Dora Buonfrate

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This study looked at the body’s immune response in patients with acute fever caused by either bacterial infections or malaria by analyzing blood samples from 125 patients (52 with bacteria and 73 with malaria). It found that certain immune markers were higher in bacterial infections, while different markers were more prominent in malaria cases, helping to identify each infection type more accurately. This is important because it can lead to better diagnosis and treatment for patients, reducing issues like antibiotic misuse. Who this helps: Patients suffering from acute febrile illnesses.

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This study looked at a new way to culture stool samples for diagnosing infections caused by a parasite called strongyloidiasis, which often goes undiagnosed. Researchers tested 110 samples and found that 26 (about 24%) were positive for the infection using various methods. The traditional culture method was the most effective, detecting the infection 85% of the time, while the new glass bead method detected it about 65% of the time, showing promise but needing further refinement. Who this helps: This helps patients who may be infected, doctors, and public health organizations.

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Researchers in Verona, Italy, studied the spread of certain viral infections during the summer of 2025. They found that nearly 30% of people with unexplained fever showed signs of locally spread viral infections, including three cases of West Nile fever, four cases of tick-borne encephalitis, and 22 cases of chikungunya. This research highlights the need for better monitoring of these diseases to quickly identify and respond to outbreaks in the area. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and patients at risk of these infections.

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This study looked at how well certain advanced tests could identify harmful germs carried by ticks collected by everyday people in northeastern Italy. Researchers tested 116 tick samples and found that 33.6% of them carried at least one dangerous germ, with 6.9% showing multiple infections. This matters because understanding which pathogens are present can help in preventing tick-borne diseases in humans. Who this helps: Patients and public health officials.

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This study looked at a parasitic infection called strongyloidiasis, which affects an estimated 300-600 million people worldwide, particularly in developing regions. The World Health Organization (WHO) has now developed guidelines to combat this disease, recommending that in areas where at least 5% of the population is infected, everyone aged 5 and older should receive a single dose of ivermectin to help control and reduce the infection. This matters because strongyloidiasis can lead to severe health issues and even high mortality rates, especially in people with weakened immune systems. Who this helps: This benefits patients in endemic areas, particularly those vulnerable to severe complications from the infection.

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This study looked at how doctors in non-endemic areas manage schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease, by analyzing the guiding documents they use. Out of 30 responses, 73% of doctors referenced 19 documents, but only 21% of these were national recommendations, and less than 6% provided clear definitions for cases. The findings highlight a lack of consistency in treatment and diagnosis, showing a clear need for standardized guidelines to improve patient care. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers treating patients with schistosomiasis.

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This study looks at schistosomiasis, a disease caused by parasitic worms that enter the body through the skin when people come into contact with contaminated freshwater. It affects millions, especially in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, causing symptoms such as stomach pain and blood in urine. In serious cases, it can lead to liver damage or bladder cancer. Treatments like praziquantel are being used, and community health campaigns provide preventive medication to those at risk. Who this helps: This helps patients in affected areas and the health workers treating them.

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Researchers examined patients at a hospital in Luanda, Angola, and discovered that 38 out of 474 people, or 8%, had multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), despite having no prior TB history. Additionally, 2 patients, or 0.4%, showed signs of a more severe form known as pre-extensively drug-resistant TB. These findings highlight the growing challenge of drug-resistant TB, which poses significant risks to public health and treatment options. Who this helps: This helps patients, doctors, and public health officials in managing and treating tuberculosis effectively.

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This study looked at how certain diseases spread in Europe from 2007 to 2023, focusing on dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes. Researchers reviewed 59 studies and found that local outbreaks increased in frequency, averaging a rise of 1.25 times each year. The study highlighted that it often took a median of 35.5 days to identify these outbreaks, which can delay responses and worsen public health risks. Who this helps: This information benefits public health officials and healthcare providers aiming to control mosquito-borne diseases.

