Female Genital Schistosomiasis: A Neglected among the Neglected Tropical Diseases.

Schistosomiasis is a neglected parasitic disease linked to water, posing a global public health concern with a significant burden in sub-Saharan Africa. It is transmitted by Schistosoma spp., causing both acute and chronic effects affecting the urogenital or the hepato-intestinal system. Through granuloma formation, chronic schistosomiasis weakens host immunity, heightening susceptibility to coinfections. Notably, female genital schistosomiasis (FGS), a disregarded gynecological condition, adversely affects girls' and women's reproductive health and increases vulnerability to HIV. This review explores the intricate interplay between schistosomiasis and HIV, considering their geographical overlap. We delve into the clinical features of this coinfection, underlying mutual influences on transmission, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic approaches. Understanding the dynamics of FGS and HIV coinfection is pivotal for integrated healthcare strategies in regions with co-endemicity, aiming to mitigate the impact of the two infections on vulnerable populations.

Inflammatory Response Associated with West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: West Nile virus (WNV) infection is a seasonal arbovirosis with the potential to cause severe neurological disease. Outcomes of the infection from WNV depend on viral factors (e.g., lineage) and host-intrinsic factors (e.g., age, sex, immunocompromising conditions). Immunity is essential to control the infection but may also prove detrimental to the host. Indeed, the persistence of high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines is associated with the development of blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage. Due to the importance of the inflammatory processes in the development of West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND), we reviewed the available literature on the subject. METHODS: According to the 2020 updated PRISMA guidelines, all peer-reviewed articles regarding the inflammatory response associated with WNND were included. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-six articles were included in the data analysis and sorted into three groups (in vitro on-cell cultures, in vivo in animals, and in humans). The main cytokines found to be increased during WNND were IL-6 and TNF-α. We highlighted the generally small quantity and heterogeneity of information about the inflammatory patterns associated with WNND. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies are needed to understand the pathogenesis of WNND and to investigate the extent and the way the host inflammatory response either helps in controlling the infection or in worsening the outcomes. This might prove useful both for the development of target therapies and for the development of molecular markers allowing early identification of patients displaying an inflammatory response that puts them at a higher risk of developing neuroinvasive disease and who might thus benefit from early antiviral therapies.

Perception and Awareness about Monkeypox and Vaccination Acceptance in an At-Risk Population in Brescia, Italy: An Investigative Survey.

Before 2022, monkeypox virus (Mpox) infection in humans was seldom reported outside Africa. During the May 2022 outbreak, most cases were detected among men who have sex with men (MSM). Since Mpox is largely unknown to the general population, through a self-completion questionnaire, we investigated the behaviours and knowledge of our at-risk population belonging to the sexually transmitted infection (STI) outpatient clinic of the Infectious Diseases Unit of the ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Italy, between August and October 2022. Most patients that took part in the compilation are HIV positive MSM. The other participants were HIV-seronegative patients with other STIs. Overall, 144 questionnaires were compiled. Most of the participants were Italians (130;90%) and males (139;96.5%) between 30 and 60 years (118;82%). Almost all (136;94%) reported having heard about Mpox and more than half (80;56%) received information about the transmission. Twenty-four respondents (16%) received information from health professionals and 14 (10%) believed that the information received was complete. Although 41% of respondents thought they were at risk of getting the infection and 62% were afraid to get it, the majority (56%) did not increase the precautions taken. When asked if they would accept a vaccine to prevent the disease, more than a third (32%) of respondents expressed hesitation or complete refusal to be vaccinated. Based on our results, what emerges is that there is still a lack of knowledge and awareness about Mpox. To address this issue, targeted health promotion and education strategies that provide the necessary resources to reduce risk behaviours and enhance connections with healthcare professionals are needed.

Amoebic colitis and liver abscess: A rare case of autochthonous invasive infection due to Entamoeba histolytica.

We report an unusual and confirmed case of invasive amebiasis in a non-endemic area where the source of infection remains unknown. During her admission, the patient developed amebic colitis and extraintestinal liver abscess with a favorable outcome following the antiparasitic therapy.