Given advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART), some people with HIV are transitioned to non-tenofovir-containing ART; the implications for people with HIV-hepatitis B virus (HBV) are unknown. We characterized HBV-related outcomes in people with HIV-HBV coinfection while not taking tenofovir-containing ART. We analyzed participants from the French HIV-HBV Cohort Study in three treatment groups: (1) continuous tenofovir; (2) discontinued tenofovir; (3) never initiated tenofovir. We examined virological and clinical characteristics during follow-up. We assessed determinants of HBV DNA >2000 IU/mL and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) >2x upper limit of normal separately while participants were off tenofovir using univariable logistic regression with generalized estimating equations. Among 192 participants, 161 (83.9 %) were on continuous tenofovir, 22 (11.5 %) discontinued tenofovir, and 9 (4.7 %) never initiated tenofovir during a median follow-up of 14.5 years (IQR = 10.5-14.8). The median proportion of within-participant visits with undetectable HBV DNA was 96.0 % (IQR = 75.0-100) in the continuous group, 100 % (IQR = 84.0-100) in the discontinued tenofovir group (while off tenofovir), and 100 % (IQR = 95.2-100) in the never initiated tenofovir group. Determinants of HBV DNA >2000 IU/mL while people were off tenofovir were detectable HIV RNA (p = 0.041), lower CD4+ T-cell count (p = 0.027), HBeAg positive serology (p = 0.004) and positive hepatitis D serology (p = 0.001). ALT elevation was associated with positive hepatitis C antibody serology (p = 0.012). This proof-of-concept study shows that selected people with HIV-HBV coinfection may not lose virologic control of HBV when off tenofovir. HBV virologic activity while off tenofovir may be more closely associated with uncontrolled HIV infection and positive HBeAg serology.
The outcomes of hepatitis C virus eradication and health-related quality of life in the patients treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) after liver transplantation were examined. Thirty-five patients with HCV infection treated with sofosbuvir/ledipasvir after liver transplantation were enrolled in the study. The achievement rate of sustained viral response (SVR), liver function and health-related quality of life based on Short-Form-36 version 2 were evaluated. All 35 patients achieved SVR and liver function was improved to a level comparable to that of non-transplanted cases by the DAA treatment. As to health-related quality of life, the scores of general health, vitality and mental health were comparable to Japanese national standard scores among 8 subscales of Short-Form-36 version 2. HCV eradication after liver transplantation is useful for not only improving liver function but maintaining health-related quality of life.
Measles is an acute and highly contagious viral disease that poses significant public health challenges globally. Since 2001, continuous virologic surveillance has been conducted in Shanghai, enabling a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of the nucleoprotein (N gene) and fusion gene (F gene) of the measles virus (MeV) over a 21-year period. Between 2001 and 2022, there were a total of 1405 MeV strains isolated by the Shanghai Center for Disease Control and prevention (SCDC), including 6 strains of genotype D8, 8 strains of genotype B3, 12 strains of genotype H1b, and the remaining strains of genotype H1a. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to amplify the 3' end of the N gene (450 nt) and the complete sequence of the F gene (1622 nt) from the viral isolates. Sequencing of the RT-PCR products was followed by nucleotide and amino acid phylogenetic analyses. The substitution rates were for the F and N genes in Shanghai were determined to be 0.89 × 10-3 and 2.20 × 10-3 substitutions site/year, respectively. Globally, the nucleotide and amino acid similarities of the N gene among 13,498 MeV isolates ranged from 89.1 %-100.0 % and 90.2 %-100.0 %, respectively. Notably, the F gene exhibited 16 high-amino-acid-mutation sites, most of which differed among H1a MeV strains compared to the Shanghai-191 vaccine strain. The deletion of the glycosylation site at aa 9-11(NVS) was primarily observed in H1a and H1b of MeV strains. However, critical functional sites in the F gene remained conserved. In conclusion, the previously predominant indigenous H1a wild-type measles virus (MeV) has not been detected for over two years, with only imported MeV genotypes currently being identified. It is crucial to strengthen the surveillance of MeV genotypes to facilitate the timely identification and containment of imported measles cases, thereby preventing potential outbreaks.
Avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J), Reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV), and Chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV) are important breeder-derived pathogens (BDPs) that continue to threaten poultry health and productivity. These viruses are frequently associated with immunosuppression and coinfections, which complicate eradication efforts, particularly in indigenous chicken breeds. In this study, a TaqMan-based multiplex qPCR (M-qPCR) assay was developed for the simultaneous detection of ALV-J, REV, and CIAV. The assay exhibited excellent linearity (R2 > 0.99), high repeatability (intra-/inter-assay coefficient of variation < 5%), strong specificity with no cross-reactivity against common non-target avian pathogens, and high sensitivity with a detection limit of 10 copies/μL. Moreover, it reliably identified mixed infections even under conditions of unbalanced target concentrations. Parallel testing with commercial singleplex qPCR kits further demonstrated its reliability, yielding concordance rates of 95.8% for ALV-J, 98.3% for REV, and 100% for CIAV. Application of the assay to three local chicken breeds in Guizhou revealed positivity rates of 33.9% (40/118) for ALV-J, 9.3% (11/118) for REV, and 7.6% (9/118) for CIAV, with 20.4% mixed (double and triple) out of all positives. Moreover, serum samples proved more suitable than cloacal swabs for virus detection using the developed M-qPCR assay. In conclusion, the developed M-qPCR assay provides a reliable and efficient tool for surveillance of infections and coinfections in poultry flocks, supporting the prevention and control of BDPs.
Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) is an infectious disease caused by the Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV), a member of the genus Orthopestivirus. The disease remains endemic across Australian beef and dairy production systems, imposing a multi-million-dollar annual burden on animal health, welfare, and industry sustainability. BVDV can be transmitted both horizontally and vertically, with persistently infected (PI) animals serving as the primary source of infection. Rapid identification and subsequent culling of PI animals are fundamental requirements for any successful eradication program. Currently, Australia's decentralised, non-compulsory approach places the responsibility of biosecurity on individual producers, resulting in a fragmented national landscape. This review proposes that the strategic deployment of rapid, field-deployable point-of-care (POC) diagnostics serves as the transformative catalyst needed for a coordinated national eradication pathway. POC approaches utilising technologies such as lateral flow assays, nucleic acid amplification tests, and biosensors enable real-time, crush-side diagnosis and high-throughput surveillance, proving effective for early detection and control of infectious diseases. When integrated with robust biosecurity measures and optimised vaccination strategies, these POC advancements offer a scientifically sound and commercially viable pathway toward the systematic eradication of BVDV in the Australian cattle industry.
The emergence of the Nipah virus (NiV) poses a significant global health threat, particularly in South-East Asian countries. This cross-sectional nationwide study is a pioneer in assessing knowledge levels of NiV outbreak among the general population in Bangladesh. It was conducted among the general population of Bangladesh from 15th January to 10th February 2024. A conveniently selected sample of individuals participated in the assessment of their knowledge about NiV. A semi-structured questionnaire was used as the data collection tool. After data curation, a total of 2121 responses that met the inclusion criteria were retained for analysis. Among 2121 participants, 69.38 % were aware of NiV. Overall, 62 % demonstrated good knowledge of the virus. The main sources of information were social media (29.9 %), television (25.41 %), educational institutions (18.95 %), newspapers (13.65 %), friends (6.39 %), and workplaces (5.91 %). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that participants aged 31-40 years had lower odds of poor knowledge (OR = 0.57, 95 % CI: 0.39-0.82, p < 0.01) compared to those aged 21-30. Females had higher odds of poor knowledge (OR = 1.38, 95 % CI: 1.05-1.81, p = 0.02) than males. Lower education levels were associated with higher odds of poor knowledge. Moreover, non-healthcare workers also had higher odds of poor knowledge compared to healthcare workers. There were regional differences, with varying odds in Rangpur (OR = 0.43, 95 % CI: 0.26-0.70, p < 0.01), Khulna (OR = 1.70, 95 % CI: 1.10-2.61, p = 0.01), and Mymensingh (OR = 2.77, 95 % CI: 1.70-4.53, p < 0.01) compared to Dhaka. The current study underscores the importance of evidence-based educational strategies, and may guide government and policymakers to design future targeted interventions to enhance public health literacy and mitigate the spread of NiV in Bangladesh as well as in its neighbouring countries.
