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Innovative Approaches to Combat Infectious Diseases in Low and Middle...
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Innovative Approaches to Combat Infectious Diseases in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs): Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Interventions

A special issue of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease (ISSN 2414-6366). This special issue belongs to the section "Infectious Diseases".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2026 | Viewed by 14426

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Bayodé Roméo Adégbitè

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Centre de Recherches médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), 86FJ+39W, Lambaréné, Gabon
2. Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Interests: infectious diseases; public health; comorbidities; control
Prof. Dr. Michael Ramharter

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Center for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, D-20359 Hamburg, Germany
2. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
Interests: parasitology; tropical medicine; emerging viral infection

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to bring together cutting-edge research and innovative approaches to tackle the pressing challenges posed by tuberculosis, HIV, malaria, parasitic infection, and other communicable diseases of interest in LIMCs.

Scope and Topics:

This Special Issue will cover a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:

  • Epidemiology: Studies on the distribution, determinants, and control of tropical infections and infectious diseases.
  • Diagnosis: Advances in diagnostic techniques, tools, and methodologies for early and accurate detection of tropical infections.
  • Treatment: Innovative treatment strategies, drug development, and therapeutic interventions for managing tropical infections.
  • Interventions: Innovative interventions, operational research, vaccination programs, or community-based approaches to prevent, treat, manage, or control the spread of infectious diseases.

Submission Guidelines:

We invite researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals to submit original research articles and reviews that align with this Special Issue's theme. Manuscripts should be prepared according to the journal's guidelines and submitted through the journal's online submission system.

We look forward to your valuable contributions to this Special Issue, which will undoubtedly advance our understanding and control of tropical infections and infectious diseases.

Sincerely,

Dr. Bayodé Roméo Adégbitè
Prof. Dr. Michael Ramharter
Guest Editors

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. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease 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 2700 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

  • epidemiology
  • diagnosis
  • treatment
  • interventions
  • tropical infections
  • infectious diseases
  • public health
  • vaccination
  • drug development
  • community health

