Articles tagged with Tropical Diseases
Research investments in five areas of study are needed to accelerate new innovations for neglected diseases, according to Dr. Peter Hotez. Strategic funding could jumpstart a new generation of translational medicine and control tools.
The global Guinea Worm Eradication Programme is highly cost-effective in preventing the spread of guinea worm disease, with a financial cost of $0.0176 per capita per year. The programme's cost-effectiveness exceeds that of no intervention or minimal intervention scenarios, making it a valuable investment for disease prevention.
Research has found that most Central American 'kissing bugs' infect people with just two strains of the Chagas disease parasite, TcI and TcIV. The study identified a high level of genetic variation within these strains, which may impact vaccine development and treatment.
A mass immunization campaign against Japanese encephalitis in Nepal resulted in a 78% reduction in JE cases and prevented an estimated 3,011 cases. The vaccine also cut the rate of acute encephalitis syndrome by 59%.
A new study in Miami-Dade County, Florida found that time spent outdoors affects Zika virus transmission and spread. Residents who spend more time outdoors are more likely to be infected, while those with high indoor exposure risk infect fewer people but spread the virus faster.
A systematic review found that indoor spraying had some effect on either mosquito populations or dengue case numbers, with stronger evidence for adult mosquito populations. The study concluded that more research is needed, but the results are promising as a vector control method.
A recent study by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and other institutions reveals that conserving old-growth tropical rainforests is crucial for preventing new outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases. The research found that disease-carrying mosquito species are scarce in undisturbed forest areas compared to disturbed ones.
A recent study found that air travel is significantly linked to the spread of dengue viruses in Asia. The analysis of genetic sequences revealed that three serotypes were most associated with air traffic.
A new study found that snakebites in rural Sri Lanka result in significant economic losses for individuals and the healthcare system. The annual costs are estimated at over $10 million, with victims experiencing median out-of-pocket costs of $11.82 and a loss of income of up to $33.21.
Mass drug administration campaigns in Cameroon have successfully reduced lymphatic filariasis rates, with only 0.13%, 0.57%, and 0.45% of children infected in three evaluation units. The WHO's elimination strategy is on track, but post-mass drug administration surveillance is necessary to ensure disease transmission does not resume.
Research reveals that adults with lymphatic filariasis in Nigeria are four times more likely to experience depression than other adults in the country. The study found that patients with low self-esteem and unemployment were more prone to depression, highlighting the need for holistic management of the condition.
A new study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that Chagas disease significantly increases the risk of death, especially among those with cardiac complications. The study suggests that deaths from Chagas have been under-reported due to misdiagnosis and highlights the need for further research into new therapeutic options.
Researchers found transmission of dengue, chikungunya and Zika is highest at around 84 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature previously considered peak-transmission. Climate change causes temperatures to climb, potentially impacting more northern regions.
A metabolomics approach has identified a unique metabolic 'signature' that can accurately distinguish typhoid from other tropical diseases, providing a new approach for typhoid diagnostics. The study found excellent predictive power in distinguishing culture-positive typhoid patients from those with other diseases.
A blood test can predict which children are at risk of developing dengue shock syndrome, a life-threatening complication. Daily platelet counts and changes in platelet levels over time help identify patients who are most likely to develop the condition.
The journal's 10th Anniversary Collection highlights the progress made in controlling or eliminating NTDs, with a focus on disease elimination. Despite mixed success stories, researchers remain optimistic about achieving breakthroughs for at least five NTDs within a few years.
During the West African Ebola crisis, bushmeat consumption decreased overall, but remained constant for wealthier households. Knowledge about Ebola risks reduced consumption among households that knew the risks.
Researchers at GW University have developed a new relative potency testing program for the Na-GST-1/Alhydrogel hookworm vaccine, showing it remains stable and immunogenic after five years of storage. This innovation aims to improve vaccine effectiveness in developing countries where hookworm infections are prevalent.
Researchers created high-resolution risk maps for clonorchiasis in China, highlighting provinces with the highest risk of infection and important predictors. The study found that elevation, distance to freshwater bodies, and land cover type were associated with infection risk, informing targeted control activities.
Researchers developed a new relative potency testing program to study the potency of vaccines for tropical diseases. The program found that the Na-GST-1/Alhydrogel Hookworm Vaccine was potent over 60 months of storage, with increased potency in humans living in endemic areas.
