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Parasitology Research Nov 2022Free-living amoebae (FLA) are cosmopolitan microorganisms known to be pathogenic to humans who often have a history of contact with contaminated water. Swimming pools... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are cosmopolitan microorganisms known to be pathogenic to humans who often have a history of contact with contaminated water. Swimming pools and recreational waters are among the environments where the greatest human exposure to FLA occurs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of FLA in swimming pools and recreational waters, through a systematic review and meta-analysis that included studies published between 1977 and 2022. A total of 106 studies were included and an overall prevalence of FLA in swimming pools and recreational waters of 44.34% (95% CI = 38.57-50.18) was found. Considering the studies published up to 2010 (1977-2010), between 2010 and 2015, and those published after 2010 (> 2010-2022), the prevalence was 53.09% (95% CI = 43.33-62.73) and 37.07% (95% CI = 28.87-45.66) and 45.40% (95% CI = 35.48-55.51), respectively. The highest prevalence was found in the American continent (63.99%), in Mexico (98.35%), and in indoor hot swimming pools (52.27%). The prevalence varied with the variation of FLA detection methods, morphology (57.21%), PCR (25.78%), and simultaneously morphology and PCR (43.16%). The global prevalence by genera was Vahlkampfia spp. (54.20%), Acanthamoeba spp. (33.47%), Naegleria spp. (30.95%), Hartmannella spp./Vermamoeba spp. (20.73%), Stenamoeba spp. (12.05%), and Vannella spp. (10.75%). There is considerable risk of FLA infection in swimming pools and recreational waters. Recreational water safety needs to be routinely monitored and, in case of risk, locations need to be identified with warning signs and users need to be educated. Swimming pools and artificial recreational water should be properly disinfected. Photolysis of NaOCl or NaCl in water by UV-C radiation is a promising alternative to disinfect swimming pools and artificial recreational waters.
Topics: Amoeba; Humans; Prevalence; Sodium Chloride; Swimming Pools; Water
PubMed: 36040629
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07631-3 -
International Journal of Environmental... Feb 2023Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare but lethal infection of the brain caused by a eukaryote called (). The aim of this review is to consolidate the... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare but lethal infection of the brain caused by a eukaryote called (). The aim of this review is to consolidate the recently published case reports of infection by describing its epidemiology and clinical features with the goal of ultimately disseminating this information to healthcare personnel.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was carried out using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and OVID databases until 31 December 2022 by two independent reviewers. All studies from the year 2013 were extracted, and quality assessments were carried out meticulously prior to their inclusion in the final analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 21 studies were selected for qualitative analyses out of the 461 studies extracted. The cases were distributed globally, and 72.7% of the cases succumbed to mortality. The youngest case was an 11-day-old boy, while the eldest was a 75-year-old. Significant exposure to freshwater either from recreational activities or from a habit of irrigating the nostrils preceded onset. The symptoms at early presentation included fever, headache, and vomiting, while late sequalae showed neurological manifestation. An accurate diagnosis remains a challenge, as the symptoms mimic bacterial meningitis. Confirmatory tests include the direct visualisation of the amoeba or the use of the polymerase chain reaction method.
CONCLUSIONS
infection is rare but leads to PAM. Its occurrence is worldwide with a significant risk of fatality. The suggested probable case definition based on the findings is the acute onset of fever, headache, and vomiting with meningeal symptoms following exposure to freshwater within the previous 14 days. Continuous health promotion and health education activities for the public can help to improve knowledge and awareness prior to engagement in freshwater activities.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Male; Amoeba; Brain; Central Nervous System Protozoal Infections; Fever; Headache; Naegleria fowleri
PubMed: 36833715
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043021 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jan 2019Infection with the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica is common in low- and middle-income countries, and up to 100,000 people with severe disease die every year. Adequate... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Infection with the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica is common in low- and middle-income countries, and up to 100,000 people with severe disease die every year. Adequate therapy for amoebic colitis is necessary to reduce illness, prevent development of complicated disease and extraintestinal spread, and decrease transmission.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate antiamoebic drugs for treating amoebic colitis.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the available literature up to 22 March 2018. We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, mRCT, and conference proceedings. We contacted individual researchers, organizations, and pharmaceutical companies, and we checked reference lists.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized controlled trials of antiamoebic drugs given alone or in combination, compared with placebo or another antiamoebic drug, for treating adults and children with a diagnosis of amoebic colitis.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed the eligibility and methodological quality of trials and extracted and analysed the data. We calculated clinical and parasitological failure rates and rates of relapse and adverse events as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), using a random-effects model. We determined statistical heterogeneity and explored possible sources of heterogeneity using subgroup analyses. We carried out sensitivity analysis by using trial quality to assess the robustness of reported results.
