Article
Virology
AbdulRahman A. Saied
Summary: Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the Mpox virus, endemic in Central and West Africa. The mpox outbreak, previously known as monkeypox, has unexpectedly spread in non-endemic countries, suggesting undetected transmissions. Molecular analysis shows two major genetic clades of the mpox virus: Clade I (Congo Basin or Central African) and Clade II (West African). Asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic individuals can spread the virus. Virus culture is recommended for detection since infectious viruses cannot be distinguished by PCR testing. Recent evidence reviewed the detection of mpox virus in air samples during the 2022 outbreak. Further studies are needed to assess the impact of mpox virus DNA in the air on immunocompromised patients and conduct epidemiological studies in Africa.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Benjamin Jones, Amy Paterson, Naseem AlKhoury, Josephine Bourner, Jake Dunning, Piero Olliaro, Amanda Rojek
Summary: The study revealed moderate inter-rater reliability and agreement in clade IIb mpox lesion assessment among clinicians, highlighting the importance of standardizing lesion classification systems for facilitating clinical care and public health decisions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Virology
Martina Rueca, Fabio Giovanni Tucci, Valentina Mazzotta, Giulia Gramigna, Cesare Ernesto Maria Gruber, Lavinia Fabeni, Emanuela Giombini, Giulia Matusali, Carmela Pinnetti, Andrea Mariano, Ornella Butera, Eliana Specchiarello, Annalisa Mondi, Simone Lanini, Fabrizio Carletti, Enrico Girardi, Francesco Vaia, Emanuele Nicastri, Andrea Antinori, Fabrizio Maggi
Summary: Whole-genome sequencing was used to study the genomic characterization and phylogenesis of mpox virus (MPXV) during a multi-country outbreak in 2022. Intra-host evolution was observed in samples collected from two immunocompromised HIV patients with prolonged MPXV shedding. The findings suggest that MPXV exhibits adaptation to changing environments within the infected host and demonstrates tissue compartmentalization. Further studies are needed to explore the role of this adaptation in genetic variability and viral persistence with clinical implications.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Leiwen Fu, Bingyi Wang, Ke Wu, Liuqing Yang, Zhongsi Hong, Ziyu Wang, Xiaojun Meng, Ping Ma, Xiao Qi, Guangyong Xu, Fuxiang Wang, Weijie Zhang, Chenming Huang, Dingyan Zhang, Yuanlong Lin, Wanxian Cao, Ping Sun, Weibo Wu, Yong Gao, Fan Lv, Jun Qian, Hongzhou Lu, Huachun Zou
Summary: This study examines the characteristics and clinical manifestations of 115 confirmed mpox cases in China. The study finds that the majority of cases are male and homosexual, and are associated with HIV infection. Most cases had a history of sexual activity before diagnosis, supporting the likelihood of sexual contact transmission. The study also highlights the need to address the mental health status of mpox patients.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Immunology
Hongling Jia, Tong Sha, Shilei Zhao, Wenzhe Su, Peiwen Liu, Ruonan Zhen, Peihan Li, Lijuan Zhou, Yang Xu, Yunjing Wen, Lianjiang Chi, Biao Di, Peng Li, Hua Chen, Pengzhe Qin
Summary: From June 7th to 11th, 2023, eight cases of Mpox were identified in Guangzhou, China. The cases had no international travel history and no connections with each other. The possible origin of the virus is likely from Japan, although this remains uncertain due to limited genomic sequences and sampling bias. The local transmission of Mpox in Guangzhou may have been ongoing for some time, with more than 300 possible infected cases inferred based on the early stage outbreak in other countries. Swift and efficient control measures are necessary to mitigate the risk of a potential epidemic.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Abhinendra Kumar, Lekshmi S. Rajan, P. S. Kannan Sabarinath, Anita M. Shete, Rima R. Sahay, Deepak Y. Patil, Nayana Ingole, K. Kaveri, Anupama Cherayi Padinakarai, G. B. Shantala, Jayanthi Shastri, Shashiraja Padukone, Yash Joshi, Savita Patil, Triparna Majumdar, Ajay Verma, Jyoti Yemul, Nandini Shende, Vaishnavi Kumari, Pratiksha Vedpathak, Shubhangi Sathe, Pranita Gawande, Pragya D. Yadav
Summary: During the surveillance of measles cases in India, cases of Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) were detected. This study aimed to characterize the genomic features of VZV in India. Out of 331 suspected cases, 28 cases showed positive results for VZV, and phylogenetic analysis identified the circulation of clades 1, 5, and 9 in India. Sequence analysis revealed non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms in specific ORFs of VZV.
