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Parasites & Vectors Mar 2021Schistosomiasis is a highly prevalent parasitic disease that can lead to adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. To our knowledge, there has been no systematic review... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Schistosomiasis is a highly prevalent parasitic disease that can lead to adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. To our knowledge, there has been no systematic review and meta-analysis of schistosomiasis during pregnancy.
METHODS
We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Relevant published studies were searched in international databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar), from their inception until May 31, 2020. The retrieved studies were assessed for quality using the Modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. OpenMeta Analyst software was used for the statistical analysis.
RESULTS
Thirty-two studies enrolling 21024 pregnant women were included in this meta-analysis. All 32 of these studies were conducted in Africa. Of these studies, 19, 11, and 2 investigated S. mansoni, S. haematobium, and combined S. mansoni and S. haematobium infections, respectively. The pooled prevalence estimate of schistosomiasis during pregnancy was 13.2% (95 CI 11.0-15.4). A random model was used because of high heterogeneity (Q = 99.14; P < 0.001). In subgroup analyses, the pooled prevalence estimate of S. haematobium was significantly higher than the pooled prevalence estimates of S. mansoni [22.5% (95% CI 1.6-43.5) vs 8.7% (95% CI 6.0-11.3, P = 0.016), respectively]. The results of meta-regression analyses showed a non-significant difference in the prevalence of schistosomiasis during pregnancy according to the study sample sizes and year of publication. Only six studies evaluated the association between schistosomiasis during pregnancy and anemia. Schistosomiasis was associated with anemia in these six studies (OR = 3.02, 95% = 1.25‒7.28, P = 0.014).
CONCLUSION
The present meta-analysis suggests that schistosomiasis during pregnancy is an existing health problem. This meta-analysis also highlights the lack of data on the determinants and outcomes of schistosomiasis during pregnancy. Preventive measures are needed and could be part of antenatal care in areas endemic with schistosomiasis.
Topics: Africa; Anemia; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Prevalence; Schistosomiasis; Schistosomiasis haematobia
PubMed: 33653391
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04642-4 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Mar 2021Most of national schistosomiasis elimination programmes in Asia are relying on stool examination, particularly Kato Katz stool examination technique for regular... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Most of national schistosomiasis elimination programmes in Asia are relying on stool examination, particularly Kato Katz stool examination technique for regular transmission monitoring. However, the Kato-Katz technique has shown low sensitivity for the detection of light-intensity infections, and therefore highly sensitive diagnostic tools are urgently required to monitor prevalence of infection in low transmission settings. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate and synthesize the performance of diagnostic tests for detecting Schistosoma japonicum and S. mekongi infection in people living in endemic areas.
METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
We comprehensively searched these nine electronic databases and other resources until July 2019, with no language or publication limits: PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, BIOSIS Citation Index, HTA, CINAHL PLUS, The Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO. We included original studies that assessed diagnostic performance using antibody, antigen, and molecular tests with stool examination test as a reference standard. Two reviewers independently extracted a standard set of data and assessed study quality. We estimated the pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity for each index test. We used diagnostic odds ratio to determine the overall accuracy and hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristics (HSROC) curve to assess the index tests performance. Fifteen studies (S. japonicum [n = 13] and S. mekongi [n = 2]) testing 15,303 participants were included in the review. Five studies reported performance of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), seven studies reported indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA), and four studies reported polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detecting S. japonicum. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.93 (95% CI: 0.84-0.98) and 0.40 (95% CI: 0.29-0.53) for ELISA, 0.97 (95% CI: 0.90-0.99) and 0.66 (95% CI: 0.58-0.73) for IHA, and 0.89 (95% CI: 0.71-0.96) and 0.49 (95% CI: 0.29-0.69) for PCR respectively. A global summary indicated the best performance for IHA, closely followed by ELISA. We were unable to perform meta-analysis for S. mekongi due to insufficient number of studies.
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE
IHA showed the highest detection accuracy for S. japonicum. Further studies are needed to determine the suitable diagnostic methods to verify the absence of transmission of S. mekongi and also to compare detection accuracy against more sensitive reference standards such as PCR.
Topics: Animals; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; Humans; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Schistosoma; Schistosoma japonicum
PubMed: 33730048
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009244 -
The Lancet. Global Health Feb 2019Global migration from regions where strongyloidiasis and schistosomiasis are endemic to non-endemic countries has increased the potential individual and public health... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Global migration from regions where strongyloidiasis and schistosomiasis are endemic to non-endemic countries has increased the potential individual and public health effect of these parasitic diseases. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of these infections among migrants to establish which groups are at highest risk and who could benefit from screening.
