Periprosthetic Joint Infections of the Knee-Comparison of Different Treatment Algorithms.

Background: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following total knee arthroplasty is a serious complication lacking evidence-based diagnostic and treatment protocols, particularly in ruling out persisting infection before reimplantation. Methods: This retrospective analysis assessed the mid-term outcomes of 66 patients undergoing septic two-stage knee revision surgeries from 2007 to 2013, diagnosed as per the Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria. After implant removal and antibiotic treatment, reimplantation decisions were based on either joint aspiration, blood counts, and clinical examination (group A) or an open biopsy (group B). Both groups underwent meticulous debridement and spacer exchange during the interim period. Results: Late re-infection occurred in 12.1% of all patients. In group A, 13.8% experienced late re-infection, with 14.3% in subgroup A1 and 13.3% in subgroup A2. In group B, 10% had a late re-infection. No significant difference in re-infection or complication rates was found between the groups. Conclusions: The study did not demonstrate the superiority of group B's approach of open biopsy over group A's joint aspiration, clinical examination, and blood counts in preventing re-infection or reducing complications.

Personal protective equipment for healthcare workers during COVID-19: Developing and applying a questionnaire and assessing associations between infection rates and shortages across 19 countries.

This study aimed to assess the preparedness of European countries regarding personal protective equipment (PPE) for health and care workers (HCWs), the COVID-19 infection rates of HCWs compared to the general working age population, and the association between these. We developed a PPE-preparedness scale based on responses to a questionnaire from experts in the Health Systems and Policy Monitor network, with a response rate of 19 out of 31 countries. COVID-19 infection data were retrieved form the European center for Disease Prevention and Control. Shortages of PPE were found in most countries, in particular in home care and long-term care. HCW infection rates, compared to the general population, varied strongly between countries, influenced by different testing regimes. We found no relationships between HCW infection rates, PPE preparedness and shortages of PPE. Improved surveillance in the population as well as for HCWS are needed to be able to better assess these relationships.

Current status of ruminant anaplasmosis in Algeria: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Anaplasmosis is an emerging infectious disease that is being recognised all over the world, with impact on animal health.This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the rate infection of Anaplasma spp. infection in Algerian ruminants. Three databases were searched to identify eligible studies for the final systematic review and meta-analysis. The 'meta' package in the R software was used for the meta-analysis, and the random effects model was chosen to pool the data. Meta-analysis encompasses 14 research papers spanning 19 years (2004-2023), out of an initial pool of 737 articles retrieved from various databases. The study included a total of 1515 cattle, 190 sheep, and 310 goats, and the overall Anaplasma infection rate was estimated at 28% (95% CI, 17-41%). The analysis revealed varying infection rates among species, with cattle at 20%, sheep at 30%, and goats at 61%. Five classified species and two unclassified strains belonging to Anaplasma genus were identified in ruminants, which are A. marginale, A. centrale, A. bovis, A. ovis, A. phagocytophilum, A. phagocytophilum-like strains, and A. platys-like strains. Among these, A. marginale was prevalent in ten out of eleven cattle studies. The data also revealed regional variations, with Northeastern Algeria showing a higher infection rate (26%) compared to North-central Algeria (9%). In the subgroup analysis, clinically healthy cattle had a higher infection rate (28%) compared to suspected disease cattle (16%). Molecular biology screening methods yielded a significantly higher infection rate (33%) than microscopy (12%). Gender analysis suggested slightly higher infection rates among male cattle (19%) compared to females (16%). Age analysis indicated that Anaplasma infection was more common in cattle less than 12 months (14%) compared to those over 12 months (9%). This systematic review provides valuable insights, highlighting the need for continued surveillance and potential preventive strategies in different regions and among different animal populations in Algeria.

High prevalence of hepatitis C virus among criminals in rehabilitation facilities in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: There is a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) carriers in prison in several developed countries, but the situation in Japan has not been well reported. This study aimed to determine the state of HCV infection among criminals in Japan. METHODS: We enrolled 533 criminals in rehabilitation facilities (354 men and 179 women) who underwent a medical check-up from April 2014 to March 2022. Their records of blood tests, medical history, and drug injection use were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The HCV-antibody positive rate was 11.1 % (59/533), with rates of 8.2 % (29/354) in men and 16.8 % (30/179 in women. Approximately half of the HCV-infected residents had a history of drug injection, and this rate did not vary by age or by sex. Although an opportunity to treat HCV infection with medical assistance from government was provided to all residents who were positive for HCV RNA, 26.5 % of them abandoned the treatment. CONCLUSION: In spite of the generous economical support to treat HCV infection by the government and the free access system in Japan, eliminating HCV in criminals appears to be difficult. The reason for this problem might be the criminals' negligent attitude to life.

