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Background The One Health (OH) approach addresses the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, playing a critical role in tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR), zoonotic diseases, and climate change. Despite its importance, limited research has examined OH knowledge among African students - future professionals in public health, veterinary science, and environmental fields. Objectives This study assesses OH knowledge and its key components - AMR, zoonosis, and climate change - among higher education students across 26 African countries. Methods A cross-sectional, multicentre study was conducted from June 2023 to February 2024, using an online survey distributed in English and French. The survey targeted higher education students from diverse academic disciplines. OH knowledge levels were evaluated based on median scores, and statistical analysis using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 24 identified regional and disciplinary variations. Results A total of 726 students from 26 African Countries participated in the study. 88.2% of Central African students demonstrated adequate OH knowledge, while students from North Africa exhibited the lowest scores (64.1%). Non-medical students outperformed medical students in OH awareness (64.1% vs. 45.2%, p  < 0.001). The most important OH issues recognized by participants included OH major goal (86.6%), concept approach (83.5%), shared health threats by people, animal, and environment (82.1%). However, knowledge gaps were evident in awareness about Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (65.3%), animal as an early warning sign of human illness (65%), zoonosis related to environmental toxicants. Key knowledge gaps were identified in awareness about Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (65.3%), animal as an early warning sign of human illness (65%), zoonosis related to environmental toxicants. However, no specific knowledge gaps were identified related to impact of climate change on health. Conclusion While OH awareness among African students is relatively high, significant regional disparities and knowledge gaps remain, particularly in AMR and zoonotic disease prevention. Strengthening interdisciplinary education, enhancing regional OH initiatives, and incorporating OH into university curricula are crucial for fostering a well-informed future workforce.

Monkeypox (Mpox) is a re-emerging infectious disease representing a new global challenge. It poses a substantial threat to countries, particularly those with a low number of cases. Due to its popularity as a tourist destination and its proximity to many African refugees, Egypt is potentially at risk of Mpox importation. Therefore, effective disease management necessitates healthcare workers (HCWs) to possess adept knowledge, along with a positive attitude and behavior. The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and perception of Egyptian HCWs and medical students towards human Mpox. The present cross-sectional study data was collected from participants between October and December 2022 via a questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised 31 questions in the knowledge section, 11 questions in the attitude section, and 14 in the perception section. The present study involved a total of 1,034 HCWs and medical students. It was found that 55.3% of the participants demonstrated adequate knowledge about Mpox, whereas 44.5% and 39.8% of the respondents exhibited favorable attitudes and perceptions towards the disease, respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that adequate knowledge was significantly observed in ages older than 40 years ( < 0.001), married participants ( < 0.001), and doctors ( < 0.001). The positive attitude was significantly observed among the male sex ( = 0.045), urban residents ( = 0.002), and nurses ( = 0.002). Conversely, married participants (p = 0.013), doctors ( < 0.001), and individuals employed in pharmacy and laboratory departments ( < 0.001) experienced an increase in positive perception. Knowledge, attitude, and perception towards Mpox among Egyptian HCWs and medical students exhibit suboptimal levels. Addressing these gaps is crucial to controlling and effectively preventing disease transmission.

