Fresh Off The Journal: February 2026

Dengue diagnosis is often hard in places where multiple viruses circulate and tools are limited. Working with Peru’s Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt, researchers tested 271 fever patients during a dengue outbreak using clinical checks, rapid tests, ELISA and a newly implemented multiplex PCR. The PCR was highly accurate and outperformed the other methods. The study shows that advanced molecular testing can work in regional hospitals, enabling faster and more reliable diagnosis, hence improving outbreak response.The picture is from the road to the next bigger town.

Hauner, A., Aroni-Sierra, J., Merino, X., Villa, C., Torres, F., Lagatie, O., Talledo, M., Ariën, K. K., & Falconi-Agapito, F. (2026). Assessing the diagnostic performance of clinical, serological and molecular approaches to improve dengue case detection in the Peruvian Amazon. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 20(2), e0013984. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0013984

About half of people infected with chikungunya experience long-lasting joint pains after the virus is gone. In this study, ITM researchers, together with partners in Cambodia and at UAntwerp, examined white blood cells (CD4 T cells) six months after infection, comparing people who did -or didn’t- develop chronic symptoms. They identified a recurring immune “fingerprint” in those cell’s receptors, more common in women, pointing to a sex-linked immune background and suggesting possible markers to flag higher risk.

Bartholomeeusen, K., Affaticati, F., Willems, B., Dhondt, E., Bartholomeus, E., Maestri, A., LY, S., Duong, V., Ogunjimi, B., Meysman, P., Laukens, K., Cantaert, T., & Ariën, K. K. (2026). Identification of a TCR signature in peripheral blood derived CD4+ T cells, associated with chronic chikungunya disease (CCD), suggests a conducive, female-biased, background immune profile. Frontiers in Immunology.

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2026.1739100/abstract

Fever can signal many illnesses in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including sleeping sickness (HAT), which can be fatal if missed. Researchers validated a cartridge-based “sample-to-result” platform detecting HAT, dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Implemented in Kimpese with just a few days of training, all patients tested negative, but the study shows the workflow’s feasibility and the value of open, flexible systems to strengthen surveillance and support HAT elimination.

Hauner, A., Lusala, S. M., Rogé, S., Van Reet, N., Cnops, L., Da Luz, R. I., Van Esbroeck, M., Kapandji, M., Kuamfumu, M. M., Kiabanzawoko, O., Phanzu, D. M., Verlé, P., Ahuka-Mundeke, S., & Ariën, K. K. (2026). Development and validation of a sample-to-result real time multiplex RT-PCR test for human African trypanosomiasis and arboviral febrile illnesses in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. BMC Infectious Diseases. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-026-12550-0

How do you stop rabies where access is limited? In Tanzania’s Mara region, researchers piloted a community-based, continuous mass dog vaccination strategy to reach more owners, more often. By combining free, frequent, sub-village campaigns with strong local involvement, the program improved access and participation. The study highlights what helped, including free vaccines and local clinics, and what hindered participation, such as long distances, difficulty handling dogs, and daily livelihood conflicts.

Duamor, C. T., Wyke, S., Hampson, K., Cleaveland, S., Mpolya, E., Kreppel, K. S., Lugelo, A., Changalucha, J., Lushasi, K., Czupryna, A., Sambo, M., & Lankester, F. (2025). Factors that Influenced the Delivery of a Community-Based Continuous Mass Dog Vaccination Approach in the Mara Region of Tanzania. Frontiers in Tropical Diseases, 7. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5234424

In Nigeria’s antenatal clinics, health workers introduced intravenous iron as an alternative to oral supplements for treating anaemia in pregnancy. Surveys from 11 facilities showed high initial ratings, and confidence grew with experience. Acceptability rose significantly while feasibility improved more modestly. Perceptions were consistent across roles and facilities, suggesting IV iron can fit routine care despite some workflow challenges. CCTRIS, in collaboration with ITM, was pivotal in driving this research.

Akinajo, O. R., Banke-Thomas, A., Annerstedt, K. S., Beňová, L., Adelabu, Y. A., Sam-Agudu, N. A., & Afolabi, B. B. (2026). Intravenous iron for anaemia in pregnancy: A quantitative study of acceptability and feasibility of its integration into routine antenatal care practice in Nigeria. PLOS One, 21(2), e0328239. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0328239

Children in many countries still struggle to get controlled medicines for pain, seizures, and other serious conditions. Families face fear and complex rules, while health workers often lack child‑appropriate options. Lessons from Uganda, India, and Costa Rica show that progress is possible when systems prioritise children. Building on these experiences, the authors outline a functional framework that helps governments strengthen policy, supply, and care so access becomes reliable and safe.

Tarrafeta-Sayas, M.-B., Maser, B., García-Quintero, X., Rayala, S., Gutiérrez, H. M., Downing, J., Namisango, E., Anghelescu, D., Cheng, L., Doherty, M., Gafer, N., Lawler, K., McNeil, M. J., Rana, S., Zhai, X., Gui, Q., Oei, J.-L., Sáenz, E., & Ravinetto, R. (2026). Children’s access to controlled medicines: policy lessons, intervention priorities, and a framework for action. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2352-4642(25)00375-x