January 06, 2025
Universal health coverage is associated with national capacity to manage AMR.
A cross-sectional study examined the association between various factors, such as the human development index, civil liberties, universal health coverage, gender equality, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) awareness and management across 103 countries from 2017 to 2020. Universal health coverage (UHC) emerged as the only factor with a statistically significant association with AMR-related mitigation capacity, as countries with low capacity were at least nine times more likely to be found among the countries with the poorest UHC levels. [Nature Scientific Reports]
Mitigating the risk of mpox transmission in people living with HIV in east and central Africa
Since the re-emergence of mpox in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, in September 2023, active transmission of mpox has been reported in 23 out of the country’s 26 provinces. As concerns grow about transmission across borders to neighboring countries, the potential health risks in areas with high HIV prevalence must be closely monitored. HIV has been shown as a risk factor for mpox infection. This, coupled with low viral suppression among those living with HIV in east and central Africa, underscores the need to operationalize the Joint Africa Task Force for mpox to align with Kinshasa’s declaration of mpox. [IJID One Health]
Preserving cholera treatment efficacy as multidrug resistance grows
A multidrug-resistant (MDR) cholera epidemic model that incorporates antibiotic switching to reduce the magnitude of resistance demonstrated an inverse relationship between the number of MDR cholera cases and the number of individuals receiving second-line treatment for cholera. This emphasizes the importance of second-line treatment for infection management in the presence of a resistant cholera strain. Stringent antibiotic stewardship is necessary to preserve the effectiveness of current cholera treatment and avoid treatment failure. [Nature Scientific Reports]
Genetic analysis of leptospirosis cases amidst an outbreak in Ecuador
In March 2023, authorities declared an outbreak of leptospirosis in the coastal region of Ecuador, which triggered a multidisciplinary approach to monitoring and managing the outbreak. Genetic sequencing of 335 samples from humans, household dogs, synanthropic rats, and water surrounding human residences showed that sequences from humans, dogs, and rats were highly clustered, indicating zoonotic transmission between humans and reservoir animals, particularly between humans and rats. The results also revealed a high leptospirosis incidence rate in the area at approximately 150 cases per 100,000 people, similar to incidence rates in leptospirosis-endemic countries. [One Health]
Spatiotemporal and AMR patterns of non-typhoidal Salmonella in China
A systematic review and meta-analysis in China estimated an overall rate of AMR in non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) of 73.63 percent, with higher resistance in Salmonella derived from non-human sources. NTS was notably detected in swine, highlighting the need for antibiotic stewardship in food-animal rearing. The analysis also revealed spatiotemporal patterns of NTS distribution, in that poultry was identified as a key vehicle for transmitting S. enteritidis and S. indiana, while swine and ruminants were associated with S. typhimurium and S. derby. [Journal of Global Health]
Prioritizing One Health and Indigenous knowledge to control infectious diseases in the Canadian Arctic
A review of climate-sensitive infectious disease (CSID) surveillance activities in the Canadian Arctic and subarctic regions found that most programs did not incorporate a One Health approach and rarely mentioned integration of knowledge and action across sectors. Indigenous community involvement varied despite the programs being implemented on native lands. Future innovation and development in CSID management and surveillance in the Canadian Arctic and subarctic regions should prioritize equitable Indigenous involvement in program leadership and One Health surveillance. [One Health Outlook]
Low levels of household education and income are linked to use of unimproved water sources in Somalia.
A cross-sectional study using data from the 2020 Somalia Demographic and Health Survey found that female-headed households, having an unemployed partner or spouse, and lower household wealth index were associated with using unimproved water sources, which are at risk of contamination with waterborne pathogens and other harmful agents. Higher levels of educational attainment were correlated with lower utilization of unimproved water sources, possibly due to greater awareness of the risks of drinking contaminated water. [PLOS Global Public Health]
The need for implementation science in migrant health programs in humanitarian settings
A scoping review identified barriers, facilitators, and implementation strategies of public health programs for migrants in humanitarian settings and found that the use of rigorous methods and formal implementation frameworks was low. While many studies identified barriers and facilitators of humanitarian health programs, most did so retroactively rather than accounting for them in the program design and implementation processes. Incorporating implementation science can help optimize the success of humanitarian programs and must account for the unique health needs of forcibly displaced persons and transitory migrants. [PLOS Global Public Health]
Early warning systems for severe maternal outcomes are insufficient to prevent maternal sepsis.
Data from the 2017 WHO Global Maternal Sepsis Study revealed that none of the early warning systems (EWS) across 46 high-, upper-middle-, lower-middle-, and low-income countries sufficiently identified risk factors for maternal sepsis or related severe outcomes among pregnant women and women who had recently given birth. Most EWS were classified as “mediocre,” which is considered suboptimal for detecting or excluding the possibility of developing sepsis among women with severe maternal outcomes. EWSs that balance sensitivity and specificity are necessary to accurately detect signs of sepsis and prevent severe outcomes during pregnancy and the post-partum period. [eClinicalMedicine]
Factors associated with swine influenza virus knowledge, attitudes, and practices in Thailand
A quantitative survey of pig farm owners, workers, and villagers across Thailand suggested moderate knowledge, generally positive attitudes, and modest practice in the prevention of swine influenza virus (SIV). Higher education levels, higher monthly income, and direct involvement in SIV vaccination were associated with improved knowledge of SIV. In contrast, participants with little exposure to pig farming or health services required educational intervention to improve their knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to SIV. [BMC Veterinary Research]
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