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Journal articleNgwili N, Kachepa U, Korir M, et al., 2026, , One Health Outlook, Vol: 8, ISSN: 2524-4655
Background Taenia solium, colloquially called the pork tapeworm, is a zoonotic parasite with a human definitive host and a porcine intermediate host. Humans can become an aberrant intermediate host due to accidental ingestion of parasite eggs from the environment or through autoinfection, resulting in human cysticercosis (HCC), neurocysticercosis (NCC) if the central nervous system is infected. Pigs become infected with the larval stage, porcine cysticercosis (PCC), through the ingestion of parasite eggs shed by humans through defecation. Malawi has been classified as endemic for T. solium by the WHO based on the presence of key risk factors; however, the subnational distribution is not known. To ensure the appropriate resources are mobilized to support targeted future T. solium control measures in Malawi, there is a need to understand the variation in T. solium endemicity status across the country.Methods The current study uses a systematic literature review (SLR) using a pre-registered protocol; (PROSPERO CRD42023411044) to collate all available evidence on T. solium in Malawi. A geospatial risk mapping approach was conducted based on data from Malawi demographic health surveys (MDHS), and pig density data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) database to create geospatial risk maps of endemic subnational areas for 2000, 2004, 2010, and 2016. To create a single composite risk factor map for the four years from the MDHS, each parameter was plotted as a binary variable with the high or low risk categories and overlaid into a single composite risk factor classification. Additional data from hospital records on NCC and meat inspection records across several Agricultural Development Divisions (ADDs) were also collected.
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Journal articleQuijada Rodriguez ML, Vicco A, Bajura F, et al., 2026, , The Lancet Regional Health. Americas, Vol: 58, ISSN: 2667-193X
BackgroundPanama is a dengue endemic country which experienced a large outbreak in 2024 with over 32,000 reported cases and an incidence rate exceeding 700 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Despite decades of circulation, the epidemiology of dengue and its heterogeneity in transmission intensity across Panama have not yet been characterised.MethodsWe used 25 years of dengue case notification and population data from across Panama's 16 health regions and 82 districts to characterise dengue epidemiology and transmission intensity in the country. The analytic dataset comprised 128,890 dengue cases, of whom 52% were female and 48% were male; the mean age was 32.4 years (range 0–108 years). Ethnicity data are not collected in Panama's national dengue surveillance system and were therefore unavailable for this analysis. We characterised spatial heterogeneities in delay distributions by fitting parametric probability distributions to epidemiological delays, and demographic differences in the incidence risk ratio of dengue, and of dengue attributable hospitalisations and deaths. We also implemented catalytic models to infer the time-constant dengue force-of-infection (FOI) (i.e. the long-term average annual per capita risk of infection for a susceptible individual) from the age-stratified case notification data reported across Panama during 2000–2024 and explored age- and sex-related differences in dengue case reporting in sensitivity analyses.FindingsWe observed spatial variation in delay distributions across health regions. The mean of the regional average time from symptoms onset to (i) reporting was 4.78 days (95% CI: 4.72–4.84 days), (ii) hospitalisation was 4.49 days (95% CI: 4.22–4.76), and (iii) recovery was 7.82 days (95% CI: 6.47–8.85 days). The dengue transmission intensity also showed spatial heterogeneity, with a mean regional per-serotype FOI of 0.008 (95% CrI: 0.004–0.015). The mean regional probability of detecting a secondar
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Journal articleSilva L, Gogoi M, Lal Z, et al., 2026, , Public Health Pract (Oxf), Vol: 11
OBJECTIVES: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global public health concern. Although low-income countries are disproportionately affected by AMR, certain underserved groups in high-income countries (HICs), such as migrants and ethnic minorities, disproportionately bear the burden of AMR. This may be driven by socio-cultural factors including differences in health literacy. This review aimed to investigate the level of antibiotic knowledge amongst different ethnic minority groups in HICs. STUDY DESIGN: This was a mixed-methods systematic literature review. METHODS: We searched four databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane library, CINAHL) to May 5, 2023, for primary studies on knowledge of antibiotics in different ethnic groups in HICs. We