Background & objectives: Scrub typhus and Leptospirosis are emerging zoonotic bacterial infections prevalent in the Himalayan region, including Himachal Pradesh in India. Scrub typhus and leptospirosis are key drivers of acute febrile illness, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Both diseases share overlapping clinical symptoms and making differential diagnosis challenging in endemic region. The aim of present study was to investigate the seroprevalence of scrub typhus and leptospirosis and their co-infection in patients with acute febrile illness (AFI) in the hilly area of Himachal Pradesh, focusing on demographic and seasonal trends. Methods: This retrospective hospital-based study was conducted for a period of one year, from January 2023 to December 2023 at Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL), in the Department of Microbiology at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College Tanda, Himachal Pradesh, a tertiary care hospital in northern India. Blood samples were collected from both in and out patients presenting with acute febrile illness. Total 1538 samples were tested for Scrub typhus and 860 samples were tested for Leptospirosis by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: During the study period, the seroprevalence of scrub typhus was 12.40%, while leptospirosis had a slightly higher prevalence of 14.65%. The co-infection rate of scrub typhus and leptospirosis was 2.4% in patients with acute febrile illness. Seroprevalence of scrub typhus was more in female population whereas leptospirosis showed a male predominance. Age-wise distribution revealed that both diseases were most prevalent among individuals age group of 21-40 years, followed by the 41-60 age group. Co-infection of both scrub typhus and leptospirosis was observed in 37 patients, with 14 were males and 23 were females, indicating a higher occurrence of co-infection in the latter. A seasonal variation highlights that the majority of scrub typhus cases occur during the month of August, September and October while leptospirosis cases peaks in the month of September and October. Interpretation & conclusion: The findings of this study highlighted the critical importance of strengthening awareness, improving early diagnostic efforts, and ensuring prompt interventions-particularly during the seasonal peaks. Special attention should be given to cases involving co-infection, as they pose greater challenges in clinical management.
Background & objectives: Antimalarial induced dystonia (AID) is a paediatric emergency. It is a rare adverse reaction to antimalarial therapy. Available, information on AID is almost entirely from case reports, thus necessitating this report. To study managed cases of AID at a Paediatric Emergency unit (PEU), with the view of identify causative factors and recommending evidence-based preventive strategies. Methods: Information was extracted from case notes of children with AID over a 10year period at the PEU of Wesley Guild Hospital, (WGH). Data obtained was analyzed. Results: The 23 AID admissions (12 boys and 11girls) aged between 4 and 13 years constituted 0.8% of the total 2830 PEU malaria admissions. Admission duration ranged 1 - 3 days for AID. No case of malaria managed at WGH developed dystonia. The malaria medications (MM) associated with AID were Artesunate /Amodiaquine (AA) combination, Amodiaquine(AM), Chloroquine (CH), Artesunate/Piperiquine Phosphate, and Artesunate/Lumefantrine combination in 12, 7, 2,1 and 1 cases respectively. Malaria management before development of AID was presumptive. These MM were mostly prescribed by chemists and parents. Over-dosages of AA, AM and CH were recorded in 10, 2 and 1 case respectively. Compared with other antimalarials, significantly more, aged based fixed dose combinations of AA were associated with dystonia (P<0.05). Generalized dystonia had significantly longer admission duration than focal (P<0.05). Interpretation & conclusion: The AA combination is the most common antimalarial associated with AID. Presumptive malaria treatment and non-pharmaceutical dispensations should be discouraged. Recommended doses of AA should be weight based in order to prevent over-dosage and AID.