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Researchers worked on improving a method to test for two types of parasitic infections caused by threadworms: Strongyloides fuelleborni fuelleborni and Strongyloides stercoralis. They created a new testing approach that clearly distinguishes between the two species without getting them mixed up, achieving a very low detection limit of just 1 picogram per microliter. This is important because it allows for more accurate diagnosis of infections, helping to identify if a person has one or both species, which can lead to better treatment strategies. Who this helps: This helps patients who are at risk of strongyloidiasis, particularly those in areas where these infections are common.

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This study looked at how to create better tests to diagnose strongyloidiasis, a type of parasitic infection. The researchers found that focusing on the accuracy of the tests—specifically how well they do in avoiding false positive results—was crucial for developing new diagnostic tools. They discovered that a new type of test, called the prototype NIE-LFA, is cheaper and more effective for mass testing than the traditional method. Who this helps: This benefits health programs and doctors working to control strongyloidiasis in communities.

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This study looked at fascioliasis, an infection caused by parasites, in people who traveled to or immigrated from countries where the disease is common. Researchers reported four new cases and found a total of 46 cases in literature, mostly from Southeast Asia and Africa, with 87% of the patients experiencing symptoms like fever and abdominal pain. They discovered that a blood test was positive for the disease in 97% of cases, while stool tests were much less effective, and treated patients had a great recovery with the drug triclabendazole. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and healthcare providers who treat travelers and migrants at risk for fascioliasis.

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Researchers studied measles cases brought into different countries by international travelers from May 2019 to June 2025. They found 53 measles cases from travelers across 15 countries, with 79% of the infected individuals having no history of vaccination. About 61% of those affected were hospitalized, highlighting the ongoing risk of measles outbreaks linked to unvaccinated travelers. Who this helps: This information benefits public health officials and travelers by emphasizing the importance of vaccination before international trips.

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The study looked at the health of 674 newly arrived migrants in northern Italy, focusing on common infectious diseases. They found that 25.4% had a tuberculosis infection, 1.5% were living with HIV, and 6.1% had chronic hepatitis B. Additionally, 12.3% of the migrants had parasitic infections, primarily strongyloidiasis and schistosomiasis. These results highlight the significant health challenges faced by migrants and emphasize the need for targeted health screenings to detect and address these infectious diseases early. Who this helps: This helps migrants by ensuring they receive timely medical care for infectious diseases.

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This study looked at how to effectively test for the parasite Strongyloides stercoralis in Rwanda and whether these tests can be integrated into existing health programs. Researchers found that 1.1% of people in Gisagara and 3.9% in Rubavu were infected with the parasite. The study showed that while the new rapid diagnostic tests were easy to use, proper training for traditional testing methods was very important. Who this helps: This benefits patients in Rwanda by improving the detection and management of parasitic infections.

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This study looked at how well the treatment dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PPQ) works for uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, particularly in patients who got the infection in sub-Saharan Africa. Out of 90 patients treated, only 6 (about 6.7%) still had the malaria parasites in their blood three days after starting treatment, indicating that the medication is still effective. Since there was no significant drop in effectiveness over the years studied, this is reassuring, but health experts need to keep monitoring to ensure treatments remain effective as resistance can develop. Who this helps: Patients with uncomplicated malaria from sub-Saharan Africa.

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This study looked at the occurrence of certain overlooked infectious diseases, like malaria and others, among pregnant migrant women in Northern Italy. Out of 29 women tested for malaria, 5 were found to be infected, which is 17.2%, while 27.8% tested positive for schistosomiasis. These findings are important because they highlight a significant number of neglected infections that could affect both the mothers and their babies, demonstrating a need for better health screenings for this group. Who this helps: This benefits pregnant migrant women and healthcare providers working with them.

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This study examined blackwater fever (BWF), a serious condition that can develop in malaria patients receiving treatment, leading to blood breakdown and dark urine. Researchers analyzed 101 papers, finding that 75.7% of BWF cases occurred in local children and adults, with a mortality rate of 18.1% among 535 patients. Although quinine was the common trigger for BWF, the optimal treatment and understanding of its causes haven't improved significantly over the last century. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors treating malaria and their patients experiencing complications.

