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Infectious Disease Epidemiology 2023
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Infectious Disease Epidemiology 2023

A special issue of Diseases (ISSN 2079-9721).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 December 2023) | Viewed by 18098

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Amal Mitra

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Public Health, Julia Jones Matthews School of Population and Public Health, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, USA
Interests: public health; mental health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Fernando Monroy

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
Interests: microbiology; immunology; infectious diseases; host-pathogen interactions; genomics; proteomics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Many developing countries are facing an enormous burden of infectious diseases, including diarrhea, malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. Although vaccines have conquered most infectious diseases, newer and emerging infectious diseases, such as Ebola fever, SARS coronavirus disease, MERS, Nipah virus, Hantavirus, Dengue fever, Chikungunya, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, West Nile virus infection, etc., are still causing public health threats worldwide. Climate change and global warming are increasing the likelihood and spread of many vector-borne diseases, including malaria, Dengue fever, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, and trypanosomiasis. Over time, many infectious organisms have adapted to the drugs designed to kill them, making the agents resistant to the commonly used antimicrobials. Improper medication or self-medication is often a factor causing this drug resistance. There is a growing need to identify populations at risk, social and environmental factors, and economic burdens to prioritize resources. Mathematical modeling and the application of GIS are also important tools in the prediction of infectious diseases, the identification of at-risk populations, and the evaluation of interventions.

This Special Issue on “Infectious Disease Epidemiology” will cover original research and review articles related to the global burden of infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, emerging diseases, social aspects and the economic burden of diseases, laboratory identification, clinical trials, community interventions, GIS application, and mathematical models.

Prof. Dr. Amal K. Mitra
Prof. Dr. Fernando Monroy
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diseases is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • infectious diseases
  • global burden
  • disability-adjusted life years (DALY)
  • risk factors
  • community interventions
  • clinical trials
  • laboratory studies
  • drug resistance
  • GIS applications
  • cost-effective analysis
  • vaccine
  • mathematical models
  • social epidemiology

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Related Special Issues

Published Papers (6 papers)