Background & objectives: Scrub typhus is a re-emerging vector-borne zoonotic disease in India, with increasing case incidences and outbreaks reported across several states. The bacteria, Orientia tsutsugamushi , shows substantial genetic diversity, with reported evidence of more than 70 different strains globally. However, there are limited molecular studies on exploring the circulating genotypes of this bacterium in disease endemic regions. Therefore, the objective of the study was to identify the antigenic diversity of Orientia tsutsugamushi strains circulating in the delta district of Thiruvarur, using nested PCR, targeting the partial 56 kDa type-specific antigen and GroEL genes. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted from January to December 2024, screened 235 clinically suspected scrub typhus cases serologically. IgM positive samples were subjected to nested PCR targeting the partial 56 kDa and GroEL genes, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Results: Fourteen of 235 clinically suspected cases (6.0%) were positive for IgM antibodies by both serological assays. Of these, seven samples (50.0%) yielded PCR amplicons, and five produced high-quality sequences suitable for phylogenetic analysis (GroEL, n = 4; 56 kDa, n = 1). Phylogenetic analysis of the study revealed that the sequences clustered closely with Karp and Kato-related genotypes, suggesting the circulation of these genotypes in the region. The sequences were deposited in GenBank under accession numbers PX781774, PX804529, PX804530, PX804531, and PX804532. Interpretation & conclusion: This study provides preliminary evidence that the strains of Orientia tsutsugamushi circulating in the Thiruvarur district are closely related to Karp and Kato related genotypes. Although sequenceable amplicons were obtained from only a limited number of samples, the findings add to the emerging molecular epidemiological data on scrub typhus in Tamil Nadu. Larger studies integrating molecular findings with clinical and epidemiological data are needed to better define strain diversity in endemic settings.
Background & objectives: Scrub typhus, an acute febrile illness caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi , has re-emerged as a major public health challenge in India, especially in rural and resource-constrained areas. Due to its nonspecific presentation and limited diagnostic access, early diagnosis is often missed, leading to potentially fatal complications like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), renal failure, liver dysfunction, and encephalopathy. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify clinical and laboratory predictors of mortality in scrub typhus patients and emphasize the vital role of primary care physicians in early diagnosis and management. Methods: A total of 200 patients with serologically confirmed scrub typhus were enrolled over a one-year period. Detailed demographic, clinical, laboratory, and outcome data were collected and analyzed to determine associations with in-hospital mortality. Results: Out of 200 patients, 168 (84%) recovered while 32 (16%) died. Mortality was higher in older patients, females, and rural residents. Symptoms like breathlessness, jaundice, abnormal behavior, and myalgia were strongly associated with poor outcomes. Laboratory findings including thrombocytopenia, elevated liver enzymes, creatinine, and high CRP were significant mortality predictors. Major complications included ARDS, renal failure, and liver failure. Farming occupation and rural residence also correlated with increased risk of death ( p < 0.01). Interpretation & conclusion: Scrub typhus remains a significant cause of mortality, especially in rural and resource-limited areas. Patients presenting with severe symptoms and abnormal laboratory markers are at higher risk of poor outcomes. Early recognition of these high-risk features by healthcare providers is critical. Prompt and targeted management can significantly improve survival rates.
Background & objectives: Pyrethroid resistance in Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus , including super-resistance phenotypes exceeding 1,000-fold resistance ratios, threatens global arboviral control programmes. This review synthesizes current evidence on resistance mechanisms, geographic distribution, and management strategies. Methods: Systematic literature review (2014-2025) synthesizing WHO/CDC bioassay results, molecular characterization studies, randomized field trials, and economic evaluations from 23 studies across Southeast Asia, South Asia, East Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Oceania, focusing on pyrethroid resistance mechanisms and cross-resistance with organochlorines. Results: Resistance arises through four synergistic mechanisms: voltage-gated sodium channel kdr mutations (F1534C, V1016G, S989P, L982W); cytochrome P450, esterase, and GST-mediated metabolic detoxification; cuticular thickening reducing insecticide penetration; and microbiome-mediated xenobiotic degradation. In Asia, 58% of surveyed Ae. aegypti populations and 6% of surveyed Ae. albopictus populations have been classified as pyrethroid-resistant, whilst DDT resistance has been documented in 68% and 64% of surveyed Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus populations, respectively, based on WHO bioassay mortality thresholds. Southeast Asia exhibits pronounced super-resistance hotspots. Wolbachia population replacement interventions achieved 73-76% dengue incidence reductions independent of resistance status; economic evaluations indicate favourable cost-effectiveness, with benefit-cost ratios ranging from 1.75× in Vietnam to 110× in Brazil, reflecting differences in local deployment costs and dengue burden. Interpretation & conclusion: Addressing pyrethroid obsolescence requires integrated management combining Wolbachia deployment, insecticide rotation, agricultural regulation, and molecular surveillance of sentinel mutations (V410L, L982W). Critical priorities include surveillance expansion into Central Africa and other data-deficient regions, and characterization of climate-resistance interactions affecting metabolic detoxification and Wolbachia thermal stability.
