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Parasites & Vectors Jan 2021Trypanosomosis caused by Trypanosoma vivax is one of the diseases threatening the health and productivity of livestock in Africa and Latin America. Trypanosoma vivax is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Trypanosomosis caused by Trypanosoma vivax is one of the diseases threatening the health and productivity of livestock in Africa and Latin America. Trypanosoma vivax is mainly transmitted by tsetse flies; however, the parasite has also acquired the ability to be transmitted mechanically by hematophagous dipterans. Understanding its distribution, host range and prevalence is a key step in local and global efforts to control the disease.
METHODS
The study was conducted according to the methodological recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. A systematic literature search was conducted on three search engines, namely PubMed, Scopus and CAB Direct, to identify all publications reporting natural infection of T. vivax across the world. All the three search engines were screened using the search term Trypanosoma vivax without time and language restrictions. Publications on T. vivax that met our inclusion criteria were considered for systematic review and meta-analysis.
RESULT
The study provides a global database of T. vivax, consisting of 899 records from 245 peer-reviewed articles in 41 countries. A total of 232, 6277 tests were performed on 97 different mammalian hosts, including a wide range of wild animals. Natural infections of T. vivax were recorded in 39 different African and Latin American countries and 47 mammalian host species. All the 245 articles were included into the qualitative analysis, while information from 186 cross-sectional studies was used in the quantitative analysis mainly to estimate the pooled prevalence. Pooled prevalence estimates of T. vivax in domestic buffalo, cattle, dog, dromedary camel, equine, pig, small ruminant and wild animals were 30.6%, 6.4%, 2.6%, 8.4%, 3.7%, 5.5%, 3.8% and 12.9%, respectively. Stratified according to the diagnostic method, the highest pooled prevalences were found with serological techniques in domesticated buffalo (57.6%) followed by equine (50.0%) and wild animals (49.3%).
CONCLUSION
The study provides a comprehensive dataset on the geographical distribution and host range of T. vivax and demonstrates the potential of this parasite to invade other countries out of Africa and Latin America.
Topics: Africa; Animals; Animals, Wild; Buffaloes; Camelus; Cattle; Disease Reservoirs; Dogs; Horses; Host Specificity; Insect Control; Insect Vectors; Livestock; Prevalence; Swine; Trypanosoma vivax; Trypanosomiasis, African; Tsetse Flies; Zoonoses
PubMed: 33494807
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04584-x -
Parasites & Vectors Jul 2023Eucoleus aerophilus (syn. Capillaria aerophila) is a nematode with a worldwide geographical distribution. It causes a disease called lung capillariosis by affecting the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Eucoleus aerophilus (syn. Capillaria aerophila) is a nematode with a worldwide geographical distribution. It causes a disease called lung capillariosis by affecting the respiratory tract of wild and domestic animals, and has also occasionally been described in humans. Despite steady increases in knowledge of the morphology of this neglected parasite, many aspects are still poorly understood. Epidemiological data regarding, for example, geographic distribution, range of hosts, clinical relevance and the actual zoonotic potential of this nematode are scarce and incomplete.
METHODS
This article is a systematic review based on the screening of three databases (PubMed, Web of Science and Science Direct) to identify eligible studies published from 1973 to the end of 2022.