Background. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammatory state categorized by a disturbance of immunoregulatory mechanisms. MicroRNA-155 (miRNA-155) has an essential role in regulating gene expression and can mediate the allergic TH2 process. Objective. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the role of miR-155 as a biomarker in AR and correlate its level with the total nasal symptom score (TNSS) and the levels of serum interleukin-4 (IL-4). Methods. This study included 90 children: 45 with pollen-induced AR and 45 healthy controls. Serum miR-155 expression levels were measured using quantitative real-time PCR. Human IL-4 ELIZA kits were used for the semiquantitative detection of the serum levels of IL-4. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the best cutoff values for the studied parameters for the diagnosis of AR. Results. The demographic characteristics of the two groups were matched with respect to age and sex. The AR case group included 23 (51.1%) males and 22 (48.9%) females, while the control group included 24 (53.3%) males and 21 (46.7%) females. The miR-155 level was increased in the serum of children with pollen-induced AR compared with controls (mean difference = 2.8, p<0.001). A significant positive correlation between the serum expression level of miR-155 and TNSS in children with AR was detected (r = 0.494, p<0.001). However, no significant correlation was identified between the expression of miR-155 and that of IL-4. At a cutoff value of 1.09, the sensitivity of miR-155 as a biomarker for AR was 100%, and the specificity was 71.1%. Conclusion. MiR-155 expression levels were elevated in the serum of AR children. Therefore, miR-155 could be used as a biomarker in AR diagnosis.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between interleukin-17 (IL-17) serum levels, musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) observations, and clinical disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and hand osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: This case–control study involved 120 participants, with 40 individuals assigned to each of the three groups: RA, OA, and control. IL-17 serum levels were quantified in all participants. MSUS of the hand joints was performed on all RA and OA patients. Disease activity in patients with RA was assessed using the Clinical Disease Activity Score (CDAS). Both RA and OA patients completed a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to evaluate pain intensity. Functional status was evaluated using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) for RA patients, while the Australian/Canadian (AUSCAN) Osteoarthritis Hand Index was utilized for OA patients. Results: Serum levels of IL-17 were significantly higher in both the RA and OA groups compared to the control group. Among RA patients, a positive correlation was identified between the CDAS and the VAS for pain. In OA patients, a significant correlation was observed between VAS scores and serum IL-17 levels. Additionally, serum IL-17 levels were associated with the presence of synovitis in both RA and OA groups; however, no significant association was found between IL-17 levels and bony changes such as erosions or osteophytes. In terms of functional evaluation, serum IL-17 levels correlated with HAQ in the RA group, but not with AUSCAN in the OA group. Conclusions: Elevated IL-17 serum levels are linked to inflammatory changes identified by MSUS but not to bony changes. These findings suggest that the rise in IL-17 levels in both OA and RA is primarily driven by underlying inflammatory processes, positioning IL-17 as a potential therapeutic target for both conditions.

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is one of the key players in the innate immune system. It has the ability to identify a broad range of pathogens based on recognition of carbohydrate repeats displayed on microbial surfaces. Since mannans make about 40% of the total polysaccharide content of cell wall of Candida species (spp.) and MBL is capable of high-affinity binding to the mannan fraction of their cell wall component, this study has investigated the direct influence of MBL on Candida in vitro. Candida (C.) albicans and C. glabrata were in vitro exposed to different doses of recombinant human MBL for various time points to assess MBL influence on the production of hyphae and on the yeast forms. Moreover, the direct effect of MBL on the growth of C. albicans was measured by a cell proliferation assay. MBL induced agglutination of yeast forms as well as hyphal forms of Candida spp. and significantly reduced proliferation of C. albicans in vitro. MBL can be used as a potential antifungal candidate against Candida infection.

Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a constantly evolving virus, resulting in an increased burden on the existing COVID-19 vaccines. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are the first line of defense against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and have been prioritized among the risk categories receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. This work aimed to investigate the maintenance of antibody response of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine (ChAdOx1/nCoV-19). Methods: Anti-spike immunoglobulin G (IgG) was measured at baseline point (immediately prior to vaccination) and 12- and 24-week (w) points following vaccination. Adverse reactions to the vaccine were reported. Participants were followed up for the incidence of COVID-19 during the 12 w interval between vaccination doses for 24 w after the second dose. Results: A total of 255 HCWs participated in the study. Prior to vaccination, 54.1% experienced COVID-19, 88.2% were seropositive after the first dose, while seropositivity reached 95.7% after the second dose. Following the first and second doses, the anti-spike IgG serum level was significantly higher in subjects with past COVID-19 than in others (p < 0.001 and =0.001, respectively). Conclusions: The Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine is generally safe and provides a highly effective long-term humoral immune response against the Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2.

Background: Airway allergies such as asthma and allergic rhinitis, as well as their comorbidities, are increasing worldwide, causing significant socioeconomic health burdens to societies. It is estimated that between 3% and 10% of the population is allergic to fungi. The type of fungal sensitization varies from one geographical region to another. The present study aimed to identify the common fungal aeroallergen sensitization patterns among airway-allergic patients residing in the Zagazig locality, Egypt, in order to obtain a better understanding of fungal allergy, in addition to improving the awareness and management strategies for those patients. Methods: The present cross-sectional study included 200 allergic rhinitis and asthma patients. Sensitization to fungal aeroallergens was evaluated by skin prick testing and in vitro measurement of total and specific immunoglobulin E. Results. As determined by a skin prick test, 58% of the patients studied were allergic to mixed molds. Alternaria alternata was the predominant fungal aeroallergen among the studied patients (72.2%), which was followed by Aspergillus fumigatus (53.45%), Penicillium notatum (52.6%), Candida albicans (34.5%), and Aspergillus niger (25%). Conclusion: Mixed mold sensitization ranked fourth among the most frequent aeroallergens in airway-allergic patients, and Alternaria alternata was the most frequently encountered fungal aeroallergen in the Zagazig locality.