METHODS
We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of strongyloidiasis and schistosomiasis prevalence among migrants born in endemic countries. Original studies that included data for the prevalence of Strongyloides or Schistosoma antibodies in serum or the prevalence of larvae or eggs in stool or urine samples among migrants originating from countries endemic for these parasites and arriving or living in host countries with low endemicity-specifically the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, and 23 western European countries-were eligible for inclusion. Pooled estimates of the prevalence of strongyloidiasis and schistosomiasis by stool or urine microscopy for larvae or eggs or serum antibodies were calculated with a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was explored by stratification by age, region of origin, migrant class, period of study, and type of serological antigen used.
FINDINGS
88 studies were included. Pooled strongyloidiasis seroprevalence was 12·2% (95% CI 9·0-15·9%; I 96%) and stool-based prevalence was 1·8% (1·2-2·6%; 98%). Migrants from east Asia and the Pacific (17·3% [95% CI 4·1-37·0]), sub-Saharan Africa (14·6% [7·1-24·2]), and Latin America and the Caribbean (11·4% [7·8-15·7]) had the highest seroprevalence. Pooled schistosomiasis seroprevalence was 18·4% (95% CI 13·1-24·5; I 97%) and stool-based prevalence was 0·9% (0·2-1·9; 99%). Sub-Saharan African migrants had the highest seroprevalence (24·1·% [95% CI 16·4-32·7]).
INTERPRETATION
Strongyloidiasis affects migrants from all global regions, whereas schistosomiasis is focused in specific regions and most common among sub-Saharan African migrants. Serological prevalence estimates were several times higher than stool estimates for both parasites. These data can be used to inform screening decisions for migrants and support the use of serological screening, which is more sensitive and easier than stool testing.
FUNDING
None.
Topics: Africa South of the Sahara; Australia; Canada; Caribbean Region; Emigrants and Immigrants; Endemic Diseases; Europe; Asia, Eastern; Feces; Humans; Israel; Latin America; Mass Screening; New Zealand; Pacific Islands; Prevalence; Schistosomiasis; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Serologic Tests; Strongyloidiasis; United States
PubMed: 30683241
DOI: 10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30490-X -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2020An increasing global focus on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) has resulted in the set up of numerous control and elimination activities worldwide. This is partly true... (Review)
Review
An increasing global focus on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) has resulted in the set up of numerous control and elimination activities worldwide. This is partly true for taeniasis/cysticercosis, the most important foodborne parasitic infection. Despite substantial progress, adequate monitoring and surveillance (M&S) are required to sustain a status of control/elimination. This is often lacking, especially for . Therefore, the objective was to conduct a systematic literature review of the currently available M&S systems at the control/elimination stage of the four top-ranked helminth NTDs. Specifically, spp., spp., spp., and soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) were considered to determine if there are any similarities between their M&S systems and whether certain approaches can be adopted from each other. The systematic review demonstrated that rigorous M&S systems have been designed for the control/elimination stage of both STHs and schistosomiasis, particularly in China. On the other hand, a concept of M&S for spp. and spp. has not been fully developed yet, due to a lack of epidemiological data and the fact that many endemic countries are far away from reaching control/elimination. Moreover, accurate diagnostic tools for all four diseases are still imperfect, which complicates proper M&S. Finally, there is an urgent need to develop and harmonize/standardize M&S activities in order to reliably determine and compare the epidemiological situation worldwide.
PubMed: 31935916
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9010047 -
Current Drug Discovery Technologies 2022Garlic (Allium sativum) is used as a natural supplement for the treatment of various diseases and disorders because it has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal,...
BACKGROUND
Garlic (Allium sativum) is used as a natural supplement for the treatment of various diseases and disorders because it has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This systematic review aimed to evaluate in vitro and in vivo effects of garlic against Schistosoma spp.
METHODS
The current study was carried out according to the PRISMA guidelines and registered in the CAMARADES-NC3Rs Preclinical Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Facility [SyRF] database. The literature search was conducted using five databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar, from January 2008 to January 2021. The search was restricted to articles published in the English language. Syntax was performed based on each database tag.
RESULTS
Out of 2,600 studies, 10 met the eligibility criteria for review. The examined parasite in all studies was Schistosoma mansoni. Ten studies (90%) were performed in vivo and one study in vitro. Studies have shown that garlic compounds can activate immune system factors, thereby damaging the parasite structure or its eggs.
