Background

Brucellosis is a significant public health concern in lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs), predominantly in India, due to close contact with the animal population owing to individuals' occupation. Additionally, families of these groups face a high risk of possible domestic exposure due to the proximity of animals in residential spaces. On account of its complex dynamics spanning across human, animal, and environmental sectors and emerging AMR, Brucellosis is a critical One-Health challenge.¹

Objectives

To systematically review global evidence on brucellosis control and the epidemiological trends under a One Health framework and assess implications for India.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Databases searched included Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Embase (from inception to Jan 2025). Studies addressing human brucellosis, antimicrobial resistance, and One Health interventions were included. Two independent reviewers extracted data.

Almost 20 studies were included for qualitative synthesis. A simplified random-effects meta-analysis was performed using Indian prevalence data to estimate pooled seroprevalence and subgroup variation. ^2,3

Results

The included studies spanned diverse geographical regions in India. Collectively, the findings indicate that brucellosis continues to be a major global public health concern with a pooled prevalence of 4.75% among the general population and 6% among occupationally exposed groups. Environmental and livestock-associated reservoirs and irrational antibiotic use contribute to the transmission of AMR. Key risk factors include direct animal contact and consumption of unpasteurized animal products. From the studies, livestock vaccination consistently emerged as the most effective preventive measure.

Conclusion

Brucellosis persists as a significant zoonosis in India, particularly among high-risk populations. The analysis demonstrates that while overall prevalence in the general population is moderate, high-risk groups bear a substantially higher burden, emphasizing the importance of targeted interventions. Multidisciplinary One Health interventions, including livestock vaccination and antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary and human sectors, are crucial steps towards effective disease mitigation.⁴

Introduction. Toxocara canis is a zoonotic nematode of global importance that causes visceral and ocular larva migrans in humans. In Mexico, large populations of stray and free-roaming dogs increase environmental contamination with infective eggs, yet no previous systematic synthesis of prevalence data exists. This review aimed to determine the prevalence of T. canis infection in dogs across Mexico and identify research gaps.
Methods. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, systematic searches were conducted in PubMed and Scopus (up to March 2026) using the terms (“Toxocara canis” OR Toxocara) AND (dog OR dogs OR canine) AND (Mexico OR México) AND (prevalence OR infection OR seroprevalence). Inclusion criteria were original studies reporting quantitative prevalence (coprological, serological, or necropsy) in dogs in any Mexican region. Two independent reviewers screened titles/abstracts and extracted data on location, sample size, diagnostic method, and prevalence.
Results. Of 41 records identified in PubMed (and equivalent in Scopus), only three primary studies met inclusion criteria after duplicate removal and full-text assessment (n=544 dogs total). Prevalence ranged widely: 66.7% (serology, IHAT; stray dogs, Mexico City, 2008; n=141), 15.1% (coprology; stray dogs, Querétaro, 2011; n=378), and 8% (coprology; free-roaming dogs, Tulum, Quintana Roo, 2022; n=25). One additional regional review (2020) reported a broader Latin American range of 0–87%, with the highest values in young stray dogs. No meta-analysis was possible due to high heterogeneity in methods and populations.
Conclusions. Toxocara canis prevalence in Mexican dogs varies from 8% to 66.7%, being consistently higher in stray populations. These findings underscore the urgent need for nationwide control programs, routine deworming, and public health education. Future studies should use standardized diagnostics and include owned dogs to better estimate zoonotic risk.

Introduction: Chagas disease (CD), a neglected tropical disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, disproportionately affects socially and economically vulnerable populations in the Gran Chaco ecoregion. Despite regional advances in vector control, persistent structural inequalities, geographic dispersion, and limited health resources challenge the sustainability of traditional top-down strategies. Innovative, community-centered approaches are needed to enhance surveillance, equity, and long-term control.

Methods: A longitudinal mixed-methods community intervention was conducted between April 2021 and November 2023 in a rural locality of Santa Fe Province, Argentina. A participatory collaborative social network was co-constructed through stakeholder mapping, intersectoral workshops, school-based activities, and sustained communication using information and communication technologies. Community members were trained to identify and report suspected triatomine bugs, while institutional partners performed entomological confirmation and focal insecticide spraying. Infestation data from 2023 were compared with those from the last Ministry of Health inspection in 2018.