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This study looked at how many adults need treatment for strongyloidiasis, a parasitic infection, in areas where it’s common. The researchers estimated that between 512 million and 905 million adults could need a medication called ivermectin, depending on how widespread the infection is in the community. This information is important because it helps countries target their resources effectively to include adults in treatment programs alongside children. Who this helps: This helps patients living in areas affected by strongyloidiasis.

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This research paper examines the study of proteins in parasites causing strongyloidiasis, a disease that affects humans. Researchers found that there has been limited progress in analyzing these proteins, with only a few studies using advanced techniques. Understanding these proteins is important because it can lead to new ways to diagnose and treat the disease, especially as they highlighted a new analysis of proteins in the blood of affected patients. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from strongyloidiasis and healthcare providers working on their treatment.

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This article discusses a meeting focused on using modern scientific techniques to help eliminate parasitic worms from populations. The researchers explored various approaches and findings that could lead to healthier communities by reducing the presence of these worms, which can cause significant health problems. It's important because tackling worm infections can improve overall public health and quality of life. Who this helps: This helps patients and communities affected by parasitic worm infections.

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This research paper highlights a group of scientists who have outlined 13 important questions about parasitic worms that infect humans. Their goal is to explore these questions to better understand the worms' biology and how they cause disease. Addressing these questions can lead to better treatments and prevention strategies for diseases caused by these parasites, which are recognized as critical health issues by the World Health Organization. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from parasitic infections, healthcare providers, and public health initiatives.

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This study investigated a parasitic disease called canine strongyloidosis, which is caused by Strongyloides stercoralis and is becoming more common in Europe. Researchers looked at 12 dogs with this infection and found that most had gastrointestinal issues, especially diarrhea and weight loss. They also noted specific ultrasound changes in the intestines in these dogs, which could help veterinarians recognize and treat the disease more effectively. Who this helps: This research benefits veterinarians and dog owners by improving diagnosis and treatment options for affected dogs.

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This study looked at a specific blood test called the Strongy Detect ELISA to track how well treatment worked for patients with a parasitic infection called strongyloidiasis. The researchers found that 95% of the samples showed a significant drop in infection markers after treatment, with an average decrease of 93.9%. This is important because it shows that this test can effectively monitor treatment success, although some technical problems need to be resolved before it can be used widely in clinics. Who this helps: This helps patients with strongyloidiasis and their doctors in monitoring treatment effectiveness.

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This study focused on a patient with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis, a complicated condition caused by a parasitic infection that leads to liver issues and high blood pressure in the liver. The treatment involved a procedure called Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), which successfully reduced varices (enlarged veins), but the patient also needed surgery to remove their spleen due to ongoing problems. This research is important as it sheds light on a potential treatment option for patients with this condition, helping improve their health outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from hepatosplenic schistosomiasis.

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This study focused on creating clear definitions for different aspects of schistosomiasis, a disease affecting people who travel or move between countries. Researchers surveyed 28 experts and by the end of the study, they reached a strong agreement (79-100%) on the definitions of terms like "acute," "chronic," and "active" schistosomiasis. Having standardized definitions is important because it enhances communication among healthcare providers and supports better research and treatment guidelines for the disease. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare professionals who treat patients with schistosomiasis.

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This study looked at the infection rates of a parasite called Strongyloides stercoralis in four areas of Madagascar. Researchers found that the infection was much more common in two coastal districts, with 20.9% of people in Marovoay and 35.2% in Vatomandry testing positive for the parasite, compared to only 5.6% and 6.1% in the two highland districts. Understanding these rates is important because it helps identify areas that need more health interventions and may reveal why some regions have higher infection rates. Who this helps: This benefits patients in Madagascar, especially those living in coastal areas.

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This study looked at the effectiveness and side effects of a treatment for canine leishmaniasis, a serious disease in dogs, using a drug called meglumine antimoniate along with allopurinol. Out of 87 treated dogs, about 29.8% experienced side effects, but 91.9% saw significant improvement in their health within six months, and 78.5% tested negative for the disease after two months. This matters because it shows that while the treatment can have serious side effects, it is also very effective at helping dogs recover from a potentially deadly disease. Who this helps: This benefits veterinarians and dog owners dealing with canine leishmaniasis.