Research reveals that irrigation channels and land use patterns influence snail dispersal, with villages having more channels experiencing higher migration rates. The study provides insights into the factors driving schistosomiasis re-emergence in Asia.
A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that tens of individuals in Sierra Leone showed no signs of Ebola disease but still tested positive for antibodies, suggesting a minority may contract the virus without symptoms. The discovery raises questions about the scope of the 2013-2016 outbreak and potential transmissio...
A new study found that deaths from West Nile virus can occur years after patients appear to have recovered from the initial illness. The researchers analyzed 4,144 cases and attributed 554 deaths to WNV during a 10-year period, with 268 of those dying soon after recovery due to delayed mortality.
A new collection offers practical tools and guidelines for conducting clinical research on neglected tropical diseases in resource-constrained settings. The collection addresses key challenges, including infrastructure, culture, and ethics requirements, to improve patient management and population-based control and elimination.
Female mosquitoes can pass the Zika virus on to their eggs and offspring, bolstering the need for larvicide use as an integral part of controlling the spread of the virus. The study found that culture of adults infected with the virus resulted in a high rate of transmission to their offspring.
Researchers found that cardinals act as 'supersuppressors' by drawing infected mosquitoes away from robins, reducing the risk of human infections with West Nile virus in Atlanta. The study suggests that preserving and enhancing old growth forests may also help prevent disease transmission.
A prospective, multinational study investigating virological and immunological changes due to HIV prior to clinical symptoms has identified 112 people with newly acquired infections just days after HIV exposure. The study provides valuable insights into the early stages of HIV infection and its impact on immune defense mechanisms.
A study suggests that current vaccines provide only partial protection against the G5 strain of Japanese encephalitis virus, and natural infection with a different strain may not offer protection. The findings indicate that an emerging crisis in South-East Asia is possible, warranting further research on vaccines.
A team from McGill University Health Centre identified an outbreak of the intestinal parasite Cryptosporidium in Nunavik, Quebec. The strain was found to be Cryptosporidium hominis and had a significant impact on children under five years old, causing growth delays and difficulty at school.
A study by Fatima Maia and her team found that modifying household utensils can increase autonomy and self-esteem among patients with leprosy. Patients reported feeling joyful using modified tools like toothbrushes, pens, and mugs, while also experiencing frustration with remaining limitations.
A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that corrective eyelid surgery substantially increases the quality of life (QoL) for people with trachomatous trichiasis, even when vision is not improved. The surgery improves symptoms such as pain and irritation, and enables patients to work and earn an income.
Researchers analyzed data and samples from 364 patients with acute skin rash, detecting ZIKV RNA in 119 blood samples. The study found the virus was introduced to Brazil from Asia, with at least some cases transmitted locally through mosquito bites or person-to-person contact.
A study applied WHO's NTD-DQA tool to Ghana's lymphatic filariasis program, finding over 60% of reported data had low accuracy. The researchers suggest ways to improve data quality and highlight the need for a comprehensive assessment to establish appropriate responses.
Researchers propose a novel storage system using pre-cut filter paper to store dried cerebrospinal fluid samples. The method was tested on 132 samples, showing high accuracy in detecting Japanese encephalitis virus antibodies.
A cross-sectional survey found high prevalence of parasitic infection among urban farmers in Kampala, with an infection rate of 76%. The study highlights the need for increased public health protection measures and integrated sanitation safety planning for marginalized communities.
The Zika Response Working Group provides recommendations for countermeasures against the Zika virus, highlighting the need for open-minded responses and collaboration. Key findings include the potential of currently marketed drugs to have anti-Zika activity and the challenges of rapid vaccine development.
A pregnant Brazilian woman infected with the Zika virus had a stillborn baby with severe tissue swelling and central nervous system defects. The case provides evidence that congenital Zika infection may be linked to hydrops fetalis, hydranencephaly, and fetal demise.
The BENEFIT trial suggests that treating Chagas disease earlier is crucial, as it did not show incremental benefits in cardiac outcome. The study found that 17-18% of patients died over a period of five years, with the number comparable to breast cancer mortality.
Researchers found two distinct subgroups of Yersinia pestis bacteria causing human plague in Uganda's West Nile region, with one subgroup found at lower elevations and the other at higher elevations.
Researchers used data from a national survey to model areas of high risk of Mansonella perstans infection and examine its overlap with other parasitic infections. The study found that forested areas and high densities of cattle are associated with increased levels of M. perstans infection.
