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The correction notice for the article "Prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella species and their multidrug resistance patterns among pediatric populations in Ethiopia" in BMC Infectious Diseases addresses the incorrect replacement of figures during production. The original article has been corrected, and the corrected figures now accurately represent the data. The authors of the study are listed as Mihret Tilahun, Melaku Ashagrie Belete, Alemu Gedefe, Habtu Debash, Ermiyas Alemayehu, Daniel Gebretsadik Weldehana, Hussein Ebrahim, Ousman Mohammed, Bruktawit Eshetu, Saba Gebremichael Tekele, Zewudu Mulatie, and Agumas Shibabaw. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Salmonella and Shigella are major enteric pathogens that cause diarrhea in children worldwide. They are pathogenic microbes that cause significant diarrheal morbidity and mortality in under five children in resource limited countries. Thus, this systemic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella species and their multidrug resistance patterns in pediatric populations in Ethiopia. Methods: The articles were searched extensively in the electronic databases and grey literature using entry terms or phrases. Studies meeting the eligibility criteria were extracted in MS Excel and exported for statistical analysis into STATA version 14 software. The overall pooled prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella species was computed using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane Q test and I2 statistics with corresponding p-values. Publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot and Egger's test. In addition, sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the impact of individual studies on the pooled effect size. Result: Of a total of 742 identified studies, 89 studies were eligible for full-text analysis. Of 89 studies, 21 were included for meta-analysis involving 5318 study participants. These eligible studies reported a total of 593 bacterial isolates. The overall pooled prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella among pediatrics in Ethiopia was 10.70% (95% CI: 8.96–12.45), with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 82.1%, p < 0.001) across the studies. The pooled prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella individually among pediatrics in Ethiopia was 15.43% (95% CI: 10.42–20.72) and 15.83% (95% CI: 11.40–20.40), respectively. Moreover, the overall prevalence of multidrug resistance in Salmonella and Shigella isolates was 81.03% (95% CI: 77.39–84.67) with substantial heterogeneity of I2 of 95%, p < 0.0001 between the pooled prevalence of the two species. Conclusion: The pooled prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella and their multidrug resistance were alarmingly high in pediatric. The initial empirical treatment of pediatrics patients remains challenging and results high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance. Thus, appropriate infection prevention and control strategies should be implemented and treatment should be directed based on antimicrobial stewardship protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The increased occurrence of malaria among Africa's displaced communities poses a new humanitarian problem. Understanding malaria epidemiology among the displaced population in African refugee camps is a vital step for implementing effective malaria control and elimination measures. As a result, this study aimed to generate comprehensive and conclusive data from diverse investigations undertaken in Africa. Methods: This review adhered to PRISMA standards, involving searches across electronic data bases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct. In addition, grey literature was retrieved from several professional associations. The quality of selected studies was evaluated using the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Data extraction was executed using Microsoft Excel, and the meta-analysis was performed with STATA 14 software. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence and associated factors of malaria. Meta-regression and subgroup analysis were used to identify heterogeneity, while funnel plots and Egger's statistical tests assessed the publication bias. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis was performed. Results: The overall random-effects pooled prevalence of malaria infection (comprising symptomatic and asymptomatic cases) across all included studies was 35.93% (95% CI 24.71–47.15). This study showed a high level of heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 97.1; P < 0.001). Of the identified Plasmodium species, Plasmodium falciparum constituted 99.3%. The frost plot indicated that the overall prevalence of P. falciparum was 34.94% (95% CI 24.34–45.53). Subgroup analysis revealed significant variation (P < 0.001) in malaria prevalence between asymptomatic and symptomatic cases, with a prevalence of 4.39% (95% CI 2.57–6.21) and 45.10% (95% CI 27.28–62.92), respectively. Lack of insecticide-treated mosquito net utilization (AOR 2.43; 95% CI 1.01–5.88) and living near mosquito breeding sites (AOR 2.76, 95% CI 1.56–4.87) were risk factors of malaria. Conclusion: This study determined that the pooled prevalence of malaria among displaced individuals in refugee camps was high and exhibited variations across different population groups. This signifying there is still a need to improve and recheck existing malaria prevention and control strategies to establish an effective malaria control and elimination programme in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Leprosy is one of the most common skin neglected tropical diseases in Ethiopia posing social stigma, physical disability, deformity, discrimination, loss of social status, and poor quality of life in families. Hence, evidence‐based collaborative inter‐sectoral actions should be performed to reduce and eliminate its burden in endemic areas. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the acid‐fast positivity rate and associated factors of leprosy among suspected cases in Northeastern Ethiopia: a cross‐sectional study. Method: A cross‐sectional study was conducted from September 2022 to March 2023 among 256 leprosy‐suspected cases selected using a simple random sampling technique. A semi‐structured questionnaire was used to collect socio‐demographic, clinical, and predictor variables of leprosy through face‐to‐face interviews. Skin slit specimens were collected and stained using Ziehl–Neelsen staining technique. STATA 17 was used for analysis. The scale reliability coefficient was checked using Cronbach's α and the goodness‐of‐fit test of the model was assessed by the Hosmer–Lemshow test. Moreover, bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were computed. Finally, variables with an adjusted odds ratio and their p < 0.05 were taken as statistically significant. Result: The mean ± standard deviation of the age of participants was 43.25 ± 16.35. The overall, prevalence of acid‐fast positivity among suspected cases was 19.6% (95% CI: 15.8%, 23.4%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that sex being male (p = 0.045), rural residence (p = 0.047), not eating three times meals frequency (p = 0.014), not eating a balanced diet (p = 0.036), poor personal hygiene (p = 0.028), distant from health facility (p = 0.039), not washing hands usually (p = 0.013), presence of current co‐infection (p = 0.002), type of leprosy (p = 0.004), and close contact with leprosy cases (p = 0.003) were more likely to be positive for leprosy. Conclusion: The prevalence of leprosy was remained high. Thus, early detection and treatment are necessary to reduce delayed diagnosis and hidden transmission of leprosy in the community. By addressing the driving factors through evidence‐based intervention, we can significantly control the burden of leprosy in the affected communities, and improve their health outcomes and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malaria and undernutrition pose challenges for children in conflict-affected areas. Understanding the prevalence and risk factors for these issues in war-torn communities is important to effectively design aid efforts and select interventions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of malaria and undernutrition among febrile children in northeast Ethiopia to help address these problems. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2022 to January 2023. Four hundred twenty-two children were enrolled using a systematic random sampling technique. Data on associated factor variables were collected via questionnaire. Capillary blood samples were collected from each child to prepare thick and thin blood films, which were stained with Giemsa and examined microscopically. Height and weight measurements were also taken using a meter and a standard calibrated balance. The data were analyzed in SPSS 26.0 using bivariable and multivariable logistic regression to determine associations between correlates, malaria infection, and undernutrition. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The overall malaria prevalence among screened children at temporary sites in the conflict-affected areas of Northeast Ethiopia was 65.9% (278/422). Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, and mixed infections accounted for 74.1%, 19.8%, and 6.1% of the cases, respectively. The presence of stagnant water (P<0.01), improper utilization of ITN, inadequate number of ITNs per family size (P<0.01), and absence of environmental management (P<0.01) were independent predictors of malaria. On the other hand, the overall undernutrition prevalence was 54.7% (231/422), including 26.5% underweight, 16.8% stunted, and 11.4% wasted. Dietary diversity score (P<0.01), meal frequency (P<0.01), and confirmed malaria infection (P<0.01) were significantly associated with underlnutrition. Conclusion: Both malaria and undernutrition burdens were high among the children in this study. The findings suggest combined prevention measures for malaria and undernutrition should be strengthened in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gastric cancer (GC), a malignant epithelial tumor, is the fourth leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Therapeutic strategies for GC, despite the biggest challenges, can significantly improve survival rates through early detection and effective screening methods. Aim: To provide brief information on the necessity of multiple specific diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive markers for GC. Methods: This review was conducted using a variety of search engines, including PubMed