A study found that over a quarter of TB drug-resistant strains result from patient-to-patient transmission, highlighting the need for improved surveillance and infection control. The emergence of highly drug-resistant TB poses a significant challenge to global health efforts.
Switzerland is affected by Chagas disease, a tropical disease that can cause severe cardiac and digestive complications if left untreated. The Swiss government has established the Swiss Chagas Network to address this issue through coordinated measures.
A new locally adapted mental health intervention for women with young children in Zambia has shown promising results, with 80% of participants completing the program and 90% expressing high satisfaction. The intervention was associated with a 50% reduction in mental health symptoms at the six-month follow-up.
A new study found a significant rise in malaria risk in northern Kenya, particularly due to higher rainfall and temperature creating ideal mosquito breeding conditions. The study emphasizes the need for targeted, region-specific malaria strategies that account for seasonal and climate differences.
A recent study has identified a key component of the malaria parasite's invasion mechanism, revealing that it binds to a specific sugar called sialic acid on red blood cell surfaces. This discovery provides new insights into the parasite's adaptation to humans and offers potential targets for vaccine and drug development.
Scientists have discovered a new class of compounds called cyanotriazoles that effectively inhibit the growth of trypanosomes, the parasites responsible for Chagas disease and African sleeping sickness. The results offer hope for the development of new and improved treatments for these neglected tropical diseases.
A new treatment, emodepside, has shown high cure rates for soil-transmitted helminth infections, including whipworms, hookworms, and roundworms. The study found that a single dose of emodepside cured up to 83% of people infected with whipworm.
Researchers found exposure to transportation noise at home was associated with a higher risk of death by suicide, with robust results even after adjusting for air pollution and socio-economic indicators. Noise increases mental load, contributing to mental disorders or worsening preexisting conditions.
A new study finds that rectal artesunate (RAS) does not improve survival rates for young children with severe malaria, highlighting the need for improved healthcare systems. The observational study, conducted in DR Congo, Nigeria, and Uganda, found that RAS was more likely to cause deaths than no treatment in some cases.
The COVID-19 pandemic is difficult to control in Africa due to limited household infrastructure, including shared drinking water and toilets. A new study found that even within countries, there are significant regional differences in infrastructure availability.
A study analyzing pollen data from 1990 to 2020 found that the pollen season has shifted substantially over the past 30 years, with some species starting as early as January. This increase in duration and intensity can lead to more severe health issues, including inflammation in the lungs and negative impacts on the cardiovascular system.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that acute aircraft noise exposure at night can increase the risk of cardiovascular mortality. The study analyzed 24,886 cardiovascular deaths and found a significant association between night-time airplane noise levels and increased mortality risk.
A new study published in The Lancet Global Health found that iron infusion is highly effective in low-income settings compared to oral iron tablets. Women who received an iron infusion had normalized levels of haemoglobin after just six weeks, with continued benefits after one year.
A new study by Swiss TPH and partners found that age, location, and anaemia status significantly impact childhood immune system development. The research suggests that considering these factors can improve the efficacy of childhood vaccinations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where anaemia is prevalent.
The TB TRIAGE+ project aims to improve early access to diagnosis and treatment for tuberculosis patients in remote areas by assessing novel active case finding strategies. A large-scale cluster-randomized clinical trial will test automated chest x-ray analysis and blood marker triage tests, aiming to reduce diagnostic costs.
A promising compound discovered by Swiss TPH researchers is highly effective against Buruli ulcer, both in vitro and in vivo. The study found that compound Q203 has an activity level exceeding the current most active antibiotic rifampicin, potentially leading to a shorter treatment regimen with fewer adverse side effects.
A comprehensive study by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute found that air pollution and transportation noise significantly increase the risk of heart attacks. The study reveals that considering both factors together reduces the estimated effect of air pollution on cardiovascular health.
A Swiss study of 700 adolescents found that cumulative RF-EMF brain exposure from mobile phone use over one year may negatively affect figural memory performance. RF-EMF absorption was more pronounced in adolescents using the mobile phone on the right side of their head.
Researchers discovered a protein, GDV1, that triggers the switch to gametocyte production in malaria parasites. This could lead to new therapies and tools for controlling malaria transmission.
In Lesotho, a clinical study validated a new approach to HIV testing and treatment, offering voluntary tests in remote villages. This strategy increased treatment rates by 26%, with 69% of patients on therapy three months after initial testing, compared to 43% in standard approaches.
A recent study published in the SiRENE project found that transportation noise exposure is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Road noise was particularly critical, increasing the risk of myocardial infarction by 4% per 10 decibel increase. Noise also disrupts sleep patterns, which can negatively ...
New research from Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute finds that radon increases the risk of developing malignant skin cancer, with a 50% increase in risk for 30-year-olds. The study highlights the importance of reducing residential radon exposure through appropriate house construction.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa are at high risk of developing hypertension, which can lead to cardiovascular disease. The study suggests integrating routine hypertension screening into HIV clinics and expanding access to antihypertensive medications.
A recent study estimates the financial burden of acute gastrointestinal illnesses on the Swiss healthcare system, which costs between €29-€45 million annually. The most commonly reported cause of foodborne disease in Switzerland is Campylobacter infections, generating estimated EUR 8 million annual costs.
A new study models the considerable public health impact of the RTS,S malaria vaccine in regions with moderate to high malaria transmission. The vaccine could avert up to 1.2 cases of clinical malaria per child and one death for every 200 children vaccinated.
A new blood test provides a fast and accurate tool to diagnose tuberculosis in children, with excellent specificity and similar sensitivity as culture tests. The test features sputum-independent results available within 24 hours after blood sampling, making it a major advance for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in children.
Scientists have identified Mycobacterium pinnipedii in Peru skeletons dating back at least 1000 years, revealing seals as a source of pre-Columbian tuberculosis. This finding sheds new light on the history of the disease in the Americas and has implications for future vaccine development.
Researchers discovered that HP1 proteins play a crucial role in regulating gene expression in malaria parasites, allowing them to survive and transmit. The study found that depleting HP1 enabled the parasite to express high levels of var genes, which can evade the immune system.
In Switzerland, campylobacteriosis case numbers have increased, particularly around Christmas and New Year. A study found that consuming meat fondue increases the risk of infection by four times, while proper hygiene practices can reduce the risk by up to five.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that viral infections are the primary cause of febrile illnesses in Tanzanian children. In most cases, no treatment with antimalarials or antibiotics is required. This finding has significant implications for improving the rational use of antimicrobials and reducing c...
A new study by Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute found that a veterinary drug, Oxantel Pamoate, can effectively treat whipworm infections in children. The treatment combination showed significant reduction in worm eggs and improved health outcomes for the children.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis originated in Africa at least 70,000 years ago. The bacteria have a strikingly close genetic match with humans, suggesting a long history of co-evolution. This has led to the development of new strategies for disease control and may help predict future patterns of the disease.