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Gut and Liver Jan 2019Artificial intelligence is likely to perform several roles currently performed by humans, and the adoption of artificial intelligence-based medicine in gastroenterology... (Review)
Review
Artificial intelligence is likely to perform several roles currently performed by humans, and the adoption of artificial intelligence-based medicine in gastroenterology practice is expected in the near future. Medical image-based diagnoses, such as pathology, radiology, and endoscopy, are expected to be the first in the medical field to be affected by artificial intelligence. A convolutional neural network, a kind of deep-learning method with multilayer perceptrons designed to use minimal preprocessing, was recently reported as being highly beneficial in the field of endoscopy, including esophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy, and capsule endoscopy. A convolutional neural network-based diagnostic program was challenged to recognize anatomical locations in esophagogastroduodenoscopy images, infection, and gastric cancer for esophagogastroduodenoscopy; to detect and classify colorectal polyps; to recognize celiac disease and hookworm; and to perform small intestine motility characterization of capsule endoscopy images. Artificial intelligence is expected to help endoscopists provide a more accurate diagnosis by automatically detecting and classifying lesions; therefore, it is essential that endoscopists focus on this novel technology. In this review, we describe the effects of artificial intelligence on gastroenterology with a special focus on automatic diagnosis, based on endoscopic findings.
Topics: Capsule Endoscopy; Celiac Disease; Colonic Polyps; Colonoscopy; Deep Learning; Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; Endoscopy, Digestive System; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; Gastroenterology; Gastrointestinal Motility; Helicobacter Infections; Hookworm Infections; Humans; Intestinal Polyps; Stomach Neoplasms
PubMed: 30630221
DOI: 10.5009/gnl18384 -
American Journal of Human Biology : the... Mar 2020Despite public health concerns about hookworm infection in pregnancy, little is known about immune profiles associated with hookworm (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma...
OBJECTIVES
Despite public health concerns about hookworm infection in pregnancy, little is known about immune profiles associated with hookworm (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale) infection during pregnancy. Fetal tolerance requirements may constrain maternal immune response to hookworm, thereby increasing susceptibility to new infections or increasing hemoglobin loss. To explore this possibility, we study systemic immune response and hemoglobin levels in a natural fertility population with endemic helminthic infection.
METHODS
We used Bayesian multilevel models to analyze mixed longitudinal data on hemoglobin, hookworm infection, reproductive state, eosinophils, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) to examine the effects of pregnancy and hookworm infection on nonspecific inflammation, cellular parasite response, and hemoglobin among 612 Tsimane women aged 15-45 (1016 observations).
RESULTS
Pregnancy is associated with lower eosinophil counts and lower eosinophil response to hookworm, particularly during the second and third trimesters. Both hookworm and pregnancy are associated with higher ESR, with evidence for an interaction between the two causing further increases in the first trimester. Pregnancy is moderately associated with higher odds of hookworm infection (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 0.83 to 1.83). Pregnancy and hookworm both decrease hemoglobin and may interact to accentuate this effect in the first-trimester of pregnancy (Interaction: β: -0.30 g/dL; CI: -0.870 to 0.24).
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings are consistent with a possible trade-off between hookworm immunity and successful pregnancy, and with the suggestion that hookworm and pregnancy may have synergistic effects, particularly in the first trimester.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Ancylostoma; Ancylostomiasis; Animals; Bolivia; Female; Horticulture; Humans; Indians, South American; Middle Aged; Necator americanus; Necatoriasis; Occupational Diseases; Pregnancy; Prevalence; Young Adult
PubMed: 31642576
DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23337 -
The American Journal of Tropical... Nov 2020Hookworm is an intestinal parasite that infects nearly 230 million people, with another 5.1 billion at risk, especially in poverty-stricken tropical and subtropical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Hookworm is an intestinal parasite that infects nearly 230 million people, with another 5.1 billion at risk, especially in poverty-stricken tropical and subtropical regions. Pregnancy is an especially vulnerable time for hookworm infection because of its effect on both maternal and subsequently fetal health. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. The meta-analysis was performed on the association between maternal hookworm and maternal anemia, as well as maternal hookworm coinfection with malaria. The prevalence of hookworm ranged from 1% to 78% in pregnant women, whereas malaria prevalence ranged from 11% to 81%. Pregnant women with hookworm infection were more likely to have anemia (combined odds ratio [cOR] 2.55 [2.20, 2.96], < 0.001). In addition, pregnant woman with hookworm were more likely to have malaria coinfection (cOR 1.60 [1.38, 1.86], < 0.001). Other effects on maternal and child health were investigated and summarized without systematic review or meta-analysis because of the limited study numbers. Despite current deworming recommendations in pregnant women, heavy hookworm burden, coinfection with malaria, and subsequent anemia persist. Although this is likely due, in part, to a lack of implementation of preventive chemotherapy, additional interventions such as health education, proper waste management, or linking malaria and soil-transmitted helminth treatment and prevention programs may also be needed. Further investigations on maternal-child outcomes as a result of hookworm infection during pregnancy will highlight public health interventional targets to reduce morbidity in pregnant women and children globally.