RESULTS
From a total of 606 studies describing the occurrence of E. aerophilus, 141 articles from 38 countries worldwide were included in this meta-analysis, all of which presented results obtained mainly with flotation and necropsy. Due to the occurrence of E. aerophilus in many different species and different matrices (lungs and faeces), we decided to conduct the meta-analysis separately for each species with a given matrix. This systematic review confirmed the status of the Red fox as the main reservoir and main transmitter of E. aerophilus (average prevalence of 43% in faeces and 49% in lungs) and provided evidence of a higher prevalence of E. aerophilus in wild animals in comparison to domestic animals, such as dogs (3% in faeces) and cats (2% in faeces and 8% in lungs). Previous studies have investigated many host-related factors (age, sex, environmental/living conditions) in relation to the prevalence of E. aerophilus, but they show wide variations and no simple relationship has been demonstrates. Furthermore, mixed infections with other pulmonary nematodes, such as Crenosoma vulpis and/or Angiostrongylus vasorum, are reported very frequently, which greatly complicates the diagnosis.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review focused on identifying data gaps and promoting future research directions in this area. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review that evaluates and summarizes existing knowledge on the occurrence and prevalence of E. aerophilus in wild and domestic animals originating from different geographical locations worldwide.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Cats; Humans; Nematode Infections; Animals, Domestic; Animals, Wild; Lung; Metastrongyloidea; Foxes
PubMed: 37475031
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05830-0 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Dec 2017Adult female Anopheles mosquitoes can transmit Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria. Some fish species eat mosquito larvae and pupae. In disease control policy... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Adult female Anopheles mosquitoes can transmit Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria. Some fish species eat mosquito larvae and pupae. In disease control policy documents, the World Health Organization (WHO) includes biological control of malaria vectors by stocking ponds, rivers, and water collections near where people live with larvivorous fish to reduce Plasmodium parasite transmission. In the past, the Global Fund has financed larvivorous fish programmes in some countries, and, with increasing efforts in eradication of malaria, policymakers may return to this option. Therefore, we assessed the evidence base for larvivorous fish programmes in malaria control.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate whether introducing larvivorous fish to anopheline larval habitats impacts Plasmodium parasite transmission. We also sought to summarize studies that evaluated whether introducing larvivorous fish influences the density and presence of Anopheles larvae and pupae in water sources.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), published in the Cochrane Library; MEDLINE (PubMed); Embase (Ovid); CABS Abstracts; LILACS; and the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) up to 6 July 2017. We checked the reference lists of all studies identified by the search. We examined references listed in review articles and previously compiled bibliographies to look for eligible studies. Also we contacted researchers in the field and the authors of studies that met the inclusion criteria for additional information regarding potential studies for inclusion and ongoing studies. This is an update of a Cochrane Review published in 2013.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs, including controlled before-and-after studies, controlled time series, and controlled interrupted time series studies from malaria-endemic regions that introduced fish as a larvicide and reported on malaria in the community or the density of the adult anopheline population. In the absence of direct evidence of an effect on transmission, we performed a secondary analysis on studies that evaluated the effect of introducing larvivorous fish on the density or presence of immature anopheline mosquitoes (larvae and pupae forms) in water sources to determine whether this intervention has any potential that may justify further research in the control of malaria vectors.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently screened each article by title and abstract, and examined potentially relevant studies for inclusion using an eligibility form. At least two review authors independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias of included studies. If relevant data were unclear or were not reported, we contacted the study authors for clarification. We presented data in tables, and we summarized studies that evaluated the effects of introducing fish on anopheline immature density or presence, or both. We used the GRADE approach to summarize the certainty of the evidence. We also examined whether the included studies reported any possible adverse impact of introducing larvivorous fish on non-target native species.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified no studies that reported the effects of introducing larvivorous fish on the primary outcomes of this review: malaria infection in nearby communities, entomological inoculation rate, or on adult Anopheles density.For the secondary analysis, we examined the effects of introducing larvivorous fish on the density and presence of anopheline larvae and pupae in community water sources, and found 15 small studies with a follow-up period between 22 days and five years. These studies were undertaken in Sri Lanka (two studies), India (three studies), Ethiopia (one study), Kenya (two studies), Sudan (one study), Grande Comore Island (one study), Korea (two studies), Indonesia (one study), and Tajikistan (two studies). These studies were conducted in a variety of settings, including localized water bodies (such as wells, domestic water containers, fishponds, and pools (seven studies); riverbed pools below dams (two studies)); rice field plots (five studies); and water canals (two studies). All included studies were at high risk of bias. The research was insufficient to determine whether larvivorous fish reduce the density of Anopheles larvae and pupae (12 studies, unpooled data, very low certainty evidence). Some studies with high stocking levels of fish seemed to arrest the increase in immature anopheline populations, or to reduce the number of immature anopheline mosquitoes, compared with controls. However, this finding was not consistent, and in studies that showed a decrease in immature anopheline populations, the effect was not always consistently sustained. In contrast, some studies reported larvivorous fish reduced the number of water sources withAnopheles larvae and pupae (five studies, unpooled data, low certainty evidence).None of the included studies reported effects of larvivorous fish on local native fish populations or other species.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
We do not know whether introducing larvivorous fish reduces malaria transmission or the density of adult anopheline mosquito populations.In research studies that examined the effects on immature anopheline stages of introducing fish to potential malaria vector larval habitats, high stocking levels of fish may reduce the density or presence of immature anopheline mosquitoes in the short term. We do not know whether this translates into impact on malaria transmission. Our interpretation of the current evidence is that countries should not invest in fish stocking as a stand alone or supplementary larval control measure in any malaria transmission areas outside the context of research using carefully controlled field studies or quasi-experimental designs. Such research should examine the effects on native fish and other non-target species.
