Leidy Janneth Medina-Lozano

Dr. Leidy Janneth Medina-Lozano


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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Verified
Journal Article
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APAndres Eduardo Prieto-Torres
Andres Eduardo Prieto-Torres
LMLeidy Janneth Medina-Lozano
Leidy Janneth Medina-Lozano
JRJuan David Ramírez-Ávila
Juan David Ramírez-Ávila
ÁFÁlvaro A. Faccini-Martínez
Álvaro A. Faccini-Martínez
This study aimed to assess the diagnostic utility of VIDAS® DENGUE NS1 Ag and anti-DENV IgM and IgG assays in parallel for an early and accurate diagnosis and classification of dengue virus (DENV) infection. For this retrospective cross-sectional study, 190 patients with suspected dengue were tested using VIDAS® NS1, IgM, and IgG assays, requested in parallel, regardless of symptom onset timing, and classified into primary and secondary infections. Results were analyzed to determine diagnostic accuracy and correlation with disease severity. Parallel testing effectively differentiated between primary and secondary DENV infection. Secondary dengue cases with warning signs showed significantly elevated IgG levels (p = 0.026). Notably, NS1-negative (possible secondary cases) had higher IgM and IgG levels than NS1-positive cases (p < 0.01), suggesting that NS1 negativity might indicate an amplified immune response. In conclusion, VIDAS® Dengue diagnostic assays not only enhance the diagnostic accuracy of dengue infection but also offer valuable insights into serological patterns, especially in secondary cases. These assays could be used not only to confirm diagnosis but also to stratify patients by risk, particularly in cases of secondary dengue, where IgG levels might indicate a higher risk for severe outcomes.

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Alfonso J. Rodriguez-MoralesAlfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales
Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales
KAKatherine Acevedo-Jimenez
Katherine Acevedo-Jimenez
MGMaría Eugenia Guevara
María Eugenia Guevara
ACAlicia Chang-Cojulun
Alicia Chang-Cojulun
JCJosé Brea-Del Castillo
José Brea-Del Castillo
JSJosé Antonio Suárez
José Antonio Suárez
Yellow fever remains a major public health threat in endemic and re-emerging regions of Africa and South America, with recent outbreaks highlighting persistent gaps in prevention and surveillance. Pregnant women represent a particularly vulnerable population, yet the epidemiology, clinical impact, and preventive strategies for yellow fever in pregnancy are insufficiently characterized. Physiological and immunological changes during gestation may influence host responses to infection; however, current evidence does not demonstrate increased susceptibility to or severity of yellow fever during pregnancy. Adverse materno-fetal outcomes, including miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, and, in rare cases, perinatal transmission, have been reported but remain poorly characterized. Diagnostic challenges, overlapping clinical presentations with other arboviral and hepatic diseases, and limited access to specialized care further complicate clinical management in many endemic settings. This perspective provides a comprehensive overview of yellow fever in pregnancy during the 2024–2026 outbreak in the Americas, including a risk-stratification framework for prevention. We summarize current evidence on epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and supportive care, and examine prevention strategies with particular emphasis on vaccination. Accumulated observational evidence and substantial real-world experience have not demonstrated an increased risk of serious adverse events and generally support the effectiveness of yellow fever vaccination during pregnancy when administered with appropriate clinical judgment. In high-risk settings, the benefits of maternal immunization clearly outweigh theoretical concerns, supporting a flexible, risk-based approach, despite relatively limited evidence. We also discuss national and international policies, post-pregnancy booster recommendations, and the importance of integrating vaccination assessment into antenatal care. Finally, we highlight critical knowledge gaps and research priorities, including the need for prospective registries and strengthened pharmacovigilance. Coordinated clinical and public health strategies are essential to protect maternal and neonatal health and to reduce the burden of yellow fever in endemic and re-emerging settings.

6 March 2026 in Preprints.org
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Preprint
Open access
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Alfonso J. Rodriguez-MoralesAlfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales
Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales
KAKatherine Acevedo-Jimenez
Katherine Acevedo-Jimenez
MGMaría Eugenia Guevara
María Eugenia Guevara
ACAlicia Chang-Cojulun
Alicia Chang-Cojulun
JCJosé Brea-Del Castillo
José Brea-Del Castillo
JSJosé Antonio Suárez
José Antonio Suárez
Yellow fever remains a major public health threat in endemic and re-emerging regions of Africa and South America, with recent outbreaks highlighting persistent gaps in prevention and surveillance. Pregnant women represent a particularly vulnerable population, yet the epidemiology, clinical impact, and preventive strategies for yellow fever in pregnancy are insufficiently characterized. Physiological and immunological changes during gestation may increase susceptibility to severe disease and contribute to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, including miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, and, in rare cases, perinatal transmission. Diagnostic challenges, overlapping clinical presentations with other arboviral and hepatic diseases, and limited access to specialized care further complicate clinical management in many endemic settings. This perspective provides a comprehensive overview of yellow fever in pregnancy during the 2024–2026 outbreak in the Americas, including a risk-stratification framework for prevention. We summarize current evidence on epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and supportive care, and examine prevention strategies with particular emphasis on vaccination. Accumulated observational evidence and substantial real-world experience have not demonstrated an increased risk of serious adverse events and generally support the effectiveness of yellow fever vaccination during pregnancy when administered with appropriate clinical judgment. In high-risk settings, the benefits of maternal immunization clearly outweigh theoretical concerns, supporting a flexible, risk-based approach, despite relatively limited evidence. We also discuss national and international policies, post-pregnancy booster recommendations, and the importance of integrating vaccination assessment into antenatal care. Finally, we highlight critical knowledge gaps and research priorities, including the need for prospective registries and strengthened pharmacovigilance. Coordinated clinical and public health strategies are essential to protect maternal and neonatal health and to reduce the burden of yellow fever in endemic and re-emerging settings.

2 April 2025 in The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
DCDaniel Celis-Giraldo
Daniel Celis-Giraldo
LMLeidy Janneth Medina-Lozano
Leidy Janneth Medina-Lozano
ÁFÁlvaro A. Faccini-Martínez
Álvaro A. Faccini-Martínez
"Acute Toxoplasmosis in Two Immunocompetent Colombian Soldiers after Ingestion of Undercooked Squirrel Meat" published on 02 Apr 2025 by The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.