scholarly journals Enteric Fever Diagnosis: Current Challenges and Future Directions

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 410
Author(s):  
Durga P. Neupane ◽  
Hari P. Dulal ◽  
Jeongmin Song

Enteric fever is a life-threatening systemic febrile disease caused by Salmonella enterica serovars Typhi and Paratyphi (S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi). Unfortunately, the burden of the disease remains high primarily due to the global spread of various drug-resistant Salmonella strains despite continuous advancement in the field. An accurate diagnosis is critical for effective control of the disease. However, enteric fever diagnosis based on clinical presentations is challenging due to overlapping symptoms with other febrile illnesses that are also prevalent in endemic areas. Current laboratory tests display suboptimal sensitivity and specificity, and no diagnostic methods are available for identifying asymptomatic carriers. Several research programs have employed systemic approaches to identify more specific biomarkers for early detection and asymptomatic carrier detection. This review discusses the pros and cons of currently available diagnostic tests for enteric fever, the advancement of research toward improved diagnostic tests, and the challenges of discovering new ideal biomarkers and tests.

2001 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 480-486
Author(s):  
Florica Barbuceanu ◽  
Stelian Baraitareanu ◽  
Stefania-Felicia Barbuceanu ◽  
Gabriel Predoi

This paper describes the current diagnostic methods of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in cervides used between 2013 and 2017 in Romania. The active surveillance of CWD involves the targeted groups screening by using rapid diagnostic tests (e.g., antigen capture enzyme immunoassay). If the first test does not provide certain negative results, then the confirmatory methods have been used, i.e. histopathology, immunohistochemistry and Western immunoblotting. These tests did not lead to the detection of CWD prions (PrPCWD) in Romania. This may be due to the absence or insufficient quantity of PrPCWD in samples, below the threshold of confirmatory tests.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (18) ◽  
pp. 1900-1907
Author(s):  
Kasturi Sarkar ◽  
Parames C. Sil ◽  
Seyed Fazel Nabavi ◽  
Ioana Berindan-Neagoe ◽  
Cosmin Andrei Cismaru ◽  
...  

The global spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19 has become a source of grave medical and socioeconomic concern to human society. Since its first appearance in the Wuhan region of China in December 2019, the most effective measures of managing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection have been social distancing and lockdown of human activity; the level of which has not been seen in our generations. Effective control of the viral infection and COVID-19 will ultimately depend on the development of either a vaccine or therapeutic agents. This article highlights the progresses made so far in these strategies by assessing key targets associated with the viral replication cycle. The key viral proteins and enzymes that could be targeted by new and repurposed drugs are discussed.


2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (03) ◽  
pp. 4882
Author(s):  
Vineeta Pande ◽  
Agarkhedkar S. R. ◽  
Ayank Tandon* ◽  
Aditya Agarwal

HLH is an uncommon, life threatening clinical syndrome cause by a severe hyper inflammatory reaction triggered by an infectious agent. The characteristic symptoms of HLH are due to the persistent stimulation of lymphocytes and histiocytes, leading to hyper-cytokinemia. We report a case of HLH in enteric fever in a13 year old female presenting with fever, lymphadenopathy and pancytopenia due an infection caused by Salmonella.


Author(s):  
Andrea Springer ◽  
Antje Glass ◽  
Julia Probst ◽  
Christina Strube

AbstractAround the world, human health and animal health are closely linked in terms of the One Health concept by ticks acting as vectors for zoonotic pathogens. Animals do not only maintain tick cycles but can either be clinically affected by the same tick-borne pathogens as humans and/or play a role as reservoirs or sentinel pathogen hosts. However, the relevance of different tick-borne diseases (TBDs) may vary in human vs. veterinary medicine, which is consequently reflected by the availability of human vs. veterinary diagnostic tests. Yet, as TBDs gain importance in both fields and rare zoonotic pathogens, such as Babesia spp., are increasingly identified as causes of human disease, a One Health approach regarding development of new diagnostic tools may lead to synergistic benefits. This review gives an overview on zoonotic protozoan, bacterial and viral tick-borne pathogens worldwide, discusses commonly used diagnostic techniques for TBDs, and compares commercial availability of diagnostic tests for humans vs. domestic animals, using Germany as an example, with the aim of highlighting existing gaps and opportunities for collaboration in a One Health framework.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hisham A. Almetaher ◽  
Mohammed Awad Mansour