CONCLUSION
Given the increase in using plants in the treatment of many diseases and the fact that plants can be a good alternative to chemical drugs in many cases, more comprehensive research is needed to introduce effective medicinal plants to treat diseases such as schistosomiasis.
Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Biological Products; Garlic; Plant Extracts; Schistosoma mansoni; Schistosomiasis
PubMed: 35227185
DOI: 10.2174/1570163819666220228154752 -
Current Therapeutic Research, Clinical... 2023Schistosomiasis is an acute and chronic parasitic disease caused by blood flukes of the genus . The current drugs for treating schistosomiasis are associated with some... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Schistosomiasis is an acute and chronic parasitic disease caused by blood flukes of the genus . The current drugs for treating schistosomiasis are associated with some side effects.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this systematic study was an overview of the treatment of diseases caused by based on nanoparticles.
METHODS
In the present systematic research with keywords "", "parasitism", "anti- activity", "nanoparticles", "metal nanoparticles", "silver nanoparticles", "gold nanoparticles", "polymer nanoparticles", "PLGA nanoparticles", "nanoemulsions", "", and "" from five English-language databases, including ScienceDirect, europePMC, PubMed, Scopus, Ovid, and Cochrane were searched from 2000 to 2022 by 2 researchers.
RESULTS
In the initial search, 250 studies were selected. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 27 articles were finally selected after removing duplicate, unrelated, and articles containing full text. In present article, the most nanoparticles used against were gold nanoparticles (22%).
CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate the high potential of various nanoparticles, including metal nanoparticles, against . Also, the remarkable anti-schistosomal activity of nanoparticles suggests their use in different fields to eliminate this pathogenic microorganism so that it can be used as an effective candidate in the preparation of anti-schistosomal compounds because these compounds have fewer side effects than chemical drugs. . 2023; XX:XXX-XXX).
PubMed: 37743882
DOI: 10.1016/j.curtheres.2023.100715 -
PloS One 2020While praziquantel mass drug administration is currently the most widely used method in the control of human schistosomiasis, it does not prevent subsequent reinfection... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
While praziquantel mass drug administration is currently the most widely used method in the control of human schistosomiasis, it does not prevent subsequent reinfection hence persistent transmission. Towards schistosomiasis elimination, understanding the reinfection rate is crucial in planning for the future interventions. However, there is scarcity of information on the global reinfection rate of schistosomiasis. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at summarizing studies that estimated the reinfection rate of human schistosomiasis. Three data bases (PubMed, Hinari and Google Scholar) were thoroughly searched to retrieve original research articles presenting data on reinfection rate of human schistosomiasis. Study quality and risk of bias was assessed based on Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist. Meta-analysis was conducted using statistical R version 3.6.2 and R Studio using "meta" and "metafor" packages. Random effect model was employed to estimate pooled reinfection rates. Heterogeneity was determined using Cochran's Q (chi-square)-test and Higgins I2 statistics. A total of 29 studies met inclusion criteria to be included in this review. All studies had at least satisfactory (5-9 scores) quality. The overal mean and pooled reinfection rates of schistosomiasis were 36.1% (±23.3%) and 33.2% (95% CI, 26.5-40.5%) respectively. For intestinal schistosomiasis, the mean and pooled reinfection rates were 43.9% (±20.6%) and 43.4% (95% CI, 35.8-51.4%), and that for urogenital schistosomiasis were 17.6% (±10.8%) and 19.4% (95% CI, 12.3%- 29.2%) respectively. Cochran's Q (chi-square)-test and Higgins I2 statistic indicated significant heterogeneity across studies (p-values < 0.001, I2 values > 95%). Results of subgroup analysis showed that, the type of Schistosoma species, participants' age group, sample size and geographical area had influence on disparity variation in reinfection rate of schistosomiasis (p < 0.1). Despite the control measures in place, the re-infection rate is still high, specifically on intestinal schistosomiasis as compared to urogenital schistosomiasis. Achieving 2030 sustainable development goal 3 on good health and wellbeing intensive programmatic strategies for schistosomiasis elimination should be implemented. Among such strategies to be used at national level are repeated mass drug administration at least every six months, intensive snails control and health education.
Topics: Animals; Biometry; Humans; Praziquantel; Reinfection; Schistosoma; Schistosomiasis
PubMed: 33270752
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243224 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Nov 2021Schistosomiasis remains a global-health problem with over 90% of its burden concentrated in Africa. Field studies reflect the complex ways in which socio-cultural and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Schistosomiasis remains a global-health problem with over 90% of its burden concentrated in Africa. Field studies reflect the complex ways in which socio-cultural and socio-economic variables, affect the distribution of Schistosoma infections across different populations. This review set out to systematically investigate and quantify the differences in Schistosoma infection burdens between males and females in Africa for two of the most prevalent Schistosoma species-Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium.
