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Veterinary Microbiology Nov 2023Ticks are the main vectors for the transmission of bacterial, protist and viral pathogens in Europe affecting wildlife and domestic animals. However, some of them are... (Review)
Review
Exploring the diversity of tick-borne pathogens: The case of bacteria (Anaplasma, Rickettsia, Coxiella and Borrelia) protozoa (Babesia and Theileria) and viruses (Orthonairovirus, tick-borne encephalitis virus and louping ill virus) in the European continent.
Ticks are the main vectors for the transmission of bacterial, protist and viral pathogens in Europe affecting wildlife and domestic animals. However, some of them are zoonotic and can cause serious, sometimes fatal, problems in human health. A systematic review in PubMed/MEDLINE database was conducted to determine the spatial distribution and host and tick species ranges of a selection of tick-borne bacteria (Anaplasma spp., Borrelia spp., Coxiella spp., and Rickettsia spp.), protists (Babesia spp. and Theileria spp.), and viruses (Orthonairovirus, and flaviviruses tick-borne encephalitis virus and louping ill virus) on the European continent in a five-year period (November 2017 - November 2022). Only studies using PCR methods were selected, retrieving a total of 429 articles. Overall, up to 85 species of the selected tick-borne pathogens were reported from 36 European countries, and Anaplasma spp. was described in 37% (159/429) of the articles, followed by Babesia spp. (34%, 148/429), Borrelia spp. (34%, 147/429), Rickettsia spp. (33%, 142/429), Theileria spp. (11%, 47/429), tick-borne flaviviruses (9%, 37/429), Orthonairovirus (7%, 28/429) and Coxiella spp. (5%, 20/429). Host and tick ranges included 97 and 50 species, respectively. The highest tick-borne pathogen diversity was detected in domestic animals, and 12 species were shared between humans, wildlife, and domestic hosts, highlighting the following zoonotic species: Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia divergens, Babesia microti, Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia burgdorferi s.s., Borrelia garinii, Borrelia miyamotoi, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia monacensis and tick-borne encephalitis virus. These results contribute to the implementation of effective interventions for the surveillance and control of tick-borne diseases.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Babesia; Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne; Anaplasma; Theileria; Coxiella; Ixodes; Borrelia; Rickettsia; Animals, Domestic; Tick-Borne Diseases; Animals, Wild
PubMed: 37866329
DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2023.109892 -
Parasites & Vectors Jun 2023Dirofilariasis, the disease caused by Dirofilaria spp., and in particular by Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens in canines, occurs frequently in canids and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Dirofilariasis, the disease caused by Dirofilaria spp., and in particular by Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens in canines, occurs frequently in canids and felids, and occasionally in humans, in temperate, sub-tropical and tropical regions globally. Although highly effective, safe and convenient preventive medicines have been available for the treatment of dirofilariasis for the past three decades, the disease remains a major veterinary and public health concern in endemic areas. The insect vectors, host-parasite relationships and interactions of Dirofilaria spp. have received little attention in China, and there is very little information in English regarding the prevalence of dirofilariasis in animals and humans in the country. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the status of canine dirofilariasis in China based on the available literature in English and in Chinese.
METHODS
We systematically searched five databases for epidemiologic studies on the prevalence of canine dirofilariasis in China and finally selected 42 studies eligible for inclusion in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model in the meta package in R v4.2.1.
RESULTS
The random effects model gave a pooled and weighted prevalence of Dirofilaria infection among dogs in China in the past 100 years of 13.8% (2896/51,313, 95% confidence interval 8.2-20.4%) with a high level of heterogeneity (I = 99.5%).
CONCLUSIONS
Our analyses indicated that the prevalence of canine dirofilariasis in China has gradually declined, but that the range of Dirofilaria spp. has expanded. Older and outdoor dogs presented a higher rate of positive infection. The findings indicated that more attention should be paid to host factors for the effective control and management of this disease.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; China; Dirofilaria immitis; Dirofilaria repens; Dirofilariasis; Dog Diseases; Prevalence
PubMed: 37340314
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05770-9 -
The American Journal of Tropical... Jun 2016Toxocariasis is an anthropozoonosis that occurs in all parts of the world. In particular, this disease can often be found in developing countries and in regions, where... (Review)
Review
Toxocariasis is an anthropozoonosis that occurs in all parts of the world. In particular, this disease can often be found in developing countries and in regions, where basic sanitation conditions are poor. However, industrialized countries have reported seroprevalence rates as high as 14.2% in humans. The definitive hosts of the disease are dogs and cats, whereas humans are a paratenic host. To determine the burden of toxocariasis in Brazil, we followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to conduct a systematic review of the literature. Using keywords and applying the established criteria, we identified 160 publications and selected 22 articles for further analysis. The seroprevalence of toxocariasis in various regions of the country ranged from 4.2% to 65.4%. The highest prevalence was found in the northeast region, although the majority of the studies identified were from the southeast region. The findings suggest the importance of raising awareness among health professionals and public authorities about the fact that toxocariasis is a health problem.
