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A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Public Health Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 April 2025) | Viewed by 20263

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Dr. Eleonora Cella

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Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue “Human Infectious Diseases” offers a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted landscape of infectious diseases, presenting a collection of articles that delve into the understanding, management, and prevention of a diverse array of infectious agents impacting global health.

This Special Issue encompasses a wide range of topics, including the epidemiology of infectious diseases, emerging and re-emerging pathogens, innovative diagnostic tools, treatment advancements, and the impact of infectious diseases on vulnerable populations. Furthermore, it addresses the intersection of infectious diseases with other public health challenges, such as antimicrobial resistance, vaccine hesitancy, and the influence of environmental factors.

Through the dissemination of cutting-edge research, clinical insights, and epidemiological perspectives, this Special Issue serves as a vital resource for healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers. It provides a platform for the exchange of knowledge and strategies aimed at combating existing infectious threats and preparing for future challenges in the realm of infectious diseases.

In conclusion, “Infectious Diseases” provides a holistic overview of the current state of infectious diseases globally, offering valuable insights that contribute to the ongoing efforts to understand, manage, and mitigate the impact of infectious agents, ultimately working towards the betterment of public health worldwide.

Dr. Eleonora Cella
Guest Editor

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Keywords

human
infectious diseases
public health

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 1361 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Epidemiological Transitions in Influenza Dynamics in the United States: Insights from Recent Pandemic Challenges

by Marta Giovanetti, Sobur Ali, Svetoslav Nanev Slavov, Taj Azarian and Eleonora Cella

Microorganisms 2025, 13(3), 469; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13030469 - 20 Feb 2025

Viewed by 863

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has reshaped the epidemiological landscape of respiratory diseases, with profound implications for seasonal influenza. Nonpharmaceutical interventions implemented globally during the pandemic significantly altered human behavior and reduced the prevalence of respiratory pathogens, including influenza. However, the post-pandemic resurgence of influenza activity to pre-pandemic levels highlights the persistent challenges posed by this virus. During the 2023–2024 influenza season in the United States, an estimated 40 million individuals contracted influenza, resulting in 470,000 hospitalizations and 28,000 deaths, with the elderly disproportionately affected. Pediatric mortality was also notable, with 724 deaths reported among children. This study examines trends in influenza incidence, vaccination rates, and mortality in the United States from the 2018–2019 through to the 2023–2024 influenza seasons. Additionally, it evaluates the interplay between influenza and SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic, considering the impact of disrupted air travel, public health measures, and altered virus circulation dynamics. By integrating these insights, the study underscores the critical need for sustained vaccination campaigns and innovative public health strategies to mitigate the dual burden of respiratory diseases. Findings from this analysis highlight the urgency of strengthening prevention and surveillance systems to enhance pandemic preparedness and reduce the impact of respiratory pathogens in an evolving epidemiological landscape. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Infectious Diseases)

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12 pages, 1890 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differential Transcriptional Landscape of Vero Cells During Dengue Virus 2 Infection in the Presence of Sinococuline

by Amit Garg, Rahul Shukla, Amit Kumar, Charu Aggarwal, Arnab Mukhopadhyay and Navin Khanna

Microorganisms 2024, 12(12), 2529; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12122529 - 8 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1164

Abstract

Dengue virus (DENV) is transmitted by Aedes genus mosquitoes and is responsible for dengue fever (DF) and other severe diseases, posing a significant challenge to the global health system. Currently, anti-dengue pharmacological treatment options are not available. Earlier, we demonstrated that Sinococuline has potent anti-dengue activity and prevents virus infection. In this study, we profile the host transcriptome response in the Vero cells after infection with DENV2 in the presence of Sinococuline, using bioinformatics to identify significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs). A total of 1510 DEGs were noted by transcriptional analysis of Vero cells that were infected with dengue virus as compared to the uninfected cells, among which 697 were upregulated and 813 were downregulated. Also, 184 out of 697 and 254 out of 817 genes were altered in dengue-infected Vero cells in the presence of Sinococuline. We found that TNF, cytokine–cytokine receptor interactions, and NF-kB signaling pathways were differentially expressed in DENV2-infected Vero cells, which was prevented by Sinococuline. The findings of this study add to our knowledge of Sinococuline’s antiviral activity in DENV2-infected Vero cells at the transcriptome level. These findings also identify potential candidate antiviral genes that can be verified for their function in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Infectious Diseases)