METHODOLOGY
We searched (from inception to 11th March 2020) Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science for relevant studies on schistosomiasis. We included studies that report S. mansoni and/or S. haematobium prevalence and/or intensity data distributed between males and females. We conducted meta-analyses on the male to female (M:F) prevalence of infection ratios. Subgroup analyses were performed according to study baseline prevalence, sample size and the lower and upper age limit of study participants. We also present a descriptive analysis of differential risk and intensity of infection across males and females. Evidence for differences in the prevalence of schistosomiasis infection between males and females is presented, stratified by Schistosoma species.
RESULT
We identified 128 relevant studies, with over 200,000 participants across 23 countries. Of all the reported differences in the prevalence of infection between males and females, only 41% and 34% were statistically significant for S. mansoni and S. haematobium, respectively. Similar proportions of studies (27% and 34% for for S. haematobium and S. mansoni, respectively) of the reported differences in intensity of infection between males and females were statistically significant. The meta-analyses summarized a higher prevalence of infection in males; pooled random-effects weighted M:F prevalence of infection ratios were 1.20 (95% CI 1.11-1.29) for S. haematobium and 1.15 (95% CI 1.08-1.22) for S. mansoni. However, females are underrespresented in some of the studies. Additionally, there was significant heterogeneity across studies (Higgins I2 statistic (p-values < 0.001, I2values>95%)). Results of the subgroup analysis showed that the baseline prevalence influenced the M:F prevalence ratios for S. haematobium and S. mansoni, with higher M:F prevalence of infection ratios in settings with a lower baseline prevalence of infection. Across the studies, we identified four major risk factors associated with infection rates: occupational and recreational water contact, knowledge, socio-economic factors and demographic factors. The effect of these risk factors on the burden of infection in males and females varied across studies.
CONCLUSIONS
We find evidence of differences in prevalence of infection between males and females which may reflect differences in gender norms and water contact activities, suggesting that policy changes at the regional level may help ameliorate gender-related disparities in schistosomiasis infection burden. Collecting, robustly analysing, and reporting, sex-disaggregated epidemiological data, is currently lacking, but would be highly informative for planning effective treatment programmes and establishing those most at risk of schistosomiasis infections.
Topics: Africa; Animals; Female; Humans; Male; Risk Factors; Schistosoma haematobium; Schistosoma mansoni; Schistosomiasis haematobia; Schistosomiasis mansoni; Sex Factors
PubMed: 34788280
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009083 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Jan 2018Evidence of an adverse influence of soil transmitted helminth (STH) infections on cognitive function and educational loss is equivocal. Prior meta-analyses have focused... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Evidence of an adverse influence of soil transmitted helminth (STH) infections on cognitive function and educational loss is equivocal. Prior meta-analyses have focused on randomized controlled trials only and have not sufficiently explored the potential for disparate influence of STH infection by cognitive domain. We re-examine the hypothesis that STH infection is associated with cognitive deficit and educational loss using data from all primary epidemiologic studies published between 1992 and 2016.
METHODS
Medline, Biosis and Web of Science were searched for original studies published in the English language. Cognitive function was defined in four domains (learning, memory, reaction time and innate intelligence) and educational loss in two domains (attendance and scholastic achievement). Pooled effect across studies were calculated as standardized mean differences (SMD) to compare cognitive and educational measures for STH infected/non-dewormed children versus STH uninfected /dewormed children using Review Manager 5.3. Sub-group analyses were implemented by study design, risk of bias (ROB) and co-prevalence of Schistosoma species infection. Influential studies were excluded in sensitivity analysis to examine stability of pooled estimates.
