Lumpy Skin Disease: A Systematic Review of Mode of Transmission, Risk of Emergence and Risk Entry Pathway.

The spread of lumpy skin disease (LSD) to free countries over the last 10 years, particularly countries in Europe, Central and South East Asia, has highlighted the threat of emergence in new areas or re-emergence in countries that achieved eradication. This review aimed to identify studies on LSD epidemiology. A focus was made on hosts, modes of transmission and spread, risks of outbreaks and emergence in new areas. In order to summarize the research progress regarding the epidemiological characteristics of LSD virus over the last 40 years, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses statement guidelines were followed, via two databases, i.e., PubMed (biomedical literature) and Scopus (peer-reviewed literature including scientific journals, books, and conference proceedings). A total of 86 scientific articles were considered and classified according to the type of epidemiological study, i.e., experimental versus observational. The main findings and limitations of the retrieved articles were summarized: buffaloes are the main non-cattle hosts, the main transmission mode is mechanical, i.e., via blood-sucking vectors, and stable flies are the most competent vectors. Vectors are mainly responsible for a short-distance spread, while cattle trade spread the virus over long distances. Furthermore, vaccine-recombinant strains have emerged. In conclusion, controlling animal trade and insects in animal transport trucks are the most appropriate measures to limit or prevent LSD (re)emergence.

[Strengthening the study of chronic hepatitis E].

This paper summarizes the incidence, modes of transmission, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of chronic hepatitis E.

Viable mpox virus in the environment of a patient room.

We conducted a prospective environmental surveillance study to investigate the air, surface, dust, and water contamination of a room occupied by a patient infected with mpox virus (MPXV) at various stages of the illness. The patient tested positive for MPXV from a throat swab and skin lesions. Environmental sampling was conducted in a negative pressure room with 12 unidirectional high efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) air changes per hour and daily cleaning of the surfaces. A total of 179 environmental samples were collected on days 7, 8, 13, and 21 of illness. Among the days of sampling, air, surface, and dust contamination showed the highest contamination rates on day 7 and 8 of illness, with a gradual decline to the lowest contamination level by day 21. Viable MPXV was isolated from surfaces and dust samples and no viable virus was isolated from the air and water samples.

Strengthening the study of chronic hepatitis E / 中华肝脏病杂志

This paper summarizes the incidence, modes of transmission, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of chronic hepatitis E.

Innovative application of new media in visual communication design and resistance to innovation.

It has become essential to create and apply new media in visual communication design due to social media existence. This study aims to investigate the role of innovative applications of new media in visual communication design in educational institutions. Traditional media design in visual communication lacks to disseminate information more effectively, which requires innovative change. Therefore, this study attempts to highlight the role of innovative application of new media in visual communication by considering visual expression design with information technology (IT), flexible layout, diversified modes of transmission, and interactivity of integration. For this purpose, this study adopted a quantitative research approach in which a cross-sectional research design is followed. A questionnaire survey is carried out to collect data from educational institutions in China. Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) is used for data analysis. Results of the study indicated that innovative applications of new media have central importance in visual communication. However, resistance to innovative change has a negative role in the relationship between innovative applications of new media and visual communication design. Results of the study highlighted that visual expression design with IT, flexible layout, diversified modes of transmission, and interactivity of integration have a positive effect on visual communication design. Therefore, among the educational intuitions of China, implementing innovative applications related to the new media can lead to visual communication design. The results of this study provided several insights for the practitioners to promote communication methods among educational institutions.

Modes of Viroid Transmission.

