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Scientific Reports Apr 2017Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency overlaps with malaria endemicity although it predisposes carriers to hemolysis. This fact supports the protection... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency overlaps with malaria endemicity although it predisposes carriers to hemolysis. This fact supports the protection hypothesis against malaria. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the presence and the extent of protective association between G6PD deficiency and malaria. Thirteen databases were searched for papers reporting any G6PD alteration in malaria patients. Twenty-eight of the included 30 studies were eligible for the meta-analysis. Results showed absence of negative association between G6PD deficiency and uncomplicated falciparum malaria (odds ratio (OR), 0.77; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.59-1.02; p = 0.07). However, this negative association happened in Africa (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.40-0.86; p = 0.007) but not in Asia (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.96-1.61; p = 0.10), and in the heterozygotes (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.57-0.87; p = 0.001) but not the homo/hemizygous (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.46-1.07; p = 0.10). There was no association between G6PD deficiency and total severe malaria (OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.61-1.11; p = 0.20). Similarly, there was no association with other malaria species. G6PD deficiency can potentially protect against uncomplicated malaria in African countries, but not severe malaria. Interestingly, this protection was mainly in heterozygous, being x-linked thus related to gender.
Topics: Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase; Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency; Heterozygote; Humans; Malaria, Falciparum; Plasmodium falciparum; Species Specificity
PubMed: 28382932
DOI: 10.1038/srep45963 -
Parasites & Vectors Jul 2017Taenia solium and Taenia saginata are zoonotic parasites of public health importance. Data on their occurrence in humans and animals in western Europe are incomplete and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Taenia solium and Taenia saginata are zoonotic parasites of public health importance. Data on their occurrence in humans and animals in western Europe are incomplete and fragmented. In this study, we aimed to update the current knowledge on the epidemiology of these parasites in this region.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of scientific and grey literature published from 1990 to 2015 on the epidemiology of T. saginata and T. solium in humans and animals. Additionally, data about disease occurrence were actively sought by contacting local experts in the different countries.
RESULTS
Taeniosis cases were found in twelve out of eighteen countries in western Europe. No cases were identified in Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland. For Denmark, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and the UK, annual taeniosis cases were reported and the number of detected cases per year ranged between 1 and 114. Detected prevalences ranged from 0.05 to 0.27%, whereas estimated prevalences ranged from 0.02 to 0.67%. Most taeniosis cases were reported as Taenia spp. or T. saginata, although T. solium was reported in Denmark, France, Italy, Spain, Slovenia, Portugal and the UK. Human cysticercosis cases were reported in all western European countries except for Iceland, with the highest number originating from Portugal and Spain. Most human cysticercosis cases were suspected to have acquired the infection outside western Europe. Cases of T. solium in pigs were found in Austria and Portugal, but only the two cases from Portugal were confirmed with molecular methods. Germany, Spain and Slovenia reported porcine cysticercosis, but made no Taenia species distinction. Bovine cysticercosis was detected in all countries except for Iceland, with a prevalence based on meat inspection of 0.0002-7.82%.
CONCLUSIONS
Detection and reporting of taeniosis in western Europe should be improved. The existence of T. solium tapeworm carriers, of suspected autochthonous cases of human cysticercosis and the lack of confirmation of porcine cysticercosis cases deserve further attention. Suspected cases of T. solium in pigs should be confirmed by molecular methods. Both taeniosis and human cysticercosis should be notifiable and surveillance in animals should be improved.
Topics: Animal Husbandry; Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Cysticercosis; Europe; Humans; Neurocysticercosis; Prevalence; Public Health; Swine; Swine Diseases; Taenia saginata; Taenia solium; Taeniasis
PubMed: 28732550
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2280-8 -
Acta Tropica May 2023Schistosoma japonicum remains endemic in China and the Philippines. Substantial progress has been made in the control of Japonicum in both China and the Philippines.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Schistosoma japonicum remains endemic in China and the Philippines. Substantial progress has been made in the control of Japonicum in both China and the Philippines. China is reaching elimination thanks to a concerted effort of control strategies. Mathematical modelling has been a key tool in the design of control strategies, in place of expensive randomised-controlled trials. We conducted a systematic review to investigate mathematical models of Japonicum control strategies in China and the Philippines.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review on July 5, 2020, in four electronic bibliographic databases - PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS and Embase. Articles were screened for relevance and for meeting the inclusion criteria. Data extracted included authors, year of publication, year of data collection, setting and ecological context, objectives, control strategies, main findings, the form and content of the model including its background, type, representation of population dynamics, heterogeneity of hosts, simulation period, source of parameters, model validation and sensitivity analysis. Results After screening, 19 eligible papers were included in the systematic review. Seventeen considered control strategies in China and two in the Philippines. Two frameworks were identified; the mean-worm burden framework and the prevalence-based framework, the latter of which increasingly common. Most models considered human and bovine definitive hosts. There were mixed additional elements included in the models, such as alternative definitive hosts and the role of seasonality and weather. Models generally agreed upon the need for an integrated control strategy rather than reliance on mass drug administration alone to sustain reductions in prevalence.
