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Scientific Reports Nov 2023African animal trypanosomiasis (AAT) is one of the major constraints to animal health and production in sub-Saharan Africa. To inform AAT control in Uganda and help...
African animal trypanosomiasis (AAT) is one of the major constraints to animal health and production in sub-Saharan Africa. To inform AAT control in Uganda and help advance along the progressive control pathway (PCP), we characterized AAT prevalence among eight host species in Uganda and explored factors that influence the prevalence variation between studies. We retrieved AAT prevalence publications (n = 2232) for Uganda (1980-2022) from five life sciences databases, focusing on studies specifying AAT detection methods, sample size, and the number of trypanosome-positive animals. Following PRISMA guidelines, we included 56 publications, and evaluated publication bias by the Luis Furuya-Kanamori (LFK) index. National AAT prevalence under DNA diagnostic methods for cattle, sheep and goats was 22.15%, 8.51% and 13.88%, respectively. Under DNA diagnostic methods, T. vivax was the most common Trypanosoma sp. in cattle (6.15%, 95% CI: 2.91-10.45) while T. brucei was most common among small ruminants (goats: 8.78%, 95% CI: 1.90-19.88, and sheep: 8.23%, 95% CI: 4.74-12.50, respectively). Northern and Eastern regions accounted for the highest AAT prevalence. Despite the limitations of this study (i.e., quality of reviewed studies, underrepresentation of districts/regions), we provide insights that could be used for better control of AAT in Uganda and identify knowledge gaps that need to be addressed to support the progressive control of AAT at country level and other regional endemic countries with similar AAT eco-epidemiology.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Sheep; Animals, Domestic; Livestock; Prevalence; Uganda; Trypanosomiasis, African; Trypanosoma; Ruminants; Goats; DNA; Tsetse Flies
PubMed: 37990067
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47141-5 -
Parasites & Vectors Jan 2021Trypanosomosis caused by Trypanosoma vivax is one of the diseases threatening the health and productivity of livestock in Africa and Latin America. Trypanosoma vivax is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Trypanosomosis caused by Trypanosoma vivax is one of the diseases threatening the health and productivity of livestock in Africa and Latin America. Trypanosoma vivax is mainly transmitted by tsetse flies; however, the parasite has also acquired the ability to be transmitted mechanically by hematophagous dipterans. Understanding its distribution, host range and prevalence is a key step in local and global efforts to control the disease.
METHODS
The study was conducted according to the methodological recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. A systematic literature search was conducted on three search engines, namely PubMed, Scopus and CAB Direct, to identify all publications reporting natural infection of T. vivax across the world. All the three search engines were screened using the search term Trypanosoma vivax without time and language restrictions. Publications on T. vivax that met our inclusion criteria were considered for systematic review and meta-analysis.
RESULT
The study provides a global database of T. vivax, consisting of 899 records from 245 peer-reviewed articles in 41 countries. A total of 232, 6277 tests were performed on 97 different mammalian hosts, including a wide range of wild animals. Natural infections of T. vivax were recorded in 39 different African and Latin American countries and 47 mammalian host species. All the 245 articles were included into the qualitative analysis, while information from 186 cross-sectional studies was used in the quantitative analysis mainly to estimate the pooled prevalence. Pooled prevalence estimates of T. vivax in domestic buffalo, cattle, dog, dromedary camel, equine, pig, small ruminant and wild animals were 30.6%, 6.4%, 2.6%, 8.4%, 3.7%, 5.5%, 3.8% and 12.9%, respectively. Stratified according to the diagnostic method, the highest pooled prevalences were found with serological techniques in domesticated buffalo (57.6%) followed by equine (50.0%) and wild animals (49.3%).
CONCLUSION
The study provides a comprehensive dataset on the geographical distribution and host range of T. vivax and demonstrates the potential of this parasite to invade other countries out of Africa and Latin America.
