Comparison of the sensitivity and specificity of commercial anti-dengue virus IgG tests to identify persons eligible for dengue vaccination.

Unlabelled: The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended that dengue pre-vaccination screening tests for Dengvaxia administration have at least 98% specificity and 75% sensitivity. This study evaluates the performance of commercial anti-DENV IgG tests to identify tests that could be used for pre-vaccination screening. First, for seven tests, we evaluated sensitivity and specificity in early convalescent dengue virus (DENV) infection, using 44 samples collected 7-30 days after symptom onset and confirmed by RT-PCR.

Association of Antibodies to Helminth Defense Molecule 1 With Inflammation, Organomegaly, and Decreased Nutritional Status in Schistosomiasis Japonica.

Immunomodulation enhances parasite fitness by reducing inflammation-induced morbidity in the mammalian host, as well as by attenuating parasite-targeting immune responses. Using a whole-proteome differential screening method, we identified Schistosoma japonicum helminth defense molecule 1 (SjHDM-1) as a target of antibodies expressed by S. japonicum-resistant but not S.

Comparison of the Sensitivity and Specificity of Commercial Anti-Dengue Virus IgG Tests to Identify Persons Eligible for Dengue Vaccination.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended that dengue pre-vaccination screening tests for Dengvaxia administration have at least 98% specificity and 75% sensitivity. This study evaluates the performance of commercial anti-DENV IgG tests to identify tests that could be used for pre-vaccination screening. First, for 7 tests, we evaluated sensitivity and specificity in early convalescent dengue virus (DENV) infection, using 44 samples collected 7-30 days after symptom onset and confirmed by RT-PCR.

Effect of maternal praziquantel treatment for Schistosoma japonicum infection on the offspring susceptibility and immunologic response to infection at age six, a cohort study.

In areas endemic to schistosomiasis, fetal exposure to schistosome antigens prime the offspring before potential natural infection. Praziquantel (PZQ) treatment for Schistosoma japonicum infection in pregnant women has been demonstrated to be safe and effective. Our objectives were to evaluate whether maternal PZQ treatment modifies the process of in utero sensitization to schistosome antigens potentially impacting later risk of infection, as well as immune response to S.

Whole-Proteome Differential Screening Identifies Novel Vaccine Candidates for Schistosomiasis japonica.

Schistosomiasis remains a leading cause of chronic morbidity in endemic regions despite decades of widespread mass chemotherapy with praziquantel. Using our whole proteome differential screening approach, and plasma and epidemiologic data from a longitudinal cohort of individuals living in a Schistosoma japonicum-endemic region of the Philippines, we interrogated the parasite proteome to identify novel vaccine candidates for Schistosoma japonicum. We identified 16 parasite genes which encoded proteins that were recognized by immunoglobulin G or immunoglobulin E antibodies in the plasma of individuals who had developed resistance to reinfection, but were not recognized by antibodies in the plasma of individuals who remained susceptible to reinfection.

Population Pharmacokinetics of Praziquantel in Pregnant and Lactating Filipino Women Infected with Schistosoma japonicum.

An estimated 40 million women of reproductive age are infected with one of three species of the waterborne parasite spp. Treatment with praziquantel (PZQ) via mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns is the mainstay of schistosomiasis control for populations living in areas of endemicity. The World Health Organization recommends that pregnant and lactating women be included in schistosomiasis MDA programs, and several recent studies have evaluated the safety and efficacy of PZQ use during pregnancy.

Maternal, placental and cord blood cytokines and the risk of adverse birth outcomes among pregnant women infected with Schistosoma japonicum in the Philippines.

Background: The objectives of this study were to 1) evaluate the influence of treatment with praziquantel on the inflammatory milieu in maternal, placental, and cord blood, 2) assess the extent to which proinflammatory signatures in placental and cord blood impacts birth outcomes, and 3) evaluate the impact of other helminths on the inflammatory micro environment.

Methods/findings: This was a secondary analysis of samples from 369 mother-infant pairs participating in a randomized controlled trial of praziquantel given at 12-16 weeks' gestation. We performed regression analysis to address our study objectives.

Maternal anemia type during pregnancy is associated with anemia risk among offspring during infancy.