Studies on the ways in which viroids are transmitted are important for understanding their epidemiology and for developing effective control measures for viroid diseases. Viroids may be spread via vegetative propagules, mechanical damage, seed, pollen, or biological vectors. Vegetative propagation is the most prevalent mode of spread at the global, national and local level while further dissemination can readily occur by mechanical transmission through crop handling with viroid-contaminated hands or pruning and harvesting tools. The current knowledge of seed and pollen transmission of viroids in different crops is described. Biological vectors shown to transmit viroids include certain insects, parasitic plants, and goats. Under laboratory conditions, viroids were also shown to replicate in and be transmitted by phytopathogenic ascomycete fungi; therefore, fungi possibly serve as biological vectors of viroids in nature. The term "mycoviroids or fungal viroids" has been introduced in order to denote these viroids. Experimentally, known sequence variants of viroids can be transmitted as recombinant infectious cDNA clones or transcripts. In this review, we endeavor to provide a comprehensive overview of the modes of viroid transmission under both natural and experimental situations. A special focus is the key findings which can be applied to the control of viroid diseases.

COVID-19 outbreak and Urban dynamics: regional variations in India.

India was the second highest COVID-19 affected country in the world with 2.1 million cases by 11th August. This study focused on the spatial transmission of the pandemic among the 640 districts in India over time, and aimed to understand the urban-centric nature of the infection. The connectivity context was emphasized that possibly had inflicted the outbreak. Using the modes of transmission data for the available cases, the diffusion of this disease was explained. Metropolitans contributed three-fourths of total cases from the beginning. The transport networks attributed significantly in transmitting the virus from the urban containment zones. Later, there was a gradual shift of infections from urban to rural areas; however, the numbers kept increasing in the former. The massive reverse migration after lockdown spiked the infected cases further. Districts with airports reported more with influx of international passengers. A profound east-west division in April with higher infections in the southern and western districts existed. By mid-May eastern India saw a steep rise in active cases. Moran's I analysis showed a low autocorrelation initially which increased over time. Hotspot clustering was observed in western Maharashtra, eastern Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and around Kolkata by the second week of August. The diffusion was due to travel, exposure to infected individuals and among the frontline workers. Spatial regression models confirmed that urbanization was positively correlated with higher incidences of infections. Transit mediums, especially rail and aviation were positively associated. These models validated the crucial role of spatial proximity in diffusion of the pandemic.

Current Status of Putative Animal Sources of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Humans: Wildlife, Domestic Animals and Pets.

SARS-CoV-2 is currently considered to have emerged from a bat coronavirus reservoir. However, the real natural cycle of this virus remains to be elucidated. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to novel opportunities for SARS-CoV-2 transmission between humans and susceptible animal species. In silico and in vitro evaluation of the interactions between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and eucaryotic angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor have tentatively predicted susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection of several animal species. Although useful, these data do not always correlate with in vivo data obtained in experimental models or during natural infections. Other host biological properties may intervene such as the body temperature, level of receptor expression, co-receptor, restriction factors, and genetic background. The spread of SARS-CoV-2 also depends on the extent and duration of viral shedding in the infected host as well as population density and behaviour (group living and grooming). Overall, current data indicate that the most at-risk interactions between humans and animals for COVID-19 infection are those involving certain mustelids (such as minks and ferrets), rodents (such as hamsters), lagomorphs (especially rabbits), and felines (including cats). Therefore, special attention should be paid to the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with pets.

Human papilloma viruses infection among adolescent females perinatally infected with HIV in Côte d'Ivoire.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer prevention strategies recommend human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination for female adolescents prior to their sexual debut. While HIV is a major risk factor for HPV infection in women of childbearing age, its prevalence among HIV-infected adolescent female is mostly unknown. This study aimed to describe the HPV prevalence and correlates among perinatally HIV-infected adolescent females prior to HPV immunisation. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to June 2016, in the four major paediatric HIV clinics of Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. All HIV-infected females aged 11-16 years were approached to participate in the study. A questionnaire assessing sexual behaviours and genital hygiene practices was administered to participants completed with a systematic vaginal swab collection. HPV genotyping was performed using the Anyplex II HPV28 Detection (Seegene). A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the presence of HPV infection. HPV immunisation was proposed free of charge to all participants. RESULTS: A total of 250 participants were included, with a median age of 13 years (IQR 11-14). Among them, 237 (94.8%) were on antiretroviral treatment with a median CD4 count of 660 (IQR 439-914) cells/mm3. The overall prevalence of at least one HPV was 3.6% (95% CI 1.6 to 6.7) and the prevalence of at least one carcinogenic HPV was 2.8% (95% CI 0.7 to 4.8). Vaginal cleansing was reported by 75 (30%) of participants, with a median age at initiation of 12 years (IQR 10-13). Sexual activity was self-reported by 12 (4.8%) participants with a median age at sexual debut of 11 years (IQR 10-14). HPV infection was associated with vaginal cleansing (adjusted OR=7.0 (95% CI 1.4 to 31.6)). CONCLUSION: The reported low prevalence of carcinogenic HPV infections supports the appropriateness of HPV immunisation in this population. The reported association between cleansing practices and HPV infection deserves further prospective longitudinal studies.