Topics: Ancylostomatoidea; Anemia; Animals; Cohort Studies; Coinfection; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Education; Hookworm Infections; Humans; Malaria; Maternal Health; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic; Public Health
PubMed: 32840198
DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0503 -
The Journal of Infectious Diseases Mar 2020The human hookworm, Necator americanus, is a parasite that infects almost half a billion people worldwide. Although treatment is available, vaccination is favorable to...
BACKGROUND
The human hookworm, Necator americanus, is a parasite that infects almost half a billion people worldwide. Although treatment is available, vaccination is favorable to combat the spread of this parasite due to its wide distribution and continuous reinfection cycle in endemic communities.
METHODS
We have designed a lipopeptide oral delivery system using a B-cell epitope derived from the aspartic protease Na-APR-1 from N americanus, attached to a T-helper epitope. Lipopeptides were self-assembled into nanoparticles or entrapped in liposomes that were electrostatically coated with alginate and trimethyl chitosan polymer shields. The adjuvant-free vaccine candidates were orally administered to mice and generated a humoral immune response against both peptide antigen, and the parent protein in the hookworm gut.
RESULTS
The vaccine candidates were evaluated in a rodent hookworm challenge model, resulting in up to 98% and 99% decreases in mean intestinal worm and egg burdens in immunized mice, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Lipopeptide survived the gastrointestinal conditions, induced humoral immune responses and drived protection against parasite challenge infection.
Topics: Animals; Hookworm Infections; Immunity, Humoral; Lipopeptides; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Necator americanus; Vaccination; Vaccines
PubMed: 31621864
DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz528 -
Advances in Skin & Wound Care Jul 2020To provide information about infection with cutaneous larva migrans (CLM). (Review)
Review
GENERAL PURPOSE
To provide information about infection with cutaneous larva migrans (CLM).
TARGET AUDIENCE
This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, NPs, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES
After participating in this educational activity, the participant will:1. Distinguish the clinical features, diagnosis, and management of CLM.2. Explain the epidemiology of CLM.
ABSTRACT
Cutaneous larva migrans is a hookworm infection and one of the most common skin diseases of tourists in tropical countries. Most commonly, the infection is transmitted by contact with feces of dogs and cats containing hookworm eggs. This case-based review explores the epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical features, and management of cutaneous larva migrans infection.
Topics: Animals; Hookworm Infections; Humans; Larva Migrans; Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous; Rickettsia Infections; Skin Diseases, Parasitic; Travel; Tropical Climate
PubMed: 32544114
DOI: 10.1097/01.ASW.0000662248.18996.b5 -
Zhong Nan Da Xue Xue Bao. Yi Xue Ban =... Jun 2022With the improvement of sanitation, the infection rate of hookworm is greatly reduced and the severe infected case is rarely reported. Combined morphological and...
With the improvement of sanitation, the infection rate of hookworm is greatly reduced and the severe infected case is rarely reported. Combined morphological and molecular biological examinations, a severe hookworm infection patient was diagnosed in Department of Laboratorial Examination, Quanzhou First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University. The morphological methods such as direct fecal smear microscopy, saturated brine flotation and hookworm larvae culture methods were used to identify the eggs and larvae from stool samples of the patient. There were a large number of hookworm eggs in patient's stool samples, and the average count was 60 840 per gram by modified Kato method, which belonged to severe hookworm infection. Meanwhile, to distinguish the hookworm species, the semi-nested RT-PCR assay was employed to detect hookworm internal transcribed spacer series from eggs in patient's stool samples, and the result showed that the hookworm species was confirmed to be .
