Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) represent a group of chronic and debilitating infections that affect more than one billion people, predominantly in low-income communities with limited health infrastructure. This paper analyzes the factors that perpetuate the burden of NTDs, highlighting how poor health infrastructure, unfavorable socioeconomic conditions and lack of therapeutic resources exacerbate their impact. The effectiveness of current interventions, such as mass drug administration (MDA) programs and improved sanitation, in reducing disease prevalence is examined.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF: Retrospective studies are often criticized for their susceptibility to case selection bias compared to prospective studies, which include all patients consecutively and are thus less prone to such limitations. However, the larger sample sizes typical of retrospective studies can sometimes offset this drawback. On behalf of the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi (FIL), a substantial retrospective study involving 946 patients was conducted to examine the use of non-pegylated liposomal anthracycline (Myocet).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe re-emergence of the Nipah virus (NiV) in Kerala, India, following the tragic death of a 14-year-old boy, underscores the persistent threat posed by zoonotic pathogens and highlights the growing global public health challenge. With no vaccine or curative treatment available, and fatality rates as high as 94% in past outbreaks, the Nipah virus is a critical concern for health authorities worldwide. Transmitted primarily through contact with fruit bats or consumption of contaminated food, as well as direct human-to-human transmission, NiV remains a highly lethal and unpredictable pathogen.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe ongoing mpox outbreak in sub-Saharan Africa has highlighted the critical need for equitable vaccine access and robust logistical support. However, these factors alone are insufficient to ensure the success of vaccination campaigns in regions characterized by unique epidemiological and immunological challenges. One significant issue is the high prevalence of helminth infections, which are known to impair immune responses to vaccines, potentially reducing both short-term efficacy and long-term antibody titers.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWolbachia-based mosquito control strategies have gained significant attention as a sustainable approach to reduce the transmission of vector-borne diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. These endosymbiotic bacteria can limit the ability of mosquitoes to transmit pathogens, offering a promising alternative to traditional chemical-based interventions. With the growing impact of climate change on mosquito population dynamics and disease transmission, Wolbachia interventions represent an adaptable and resilient strategy for mitigating the public health burden of vector-borne diseases.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWhile much is known about the expression of interferon (IFN) pathways in the blood of people living with HIV (PLWH), their role in the intesinal tract has only recently been appreciated. The aim of this study was to evaluate gut mRNA expression levels of innate immune genes involved in the HIV-host interaction and their association with CD4T cell immune activation in long-term HAART-experienced PLWH. PLWH had increased intestinal levels of TLR4, type I IFN (IFN-α2, IFN-α14, IFN-β) and IFNAR1 mRNAs, as well as increased frequencies of CD4T lymphocytes expressing CD38 or HLA-DR compared to the healthy donors.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn recent decades, technological advancements and scientific progress have significantly improved disease control strategies. However, the exclusive focus on these aspects often overlooks the crucial role of social and cultural factors. Local narratives, reflecting community traditions and beliefs, offer valuable insights that can influence the success of public health interventions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Climate change significantly influences the distribution and severity of tropical diseases. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events are transforming the habitats of vectors like mosquitoes and ticks, promoting their proliferation and geographic spread. These changes have facilitated the resurgence of diseases such as malaria, dengue, and chikungunya fever in previously unaffected areas, including parts of Europe and Italy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: To describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with nosocomial pneumonia (NP) caused by carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (CR-GNB) and to compare them to patients with NP caused by carbapenem-susceptible (CS)-GNB.
Methods: Prospective observational multicenter study including patients with bacteremic NP caused by GNB from the ALARICO Network (June 2018-January 2020). The primary outcome measure was 30-day mortality.
The family includes a number of negative RNA viruses known for their wide host range and significant zoonotic potential. In recent years, there has been a surge in the identification of emerging zoonotic paramyxoviruses, particularly those hosted by bat species, which serve as key reservoirs. Among these, the genera Henipavirus and Pararubulavirus are of particular concern.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Fosfomycin (FOS) is gaining increasing importance as part of combination therapy for the treatment of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) and KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp), thanks to its in vitro synergism with several antibiotics, high tissue distribution and good tolerability. We analyzed the effect on 30-day survival of FOS-containing regimens compared to non-FOS-containing regimens in critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit with CRAB or KPC-Kp infections. Secondary objectives were to evaluate clinical cure and microbiologic eradication in the FOS vs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDespite Parvovirus B19 (B19V) generally causing mild or asymptomatic infections, and only certain high-risk groups such as hematological or immunocompromised patients and pregnant women tending to develop complications, several factors challenge the assumption of a "benign" clinical course in immunocompetent adults and adolescents. A significant proportion of the population may harbor undiagnosed health conditions or genetic predispositions that could render them more susceptible to severe B19V complications. These could include mild hematological disorders, immune dysregulation not resulting in overt immunodeficiency, or underlying cardiac conditions.
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