MAIN RESULTS
In total, 41 trials (4999 participants) met the inclusion criteria of this review. In this update, we added four trials to the 37 trials included in the first published review version. Thirty trials were published over 20 years ago. Only one trial used adequate methods of randomization and allocation concealment, was blinded, and analysed all randomized participants. Only one trial used an E histolytica stool antigen test, and two trials used amoebic culture.Tinidazole may be more effective than metronidazole for reducing clinical failure (RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.51; 477 participants, eight trials; low-certainty evidence) and is probably associated with fewer adverse events (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.92; 477 participants, 8 trials; moderate-certainty evidence). Compared with metronidazole, combination therapy may result in fewer parasitological failures (RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.86; 720 participants, 3 trials; low-certainty evidence), but we are uncertain which combination is more effective than another. Evidence is insufficient to allow conclusions regarding the efficacy of other antiamoebic drugs.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Compared with metronidazole, tinidazole may be more effective in reducing clinical failure and may be associated with fewer adverse events. Combination drug therapy may be more effective for reducing parasitological failure compared with metronidazole alone. However, these results are based mostly on small trials conducted over 20 years ago with a variety of poorly defined outcomes. Tests that detect E histolytica more accurately are needed, particularly in countries where concomitant infection with other bacteria and parasites is common.
Topics: Amebicides; Animals; Drug Therapy, Combination; Dysentery, Amebic; Entamoeba histolytica; Humans; Metronidazole; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Tinidazole
PubMed: 30624763
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006085.pub3 -
Parasites & Vectors Jun 2022Blastocystis is a common intestinal protozoa found in animal and human fecal samples, with over 1 billion individuals infected worldwide. Since domestication, dogs and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Blastocystis is a common intestinal protozoa found in animal and human fecal samples, with over 1 billion individuals infected worldwide. Since domestication, dogs and cats have had a close bond with humans. However, their close proximity poses a potential health risk since they may harbor several zoonotic agents. A global estimate of Blastocystis infection and subtype (ST) distribution in dogs and cats would therefore be of great health importance to humans.
METHODS
We performed a comprehensive systematic search of four English-language databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science) for relevant articles up to 8 November 2021. The random-effects model was used to make pooled estimates with confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
In total, we identified 49 publications that met our inclusion criteria and subsequently analyzed the 65 datasets in these articles, of which 23 and 42 datasets were on cats and dogs, respectively. Among the 2934 cats included in the 23 datasets, which involved 16 countries, the prevalence rate of Blastocystis infection was 9.3% (95% CI 5.3-15.9%). The prevalence of Blastocystis infection was slightly lower [7%, 95% CI 4.7-10.4%) among the 7946 dogs included in the 42 datasets, involving 23 countries. The sensitivity analysis showed that no remarkable variation in the estimates upon the stepwise removal of each dataset. Higher ST diversity was found among the examined dogs (ST1-8, ST10, ST23, ST24) than among cats (ST1-4, ST10, ST14). Among dogs, ST3 was the most frequent ST (41.3%), followed by ST2 (39.3%), ST1 (30.9%), ST4 (13.4%), ST8 (12.7%), ST10 (11%) and ST5 (8.1%). Also among dogs, each of ST6, ST7, ST23 and ST24 was observed in only one study. Of the ST found in the cats examined, ST4 (29.5%), followed by ST10 (22.5%), ST1 (19.8%) and ST3 (17.6%) were the most common. A single study also reported the presence of both ST2 and ST14 in cats. With respect to zoonotic Blastocystis STs (ST1-ST9 and ST12), eight were reported from dogs (ST1-ST8) and four were isolated from cats (ST1-ST4), showing the implication of dog and cats in zoonotic transmission.
CONCLUSIONS
Taken together, our results show that elucidation of the true epidemiology and ST distribution of Blastocystis in dogs and cats demands more comprehensive studies, particularly in the negelected regions of the world.
