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Lancet (London, England) Jan 2018More than a quarter of the world's population is at risk of infection with the soil-transmitted helminths Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale and... (Review)
Review
More than a quarter of the world's population is at risk of infection with the soil-transmitted helminths Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus), Trichuris trichiura, and Strongyloides stercoralis. Infected children and adults present with a range of medical and surgical conditions, and clinicians should consider the possibility of infection in individuals living in, or returning from, endemic regions. Although safe and effective drugs are donated free to endemic countries, only half of at-risk children received treatment in 2016. This Seminar describes the epidemiology, lifecycles, pathophysiology, clinical diagnosis, management, and public health control of soil-transmitted helminths. Previous work has questioned the effect of population-level deworming; however, it remains beyond doubt that treatment reduces the severe consequences of soil-transmitted helminthiasis. We highlight the need for refined diagnostic tools and effective control options to scale up public health interventions and improve clinical detection and management of these infections.
Topics: Anthelmintics; Helminthiasis; Humans; Public Health; Soil
PubMed: 28882382
DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(17)31930-X -
Enfermedades Infecciosas Y... Jan 2020Infections causes by parasites of the gastrointestinal tract are a global public health problem. In industrialised countries, their particular epidemiological (low... (Review)
Review
Infections causes by parasites of the gastrointestinal tract are a global public health problem. In industrialised countries, their particular epidemiological (low general prevalence of enteroparasites), economic (high labour costs) and clinical characteristics (constant increase in the number of samples and diagnostic determinations to be performed) have led molecular techniques to progressively replace conventional microscopy as the first-line diagnostic method of these pathogens in modern clinical laboratories. PCR-based techniques, particularly those developed for the simultaneous detection of the various agents that can cause the same infectious disease (syndromic diagnosis), already represent a cost-effective option that allow process automisation, workflow optimisation, and comparison of results among different laboratories, and facilitate accreditation of diagnostic procedures. This review clearly and concisely discusses the current situation of the molecular diagnosis of the main species of intestinal parasites in humans, particularly the enteric protozoans causing diarrhoea (Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Entamoeba histolytica), the most important members the Microsporidia phyla (Enterocytozoon bieneusi) and Stramenopiles phyla (Blastocystis sp.), as well as the helminths transmitted by soil (Ancylostoma spp., Ascaris lumbricoides, Necator americanus, Strongyloides stercoralis and Trichuris trichiura) and food (Anisakis spp., Clonorchis sinensis, Fasciola spp., Taenia solium, and Trichinella spiralis). Special attention is paid to the description of available techniques and formats, to their diagnostic benefits and the most widely used genetic markers for their detection, both in clinical laboratories and genotyping in referral and research centres.
Topics: Animals; Diarrhea; Feces; Helminthiasis; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; Protozoan Infections; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
PubMed: 32111362
DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2020.02.005 -
Enfermedades Infecciosas Y... 2016Millions of people in in rural areas and deprived tropical and subtropical regions are infected by soil-transmitted helminths: Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura,...
Millions of people in in rural areas and deprived tropical and subtropical regions are infected by soil-transmitted helminths: Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, hookworms (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus), and Strongyloides stercoralis. Large migratory flows have made their worldwide distribution easier. Besides being debilitating and producing a significant mortality, they cause high morbidity, leading to physical and intellectual impairment in millions of children who live in poverty. Along with the use of benzimidazoles (albendazole and mebendazole), large-scale international campaigns for treatment and prevention have decreased the number of affected individuals. However, re-infestations and benzimidazole-resistance are frequent, so there needs to be awareness about the importance and consequences of these neglected parasites.