Central, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and others. Results: Some potential biomarkers that provide essential information include circulating tumor cells (CTCs), DNA methylation, claudin 18.2, fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), cell‐free DNA (cfDNA), microRNAs, and serum pepsinogens. Conclusion: Multiple tumor markers are essential for screening, tumor identification, staging, prognostic assessment, and monitoring recurrence after therapy due to the absence of a single tumor indicator for diagnosing, prognosticating, and predicting GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii, the first human pathogen to be designated as a "red-alert" pathogen, is on the critical priority list of pathogens requiring new antibiotics. Biofilm-associated diseases are the most common infections caused by the antibiotic-resistant bacteria A. baumannii. Multidrug-resistant strains are more easily transmitted around the world due to A. baumannii's ability to produce biofilms, which allows it to develop antibiotic resistance mechanisms and thrive in healthcare environments. As a result, A. baumannii infections are becoming increasingly common in hospital settings allover the world. As a result, a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out to determine the global prevalence of biofilm-producing A. baumannii clinical isolates. Methods: Articles were extensively searched in bibliographic databases and grey literatures using entry terms or phrases. Studies meeting eligibility criteria were extracted in MS Excel and exported into STATA version 12 software for statistical analysis. A random-effects model was used to compute the pooled prevalence of biofilm-producing A. baumannii clinical isolates. The heterogeneity was quantified by using the I2 value. Publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot and Egger's test. Sensitivity analysis was done to assess the impact of a single study on pooled effect size. Result: Of the 862 studies identified, 26 studies consisted of 2123 A.baumannii clinical isolates of which 1456 were biofilm-producing. The pooled prevalence of biofilm-producing A.baumannii clinical isolates was 65.63% (95% CI = 56.70%-74.56%). There was substantial heterogeneity with an I2 value of 98.1%. Moreover, 41.34%, 33.57%, and 27.63% of isolates of strong, mild, and weak producers of biofilm. Higher prevalence was found in studies published after 2014 (66.31%); Western Pacific region (76.17%); and Asia (66.22%) followed by the African continent (57.29%). Conclusion: The pooled prevalence of biofilm-producing A. baumannii clinical isolates has risen alarmingly, posing a public health risk. This indicates the burden of biofilm-producing A. baumannii infections urges routine screening and appropriate treatment for better management of hospitalized patients, as well as effective controlling of the emergence of drug resistance. Furthermore, this finding is an alert call for the stakeholders to develop strong infection prevention and antibiotics stewardship programs for the prevention and control of biofilm-producing bacterial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Microalbuminuria (MAU) is considered the earliest sign of diabetic nephropathy among diabetes patients. In order to effectively manage diabetic nephropathy and its consequences early, detection of microalbuminuria as soon as possible, especially for diabetes patients, is critical. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of microalbuminuria among diabetes patients in Africa.Methods: Electronic databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, African Journals Online, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and ResearchGate were searched for articles and grey literature. The STATA version 14 software was used to conduct the meta-analysis. I2 and Cochran's Q test were employed to assess the presence of heterogeneity between studies. Due to the presence of heterogeneity, a random effect model was used. The publication bias was assessed using the symmetry of the funnel plot and Egger's test statistics. Moreover, subgroup analysis, trim and fill analysis, and sensitivity analysis were also done.Results: The overall pooled prevalence of microalbuminuria among diabetes patients in Africa was 37.11% (95% CI 31.27– 42.95). Substantial heterogeneity was observed between studies, with I2 values of 94.7%. Moreover, this meta-analysis showed that the pooled estimate of microalbuminuria among type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients was 35.34% (95% CI: 23.89– 46.80, I2=94.2), and 40.24% (95% CI: 32.0– 48.47, I2=94.9) respectively. MAU, on the other hand, was more common in people with diabetes for more than 5 years 38.73% (95% CI: 29.34– 48.13) than in people with diabetes for less than 5 years 31.48% (95% CI: 18.73– 44.23).Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis found a high prevalence of microalbuminuria among diabetes patients. As a result, early detection of microalbuminuria is critical for preventing and treating microvascular complications such as diabetic nephropathy and the onset of end-stage renal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Malaria elimination programs have also encountered numerous challenges, such as widespread asymptomatic carriers in endemic areas, which should be taken into account in malaria‐control programs for effective transmission interruption. The purpose of this research was to determine the prevalence of symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria infections and associated factors, in pastoral communities. Methods: A community‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted among selected districts in the Waghemra Zone, Northeast Ethiopia, from September to December 2022. A structured questionnaire was employed to collect sociodemographic data and associated risk factors. Plasmodium species were detected using light microscopy and a rapid diagnostic test. Data entry and analysis were carried out using SPSS version 26 software. The association between dependent and independent variables was explored by using multivariable logistic regression analyses. A statistically significant association was declared at a p‐value of <0.05. Results: The overall prevalence of malaria was 21.2% (134/633), with the predominant Plasmodium falciparum infections accounting for 67.8% (87/134). Among asymptomatic participants, 7.5% (34/451) and 10.2% (46/451) were diagnosed by rapid diagnostic test and light microscopy, respectively. On the other hand, the prevalence of symptomatic malaria was 44.5% (81/182) and 48.4% (88/182) as diagnosed by rapid diagnostic test and light microscopy, respectively. The presence of stagnant water near the houses, the utilization of insecticide‐treated mosquito nets, the number of insecticide‐treated mosquito nets, and outdoor stays at night were all positively linked with the prevalence of malaria. Conclusions: The overall prevalence estimate for symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria was high. Malaria is still a public health problem in the study area. Malaria infection was associated with the presence of stagnant water near the houses, the utilization of insecticide‐treated mosquito nets, the number of insecticide‐treated mosquito nets, and outdoor stays at night. Improved access to all malaria interventions is needed to interrupt the transmission at the community level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Toxoplasmosis is the most widespread zoonotic disease that affects one‐third of the world's population, and imposes a major public health problem worldwide. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of toxoplasmosis among patients with neuropsychiatric patients. Methods: Electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Research Gate, and Scopus were thoroughly searched from February to March 2022 to identify all relevant studies. The quality of studies was evaluated using the Newcastle−Ottawa quality scale for case‐control and cross‐sectional studies. Statistical analysis was done using STATA version 12 software. A random effect model was used to compute the global pooled seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection. Heterogeneity was quantified by using I2 value. Subgroup analysis was done, and publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot and Egger's test. Result: Of 1250 studies, 49 containing 21,093 participants and conducted in 18 countries were included. The global pooled seroprevalence of T. gondii IgG antibody was 38.27% (95% CI: 32.04−44.9) among neuropsychiatric patients and 25.31% (95% CI: 21.53−29.08) in healthy controls with substantial heterogeneity of 98.3%. The prevalence of T. gondii IgG antibody was higher in males (17.52%) than in females (12.35%) neuropsychiatric patients. The highest pooled prevalence of T. gondii IgG antibody was in Europe (57%) followed by Africa (45.25%) and Asia (43%). Time based analysis showed the highest pooled prevalence of T. gondii IgG antibody in 2012−2016 (41.16%). The global pooled seroprevalence T. gondii IgM antibody among neuropsychiatric patients and healthy controls was 6.78% (95% CI: 4.87−8.69) and 3.13% (95% CI: 2.02−4.24), respectively. Conclusion: The pooled prevalence of chronic and acute T. gondii infection among neuropsychiatric patients was 38.27% and 6.78%, respectively. This showed a high burden of toxoplasmosis among neurological and psychiatric patients and urges routine screening of those patients and providing appropriate treatment. It also indicates the need for different stakeholders to develop targeted prevention and control strategies for T. gondii infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 causes coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) that spreads quickly in the world. Considering the impact of this pandemic, researchers have been racing to understand the peculiar nature of the virus and the pathogenesis of the disease to uncover possible drug targets, effective therapeutic agents, and vaccines. Accordingly, numerous drug targets are identified by scientists. Among them, structural glycoproteins, virulence factors, host-specific receptors and enzymes, non-structure proteins, the Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway, and pro-inflammatory cytokines are discussed herein. This review summarizes the promising drug targets for COVID-19, and highlights antiviral strategies which depend on molecular interactions between viral small molecules and host biologic machinery for repurposing the available clinical drugs. In addition, it gives a strong rational basis for the ongoing discovery of new drugs and vaccines., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2020 Wondmkun and Mohammed.)