Asian Journal of Research in Infectious Diseases

Preliminary Clinical Observations on 35 kDa Low-Molecular-Weight Hyaluronan (HA35) in Influenza Prevention and Symptom Control: A Case Series

Jessica H. Hui — 2025-11-03

Influenza is caused by influenza viruses, which infect host respiratory epithelial cells by binding the viral envelope hemagglutinin to sialic acid receptors on the cell surface. Hemagglutinin can induce red blood cell agglutination in vitro, a hallmark of viral infectivity. Our previous studies demonstrated that the 35 kDa low-molecular-weight hyaluronan (HA35) can also induce agglutination of human and multiple animal erythrocytes in vitro, suggesting that HA35 may interfere with the binding between viral hemagglutinin and host cells. This retrospective case series analyzed the incidence of influenza over nine years among three volunteers who had long-term exposure to HA35 without influenza vaccination. In addition, one case of severe influenza occurring in a high-altitude region was evaluated for clinical improvement following short-term, high-dose HA35 administration. Together, these observations were used to assess the potential anti-influenza effect of HA35. During a nine-year follow-up period, none of the three volunteers who received long-term HA35 injections and oral supplementation developed influenza. During the COVID-19 pandemic, all three participants were infected with the coronavirus and developed typical symptoms, suggesting that HA35 had no preventive effect against non-hemagglutinin-dependent viruses. In the high-altitude case, the patient’s fever and systemic symptoms markedly improved following short-term high-dose oral HA35 treatment, with no severe complications observed. These observations suggest that HA35 may have potential preventive and therapeutic effects against influenza. Although limited by the small sample size, this case series provides preliminary clinical evidence supporting further investigation of HA35 nasal formulations and devices in influenza prevention and control.

A Cluster Randomized Trial Evaluating a Care Model Adapted to People Living with HIV in Senegal

Assane Diouf — 2025-10-28

Aims: To compare the retention rate of the ART-stable (on ART for ≥ 6 months with a stable condition) people living with HIV (PLHIV) between a care model adapted to PLHIVs (CMAP) combining task shifting and differentiated follow-up (intervention) .and the standard of care (control).

Study Design: Cluster randomized trial with both quantitative and qualitative components.

Place and Duration of Study: Between July 2017 and July 2019 in the 12 health districts of Saint and Tambacouda regions, Senegal.

Methodology: We included 1014 PLHIVs (429 in the intervention arm, 585 in the control arm). The mean age was 40.6 ± 13 years; 72% were female, 39.7% at WHO clinical stages 3-4. Arms were compared using Targeted Maximum Likelihood Estimation accounting for clustering.

A socio-anthropological survey was carried out among caregivers and PLHIVs through focus group discussions and interviews to elicit the perceptions on the CMAP. The interviews were subjected to thematic analysis with Atlas Ti

Results: After 18 months of follow-up, the retention rate was 94.4%(95% CI; = 93.8-96.2) in the CMAP arm versus 92.8% [95% CI = 90.2%-93.7%] in the control arm. The duration of the trip to the health facility (26 minutes vs 68 minutes; p <0.01), the transport costs (1 US$ vs 6 US$; p < 0.01) and the time spent in the health facility (31 minutes vs 89 minutes; p < 0.01) were lower in the intervention arm.

Six (6) focus groups and 25 interviews involving 42 caregivers and 28 PLHIVs were conducted in the CMAP arm. The qualitative analyses revealed that caregivers and PLHIVs were supportive of CMAP.

Conclusion: The CMAP was associated with increased retention, shorter travel time and decreased cost in HIV care

Epidemiological and Clinical Analysis of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in West Bengal, India

Anindita Sen — 2025-11-18

Background: At present, about 250 million people are living with Hepatitis B virus infection globally, and in India, it is about 30 million individuals, with an increasing trend in many places. In India, the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is still a serious public health issue, and its prevalence varies by location. In most of the studies from India, the overall rate of Hepatitis B has been reported to range from 2-8%. Comprehending the laboratory, clinical, and demographic aspects of infection is essential for efficient disease management. Thus, frequent studies of associated factors may lead to newer strategies for disease control.

Methodology: Data from 217 HBV-positive patients who were identified at a tertiary care hospital in Kolkata (Medical College and Kolkata) between 2018 and 2020 were examined in this retrospective analysis. ICT and ELISA assays were used to screen the patients, and the Gene Xpert System was used to confirm the viral load. Clinical, occupational, and demographic data were analyzed to find trends linked to infection.