Results: In 2023, four households with triatomine infestation were detected through community-based surveillance. All specimens were identified as Triatoma infestans and tested negative for T. cruzi. Focal fumigation was implemented within the same week through coordinated municipal action. The number of infested houses matched the 2018 institutional findings; however, the participatory strategy required fewer external resources, reduced logistical costs, and enabled faster response. The intervention strengthened local awareness, inter-institutional articulation, and collective responsibility for prevention.

Conclusions: Embedding vector surveillance within a participatory community network represents a feasible and sustainable complementary strategy for Chagas disease control in underserved rural settings. By addressing social determinants, promoting local ownership, and reinforcing intersectoral collaboration, this approach aligns with current global strategies for neglected tropical diseases and may contribute to more equitable and resilient control programs.

Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with parasite genetic diversity posing significant obstacles to effective control and vaccine development. This study investigated the seasonal variation in prevalence and genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum isolates in Kogi State, North-Central Nigeria, using polymorphic markers of merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP-1) and merozoite surface protein 2 (MSP-2).
A total of 3,669 participants were enrolled between 2021 and 2023 across selected Local Government Areas in the three geopolitical zones of Kogi State. Of these, 1,834 (50.0%) tested positive for P. falciparum by rapid diagnostic test and microscopy. Malaria prevalence was higher during the wet season (52.9%) compared to the dry season (47.0%), with Kogi East recording the highest burden across seasons. Children aged 1–10 years exhibited the highest prevalence (75.4%), and infection rates varied significantly across Local Government Areas.
Genotyping revealed the presence of all three MSP-1 allelic families (K1, MAD20, and RO33) and two MSP-2 families (FC27 and 3D7). FC27 and 3D7 were the predominant MSP-2 alleles across zones and seasons. Multiplicity of infection ranged from 1.0 to 1.3, indicating low to moderate clonal diversity. The expected heterozygosity (He) was 0.56 for MSP-1 and 0.84 for MSP-2, demonstrating greater genetic diversity at the MSP-2 locus.
The findings reveal seasonal and geographical variation in malaria prevalence and substantial genetic diversity of circulating P. falciparum strains in Kogi State. These population-based genetic data provide valuable insights for malaria control strategies and vaccine development efforts in North-Central Nigeria.

Background: Parasitological contamination of soil in school environments poses a public health risk to school-aged children, particularly in settings with inadequate sanitation. School playgrounds are potential hotspots for parasite transmission among children. This study was conducted to determine the level of parasitic contamination of primary school playground soils in Jos North and Jos South Local Government Areas of Plateau State, Nigeria, and to assess hygiene, sanitation, and behavioural factors that may influence exposure to soil-borne parasites among school-aged children.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2022 and November 2024. A total of 100 (2–3cm depth) topsoil samples were collected from selected primary school playgrounds using a purposive sampling technique. Collected samples were processed by sucrose flotation technique to detect helminth eggs and larvae. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Chi-square test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Of the 100 soil samples examined, 19 were positive for at least one STH parasite, giving an overall prevalence of 19.0%. Hookworm larvae were the most frequently encountered parasite with a prevalence of 8.0%, followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (3.0%), and larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis (2.0%) and Taenia spp. (4.0%). There was no statistically significant difference in parasitic contamination of schools' playgrounds between Jos North (20.0%) and Jos South (18.0%) (χ² = 0.08, p = 0.78).

Conclusion: The detection of STHs in schools’ playgrounds in both LGAs is a reflection of environmental contamination by human waste and continued risk of transmission among school-aged children. The presence of infective stages of STHs in primary schools’ playgrounds underscores the need for improved sanitation, strengthened school-based deworming programs, and enhanced environmental hygiene practices.