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This study looked at how to identify certain bacteria and their toxins that might affect dogs and, in turn, human health. Researchers tested different DNA identification methods on samples from infected and uninfected dogs and found that while one method was reliable, the toxins they were searching for were not present in dog stool samples. This matters because understanding these bacteria can help improve medical care for both dogs and humans who might be affected by the same pathogens. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and healthcare providers looking to treat infections in dogs and their potential implications for human health.

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This study tested two new quick tests for a parasitic disease called strongyloidiasis, which is caused by the Strongyloides stercoralis parasite. The tests showed that one (the IgG test) correctly identified 91.1% of people with the infection, while the other (the IgG4 test) had a sensitivity of 77.3% and could detect 100% of those without the infection. These results matter because they can improve how doctors diagnose and manage this disease, particularly in areas where the infection is common. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for strongyloidiasis and doctors in diagnosing the disease quickly.

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This study looked at a diagnostic test called the InBios Strongy Detect IgG ELISA, designed to detect infections caused by the Strongyloides stercoralis parasite in children. Researchers tested the reliability of this assay using 46 plasma samples from Ethiopian children and found that the test produced consistent results with very little variation, making it a promising option for field use. This matters because improving diagnostic tools can help control infections that are often overlooked and ensure better health outcomes for affected communities. Who this helps: Patients, especially children at risk of Strongyloides infections.

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This study looked at the effectiveness of two medications, ivermectin and moxidectin, for treating infections caused by parasites. Researchers analyzed data from two studies involving 821 adults in Southeast Asia and found that moxidectin works as well as ivermectin without significantly increasing the risk of serious side effects. While some people reported mild symptoms like abdominal pain and headaches, there were no deaths reported, and more research is needed to confirm these findings for certain vulnerable groups. Who this helps: This benefits patients with parasitic infections, particularly those who may respond better to moxidectin.

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This study tested a new device called a "tablet pole" to help give the right dose of ivermectin, a medication for a parasitic infection called strongyloidiasis, to children in remote villages in Ecuador. Researchers looked at 778 children and found that while the standard weight-based method successfully gave the optimal dose to 37.9% of the kids, the pole method only succeeded for 25.7%. The pole often led to giving either too little or too much medication compared to the weight-based approach, which is important to ensure children receive safe and effective treatment. Who this helps: This helps children in remote areas who are at risk of strongyloidiasis.

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This study looked at the proteins found in the infective larvae of the parasite Strongyloides stercoralis, which causes a disease called strongyloidiasis that affects about 600 million people worldwide. The researchers identified 430 proteins in these larvae, with 43% of them being previously unknown. They also found new proteins that could help develop better tests for diagnosing the infection and understanding how the parasite survives in the human body. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly those in resource-limited areas where strongyloidiasis is common.

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This study examined a case of blackwater fever, a serious complication that can occur after malaria treatment, in a 12-year-old girl in Italy who had no prior immunity to the disease. She was treated with steroids, which quickly improved her condition. Understanding effective treatments for blackwater fever is important for managing this potentially life-threatening complication in patients without malaria immunity. Who this helps: This helps patients with malaria and their doctors.

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This study focused on finding the best tests to diagnose strongyloidiasis, a disease caused by the parasite Strongyloides stercoralis, in school-age children living in remote areas of Ecuador. Researchers tested five different diagnostic methods on 778 children, with one test, the Strongy Detect ELISA, showing the highest sensitivity at 83.5%, while another, the Bordier ELISA, had perfect specificity at 100%. These findings matter because they highlight effective testing options for a disease that is often overlooked, ensuring better detection and control. Who this helps: This helps patients and health workers in areas affected by strongyloidiasis.

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This study looked at how lung volume and blood flow in the lungs, measured using a special type of CT scan, relate to the health outcomes of COVID-19 patients. Researchers found that only 16.7% of 78 patients had a good recovery, and those who recovered had an average lung volume of 4,262 mL compared to 3,577.8 mL in those who did poorly, indicating a clear link between larger lung volume and better outcomes. These findings matter because they suggest that measuring lung volume could help predict which patients are likely to recover better from COVID-19. Who this helps: This helps doctors better understand how COVID-19 impacts patients and could improve treatment strategies.