Topics: Animals; Brazil; Cat Diseases; Cats; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Humans; Prevalence; Toxocariasis
PubMed: 26834201
DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.15-0733 -
Acta Tropica Nov 2021Balantioides coli is a protozoan that infects different hosts species, including humans, with zoonotic transmission. The parasite, which lives in the large intestine and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Balantioides coli is a protozoan that infects different hosts species, including humans, with zoonotic transmission. The parasite, which lives in the large intestine and in other organs, can lead to serious infections that may culminate in death. Information about human balantidiasis is generally still very scanty. In view of the above, the purpose of this study was to analyze the epidemiological, clinical and laboratory characteristics of human balantidiasis based on a systematic review and meta-analysis. The scientific articles were retrieved from various databases and were subjected to descriptive analyses, chi-squared tests, and summarized on a forest plot and the heterogeneity index (I). A total of 103 articles were eligible and included in this review. Out of these 103 articles, 75 were clinical case reports and 28 were epidemiological studies, indicating a frequency of 997 (3.98%) people potentially infected with B. coli. The publication dates of the analyzed articles ranged from 1910 to 2020, but the majority (68.9%) were published between 1998 and 2020. A considerable number of these articles were published in South America and Asia, mostly in Brazil and India, respectively. However, in Africa, Ethiopia, was observed the higher number of infected people (47.5%). A significant association (p < 0.05) was identified between proximity to pigs and positivity for B. coli, since more than 16% infected people were in proximity with pigs and/or their excreta. Infection by the protozoan was classified mainly as intestinal, and the predominant symptom was dysentery. Extraintestinal infections were found in 27 individuals, with colonization of the genitourinary tract frequently highlighted. Direct examination (17.2%), followed by an association of direct examination and sedimentation (45.7%), were the most commonly performed parasitological techniques, and the most frequently diagnosed form was trophozoites, corresponding to 22.5% of cases. The most common treatment for parasitized individuals (11.8%) was an association of tetracycline drugs with nitroimidazole derivatives. The articles retrieved, mainly epidemiological ones, used in meta-analysis showed high heterogeneity (I> 50%, p < 0.05), impairing the retrieval and comparison of results. Some articles were found to provide incomplete information, making it difficult to retrieve and analyze variables. However, this review enabled us to compile and restate factors that appear to be associated with cases of human balantidiasis.
Topics: Animals; Balantidiasis; Balantidium; Brazil; Ethiopia; Humans; India; Swine; Swine Diseases
PubMed: 34339668
DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106069 -
Parasites & Vectors Feb 2016Bovine cysticercosis in Europe has been known for centuries but the data showing the occurrence of this zoonosis are scarce. The aim of this paper is to review and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Bovine cysticercosis in Europe has been known for centuries but the data showing the occurrence of this zoonosis are scarce. The aim of this paper is to review and present the current knowledge on bovine cysticercosis in Europe.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of studies published between 1990 and November 2014. Qualitative and quantitative data on prevalence, risk factors, burden and interventions were extracted and analysed.
RESULTS
Reports on prevalence were available for 23 European countries, mostly from western and central Europe; for a few of these only data before 1990 were available. Prevalence based on meat inspection was generally low (below 6.2% in 95% of the records) and varied between and within countries. Serology and detailed meat inspection provided a higher prevalence range (0.41-14%). Only few studies analysing risk factors were identified. Reported factors related to access to pastures and risky waters, dairy production and uncontrolled human defecation in the proximity of the farm among others. Only one estimate of the economic impact of the disease could be identified. Recommended interventions were focused on increasing diagnostic tests sensitivity or the application of risk based surveillance strategies.