Topics: Ancylostoma; Ancylostomatoidea; Animals; Ascaris lumbricoides; Helminthiasis; Humans; Necator americanus; Rural Population; Soil; Trichuris; Tropical Climate; Vulnerable Populations
PubMed: 26980233
DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2016.02.002 -
Pediatric Clinics of North America Feb 2022Intestinal nematode infections caused by soil-transmitted helminths (STH), such as the roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides, the whipworm Trichuris trichiura, and the... (Review)
Review
Intestinal nematode infections caused by soil-transmitted helminths (STH), such as the roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides, the whipworm Trichuris trichiura, and the hookworms Ancylostoma duodenale, and Necator americanus, infect more than 1 billion people throughout the world. School-aged children tend to harbor the greatest numbers of intestinal worms, and as a result, experience more adverse health consequences, such as poor growth, anemia, and cognitive decline. Clinicians should maintain a high degree of suspicion in endemic areas when patients present with surgical abdomens, particularly children. Current antihelminthic drugs are moderately effective, but reinfection is possible. Global efforts are needed to eradicate STH infections.
Topics: Adolescent; Albendazole; Ancylostoma; Anemia; Animals; Anthelmintics; Ascariasis; Ascaris lumbricoides; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Helminthiasis; Hookworm Infections; Humans; Hygiene; Infant; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Male; Necator americanus; Nematode Infections; Soil; Trichuriasis; Trichuris
PubMed: 34794670
DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2021.08.005 -
Trends in Parasitology Sep 2021
Review
Topics: Ancylostoma; Ancylostomiasis; Animals; Humans; Life Cycle Stages
PubMed: 34049804
DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.04.013 -
Trends in Parasitology Jun 2024Hookworms are parasites, closely related to the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, that are a major economic and health burden worldwide. Primarily three hookworm... (Review)
Review
Hookworms are parasites, closely related to the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, that are a major economic and health burden worldwide. Primarily three hookworm species (Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenale, and Ancylostoma ceylanicum) infect humans. Another 100 hookworm species from 19 genera infect primates, ruminants, and carnivores. Genetic data exist for only seven of these species. Genome sequences are available from only four of these species in two genera, leaving 96 others (particularly those parasitizing wildlife) without any genomic data. The most recent hookworm genomes were published 5 years ago, leaving the field in a dusk. However, assembling genomes from single hookworms may bring a new dawn. Here we summarize advances, challenges, and opportunities for studying these neglected but important parasitic nematodes.
Topics: Animals; Genomics; Genome, Helminth; Hookworm Infections; Ancylostomatoidea; Humans
PubMed: 38677925
DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.04.003 -
Recent Patents on Inflammation &... 2017Cutaneous larva migrans is one of the most common skin diseases reported in travelers returning from tropical regions. Western physicians, however, are often not... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Cutaneous larva migrans is one of the most common skin diseases reported in travelers returning from tropical regions. Western physicians, however, are often not familiar of this condition.
OBJECTIVE
To review in depth the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, complications, and treatment of cutaneous larva migrans.
METHODS
A PubMed search was completed in Clinical Queries using the key term "cutaneous larva migrans". The search included meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, and reviews. Patents were searched using the key term "cutaneous larva migrans" from www.google.com/patents, www.uspto.gov, and www.freepatentsonline.com.
RESULTS
Cutaneous larva migrans is a zoonotic infestation caused by penetration and migration in the epidermis of filariform larva of different kinds of animal hookworms through contact with feces of infected animals. Cutaneous larva migrans is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions. Clinically, cutaneous larva migrans is characterized by an intensely pruritic erythematous migrating tortuous or serpiginous, slightly raised track. The diagnosis is mainly clinical, based on the history of travel to an endemic area and exposure to contaminated soil/sand and the characteristic serpiginous track. Treatment options as well as recent patents related to the management of cutaneous larva migrans are also discussed. Compared with oral antihelminthics, topical treatment over the affected area is less effective. Oral ivermectin is the treatment of choice.
CONCLUSION
The pruritic serpiginous track is pathognomonic. Oral ivermectin is the treatment of choice.
Topics: Animals; Anthelmintics; Humans; Ivermectin; Larva Migrans; Patents as Topic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Travel; Tropical Climate; Zoonoses
PubMed: 28078983
DOI: 10.2174/1872213X11666170110162344