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Paper-based rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are an essential component of modern healthcare, particularly for the management of infectious diseases. Despite their utility, these capillary-driven RDTs are compromised by high failure rates, primarily caused by user error. This limits their utility in complex assays that require multiple user operations. Here, we demonstrate how this issue can be directly addressed through continuous electrochemical monitoring of reagent flow inside an RDT using embedded graphenized electrodes. Our method relies on applying short voltage pulses and measuring variations in capacitive discharge currents to precisely determine the flow times of injected samples and reagents. This information is reported to the user, guiding them through the testing process, highlighting failure cases and ultimately decreasing errors. Significantly, the same electrodes can be used to quantify electrochemical signals from immunoassays, providing an integrated solution for both monitoring assays and reporting results. We demonstrate the applicability of this approach in a serology test for the detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in clinical serum samples. This method paves the way towards "smart" RDTs able to continuously monitor the testing process and improve the robustness of point-of-care diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel approach to teaching how vaccines work in the body, and introduces a community outreach project and activity we piloted with youth. Our Nuestra Ciencia program addresses scientific misconceptions among bilingual elementary school children in engaging and scientifically accurate ways. Utilizing analogies and storytelling, one of our lessons simplifies the complex microbiology concept of the mechanism of action of vaccines. We underscore the issue with conveying this concept through accurate visuals, supported by our research that revealed that less than 1% of cartoons available online accurately depict how vaccines work. The analogy we developed and showcase in this paper employs relatable characters: the virus as a robber, the immune system as a superhero, and the vaccine as a "most wanted" poster. The activities include a skit and storyboard session, enabling students to act out the analogy and create their own imaginative scenarios. By targeting young learners, this lesson aims to prevent long-standing misconceptions and empower future generations to make informed decisions about vaccination. Nuestra Ciencia offers a promising model for combating vaccine hesitancy and promoting public health through effective science communication.

While computational biology and bioinformatics became an inherent part of most life science degrees, it remains challenging to encourage students to employ these diverse skills in a practical research context. In this education paper, we present a method to enable students to acquire hands-on skills by the data-driven study of complex biomolecular datasets. The course starts with a series of introductory lectures, including a practical session on Cytoscape and associated computational network biology techniques. As we believe that enabling students to work on their own research questions will increase their motivation and interest, we introduced a recent hallmark virus-host protein-protein interaction article from which the database served as a starting point for the students to develop their research goal, which was presented and discussed in a first informal meeting. Over the next two months, about four interactive sessions were held, where students presented their problems, progress and challenges and exchanged ideas to help each other reach their goals. The role of the lecturers was to assist the students with independently collecting data and exploring new software tools for their research question. We present this concept and methods, and we share our experiences from an evaluation of the student learning outcomes.

Panic buying of toilet rolls in Australia began in early March 2020. This was related to the realisation that the novel coronavirus was spreading across the country. To the general population the impact of the virus was unknown. Gradually the federal government started closing the country's borders. The panic buying of toilet rolls was not unique to Australia. It happened across all societies that used toilet paper rather than water to clean after defecation and urination. However, research suggests that the panic buying was most extreme in Australia. This article argues that the panic buying was closely linked to everyday notions of Western civilisation. Pedestal toilets and toilet paper are key aspects of civilisation and the fear of the loss of toilet paper is connected to anxiety about social breakdown, the loss of civilisation. This is the fear manifested in the perceived threat posed by the virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the epidemiologic triangle framework (i.e., agent, host, environment), this early-semester activity was designed to help students both understand the multifaceted nature of COVID-19 and relax their tendency to compartmentalize knowledge. Specifically, the activity asked students to categorize the titles of 24 COVID-related research papers into the three categories (agent, host, environment) and 12 arbitrary subcategories. Instead of giving lectures and making students read research papers, we engaged them in reviewing and categorizing the titles to better understand the epidemiologic triangle. Students' content knowledge about COVID-related jargon was significantly improved and their attitude toward reading research papers was improved in some cases. Their responses toward the activity were overwhelmingly positive. Therefore, in this paper, we also provide additional suggestions for applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present guidance paper is to update the previous ENETS guidelines on well differentiated appendiceal neuroendocrine tumours (NET), providing practical guidance for the diagnosis and management of appendiceal NET (aNET); poorly differentiated neoplasms are dealt with in a separate guidance paper. This paper is structured on a question‐answer format in order to also address controversial issues and areas where uncertainty regarding the management and follow‐up of aNET exists. All recommendations are offered on the basis of the best available evidence, along with the authors' experiences in managing these neoplasms. Each recommendation for treatment will provide a level of evidence and grade of recommendation as per the GRADE system (adapted in Infectious Disease Society of United States Public Health Service grading system). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial meningitis, an infection of the membranes (meninges) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounding the brain and spinal cord, is one of the major causes of death and disability worldwide. Higher case-fatality rates and short survival times have been reported in developing countries. Hence, a quick, straightforward, and low-cost approach is in great demand for the diagnosis of meningitis. In this research, a microfluidic fully paper-based analytical device (μFPAD) integrated with loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and ssDNA-functionalized graphene oxide (GO) nano-biosensors was developed for the first time for a simple, rapid, low-cost, and quantitative detection of the main meningitis-causing bacteria, Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis). The results can be successfully read within 1 hour with the limit of detection (LOD) of 6 DNA copies per detection zone. This paper device also offers versatile functions by providing a qualitative diagnostic analysis (i.e., a yes or no answer), confirmatory testing, and quantitative analysis. These features make the presented μFPAD capable of a simple, highly sensitive, and specific diagnosis of N. meningitis. Furthermore, this microfluidic approach has great potential in the rapid detection of a wide variety of different other pathogens in low-resource settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is power? What is knowledge? What is the link between power and knowledge? This paper interrogates the relationship between knowledge and power in the context of Guinea's epidemic crises and political events. It draws on observational data collected during the Ebola epidemic (2013-2016), the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022), and the ongoing military transition in the country since September 2021. The article first looks at the conception of the relationship between power and knowledge in decolonial literature and the writings of Amadou Hampâté Bâ. The text then describes this relationship in the context of the Ebola and COVID-19 epidemics, and in the ongoing political transition. Finally, the analysis provides an epistemological reflection on knowledge-situated in Guinea to rethink the conceptual and empirical research perspective on the production and circulation of (academic) knowledge in the country's knowledge ecology.

