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International Journal of Infectious... Apr 2024South Asia remains home to foodborne diseases caused by the Vibrio species. We aimed to compile and update information on the epidemiology of vibriosis in South Asia. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
South Asia remains home to foodborne diseases caused by the Vibrio species. We aimed to compile and update information on the epidemiology of vibriosis in South Asia.
METHODS
For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Google Scholar for studies related to vibriosis in South Asia published up to May 2023. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate the pooled isolation rate of non-cholera-causing Vibrio species.
RESULTS
In total, 38 studies were included. Seven of these were case reports and 22 were included in the meta-analysis. The reported vibriosis cases were caused by non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus, V. fluvialis, and V. vulnificus. The overall pooled isolation rate was 4.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.0-5.0%) in patients with diarrhea. Heterogeneity was high (I = 98.0%). The isolation rate of non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus, and V. fluvialis were 9.0 (95% CI 7.0-10.0%), 1.0 (95% CI 1.0-2.0%), and 2.0 (95% CI: 1.0-3.0%), respectively. Regarding V. parahaemolyticus, O3:K6 was the most frequently isolated serotype. Cases peaked during summer. Several studies reported antibiotic-resistant strains and those harboring extended-spectrum beta-lactamases genes.
CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates a high burden of infections caused by non-cholera-causing Vibrio species in South Asia.
Topics: Humans; Vibrio cholerae; Vibrio Infections; Foodborne Diseases; Diarrhea; Asia, Southern
PubMed: 38311027
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.01.022 -
Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy Sep 2022O1/O139 is responsible for cholera epidemics that remains a huge public health menace across the globe. Furthermore, an increasing resistance rate among strains has... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
O1/O139 is responsible for cholera epidemics that remains a huge public health menace across the globe. Furthermore, an increasing resistance rate among strains has been reported around the world. Therefore, the objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the weighted pooled resistance (WPR) rates in clinical O1/O139 isolates based on different years, areas, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and resistance rates.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We searched the studies in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science (until January 2020). Statistical analyses were conducted using STATA software (ver. 14.0).
RESULTS
A total of 139 studies investigating 24,062 O1/O139 isolates were analyzed. The majority of the studies originated in Asia ( = 102). The WPR rates were as follows: azithromycin 1%, erythromycin 36%, ciprofloxacin 3%, cotrimoxazole 79%, doxycycline 7%, and tetracycline 20%. There was increased resistance to cotrimoxazole, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline during the 1980-2020 years.
CONCLUSIONS
Temporal changes in antibiotic resistance rate found in this study demonstrated the critical continuous surveillance of antibiotic resistance. Also, ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, gentamicin, cephalexin, imipenem, ofloxacin, and norfloxacin were found to be the best antibiotics against , with the highest and the lowest effectiveness resistance rate.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Azithromycin; Cholera; Ciprofloxacin; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Humans; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Tetracyclines; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Vibrio cholerae O1; Vibrio cholerae O139
PubMed: 35790112
DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2022.2098114 -
Pathogens and Global Health May 2023Non-O1/non-O139 (NOVC) are nonpathogenic or asymptomatic colonizers in humans, but they may be related to intestinal or extra-intestinal (severe wound infections or... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Non-O1/non-O139 (NOVC) are nonpathogenic or asymptomatic colonizers in humans, but they may be related to intestinal or extra-intestinal (severe wound infections or sepsis) infections in immunocompromised patients.The present study aimed to evaluate the weighted pooled resistance (WPR) rates in clinical NOVC isolates based on different years, areas, quality, antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), and resistance rates. We systematically searched the articles in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase (until January 2020). Data analyses were performed using the Stata software program (version 17). A total of 16 studies that had investigated 824 clinical NOVC isolates were included in the meta-analysis. The majority of the studies were conducted in Asia (n = 14) and followed by Africa (n = 2). The WPR rates were as follows: erythromycin 10%, ciprofloxacin 5%, cotrimoxazole 27%, and tetracycline 13%. There was an increase in resistance to ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid, and gentamicin, norfloxacin during the period from 2000 to 2020. On the contrary, there was a decreased resistance to erythromycin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, cotrimoxazole, ampicillin, streptomycin, kanamycin, and neomycin during the period from 2000 to 2020. The lowest resistance rate were related to gentamicin, kanamycin, ciprofloxacin, and chloramphenicol against NOVC strains. However, temporal changes in antimicrobial resistance rate were found in our study. We established continuous surveillance, careful appropriate AST, and limitations on improper antibiotic usage, which are essential, especially in low-income countries.