FINDINGS
We included 36 studies of 12,920 children. STH infected/non-dewormed children had small to moderate deficits in three domains-learning, memory and intelligence (SMD: -0.44 to -0.27, P<0.01-0.03) compared to STH-uninfected/dewormed children. There were no differences by infection/treatment status for reaction time, school attendance and scholastic achievement (SMD: -0.26 to -0.16, P = 0.06-0.19). Heterogeneity of the pooled effects in all six domains was high (P<0.01; I2 = 66-99%). Application of outlier treatment reduced heterogeneity in learning domain (P = 0.12; I2 = 33%) and strengthened STH-related associations in all domains but intelligence (SMD: -0.20, P = 0.09). Results varied by study design and ROB. Among experimental intervention studies, there was no association between STH treatment and educational loss/performance in tests of memory, reaction time and innate intelligence (SMD: -0.27 to 0.17, P = 0.18-0.69). Infection-related deficits in learning persisted within design/ROB levels (SMD: -0.37 to -52, P<0.01) except for pre-vs post intervention design (n = 3 studies, SMD = -0.43, P = 0.47). Deficits in memory, reaction time and innate intelligence persisted within observational studies (SMD: -0.23 to -0.38, all P<0.01) and high ROB strata (SMD:-0.37 to -0.83, P = 0.07 to <0.01). Further, in Schistosoma infection co-prevalent settings, associations were generally stronger and statistically robust for STH-related deficits in learning, memory and reaction time tests(SMD:-0.36 to -0.55, P = 0.003-0.02). STH-related deficits in school attendance and scholastic achievement was noted in low (SMD:-0.57, P = 0.05) and high ROB strata respectively.
INTERPRETATION
We provide evidence of superior performance in five of six educational and cognitive domains assessed for STH uninfected/dewormed versus STH infected/not-dewormed school-aged children from helminth endemic regions. Cautious interpretation is warranted due to high ROB in some of the primary literature and high between study variability in most domains. Notwithstanding, this synthesis provides empirical support for a cognitive and educational benefit of deworming. The benefit of deworming will be enhanced by strategically employing, integrated interventions. Thus, multi-pronged inter-sectoral strategies that holistically address the environmental and structural roots of child cognitive impairment and educational loss in the developing world may be needed to fully realize the benefit of mass deworming programs.
Topics: Adolescent; Albendazole; Animals; Anthelmintics; Child; Child, Preschool; Cognition; Cognitive Dysfunction; Educational Measurement; Executive Function; Humans; Mebendazole; Memory and Learning Tests; Schistosoma; Schistosomiasis; Soil
PubMed: 29329288
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005523 -
The Lancet. Planetary Health Jul 2020Agrochemical pollution of surface waters is a growing global environmental challenge, especially in areas where agriculture is rapidly expanding and intensifying.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Agrochemical pollution of surface waters is a growing global environmental challenge, especially in areas where agriculture is rapidly expanding and intensifying. Agrochemicals might affect schistosomiasis transmission through direct and indirect effects on Schistosoma parasites, their intermediate snail hosts, snail predators, and snail algal resources. We aimed to review and summarise the effects of these agrochemicals on schistosomiasis transmission dynamics.
METHODS
We did a systematic review of agrochemical effects on the lifecycle of Schistosoma spp and fitted dose-response models to data regarding the association between components of the lifecycle and agrochemical concentrations. We incorporated these dose-response functions and environmentally relevant concentrations of agrochemicals into a mathematical model to estimate agrochemical effects on schistosomiasis transmission. Dose-response functions were used to estimate individual agrochemical effects on estimates of the agrochemically influenced basic reproduction number, R, for Schistosoma haematobium. We incorporated time series of environmentally relevant agrochemical concentrations into the model and simulated mass drug administration control efforts in the presence of agrochemicals.
FINDINGS
We derived 120 dose-response functions describing the effects of agrochemicals on schistosome lifecycle components. The median estimate of the basic reproduction number under agrochemical-free conditions, was 1·65 (IQR 1·47-1·79). Agrochemical effects on estimates of R for S haematobium ranged from a median three-times increase (R 5·05, IQR 4·06-5·97) to transmission elimination (R 0). Simulations of transmission dynamics subject to interacting annual mass drug administration and agrochemical pollution yielded a median estimate of 64·82 disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) lost per 100 000 people per year (IQR 62·52-67·68) attributable to atrazine use. In areas where aquatic arthropod predators of intermediate host snails suppress transmission, the insecticides chlorpyrifos (6·82 DALYs lost per 100 000 people per year, IQR 4·13-8·69) and profenofos (103·06 DALYs lost per 100 000 people per year, IQR 89·63-104·90) might also increase the disability burden through their toxic effects on arthropods.
INTERPRETATION
Expected environmental concentrations of agrochemicals alter schistosomiasis transmission through direct and indirect effects on intermediate host and parasite densities. As industrial agricultural practices expand in areas where schistosomiasis is endemic, strategies to prevent increases in transmission due to agrochemical pollution should be developed and pursued.
FUNDING
National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health.
Topics: Agrochemicals; Animals; Environmental Pollutants; Environmental Pollution; Food Chain; Host-Parasite Interactions; Humans; Schistosoma; Schistosomiasis
PubMed: 32681899
DOI: 10.1016/S2542-5196(20)30105-4