The study reveals a low prevalence of T. cruzi parasites with limited genetic diversity, contradicting previous assumptions about the parasite's presence in the US. This suggests that local transmission of Chagas disease may be lower than previously thought, but also highlights the need for increased awareness and diagnosis.
In Texas, a citizen science program utilizing public surveillance tracked the distribution and infection prevalence of triatomine insects, showing 63% infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. The study suggests that citizen collections are a valid way to document insect distribution, providing a unique sample for disease vector studies.
A study in Tanzania found that using incentives increased dog vaccination turnout by 34 dogs per village, while a household questionnaire underestimated coverage by 6.6%. The researchers recommend using incentives and the questionnaire as a reliable method to assess post-vaccination coverage.
A new study finds that neglected tropical diseases are significantly more prevalent in poorer regions of OIC countries. The study highlights the need for targeted control and elimination programs to address these diseases and promote human development.
A mass drug administration (MDA) program implemented in Southern Greece eliminated malaria cases for two years, preventing a resurgence of the disease. The MDA covered 87% of an immigrant population and was effective in minimizing the risk of drug resistance.
Research in West African countries finds that co-infection with two species of schistosome does not affect treatment efficacy, but patterns of re-infection vary. Overall, the study suggests that further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of schistosome interactions.
A randomized controlled trial in Peru found that deworming treatment had no significant impact on growth in pre-school children, similar to a placebo. The study highlights methodological challenges and the need for further research to accurately detect the true effect of deworming on growth in early childhood.
A cluster-randomized trial in rural Tanzania found that home-based counselling strategies had no effect on neonatal mortality, despite improvements in newborn care practices. Neonatal mortality decreased in both intervention and control groups, with better breastfeeding rates and handwashing practices reported in the intervention area.
Researchers found a promising target for new therapies in genes affected by praziquantel treatment, including a proton pump inhibited by omeprazole. Combining sub-lethal doses of praziquantel with omeprazole killed more parasites than praziquantel alone.
Researchers discovered that the parasite Brugia malayi releases microRNA-containing vesicles to infect human hosts. These vesicles activate a pro-inflammatory response in human macrophages, opening up new avenues for therapeutic targets and treatment strategies.
A new study estimates that leptospirosis affects over 1 million people each year, resulting in nearly 60,000 deaths, primarily in resource-poor settings. The disease is spread through contact with contaminated environments and has the potential to grow further due to climate change and urbanization.
A new study estimates that more than 1 million new cases of leptospirosis occur each year, resulting in nearly 59,000 deaths. The disease is spread through contact with contaminated environments and is particularly prevalent in urban slums.
Researchers from the University of Surrey have made a breakthrough discovery that the bacteria causing Buruli ulcer disease triggers a blood clot, similar to deep vein thrombosis. This finding suggests that anticoagulant medicines may be effective in treating the disease, leading to faster healing and fewer side effects.
A new report by Global Health Strategies highlights the dramatic health and economic benefits from investing in combating neglected tropical diseases. Countries are increasingly taking ownership of NTD programs, achieving substantial progress with innovative approaches. To reach WHO's 2020 targets, further scale-up is necessary.
The APOC collection documents the success of the Onchocerciasis Control Program (OCP) and its transition to African Program for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC). The partnership has reached over 100 million people across Africa, controlling river blindness, a debilitating disease that causes disfiguring skin disease and eventual blindness.
A new tool developed by Baylor College of Medicine researchers shows a strong association between worm index and human development index, indicating neglected tropical diseases should be considered in international development goals. The study found that higher worm indices are linked to lower human development indices.
A single oral dose of azithromycin has shown promising results in eliminating yaws from Papua New Guinea, with an 83.8% success rate among infected residents. To achieve global eradication, Kazura advocates for improved infrastructure, mapping systems, and community commitment.
A new method for producing immunoglobulin G (IgG) from human plasma has been developed, allowing for the treatment of patients with primary immune immunodeficiency and fighting various infectious diseases. The minipool technology is simple, efficient, and cost-effective, making it ideal for use in developing countries.
A new study reveals that households affected by leprosy face significant financial burdens due to loss of earnings and treatment costs. The study found that patients with Erythema Nodosum Leprosum, a complication of leprosy, incurred losses equivalent to almost a third of their income.
Chikungunya's Asian tiger mosquito relies on road networks to disperse, posing a challenge for disease control efforts. The study suggests fumigating vehicles at checkpoints could prevent the spread of the vector and reduce its impact on human populations.