Topics: Humans; Vibrio cholerae non-O1; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cholera; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Ciprofloxacin; Tetracycline; Chloramphenicol; Kanamycin; Erythromycin; Gentamicins; Microbial Sensitivity Tests
PubMed: 35983997
DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2022.2114620 -
Health and Human Rights Dec 2017The 2008-2009 Zimbabwe cholera epidemic resulted in 98,585 reported cases and caused more than 4,000 deaths. In this study, we used a mixed-methods approach that... (Review)
Review
The 2008-2009 Zimbabwe cholera epidemic resulted in 98,585 reported cases and caused more than 4,000 deaths. In this study, we used a mixed-methods approach that combined primary qualitative data from a 2008 Physicians for Human Rights-led investigation with a systematic review and content analysis of the scientific literature. Our initial investigation included semi-structured interviews of 92 key informants, which we supplemented with reviews of the social science and human rights literature, as well as international news reports. Our systematic review of the scientific literature retrieved 59 unique citations, of which 30 met criteria for inclusion in the content analysis: 14 of the 30 (46.7%) articles mentioned the political dimension of the epidemic, while 7 (23.3%) referenced Mugabe or his political party (ZANU-PF). Our investigation revealed that the 2008-2009 Zimbabwean cholera epidemic was exacerbated by a series of human rights abuses, including the politicization of water, health care, aid, and information. The failure of the scientific community to directly address the political determinants of the epidemic exposes challenges to maintaining scientific integrity in the setting of humanitarian responses to complex health and human rights crises. While the period of the cholera epidemic and the health care system collapse is now nearly a decade in the past, the findings of this work remain highly relevant for Zimbabwe and other countries, as complex health and rights interactions remain widespread, and governance concerns continue to limit improvements in human health.
Topics: Cholera; Delivery of Health Care; Epidemics; Government; Human Rights; Humans; Politics
PubMed: 29302180
DOI: No ID Found -
The American Journal of Tropical... Nov 2017Globally, approximately 2 billion people lack microbiologically safe drinking water. Boiling is the most prevalent household water treatment method, yet evidence of its... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Globally, approximately 2 billion people lack microbiologically safe drinking water. Boiling is the most prevalent household water treatment method, yet evidence of its health impact is limited. To conduct this systematic review, we searched four online databases with no limitations on language or publication date. Studies were eligible if health outcomes were measured for participants who reported consuming boiled and untreated water. We used reported and calculated odds ratios (ORs) and random-effects meta-analysis to estimate pathogen-specific and pooled effects by organism group and nonspecific diarrhea. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed using , meta-regression, and funnel plots; study quality was also assessed. Of the 1,998 records identified, 27 met inclusion criteria and reported extractable data. We found evidence of a significant protective effect of boiling for infections (OR = 0.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.13-0.79, = 4 studies), (OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.17-0.69, = 3), protozoal infections overall (pooled OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.43-0.86, = 11), viral infections overall (pooled OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.7-0.98, = 4), and nonspecific diarrheal outcomes (OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.45-0.77, = 7). We found no evidence of a protective effect for helminthic infections. Although our study was limited by the use of self-reported boiling and non-experimental designs, the evidence suggests that boiling provides measureable health benefits for pathogens whose transmission routes are primarily water based. Consequently, we believe a randomized controlled trial of boiling adherence and health outcomes is needed.
Topics: Developing Countries; Diarrhea; Drinking Water; Food Contamination; Food Microbiology; Humans; Water Microbiology; Water Purification; Waterborne Diseases
PubMed: 29016318
DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0190 -
PloS One 2015Cholera remains a significant threat to global public health with an estimated 100,000 deaths per year. Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions are frequently... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND METHODS
Cholera remains a significant threat to global public health with an estimated 100,000 deaths per year. Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions are frequently employed to control outbreaks though evidence regarding their effectiveness is often missing. This paper presents a systematic literature review investigating the function, use and impact of WASH interventions implemented to control cholera.