Monitoring epidemic processes under political measures.

Statistical modeling of epidemiological curves to capture the course of epidemic processes and to implement a signaling system for detecting significant changes in the process is a challenging task, especially when the process is affected by political measures. As previous monitoring approaches are subject to various problems, we develop a practical and flexible tool that is well suited for monitoring epidemic processes under political measures. This tool enables monitoring across different epochs using a single statistical model that constantly adapts to the underlying process, and therefore allows both retrospective and on-line monitoring of epidemic processes. It is able to detect essential shifts and to identify anomaly conditions in the epidemic process, and it provides decision-makers a reliable method for rapidly learning from trends in the epidemiological curves. Moreover, it is a tool to evaluate the effectivity of political measures and to detect the transition from pandemic to endemic. This research is based on a comprehensive COVID-19 study on infection rates under political measures in line with the reporting of the Robert Koch Institute covering the entire period of the pandemic in Germany.

Functional Outcomes in Orthopaedic Open Wounds Treated With Vacuum-Assisted Closure Therapy: A Prospective Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Open fractures with extensive soft-tissue damage, significant periosteal stripping, and exposed bone ends pose a significant challenge in orthopaedics. So, we conducted a prospective study that investigated the efficacy of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy in improving functional outcomes for orthopaedic open wounds. METHODS: A prospective case series was conducted for a period of 18 months at the department of orthopaedics. Seventeen patients with open wounds were included in the study after fulfilling specific criteria. The study involved 17 patients with open wounds, where VAC therapy was applied within 24 hours of admission for 14 patients, and for three patients with superficial infection, thorough wound debridement preceded VAC dressing. Follow-up with patients continued until definitive skin cover procedures were performed. RESULTS: The majority of cases were attributed to open compound fractures caused by road traffic accidents (82.35%), followed by train traffic accidents (11.76%) and accidental falls (5.88%). The leg (47%) was the most common location of injury, followed by the forearm (23.52%). The average treatment duration was 10.5 days, with an average of 3.3 dressing changes, indicating the efficacy and feasibility of VAC therapy in clinical practice. The average wound size reduction at completion was 15mm, and 15 out of 17 patients achieved successful wound healing. The average time required for forming a uniform granulation bed was 10.5 days, highlighting the efficiency of VAC therapy in promoting tissue regeneration. CONCLUSION: Our study findings revealed that there is a significant reduction in the rate of wound infection with the application of VAC therapy, along with a shorter duration for the formation of healthy granulation tissue, rendering the wound suitable for definitive skin cover procedures such as split skin graft and flap cover at an accelerated rate. Additionally, technical challenges associated with applying VAC dressing in the presence of an external fixator were successfully managed through realignment strategies, further underscoring the adaptability and efficacy of VAC therapy in addressing complex wound scenarios.

Evaluating the dynamic interplay of social distancing policies regarding airborne pathogens through a temporal interaction-driven model that uses real-world and synthetic data.

OBJECTIVE: The recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has exhibited diverse patterns of spread across countries and communities, emphasizing the need to consider the underlying population dynamics in modeling its progression and the importance of evaluating the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical intervention strategies in combating viral transmission within human communities. Such an understanding requires accurate modeling of the interplay between the community dynamics and the disease propagation dynamics within the community. METHODS: We build on an interaction-driven model of an airborne disease over contact networks that we have defined. Using the model, we evaluate the effectiveness of temporal, spatial, and spatiotemporal social distancing policies. Temporal social distancing involves a pure dilation of the timeline while preserving individual activity potential and thus prolonging the period of interaction; spatial distancing corresponds to social distancing pods; and spatiotemporal distancing pertains to the situation in which fixed subgroups of the overall group meet at alternate times. We evaluate these social distancing policies over real-world interactions' data and over history-preserving synthetic temporal random networks. Furthermore, we evaluate the policies for the disease's with different number of initial patients, corresponding to either the phase in the progression of the infection through a community or the number of patients infected together at the initial infection event. We expand our model to consider the exposure to viral load, which we correlate with the meetings' duration. RESULTS: Our results demonstrate the superiority of decreasing social interactions (i.e., time dilation) within the community over partial isolation strategies, such as the spatial distancing pods and the spatiotemporal distancing strategy. In addition, we found that slow-spreading pathogens (i.e., pathogens that require a longer exposure to infect) spread roughly at the same rate as fast-spreading ones in highly active communities. This result is surprising since the pathogens may follow different paths. However, we demonstrate that the dilation of the timeline considerably slows the spread of the slower pathogens. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that the temporal dynamics of a community have a more significant effect on the spread of the disease than the characteristics of the spreading processes.

Impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on Medical Practices in Awaji Island.

Introduction: Since the first confirmed case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China, COVID-19 continues to be a global threat and exerts a significant impact on medical practices. This study aims to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical practices in Awaji Island, a remote island in Japan. Methods: First, we conducted a survey on the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 on Awaji Island before and during the pandemic. Next, using a questionnaire, we conducted a survey with doctors working full time at Hyogo Prefectural Awaji Medical Center, which is the only designated infectious disease hospital on Awaji Island. Results: The COVID-19 infection rate of Awaji Island was lower than that of Hyogo Prefecture and of Japan as a whole, although the peaks occurred simultaneously. Outpatient visits as well as hospitalized patients, i.e., inpatients, decreased during the pandemic as a result of restrictions on surgeries and hospitalizations, with no changes in the disease composition ratio. The results of the questionnaire show that during the pandemic, doctors working full time at our hospital worked less and slept more. Furthermore, data obtained from the Medical Affairs Department showed a decrease in overtime hours worked and an increase in the number of days of paid holidays taken. Conclusions: Epidemiologically, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Awaji Island showed a similar trend to that in Japan, but the results of the survey questionnaire indicated that doctors working full time at our hospital were not necessarily adversely affected.

Taking cues from machine learning, compartmental and time series models for SARS-CoV-2 omicron infection in Indian provinces.

SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, posed a significant threat to the world. We analyzed COVID-19 dissemination data in the top ten Indian provinces by infection incidences using the Susceptible-Infectious-Removed (SIR) model, an Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) time series model, a machine learning model based on the Random Forest, and distribution fitting. Outbreaks are expected to continue if the Basic Reproduction Number (R0) > 1, and infection waves are anticipated to end if the R0 < 1, as determined by the SIR model. Different parametric probability distributions are also fitted. Data collected from December 12, 2021, to March 31, 2022, encompassing data from both before and during the implementation of strict control measures. Based on the estimates of the model parameters, health agencies and government policymakers can develop strategies to combat the spread of the disease in the future, and the most effective technique can be recommended for real-world application for other outbreaks of COVID-19. The best method out of these could be also implemented further on the epidemiological data of other similar infectious agents.

An epidemiological survey of COVID-19 serology and its association with clinical infection among older adults- does antibody titer matter?

BACKGROUND: Older adults are at increased risk of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this study we assessed the response to COVID-19 vaccination and infection rates among nursing homes (NH) and assisted-living care home (ALCH) residents. METHODS: The study was conducted between August 2021 and January 2022, after widespread population vaccination with the third dose of Pfizer-BioNtech mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in Israel. Three groups were addressed: hospitalized older patients; NH and ALCH residents. Demographic data, COVID-19 serology (anti-spike IgG antibodies) and PCR test results were obtained to assess the dynamics of antibody titers and its correlation to infection rates. RESULTS: Two-hundred eighty-five individuals were evaluated; 92 hospitalized patients; 100 ALCH residents and 93 NH residents. In the latter two groups two serology surveys were conducted three months apart. Hospitalized patients were younger than ALCH and NH residents (mean age 80.4 ± 8 versus 82.6 ± 8 and 83.6 ± 5, respectively, p = 0.01), and had more comorbidities (p = 0.003). The degree of decline in the antibody level overtime was similar in ALCH and NH residents. Infection rates were higher among NH residents than ALCH residents [35/91 (38.4%) versus 11/100 (11%), p < 0.001]. Antibody level was lower among those infected [2113 (1271-3512) Au/ml versus 4113 (3364-5029) Au/ml, p < 0.001]. Adjusted analysis showed that NH residence, but not antibody levels, were significantly associated with infection. CONCLUSION: Among older adults, infection rates inversely correlated with antibody level. However, only nursing home residence was significantly associated with infection, suggesting that other factors such as crowding considerably contribute to the risk of infection.