Transmission efficiency drives host-microbe associations.

Sequencing technologies have fuelled a rapid rise in descriptions of microbial communities associated with hosts, but what is often harder to ascertain is the evolutionary significance of these symbioses. Here, we review the role of vertical (VT), horizontal (HT), environmental acquisition and mixed modes of transmission (MMT), in the establishment of animal host-microbe associations. We then model four properties of gut microbiota proposed as key to promoting animal host-microbe relationships: modes of transmission, host reproductive mode, host mate choice and host fitness. We found that: (i) MMT led to the highest frequencies of host-microbe associations, and that some environmental acquisition or HT of microbes was required for persistent associations to form unless VT was perfect; (ii) host reproductive mode (sexual versus asexual) and host mate choice (for microbe carriers versus non-carriers) had little impact on the establishment of host-microbe associations; (iii) host mate choice did not itself lead to reproductive isolation, but could reinforce it; and (iv) changes in host fitness due to host-microbe associations had a minimal impact upon the formation of co-associations. When we introduced a second population, into which host-microbe carriers could disperse but in which environmental acquisition did not occur, highly efficient VT was required for host-microbe co-associations to persist. Our study reveals that transmission mode is of key importance in establishing host-microbe associations.

COVID-19 and its Modes of Transmission.

The World Health Organization recognized SARS-CoV-2 as a public health concern and declared it as a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Over 12 million people have been affected across several countries since it was first recognized. SARS-CoV-2 is thought to commonly spread via respiratory droplets formed while talking, coughing, and sneezing of an infected patient. As several cases, with an absence of travel history to the majorly affected areas were identified, a strong possibility of community transmission could have been possible. Broadly, two modes of transmission of COVID-19 exist-direct and indirect. The direct mode includes (1) transmission via aerosols formed via surgical and dental procedures and/or in the form of respiratory droplet nuclei; (2) other body fluids and secretions, for example, feces, saliva, urine, semen, and tears; and (3) mother-to-child. Indirect transmission may occur via (1) fomites or surfaces (e.g., furniture and fixtures) present within the immediate environment of an infected patient and (2) objects used on the infected person (e.g., stethoscope or thermometer). As many of these modes may be underestimated, it is necessary to emphasize and illustrate them. The goal of this paper is to briefly review how SARS-CoV-2 is shown to transmit via various modes and propose measures to reduce the risk of spread within the population and operating personnel.