included studies in English using qualitative, quantitative and/or mixed-methods approaches and reporting on antibiotic knowledge by ethnicity. We used the convergent integrated approach for data synthesis and the Mixed-Methods Appraisal tool for quality assessment. RESULTS: 3935 articles were screened and 24 studies (17 quantitative, 5 qualitative, and 2 mixed-methods) were included, comprising 52778 participants from 8 countries (USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, Greece, Sweden, Germany). Overall, participants from ethnic minority groups were able to identify common names of antibiotics and were aware of risks of antibiotics and side effects. However, participants thought antibiotics would treat viral-type illnesses. Ethnic minority groups generally had lower levels of knowledge compared to ethnic majority groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although ethnic minority communities possessed good levels of knowledge on certain aspects of antibiotics (e.g. being able to identify names of antibiotics), there were gaps in other areas (e.g. misperception that antibiotics are used for viral infections). The lower level of knowledge in ethnic minority groups compared to majority groups may be a contributing factor to health inequaliti
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Journal articleWei Q, Zhang T, Schmit N, 2026, , Journal of Infection, Vol: 92, ISSN: 0163-4453
Post-acute sequelae are symptoms that persist or arise after the acute phase of an infection, but their frequency following outbreaks remains poorly understood. Recurrent Lassa fever outbreaks pose a significant public health threat in West Africa and may have long-term health effects. This study systematically reviewed the prevalence, incidence, duration, and characteristics of post-acute sequelae in survivors of Lassa virus infection. We searched PubMed and Web of Science up to November 17, 2025. Two reviewers screened and extracted data independently. We included six articles in the review. The most frequently reported post-acute sequela was hearing loss, with a pooled prevalence of 18% (95% CI 9-32) across 6 studies. Odds ratios for the association between Lassa fever and hearing loss were heterogeneous, with a statistically significant positive association in 2 of 5 studies and a positive effect direction in 2 further studies. Of an additional 37 potential post-acute sequelae, several with high prevalence also related to the audiovestibular system (e.g. tinnitus, balance disorder and vertigo). Our findings highlight that Lassa fever survivors can experience diverse symptoms after recovery from acute infection, with hearing loss being the best-characterised. However, data gaps remain on its incidence after mild infections and its duration. A better understanding of post-acute sequelae after Lassa fever is necessary for accurate disease burden estimation and mathematical modelling studies.
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Journal articleDonnelly CA, Ellwood SA, Roberts SJ, et al., 2026, , Poult Sci, Vol: 105
Farmers are understandably concerned that many proposed improvements to broiler chicken welfare such as 'enrichments' lead to the birds being more active, eating more and therefore result in financially detrimental effects on Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR). The current evidence is inconclusive, but most research so far has relied on small-scale pen studies, not flocks studied under commercial conditions. We measured the life-long activity of 34 commercial flocks of Cobb broilers using smart camera technology and analyzed the data using four statistical descriptors of the patterns made by flock movements - mean, variance, skew and kurtosis of optical flow. For each day, we scored each flock by its scaled deviation from the median for each of the four descriptors and gave it 4 overall activity scores, based on its average lifetime deviation from median ([average optical flow value - median]/√median). The results showed that, contrary to widespread concerns, FCR was no higher in more active flocks and that on average more active flocks tended to have lower (i.e. more efficient) FCR (p = 0.060). There were positive correlations between FCR and the lifetime activity score using both the skew of optical flow (r = 0.608, p < 0.001) and kurtosis (r = 0.603, p < 0.001), both suggesting that increasing numbers of active birds within a flock were associated with lower FCR. There were also positive correlations between skew and kurtosis of optical flow and mortality (r = 0.388, p = 0.023 and r = 0.454; p = 0.007) respectively), as well as an even higher correlation between FCR and mortality (r = 0.698; p < 0.001), which suggests that the favorable effect of activity on FCR may at least in part, be via decreased mortality. While not all welfare improvement may result in improvements in FCR, these results show that increased flock activity is not itself the problem that might be feared.