SARS-CoV-2 infection and seropositivity among household contacts of laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19 in residents of Delhi, India.

The transmission of respiratory pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2, is often facilitated through household contact. To better understand the transmission rate of COVID-19 among households and factors that affect viral clearance and seroconversion, a case-ascertained community-based prospective study was conducted between December 2020 and June 2021 on the urban population of the national capital region of India. The study collected nasopharyngeal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR on the 1st, 7th, 14th, and 28th day, and blood samples for antibody detection on the 1st, 14th, and 28th day from household contacts (HCs) of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases. The study monitored the demographic data, symptoms, and outcomes of 417 participants, including 99 index cases and 318 contacts, for a period of 28 days. The results of the study showed that SARS-CoV-2 was easily spread within households, with a secondary infection rate of 44.3 %. In fact, almost 70 % of the contacts got infected within 1-2 days of identification of the index case, while 34 % remained asymptomatic. Sero-conversion was found in 35.6 % of the participants while 22.9 % did not produce antibodies after 28 days of infection. The study also revealed that females, spouses, older members, and primary care providers were at higher risk of getting infected in a home setting. However, approximately one-third of individuals in the younger age group managed to avoid infection. The study demonstrated that most infected individuals became RT-PCR negative within two weeks, although viral clearance was delayed in older patients and those with lower cycle threshold values in RT-PCR.

Molecular detection and genetic characteristics of Giardia duodenalis in dairy cattle from large-scale breeding farms in Xinjiang, China.

Giardia duodenalis is an intestinal protozoan that can infect both humans and animals, leading to public health issues and economic losses in the livestock industry. G. duodenalis has been reported to infect dairy cattle, but there is limited information available on large-scale dairy farms in Xinjiang, China. The study collected 749 fresh faecal samples from five large-scale cattle farms in Xinjiang, China. The study used a nested PCR assay of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA*) gene to determine the presence of G. duodenalis. The results showed that 24.0% (180/749) of dairy cattle were positive for G. duodenalis, with the highest infection rate observed in pre-weaned calves (45.1%, 69/153). Among the 180 G. duodenalis positive samples, three assemblages were identified: assemblage E (n = 176), assemblage A (n = 3) and assemblage B (n = 1). Sixty-nine, 67 and 49 sequences were obtained for the beta-giardin (bg*) gene, the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh*) gene and the triose phosphate isomerase (tpi*) gene, respectively. Thirteen novel sequences of assemblage E were identified, including five sequences from the bg* gene, four sequences from the gdh* gene and four sequences from the tpi* gene. This study found that 32 G. duodenalis assemblage E isolates formed 26 MLGs, indicating genetic variation and geographic isolation-based differentiation in bovine-derived G. duodenalis assemblage E. These findings provide fundamental insights into the genetic diversity of G. duodenalis in dairy cattle and can aid in the prevention and control of its occurrence in large-scale dairy cattle farms.

Identification of freshwater snail species and survey of their trematode infections in Ordos, China.

In order to investigate and study the species and distribution of freshwater snails in Ordos area of Inner Mongolia, as well as the trematode infection in different periods, and to provide a scientific basis for the effective prevention and control of livestock trematodiasis. In this paper, freshwater snails distributed in Ordos were widely collected for morphological identification, and PCR amplification of freshwater snails COI gene and ITS2 gene was carried out with the help of molecular biology. At the same time, microscopic examination was used to observe the trematode infection of freshwater snails in two different periods from May to July and July to September, and the molecular biology of the trematodes was identified. The results showed that the 1796 freshwater snails collected belonged to two orders, three families and four genera, i.e. Bellamya, Radix, Galba, and Gyraulus. Microscopic examination of snails showed that the infection rate of trematode larvae from July to September was significantly higher than that from May to July. The collected trematodes were identified as five species, namely Cotylurus marcogliesei, Fasciola hepatica, Fasciola gigantica, Paramphistomum cervi, and Parastrigea robusta. The combination of freshwater snail species in Ordos and the infection of trematode in snails showed that a large number of freshwater snails were infected with trematodes, especially from July to September, when there is more rain and suitable climate, which causes serious harm to local livestock.

