Introduction: Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) remain a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly in areas with inadequate sanitation and environmental conditions that favor parasite persistence. This study investigated the prevalence of STHs in soil samples from three Local Government Areas in Ogun State, Nigeria, and evaluated the influence of selected soil physicochemical parameters on helminth occurrence.

Methods: One hundred and sixty-four (164) soil samples were collected from public locations, including dumpsites, markets, schools and roadsides, across 35 communities. In situ measurements of soil temperature, pH and moisture were obtained using a soil survey probe inserted vertically to a depth of approximately 5 cm. Parasitological examination of soil samples was performed using the sedimentation technique. Data analysis was conducted using R software. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize parasite distribution, while inferential statistics were applied to assess associations between STH occurrence and environmental variables, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Results revealed that out of the 164 samples, 152 (92.7%) were contaminated with at least one parasite species. The most frequently detected helminths were Taenia spp. (76%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (61%), followed by Trichuris trichiura (12%), Hookworms (8%), Toxocara canis (5%), Enterobius vermicularis (4%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (2%). There was no significant relationship between the intestinal parasites found in the soil samples and the study locations (p > 0.05). Soil physicochemical analysis indicated more dry soils (66%), with a mean temperature of 37°C and a mean pH of 6.89. No significant associations (p > 0.05) were observed between STH occurrence and moisture content, soil temperature and pH.

Conclusion: The widespread soil contamination observed highlights substantial environmental exposure risk and underscores the importance of integrated control measures, including environmental sanitation, routine deworming and continuous public health surveillance to reduce STH transmission in endemic settings such as in the studied area.

India bears a substantial burden of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), yet the availability of essential diagnostic services across public health facilities may not adequately reflect local epidemiological needs. This study aimed to assess the availability of diagnostics for major NTDs and examine their alignment with disease burden across different levels of the public health system.

A cross-sectional assessment was conducted in 332 public health facilities across seven states and one union territory in India, including sub-centres, primary health centres, community health centres, and district hospitals. Diagnostic availability for malaria, dengue, Japanese encephalitis, chikungunya, lymphatic filariasis, leishmaniasis, helminthic infections, and HIV was evaluated based on the Indian Council of Medical Research National Essential Diagnostics List (2019). A Diagnostic Readiness Index (DRI) was calculated at facility, district, and state levels to measure diagnostic capacity.

Diagnostic readiness increased with higher levels of healthcare facilities but showed limited concordance with reported disease burden. Malaria diagnostics demonstrated the highest availability across all tiers of care (mean district DRI: 84.34%), reflecting sustained national programmatic prioritization. In contrast, diagnostic availability for dengue (40.36%), lymphatic filariasis (29.22%), helminthic infections (25.30%), Japanese encephalitis (8.13%), and leishmaniasis (5.72%) remained limited, even in districts reporting considerable disease burden. The most pronounced gaps between disease burden and diagnostic availability were observed at sub-centres and primary health centres, while district hospitals showed relatively better alignment.

These findings highlight a persistent mismatch between NTD burden and diagnostic readiness within India’s public health system. Strengthening decentralized, burden-informed deployment of point-of-care diagnostics—particularly at peripheral and primary care levels—will be critical to improve early case detection, enhance surveillance accuracy, and accelerate progress toward national NTD control and elimination goals.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remains a major public health challenge among pregnant women, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are highly endemic. Evidence from cross-sectional, case-control, cohort studies, and systematic reviews consistently demonstrates a strong association between helminthic infections and maternal anemia. In rural Chad, anemia affected 53% of pregnant women, with high rates of intestinal parasitism. Similarly, in Southern Ethiopia, 38.7% of pregnant women were infected with intestinal parasites, and anemia prevalence was significantly higher among infected women (55.6%) compared to non-infected counterparts (16.4%), with a sixfold increased odds of anemia (AOR=6.14). Helminth-specific studies in East Wollega, Ethiopia, reported a 24.7% prevalence of intestinal helminths, predominantly hookworm (15.1%), and confirmed significant associations between helminth infection and anemia. A global meta-analysis further estimated pooled prevalences of hookworm (19%), Ascaris lumbricoides (17%), and Trichuris trichiura (11%) among pregnant women, demonstrating a 2.65-fold increased risk of anemia in infected individuals. Prospective cohort data showed significant reductions in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels among infected pregnant women, particularly with hookworm and Schistosoma mansoni infections. Mechanistically, helminths contribute to chronic intestinal blood loss, impaired iron absorption, reduced appetite, and inflammation-mediated nutrient malabsorption, exacerbating iron deficiency during pregnancy. Co-infections amplify severity, increasing risks of miscarriage, low birth weight, and small-for-gestational-age outcomes. Evidence from randomized trials indicates that second-trimester deworming may reduce maternal anemia prevalence. Collectively, these findings underscore the dual burden of IPIs and IDA in pregnancy and highlight the importance of routine screening, deworming strategies, iron supplementation, and improved water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions to mitigate adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Background:

Hepatic cystic echinococcosis (HCE) is a neglected zoonotic disease with a substantial burden in endemic regions. Surgery remains the most frequently employed therapeutic approach; however, recurrence rates range from 8% to 10% and are associated with increased morbidity and healthcare costs. Identifying prognostic factors (PFs) may enable risk stratification and optimization of clinical management.

Objective:

To identify prognostic factors associated with recurrence in patients undergoing surgery for HCE.

Methods:

A systematic review was conducted (PROSPERO: CRD42024538005). Observational and experimental studies were searched in MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, BIREME-BVS, and SciELO up to January 2026. Studies evaluating preoperative or surgical characteristics associated with recurrence were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUIPS tool, and certainty of evidence was evaluated with a modified GRADE approach for prognostic factors. Random-effects meta-analyses (REML) were performed when appropriate.

Results:

Nineteen studies were included (3,849 patients; 334 recurrences, 8.7%). Twenty-eight PFs were identified. In unadjusted analyses, prior recurrence (OR: 2.4), extrahepatic cysts (OR: 2.5), cyst rupture (OR: 11.1), multiple cysts (OR: 2.9), and cyst diameter >9 cm (OR: 2.1) were associated with increased recurrence risk. In multivariable analyses, prior recurrence (aOR: 2.7), ≥2 cysts (aHR up to 3.8), and larger cyst size (aOR up to 4.0) showed consistent independent associations. Evidence regarding surgical factors was limited and highly imprecise. Overall certainty of evidence ranged from low to very low due to clinical heterogeneity, lack of standardized recurrence definitions, and risk of confounding.

Conclusions:

Parasitic burden and intraoperative dissemination appear to be the primary drivers of recurrence after HCE surgery. Well-designed prospective multicenter cohorts with standardized definitions and robust multivariable adjustment are needed to strengthen prognostic evidence.

Introduction: Urinary schistosomiasis remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, affecting millions of people, particularly school-age children. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with urinary schistosomiasis among school-age children in Goronyo Local Government Area, Sokoto State, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 200 urine samples were collected and analyzed using standard filtration technique. Chi-square statistical analysis was used to determine significant association between occurrence of urinary schistosomiasis and gender, age, and wards of the pupils. Results: Out of the 200 samples analyzed, 48 (24%) were found to be infected with Schistosoma haematobium. Males were more often infected (14%) than females (10%). The highest prevalence was recorded inthe Sabon-Gari ward (8%) settlement, followed by Bazza (7%) and Taloka (5%), while the lowest prevalence was recorded in Kwakwazo (4%). The prevalence of infection was highest among pupils in Primary 4 (9%), followed by Primary 5 pupils (8%) and pupils in Primary 3 (5%), while the lowestprevalence was observed in Primary 2 pupils (2%). No infections were recorded in Primary 6 pupils. Results of chi-square analysis revealed a significant association between the occurrence of urinary schistosomiasis and the age of the pupils. Conclusion: It is concluded that urinary schistosomiasis remains a public health challenge in the Goronyo Local Government Area, Sokoto. Therefore, it is recommended that local authorities should prioritize improving sanitation infrastructures in schools and communities and health education campaigns, especially in high-prevalence settlements like Sabon-Gari and Bazza.

Background
Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) occurs in two forms, caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense in West and Central Africa and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense in Eastern and Southern Africa. Although substantial progress toward elimination has been achieved in endemic regions, T. brucei infections continue to pose diagnostic challenges in non-endemic countries in people arriving from affected areas. South Africa is not endemic for HAT and all detected cases are imported or travel-associated. Reference laboratories therefore play a critical role in confirmatory diagnosis.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective laboratory-based review of samples submitted for trypanosomiasis testing at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) between 2016 and 2025, evaluating diagnostic outcomes, specimen characteristics, and referral patterns. All specimens referred for suspected or confirmatory T. brucei infection were included, and demographic, referral and laboratory data were analysed.