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Journal articleSubissi L, Otieno JR, Ruis C, et al., 2026, , EClinicalMedicine, Vol: 95
Historically endemic to parts of South America, Oropouche virus (OROV) has caused an estimated 500,000 infections since its discovery, with a marked geographic expansion beyond the Amazon basin into other regions of South America and the Caribbean since late 2023. This Review synthesises current evidence on OROV epidemiology, transmission dynamics, clinical manifestations, diagnostics, viral diversity, and public health impact, with the primary objective of identifying critical knowledge gaps and outlining priorities for surveillance, research, and control. Human transmission occurs primarily via Culicoides paraensis midges, while the competence of other vectors, the role of animal reservoirs in sustaining sylvatic transmission, and the contribution of vertical and sexual transmission remain incompletely understood. Although most infections are self-limiting, reports of neurological disease, Guillain-Barré syndrome, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and rare fatalities highlight uncertainties regarding pathogenicity, risk factors for severe disease, and long-term sequelae. The known teratogenicity of related Simbu serogroup orthobunyaviruses in animals further raises concerns about foetal risk in humans. Environmental change, expanding vector ranges, and viral evolution are likely contributing to outbreak emergence and geographic spread. Based on the available evidence, this review highlights priority gaps in epidemiological surveillance, diagnostics and genomic monitoring, vector competence and ecology, transmission pathways, and countermeasure development. Addressing these gaps through coordinated surveillance, improved laboratory capacity, targeted vector control, and focused research will be essential to mitigate the public health impact of OROV and reduce the risk of further spread.
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Journal articleDarko E, Akortia D, Nkrumah G, et al., 2026, , Appl Environ Microbiol
The control of infectious diseases depends on effective diagnostics and interventions. In Africa, resource limitations hinder clinical surveillance. Environmental surveillance (ES), particularly wastewater surveillance, offers a cost-effective alternative. While globally expanding, its application in Africa remains limited. This review aimed to describe published studies in Africa that have utilized ES for the detection of infectious pathogens of public health importance in Africa. The study employed a rapid review approach to synthesize evidence on ES of infectious pathogens in Africa, following guidance from the Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods. Articles from major databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, and Cochrane, were screened using Catchii.org. Duplicates were removed, and data were extracted into Excel, and study quality was appraised using the AXIS tool and a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The search strategy identified 2,189 articles, of which 90 were found to be eligible. We identified 47 microbial species that have been reported across studies. These consisted of 46.8% bacteria (n = 22), 36.2% viruses (n = 17), 4.3% fungi (n = 2), and 12.7% parasites (n = 6). Among viruses identified, SARS-CoV-2 was the most common, followed by rotaviruses and polioviruses. Vibrio cholerae was mostly reported among bacterial pathogens. The most common sampling method was grab sampling (n = 85, 94.4%), while two-phase separation (n = 22, 37.3%) and filtration (n = 11, 39.3%) were the most frequently used concentration methods for viral and bacterial detection, respectively. ES of infectious pathogens in Africa remains limited. There is a need to expand this to enhance pathogen monitoring, transmission insights, and preparedness for emerging variants.