The hepatitis A virus (HAV) and rotavirus are mainly transmitted through fecal-oral and person-to-person contact, and cause severe gastrointestinal complications and liver disease. This work used reverse vaccinology and immunoinformatic methods to create a novel bivalent vaccine against rotavirus and HAV. The amino acid sequences of HAV-rotavirus proteins (VP1 and VP8∗) were retrieved from the GenBank database. Various computational approaches were employed to predict highly conserved regions and the most immunogenic B-cell and T-cell epitopes of VP8 and VP1 of rotavirus and HAV proteins in both humans and BALB/c. Moreover, the predicted fusion protein was analyzed regarding primary and secondary structures and homology validation. In this study, we used two highly conserved peptide sequences of VP8 and VP1 of rotavirus and HAV that induce T and B cell immunogenicity. According to T-cell epitope prediction, this area comprises 2713 antigenic peptides for HLA class II and 30 HLA class I antigenic peptides, both of which are virtually entirely conserved in the Iranian population. In this study, validation as well as analysis of the secondary and three-dimensional structure of the VP8∗-rotavirus + AAY + HAV-VP1 fusion protein, with the aim of designing a multi-epitope vaccine with different receptors. TLR 3, 4 high immunogenic binding ability with immunological properties and interaction between multi-epitope target and TLR were predicted, and it is expected that the target fusion protein has stable antigenic potency and compatible half-life. The above is suggested as a universal vaccination program.
The presence of neutralizing antibodies is considered a surrogate marker of protection against the three serotypes of poliovirus. The need to use the Microneutralization test in assessing the neutralizing antibodies to the three serotypes of polioviruses among vaccinated children aged 1-15 years informed this study. Of 400 children tested, 309 (77.3 %), 253 (63.3 %), and 308 (77.0 %) had neutralizing antibodies against P1, P2, and P3, respectively. Only 191 (47.8 %) had neutralizing antibodies against P1P2P3 simultaneously, the global target. Whilst 91 (22.8 %) had no neutralizing antibodies against P1, these children were protected against P2 (23.0 %) and P3 (43.9 %). Similarly, 147 (36.8 %) children had no neutralizing antibodies against P2, but were protected against P1 (66.0 %) and P3 (65.3 %). Furthermore, 52(13 %), 51(12.8 %), and 52 (13.0 %) had no neutralizing antibodies against the combination of P1P3, P1P2, and P2P3, respectively. Only 34 (8.5 %) of the children had no nAb to any of the three serotypes. The optimal number of Polio vaccine doses for effective immunity varied depending on the serotype. Also, gender differences may favor the speed at which children achieve the target antibody titers. Higher antibody titers (1:1280) were observed for P2 and P3, with six of the children having a titer of 1:10240 for P3. The combination of supplementary immunization activities and routine immunization generated a robust immune response across all poliovirus serotypes, in contrast to each of the two. The administrative data and population immunity were not commensurate. New strategies to increase immunity against the P1P2P3 simultaneously in all age groups are urgently required.