Molecular characterization of Blastocystis spp. in Hotan Black chickens in southern Xinjiang.

To determine the infection status and assess the zoonotic potential of Blastocystis spp. in Hotan Black chickens in southern Xinjiang, China, fecal samples were collected from 617 chickens on 18 large-scale farms. The presence of Blastocystis spp. was determined using polymerase chain reaction based on the small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) locus. The results revealed an overall infection rate of 26.3% (162/617). Samples from Farm 1 in Luopu County showed the highest infection rate (76.3%, 29/38). The highest and lowest infection rates were detected in the <30-day (34.4%, 43/125) and > 90-day age groups (12.4%, 11/89), respectively. The infection rate decreased with increasing age. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in the infection rates of Blastocystis spp. among the different sampling sites (p < 0.05) and age groups (p < 0.05). Four Blastocystis spp. subtypes (ST6, ST7, ST10, and ST23) were identified. The infection rates of the zoonotic subtypes, ST6 and ST7, were 3.2% (20/617) and 22.2% (137/617), respectively. The presence of Blastocystis spp. and zoonotic subtypes provided evidence for the potential transmission of this pathogen between Hotan Black chickens and humans, especially in animal handlers in this area.

Risk of SARS-CoV-2 following joint and epidural corticosteroid injections: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The immunosuppressive effects of corticosteroid (CS) injections have come under more scrutiny during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim of the study was to explore any relationship between joint/epidural CS injection and SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positivity. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients 18 years or over who received at least one joint or epidural CS injection by physiatrists in a tertiary care center between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021. This cohort of patients was then compared to a control group who did not receive any CS injection during this time period. RESULTS: A total of 766 patients were identified in the CS injection group and 1546 patients in the control group. Overall, 12.27% of patients turned SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive in the CS injection group, which was similar to 11.90% in the control group (p = 0.797). But 3-month SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity rate showed a statistically significant higher rate among the CS injection group (3.30% in the CS injection group vs. 2.10% in the control group; p = 0.027). In multivariate regression analysis, after adjusting both groups for Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), there was statistically significant higher SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity rate in the CS injection group (p = 0.024). However, after adjusting both groups for age and total number of comorbidities, there was no difference between the groups in regard to SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity rate (p = 0.081). In the subgroup analysis of only COVID-19 vaccinated patients, there was an increased 3-month SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity rate among patients with severe comorbidities in the CS injection group (p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: The study was not conclusive on the effect of joint or epidural CS injection on SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity rate, although adjusted analysis suggests higher 3-month SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity rate after CS injection in patients with severe comorbidities with significant disease burden when compared to controls.

Helicobacter pylori infection factors and immunological typing in community health examination population / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To investigate and analyze the risk factors of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection and the immunological classification of Hp-infected people in community health examination population. Methods Among of the 2 475 residents in a community who underwent health examination in Guangyuan First People's Hospital were selected between July 2022 and April 2023. Western blotting was used to detect and type the Hp antibodies. The risk factors of Hp infection in the community residents were analyzed by binary logistic regression analysis, and the results of immunological typing were compared among patients with different upper digestive tract diseases and chronic diseases. Results The Hp infection rate among of the 2 475 residents who underwent physical examination was 35.64% (882/2475), and the positive rates of type I Hp antibody and type II Hp antibody were 23.72% (587/2 475) and 11.92% (295/2 475) , respectively. There were significant differences in Hp infection rates in gender, age, smoking history, and whether or not people had diabetes (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that male, age ≥60 years old, drinking history and diabetes were risk factors of Hp infection in the community health examination population (P<0.05). The positive rate of type I Hp antibody in men and patients with coronary heart disease was higher than that in women and patients without coronary heart disease (P<0.05). Conclusion The infection rate of Hp among health examination population in this community is low, mainly type I. Hp infection is affected by gender, age, drinking history and diabetes. There are more males in the population with type I Hp antibody positivity, and the risk may be higher in patients with coronary heart disease. Clinically, it is necessary to take susceptible population as the focus of prevention and treatment, and take targeted monitoring and diagnosis and treatment measures.