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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17 pages, 3802 KB  
Article
Spatial Epidemiological Approach to Tuberculosis Treatment Outcomes in a Tertiary-Level Hospital: A Retrospective Analysis
by Luis Eduardo Del Moral Trinidad, Gilberto Silva Bañuelos, Esteban Gonzalez-Diaz and Melva Guadalupe Herrera Godina
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2026, 11(2), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed11020057 - 18 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 834 | Correction
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a persistent public health challenge in Mexico, particularly in large urban settings marked by social heterogeneity. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with tuberculosis and treated at a tertiary-level hospital in Guadalajara, Mexico, between 2020 and 2023. [...] Read more.
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a persistent public health challenge in Mexico, particularly in large urban settings marked by social heterogeneity. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with tuberculosis and treated at a tertiary-level hospital in Guadalajara, Mexico, between 2020 and 2023. Unfavorable treatment outcomes were defined as treatment failure, loss to follow-up, or death. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with unfavorable outcomes. Spatial analyses, including Kernel Density Estimation, Global Moran’s I, Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA), and Getis–Ord Gi*, were applied to explore the geographic distribution of unfavorable outcomes. Unfavorable tuberculosis treatment outcomes among patients treated at a tertiary-level hospital were not randomly distributed in space. Spatial epidemiological methods provided complementary, exploratory insights beyond individual-level clinical factors, highlighting geographic patterns that may inform place-sensitive public health interventions and strengthen routine tuberculosis surveillance, without implying causal inference. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches to Combat Infectious Diseases in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs): Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Interventions)
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14 pages, 1545 KB  
Article
Hospitalization Free-Survival, Adverse Drug Reactions, and Retention in Care Outcomes of an Outpatient Treatment Model for Cryptococcal Meningitis in PLWH in Maputo, Mozambique
by Maria Ruano Camps, Aleny Couto, Irénio Gaspar, Eudoxia Filipe, Idilia Nhamtumbo, Luis Armando, Gil Muvale, Ana Gabriela Gutierrez Zamudio, Rosa Bene, Jeff Lane, Florindo Mudender and Edy Nacarapa
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2026, 11(2), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed11020048 - 10 Feb 2026
Viewed by 641
Abstract
Background: Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) remains a leading cause of mortality among people with advanced HIV disease (AHD) in sub-Saharan Africa. Current guidelines recommend induction therapy with amphotericin B and flucytosine, typically administered in an inpatient setting due to concerns over severe clinical presentation [...] Read more.
Background: Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) remains a leading cause of mortality among people with advanced HIV disease (AHD) in sub-Saharan Africa. Current guidelines recommend induction therapy with amphotericin B and flucytosine, typically administered in an inpatient setting due to concerns over severe clinical presentation and drug-related toxicities. This requirement poses a significant burden on resource-limited health systems. We evaluated the real-world outcomes of a fully outpatient model for CM therapy in Maputo, Mozambique. Methods: A longitudinal retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Centro de Referência de Alto-Maé (CRAM), a specialized AHD outpatient clinic. We included 83 PLWH with laboratory-confirmed CM treated between October 2020 and December 2024. The primary outcome was hospitalization-free survival (HFS) within the first 10 weeks of treatment. Secondary outcomes included the frequency and severity of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), analysed by tracking haemoglobin (Hgb), potassium (K+), and creatinine (Creat) levels on days 1, 3, and 7 of induction therapy, and retention in care (RIC) at 6, 12, and 24 months. Statistical analyses included Kaplan–Meier survival estimates and paired t-tests. Results: The median age was 37 years (IQR: 27–42), 63.9% were male, and the median CD4 count was 62 cells/µL (IQR: 27–105). Most patients (95.2%) were symptomatic at presentation, and 56.6% had concurrent tuberculosis. For the 52 patients who completed the full induction protocol at CRAM, the HFS rate at 10 weeks was 84.6% (44/52), with an overall survival of 90.4% (47/52). ADR analysis (n = 52) showed a predictable pattern of mild, manageable toxicity: a significant decline in Hgb (11.2 ± 1.8 to 10.6 ± 2.0 g/dL, p < 0.001) and K+ (4.27 ± 0.66 to 3.86 ± 0.78 mmol/L, p = 0.008), and a transient increase in Creat (0.83 ± 0.42 to 1.13 ± 0.64 mg/dL, p = 0.001) from day 1 to day 3, with stabilization or a trend toward recovery by day 7. No significant differences in ADRs were found between single-dose (47%) and multiple-dose (53%) L-AmB regimens. RIC for the entire cohort (n = 83) was high at 81.9% at 6 months, declining to 74.0% at 12 months and 70.4% at 24 months. Conclusions: An ambulatory model for CM therapy is feasible and effective in a resource-limited setting, demonstrating high hospitalization-free survival, manageable and reversible adverse drug reactions, and excellent medium-term retention in care. These findings suggest potential benefits and provide support for re-evaluating the standard of inpatient care. They indicate that integrating outpatient CM management into advanced HIV disease (AHD) care packages could help alleviate health system burdens and may contribute to improved patient outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches to Combat Infectious Diseases in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs): Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Interventions)
