Journal Of Infection In Developing Countries[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Closing the implementation gap: applying a behavioral science integration in the current WHO and CDC infection prevention policies.
Sabbah A, Albalwi F, Al-Omrani A … +1 more , Albalawi H
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Apr · PMID 42112741 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Despite decades of technical guidance, healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remain a global challenge. Although the current infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines, produced by the WHO and the...
INTRODUCTION: Despite decades of technical guidance, healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remain a global challenge. Although the current infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines, produced by the WHO and the CDC, provide robust procedural recommendations, they do not fully address the behavioral determinants of compliance. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates both the WHO and CDC IPC guidelines for areas in which the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) constructs are integrated to strengthen behavioral strategies. METHODOLOGY: The study used qualitative content analysis on 17 IPC documents (published during 2010-2023). Using a deductive coding framework based on the SCT, documents were systematically analyzed using NVivo 12. Comparative assessments examined temporal trends and differences between agencies. RESULTS: Environmental influences were most consistently represented (15-25%), while self-efficacy (5-15%) and observational learning (4-11%) were underemphasized. The WHO guidelines demonstrated greater progress, with self-efficacy content rising from 5% (2010) to 15% (2023). The CDC guidelines placed stronger emphasis on reinforcement (12%) but showed limited growth in self-efficacy and observational learning. Integration of multiple constructs within a single recommendation occurred in only 28% of all reviewed documents. CONCLUSIONS: Digital health policies currently underapply behavioral science concepts. Future revisions should adopt SCT constructs rigorously, demand more leadership modeling, and leverage technology for feedback. This behavioral approach could bridge policy and practice for a more effective IPC program.
First report of ciprofloxacin-resistant Salmonella Enteritidis isolated from human cases in Morocco.
Elmourabit H, Karraouane B, Bouchrif B … +6 more , Belahrach B, Kopprio G, Fazza O, Nchioua Z, Soraa N, Elmehrach K
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Apr · PMID 42112740 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis is a principal cause of foodborne and invasive infections worldwide. Ciprofloxacin continues to be a primary treatment for invasive cases, but resistance has emerged...
INTRODUCTION: Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis is a principal cause of foodborne and invasive infections worldwide. Ciprofloxacin continues to be a primary treatment for invasive cases, but resistance has emerged in several regions. In Morocco, although S. Enteritidis is frequently isolated, no ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates have been reported to date. METHODOLOGY: A total of 60 Salmonella strains were detected in clinical samples from the Mohammed VI University Hospital Center in Marrakech between 2018 and 2024. Strain S54 was identified as S. Enteritidis by serotyping. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by disk diffusion. Whole-genome sequencing was conducted using Illumina technology, and resistance and virulence determinants were analyzed with ResFinder, PlasmidFinder, and VFDB databases. RESULTS: Three isolates (5%), including the S54 strain, showed resistance to ciprofloxacin. Genomic analysis identified a D87Y substitution in gyrA and the presence of efflux genes (mdsA, mdsB). Several virulence genes, including those located in SPI-1 and SPI-2, were also detected. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the first report of a ciprofloxacin-resistant S. Enteritidis strain in Morocco. These findings highlight the urgent need to strengthen molecular surveillance and implement preventive measures against fluoroquinolone-resistant Salmonella.
Genomic and prophages analysis of a ST16 Klebsiella pneumoniae carrying blaOXA-181 from Botswana, 2023.
Ntshonga P, Paganotti GM, Massidda O … +2 more , Strysko JP, Gaibani P
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Apr · PMID 42112739 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) pose a serious threat to public health worldwide and are a challenge for clinicians due to the limited antimicrobial options available. Here, we characterize t...