Background & objectives: Dengue is a vector-borne febrile disease caused by the dengue virus, having four serotypes, viz. DENV-1 to 4. Dengue serotyping is an in-vitro RT-PCR based assay that allows specific detection of dengue serotypes from the serum samples of the patients. The purpose of this study was to identify emerging and circulating single and concurrent serotypes in Malda district during 2023–2024. Methods: Dengue NS1 and IgM ELISA were performed on 1445 suspected dengue patients. Serum samples from NS1 ELISA-positive dengue patients were processed for the RT-PCR test. Dengue viral RNA was extracted from serum of the patients. Per sample, a two-tube multiplex RT-PCR assay was used for differential diagnosis of serotypes. Data statistically analysed using the GraphPad Prism (version 8.0.2) and Microsoft Excel 2016. Results: A total of 1185 (82.01 %) samples were found to be dengue viral RNA positive. Among the single infections, DENV-2 was the most prevalent (73.23 % in 2023 and 69.01 % in 2024) serotype during the study years. In addition, both DENV-2 and DENV-3 were the prevalent (65.22 % in 2023 and 51.55 % in 2024) concurrent serotypes. DENV-4 was found rare (0.40% in 2023 and 0.76 % in 2024) among single serotypes. Interpretation & conclusion: This study revealed that DENV-2 was the predominant single serotype circulating in the district of Malda. A higher prevalence of concurrent serotype infection was found for DENV-2 and DENV-3. The emerging trend and changing pattern of dengue serotypes indicate that this district is becoming a dengue-endemic area.
Background & objectives: Scrub typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi , is an emerging cause of acute febrile illness (AFI) in India, transmitted by chigger mites in rural and semi-urban areas. Due to its nonspecific symptoms and limited diagnostic access, it is often underdiagnosed, leading to severe complications. Early detection and prompt treatment are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. Methods: This retrospective study at the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL), Banaras Hindu University, analyzed data from acute febrile cases referred between December 2023 and February 2025. Results: Diagnostic testing identified Leptospira IgM (13.1%) and Scrub Typhus (ST) IgM (9.5%) as the most common infections among all the AFI cases, with co-infections accounting for 85% of total ST-positive cases. Although a higher proportion of ST-positive cases were observed in males (57%), positivity rates were higher in females. The 25-61 years age group had the highest positivity (17.81%), followed by 13-25 years (15.33%) and the lowest in 0-1 years (4.35%). The 25-61 years group was 1.71 times more likely, and 13-25 years 1.49 times more likely, to contract ST than those ≥61 years. ST infections peaked during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, with the highest positivity in November (25.7%) and October (24.6%). Interpretation & conclusion: The study concludes that Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are endemic for scrub typhus, and it has a major part in the aetiology of acute febrile illness, influenced by environmental factors like rains, humidity, dense vegetation and poor sanitation.
Background & objectives: Understanding the interplay between climate, socio-demographic factors, and dengue incidence is critical for designing targeted interventions. This study examines the relationship between climatic variables, socio-demographic indicators, and annual reported dengue cases across Indian states from 1997 to 2024. Methods: An ecological study design was adopted, utilizing a data science approach with open-source datasets. A comprehensive panel dataset was compiled, integrating state-wise annual dengue cases from The OpenDengue TM project and climatic variables (MERRA-2 global climatic models) using API-based data pipelines. Socioeconomic factors were retrieved from the Census of India (Population projections calculated), and MOSPI, GoI (Gross Domestic Product). Exploratory Data Analysis, followed by Panel regression modelling was carried out. The analysis was carried out using R version 4.5.2. Results: A total of 17,94,512 dengue cases were analyzed. A significant increase in annual dengue incidence rates and variations across climatic regions and states were observed. There was a significant correlation of Dengue with temperature, precipitation, and GDP (r = 0.2, 0.5, and 0.7 respectively, p < 0.05). One way fixed effects within estimator panel model showed that a unit increase in temperature and precipitation adjusted for other variables increase dengue rates by 13 and 7 per cent respectively (adjusted R2 = 0.49, p < 0.001) with a positive non-significant spatial auto correlation at state level. Interpretation & conclusion: This study highlights the critical role of climate change and urbanization in shaping India's dengue burden. Findings emphasize the urgency of interventions for climate change to mitigate the impact of dengue in vulnerable regions.