Clinical expertise in infectious diseases is crucial in treating patients with infectious complications. The new board certification in infectious diseases will establish this expertise in Germany. The role of the specialty of infectious diseases in German hospitals and the definition for clinical services in hospitals (levels 2 and 3) are outlined here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the complexity and diversity of infectious diseases, diagnosis based solely on symptoms and imaging manifestations is associated with a high rate of misdiagnosis, so it is particularly important to find reliable and accurate biomarkers. Four inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, IL‐6, PCT and SAA) have different manifestations and roles in different infectious diseases and stages of infection, and the diagnosis and identification of infectious diseases can be realized through quantitative analysis of these four biomarkers simultaneously. In this study, we developed a colloidal gold nanoparticle (AuNP)‐based multiplex LFA strip using eight highly‐sensitive monoclonal antibodies that simultaneously detected CRP, IL‐6, PCT and SAA in serum within 15 min. And quantitative analysis was achieved with a portable strip reader, the LODs were 2.5 μg/mL, 25.3 pg/mL 0.87 ng/mL and 8.8 μg/mL for CRP, IL‐6, PCT and SAA, while detection ranges were 2.5–200 μg/mL, 25.3–8000 pg/mL 0.87–100 ng/mL and 8.8–200 μg/mL. Moreover, the quantitative colloidal gold assay correlated well with the results of a chemiluminescence immunoassay when testing clinical serum samples. Our developed method was reliable and accurate according to the recovery test results. Therefore, the strip can be used as an alternative method for the simultaneous monitoring of CRP, IL‐6, PCT and SAA in serum samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, the incidence of herpes zoster has risen steeply, the exact pathogenesis of the acute pain and the transformation into postherpetic neuralgia are still obscure, and the absence of effective management remains a major therapeutic challenge. The purpose of this study was to perform a qualitative and quantitative bibliometric analysis of the 100 most cited papers on herpes zoster. Materials and methods: Related literature were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Excel and VOSviewer software were applied to quantitatively analyze, and construct the bibliometric network charts. Results: The Top 100 most-cited papers published between 2000 and 2018 showed a fluctuating downward trend. The most studies were published in the year of 2000 (n = 12). The article entitled "A vaccine to prevent herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia in older adults" from Oxman MN, was the most-cited publication. The United States was the most contributing country, followed by the United Kingdom, and Italy. Finland occupied the highest citations per publication (CPP). The University of Colorado topped the list of institutions with the most publications with 18 articles and also had the most citations (average citations: 281.78 per article). Myron J Levin from the University of Colorado School of Medicine is the most published and most cited researcher overall, whereas Duke University's John W Gnann tops the list in terms of average CPP. Conclusion: In terms of the quantity of T100 articles, researchers, and organizations, the US is the predominant country. The most T100 papers were published in the special journal Clinical Infectious Diseases. The most academic focus remain the remedies for postherpetic neuralgia and vaccine development for individualized groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cost-effective rapid diagnosis of infectious diseases is an essential and important factor for curing such diseases in the global public health care picture. Owing to poor infrastructure and lack of sanitation, these diseases have an extreme impact on remote and rural areas, especially in developing countries, and there are unresolved challenges. Molecular diagnosis, such as nucleic acid analysis, plays a key role in the significant treatment of numerous infectious diseases. Current molecular diagnostic assays require a sophisticated laboratory setup with expensive components. Molecular diagnosis on a microfluidic point-of-care (POC) platform is attractive to researchers for disease detection with proper prevention. Compared to various microfluidic substrate materials, paper-based POC technologies offer significant cost-effective solutions over high-cost clinical instruments to fill the gap between the needs of users and affordability. Low-cost paper-based microfluidic POC technologies provide portable and disposable diagnostic systems for multiple disease detection that may be extremely useful in remote areas. This article presents a critical review of paper-based microfluidic device technology which has become an imminent platform to adjust the current health scenario for the detection of diseases using different stages of nucleic acid analysis, such as extraction, amplification and detection of nucleic acid, with future perspectives for paper substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, over one thousand papers were published on "Susceptible- Exposed-Infectious-Removed" (SEIR) epidemic computational models. The English word "exposed" in its vernacular and public health usage means a state of having been in contact with an infectious individual, but not necessarily infected. In contrast, the term "exposed" in SEIR modeling usage typically stands for a state of already being infected but not yet being infectious to others, a state more properly termed "latently infected." In public health language, "exposed" means possibly infected, yet in SEIR modeling language, "exposed" means already infected. This paper retraces the conceptual and mathematical origins of this terminological disconnect and concludes that epidemic modelers should consider using the "SLIR" notational short-hand (L for Latent) instead of SEIR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In their senior year, biochemistry majors at the University of Detroit Mercy take a senior seminar course entitled "Recent Advances in Biochemistry Related to Societal Issues." Students read papers selected from the current literature and take turns presenting these papers to the class. Papers are grouped into units dealing with molecular biology, protein structure/function, apoptosis/cancer/AIDS, and neurochemistry. The ethical/societal implications of the research are also discussed. In addition, a term paper dealing with societal issues and written in dialogue format by teams of students is required. The students present their dialogue papers as skits to an audience composed of faculty as well as junior biochemistry, chemistry, and biology majors. Based upon a survey taken at the beginning, at midterm, and at the end of the semester, the familiarity of the students with the ethical/societal issues related to the subjects covered increased significantly. Also, in course evaluations administered at the end of the semester, students expressed a high degree of satisfaction with this course. (Contains 6 tables and 2 footnotes.)