INTRODUCTION: Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) pose a serious threat to public health worldwide and are a challenge for clinicians due to the limited antimicrobial options available. Here, we characterize the genome of a Klebsiella pneumoniae (named Kp51) producing OXA-181 carbapenemase isolated from a rectal swab of a hospitalized patient in Botswana in 2023. We also investigate the genomic epidemiology of carbapenemase gene and prophage regions among blaOXA-181-harboring K. pneumoniae strains collected worldwide. METHODOLOGY: Whole-genome sequencing was performed on the Illumina MiSeq system, and assembly was executed with SPAdes. Phylogenetic analysis was performed on core genome SNPs among OXA-181-producing K. pneumoniae genomes. Analysis of prophage regions was performed among closely related genomes by pairwise comparison. RESULTS: Resistome analysis results showed that Kp51 harbored qnrS1, blaTEM-1, and blaOXA-181 carbapenemase gene. Also, Kp51 strain belonged to ST16 and carried an IncX3 plasmid harboring the blaOXA-181 carbapenemase gene. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Kp51 genome was closely related to an OXA-181-producing strain isolated from a dog in China, and the IncX3 plasmid exhibited high sequence homology with blaOXA-181-carrying plasmids collected worldwide. Prophage analysis revealed that high variability was observed in ST16 K. pneumoniae strains harboring blaOXA-181. CONCLUSIONS: Here we demonstrate the genomic spread of OXA-181-producing ST16 K. pneumoniae worldwide and that the major source of variability is located within prophage regions. Our work emphasizes the need for constant monitoring of the OXA-181 carbapenemase producers diffusion with special emphasis on low and middle-income countries in order to trace the spread of CPE pathogens globally.
Impact of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infections on mortality in oncology patients.
Gallardo-Pineda I, Volkow-Fernández P, Velázquez-Acosta C … +5 more , Camiro-Zúñiga A, Barajas-Silva A, Mendoza-Ramírez MJ, Magallanes-López A, Cornejo-Juárez P
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Apr · PMID 42112738 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAE) is among the most frequent causes of bloodstream infections (BSIs) in cancer patients. Resistant strains are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. METHODOLOGY: A re...
INTRODUCTION: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAE) is among the most frequent causes of bloodstream infections (BSIs) in cancer patients. Resistant strains are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary oncology hospital in Mexico City, including all episodes of PAE-BSI. The isolates were classified as susceptible, carbapenem-resistant (CR), multidrug-resistant (MDR), or difficult-to-treat resistant (DTR). RESULTS: A total of 259 PAE-BSI episodes were analyzed: 202 (78.4%) susceptible, 19 (7.3%) CR, 13 (5.0%) MDR, and 25 (9.7%) DTR. Resistant strains were significantly associated with prior antibiotic use (84.2% vs. 52.5%), more extended hospital stays (18 vs. 9 days), septic shock (36.8% vs. 19.8%), and inappropriate empiric therapy (54.4% vs. 19.3%). Overall, 30-day mortality was 38.2%, rising to 47.4% in CR, 84.6% in MDR, and 76% in DTR cases; compared with 29.7% in susceptible isolates (p < 0.001). No mortality benefit was observed with combination therapy compared to monotherapy. Multivariate analysis indicated that age ≥ 60 years, advanced oncological status, secondary bacteremia, septic shock, invasive mechanical ventilation, inadequate source control, and carbapenem strains were independent predictors of 30-day mortality. Appropriate antimicrobial therapy was a protective factor. CONCLUSIONS: Resistant PAE-BSI in cancer patients was associated with longer hospitalizations and a significantly increased mortality rate. Appropriate antimicrobial therapy can lead to a reduction in mortality.
Pharmacist-driven optimization of presumptive psittacosis management: a case report of rapid clinical resolution.
Ji G, Duan J
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Apr · PMID 42112737 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Chlamydia psittaci has a high incidence of pneumonia after infection, but clinical diagnosis still faces challenges due to the lack of specific clinical manifestations and low positive rates in routine test...
INTRODUCTION: Chlamydia psittaci has a high incidence of pneumonia after infection, but clinical diagnosis still faces challenges due to the lack of specific clinical manifestations and low positive rates in routine testing. CASE PRESENTATION: A 60-year-old female patient with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) failed to respond to initial intravenous antimicrobial therapy with cefmetazole/ciprofloxacin followed by piperacillin-tazobactam/levofloxacin, exhibiting persistent fever and worsening symptoms. Serial laboratory testing revealed progressive elevation of inflammatory markers, with C-reactive protein (CRP) rising from 110.2 to 120.9 mg/L and procalcitonin (PCT) from 1.37 to 2.15 ng/mL. Essential bronchoscopic examination and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) could not be performed due to patient refusal, creating a diagnostic deadlock. The clinical pharmacist identified avian exposure during medication rounds, enabling presumptive diagnosis of psittacosis. Immediate pharmacist-initiated interventions included discontinuation of levofloxacin and commencement of targeted oral minocycline therapy. Clinical resolution occurred within 48 hours with defervescence and symptomatic improvement. Subsequent minocycline-induced nausea and diarrhea were effectively managed through pharmacist-instructed co-administration with food. Continuous clinical improvement facilitated discharge on oral minocycline, with follow-up imaging confirming complete resolution of pulmonary infiltrates. CONCLUSIONS: This case underscores the value of pharmacist-led pharmaceutical assessment in uncovering atypical infection etiologies and guiding targeted antimicrobial therapy.