SARS-CoV-2 in the environment: Modes of transmission, early detection and potential role of pollutions.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is spreading globally having a profound effect on lives of millions of people, causing worldwide economic disruption. Curbing the spread of COVID-19 and future pandemics may be accomplished through understanding the environmental context of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and adoption of effective detection tools and mitigation policies. This article aims to examine the latest investigations on SARS-CoV-2 plausible environmental transmission modes, employment of wastewater surveillance for early detection of COVID-19, and elucidating the role of solid waste, water, and atmospheric quality on viral infectivity. Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 via faecal-oral or bio-aerosols lacks robust evidence and remains debatable. However, improper disinfection and defected plumbing systems in indoor environments such as hospitals and high-rise towers may facilitate the transport of virus-laden droplets of wastewater causing infection. Clinical and epidemiological studies are needed to present robust evidence that SARS-CoV-2 is transmissible via aerosols, though quantification of virus-laden aerosols at low concentrations presents a challenge. Wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 can be an effective tool in early detection of outbreak and determination of COVID-19 prevalence within a population, complementing clinical testing and providing decision makers guidance on restricting or relaxing movement. While poor air quality increases susceptibility to diseases, evidence for air pollution impact on COVID-19 infectivity is not available as infections are dynamically changing worldwide. Solid waste generated by households with infected individuals during the lockdown period may facilitate the spread of COVID-19 via fomite transmission route but has received little attention from the scientific community. Water bodies receiving raw sewage may pose risk of infection but this has not been investigated to date. Overall, our understanding of the environmental perspective of SARS-CoV-2 is imperative to detecting outbreak and predicting pandemic severity, allowing us to be equipped with the right tools to curb any future pandemic.

HIV Modes of Transmission in Sudan in 2014.

BACKGROUND: In Sudan, where studies on HIV dynamics are few, model projections provide an additional source of information for policy-makers to identify data collection priorities and develop prevention programs. In this study, we aimed to estimate the distribution of new HIV infections by mode of exposure and to identify populations who are disproportionately contributing to the total number of new infections in Sudan. METHODS: We applied the modes of transmission (MoT) mathematical model in Sudan to estimate the distribution of new HIV infections among the 15-49 age group for 2014, based on the main routes of exposure to HIV. Data for the MoT model were collected through a systematic review of peer-reviewed articles, grey literature, interviews with key participants and focus groups. We used the MoT uncertainty module to represent uncertainty in model projections and created one general model for the whole nation and 5 sub-models for each region (Northern, Central, Eastern, Kurdufan, and Khartoum regions). We also examined how different service coverages could change HIV incidence rates and distributions in Sudan. RESULTS: The model estimated that about 6000 new HIV infections occurred in Sudan in 2014 (95% CI: 4651-7432). Men who had sex with men (MSM) (30.52%), female sex workers (FSW) (16.37%), and FSW's clients accounted (19.43%) for most of the new HIV cases. FSW accounted for the highest incidence rate in the Central, Kurdufan, and Khartoum regions; and FSW's clients had the highest incidence rate in the Eastern and Northern regions. The annual incidence rate of HIV in the total adult population was estimated at 330 per 1 000 000 populations. The incidence rate was at its highest in the Eastern region (980 annual infections per 1 000 000 populations). CONCLUSION: Although the national HIV incidence rate estimate was relatively low compared to that observed in some sub-Saharan African countries with generalized epidemics, a more severe epidemic existed within certain regions and key populations. HIV burden was mostly concentrated among MSM, FSW, and FSW's clients both nationally and regionally. Thus, the authorities should pay more attention to key populations and Eastern and Northern regions when developing prevention programs. The findings of this study can improve HIV prevention programs in Sudan.

Understanding Zika virus as an STI: findings from a qualitative study of pregnant women in the Bronx.

OBJECTIVES: Pregnant women in the Bronx were at risk for travel-related Zika exposure in the USA between 2016 and 2017. This qualitative study explored the experiences of 13 pregnant women to learn about their knowledge of Zika and prevention measures. METHODS: In the summer of 2017, pregnant women at risk of travel-related Zika exposure were interviewed in either Spanish or English to learn about their experiences and transcripts were analysed using a grounded theory approach. RESULTS: Most participants were Latinas living in the Bronx, median age of 29 years and median household income between $26 000 and $50 000. Participants displayed a strong understanding of Zika transmission via mosquito bites yet lacked knowledge about its sexual transmission. Interviews revealed three key themes: (1) Zika as a new disease, (2) denial as a coping mechanism and (3) the recommendation to treat Zika as an STI. Women observed Zika as a brand new disease with early messages emphasising mosquito-borne transmission. They lacked awareness of newer messaging about sexual transmission. Furthermore, if women did read about risk of sexual transmission, many stated being in denial and struggling with recommendations to prevent sexual transmission. Barriers included problems changing travel plans and rejection of condom use. Women unanimously suggested labelling Zika as an STI and adding it to existing lists of STIs for messaging and outreach in community-based and clinical prevention. CONCLUSION: Many pregnant women were unaware that Zika virus can be sexually transmitted due to: (1) novelty of Zika, (2) denial as a coping mechanism and (3) Zika not being listed along with well-known STIs. Overcoming these barriers via community-based as well as clinical education for pregnant women in the Bronx would be helpful in 2019 and beyond when the risk of travel-related Zika exposure remains a public health threat to optimal pregnancy outcomes.