Insecticide resistance in mosquito vectors continues to undermine the effectiveness of vector-borne disease control programmes, including those targeting dengue. Resistance is most often attributed to insecticide use within public-health operations; however, increasing evidence suggests that additional selection pressures may operate outside formal control systems. Among these, horticultural and peri-domestic insecticide use in urban and peri-urban settings remains comparatively under-examined. Urban gardens, nurseries and small-scale horticultural environments frequently involve the application of insecticides belonging to chemical classes also used in public-health vector control. Mosquito larvae and adults occupying these environments may therefore encounter heterogeneous insecticide residues at low or sub-lethal concentrations and irregular intervals. Such exposure scenarios, documented in laboratory and field studies, are recognised conditions under which metabolic, target-site and behavioural resistance mechanisms can potentially be selected and maintained. In parallel, routine domestic use of mosquito coils, vapourisers and aerosols may further contribute to background chemical exposure in resting and feeding habitats. Emerging evidence indicates that these decentralised environments may function as permissive ecological settings for resistance development and cross-resistance to insecticides of public-health relevance. Mosquito populations exposed to such chemical backgrounds may subsequently disperse into neighbouring communities, with possible implications for the operational longevity of space spraying, larviciding and emerging chemical control tools. This perspective synthesises ecological, mechanistic and operational evidence to highlight horticultural and domestic insecticide use as potential, but insufficiently monitored, contributors to the resistance landscape. It underscores surveillance and regulatory gaps and calls for targeted investigation of horticultural microhabitats, improved stewardship of domestic insecticides, and strengthened cross-sector coordination between public health, urban planning and agriculture.
Background & objectives: To analyze factors associated with the distribution of lymphatic filariasis (LF) in households with microfilaraemic patients and their neighbors, identifying whether there are differences in the occurrence and, consequently, in the transmission of Wuchereria bancrofti in these environments. Methods: Thick blood smears and membrane filtration technique were used to identify and to determine density of W. bancrofti microfilariae in peripheral blood of family members living in same households of microfilaraemic patients and in their neighborhood. Infection rates in mosquitoes captured in these different surroundings were also analyzed. Results: Significant differences were found in frequency of LF infection when comparing microfilaraemic families (24.7%) to its neighbors (3.9%) [p = 0.0000001; OR = 8.1 (CI 95%: 6.2 – 10.4)] and also to the general population of the endemic area (2.6%) [p = 0.0000001; OR = 12.4 (CI 95%: 10.1 – 15.2)]. The microfilaraemia of the household contacts (34.1±58.5 mf/mL) was significantly higher than the neighbors' microfilariae (mf) countings (20.2±27.6 mf/mL) (p < 0.003). The rates of infection and infectivity in mosquitoes were also higher in the microfilaraemic houses (p < 0.0000001). Interpretation & conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that family aggregation of microfilariae carriers leads to high prevalences of LF, which is important in the maintenance and transmission of the disease. Familial contacts can play an important role in filariasis transmission and consequently in its control. This must be taken into consideration to establish specific and effective measures for LF elimination.