CONCLUSIONS
There is a lack of complete and updated data on most countries, especially in eastern Europe. Further risk factor studies might be needed together with estimates on the burden of the disease in all European countries. Risk-based interventions are being encouraged but current data are limited to guide this approach.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Communicable Disease Control; Cysticercosis; Europe; Prevalence; Risk Factors
PubMed: 26860313
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1362-3 -
Parasites & Vectors Jan 2018Diarrhea caused by opportunistic intestinal protozoa is a common problem in HIV infection. We aimed to establish the prevalence of Cryptosporidium, misrosporidia, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Diarrhea caused by opportunistic intestinal protozoa is a common problem in HIV infection. We aimed to establish the prevalence of Cryptosporidium, misrosporidia, and Isospora in HIV-infected people using a systematic review and meta-analysis, which is central to developing public policy and clinical services.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Embase, Chinese Web of Knowledge, Wanfang, and Chongqing VIP databases for studies reporting Cryptosporidium, microsporidia, or Isospora infection in HIV-infected people. We extracted the numbers of people with HIV and protozoa infection, and estimated the pooled prevalence of parasite infection by a random effects model.
RESULTS
Our research identified 131 studies that reported Cryptosporidium, microsporidia, and Isospora infection in HIV-infected people. We estimated the pooled prevalence to be 14.0% (3283/43,218; 95% CI: 13.0-15.0%) for Cryptosporidium, 11.8% (1090/18,006; 95% CI: 10.1-13.4%) for microsporidia, and 2.5% (788/105,922; 95% CI: 2.1-2.9%) for Isospora. A low prevalence of microsporidia and Isospora infection was found in high-income countries, and a high prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Isospora infection was found in sub-Saharan Africa. We also detected a high prevalence of Cryptosporidium, microsporidia, and Isospora infection in patients with diarrhea. Sensitivity analysis showed that three studies significantly affect the prevalence of Isospora, which was adjusted to 5.0% (469/8570; 95% CI: 4.1-5.9%) by excluding these studies.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that HIV-infected people have a high prevalence of Cryptosporidium, microsporidia, and Isospora infection in low-income countries and patients with diarrhea, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, reinforcing the importance of routine surveillance for opportunistic intestinal protozoa in HIV-infected people.
Topics: Cryptosporidiosis; Diarrhea; Global Health; HIV Infections; Humans; Isosporiasis; Microsporidiosis; Prevalence
PubMed: 29316950
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2558-x -
Acta Tropica May 2017Parasitic infections are a serious public health problem because they cause anemia, growth retardation, aggression, weight loss, and other physical and mental health... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Parasitic infections are a serious public health problem because they cause anemia, growth retardation, aggression, weight loss, and other physical and mental health problems, especially in children. Numerous studies have been performed on intestinal parasitic infections in Iranian preschool and school children. However, no study has gathered and analyzed this information systematically. The aim of this study was to provide summary estimates for the available data on intestinal parasitic infections in Iranian children. We searched 9 English and Persian databases, unpublished data, abstracts of scientific congresses during 1996-2015 using the terms intestinal parasite, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Enterobiusvermicularis, oxyure, school, children, preschool, and Iran. We conducted meta-analysis using STATA, and for all statistical tests, p-value less than 0.05was considered significant. Among the 68,532 publications searched as a result, 103 were eligible for inclusion in the study. The prevalence rate of intestinal parasitic infections was 38% (95% CI- 33%, 43%). Prevalence of protozoa, helminthic intestinal infections, and non-pathogenic parasites was 16.9%, 9.48%, and 18.5%, respectively, which affected 14.27% males and 15.3% females. The rate of infection in preschool and school children was 38.19% and 43.37% respectively. Giardia, Enterobiusvermicularis and Entamoeba coli were the most common among protozoa, helminthic, and non-pathogenic infections (15.1%, 16.5%, and 7.1%, respectively). The data analyses indicated that the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection is decreasing in Iranian preschool and school children. Improvement of sanitation, personal hygiene, increased awareness of people, seasonal variations, and health education can be effective in reducing parasitic infections in different communities.
Topics: Animals; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Iran; Prevalence; Schools
PubMed: 28130101
DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.01.019 -
Preventive Veterinary Medicine Nov 2014Anthelmintic drugs have been widely used in sheep as a cost-effective means for gastro-intestinal nematode (GIN) control. However, growing anthelmintic resistance (AHR)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Anthelmintic drugs have been widely used in sheep as a cost-effective means for gastro-intestinal nematode (GIN) control. However, growing anthelmintic resistance (AHR) has created a compelling need to identify evidence-based management recommendations that reduce the risk of further development and impact of AHR.
OBJECTIVE
To identify, critically assess, and synthesize available data from primary research on factors associated with AHR in sheep.
METHODS
Publications reporting original observational or experimental research on selected factors associated with AHR in sheep GINs and published after 1974, were identified through two processes. Three electronic databases (PubMed, Agricola, CAB) and Web of Science (a collection of databases) were searched for potentially relevant publications. Additional publications were identified through consultation with experts, manual search of references of included publications and conference proceedings, and information solicited from small ruminant practitioner list-serves. Two independent investigators screened abstracts for relevance. Relevant publications were assessed for risk of systematic bias. Where sufficient data were available, random-effects Meta-Analyses (MAs) were performed to estimate the pooled Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) of AHR for factors reported in ≥2 publications.