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17 pages, 10629 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Global Trend of Drug Resistant Sites in Influenza A Virus Neuraminidase Protein from 2011 to 2020

by Jing Wang, Bei Shen, Lihuan Yue, Huiting Xu, Lingdie Chen, Dan Qian, Wei Dong and Yihong Hu

Microorganisms 2024, 12(10), 2056; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12102056 - 12 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1173

Abstract

Influenza A virus (IAV) causes highly contagious respiratory disease worldwide, so prevention and control of IAV is extremely important. However, overuse of neuraminidase inhibitor (NAI) drugs leads to drug resistance. To explore the up-to-date geographical distribution and evolution of drug-resistant mutations (DRMs) in the NA protein of IAV, 81,492 near full-length NA sequences downloaded from NCBI and GISAID databases, including 34,481 H1N1 and 46,622 H3N2, were processed and analyzed. Our results showed the annual number of NA sequences from 2011 to 2019 continuously increased. Meanwhile, almost 85% of sequences were from developed countries in North America, Europe and Asia. Clustering analysis demonstrated H3N2 varied more than H1N1. Notably, H3N2 exhibited a higher frequency of DRMs than H1N1, with prevailing DRMs mainly located at non-active sites within the NA protein. Phylogenetic analyses showed NA harboring DRMs collected in the same year and from the same location clustered together, which may be related to the local economic level, clinical monitoring of DRMs and research level. Consequently, it is imperative to enhance global surveillance targeting drug resistance in IAV infections which can mitigate the transmission of drug-resistant strains. In summary, our research provides valuable insights for clinical medication while establishing a robust scientific basis for IAV prevention and treatment strategies to improve overall efficacy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Infectious Diseases)

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14 pages, 1310 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Uprise of Human Leishmaniasis in Tuscany, Central Italy: Clinical and Epidemiological Data from a Multicenter Study

by Anna Barbiero, Michele Spinicci, Andrea Aiello, Martina Maruotto, Roberta Maria Antonello, Giuseppe Formica, Matteo Piccica, Patrizia Isola, Eva Maria Parisio, Maria Nardone, Silvia Valentini, Valentina Mangano, Tamara Brunelli, Loria Bianchi, Filippo Bartalesi, Cecilia Costa, Margherita Sambo, Mario Tumbarello, Spartaco Sani, Silvia Fabiani, Barbara Rossetti, Cesira Nencioni, Alessandro Lanari, Donatella Aquilini, Giulia Montorzi, Elisabetta Venturini, Luisa Galli, Giada Rinninella, Marco Falcone, Federica Ceriegi, Francesco Amadori, Antonella Vincenti, Pierluigi Blanc, Iacopo Vellere, Danilo Tacconi, Sauro Luchi, Sara Moneta, Daniela Massi, Michela Brogi, Fabio Voller, Fabrizio Gemmi, Gian Maria Rossolini, Maria Grazia Cusi, Fabrizio Bruschi, Alessandro Bartoloni and Lorenzo Zammarchi Show full author list Hide full author list

Microorganisms 2024, 12(10), 1963; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12101963 - 27 Sep 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1786