RESULTS
The review yielded eighteen studies and of the five studies reporting on health impact, four reported outcomes associated with water treatment at the point of use, and one with the provision of improved water and sanitation infrastructure. Furthermore, whilst the reporting of function and use of interventions has become more common in recent publications, the quality of studies remains low. The majority of papers (>60%) described water quality interventions, with those at the water source focussing on ineffective chlorination of wells, and the remaining being applied at the point of use. Interventions such as filtration, solar disinfection and distribution of chlorine products were implemented but their limitations regarding the need for adherence and correct use were not fully considered. Hand washing and hygiene interventions address several transmission routes but only 22% of the studies attempted to evaluate them and mainly focussed on improving knowledge and uptake of messages but not necessarily translating this into safer practices. The use and maintenance of safe water storage containers was only evaluated once, under-estimating the considerable potential for contamination between collection and use. This problem was confirmed in another study evaluating methods of container disinfection. One study investigated uptake of household disinfection kits which were accepted by the target population. A single study in an endemic setting compared a combination of interventions to improve water and sanitation infrastructure, and the resulting reductions in cholera incidence.
DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This review highlights a focus on particular routes of transmission, and the limited number of interventions tested during outbreaks. There is a distinct gap in knowledge of which interventions are most appropriate for a given context and as such a clear need for more robust impact studies evaluating a wider array of WASH interventions, in order to ensure effective cholera control and the best use of limited resources.
Topics: Cholera; Disease Outbreaks; Humans; Hygiene; Sanitation; Water Purification
PubMed: 26284367
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135676 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2024is a free-living marine bacterium associated with the contamination of fish and shellfish-the most consumed seafood in Asia. Owing to its potentially lethal clinical...
is a free-living marine bacterium associated with the contamination of fish and shellfish-the most consumed seafood in Asia. Owing to its potentially lethal clinical consequences, the consumption of seafood contaminated with has become a growing public health concern. This systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression aimed to integrate data on the prevalence of seafood-borne specifically in Asia and assess the potential risk factors that can influence the outcomes. A comprehensive literature search of four electronic databases yielded 279 relevant studies, among which 38 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. These selected studies were subjected to risk-of-bias assessment and data extraction by three independent researchers. A meta-analysis of the eligible studies estimated the overall prevalence of seafood-borne in Asia to be 10.47% [95% confidence interval (CI): 6.8-15.8%], with bivalve shellfish, such as oysters, mussels, clams, and cockles being the most contaminated seafood. The highest prevalence was reported in Japan, where 47.6% of the seafood samples tested positive for . The subgroup and meta-regression analyses identified three potential covariates-detection method, publication year, and country-associated with between-study heterogeneity. Furthermore, data visualization displayed the variations in prevalence across the studies, associated with differences in sample type, sample size, and sampling stage. This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence of in fish and shellfish across the entire Asian continent and highlights the potential factors that cause variation in the prevalence rates among the studies. These findings underscore the importance of enhancing hygiene measures throughout the seafood supply chain to mitigate infection risks and ensure the safety of consumers.
PubMed: 38511007
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1363560 -
Paediatrics and International Child... Nov 2018Background Vibrio cholerae is a highly motile Gram-negative bacterium which is responsible for 3 million cases of diarrhoeal illness and up to 100,000 deaths per year,...
Background Vibrio cholerae is a highly motile Gram-negative bacterium which is responsible for 3 million cases of diarrhoeal illness and up to 100,000 deaths per year, with an increasing burden documented over the past decade. Current WHO guidelines for the treatment of paediatric cholera infection (tetracycline 12.5 mg/kg four times daily for 3 days) are based on data which are over a decade old. In an era of increasing antimicrobial resistance, updated review of the appropriate empirical therapy for cholera infection in children (taking account of susceptibility patterns, cost and the risk of adverse events) is necessary. Methods A systematic review of the current published literature on the treatment of cholera infection in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was undertaken. International clinical guidelines and studies pertaining to adverse effects associated with treatments available for cholera infection were also reviewed. Results The initial search produced 256 results, of which eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Quality assessment of the studies was performed as per the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation guidelines. Conclusions In view of the changing non-susceptibility rates worldwide, empirical therapy for cholera infection in paediatric patients should be changed to single-dose azithromycin (20 mg/kg), a safe and effective medication with ease of administration. Erythromycin (12.5 mg/kg four times daily for 3 days) exhibits similar bacteriological and clinical success and should be listed as a second-line therapy. Fluid resuscitation remains the cornerstone of management of paediatric cholera infection, and prevention of infection by promoting access to clean water and sanitation is paramount.