Cervical cancer ranks as the common prevalent cancer, among women worldwide especially impacting low-resource countries. In Bangladesh, this accounts for 12 % of all cancer cases. The development of cancer is closely linked to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Despite the availability of HPV vaccines, their uptake remains limited in Bangladesh. Thus, this research aims to assess the knowledge and willingness of parents and school teachers regarding HPV vaccination for eligible girls in Bangladesh. This study involved 406 parents and school teachers of girls aged 9-14 years from Dhaka city. A cross-sectional study design was used. Data collection was done through a questionnaire administered by interviewers after pre-testing and refinement for clarity and reliability. Analysis was carried out using Stata 17 software. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to uncover associations and predictors related to knowledge levels and willingness. Findings revealed that a majority of participants (64.04 %) exhibited an understanding of HPV and cervical cancer yet a high percentage (98.28 %) expressed willingness to engage in HPV vaccination initiatives. participants with primary (AOR = 3.306, p < 0.005), secondary (AOR = 8.806, p < 0.001), and higher education (AOR = 5.059, p < 0.001), as well as those from upper-middle-income groups (AOR = 3.038, p < 0.001), had significantly higher knowledge of HPV and cervical cancer. The research emphasizes lack of knowledge regarding HPV and its vaccination among parents and educators in Bangladesh despite a willingness to vaccinate. These results emphasize the importance of tailored initiatives and better access, to health information to increase HPV vaccine acceptance and lower the incidence of cervical cancer.
Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR HPV) is the necessary cause of cervical cancer. In the Philippines, available data on the prevalence and genotype distribution of HPV infections are limited and largely derived from earlier hospital-based studies. The present study determined the overall and type-specific prevalence of HR HPV infection among women in selected communities in the Philippines, along with the associated sociodemographic and behavioral factors. A total of 1,194 women from two communities were examined. Cervical swabs were collected, and the extracted DNA were analyzed for HPV genotyping through a commercial multiplex real-time PCR assay kit. Sociodemographic information, clinical history, and sexual and reproductive behavior were obtained through an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire. The overall prevalence of HR HPV infection was 11.22 % (95 % CI: 9.56-13.14 %). Women residing in urban areas had 1.62 times higher odds (95 % CI: 1.08-2.42) of HR HPV infection than those in rural areas. Moreover, for every year of delaying vaginal sexual debut, there was a 7 % decrease in the odds of HR HPV infection. HPV 52 was the most prevalent genotype (2.59 %), followed by HPV 16 (1.84 %) and HPV 68 (1.09 %). Multiple HR HPV genotypes were recorded in 23 % of HR HPV-infected women. The most frequent co-infections are HPV 16 + HPV 18, HPV 16 + HPV 52, and HPV 39 + HPV 52. These findings highlight the need for updated surveillance and consideration of local genotype distribution in cervical cancer prevention strategies, such as in HPV DNA testing and HPV vaccination programs.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major risk factor for liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Whether patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) receiving oral nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) therapy can safely discontinue treatment after HBsAg seroclearance is attracting clinical attention.This study aimed to explore the maintenance rate of HBsAg-negative status and the predictors of HBsAg repositivity after drug withdrawal in non-cirrhotic CHB patients who had achieved HBsAg seroclearance following long-term NAs therapy. This is a single center retrospective study focusing on non-cirrhotic CHB patients who received NAs treatment and achieved HBsAg seroclearance.These patients were treated in the hepatitis clinic of West China Hospital of Sichuan University and followed up for a long time. CHB patients were required to have complete demographic and clinical data. Additionally, serum levels of HBV RNA and HBcrAg were measured in all patients at the time of NAs cessation. A total of 137 non-cirrhotic CHB patients with HBsAg seroclearance were screened. Ultimately, 54 patients agreed to discontinue treatment, while 83 declined. Among the 54 patients who terminated treatment, 43 were male and 11 were female. Of these discontinued patients, 44 received continuous monotherapy, while 10 received combination therapy. All patients in this study received NAs antiviral treatment for more than 5 years. 79.6 % (43/54) of patients were found to be positive for HBsAb and 59.3 % (32/54) of patients had HBsAb≥200 IU/ml at the time of NAs discontinuation. Among the discontinued patients, all 54 patients were HBV RNA negative, and 87.0 % (47/54) were HBcrAg negative.The rates of HBsAg repositive were 3.7 % (95 % CI, 0.6 %-12.7 %) and 9.3 % (95 % CI, 3.8 %-19.7 %) at 24 and 48 weeks after drug withdrawal, respectively, and 3 of them were accompanied by HBV DNA relapse. All patients who regained HBsAg positivity after NAs discontinuation had serum HBcrAg levels greater than 3 log10 U/mL at the time of discontinuation. In this single-center cohort, most non-cirrhotic patients who achieved HBsAg seroclearance on long-term NAs therapy maintained HBsAg loss over 48 weeks after discontinuation. HBcrAg positivity at end of treatment was observed in all cases of HBsAg reappearance, suggesting HBcrAg may help identify patients at higher short-term risk of seroreversion. Larger, longer-term studies are required to confirm these findings.
