The most recent monkeypox (Mpox) outbreak is mostly affecting men who have sex with men (MSM) who participate in high-risk sexual behaviors, which is typically the case among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) carriers, according to clinical and epidemiological statistics. The objective of this research is to determine the epidemiological situation of HIV and smallpox co-infection. Until 1 October 2022, a thorough evaluation of the literature was conducted utilizing the databases PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies were evaluated based on the criteria for selection. Fifty-three studies met the selection criteria. A total of 6345 confirmed cases of monkeypox were recorded, and 40.32% (n = 2558) of these cases also had HIV co-infection. In addition, 51.36% (n = 3259) of the men (91.44%; n = 5802), whose ages ranged from 18 to 71 years, exhibited MSM-specific sexual behaviors. Co-infection with these two viruses can be especially dangerous because it can exacerbate the symptoms of both diseases and make them more difficult to treat. People with HIV are more vulnerable to certain infections, including monkeypox, because their immune systems are weakened. Therefore, it is important that they take measures to prevent infection, such as avoiding contact with infected animals, risky behaviors, and maintaining good hygiene.
The global outgoing outbreaks of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in different regions of Sudan, Uganda, and Western Africa have brought into focus the inadequacies and restrictions of pre-designed vaccines for use in the battle against EVD, which has affirmed the urgent need for the development of a systematic protocol to produce Ebola vaccines prior to an outbreak. There are several vaccines available being developed by preclinical trials and human-based clinical trials. The group of vaccines includes virus-like particle-based vaccines, DNA-based vaccines, whole virus recombinant vaccines, incompetent replication originated vaccines, and competent replication vaccines. The limitations and challenges faced in the development of Ebola vaccines are the selection of immunogenic, rapid-responsive, cross-protective immunity-based vaccinations with assurances of prolonged protection. Another issue for the manufacturing and distribution of vaccines involves post authorization, licensing, and surveillance to ensure a vaccine’s efficacy towards combating the Ebola outbreak. The current review focuses on the development process, the current perspective on the development of an Ebola vaccine, and future challenges for combatting future emerging Ebola infectious disease.
Leishmaniasis, a disease caused by Leishmania parasites and transmitted via sandflies, presents in two main forms: cutaneous and visceral, the latter being more severe. With 0.7 to 1 million new cases each year, primarily in Brazil, diagnosing remains challenging due to diverse disease manifestations. Traditionally, the identification of Leishmania species is inferred from clinical and epidemiological data. Advances in disease management depend on technological progress and the improvement of parasite identification programs. Current treatments, despite the high incidence, show limited efficacy due to factors like cost, toxicity, and lengthy regimens causing poor adherence and resistance development. Diagnostic techniques have improved but a significant gap remains between scientific progress and application in endemic areas. Complete genomic sequence knowledge of Leishmania allows for the identification of therapeutic targets. With the aid of computational tools, testing, searching, and detecting affinity in molecular docking are optimized, and strategies that assess advantages among different options are developed. The review focuses on the use of molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation for drug development. It also discusses the limitations and advancements of current treatments, emphasizing the importance of new techniques in improving disease management.
Background: The increase in mpox incidence underscores the crucial need to understand and effectively address prevention, early detection, and agile response to this disease. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the knowledge and attitude towards mpox. Methods: A systematic review and comprehensive literature meta-analysis were conducted using prominent databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and ScienceDirect, with an updated search until June 25, 2023. The quality of the included observational studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute’s Statistical Meta-Analysis Review Instrument. The collected data were recorded in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, and analyses were conducted using R software version 4.2.3. Additionally, Cochran’s Q statistics were applied to assess the heterogeneity of the included studies. Results: A total of 299 articles were retrieved from 5 databases. This study included 27 cross-sectional articles with a total sample of 22,327 participants, of which 57.13% were women. The studies were conducted in 15 countries through an online survey. All studies had a moderate level of quality. The combined prevalence of a good level of knowledge about mpox was 33% (95% CI: 22%-45%; 22,327 participants; 27 studies; I2 = 100%), and the combined prevalence of a positive attitude towards mpox was 40% (95% CI: 19%-62%; 2,979 participants; 6 studies; I2 = 99%). Additionally, as a secondary outcome, the combined prevalence of the intention to vaccinate against mpox was 58% (95% CI: 37%-78%; 2,932 participants; 7 studies; I2 = 99%). Conclusion: Good knowledge and a positive attitude towards mpox were found to be low. The findings of this study highlight the need to identify gaps and focus on implementing educational programs on mpox. Terms used: Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI), Prospective International Registry of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)