Topics: Africa; Animals; Animals, Wild; Buffaloes; Camelus; Cattle; Disease Reservoirs; Dogs; Horses; Host Specificity; Insect Control; Insect Vectors; Livestock; Prevalence; Swine; Trypanosoma vivax; Trypanosomiasis, African; Tsetse Flies; Zoonoses
PubMed: 33494807
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04584-x -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Sep 2021This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association between air pollution and DNA methylation in adults from published observational studies.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association between air pollution and DNA methylation in adults from published observational studies. PubMed, Web of Science and Embase databases were systematically searched for available studies on the association between air pollution and DNA methylation published up to March 9, 2021. Three DNA methylation approaches were considered: global methylation, candidate-gene, and epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS). Meta-analysis was used to summarize the combined estimates for the association between air pollutants and global DNA methylation levels. Heterogeneity was assessed with the Cochran Q test and quantified with the I statistic. In total, 38 articles were included in this study: 16 using global methylation, 18 using candidate genes, and 11 using EWAS, with 7 studies using more than one approach. Meta-analysis revealed an imprecise but inverse association between exposure to PM and global DNA methylation (for each 10-μg/m PM, combined estimate: 0.39; 95% confidence interval: 0.97 - 0.19). The candidate-gene results were consistent for the ERCC3 and SOX2 genes, suggesting hypermethylation in ERCC3 associated with benzene and that in SOX2 associated with PM exposure. EWAS identified 201 CpG sites and 148 differentially methylated regions that showed differential methylation associated with air pollution. Among the 307 genes investigated in 11 EWAS, a locus in nucleoredoxin gene was found to be positively associated with PM in two studies. Current meta-analysis indicates that PM is imprecisely and inversely associated with DNA methylation. The candidate-gene results consistently suggest hypermethylation in ERCC3 associated with benzene exposure and that in SOX2 associated with PM exposure. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) network analyses revealed that these genes were associated with African trypanosomiasis, Malaria, Antifolate resistance, Graft-versus-host disease, and so on. More evidence is needed to clarify the association between air pollution and DNA methylation.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; DNA Methylation; Environmental Exposure; Observational Studies as Topic; Particulate Matter
PubMed: 33895575
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117152 -
International Health Mar 2016People affected by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are frequently the target of social stigmatization. To date not much attention has been given to stigma in relation... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
People affected by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are frequently the target of social stigmatization. To date not much attention has been given to stigma in relation to NTDs. The objective of this review is to identify the extent of social stigma and the similarities and differences in the causes, manifestations, impact of stigma and interventions used between the NTDs.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted in Pubmed, ScienceDirect, PsycINFO and Web of Knowledge. The search encompassed 17 NTDs, including podoconiosis, but not leprosy as this NTD has recently been reviewed. However, leprosy was included in the discussion.
RESULTS
The 52 selected articles provided evidence on stigma related to lymphatic filariasis (LF), podoconiosis, Buruli ulcer, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, trachoma, soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and human African trypanosomiasis. The similarities predominated in stigma related to the various NTDs; only minimal differences in stigma reasons and measures were found.
CONCLUSION
These similarities suggest that joint approaches to reduce stigmatization may be feasible. Lessons from leprosy and other stigmatized health conditions can be used to plan such joint approaches. Further research will be necessary to study the efficacy of joint interventions and to investigate stigma related to NTDs for which no evidence is available yet.
Topics: Humans; Neglected Diseases; Social Stigma; Tropical Medicine
PubMed: 26940310
DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihv071 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Oct 2014Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are one of the main interventions used for malaria control. However, these nets may also be effective against other vector borne diseases... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are one of the main interventions used for malaria control. However, these nets may also be effective against other vector borne diseases (VBDs). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the efficacy of ITNs, insecticide-treated curtains (ITCs) and insecticide-treated house screening (ITS) against Chagas disease, cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis, dengue, human African trypanosomiasis, Japanese encephalitis, lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis.
METHODS
MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS and Tropical Disease Bulletin databases were searched using intervention, vector- and disease-specific search terms. Cluster or individually randomised controlled trials, non-randomised trials with pre- and post-intervention data and rotational design studies were included. Analysis assessed the efficacy of ITNs, ITCs or ITS versus no intervention. Meta-analysis of clinical data was performed and percentage reduction in vector density calculated.
