Objective: To determine the global level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards dengue fever among the general population. Methods: To complete this systematic review and meta-analysis, a thorough search for pertinent English-language literature was undertaken during the study's extension until October 2023. The search used Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Science Direct, Web of Science, EMBASE, Springer, and ProQuest. A quality assessment checklist developed using a modified Newcastle- Ottawa Scale for the cross-sectional study was used to evaluate the risk of bias in the included papers. Inverse variance and Cochran Q statistics were employed in the STATA software version 14 to assess study heterogeneity. When there was heterogeneity, the Dersimonian and Liard random-effects models were used. Results: 59 Studies totaling 87 353 participants were included in this meta-analysis. These investigations included 86 278 participants in 55 studies on knowledge, 20 196 in 33 studies on attitudes, and 74 881 in 29 studies on practices. The pooled estimates for sufficient knowledge, positive attitudes, and dengue fever preventive behaviors among the general population were determined as 40.1% (95% CI 33.8%-46.5%), 46.8% (95% CI 35.8%-58.9%), and 38.3% (95% CI 28.4%-48.2%), respectively. Europe exhibits the highest knowledge level at 63.5%, and Africa shows the lowest at 20.3%. Positive attitudes are most prevalent in the Eastern Mediterranean (54.1%) and Southeast Asia (53.6%), contrasting sharply with the Americas, where attitudes are notably lower at 9.05%. Regarding preventive behaviors, the Americas demonstrate a prevalence of 12.1%, Southeast Asia at 28.1%, Western Pacific at 49.6%, Eastern Mediterranean at 44.8%, and Africa at 47.4%. Conclusions: Regional disparities about the knowledge, attitude and preventive bahaviors are evident with Europe exhibiting the highest knowledge level while Africa has the lowest. These findings emphasize the importance of targeted public health interventions tailored to regional contexts, highlighting the need for regionspecific strategies to enhance dengue-related knowledge and encourage positive attitudes and preventive behaviors.

Objective: To describe the situation of measles in Sri Lanka from May to November, 2023 and to define the role of virology laboratory towards case confirmation and epidemiological and genetic characterization of the outbreak. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed all samples tested for measles from 1st of May to 30th of November, 2023 at National Measles Rubella Laboratory, Sri Lanka. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) algorithm, serum and oropharyngeal/ nasopharyngeal swabs were tested with WHO recommended kits for anti-measles IgM and measles virus specific RNA, respectively. Selected RNA positive samples were sequenced at reference laboratory, India. Analysis of sequencing data and construction of phylogenetic tree were carried out at National Measles Rubella Laboratory. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Of the total 1 132 serum samples and 497 oropharyngeal/ nasopharyngeal swabs from 1 326 patients, 657 (49.5%) patients were confirmed as measles by anti-measles IgM, measles virus specific RNA or both. Males (55.6%, n=365) and the age group from >20 to ≤30 years (33.0%, n=217) predominated positive patients. All provinces reported measles positive cases. All samples sequenced (100%, n=42) were genotype D8 with 95.2% (n=40) bearing Victoria.Australia origin. Conclusions: We described resurgence of measles in an eliminated country, confirming the genotype to be D8, one of the two genotypes currently circulating globally. Further, the study strongly convinced the importance of a strengthened virological surveillance system in an eliminated country, despite its eliminated status.

Objective: To address the phylogenetic and phylogeographic relationship between different lineages of Anopheles (An.) subpictus species complex in most parts of the Asian continent by maximum utilization of Internal Transcriber Spacer 2 (ITS2) and cytochrome C oxidase I (COI) sequences deposited at the GenBank. Methods: Seventy-five ITS2, 210 COI and 26 concatenated sequences available in the NCBI database were used. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using Bayesian likelihood trees, whereas median-joining haplotype networks and time-scale divergence trees were generated for phylogeographic analysis. Genetic diversity indices and genetic differentiation were also calculated. Results: Two genetically divergent molecular forms of An. subpictus species complex corresponding to sibling species A and B are established. Species A evolved around 37-82 million years ago in Sri Lanka, India, and the Netherlands, and species B evolved around 22-79 million years ago in Sri Lanka, India, and Myanmar. Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia have two molecular forms: one is phylogenetically similar to species B. Other forms differ from species A and B and evolved recently in the above mentioned countries, Indonesia and the Philippines. Genetic subdivision among Sri Lanka, India, and the Netherlands is almost absent. A substantial genetic differentiation was obtained for some populations due to isolation by large geographical distances. Genetic diversity indices reveal the presence of a long-established stable mosquito population, at mutation-drift equilibrium, regardless of population fluctuations. Conclusions: An. subpictus species complex consists of more than two genetically divergent molecular forms. Species A is highly divergent from the rest. Sri Lanka and India contain only species A and B.

