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Scientific Reports May 2021Felidae as definitive hosts for Toxoplasma gondii play a major role in transmission to all warm-blooded animals trough oocysts dissemination. Therefore the current... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Felidae as definitive hosts for Toxoplasma gondii play a major role in transmission to all warm-blooded animals trough oocysts dissemination. Therefore the current comprehensive study was performed to determine the global status of T. gondii infection in domestic and wild felids aiming to provide comprehensive data of interest for further intervention approaching the One Health perspective. Different databases were searched by utilizing particular key words for publications related to T. gondii infecting domestic and wild feline host species, worldwide, from 1970 to 2020. The review of 337 reports showed that the seroprevalence of T. gondii in domestic cats and wild felids was estimated in 37.5% (95% CI 34.7-40.3) (I = 98.3%, P < 0.001) and 64% (95% CI 60-67.9) (I = 88%, P < 0.0001), respectively. The global pooled prevalence of oocysts in the fecal examined specimens from domestic cats was estimated in 2.6% (95% CI 1.9-3.3) (I = 96.1%, P < 0.0001), and that in fecal samples from wild felids was estimated in 2.4% (95% CI 1.1-4.2) (I = 86.4%, P < 0.0001). In addition, from 13,252 examined soil samples in 14 reviewed studies, the pooled occurrence of T. gondii oocysts was determined in 16.2% (95% CI 7.66-27.03%). The observed high rates of anti-T. gondii antibodies seroprevalence levels and oocyst excretion frequency in the felids, along with soil (environmental) contamination with oocysts may constitute a potential threat to animal and public health, and data will result of interest in further prophylaxis programs.
Topics: Animals; Feces; Felidae; Humans; Oocysts; Prevalence; Public Health; Soil; Toxoplasma; Toxoplasmosis; Toxoplasmosis, Animal
PubMed: 33947922
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89031-8 -
Scientific Reports Nov 2022The relatively stable aquatic conditions of irrigated lowland and rainfed rice, which is grown across 145 million hectares in more than 100 countries, are capable of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The relatively stable aquatic conditions of irrigated lowland and rainfed rice, which is grown across 145 million hectares in more than 100 countries, are capable of generating large numbers of mosquito vectors of malaria, which causes more than 400,000 deaths per year worldwide. Many methods can control these vectors, but a systematic review has not previously been conducted. This study assesses whether larviciding, fish or intermittent irrigation can significantly reduce malaria vectors in rice fields whilst increasing rice yield. After a literature search for studies reporting the effect of larval control and rice cultivation practices on malaria vector densities in rice fields, 33 studies were eligible for meta-analysis. Larviciding was effective at reducing rice-field malaria vectors. Pooled analysis of five controlled time-series (CTS) studies with chemical insecticides showed an overall combined reduction of larval densities of 77% compared to no larviciding. Eight CTSs with biological larvicides showed a pooled reduction of 60% compared to no larviciding. Cultivating rice and fish together provided good control too: a pooled analysis of three CTSs showed an overall 82% reduction in anopheline larvae compared to no fish. Pooled analysis of four studies suggested that intermittent irrigation (using various timings and frequencies of drainage) is effective at reducing the abundance of late-stage anopheline larvae (pooled reduction = - 35%), but not overall immature abundance, compared to continuous flooding. We conclude that many interventions such as larvicides, fish and intermittent irrigation can provide riceland malaria vector control, but the critical obstacle to wider use is farmer acceptability. Future research should be led by the agricultural sector, with inputs from entomologists, to investigate malaria control co-benefits within high-yielding rice cultivation practices.
Topics: Animals; Malaria; Anopheles; Oryza; Mosquito Vectors; Agriculture; Larva
PubMed: 36385495
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24055-2 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Mar 2024Human myiasis is a parasitic dipteran fly infestation that infects humans and vertebrates worldwide. However, the disease is endemic in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin...
