Articles

More harm than good? The questionable ethics of medical volunteering and international student placements

It has been argued that much of international medical volunteering is done for the wrong reasons, in that local people serve as a means to meet volunteers’ needs, or for the right reasons but ignorance and ill...

Authors: Irmgard Bauer

The salivary gland as a target for enhancing immunization response

An organism’s immune response to a vaccine is dependent on a number of factors, including the site of immunization. While muscle is the most common site for vaccine administration, other sites, including the s...

Authors: Todd A. Ponzio and John W. Sanders

Vectored immunoprophylaxis: an emerging adjunct to traditional vaccination

The successful development of effective vaccines has been elusive for many of the world’s most important infectious diseases. Additionally, much of the population, such as the aged or immunocompromised, are un...

Authors: John W. Sanders and Todd A. Ponzio

Molecular characterization and antibiotic resistance profiles of Salmonella isolated from fecal matter of domestic animals and animal products in Nairobi

Salmonella has significant public health implications causing food borne and zoonotic diseases in humans. Treatment of infections due to Salmonella is becoming difficult due to emergen...

Authors: Diana Nyabundi, Nyamongo Onkoba, Rinter Kimathi, Atunga Nyachieo, Gerald Juma, Peter Kinyanjui and Joseph Kamau

Vaccination of HIV-infected pregnant women: implications for protection of their young infants

The prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV has resulted in reduced burden of pediatric HIV-infection, but the prevalence of maternal HIV infection remains high in sub-Saharan African countries. HIV-...

Authors: Ziyaad Dangor, Marta C. Nunes, Gaurav Kwatra, Sanjay G. Lala and Shabir A. Madhi

The Pertussis resurgence: putting together the pieces of the puzzle

Pertussis incidence is rising in almost every country where acellular pertussis (aP) vaccines have been introduced, and is occurring across all age groups from infancy to adulthood. The key question is why? Wh...

Authors: Rotem Lapidot and Christopher J. Gill

Are you PEPped and PrEPped for travel? Risk mitigation of HIV infection for travelers

The HIV pandemic persists globally and travelers are at risk for infection by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). While HIV-focused guidelines delineate risk stratification and mitigation strategies for pe...

Authors: D. M. Brett-Major, P. T. Scott, T. A. Crowell, C. S. Polyak, K. Modjarrad, M. L. Robb and D. L. Blazes

The role of pre-school teachers in the control of soil-transmitted helminthes in coastal region, Kenya

Soil transmitted helminthes (STH) are significant health problems among school-age children. In Kenya’s coastal region, the prevalence among pre-school age children (PSAC) ranges from 27.8 to 66.7 %. Whereas s...

Authors: D. W. Njomo, J. Masaku, G. Odhiambo, R. Musuva, F. Mwende, E. Matey, I. G. Thuita and J. H. Kihara

Safety of antimalarial medications for use while scuba diving in malaria Endemic Regions

Recreational diving occurs annually in areas of the world where malaria is endemic. The safety and efficacy of antimalarials for travelers in a hyperbaric environment is unknown. Of particular concern would be...

Authors: Kyle Petersen and David P. Regis

World Rabies Day campaign in the Philippines

Rabies is a fatal disease, claiming the lives of around 59,000 people annually worldwide. It is considered a neglected and underreported disease leading to inadequate support from governments. Apart from dog v...

Authors: Danellie Joy O. Medina, Sarah I. Jayme, Anna Charinna B. Amparo, Rubina O. Cresencio, Emelinda L. Lopez, Mario S. Baquilod, Leda M. Hernandez, Ernesto E. S. Villalon III and Louis D. Nel

World Rabies Day – a decade of raising awareness

World Rabies Day was set up in 2007 to raise global awareness about rabies, to provide information on how to prevent the disease in at-risk communities and support advocacy for increased efforts in rabies cont...

Authors: Deepashree Balaram, Louise H. Taylor, Kim A.S. Doyle, Elizabeth Davidson and Louis H. Nel

Hepatic steatosis in HCV-infected persons in the direct-acting antiviral era

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects 130–170 million people worldwide. Recently, direct-acting antivirals have been shown to eradicate HCV infection in 90–95 % of non-cirrhotic patients depending on genotype, treat...