Objective: To report a new species of sandfly, Sergentomyia (Neophlebotomus) ashwanii sp. nov. (Diptera: Psychodidae) from Western Ghats, India. Methods: A systematic sandfly survey was conducted in the Thrissur and Kollam districts of Kerala, India using mechanical aspirators, light and sticky traps, both indoor and outdoor habitats, for a period of one year. Deoxyribonucleic acid barcoding of samples was performed targeting mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene and sequence generated was subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Results: Sergentomyia (Neophlebotomus) ashwanii, a new sandfly species is recorded and described in this communication. A single row of 10-12 pointed teeth in the cibarium with 4-6 small denticles or fore-teeth are the key characteristics that is distinctive from other members of the subgenus Neophlebotomus. Mitochondrial COI barcode followed by phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequence confirms that specimens of the species belong to the same taxonomic group while the genetic distance (14.2%) with the congeners established it to be a different species. Conclusions: The Western Ghats' being an important biodiversity hotspot and has dearth of systematic entomological surveys on sandflies. The current study tried to fill the void and also report a new sandfly species.

To identify the sandfly fauna and analyze ecology of sandfly vector(s) of visceral leishmaniasis in three districts of Somali Regional State, southeast Ethiopia. Methods: Sandflies were collected from four sampling habitats, including indoor, peri-domestic, farm field and mixed forest using light and sticky traps in July 2016, and February and April 2017 in Liben and Dawa zones in the Somali Regional State, southeastern Ethiopia. Results: In total, 4 367 sandfly specimens, belonging to 12 species (three Phlebotomus spp. and nine Sergentomyia spp.) were identified. Phlebotomus (P.) heischi, P. orientalis, and P. martini constituted 45.7%, 31.1%, and 23.1% of the sandfly collection, respectively. There were significant differences in the median number of P. orientalis, and P. martini captured per CDC trap/night between the three sampling districts (P<0.05). In light trap capture, collection habitats had significant effects on the abundance of P. orientalis, and P. martini (P<0.05). More median numbers of P. orientalis, and P. martini species were collected in agricultural fields followed by mixed forest and peri-domestic habitats. P. orientalis and P. martini were caught more in outdoor than indoor habitats, suggesting exophilic behaviour. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that the presence of P. orientalis and P. martini are probable vectors of visceral leishmaniasis in this new focus. The findings of our study will improve the understanding of the dynamics of visceral leishmaniasis transmission and will facilitate the implementation of integrated disease control measures based on ecological knowledge of visceral leishmaniasis vector in Liben and Dawa zones and its surrounding regions.

To investigate the effect of Orostachys (O.) japonicus, a perennial herbaceous plant of the Family Crassulaceae, on biofilm formed by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Methods: Powdered O. japonicus was extracted by 95% methanol, concentrated, and then, systematically fractionated with n-heane, dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), n-butanol, and H2O according to polarity. Among them, the flavonoid-rich EtOAc fraction demonstrated the highest antibacterial activity and was used in this study. Using the biofilm inhibition assay, cell-surface attachment assay, confocal laser scanning microscopy, latex agglutination assay, and real time qRT-PCR, we examined whether the EtOAc fraction inhibited the formation of MRSA biofilm. Results: The EtOAc fraction exhibited distinct activity against biofilm formation and cell-surface attachment of MRSA up to 1 mg/mL through down-regulating the expression of mecA gene and the production and agglutination of penicillin-binding protein 2a as solidly observed in biofilm inhibition assay, cell-suface attachment assay, confocal laser scanning microscopy, latex agglutination assay, and real time qRT-PCR analysis. Conclusions: These results suggest that O. japonicus could be utilized as a potential resource for the development of new antibiofilm formation of MRSA and antibacterial agents in the future.