Lateral flow assay (LFA) is emerging as one of the most popular paper-based biosensors in the field of the diagnostic industry. LFA fills all the gaps between diagnosis and treatment as it provides beneficial qualities to users such as quick response, Point-of-care appeal, early detection, low cost, and effective and sensitive detections of various infectious diseases. These benefits increase LFA's dependability for disease management because rapid and accurate disease diagnosis is a prerequisite for effective medication. Only 2% of overall healthcare expenditures, according to Roche Molecular Diagnostics, are spent on in vitro diagnostics, even though 60% of treatment choices are based on this data. To make LFA more innovative, futuristic plans have been outlined in many reports. Thus, this review reports on very knowledgeable literature discussing LFA and its development along with recent futuristic plans for LFA-based biosensors that cover all the novel features of the improvement of LFA. LFA might therefore pose a very significant economic success and have a significant influence on medical diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In developing countries as in developed countries, the COVID-19 crisis has led to near universal school closures that will affect children's ability to learn, especially in countries with limited infrastructure for distance learning. While most children are likely to return to school when they reopen, quite a few may drop out. In addition, the economic recession generated by the crisis will affect livelihoods, leading to higher rates of poverty and food insecurity. This also may have negative impacts on both Catholic schools and their students. This paper, the second in a set of two, looks at likely impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on Catholic Schools in developing countries, with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa, a vulnerable region given the comparatively weak performance of its education systems and the limited availability of resources for governments to protect education budgets (acknowledging that many Catholic schools in the region are public schools). How Catholic schools will be able to respond to the twin challenges of school closures and the economic downturn may affect their comparative advantage for the medium term. A key aim of the paper is to make Catholic school teachers and leaders aware of some of the discussions on how to respond to the crisis, and provide links to resources online that may be useful. [For Part I of the series, see EJ1278497.]

The COVID-19 crisis has led to widespread temporary school closures and a deep economic recession. School closures have threatened children's ability to learn and later return to school well prepared. The impact of the economic recession is going to be even more devastating: first for students, but also for the ability of some Catholic schools to maintain their enrollment and remain sustainable financially in countries where they do not benefit from government support. This paper, the first in a set of two, looks at some of the likely impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on Catholic Schools in developed countries with a particular focus on the United States, a country not only hard hit by the crisis but also where Catholic schools are especially vulnerable to downturns. While Catholic schools may be able to respond to the immediate challenge of school closures among others through distance learning options, their ability to maintain enrollment during the economic downturn is less clear. How schools will respond to the twin challenges of ensuring learning during school closures and beyond, and remaining affordable for families at a time of economic stress, may affect whether they are able to maintain their comparative advantage. A key aim of the paper is to make Catholic school teachers and leaders aware of some of the discussions on how to respond to the crisis, and provide links to online resources that may be useful. [For Part II of the series, see EJ1278501.]

Infectious diseases cause millions of deaths annually in the developing world. Recently, microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) have been developed to diagnose such diseases, as these tests are low cost, biocompatible, and simple to fabricate. However, current μPADs are difficult to use in resource-limited areas due to their reliance on external instrumentation to measure and analyze the test results. In this work, we propose an electricity and external instrumentation-free μPAD sensor based on the colorimetric enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the diagnosis of infectious disease (3D-tPADs). Designed based on the principle of origami, the proposed μPAD enables the sequential steps of the colorimetric ELISA test to be completed in just ∼10 min. In addition, in order to obtain an accurate ELISA result without using any instrument, we have integrated an electricity-free "timer" within the μPAD that can be controlled by the buffer viscosity and fluid path volume to indicate the appropriate times for washing and color development steps, which can avoid false positive or false negative results caused by an extended or shortened amount of washing and development times. Due to the low background noise and high positive signal intensity of the μPAD, positive and negative detection results can be distinguished by just the naked eye. Furthermore, the ELISA result can be semi-quantified by comparing the results shown on the μPAD with a color chart diagram with a detection limit of HIV type 1(HIV-1) p24 antigen as low as 0.03 ng mL−1. These results demonstrate the proposed sensor can perform infectious disease diagnosis without external instrumentation or electricity, extending the application of the μPAD test for on-site detection and use in resource-limited settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a analysis of quantitative and qualitative dimensions of global research output (3488 records) on "Impact of COVID-19 on Children and Adolescents", based on indexed publications in Scopus database. The global publications on this theme averaged 8.31 citations per paper. About 1.49% share of its total publications in this area received external funding support. The 145 countries partcipitated in global research output on "Impact of COVID-19 on Children and Adults", of which the top 10 countries accounted for 85.21% and more than 100% share of global publications and citations. The USA, U.K. and Italy leads in global publications ranking and productivity as against China (3.16), U.K (1.28) and USA (1.27) leading in terms of relative of relative citation index. The 412 organizations and 661 authors participated in global research on this theme, with top 15 most productive organizations and authors contributing 21.07% and 4.30% global publications share and 38.05% and 12.98% global citations share. Harvard Medical School, USA, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China and Tongji Medical College, China leads the world as the most productive organizatons (with 480, 67 and 63 publications) and Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China (31.97 and 3.85), Tongji Medical College, China (19.92 and 2.40) and Children Hospital of Philadelphia, USA (19.30 and 2.32) leading as the most impactful organizations in the world in terms of citation per paper and relative citation index. D.Buonsensov, C.Calvo and X. Lu were the most productive authors (with 15, 12 and 12 papers) and X.Lu (103.83 and 12.49), A. Licari ( 40.11 and 4.83) and G.L. Marseglia( 34.09 and 4.1) were the most impactful authors. JAMA Pediatrics, Pediatrics Infectious Disease Journal and Acta Paediatrica International Journal of Pediatrics were the most productive journals (with 71, 60 and 58 papers) and Pediatrics (36.59, JAMA Pediatrics (19.49) and Acta Paediatrica International Journal of Pediatrics (14.93) were the most impactful journals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recommended Revisions to the National SEP-1 Sepsis Quality Measure: A commentary by the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists on the Infectious Diseases Society of America Position Paper Keywords: sepsis; infectious diseases; septic shock EN sepsis infectious diseases septic shock 368 371 4 04/14/20 20200401 NES 200401 Following recent revisions to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Sepsis and Septic Shock Early Management Bundle (SEP-1) reporting requirement, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) led a group of invested stakeholder organizations to develop a position paper of recommended revisions to further improve SEP-1. In addition to these specific comments on the recommendations from IDSA, SIDP also recommends general improvements in broad-spectrum antibiotic administration in patients with septic shock. [Extracted from the article]

