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Infect. Dis. Rep., Volume 15, Issue 5 (October 2023) – 14 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Viral encephalitides (VE) pose a major public health concern in West Africa and the world at large. VE is defined as an inflammation of the brain caused by a viral infection. Several viruses, particularly arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses), have been identified to cause encephalitic diseases in both humans and animals, leading to significant mortality rates and socioeconomic strains in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Three main factors are essential for the transmission, maintenance, and propagation of most of the encephalitis-causing viruses in West Africa, including the pathogen (virus), the vector (mosquito), and a suitable virus-replicating host. At present, very few effective preventive and control measures are available in Africa. Adopting the One Health approach among the relevant sectors could help address this global issue. View this paper
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20 pages, 4082 KiB  
Article
Impact of Ambient Air Pollution Exposure on Long COVID-19 Symptoms: A Cohort Study within the Saudi Arabian Population
by Saleh A. K. Saleh and Heba M. Adly
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(5), 642-661; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15050060 - 19 Oct 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1704
Abstract
Evidence suggests that air pollution, specifically the particulate matters PM2.5 and PM10, plays a key role in exacerbating the risk of prolonged symptoms following COVID-19 infection. Aim: This study endeavors to elucidate the potential interaction between chronic air pollution exposure and the manifestation [...] Read more.
Evidence suggests that air pollution, specifically the particulate matters PM2.5 and PM10, plays a key role in exacerbating the risk of prolonged symptoms following COVID-19 infection. Aim: This study endeavors to elucidate the potential interaction between chronic air pollution exposure and the manifestation of long COVID symptoms within a cohort based in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: Participants included residents from the Makkah region who had recovered from COVID-19 between 2022 and 2023. A comprehensive questionnaire was utilized to gather detailed demographic data and assess the persistent symptoms seen during the post-COVID period. To gauge the environmental exposure to potential risk factors, air sampling for PM10 and PM2.5 was systematically conducted in various locations in Makkah over a year. Results: Significant positive associations were found between PM2.5 and PM10 exposure and long COVID. Furthermore, specific symptom analysis revealed a significant association between air pollution and shortness of breath (for PM2.5). Only PM2.5 exposure remained statistically significant (RR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.67). In contrast, the association with PM10 remained on the cusp of significance, with an RR of 1.27 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.61). Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of reducing air pollution levels to mitigate the long-term health consequences of COVID-19. Full article
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7 pages, 608 KiB  
Case Report
Late-Onset Prosthetic Endocarditis with Paraaortic Abscess Caused by Cutibacterium acnes
by Ornela Velollari, Christian Malte Reinhardt, Maike Knorr, Katharina Schnitzler, Dirk Graafen, Matthias Miederer, Ralph Stephan von Bardeleben, Thomas Münzel, Kai-Helge Schmidt, Christian Giebels, Hans-Joachim Schäfers and Lukas Hobohm
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(5), 635-641; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15050059 - 18 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1665
Abstract
Cutibacterium acnes, an integral component of the skin’s customary bacterial flora, represents a Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium characterized by its low virulence. Despite its low virulence, the pathogen can cause profound-seated infections as well as infections linked to medical devices. We report a [...] Read more.