Introduction: Western Romania, the Banat region, has emerged a significant endemic hub for West Nile Virus (WNV). The ecosystem, characterized by hot, humid summers and extensive river basins, provides a high-receptive environment for the Culex mosquito vector. As global thermal anomalies increase, the transmission window in these latitudes is expanding. This study analyzes the clinical trajectory and healthcare resource utilization of six confirmed cases, emphasizing the risk posed by shifting ecological dynamics in non-tropical region.
Methods: We performed a retrospective clinical audit of six laboratory-confirmed WNV patients admitted between October 2024-February 2026. Diagnosis was established via ELISA detection of WNV-specific IgM in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Analysis focused on clinical phenotyping, therapeutic interventions and hospitalization duration.
Results: The cohort (median age: 57.5 years; 1:1 sex ratio) demonstrated a high prevalence of neuroinvasive syndromes (66.7%), specifically meningoencephalitis. All cases were autochthonous, with no recent history of travel, confirming active regional circulation. Clinical severity was high: 50% of patients required Intensive Care Unit admission and mechanical ventilation. Advanced interventions, including TPE and intravenous immunoglobulin were utilized to manage progressive neurological decline. The healthcare burden was characterized by extensively prolonged hospitalizations, with a median LOS of 38.5 days (range: 10–69 days). The case fatality rate was 16.7% (n=1), associated with multiorgan failure, while surviving WNND patients exhibited significant neurological sequelae.
Conclusions: Our series underscores the severe clinical impact of endemic WNV in Western Romania, characterized by high ICU utilization and prolonged recovery periods. The identification of cases outside the traditional summer window suggests shifting vector dynamics. Early clinical suspicion and a multimodal therapeutic approach are essential for managing autochthonous neuroinvasive disease in emerging European hotspots.

Introduction:
Lobomycosis (lacaziosis), caused by Lacazia loboi, is a chronic cutaneous–subcutaneous mycosis endemic to the Amazon basin and other tropical regions. Due to an inability to culture the organism in vitro and the rarity of cases, standardized treatment guidelines are lacking. Therapeutic decisions rely primarily on case reports and small case series. This systematic review aims to synthesize available evidence regarding medical and surgical treatment outcomes for lobomycosis.

Methods:
A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus-indexed sources, and open-access repositories was conducted through February 2026 using the terms “lobomycosis,” “lacaziosis,” “Lacazia loboi,” and “treatment.” Eligible studies included case reports, case series, and narrative reviews reporting therapeutic interventions and clinical outcomes. Extracted variables included type of intervention, antifungal regimen and duration, clinical response, recurrence, and follow-up time. Due to heterogeneity and absence of controlled trials, a qualitative synthesis was performed.

Results:
Evidence is limited to observational data, predominantly individual case reports and small series. Surgical excision remains the most frequently employed treatment for localized disease but is associated with recurrence, particularly in multifocal or extensive lesions. Systemic antifungal therapy with itraconazole has demonstrated variable responses, often requiring prolonged administration. Combination therapy with itraconazole and clofazimine has been associated with clinical remission in selected cases. Posaconazole has shown promising outcomes in refractory or extensive disease, with sustained remission reported after long-term therapy (≥12 months). However, treatment duration, dosing regimens, and follow-up periods vary considerably across reports.

Conclusions:
No standardized or evidence-based therapeutic protocol exists for lobomycosis. Combined surgical and prolonged systemic antifungal therapy appears to offer better outcomes than monotherapy. Posaconazole represents a promising option for extensive disease, although cost and limited evidence remain constraints. Prospective multicenter studies and regional registries are urgently needed to establish optimal management strategies for this neglected tropical disease.

Male mosquito biology remains underrepresented in studies of host traits influencing vector populations and parasite transmission. Anopheles funestus is a major African malaria vector, yet the molecular basis of male reproductive function in this species is poorly understood. Transcript EZ976679 is strongly male-biased and shares high sequence identity with a juvenile hormone esterase-like gene, suggesting a potential role in reproductive physiology.

In this study, EZ976679 expression was profiled across developmental stages, sexes, and dissected tissues using quantitative PCR. Functional characterisation was performed using dsRNA-mediated knockdown in adult males, with transcript abundance assessed at multiple time points post-injection. Reproductive and longevity assays were conducted to evaluate the effects of EZ976679 knockdown on mating success, fecundity, fertility and adult male survival.