CONCLUSIONS
Mathematical modelling of Japonicum has converged from multiple approaches to modelling using the prevalence-based framework with human and bovine definitive hosts and find integrated control strategies to be most effective. Further research could investigate the role of other definitive hosts and model the effect of seasonal fluctuations in transmission.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Humans; Schistosoma japonicum; Schistosomiasis japonica; Models, Theoretical; Computer Simulation; China
PubMed: 36907291
DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106873 -
Malaria Journal Apr 2015The hyper-reactive malarial splenomegaly syndrome (HMS) is a leading cause of massive splenomegaly in malaria-endemic countries. HMS is caused by a chronic antigenic... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The hyper-reactive malarial splenomegaly syndrome (HMS) is a leading cause of massive splenomegaly in malaria-endemic countries. HMS is caused by a chronic antigenic stimulation derived from the malaria parasite. Classic Fakunle's major criteria for case definition are: persistent gross splenomegaly, elevated anti-malarial antibodies, IgM titre >2 SD above the local mean value and favourable response to long-term malaria prophylaxis. The syndrome is fatal if left untreated. The aim of this study is to systematically review the literature about HMS, particularly focussing on case definition, epidemiology and management.
METHODS
The search strategy was based on the following database sources: Pubmed, EmBase, Scopus. Search was done in March, 2014 and limited to English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese.
RESULTS
Papers detected were 149, of which 89 were included. Splenomegaly was variably defined and the criterion of increased IgM was not always respected. The highest prevalence was reported in Papua New Guinea (up to 80%). In different African countries, 31 to 76% of all splenomegalies were caused by HMS. Fatality rate reached 36% in three years. The most frequent anti-malarial treatments administered were weekly chloroquine or daily proguanil from a minimum of one month to lifelong. In non-endemic countries, a few authors opted for a single, short anti-malarial treatment. All treated patients with no further exposure improved. Cases not completely fulfilling Fakunle's criteria and therefore untreated, subsequently evolved into HMS. It seems thus appropriate to treat incomplete or 'early' HMS, too.
CONCLUSIONS
For patients not re-exposed to endemic areas, a short course of treatment is sufficient, showing that eradicating the infection is sufficient to cure HMS. Longer (probably lifelong) courses, or intermittent treatments, are required for those who remain exposed. Splenectomy, associated with high mortality, should be strictly limited to cases not responding to medical treatment.
Topics: Antibodies, Protozoan; Antimalarials; Humans; Immunoglobulin M; Malaria; Prevalence; Splenomegaly
PubMed: 25925423
DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0694-3 -
Malaria Journal Mar 2017Despite increased efforts to control and ultimately eradicate human malaria, Plasmodium ovale malaria is for the most part outside the focus of research or public health... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Despite increased efforts to control and ultimately eradicate human malaria, Plasmodium ovale malaria is for the most part outside the focus of research or public health programmes. Importantly, the understanding of P. ovale-nowadays regarded as the two distinct species P. ovale wallikeri and P. ovale curtisi-largely stems from case reports and case series lacking study designs providing high quality evidence. Consecutively, there is a lack of systematic evaluation of the clinical presentation, appropriate treatment and relapse characteristics of P. ovale malaria. The aim of this systematic review is to provide a systematic appraisal of the current evidence for severe manifestations, relapse characteristics and treatment options for human P. ovale malaria.
METHODS AND RESULTS
This systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines and registered in the international prospective register for systematic reviews (PROSPERO 2016:CRD42016039214). P. ovale mono-infection was a strict inclusion criterion. Of 3454 articles identified by the literature search, 33 articles published between 1922 and 2015 met the inclusion criteria. These articles did not include randomized controlled trials. Five prospective uncontrolled clinical trials were performed on a total of 58 participants. P. ovale was sensitive to all tested drugs within the follow-up periods and on interpretable in vitro assays. Since its first description in 1922, only 18 relapsing cases of P. ovale with a total of 28 relapse events were identified in the scientific literature. There was however no molecular evidence for a causal relationship between dormant liver stages and subsequent relapses. A total of 22 severe cases of P. ovale malaria were published out of which five were fatal. Additionally, two cases of congenital P. ovale malaria were reported.