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8 pages, 217 KB  
Article
There Is No Association Between Loiasis and Malaria: Findings from a Secondary Analysis of a Cross-Sectional Survey in Rural Gabon
by Jacob Werner, Rella Zoleko-Manego, Ghyslain Mombo-Ngoma, Michael Ramharter and Johannes Mischlinger
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2026, 11(2), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed11020046 - 7 Feb 2026
Viewed by 488
Abstract
Loiasis exists in regions where malaria is highly endemic, yet few studies have investigated their association as concomitant infectious diseases. Secondary data analysis from a cross-sectional survey conducted in Gabon (2015–2016) was performed to assess the association between malaria and loiasis. A total [...] Read more.
Loiasis exists in regions where malaria is highly endemic, yet few studies have investigated their association as concomitant infectious diseases. Secondary data analysis from a cross-sectional survey conducted in Gabon (2015–2016) was performed to assess the association between malaria and loiasis. A total of 947 participants of all ages were enrolled in the original study. In crude analyses, malaria showed a seemingly protective association with loiasis, manifesting in an odds ratio (OR) of 0.67 (95% CI: 0.45 to 1.01; p = 0.0521). This borderline association disappeared completely after adjustment for confounders (adjusted OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 0.81 to 2.11; p = 0.276), particularly age. The apparent crude protective association is therefore likely explained by the different epidemiological distribution of both diseases according to age rather than a true biological interaction. Malaria predominantly occurred in children and loiasis mainly in older individuals. Findings of this study do not support an association between malaria and loiasis in this setting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches to Combat Infectious Diseases in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs): Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Interventions)
16 pages, 322 KB  
Article
Stability and Efficacy of Chlorinated Disinfectants in Beninese Hospitals: Issues for the Prevention and Control of Infections and Antibiotic Resistance
by Sènami Evelyne Soclo Dansi, Comlan Cyriaque Degbey, Alphonse Kpozehouen, Nicolas Gaffan, Affi Diane Agbokou, Ounoussa Tapha, Dona Euloge Saïzonou, Houénoukpo Henri Soclo and Honoré Sourou Bankolé
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2026, 11(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed11010012 - 31 Dec 2025
Viewed by 824
Abstract
In hospitals with limited resources, chlorine solutions are commonly used for biocleaning. The effectiveness of these solutions depends on the concentration of active chlorine and how they are prepared and stored. A study conducted in six University Hospitals in Benin from 10 March [...] Read more.
In hospitals with limited resources, chlorine solutions are commonly used for biocleaning. The effectiveness of these solutions depends on the concentration of active chlorine and how they are prepared and stored. A study conducted in six University Hospitals in Benin from 10 March to 11 July 2025 aimed to evaluate the stability of active chlorine and the bactericidal efficacy of chlorine solutions used for disinfecting hospital environments. A total of 103 samples were analyzed using iodometric titration following the AFNOR (Association Française de Normalisation) standard NF EN ISO 7393-3 (2000) and WHO (World Health Organization) recommendations. Bactericidal activity was tested on multi-resistant hospital strains using the germ carrier method based on the standard NF T72-281. The study revealed that 88.4% of the solutions had inadequate active chlorine concentrations. Overall, the bactericidal activity was low, with only 14.6% effectiveness compared to 85.4% ineffectiveness. Ineffectiveness was particularly pronounced against Gram-negative bacilli, with 79.6% ineffectiveness and 20.4% effectiveness. Similarly, Gram-positive cocci showed a high level of ineffectiveness, reaching 84.5%, corresponding to 15.5% effectiveness. A significant association was observed between compliance with active chlorine concentrations and bactericidal effectiveness, with an OR of 42.5 and a p-value below 0.000001. Factors contributing to inefficiency included storage without light protection, use of transparent containers, storage for more than two days, inadequate active chlorine concentration, and incorrect pH levels. These issues compromise hospital disinfection and contribute to the persistence of multi-resistant bacteria in the hospital environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches to Combat Infectious Diseases in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs): Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Interventions)
13 pages, 451 KB  
Article
Evaluation of Performance of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Interferon-Gamma-Inducible Protein 10 (IP-10) as Screening for Active Tuberculosis
by Rotimi Samuel Owolabi, Russel Dacombe, Konstantina Kontogianni, Olusegun M. Akinwande, Lovett Lawson and Luis E. Cuevas