Topics: Ancylostomatoidea; Animals; Feces; Hookworm Infections; Humans; Necator americanus; Polymerase Chain Reaction
PubMed: 35837783
DOI: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2022.210593 -
Zoonoses and Public Health Sep 2023Canine hookworms are found globally, and infections have been recorded in domestic dogs visiting dog parks in Queensland, Australia. Some canine hookworms also present a...
Canine hookworms are found globally, and infections have been recorded in domestic dogs visiting dog parks in Queensland, Australia. Some canine hookworms also present a risk of zoonotic transmission to humans. Potential transmission of hookworms can occur in the household and at public places because of lack of owner awareness and poor coverage of canine deworming. Between April 2019 and March 2020, faecal samples from owned dogs were collected from 39 dog parks in metropolitan Brisbane, Queensland, and tested for the presence of hookworm eggs using faecal floatation technique. Dog owners who provided samples were requested to complete a survey on their awareness, perceptions and behaviour regarding the risks and consequences of canine parasitic infection. Associations between dog owner demographics and responses to the survey were measured using Goodman and Kruskal's gamma. Statistical associations between canine hookworm infection in dogs and their owner's responses were quantified using a two-sample Wilcoxon rank-sum test. A total of five canine faecal samples from 175 respondents were found positive for hookworm eggs, corresponding to a sample- and park-level prevalence of 2.86% and 12.82%, respectively. Female dog owners were found to be more aware of the importance of regular deworming of their dogs (|γ| = 0.405). Our results indicate that hookworm infection was associated with a lower awareness of the importance of deworming (p = 0.007), less diligence in administration of deworming (p = 0.004), lower awareness of the risk of acquiring parasites from raw meat (p = 0.010), less likelihood of cooking meat before feeding it to their dogs (p = 0.028), and less likelihood to properly dispose their dog's faeces (p = 0.027). This study not only indicates a need for improving owner education towards the importance of deworming but also a need for changing owner's behaviours to reduce potential environmental contamination with infective hookworms. The latter in particular indicates a broader public health risk of disease transmission in public places due to improper disposal of dog faeces, especially in areas with higher canine hookworm infections.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Humans; Female; Cross-Sectional Studies; Queensland; Hookworm Infections; Parasites; Feces; Perception; Dog Diseases
PubMed: 37248661
DOI: 10.1111/zph.13059 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Jul 2023Schistosomiasis and hookworm infection remain public health problems in large parts of sub-Saharan Africa. The epidemiology of schistosomiasis and hookworm was studied...
BACKGROUND
Schistosomiasis and hookworm infection remain public health problems in large parts of sub-Saharan Africa. The epidemiology of schistosomiasis and hookworm was studied in seasonal transmission settings in the northern part of Côte d'Ivoire.
METHODOLOGY
In August 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted. Urine and stool samples were collected from 742 individuals aged 6-96 years in 16 localities from four departments in northern Côte d'Ivoire. Urine samples were examined by a filtration method for quantification of Schistosoma haematobium eggs. Stool samples were subjected to duplicate Kato-Katz thick smears and eggs of Schistosoma mansoni and soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) were counted. Additionally, a questionnaire was administered to determine demographic characteristics and to identify risk factors of schistosomiasis and STHs. Malacologic surveys were carried out at water points that are contacted by humans and animals.
PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
The prevalence of schistosomiasis was very low. Only two cases of S. mansoni were found (0.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.1-1.0%). The distribution of S. haematobium was focal, with cases found only in two departments; Ferkessédougou (5.4%, 95% CI: 2.5-9.9%) and Ouangolodougou (2.7%, 95% CI: 0.9-6.3%). Hookworm was the only STH species observed with a prevalence of 1.5% (95% CI: 0.8-2.8%). A higher risk of S. haematobium infection was observed in males compared to females, but the difference was not statistically significant (2.3% versus 1.3%, odds ratio [OR]: 1.5, 95% CI: 0.8-2.7). Participants aged 16-20 years showed the highest prevalence of S. haematobium. A total of 111 human- and animal-water contact points were identified at 47 water sources. Three potential intermediate host snails of schistosomes were collected; namely, Bulinus forskalii (n = 761), Bulinus truncatus (n = 205), and Biomphalaria pfeifferi (n = 1). Yet, only one specimen of Bu. truncatus was found to be shedding schistosome cercariae.