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock Early Management Bundle (SEP-1) measure has appropriately established sepsis as a national priority. However, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA and five additional endorsing societies) is concerned about SEP-1's potential to drive antibiotic overuse because it does not account for the high rate of sepsis overdiagnosis and encourages aggressive antibiotics for all patients with possible sepsis, regardless of the certainty of diagnosis or severity of illness. IDSA is also concerned that SEP-1's complex "time zero" definition is not evidence-based and is prone to inter-observer variation. In this position paper, IDSA outlines several recommendations aimed at reducing the risk of unintended consequences of SEP-1 while maintaining focus on its evidence-based elements. IDSA's core recommendation is to limit SEP-1 to septic shock, for which the evidence supporting the benefit of immediate antibiotics is greatest. Prompt empiric antibiotics are often appropriate for suspected sepsis without shock, but IDSA believes there is too much heterogeneity and difficulty defining this population, uncertainty about the presence of infection, and insufficient data on the necessity of immediate antibiotics to support a mandatory treatment standard for all patients in this category. IDSA believes guidance on managing possible sepsis without shock is more appropriate for guidelines that can delineate the strengths and limitations of supporting evidence and allow clinicians discretion in applying specific recommendations to individual patients. Removing sepsis without shock from SEP-1 will mitigate the risk of unnecessary antibiotic prescribing for noninfectious syndromes, simplify data abstraction, increase measure reliability, and focus attention on the population most likely to benefit from immediate empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world is changing: both a conventional and a vaccine passport are now needed to travel internationally. Mask mandates, and social distancing are the new norm in a rapidly changing society. These measures were put in place to control the spread of the highly infectious and often fatal COVID-19, caused by a viral agent, a microorganism, a zoonosis, and the cause of death for over 6 million people around the world. Considering this, maintaining biosecurity is important around the world to ensure public health. Biosecurity in New Zealand supposes that people including young people understand different pests and diseases that can harm public health. This qualitative study was conducted to gauge the biosecurity knowledge of 171 young people (14-15-year-olds). Young people were tested on their knowledge about biosecurity related plants, animals, and microorganisms. This paper reports specifically on the results of knowledge of microorganisms of young people. Results show that negative anthropocentric views dominate adolescents understanding of microorganisms and anthropomorphism is widely used to explain microorganism activity. An educational programme, targeted at developing a conceptual understanding about microorganisms starting at primary education may help develop a more educated global citizen, one versed in understanding the biology of microorganisms.

Aim: Using an integrated model of health literacy, we discuss the importance of health literacy among foreign domestic workers in the provision of informal caregiving during outbreaks of communicable diseases. COVID‐19 pandemic is used as an example. Background: Adequate health literacy in the population is known to be important for the prevention of communicable diseases. Foreign domestic workers, a group of marginalised caregivers in private households, are generally presumed to have limited health literacy because of numerous socio‐cultural disadvantages. To date, there is limited evidence that these informal healthcare providers receive support from community‐based nurses. Design: A discursive paper. Conclusion: Foreign domestic workers, with varying levels of health literacy, may be viewed either as a resource to break the chain of infection or as a potential reservoir of communicable diseases in the community. Meanwhile, restrictions imposed in response to diseases transmissions (e.g. stay‐at‐home measures for COVID‐19) may directly exacerbate the social support received by these foreign domestic works and their ability to access health‐related information. There are also concerns about their ability to appraise and evaluate information related to communicable diseases at a time when fake news and misinformation are being disseminated through social media. Language and cultural barriers are important issues that need to be addressed to ensure that foreign domestic workers are in a position to follow public health recommendations. Relevance to clinical practice: Nurses hold an important position in empowering foreign domestic workers with adequate health literacy, by engaging groups of foreign domestic workers in the community and their consulates in planning educational programmes and effectively disseminating information. At a time of global pandemic, an assessment of the health literacy levels of foreign domestic workers in places like Hong Kong is urgently required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Central lines are essential vascular access devices that can be associated with bloodstream infections. • This position paper overviews the techniques relevent to the insertion of these devices and procedures to maintain the catheter. • The paper also underscores the differences in management problems between high and middle to low income countries and between adults and children. • This paper also overviews the diagnosis and choice of antimicrobials in the treatment of central line-associated bloodstream infections. A panel of experts was convened by the International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID) to overview recommendations on managing and preventing vascular catheter infections, specifically for the prevention and management of central line-associated bloodstream infections. These recommendations are intended to provide insight for healthcare professionals regarding the prevention of infection in the placement and maintenance of the catheter and diagnosis as well as treatment of catheter infection. Aspects of this area in pediatrics and in limited-resource situations and a discussion regarding the selection of empiric or targeted antimicrobial therapy are particular strengths of this position paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is escalating all over the world and has higher morbidities and mortalities in certain vulnerable populations. People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) are a marginalized and stigmatized group with weaker immunity responses, vulnerability to stress, poor health conditions, high-risk behaviors, and lower access to health care services. These conditions put them at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection and its complications. In this paper, an international group of experts on addiction medicine, infectious diseases, and disaster psychiatry explore the possible raised concerns in this issue and provide recommendations to manage the comorbidity of COVID-19 and Substance Use Disorder (SUD). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The benefits of many breakthroughs in biotechnology, health, and medicine have often been restricted by the high cost and the limited availability of tests and application devices. There is a need for low-cost bioassays for biotechnological applications and health diagnostics. To facilitate quality health care to resource-limited regions, the point-of-care devices needs to be affordable, sensitive, user-friendly, rapid, and robust. Paper is an ideal ingredient to develop disposable bioassay devices. Bioactive papers can be used to develop paper-based analytical devices for clinical diagnosis, assessing organ dysfunction, and detecting infectious diseases and microorganisms. Bioactive papers can also be used as antibacterial papers in healthcare and food packaging. At present the paper diagnostics is a multibillion-dollar market. Considering the product range and applications in health sector the market potential of bioactive papers is very high. Synchronized scientific and industrial research is needed to develop high quality and consistent commercial products from laboratory proof of concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background and aim The European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) aims to further develop its role in international medical and scientific guidance in the field of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, where many types of guidance documents exist. The ESCMID Executive Committee and the Clinical Microbiology and Infection (CMI) editorial board wish to clarify the terminology and format to be used in ESCMID guidance documents submitted for publication in CMI , and to highlight the principles behind ESCMID guidance documents. Types of guidance documents There are five types of ESCMID guidance documents: White Papers, Clinical Practice Guidelines, Consensus Statements, State-of-the-Science Statements, and Position Papers. They differ in scope, methods of development, drafting group composition and preferred publication format. Guidance documents can be proposed, developed and published by ESCMID Study Groups, Committees and individual members; often, other scientific societies are involved. The full disclosure of potential conflicts of interest of all drafting group members is a requirement. Final remarks Guidance documents constitute a common cultural and scientific background to people in the same and related professions. Also, they are an important educational and training tool. Developing a guidance document is a scientific endeavour, where a sound and transparent development process is needed, requiring multidisciplinary and personal skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we discuss challenges associated with implementing a policy for Ancillary Care (AC) for related and unrelated (serious) adverse events during an Ebola vaccine trial conducted in a remote area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Conducting clinical trials in resource-constrained settings can raise context-related challenges that have implications for study participants' health and wellbeing. During the Ebola vaccine study, three participants were injured in road traffic accidents, but there were unexpected difficulties when trying to apply the AC policy. First, because of the nature of the adverse events, the insurer refused to cover the costs. Second, the AC policy did not address treatments by traditional medicine, even though traditional medicines are frequently used and highly trusted in the study community. This highlighted a contrast between the researchers' well-intentioned AC approach and the participants' legitimate preferences. The way in which researchers should address their responsibility to provide AC is not straightforward; it requires contextualization. Our experience highlights the importance of involving community representatives and the local ethics committee to ensure development of an AC policy that is culturally and ethically appropriate. Additionally, the insurance contract should clearly stipulate which adverse events are linked to the trial participation, and thus eligible for coverage, to avoid controversies when claims are made.

The faculty at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) recognized the potential benefits for collaborative teaching and learning across disciplines. Research and development of an Interprofessional Case Learning Project (ICLP) laid the foundation for the creation and implementation of a problem-based learning course. This course, Interdisciplinary Perspectives of an Infectious Disease--Malaria, introduced innovative interdisciplinary pedagogy into the curriculum of the MCPHS School of Arts & Sciences. Designed by biologists, chemists, historians, and public health faculty, this course introduced senior pre-medicine majors to varied methods and theories as they worked in groups to solve problems related to the incidence, prevention, and treatment of an infectious disease. Students' deliverables included journal-quality research papers and posters presented at the MCPHS School of Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Research Conference.

Surveillance of meningococcal disease (MD) is crucial after the implementation of vaccination strategies to monitor their impact on disease burden. Adolescent vaccination could provide direct and indirect protection. Argentina, Brazil, and Chile have introduced meningococcal conjugate vaccines (MCV) into their National Immunization Programs (NIP), while Uruguay has not. Here, we analyze the epidemiology of MD and vaccination experience from these four South American countries to identify needs and plans to improve the current vaccination programs. Methodology: Descriptive study of MD incidence rates, serogroup distribution, case fatality rates (CFR), and MCV uptakes during the period 2010–2021 in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay. Data were extracted from national surveillance programs, reference laboratories, NIPs, and Pubmed. Results: MD overall incidence from 2010 to 2021 have a decreasing trend in Argentina (0.37 [IQR = 0.20–0.61]), Brazil (0.59 [IQR = 0.54–1.22]), and Chile (0.45 [IQR = 0.40–0.77]), while a significant increase in Uruguay (0.47 [IQR = 0.33–0.69]) was found from 2016 to 2019. During the COVID-19 pandemic, all countries sharply reduced their MD incidence. The highest incidence rates were observed among infants, followed by children 1–4 years of age. No second peak was evident in adolescents. A reduction in serogroup C, W, and Y cases has occurred in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile after introduction of MCV, serogroup B becoming predominant in all four countries. Median CFR was 9.0%, 21%, 19.9%, and 17.9% in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay, respectively. Median uptake of MCV for Argentina and Brazil were 66.6% and 91.0% for priming in infants; 54.7% and 84.5% for booster in toddlers; and 47.5% and 53% for adolescents; while for Chile, 95.6% for toddlers. Conclusions: Experience after the implementation of MCV programs in South America was successful, reducing the burden of MD due to the vaccine serogroups. High vaccine uptake and the inclusion of adolescents will be crucial in the post-pandemic period to maintain the protection of the population. The increase in the proportion of serogroup B cases emphasizes the importance of continuous surveillance to guide future vaccination strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has revolutionized the practice of ambulatory medicine, triggering rapid dissemination of digital healthcare modalities, including synchronous video visits. However, social determinants of health, such as age, race, income, and others, predict readiness for telemedicine and individuals who are not able to connect virtually may become lost to care. This is particularly relevant to the practice of