Effects of zinc, selenium, iron, and copper on COVID-19 patients and relationship with oxidative stress-induced DNA damage.
Sertöz S, Karabağ F, Karagöz A
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Apr · PMID 42112736 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious and pathogenic viral infection caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which emerged in Wuhan, China, and subse...
INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious and pathogenic viral infection caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which emerged in Wuhan, China, and subsequently spread globally. METHODOLOGY: Individuals were divided into categories (positive and control) according to their polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results, gender, and age (< 36, 37-46, and 47-56 years). Oxidative stress parameters including 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), total oxidative stress capacity (TOS), and total antioxidant capacity (TAS) in serum samples were investigated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Trace elements iron, zinc, copper, and selenium were measured with the Thermo Scientific ICAP-Q ICP-MS device. RESULTS: Statistical analyses revealed significant differences in 8-OHdG, TOS, and TAS levels between the control and COVID-19 positive groups (p < 0.01). Men had higher 8-OHdG and TOS levels than women. Iron, zinc, copper, and selenium did not show a normal distribution in the COVID-19 group; and there was a significant difference in their levels between the control and COVID-19 groups (p < 0.05). There was an increase in oxidative DNA damage and a decrease in antioxidant status in COVID-19 positive individuals due to oxidative stress parameter values. CONCLUSIONS: The results will contribute significantly to the current knowledge. Additional assessment of various oxidative stress and antioxidant markers and the use of alternative molecular testing systems are mandatory to further elucidate the effect of COVID-19 on oxidative stress. This study may have a pioneering status in the literature as such a comparative study has not been conducted before.
Influenza vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers in a university hospital in Turkiye: a cross-sectional study.
Açik H, Öztürk S, Akbari AM
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Apr · PMID 42112735 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate influenza vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers (HCWs) at Istanbul Okan University Hospital and also explore the factors influencing their decision to get the influenza vac...
INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate influenza vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers (HCWs) at Istanbul Okan University Hospital and also explore the factors influencing their decision to get the influenza vaccine. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional questionnaire was conducted with 428 HCWs, and a 94% response rate was achieved. The questionnaire included demographic data, knowledge assessments about influenza, and vaccination history. RESULTS: Only 22% of participants reported receiving the influenza vaccine in 2024, while 78% did not. The main reasons for hesitancy were distrust in vaccine efficacy (32%), fear of side effects (32%), and distrust of vaccine manufacturers (31%). Among those who were vaccinated, the key motivations included self-protection (19%) and being part of a risk group (15%). Interestingly, 91% of respondents had received the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine, citing similar reasons for acceptance or refusal. CONCLUSIONS: Despite well-documented evidence of the influenza vaccine's role in reducing morbidity and mortality, hesitancy remains prevalent, reflecting certain trends also observed in the literature. Educational and health promotion campaigns, on-site vaccination programs, and awareness initiatives emerged as potential strategies that would improve the vaccine uptake. This study highlights the critical need for targeted interventions to address vaccine hesitancy among HCWs. Building trust, providing accurate information, and ensuring easy access to vaccines are essential steps to boost influenza vaccination rates and enhance public health outcomes.
A retrospective analysis of the effects of COVID-19 on cancer diagnosis and staging in Taiwan.
Chen CC, Cheng HS, You WC … +7 more , Yeh HL, Wang L, Chao J, Liu YC, Huang JW, Hsieh HY, Li C
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Apr · PMID 42112734 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the psychological and behavioral impacts of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on cancer diagnosis and staging, with particular focus on patient delays and changes...
INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the psychological and behavioral impacts of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on cancer diagnosis and staging, with particular focus on patient delays and changes in healthcare-seeking behavior before and after the onset of COVID-19. METHODOLOGY: Data pertaining to 8 cancer types, including breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, oral cancer, prostate cancer, gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, colon cancer, and lung cancer, sourced from the cancer registry database of Taichung Veterans General Hospital, was analyzed. The focus was on the comparisons of data between the pre-pandemic period (2017-2019) and the pandemic year (2020). RESULTS: Breast cancer (p < 0.001), hepatocellular carcinoma (p = 0.004), prostate cancer (p < 0.001), gastric cancer (p = 0.037), and esophageal cancer (p < 0.001) exhibited a decrease in the rate of early stage patients and an increase in the rate of advanced stage patients after the COVID-19 outbreak. Furthermore, the number of newly diagnosed patients per year decreased for hepatocellular carcinoma, oral cancer, prostate cancer, gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, colon cancer, and lung cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted cancer care, resulting in delayed diagnoses, stage migration, and a decline in newly diagnosed cases. These findings highlight the need for resilient healthcare systems to ensure continuity of cancer screening and treatment during global health crises.
Serum fibrinogen levels and lung fibrosis in COVID-19 patients.
Marhana IA, Anggoro A, Semedi BP … +7 more , Maimunah U, Lefi A, Wiratama PA, Kusumastuti EH, Rinjani LG, Rosyid AN, Indrawanto DW
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Apr · PMID 42112733 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has been declared a global pandemic. Along with multi-organ failure, increased fibrinogen occurs in severe disease and is converted to fibrin, which can trigger pulmonary...
INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has been declared a global pandemic. Along with multi-organ failure, increased fibrinogen occurs in severe disease and is converted to fibrin, which can trigger pulmonary fibrosis. This study aimed to analyse the correlation between serum fibrinogen levels and the occurrence of lung fibrosis in COVID-19 patients using the core biopsy technique. METHODOLOGY: This was a prospective observational study in patients who died during severe COVID-19 treatment in the intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital. Serum fibrinogen levels were measured using a Sysmex Coagulometer based on the Clauss method, which is an automated coagulometric technique. The core biopsy procedure was performed in fibrotic areas identified by radiological imaging. The degree of lung fibrosis according to the Ashcroft scale. Results of fibrinogen levels, fibrosis incidence, and the degree of fibrosis were compared. RESULTS: There was an increase in fibrinogen with a mean level of 616.14 mg/dL, and 35 of 37 samples were positive for fibrosis. The Ashcroft scale score of 5 was the most common fibrosis degree (37.8%). Fibrosis was found among COVID-19 lung biopsies, and fibrinogen also tends to increase in lung fibrosis based on the Ashcroft score, despite no significant correlation between the serum fibrinogen levels and lung fibrosis degree (p = 0.716). CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary fibrosis was frequently observed in lung biopsy specimens from patients with fatal COVID-19. Serum fibrinogen levels tended to be higher in patients with fibrosis, they were not significantly associated with fibrosis severity as assessed by the Ashcroft scale.
Prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B vaccine non-response in hemodialysis patients: a narrative review.
Nordin NA, Sadikan MZ, Lambuk L … +4 more , Lambuk F, Noor AA, Mohamud R, Hashim NH
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Apr · PMID 42112732 · Publisher ↗
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a significant threat to public health, with hemodialysis patients facing an exceptionally high risk due to their compromised immune systems and exposure to blood products. While va...
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a significant threat to public health, with hemodialysis patients facing an exceptionally high risk due to their compromised immune systems and exposure to blood products. While vaccination is the cornerstone of HBV prevention, hemodialysis patients often exhibit inadequate immune responses to the vaccine, jeopardizing their protection. This narrative review comprehensively evaluates the prevalence of non-response to HBV vaccination among hemodialysis patients and identifies associated factors. Drawing on data from various sources, the review analyzes demographics, clinical characteristics, and vaccination protocols to shed light on the critical determinants of vaccine failure. The analysis reveals significant variability in vaccine response rates among hemodialysis patients, with factors such as age, comorbidities, dialysis duration, and nutritional status playing pivotal roles. Additionally, vaccine type, dosage, and administration schedule influence immunogenicity. The findings provide critical insights into optimizing HBV vaccination strategies for hemodialysis non-responders by identifying underlying risk factors, thereby contributing to enhanced public health outcomes.
