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.
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