Authors
Lia Faridah^a,*, Radja Azis Nurhakim^b, Raden Roro Upiek Ngesti Wibawaning Astuti^c, Melanie^d, Enny Rohmawati^a, Yenny Rachmawati^e, Thaddeus Carvajal^f

Affiliations
^aDepartment of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung 40161, SSWJ, Indonesia^bFaculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang 45363, SSWJ, Indonesia^cFaculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia^dDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang 45363, Indonesia^eFaculty of Medicine, IPB University, Bogor 16680, SSWJ, Indonesia^fDepartment of Biology, College of Science, De La Salle University, Manila 1004, Philippines

Background

• Mosquito repellents are key personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases.

• Their effectiveness varies by active ingredient, formulation, and mosquito species.

Methods

• Systematic review (PRISMA 2020) of human studies published 2015–2025.

• Scopus and PubMed searches found 1,287 records; 19 studies met the criteria.

• Protection time, repellency rate, and safety were synthesized descriptively.

Key Results

• DEET-based lotions and ointments gave the longest protection, often five to nine hours, with no reported skin reactions.

• Natural repellents (citronella, lemon eucalyptus, neem, lemongrass) usually protected for two to four hours.

• Microencapsulation and nanoemulsions improved some formulations; treated clothing and spatial repellents helped as complements.

Discussion & Conclusion

• Synthetic topical repellents remain the most reliable option for prolonged protection.

• Optimized plant-based products may be safer alternatives for short-term or adjunctive use.

Related SDGs

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being

The study directly addresses chronic hepatitis B, liver fibrosis, disease monitoring, and the development of a predictive model to support clinical management.

SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

The research develops a non-invasive predictive model using IL-13, age, and platelet count to assess liver stiffness, with potential value where transient elastography is unavailable

Journal Information

Journal: Acta Tropica

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actatropica.2026.108182

Authors
Muhammad Begawan Bestari , Muhammad Palar Wijaya, Dolvy Girawan, Nenny Agustanti, Eka Surya Nugraha

Affiliations
Division of Gastroenterohepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran, Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia

Background

• Assessing liver fibrosis guides the management of chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

• A non-invasive way to estimate liver stiffness is needed where transient elastography is unavailable.

Methods

• 88 CHB patients from Hasan Sadikin General Hospital’s registry (October 2021–January 2022).

• Same-day blood count, interleukin-13 (IL-13) measurement, and transient elastography.

• Multiple linear regression was used to build a liver stiffness prediction model.

Key Results

• The model, using age, platelet count, and IL-13 status, explained 37% of the variation in liver stiffness (R² = 0.37).

• Elevated IL-13, lower platelet count, and older age were linked to higher liver stiffness.

Discussion & Conclusion

• IL-13 adds useful information to age and platelet count when estimating liver stiffness in CHB.

• The model could support non-invasive assessment where elastography is not available.

Related SDGs

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being
The study focuses on chronic hepatitis B, liver fibrosis, disease monitoring, and the development of a predictive model to support clinical management. It investigates IL-13, platelet count, and age as predictors of liver stiffness and aims to contribute to improved management of chronic hepatitis B.

SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
The research develops a non-invasive predictive model using clinical and laboratory parameters to assess liver fibrosis, potentially supporting health services where transient elastography is unavailable.

Journal Information

Journal: PLoS ONE

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0344791