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Medicina
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Infectious and Tropical Diseases: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
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Infectious and Tropical Diseases: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144). This special issue belongs to the section "Infectious Disease".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 January 2025) | Viewed by 20234

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Temi Lampejo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
King's College Hospital, London, UK
Interests: infectious diseases; tropical diseases; viruses; pyrexia of unknown origin
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Within the last century we have experienced a number of epidemics and pandemics caused by infections including cholera, influenza, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Middle East Acute Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), Zika virus and Mpox. There are also infections such as malaria which persistently have a devastating global health burden (241 million cases of malaria with 627,000 malaria related deaths in 2020) and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future unless further preventative strategies are implemented. Infectious diseases continue to represent a health problem in all regions of the world. As evidenced by the recent Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, new pathogens will continue to emerge and drastically impact all of our lives.

The aim of this Special Issue is to further expand and explore our understanding of the aetiopathogenesis, prevention, diagnosis and therapeutics of infectious and tropical diseases. Bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections will all be within the scope of this Special Issue. A range of studies, including case reports and series, cohort and case-control studies, narrative reviews, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, are welcome from all over the world.

Dr. Temi Lampejo
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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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. Medicina 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 2200 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
  • infection
  • tropical
  • bacterial
  • viral
  • fungal
  • parasitic

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 203 KiB  
Editorial
Editorial for the Special Issue “Infectious and Tropical Diseases: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment”
by Temi Lampejo
Medicina 2025, 61(3), 377; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61030377 - 22 Feb 2025
Viewed by 459
Abstract
For centuries, humans have faced the devastating wrath of outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics caused by infectious diseases [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infectious and Tropical Diseases: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Other

15 pages, 2102 KiB  
Article
Comparative Study of Vitamin D Levels in Newly Diagnosed Tuberculosis and a Normal Population
by Vasanth Kumar Mamadapur, Shreesha Nagaraju and Mukhyaprana M. Prabhu
Medicina 2024, 60(5), 685; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60050685 - 23 Apr 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2692
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) is an ancient disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a member of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. It contributes to significant morbidity and mortality. Treatment of TB poses a considerable challenge because of emerging drug resistance and the [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) is an ancient disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a member of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. It contributes to significant morbidity and mortality. Treatment of TB poses a considerable challenge because of emerging drug resistance and the longer duration of therapy. Various past studies, both in vitro and in vivo, have established the role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis and treatment of TB. Results of in vivo studies are inconsistent, and this study aims to determine vitamin D levels and their association with newly diagnosed TB (pulmonary and extrapulmonary) cases and normal populations. Material and Methods: A Prospective Case-Control study with 116 subjects (58 cases and 58 controls) was conducted over two years. 29 cases of pulmonary TB and 29 cases of extrapulmonary TB constituted 58 cases of TB. Vitamin D levels were measured and compared in both the cases and controls. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS software 22.0. Results: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 68.96% in the cases, while it was 51.72% in the controls. The reported median and quartile of serum vitamin D levels were 14.35 ng/mL (8.65, 25.48) in the TB group and 19.08 ng/mL (13.92, 26.17) in the control group. There was a significant statistical difference between the TB and non-TB populations with a p-value of 0.029 on the Mann–Whitney test. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in individuals with TB than those without TB. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infectious and Tropical Diseases: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment)
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11 pages, 309 KiB  
Article
Characteristics of COVID-19 Disease in Renal Transplant Recipients
by Emilija Zimnickaitė, Ieva Kucinaitė, Birutė Zablockienė, Aistė Lisinskaitė, Rolandas Zablockis, Laurynas Rimševičius, Marius Miglinas and Ligita Jančorienė
Medicina 2024, 60(2), 201; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60020201 - 24 Jan 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1927
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Kidney transplant recipients are at risk of developing more severe forms of COVID-19 infection. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical course of COVID-19 infection among kidney transplant patients and a control group. Materials and Methods: We [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Kidney transplant recipients are at risk of developing more severe forms of COVID-19 infection. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical course of COVID-19 infection among kidney transplant patients and a control group. Materials and Methods: We examined 150 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infection. Patients were divided into study (kidney transplant recipients, n = 53) and control (without a history of kidney transplantation, n = 97) groups. Demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment data, and clinical outcomes were assessed. Results: The median patient age was 56.0 (46.0–64.0) years, and seventy-seven patients (51.3%) were men. The median Charlson comorbidity index was higher in the study group (3.0 vs. 2.0, p < 0.001). There was a higher incidence of hypoxemia in the control group upon arrival (52.6% vs. 22.6%, p = 0.001) and a higher NEWS index median (2.0 vs. 1.0 points, p = 0.009) and incidence of pneumonia during hospitalization (88.7% vs. 73.6%, p = 0.023). In the study group, there were more cases of mild (26.4% vs. 11.3%, p = 0.023) and critically severe forms of COVID-19 infection (26.4% vs. 3.1%, p < 0.001), kidney failure was more prevalent (34.0% vs. 1.0%, p < 0.001), and a greater number of patients were transferred to the intensive care unit (22.6% vs. 3.1%, p < 0.001) and died (18.9% vs. 1.0%, p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis revealed that treatment in the intensive care unit correlated with a higher mortality rate than transplantation itself (HR = 20.71, 95% CI 2.01–213.33, p = 0.011). Conclusions: The course of the COVID-19 disease in kidney transplant recipients is heterogeneous and can be more severe than in the general population. Even though patients may be hospitalized with fewer symptoms, complications and death are more likely to occur. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infectious and Tropical Diseases: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment)

