Frequency of exposure to Toxoplasma gondii in COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasmosis is a chronic protozoan parasitic infection that affects nearly one-third of the global population. During the COVID-19 pandemic, cases were observed in patients with COVID-19 and toxoplasmosis. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the frequency of Toxoplasma gondii exposure in patients with COVID-19. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in six databases or search tools (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar) until March 3, 2024. Study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction were performed independently by three investigators. Statistical analysis was performed using R version 4.3, applying a random-effects model. The quality of the included observational studies was assessed using the "JBI-MAStARI". RESULTS: A total of 5,936 studies were retrieved, 13 of which were included in the final meta-analysis. The sample included a total of 2,947 patients with COVID-19 from four countries, of whom approximately 43.3% were men and 49.4% were women. Among the patients, 1,323 showed evidence of exposure to T. gondii through IgG detection, while 1,302 COVID-19 patients were explicitly examined for T. gondii by IgM detection, and 36 positive cases were identified. The frequency of exposure to T. gondii, determined by the presence of IgG in patients with COVID-19, reached 49% (95% CI: 34-63%; 2,947 participants; 13 studies; I2 = 98%, p < 0.01). In addition, the frequency of exposure to T. gondii, evaluated by IgM presence in patients with COVID-19, was 2% (95% CI: 0-6%; 1,302 participants; 6 studies; I2 = 94%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: It was shown that almost half of COVID-19 patients had previous exposure to T. gondii through the presence of IgG, and a small percentage, 2%, showed active infection through IgM detection. Although the results indicate a possible correlation between exposure to T. gondii and the presence of COVID-19, it is essential to note that this study is based on observational research, which precludes establishing a causal relationship. Consequently, further research is required to deepen understanding of the interaction between the two conditions. TERMS USED: The Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI), Prospective International Registry of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA).

The resurgence of monkeypox: Epidemiology, clinical features, and public health implications in the post-smallpox eradication era.

The recent global resurgence of Mpox (formerly monkeypox), primarily transmitted via close contact and respiratory droplets, highlights a significant shift in its epidemiology, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM). This resurgence underscores the need for robust public health responses and improved surveillance. This comprehensive review of current literature focuses on recent outbreaks, virology, and available treatments. Epidemiological data were gathered from various international health reports and analysed to understand transmission dynamics and outbreak patterns. Mpox, characterised by symptoms like fever and rash, has shown variable clinical presentations, particularly among immunocompromised individuals. Recent outbreaks have prompted the development of new diagnostic methods and treatments, including antivirals like Tecovirimat and vaccines such as MVA-BN. Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of these vaccines in preventing infection, which is crucial for outbreak containment. The global response to the Mpox resurgence requires integrated strategies combining vaccination, antiviral treatments, and public health policies tailored to high-risk populations. Future efforts should focus on vaccine distribution equity and enhancing diagnostic capabilities to effectively manage and mitigate the impact of Mpox.

Geospatial Analysis of Abiotic and Biotic Conditions Associated with Leptospirosis in the Klaten Regency, Central Java, Indonesia.

The Klaten Regency, Central Java Province, Indonesia, is a leptospirosis endemic area. The purpose of this study is to spatially describe the abiotic and biotic environmental factors that contributed to the incidence of leptospirosis in the Klaten Regency in 2018. This was a descriptive observational with a cross-sectional approach conducted in the Klaten Regency, Central Java, in 2019 with 59 respondents. The results revealed that the percentage of abiotic environmental factors such as poor waste disposal facilities, poor gutter conditions, rivers < 200 m, and flooding history, namely 35.6%, 41.2%, 54.2%, and 6.8%, respectively. The highest leptospirosis cases occurred in April 2018, with 325 mm of rainfall, an average temperature of 27 °C, an average humidity of 82.3%, and an altitude of 100-200 MASL (79.7%). Meanwhile, biotic factors included rat nest existence (100%), having pets at risk (32.2%), and ≥three types of vegetation (79.7%). The main result confirmed that all leptospirosis cases had rat nests throughout the respondent's house. This finding emphasizes the importance of rat pest control programs by establishing cross-sectoral collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and educating the public to also play a role in environmental cleanliness in controlling rats.

The epidemiology of gram-negative bacteremia in Lebanon: a study in four hospitals.

INTRODUCTION: Gram-negative bacteremia is a life-threatening infection with high morbidity and mortality. Its incidence is rising worldwide, and treatment has become more challenging due to emerging bacterial resistance. Little data is available on the burden and outcome of such infections in Lebanon. METHODS: We conducted this retrospective study in four Lebanese hospitals. Data on medical conditions and demographics of 2400 patients diagnosed with a bloodstream infection based on a positive blood culture were collected between January 2014 and December 2020. RESULTS: Most bacteremias were caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii, with the more resistant organisms being hospital-acquired. Third-generation cephalosporin and quinolone resistance was steady throughout the study, but carbapenem resistance increased. Mortality with such infections is high, but carbapenem resistance or infection with Pseudomonas or Acinetobacter species were significant risk factors for poor outcomes. CONCLUSION: This is the first multi-center study from Lebanon on gram-negative bacteremia, resistance patterns, and factors associated with a poor outcome. More surveillance is needed to provide data to guide empirical treatment for bacteremia in Lebanon.