HIV-seroconversion among HIV-1 serodiscordant married couples in Tanzania: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Heterosexual transmission is the main driver of the HIV epidemic in Tanzania. Only one estimate of the incidence rate of intra-marital HIV seroconversion in Tanzania has been reported and was derived from data collected between 1991 and 1995. Moreover, little is known about the specific risk factors for intra-marital seroconversion in Tanzania. Improved evidence around factors that increase the risk of HIV transmission to a serodiscordant spouse is needed to develop and improve evidence-based interventions. We sought to investigate the rate of intra-marital HIV seroconversion among HIV sero-discordant couples in Tanzania as well as its associated risk factors. METHODS: We identified all HIV positive individuals in the TAZAMA HIV-serosurvey cohort and followed up their serodiscordant spouse from 2006 to 2016. The rate of seroconversion was analyzed by survival analysis using non-parametric regressions with exponential distribution. RESULTS: We found 105 serodiscordant couples, 14 of which had a seroconverting spouse. The overall HIV-1 incidence rate among spouses of people with HIV-1 infection was 38.0 per 1000 person/years [22.5-64.1]. Notably, the HIV-1 incidence rate among HIV-1 seronegative male spouses was 6.7[0.9-47.5] per 1000 person/years, compared to 59.3 [34.4-102.1] per 1000 person/years among female spouses. Sex of the serodiscordant spouse was the only significant variable, even after adjusting for other variables (Hazard rate = 8.86[1.16-67.70], p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that rates of HIV-1 seroconversion of sero-discordant partners are much higher within marriage than in the general population in Tanzania. The major risk factor for HIV-1 seroconversion is sex of the serodiscordant spouse, with female spouses being at very high risk of acquiring HIV infection. This suggests that future programs that target serodiscordant couples could be a novel and effective means of preventing HIV-1 transmission in Tanzania.

Lymphogranuloma venereum presenting as an ulcer on the tongue.

Oropharyngeal lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is an uncommon presentation and mainly consists of either asymptomatic infections or enlarged cervical lymphadenopathy. According to cross-sectional studies, the prevalence of pharyngeal LGV among men who have sex with men (MSM) seems to be very low. Tissue tropism could explain the difference between rectal and oral mucosa infection frequencies. This paper reports the singular case of an oral ulcer caused by LGV in an MSM who had also an asymptomatic rectal infection. Given the increasing number of cases of LGV, unusual presentations such as oral ulceration may be seen more frequently.