ANNALS OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Nicole Berens-Riha, Stefanie Bracke, Jojanneke Rutgers, Christophe Burm, Liesbeth Van Gestel, Matilde Hens, Chris Kenyon, Emmanuel Bottieau, Patrick Soentjens, Isabel Brosius, Marjan Van Esbroeck, Koen Vercauteren, Johan van Griensven, Christophe van Dijck, Laurens Liesenborghs
Summary: Little is known about persistent morbidity in mpox patients during the 2022 global Clade IIb outbreak. A prospective cohort study of 95 mpox patients assessed 3-20 weeks post-symptom onset found that two-thirds of participants had residual morbidity, including persistence of anorectal and genital symptoms in 25 and 18 patients, respectively. Additionally, loss of physical fitness, new-onset/worsened fatigue, and mental health problems were reported in 36, 19, and 11 patients, respectively. These findings require attention from healthcare providers.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kathleen McMahon, Chidinma Uchendu, Colin Fitzpatrick
Summary: This study presents the first comprehensive estimation of UEEE export shipments from Ireland to Nigeria, revealing that approximately 17,319 kg of UEEE are exported annually from Ireland, with around 1 in 5 vehicles carrying UEEE. The type and frequency of shipments indicate high demand for specific equipment in the destination country, suggesting opportunities for further research.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Rayana Maryse Toye, Damien Cohen, Flor Helene Pujol, Amina Sow-Sall, Gora Lo, Kunikazu Hoshino, Masashi Mizokami, Fabien Zoulim, Maud Lemoine, Coumba Toure-Kane, Isabelle Chemin
Summary: This study characterized HBV isolates from West African patients and proposed a more advanced classification of subgenotype A, revealing an expanding evolution of HBV subgenotype A and novel amino acid motifs. The research highlighted the need for consensus regarding the analysis and classification of HBV sequences.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Anselme Millogo, Dezemon Zingue, Amar Bouam, Sylvain Godreuil, Michel Drancourt, Nassim Hammoudi
Summary: Recent studies have enhanced understanding of the geographic distribution and epidemiology of Buruli ulcer in West Africa, with Cote d'Ivoire reporting the highest number of cases. In Burkina Faso, a neighboring country, there have been an increase in the number of cases confirmed using polymerase chain reaction.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ilham Saiful Fauzi, Nuning Nuraini, Regina Wahyudyah Sonata Ayu, Bony Wiem Lestari
Summary: This study explores the temporal trends and spatial distributions of dengue infection in West Java, finding a significant increase from January to March and identifying hot spots in central, northern, northeastern, and southeastern regions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Parfait Iradukunda, Erastus M. Mwanaumo, Joel Kabika
Summary: The global climate change has had significant impacts on precipitation and temperature patterns in African regions, with projections showing both decrease and increase in rainfall and slight increase in temperature. These findings are important for climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts in the region.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Onyango Augustine Omondi, Zhaohui Lin
Summary: This study examines the centennial drought characteristics in Equatorial East Africa (EEA) using the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) derived from the Climatic Research Unit (CRU) dataset. The spatial pattern of drought distribution, duration, intensity, and frequency is analyzed for the March-April-May (MAM) season. The results show a weak long-term drying trend for most parts of EEA, with an increase in drought areal extent after the 1980s, attributed to the increase in potential evapotranspiration (PET). Inter-annual drought variability with periodicities less than 8 years dominates, driven by the role of El-Nino in driving drought variations in EEA.
FRONTIERS IN EARTH SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Winifred Ayinpogbilla Atiah, Leonard K. Amekudzi, Sylvester K. Danuor
Summary: This review explores flood case studies in Southern West Africa and investigates the contribution of Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCSs) to these floods using the Goddard Scattering Algorithm (GSCAT) methodology. The study points out research gaps in flood documentation and the need for more studies on the meteorological events causing floods in the region. The findings show that MCSs contribute between 31% and 60% to the floods in the area. Therefore, the study recommends increased flood case studies and further research on the synoptic and dynamic environments of flood cases in South-Western Africa.
WEATHER AND CLIMATE EXTREMES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Saralees Nadarajah, Oluwadare O. Ojo
Summary: We conducted an extreme value analysis on daily new cases of COVID-19, using data from multiple countries in Africa. Out of the 16 countries studied, 10 showed significant downward trends in monthly maximums. The adequacy of the fitted models was evaluated using probability plots and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Zhi-guo Liu, Heng Wang, Miao Wang, Zhen-jun Li
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2020)
Article
Immunology
Zhi-guo Liu, Miao Wang, Na Ta, Meng-gang Fang, Jing-chuan Mi, Rui-ping Yu, Yao Luo, Xiaoan Cao, Zhen-jun Li
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2020)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Hai-Tao Yuan, Cheng-Ling Wang, Li-Na Liu, Dan Wang, Dan Li, Zhen-Jun Li, Zhi-Guo Liu
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2020)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Zhiguo Liu, Dongyan Liu, Miao Wang, Zhenjun Li
Summary: Human brucellosis is a serious public health concern in Hulun Buir, with a high incidence rate observed mainly among farmers aged 25-45 years. The peak season for cases is between April and June, with B. melitensis as the predominant strain. The incidence rate has been increasing annually, although a slight decrease was observed between 2011 and 2018. The male incidence rate is significantly higher than that of females.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Cui-Hong An, Shou-Min Nie, Yang-Xin Sun, Suo-Ping Fan, Bo-Yan Luo, Zhenjun Li, Zhi-Guo Liu, Wen-Hui Chang
Summary: Analysis of blood samples from populations suspected of Brucella spp. infections revealed significant differences in seroprevalence over time, in different areas, and different cities, indicating sporadic cases as a dominant epidemic characteristic with occasional outbreaks. Strains from northern provinces were identified as a potential source of human brucellosis cases in Shaanxi Province, highlighting the importance of enhancing surveillance and control measures for the trade and transfer of infected sheep among regions.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Shu-yi Ma, Miao Wang, Jone Ngobeh, Zhi-guo Liu, Zhen-jun Li
Summary: This report details the isolation, sequencing, and annotation of Ws20160810 from a blood sample of a brucellosis patient in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China, revealing a genome size of 3,244,234 bp with 57.23% GC content, and various genetic elements such as CDSs, tRNAs, rRNAs, and sRNAs.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2021)