indicating a higher risk of infection. This finding is important for guiding relevant health policies.
Editorial Material
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales, Aula Abbara, Francine Ntoumi, Nathan Kapata, Peter Mwaba, Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, Markus Maeurer, Osman Dar, Ibrahim Abubakar, Alimuddin Zumla
TRAVEL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Avinash Sharma, Brian McCloskey, David S. Hui, Aayushi Rambia, Adam Zumla, Tieble Traore, Shuja Shafi, Sherif A. El-Kafrawy, Esam I. Azhar, Alimuddin Zumla, Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales
TRAVEL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Muhammad Aaqib Shamim, Prakisini Satapathy, Bijaya Kumar Padhi, Sai Dutt Veeramachaneni, Naushaba Akhtar, Anindita Pradhan, Abhimanyu Agrawal, Pradeep Dwivedi, Aroop Mohanty, Keerti Bhusan Pradhan, Russell Kabir, Ali A. Rabaan, Jawaher Alotaibi, Zainab A. Al Ismail, Zainab Ahmed Alsoliabi, Ali Al Fraij, Ranjit Sah, Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales
Summary: This article reviews the drugs and vaccines used to treat monkeypox virus infection, focusing on the practical experiences of individual patients. The most studied drug is Cidofovir, while Tecovirimat is the most frequently used. No vaccine is currently approved, but ACAM 2000 and JYNNEOS are being considered.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Fatma Amer, Hend E. S. Khalil, Mohammed Elahmady, Nissreen E. ElBadawy, Wafaa Ahmed Zahran, Moustafa Abdelnasser, Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales, Ahmed A. Wegdan, Rehab M. Elsaid Tash
Summary: Since May 2022, there has been a global outbreak of Mpox virus, formerly known as monkeypox, leading the World Health Organization to declare it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on July 23. Effective infection prevention and control plans are crucial in combating the outbreak, starting with assessing the risks and implementing suitable measures. Mpox is transmitted through various routes, with men who have sex with men being the most vulnerable population.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Sarya Swed, Haidara Bohsas, Hidar Alibrahim, Amine Rakab, Wael Hafez, Bisher Sawaf, Rais Mohammed Amir, Ahmed Sallam Motawei, Ahmed Aljabali, Sheikh Shoib, Ismail Atef Ismail Ahmed Ibrahim, Sondos Hussein Ahmad Almashaqbeh, Ebrahim Ahmed Qaid Shaddad, Maryam Alqaisi, Ahmed Abdelrahman, Sherihan Fathey, Rene Hurlemann, Mohamed E. G. Elsayed, Joshuan J. Barboza, Aroop Mohanty, Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales, Bijaya Kumar Padhi, Ranjit Sah
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the attitudes of the general Arabic population towards monkeypox disease, fears, and vaccine adoption, and compare them to those of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results showed that most participants were more concerned about COVID-19 than monkeypox, and had inadequate knowledge about monkeypox disease. Immediate action is needed to address this issue and enhance learning and information dissemination about monkeypox.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kirbeliz Rebolledo-Ponietsky, Ali Al-Kassab-Cordova, Aldo Lucchetti-Rodriguez, Baltica Cabieses, Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales, Edward Mezones-Holguin
Summary: This study evaluated the association between HAART discontinuation time and therapeutic failure (TF) in Venezuelan immigrants. The results showed that both shorter and longer HAART discontinuation time increased the risk of TF and VF.
TROPICAL MEDICINE & INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Shriyansh Srivastava, Deepika Sharma, Sachin Kumar, Aditya Sharma, Rishikesh Rijal, Ankush Asija, Suraj Adhikari, Sarvesh Rustagi, Sanjit Sah, Zahraa Haleem Al-qaim, Prashant Bashyal, Aroop Mohanty, Joshuan J. Barboza, Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales, Ranjit Sah
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive exploration of the Marburg virus (MV) disease, including its outbreak evolution, virus structure and genome, sources and transmission routes, as well as pathophysiology and management strategies. The review aims to enhance understanding of the disease and promote advancements in treatment and vaccine development for MV.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Md. Faiyazuddin, A. Sophia, Sumel Ashique, Amol D. Gholap, S. Gowri, Sourav Mohanto, C. Karthikeyan, Sagnik Nag, Arif Hussain, Mohammad Shabib Akhtar, Md. Afroz Bakht, Mohammed Gulzar Ahmed, Sarvesh Rustagi, Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales, Luis Andres Salas-Matta, Aroop Mohanty, D. Katterine Bonilla-Aldana, Ranjit Sah
Summary: The outbreak of a fatal black fungus infection after the resurgence of COVID-19 highlights the need for new formulations and treatment methods. Patients with COVID-19 are more vulnerable to Mucormycosis, which poses a global threat with high mortality rates. Current recommendations suggest using liposomal amphotericin B and surgery as the first-line therapy. Antifungal drugs like Amphotericin B, Posaconazole, and Isavuconazole are commonly used due to the resistance of Mucormycosis-causing fungi to other medications.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Andres F. Henao-Martinez, Chloe M. Orkin, Boghuma K. Titanji, Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales, Jorge L. Salinas, Carlos Franco-Paredes, Jose Tuells, Daniel B. Chastain
Summary: A study compared the clinical characteristics and outcomes of hospitalized and nonhospitalized patients with Monkeypox infection. It found that individuals who are Black, have HIV, or have severe proctitis are more likely to be hospitalized. These findings are important for a better understanding of the severity and risk factors associated with Monkeypox.
THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Luis Raul Rosas-Hostos Infantes, Guillermo Andres Paredes Yataco, Yeimer Ortiz-Martinez, Treana Mayer, Angelica Terashima, Carlos Franco-Paredes, Esteban Gonzalez-Diaz, Alfonso J. J. Rodriguez-Morales, D. Katterine Bonilla-Aldana, Lilian Vargas Barahona, Alyssa A. A. Grimshaw, Daniel B. B. Chastain, Stefan Sillau, Luis A. A. Marcos, Andres F. Henao-Martinez
Summary: This study aimed to estimate the global prevalence of human fascioliasis through a systematic review and prevalence meta-analysis. The results showed that the prevalence of fascioliasis in South America, Africa, and Asia was 9.0%, 4.8%, and 2.0%, respectively, with the highest prevalence in Bolivia, Peru, and Egypt. The study also found that the prevalence of fascioliasis was higher in children, in studies from South America using Fas2-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as a diagnostic method, and in regions with hyperendemic status. Strengthening epidemiological surveillance and implementing control and treatment measures are crucial to combat this neglected tropical disease.
THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Walter Gomez-Gonzales, Anthony Alvarado-Garcia, Marytte Suarez-Mamani, Bernardo Damaso-Mata, Vicky Panduro-Correa, Jorge L. Maguina, Samuel Pecho-Silva, Ali A. Rabaan, Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales, Kovy Arteaga-Livias
Summary: This study investigated the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria on cell phones of vendors in a Peruvian market and identified associated factors. The results showed that 92.1% of the cell phones had bacterial growth, predominantly Gram-positive bacteria. 17% of the cultures exhibited resistance to at least three antibiotics. Factors associated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria on cell phones included a short distance between customers and vendors, lack of a cell phone case, and having a touchscreen.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)