Abstract Background Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) is the commonest congenital abnormality of the gastrointestinal tract that occurs in 2% of general population. It remains asymptomatic, but it may lead to life-threatening complications. These complications may be misdiagnosed with other gastrointestinal disorders like acute appendicitis, making its diagnosis challenging among pediatricians and pediatric surgeons. In this study, we reported five cases with different presentations of complicated MD in children. Results Five patients with different presentations of MD were reported during the period from January 2016 to January 2020. Patients’ demographics, clinical presentations, investigations, operative data, and postoperative outcome were recorded and analyzed. Conclusions The present study highlights different presentations of MD. Surgical interference is the main key of treatment of symptomatic MD either by wedge resection of a small base diverticulum or by resection anastomosis of the small intestine in wide base and inflamed diverticulum.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 18
Author(s):  
Javier A. Quintero ◽  
Raluchukwu Attah ◽  
Reena Khianey ◽  
Eugenio Capitle ◽  
Steven E. Schutzer

The diagnosis of Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, is clinical but frequently supported by laboratory tests. Lyme arthritis is now less frequently seen than at the time of its discovery. However, it still occurs, and it is important to recognize this, the differential diagnoses, and how laboratory tests can be useful and their limitations. The most frequently used diagnostic tests are antibody based. However, antibody testing still suffers from many drawbacks and is only an indirect measure of exposure. In contrast, evolving direct diagnostic methods can indicate active infection.


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 2228
Author(s):  
Jana Kvízová ◽  
Vladimíra Pavlíčková ◽  
Eva Kmoníčková ◽  
Tomáš Ruml ◽  
Silvie Rimpelová

Prostate cancer is a very common disease, which is, unfortunately, often the cause of many male deaths. This is underlined by the fact that the early stages of prostate cancer are often asymptomatic. Therefore, the disease is usually detected and diagnosed at late advanced or even metastasized stages, which are already difficult to treat. Hence, it is important to pursue research and development not only in terms of novel diagnostic methods but also of therapeutic ones, as well as to increase the effectiveness of the treatment by combinational medicinal approach. Therefore, in this review article, we focus on recent approaches and novel potential tools for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer; these include not only androgen deprivation therapy, antiandrogen therapy, photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, immunotherapy, multimodal therapy, but also poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, Akt and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors.


2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 67-73
Author(s):  
Inês Stafin ◽  
Virgílio Ribeiro Guedes ◽  
Seyna Ueno Rabelo Mendes