Topics: Adolescent; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Azithromycin; Child; Child, Preschool; Cholera; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Erythromycin; Guidelines as Topic; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Treatment Outcome; Vibrio cholerae; World Health Organization
PubMed: 29790841
DOI: 10.1080/20469047.2017.1409452 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Dec 2016Use of the oral cholera vaccine (OCV) is a vital short-term strategy to control cholera in endemic areas with poor water and sanitation infrastructure. Identifying,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Use of the oral cholera vaccine (OCV) is a vital short-term strategy to control cholera in endemic areas with poor water and sanitation infrastructure. Identifying, estimating, and categorizing the delivery costs of OCV campaigns are useful in analyzing cost-effectiveness, understanding vaccine affordability, and in planning and decision making by program managers and policy makers.
OBJECTIVES
To review and re-estimate oral cholera vaccination program costs and propose a new standardized categorization that can help in collation, analysis, and comparison of delivery costs across countries.
DATA SOURCES
Peer reviewed publications listed in PubMed database, Google Scholar and World Health Organization (WHO) websites and unpublished data from organizations involved in oral cholera vaccination.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
The publications and reports containing oral cholera vaccination delivery costs, conducted in low- and middle-income countries based on World Bank Classification. Limits are humans and publication date before December 31st, 2014.
PARTICIPANTS
No participants are involved, only costs are collected.
INTERVENTION
Oral cholera vaccination and cost estimation.
STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHOD
A systematic review was conducted using pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Cost items were categorized into four main cost groups: vaccination program preparation, vaccine administration, adverse events following immunization and vaccine procurement; the first three groups constituting the vaccine delivery costs. The costs were re-estimated in 2014 US dollars (US$) and in international dollar (I$).
RESULTS
Ten studies were identified and included in the analysis. The vaccine delivery costs ranged from US$0.36 to US$ 6.32 (in US$2014) which was equivalent to I$ 0.99 to I$ 16.81 (in I$2014). The vaccine procurement costs ranged from US$ 0.29 to US$ 29.70 (in US$2014), which was equivalent to I$ 0.72 to I$ 78.96 (in I$2014). The delivery costs in routine immunization systems were lowest from US$ 0.36 (in US$2014) equivalent to I$ 0.99 (in I$2014).
LIMITATIONS
The reported cost categories are not standardized at collection point and may lead to misclassification. Costs for some OCV campaigns are not available and analysis does not include direct and indirect costs to vaccine recipients.
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS
Vaccine delivery cost estimation is needed for budgeting and economic analysis of vaccination programs. The cost categorization methodology presented in this study is helpful in collecting OCV delivery costs in a standardized manner, comparing delivery costs, planning vaccination campaigns and informing decision-making.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Cholera; Cholera Vaccines; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Humans; Immunization Programs; Poverty; Sanitation; Vaccination; World Health Organization
PubMed: 27930668
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005124 -
Environment International May 2016Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) contributes very little to overall climate change and yet it is estimated to bear the highest burden of climate change, with 34% of the global... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) contributes very little to overall climate change and yet it is estimated to bear the highest burden of climate change, with 34% of the global DALYs attributable to the effects of climate change found in SSA. With the exception of vector-borne diseases, particularly malaria, there is very limited research on human health effects of climate change in SSA, in spite of growing awareness of the region's vulnerability to climate change.
OBJECTIVES
Our objective is to systematically review all studies investigating temperature variability and non-vector borne morbidity and mortality in SSA to establish the state and quality of available evidence, identify gaps in knowledge, and propose future research priorities.
METHODS
PubMed, Ovid Medline and Scopus were searched from their inception to the end of December 2014. We modified the GRADE guidelines to rate the quality of the body of evidence.
RESULTS
Of 6745 studies screened, 23 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. Moderate evidence exists to associate temperature variability with cholera outbreaks, cardiovascular disease hospitalization and deaths, and all-cause deaths in the region. The quality of evidence on child undernutrition is low, and for diarrhea occurrence, meningitis, Ebola, asthma and respiratory diseases, and skin diseases, very low.
CONCLUSIONS
The evidence base is somehow weakened by the limited number of studies uncovered, methodological limitations of the studies, and notable inconsistencies in the study findings. Further research with robust study designs and standardized analytical methods is thus needed to produce more credible evidence base to inform climate change preparedness plans and public health policies for improved adaptive capacity in SSA. Investment in meteorological services, and strengthening of health information systems is also required to guarantee timely, up-to-date and reliable data.
Topics: Africa South of the Sahara; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cause of Death; Cholera; Climate Change; Disease Outbreaks; Humans; Morbidity; Temperature
PubMed: 26949867
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.02.027