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE
This study confirms very low transmission of schistosomiasis and hookworm in northern Côte d'Ivoire. The establishment and rigorous implementation of integrated surveillance-response systems could lead to the elimination of schistosomiasis and hookworm in this part of Côte d'Ivoire.
Topics: Male; Female; Animals; Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Cote d'Ivoire; Prevalence; Seasons; Schistosomiasis; Schistosoma haematobium; Bulinus; Hookworm Infections; Soil; Risk Factors; Water; Schistosomiasis mansoni; Feces
PubMed: 37459286
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011487 -
The American Journal of Tropical... May 2021Little is known about the effect of helminth infections on the natural gynecological and pregnancy course. Our goal was to assess the relationship between Wuchereria...
Little is known about the effect of helminth infections on the natural gynecological and pregnancy course. Our goal was to assess the relationship between Wuchereria bancrofti and hookworm (HW) infections with pregnancy course and outcome in a group of 82 women living in a rural area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Demographics and information on gynecological and obstetrical histories were collected retrospectively with standardized questionnaires. Wuchereria bancrofti and HW infections were diagnosed using a filarial antigen-detection test and the Kato-Katz method, respectively. Analyses consisted of multivariable logistic regressions adjusting for age, number of deliveries, and history of anthelmintic treatment (HAHT). The median age of study participants was 35 (interquartile range [IQR]: 30-44) years, and the median number of deliveries was five (IQR: 3-7). Wuchereria bancrofti and HW infection rates were 44.5% and 43.3%, respectively. Filarial antigenemia and HW infection were not significantly associated with the number of deliveries. The proportions of women with a history of pregnancy resulting in neonatal death, miscarriage, premature birth, and postpartum hemorrhage were 56%, 44%, 23%, and 36%, respectively. History of pregnancy associated with neonatal death was less frequent in women with HAHT, tended to be more frequent in women with filarial antigenemia, and was not associated with HW infection. None of the three other pregnancy events studied (miscarriage, premature birth, and postpartum hemorrhage) were associated with filarial antigenemia or HW infection. The positive association found between HAHT and lower risk of neonatal death warrants investigation in larger groups of women.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Albendazole; Anthelmintics; Antigens, Helminth; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Elephantiasis, Filarial; Female; Hookworm Infections; Humans; Middle Aged; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Retrospective Studies; Young Adult
PubMed: 33939636
DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-1422 -
Annual Review of Medicine 2016The 2000 Millennium Development Goals helped stimulate the development of life-saving childhood vaccines for pneumococcal and rotavirus infections while greatly... (Review)
Review
The 2000 Millennium Development Goals helped stimulate the development of life-saving childhood vaccines for pneumococcal and rotavirus infections while greatly expanding coverage of existing vaccines. However, there remains an urgent need to develop new vaccines for HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, as well as for respiratory syncytial virus and those chronic and debilitating (mostly parasitic) infections known as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). The NTDs represent the most common diseases of people living in extreme poverty and are the subject of this review. The development of NTD vaccines, including those for hookworm infection, schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, and Chagas disease, is being led by nonprofit product development partnerships (PDPs) working in consortia of academic and industrial partners, including vaccine manufacturers in developing countries. NTD vaccines face unique challenges with respect to their product development and manufacture, as well as their preclinical and clinical testing. We emphasize global efforts to accelerate the development of NTD vaccines and some of the hurdles to ensuring their availability to the world's poorest people.
Topics: Chagas Disease; Cooperative Behavior; Developing Countries; Drug Discovery; Drug Industry; Goals; HIV Infections; Hookworm Infections; Humans; Leishmaniasis; Malaria; Neglected Diseases; Organizations, Nonprofit; Poverty; Schistosomiasis; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Universities; Vaccines; World Health Organization
PubMed: 26356803
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-med-051214-024241