Cutibacterium acnes, an integral component of the skin’s customary bacterial flora, represents a Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium characterized by its low virulence. Despite its low virulence, the pathogen can cause profound-seated infections as well as infections linked to medical devices. We report a case study of a prosthesis endocarditis accompanied by a paraaortic abscess caused by C. acnes, a development occurring five years prior to composite aortic root and valve replacement. At the point of admission, the patient presented with a combination of symptoms hinting at a subacute progression, such as weight loss, chest pain, and limitations of cardiopulmonary functionality. An anaerobic pathogen, namely C. acnes, was detected in a singular blood culture vial. Since first-line imaging modalities such as echocardiography did not reveal any signs of inflammation, and in the case of a suspected diagnosis for IE, did not show high pretest probability, further diagnostic imaging such as 18F-FDG PET CT was put to use. Here, a highly elevated glucose metabolism around the aortic valve ring was detected, pointing to an inflammatory process. The patient received adjusted intravenous antibiotic therapy over a course of six weeks; he then underwent surgical therapy via re-replacement of the aortic root and valve using a composite conduit. Advanced microbiological analyses, including the amplification of PCR and valve sequencing via 16S rDNA, mainly detected one pathogen: C. acnes. Delayed onset with mild symptoms and laboratory findings is characteristic of infective endocarditis by C. acnes. Due to its high rate of complications, mortality, and morbidity, an infection should not be disregarded as contamination. Recommendations from different studies underline a combination of a positive blood culture and microbiological evidence to differentiate between contamination and true infection in the case of an infection involving C. acnes. Serial blood cultures with prolonged incubation, advanced microbiological analyses, and modified Duke criteria including second-line imaging techniques should be utilized for further evaluation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Infection Prevention and Control)
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35 pages, 3787 KiB  
Article
COVID-19-Related Age Profiles for SARS-CoV-2 Variants in England and Wales and States of the USA (2020 to 2022): Impact on All-Cause Mortality
by Rodney P. Jones and Andrey Ponomarenko
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(5), 600-634; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15050058 - 8 Oct 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2772
Abstract
Since 2020, COVID-19 has caused serious mortality around the world. Given the ambiguity in establishing COVID-19 as the direct cause of death, we first investigate the effects of age and sex on all-cause mortality during 2020 and 2021 in England and Wales. Since [...] Read more.
Since 2020, COVID-19 has caused serious mortality around the world. Given the ambiguity in establishing COVID-19 as the direct cause of death, we first investigate the effects of age and sex on all-cause mortality during 2020 and 2021 in England and Wales. Since infectious agents have their own unique age profile for death, we use a 9-year time series and several different methods to adjust single-year-of-age deaths in England and Wales during 2019 (the pre-COVID-19 base year) to a pathogen-neutral single-year-of-age baseline. This adjusted base year is then used to confirm the widely reported higher deaths in males for most ages above 43 in both 2020 and 2021. During 2020 (+COVID-19 but no vaccination), both male and female population-adjusted deaths significantly increased above age 35. A significant reduction in all-cause mortality among both males and females aged 75+ could be demonstrated in 2021 during the widespread COVID-19 vaccination period; however, deaths below age 75 progressively increased. This finding arises from a mix of vaccination coverage and year-of-age profiles of deaths for the different SARS-CoV-2 variants. In addition, specific effects of age around puberty were demonstrated, where females had higher deaths than males. There is evidence that year-of-birth cohorts may also be involved, indicating that immune priming to specific pathogen outbreaks in the past may have led to lower deaths for some birth cohorts. To specifically identify the age profile for the COVID-19 variants from 2020 to 2023, we employ the proportion of total deaths at each age that are potentially due to or ‘with’ COVID-19. The original Wuhan strain and the Alpha variant show somewhat limited divergence in the age profile, with the Alpha variant shifting to a moderately higher proportion of deaths below age 84. The Delta variant specifically targeted individuals below age 65. The Omicron variants showed a significantly lower proportion of overall mortality, with a markedly higher relative proportion of deaths above age 65, steeply increasing with age to a maximum around 100 years of age. A similar age profile for the variants can be seen in the age-banded deaths in US states, although they are slightly obscured by using age bands rather than single years of age. However, the US data shows that higher male deaths are greatly dependent on age and the COVID variant. Deaths assessed to be ‘due to’ COVID-19 (as opposed to ‘involving’ COVID-19) in England and Wales were especially overestimated in 2021 relative to the change in all-cause mortality. This arose as a by-product of an increase in COVID-19 testing capacity in late 2020. Potential structure–function mechanisms for the age-specificity of SARS-CoV-2 variants are discussed, along with potential roles for small noncoding RNAs (miRNAs). Using data from England, it is possible to show that the unvaccinated do indeed have a unique age profile for death from each variant and that vaccination alters the shape of the age profile in a manner dependent on age, sex, and the variant. The question is posed as to whether vaccines based on different variants carry a specific age profile. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Immunology and Vaccines)
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11 pages, 440 KiB  
Article
Investigation of Initial Viral Loads and Patient Characteristics as Predictors of COVID-19 Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study
by Elfira Yusri, Syandrez Prima Putra, Liganda Endo Mahata and Andani Eka Putra
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(5), 589-599; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15050057 - 8 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1456
Abstract
Limited evidence exists on whether initial viral load and patient characteristics can predict unfavorable outcomes in future outbreaks of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This retrospective cohort study examined the relationship between the initial viral load, patient characteristics, and outcomes during the second-wave COVID-19 [...] Read more.
