International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research

Whole genome sequences of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses detected in felines in Bangladesh

Whole-genome sequences of three highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses detected in cats in Bangladesh during 2025-2026 are reported. Phylogenetically, two strains grouped within clade 2.3.2.1a, and the other within the clade 2.3.4.4b. The isolates harbored mutations in ke...

Validation of HemoCue method and development of a revised hemoglobin cut-off to detect anemia in children aged 6–24-months

Background Accurate hemoglobin (Hb) measurement is essential for determining anemia prevalence at the population level. The HemoCue method, commonly used in resource poor settings, has been shown to overestimate Hb levels compared to the direct cyanmethemoglobin (DCM) method, lea...

Aberrant one-carbon metabolism and ancestral genetics underlie edematous severe acute malnutrition

Edematous severe childhood malnutrition is distinct from the non-edematous form of malnutrition and remains a major cause of under-five mortality. Its etiology remains unclear, although aberrant one-carbon metabolism has emerged as a potential contributor. Here, we assess genetic...

Inorganic arsenic promotes bacterial tolerance to antibiotics in community-derived Escherichia coli isolates

The rise of antibiotic resistance cannot be explained solely by antibiotic misuse; inadvertent exposure to naturally occurring antimicrobials such as heavy metals and metalloids may also contribute. Arsenic, a toxic metalloid with antimicrobial properties, has been linked to incr...

Developing attributes and attribute-levels for a discrete choice experiment on preference for primary healthcare providers among urban slum dwellers in Bangladesh

Abstract Background Due to rapid urbanization, in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), urban primary healthcare (PHC) systems are not compatible with meeting the growing need for healthcare services. However, limited research exists on what patients consider important w...

From hope to health: improving sexual and reproductive health knowledge among adolescent orphan girls through the ‘HopeBox’ intervention in Bangladesh

Background: Orphaned adolescent girls face critical barriers to accessing accurate sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge, which predisposes them to risky sexual behaviours and their consequences. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the 'HopeBox' intervention in imp...

Dietary patterns among women with polycystic ovary syndrome in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional comparison with women without PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder associated with reproductive and metabolic complications, for which dietary modification is an important component of management. Although previous studies have examined dietary patterns among women with PCOS, eviden...

Factors associated with childhood undernutrition in Bangladesh: a scoping review with implications for modeling

Abstract Background Childhood undernutrition remains highly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries and continues to be a major public health concern, contributing to increased morbidity, mortality, and impaired cognitive development. Although many studies have examined fac...

Whole-genome sequences of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from patients and inanimate hospital reservoirs in Chattogram, Bangladesh

(PA) is a critical concern for the global population. This study identified four isolates and reported the draft genomes annotated as ST645, ST2238, and the high-risk clone ST773. The isolates featured diverse antimicrobial resistance (AMR) gene profiles that emphasize the need f...

Species-specific prophage induction by ciprofloxacin in human gut metagenomes

ABSTRACT Antibiotics are known to trigger prophage induction in controlled laboratory settings, but it remains unclear whether this also occurs within microbiomes in nature. Current methods investigating the link between antibiotics and prophage induction within the human gut rel...

Why food stays contaminated: a COM-B framework analysis of child feeding practices in Dhaka’s informal settlements

Abstract Background Foodborne diseases are the major public health concerns in low- and middle-income countries, particularly during the complementary feeding period. Children become increasingly exposed to environmental pathogens at this age. Food hygiene during this period is c...

Distinct gut microbial signatures associated with disease onset and clinical course in Guillain–Barre syndrome

The Gut microbiota is crucial for regulating immune responses in autoimmune neuropathies like Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS). Yet, its influence on disease course and recovery remains unclear. This study examined gut microbiota dysbiosis in 57 GBS patients and 57 age- and gender-m...

From Testing to Treatment: A Mixed-Methods Study of Organisational Readiness for Intravenous Iron for Pregnant Women with Anaemia in Bangladesh

Abstract Anaemia affects over one-third of pregnant women in Bangladesh, leading to serious consequences including maternal death and stillbirth. Yet, only about half of pregnant women are tested for anaemia, and few receive intravenous iron – an effective treatment option. It re...