Professor Joshua Anzinger

Publication/source: International Journal of Infectious Diseases 162, 108162, 2026

Description / abstract: Objectives Design Results

Publication/source: Frontiers in immunology 17, 1749309, 2026

Description / abstract: Zika and Dengue viruses are arboviral pathogens capable of crossing the placental barrier, representing major global health risks for maternal and fetal outcomes. In this narrative review, we compare their epidemiology, clinical consequences in pregnancy, and underlying mechanisms of vertical transmission. Emerging molecular insights are highlighted, including disruptions to placental signaling pathways such as JAK/STAT and mTOR, and strategies to evade Hofbauer cells and the immune system. A comparative analysis of these processes underscores a critical need for improved understanding of placental pathophysiology, immune regulation, and molecular pathways of transmission. Identifying such mechanisms may promote vaccine development, improved diagnostics, and therapies to reduce adverse outcomes in the mother-infant dyad during maternal infection.

Publication/source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 114 (6), 1191, 2026

Description / abstract: Viral hepatitis is a global public health concern, yet surveillance data is lacking for many low-middle income countries, particularly in Jamaica where recent prevalence data is lacking. Serum samples were collected from patients attending antenatal (ANC; n = 530), non-communicable disease (NCD; n = 826) and sexually transmitted infection (STI; n = 517) clinics in the Kingston Metropolitan Area. All samples were tested for antibodies to hepatitis A – E viruses using the ABBOTT ARCHITECT to test for HAV IgG, HBV core total Ig, HCV total Ig, HDV total Ig, and HEV IgG, respectively, to assess for previous infection. The seroprevalence of HAV and HBV antibodies were ANC, 61.3%; NCD, 89.4%; STI, 65.4%; and ANC, 7.7%; NCD, 20.8%; STI, 17.2%; respectively, whilst HCV, HDV and HEV antibodies were all ∼1%. The seroprevalence of all types of viral hepatitis increased with age, notably for HAV and HBV. As HBV …

Publication/source: Health Science Reports 9 (7), e72761, 2026

Description / abstract: Background and Aims There is uncertainty about the long term effects of COVID‐19 infection. We describe the dominant reported symptoms and their sociodemographic risk factors in a sample of Jamaican patients with non‐communicable diseases (NCD) and laboratory determined infection status. Methods A retrospective cohort study (February 20, 2023–September 12, 2023) of patients from the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) were identified through participation in the Caribbean COVID‐19 Metabolic Health Study (CCMHS) or ICU admissions between March 2020 and March 2021 with a positive PCR. COVID‐19 infection status was based on anti‐nucleocapsid (anti‐N) antibodies in those without PCR reports. Participants were classified as “Exposed” if they had positive anti‐N antibodies or a positive PCR test and “Unexposed” if they had negative anti‐N antibodies. Bivariate analyses compared …

Publication/source: Viruses 17 (10), 1330, 2025

Description / abstract: A May 2025 symposium convened leading virology experts across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) to advance regional research and collaborative efforts. Sessions explored cutting-edge developments in arbovirology, pressing challenges in viral surveillance, and the complexities of vector biology. Integrated networking opportunities and hands-on workshops offered mentorship and training, focused on the next generation of virologists, and strengthened scientific communication within the region. The morning session included reports from the LAC Global Virus Network (GVN) Centers of Excellence. A roundtable dialogue tackled the present challenges faced in arbovirus research. The Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition reported on its collaborative progress. Trainees from the University at Buffalo, the State University of New York, and the University of the West Indies Global Infectious Diseases Research Training program showcased their current research projects. A session concentrated on health landscapes and the capacity for viral vaccinations within the region. A mentoring workshop focused on immune evasion methodologies and obstacles associated with arboviruses. One Health perspectives on viral zoonotic diseases addressed developments in the surveillance of vector-borne viruses in the Caribbean. Studies of mosquitoes and ticks as vectors of viruses included discussion on the neurovirulence of arboviruses and symptoms occurring after viral infections. Pediatric infectious diseases were highlighted in their environmental health context. An additional mentoring workshop centered on viruses and the microbiome. The …