Background: We evaluated the association between etiology of maternal anemia and iron status throughout infancy.

Methods: Samples from a study designed to examine Praziquantel treatment during pregnancy were used (n = 359). All women were infected with schistosomiasis and randomized to Praziquantel or placebo at 16 ± 2 weeks' gestation.

Endotoxin at the Maternal-Fetal Interface in a Resource-Constrained Setting: Risk Factors and Associated Birth Outcomes.

Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) carry a high burden of infectious diseases associated with impaired gut integrity, leading to microbial translocation. Pregnancies in this setting are at high risk of fetal growth restriction (FGR). We examined the association among specific risk factors for impaired gut integrity (schistosomiasis, hookworm infection, and alcohol consumption), blood endotoxin levels, and FGR.

Anemia of Inflammation during Human Pregnancy Does Not Affect Newborn Iron Endowment.

Background: To our knowledge, no studies have addressed whether maternal anemia of inflammation (AI) affects newborn iron status, and few have addressed risk factors for specific etiologies of maternal anemia.

Objectives: The study aims were to evaluate 1) the contribution of AI and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) to newborn iron endowment, 2) hepcidin as a biomarker to distinguish AI from IDA among pregnant women, and 3) risk factors for specific etiologies of maternal anemia.

Methods: We measured hematologic biomarkers in maternal blood at 12 and 32 wk of gestation and in cord blood from a randomized trial of praziquantel in 358 pregnant women with Schistosoma japonicum in The Philippines.

A field trial of recombinant Schistosoma japonicum paramyosin as a potential vaccine in naturally-infected water buffaloes.

The overall aims of this project are to assess the safety and immunogenicity of the Schistosoma japonicum vaccine paramyosin among water buffaloes residing in endemic areas. The study was conducted in four villages in Leyte, the Philippines, an area highly endemic for schistosomiasis japonica. One hundred and fifteen (N=115) animals provided baseline stool samples for coprologic examination, with preliminary results using FLOTAC showing a 10% prevalence of schistosomiasis.

Mechanistic Pathways From Early Gestation Through Infancy and Neurodevelopment.

Objective: To identify pathways through which pre- and postnatal factors directly or indirectly affect infant neurodevelopment at 12 months of age among Filipino infants.

Methods: The Bayley Scales of Infant Development, third edition was used to assess the development of 314 infants of mothers enrolled in a trial examining the safety and efficacy of praziquantel during pregnancy. Maternal covariates included socioeconomic status, iron and nutritional status, cognitive performance, and alcohol intake.

LBW and SGA Impact Longitudinal Growth and Nutritional Status of Filipino Infants.

NCT00486863.

Performance of Dengue Diagnostic Tests in a Single-Specimen Diagnostic Algorithm.

Background: Anti-dengue virus (DENV) immunoglobulin M (IgM) seroconversion has been the reference standard for dengue diagnosis. However, paired specimens are rarely obtained, and the interval for this testing negates its usefulness in guiding clinical case management. The presence of DENV viremia and appearance of IgM during the febrile phase of dengue provides the framework for dengue laboratory diagnosis by using a single serum specimen.

Cysticercosis/taeniasis endemicity in Southeast Asia: Current status and control measures.

The parasitic zoonoses cysticercosis/taeniasis is among the 17 major Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) identified by the WHO as a focus for research and control. It is caused by a larval stage (cysticercus) infection of Taenia solium tapeworm in both humans and pigs. Cysticercosis occurs in many resource-poor countries, especially those with warm and mild climates in the regions of Latin America (LA), Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Efficacy and safety of praziquantel for the treatment of human schistosomiasis during pregnancy: a phase 2, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Despite WHO recommendations to offer pregnant women treatment with praziquantel, many nations continue to withhold treatment, awaiting data from controlled trials addressing safety and efficacy. The objectives of this study were to assess whether treatment of pregnant women with schistosomiasis at 12-16 weeks gestation leads to improved maternal and newborn outcomes and to collect maternal and newborn safety data.

Methods: This phase 2, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was done in 72 baranguays (villages) serviced by six municipal health centres in a schistosomiasis endemic region of northeastern Leyte, Philippines.