Topics: Animals; Anopheles; Disease Reservoirs; Disease Vectors; Feeding Behavior; Fishes; Larva; Malaria; Mosquito Control; Plasmodium; Population Density; Water
PubMed: 29226959
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008090.pub3 -
Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease Feb 2023Zoonotic infections are an emerging public health threat globally. The geographical distribution, animal reservoirs and tick vectors vary greatly across species, and... (Review)
Review
Zoonotic infections are an emerging public health threat globally. The geographical distribution, animal reservoirs and tick vectors vary greatly across species, and estimations of prevalence reported in works within the literature are also quite different. Better prevalence estimates and identification of moderators are needed to understand the global transmission risk of different zoonotic species, and to provide crucial background information for the diagnosis, treatment and control of zoonotic babesiosis. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the global nucleic acid prevalence of different zoonotic species in humans, animals and ticks. Relevant publications were obtained from several electronic databases and grey literature up to December 2021. Articles were included if they were published in English or Chinese and reported the nucleic acid prevalence of zoonotic species in humans, animals or ticks. The pooled estimates of prevalence were determined using a random effect model. Heterogeneity was investigated using subgroup analyses and random effect meta-regression models. Of 3205 unique studies, 28 were included by the systematic review of zoonotic for humans, 79 for animals and 104 for ticks. The results showed overall pooled estimates of nucleic acid prevalence for the following: -1.93% (0.32-4.69%) in humans; -7.80% (5.25-10.77%), -2.12% (0.73-4.08%) and -1.42% (0.30-3.16%) in animals; and -2.30% (1.59-3.13%), -0.16% (0.05-0.32%), and -0.39% (0.26-0.54%) in questing ticks. The type of population, animal reservoir or tick vector, detecting method and continent were moderators possibly associated with heterogeneity, yet the remaining heterogeneity that was not explained was still substantial (all QE values < 0.05). is the most prevalent and widely distributed zoonotic species globally. The wide range of suitable animal reservoirs and potential transmission vectors and high prevalence in animals and ticks may contribute to the worldwide distribution of . Other zoonotic species were relatively less prevalent and were reported in quite limited areas.
PubMed: 36977133
DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8030132 -
Malaria Journal Jul 2014While significant advances have been made in the prevention and treatment of malaria in recent years, these successes continue to fall short of the World Health... (Review)
Review
While significant advances have been made in the prevention and treatment of malaria in recent years, these successes continue to fall short of the World Health Organization (WHO) goals for malaria control and elimination. For elimination strategies to be effective, limited disease transmission, achieved through rapid reduction in the infectious parasite reservoir and decreased gametocyte carriage, will be critical. Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) forms the cornerstone of WHO-recommended treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria, and in combination with other effective interventions will undoubtedly play a vital role in elimination programmes. The gametocytocidal properties of artemisinins are a bonus attribute; there is epidemiological evidence of reductions in malaria incidence and transmission in African regions since the introduction of these agents. Many studies and analyses have specifically investigated the effects of the ACT, artemether-lumefantrine (AL) on gametocyte carriage. In this systematic review of 62 articles published between 1998 and January 2014, the effects of AL on gametocyte carriage and malaria transmission are compared with other artemisinin-based anti-malarials and non-ACT. The impact of AL treatment of asymptomatic carriers on population gametocyte carriage, and the potential future role of AL in malaria elimination initiatives are also considered. Despite the inherent difficulties in comparing data from a range of different studies that also utilized different diagnostic approaches to assess baseline gametocyte counts, the gametocytocidal effect of AL was proportionately consistent across the studies reviewed, suggesting that AL will continue to play a vital role in the treatment of malaria and contribute to clearing the path towards malaria elimination. However, the specific place of AL is the subject of much ongoing research and will undoubtedly be dependent on different demographic and geographical scenarios. Utilizing ACT, such as AL, within malaria elimination strategies is also associated with a number of other challenges, such as balancing potential increased use of ACT (e g, treatment of asymptomatic carriers and home-based treatment) with rational use and avoidance of drug resistance development.
Topics: Antimalarials; Artemether, Lumefantrine Drug Combination; Artemisinins; Drug Combinations; Ethanolamines; Fluorenes; Humans; Malaria, Falciparum; Plasmodium falciparum; Trophozoites
PubMed: 25069530
DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-13-291 -
Iranian Journal of Public Health Dec 2020Leishmaniasis is one of the most important parasitic diseases in the Golestan Province, northeastern Iran. In this study, we summarize the results of studies on the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Leishmaniasis is one of the most important parasitic diseases in the Golestan Province, northeastern Iran. In this study, we summarize the results of studies on the disease and its causative agent Leishmania in humans, vectors and reservoirs in the Golestan Province, Iran.