Abstract

Human leishmaniasis is facing important epidemiological changes in Southern Europe, driven by increased urbanization, climate changes, emerging of new animal reservoirs, shifts in human behavior and a growing population of immunocompromised and elderly individuals. In this evolving epidemiological landscape, we analyzed the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of human leishmaniasis in the Tuscany region of Central Italy. Through a multicentric retrospective analysis, we collected clinical and demographic data about all cases of leishmaniasis recorded between 2018 and 2023. We observed 176 cases of human leishmaniasis, with 128 (72.7%) visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and 47 (26.7%) cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Among these, 92.2% of VL and 85.1% of CL cases were autochthonous. The cumulative incidence of autochthonous human leishmaniasis was 0.22 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 2018, but reached 1.81/100,000 in 2023. We identified three main areas of transmission: around the city of Florence (North-East Tuscany), around Grosseto city (South-West Tuscany) and Elba Island. Our findings confirm that the epidemiology of leishmaniasis is undergoing significant changes in Central Italy. Awareness towards this emerging health threat and surveillance strategies need to be improved in order to reliably assess the disease’s burden. Further research is needed in a “One-Health” perspective, to clarify the epidemiological dynamics at the environmental, reservoir, vector and human levels. The role of climate change and specific climatic factors affecting the epidemiological patterns of human leishmaniasis should be assessed. Further knowledge in these fields would promote targeted control and prevention strategies at regional and national levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Infectious Diseases)

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15 pages, 2770 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Retrospective Analysis of Omicron in Minas Gerais, Brazil: Emergence, Dissemination, and Diversification

by Paula Luize Camargos Fonseca, Isabela Braga-Paz, Luiza Campos Guerra de Araújo e Santos, Rillery Calixto Dias, Carolina Senra Alves de Souza, Nara Oliveira Carvalho, Daniel Costa Queiroz, Hugo José Alves, João Locke Ferreira de Araújo, Filipe Romero Rebello Moreira, Mariane Talon Menezes, Diego Menezes, Aryel Beatriz Paz e Silva, Jorge Gomes Goulart Ferreira, Talita Emile Ribeiro Adelino, André Felipe Leal Bernardes, Natália Virtude Carobin, Renée Silva Carvalho, Carolina Zaniboni Ferrari, Natália Rocha Guimarães, Ludmila Oliveira Lamounier, Fernanda Gil Souza, Luisa Aimeé Vargas, Marisa de Oliveira Ribeiro, Monica Barcellos Arruda, Patricia Alvarez, Rennan Garcias Moreira, Eneida Santos de Oliveira, Adriano de Paula Sabino, Jaqueline Silva de Oliveira, José Nélio Januário, Felipe Campos de Melo Iani, Renan Pedra de Souza and Renato Santana Aguiar Show full author list Hide full author list

Microorganisms 2024, 12(9), 1745; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12091745 - 23 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1140

Abstract

Brazil is one of the countries most affected by COVID-19, with the highest number of deaths recorded. Brazilian Health Institutions have reported four main peaks of positive COVID-19 cases. The last two waves were characterized by the emergence of the VOC Omicron and its sublineages. This study aimed to conduct a retrospective surveillance study illustrating the emergence, dissemination, and diversification of the VOC Omicron in 15 regional health units (RHUs) in MG, the second most populous state in Brazil, by combining epidemiological and genomic data. A total of 5643 confirmed positive COVID-19 samples were genotyped using the panels TaqMan SARS-CoV-2 Mutation and 4Plex SC2/VOC Bio-Manguinhos to define mutations classifying the BA.1, BA.2, BA.4, and BA.5 sublineages. While sublineages BA.1 and BA.2 were more prevalent during the third wave, BA.4 and BA.5 dominated the fourth wave in the state. Epidemiological and viral genome data suggest that age and vaccination with booster doses were the main factors related to clinical outcomes, reducing the number of deaths, irrespective of the Omicron sublineages. Complete genome sequencing of 253 positive samples confirmed the circulation of the BA.1, BA.2, BA.4, and BA.5 subvariants, and phylogenomic analysis demonstrated that the VOC Omicron was introduced through multiple international events, followed by transmission within the state of MG. In addition to the four subvariants, other lineages have been identified at low frequency, including BQ.1.1 and XAG. This integrative study reinforces that the evolution of Omicron sublineages was the most significant factor driving the highest peaks of positive COVID-19 cases without an increase in more severe cases, prevented by vaccination boosters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Infectious Diseases)

