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Proper understanding of the long-term epidemiology of chikungunya has been hampered by poor surveillance. Outbreak years are unpredictable and cases often misdiagnosed. Here we analyzed age-specific data from 2 serological studies (from 1973 and 2012) in Cebu, Philippines, to reconstruct both the annual probability of infection and population-level immunity over a 60-year period (1952–2012). We also explored whether seroconversions during 2012–2013 were spatially clustered. Our models identified 4 discrete outbreaks separated by an average delay of 17 years. On average, 23% (95% confidence interval [CI], 16%–37%) of the susceptible population was infected per outbreak, with >50% of the entire population remaining susceptible at any point. Participants who seroconverted during 2012–2013 were clustered at distances of <230 m, suggesting focal transmission. Large-scale outbreaks of chikungunya did not result in sustained multiyear transmission. Nevertheless, we estimate that >350 000 infections were missed by surveillance systems. Serological studies could supplement surveillance to provide important insights on pathogen circulation.

Summary The diagnosis of autoimmune gastritis poses significant challenges, particularly in resource-limited settings where access to serological tests is restricted. This study aimed to evaluate the histological, endoscopic, and serological features of patients diagnosed with autoimmune gastritis in our population. Methods We retrospectively reviewed cases diagnosed with autoimmune gastritis at two medical centers in Peru. Clinical data, serological and endoscopic reports were collected for each case, and gastric mucosal tissue samples from the antrum and corpus were histologically examined. Immunohistochemistry was also performed to evaluate neuroendocrine hyperplasia. Results Histologically, all 44 cases exhibited atrophy in the corpus, with the majority presenting at advanced stages of the disease (84%). However, endoscopic findings did not correlate with histology, as only 59.09% of cases showed corpus atrophy on endoscopy. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed neuroendocrine hyperplasia in all cases (100%). Anti-intrinsic factor antibody was positive in only 25% of cases, whereas 84.1% showed positivity for anti-parietal cell antibodies. Conclusion Histological evaluation of autoimmune gastritis cases demonstrates significant diagnostic potential, offering an effective alternative to costly and less accessible serological tests, particularly in resource-limited settings like ours.

Background Rubella is considered as a benign childhood infection. Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) can result from the virus’s teratogenic potential, making the infection dangerous for pregnant women, particularly in the first trimester. Immunization is the only effective prevention against rubella and CRS in the absence of specific treatment. Since 2005, the rubella vaccine has been available in Tunisia. This study aimed to assess, eighteen years after the implementation of the program’s vaccination in the country, its effect on rubella seroprevalence in women of reproductive age. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study was performed from January 2021 to December 2023 at Aziza Othmana Hospital (Tunis), which has one of the biggest obstetrical and assisted medical procreation units in Tunisia. Each woman consulting in one of these two units was screened for rubella-IgG antibodies by electrochemiluminescence assay using the Elecsys Rubella IgG Kit and the Cobas e411 analyzer (Roche Diagnostics ® , Mannhein). Woman was considered immunized when titer of IgG was ≥ 10 UI/mL. All samples with titers over 500 UI/mL were tested for specific IgM by the same method. Results During the study period, 1652 women were enrolled; their age ranged from 18 to 46 years old (33.4 ± 5.3 years). Overall, the proportion of women who were protected against rubella was 93.9%; it was significantly higher among those who were part of the immunization programs (96.6% vs. 93.2%; p  = 0.01). The median level of Rubella IgG in this first group was 175 ± 159 IU/mL. Women, who were not caught up by the strategy of vaccination, were seronegative in 6.8% of cases. Rubella IgM antibodies were negative in all the 143 cases tested excluding recent infection. Conclusion These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the rubella vaccine, which is administered systematically as part of the national immunization schedule in all one-year-old infants. Nonetheless, the persistent vulnerability for rubellain susceptible women in their reproductive years highlights the importance of their vaccination during the pre-conception or in early postpartum phases. Clinical trial Not applicable, as this study is not a clinical trial.