infectious diseases (ID) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) medicine, as we care for high proportions of individuals whose health outcomes are affected by such factors. Furthermore, delivering high-quality clinical care in ID and HIV practice necessitates discussion of sensitive topics, which is challenging over video without proper preparation. We describe the "digital divide," emphasize the relevance to ID and HIV practice, underscore the need to study the issue and develop interventions to mitigate its impact, and provide suggestions for optimizing telemedicine in ID and HIV clinics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has become pandemic, reaching almost one million death worldwide. At present standard treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is not well defined because the evidence, either from randomized or observational studies, with conflicting results, has led to rapid changes in treatment guidelines. Our aim was to narratively summarize the available literature on the management of COVID-19 in order to combine current evidence and interpretation of the data by experts who are treating patients in the frontline setting. The panel conducted a detailed review of the literature and eventual press releases from randomized clinical trials for each possible available treatment. Inductive PubMed search waws performed for publications relevant to the topic, including all clinical trials conducted. The result was a flowchart with treatment indications for patients with COVID-19. After 6 months of a pandemic situation and before a possible second coronavirus wave descends on Europe, it is important to evaluate which drugs proved to be effective while also considering that results from many randomized clinical trials are still awaited. Indeed, among treatments for COVID-19, only glucocorticoids have resulted in an association with a significant decrease in mortality in published randomized controlled trials. New therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water-associated or water-related infectious disease outbreaks are caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, which can be transmitted through contaminated water sources, poor sanitation practices, or insect vectors. Low- and middle-income countries bear the major burden of these infections due to inadequate hygiene and subpar laboratory facilities, making it challenging to monitor and detect infections in a timely manner. However, even developed countries are not immune to these diseases, as inadequate wastewater management and contaminated drinking water supplies can also contribute to disease outbreaks. Nucleic acid amplification tests have proven to be effective for early disease intervention and surveillance of both new and existing diseases. In recent years, paper-based diagnostic devices have made significant progress and become an essential tool in detecting and managing water-associated infectious diseases. In this review, we have highlighted the importance of paper and its variants as a diagnostic tool and discussed the properties, designs, modifications, and various paper-based device formats developed and used for detecting water-associated pathogens. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covid-19 has once again brought into focus our limited preparedness to deal with epidemics. Most nations, across the globe, have responded with a resolve to come stronger out of this crisis and leaderships across the world have shown great commitment to protecting its people from Covid-19. Covid-19 has also taught us a few things for the future. One such learning has been that a strong shift in focus towards non-communicable diseases driving health infrastructure across the globe for the last few decades has come at neglect of communicable diseases. In that sense, therefore, the current pandemic has been a wake-up call. Organised Medicine Academic Guild (OMAG), an umbrella organization of professional associations gathered a group of health experts to develop a policy document on epidemic preparedness to limit the influence of epidemics like Covid-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clostridioides difficile infection is an increasing presence worldwide. Prevention is multipronged, reflecting a complex and evolving epidemiology. Multiple guidelines exist regarding the prevention of C. difficile infection in healthcare settings; however, existing guidelines do not address C. difficile in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Nevertheless, the prevalence of C. difficile in LMIC likely parallels, if not exceeds, that of high-income countries, and LMIC may experience additional challenges in C. difficile diagnosis and control. A panel of experts was convened by the International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID) to review the current state of C. difficile infections globally and make evidence-based recommendations for infection prevention that are broadly applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious diseases are a global concern for public health resulting in high rates of infection with subsequent health and socio-economic impacts through resulting morbidity and mortality. The emergence of such diseases has motivated researchers to develop cost-effective, rapid and sensitive analytical methods and devices to better understand the transmission routes of infections within populations. To this end, rapid and low-cost diagnosis and testing devices for infectious diseases are attracting increasing amounts of attention, e.g., through using paper-based analytical devices (PADs). In this paper, the recent development of PADs is critically reviewed both for the diagnosis of inviduals and population health, by using devices for testing wastewater. Finally, the review also focuses on PADs for the analysis of bacteria and viruses in wastewater, together with a discussion on thee future development of PADs for rapid diagnosis and wastewater surveillance. • The major infectious diseases and main diagnosis technology were summarized. • The current paper-based devices for infectious disease diagnosis and wastewater surveillance were reviewed. • The integrated paper-based devices for point-of-care diagnosis were discussed. • Artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and IoT technologies were discussed for the integration with paper sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and others receiving antiretrovirals are at risk for medication errors during hospitalization and at transitions of care. These errors may result in adverse effects or viral resistance, limiting future treatment options. A range of interventions is described in the literature to decrease the occurrence or duration of medication errors, including review of electronic health records, clinical checklists at care transitions, and daily review of medication lists. To reduce the risk of medication-related errors, antiretroviral stewardship programs (ARVSPs) are needed to enhance patient safety. This call to action, endorsed by the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the HIV Medicine Association, and the American Academy of HIV Medicine, is modeled upon the success of antimicrobial stewardship programs now mandated by the Joint Commission. Herein, we propose definitions of ARVSPs, suggest resources for ARVSP leadership, and provide a summary of published, successful strategies for ARVSP that healthcare facilities may use to develop locally appropriate programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problems with indoor husbandry and immunological challenges are some of the stressors that broilers may face which can affect production. Infectious diseases can compound the effects of excessive concentrations of ammonia causing respiratory and ocular inflammation and increased lacrimal production in broiler chickens. The objectives of this investigation were to establish normal values of tear production in chicks and compare the practicality of the different methods. Palpebral fissure length (PFL) and tear production were evaluated in Cobb 500 chicks at 5 d old and then at 5 d of age by the following methods: modified Schirmer's test I (mSTT1), phenol red cotton thread tear test (PRCTTT), and standardized endodontic absorbent paper point test (EAPPTT). Ten chicks at the age of 5 and 42 d were evaluated for each method. In addition, at 42 d, when the palpebral fissure permitted, a regular-sized Schirmer tear test I (STT1) was performed in another group of 10 chickens. Overall, PFL and the secretion of the aqueous phase of the tear film increased with age. Mean mSTT1 results were 5.00 ± 1.83 mm and 10.45 ± 2.58 mm for 5- and 42-d-old chicks, respectively. Mean PRCTTT results were 12.37 ± 1.80 mm and 25.58 ± 4.8 mm for 5- and 42-d-old chicks, respectively. Mean EAPPTT results were 7.13 ± 0.72 mm and 12.03 ± 0.92 mm for 5- and 42-d-old chicks, respectively. Mean STT1 for 42-d-old chicks was 11.40 ± 2.60 mm. Results obtained with endodontic paper points showed the lowest coefficient of variation and investigators found the test easier to perform. These values reported for broilers at different ages may be applied in poultry ophthalmology to help the diagnosis of lacrimal production disorders and to detect early disease symptoms that could cause economic losses in poultry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Daily use of public restrooms may have a significant impact on spreading infectious diseases. Human society could be affected by spreading of transitional infectious diseases through feces, urinary tract infection and poor personal hygiene. According to the World Health Organization reports, plenty of people's developed diseases caused by contaminated public restrooms that may result in severe health problems. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 7,482 samples that were collected randomly in 6 months (spring and summer 2019) in different regions of Tehran. The Data were obtained by analyzing 804 restroom's indoor and outdoor handles, 1062 toilet faucet, 826 washbasin taps, 1,062 toilet hoses, 804 flush tank levers, 643 soap dispenser bottoms, 643 liquid soaps, 99 bar soaps, 169 toilet papers and paper towels, and 50 hand dryer machines. Samples which were tested, based on bacteriology standard methods. Result: 7,482 samples were gathered of which 6,678 contaminated cases (89.25%) were observed and 804 cases (10.75%) were found non-contaminated. Escherichia coli with 28.48% and Pseudomonas with 0.39% were the most and the least common bacteria, respectively, in this study. Conclusion: The required tests to identify the bacteria that cause contamination through the use of public restrooms have been done. It is essential to inform the public of the mentioned items and teach how to prevent infectious diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Point-of-care testing (POCT) is a simple, rapid and cost-efficient diagnostic method in settings where clinical resources are limited, developing countries for instance, and an essential tool for controlling infectious diseases. Previously, we developed a centrifugal-based separation-free visual detection system (SPIN-DNA) for human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA. However, this gel column-based detection system requires a centrifugation device to separate DNA-bound beads from free beads. It would be more feasible in resource-limited settings to employ a smaller force, such as a capillary force, for lateral flow assay. For this purpose, here we describe a paper-based method for separating amplified DNA that we developed. Visualization of amplified DNA to the naked eye using magnetic beads was achieved, without additional centrifugation, addition of capturing DNA probes, incubation time, or dilution. This simple visualized detection method of target DNA (PASS-DNA) was applied for HPV DNA in this study. The detection sensitivity of PASS-DNA was at least 101 copies/mL of HPV DNA, and the results of PASS-DNA showed perfect agreement with those obtained using the Roche Cobas 4800 HPV test (n = 30). No prolonged incubation times or washing steps are required with PASS-DNA; rather, the method involves one mixing step followed by loading the solution onto the paper. In addition, no absorbent pad is needed to provide a capillary driving force. This paper-based DNA detection system could accelerate the development of molecular POCT with further improvements and integration with sample preparation and DNA isolation and amplification in resource-limited settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Communicable diseases are one of the main health problems in Iran. This study aimed at demonstrating the progress of communicable diseases management in more than 30 years of its implementation and pointing out its strengths and weaknesses, as well. Materials and Methods: This interview-based study using content analysis method was conducted in 2014. Data were collected through deep interviews. Fifteen interviews were conducted with all experts and health system managers at Iran's communicable diseases management center. The collected data were analyzed using the principles suggested by Strauss and Corbin. Results: The establishment of the communicable disease surveillance system was a revolution in the health system of Iran. The strengths of the system are as follows: networkbased and integrated health services, well-organized and knowledgeable personnel, national and international supports, strategic and operational plans, and expanded programs of immunization. On the other hand, its weaknesses mentioned by the participants were: disease-based case definition, poor public awareness, poor inter-sectoral collaboration and coordination, insufficient resources, delayed or no notifying target diseases, lack of district laws or incomplete implementation of legislation, failure to provide feedback or ignoring for the results of the analysis, and lack of performance evaluation. Conclusion: Although the implementation of the communicable diseases surveillance system was a huge achievement in the health system of Iran, however, it needs more improvements based on the present situation. Revision of the rules, restoration and strengthening of the existing structure, the use of modern information and communication technologies, and the establishment of the monitoring and evaluation system are helpful to increase its success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a hands-on activity using the game Jenga to demonstrate the links between health behaviors, chronic and infectious diseases, and community well-being and resilience. For the activity, K-12 students worked together in small teams (4-8 students) and were given two Jenga towers ("tower A" and "tower B"), each representing a community of individuals. The goal was to keep both towers standing. Teams were presented with strips of paper labeled with either a "health behavior" (e.g., nutrition, body weight maintenance, physical activity) or a "disease" (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, COVID-19) and instructions on whether to add or remove blocks from each tower. When presented with a health behavior, students added blocks to "tower A" for positive health behaviors (e.g., not smoking) and removed blocks from "tower B" for negative health behaviors (e.g., smoking). When a disease was presented students removed blocks from both towers, but fewer blocks were removed from "tower A" compared with "tower B," demonstrating lower disease rates or severity in that community. As the activity progressed, "tower A" retained more blocks than "tower B". For the finale, students observed that the greater strength and stability of "tower A" allowed it to withstand a simulated natural disaster such as an earthquake better than "tower B". This activity was delivered to 15 science classes and 225 students ranging from 6th to 12th grade. Students were able to describe the connections between positive health behaviors and lower rates of disease and how, taken together, these impact community health, well-being, and resilience.