Triatomine vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi in an endemic area for Chagas disease in Northeast Brazil

ABSTRACT Background: We assessed the distribution of triatomines in an endemic area for Chagas disease. Methods: This retrospective study used secondary data extracted from the Official System of the National Chagas Disease Control Program (Sistema Oficial do Programa Nacional de Controle da Doença de Chagas - SisPCDCh). Results: A total of 7,257 (725.7 ± 221.7 per year) specimens were collected from 2013 to 2022. Most of them (6,792; 93.6%) were collected in the intradomicile and 465 (6.4%) in the peridomicile. A total of 513 (7.1%) triatomines tested positive for the presence of trypomastigote forms, similar to Trypanosoma cruzi. Conclusions: The spatial analysis revealed a heterogeneous distribution of triatomines across different municipalities.

Prevalence of Spiroplasma and interaction with wild Glossina tachinoides microbiota.

Tsetse flies (Diptera: Glossinidae) are vectors of the tropical neglected diseases sleeping sickness in humans and nagana in animals. The elimination of these diseases is linked to control of the vector. The sterile insect technique (SIT) is an environment-friendly method that has been shown to be effective when applied in an area-wide integrated pest management approach. However, as irradiated males conserve their vectorial competence, there is the potential risk of trypanosome transmission with their release in the field. Analyzing the interaction between the tsetse fly and its microbiota, and between different microbiota and the trypanosome, might provide important information to enhance the fly's resistance to trypanosome infection. This study on the prevalence of Spiroplasma in wild populations of seven tsetse species from East, West, Central and Southern Africa showed that Spiroplasma is present only in Glossina fuscipes fuscipes and Glossina tachinoides. In G. tachinoides, a significant deviation from independence in co-infection with Spiroplasma and Trypanosoma spp. was observed. Moreover, Spiroplasma infections seem to significantly reduce the density of the trypanosomes, suggesting that Spiroplasma might enhance tsetse fly's refractoriness to the trypanosome infections. This finding might be useful to reduce risks associated with the release of sterile males during SIT implementation in trypanosome endemic areas.

Title: Prévalence de Spiroplasma et interaction avec le microbiote des Glossina tachinoides sauvages. Abstract: Les mouches tsé-tsé (Diptera : Glossinidae) sont les vecteurs de maladies tropicales négligées, la maladie du sommeil chez l'homme et la nagana chez les animaux. L'élimination de ces maladies est liée à la lutte contre le vecteur. La technique de l'insecte stérile (TIS) est une méthode respectueuse de l'environnement qui s'est révélée efficace lorsqu'elle est appliquée dans le cadre d'une approche de lutte antiparasitaire intégrée à l'échelle d'une zone. Cependant, comme les mâles irradiés conservent leur compétence vectorielle, il existe un risque potentiel de transmission des trypanosomes lors de la libération des mâles sur le terrain. L'analyse de l'interaction entre la mouche tsé-tsé et son microbiote, et entre différents microbiotes et le trypanosome, pourrait fournir des informations importantes pour améliorer la résistance de la mouche à l'infection trypanosomienne. Cette étude sur la prévalence de Spiroplasma dans les populations sauvages de sept espèces de glossines d'Afrique de l'Est, de l'Ouest, centrale et australe a montré que Spiroplasma est présent uniquement chez Glossina fuscipes fuscipes et Glossina tachinoides. Chez G. tachinoides, un écart significatif par rapport à l'indépendance dans la co-infection par Spiroplasma et Trypanosoma spp. a été observé. De plus, les infections à Spiroplasma semblent réduire considérablement la densité des trypanosomes, ce qui suggère que Spiroplasma pourrait renforcer le caractère réfractaire de la mouche tsé-tsé aux infections trypanosomiennes. Cette découverte pourrait être utile pour réduire le risque associé à la libération de mâles stériles lors de la mise en œuvre de la TIS dans les zones d'endémie trypanosomienne.