Other

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19 pages, 2521 KiB  
Systematic Review
Alterations in von Willebrand Factor Levels in Patients with Malaria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Disease Severity
by Suriyan Sukati, Rujikorn Rattanatham, Frederick Ramirez Masangkay, Ching-Ping Tseng and Manas Kotepui
Medicina 2025, 61(4), 767; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61040767 - 21 Apr 2025
Viewed by 921
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Elevated von Willebrand factor (vWF) levels have been reported in malaria, but their relationship with disease severity remains unclear. This study aimed to compare vWF levels between Plasmodium-infected and uninfected individuals and assess changes in severe infections. Materials [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Elevated von Willebrand factor (vWF) levels have been reported in malaria, but their relationship with disease severity remains unclear. This study aimed to compare vWF levels between Plasmodium-infected and uninfected individuals and assess changes in severe infections. Materials and Methods: The systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024558479). A comprehensive search across six databases identified studies reporting vWF levels in malaria. A meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model, with standardized mean difference (SMD) as the effect measure due to varying measurement units. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. Results: Of 1647 identified records, 26 studies met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis showed significantly higher vWF levels in Plasmodium-infected individuals compared to uninfected controls (p < 0.001, SMD: 2.689 [95% CI 1.362; 4.017], I2: 98.1%, 12 studies, 3109 participants). However, no significant difference was found between severe and less severe cases (p = 0.051, SMD: 3.551 [95% CI −0.007; 7.109], I2: 99.3%, 8 studies, 1453 participants). Conclusions: vWF levels are significantly elevated in individuals with Plasmodium infections, indicating a potential role in malaria pathophysiology. Although levels tend to be higher in severe cases, current evidence is insufficient to support vWF as a reliable marker for disease severity. Further prospective and well-controlled studies are needed to validate its diagnostic and prognostic value in malaria management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infectious and Tropical Diseases: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment)
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22 pages, 2380 KiB  
Systematic Review
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of MIP-1α and MIP-1β Chemokines in Malaria in Relation to Disease Severity
by Saruda Kuraeiad, Kwuntida Uthaisar Kotepui, Aongart Mahittikorn, Nsoh Godwin Anabire, Frederick Ramirez Masangkay, Polrat Wilairatana, Kinley Wangdi and Manas Kotepui
Medicina 2025, 61(4), 676; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61040676 - 6 Apr 2025
Viewed by 562
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α) and MIP-1β act as signaling molecules that recruit immune cells to sites of infection and inflammation. This study aimed to synthesize evidence on blood levels of MIP-1α and MIP-1β in Plasmodium-infected individuals and to [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α) and MIP-1β act as signaling molecules that recruit immune cells to sites of infection and inflammation. This study aimed to synthesize evidence on blood levels of MIP-1α and MIP-1β in Plasmodium-infected individuals and to determine whether these levels differ between severe and uncomplicated malaria cases. Materials and Methods: The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024595818). Comprehensive literature searches were conducted in six databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, Ovid, Scopus, ProQuest, and PubMed) to identify studies reporting blood levels of MIP-1α and MIP-1β in Plasmodium infections and clinical malaria. A narrative synthesis was used to describe variations in MIP-1α and MIP-1β levels between malaria patients and controls and between severe and non-severe malaria cases. Meta-analysis was used to aggregate quantitative data utilizing a random-effects model. Results: A total of 1638 records were identified, with 20 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Most studies reported significantly higher MIP-1α and MIP-1β levels in malaria patients compared to non-malarial controls. The meta-analysis showed a significant elevation in MIP-1α levels in malaria patients (n = 352) compared to uninfected individuals (n = 274) (p = 0.0112, random effects model, standardized mean difference [SMD]: 1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.38 to 3.00, I2: 96.0%, five studies, 626 individuals). The meta-analysis showed no difference in MIP-1α levels between severe malaria cases (n = 203) and uncomplicated cases (n = 106) (p = 0.51, SMD: −0.48, 95% CI: −1.93 to 0.96, I2: 97.3%, three studies, 309 individuals). Conclusions: This study suggests that while MIP-1α and MIP-1β levels are elevated in malaria patients compared to uninfected individuals, these chemokines show a limited ability to differentiate between severe and uncomplicated malaria or predict severe outcomes. Further research is needed to clarify their role in malaria pathogenesis and explore potential clinical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infectious and Tropical Diseases: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment)