Rifampicin resistance among the TB Patients in Pakistan: a retrospective cross-sectional study.
Faisal S, Rab SA, Muhammad KF … +3 more , Haider G, Alam M, Irfan FB
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Apr · PMID 42112731 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Rifampicin resistant (RR) tuberculosis (TB) is a key challenge in terms of high morbidity, mortality and socio-economic burden. Pakistan has the sixth highest RR TB prevalence globally. In the absence of a...
INTRODUCTION: Rifampicin resistant (RR) tuberculosis (TB) is a key challenge in terms of high morbidity, mortality and socio-economic burden. Pakistan has the sixth highest RR TB prevalence globally. In the absence of a national TB survey during the past decade, this study was conducted to determine prevalence estimates. METHODOLOGY: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study (with an analytical component) of the bacteriologically confirmed TB patients whose sputum or other clinical samples were tested for RR (by Xpert® assay) in public-private mix (PPM) settings of 28 districts of Pakistan, from January 2022 to June 2024. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed for analysis. RESULTS: Among the 42,423 patients with bacteriological confirmation by the Xpert, 231 (0.5%) had indeterminate result for RR. The RR TB prevalence was 2.31% among the valid results. Univariate analysis showed that RR TB was significantly associated with province, residence, age, sputum smear microscopy results, and history of TB treatment. Multivariate analysis of significant factors showed that RR TB was significantly associated with the province; Sindh (OR = 1.65) and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (OR = 0.51). Risk of RR TB was significantly lower among people above 60 years of age (OR = 0.59) and higher among people previously treated for TB disease (OR = 3.73). CONCLUSIONS: Findings support the need for evidence-based strategies aimed at timely diagnosis and management of TB, with greater focus on people at risk of developing RR TB including patients living in RR TB prevalent provinces and among those previously treated for TB.
Identification of potential biological targets in sepsis based on random forest and artificial neural network models.
OuYang C, He H, Lin Z
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Apr · PMID 42112730 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Machine learning and artificial neural networks are increasingly making new research progress in various human diseases. OBJECTIVE: To identify key gene markers related to sepsis based on random forest (RF) a...
BACKGROUND: Machine learning and artificial neural networks are increasingly making new research progress in various human diseases. OBJECTIVE: To identify key gene markers related to sepsis based on random forest (RF) and artificial neural network (ANN) models. METHODOLOGY: Key genes (KG) were screened through RF based on GSE9960, GSE13904, and GSE26440 datasets, and the diagnostic model of core genes was constructed using ANN analysis, which was validated. RESULTS: GSE9960, GSE13904, and GSE26440 were merged as the training set, and 452 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Then, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, as well as Cytoscape module analysis, were used to explore the mechanisms related to sepsis. Subsequently, these DEGs were further screened through RF to obtain key genes UPP1, ZNF600, GPR160, TRAT1, C3AR1, NAIP, MAL, and F5. An ANN method was used to construct a screening model. The AUC metrics obtained from the training and validation cohorts were quantitatively assessed through ROC curve analysis, yielding discriminative performance values of 0.969 and 0.792, respectively. The CIBERSORT-based immune profiling revealed a marked depletion of lymphocyte populations (including B cells and T cells) in the experimental cohort than healthy controls, with regulatory T cell subsets demonstrating a paradoxical increase in abundance. Sepsis immune suppression was the dominant process. CONCLUSIONS: The core-gene model constructed by the RF and ANN method is a robust method for predicting, diagnosing, or treating sepsis, with nice predictive accuracy. It may be used for sepsis-related medical decisions and provide new entry routes for the treatment or prognosis improvement of sepsis.
Efficacy and safety of drug therapies for treating tuberculous meningitis: a network meta-analysis.
Luan M, Chen X
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Apr · PMID 42112729 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: The optimal treatment for tuberculous meningitis (TBM) remains inconclusive. This study intends to compare the efficacy and safety of available drug therapies for treating TBM from the perspective of mortal...