METHODS
We retrieved all articles related to leishmaniasis in the Golestan Province, northern Iran from 1994 to 2018 in various databases including PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. Articles in Persian were retrieved from the IranMedex, SID and Magiran. Reference lists of relevant articles were also hand-searched. Local active researchers in the field of leishmaniasis were contacted to avoid missing any relevant articles. Overall, 54 papers were extracted, later evaluated by two research team members based on inclusion criteria. All analyses were performed using the Stata 14 software. Pooled prevalence was calculated using the metaprop command and a random-effect model. The I statistic was used for measuring heterogeneity of studies.
RESULTS
Ten articles in the province were related to detection of Leishmania species in patients with suspected cutaneous or visceral leishmaniasis. Fifteen articles were dedicated to identification of Leishmania species in disease reservoirs and five articles were about detection of the parasite in sand flies. The pooled prevalence of in patients with acute ulcer, wild rodents and sandflies was 83%, 29% and 11%, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Our findings highlight the need for implementation of control measures among the reservoirs of both cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis in the Golestan Province, Iran.
PubMed: 34178737
DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v49i12.4813 -
Veterinary Journal (London, England :... Mar 2018Bat-borne viruses carry undeniable risks to the health of human beings and animals, and there is growing recognition of the need for a 'One Health' approach to... (Review)
Review
Bat-borne viruses carry undeniable risks to the health of human beings and animals, and there is growing recognition of the need for a 'One Health' approach to understand their frequently complex spill-over routes. While domesticated animals can play central roles in major spill-over events of zoonotic bat-borne viruses, for example during the pig-amplified Malaysian Nipah virus outbreak of 1998-1999, the extent of their potential to act as bridging or amplifying species for these viruses has not been characterised systematically. This review aims to compile current knowledge on the role of domesticated animals as hosts of two types of bat-borne viruses, henipaviruses and filoviruses. A systematic literature search of these virus-host interactions in domesticated animals identified 72 relevant studies, which were categorised by year, location, design and type of evidence generated. The review then focusses on Africa as a case study, comparing research efforts in domesticated animals and bats with the distributions of documented human cases. Major gaps remain in our knowledge of the potential ability of domesticated animals to contract or spread these zoonoses. Closing these gaps will be necessary to fully evaluate and mitigate spill-over risks of these viruses, especially with global agricultural intensification.
Topics: Africa; Animals; Animals, Domestic; Chiroptera; Disease Reservoirs; Filoviridae; Filoviridae Infections; Henipavirus; Henipavirus Infections; Humans; Zoonoses
PubMed: 29486875
DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2017.12.024 -
Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection... Apr 2023Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) are a serious cause of healthcare-associated infections. Part of the infection prevention and control measures are... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) are a serious cause of healthcare-associated infections. Part of the infection prevention and control measures are outbreak investigations (OI) of patients, healthcare workers (HCW), and the environment after identifying a CRPA in order to identify carriers and environmental reservoirs, so that targeted actions can be taken to prevent further transmission. However, little is known on when and how to perform such OI. Therefore, this systematic review aims to summarize OI performed after detection of CRPA in the endemic and epidemic hospital setting.
MAIN TEXT
Articles related to our research question were identified through a literature research in multiple databases (Embase, Medline Ovid, Cochrane, Scopus, Cinahl, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) until January 12, 2022 (Prospero registration number CRD42020194165). Hundred-twenty-six studies were included. In both the endemic and the epidemic setting, a median number of two out of seven predefined components of OI were identified. In the endemic setting, the most frequent component of OI was screening of the environment (28 studies, 62.2%). In the epidemic setting, screening of the environment (72 studies, 88.9%), and screening of patients during hospitalization (30 studies, 37%) were most frequently performed. Only 19 out of 126 studies (15.1%) reported screening of contact patients, and 37 studies reported screening of healthcare workers (HCW, 29.4%).
CONCLUSION
Due to probable underreporting of OI in the literature, the available evidence for the usefulness of the individual components of OI is scarce. This could lead to inhomogeneous performance of OI after detection of CRPA in the healthcare setting, and with this, potential under- or overscreening. While we could show evidence for the usefulness for environmental screening in order to identify the mode of transmission, evidence for HCW screening is scarce and might not lead to the identification of modes of transmission. Further studies are needed to better understand CI in different settings and, finally, develop guidance on when and how to best perform OI.