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10 pages, 440 KiB  
Case Report
Hemoadsorption in Multiorgan Failure Due to Viscerocutaneous Loxoscelism
by Raúl Valenzuela Córdova, David Rivera Estrella, José F. Bernardo, Darío Jiménez, Celia Rodríguez Tudero, Raúl Elías and José C. De La Flor
Medicina 2025, 61(1), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61010143 - 16 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1104
Abstract
Background: The bite of the Loxosceles spider is a public health problem around the world, mainly in Latin America. The viscerocutaneous presentation is related to the inoculation of toxins (phospholipase-D) that generates a systemic inflammatory reaction with a subsequent increase in cytokines [...] Read more.
Background: The bite of the Loxosceles spider is a public health problem around the world, mainly in Latin America. The viscerocutaneous presentation is related to the inoculation of toxins (phospholipase-D) that generates a systemic inflammatory reaction with a subsequent increase in cytokines and chemokines. Hemoadsorption is proposed as a therapy that allows for the removal of the toxin and modulation of the inflammatory response in this disease. Case Report: We present the case of a 31-year-old woman who was admitted to the hospital due to decreased urinary flow and jaundice 48 h after a spider bite. Despite treatment with intravenous (IV) monovalent antiloxoscelism serum, antibiotic therapy, and corticosteroids, the patient’s evolution was poor, and she was admitted to the critical care unit for severe multi-organ involvement, including hepatic and kidney damage and coagulation disorders, eventually requiring hemodialysis support and hemoadsorption therapy. After the therapy was administered, rapid improvement was evident with the suspension of vasopressor support and a decrease in inflammatory markers. Conclusions: This case presents hemoadsorption as a therapeutic option, based on its capacity to reduce the intensity of hyperinflammation and to regulate the immunological response. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infectious and Tropical Diseases: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment)
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7 pages, 2594 KiB  
Case Report
Tongue Tuberculosis as a Complication of Pott’s Disease in a Patient on Systemic Steroid Therapy without Pulmonary Tuberculosis
by Samuel Sevilla-Fuentes, Luis Ángel Mendoza-Vargas, José Francisco Araiza-Rodríguez, Bertha Berthaúd-González, Ramcés Falfán-Valencia and Brandon Bautista-Becerril
Medicina 2024, 60(8), 1282; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60081282 - 8 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2348
Abstract
A 78-year-old man with a previous diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis on prolonged treatment with corticosteroids presented with intense and progressive pain at the cervical level that prevented him from resting his head and walking, in addition to an ulcerative lesion covering 80% of [...] Read more.
A 78-year-old man with a previous diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis on prolonged treatment with corticosteroids presented with intense and progressive pain at the cervical level that prevented him from resting his head and walking, in addition to an ulcerative lesion covering 80% of the lingual area that was previously treated as oral candidiasis without improvement. On arrival, with no clinical or serological data of rheumatoid arthritis, immunosuppressive treatment was suspended, and a biopsy of the oral cavity was requested, confirming the diagnosis of lingual tuberculosis, an extremely rare disease, occurring in less than 1% of extrapulmonary cases. MRI of the cervical spine showed a crush fracture of the C6 and C7 bodies associated with spondylitis of probably infectious etiology that required surgical treatment, and histopathological studies confirmed Pott’s disease. The patient displayed no evidence of pulmonary tuberculosis from arrival until the end of the follow-up. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infectious and Tropical Diseases: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment)
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12 pages, 990 KiB  
Brief Report
Frailty in Older Adults with Dengue Fever
by Yu-Sheng Hu, Yu-Tai Lo, Yi-Ching Yang and Jiun-Ling Wang
Medicina 2024, 60(4), 537; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60040537 - 26 Mar 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4249
Abstract
Background and objectives: Dengue is one of the most common epidemic infections around the world. Dengue infections in older adults are related to an atypical presentation and a high mortality. Frailty is associated with poor recovery from hospitalization due to infection. However, few [...] Read more.