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(11), 306; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10110306 - 27 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1364
Abstract
Background: Most of the currently approved TB diagnostics are sputum-based. However, due to unusual clinical presentations of TB among HIV patients, they may not have TB symptoms and be able to produce sputum. Hence, these diagnostics may not be able to detect as [...] Read more.
Background: Most of the currently approved TB diagnostics are sputum-based. However, due to unusual clinical presentations of TB among HIV patients, they may not have TB symptoms and be able to produce sputum. Hence, these diagnostics may not be able to detect as many TB cases as possible among these patients. Therefore, this study assessed the performance of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interferon-gamma-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) as a screening tool for TB. Methods: This prospective study was conducted by consecutively recruiting patients with TB symptoms, collecting their sputum and blood samples, using sputum culture as the reference standard, and determining the best cut-off point of serum levels of CRP and IP-10 (separately and in combination) for TB diagnosis. Findings: CRP and IP-10 were measured in 408 patients with TB symptoms, of which 21% had culture-confirmed TB. CRP’s sensitivity and specificity were (91.4% and 33.2%), (95.3% and 42.6%) and (84.8% and 22.1%) for the whole study population, HIV-negative and HIV-positive patients, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of IP-10 were (87.3% and 40.9%), (87.5% and 50.3%) and (79.4% and 47.2%) for the patients’ categories, respectively. Combination of CRP and IP-10 slightly improved the performance of the biomarkers among HIV-negative patients, with sensitivity of 97.5% and specificity of 43.3%. Interpretation: Though CRP and IP-10 performed better in HIV-negative patients than among people living with HIV (PLHIV), the performance of the biomarkers is lower than what is recommended by the WHO (sensitivity ≥ 90% and specificity ≥ 70%) for a TB screening tool. Hence, there is a need for better non-sputum-based TB diagnostics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches to Combat Infectious Diseases in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs): Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Interventions)
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10 pages, 1582 KB  
Article
A Simple, Highly Sensitive, and Highly Specific Dot-Blot-Based Immunoassay for Serodiagnosis of HTLV-1 in Resource-Limited Settings
by Haohan Zhuang, Shanhai Ou, Lixing Wang and Hongzhi Gao
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(10), 279; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10100279 - 26 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1520
Abstract
Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), the first identified human retrovirus, is associated with adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). The lack of effective antiviral therapies or vaccines highlights the critical importance of early diagnosis in managing HTLV-1-associated [...] Read more.
Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), the first identified human retrovirus, is associated with adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). The lack of effective antiviral therapies or vaccines highlights the critical importance of early diagnosis in managing HTLV-1-associated diseases. However, current commercial immunoassays, including enzyme immunoassays, line immunoassays, particle agglutination tests, and Western blots, are often limited by the need for specialized equipment and high costs, which restrict their accessibility in resource-poor regions. To address these challenges, we developed a novel dot-blot immunoassay using HTLV-1 P19 and GP46 synthetic peptides in combination with a precipitating tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) substrate. This innovative approach enables instrument-free visual detection through the formation of distinct blue-brown precipitates. Validation of this immunoassay with 179 clinical serum samples demonstrated 100% specificity and 91% sensitivity. Our assay offers a simple, cost-effective, and field-applicable diagnostic solution for HTLV-1 screening in resource-limited settings, potentially enhancing global surveillance of this neglected pathogen. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches to Combat Infectious Diseases in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs): Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Interventions)
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14 pages, 2808 KB  
Article
Polyparasitic Infections: Associated Factors and Effect on the Haemoglobin Level of Children Living in Lambaréné Remote and Surrounding Rural Areas from Gabon—A Cross-Sectional Study
by Paul Alvyn Nguema-Moure, Bayode Romeo Adegbite, Moustapha Nzamba Maloum, Jean-Claude Dejon-Agobé, Roméo-Aimé Laclong Lontchi, Yabo Josiane Honkpehedji, Danny-Carrel Manfoumbi Mabicka, Christian Chassem-Lapue, Pavel Warry Sole, Stephane Ogoula, Fabrice Beral M’Baidigium, Jenny Mouloungui-Mavoungou, Michael Ramharter, Peter Gottfried Kremsner and Ayôla Akim Adegnika
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(8), 218; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10080218 - 31 Jul 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1614
Abstract
