Among pregnant women hepatitis B surface antigen serotype is one of the infections that remains a major public health concern in Africa, due to the high risk of mother-to-child transmission and subsequent chronic infection. Even though there are systematic reviews and meta-analysis, there are overlapping of researches and the results are inconsistent, and remain fragmented. To summarize, critically appraise, and synthesize evidence on the seroprevalence and associated factors of hepatitis B surface antigen infection among pregnant women in Africa. An umbrella review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the PRIOR guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, African Journals Online, PsycINFO, HINARI, and Google Scholar to identify studies published until February 1, 2026. Eligible high-quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses were selected following appraisal using the AMSTAR 2 quality assessment tool. A random-effects meta-analysis model was applied to estimate the pooled prevalence. Heterogeneity and publication bias were evaluated. The extent of overlap among the included primary studies was assessed using the corrected covered area method. Eleven published articles comprising 570,590 pregnant women were included. The pooled HBsAg seroprevalence among pregnant women in Africa was 5.66
Bacterial keratitis is a sight-threatening ophthalmic emergency that can rapidly progress to corneal ulceration, perforation, endophthalmitis, and permanent blindness if inappropriately managed. Despite its clinical significance, there is a paucity of comprehensive regional microbiological surveillance data regarding the microbial etiology of bacterial keratitis in southeastern Iran. Therefore, this study aimed to provide an updated regional microbiological surveillance report, detailing the bacterial profile, seasonal distribution, and demographic patterns of bacterial keratitis in patients presenting with corneal lesions in this area. This retrospective, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between 2020 and 2025. Data were retrieved from the medical registries of tertiary teaching hospitals affiliated with Zahedan University of Medical Sciences. Demographic variables (age, sex), seasonal onset, and microbiological isolates were extracted using standardized checklists. Patients with incomplete clinical or laboratory records were excluded. As a descriptive surveillance study, data were analyzed to establish local epidemiological baselines and pathogen distributions. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. A total of 358 patients were evaluated, comprising 217 males (60.6
Dengue virus (DENV) is an emerging public health concern in Iran. Frequent maritime travel between southern Iranian ports and neighboring countries with reported dengue transmission may facilitate the introduction of DENV into Iran. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of DENV among Iranian seafarers. We conducted a cross-sectional serosurvey among 270 seafarers in Bushehr Province. Serum samples were tested for DENV IgM/IgG using ELISA. Travel history and demographics were collected via questionnaires. Serological testing identified 7 DENV-seropositive individuals (2.6
We evaluated the impact of Saharan dust on paediatric hospital admissions due to respiratory tract infections (RTIs) at St. Maarten. This study shows more RTI admissions after Saharan dust presence, with the strongest effect at 3 days after exposure (OR 1.5, 95
Newcastle disease virus (NDV) remains one of the most economically devastating pathogens affecting poultry production. Despite decades of vaccination efforts, NDV continues to circulate and remain endemic across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, posing persistent threats to food security, rural livelihoods, and international trade. This review comprehensively examines the current landscape of NDV vaccine platforms, their immunological mechanisms, and the multifaceted challenges limiting their efficacy. We critically evaluated conventional platforms, including lentogenic live attenuated vaccines and oil-adjuvanted inactivated formulations, highlighting their contributions to disease control while addressing their inherent limitations including cold-chain dependence, maternal antibody interference, incomplete cross-protection against heterologous genotypes, and the absence of differentiating infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA) capability. We then examined next-generation approaches, including recombinant vector platforms, virus-like particles, DNA and mRNA vaccines, and AI/ML-informed antigen design, assessing each against its actual stage of development, from vaccines already in commercial use to platforms that remain preclinical or theoretical, rather than treating design capability as equivalent to field-ready deployment. Finally, we addressed regulatory, manufacturing, and logistical barriers to vaccine deployment in low-resource settings, including a dedicated feasibility assessment and platform-comparison table for smallholder-dominated, endemic regions. Integrating these technological advances with robust surveillance, biosecurity, and supportive policies will be essential for achieving sustainable NDV control and advancing toward eradication.