RESULTS
Twenty-one studies were identified which met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis of clinical data could only be performed for four cutaneous leishmaniasis studies which together showed a protective efficacy of ITNs of 77% (95%CI: 39%-91%). Studies of ITC and ITS against cutaneous leishmaniasis also reported significant reductions in disease incidence. Single studies reported a high protective efficacy of ITS against dengue and ITNs against Japanese encephalitis. No studies of Chagas disease, human African trypanosomiasis or onchocerciasis were identified.
CONCLUSION
There are likely to be considerable collateral benefits of ITN roll out on cutaneous leishmaniasis where this disease is co-endemic with malaria. Due to the low number of studies identified, issues with reporting of entomological outcomes, and few studies reporting clinical outcomes, it is difficult to make strong conclusions on the effect of ITNs, ITCs or ITS on other VBDs and therefore further studies be conducted. Nonetheless, it is clear that insecticide-treated materials such as ITNs have the potential to reduce pathogen transmission and morbidity from VBDs where vectors enter houses.
Topics: Animals; Arthropod Vectors; Dengue; Elephantiasis, Filarial; Encephalitis, Japanese; Humans; Immunologic Tests; Insecticide-Treated Bednets; Insecticides; Leishmaniasis; Malaria; Mosquito Control
PubMed: 25299481
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003228 -
Scientific Reports Dec 2021Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is endemic in Africa; hence, the possibility of co-infection with malaria among patients with HAT exists. The present study... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is endemic in Africa; hence, the possibility of co-infection with malaria among patients with HAT exists. The present study investigated co-infection with malaria among patients with HAT to provide current evidence and characteristics to support further studies. Potentially relevant studies that reported Plasmodium spp. infection in patients with HAT was searched in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The risk of bias among the included studies was assessed using the checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. The pooled prevalence of Plasmodium spp. infection in patients with HAT was quantitatively synthesized using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses of study sites and stages of HAT were performed to identify heterogeneity regarding prevalence among the included studies. The heterogeneity of the outcome among the included studies was assessed using Cochran's Q and I statistics for consistency. Publication bias was assessed if the number of included studies was 10 or more. For qualitative synthesis, a narrative synthesis of the impact of Plasmodium spp. infection on the clinical and outcome characteristics of HAT was performed when the included studies provided qualitative data. Among 327 studies identified from three databases, nine studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The prevalence of Plasmodium spp. co-infection (692 cases) among patients with HAT (1523 cases) was 50% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 28-72%, I = 98.1%, seven studies). Subgroup analysis by type of HAT (gambiense or rhodesiense HAT) revealed that among patients with gambiense HAT, the pooled prevalence of Plasmodium spp. infection was 46% (95% CI = 14-78%, I = 96.62%, four studies), whereas that among patients with rhodesiense HAT was 44% (95% CI = 40-49%, I = 98.3%, three studies). Qualitative syntheses demonstrated that Plasmodium spp. infection in individuals with HAT might influence the risk of encephalopathy syndrome, drug toxicity, and significantly longer corrected QT time. Moreover, longer hospital stays and higher treatment costs were recorded among co-infected individuals. Because of the high prevalence of malaria among patients with HAT, some patients were positive for malaria parasites despite being asymptomatic. Therefore, it is suggested to test every patient with HAT for malaria before HAT treatment. If malaria is present, then antimalarial treatment is recommended before HAT treatment. Antimalarial treatment in patients with HAT might decrease the probability of poor clinical outcomes and case fatality in HAT.