In this study, we introduce a paper microdevice fully integrating DNA extraction, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and Safranin O-based colorimetric detection of two major infectious pathogens, namely SARS-CoV-2 and Enterococcus faecium. The paper microdevice is composed of two parts: sample and reaction chambers. A sealing film acted as a bottom layer to allow foldable motion for transferring DNA from sample chamber to reaction chamber in a seamless manner. An FTA card was employed in the sample chamber for DNA extraction and purification from bacteria-spiked milk. After LAMP reaction at 65 °C for 30 min, a novel aggregation-based DNA detection was obtained by Safranin O polymerization in the reaction chamber. Specifically, Safranin O underwent polymerization by addition of oxidant to form Safranin O oligomers. The electrostatic interaction between the positively charged Safranin O oligomers and the negatively charged DNA comprising LAMP amplicons resulted in the aggregation with a dark red color. Meanwhile, in the absence of LAMP amplicons, Safranin O oligomers were well dispersed and displayed their original red color. By using Safranin O-based detection, SARS-CoV-2 and E. faecium were successfully identified by naked eye within 60 min, and the limits of detection were 10-4 ng/μL and 102 CFU/mL, respectively. These results indicate that a fully integrated paper microdevice plays an important role in sample-in-answer-out format in the genetic analyses of infectious disease and serves as a rapid tool for controlling the spread of diseases. • A novel Safranin O aggregation-based LAMP amplicons monitoring was developed for multiple infectious diseases identification. • DNA extraction, LAMP-based amplification, and Colorimetric observation were employed for on-site detection. • The paper device was fabricated by integrating LAMP and Safranin O-based Colorimetric detection.. • LOD of paper microdevice was recorded to be 10-4 ng/µL and 102 CFU/mL for SARS-CoV-2 and E. faecium , respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Computer numerical control printed disposable paper electrodes for electrochemical sensing. • Proof-of-concept demonstrated by detecting Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence factor pyocyanin. • Satisfactory analytical performance and validated with gold standard. Disposable paper electrodes (PPE) have significant advantages in biosensor research considering the cost-effectiveness, simplicity, and easy batch manufacturing opportunity. An increase in communicable and non-communicable diseases demands for custom-made sensor platforms. Herein, we report an alternative method for the fabrication of PPE through simple and rapid computer numerical controlled (CNC) printing technique. The fabricated electrodes were electrochemically characterised, and by detecting antibiotic resistant pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence factor pyocyanin, the sensing application is demonstrated. Finally, the sensor is validated with a gold-standard culture-based assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined 1181 global publications in Nipah virus, as covered in multidisciplinary and bibliographic Scopus database during 1999-2018, with a view to understand their growth rate, global share, citation impact, international collaborative papers share, distribution of publications by broad subjects, productivity and citation profile of top organizations and authors, preferred media of communication and bibliographic characteristics of high cited papers. The global publications in Nipah virus registered an annual average growth rate of 16.23% and its citation impact averaged to 28.05 citations per paper. Among the 62 countries participating in global Nipah virus research, the top 10 more productive countries account together for more than 100% of its global research output and citation share. The individual global publication share of top 10 most productive countries varied widely 4.23% to 45.98% during 1999-2018, with USA accounting for the highest publication share (45.98%), followed by Australia (16.77%), Malaysia (11.09% share), and other 7 countries (from 4.23% to 7.96%) during 1999-2018. Four of top 10 countries scored relative citation index above the world average of 1.28: Malaysia (1.67), Australia (1.47), Bangladesh (1.41) and USA (1.37) during 1999-2018. The international collaborative papers share of top 10 most productive countries in Nipah virus research varied widely from 24.56% (India) to 88.46% (Bangladesh). Medicine, among various broad subjects, contributed the largest publications share of 59.97% to global Nipah virus research, followed by immunology and microbiology (42.51%), biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology (21.25%), agricultural and biological sciences (11.85%), and other 3 sub-fields contribution varying from 4.57% to 6.10% during 1999-2018. Among various organizations and authors contributing to global Nipah virus research, the 15 most productive global organizations and authors together contributed 65.11% and 48.69% global publication share and 99.15% and 89.29% global citation share respectively during 1999-2018. Amongst 1077 journal papers (in 410 journals) in global Nipah virus research, the top 20 most productive journals contributed 40.39% share of total journal publication output during 1999-2018. Seventy nine (79) publications were found to be high cited, as they registered citations from 101-793 during 1999-2018 and they together received 114880 citations, which averaged to 188.359 citations per paper. Key words: Nipah virus, Virology, Infectious diseases, Global publications, Scientometrics, Bibliometrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study a three-species cyclic game system where organisms face a contagious disease whose virulence may change by a pathogen mutation. As a responsive defence strategy, organisms' mobility is restricted to reduce disease dissemination in the system. The impact of the collective self-preservation strategy on the disease infection risk is investigated by performing stochastic simulations of the spatial version of the rock–paper–scissors game. Our outcomes show that the mobility control strategy induces plasticity in the spatial patterns with groups of organisms of the same species inhabiting spatial domains whose characteristic length scales depend on the level of dispersal restrictions. The spatial organisation plasticity allows the ecosystems to adapt to minimise the individuals' disease contamination risk if an eventual pathogen alters the disease virulence. We discover that if a pathogen mutation makes the disease more transmissible or less lethal, the organisms benefit more if the mobility is not strongly restricted, thus forming large spatial domains. Conversely, the benefits of protecting against a pathogen causing a less contagious or deadlier disease are maximised if the average size of groups of individuals of the same species is significantly limited, reducing the dimensions of groups of organisms significantly. Our findings may help biologists understand the effects of dispersal control as a conservation strategy in ecosystems affected by epidemic outbreaks. • Stochastic simulations of the rock–paper–scissors model with organisms facing a disease spreading are performed. • The effects of individuals' mobility restrictions on the spatial organisation scale are quantified. • The impact of changes in the disease virulence on population dynamics is studied. • The benefits of the spatial organisation plasticity induced by the adaptation of the mobility restrictions in response to changes in the disease virulence are calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]