Background: Fleas transmit a variety of zoonotic agents whose epidemiology and public health risk remains poorly understood in sub-Saharan Africa, including Uganda particularly outside plague-endemic areas. Common flea-borne zoonotic agents include Rickettsia felis and Yersinia pestis.. Objectives: The study aimed at detecting and characterising flea-borne pathogens in peridomestic environments in Uganda. Methods: We collected fleas from domestic animals, chickens, rodents, and homestead environments; pooled them by species, collection time, and host species. A total of 172 pools were analyzed for Y. pestis Pla gene. Further, 62 pools were tested for Rickettsia species gltA, ompA, and htrA genes by PCR and Sanger sequencing. Results: Five flea species were identified: C. canis, C. felis, Echidnophaga gallinacea, Pulex irritans, and X. cheopis. Genus, Ctenocephalides, accounted for 84.8% of fleas collected, mostly found on dogs and goats. The flea species were found across all districts, year-round, with higher numbers collected in dry seasons than rainy seasons. Rattus rattus constituted 74% of rodents captured from human dwellings and was the only rodent species with fleas, where X. cheopis was the predominant species. All 172 pools were negative for Y. pestis. Rickettsia spp. was detected in 29/62 (46.8%) pools by the target genes. Of 25 htrA amplicons sequenced, 4% were identified as R. felis from C. canis, 92% were R. asembonensis from multiple flea species, and 4% were identified as Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis. Conclusion:The survey identified high pool detection rate of Rickettsia spp. in fleas,suggestingrisk of human exposure and infection. This was the first report of Rickettsia spp. in E. gallinacea and detection of Candidatus R. senegalensis in Uganda.
Background: Dengue fever (DF) is endemic in Pakistan, posing health risks. Recent flooding in 2022 and strong monsoon rains in 2024 have increased the possibility of an epidemic. It is an infectious disease having potentially severe outcomes including thrombocytopenia.Discussion: Carica Papaya Leaf Extract (CPLE) has emerged as an off-label treatment option, showing promising results in increasing platelet counts and reducing hospital stays. However, a critical assessment of existing research reveals methodological flaws, hindering specific recommendations.Conclusion: This perspective advocates for comprehensive research to evaluate the risks and benefits of CPLE as a potential remedy for thrombocytopenia associated with dengue fever. A robust investigation will inform clinical practice and guide healthcare decisions, contributing to improved patient outcomes in dengue-endemic areas.
Background: Brucellosis remains a significant public health concern, especially in regions like the Mediterranean and Afghanistan. While its direct health effects are well-documented, its impact on quality of life is less explored.Objective: This study investigated the risk factors and quality of life effects of brucellosis in Herat, Afghanistan.Methods: Between October 2020 and February 2021, 155 participants were enrolled at Herat Regional Hospital and affiliated brucellosis laboratories. The sample included 75 individuals with confirmed brucellosis and 80 controls without a history of the disease. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, and quality of life was assessed with the SF-36. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, logistic regression, and General Linear Model.Results: Key risk factors associated with brucellosis included marriage, lower education, contact with pets, infected family members, and using non-protected water (p < 0.05). Logistic regression confirmed increased odds of infection linked to these exposures. Quality of life assessments revealed significantly lower SF-36 scores among male patients across most components, with similar trends observed in female patients.Conclusion: Brucellosis significantly impacts quality of life, particularly among men, and is strongly linked to specific risk factors. Public health measures are essential to reduce infection rates and improve well-being in this region.
Background Infectious disease agents pose significant threats to humans, wildlife, and livestock, with rodents carrying a third of these agents, many linked to human diseases. However, the range of pathogens in rodents and the hotspots for disease remain poorly understood.Aim This study evaluated the prevalence of viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens in Mastomys natalensis rodents in riverine and non-riverine areas in selected districts in Zambia.Methods The study applied metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS). Tissues analysed included semen, foetal tissues, and blood-rich organs (liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs). A multivariate logistic regression model explored the relationship between pathogen presence and host or ecological factors.Results A total of 182 rodents were captured, and 14 pathogens were detected in 10.4% of the samples (19/182). Detected organisms included zoonoses (Klebsiella michiganensis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella enterica, and Bartonella elizabethae); Emerging zoonoses (Elizabethkingia miricola, Klebsiella variicola, Bartonella tribocorum, and Cardiovirus B); among others (Eimeria papillata etc). Riverine areas showed higher odds of pathogen presence (OR = 8.45; p < 0.001; 95% CI: 3.07–23.26).Conclusion These results suggest that M. natalensis harbours multiple infectious agents with zoonotic potential, and riverine regions may be key hotspots for rodent-borne pathogens in Zambia.
