Evidence map›Paper›PMID 38424500›Full record

ReviewBMC infectious diseases2024

Gaps and inconsistencies in the current knowledge and implementation of biosafety and biosecurity practices for rickettsial pathogens.

Stuart D Blacksell, Khanh Kim Le, Artharee Rungrojn, Jantana Wongsantichon, John Stenos, Stephen R Graves, Nicholas P J Day

Open access · goldAbstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in BMC infectious diseases, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
1.5field-weighted citation impact, top 21% of its field
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed, 3 citations in OpenAlex.

  1. Antibiotic Antagonism inInfection & chemotherapy · 2026
    Review
  2. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors at 4 institutions in 4 countries.

Stuart D BlacksellMahidol-Oxford Tropical Research Medicine Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand. stuart.blacksell@ndm.ox.ac.uk.
Khanh Kim LeMahidol-Oxford Tropical Research Medicine Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand.
Artharee RungrojnMahidol-Oxford Tropical Research Medicine Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand.
Jantana WongsantichonMahidol-Oxford Tropical Research Medicine Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand.
John StenosAustralian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, VIC, Australia.
Stephen R GravesAustralian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, VIC, Australia.
Nicholas P J DayMahidol-Oxford Tropical Research Medicine Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand.
Geelong Hospital · AUMahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit · THMahidol University · THAngkor Hospital for Children · KH

Funding

Wellcome TrustWellcome Trust 220211
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionRickettsia spp. and Orientia spp. are the causes of neglected infections that can lead to severe febrile and systemic illnesses in humans. Implementing proper biosafety practices when handling these pathogens is crucial to ensure a safe and sustainable work environment. It is essential to assess the current knowledge and identify any potential gaps to develop effective measures that minimise the risk of exposure to these pathogens. By doing so, we can establish a comprehensive framework that promotes safety, mitigates hazards, and safeguards the well-being of personnel and the surrounding community. METHODS AND

resultsThis review aimed to synthesise and determine the evidence base for biosafety precautions for Rickettsia spp. and Orientia spp. pathogens. Enhancing our understanding of the relative infectious risk associated with different strains of Rickettsia and Orientia spp. requires identifying the infectious dose of these pathogens that can cause human disease. The application of risk groups for Rickettsia and Orientia spp. is inconsistent across jurisdictions. There is also incomplete evidence regarding decontamination methods for these pathogens. With regards to Orientia spp. most of the available information is derived from experiments conducted with Rickettsia spp.

conclusionsRickettsia and Orientia spp. are neglected diseases, as demonstrated by the lack of evidence-based and specific biosafety information about these pathogens. In the case of Orientia spp., most of the available information is derived from Rickettsia spp., which may not be appropriate and overstate the risks of working with this pathogen. The advent of effective antibiotic therapy and a better understanding of the true hazards and risks associated with pathogen manipulation should inform decisions, allowing a sustainable and safe work environment.

Indexed as

Orientia tsutsugamushiRickettsiaScrub TyphusBiosecurityContainment of BiohazardsHumansBiosafetyOrientia spp.Orientia tsutsugamushiRickettsia spp.Scrub typhusSpotted fever

Identifiers

PMID38424500
PMCPMC10905923
OpenAlexW4392284098

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.