Men who have sex with men and people living with HIV are disproportionately affected in the 2022 multi-country monkeypox epidemic. The smallpox vaccine can induce cross-reactive antibodies against the monkeypox virus (MPXV) and reduce the risk of infection. Data on antibodies against MPXV induced by historic smallpox vaccination in people with HIV are scarce. In this observational study, plasma samples were collected from people living with and without HIV in Shenzhen, China. We measured antibodies binding to two representative proteins of vaccinia virus (VACV; A27L and A33R) and homologous proteins of MPXV (A29L and A35R) using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We compared the levels of these antibodies between people living with and without HIV. Stratified analyses were performed based on the year of birth of 1981 when the smallpox vaccination was stopped in China. Plasma samples from 677 people living with HIV and 746 people without HIV were tested. A consistent pattern was identified among the four antibodies, regardless of HIV status. VACV antigen-reactive and MPXV antigen-reactive antibodies induced by historic smallpox vaccination were detectable in the people born before 1981, and antibody levels reached a nadir during or after 1981. The levels of smallpox vaccine-induced antibodies were comparable between people living with HIV and those without HIV. Our findings suggest that the antibody levels against MPXV decreased in both people living with and without HIV due to the cessation of smallpox vaccination.

Background Severe fever with thrombocytopenia (SFTS) caused by SFTS virus (SFTSV) was a tick-borne hemorrhagic fever that posed significant threat to human health in Eastern Asia. The study was designed to measure the seroprevalence of SFTSV antibody in healthy population residing in a high endemic region. Methods A cohort study was performed on healthy residents in Shangcheng County in Xinyang City from April to December in 2018, where the highest SFTS incidence in China was reported. Anti-SFTSV IgG was measured by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and neutralizing antibody (NAb) was detected by using PRNT50. The logistic regression models were performed to analyze the variables that were associated with seropositive rates. Results Totally 886 individuals were recruited. The baseline seroprevalence that was tested before the epidemic season was 11.9% (70/587) for IgG and 6.8% (40/587) for NAb, which was increased to 13.4% (47/350) and 7.7% (27/350) during the epidemic season, and further to 15.8% (80/508) and 9.8% (50/508) post epidemic. The IgG antibody-based seropositivity was significantly related to the patients aged ≥ 70 years old [adjusted odds ratio ( OR ) = 2.440, 95% confidence interval ( CI ): 1.334–4.461 compared to the group of < 50 years old, P  = 0.004], recent contact with cats (adjusted OR  = 2.195, 95% CI : 1.261–3.818, P  = 0.005), and working in tea garden (adjusted OR  = 1.698, 95% CI : 1.002–2.880, P  = 0.049) by applying multivariate logistic regression model. The NAb based seropositivity was similarly related to the patients aged ≥ 70 years old (adjusted OR  = 2.691, 95% CI : 1.271–5.695 compared to the group of < 50 years old, P  = 0.010), and recent contact with cats ( OR  = 2.648, 95% CI : 1.419–4.941, P  = 0.002). For a cohort of individuals continually sampled with 1-year apart, the anti-SFTSV IgG were maintained at a stable level, while the NAb level reduced. Conclusions Subclinical infection might not provide adequate immunity to protect reinfection of SFTSV, thus highlighting the ongoing threats of SFTS in endemic regions, which called for an imperative need for vaccine development. Identification of risk factors might help to target high-risk population for public health education and vaccination in the future. Graphical Abstract

About the Authors: Marina Rovani Drummond Affiliation: Applied Research in Dermatology and Bartonella Infection Laboratory, University of Campinas (UNICAMP) Medical School, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil Amanda Roberta de Almeida Affiliation: Applied Research in Dermatology and Bartonella Infection Laboratory, University of Campinas (UNICAMP) Medical School, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil Letícia Valandro Affiliation: Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Campinas (UNICAMP) Medical School, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil Maria Helena Postal Pavan Affiliation: Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Campinas (UNICAMP) Medical School, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil Raquel Silveira Bello Stucchi Affiliation: Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Campinas (UNICAMP) Medical School, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil Francisco Hideo Aoki Affiliation: Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Campinas (UNICAMP) Medical School, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil Paulo Eduardo Neves Ferreira Velho * E-mail: pvelho@unicamp.br Affiliations Applied Research in Dermatology and Bartonella Infection Laboratory, University of Campinas (UNICAMP) Medical School, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil, Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Campinas (UNICAMP) Medical School, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil ORCID logo http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7901-2351 Citation: Drummond MR, de Almeida AR, Valandro L, Pavan MHP, Stucchi RSB, Aoki FH, et al. During the investigation, Bartonella sp. cultures and molecular research were requested from a blood sample; a transthoracic echocardiogram showed aortic valve with mild thickening of a noncoronary leaflet, with a pedunculated image of 7x2 mm. The other valves had normal morphology and mobility. The use of antibiotics prior to culture collection is considered the main cause of negative diagnostic routine cultures of IE, hindering growth, even under appropriate conditions, of fastidious agents, such as B. henselae [8, 9]. [...]the use of molecular methods enables the etiological diagnosis of endocarditis previously considered idiopathic [10, 11]. The sensitivity of the method (conventional or nested PCR) is another variable in false-negative results [13, 17, 18]. Besides difficulties of molecular tests, serology is not considered a gold standard for diagnosis of infection.