EZ976679 expression was age-dependent and highly enriched in the testes and accessory glands of 3–5-day-old males, with minimal expression in females and immature stages. RNA interference knockdown reduced transcript levels by more than 80% for up to five days, followed by partial recovery at later time points. Knockdown males exhibited significantly reduced mating success, decreased female fecundity and reduced adult male survival compared with controls, while fertility remained unaffected.

These findings identify EZ976679 as a male-specific host factor required for optimal reproductive performance in An. funestus. By modulating male survival, mating success and female reproductive output, this transcript may influence vector population dynamics. Targeting male reproductive biology represents a complementary and underexplored avenue for innovative malaria vector control strategies.

Introduction

Leprosy remains a major neglected tropical disease and a persistent public health challenge in endemic regions. Brazil accounts for a substantial proportion of global cases, reflecting ongoing transmission and structural inequalities that affect early detection and disease control. Understanding national epidemiological and clinical patterns is essential for guiding public health strategies.

Methods

A nationwide ecological study was conducted using secondary data from the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), accessed through the DATASUS platform. All confirmed leprosy cases reported between 2001 and 2025 were included. Variables analyzed comprised sex, age group, geographic region, operational classification, and clinical form. Descriptive epidemiological analyses were performed using absolute and relative frequencies.

Results

During the study period, 998,774 cases of leprosy were reported in Brazil. A slight predominance among males was observed (56.0%). Most cases occurred in individuals aged 15 years or older (93.5%), while 6.5% were detected in children under 15 years, indicating continued transmission. The Northeast region accounted for the largest proportion of cases (40.2%), followed by the North (20.0%) and Central-West (18.4%) regions, demonstrating marked regional disparities. Multibacillary disease represented 65.7% of cases, suggesting late diagnosis and sustained transmission chains. The dimorphic clinical form was the most frequently reported presentation (40.0%).

Conclusions

Leprosy remains widely distributed across Brazil and disproportionately affects highly endemic regions. The predominance of multibacillary disease and the persistence of cases among children reinforce the need to strengthen early diagnosis, active case detection, and public health surveillance in endemic settings.

Malaria in South Africa is seasonal and primarily occurs in the endemic provinces of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal. Malaria transmission depends on the occurrence of mosquito vector populations and thus malaria control relies heavily on the implementation of vector control interventions. Vector surveillance is essential for optimal vector control, and, as the country moves towards malaria elimination, enhanced vector surveillance is necessary to obtain comprehensive information on those primary and potential vectors that are responsible in varying degrees for ongoing residual transmission.

This retrospective study collated Anopheles mosquito collections from sentinel sites in the three endemic provinces from 01 March 2017 to 28 February 2022. Field-collected specimens were identified to species by morphology and polymerase chain reaction assays.

A total of 32,955 Anopheles mosquitoes were collected and identified from sentinel sites in the KwaZulu-Natal (n=25,359; 77.0%), Limpopo (14.5%) and Mpumalanga (8.6%) provinces. Of the collected Anopheles specimens, 73.7% (n= 24,304) were identified as members of vector species/populations in South Africa, i.e., Anopheles arabiensis (58.8%), An. parensis (6.7%), An. vaneedeni (2.2%), and An. merus (6.1%). Furthermore, the collections included species implicated as vectors in other countries (11.9%). Anopheles arabiensis (major vector) was the predominant species collected through all seasons in KwaZulu-Natal and in autumn in Mpumalanga. Anopheles pretoriensis and An. rufipes (potential vectors) were the most abundant species in spring and summer in Limpopo. In Mpumalanga, An. merus (potential vector) predominated the collection in winter, spring and summer.

The occurrence of major and potential vector species in all malaria-endemic districts under vector surveillance shows that these regions remain receptive to malaria transmission, but to varying degrees and at different times/seasons. This supports ongoing implementation of vector control strategies in each endemic province. We recommend ongoing vector surveillance and the collection of insecticide susceptibility data for vector populations in endemic districts.