CONCLUSIONS
Current knowledge of P. ovale malaria is based on small trials with minor impact, case reports and clinical observations. This systematic review highlights that P. ovale is capable of causing severe disease, severe congenital malaria and may even lead to death. Evidence for relapses in patients with P. ovale malaria adds up to only a handful of cases. Nearly 100 years after P. ovale's first description by Stephens the evidence for the clinical characteristics, relapse potential and optimal treatments for P. ovale malaria is still scarce.
Topics: Antimalarials; Humans; Malaria; Plasmodium ovale; Recurrence
PubMed: 28284211
DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1759-2 -
PloS One 2023Toxoplasma gondii, a ubiquitous parasitic protozoan, may be an important cause of neurological and psychiatric diseases. The present systematic review and meta-analysis,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Toxoplasma gondii, a ubiquitous parasitic protozoan, may be an important cause of neurological and psychiatric diseases. The present systematic review and meta-analysis, therefore, was conducted to investigate the scientific evidence regarding the potential association between T. gondii infection and psychiatric disorders in Iran.
METHODS
We systematically reviewed articles from world-wide databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Iranian national databases up to July 30th, 2021. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the quality of included studies. The common odds ratio (OR) was estimated using inverse variance and a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the χ2-based Cochrane test (Q) and the I2 index. Also, sensitivity analyses and publication bias were calculated. Moreover, subgroup analysis was performed based on the type of disorder and quality score of different eligible studies.
RESULTS
16 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Our meta-analyses found that the OR of the risk of anti- T. gondii IgG and IgM in psychiatric patients compared to the control group was 1.56 (95% CI; 1.23-1.99) and 1.76 (95% CI: 1.19-2.61), respectively. Subgroup analysis based on the type of disorder showed that the OR of the risk of anti- T. gondii IgG in Iranian schizophrenia patients and other psychiatric disorders compared to the control group were 1.50 (95% CI; 1.09-2.07) and 2.03 (95% CI: 1.14-3.60), respectively, which are statistically significant. Also, the OR of the risk of anti- T. gondii IgM in Iranian schizophrenia and depression patients compared to the control group was 1.54 (95% CI; 0.9-2.64) and 1.03 (95% CI: 0.2-5.24), respectively, which are not statistically significant. Additionally, subgroup analysis based on quality scores showed no significant influence on the results according to the moderate quality studies. However, this association was significant according to the high quality studies. The obtained results of Egger's test were 1.5 (95% CI; -0.62-3.73, P = 0.15) and 0.47 (95% CI; -0.82-1.76, P = 0.45), respectively, indicating publication bias. The significant results of the heterogeneity analysis confirmed a high level of heterogeneity in the IgG test (P = 0.000, I2 = 66.6%). However, no significant results from the test of heterogeneity were detected in the IgM test (P = 0.15, I2 = 27.5%). The results of the sensitivity analysis showed that the impact of each study on the meta-analysis was not significant on overall estimates.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the limited number of studies, these outcomes supported a possible link between T. gondii infection and psychiatric disorders in Iran. However, more high-quality investigations are needed in the future.
Topics: Humans; Iran; Toxoplasmosis; Toxoplasma; Schizophrenia; Immunoglobulin G; Immunoglobulin M; Seroepidemiologic Studies
PubMed: 37552680
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284954 -
Parasites & Vectors Jul 2020Bovine cysticercosis (BCC) is an infection of cattle with the metacestode stage of Taenia saginata, the beef tapeworm, which causes taeniosis in humans. BCC is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Bovine cysticercosis (BCC) is an infection of cattle with the metacestode stage of Taenia saginata, the beef tapeworm, which causes taeniosis in humans. BCC is responsible for considerable economic losses in the meat sector worldwide. This systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes the prevalence, risk factors and treatment efforts made so far on T. saginata infections in Ethiopia, providing a detailed analysis of different factors influencing the varying prevalence estimates in Ethiopia to gain more insight into the occurrence and risk factors of T. saginata taeniosis and cysticercosis to date.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on data collected from published and grey literature accessed through an electronic database and manual search.