Cryptococcal infections commonly occur in immunosuppressed patients and are uncommon in immunocompetent persons. Patient concerns: A 32 year old lady, active smoker presented with right chest pain, dry cough and loss of weight. Initial chest radiograph showed a lobulated lung mass in the right lower lobe. She developed headache and right cranial nerve palsy during admission. Various investigations were done including lumbar puncture, brain and chest imaging. Diagnosis: Cryptococcal meningitis with pulmonary cryptococcoma. Interventions: She received five months of effective antifungal treatment; however, the patient did not respond well. Subsequently, removal of pulmonary cryptococcoma was done. Outcomes: Her condition improved and she no longer had any headache. Lessons: Disseminated cryptococcosis is rare in immunocompetent patient. Our case highlights the importance of high index of suspicion and we postulate that lobectomy helped in reducing the cryptococcal burden in her body, thus facilitating better response to antifungal therapy.

To examine the potential risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) spread in Indonesia by migrant workers, based on the molecular characteristics of HBV strains. Methods: Sera collected from migrant workers traveling to their destination countries (pre-migrant workers) and those returning to Indonesia (post-migrant workers) were screened for HBsAg by ELISA, followed by HBV DNA detection by PCR and (sub) genotype/subtype determination according to surface region and whole genome sequencing. Results: Of 87 pre-migrant workers, 15 (17.24%) were HBsAgpositive, whereas 15 (12.10%) of 124 post-migrant workers were HBsAg seropositive. HBV genotype analysis based on the S region showed that HBV-B3/adw2 was predominant (96.15%, 25/26) whereas 3.85% (1/26) of isolates were HBV-C3/adrq+. Whole genome sequencing of selected strains and phylogenetic tree analysis identified subgenotype B7 in three samples previously categorized as subgenotype B3 based on S region analysis, supporting a recent argument that subgenotypes B5/B7/B8/B9 could be considered as a quasi-subgenotype of B3. Conclusions: A high prevalence of HBsAg carriers was detected among migrant workers from Lombok Island, with no significant difference in prevalence between before and after returning to Indonesia. All strains were classified into genotypes common in Indonesia, and the results suggested that migrant workers are not a risk factor for HBV transmission into Indonesia.

Objective: To identify the predicting factors that contribute to knowledge, attitude and practices relating to Zika virus infection among the general public in Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was done for participants' socio-demographic profile. Contingency table analysis was done to analyse the associations between knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) scores and socio-demographic profile. A Bonferroni-corrected P-value was used to find the significance of the associations and multiple comparisons were performed in a single data set. To determine the linear relationship between each independent variable and the dependent variable, Spearman rank correlation was performed. Cohen's correlation coefficient was evaluated to determine the strength of the effect size. Multiple correlations and regression analyses were performed to identify independent variables that predicts the dependent variable. Results: Multiple correlation analyses were conducted between respondents' KAP score and independent variables (Age >60 years; Female gender; Selangor state; At least 1 pregnant woman per household). The independent variables such as 'Female gender', 'Selangor state' and 'At least 1 pregnant woman per household' were positively and significantly correlated with KAP score whereas, age >60 years was negatively and significantly correlated with the KAP scores. Conclusions: There were associations between four independent factors and the KAP scores, while only three factors contributed to changes in KAP scores among the public. Among these contributing factors, respondents' age group was the strongest predictor.

Objective: To study the prevalence and genotype of Enterobius (E.) vermicularis from adhesive tape samples in the cities of Shiraz and Khorramabad, Iran. Methods: A total of 1 000 adhesive tape samples from kindergartens in Shiraz (500 samples) and Khorramabad (500 samples) were collected and tested using a microscope to find E. vermicularis egg/s. A questionnaire was filled out for each sample. In order to characterize the genotype of E. vermicularis, the PCR-sequencing method of the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene was used. Genomic DNA was extracted from the positive scotch tape samples of E. vermicularis. The cox1 gene was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction and sequenced. The sequence data were aligned using the BioEdit software and compared with the published sequences in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using the maximum likelihood method. Results: The parasitological method showed that 15 out of the 500 samples from Shiraz (3.00%) and 12 out of the 500 samples from Khorramabad (2.40%) were infected with E. vermicularis eggs. BLAST analysis indicated that the sequenced isolates belonged to E. vermicularis genotype B while three different haplotypes were also identified. Conclusions: This is the first study on genotyping E. vermicularis in the cities of Shiraz and Khorramabad. Considering the public health importance of the disease, further studies are necessary to characterize the genotype of E. vermicularis in human populations from other regions of Iran.