Most research assessing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) anxiety relies on single-item measures or psychometric measures that are outdated in terms of concepts and language. There is a critical need for a robust, reliable, and contemporary measure to identify populations at risk of avoiding HIV testing, treatment, and prevention, thereby supporting global HIV eradication goals. Focus groups informed the initial development of the HIV Anxiety Scale (HAS), revised through expert feedback. The factor structure was assessed in two studies. In Study 1, an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted with 251 participants. In Study 2, a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) with 200 participants was performed alongside validity, internal consistency, and measurement invariance assessments. Studies 1 and 2 elicited a 3-factor model, resulting in a 16-item measure with the following subscales: Psychosocial Implications of HIV, Lifestyle Implications of HIV, and HIV Testing Anxiety. The HAS demonstrated a good factor structure, acceptable validity and excellent internal consistency across diverse groups in Study 2. The HAS provides a contemporary, robust measure of HIV anxiety, addressing limitations of previous tools and contributing to efforts to identify and support populations at risk of HIV avoidance behaviours. We recommend that future research continue to validate and test this new measure, but it offers a standardised tool to inform targeted interventions for HIV testing, prevention, and treatment. La mayoría de las investigaciones que evalúan la ansiedad relacionada con el VIH se basan en medidas de un solo ítem o en herramientas psicométricas desactualizadas en términos de conceptos y lenguaje. Existe una necesidad crítica de contar con una medida sólida, confiable y contemporánea para identificar a las poblaciones en riesgo de evitar las pruebas, el tratamiento y la prevención del VIH, apoyando así los objetivos globales de erradicación del VIH. Los grupos de enfoque informaron el desarrollo inicial de la HIV Anxiety Scale (HAS), revisada a través de comentarios de expertos. La estructura factorial fue evaluada en dos estudios. En el Estudio 1, se realizó un Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) con 251 participantes. En el Estudio 2, se llevó a cabo un Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) con 200 participantes, junto con evaluaciones de validez, consistencia interna e invarianza de la medición. Los estudios 1 y 2 revelaron un modelo de 3 factores, dando lugar a una medida de 16 ítems con las siguientes subescalas: Implicaciones Psicosociales del VIH, Implicaciones del VIH en el Estilo de Vida y Ansiedad por la Prueba del VIH. La HAS demostró una buena estructura factorial, validez aceptable y excelente consistencia interna en diversos grupos en el Estudio 2. La HAS proporciona una medida contemporánea y robusta de la ansiedad por HIV, abordando las limitaciones de herramientas anteriores y contribuyendo a los esfuerzos para identificar y apoyar a las poblaciones en riesgo de conductas de evitación relacionadas con el VIH. Recomendamos que futuras investigaciones continúen validando y probando esta nueva medida, pero ofrece una herramienta estandarizada para informar intervenciones específicas en pruebas, prevención y tratamiento del VIH.