BACKGROUND
Human myiasis is a parasitic dipteran fly infestation that infects humans and vertebrates worldwide. However, the disease is endemic in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. In Sub-Saharan Africa, it is under-reported and therefore its prevalence is unknown. This systematic review aims to elucidate the prevalence of human myiasis, factors that influence the infection, and myiasis-causing fly species in SSA. The review also dwelled on the common myiasis types and treatment methods of human myiasis.
METHODS
Here, we collect cases of human myiasis in Sub-Saharan Africa based on literature retrieved from PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct from 1959 to 2022. A total of 75 articles and 157 cases were included in the study. The recommendations of PRISMA 2020 were used for the realization of this systematic review.
RESULTS
In total, 157 cases of human myiasis in SSA were reviewed. Eleven fly species (Cordylobia anthropophaga, Cordylobia rodhaini, Dermatobia hominis, Lucilia cuprina, Lucilia sericata, Oestrus ovis, Sarcophaga spp., Sarcophaga nodosa, Chrysomya megacephala, Chrysomya chloropyga and Clogmia albipuntum) were found to cause human myiasis in SSA. Cordylobia anthropophaga was the most prevalent myiasis-causing species of the reported cases (n = 104, 66.2%). More than half of the reported cases were from travelers returning from SSA (n = 122, 77.7%). Cutaneous myiasis was the most common clinical presentation of the disease (n = 86, 54.7%). Females were more infected (n = 78, 49.6%) than males, and there was a higher infestation in adults than young children.
CONCLUSION
The findings of this study reveals that international travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa were mostly infested therefore, we recommend that both international travelers and natives of SSA be enlightened by public health officers about the disease and its risk factors at entry points in SSA and the community level respectively. Clinicians in Sub-Saharan Africa often misdiagnose the disease and most of them lack the expertise to properly identify larvae, so we recommend the extensive use of molecular identification methods instead.
Topics: Male; Adult; Animals; Female; Child; Humans; Child, Preschool; Diptera; Myiasis; Larva; Psychodidae; Africa South of the Sahara; Calliphoridae
PubMed: 38547087
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012027 -
PloS One 2022The preference-performance hypothesis explains host specificity in phytophagous insects, positing that host plants chosen by adults confer the greatest larval fitness.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The preference-performance hypothesis explains host specificity in phytophagous insects, positing that host plants chosen by adults confer the greatest larval fitness. However, adults sometimes oviposit on plants supporting low larval success because the components of host specificity (adult preference, plant palatability, and larval survival) are non-binary and not necessarily correlated. Palatability (willingness to eat) is governed by chemical cues and physical barriers such as trichomes, while survival (ability to complete development) depends upon nutrition and toxicity. Absence of a correlation between the components of host specificity results in low-performance hosts supporting limited larval development. Most studies of specificity focus on oviposition behavior leaving the importance and basis of palatability and survival under-explored. We conducted a comprehensive review of 127 plant species that have been claimed or tested to be hosts for the monarch butterfly Danaus plexippus to classify them as non-hosts, low performance, or high performance. We performed a meta-analysis to test if performance status could be explained by properties of neurotoxic cardenolides or trichome density. We also conducted a no-choice larval feeding experiment to identify causes of low performance. We identified 34 high performance, 42 low performance, 33 non-hosts, and 18 species with unsubstantiated claims. Mean cardenolide concentration was greater in high- than low-performance hosts and a significant predictor of host status, suggesting possible evolutionary trade-offs in monarch specialization. Other cardenolide properties and trichome density were not significant predictors of host status. In the experiment, we found, of the 62% of larvae that attempted to eat low-performance hosts, only 3.5% survived to adult compared to 85% of those on the high-performance host, demonstrating that multiple factors affect larval host plant specificity. Our study is the first to classify all known host plants for monarchs and has conservation implications for this threatened species.
Topics: Animals; Asclepias; Butterflies; Cardenolides; Female; Host Specificity; Larva
PubMed: 35700160
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269701 -
CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics Apr 2021Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide and has complicated underlying pathophysiology. Numerous TBI animal models have been...
