Articles tagged with Tropical 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 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 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 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.
A recent study found that tropical rickettsial illnesses, such as scrub typhus and murine typhus, can cause poor pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirth and premature birth. The study highlights the need for more research on the impact of these illnesses on pregnancy outcomes in South-East Asia.
The article highlights the link between animal health, human health, and the environment in the emergence of infectious diseases. Key findings include the need to build capacity in developing regions and the importance of One Health approach.
A digital sharing revolution tool, SiteFinder, facilitates research collaborations among tropical medicine researchers and their sites. The Global Health Network's platform ensures quality information and facilitates the sustainability of research capacity.
Professor Zvi Bentwich at Ben-Gurion University has received a Grand Challenges grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to eradicate parasitic worm infections in Ethiopia. The project aims to implement mass drug treatment, health education, and sanitation facilities to reduce infection rates.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in developing vaccines and new drugs for parasitic worm infections, which affect over 300 million people worldwide. Paul Brindley, a GW University researcher, is adapting new technologies to combat these diseases, highlighting the need for urgent action.
Despite promises of personalized medicine, pharmacogenomics research has focused mostly on common diseases, neglecting tropical infections and rare diseases prevalent in developing countries. Researchers from low-income countries also conducted few studies on these topics.
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) threaten Indonesia's economic growth and development, particularly for women and children. The country has an opportunity to scale up national programs and integrate NTDs with other development efforts.
Researchers transformed a $10 webcam into a mini-microscope to detect parasitic infections at the point-of-care. The device uses image recognition software to automatically identify parasite eggs in urine and stool samples.
The PLOS & DNDi Collection showcases Open Access research on neglected tropical diseases, highlighting the journey from advocacy to scientific innovation. The collection features articles on Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and human African trypanosomiasis, emphasizing the need for tangible solutions.
A new study finds that high temperatures and low rainfall influence trachoma transmission in Africa, with eye-seeking flies more active at higher temperatures and abundant in areas with low rainfall. The World Health Organization aims to eliminate blinding trachoma by 2020, but understanding all factors affecting the disease is crucial.
Researchers say Chagas disease remains a leading cause of heart disease in impoverished North American communities, with inadequate healthcare and limited treatment options available. The editorial calls for increased medical awareness, scientific cooperation, and public-private partnerships to develop new tools and treatments.
The study found that men face more difficulty accessing treatment due to occupational roles, while women are more likely to receive treatment. However, pregnant and breastfeeding women often lack awareness of safe medicine use, leading to missed treatments.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in The Lancet found that the world's poorest children are twice as likely to contract malaria as their better-off counterparts. Investing in socioeconomic development, such as improved education and nutrition, is crucial to controlling and eliminating malaria.
Scientists at Queen's University will develop new methods of disease detection and treatment using MicroRNAs, a potential breakthrough in diagnosis. The Institute for Global Food Security is also exploring food crops containing drugs to treat tropical diseases.