Authors: Heather L. Stevenson and Netanya S. Utay

Syphilis ascendant: a brief history and modern trends

To provide a miniature review of recent literature surrounding a brief history of syphilis, to discuss the recently increasing incidence of syphilis, to discuss recent United State Preventative Service Task Fo...

Authors: Wesley G. Willeford and Laura H. Bachmann

Unrecognized human immunodeficiency virus infection and risk factors among elderly medical patients at the Korle Bu teaching hospital, Accra, Ghana

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection usually infects persons in the reproductive age group (15–49 years), but elderly people are also susceptible. Many people in sub-Saharan Africa including Ghana ...

Authors: Andrew A. Adjei, Seth Agyemang, Francis D. Krampa, Mubarak Abdul-Rahman, Francis Ofei, Margaret Lartey, Theophilus K. Adiku, Richard K. Gyasi and Yao Tettey

Giardia lamblia infection increases risk of chronic gastrointestinal disorders

Giardia lamblia is a common parasitic cause of infectious gastroenteritis in the United States and the world and may be linked to an increased risk of chronic gastrointestinal (GI) dis...

Authors: Megan Dormond, Ramiro L. Gutierrez and Chad K. Porter

Prevalence of malaria and associated factors in Benna Tsemay district of pastoralist community, Southern Ethiopia

Though the burden of malaria is declining, challenges in control continue globally, regionally and nationally as the transmission of malaria is dynamic and determinants differ by place and time, and across pop...

Authors: Gidie Woju Debo and Dejene Hailu Kassa

Update on non-vector transmission of dengue: relevant studies with Zika and other flaviviruses

Human dengue virus infection without mosquito vector has been reported to occur as a result of mucocutaneous transmission, needlestick in patient care and laboratory accident, blood transfusion, bone marrow tr...

Authors: Lin H. Chen and Mary Elizabeth Wilson

Hepatitis B vaccination for international travelers to Asia

There is a wide range in prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and HBV immunization programs between different regions. Hepatitis B is a vaccine preventable disease yet is still endemic in the majori...

Authors: Kittiyod Poovorawan, Ngamphol Soonthornworasiri, Patiwat Sa-angchai, Chayasin Mansanguan and Watcharapong Piyaphanee

Knowledge, practices and perceptions of trachoma and its control among communities of Narok County, Kenya

Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness in the world. It is commonly found in cultural groups with poor hygiene. Trachoma control includes Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness and Environmental ...

Authors: Doris W. Njomo, Jefitha Karimurio, Gladys O. Odhiambo, Mukiri Mukuria, Ernest B. Wanyama, Hillary K. Rono and Micheal Gichangi

Prevalence of Nasal colonization with Staphylococcus aureus in 4 cities in Peru

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing public health threat around the world and is not well characterized in the developing setting. Specifically, there is a lack of information regarding nasal colonizat...

Authors: Joan Neyra, Michael Ellis, Claudio Rocha, Juan Silvera, Moisés Apolaya, Maruja Bernal, Rina Meza, Enrique Canal, Yocelinda Meza and David Blazes

Diarrheal disease and enteric infections in LMIC communities: how big is the problem?

Studies of enteric diseases have historically focused on observations of clinical diarrhea as a cause of mortality and morbidity. Emerging evidence suggests that diarrhea dramatically underestimates both expos...

Authors: Benjamin J. J. McCormick and Dennis R. Lang

The threat of antimalarial drug resistance

The battle between man and malaria has continued for thousands of years. Antimalarial drugs are essential weapons to fight the disease, but their efficacy is threatened by drug resistance which continues to em...

Authors: Borimas Hanboonkunupakarn and Nicholas J. White

Health problems and health care seeking behavior among adult backpackers while traveling in Thailand

Health problems among travelers in developing countries are not uncommon. Little is known about the occurrence of health problems and their impacts among backpackers in Thailand. The objective of this study wa...