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a highly variable arterivirus that causes major economic losses in swine production and requires reliable molecular diagnostics for surveillance and eradication programs. We developed and validated a one-step multiplex RT-qPCR assay for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of Betaarterivirus europensis (PRRSV-1), Betaarterivirus americense (PRRSV-2), and the highly pathogenic L8 lineage of PRRSV-2, together with an RNA internal control in a single reaction. Short LNA-modified probes were designed to target conserved yet discriminatory sequence motifs, improving specificity and supporting multiplex detection. Analytical performance was evaluated using spiked swine serum, naturally positive samples, and independent laboratory testing against a commercial comparator. The assay showed excellent linearity across all channels (R2 = 0.99) and low detection limits of 13-26 copies per reaction at 95% detection probability. Robustness testing, including 2 h bench exposure and a 3°C thermocycler shift, produced negligible Cq changes, while a 1,000-fold competitor challenge indicated minimal cross-reactivity. Intra- and inter-assay variability were low, qualitative agreement with the comparator was 100%, and reagents remained stable for 30 weeks and after up to 10 freeze-thaw cycles. This LNA-based multiplex RT-qPCR assay provides a sensitive, specific, and operationally convenient tool for PRRSV surveillance and control programs.
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major global health burden, and current therapeutic options such as pegylated interferon-α (PEG-IFNα) yield limited clinical efficacy. Here, we developed a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation encapsulating mRNA encoding an IFN-α14-ApoAI fusion protein and evaluated its anti-HBV activity and safety profile in humanized IFNAR mouse models. First, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated delivery of IFN-α14-ApoAI provided preliminary evidence of safe and sustained HBV suppression in mice, suggesting the feasibility of gene delivery of this fusion protein for anti-HBV therapy. On this basis, we formulated IFN-α14-ApoAI mRNA into SM-102-based LNPs, designated as IFN-α14 LNP. A single intravenous injection of this LNP formulation showed a trend toward dose-dependent reduction of HBV antigens. Furthermore, a single intravenous dose of 4 μg IFN-α14 LNP showed comparable inhibition of HBV antigens to the clinically approved drug PEG-IFNα2 (2 μg, subcutaneously). Moreover, safety assessment showed that the 4 μg dose was well tolerated with no detectable organ toxicity, only transient and self-limited cytokine elevations, and reversible splenic immune activation. In addition, repeated dosing of IFN-α14 LNP in mice induced neutralizing antibodies against the xenogeneic human IFN-α14, a limitation that is not anticipated in humans due to immune tolerance to self-proteins. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that IFN-α14 LNP exerts anti-HBV activity while exhibiting a favorable safety profile in humanized IFNAR mouse models. It represents a novel therapeutic candidate for chronic hepatitis B that still requires refinement.
Despite global efforts to eliminate HIV as a public health threat, sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) still harbours about the highest burden of the pandemic, home to around 70 % of people living with HIV with limited contribution in the field of HIV cure research, especially in West and Central Africa (WCA). This gap is mainly due to challenges that researchers of this region are facing in initiating and advancing HIV cure research locally, with lesser commitment from the French-speaking countries. Furthermore, capacity-building of early career scientists on HIV cure research remains constrained due to limited awareness and language barriers to existing opportunities. Even though HIV non-B subtypes represent 89 % of circulating subtypes worldwide, cure research has been extensively focused on subtype B (prevalent in America and Europe). Interestingly, WCA (known as HIV pandemic epicentre with a broad genetic diversity) offers a unique landscape for cure research with a likelihood of generalisability across various HIV subtypes. This viewpoint discusses the importance of establishing an HIV Cure Academy for WCA to support scientists, policymakers and community stakeholders from French-speaking countries in contributing to the global efforts towards HIV cure. Building on discussions, the establishment of an "HIV Cure Academy" emerges as a hallmark to: (i) raise awareness, (ii) build capacity, (iii) address scientific gaps, (iv) develop networks, and (v) foster advocacy and policy-briefing on integrating HIV cure research into national HIV agenda. The Academy is envisioned as a hub, facilitating relationships between community-based organizations, people living with HIV (PLHIV), research institutions and decision makers. This hub will also champion the "Advocacy for Cure" agenda in the sub-region, enhance multidisciplinary approach to identify local HIV cure research priorities that address the global problem. Of prime importance, research priorities in WCA include: (i) the measurement and characterization of viral reservoirs; (ii) investigation in immune responses including bNAbs, T-cell function, cytokines profiles and hosts genetic factors; (iii) identification of elite and post-treatment controllers; (iv) development of accessible technologies for point-of-care HIV DNA testing, biomarker detection, and latency-modifying agents to support functional cure strategies; (v) innovation in cost-effective and scalable therapeutic interventions suitable for low-resource settings; (vi) the strengthen of community involvement through citizen science, address ethical considerations, and engage PLHIV in the co-design of cure research initiatives; (vii) the establishment of regional training platforms, such as a Research-for-Cure Academy, to enhance scientific capacity and collaboration in West and Central Africa. Following the model of the International AIDS Society (IAS) Research-for-cure academy, the WCA HIV Cure Academy represents a key hub in achieving the goals of HIV cure, through local actions that contribute to addressing a global problem.
