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• Potential range of Dermacentor auratus is much wider than its distribution. • Islands of southeast Asia have suitable climates for D. auratus. • Parts of Africa and the Americas have suitable climates for D. auratus. • 52 species of associated hosts, 13 are new. • 4 associated bacteria genera, 3 associated viruses. Dermacentor (Indocentor) auratus Supino, 1897 occurs in many regions of Southeast Asia and South Asia. In many regions of Southeast Asia and South Asia, targeted tick sampling and subsequent screening of collected D. auratus ticks have detected pathogenic bacteria and viruses in D. auratus. These disease-causing pathogens that have been detected in D. auratus include Anaplasma, Bartonella, Borrelia, Rickettsia (including spotted fever group rickettsiae), African swine fever virus, Lanjan virus, and Kyasanur forest disease virus. Although D. auratus predominantly infests wild pigs, this tick is also an occasional parasite of humans and other animals. Indeed, some 91 % of human otoacariasis cases in Sri Lanka were due to infestation by D. auratus. With the propensity of this tick to feed on multiple species of hosts, including humans, and the detection of pathogenic bacteria and viruses from this tick, D. auratus is a tick of medical, veterinary, and indeed zoonotic concern. The geographic range of this tick, however, is not well known. Therefore, in the present paper, we used the species distribution model, BIOCLIM, to project the potential geographic range of D. auratus , which may aid pathogen and tick-vector surveillance. We showed that the potential geographic range of D. auratus is far wider than the current geographic distribution of this tick, and that regions in Africa, and in North and South America seem to have suitable climates for D. auratus. Interestingly, in Southeast Asia, Borneo and Philippines also have suitable climates for D. auratus , but D. auratus has not been found in these regions yet despite the apparent close proximity of these regions to Mainland Southeast Asia, where D. auratus occurs. We thus hypothesize that the geographic distribution of D. auratus is largely dependent on the movement of wild pigs and whether or not these wild pigs are able to overcome dispersal barriers. We also review the potential pathogens and the diseases that may be associated with D. auratus and provide an updated host index for this tick. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yellow Fever (YF) is a viral arbovirosis of Public Health importance. In Brazil, surveillance is focused mainly on detecting epizootic events of Platyrrhini. Herein, we compared the detection and phylogenetic analysis of YF virus in two neotropical primates (NTP), a Callithrix detected in the previous epidemic period (2016–2020), and a Callicebus nigrifons , showing a new introduction of YF in 2023. This paper illustrates the importance of joint actions of laboratory and field teams to ensure quick response to Public Health emergencies, such as the intensification of vaccination of susceptible human populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foot and mouth disease (FMD), world’s most important highly infectious and contagious trans-boundary animal diseases, is responsible for huge global losses of livestock production as well as severe impacts on international trade. This vesicular disease is caused by foot and mouth disease virus of the genus Aphthovirus, family Picornaviridae. Currently FMD is major global animal health problem and endemic in Africa including Ethiopia. This paper systematically reviewed the sero-prevalence reports, associated risk factors and distribution of FMD in Ethiopia with the main aim of making compressive document on prevalence, risk factor and distribution of the disease thus helping as a basis for designing effective control strategies. FMD is widely distributed in Ethiopia and its prevalence varies from place to place with seropositivity that ranges from 5.6% to 42.7% in cattle and from 4% to 11% in small ruminant and in 30% in ungulate wildlife. In Ethiopia endemic distributions of five of seven serotypes, namely serotypes O, A, C, SAT1 and SAT2 have been documented. The dominant serotype being reported recently is serotype O and serotype C has not been reported in the country since 1983. However, serotype C specific antibody was detected in cattle indicating that circulation of serotype C viruses in the country may have gone unnoticed. The most common risk factor associated with FMD infection in Ethiopia includes production system, geographic location, species, age of animals, contact with wildlife and season of the year, mixed animal species and Breed. Conclusively, this paper revealed as FMD is posing a major threat in different area of the country thereby causing substantial economic losses through morbidity, mortality and restriction of international trade. Thus, demanding for great attention as its occurrence is may affect the export earnings of the country thereby threaten the livelihood of farmers and economy of the country at large. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community Engagement (CE) is intended to enhance the participation of community stakeholders in research. CE is usually mentioned in publications as researchers discuss how they carried out community entry, consent and retained study participants but the actual CE activities are not always well documented. This paper reviews CE strategies employed in health research in Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe with reference to the development of a CE strategy for a multi-centre study to be conducted in these countries. The search was conducted using JANE (Journal/Author Name Estimator), Google Scholar and PubMed with known institutions and researchers providing context-specific material. The final synthesis includes 35 publications, 2 reports and 2 abstracts. There is evidence of CE being practiced in health research and eight closely related CE strategies were revealed. We conclude that since communities are heterogeneous and unique, CE activities will not have similar results in different settings. Even though there was insufficient evidence to determine which CE strategy is most effective, the review provides sufficient information to develop a CE strategy for a multi-centre study using the various strategies and activities described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Despite major efforts to increase the uptake of preventive measures and timely use of the first line antimalarial treatment artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACT), Uganda continues to fall short of meeting its national malaria control targets. One of the challenges has been scaling up effective measures in rural and remote areas where the unlicensed private retail sector remains the first point of contact and a common source of treatment. The current paper discusses unlicensed vendors’ (1) training related to malaria case management for children aged five and under, and (2) knowledge related to the cause of malaria, preventive measures, common signs, and symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and best treatment options. Methods A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted in the rural district of Butaleja, Uganda in 2011. All 88 unlicensed drug outlets enumerated in the study area were visited by six locally recruited research assistants, with one vendor from each outlet invited to participate. The transcripts were analyzed using acceptable qualitative research protocols. Results About half of the 75 vendors interviewed had received some sort of formal training on malaria at a post-secondary institution, although only 6.7% had qualifications which met licensure requirements. The study found widespread misconceptions relating to the cause, as well as prevention and treatment of malaria. A large majority of the vendors relied primarily on non-specific symptoms and limited physical exams for diagnoses, with less than one-tenth of the vendors recognizing that rapid or microscopic blood testing was necessary to confirm a clinical diagnosis of malaria. While most recognized mosquitoes as the primary vector for malaria, over two-fifths of the vendors held misconceptions about the factors that could increase the risk of malaria, and nearly a third believed that malaria could not be prevented. With respect to acute case management, three-quarters viewed as the best option a medicine other than the government’s first-line antimalarial, artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACT). Almost three-fifths specified quinine as their preferred option, with about one-fifth recommending quinine injection. Conclusion Findings from this study confirm significant gaps in unlicensed vendors’ knowledge related to malaria. With increased utilization of unlicensed drug outlets in rural and remote settings such as Butaleja, findings from this study strongly supports the need to implement strategies to improve the quality of care delivered at these outlet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucellosis is a highly contagious zoonosis caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella and affecting domestic and wild mammals. In this paper, the bacteriological and serological evidence of brucellosis in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and its epidemiological characteristics are discussed. The tools available for the diagnosis and treatment of human brucellosis and for the diagnosis and control of animal brucellosis and their applicability in the context of SSA are presented and gaps identified. These gaps concern mostly the need for simpler and more affordable antimicrobial treatments against human brucellosis, the development of a B. melitensis vaccine that could circumvent the drawbacks of the currently available Rev 1 vaccine, and the investigation of serological diagnostic tests for camel brucellosis and wildlife. Strategies for the implementation of animal vaccination are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper is based on the experience of the authors, with the aim to define the challenges for Echinococcus granulosus (E.g./CE) diagnosis and control for those countries that may now or in the future be contemplating control of hydatid disease. A variety of methods are available for diagnosis in humans but a universal gold standard is lacking. Diagnosis in definitive hosts can avoid necropsy by the use of methods such as coproantigen detection but test performance is variable between populations. A sylvatic cycle adds challenges in some countries and the epidemiology of the parasite in these hosts is poorly understood. Control by solely administering praziquantel to dogs is not effective in developing countries where the disease is endemic. Additional avenues to pursue include the instigation of participatory planning, use of an existing vaccination for intermediate hosts and development of a vaccine and long-acting anthelmitic implants for definitive hosts. Promoting public acceptance of control of the dog population by humane euthanasia and reduced reproduction is also essential. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Malaria is still a major public health problem in the world and sub-Saharan Africa is one of the most affected areas. Efforts to control malaria are highly affected by drug resistance to commonly used antimalarials. The introduction of artemisinin based combination therapy (ACT) as a first line drug seems to be a major step in treatment of uncomplicated malaria, though search for drugs to combine with artemisinins still continues. There have been reports on increased prevalence of the wild type markers Pfcrt 76K and Pfmdr1 86N in some African countries and ideas of using chloroquine (CQ) in intermittent presumptive treatment for adults (IPTa) is coming up. The common combination of artemether and lumefantrine even selects for parasites that are wild type at these positions. This study is comparing prevalence of mutation at these two positions in two East African countries with ACT as their first line drug but following somewhat different drug policies regarding CQ. In Tanzania CQ was stopped in 2001 but in Uganda CQ was retained in combination with sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP) and used in home based management of fever for some time. SP is still used in IPT for pregnant women. Methods: Blood smears and dried blood spots on Whatman filter papers were collected from 100 patients with uncomplicated malaria in Mwanza, Tanzania and 100 patients from Iganga, Uganda. DNA was extracted from all samples using Tris EDTA method. PCR and RFLP were performed and sequencing done on Pfcrt amplification products. Results: The prevalence of K76T mutations at Pfcrt in samples from Mwanza, Tanzania was 40.5% (34/84) and 100% (100/100) in samples from Iganga, Uganda. Prevalence of N86Y mutations in Pfmdr1 was 16.9% (13/77) and 77.7% (63/81) in samples from Mwanza and Iganga, respectively. The re-emergence of CQ sensitive isolates in Mwanza, Tanzania showed the haplotype CVMNK typical for wild type isolates. Conclusions: The prevalence of CQ resistant parasites in Mwanza, Tanzania is low compared to the existing high level of resistant parasites in Iganga, Uganda. This could be an indication that CQ may become useful in the future in Tanzania. This study shows clearly that there is a difference in mutations at these positions in these two countries implementing similar but somewhat different drug policies. In Uganda the drug resistance has reached fixation while in Tanzania the prevalence is going down. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The present paper summarizes different epidemiological and molecular aspects as well as the clinical disease of natural Cryptosporidium infections in humans and animals from Iraq. • Cryptosporidiosis is highly prevalent in humans and animals from Iraq. • Few molecular characterization studies on different Cryptosporidium species have been conducted. • The prevalence of Cryptosporidiumparvum is overestimated due to the use of microscopy without molecular typing in the majority of studies. • A national molecular typing survey on large number of samples from different hosts and environmental matrices is required to track Cryptosporidium transmission. The apicomplexan parasite Cryptosporidium causes serious diarrheal disease in humans and animals worldwide. The present review summarizes epidemiological and molecular studies as well as the clinical disease burden of natural Cryptosporidium infections in humans and animals from Iraq. Retrieved reports regarding cryptosporidiosis in Iraq indicated that the disease is highly prevalent in humans and animals, but the results extracted from these reports are confusing and mostly employed traditional methodologies for the detection of Cryptosporidium infective stage, the oocysts, in clinical samples. Many screened surveys represent point prevalence studies, which described diarrhea in infants and children due to cryptosporidiosis; however, other pathogens causing diarrhea were not excluded. High prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts was recovered from many studies from different environmental matrices in different parts of Iraq including drinking tap water, which facilitates its transmission to humans and animals. Reports on molecular characterization of different Cryptosporidium species which exist in Iraq are few but both Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum were detected in humans and the latter was more prevalent in isolates from cattle, sheep, goats and birds. A national study on adequate numbers of samples from different hosts and environmental matrices, and employing advanced diagnostic methodologies is required to precisely detect the epidemiological situation of cryptosporidiosis in Iraq. Furthermore, molecular genotyping studies are required to be conducted in Iraq to characterize the species and subtypes of Cryptosporidium infecting humans and animals especially during