Variable intralesional immunotherapies have recently been proposed as a means of achieving a successful eradication of recurrent and recalcitrant human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced cutaneous and anogenital warts. The bivalent HPV vaccine is one of the newly proposed immunotherapeutic agents. We investigated the role of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) as ex vivo immunologic predictors to estimate the response to the bivalent HPV vaccine as a potential immunotherapy for cutaneous and anogenital warts. Heparinized blood samples were withdrawn from forty patients with multiple recurrent recalcitrant cutaneous and anogenital warts and forty matched healthy control subjects. Whole blood cultures were prepared with and without bivalent HPV vaccine stimulation. Culture supernatants were harvested and stored for IL-4 and IFN-γ measurements using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A comparative analysis of IL-4 and IFN-γ levels in culture supernatants revealed a non-significant change between the patient and control groups. The bivalent HPV vaccine stimulated cultures exhibited a non-significant reduction in IL-4 levels within both groups. IFN-γ was markedly induced in both groups in response to bivalent HPV vaccine stimulation. The bivalent HPV vaccine can give a sensitive IFN-γ immune response ex vivo, superior to IL-4 and sufficient to predict both the successful eradication of HPV infection and the ultimate clearance of cutaneous and anogenital warts when the bivalent HPV vaccine immunotherapy is applied.

BackgroundCutaneous warts are the commonest benign lesion produced by human papillomavirus. Lesions often regress spontaneously yet have a high rate of recurrence. They impair patients’ quality of life and carry the potential risk of cancer. Nowadays, Candida antigen immunotherapy has become an encouraging therapeutic modality for warts. We tried to assess the role of the complement pathway and T helper 1 immune response in clinical response to Candida antigen immunotherapy via complement component 3c (C3c) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, respectively.MethodsA total of 44 patients with cutaneous warts were enrolled in the study. Patients were injected with Candida antigen at 2-week interval until complete clearance of the lesion or for a maximum of 5 sessions. Blood samples were collected before initiation and after completion of immunotherapy. C3 and C4 were measured using an automated turbidimetric method. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL), C3c, and TNF-α were measured using enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay.ResultsA total of 56.4%, 17.9%, and 25.7% of the patients showed complete, partial, and no response to immunotherapy, respectively. Lesions on the dorsum of the foot and sole showed significant clearance (p value = 0.037). All patients had no deficient C3, C4, and MBL serum levels. C3c and TNF-α serum levels were significantly higher in non-responder group (p value < 0.001 and < 0.001, respectively). C3c and TNF-α serum levels were strongly correlated in all the studied patients (r = 0.8, p value < 0.001).ConclusionsCandida antigen immunotherapy is an effective therapeutic modality for cutaneous warts. C3c and TNF-α serum levels were higher in patients who failed to respond to immunotherapy.Clinical trial registry numberNCT04399577, May 2020 “retrospectively registered”

Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is a common illness influencing childbearing women worldwide. Most women suffering from RVVC develop infection without specified risk factors. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is an important component of innate immune defense against Candida infection. Innate immunity gene mutations and polymorphisms have been suggested to play a role in susceptibility to RVVC. This study aimed to investigate the association between MBL 2 gene exon 1 codon 54 polymorphism and susceptibility to RVVC in childbearing women. Whole blood and serum samples were obtained from 59 RVVC cases and 59 controls. MBL serum level was measured by enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA). MBL2 exon 1 codon 54 polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). It was shown that MBL serum level was nonsignificantly different between RVVC cases and controls. The risk of RVVC was 3 times higher in those carrying MBL2 exon 1 codon 54 variant allele (B). It could be concluded that the carrying of MBL2 exon 1 codon 54 variant allele (B) was shown to be a risk factor for RVVC in childbearing women.