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Review

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22 pages, 1509 KiB

Open AccessReview

Interplay between Lung Diseases and Viral Infections: A Comprehensive Review

by Chahat Suri, Babita Pande, Lakkakula Suhasini Sahithi, Tarun Sahu and Henu Kumar Verma

Microorganisms 2024, 12(10), 2030; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12102030 - 8 Oct 2024

Viewed by 3075

Abstract

The intricate relationship between chronic lung diseases and viral infections is a significant concern in respiratory medicine. We explore how pre-existing lung conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, influence susceptibility, severity, and outcomes of viral infections. We also examine how viral infections exacerbate and accelerate the progression of lung disease by disrupting immune responses and triggering inflammatory pathways. By summarizing current evidence, this review highlights the bidirectional nature of these interactions, where underlying lung diseasesincrease vulnerability to viral infections, while these infections, in turn, worsen the clinical course. This review underscores the importance of preventive measures, such as vaccination, early detection, and targeted therapies, to mitigate adverse outcomes in patients with chronic lung conditions. The insights provided aim to inform clinical strategies that can improve patient management and reduce the burden of chronic lung diseases exacerbated by viral infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Infectious Diseases)

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26 pages, 3320 KiB

Open AccessReview

Osteonecrosis of the Jaws Associated with Herpes Zoster Infection: A Systematic Review and a Rare Case Report

by Antonio Mancini, Fabrizio Chirico, Angelo Michele Inchingolo, Fabio Piras, Valeria Colonna, Pierluigi Marotti, Claudio Carone, Alessio Danilo Inchingolo, Francesco Inchingolo and Gianna Dipalma

Microorganisms 2024, 12(8), 1506; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12081506 - 23 Jul 2024

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 2333

Abstract

The investigation’s goal was to obtain further knowledge about the connection between Herpes Zoster infection and dentistry therapy for the osteonecrosis of the jaws, combining the review with a case report relevant to the purpose. It is important to study this association because it is a possible additional factor to be considered in the causes of the osteonecrosis of the jaws. We limited our search to English-language papers published between 1 January 2004 and 7 June 2024 in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science that were relevant to our topic. In the search approach, the Boolean keywords “Herpes Zoster AND osteonecros*” were used. Results: This study analyzed 148 papers from Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus, resulting in 95 articles after removing duplicates. Of these, 49 were removed because they were off topic, and 46 were confirmed. This study includes a qualitative analysis of the final 12 articles, removing 34 articles that were off topic. The literature highlights severe oral complications from Herpes Zoster reactivation, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis, comprehensive management, and multidisciplinary care. Treatment strategies include antiviral therapy, pain management, surgical debridement, and antibiotics. Immunocompromised individuals require vigilant monitoring and balanced immunosuppressive therapy. Further research is needed to enhance therapeutic approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Infectious Diseases)

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13 pages, 497 KiB

Open AccessReview

Liver Stiffness Evaluation in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients with Cirrhosis before and after Direct-Acting Antivirals

by Cristina Stasi and Stefano Brillanti

Microorganisms 2024, 12(7), 1418; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12071418 - 12 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1533

Abstract

After the introduction of direct-acting antivirals, parallel significant clinical progress has been achieved in the assessment of liver fibrosis progression/regression before treatment and during the follow-up of the cirrhotic patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The evolution of chronic hepatitis C into liver cirrhosis is correlated with an extensive accumulation of the extracellular matrix, leading to the formation of large amounts of fibrotic tissues that, initially, are concentrated in periportal areas and, in the later stages, surround the nodules of regenerating hepatocytes. The progressive increase in the fibrotic matrix contributes to vascular disturbances (favoring the development of portal hypertension) and to microenvironmental changes. The four clinical stages of liver cirrhosis are predictors for different clinical scenarios. The wide-ranging functions of the liver require different methods for their assessment. The non-invasive evaluation using transient elastography is useful in determining the longitudinal modifications of fibrosis during and after treatment with direct-acting antivirals. The liver stiffness evaluation, known to have a wide range of values in cirrhotic patients, can offer different prognostic implications after sustained virological response. This review discusses the different time points of liver stiffness evaluation that appear to show a more well-defined propensity to identify adequate monitoring schedules for these patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Infectious Diseases)