Determinants of prognosis in Talaromyces marneffei infections with respiratory system lesions / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#Little study has investigated the differences between Talatomyces marneffei (T. marneffei) respiratory infection and tuberculosis and the prognostic factors of such infection. This study investigated the characteristics and prognostic factors of T. marneffei infections with respiratory lesions and the causes of misdiagnosis.@*Methods@#Clinical characteristics and prognoses of patients with T. marneffei infections with respiratory system lesion were investigated. T. marneffei diagnosis followed isolation from clinical specimens using standard culture, cytology, and histopathology. Survival curves were estimated by using Kaplan-Meier analysis, with log-rank test to compare differences in survival rates between groups. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were also performed to assess significant differences in clinical characteristics of overall survival.@*Results@#Of 126 patients diagnosed with T. marneffei infections, 63 (50.0%) had T. marneffei respiratory system infections; 38.1% (24/63) were misdiagnosed as having tuberculosis. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, CD4/CD8 < 0.5, percentage of CD4+ T cells <42.8%, and length of time from onset to confirmation of diagnosis >105 days were potential risk factors for poor prognoses. Length of time from onset to confirmation of diagnosis persisted as an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in multivariate analysis (odds ratio: 0.083, 95.0% confidence interval: 0.021–0.326, P < 0.001). However, the size of the lung lesions, dyspnea, thoracalgia, mediastinal lymphadenopathy, and pleural effusion did not significantly predict overall survival. There was no significant difference in prognosis according to the type of treatment.@*Conclusions@#T. marneffei infections involving the respiratory system are common. The critical determinants of prognosis are HIV infection, CD4/CD8, percentage of CD4+ T cells, type of treatment, and the time range from onset to confirmation of diagnosis. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is crucial for improving prognosis.

The large graph limit of a stochastic epidemic model on a dynamic multilayer network.

We consider a Markovian SIR-type (Susceptible → Infected → Recovered) stochastic epidemic process with multiple modes of transmission on a contact network. The network is given by a random graph following a multilayer configuration model where edges in different layers correspond to potentially infectious contacts of different types. We assume that the graph structure evolves in response to the epidemic via activation or deactivation of edges of infectious nodes. We derive a large graph limit theorem that gives a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) describing the evolution of quantities of interest, such as the proportions of infected and susceptible vertices, as the number of nodes tends to infinity. Analysis of the limiting system elucidates how the coupling of edge activation and deactivation to infection status affects disease dynamics, as illustrated by a two-layer network example with edge types corresponding to community and healthcare contacts. Our theorem extends some earlier results describing the deterministic limit of stochastic SIR processes on static, single-layer configuration model graphs. We also describe precisely the conditions for equivalence between our limiting ODEs and the systems obtained via pair approximation, which are widely used in the epidemiological and ecological literature to approximate disease dynamics on networks. The flexible modeling framework and asymptotic results have potential application to many disease settings including Ebola dynamics in West Africa, which was the original motivation for this study.

[Survival analysis in people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in Puerto Rico]. / Perfil de supervivencia, con VIH/SIDA en Puerto Rico.

After the introduction of HAART, the HIV/AIDS epidemiological trends has shown an increasing in the survival rates. HAART has dramatically improved the life expectancy of HIV/AIDS. The objective of this study was to estimate survival in people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in Puerto Rico (PR) from 2003-2011. A population-based study using the PR HIV Surveillance System was implemented. A total of N = 9,290 people were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in PR for 2003-2011 period. Cox regression models for survival analysis were assessed. Survival at 6 years after diagnosis in HIV patients was 0.87 (CI95%: 0.09, 0.72) when compare with AIDS patients at same time of diagnosis was 0.57 (CI95%: 0.55, 0.60) p<0.001. Intravenous drug users [IDU] have less probability of survival at 5 years after diagnosis when compare with other transmission modes 0.69 (CI95%: 0.67, 0.71) p<0.001. Assertive prevention strategies must be developed and implemented in PR for IDU's in order to increase their survival rates.

Knowledge about HIV, HBV and HCV modes of transmission among pregnant women in Nampula - Mozambique.

The assessment of pregnant women's knowledge about modes of infections transmission is essential to tailor programs to their needs. This study aimed to assess knowledge about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among pregnant women in Nampula - Mozambique, a high-risk area for sexually transmitted infections. At their first antenatal visit, women were invited to participate and data were collected by trained nurses at six public health facilities. Knowledge about HIV transmission modes was high but relevant misconceptions remained. However, knowledge regarding HBV and HCV transmission modes was very limited. There was a significant association between knowledge level and socioeconomic position, making education and women's empowerment key factors in a comprehensive strategy to prevent infections.