Background and Aim: The peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious disease of small ruminants which negatively affects animal production and the socioeconomic status of farmers. Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) encodes eight proteins, with the viral fusion protein (F) playing a role in virus virulence and stimulating an effective protective immune response. This study aimed to isolate and complete the identification of PPRV circulating in goats in different Egyptian governorates and perform molecular characterization of the PPRV F gene. Materials and Methods: Samples were collected from unvaccinated animals with clinical signs suggestive of PPR. A total of 256 sera were tested for the detection of PPRV antibodies using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) kit, while 214 samples of blood buffy coat preparation, animal swabs (nasal, ocular, and saliva), and fecal and tissue samples were tested for the detection of the PPRV antigen using an antigen-capture ELISA kit. Molecular diagnosis, gene cloning, blast analysis, and phylogenetic analysis were performed for the molecular characterization of PPRV. Results: The seroprevalence results of PPRV antibodies in the tested sera showed a total of 67.9% positive samples. The rates of PPR antigen recorded by the antigen-capture ELISA in the swabs (nasal and ocular) and tissue samples were 44.3%, 46.8%, and 43.5%, respectively, with saliva swabs having the highest rate of PPRV positivity (76.4%) and fecal samples having the lowest (33.3%). Molecular characterization of the PPRV Vero cell culture revealed that the circulating PPRV strain belongs to the IV lineage. Blast analysis of the PPRV F gene showed 96.7% identity with the PPRV strain Egypt-2014 fusion protein (F) gene, KT006589.1, differing by 43 single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the emerging PPRV belongs to the IV lineage among small ruminant animals. The findings also indicate the need for an innovative strategy to control and eliminate this disease based on a regularly administered and effective vaccine, a test to distinguish between infected and vaccinated animals, and the need for further study on the protein structure and PPRV F gene expression, which should help us to understand the molecular evolution of the virus and control and eliminate PPR disease.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of antibodies against two economically significant viral pathogens in domestic pigs like porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and classical swine fever virus (CSFV) through a serological study in swine herds in Mizoram, India. Methodology: Serum samples were collected from apparently healthy and suspected pigs of different age groups comprising weaners, growers and adult in four districts (Aizawl, Champhai, Kolasib and Serchhip) of Mizoram during February, 2018 to June, 2019. Seroprevalence of CSFV and PRRSV specific antibodies was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Out of 420 samples, 117 samples were found positive for PRRSV, 171 samples for CSFV indicating a mean positivity of 27.86% and 40.48%. Presence of mixed infection was observed in 13.33% samples. Interpretation: The present study demonstrated the extensive circulation of classical swine fever virus and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus among domestic pig populations of Mizoram, India.

In order to rapidly inform polices in the international response to the ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), we summarize in this review current evidence on epidemiological and clinical features of the infection, transmission routes, problems of nucleic-acid testing, the epidemiological trend in China and impact of interventional measures, and some lessons learned. We concluded that the epidemic is containable with traditional nonpharmacological interventions, mainly through social distancing and finding and isolating suspected patients and close contacts. Nonpharmacological interventions are the only effective measures currently accessible and have suppressed some 90% of the infections in China. Close contacts are the major mechanism of transmission, which makes it possible to control this epidemic through nonpharmacological methods. Nucleic-acid testing alone may miss some 50% of infected patients, and other methods such as chest computerized tomography (CT) or serology should be considered to supplement molecular testing. The development of vaccines and drugs is important, but hesitation to make use of nonpharmacological interventions may mean missing golden opportunities for effective actions.

Toxoplasmosis is a widespread infection, with clinical spectrum ranging from a completely asymptomatic infection to multi-organ involvement. After entering the body, the parasite forms tissue cysts and establishes a chronic infection, involving also the central nervous system (CNS). During the last years, a lot of research has focused on the possible link between exposure to T. gondii and development of neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease (PD). If a firm association between Toxoplasma infection and neuropsychiatric disorders will be established, this would lead to novel strategies for their prevention and treatment. We will review data from serological and neurodevelopment studies relating infection with T. gondii to such neuropsychiatric diseases.