This study aims to describe the epidemiological characteristics of human rabies cases in Côte d'Ivoire over 11-year. A retrospective analysis was conducted on all human rabies cases reported from 2013 to 2023. Samples were analyzed by RT-qPCR using primers targeting the nucleoprotein gene according to WHO rabies diagnostic guidelines. Sociodemographic, clinical, and epidemiological data were compiled and analyzed. Hundred and fifty-two (84.44 %) out of hundred and eighty suspected cases were positive, representing an annual average of 14 cases of rabies. Men accounted for 2/3 of suspected cases and 68.42 % of confirmed ones. Patients' average age was 25.98 years. Socio-professional groups most affected were schoolchildren with 28.29 % of cases, farmers (20.39 %), and housekeepers (13.16 %). District of Abidjan, along with Loh-Djiboua, Gbêkê and Haut-Sassandra regions, recorded the highest positivity rates. Most infections (90.8 %) resulted from third-degree contact (bites), mainly to the upper limbs (46.71 %). The spastic form of rabies was predominant (84.87 %). None of the positive patients had been vaccinated. Vectors were mainly wandering dogs (82.24 %). Human rabies remains a major public health concern in Côte d'Ivoire, mainly affecting schoolchildren and mostly located in rural areas. Prevention strategies, including vaccination and control of wandering animals, remain essential.
X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) deficiency is a congenital immunodeficiency disorder characterized by increased susceptibility to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and is frequently associated with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). To investigate the correlation between EBV and XIAP deficiency-related HLH, including EBV infection status, XIAP genetic mutation sites, and the efficacy of different treatment regimens in patients with EBV-positive XIAP deficiency-related HLH, and to analyse the prognosis of these patients. We retrospectively analysed patients diagnosed with EBV-positive XIAP deficiency-related HLH. Data were collected from August 2017 to August 2024, and 10 patients were included in this study. All patients exhibited an elevated EBV-DNA load. EBV-DNA was detected in both plasma (2/10) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (10/10), specifically B cells (9/9) and T cells (4/9). Treatment regimens containing rituximab, HLH-2004, and dexamethasone with or without ruxolitinib achieved complete remission. However, only the regimen containing rituximab successfully eradicated EBV from plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells in all patients. None of the patients underwent allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. No cases of HLH recurrence or EBV reactivation were observed during a median follow-up of 28 months. EBV infection plays a crucial role in triggering HLH in patients with XIAP deficiency. XIAP deficiency-related HLH is frequently associated with EBV infection, which predominantly affects B cells. Treatment regimens containing rituximab can effectively control HLH and eliminate EBV infection. Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation may be avoidable in paediatric patients achieving EBV eradication through rituximab-containing regimens.