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10 pages, 6814 KiB  
Article
The Screening and Mechanism of Influenza-Virus Sensitive MDCK Cell Lines for Influenza Vaccine Production
by Zhaona Yang, Shouzhi Yu, Ying Xu, Yuxiu Zhao, Lili Li, Jingjie Sun, Xin Wang, Yancen Guo and Yuntao Zhang
Diseases 2024, 12(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12010020 - 10 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3740
Abstract
Influenza is a potentially fatal acute respiratory viral disease caused by the influenza virus. Influenza viruses vary in antigenicity and spread rapidly, resulting in seasonal epidemics. Vaccination is the most effective strategy for lowering the incidence and fatality rates of influenza-related disorders, and [...] Read more.
Influenza is a potentially fatal acute respiratory viral disease caused by the influenza virus. Influenza viruses vary in antigenicity and spread rapidly, resulting in seasonal epidemics. Vaccination is the most effective strategy for lowering the incidence and fatality rates of influenza-related disorders, and it is also an important method for reducing seasonal influenza infections. Mammalian Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell lines are recommended for influenza virus growth, and such cell lines have been utilized in several commercial influenza vaccine productions. The limit dilution approach was used to screen ATCC-MDCK cell line subcellular strains that are especially sensitive to H1N1, H3N2, BV, and BY influenza viruses to increase virus production, and research on influenza virus culture media was performed to support influenza virus vaccine development. We also used RNA sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes and a GSEA analysis to determine the biological mechanisms underlying the various levels of susceptibility of cells to influenza viruses. MDCK cell subline 2B6 can be cultured to increase titer and the production of the H1N1, H3N2, BV, and BY influenza viruses. MDCK-2B6 has a significantly enriched and activated in ECM receptor interaction, JAK-STAT signaling, and cytokine receptor interaction signaling pathways, which may result in increased cellular susceptibility and cell proliferation activity to influenza viruses, promote viral adsorption and replication, and elevate viral production, ultimately. The study revealed that MDCK-2B6 can increase the influenza virus titer and yield in vaccine production by increasing cell sensitivity and enhancing proliferative activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infectious Disease Epidemiology 2023)
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13 pages, 831 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of Microbial Species and Multidrug Resistance Patterns in Acute Cholangitis Patients with Cholecystectomy: A Single-Center Study
by Bogdan Miutescu, Deiana Vuletici, Calin Burciu, Felix Bende, Iulia Ratiu, Tudor Moga, Eyad Gadour, Shruta Reddy, Vasile Sandru, Gheorghe Balan, Greta Dancu, Felix-Mihai Maralescu and Alina Popescu
Diseases 2024, 12(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12010019 - 6 Jan 2024
Viewed by 2406
Abstract
This study aimed to compare microbial species and multidrug resistance patterns in acute cholangitis patients with and without a history of cholecystectomy, highlighting potential differences We hypothesized that post-cholecystectomy patients would exhibit distinct microbial spectra and resistance patterns. Conducted at a western Romanian [...] Read more.
This study aimed to compare microbial species and multidrug resistance patterns in acute cholangitis patients with and without a history of cholecystectomy, highlighting potential differences We hypothesized that post-cholecystectomy patients would exhibit distinct microbial spectra and resistance patterns. Conducted at a western Romanian hospital specializing in gastroenterology and hepatobiliary diseases from 2020 to 2023, this retrospective study included 488 acute cholangitis patients, divided into groups based on their cholecystectomy history. Bile and blood samples were analyzed for microbial identification and antibiotic susceptibility using VITEK®2. Positive biliary cultures were found in 66% of patients. The cholecystectomy group showed a higher prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms, with 74.4% exhibiting resistance compared to 31.5% in the non-cholecystectomy group (p < 0.001). Notable microbial differences included higher occurrences of Escherichia coli (40.2%) and Enterococcus spp. (32.4%) in the cholecystectomy group. Resistance to Piperacillin/Tazobactam and Penems was significantly higher in this group, with odds ratios of 3.25 (p < 0.001) and 2.80 (p = 0.001), respectively, for the development of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial species. The study confirmed our hypothesis, revealing distinct microbial profiles and a higher prevalence of multidrug resistance in acute cholangitis post-cholecystectomy patients. These findings underscore the need for tailored antibiotic strategies in managing acute cholangitis in this patient demographic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infectious Disease Epidemiology 2023)
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15 pages, 953 KiB  
Article
Genetic Characterization of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto Isolated from Human Cysts from Sardinia, Italy
by Cinzia Santucciu, Piero Bonelli, Angela Peruzzu, Alessandro Fancellu, Antonella Farà, Scilla Mastrandrea, Giovanni Drocchi, Antonio Cossu, Stefano Profili, Alberto Porcu and Giovanna Masala
Diseases 2023, 11(3), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases11030091 - 27 Jun 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1772
Abstract
This study involved 20 patients affected by cystic echinococcosis (CE) who were referred to different hospitals of Sardinia (Italy) from 2017 to 2022. By means of a multidisciplinary approach, diagnosis was confirmed for CE in 18 patients and for different aetiologies in two [...] Read more.
This study involved 20 patients affected by cystic echinococcosis (CE) who were referred to different hospitals of Sardinia (Italy) from 2017 to 2022. By means of a multidisciplinary approach, diagnosis was confirmed for CE in 18 patients and for different aetiologies in two subjects. Moreover, serology was positive for 15 subjects. Since multiple CE cysts were found in five patients, a total of 27 lesions were collected; however, only one for each patient was investigated for genetic characterization of E. granulosus s.s. DNA isolates. Our results included 15 fertile cysts that underwent DNA extraction and amplification by three different PCRs targeting nuclear (calreticulin) and mitochondrial genes (cox1 and nad5). DNA was sequenced, and by neighbour-joining phylogenetic trees we determined 10 G1 and five G3 genotypes previously reported in Sardinia. These sequences were used to construct a network, along with those circulating in Mediterranean areas. The haplotype network calculated on cox1 evidenced seven different haplotypes of the 15 isolates, with SAR2 the most represented, carried by seven cysts, and SAR17 never described in the Mediterranean area. Meanwhile, the nad5 sequences showed the most common haplotype as nd5SAR7, as well as two new haplotypes not previously described, nd5SAR13, isolated from a Sardinian patient, and nd5SAR14, isolated from a Romanian patient. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infectious Disease Epidemiology 2023)