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide and has complicated underlying pathophysiology. Numerous TBI animal models have been developed over the past decade to effectively mimic the human TBI pathophysiology. These models are of mostly mammalian origin including rodents and non-human primates. However, the mammalian models demanded higher costs and have lower throughput often limiting the progress in TBI research. Thus, this systematic review aims to discuss the potential benefits of non-mammalian TBI models in terms of their face validity in resembling human TBI. Three databases were searched as follows: PubMed, Scopus, and Embase, for original articles relating to non-mammalian TBI models, published between January 2010 and December 2019. A total of 29 articles were selected based on PRISMA model for critical appraisal. Zebrafish, both larvae and adult, was found to be the most utilized non-mammalian TBI model in the current literature, followed by the fruit fly and roundworm. In conclusion, non-mammalian TBI models have advantages over mammalian models especially for rapid, cost-effective, and reproducible screening of effective treatment strategies and provide an opportunity to expedite the advancement of TBI research.
Topics: Animals; Biomedical Research; Brain Injuries, Traumatic; Caenorhabditis elegans; Disease Models, Animal; Drosophila melanogaster; High-Energy Shock Waves; Larva; Zebrafish
PubMed: 33539662
DOI: 10.1111/cns.13590 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2019Malaria elimination remains a priority research agenda with the need for interventions that reduce and/or block malaria transmission from humans to mosquitoes.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Malaria elimination remains a priority research agenda with the need for interventions that reduce and/or block malaria transmission from humans to mosquitoes. Transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) are in development, most of which target the transmission stage (i.e., gametocyte) antigens Pfs230 and Pfs48/45. For these interventions to be implemented, there is a need to understand the naturally acquired immunity to gametocytes. Several studies have measured the prevalence of immune responses to Pfs230 and Pfs48/45 in populations in malaria-endemic areas. We conducted a systematic review of studies carried out in African populations that measured the prevalence of immune responses to the gametocyte antigens Pfs230 and Pfs48/45. We assessed seroprevalence of antibody responses to the two antigens and investigated the effects of covariates such as age, transmission intensity/endemicity, season, and parasite prevalence on the prevalence of these antibody responses by meta-regression. We identified 12 studies covering 23 sites for inclusion in the analysis. We found that the range of reported seroprevalence to Pfs230 and Pfs48/45 varied widely across studies, from 0 to 64% for Pfs48/45 and from 6 to 72% for Pfs230. We also found a modest association between increased age and increased seroprevalence to Pfs230: adults were associated with higher seroprevalence estimates in comparison to children (β coefficient 0.21, 95% CI: 0.05-0.38, = 0.042). Methodological factors were the most significant contributors to heterogeneity between studies which prevented calculation of pooled prevalence estimates. Naturally acquired sexual stage immunity, as detected by antibodies to Pfs230 and Pfs48/45, was present in most studies analyzed. Significant between-study heterogeneity was seen, and methodological factors were a major contributor to this, and prevented further analysis of epidemiological and biological factors. This demonstrates a need for standardized protocols for conducting and reporting seroepidemiological analyses.
Topics: Africa; Antibodies, Protozoan; Antigens, Protozoan; Female; Humans; Life Cycle Stages; Malaria Vaccines; Malaria, Falciparum; Male; Plasmodium falciparum
PubMed: 31695697
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02480 -
Essential oils and their components as an alternative in the control of mosquito vectors of disease.Biomedica : Revista Del Instituto... Mar 2017More than half of the human population is exposed to mosquito-borne infections. Climate change and the emergence of strains resistant to traditionally used insecticides... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
More than half of the human population is exposed to mosquito-borne infections. Climate change and the emergence of strains resistant to traditionally used insecticides have motivated the search of new agents for mosquito population control. Essential oils have been effective repellents and larvicidal agents.The aim of this work was to review research studies conducted in recent years on the larvicidal activity of essential oils and their components against Aedes, Anopheles and Culex mosquitoes, as well as the latest reports about their possible mechanism of action.