Chikungunya virus vaccine: a decade of progress solving epidemiological dilemma, emerging concepts, and immunological interventions.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), a single-stranded RNA virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, poses a significant global health threat, with severe complications observed in vulnerable populations. The only licensed vaccine, IXCHIQ, approved by the US FDA, is insufficient to address the growing disease burden, particularly in endemic regions lacking herd immunity. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), explicitly targeting structural proteins E1/E2, demonstrate promise in passive transfer studies, with mouse and human-derived mAbs showing protective efficacy. This article explores various vaccine candidates, including live attenuated, killed, nucleic acid-based (DNA/RNA), virus-like particle, chimeric, subunit, and adenovirus vectored vaccines. RNA vaccines have emerged as promising candidates due to their rapid response capabilities and enhanced safety profile. This review underscores the importance of the E1 and E2 proteins as immunogens, emphasizing their antigenic potential. Several vaccine candidates, such as CHIKV/IRES, measles vector (MV-CHIK), synthetic DNA-encoded antibodies, and mRNA-lipid nanoparticle vaccines, demonstrate encouraging preclinical and clinical results. In addition to identifying potential molecular targets for antiviral therapy, the study looks into the roles played by Toll-like receptors, RIG-I, and NOD-like receptors in the immune response to CHIKV. It also offers insights into novel tactics and promising vaccine candidates. This article discusses potential antiviral targets, the significance of E1 and E2 proteins, monoclonal antibodies, and RNA vaccines as prospective Chikungunya virus vaccine candidates.

Knowledge and attitude towards mpox: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The increase in mpox incidence underscores the crucial need to understand and effectively address prevention, early detection, and agile response to this disease. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the knowledge and attitude towards mpox. METHODS: A systematic review and comprehensive literature meta-analysis were conducted using prominent databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and ScienceDirect, with an updated search until June 25, 2023. The quality of the included observational studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute's Statistical Meta-Analysis Review Instrument. The collected data were recorded in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, and analyses were conducted using R software version 4.2.3. Additionally, Cochran's Q statistics were applied to assess the heterogeneity of the included studies. RESULTS: A total of 299 articles were retrieved from 5 databases. This study included 27 cross-sectional articles with a total sample of 22,327 participants, of which 57.13% were women. The studies were conducted in 15 countries through an online survey. All studies had a moderate level of quality. The combined prevalence of a good level of knowledge about mpox was 33% (95% CI: 22%-45%; 22,327 participants; 27 studies; I2 = 100%), and the combined prevalence of a positive attitude towards mpox was 40% (95% CI: 19%-62%; 2,979 participants; 6 studies; I2 = 99%). Additionally, as a secondary outcome, the combined prevalence of the intention to vaccinate against mpox was 58% (95% CI: 37%-78%; 2,932 participants; 7 studies; I2 = 99%). CONCLUSION: Good knowledge and a positive attitude towards mpox were found to be low. The findings of this study highlight the need to identify gaps and focus on implementing educational programs on mpox. TERMS USED: Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI), Prospective International Registry of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA).

Knowledge, practice, and infection status of prisoners toward dermatomycosis: a study in Nepal.

Background: Dermatophytosis, commonly known as tinea, poses a significant public health concern worldwide, especially in environments with poor hygiene and overcrowding, such as prisons. Despite its prevalence and impact on quality of life, there is a lack of research on the knowledge and hygiene practices regarding dermatophytosis among prisoners, particularly in Nepal. Objective: The study aimed to assess prisoners' knowledge, hygiene practice and infection status regarding dermatophytosis in Central Prison, Nepal. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study with a sample size of 184 respondents was designed to collect data using a validated pre-tested questionnaire from September 2023 to January 2024. The collected data was then analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21. Knowledge and hygiene practices were measured on an eight and 11-point scale and rated as poor (≤4) and sound (>4), bad (≤6), and good (>6), respectively. Summary data were presented by descriptive, while Chi-square and logistic regression were used for inferential statistics at p < 0.05. Results: The findings revealed moderate knowledge among prisoners regarding dermatophytosis, with significant gaps in understanding its spread and prevention. While most prisoners recognized the importance of treatment, there were misconceptions about the inevitability of contracting dermatophytosis and the role of personal hygiene. Conclusion: Despite good knowledge levels, adherence to recommended hygiene practices was suboptimal, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. The study underscores the importance of addressing knowledge gaps, changing attitudes, and promoting hygienic practices to mitigate the burden of dermatophytosis among prisoners.