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This study looked at the level of rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB) in Kajiado, Kenya, finding that 4.6% of all diagnosed TB cases were resistant to rifampicin. The research also noted that there were 521 new cases of pulmonary TB per 100,000 adults each year and that 22.2% of those with pulmonary TB were also infected with HIV. These findings highlight a much higher prevalence of RR-TB than previously recorded and show a significant gap in TB management that needs to be addressed for better public health outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with TB and HIV, as well as healthcare providers looking for better treatment strategies.

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This study looked at how effective ivermectin, a medication, is at reducing infections caused by the parasite Strongyloides stercoralis in areas where this parasite is common. The results showed that after preventive treatment with ivermectin, the number of people infected dropped significantly: by 82% when tested through fecal samples and by 65% through blood tests. This is important because it shows that ivermectin can help control a serious health issue in many communities worldwide. Who this helps: Patients living in areas affected by Strongyloides stercoralis.

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This study looked at the presence of a parasite called Strongyloides stercoralis in humans and dogs in Southern Italy, testing 145 dogs and 139 people in kennels, farms, and agricultural settings. They found that 4.1% of the dogs and 6.5% of the humans tested positive for the parasite, with the highest positive rates in dogs from kennels. It's important to identify this parasite because while some infected people and dogs appear healthy, others experience symptoms that can improve with treatment, showing that awareness and screening are crucial. Who this helps: This research benefits patients and veterinarians by highlighting the need for monitoring and treatment of strongyloidiasis.

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This study examined how often malaria parasites are found among migrants living in non-malaria areas, such as Europe and North America. Researchers analyzed data from 23 studies, discovering that the malaria parasite prevalence among migrants from sub-Saharan Africa was 8.3% when using PCR tests, with higher rates of 11.6% for those who arrived within the last year. This information is crucial for developing effective health screening strategies for migrants to prevent the spread of malaria. Who this helps: This helps health officials and doctors working with migrant populations.

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This study looked at whether taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) at home before being hospitalized for COVID-19 affected patient outcomes. Out of 1,144 patients, 218 had used NSAIDs, but the study found no link between their use and better or worse health outcomes in the hospital. However, it was discovered that older patients and males had a higher risk of death from COVID-19. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and healthcare providers treating COVID-19 patients.

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This study focuses on strongyloidiasis, a disease caused by a parasitic worm that affects 300-600 million people worldwide, primarily through contaminated soil. It highlights that while a single dose of ivermectin can effectively treat stable cases, those with weakened immune systems require multiple doses due to severe complications that can arise. These insights are important for improving diagnosis and treatment, especially as many affected people might not show symptoms. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly those with compromised immune systems and children who may experience malnutrition.

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This research paper looks at current and new treatments for strongyloidiasis, a serious infection that can be life-threatening for people with weakened immune systems. The study found that ivermectin, the main drug used for treatment, is effective about 86% of the time and is generally well-tolerated by patients. It also discusses the potential of other drugs like albendazole and moxidectin, particularly in cases where ivermectin can't be used or is less effective. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with strongyloidiasis, especially those with compromised immune systems.

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This study focused on Strongyloides stercoralis, a parasite that can infect both humans and dogs, and the difficulties in diagnosing this infection. The researchers found that there is no single, reliable test for diagnosing strongyloidiasis, making it hard to determine how well existing tests work. The accuracy of diagnostic methods varies widely depending on the type of test used and the location of the patients, which is crucial because strongyloidiasis can lead to serious health issues. Who this helps: This research benefits patients and doctors by improving understanding of how to diagnose a potentially deadly infection.

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Researchers studied an outbreak of a food-borne infection called paragonimiasis in a community in Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador, in 2022. They found a total of 20 cases, all caused by a type of fluke worm that can cause symptoms similar to tuberculosis, which made it harder to diagnose. This is important because early detection and treatment can prevent serious health issues and stop the infection from spreading. Who this helps: This helps patients in the affected community who may be suffering from the infection.