INTRODUCTION: The optimal treatment for tuberculous meningitis (TBM) remains inconclusive. This study intends to compare the efficacy and safety of available drug therapies for treating TBM from the perspective of mortality, neurological events, and adverse events. METHODS: PubMed (21/6/2025), Cochrane (21/6/2025), Embase (21/6/2025), and Web of Science (21/6/2025) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TBM. Risk of Bias 2.0 was used for the quality assessment of the included studies. R4.2.3 "gemtc" package was used for data analysis, and Stata 15.0 was utilized to assess publication bias. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% credible intervals (95% CrIs) were calculated as effect sizes. RESULTS: Twenty-nine RCTs involving 4,640 TBM patients were included. The results showed that when combined with the standard treatment, prednisone might reduce TBM mortality [OR (95% CrI) = 0.26 (0.07, 0.78)]; both methylprednisolone [OR (95% CrI) = 0.13 (0, 0.98)] and prednisone [OR (95% CrI) = 0.18 (0.02, 0.76)] were likely to reduce the incidence of tuberculoma and other extracranial tuberculosis; prednisolone might increase the risk of neurological events [OR (95% CrI) = 5.98 (2.03, 20.7)], while standard-dose rifampicin was less likely to cause neurological events [OR (95% CrI) = 0.25 (0.06, 0.78)]; dexamethasone might increase the incidence of gastrointestinal events [OR (95% CrI) = 1.72 (1.04, 2.91)]; levofloxacin was more likely to cause hepatic events [OR (95% CrI) = 1.79 (1.05, 3.14)]. CONCLUSIONS: Prednisone, levofloxacin, and linezolid, rather than high-dose rifampicin, may reduce TBM mortality compared with standard-dose rifampicin. Prednisolone increases the risk of neurological events.
Bordetella pertussis pneumonia in adults: two case reports and diagnostic challenges.
Deng L, Hu Z, Wang J
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Apr · PMID 42112728 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: In recent years, the number of pertussis cases has increased remarkably in our country and globally. However, the prevalence of pertussis in adolescents and adults is severely underestimated due to atypical...
INTRODUCTION: In recent years, the number of pertussis cases has increased remarkably in our country and globally. However, the prevalence of pertussis in adolescents and adults is severely underestimated due to atypical symptoms. Here, we present two cases of pneumonia caused by Bordetella pertussis (B. pertussis) that were successfully treated, with etiologic diagnosis aided by targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS). CASE STUDY: The first case involves a young man initially misdiagnosed with an acute attack of bronchial asthma and treated with corticosteroids therapy. The second case involves a man with hypoxemia who was co-infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae during treatment. In both cases, routine laboratory examinations for pathogen detection were negative. The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of patients was sent for tNGS, which identified sequence reads of B. pertussis. RESULTS: The diagnosis of the two cases was confirmed by tNGS detecting B. pertussis, and the patients showed positive results after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Adults with B. pertussis infection serve as an important source of infection and are frequently underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Early diagnosis and treatment can be achieved through typical cough symptoms and molecular biology tests.
Dynamics and characterization of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales isolated from clinical specimens in a private healthcare center in Lima, Peru, from 2018 to 2019.
Ortiz-Gómez T, Barrón-Pastor H, Tamariz J … +1 more , Loyola S
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Apr · PMID 42112727 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Antimicrobial resistance is a major and growing concern worldwide. The study aimed to describe the occurrence and characterize the antimicrobial resistance profile of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterale...
INTRODUCTION: Antimicrobial resistance is a major and growing concern worldwide. The study aimed to describe the occurrence and characterize the antimicrobial resistance profile of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) isolated from clinical specimens at a private healthcare center in Lima, Peru, between January 2018 and December 2019. METHODOLOGY: A total of 59 bacterial isolates were identified as CPE using the modified carbapenem inactivation method. Bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed using the Vitek 2 system, and colistin susceptibility was determined using the compact antimicrobial susceptibility panel. Five carbapenemase encoding genes, including blaNDM, blaIMP, blaVIM, blaOXA-48, and blaKPC, were screened using PCR and lateral flow assay. Also, carbapenemases were screened using the boronic acid- and EDTA-based disk synergy methods. The dynamics of CPE were described every month. RESULTS: Carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most prevalent agent (83.1%), followed by Providencia spp. (6.8%), Escherichia coli (5.1%), Enterobacter cloacae (3.4%), and Citrobacter freundii (1.6%). The isolation of blaNDM-carrying CPE was frequent and increased during the second half of 2019, while blaKPC carriers were detected in the second half of 2018. One CPE carrying blaOXA-48 was detected in June 2019. No other carbapenemase-encoding genes were detected. CONCLUSIONS: This report is among the first to document CPE in private health care institutions in Lima, Peru. Results suggest that the emergence and spread of carbapenemases are becoming a latent and growing threat in private healthcare settings.
