Introduction/Objective Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, measles remains a major cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality worldwide. This review aims to evaluate advances toward the development of specific antiviral treatments for measles by examining current candidates, their molecular targets, available preclinical and clinical data, and key challenges to therapeutic application. Methods An extensive literature search (2000-2026) was conducted using PubMed and official databases (WHO, CDC), including in vitro and in vivo studies (animal models), clinical trials, and international guidelines. The main agents included were ribavirin, favipiravir, remdesivir, ERDRP-0519, GHP-88309, fusion peptide inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies. Results No antiviral is yet approved specifically for measles; however, several candidates show promise. Ribavirin, a broad-spectrum antiviral, has demonstrated in vitro inhibition of measles virus and clinical benefit in severe cases (especially in immunocompromised patients), although data remain limited. Novel polymerase inhibitors such as ERDRP-0519 and its derivative GHP-88309 have shown effective post-exposure protection in animal models. Nucleoside analogs initially developed for other viruses (favipiravir, remdesivir) exhibit in vitro anti-measles activity. Peptides and monoclonal antibodies targeting the viral fusion protein also demonstrate encouraging results. Discussion Antiviral therapy may improve the management of severe or post-exposure cases, especially in non-vaccinable individuals. Conclusion While vaccination remains the cornerstone of prevention, antiviral therapy may improve the management of severe or post-exposure cases, especially in non-vaccinable individuals. Clinical trials are needed to validate these strategies and consider their integration into future global measles elimination programs.
IntroductionToday, antibiotic resistance has emerged as one of the major public health challenges worldwide. Antibiotic resistance occurs mainly due to the misuse and overuse of antibiotics. This phenomenon reduces the effectiveness of common treatments, increases the duration of illness and the risk of mortality, and imposes high costs on the health system. Since medical students, as future prescribers, play a key role in the rational management of antibiotic use, their awareness and attitudes are of particular importance. Accordingly, the present study examines the views of medical students at Lorestan University of Medical Sciences on the status of antibiotic resistance, its causes, and possible strategies to combat it. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2020 among 319 medical students at Lorestan University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected using the ReAct–Action on Antibiotic Resistance International Questionnaire, a validated instrument designed to assess perceptions of antibiotic resistance. The questionnaire, consisting of 20 items, was administered online, and the responses were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. ResultsStudents identified three major contributors to antibiotic resistance: the unrestricted use of antibiotics by patients (79%), inappropriate prescribing by physicians (61%), and inadequate diagnostic tools for detecting bacterial infections (59%). To address AMR, the strategies most frequently recommended by students included stricter regulations on antibiotic sales, strengthening public healthcare services, and improving diagnostic technologies. Responsibility for combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was primarily attributed to physicians, pharmacists, and international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO). Additionally, 36% of students believed that AMR would affect their future medical careers, while 71% expressed concern about the lack of sufficient research efforts to develop new antibiotics. Moreover, 46% reported a willingness to engage with an online platform dedicated to AMR education. DiscussionThe findings suggest that although medical students recognize the seriousness of antibiotic resistance, notable gaps remain in their formal education and practical training. Factors such as self-medication, inappropriate prescribing practices, and limited access to effective diagnostic tools were identified as key contributors. These observations underscore the need for curriculum reform, focused workshops, and research-oriented learning to enhance students’ roles in antibiotic stewardship and to promote the rational use of antibiotics. ConclusionThe results highlight an urgent need for policy reforms aimed at regulating antibiotic use, improving diagnostic capacity, and fostering a culture of responsible antibiotic consumption in society. These measures, supported by ongoing educational initiatives, are essential for mitigating the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, as reflected in the perspectives of the student cohort.
IntroductionDiarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) are enteric pathogens responsible for diarrhea in children. The aim of this study was to assess the genetic diversity of DEC in children under five years of age in Koula-Moutou, a topic that has not been previously investigated in Gabon. MethodsA total of 41 DEC strains, previously isolated and characterized, were included in this study. Genetic diversity was assessed using the Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus-Polymerase Chain Reaction (ERIC-PCR) method. ResultsThe ERIC-PCR method enabled typing of 34 out of the 41 DEC isolates. These 34 strains were differentiated into 27 distinct ERIC-PCR genetic profiles, with fingerprints consisting of 1 to 6 bands ranging in size from 250 to 1700 bp. The profiles were grouped into 10 clusters with 90% similarity, each cluster containing between 1 and 7 strains. The DEC isolates from children exhibited diverse genetic profiles, indicating a high degree of genotypic polymorphism. Discussion27 different and repeated genetic profiles revealed, suggesting a great diversity of circulating clones, which present different resistance profiles, and which may make the treatment ineffective or inappropriate, reflecting the genetic evolution of DEC in this region of Gabon. ConclusionERIC-PCR is a simple and rapid method for assessing the genetic diversity of DEC. This study revealed significant genetic variation among DEC strains and demonstrated that ERIC-PCR is a valuable tool for epidemiological surveillance and health-related research.
Introduction Impaired epithelial wound repair contributes to increased infection risk and delayed tissue recovery. Limitations associated with conventional topical therapies, including antimicrobial resistance, highlight the need for alternative strategies. Postbiotics, defined as bioactive microbial metabolites, have emerged as potential modulators of tissue repair and immune responses. Methods A postbiotic hydrogel formulated with metabolites derived from Lactobacillus paracasei 7060 was applied to full-thickness dorso-lumbar wounds in a murine model. Wound closure was assessed over a 21-day period. Histological analyses evaluated epithelialization and tissue organization, and expression of immune- and repair-associated genes was quantified by quantitative PCR. Results Treatment with the postbiotic hydrogel resulted in accelerated wound closure and earlier epithelial restoration compared with both the commercial hydrogel and untreated control groups. Histological assessment demonstrated improved epidermal continuity and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in treated wounds. Gene expression analysis revealed a transient upregulation of Toll-Like Receptor 2 ( TLR2 ) during the early phase of healing. Discussion The observed transient activation of TLR2 suggests a regulated immune response that may support early host defense and macrophage recruitment without sustained inflammation. Genomic features of L. paracasei 7060 are consistent with the production of metabolites involved in immune modulation, tissue repair, angiogenesis, and stress response pathways. Conclusion These findings indicate that a L. paracasei 7060–derived postbiotic hydrogel supports epithelial wound repair through coordinated immune and regenerative mechanisms.
Introduction/Background Toxoplasma gondii ( T. gondii ) is an important human and veterinary pathogen, and current therapies such as sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine may cause adverse effects. Identifying alternative treatments is therefore essential. This study aimed to evaluate the antiparasitic activity of the antibiotic linezolid against Toxoplasma gondii in vitro and in vivo . Materials and Methods Linezolid and standard drugs were prepared at concentrations ranging from 0.625 to 40 µg/mL and tested against tachyzoite using microscopic examination, cell viability assays, and flow cytometry. Cytotoxicity was assessed in HeLa cells. For the in vivo experiment, BALB/c mice were infected with T. gondii and treated with linezolid for 14 days. Survival was monitored and compared to untreated controls and to standard drug treatment. Results Linezolid reduced tachyzoite counts in vitro in a time-dependent manner ( p <0.05). The calculated IC50 was 12.4 µg/mL, while cytotoxicity on HeLa cells (CC50) was 92.3 µg/mL, indicating moderate selectivity (SI=7.4). Flow cytometry showed induction of early and late apoptosis in tachyzoites. In vivo , untreated mice died by day nine, while linezolid therapy prolonged survival to day eleven. Combination treatment with pyrimethamine and linezolid resulted in the longest survival, reaching day 13. Discussion These findings suggest that linezolid inhibits parasite growth and triggers apoptotic death with limited toxicity to host cells. Although the in vivo survival benefit was modest and comparable to standard therapy, combination treatment enhanced overall efficacy. Conclusion Linezolid shows potential as an adjunct or alternative therapy for toxoplasmosis and warrants further investigation in optimized dosing regimens and combination approaches.