Mosquito-borne diseases continue to pose major global public health challenges, necessitating the development of sustainable, environmentally safe, and effective vector control strategies. Conventional reliance on chemical insecticides has led to increasing concerns regarding insecticide resistance, environmental contamination, and adverse effects on non-target organisms. In this context, biological control methods, which exploit the natural predators, parasites, and pathogens of mosquitoes, have emerged as promising alternatives and complementary tools within Integrated Vector Management (IVM) frameworks. This review synthesizes recent advances in biological control approaches for mosquito management, with a focus on protozoan, fungal, helminthic, arthropod, and chordate-based agents. Protozoan pathogens such as Vavraia culicis have demonstrated potential in reducing mosquito longevity, pupation success, and vectorial capacity, leading to significant suppression of Anopheles, Culex, and Stegomyia populations. Entomopathogenic fungi, including Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae , exhibit broad-spectrum efficacy, with strain- specific virulence and adaptability to diverse ecological and tropical environments. Helminthic interventions, particularly mermithid nematodes like Romanomermis iyengari , effectively parasitize mosquito larvae in a variety of aquatic habitats. Arthropod predators such as copepods, dragonfly nymphs, and Toxorhynchites mosquitoes have been successfully employed against container-breeding and floodwater mosquitoes, while chordate-based interventions using larvivorous fish, notably Gambusia affinis and Poecilia reticulata , continue to play a significant role in public health programmes. Although biological control agents offer species specificity and environmental compatibility, challenges related to scalability, habitat suitability, and potential non-target effects remain. Integrating these biological methods with existing vector control strategies provides a sustainable and ecologically sound approach to reducing mosquito-borne disease transmission.
Notifiable flaviviral pathogens, particularly dengue, continue to pose significant health and economic challenges worldwide, especially in tropical regions where these infections remain endemic. In the Philippines, the risk remains high following the 2019 withdrawal of the Dengvaxia vaccine, with no alternative immunization currently available locally. Recent interest in nucleic acid-based immunogens highlights the need for scalable, non-infectious vaccine production platforms; however, generating high-dose DNA constructs capable of inducing effective immune responses without live-virus propagation remains challenging. Our work from 2018 to 2024 addressed this need through the development of computationally designed, cell-free, PCR-amplifiable DNA constructs using algorithmic overlap extension PCR (OE-PCR) and an improved technique, asymmetric extension supported by a simulator for oligonucleotide extension (AESOE). Subsequent integration of machine learning, including recurrent neural network-based amplification prediction and LAMP primer design, further improved synthesis efficiency and expanded applications for surveillance and diagnostics. The AESOE-guided OE-PCR platform enabled the assembly of synthetic flaviviral DNA fragments of at least 1 kilobase in length from overlapping oligonucleotides, supporting scalable production of synthetic immunogens without the need for infectious viral materials. These live-virus-free strategies may enhance biosafety, reduce development timelines, and improve accessibility for laboratories in resource-limited settings, potentially supporting next-generation vaccine development for dengue and other flaviviral diseases.
BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES:Scrub typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi , is re-emerging as a cause of acute febrile illness (AFI) in India. Its nonspecific presentation and diagnostic challenges contribute to underdiagnosis and preventable mortality. To estimate the pooled prevalence of scrub typhus among AFI cases in India and to summarize the pooled case fatality rate (CFR). METHODS:A systematic search of PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted for literature published between January 2013 and October 2023 (last search: September 15, 2023). Full search strings and filters are provided. Observational studies from India reporting laboratory-confirmed scrub typhus among patients with AFI were included. Community serosurveys were analyzed separately from hospital-based AFI cohorts. Studies using only Weil-Felix test were excluded from the main analysis; a sensitivity analysis including them is presented. Two reviewers independently extracted data. A random-effects meta-analysis model was used. Due to extreme heterogeneity (I 2 > 90%), pooled estimates are presented with caution, and medians and ranges are also reported. RESULTS:From 36 studies (excluding pre-2013 and Weil-Felix-only studies from main analysis), the pooled prevalence of scrub typhus among AFI cases was 26.4% (95% CI: 22.0-31.0%; I 2 = 94%; median: 24.5%, range: 8-53%). The pooled CFR among confirmed cases was 7.7% (95% CI: 4.4-11.7%; I 2 = 89%; median: 6.5%, range: 2-23%). The classic eschar was present in only 29% (95% CI: 22-37%) of patients. Community serosurveys (n=7) showed substantially lower prevalence (pooled 8.2%, 95% CI: 4.1-13.5%). Heterogeneity was high. INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION:Available hospital-based studies consistently identify scrub typhus as an important cause of acute febrile illness in several regions of India, although the magnitude of burden varies substantially between settings. The low frequency of eschar and diagnostic variability underscore the need for heightened clinical suspicion and standardized testing. Given the very high heterogeneity, pooled estimates should be interpreted cautiously, and readers are encouraged to examine the range and median values presented.
BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES:Chikungunya is a re-emerging infectious disease. It is spreading rapidly in the eastern states of Sudan. Leading a large outbreak during 2018-2019. Chikungunya virus is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which are endemic in Sudan. Despite its public health impact, no specific antiviral drugs are available. This Study was conducted to formulate the Mathematical model of Chikungunya virus spread between the vector and human, to understand the pattern of disease dynamics. METHODS:In this study, we formed a model for the dynamics of Chikungunya virus propagation in human beings, as well as examining the qualitative mosquito population's development. Furthermore, the fundamental reproduction number serves as the biological threshold criterion for this disease. Hence, using the next-generation matrix method to find basic reproduction numbers. RESULTS:The model shows the conditions under which the disease persists or dies out, based on the value of reproduction number. Stability analysis shows that the disease-free equilibrium is stable when reproduction number less than one and unstable when reproduction number greater than one. Numerical simulations illustrate the transmission patterns and confirm the analytical findings using real epidemiological data. INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION:The patterns revealed by the analytical and numerical results shed light on the spread of the disease in the Red Sea State. Some significant emphases and insights are offered in light of the results, which may aid in lowering the number of chikungunya infection cases.
Arboviral diseases in Indonesia remain a public health problem and a threat. The annual increase in cases is caused by changes in bioclimatological factors, increased reports of resistance to insecticides and larvicides, and low community participation in vector control, resulting in an uncontrolled abundance of the species. Therefore, an alternative, safe, effective, and evidence-based vector control approach is needed. This narrative review, conducted via the SANRA protocol encompassing PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (2014-2024), aims to (1) synthesize current Insect-Specific Flavivirus (ISF) biology, classification, and distribution with emphasis on Indonesia and Southeast Asia; (2) evaluate evidence for ISF-mediated interference with pathogenic flavivirus transmission; (3) compare ISF with Wolbachia-based biocontrol strategies; and (4) identify research priorities and implementation considerations for ISF-based vector control in Indonesia. Eleven articles were further analyzed. Three ISF species ( cell-fusion agent virus , Culex flavivirus , and Aedes flavivirus ) have been detected in Indonesian mosquito populations. Experimental studies have shown that Nhumirim virus reduces Zika transmission, whereas Palm Creek virus suppresses West Nile virus replication. The Binjari virus -based chimeric vaccine platform produced a good prevention and control model; however, the varying vertical transmission of ISF, lack of field validation, and absence of a regulatory framework are barriers to implementation. However, ISF still requires optimization of population persistence and the development of large-scale application methods. Research priorities include field effectiveness validation, characterization of ISF interactions, and development of standardized release protocols for the translation of ISF technology as a complement to integrated vector control in Indonesia.
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES:Malaria, the most important infectious disease in southern and southeastern Iran, has been part of the WHO-supported elimination program since 2009. Every year, malaria affects millions of people and poses a threat to health care worldwide. The aim of this study is to investigate the epidemiological status of malaria in Iran over a 10-year period. METHODS:The research is based on the statistics provided by the World Health Organization showing malaria statistics from 2013 to 2023. The focus of the research was on case numbers, parasite species, treatment outcomes, mortality, costs, and control measures. RESULTS:The Annual Parasite Incidence (API), calculated based on indigenous malaria cases, showed a continuous decline from 2013 to 2017 and reached zero between 2018 and 2021, indicating the interruption of local transmission. Indigenous transmission reappeared in 2022 (API = 2.16) and reached its highest level in 2023 (API = 6.94). Plasmodium vivax was the predominant species, accounting for most reported cases, followed by Plasmodium falciparum. Only three deaths were recorded. Artemether and lumefantrine replaced quinine in combination therapies with artemisinins. Global Fund, Iranian government, and WHO funds were used mostly for those purposes, which later switched to national funds. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION:Due to effective prevention and treatment strategies, Iran experienced a sustained reduction in malaria cases, achieving interruption of local transmission between 2018 and 2021. However, a resurgence of indigenous malaria occurred in 2022 and 2023, highlighting the importance of maintaining and enhancing surveillance systems.