Topics: Africa; Coinfection; Geography, Medical; Humans; Malaria; Patient Outcome Assessment; Prevalence; Public Health Surveillance; Publication Bias; Registries; Trypanosomiasis, African
PubMed: 34893680
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03295-8 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases May 2016Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are generally assumed to be concentrated in poor populations, but evidence on this remains scattered. We describe within-country... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are generally assumed to be concentrated in poor populations, but evidence on this remains scattered. We describe within-country socioeconomic inequalities in nine NTDs listed in the London Declaration for intensified control and/or elimination: lymphatic filariasis (LF), onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH), trachoma, Chagas' disease, human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), leprosy, and visceral leishmaniasis (VL).
METHODOLOGY
We conducted a systematic literature review, including publications between 2004-2013 found in Embase, Medline (OvidSP), Cochrane Central, Web of Science, Popline, Lilacs, and Scielo. We included publications in international peer-reviewed journals on studies concerning the top 20 countries in terms of the burden of the NTD under study.
PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
We identified 5,516 publications, of which 93 met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 59 papers reported substantial and statistically significant socioeconomic inequalities in NTD distribution, with higher odds of infection or disease among poor and less-educated people compared with better-off groups. The findings were mixed in 23 studies, and 11 studies showed no substantial or statistically significant inequality. Most information was available for STH, VL, schistosomiasis, and, to a lesser extent, for trachoma. For the other NTDs, evidence on their socioeconomic distribution was scarce. The magnitude of inequality varied, but often, the odds of infection or disease were twice as high among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups compared with better-off strata. Inequalities often took the form of a gradient, with higher odds of infection or disease each step down the socioeconomic hierarchy. Notwithstanding these inequalities, the prevalence of some NTDs was sometimes also high among better-off groups in some highly endemic areas.
CONCLUSIONS
While recent evidence on socioeconomic inequalities is scarce for most individual NTDs, for some, there is considerable evidence of substantially higher odds of infection or disease among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. NTD control activities as proposed in the London Declaration, when set up in a way that they reach the most in need, will benefit the poorest populations in poor countries.
Topics: Chagas Disease; Child; Elephantiasis, Filarial; Humans; Leishmaniasis, Visceral; Leprosy; Neglected Diseases; Schistosomiasis; Social Class; Soil; Tropical Medicine
PubMed: 27171166
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004546 -
Acta Tropica Apr 2020Tsetse-transmitted trypanosomosis remains a major animal health problem in Nigeria, in a context where changes in land cover, climate and control interventions are...
Tsetse-transmitted trypanosomosis remains a major animal health problem in Nigeria, in a context where changes in land cover, climate and control interventions are modifying its epidemiological patterns. Evidence-based decision making for the progressive control of the disease requires spatially-explicit information on its occurrence and prevalence, as well as on the distribution and abundance of the tsetse vector. In the framework of the continental Atlas of tsetse and African animal trypanosomosis (AAT), a geo-referenced database was assembled for Nigeria, based on the systematic review of 133 scientific publications (period January 1990 - March 2019). The three main species of trypanosomes responsible for the disease (i.e. Trypanosoma vivax, T. congolense and T. brucei) were found to be widespread, thus posing a national-level problem. Their geographic distribution extends beyond the tsetse-infested belt, owing to the combined effect of animal movement and mechanical transmission by non-tsetse vectors. T. simiae, the major trypanosomal pathogen in pigs, T. godfreyi and the human-infective T. brucei gambiense were also reported. AAT was reported in a number of susceptible host species, including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, camels, horses, donkeys and dogs, while no study on wildlife was identified. Estimates of prevalence are heavily influenced by the sensitivity of the diagnostic techniques, ranging from an average of 3.5% for blood films to 31.0% for molecular techniques. Two riverine tsetse species (i.e. Glossina palpalis palpalis and G. tachinoides) were found to have the broadest geographical range, as they were detected in all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. By contrast, the distribution of savannah species (i.e. G. morsitans submorsitans and G. longipalpis) appears to be highly fragmented, and limited to protected areas. Very little information is available for forest species, with one single paper reporting on G. fusca congolensis and G. nigrofusca nigrofusca in the Niger Delta region. The future development of a national Atlas of tsetse and AAT, relying on both published and unpublished information, could improve on the present review and provide further epidemiological evidence for decision making.