Co-infection with dengue, zika, chikungunya in a six-year-old patient in Bamako, Mali.
Cissoko Y, Akakpo EA, Koné A … +7 more , Doumbia Y, Doucouré SI, Soumaré M, Diarra B, Konaté I, Doumbia S, Dao S
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Apr · PMID 42112726 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: The burden of arboviral infections remains underestimated in sub-Saharan Africa due to the similarity of symptoms with malaria and other tropical febrile illnesses. Simultaneous infection with three arbovir...
INTRODUCTION: The burden of arboviral infections remains underestimated in sub-Saharan Africa due to the similarity of symptoms with malaria and other tropical febrile illnesses. Simultaneous infection with three arboviruses sharing the same vector is rarely reported. CASE PRESENTATION: We report here the case of a six-year-old girl diagnosed by multiplex real time-polymerase chain reaction for infection involving dengue, zika and chikungunya viruses with no severe symptoms and good clinical improvement with symptomatic treatment in Bamako, Mali. CONCLUSIONS: Co-circulation of different arboviruses is possible in urban context where Aedes mosquito vectors are emerging. Further studies are needed to explore the epidemiology and the clinical features of these coinfections.
Fungal colonization and ASCA/p-ANCA positivity in inflammatory bowel disease: a cross-sectional study from Turkey.
Toraman ZA, Öner P, Erdoğan M … +4 more , Afşar Karatepe B, Şahin A, Üstündağ Y, Akbulut H
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Mar · PMID 41990068 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Recent research indicates that individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) exhibit distinct intestinal fungal communities compared with healthy individuals. This study examined the relationship among...
INTRODUCTION: Recent research indicates that individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) exhibit distinct intestinal fungal communities compared with healthy individuals. This study examined the relationship among anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA), perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (p-ANCA), and Candida spp. colonization to assess their utility in diagnosing IBD, differentiating subtypes, and predicting disease localization. METHODOLOGY: Serum samples from 240 patients with IBD and 61 healthy controls were tested for ASCA and p-ANCA using indirect immunofluorescence assay (IIFA). Fecal samples were cultured to identify Candida species. RESULTS: ASCA positivity was significantly higher in Crohn's disease (CD) (61.7%), whereas p-ANCA positivity was more frequent in ulcerative colitis (UC) (51.6%) (p = 0.005 and p = 0.002, respectively). Fluorescence intensity showed stronger ASCA reactivity in CD and higher p-ANCA intensity in UC. Candida colonization (≥ 5 CFU) was detected in 64.2% of IBD patients, with Candida albicans the most common species. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was detected exclusively in IBD patients (3.7%, p = 0.038). Higher colonization rates were observed in UC with pancolitis (78.9%) and in CD with colonic involvement (80%). ASCA intensity inversely correlated with Candida load in CD (p = 0.021), whereas p-ANCA intensity positively correlated with Candida load in UC (p = 0.038). No significant differences in Candida species diversity were observed between subtypes. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the diagnostic value of ASCA and p-ANCA in distinguishing IBD subtypes and highlight their association with Candida colonization. Further studies are warranted to elucidate fungal antigen-antibody interactions and to refine subtype-specific diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Comparison of the cleaning effectiveness of pulsed vacuum cleaning and disinfection machine versus spraying cleaning and disinfection machine for rigid endoscope instruments.
Li J, Hu Y, Bo L … +2 more , Wang X, Hu W
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Mar · PMID 41990067 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: This study aims to compare the cleaning effectiveness of the pulsed vacuum cleaning and disinfection machine (PVD) and the spraying cleaning and disinfection machine (SCD) in cleaning rigid endoscope instrume...
