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Pathogens
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Feature Papers on the Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases
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Feature Papers on the Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases

A special issue of Pathogens (ISSN 2076-0817). This special issue belongs to the section "Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 14009

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Gunjan Arora

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
Interests: immunology; malaria; tuberculosis; cell signaling; synthetic biology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Jiří Černý

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Institute of Biotechnology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
Interests: emerging viral zoonoses; arthropod-borne pathogens; arboviruses; virus evolution; pathogen detection; pathogen evolution
Prof. Dr. Yongguo Cao

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
Interests: gut microbiota; infection and immunity; metabolism
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Ankur Bothra

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
Interests: Mycobacteria; Bacillus anthracis; antibody engineering; omics; bacterial signaling
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce the launch of a new Special Issue titled “Feature Papers on the Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases”. This Special Issue aims to solicit primary research articles, reviews, editorials, and commentaries on contemporary and hot topics from scholars.

Due to the pandemic, scholars have experienced significant delays in their research works. Despite the current situation, many researchers have devoted their time to conducting research and submitting their original papers on COVID-19 to Pathogens in the hope that these published papers might assist colleagues in combating the virus. With the goal to acknowledge scholars’ works and avoid inconveniences introduced by the pandemic, this Special Issue is specifically dedicated to “Feature Papers on the Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases”. We sincerely hope that scholars from all over the world will publish papers based on their research over the last few years. 

Dr. Gunjan Arora
Dr. Jiří Černý
Prof. Dr. Yongguo Cao
Dr. Ankur Bothra
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. Pathogens 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 diseases
  • epidemiology
  • diagnostics
  • COVID-19
  • tuberculosis
  • tick-borne diseases
  • influenza
  • HIV
  • host-pathogen interaction
  • pathogen
  • fungal diseases
  • bacterial infection
  • genomics
  • neglected tropical diseases
  • vector-borne diseases

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review, Other

3 pages, 191 KiB  
Editorial
The Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases Meets AI: A Match Made in Heaven
by Ankur Bothra, Yongguo Cao, Jiří Černý and Gunjan Arora
Pathogens 2023, 12(2), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12020317 - 15 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3130
Abstract
Infectious diseases remain a major threat to public health [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers on the Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases)

Research

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11 pages, 221 KiB  
Article
Unraveling Dysgeusia in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Clinical and Laboratory Insights from Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in Romania
by Elena Camelia Kouris, Sînziana Irina Mirea, Sigrid Covaci, Monica Luminița Luminos and Victor Daniel Miron
Pathogens 2025, 14(4), 300; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14040300 - 21 Mar 2025
Viewed by 329
Abstract
Introduction: Dysgeusia has been regarded as a clinical feature associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection since the onset of the pandemic. The initial circulating variants were linked to the presence of dysgeusia; however, with the emergence of the Omicron variant, the incidence of dysgeusia has [...] Read more.
Introduction: Dysgeusia has been regarded as a clinical feature associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection since the onset of the pandemic. The initial circulating variants were linked to the presence of dysgeusia; however, with the emergence of the Omicron variant, the incidence of dysgeusia has decreased. The aim of this study was to identify the incidence and characteristics of patients with dysgeusia from the onset of the pandemic to the Omicron variant. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study from March 2020 to December 2021, among adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in the main infectious diseases hospital in Romania. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and interpreted in relation to the presence or absence of dysgeusia. Results: The incidence of dysgeusia was 32.0%, with the majority of cases (44.2%) occurring in patients with the Beta SARS-CoV-2 variant. Dysgeusia has been predominantly observed in mild to moderate cases of the disease. The presence of obesity and hypertension has been shown to be negatively associated with the development of dysgeusia (OR = 0.45, OR = 0.39, respectively). In patients with dysgeusia, inflammatory changes such as lymphopenia were significantly less frequently identified (OR = 0.22, p < 0.001), as were increased C-reactive protein (OR = 0.12, p < 0.001) and increased interleukin-1 (OR = 0.42, p = 0.002), increased fibrinogen (OR = 0.31, p < 0.001), and increased ferritin (OR = 0.27, p < 0.001) compared to patients without dysgeusia. The incidence of acute respiratory failure was higher in the dysgeusia group (71.2% vs. 28.8%, p < 0.001). This was accompanied by a milder management of patients with dysgeusia and a median duration of hospitalization that was two days shorter. Conclusions: The presence or absence of dysgeusia in patients with COVID-19 appears to correlate with both the inflammatory response and outcome. In the context of evolving circulating viral variants, which seem to be associated with a lower incidence of dysgeusia, continuous monitoring of patients who develop this disorder remains essential to clarify the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved and to assess the potential of dysgeusia as a predictor of the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers on the Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases)

Review

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17 pages, 2559 KiB  
Review
Anthrax in Humans, Animals, and the Environment and the One Health Strategies for Anthrax Control
by Deepak Subedi, Saurav Pantha, Sumit Jyoti, Bickal Gautam, Krishna Kaphle, Rakesh Kumar Yadav, Shristi Ghimire and Santosh Dhakal
Pathogens 2024, 13(9), 773; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13090773 - 7 Sep 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4526
Abstract
Anthrax is a notorious disease of public health importance caused by Bacillus anthracis. The causative agent can also be used as a biological weapon. Spores of these bacteria can sustain extreme environmental conditions and remain viable in soil for decades. Domestic and [...] Read more.
Anthrax is a notorious disease of public health importance caused by Bacillus anthracis. The causative agent can also be used as a biological weapon. Spores of these bacteria can sustain extreme environmental conditions and remain viable in soil for decades. Domestic and wild ruminants are highly susceptible to this pathogen, which usually presents as a peracute to acute disease. In humans, cutaneous anthrax is frequent but pulmonary and enteric anthrax are more serious. Humans, animals, and the environment are all involved, making anthrax a perfect target for a One Health approach. The environment plays a key role in disease transmission. At a time when the One Health concept is not mere slogans, collaborative efforts of medical professionals, veterinarians, and environmental scientists will be valuable for the prevention and control of this disease. In this review, we discussed the transmission dynamics of anthrax in the environment, animals, and humans, as well as One Health strategies to control and prevent anthrax. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers on the Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases)
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Other