Authors: Chayasin Mansanguan, Wasin Matsee, Peyawadee Petchprapakorn, Nujareenart Kuhakasemsin, Niracha Chinnarat, Jutarmas Olanwijitwong and Watcharapong Piyaphanee

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding dengue infection among public sector healthcare providers in Machala, Ecuador

Dengue fever is a rapidly emerging infection throughout the tropics and subtropics with extensive public health burden. Adequate training of healthcare providers is crucial to reducing infection incidence thro...

Authors: Andrew S. Handel, Efraín Beltrán Ayala, Mercy J. Borbor-Cordova, Abigail G. Fessler, Julia L. Finkelstein, Roberto Xavier Robalino Espinoza, Sadie J. Ryan and Anna M. Stewart-Ibarra

Incidence and risk factors for disease and non-battle injury aboard the hospital ship USNS COMFORT during a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response Mission, Continuing Promise 2011

Disease and non-battle injury (DNBI) are a leading cause of morbidity in deployments and can compromise operational mission performance. No study to date has examined DNBI incidence and impact aboard humanitar...

Authors: Andy Chern, Andrea McCoy, Tracy Brannock, Gregory J. Martin, William T. Scouten, Chad K. Porter and Mark S. Riddle

Travellers returning ill from the tropics – a descriptive retrospective study

International travel continues to increase in frequency. Health care providers need a wide understanding of the spectrum of travel related diseases and their management. This retrospective study analyses the d...

Authors: Petra Zimmermann, Konrad Mühlethaler, Hansjakob Furrer and Cornelia Staehelin

Prevalence of active trachoma and associated risk factors among children in Gazegibela district of Wagehemra Zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia: community-based cross-sectional study

Trachoma continues to be hyperendemic in many rural areas of Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of active trachoma among children in Gazegibela district...

Authors: Zelalem Alamrew Anteneh and Wubante Yalew Getu

Antimicrobial resistance acquisition after international travel in U.S. travelers

Prior studies have shown an increase in multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli colonization from two percent in U.S.-based to 11 % in deployed, healthy military personnel. It is unclear if colonization with MDR organi...

Authors: Dana M. Blyth, Katrin Mende, Ashley M. Maranich, Miriam L. Beckius, Kristie A. Harnisch, Crystal A. Rosemann, Wendy C. Zera, Clinton K. Murray and Kevin S. Akers

Ecotourism as a source of infection with Schistosoma mansoni in Minas Gerais, Brazil

In recent years, a new pattern of schistosomiasis transmission has been described which is related to recreational activities associated with rural or ecological tourism and migratory flows and accompanying ch...

Authors: Felipe Leão Gomes Murta, Cristiano Lara Massara, Joyce Favacho Cardoso Nogueira, Omar dos Santos Carvalho, Cristiane Lafetá Furtado de Mendonça, Viviane Aparecida Oliveira Pinheiro and Martin Johannes Enk

Malaria in the returning older traveler

Increased co-morbidities and physiological changes mean older patients may be at higher risk of adverse outcomes from certain imported illnesses. One of the most commonly diagnosed imported infections in retur...

Authors: N Allen, C Bergin and SP Kennelly

Norovirus: new developments and implications for travelers’ diarrhea

Noroviruses are the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in the United States and are responsible for at least 50 % of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks occurring worldwide each year. In addition, noroviruses ...

Authors: Mark P. Simons, Brian L. Pike, Christine E. Hulseberg, Michael G. Prouty and Brett E. Swierczewski

Phenomenological analysis of going home in Caribbean-American international travelers

In travel health risk assessments visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travel status is often used as an indicator for high-risk travel behavior. VFR travelers have been associated with increased risk of trave...

Authors: Koya C. Allen

Epidemiology of tunga penetrans infestation in selected areas in Kiharu constituency, Murang’a County, Kenya

Tungiasis is a parasitic skin disease brought about by female Tunga penetrans when they burrow into the skin of their hosts. It is a disease that has largely been ignored. Epidemiology of tungiasis has not been w...

Authors: Jamleck N. Mwangi, Hastings S. Ozwara and Michael M. Gicheru

Japanese encephalitis: a review of clinical guidelines and vaccine availability in Asia

Travelers to Asia are at risk for acquiring Japanese Encephalitis (JEV), an arbovirus with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Recent advances in vaccination resulting in vaccines with low rates of side eff...