Pseudorabies virus (PRV) causes substantial economic losses in the global swine industry. Serological diagnosis plays a crucial role in its eradication. Here, we developed a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) to detect antibodies against PRV glycoprotein D (gD). First, the recombinant gD ectodomain was expressed and purified to immunize mice, resulting in the generation of a monoclonal antibody (mAb 1D11) that targets gD. Subsequently, this antibody was conjugated with horseradish peroxidase (HRP), serving as the competing reagent. The cELISA was optimized under ideal conditions. Furthermore, validation using 204 swine serum samples-comprising 110 PRV-positive and 94 PRV-negative samples-demonstrated a high sensitivity and specificity, with a cutoff value of 46.16% inhibition determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis (area under the curve = 0.995). Importantly, no cross-reactivity was observed with antibodies against other tested swine viruses. Both intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were found to be less than 10%, confirming high reproducibility of the assay results. When compared to a commercial PRV glycoprotein B (gB) ELISA kit (IDEXX), our cELISA exhibited strong agreement with κ = 0.90. This robust, specific, and sensitive cELISA provides a reliable tool for large-scale monitoring of PRV antibodies.
In the last decades, the world of hepatology has widely changed. Although relevant advances have be achieved (e.g. the way toward eradication of hepatitis C virus), many challenges are far to be won. Patients with liver disease continue to face noteworthy barriers to early diagnosis and effective disease management. In response to these tasks, the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver formed a multidisciplinary commission to address the unmet needs of people affected by liver diseases. We analyzed the state of the art of the following consolidated unmet needs: stigma (with particular attention to alcohol-related disease and obesity), specific criticisms of elderly, socioeconomic barriers that patients with liver disorders can face, gender gap in many aspects of liver disease and, finally, the complex issue of quality of life. For each unmet need, we proposed a key-message task and some concrete future perspectives. Preserving a holistic vision and using both multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary method, represent the only effective approach to take on the many unmet needs of patients with liver disorders.
Measles remains a global public health concern, despite the availability of effective vaccines. Recent outbreaks highlight the need for strong vaccination programs. Since launching both doses, Ethiopia has been working with global health organizations to increase vaccination coverage. However, focusing solely on coverage overlooks the importance of timely vaccination. In Ethiopia, despite occasional increases in coverage, measles outbreaks persist due to insufficient attention to timeliness. This study aims to assess the timeliness and its determinants of second-dose measles-containing vaccine uptake in Gondar City to inform efforts to strengthen immunization programs and prevent measles infections. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 618 children aged 24-36 months. Participants were selected using a two-stage systematic random sampling method from April 25 to May 25. Structured questionnaires were administered through interviews, and data were collected using the Kobo toolbox and then analyzed using Stata version 17. A binary logistic regression model was utilized to determine factors associated with the outcome, with significance declared at a p-value <0.05. Adjusted odds ratios with 95 % confidence intervals were used to assess the direction and strength of associations. Among the total of 618 children, 523 (84.63 %) (95 % CI: 81.77 %-87.48 %) were vaccinated for MCV2 timely (in the national recommended age). Paternal college and above in their education (AOR: 5.84, 95 % CI: 1.55-8.18), four or more ANC follow-ups (AOR: 5.84, 95 % CI: 1.55-8.18), at least two doses of vitamin An uptake (AOR: 6.39, 95 % CI: 2.92-12.59), mothers having high awareness (AOR: 2.04, 95 % CI: 1.05-3.99), and mothers having positive perception (AOR: 4.81, 95 % CI: 2.13-10.86) to measles vaccination were significant determinants for timely uptake of the second dose measles-containing vaccine. The timely uptake of the second dose of the measles vaccine in the study area was suboptimal, and efforts should be continued to eradicate measles infection. Paternal educational status, ANC follow-ups, repeated vitamin An uptake, maternal awareness, and perception of measles vaccination were statistically significant determinants for the timely uptake of a second dose of measles-containing vaccine. Strengthening maternal and child health services, increasing awareness, and changing mothers' perceptions about measles vaccination may increase the timely uptake of MCV2 among children receiving a second MCV dose.