Results
A total of 38 patients with submitted samples were included; 69% were male and 29% female, with a median age of 45 years (range 12–87). Whole blood (81.8%) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (10.9%) were the most frequently submitted specimen types. Whole blood demonstrated a positivity rate of 23.6%, while none of the CSF samples tested positive. A real-time PCR for detection of Trypanosoma brucei species complemented microscopy and enabled analysis of additional specimen types; notably, one case was diagnosed from serum using PCR. Most submissions (92%) originated from the private health sector, primarily in Gauteng Province, of which 25% tested positive. Confirmed cases reported travel or residence in Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Conclusions
This review highlights the importance of centralised reference laboratory services for detecting imported HAT in non-endemic countries. Expanded molecular diagnostic capacity and sustained clinical awareness remain essential for timely detection. Implementation of multiplex PCR capable of distinguishing T. brucei subspecies, currently under development at the PRL, will enhance surveillance sensitivity and support ongoing elimination efforts in the African region.

Introduction

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health threat driven by inappropriate antibiotic use. Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) aim to optimize prescribing and limit the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). This study evaluated the impact of an antibiogram-guided antimicrobial stewardship intervention on antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, MDRO prevalence, and antibiotic consumption in a tertiary care hospital in South India.

Methods

A longitudinal observational study was conducted from January 2022 to December 2024 in a tertiary care hospital. A total of 3092 clinical specimens were processed, of which 1144 yielded bacterial growth. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method as per CLSI guidelines. A cumulative antibiogram (2022) was used to formulate and implement an institutional antibiotic policy in January 2023, supported by clinician education and prescription audits as part of the ASP. Resistance trends were compared across three periods: pre-implementation (OYB), one year post-implementation (OYA), and two years post-implementation (TYA). Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square/Fisher’s exact test, with p <0.05 considered significant. Antibiotic consumption was assessed using DDD/1000 patients.

Results

Following implementation, modest but significant improvements in antimicrobial susceptibility were observed. Mean susceptibility of Escherichia coli increased from 65.6% to 68.5%, with significant improvement in doxycycline susceptibility (p <0.05). Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed improved ciprofloxacin susceptibility (p <0.05). The prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli declined from 63% to 51%, and ESBL-producing Klebsiella from 60% to 52%. MRSA prevalence decreased from 24% to 22%. A significant reduction in β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor consumption was observed (p <0.05).

Conclusion

Antibiogram-guided antimicrobial stewardship, incorporating policy implementation, clinician education, and audit feedback, was associated with improved susceptibility patterns and reduced MDRO burden. Sustained surveillance and policy reinforcement are essential to combat AMR.

Introduction:
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing public health threat that spans human, animal, and environmental health systems. In Ghana, limited multisectoral evidence exists on how knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to AMR vary across these interconnected sectors. This study assessed AMR-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices across the One Health sectors in selected districts of Ghana and examined factors associated with appropriate antimicrobial-related behaviours.

Methods:
A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among adults working in human health, animal health, and environmental health sectors in Sunyani West Municipality, Techiman Metropolitan Area, and Offinso North District. A stratified random sampling approach was used to recruit 450 participants, of whom 448 completed a structured questionnaire. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and AMR-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices were collected through face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics summarized outcomes, while chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with good knowledge and appropriate practices.

Results:
Overall, 63% of participants demonstrated good knowledge of AMR, with significant variation across sectors (p < 0.001). Positive attitudes toward prudent antimicrobial use were reported by 85% of respondents; however, only 40% exhibited appropriate practices. Good knowledge was significantly associated with tertiary education (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.7–4.6) and employment in the human health sector (aOR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.4–4.4). Appropriate practices were independently predicted by good knowledge (aOR = 3.6; 95% CI: 2.2–5.9) and positive attitudes toward antimicrobial stewardship (aOR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.3–3.2).

