Is Doxy-PEP Right for Me? Piloting a Novel Patient Decision Aid in an Urban Ambulatory Clinic.

We iteratively designed a novel patient decision aid (PDA) to improve patient-provider communication regarding the benefits, risks, and proper usage of doxycycline as post-exposure prophylaxis (Doxy-PEP). We tested the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of counseling using this PDA among a pilot group in two academic, urban sexual health clinics. Using a pretest-posttest model we assessed the extent to which this intervention impacted participants' knowledge of and attitudes towards Doxy-PEP.

Eco-epidemiological Insights into Psammolestes arthuri: Trypanosoma cruzi Infection and Feeding Behavior in Casanare, Colombia.

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, affects millions of people and is primarily transmitted by triatomine bugs. Although Psammolestes arthuri has been traditionally classified as a secondary vector due to its predominantly ornithophilic feeding habits, recent findings suggest that its ecological and behavioral traits may enhance its epidemiological relevance. We hypothesized that P.

Molecular diagnosis of trypanosomatids in reveals risk areas for transmission and sympatric circulation with in the metropolitan area of Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia.

The adaptation of wild animals to urban environments can lead to increased contact with humans and a higher risk of exposure to zoonotic agents. (common opossum) is an important reservoir of and spp., which commonly affect human populations in Latin America.

SpikeID: Rapid and unbiased identification of SARS-CoV-2 variants by spike sequencing.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs) are characterized by distinct mutations in the S1 domain of the viral spike protein. This domain encompasses the N-terminal domain, the receptor-binding domain, and part of the cleavage site region. While mutations in other genomic regions of SARS-CoV-2 can impact VOC potential, the S1 domain holds particular importance for identifying variants and assessing antigenic evolution and immune escape potential.

Molecular Characterization of Echinococcus vogeli from Human Case, Colombia, 2024.

In Colombia, 35 confirmed cases of neotropical polycystic echinococcosis were reported during 1978-2018. In most cases, Echinococcus vogeli was identified by means of morphologic identification. We describe a case of E.

Characterizing the transmission dynamics of Trypanosoma cruzi in Triatoma sanguisuga collected from dog kennels in southern Texas.

Background: Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, remains a significant public health issue in South America, with increasing concern over its potential transmission in the USA. Triatoma sanguisuga, a triatomine vector, is found in Southern states of the USA, including Texas, raising questions about the local transmission dynamics of T. cruzi.

Multilocus analysis uncovers the evolution of the Rhodniini tribe, vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi.

In this study, we investigate the origin and diversification of Trypanosoma cruzi vectors within the Rhodniini tribe (Triatominae subfamily) through phylogenetic analyses based on eight genes from 17 species and 497 specimens-the largest sampling of this tribe to date. Our results predominantly support the paraphyly of the genus Rhodnius, with the three Psammolestes species forming a well-supported monophyletic clade nested within it. In two reconstructions, however, Psammolestes and Rhodnius are recovered as reciprocally monophyletic, each with strong support.

Characterizing the diversity of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l) virome in Colombia.

Ticks within the species complex Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato are carriers for various pathogens worldwide. Among them are some RNA viruses, who have gained increased attention due to their potential for interaction between pathogenic and non-pathogenic organism. Our study aimed to investigate the RNA virus composition in R.

Validation of Human Papillomavirus Genotyping by Oxford Nanopore Sequencing in Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded Tissues and ThinPrep Anal and Gynecologic Samples.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to various cancers, including cervical, anal, and head and neck cancers. Conventional methods for HPV genotyping and commercial platforms are limited to detecting high-risk HPV genotypes primarily in gynecologic samples. Because of changing trends in the epidemiology and pathogenesis, there is a growing need for HPV genotyping techniques applicable to emerging clinical contexts involving diverse sample types, such as head and neck or anal samples, particularly for formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues.

Impact of Blastocystis carriage and colonization intensity on gut microbiota composition in a non-westernized rural population from Colombia.

Background: The role of Blastocystis, a common intestinal parasitic protist of humans and other animals, in human health and disease remains elusive. Recent studies suggest a connection between Blastocystis colonization, healthier lifestyles, and high-diversity gut microbiota. Nevertheless, studies concerning the relationship between Blastocystis colonization, its intensity, and gut microbiota composition -involving both bacterial and eukaryotic communities- remain limited.

Integrating metagenomics and metabolomics to study the gut microbiome and host relationships in sports across different energy systems.

The gut microbiome plays a critical role in modulating host metabolism, influencing energy production, nutrient utilization, and overall physiological adaptation. In athletes, these microbial functions may be further specialized to meet the unique metabolic demands of different sports disciplines. This study explored the role of the gut microbiome in modulating host metabolism among Colombian athletes by comparing elite weightlifters (n = 16) and cyclists (n = 13) through integrative omics analysis.

Unveiling shifts in cervical microbiota composition among Colombian women in the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis: a longitudinal study.

Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellated protozoan affecting human reproductive health. Although bacterial coinfections have been associated with T. vaginalis infection outcomes, pertinent data are scarce.

Serum Neurofilament Light Chain and Structural and Functional Nerve Fiber Loss in Painful and Painless Diabetic Polyneuropathy.

Aims: To explore associations between the axonal protein neurofilament light chain (NfL) and severity of diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) and pain.