Limited evidence exists on whether initial viral load and patient characteristics can predict unfavorable outcomes in future outbreaks of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This retrospective cohort study examined the relationship between the initial viral load, patient characteristics, and outcomes during the second-wave COVID-19 outbreak in West Sumatra, Indonesia. We analyzed the COVID-19 patients admitted to a secondary hospital between the 1 June 2021 and the 31 August 2021. The initial viral load was determined using the real-time quantitative-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) cycle threshold (Ct) value, categorized as low (LIVL, Ct > 20) or high (HIVL, Ct ≤ 20). Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between the initial viral load, age, sex, vaccination status, comorbidities, and outcomes, including disease severity, hospital stay length, ICU admission, invasive ventilation, and in-hospital mortality. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to assess the diagnostic performance of the initial Ct values in predicting COVID-19 outcomes. The study included 373 patients (median age [range]: 48 [0–94]; male: 40.21%; HIVL: 34.85%; unvaccinated: 86.06%; comorbidities: 52.01%). The HIVL patients significantly had a lower risk of developing severe/critical outcomes (OR: 0.506; 95% CI: 0.310–0.825; p = 0.006) and needing invasive ventilation (OR: 0.290; CI: 0.098–0.854; p = 0.025). The Ct value used to indicate severe/critical outcomes was 23.57. More severe outcomes were significantly observed in LIVL patients, those aged >60 years, males, unvaccinated individuals, and those with comorbidities. This study emphasizes the importance of primary prevention, early screening, and immediate care for COVID-19 in saving lives. Full article
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13 pages, 1671 KiB  
Systematic Review
Distribution and Prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in Animals, Humans, and Ticks in Nigeria: A Systematic Review
by Kaka A. Muhammad, Usman N. Gadzama and ThankGod E. Onyiche
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(5), 576-588; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15050056 - 1 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2164
Abstract
‘Query’ (Q) fever is a neglected but emerging or re-emerging zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella (C.) burnetii. Several host species are considered or speculated to be the primary reservoir hosts for human infection. In the past, several research groups in [...] Read more.
‘Query’ (Q) fever is a neglected but emerging or re-emerging zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella (C.) burnetii. Several host species are considered or speculated to be the primary reservoir hosts for human infection. In the past, several research groups in Nigeria have evaluated the prevalence of C. burnetii in various vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Currently, there is a paucity of knowledge regarding the epidemiology of the pathogen in Nigeria with limited or no attention to control and prevention programs. Therefore, this review was undertaken to comprehend the current situation of C. burnetii infection in human, domestic and peri-domestic animals, and some tick species in Nigeria since 1960 with the aim to help identify future research priorities for the country. A comprehensive literature search was performed using the PRISMA guidelines on five scientific databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, AJOL, Science Direct, and Scopus for articles published from Nigeria dealing with the screening of blood, milk, or tick DNA for evidence of C. burnetii using any standard diagnostic approach. Of the 33 published articles subjected to full-text evaluation, more than 48% of the articles met the inclusion criteria and were thus included in this review. We observed different ranges of prevalence for C. burnetii antibodies from four vertebrate hosts including cattle (2.5–23.5%), sheep (3.8–12.0%), goats (3.1–10.9%), and humans (12.0–61.3%). Additionally, the use of molecular diagnostics revealed that the DNA of C. burnetii has been amplified in eight tick species including Hyalomma (Hy) dromedarii, Hy. truncatum, Hy. impeltatum, Hy. rufipes, Hy. impressum, Amblyomma (Am.) variegatum, Rhipicephalus (Rh.) evertsi evertsi, and Rh. annulatus. Two rodent’s species (Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus) in Nigeria were documented to show evidence of the bacterium with the detection of the DNA of C. burnetii in these two mammals. In conclusion, this review has provided more insight on the prevalence of C. burnetii and its associated host/vector in Nigeria. Domestic animals, peri-domestic animals, and ticks species harbor C. burnetii and could be a source of human infections. Due to the paucity of studies from southern Nigeria, we recommend that research groups with interest on vector-borne diseases need to consider more epidemiological studies in the future on C. burnetii prevalence in diverse hosts to help unravel their distribution and vector potentials in Nigeria as a whole. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Infections: Epidemiology, Diagnostics, Clinics and Evolution)
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12 pages, 795 KiB  
Systematic Review
Does Emerging Carbapenem Resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii Increase the Case Fatality Rate? Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Jale Boral, Fatihan Pınarlık, Güz Ekinci, Füsun Can and Önder Ergönül
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(5), 564-575; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15050055 - 27 Sep 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2012
Abstract
Background: In the era of rising carbapenem resistance, we aimed to investigate the change in mortality rate and positivity of carbapenemase genes in Acinetobacter baumannii. Methods: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review (PRISMA) guidelines were adopted in this systematic review. Our literature [...] Read more.