RESULTS
The literature search resulted in 776 outputs of which 132 conformed to the predefined criteria. The average zonal prevalence of meat inspection-based BCC ranged from 2% in Buno-Bedele to 24.6% in Sidama zone. The pooled prevalence of BCC was influenced by the number of muscle/organs inspected, ranging from 3.4% (95% CI: 1.7-5.1%) using fewer predilection sites to 19.4% (95% CI: 13.3-25.4%) using inspection of a maximum number of predilection sites. None of the tested variables were significantly associated with BCC. Questionnaire-based taeniosis ranged between 19.0% in Halaba special woreda to 70.0% in Gedeo zone and stool test-based taeniosis varied from 0.6% in central Tigray to 10.7% in Gurage zone. Questionnaire-based prevalence of taeniosis was higher in people with a frequent raw beef consumption habit (pooled OR, pOR: 10.5, 95% CI: 6.0-17.9), adults (pOR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.7-3.6), men (pOR: 2.8, 95% CI: 2.1-3.6), and Christians (pOR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.4-2.8) compared to less frequent raw beef consumers, younger people, women and Muslims, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
This review revealed a widespread but variable occurrence of BCC and taeniosis in Ethiopian regions and zones, urging for harmonized and enhanced detection for improved control of the parasite. Accurate prevalence estimates using more sensitive tests, detailed risk factor analysis, as well as data on financial losses are needed to develop effective control strategies for the Ethiopian epidemiologic condition.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Cysticercosis; Ethiopia; Prevalence; Red Meat; Risk Factors; Taenia saginata; Taeniasis; Zoonoses
PubMed: 32727549
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04222-y -
Tropical Medicine & International... Sep 2022Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are a public health challenge in developing countries such as Colombia, causing anaemia and delayed growth and development in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are a public health challenge in developing countries such as Colombia, causing anaemia and delayed growth and development in children. We aimed to estimate the geographical and prevalence trend of IPIs in the last 30 years in school and preschool children in Colombia.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. We identified potential manuscripts through PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, LILACS, Scielo and Google Scholar on the IPIs prevalence in school and preschool children in Colombia. Articles included in the qualitative analysis were published between 1990 and 2020 in English or Spanish and met the inclusion criteria. Subsequently, a random-effects meta-analysis, a meta-regression and a trend analysis were performed.
RESULTS
We identified 2292 articles; 109 were included in the qualitative review, and 79 articles were included in the meta-analysis. The estimated IPI prevalence was 55% (95% CI: 48-63). By age group, the prevalence in preschool children was 37% (95% CI: 26-49) and 66% (95% CI: 52-78) in schoolchildren. The prevalence by region was heterogeneous, with the Amazon being the highest (69%) and the Santanderes the lowest (28%). In the last 20 years, the prevalence of helminthiasis has decreased (from 64.66% in 1990-1995 to 22.09% in 2016-2020).
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of IPIs is high (>30%) in three of the seven regions in Colombia. Biannual administration of mass deworming in schoolchildren is recommended in the Amazon region. Public policies aiming to control IPIs should be reinforced. Further prevalence studies should include Cesar, Guaviare, Vichada and Vaupés, where the epidemiology of IPIs is unknown.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Good health and wellbeing, clean water and sanitation, sustainable cities and communities.
Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Colombia; Helminthiasis; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Prevalence; Schools
PubMed: 35842926
DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13800 -
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 -
Malaria Journal Dec 2016Reliable and comprehensive information on the burden of malaria is critical for guiding national and international efforts in malaria control. The purpose of this review... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Reliable and comprehensive information on the burden of malaria is critical for guiding national and international efforts in malaria control. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of published data and available information on malaria resulting from field studies/investigations conducted in the Republic of Congo (RoC) from 1992 to 2015, as baseline for assisting public health authorities and researchers to define future research priorities as well as interventions.
METHODS
This review considers data from peer-reviewed articles and information from the National Malaria Control Programme reports, based on field investigations or samples collected from 1992 to 2015. Peer-reviewed papers were searched throughout online bibliographic databases PubMed, HINARI and Google Scholar using the following terms: "malaria", "Congo", "Brazzaville", "prevalence", "antimalarial", "efficacy", "falciparum", "genetic", "diversity". Original articles and reviews were included and selection of relevant papers was made.
RESULTS
Twenty-eight published articles were included in this review and two additional records from the National Malaria Control Programme were also considered. The majority of studies were conducted in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire.
CONCLUSION
The present systematic review reveals that number of studies have been conducted in the RoC with regard to malaria. However, their results cannot formally be generalized at the country level. This suggests a need for implementing regular multisite investigations and surveys that may be representative of the country, calling for the support and lead of the Ministry of Health.
Topics: Biomedical Research; Congo; Disease Transmission, Infectious; Health Policy; Humans; Malaria; Research
PubMed: 28010728
DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1617-7