Authors: Patricia Batchelor and Kyle Petersen

Tuberculosis and cardiovascular disease: linking the epidemics

The burden of tuberculosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is enormous worldwide. CVD rates are rapidly increasing in low- and middle-income countries. Public health programs have been challenged with the ove...

Authors: Moises A. Huaman, David Henson, Eduardo Ticona, Timothy R. Sterling and Beth A. Garvy

A cross-sectional household cluster serosurvey of hepatitis C virus antibodies in an urban slum of Cairo, Egypt in 2004

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) continues to be a burden to the Egyptian population and its economy. Despite all efforts, the prevalence of infection continues to be one of the highest in the world. The high national ...

Authors: Isabelle A. Nakhla, John W. Sanders, Emad W. Mohareb, Sahar Samy, Michael T. Cosby, Manal M. Mostafa, Mark S. Riddle and Robert W. Frenck Jr.

Correlating quantitative real-time PCR to rapid diagnostic test and RNA transcript expression in isolated gametocytemia and asexual parasitemia of Plasmodium falciparum malaria

At present, only microscopic examination of stained thick and thin blood smears for malaria can differentiate clinically relevant asexual parasitemia from clinically irrelevant isolated gametocytemia. Microsco...

Authors: Rachel Lau, Melissa Phuong, Filip Ralevski and Andrea K. Boggild

Perceived risk of watery diarrhea and dysentery and intended compliance with chemoprophylaxis among a deployed military population

Infectious diseases are a leading cause of morbidity among travelers to resource-limited regions and primary prevention is a cornerstone to risk reduction. Chemoprophylaxis has been successfully utilized for s...

Authors: Chad K. Porter, Kristen Felicione, David R. Tribble, Adam W. Armstrong, Manal Mostafa and Mark S. Riddle

The converging burdens of infectious and non-communicable diseases in rural-to-urban migrant Sub-Saharan African populations: a focus on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and cardio-metabolic diseases

Africa has the unenviable challenge of dealing with a double burden of disease: infectious diseases (IDs) such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis are high while non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are rapidly rising in...

Authors: Nasheeta Peer

The local importance of global infectious diseases

Authors: David L. Blazes, Mark S. Riddle and Edward T. Ryan

Drug resistance in bacteria isolated from patients presenting with wounds at a non-profit Surgical Center in Phnom Penh, Cambodia from 2011–2013

Emerging antibiotic resistance amongst clinically significant bacteria is a public health issue of increasing significance worldwide, but it is relatively uncharacterized in Cambodia. In this study we performe...

Authors: Boren Hout, Chamroeun Oum, Putheavy Men, Vanvathanak Vanny, Chonthida Supaprom, Vireak Heang, Agus Rachmat, Michael Prouty, Steven Newell, Dustin Harrison, Saqib Noor, James Gollogly, Ly Tho, Yong June Kim and Gavin Ford

A cross-sectional analysis of clinical presentations of and risk factors for enteric protozoan Infections in an Active Duty Population during Operation Iraqi Freedom

Infectious travelers’ diarrhea (TD) is a well-appreciated problem among service members serving abroad, particularly where infrastructure is limited due to ongoing combat operations, and efforts at sanitation ...

Authors: John W. Downs, Shannon D. Putnam, David M. Rockabrand, Gamal El Okla, Manal Mostafa, Marshal R. Monteville, Louis E. Antosek, James Herbst, David R. Tribble, Mark S. Riddle and John W. Sanders

Interventions for post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review of treatment efficacy

Post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) due to traveler’s diarrhea is the second most common illness seen in post-travel clinics, yet its optimal management remains unknown. We performed a systematic...

Authors: Emma Torbicki, Justin Oh, Sharmistha Mishra, Andrea V. Page and Andrea K. Boggild

Travel risk behaviors as a determinants of receiving pre-travel health consultation and prevention

An estimated 30-60 % of travelers experience an illness while traveling. The incidence of travel-related illness can be reduced by preventive measures such as those provided by the Traveler Health Clinic (THC)...

Authors: Ibrahim Shady, Mohammed Gaafer and Lamiaa Bassiony