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Other

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29 pages, 4545 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Cholera Outbreaks in Low- and Middle-Income Countries in the Last Decade: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Anastasia A. Asantewaa, Alex Odoom, Godfred Owusu-Okyere and Eric S. Donkor

Microorganisms 2024, 12(12), 2504; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12122504 - 4 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4685

Abstract

Cholera is linked to penury, making low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) particularly vulnerable to outbreaks. In this systematic review, we analyzed the drivers contributing to these outbreaks, focusing on the epidemiology of cholera in LMICs. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42024591613). We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to include studies on cholera outbreaks that occurred in LMICs from 1 January 2014 to 21 September 2024. Studies on outbreaks outside LMICs and focusing on sporadic cases were excluded. The risk of bias among included studies was assessed using a modified Downes et al. appraisal tool. Thematic analysis was used to synthesize the qualitative data, and meta-analyses to estimate the pooled prevalence. From 1662 records, 95 studies met inclusion criteria, primarily documenting outbreaks in Africa (74%) and Asia (26%). Contaminated water was the main route of disease transmission. The pooled fatality prevalence was 1.3% (95% CI: 1.1–1.6), and the detection rate among suspected cases was 57.8% (95% CI: 49.2–66.4). Vibrio cholerae O1 was the dominant serogroup while Ogawa was the dominant serotype. All studies reporting biotypes indicated El Tor. Although the isolates were 100% susceptible to ofloxacin, levofloxacin, norfloxacin, cefuroxime, and doxycycline, they were also fully resistant to amikacin, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, and furazolidone. The persistence of cholera outbreaks in destitute areas with limited access to clean water and sanitation emphasizes the need for socioeconomic improvements, infrastructure development, and ongoing surveillance to support timely responses and achieve long-term prevention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Infectious Diseases)

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9 pages, 1170 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Terminal Ileitis as the Exclusive Manifestation of COVID-19 in Children

by Lea Maria Schuler, Barbara Falkensammer, Peter Orlik, Michael Auckenthaler, Christof Kranewitter, David Bante, Dorothee von Laer and Franz-Martin Fink

Microorganisms 2024, 12(7), 1377; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12071377 - 6 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1815

Abstract

The clinical presentation, organ involvement, and severity of disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 are highly variable, ranging from asymptomatic or mild infection to respiratory or multi-organ failure and, in children and young adults, the life-threatening multisystemic inflammatory disease (MIS-C). SARS-CoV-2 enters cells via the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 receptor (ACE-2), which is expressed on the cell surfaces of all organ systems, including the gastrointestinal tract. GI manifestations have a high prevalence in children with COVID-19. However, isolated terminal ileitis without other manifestations of COVID-19 is rare. In March 2023, two previously healthy boys (aged 16 months and 9 years) without respiratory symptoms presented with fever and diarrhea, elevated C-reactive protein levels, and low procalcitonin levels. Imaging studies revealed marked terminal ileitis in both cases. SARS-CoV-2 (Omicron XBB.1.9 and XBB.1.5 variants) was detected by nucleic acid amplification in throat and stool samples. Both patients recovered fast with supportive measures only. A differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain includes enterocolitis, mesenteric lymphadenitis, appendicitis, and more. During SARS-CoV-2 epidemics, this virus alone may be responsible for inflammation of the terminal ileum, as demonstrated. Coinfection with Campylobacter jejuni in one of our patients demonstrates the importance of a complete microbiological workup. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Infectious Diseases)

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