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18 pages, 1433 KiB  
Systematic Review
Global Prevalence of Zika and Chikungunya Coinfection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Saleh Ahmed, Shabiha Sultana, Shoumik Kundu, Sayeda Sadia Alam, Tareq Hossan and Md Asiful Islam
Diseases 2024, 12(2), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12020031 - 31 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3151
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) are arthropod-borne viruses with significant pathogenicity, posing a substantial health and economic burden on a global scale. Moreover, ZIKV-CHIKV coinfection imposes additional therapeutic challenges as there is no specific treatment for ZIKV or CHIKV infection. While [...] Read more.
Zika virus (ZIKV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) are arthropod-borne viruses with significant pathogenicity, posing a substantial health and economic burden on a global scale. Moreover, ZIKV-CHIKV coinfection imposes additional therapeutic challenges as there is no specific treatment for ZIKV or CHIKV infection. While a growing number of studies have documented the ZIKV-CHIKV coinfection, there is currently a lack of conclusive reports on this coinfection. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the true statistics of ZIKV-CHIKV coinfection in the global human population. Relevant studies were searched for in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar without limitation in terms of language or publication date. A total of 33 studies containing 41,460 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO under the registration number CRD42020176409. The pooled prevalence and confidence intervals of ZIKV-CHIKV coinfection were computed using a random-effects model. The study estimated a combined global prevalence rate of 1.0% [95% CI: 0.7–1.2] for the occurrence of ZIKV-CHIKV coinfection. The region of North America (Mexico, Haiti, and Nicaragua) and the country of Haiti demonstrated maximum prevalence rates of 2.8% [95% CI: 1.5–4.1] and 3.5% [95% CI: 0.2–6.8], respectively. Moreover, the prevalence of coinfection was found to be higher in the paediatric group (2.1% [95% CI: 0.0–4.2]) in comparison with the adult group (0.7% [95% CI: 0.2–1.1]). These findings suggest that the occurrence of ZIKV-CHIKV coinfection varies geographically and by age group. The results of this meta-analysis will guide future investigations seeking to understand the underlying reasons for these variations and the causes of coinfection and to develop targeted prevention and control strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infectious Disease Epidemiology 2023)
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18 pages, 5575 KiB  
Systematic Review
Effects of Probiotics in Adults with Gastroenteritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials
by Amal K. Mitra, Adetoun F. Asala, Shelia Malone and Malay Kanti Mridha
Diseases 2023, 11(4), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases11040138 - 11 Oct 2023
Viewed by 3520
Abstract
Probiotics have been widely used in gastroenteritis due to acute and chronic illnesses. However, evidence supporting the effectiveness of probiotics in different health conditions is inconclusive and conflicting. The aim of this study was to review the existing literature on the effects of [...] Read more.
Probiotics have been widely used in gastroenteritis due to acute and chronic illnesses. However, evidence supporting the effectiveness of probiotics in different health conditions is inconclusive and conflicting. The aim of this study was to review the existing literature on the effects of probiotics on gastroenteritis among adults. Only original articles on clinical trials that demonstrated the effects of probiotics in adults with gastroenteritis were used for this analysis. Multiple databases, such as PubMed, Google Scholar, MEDLINE and Scopus databases, were searched for the data. The study followed standard procedures for data extraction using a PRISMA flow chart. A quality appraisal of the selected studies was conducted using CADIMA. Finally, a meta-analysis was performed. Thirty-five articles met the selection criteria; of them, probiotics were found effective in the treatment and/or prevention of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease in 17 (49%), and the treatment of pouchitis in 4 (11.4%), antibiotic-induced diarrhea in 3 (8.6%), Helicobacter pylori infection in 2 (5.7%) and diverticulitis in 1 (2.9%), while the remaining 7 (20%) were ineffective, and 1 study’s results were inconclusive. The meta-analysis did not demonstrate any significant protective effects of probiotics. Having a τ2 value of zero and I2 of 6%, the studies were homogeneous and had minimum variances. Further studies are suggested to evaluate the beneficial effects of probiotics in IBDs and other chronic bowel diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infectious Disease Epidemiology 2023)
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9 pages, 1458 KiB  
Case Report
Environmental Influence on the Occurrence of Multi-Organ Cystic Echinococcosis Infection in a Patient from Sardinia, Italy
by Cinzia Santucciu, Paolo Albino Ferrari, Giulia Grimaldi, Alessandro Murenu, Sonia Nemolato, Piero Bonelli, Giovanna Masala, Giuseppe Salvatore Porcu and Roberto Cherchi
Diseases 2023, 11(3), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases11030090 - 27 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1458
Abstract
An uncommon clinical case of an adult woman who was referred to the hospital with severe symptoms attributable to cystic echinococcosis (CE) is described in this report. According to a questionnaire, the subject was exposed to a high risk of infection since she [...] Read more.
An uncommon clinical case of an adult woman who was referred to the hospital with severe symptoms attributable to cystic echinococcosis (CE) is described in this report. According to a questionnaire, the subject was exposed to a high risk of infection since she was employed on a farm about 20 years before diagnosis. She lived close to several animal species and handled vegetables in inadequate hygienic conditions. Medical and laboratory investigations confirmed the presence of massive echinococcal cystic lesions in each lung and in the liver. Given the peculiarity of the case, pharmacological and surgical treatments were the only conceivable option. The association of pharmacological treatment, surgery, and interventional radiology procedure represented a reliable and effective way to handle a complex case of human hydatidosis. A multi-disciplinary approach was mandatory, resulting in a clear and conclusive diagnosis of CE caused by the zoonotic parasite E. granulosus sensu stricto of the G1 genotype. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infectious Disease Epidemiology 2023)
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