Background: Polyparasitic infections remain widespread in endemic regions, yet its contributing factors and health impact are not well understood. This study aims to estimate the prevalence and associated factors and examines the effect of polyparasitic infection on haemoglobin levels among children. Methods: A [...] Read more.
Background: Polyparasitic infections remain widespread in endemic regions, yet its contributing factors and health impact are not well understood. This study aims to estimate the prevalence and associated factors and examines the effect of polyparasitic infection on haemoglobin levels among children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lambaréné, Gabon, among children aged 2–17 years from November 2019 to December 2020. Haemoglobin levels, environmental conditions, and sociodemographic data were collected. Stool, urine, and blood samples were analysed using light microscopy for parasite detection. Factors associated with polyparasitism were explored. Results: Out of 656 participants, 65.4% had at least one infection, with intestinal protozoa species (21.3%), Trichuris trichiura (33%), Ascaris lumbricoides (22%), Schistosoma haematobium (20%), and Plasmodium falciparum (10%) being the most common. Polyparasitic infection was identified in 26% of children, mostly as bi-infections (69.2%), and was negatively associated with haemoglobin levels (β = −0.06). Conclusions: These findings emphasise the burden of polyparasitic infections and adverse health effects in Lambaréné, Gabon. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches to Combat Infectious Diseases in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs): Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Interventions)
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17 pages, 621 KB  
Article
The Impact of a Community Pharmacy-Led Deworming-Related Counselling Service: An Interventional Study in a Low-to-Middle Income Country
by Amira B. Kassem, Ahmad Z. Al Meslamani, Mohamed AbdElrahman, Nadia Al Mazrouei, Sherouk M. Okda, Noha A. El-Bassiouny, Asmaa Abdel-hamed Hamedo, Doaa Abdelrazek Shaban, Dina Fathy Elsmadessy, Ammena Y. Binsaleh, Asmaa Saleh and Hebatallah Ahmed Mohamed Moustafa
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(8), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10080215 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 1635
Abstract
Background: Since the current increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, parasitic infectious diseases have become a greater public health crisis than ever before and an absolute priority. The Egyptian community pharmacist, as a health care provider and advisor, has a potential role to play [...] Read more.
Background: Since the current increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, parasitic infectious diseases have become a greater public health crisis than ever before and an absolute priority. The Egyptian community pharmacist, as a health care provider and advisor, has a potential role to play in deworming. Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of community pharmacist-led deworming-related counseling services. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted in Damanhur, Behera, Egypt. The intervention group received community pharmacy counseling, and the control group received the usual care. Both groups were monitored for 12 months for recurrence evaluation. Results: A total of 173 patients were included, of whom 96 (55.5%) received patient counseling. The types of infection included Oxyuris (44.5%), Entamoeba histolytica (28.9%), Ascaris (8.7%), Entamoeba Cyst (8.7%), Giardiasis (4.6%), Schistosomiasis (2.9%), and pinworm (1.7%). A total of 119 participants (68.8%) reported a need for dose repetition. Personal hygiene practices were reported by 71 participants (41%). Recurrence of infection was observed in 101 cases (58.4%). Patient counseling was significantly associated with lower recurrence rates and higher rates of personal hygiene application (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that patient counseling and personal hygiene measures were the only significant predictors of infection recurrence rate. Conclusions: Community pharmacists’ deworming-related counseling had positive behavioral and clinical outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches to Combat Infectious Diseases in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs): Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Interventions)
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2 pages, 148 KB  
Correction
Correction: Del Moral Trinidad et al. Spatial Epidemiological Approach to Tuberculosis Treatment Outcomes in a Tertiary-Level Hospital: A Retrospective Analysis. Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2026, 11, 57
by Luis Eduardo Del Moral Trinidad, Gilberto Silva Bañuelos, Esteban Gonzalez-Diaz and Melva Guadalupe Herrera Godina
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2026, 11(3), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed11030074 - 6 Mar 2026
Viewed by 352
Abstract
In the published publication [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches to Combat Infectious Diseases in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs): Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Interventions)
14 pages, 836 KB  
Project Report
Integrated Approaches to Surveillance of Lymphatic Filariasis and Other Infectious Diseases in the Pacific Islands
by Adam T. Craig, Harriet L. S. Lawford, Temea Bauro, Clement Couteaux, Litiana Volavala, Myrielle Dupont-Rouzeyrol, Noel Gama Soares, Roger Nehemia, Maria Ome-Kaius, Prudence Rymill, Fasihah Taleo, Patricia Tatui, ‘Ofa Sanft Tukia, Satupaitea Viali, Mary Yohogu, Fiona Angrisano, Leanne J. Robinson, Salanieta Saketa, Andie Tucker, Charles Mackenzie, Susana Vaz Nery, Venkatachalam Udhayakumar, Katherine Gass, Patrick Lammie and Colleen L. Lauadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2026, 11(2), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed11020054 - 14 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1167