BACKGROUND: This study aims to compare the cleaning effectiveness of the pulsed vacuum cleaning and disinfection machine (PVD) and the spraying cleaning and disinfection machine (SCD) in cleaning rigid endoscope instruments. METHODOLOGY: A total of 900 postoperative rigid endoscope instruments from the sterilization supply room of our hospital, collected between July and December 2024, were included in the study. Instruments were randomly divided into two groups using a computer-generated random number sequence, ensuring a 1:1 allocation ratio: the research group (450 items) and the control group (450 items). The research group used the PVD machine, while the control group used the SCD machine. The sterilization effectiveness, cleaning quality, ATP bioluminescence assay, and protein residue measurement were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The sterilization time in the research group was longer than that in the control group. The instrument damage rate and endotoxin positive rate were significantly lower in the research group (p < 0.05). The research group showed significantly higher results in the paper test method compared to the control group (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found between the two groups in visual inspection and blood residue comparison (p > 0.05). The ATP bioluminescence detection and protein residue pass rates were higher in the research group than in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The pulsed vacuum cleaning and disinfection machine performs better than the spraying cleaning and disinfection machine in cleaning rigid endoscope instruments, offering potential benefits for patient safety and instrument longevity.
Bioinformatics analysis identifies IL-23A and JAK2 as regulatory factors in sepsis immune response via the JAK/STAT3 pathway.
Lin Z, Fang W, Yang C
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Mar · PMID 41990066 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by dysregulated host responses to infection. Identifying key genes associated with sepsis and exploring their interactions with immune cells are crucial...
INTRODUCTION: Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by dysregulated host responses to infection. Identifying key genes associated with sepsis and exploring their interactions with immune cells are crucial for advancing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. METHODOLOGY: In order to explore the genetic underpinnings, five datasets-GSE28750, GSE57065, GSE64457, GSE65682, and GSE95233-were analyzed using the "Limma" package in R to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Functional enrichment analysis was conducted using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and key modules were analyzed using STRING and Cytoscape. The core genes were selected using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, and their diagnostic value was validated through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Immune cell infiltration was assessed using the CIBERSORT algorithm. RESULTS: A total of 230 DEGs were identified, including 183 upregulated and 47 downregulated genes. GO and KEGG analysis revealed significant enrichment in immune-related pathways. Two core genes, IL-23A and JAK2, emerged as key players. ROC curve analysis demonstrated high diagnostic value with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.82 and 0.90 for IL-23A and JAK2, respectively. IL-23A showed a strong positive correlation with CD8+ T cells and activated natural killer (NK) cells, while also activating the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway and mitigating JAK2-mediated immune cell infiltration. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the potential role of IL-23A and JAK2 in the immune regulation of sepsis and provides new insights into immune therapeutic strategies via the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway.
Nasopharyngeal pneumococcal carriage among unvaccinated healthy Sri Lankan children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gonapaladeniya M, Liyanage G, Weerasekera M … +2 more , Perera R, Dissanayake T
J Infect Dev Ctries · 2026 Mar · PMID 41990065 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in children. This study focused on the prevalence, serotypes, antibiotic resistance, and biofilm formation of pneum...
INTRODUCTION: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in children. This study focused on the prevalence, serotypes, antibiotic resistance, and biofilm formation of pneumococci colonising an unvaccinated Sri Lankan children cohort aged ≤ 2 years during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODOLOGY: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out between April to August 2021 among healthy children visiting routine immunisation clinics in the Colombo district, Sri Lanka. Nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) from healthy children were collected and cultured on sheep blood agar to isolate S. pneumoniae and confirmed by lytA gene-specific PCR. All confirmed S. pneumoniae isolates underwent capsular sequence typing to detect serotypes. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined. In-vitro biofilm-forming ability was assessed using the crystal violet assay, tetrazolium reduction assay, and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: The S. pneumoniae colonization rate of healthy children was 5.7% (20/350). Serotype 19F was the commonest, and 80% (16/20) of isolates were covered by the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13). All isolates were sensitive to levofloxacin, vancomycin, and linezolid but showed significant non-susceptibility to penicillin (70%, 14/20) and cefotaxime (15%, 3/20) at non-meningitis break points. All isolates formed biofilms. CONCLUSIONS: A comparatively lower rate of pneumococcal colonisation was observed among this cohort compared to the current literature. The most prevalent serotype identified was 19F. Serotype pattern was similar to the pre-vaccine era pattern reported globally. Antibiotic non-susceptibility rates were high for penicillin and erythromycin. Almost all isolates showed evidence of in vitro biofilm formation.
About
- Frequency
- Sun
- Papers found
- 200
- RSS feed
- Subscribe