Effect of Ursodeoxycholic Acid on Preventing SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Patients With Liver Transplantation: a multicenter retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Immunosuppressed recipients of liver transplantation (LT) are more likely to develop coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and may have an increased risk of developing worse outcomes. AIM: To assess the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on preventing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in LT recipients. DESIGN: Adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) who underwent LT between January 1st, 2015, and December 31st, 2022, were included and categorized into two groups according to their use of UDCA. METHODS: The prevalence and severity of COVID-19 among transplantation patients between the UDCA and non-UDCA groups were estimated and compared. RESULTS: Among the 897 LT patients who met the inclusion criteria, infection rate of SARS-CoV-2 was 78.4%, and the rate of severe illness was 5.1% from January 2022 to January 2023 in China. In the multivariate analysis, only UDCA treatment (P = 0.006) was found to be a protective factor against SARS-CoV-2 infection. After propensity score matching, the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate in the UDCA group was lower than that in the non-UDCA group (74.1% vs. 84.6%, P = 0.002). This rate was further reduced to 62.1% (P = 0.002) when the oral administration dose was greater than 15 mg/kg/d. There was no difference in the rates of severe COVID-19 illness, ICU admission, or ventilation rate or length of hospital stay with or without UDCA treatment (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of UDCA in LT patients significantly reduced the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate and showed a dose-dependent protective effect.

Occurrence and genetic characteristics of Giardia duodenalis in donkeys in Xinjiang, China.

Giardia duodenalis is a common enteric parasite in humans and animals. To examine the occurrence and genetic characteristics of Giardia in donkeys in Xinjiang, China, 758 fecal samples from donkeys were collected, and Giardia was screened via PCR at the SSU rRNA gene. A total of 17.0% (129/758) of samples tested positive for Giardia, with the infection rate in large-scale farm and domestic donkeys being 21.4% (124/580) and 2.8% (5/178), respectively; the infection rates in <1-year-old and ≥1-year-old donkeys were 19.3% (72/374) and 12.7% (41/323), respectively. Three Giardia assemblages were identified, with assemblage B (n = 102) as the prevalent assemblage, followed by assemblage A (n = 23) and assemblage E (n = 4). Of the 129 Giardia-positive isolates, 40, 34 and 59 sequences were obtained at the bg, gdh and tpi genes, respectively. Twenty-one isolates successfully allowed multilocus genotyping (MLG), with four novel assemblage A MLGs, named MLG-AI-1 (n = 1), MLG-AI-2 (n = 1), MLG-AI-3 (n = 1), and MLG-AI-4 (n = 1) and three novel assemblage B MLGs, named MLG-B1 (n = 1), MLG-B2 (n = 14), and MLG-B3 (n = 1). Moreover, two isolates formed two MLG-mixed sequences. The results suggest that donkeys are commonly infected with Giardia in Xinjiang, and there is genetic diversity and host adaptability among the isolates.

Title: Présence et caractéristiques génétiques de Giardia duodenalis chez les ânes du Xinjiang, Chine. Abstract: Giardia duodenalis est un parasite entérique courant chez les humains et les animaux. Pour étudier la présence et les caractéristiques génétiques de Giardia chez les ânes du Xinjiang, en Chine, 758 échantillons fécaux d'ânes ont été collectés et Giardia a été criblé par PCR du gène de l'ARNr SSU. Au total, 17,0 % (129/758) des échantillons ont été testés positifs pour Giardia. Le taux d'infection, respectivement chez les ânes des élevages à grande échelle et domestiques, étaient de 21,4 % (124/580) et 2,8 % (5/178). Les taux chez les ânes de < 1 an et ≥ 1 an étaient respectivement de 19,3 % (72/374) et 12,7 % (41/323). Trois assemblages de Giardia ont été identifiés, l'assemblage B (n = 102) étant l'assemblage prédominant, suivi de l'assemblage A (n = 23) et de l'assemblage E (n = 4). Sur les 129 isolats positifs pour Giardia, 40, 34 et 59 séquences ont été obtenues respectivement au niveau des gènes bg, gdh et tpi. Vingt et un isolats ont permis du génotypage multilocus (MLG), avec quatre nouveaux MLG de l'assemblage A, nommés MLG-AI-1 (n = 1), MLG-AI-2 (n = 1), MLG-AI-3 (n = 1) et MLG-AI-4 (n = 1) et trois nouveaux MLG de l'assemblage B, nommés MLG-B1 (n = 1), MLG-B2 (n = 14) et MLG-B3 (n = 1). De plus, deux isolats formaient deux séquences MLG mélangés. Les résultats suggèrent que les ânes sont couramment infectés par Giardia au Xinjiang, et qu'il existe une diversité génétique et une adaptabilité à l'hôte parmi les isolats.