Background and objectives: Dengue is one of the most common epidemic infections around the world. Dengue infections in older adults are related to an atypical presentation and a high mortality. Frailty is associated with poor recovery from hospitalization due to infection. However, few studies describe frailty and functional decline after dengue infection. The current case series study aims to investigate the baseline frailty status, functional decline, and time to recovery in older adults after dengue infection. Method: We studied seven patients with post-dengue frailty who had been admitted to the geriatric ward in one tertiary medical center in Taiwan during the 2023 dengue fever outbreak. Result: The mean age was 82 years old. The clinical frailty scale worsened from a mean of 4.7 at baseline to 6.3 at dengue diagnosis. The mean Katz Index of independence in activities of daily living decreased from 10.6 at baseline to 4.7 with dengue, and it recovered to 6.7 one month after discharge. Conclusions: Our preliminary data suggest that there is indeed an increase in frailty in older adults due to dengue. Post-dengue frailty and functional decline might be profound and persistent. Acute geriatric care intervention rehabilitation for frailty after dengue may benefit this population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infectious and Tropical Diseases: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment)
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11 pages, 1153 KiB  
Case Report
Silent Intruder: Unusual Presentation of Neurocysticercosis in an HIV-Infected Patient from the Far Northern Brazilian Amazon
by Luis E. B. Galan, Letícia R. M. Gerolin, Tháilla J. M. Carvalho, Eloise T. M. Filardi, Dafnin L. S. Ramos, Domingos S. M. Dantas, Roberto C. C. Carbonell, Felipe A. Cerni and Manuela B. Pucca
Medicina 2024, 60(3), 489; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60030489 - 16 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1856
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis, a parasitic infection of the central nervous system (CNS), is a significant public health issue globally, including in Brazil. This article presents a case report of a 44-year-old male patient residing in the rural area of Roraima, the northernmost region of Brazil [...] Read more.
Neurocysticercosis, a parasitic infection of the central nervous system (CNS), is a significant public health issue globally, including in Brazil. This article presents a case report of a 44-year-old male patient residing in the rural area of Roraima, the northernmost region of Brazil within the Amazon Forest. The patient, with chronic HIV infection, acquired the Taenia solium helminth, resulting in neurocysticercosis development. Remarkably, the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis was not initially apparent but emerged through meticulous analysis following a motorcycle accident. The absence of seizures, a common clinical manifestation, complicated the diagnostic process, making it an uncommon case of NCC, which may be related to co-infection. As the patient’s condition progressed, multiple complications arose, requiring additional medical attention and interventions. This case underscores the immense challenges faced by healthcare teams in managing neurocysticercosis effectively. It emphasizes the critical need for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to provide optimal care for such complex cases. The study’s findings underscore the importance of raising awareness and implementing improved strategies for tackling neurocysticercosis, particularly in regions where it remains a prevalent concern. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infectious and Tropical Diseases: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment)
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12 pages, 18590 KiB  
Case Report
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches for a Diabetic Patient Presenting with Secondary Syphilis and Severe Odynophagia
by Bramantono Bramantono, Henry Sutanto, Hermawan Susanto, Muhammad Vitanata Arfijanto and Usman Hadi
Medicina 2024, 60(2), 298; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60020298 - 9 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2668
Abstract
Syphilis, an infectious disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum, represents a pervasive global epidemic. Secondary syphilis is typically marked by the emergence of highly contagious mucocutaneous manifestations, including non-pruritic rashes on the palms and soles of the feet, alopecia, mucous patches, [...] Read more.
Syphilis, an infectious disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum, represents a pervasive global epidemic. Secondary syphilis is typically marked by the emergence of highly contagious mucocutaneous manifestations, including non-pruritic rashes on the palms and soles of the feet, alopecia, mucous patches, and condyloma lata. Here, we report a rare case of a 30-year-old male with newly discovered type 2 diabetes mellitus who presented with severe odynophagia due to secondary syphilis, confirmed by both nontreponemal VDRL/RPR and treponemal TPHA tests. Following the administration of a single-dose intramuscular injection of benzathine penicillin G 2.4 million units, the symptoms gradually decreased, allowing the patient to regain his health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infectious and Tropical Diseases: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment)
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