outbreaks. Therefore, Cryptosporidium parasite should be included in the routine diagnosis and surveillance system of infectious diseases in Iraq and should be regarded as an important public health problem of concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sustainable public health and community collaboration and partnerships are essential for the effective elimination of vector breeding sites to prevent dengue fever. A prerequisite is that community members appreciate the importance of the infection, understand its transmission and preventive activities, and are able to translate such knowledge to action. In this paper, we draw on an ethnographic study of two villages in the eastern province of Kampong Cham, using data collected from qualitative research methods and entomological surveys to describe community knowledge of the vector, practices related to the reduction of breeding sources, and the effectiveness of temephos to control larvae. During the study period, temephos (distributed as Abate) was applied in water containers only in the rainy season, although these containers were also positive with larvae in the dry season. Discarded containers, ignored in terms of control activities, had twice the number of larvae as water storage containers. The continued reliance on Abate creates financial and technical problems, while its inappropriate distribution raises the possibility of larvicide resistance. Based on research findings, we argue that control strategies emphasizing the use of Abate should be reconsidered. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper discusses an intersectoral health-related intervention, using cartoons and video-recording, print materials and face-to-face educational methods, to increase children''s knowledge of schistosomiasis, which in turn might improve the case management of early diagnosis and treatment. The main components of the project were (i) the collaboration between the departments of public health and education and (ii) a randomized, controlled, school-based field trial conducted in the Dongting Lake region, China. Children in the experimental group (n =604) and their parents participated in the educational programme. Control children (n =527) received a 2 hour lecture about the disease. All participants were pre-tested, and retested five months after the conduct of the educational intervention. The results show significant changes among children and their parents in the experimental group related to knowledge about schistosomiasis and beliefs towards screening and treatment of the disease. Children in the experimental group also had better compliance than children in the control group for regular screening for schistosomiasis. These findings indicate that carefully designed education programmes are useful for providing both children and their families with information about the prevention and treatment of schistosomiasis. Intersectoral collaboration holds promise to deliver research-based interventions for enhanced knowledge of schistosomiasis and improved case management. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Leishmaniasis is endemic since last century in Adrianópolis Municipality, Ribeira Valley and is a serious public health. A study carried out during 1993–2003 on epidemiological surveys conducted in rural communities showed 339 new cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) detected from four municipalities (Adrianópolis, Cerro Azul, Doutor Ulysses and Rio Branco do Sul). A larger prevalence of cutaneous lesions was observed in rural workers (36%), women with domestic activities (18%), and younger students (31%). Multiple lesions were noticed in 53% of patients, but only one case of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis was reported. Twenty stocks were isolated from patients with characteristics lesions and were identified as Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis using multi-locus enzyme electrophoresis (MLEE) and Random Amplified DNA (RAPD). In Phlebotominae survey, five species were obtained. Lutzomyia intermedia sl. represented 97.5% in peridomiciliar area and 100% in domicile. A canine serological survey made (Indirect Immunofluorescence Antibody Test, IFAT and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay, ELISA) in six rural county of Adrianópolis Municipality during 1998–1999 showed that 15.1% (24/159) of dogs were sera reactive. No lesions were observed in dogs and no parasite was isolated from lymph node aspirates and biopsies. In wild reservoirs study, only seven animals (Cricetidae, Desmodus sp. and edentates) were captured, but no parasites were found in culture from deep organs. The paper presents results of our 10 years study on cutaneous leishmaniasis survey in the Ribeira River Valley, East Region of Paraná State, Brazil. Environment changes in this region are also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Remote sensing, geographical information systems (GIS) and spatial analysis provide important tools that are as yet under-exploited in the fight against disease. As the use of such tools becomes more accepted and prevalent in epidemiological studies, so our understanding of the mechanisms of disease systems has the potential to increase. This paper introduces a range of techniques used in remote sensing, GIS and spatial analysis that are relevant to epidemiology. Possible future directions for the application of remote sensing, GIS and spatial analysis are also suggested. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The larval form of the fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis can cause a potentially fatal liver infection in human hosts. Globally rare, the disease has a high prevalence focus in western China. Recent research has linked landscape to the presence and prevalence of the disease. This paper discusses the epidemiology of E. multilocularis in terms of landscape and disease transmission ecology. Landscape form was defined using satellite imagery to create a land cover classification for a study site in Zhang County (Gansu Province, China). Following the analysis of many landscape metrics, mean shape index was found to be related to the prevalence of infection for 31 villages in 1975 and 1997, at two spatial intervals, suggesting that habitat form is a correlate of disease. A temporal difference shows that the landscape is no longer suitable for transmission. These results indicate the possibility of identifying future hotspots which could aid the management of the disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Malaria in Sri Lanka is unstable and epidemic, with large spatial and temporal differences in transmission dynamics. The disease is of great public health significance and identification of underlying risk factors is important in order to use the limited resources in a cost-effective way. The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) recently launched a project of GIS-based malaria risk mapping in Sri Lanka, to investigate whether this tool could be used for epidemic forecasting and for the planning of malaria control activities. This paper presents results for the Uda Walawe region in southern Sri Lanka, an irrigated agricultural area where malaria cases were mapped at the smallest administrative level for each month over a 10-year period. Malaria incidence rates were related to land- and water-use patterns, socio-economic features, and data on malaria control interventions in a multivariate analysis. Areas of high malaria risk were characterized by: (i) higher than average rainfall, (ii) greater forest coverage; (iii) slash and burn cultivation as a predominant agricultural activity; (iv) presence of many abandoned irrigation reservoirs; and (v) poor socio-economic status. Irrigated rice cultivation areas had a lower risk of malaria than non-irrigated areas. This difference could be due to socio-economic factors related to irrigation development and/or transmission dynamics related to vector density or species composition. Our findings call for malaria control strategies that are readily adapted to different ecological and epidemiological settings. Malaria risk maps are a convenient tool for discussing targeted and cost-effective interventions with disease control personnel. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Malaria is one of the most serious public health problems in the world. For the last few decades, numerous studies have focused on the potential links between environmental transformations (such as the expansion of irrigation) and malaria occurrence. Most of these studies have been based on relatively simple models outlining the interactions of the host–vector–parasite triad. In this paper, we investigate the links between the intensification of irrigated rice cultivation and malaria. In an attempt to complement biomedical and entomological approaches we propose a model that recognises the influence of human–vector contacts on transmission processes, but stresses the importance of taking into consideration socio-economic and cultural factors in the management of disease episodes, and how these can be affected by transformations of natural resource management strategies. Using a case study in Northern Coˆte d’Ivoire, we investigated the complex mechanisms by which agriculture-generated changes in ecosystems and socio-economic organisation influence disease risks and produce new scenarios in the management of disease. Our results show that the socio-economic transformation and gender repositioning induced, or facilitated, by the intensification of lowland irrigated rice cultivation influence the health care system for malaria in the study area. They lead to a reduction of the capacity of women to manage malaria episodes among children and influence their vulnerability to the disease. We argue that these elements contribute to higher malaria prevalence in villages involved in double cropping of rice annually. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Although Nepal has been identified as a country highly vulnerable to adverse health and socioeconomic impacts arising from climate change, extant research on climate sensitive infectious diseases has yet to develop the evidence base to adequately address these threats. In this opinion paper we identify and characterise basic requirements that are hindering the progress of climate change and infectious disease research in Nepal. Our opinion is that immediate attention should be given to strengthening Nepal's public health surveillance system, promoting inter-sectoral collaboration, improving public health capacity, and enhancing community engagement in disease surveillance. Moreover, we advocate for greater technical support of public health researchers, and data sharing among data custodians and epidemiologists/researchers, to generate salient evidence to guide relevant public health policy formulation aimed at addressing the impacts of climate change on human health in Nepal. International studies on climate variability and infectious diseases have clearly demonstrated that climate sensitive diseases, namely vector-borne and food/water-borne diseases, are sensitive to climate variation and climate change. This research has driven the development and implementation of climate-based early warning systems for preventing potential outbreaks of climate-sensitive infectious diseases across many European and African countries. Similarly, we postulate that Nepal would greatly benefit from a climate-based early warning system, which would assist in identification or prediction of conditions suitable for disease emergence and facilitate a timely response to reduce mortality and morbidity during epidemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Health research ethics has its roots in protecting individuals participating in clinical trials. There is, however, nascent interest in ethics in public health, although it does not yet cover ethics in the development of public health products. The paper reviews the history of the development of malaria vector interventions, which initially aimed at promoting colonial interests. Attempts at eradicating malaria in Africa ended in 1969, and DDT, the leading malaria vector control tool was banned soon after. Insecticide Treated Nets, which later gave rise to Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets have resurrected malaria mosquito vector control, and their development has set new benchmarks, which it is suggested should be followed by all vector control tools under development. Furthermore, DDT has been exonerated and is back in the vector control arsenal. New tools under development include the sterile male technique, genetically modified mosquitoes, entomopathogenic fungi, and odorants.The paper proposes that these new tools be tested in community settings, abiding by all the leading bioethical principles, and calls for the development and implementation of international ethical guidelines for trials in public health. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The disease burden in Africa, which is relatively very large compared with developed countries, has been attributed to various factors that include poverty, food shortages, inadequate access to health care and unaffordability of Western medicines to the majority of African populations. Although for ‘old diseases’ knowledge about the right African traditional medicines to treat or cure the diseases has been passed from generation to generation, knowledge about traditional medicines to treat newly emerging diseases has to be generated in one way or another. In addition, the existing traditional medicines have to be continuously improved, which is also the case with Western scientific medicines. Whereas one school of thought supports the idea of improving medicines, be they traditional or Western, through scientific research, an opposing school of thought argues that subjecting African traditional medicines to scientific research would be tantamount to some form of colonization and imperialism. This paper argues that continuing to use African traditional medicines for old and new diseases without making concerted efforts to improve their efficacy and safety is unethical since the disease burden affecting Africa may continue to rise in spite of the availability and accessibility of the traditional medicines. Most importantly, the paper commends efforts being made in some African countries to improve African traditional medicine through a combination of different mechanisms that include the controversial approach of scientific research on traditional medicines. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) occur throughout the developing world and remain a major public health problem in the poorest communities with enormous consequences on health and development of school-aged and preschool children. The extent of the problem has long been neglected because these diseases rarely kill at a young age, due to their insidious and chronic nature. Today there exists a momentum and an unprecedented opportunity for a cost-effective control of these neglected tropical diseases. The control of these diseases has become a priority on the agenda of many governments, donors and international agencies, which provides important funding opportunities for STH control through integration and co-implementation of control interventions. In the era of preventive chemotherapy, the intensification of mass administration of anthelminthic drugs will result in epidemiological changes of STH transmission levels, with a rapid increase of light infections as far as control programmes are successful. As consequence, the current diagnostic tools may not be always appropriate and may therefore require adaptation or development of alternative assays adapted to the stage of control. This paper reviews aspects relevant to diagnosis and appropriate tools for accurate surveillance and monitoring of STH control programmes and drug efficacy. Prospects, opportunities and challenges for the control are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]