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Journal articlePhannajit J, Narkpaichit C, Angkurawaranon C, et al., 2026,
Validation of the Kidney Failure Risk Equation and its impact on referral strategies for chronic kidney disease: protocol for a retrospective cohort study using national claims and laboratory data in Thailand
, BMJ Open, ISSN: 2044-6055Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is highly prevalent in Thailand and imposes a growing burden on the health system driven by limited nephrology capacity and high rates of unplanned dialysis. The Kidney Failure Risk Equation (KFRE) estimates the risk of progression to kidney failure on age, sex, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio. This study aims to validate and, if required, recalibrate the 4-variable KFRE for the Thai population and to assess its potential impact of KFRE-guided referral strategies on clinical care and health system performance.Methods and Analysis: We will conduct a retrospective cohort study using linked, de-identified national health databases covering approximately 70% of the Thai population. Adult patients with CKD stages 3–5 will be included. KFRE performance will be evaluated at 2 and 5 years for discrimination and calibration. If miscalibration is identified, the model will be recalibrated using Cox-based methods. Simulations (1,000 iterations) indicated that approximately 920 kidney failure events by 5 years would be required to achieve target standard errors for the calibration slope. A subsequent impact analysis will compare KFRE-guided referral with current Thai CKD guideline criteria and real-world practice using a decision-tree and Markov modelling framework.Ethics and Dissemination: Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Institute for the Development of Human 91桃色 Protections, Thailand (COA No. IHRP2025110), 91桃色, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The requirement for informed consent was waived due to the use of anonymised secondary data. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conferences, and policy briefs to supplement evidence-based referral strategies and health system planning.
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Journal articleShah A, 2026,
Impact of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis overlap in chronic pulmonary aspergillosis
, ERJ Open 91桃色, ISSN: 2312-0541Background: Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is a destructive fungal infection caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, leading to significant morbidity in individuals with structural lung disease. Clinical and immunological overlap with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) has been recognised, but its extent and prognostic relevance remain uncertain. This study assessed ABPA features in CPA and their relationship with immunological markers and long-term outcome.Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study including individuals with confirmed CPA at the Royal Brompton Hospital until December 2023. Diagnoses followed ERS/ESCMID and 2024 ISHAM criteria. Demographic, clinical, microbiological, and immunological data were analysed, and group comparisons performed using logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models.Results: Among 166 individuals with CPA, 45 (27%) met ABPA diagnostic criteria. CPA–ABPA overlap was independently associated with asthma (OR-10.16) and pan-azole resistance (OR-19.37), and inversely with sarcoidosis (OR-0.22). Overall 5-year survival was 82% (84.6% in CPA alone vs 76.6% in overlap; p=0.44). Older age, lower BMI and albumin, elevated A. fumigatus-specific IgE and IgG were associated with higher mortality, while longitudinal increase in A. fumigatus-specific IgE was also linked to worse outcome. Low serum albumin independently predicted mortality (HR 0.72; p=0.001).Discussion: CPA–ABPA overlap represents a distinct clinical phenotype linked to airway disease, antifungal resistance, and Th2-driven inflammation. Nutritional status and immunological activity, particularly rising A. fumigatus-specific IgE, emerged as key prognostic markers, linking type 2 inflammation to disease progression. These findings highlight the need for phenotype-based risk stratification and exploration of targeted immunomodulatory strategies in CPA.
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Journal articleLawson T, Drevinskas R, Sakakura M, et al., 2026, , Optica, Vol: 13, Pages: 698-706, ISSN: 2334-2536
The growing demand for high-density, long-term data storage has intensified interest in three-dimensional optical storage based on laser-written structures in glass. We evaluate a diverse set of commercial glasses to determine how intrinsic material properties influence the formation of multibit phase voxels. By analyzing voxel quality and write efficiency, we develop a materials-screening framework that links storage performance to measurable glass properties. Thermal diffusivity emerges as the property most strongly correlated with quality (r = 0.78). The resulting performance landscape identifies a Pareto front in which Schott K10 exhibits the highest write efficiency (0.115 bit nJ<sup>−1</sup> voxel<sup>−1</sup>), while Borofloat 33 provides the highest quality (1.76 bit voxel<sup>−1</sup>). Overall, this work demonstrates a generalizable methodology for selecting glasses for advanced laser-processing applications, highlighting thermal diffusivity as a key factor for achieving precise photonic structuring.
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