Background: In the era of rising carbapenem resistance, we aimed to investigate the change in mortality rate and positivity of carbapenemase genes in Acinetobacter baumannii. Methods: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review (PRISMA) guidelines were adopted in this systematic review. Our literature search included the Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, Medline, Tubitak TR Dizin, and Harman databases for studies dating back from 2003 to 2023 reporting bloodstream A. baumannii infections in Türkiye. A simple linear regression model was used to determine the association between resistance, mortality, and time. Results: A total of 1717 studies were identified through a literature search, and 21 articles were selected based on the availability of the data regarding mortality and resistance rate (four articles) or the molecular epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (17 articles) in Türkiye. From 2007 to 2018, the carbapenem resistance rate increased (p = 0.025). The OXA-23 and OXA-58 positivities were inversely correlated (p = 0.025). Conclusions: Despite the emergence of carbapenem resistance, mortality did not increase in parallel, which may be due to improved medical advancements or the fitness cost of bacteria upon prolonged antimicrobial exposure. Therefore, we suggest further global research with the foresight to assess clonal relatedness that might affect the carbapenem resistance rate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Infections: Epidemiology, Diagnostics, Clinics and Evolution)
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15 pages, 2517 KiB  
Article
Metagenomic Insight into the Microbiome and Virome Associated with Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes in Manado (North Sulawesi, Indonesia)
by Janno Berty Bradly Bernadus, Jantje Pelealu, Grace Debbie Kandou, Arthur Gehart Pinaria, Juliet Merry Eva Mamahit and Trina Ekawati Tallei
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(5), 549-563; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15050054 - 11 Sep 2023
Viewed by 2479
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the microbial diversity encompassing bacteria, fungi, and viruses within the composite microbial community associated with Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Manado, Indonesia, using a whole-genome shotgun metagenomics approach. Female mosquitoes were collected and grouped into pools [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to investigate the microbial diversity encompassing bacteria, fungi, and viruses within the composite microbial community associated with Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Manado, Indonesia, using a whole-genome shotgun metagenomics approach. Female mosquitoes were collected and grouped into pools of 50 individuals, from which genomic DNA (gDNA) and RNA were extracted separately. Whole-genome shotgun metagenomics were performed on gDNA samples. The bioinformatics analysis encompassed quality assessment, taxonomic classification, and visualization. The evaluation of the microbial community entailed an assessment of taxa abundance and diversity using Kraken version 2.1.2. The study delineated the prevalence of dominant bacterial phyla, including Proteobacteria, with varying abundance of Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Actinobacteria, and notable occurrence of Tenericutes. Furthermore, the presence of the fungal phylum Ascomycota was also detected. Among the identified barcodes, Barcode04 emerged as the most abundant and diverse, while Barcode06 exhibited greater evenness. Barcode03, 05, and 07 displayed moderate richness and diversity. Through an analysis of the relative abundance, a spectrum of viruses within Ae. aegypti populations was unveiled, with Negarnaviricota constituting the most prevalent phylum, followed by Nucleocytoviricota, Uroviricota, Artverviricota, Kitrinoviricota, Peploviricota, Phixviricota, and Cossaviricota. The presence of Negarnaviricota viruses raises pertinent public health concerns. The presence of other viral phyla underscores the intricate nature of virus–mosquito interactions. The analysis of viral diversity provides