Methods: We performed cross-sectional analysis of a subset of the PiNS/DOLORisk cohort of people with DPN with and without neuropathic pain. Biobank samples were analyzed for serum NfL (s-NfL) using single molecule array.

Heart rate variability derangements in dogs with Chagas disease: a potential indicator of autonomic and cardiac disruption.

Objective: To assess heart rate variability (HRV) as a marker of autonomic nervous system disruption and its role in disease progression in dogs with Chagas disease (CD), and to evaluate arrhythmias and conduction abnormalities in symptomatic and asymptomatic groups.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on dogs treated at a small animal hospital in central Texas from August to December 2023. Ambulatory 24-hour Holter monitoring was conducted to assess HRV metrics (proportion of pairs of successive NN intervals differing by > 50 milliseconds and root mean square of the successive differences), arrhythmias, and conduction abnormalities.

Dual RNA-Seq reveals strain-specific transcriptional adaptations of Trypanosoma cruzi in host cells infected with isolates from acute and chronic cases.

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, remains a major public health issue, particularly in Latin America, and is traditionally transmitted by triatomine bugs. Chagas disease progresses through two phases: an acute phase characterized by high parasitemia and a chronic phase, which may remain asymptomatic or develop into severe complications. This study utilized dual-RNAseq technology to analyze gene expression in mice fibroblast host cells infected with the strain JJ21 isolated from an acute Chagas disease case of presumptive oral transmission, comparing it with the MG strain isolated from a chronic Chagas disease human case.

Borderline Disseminated (Intermediate) Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: A Case-based Approach to Diagnosis and Clinical Management in Pediatric Population.

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease with diverse clinical manifestations, ranging from localized CL to severe forms such as diffuse CL and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. Borderline disseminated CL (BDCL), an intermediate form, is characterized by multiple disseminated lesions and poses unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, especially in pediatric patients. This study explores pediatric BDCL to better understand its clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches and treatment outcomes.

The genome sequence of the kissing bug, (Latreille, 1811).

We present a genome assembly from an individual female (kissing bug; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hemiptera; Reduviidae). The assembly contains two haplotypes with total lengths of 1,362.73 megabases and 1,342.

Metagenomic Analysis of Surface Waters and Wastewater in the Colombian Andean Highlands: Implications for Health and Disease.

Urban water bodies serve as critical reservoirs of microbial diversity, with major implications for public health and environmental quality. This study aimed to characterize the microbial diversity of surface waters and wastewater from the Pasto River in the Colombian Andean Highlands, offering insights that may support water quality monitoring efforts. Sampling was conducted at three river sites and one wastewater location.

Understanding Host-Pathogen Interactions in Congenital Chagas Disease Through Transcriptomic Approaches.

Chagas disease, caused by , is a parasitic zoonosis with significant health impacts, particularly in Latin America. While traditionally associated with vector-borne transmission, increased migration has expanded its reach into urban and non-endemic regions. Congenital transmission has become a critical route of infection, involving intricate maternal-fetal immune interactions that challenge diagnosis and treatment.

Genomics of novel influenza A virus (H18N12) in bats, Caribe Colombia.

Influenza viruses are highly capable of mutating and adapting in mammalian hosts. While these viruses have been extensively studied in birds, research on their presence in bats has been limited. However, influenza viruses circulating in bats have shown notable molecular divergence.

Exploring endosymbionts and pathogens in Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ctenocephalides felis felis with Oxford Nanopore Technology.

Fleas and ticks play a crucial role in public health as vectors of multiple diseases affecting humans and animals. Several rickettsial pathogens and endosymbionts are transmitted by fleas and ticks. Therefore, understanding this group of microorganisms is essential for fully grasping the spectrum of pathogens transmitted by vectors and the interactions between endosymbiotic microorganisms and their hosts.

Strengthening molecular testing capacity in Colombia: Challenges and opportunities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated efforts to enhance pathogen detection using molecular biology techniques. This study examines the expansion of molecular testing capacity in Colombia, identifying strengths and areas for improvement in the existing infrastructure. The study began with the creation of a database inventorying laboratories based on publicly available data from government entities and active web searches.

Triatoma venosa and Panstrongylus geniculatus challenge the certification of interruption of vectorial Trypanosoma cruzi transmission by Rhodnius prolixus in eastern Colombia.

Reactivation of Trypanosoma cruzi transmission by native vectors with different domiciliation capabilities is a major concern for Chagas disease control programs. T. cruzi transmission via intra-domestic Rhodnius prolixus was certified as interrupted by the Pan American Health Organization in Miraflores municipality (Boyacá, Colombia) in 2019.

First evidence of human infection by the kinetoplastid flagellate Dimastigella trypaniformis in a patient with urinary tract infection.

Objectives: We report a unique case of an 88-year-old man presenting with symptoms consistent with a urinary tract infection, whose diagnostic evaluation led to the identification of a previously unrecognized motile flagellated protozoan. This case highlights the importance of considering emerging parasitic agents in cases of hematuria and complex urinary tract infections and underscores the role of molecular diagnostics in identifying atypical and rare pathogens.

Design: This is a case report describing the clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and molecular identification of an unusual kinetoplastid organism in a patient's urine.