8 pages, 905 KiB  
Brief Report
Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Cysticercosis in Mexican Americans in Starr County, Texas
by Megan M. Duffey, Elise M. O’Connell, Morgan Jibowu, Fanny E. Moron, Lauren M. Leining, Nina L. Tang, Craig L. Hanis, Eric L. Brown and Sarah M. Gunter
Pathogens 2024, 13(11), 988; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13110988 - 12 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1103
Abstract
Cysticercosis is a parasitic infection and neglected tropical disease caused by Taenia solium, or the pork tapeworm. Cysticercosis with central nervous system involvement, or neurocysticercosis, is a leading cause of chronic headaches and epilepsy in endemic regions, including Latin America and Asia. [...] Read more.
Cysticercosis is a parasitic infection and neglected tropical disease caused by Taenia solium, or the pork tapeworm. Cysticercosis with central nervous system involvement, or neurocysticercosis, is a leading cause of chronic headaches and epilepsy in endemic regions, including Latin America and Asia. In the United States, the epidemiology of cysticercosis has not been well described. We conducted a cross-section serosurvey of Mexican-American adults residing along the Texas–Mexico border (Starr County, Texas) and identified an overall seroprevalence of 7.4% (45/605) for cysticercosis. Brain imaging studies conducted on seropositive study participants identified lesions consistent with calcified neurocysticercosis in 2 of the 45 seropositive individuals. Female sex (p = 0.021), employment in healthcare, caregiving, or social service (p = 0.002), and indoor occupation (p < 0.001) were found to be significantly associated with seropositivity. Further study is needed to evaluate the burden of neurocysticercosis and local transmission risk in this community. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers on the Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases)
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9 pages, 804 KiB  
Brief Report
Seroepidemiological Analysis of Canine Leptospira Species Infections in Changchun, China
by Yue Ding, Wenlong Zhang, Xufeng Xie, Shilei Zhang, Ning Song, Zhanbin Liu and Yongguo Cao
Pathogens 2023, 12(7), 930; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12070930 - 12 Jul 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1499
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a significant worldwide zoonotic infectious disease that infects a wide range of animals and humans. Leptospira will colonize the animal’s urinary and reproductive systems and be excreted with urine, potentially causing a wide range of infections. Dogs are an essential host [...] Read more.
Leptospirosis is a significant worldwide zoonotic infectious disease that infects a wide range of animals and humans. Leptospira will colonize the animal’s urinary and reproductive systems and be excreted with urine, potentially causing a wide range of infections. Dogs are an essential host for Leptospira, and epidemiological investigation studies of leptospirosis must be conducted to clarify the prevalence of leptospirosis and to reduce the risk of transmission to humans. This study aimed to investigate the seroepidemiology of leptospiral infection in dogs from Changchun, China, using Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT). A total of 1053 canine blood samples were collected and tested by MAT. The positive rate of MAT was approximately 19.1%. The main prevalent Leptospira serogroups were L. Icterohaemorrhagiae (8.1%), L. Canicola (7.6%), L. Australis (5.3%), L. Ballum (4.7%) and L. Pyrogenes (4.2%). No statistically significant difference among different varieties, sexes and sampling seasons (p > 0.05), except the age (p < 0.05). The seropositive rate was much higher in adult and aged dogs than in juvenile dogs. Our results showed the seroprevalence and the prevalent serogroup of Canine leptospirosis in Changchun, China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers on the Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases)
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7 pages, 1181 KiB  
Brief Report
Postindustrial Landscapes Are Neglected Localities That May Play an Important Role in the Urban Ecology of Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases—A Pilot Study
by Anna Dvořáková, Anita Klímová, Johana Alaverdyan and Jiří Černý
Pathogens 2023, 12(5), 648; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12050648 - 27 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1916
Abstract
Background: Numerous recent studies have shown that ticks and tick-borne pathogens pose a considerable threat in urban areas, such as parks, playgrounds, zoos, cemeteries, etc. Abandoned postindustrial localities, and other types of vague terrain, are other examples of urban wilderness areas that have [...] Read more.
Background: Numerous recent studies have shown that ticks and tick-borne pathogens pose a considerable threat in urban areas, such as parks, playgrounds, zoos, cemeteries, etc. Abandoned postindustrial localities, and other types of vague terrain, are other examples of urban wilderness areas that have been absolutely neglected in respect to ticks and tick-borne pathogens thus far, even though they provide ideal biotopes for ticks. Methods: The abundance of ticks and prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato spirochetes were compared between a city park and an adjacent abandoned construction waste disposal site in Prague, Czechia from June to October 2021. Results: The results showed that ticks and borrelia spirochetes are present at the city park as well as at the abandoned construction waste disposal site, although in lower numbers. Discussion: According to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the presence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in an urban postindustrial landscape. More detailed studies are needed to uncover the role of these localities in the ecology of ticks and ecoepidemiology of tick-borne diseases in urban areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers on the Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases)
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