RESULTS
Of the 1712 abstracts screened for eligibility, 131 were deemed relevant for full publication review. Thirty publications describing 25 individual studies (15 observational studies, 7 challenge trials, and 3 controlled trials) were included in the qualitative synthesis and assessed for systematic bias. Unclear (i.e. not reported, or unable to assess) or high risk of selection bias and confounding bias was found in 93% (14/15) and 60% (9/15) of the observational studies, respectively, while unclear risk of selection bias was identified in all of the trials. Ten independent studies were included in the quantitative synthesis, and MAs were performed for five factors. Only high frequency of treatment was a significant risk factor (OR=4.39; 95% CI=1.59, 12.14), while the remaining 4 variables were marginally significant: mixed-species grazing (OR=1.63; 95% CI=0.66, 4.07); flock size (OR=1.02; 95% CI=0.97, 1.07); use of long-acting drug formulations (OR=2.85; 95% CI=0.79, 10.24); and drench-and-shift pasture management (OR=4.08; 95% CI=0.75, 22.16).
CONCLUSIONS
While there is abundant literature on the topic of AHR in sheep GINs, few studies have explicitly investigated the association between putative risk or protective factors and AHR. Consequently, several of the current recommendations on parasite management are not evidence-based. Moreover, many of the studies included in this review had a high or unclear risk of systematic bias, highlighting the need to improve study design and/or reporting of future research carried out in this field.
Topics: Animals; Anthelmintics; Drug Resistance; Evidence-Based Medicine; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Nematoda; Nematode Infections; Sheep; Sheep Diseases
PubMed: 25059197
DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2014.07.003 -
The Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary... Apr 2015Toxoplasma gondii is a cosmopolitan zoonotic intracellular coccidian of the phylum Apicomplexa infecting warm-blooded animals and human beings. This protozoan causes a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Toxoplasma gondii is a cosmopolitan zoonotic intracellular coccidian of the phylum Apicomplexa infecting warm-blooded animals and human beings. This protozoan causes a significant public health problem in humans and imposes considerable economic losses and damages to husbandry industries. The final host, cats, accounts for all of these significant burdens. Hence the present study was designed to analyse and review the overall prevalence rate of T. gondii infection in cats in Iran for the first time. In the present study data collection (published and unpublished papers, abstracts of proceedings of national parasitology congresses and dissertations) was systematically undertaken on electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Ebsco, Science Direct, Scopus, Magiran, Irandoc, IranMedex and Scientific Information Database. A total of 21 studies from 1975 to 2013 reporting prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in cats from different areas in Iran met the eligibility criteria. The pooled proportion of toxoplasmosis using the random-effect model amongst cats was estimated at 33.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 22.05-46.41). The prevalence rate of cat toxoplasmosis in various regions of Iran ranged from 1.2% to 89.2%. Firstly, this study establishes a crude prevalence rate of T. gondii infection in cats. Secondly, it discusses the role of significant risk factors including sex, age and being either household or stray cats, in the epidemiology of the disease. Furthermore, the current study determines gaps and drawbacks in the prior studies that are useful to keep in mind to assist in designing more accurate investigations in future.
Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Iran; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Toxoplasmosis, Animal
PubMed: 26017063
DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v82i1.823 -
Journal of Liposome Research Dec 2022Reactive oxygen species (ROS) like superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical, can be formed as normal products of aerobic metabolism. Overproduction or... (Review)
Review
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) like superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical, can be formed as normal products of aerobic metabolism. Overproduction or insufficient removal of ROS results in significant damage to cell structure and functions. Antioxidants applied directly and at relatively high concentrations to cellular systems are effective in protection against the damaging actions of ROS. Microorganisms including Gram-positive and negative bacteria, fungi, protozoa, algae, etc., can be disease causing microorganism. Antimicrobial agents have the capability to inhibitor destroy the microorganisms. The problems arising from the use of antioxidant and antimicrobial agents include poor solubility, instability during storage, low bioavailability, and difficulty to reach target organs with sufficient doses. Liposomal antimicrobial agent and liposomal antioxidants enhance the solubility, bioavailability, and stability of antimicrobial agent and antioxidants.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents; Antioxidants; Antiviral Agents; Liposomes; Reactive Oxygen Species
PubMed: 35000548
DOI: 10.1080/08982104.2021.2024568