Topics: Humans; Carbapenems; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Risk Factors; Disease Outbreaks
PubMed: 37013661
DOI: 10.1186/s13756-023-01223-1 -
Journal of Dentistry Dec 2020People with Cystic Fibrosis (PWCF) may be presumed to be at lower risk of periodontal disease due to long term antibiotic use but this has not been comprehensively... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES
People with Cystic Fibrosis (PWCF) may be presumed to be at lower risk of periodontal disease due to long term antibiotic use but this has not been comprehensively investigated. The oral hygiene and periodontal status of PWCF in comparison to the general population is not well established. The objective of this systematic review was to critically evaluate the literature on periodontal and oral hygiene status in PWCF to see if this group are at increased risk of periodontal disease (gingivitis or periodontitis).
DATA SOURCES
5 databases were searched: Scopus, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science.
STUDY SELECTION
The search resulted in 614 publications from databases with one more publication identified by searching bibliographies. 13 studies were included in the qualitative analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
The majority of studies showed better oral hygiene, with lower levels of gingivitis and plaque among people with Cystic Fibrosis (PWCF) than controls. Interestingly, despite this, many studies showed that PWCF had higher levels of dental calculus. Three studies found there was no difference in Oral Hygiene between PWCF and controls. One study found that PWCF aged between 6 and 9.5 years had increased levels of clinical gingivitis, and one study showed that PWCF with gingivitis had more bleeding on probing than people without CF. The vast majority of PWCF examined were children- only five studies included people over 18 years, and only one looked exclusively at adults. There is a need for further study into the periodontal health of PWCF- particularly those over the age of 18.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
There are currently no guidelines referring to oral care in PWCF. Studies have suggested that the oral cavity acts as a reservoir of bacteria which may colonise the lungs. If PWCF are at increased risk of periodontal disease, they should attend for regular screenings to facilitate early detection.
Topics: Adult; Child; Cystic Fibrosis; Dental Plaque; Gingivitis; Humans; Middle Aged; Oral Health; Oral Hygiene; Periodontal Diseases
PubMed: 33129998
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2020.103509 -
Parasites & Vectors Jan 2022Strongyloides stercoralis, a soil-transmitted helminth, occurs in humans, non-human primates, dogs, cats and wild canids. The zoonotic potential between these hosts is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Strongyloides stercoralis, a soil-transmitted helminth, occurs in humans, non-human primates, dogs, cats and wild canids. The zoonotic potential between these hosts is not well understood with data available on prevalence primarily focused on humans. To increase knowledge on prevalence, this review and meta-analysis was performed to estimate the global status of S. stercoralis infections in dogs.
METHODS
Following the PRISMA guidelines, online literature published prior to November 2020 was obtained from multiple databases (Science Direct, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar). Prevalence was calculated on a global and country level, by country income and climate, and in stray/animal shelter dogs versus owned dogs. Statistical analyses were conducted using R-software (version 3.6.1).
RESULTS
From 9428 articles, 61 met the inclusion criteria. The estimated pooled global prevalence of S. stercoralis in dogs was 6% (95% CI 3-9%). Infection was found to be the most prevalent in low-income countries with pooled prevalence of 22% (95% CI 10-36%). The highest pooled prevalence of S. stercoralis in dogs was related to regions with average temperature of 10-20 °C (6%; 95% CI 3-11%), an annual rainfall of 1001-1500 mm (9%; 95% CI 4-15%) and humidity of 40-75% (8%; 95% CI 4-13%). Prevalence was higher in stray and shelter dogs (11%; 95% CI 1-26%) than in owned dogs (3%; 95% CI 1-7%).
CONCLUSIONS
As with S. stercoralis in humans, higher prevalence in dogs is found in subtropical and tropical regions and lower-income countries, locations which also can have high dog populations. While this study presents the first estimated global prevalence of S. stercoralis in dogs, it is potentially an underestimation with 15 of 61 studies relying on diagnostic methods of lower sensitivity and a paucity of data from most locations. Standardized protocols (e.g. quantity of feces and number of samples for a Baermann) in future studies could improve reliability of results. More prevalence studies and raising veterinary awareness of S. stercoralis are needed for a One Health approach to protect humans and dogs from the impact of the infection.
Topics: Animals; Disease Reservoirs; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Global Health; Humans; Prevalence; Strongyloides stercoralis; Strongyloidiasis; Zoonoses
PubMed: 35012614
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05135-0