Conclusion:
Knowledge and practices related to antimicrobial resistance vary substantially across One Health sectors in Ghana, with notable gaps between awareness and behaviour. Strengthening multisectoral training, regulation of antimicrobial use, and district-level stewardship interventions are essential to promote responsible antimicrobial use and reduce AMR risks.

Introduction

Neisseria macacae is a gram-negative diplococcus colonized in the oral cavity of monkeys. Finding N. macacae in patients’ specimens may cause suspicion of patients’ exposure to monkeys. We encountered a case of N. macacae isolated in a patient’s peritoneal dialysate effluent that demonstrated how the Neisseria taxonomy can be misleading.

Methods

The 31-year-old male is a previous anabolic steroid user who was diagnosed as having end-stage renal disease secondary to biopsy-proven focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Fifty days after his peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion, he complained of one-day history of cloudy dialysate effluent, which was sent for laboratory analysis. The effluent’s total nucleated count (TNC) was 13504 x 10^6/L, with 0.97 neutrophil and 0.03 monocyte/macrophage. The effluent was inoculated in an aerobic blood culture bottle which showed growth after 30 hours of incubation. Gram staining of the culture fluid showed moderate polymorphonuclear leukocytes in addition to gram-negative diplococci under 1000x magnification. He received one intraperitoneal dose of ceftazidime 1.5 g and vancomycin 2 g.

Results

After 24-hour incubation, this microorganism was identified as Neisseria macacae by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (score>2.0). Subsequently, 16S ribosomal RNA testing identified this microorganism as Neisseria macacae/perflava. N. macacae/perflava are usually non-pathogenic commensal flora in the oropharynx of rhesus macaques. However, the patient denied exposure to monkeys. A review of the Bruker manufacturer MALDI-TOF library showed limitations in differentiating between Neisseria macacae and Neisseria sicca, a commensal flora. In three days, his dialysate effluent TNC decreased to 93 x 10^6/L. He subsequently received 18 intraperitoneal doses of ceftriaxone 1 g daily and clinically improved.

Conclusions

This case demonstrated the importance of clinical correlation in interpreting test results and diagnosing zoonotic diseases.

Introduction

Soil contamination with animal excreta is widespread, posing public health risks. The aim was to describe the prevalence of intestinal helminths among cats and dogs and in soil from selected environments in Colombo and Gampaha Districts, Sri Lanka.

Method

Approximately 200g of subsurface soil was collected into zip-lock bags from randomly selected public sites and home gardens from May 2024 toJanuary 2025. Soil samples were processed for helminths using magnesium sulfate flotation and Baermann techniques.

Wet smears prepared from excreta collected from randomly selected cats and dogs attending veterinary clinics in Colombo were examined microscopically for helminth ova and larvae.

Results

A total of 200 soil samples from Colombo (n=108) and Gampaha (n=92) were analyzed. Study sites included parks (n=32), religious places (n=48), university grounds (n=12), side-roads (n=12), beaches (n=12), school grounds (n=28), hospital grounds (n=8), and home gardens (n=48) .The overall prevalence of helminth ova in soil by flotation was 14% (28/200), with 16.66% (18/108) and 10.86% (10/92) in Colombo and Gampaha, respectively. Helminth species detected were Toxocara spp. 57.14% [16/28], Ascaris lumbricoides 14.2% [4/28] and Ancylostoma spp. 28.57% [8/28]. The prevalence of parasitic helminth larvae in soil detected using the Baermann technique was 22%, for Ancylostoma spp. was 88.63%, and for Strongyloides spp. was 11.36%. Soil contamination was highest at religious sites (22.22%) and in parks (11.11%).

Analysis of faecal samples of 17 animals, including 8 feline and 9 canine samples, detected ova of Toxocara spp. (12.5%) and Ancylostoma spp. (62%) among cats and Ancylostoma spp. (55.5%) and Capilaria spp. (12.5%) among dogs via direct wet smears. Companion animals at religious sites had the highest parasite prevalence, 88.88% (8/9).

Conclusion

The prevalence of animal hookworms was high among cats and dogs in both Gampaha and Colombo Districts. Zoonotic helminth stages were widespread in soil in both districts, with few areas positive for human STH ova. Religious sites and public parks were the most contaminated. Local incidence rates of zoonotic STHs among humans were unknown. We recommend health education, animal deworming, safe disposal of animal excreta and stray animal control.