Results: Males were more impacted than females, and the highest prevalence was seen in the 21–40 age range. The largest occupational category consisted of housewives (35.02%), and 71.4% of patients were married. The most frequent contributing factors were hepatomegaly and a history of blood transfusions. The majority of patients had normal serum bilirubin and SGPT levels and were asymptomatic; the HBeAg positivity rate was 8.7%.

Conclusion: The study pinpoints important clinical and demographic trends of HBV infection in West Bengal, which might inform preventative measures and bolster public health initiatives for the management of hepatitis B.

Evidence of High Circulation of a Hepatitis B Like Virus in Traditional Pig Farms of the Department of Korhogo (Northern Côte d’ivoire): A Preliminary Report

M’BARI Kiffôpan Benjamin — 2025-11-19

Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate two serological markers of a Hepatitis B-like virus (HBLV) in domestic pigs from the Korhogo department (northern Côte d’Ivoire) and to assess the prevalence of this virus, while considering potential risk factors such as age, sex and farm location.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional serological survey was conducted between 4 january and 28 February 2021. Serum samples were tested using two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) specific for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg). A total of 368 serum samples were collected from pigs reared in extensive farms in four sub-prefectures of the Korhogo department, northern Cote d’Ivoire.

Results: An overall seroprevalence of 47.83% (176 / 368) for the Hepatitis B-like virus was observed among pigs in the Korhogo department. No statistically significant association (p>0.05) was found between the sex of the pigs and their infectious status, however, prevalence was slightly higher in females (48.72%) than in males (47.17%). Depending on the age groups and sampled localities, this pathogen seroprevalences showed significant differences (p < 0.05). Thus, in older pigs, HB like Virus prevalence was higher (53.13%) than in younger ones (35.71%). The prevalence also varied widely among localities, ranging from 30% to 91.67%. The sub-prefectures of Tioroniaradougou and Napiéléoudougou, both located in the southern part of the Korhogo department, recorded the highest prevalence rates of 91.67% and 83.33%, respectively. At the village level, all sampled villages in Tioroniaradougou and Napieléoudougou were contaminated, whereas 80% and 60% of farms were positive in the Korhogo and Lataha sub-prefectures, respectively.

Conclusion: The study shows the prevalence of a Hepatitis B-like virus infection in pigs reared in Korhogo department, northern Cote d’Ivoire. This infection appears to be widespread and may represent a potential health concern in traditional pig farming systems of the region. Further melocular investigations are needed to characterize the genomic diversity and evolutionary relationships of Hepatitis B-like viruses circulating in pig populations.

Severe Exacerbation of Asthma in the Emergency Department of the Albert Royer Children's Hospital in Dakar: A Retrospective Study

Guillaye DIAGNE — 2025-11-21

Introduction: Asthma is a multifactorial disease of the lower respiratory tract. It is also the most common chronic disease in children. It is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. In Senegal, the overall prevalence of asthma remains unknown. To update data on asthma exacerbations in the emergency department, we conducted this study in the emergency department of the CHNEAR hospital in Dakar.

Aim: The objective was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic, and prognostic aspects.

Methodology: This was a retrospective descriptive study conducted over a one-year period, from January 1st to December 31st, 2022, in the Emergency Department (ED) of the Albert Royer Children's Hospital in Dakar. All children presenting with a severe acute asthma exacerbation were included in the study. Incomplete records were excluded. Data were collected using a questionnaire from the hospitalization records. We used Microsoft Excel 10 for data collection and analysis.

Results: During the study period, 1621 patients were hospitalized in the emergency department, including 60 for severe exacerbations (a prevalence of 3.7%), of whom 7 had incomplete and unusable medical records. A total of 53 patients were included and constituted our study population. The male-to-female ratio was 1.21. The mean age of the patients was 40 months.

Among our patients, 34 or 64% came from the peripheral areas of Dakar.

Among our patients, in 31 (58.5%) the onset of symptoms was nocturnal, and in 6 patients (11.3%) the symptoms began during the day. Of our patients, 17 (32%) had started treatment at home.

Among our patients, 51 or 96% presented with polypnea and 49 or 92% with tachycardia, hypoxemia was present in 43 patients or 81%.

In our study, respiratory distress was found in 100% of patients.

A chest X-ray was performed in 44 patients, or 83%.

Among our patients, 100% had received nebulized salbutamol treatment. Betamethasone was administered to 37 patients (70%), and magnesium sulfate to 8 patients (15%).

The outcome was favorable in 100% of patients without hemodynamic or respiratory complications. The average length of hospital stay was 3 days.

Conclusion: Asthma is the most common chronic condition in children; its diagnosis and immediate management of exacerbations should be within the reach of every practitioner.