valuable insights into the range of viruses carried by Ae. aegypti. The community exhibits low biodiversity, with a few dominant species significantly influencing its composition. This has implications for healthcare and ecological management, potentially simplifying control measures but also posing risks if the dominant species are harmful. This study enriches our comprehension of the microbiome and virome associated with Ae. aegypti mosquitoes, emphasizing the importance of further research to fully comprehend their ecological significance and impact on public health. The findings shed light on the microbial ecology of Ae. aegypti, offering potential insights into mosquito biology, disease transmission, and strategies for vector control. Future studies should endeavor to establish specific associations with Ae. aegypti, elucidate the functional roles of the identified microbial and viral species, and investigate their ecological implications. Full article
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14 pages, 1574 KiB  
Article
SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern and Clinical Severity in the Mexican Pediatric Population
by Anahí Maldonado-Cabrera, Jesus Alejandro Colin-Vilchis, Ubydul Haque, Carlos Velazquez, Andrea Socorro Alvarez Villaseñor, Luis Eduardo Magdaleno-Márquez, Carlos Iván Calleros-Muñoz, Karen Fernanda Figueroa-Enríquez, Aracely Angulo-Molina and Ana Lucía Gallego-Hernández
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(5), 535-548; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15050053 - 11 Sep 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2029
Abstract
The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs) presents global heterogeneity, and their relative effect on pediatric severity is still limited. In this study, we associate VOCs with pediatric clinical severity outcomes in Mexico. Bioinformatics methods were used [...] Read more.
The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs) presents global heterogeneity, and their relative effect on pediatric severity is still limited. In this study, we associate VOCs with pediatric clinical severity outcomes in Mexico. Bioinformatics methods were used to characterize VOCs and single amino acid (aa) mutations in 75,348 SARS-CoV-2 genetic sequences from February 2020 to October 2022. High-predominance VOCs groups were calculated and subsequently associated with 372,989 COVID-19 clinical pediatric outcomes. We identified 21 high-frequency mutations related to Omicron lineages with an increased prevalence in pediatric sequences compared to adults. Alpha and the other lineages had a significant increase in case fatality rate (CFR), intensive critical unit (ICU) admission, and automated mechanical ventilation (AMV). Furthermore, a logistic model with age-adjusted variables estimated an increased risk of hospitalization, ICU/AMV, and death in Gamma and Alpha, in contrast to the other lineages. We found that, regardless of the VOCs lineage, infant patients presented the worst severity prognoses. Our findings improve the understanding of the impact of VOCs on pediatric patients across time, regions, and clinical outcomes. Enhanced understanding of the pediatric severity for VOCs would enable the development and improvement of public health strategies worldwide. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Viral Infections)
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8 pages, 841 KiB  
Case Report
Streptococcus zooepidemicus Meningitis in an HIV-Positive Horse Breeder Patient: A Case Study and Literature Review
by Petya Argirova, Yordan Kalchev, Ivan Baltadzhiev, Mariyana Stoycheva and Marianna Murdjeva
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(5), 527-534; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15050052 - 7 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1594
Abstract
Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus is a rare etiologic agent of bacterial meningitis in humans. The disease is a zoonotic infection and is transmitted through close contact with domestic animals, mainly horses. Only 37 cases of Streptococcus zooepidemicus meningitis have been reported in the [...] Read more.
Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus is a rare etiologic agent of bacterial meningitis in humans. The disease is a zoonotic infection and is transmitted through close contact with domestic animals, mainly horses. Only 37 cases of Streptococcus zooepidemicus meningitis have been reported in the literature until July 2023. The aim of this study is to present a rare clinical case of S. zooepidemicus-related meningitis in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patient and analyze the literature. We present a 23-year-old horse breeder patient with advanced immunosuppression due to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and S. zooepidemicus meningitis, admitted at the Clinic of Infectious Diseases, St. George University Hospital, Plovdiv. The course of meningitis was severe since the beginning, with significant cerebral edema, disturbances in consciousness, persistent fever, and the development of complications against the background of AIDS-related conditions. S. zooepidemicus was microbiologically detected from cerebrospinal fluid culture. After prolonged treatment and a long hospital stay, the patient’s condition improved, and eventually he was discharged and recovered from the acute neuroinfection. Although extremely rare, S. zooepidemicus should be considered in patients with clinical and laboratory evidence of bacterial meningitis who have contact with animals, especially horses, other domestic animals, and their dairy products, as well as in immunocompromised patients. To the best of our knowledge, the current clinical case is the first report of S. zooepidemicus-related meningitis in a patient with HIV/AIDS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section HIV-AIDS)
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9 pages, 253 KiB  
Brief Report
Factors Associated with the Usefulness of Public Health Communication in the Context of COVID-19: Lessons Learned from the African, Caribbean, and Black Communities in Ottawa, Ontario
by Josephine Etowa, Bishwajit Ghose, Egbe Etowa, Charles Dabone, Malemo Luc, Amoy Jacques, Susan Roelofs, Ubabuko Unachukwu, Danielle Brown-Shreves, Glory Osandatuwa and Haoua Inoua
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(5), 518-526; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15050051 - 7 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1418
Abstract
Public health communication is critical for promoting behaviours that can prevent the transmission of COVID-19. However, there are concerns about the effectiveness of public health communication within Canada’s African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities. In the community sample of ACB people in Ottawa, [...] Read more.
Public health communication is critical for promoting behaviours that can prevent the transmission of COVID-19. However, there are concerns about the effectiveness of public health communication within Canada’s African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities. In the community sample of ACB people in Ottawa, Ontario, we asked community members if they perceive public health message related to COVID-19 to be effective. Using this question, the current study aimed to explore factors associated with the perceived usefulness of public health messages related to COVID-19. Results from the multivariate analysis have shown that ACB people with lower levels of risk perception for COVID-19 were less likely to perceive that public health messages were useful (OR = 0.405, p < 0.01). In addition, mistrust in government COVID-19 information was also negatively associated with their perception that health messages are useful (OR = 0.169, p < 0.01). For socioeconomic status, ACB people with no high school diploma (OR = 0.362, p < 0.05) and income dissatisfaction (OR = 0.431, p < 0.05) were less likely to report the perceived usefulness compared to those with a bachelor’s degree and income satisfaction. Based on these findings, we discussed implications for policymakers and directions for future research. Full article
14 pages, 1623 KiB  
Review
Epidemiology and Transmission Dynamics of Viral Encephalitides in West Africa
by Olalekan Chris Akinsulie, Ridwan Olamilekan Adesola, Victor Ayodele Aliyu, Ifeoluwa Peace Oladapo and Abdulafees Hamzat
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(5), 504-517; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15050050 - 5 Sep 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3197
Abstract
Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain, often caused by an autoimmune reaction, or in most cases because of a direct viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection. Viral encephalitides (VE) presents a significant public health concern globally, especially in West Africa. There are more [...] Read more.
Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain, often caused by an autoimmune reaction, or in most cases because of a direct viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection. Viral encephalitides (VE) presents a significant public health concern globally, especially in West Africa. There are more than five hundred known arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses), with over a hundred of them identified to cause encephalitic diseases in humans and animals, giving rise to a tremendous burden of the diseases and socioeconomic strains in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Despite their importance, few effective preventive and control measures in the form of vaccines and therapies are available, and when they are, their use is limited. These limitations are largely hinged on the paucity of information about the molecular epidemiology and transmission patterns of VE in West Africa. Here, we reviewed the transmission dynamics, molecular epidemiology, and the ecological drivers of VE in West Africa. Collectively, timely and accurate interventions are essential for encephalitic viral disease control. Moreover, the integrated health system approach, combining surveillance, vaccination, vector control, and community engagement, could be effective in preventing viral encephalitis globally. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Viruses Responsible for Encephalitis: New Advanced Research)
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10 pages, 2183 KiB  
Case Report
An Unusual Case of a Double Tricuspid and Mitral Valves Infective Endocarditis Complicated by Multiple Septic Embolisms Secondary to an Atrial Septal Defect: A Case Report and Review of Literature
by Caterina Monari, Daniele Molinari, Alessandro Cornelli, Loredana Alessio, Francesco Coppolino, Consiglia Barbareschi, Stefania De Pascalis, Michele Torella, Giovanni Cimmino, Marisa De Feo, Nicola Coppola and Tiziana Formisano
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(5), 494-503; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15050049 - 4 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1700
Abstract
Multivalvular endocarditis (MVE) is an uncommon infection that mostly involves mitral and aortic valves, and it is related to a higher risk of congestive heart failure and a higher mortality. We described a case of a bilateral MVE and performed a review of [...] Read more.