Topics: Animals; Blastocystis; Blastocystis Infections; Cat Diseases; Cats; DNA, Protozoan; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Feces; Genetic Variation; Interleukin-1 Receptor-Like 1 Protein; Phylogeny; Prevalence
PubMed: 35733146
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05351-2 -
Parasitology Research Sep 2021Acanthamoeba spp. are among the most worldwide prevalent protozoa. It is the causative agent of a disease known as Acanthamoeba keratitis, a painful and severe... (Review)
Review
Acanthamoeba spp. are among the most worldwide prevalent protozoa. It is the causative agent of a disease known as Acanthamoeba keratitis, a painful and severe sight-threatening corneal infection that can lead to blindness. In recent years, the prevalence of Acanthamoeba keratitis has rapidly increased, growing its importance to human health. This systematic review aims to assess the distribution of Acanthamoeba sp. genotypes causing keratitis around the world, considering the sample collected type and the used identification method. Most of the cases were found in Asia and Europe. Not surprisingly, the T4 genotype was the most prevalent worldwide, followed by T3, T15, T11, and T5. Furthermore, the T4 genotype contains a higher number of species. Given the differences in pathology, susceptibility to treatment, and clinical outcome between distinct genotypes, it is essential to genotype isolates from Acanthamoeba keratitis cases to help to establish a better correlation between in vitro and in vivo activities, resulting in better drug therapies and successful treatment in cases of this important ocular infection.
Topics: Acanthamoeba; Acanthamoeba Keratitis; Cornea; Genotype; Humans
PubMed: 34351492
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07261-1 -
Epidemiology and Infection Nov 2018A comprehensive meta-analysis study was performed to estimate the reliable national prevalence and molecular epidemiology of amoebiasis in Iran. Nine English and Persian... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
A comprehensive meta-analysis study was performed to estimate the reliable national prevalence and molecular epidemiology of amoebiasis in Iran. Nine English and Persian databases were searched to achieve the relevant studies. Pooled estimates were generated and meta-regression was performed. We identified 71 eligible articles involving 330 930 subjects from 25 provinces to be included in the final analysis. Moreover, 17 studies compromising 462 polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive isolates performed molecular analysis to inter-species differentiation. The pooled prevalence of Entamoeba infection among Iranian population was about 1% (95% CI 0.8-2.0%). Moreover, regarding Human Development Index (HDI), a higher prevalence was observed in undeveloped provinces. Out of 462 PCR-positive isolates, 83% (95% CI 69-94%) and 12% (95% CI 3-24%) were Entamoeba dispar, Entamoeba histolytica, respectively. In subgroup analysis based on molecular results, in general, population prevalence of Entamoeba dispar and E. histolytica were 91% (95% CI 80-99%) and 7%, (95% CI 0-19%), respectively, while prevalence of these species in patients with gastrointestinal disorders were 75% (95% CI 45-96%) and 18% (95% CI 1-43%), respectively. Our findings indicate the low burden of amoebiasis in Iran. E. dispar, that is mostly non-pathogenic, was identified as most prevalent species. Nevertheless, we suggest more public health interventions in areas with lower HDI.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Child; Child, Preschool; Entamoeba histolytica; Entamoebiasis; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Iran; Male; Middle Aged; Molecular Epidemiology; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Prevalence; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Young Adult
PubMed: 29991366
DOI: 10.1017/S0950268818001863 -
Parasite (Paris, France) 2021The genus Entamoeba includes a variety of widely distributed species adapted to live in the digestive tracts of humans and a large variety of animals of different... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The genus Entamoeba includes a variety of widely distributed species adapted to live in the digestive tracts of humans and a large variety of animals of different classes. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence, distribution, and molecular epidemiology of Entamoeba spp. in different classes of hosts in Brazil. Studies that analyzed hosts from several classes, including humans and domestic, wild, or captive animals, were considered. The pooled prevalence of Entamoeba spp. was calculated using the random-effects model. A total of 166 studies on humans and 16 on animals were included. The prevalence of Entamoeba spp. in the Brazilian population was 22% (95% CI: 21-24). The state with the highest prevalence was Paraiba with 72%, followed by Federal District with 53%, and Rondonia with 50%. In immunocompromized patients, the prevalence was 18%, and cancer (36%) was the most prevalent cause of immunosuppression. The prevalence of Entamoeba spp. in animal hosts was 12% (95% CI: 7-17). Captive wild animals and domestic farm animals showed the highest prevalence, with 16% and 15%, respectively. The species found more often were E. coli (86.5%), E. dispar (7.9%), and E. histolytica (3.1%). In conclusion, a high prevalence (22%) of Entamoeba spp. was found in the Brazilian population, with a prevalence of up to 50% mainly in the northern, northeastern, and central-western regions. The pathogenic species E. histolytica is distributed in most Brazilian regions, with significant prevalence percentages. Among animals, unidentified Entamoeba species were most prevalent in mammals.