Topics: Animals; Animals, Wild; Livestock; Nigeria; Trypanosoma; Trypanosomiasis, African; Tsetse Flies
PubMed: 31904345
DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105328 -
International Journal of Molecular... Feb 2020Unicellular eukaryotes of the Trypanosomatidae family include human and animal pathogens that belong to the and genera. Diagnosis of the diseases they cause requires... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Unicellular eukaryotes of the Trypanosomatidae family include human and animal pathogens that belong to the and genera. Diagnosis of the diseases they cause requires the sampling of body fluids (e.g., blood, lymph, peritoneal fluid, cerebrospinal fluid) or organ biopsies (e.g., bone marrow, spleen), which are mostly obtained through invasive methods. Body fluids or appendages can be alternatives to these invasive biopsies but appropriateness remains poorly studied. To further address this question, we perform a systematic review on clues evidencing the presence of parasites, genetic material, antibodies, and antigens in body secretions, appendages, or the organs or proximal tissues that produce these materials. Paper selection was based on searches in PubMed, Web of Science, WorldWideScience, SciELO, Embase, and Google. The information of each selected article ( = 333) was classified into different sections and data were extracted from 77 papers. The presence of Trypanosomatidae parasites has been tracked in most of organs or proximal tissues that produce body secretions or appendages, in naturally or experimentally infected hosts. The meta-analysis highlights the paucity of studies on human African trypanosomiasis and an absence on animal trypanosomiasis. Among the collected data high heterogeneity in terms of the I statistic (100%) is recorded. A high positivity is recorded for antibody and genetic material detection in urine of patients and dogs suffering leishmaniasis, and of antigens for leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. Data on conjunctival swabs can be analyzed with molecular methods solely for dogs suffering canine visceral leishmaniasis. Saliva and hair/bristles showed a pretty good positivity that support their potential to be used for leishmaniasis diagnosis. In conclusion, our study pinpoints significant gaps that need to be filled in order to properly address the interest of body secretion and hair or bristles for the diagnosis of infections caused by Leishmania and by other Trypanosomatidae parasites.
Topics: Animals; Chagas Disease; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Humans; Leishmania; Leishmaniasis; Trypanosoma; Trypanosomatina; Trypanosomiasis, African
PubMed: 32121441
DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051684 -
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Aug 2020Ribose-5-phosphate isomerase (Rpi, EC 5.3.1.6) is widespread in microorganisms, animals, and plants. It has a pivotal role in the pentose phosphate pathway and...
Ribose-5-phosphate isomerase (Rpi, EC 5.3.1.6) is widespread in microorganisms, animals, and plants. It has a pivotal role in the pentose phosphate pathway and responsible for catalyzing the isomerization between D-ribulose 5-phosphate and D-ribose 5-phosphate. In recent years, Rpi has received considerable attention as a multipurpose biocatalyst for production of rare sugars, including D-allose, L-rhamnulose, L-lyxose, and L-tagatose. Besides, it has been thought of as a potential drug target in the treatment of trypanosomatid-caused diseases such as Chagas' disease, leishmaniasis, and human African trypanosomiasis. Despite increased research activities, up to now, no systematic review of Rpi has been published. To fill this gap, this paper provides detailed information about the enzymatic properties of various Rpis. Furthermore, structural features, catalytic mechanism, and molecular modifications of Rpis are summarized based on extensive crystal structure research. Additionally, the applications of Rpi in rare sugar production and the role of Rpi in trypanocidal drug design are reviewed. Key points • Fundamental properties of various ribose-5-phosphate isomerases (Rpis). • Differences in crystal structure and catalytic mechanism between RpiA and RpiB. • Application of Rpi as a rare sugar producer and a potential drug target.
Topics: Aldose-Ketose Isomerases; Animals; Binding Sites; Biocatalysis; Crystallography, X-Ray; Humans; Isomerism; Kinetics; Models, Molecular; Parasitic Diseases; Plants; Ribosemonophosphates
PubMed: 32533303
DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10735-4