RESUMO Introdução: O diagnóstico da hanseníase ainda causa grande impacto social, tanto por ser frequentemente tardio e evoluir com sequelas, quanto pelos estigmas que a envolvem. O Brasil persiste como uma área endêmica e possui o segundo lugar em número de casos da doença no mundo. Já o Tocantins é um dos estados com maior endemicidade no país, com um aumento importante no número de diagnósticos em menores de 15 anos e no número de pessoas diagnosticadas com incapacidade grau II. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisão de literatura do tipo narrativa, realizada por meio de publicações sobre as ações estratégicas para o diagnóstico precoce de hanseníase, entre o período de 2012 a 2017. Desenvolvimento: A situação atual da hanseníase demonstra a persistência da transmissão, a carência de ações para o seu controle efetivo, a sub detecção e um diagnóstico tardio dessa patologia. O presente artigo aborda as principais ações estratégicas para a realização do diagnóstico precoce da hanseníase, bem como os métodos diagnósticos importantes, proporcionando um maior auxílio aos profissionais de saúde da atenção primária. Considerações finais: Para que se amplie o diagnóstico precoce de forma adequada é essencial a busca e avaliação dos contatos, a qualificação adequada dos profissionais de saúde, a educação em saúde da população e a participação ativa dos gestores.   Palavras-chave: Hanseníase; diagnóstico precoce; estratégias; atenção primária. ABSTRACT Introduction: The diagnosis of leprosy still causes great social impact, both because it is often late and evolves with sequelae, and because of the stigmas that surround it. Brazil persists as an endemic area and has the second largest number of cases of the disease in the world. The state of Tocantins represents one of the areas with high endemicity in the country, with a significant increase in the number of diagnoses in children under 15 years and in the number of people diagnosed with disability grade II. Methodology: This is a literature review of the narrative type, carried out through publications on strategic actions for the early diagnosis of leprosy, between the period of 2012 to 2017. Development: The current situation of leprosy shows the persistence of transmission, lack of actions for effective control, sub detection and a late diagnosis of this pathology. This article discusses the main strategic actions for the early diagnosis of leprosy, as well as the important diagnostic methods, providing greater assistance to primary health care professionals. Final considerations: In order to increase the early diagnosis in an adequate way, it is essential the search and evaluation of contacts, the adequate qualification of health professionals, the health education of the population and the participation of managers. Keywords: Leprosy; early diagnosis; strategies; primary care.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Genchi ◽  
ALICE VISMARRA ◽  
STEFANIA ZANET ◽  
SIMONE MORELLI ◽  
ROBERTA GALUPPI ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundParasites infecting cats include protozoa, helminths and arthropods. Many are also transmissible to humans. Effective control relies on knowledge of parasite distribution and risk factors for infection. The present study was aimed at evaluating prevalence of major feline parasites in Italy and risk factors associated with their occurrence.MethodsOver a 12-month study period, thirteen study centers across Italy analyzed feces, hair and ectoparasites from naturally infected cats coming from feral colonies, shelters and private households. Samples from cats (n=987) were analyzed by all centers using the same diagnostic methods. Prevalence values and risk factors were evaluated statistically for identification of predictors of risk. ResultsThe overall prevalence of gastro-intestinal (GI) and bronco-pulmonary (BP) nematodes was 35.9% (354/987). T. cati was the most prevalent species (253/987; 25.6%), followed by hookworms (98/987; 9.9%). Among BP nematodes, A. abstrusus was the most common (76/987; 7.7%). Approximately 35.7% (352/987) of the study population was infested by ectoparasites. The most common were fleas 29.4% (290/987), followed by ear mites O. cynotis 9.8% (97/987).Predictors of risk for parasite infection included age, a predominantly or exclusively outdoor lifestyle, geographic area and lack of anti-parasitic treatment.ConclusionBoth ecto- and endoparasites are still common in cats throughout Italy, many of them being of zoonotic concern and vectors of pathogens to humans. Given the presence of parasites throughout the entire study period, year-round treatment should be considered. Furthermore, data confirm the need to protect the human-animal bond using proper endo- and ecto-parasiticides to reduce the risk of human infection, in application of the One-Health concept.


2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine M. Otto ◽  
David M Shavelle

The complete evaluation of the cardiovascular patient begins with a thorough history and a detailed physical examination. These two initial steps will often lead to the correct diagnosis and assist in excluding life-threatening conditions. The history and physical examination findings should be assessed in the overall clinical status of the patient, including the patient's specific complaints, lifestyle, comorbidities, and treatment expectations. This chapter discusses the cardiovascular conditions that frequently require evaluation: chest pain, dyspnea, palpitations, syncope, claudication, and cardiac murmurs; and reviews the background, history and physical examination, and diagnostic tests available for each. Diagnostic algorithms are provided, and the appropriate use of invasive and noninvasive cardiac testing for each condition is discussed. This review contains 8 highly rendered figures, 12 tables, and 52 references.


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