Multiplex real-time PCR monitoring of intestinal helminths in humans reveals widespread polyparasitism in Northern Samar, the Philippines.

The global socioeconomic importance of helminth parasitic disease is underpinned by the considerable clinical impact on millions of people. While helminth polyparasitism is considered common in the Philippines, little has been done to survey its extent in endemic communities. High morphological similarity of eggs between related species complicates conventional microscopic diagnostic methods which are known to lack sensitivity, particularly in low intensity infections.

Incidence of dengue virus infection in school-aged children in Puerto Rico: a prospective seroepidemiologic study.

Dengue is a potentially fatal acute febrile illness caused by the mosquito-borne dengue viruses (DENV-1 to -4). To estimate DENV seroincidence in school-aged children, a 1-year prospective cohort study was conducted in Patillas, Puerto Rico; 10- to 18-year-olds (N = 345) were randomly selected from 13 public schools. At enrollment, 49.

High prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum and Fasciola gigantica in bovines from Northern Samar, the Philippines.

The cause of zoonotic schistosomiasis in the Philippines is Schistosoma japonicum, which infects up to 46 mammalian hosts, including humans and bovines. In China, water buffaloes have been identified as major reservoir hosts for schistosomiasis japonica, contributing up to 75% of human transmission. In the Philippines, water buffaloes (carabao; Bubalus bubalis carabanesis) have, historically, been considered unimportant reservoirs.

Real-time PCR demonstrates high prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum in the Philippines: implications for surveillance and control.

Background: The Philippines has a population of approximately 103 million people, of which 6.7 million live in schistosomiasis-endemic areas with 1.8 million people being at risk of infection with Schistosoma japonicum.

Evaluation of banked urine samples for the detection of circulating anodic and cathodic antigens in Schistosoma mekongi and S. japonicum infections: a proof-of-concept study.

In Asia, Schistosoma japonicum is the predominant schistosome species, while Schistosoma mekongi is confined to limited foci in Cambodia and Lao People's Democratic Republic. While the People's Republic of China has been successful in controlling schistosomiasis, the disease remains a major public health issue in other areas. In order to prioritise intervention areas, not only accurate diagnosis is important but also other factors, such as practicality, time-efficiency and cost-effectiveness, since they strongly influence the success of control programmes.

[Expansion of the distribution of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) (Diptera: Psychodidae) in the department of Caldas: Increased risk of visceral leishmaniasis].

Introduction: Diverse taxonomical and molecular studies suggest that Lutzomyia longipalpis , main vector of visceral leishmaniasis in Latin America, is a complex of species widely distributed throughout the continent and adapted to different habitats.

Objective: To carry out entomological surveillance in the area of influence of the Miel I Hydroelectric Plant.

Materials And Methods: Adhesive traps were used in a transect covering an area of approximately 400 km for the capture of insects, which were then identified using the Young and Duncan taxonomical key.

Neonatal BCG vaccination is associated with enhanced T-helper 1 immune responses to heterologous infant vaccines.

Neonatal Bacille Calmette Guérin (BCG) vaccination has been reported to have beneficial effects beyond preventing infantile tuberculous meningitis and miliary disease. We hypothesized that BCG vaccine given at birth would enhance T-helper 1 (Th1) immune responses to the first vaccines given later in infancy. We conducted a nested case-control study of neonatal BCG vaccination and its heterologous Th1 immune effects in 2-3 months old infants.

Low adiposity during early infancy is associated with a low risk for developing dengue hemorrhagic fever: a preliminary model.

Dengue virus (DENV) infections range from asymptomatic or mild illness to a severe and potentially life threatening disease, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). DHF occurs in primary DENV infections during early infancy. A prospective clinical study of DENV infections during infancy was conducted in San Pablo, Philippines.

Toll-like receptor induced pro-interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 in monocytes are lower in healthy infants compared to adults.

Infants have long been known to have higher infectious diseases morbidity and mortality and suboptimal vaccination responses compared to older children and adults. A variety of differences in innate and adaptive immune responses have been described between these two groups. We compared Toll-like receptor (TLR)-induced production of pro-interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α between 2-month-old infants and adults.