Topics: Animals; Brazil; Entamoeba; Entamoeba histolytica; Entamoebiasis; Escherichia coli; Feces; Humans; Prevalence
PubMed: 33812449
DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2021028 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Feb 2022Parasitic infections, especially intestinal protozoan parasites (IPPs) remain a significant public health issue in Africa, where many conditions favour the transmission... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Parasitic infections, especially intestinal protozoan parasites (IPPs) remain a significant public health issue in Africa, where many conditions favour the transmission and children are the primary victims. This systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out with the objective of assessing the prevalence of IPPs among school children in Africa.
METHODS
Relevant studies published between January 2000 and December 2020 were identified by systematic online search on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Scopus databases without language restriction. Pooled prevalence was estimated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity of studies were assessed using Cochrane Q test and I2 test, while publication bias was evaluated using Egger's test.
RESULTS
Of the 1,645 articles identified through our searches, 46 cross-sectional studies matched our inclusion criteria, reported data from 29,968 school children of Africa. The pooled prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites amongst African school children was 25.8% (95% CI: 21.2%-30.3%) with E. histolytica/ dispar (13.3%; 95% CI: 10.9%-15.9%) and Giardia spp. (12%; 95% CI: 9.8%-14.3%) were the most predominant pathogenic parasites amongst the study participants. While E. coli was the most common non-pathogenic protozoa (17.1%; 95% CI: 10.9%-23.2%).
CONCLUSIONS
This study revealed a relatively high prevalence of IPPs in school children, especially in northern and western Africa. Thus, poverty reduction, improvement of sanitation and hygiene and attention to preventive control measures will be the key to reducing protozoan parasite transmission.
Topics: Adolescent; Africa; Animals; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Cryptosporidium; Entamoeba; Female; Giardia; Humans; Hygiene; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Male; Parasites; Students
PubMed: 35148325
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009971 -
Annals of Parasitology 2018Acanthamoeba, an opportunistic protozoan parasite, is distributed in the environment globally, causes serious human infections, including a fatal encephalitis and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Acanthamoeba, an opportunistic protozoan parasite, is distributed in the environment globally, causes serious human infections, including a fatal encephalitis and keratitis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and genotyping of Acanthamoeba spp. from different water and soil sources in Iran. Six English language and four Persian language databases were searched to identify studies published from March 2005 to October 2016. Random effect model and Stats Direct statistical software was used for the meta-analysis. This review resulted in a total 34 articles meeting the including criteria. The overall prevalence rate of Acanthamoeba spp. among the 1850 water and soil samples in Iran with using random-effect model was estimated 42.7%. The genotyping results of the Acanthamoeba isolates showed that T4 (81.2%) was a predominant strain in Iran. In addition, other genotypes, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T11, T13, T15, mixed T3/T4 and mixed T2/T6, were obtained in the environmental samples of Iran. This study may be the first systematic review and meta-analysis of Acanthamoeba prevalence and genotyping in different environmental sources of Iran. Knowledge about wide distribution of Acanthamoeba T4 in the environmental sources may help physicians to manage the patients and susceptible persons in Iran.
Topics: Acanthamoeba; Acanthamoeba Keratitis; Genotype; Humans; Iran; Soil; Water
PubMed: 30710471
DOI: 10.17420/ap6404.163 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Apr 2024The oral cavity is a habitat to a diverse range of organisms that make up an essential element of the human microbiota. There are up to 1000 species of micro-organisms... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The oral cavity is a habitat to a diverse range of organisms that make up an essential element of the human microbiota. There are up to 1000 species of micro-organisms capable of colonizing the mouth. Thirty percent of them are uncultivable. The genus Entamoeba includes several species, out of which at least seven of them are able to inhabit the human body (, , , , , , ). It was shown that only is able to colonize the oral cavity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association and prevalence of in periodontal disease using two electronic database search engines. In order to have a broader view of the subject, a comprehensive manual search was conducted between 15th February 2023 and 1 April 2023 on these content aggregators and the initial search resulted in 277 articles using the keywords "", "periodontitis", "", "periodontal disease", "prevalence", and "incidence", in different combinations. The results showed that 755 patients were infected with out of a total number of 1729 patients diagnosed with periodontal disease, indicating a global prevalence of 43% in the set of patients analyzed. was prevalent in 58% of the patients that had gingivitis and in 44% of the patients with periodontitis. Prevalence of based on gender was 43% in female patients and 47% in male patients. The results indicate that the higher incidence of in people with periodontal disease compared to healthy people is more than just a sign of the disease; it could also be linked to the severity of the condition and the disease propensity to progress.
Topics: Humans; Entamoeba; Periodontal Diseases; Entamoebiasis; Prevalence; Female; Male
PubMed: 38792919
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60050736