Ticks are arthropod vectors that transmit a wide range of emerging and re-emerging vector-borne diseases (VBDs), many of which are of considerable zoonotic importance. Recently, tick-borne diseases (TBDs), particularly those caused by arboviruses, have emerged as a significant public health concern in West Africa. The complex socio-ecological landscape in West Africa contributes to the circulation of several tick-borne arboviruses (TBAs), including Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) and Dugbe virus (DUGV), both members of the genus Orthonairovirus, as well as other tick-borne flaviviruses such as Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus (AHFV). These pathogens, transmitted primarily by ixodid and argasid ticks, have been linked to hemorrhagic fevers, febrile illnesses, and encephalitis in both humans and animals. The biological adaptations of ticks, such as transovarial and transstadial transmission, co-feeding, and prolonged host associations, enhance their vector competence and persistence across generations. This review examines epidemiology, host-vector dynamics, life cycles, ecology, dispersal mechanisms and factors affecting ticks and the distribution of tick-borne viruses in West Africa. We also examined the ecological and socio-economic drivers that influence tick populations and virus transmission dynamics, such as climate variability, livestock movement, and deforestation. Notably, surveillance gaps, diagnostic challenges, and limited integration of tick ecology into disease control strategies remain major constraints to effective prevention and response against the occurrence, sustenance, and spread of tick-borne diseases. We therefore propose a coordinated One Health approach integrating epidemiological surveillance, vector control, and targeted community education with enhanced laboratory infrastructure and cross-sectoral collaboration.
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES:Malaria and dengue remain major public health concerns in rural India due to low literacy and environmental risks. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a structured health education intervention in improving community knowledge and preventive practices in rural Singur, West Bengal. METHODS:A community-based quasi-experimental study was conducted from July 2024 to October 2025 among 144 adults selected from two purposively chosen high-risk rural villages. Baseline data were collected using pre-tested questionnaires and field observations. A gap-based health education intervention, developed using IEC guidelines, was delivered through structured group sessions. Post-intervention assessment was conducted after three months. Data were analysed using Jamovi version 2.6.13, and pre-post differences in composite scores were examined using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS:Of the 144 participants, the median age was 40 years, 53.5% were male, 34.7% had primary-level education, and 37.5% belonged to the lower socioeconomic class. Baseline assessment showed misconceptions regarding aetiology, transmission and diagnosis of malaria and dengue. Following the intervention, significant improvements were observed in knowledge (median score: 43 to 53, p < 0.001) and practices (median score: 3 to 7, p < 0.001). A stronger positive correlation between knowledge and practices was noted post-intervention (Spearman's ρ = 0.889, p < 0.001). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION:The health education intervention substantially improved knowledge and enhanced adoption of protective behaviours against malaria and dengue in this rural setting. Sustained, community-based educational strategies integrated with broader policy and environmental measures are essential to strengthen vector-borne disease prevention and reduce future transmission.
The Zika virus has emerged as a major public health concern due to its potential to cause serious complications, particularly in pregnant women and their unborn children. Transmitted primarily by infected Aedes mosquitoes, the virus is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. Recent outbreaks in Pune, Maharashtra, underscore the need for vigilant preventive strategies. While most infected individuals remain asymptomatic, symptomatic cases may present with fever, rash, and joint pain. The primary concern is the risk of congenital abnormalities, notably microcephaly, associated with maternal infection. Preventive strategies such as eliminating mosquito breeding sites, using repellents, and seeking prompt medical attention are crucial. Public health awareness and proactive prevention remain key to mitigating the threat of Zika virus infections during pregnancy.
Japanese encephalitis virus infection manifests as acute encephalitis syndrome leading to significant neurological disability with estimated incidence around 85,000 cases per year and case fatality rate of 30%. Treatment remains largely conservative as there is no specific antiviral available till date. Clinical trials have failed to show the benefit of drugs studied, except minocycline which has some limited evidence. Preclinical studies and in silico analysis led to identification of various synthetic and natural compounds which could be potential therapies in the future. This article provides an overview of the potential therapeutic options for Japanese encephalitis available in the literature with a description of a case treated to have significant neurological recovery at a resource poor setting.