Multivalvular endocarditis (MVE) is an uncommon infection that mostly involves mitral and aortic valves, and it is related to a higher risk of congestive heart failure and a higher mortality. We described a case of a bilateral MVE and performed a review of the literature on similar clinical cases. We reported an unusual case of a 68-year-old male patient with a tricuspid and mitral infective endocarditis due to a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus complicated by multiple right- and left-sided septic embolization (lungs, brain, spleen, L2–L3 vertebral bones) due to an unknown atrial septal defect identified and repaired during cardiac surgery. Despite the severity of the clinical case, the patient experienced a good clinical outcome also thanks to a multidisciplinary approach. We identified 21 case reports describing bilateral MVE. A multidisciplinary approach is essential in the management of valve diseases to improve the prognosis of patients, especially in bilateral MVE. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Bacterial Diseases)
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16 pages, 661 KiB  
Review
Physiotherapy Methods Applied in the Prevention of Functional Loss Associated with Human T-Lymphotropic Virus 1 Infection: An Overview
by Izabela Mendonça de Assis, Bianca Callegari and Maisa Silva de Sousa
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(5), 478-493; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15050048 - 31 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1742
Abstract
To achieve the objective of this study, we conducted a narrative review on physical therapeutic modalities applied to prevent functional losses associated with human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) infections to promote health education and viable and accessible alternatives in the development of health [...] Read more.
To achieve the objective of this study, we conducted a narrative review on physical therapeutic modalities applied to prevent functional losses associated with human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) infections to promote health education and viable and accessible alternatives in the development of health education technology adapted to the home environment. This study comprised a qualitative stage of theoretical development to construct a digital booklet with an observational basis based on studies that reiterate themes about educational technologies as tools to conduct a home protocol of guided exercises without the direct supervision of professional physical therapists. Results indicate a lack of research on the development of health education technologies to assist patients with HTLV-1 without tropical spastic paraparesis or HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). We believe that this narrative review can initiate a theoretical framework to conduct a home exercise program aimed at people with HTLV-1 who have subtle symptoms, and also at people without the clinical definition of HAM/TSP, helping to train human resources for care and research on the subject and increase scientific production in physical therapy. Full article
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8 pages, 527 KiB  
Brief Report
Evaluation of Self-Collected Versus Health Care Professional (HCP)-Performed Sampling and the Potential Impact on the Diagnostic Results of Asymptomatic Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in High-Risk Individuals
by Simon Weidlich, Sven Schellberg, Stefan Scholten, Jochen Schneider, Marcel Lee, Kathrin Rothe, Nina Wantia, Christoph D. Spinner and Sebastian Noe
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(5), 470-477; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15050047 - 25 Aug 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1689
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are increasing among men who have sex with men (MSM). Screening can improve the detection and outcome of asymptomatic STIs in high-risk populations. Self-sampling may be a resource-optimized strategy; however, its diagnostic reliability compared to testing by healthcare professionals [...] Read more.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are increasing among men who have sex with men (MSM). Screening can improve the detection and outcome of asymptomatic STIs in high-risk populations. Self-sampling may be a resource-optimized strategy; however, its diagnostic reliability compared to testing by healthcare professionals (HCPs) requires further investigation. In this prospective, multicenter cohort study in a high-income country, asymptomatic MSM with a sexual risk profile for STIs were included. Sequential swabs for STI nucleic acid-based diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) were performed after randomization, either through self-sampling or HCP-performed sampling. Baseline demographic information, sexual risk behavior, and acceptance and feedback on self-sampling were recorded using an electronic questionnaire. Out of 236 asymptomatic MSM, 47 individuals (19.9%) tested positive for CT and/or NG through self- or HCP-performed sampling. For CT, the sensitivity was 93.3% for both sampling methods, while for NG, it was 90.0% for self-sampling and 95.0% for HCP-performed sampling. Our study demonstrates that self-sampling for asymptomatic STIs has a comparable diagnostic outcome to HCP-performed sampling, with high acceptance in high-risk MSM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sexually Transmitted Diseases)
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