Abstract
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a mosquito-borne neglected tropical disease targeted by the World Health Organization (WHO) for global elimination as a public health problem. Sixteen Pacific Island countries and territories were historically endemic, and eight have now met the WHO criteria for elimination [...] Read more.
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a mosquito-borne neglected tropical disease targeted by the World Health Organization (WHO) for global elimination as a public health problem. Sixteen Pacific Island countries and territories were historically endemic, and eight have now met the WHO criteria for elimination as a public health problem. Elimination as a public health problem does not imply zero transmission. Rather, it denotes that LF prevalence has been reduced below a defined threshold at which community transmission can be sustained. Following validation of elimination, the WHO recommends post-validation surveillance (PVS) to detect potential re-emergence of LF as a public health problem. However, implementing PVS is challenging in Small Island Developing States with dispersed populations, limited workforce capacity, resource constraints, and competing health priorities. The ‘Voices and Visions: Building Partnerships for Integrated Serosurveillance of LF and Other Infectious Diseases in the Pacific Islands’ meeting was held in Brisbane, Australia, from 8–10 July 2025. Fifty-one delegates, including Pacific LF programme managers, WHO representatives, global health partners, and academic researchers, reviewed regional PVS progress, discussed the newly released WHO guidelines for the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of PVS, planned for PVS implementation, and explored novel multiplex bead assay (MBA) serological analysis methods to strengthen regional coordination for its development as a public health tool. Five broad themes emerged. First, the new WHO Monitoring and Epidemiological Assessment of Mass Drug Administration in the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis: A Manual for National Elimination Programmes, 2nd edn needs to be operationalised to meet decision-making needs across diverse Pacific settings. Second, integrating LF-PVS with existing surveys and health service activities could improve efficiency and long-term sustainability. Third, regional coordination and alignment of funding cycles will require high-level collaboration. Fourth, community engagement is essential to strengthen demand for PVS. Finally, while at an early stage and with further evidence needed, MBA laboratory methods hold promise for cost-effective, feasible integrated multi-pathogen serosurveillance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches to Combat Infectious Diseases in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs): Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Interventions)
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7 pages, 774 KB  
Case Report
Nasal Myiasis Mimicking Allergic Rhinitis in Immunocompetent Adults: Case Series of 14 Adults
by Sameh Mezri, Mohamed Anas Ammar, Latifa Mtibaa, Sleheddine Mnasria, Chiraz Halwani and Khemaies Akkari
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2025, 10(9), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed10090257 - 9 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3048
Abstract
Background: Human nasal myiasis is a rare zoonotic infection caused by Oestrus ovis with a non-specific clinical presentation that can mimic more common conditions such as allergic rhinitis. Objective: To report a series of nasal myiasis cases in immunocompetent individuals, emphasizing the clinical [...] Read more.
Background: Human nasal myiasis is a rare zoonotic infection caused by Oestrus ovis with a non-specific clinical presentation that can mimic more common conditions such as allergic rhinitis. Objective: To report a series of nasal myiasis cases in immunocompetent individuals, emphasizing the clinical presentation and complementary investigations (endoscopic findings, parasitological identification, skin prick tests, and imaging studies) that facilitate differential diagnosis from allergic rhinitis and enable early treatment. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study including cases of nasal myasis diagnosed and managed at the ENT department of the Military Hospital of Tunis over an 18-year period (2007–2025). Demographic, clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic data were analyzed. Results: The mean age was 43 years, with a female predominance. Most patients presented with acute rhinological symptoms initially suggestive of allergic rhinitis. Nasal endoscopy revealed larvae in 79% of cases with parasitological confirmation of Oestrus ovis. Facial CT scans performed in five cases (36%) were unremarkable. Management consisted of multiple daily nasal saline irrigations and albendazole, in association with oral corticosteroids and antihistamines, resulting in symptom resolution within an average of 4 days. Conclusions: Nasal myiasis should be considered in atypical or treatment-resistant rhinitis. Nasal endoscopy is essential for diagnosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches to Combat Infectious Diseases in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs): Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Interventions)
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