Mahbub Elahi

Poor sleep quality during pregnancy is associated with adverse health and developmental outcomes for both mother and fetus. Various factors may influence s

Dengue (DENV), Chikungunya (CHIKV), and Zika (ZIKV) are emerging arboviral threats in Bangladesh, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes thriving in urban Dhaka. Overlapping symptoms complicate diagnosis, and Bangladesh-specific data on arboviral antibody reactivity are limited. In four hospitals of Dhaka, we conducted a cross-sectional study on 438 febrile patients aged ≥10 years, collecting samples between September and December 2023 to describe arboviral antibody reactivity and their distribution across selected demographic and environmental characteristics. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for DENV and CHIKV were performed, followed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) on RDT-reactive samples. Participants had a mean age of 30 years (±13.5); two-thirds were male, and most lived in crowded, low-income households. RDTs indicated DENV/CHIKV antibody reactivity in 40% of participants; 170 samples underwent ELISA, suggesting DENV IgG reactivity in 33.5% and IgM reactivity in 15.5%. CHIKV IgG reactivity (0.7%) was low and ZIKV IgG was reactive in 21% of total samples, and IgM was reactive in one (0.2%); most ZIKV IgG-reactive samples also showed DENV IgG reactivity, suggesting cross-reactivity. DENV IgG and IgM reactivity were associated with lower education, while ZIKV IgM reactivity was associated with older age. Awareness of Aedes mosquitoes was low, and environmental risk factors were common. This study provides cross-sectional data on serological reactivity against DENV, CHIKV, and ZIKV among febrile patients attending four hospitals of Dhaka, without aiming to establish etiologic causes of illness. ZIKV IgG antibody reactivity requires confirmatory testing to distinguish true infections from other arboviral cross-reactivity. Strengthened community-based surveys, better public awareness, and sustained vector control are critical for reducing arboviral disease risks in urbanizing settings like Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Gestational weight gain (GWG) is a critical determinant of maternal and neonatal health, yet its patterns and consequences in displaced populations remain understudied. This study examined the association between GWG and birth outcomes among Forcibly Displaced Rohingya (FDR) women in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. We conducted a longitudinal cohort study from October 2022 to October 2024, enrolling 2888 pregnant women at different stages of pregnancy. Among them, 301 were recruited in the first trimester and followed through the third trimester, with 231 neonatal outcomes recorded within 72 hours of delivery. Overall, 66.8% of women experienced inadequate GWG. Despite the high prevalence of inadequate GWG, mean birth weight (2.79 kg) and mean gestational age at delivery (38.6 weeks) were within favorable ranges. Inadequate GWG was more common in mothers aged 30–39 years (p = 0.061) but significantly less common in underweight mothers (p = 0.012). GWG was positively associated with neonatal birth weight, length, and weight–length ratio (WLR) Z score, but not with gestational age. After adjusting for confounding factors, inadequate GWG showed a significant independent association with lower birth length (p = 0.016). These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions in displaced populations.

Background: Vaccination has played a crucial role in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and reducing its severe outcomes. While over 90% of Bangladesh’s population has received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, the comparative effectiveness of homologous versus heterologous booster strategies, along with the complex interplay of factors within the population, remains understudied. This study aimed to compare antibody responses between these booster approaches. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 723 adults in urban Dhaka who had received COVID-19 booster doses within the last six months. Participants were grouped based on homologous or heterologous booster vaccination. Data were collected through structured household surveys, and 2 mL blood samples were collected for measuring antibody titers. Results: Heterologous booster recipients showed higher median antibody titers (8597.0 U/mL, IQR 5053.0–15,482.3) compared to homologous recipients (6958.0 U/mL, IQR 3974.0–12,728.5). In the adjusted analysis, the type of booster dose had no significant impact on antibody levels. However, the duration since the last booster dose was significantly associated with antibody levels, where each additional month since receiving the booster corresponded to approximately a 15–16% reduction in antibody levels (Adj. coeff: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.81, 0.88; p < 0.001). Participants over 40 years demonstrated higher antibody levels than younger individuals (Adj. coeff: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.43; p = 0.005). Sex, BMI, and prior COVID-19 infection showed no significant associations with antibody levels after adjustment. Conclusion: The results underscore the complexity of immune responses across different demographic groups and suggest potential benefits of ongoing heterologous booster strategies in sustaining immunity.