Topics: Aedes; Animal Distribution; Animals; Anopheles; Climate Change; Computer Simulation; Culex; Drug Interactions; Insect Repellents; Insecticide Resistance; Insecticides; Larva; Models, Molecular; Molecular Structure; Mosquito Control; Mosquito Vectors; Oils, Volatile; Plant Oils; Structure-Activity Relationship
PubMed: 29161495
DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.v37i0.3475 -
Parasitology Apr 2021A prior systematic review on the efficacy of halofuginone (HFG) treatment to prevent or treat cryptosporidiosis in bovine calves was inconclusive. We undertook an... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
A prior systematic review on the efficacy of halofuginone (HFG) treatment to prevent or treat cryptosporidiosis in bovine calves was inconclusive. We undertook an updated synthesis and meta-analyses on key outcomes for the treatment of calves with HFG. Evaluated outcomes were oocyst shedding, diarrhoea, mortality and weight gain. Experiments had to describe results for same age animals in contemporary arms. Most doses were 100-150 mcg kg-1 day-1. Results were subgrouped by study design, experiments with the lowest risk of bias and lack of industry funding. Eighteen articles were found that described 25 experiments. Most evidence came from randomized controlled trials in Europe. Significantly lower incidence of oocyst shedding, diarrhoea burden and mortality was reported when treatment started before calves were 5 days old. Most studies reported on outcomes for animals up to at least 28 days old. Publication bias was possible in all outcomes and seemed especially likely for diarrhoea outcomes. Beneficial results when HFG treatment was initiated in calves older than 5 days were also found. Prophylactic treatment to prevent cryptosporidiosis is effective in preventing multiple negative outcomes and is beneficial to calf health and will result in a reduction of environmental contamination by Cryptosporidium oocysts.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Coccidiostats; Cryptosporidiosis; Cryptosporidium parvum; Diarrhea; Feces; Oocysts; Piperidines; Quinazolinones; Weight Gain
PubMed: 33261668
DOI: 10.1017/S0031182020002267 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Jan 2021Trichogramma pretiosum is one of the main egg parasitoids used in the control of lepidopteran pests in Brazil. This natural enemy can be negatively affected by the use... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Trichogramma pretiosum is one of the main egg parasitoids used in the control of lepidopteran pests in Brazil. This natural enemy can be negatively affected by the use of insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. The present work used a systematic review and meta-analysis to group information from multiple studies on the selectivity of pesticides (279 commercial products) in rice, corn, soybean, apple and peach crops for immature stages (egg-larva, pre-pupa, and pupa) and adult parasitoids. The selected studies used the International Organization for Biological and Integrated Control (IOBC) methodology with the same adaptations for T. pretiosum. The meta-analysis found that corn crops had the highest frequency of tests (2 0 7). The most frequently tested active ingredients (a.i.) were glyphosate, glyphosate isopropylamine salt, and sulfur at frequencies of 41, 32 and 24 tests, respectively. The pesticides registered for rice crops showed the greatest sublethal effects on T. pretiosum, with an approximately 47% reduction in parasitism (RP) or emergence (RE). The adult stage of the parasitoid showed greater sensitivity to the tested pesticides (65% RP), in comparison to the immature stages. In general, insecticides showed superior toxicity for all development stages of T. pretiosum, compared to herbicides and fungicides, regardless of the recommended dosage for the crop. The present study aggregates information related to selectivity for the four life stages of T. pretiosum, contributing significantly to the integration of biological control and chemical control in rice, corn, soybean, apple and peach crops in Brazil.
Topics: Animals; Brazil; Crops, Agricultural; Drug Resistance; Hymenoptera; Life Cycle Stages; Pest Control, Biological; Pesticides; Plant Diseases
PubMed: 33099140
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111504