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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 -
Actas Espanolas de Psiquiatria Apr 2024Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide parasitic zoonosis caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. In cases of vertical infection, and in immunosuppressed people by the human...
BACKGROUND
Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide parasitic zoonosis caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. In cases of vertical infection, and in immunosuppressed people by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serious clinical conditions may appear, while immunocompetent people do not present symptoms. However, T. gondii infection has been linked to several mental disorders for decades.
OBJECTIVE
To substantiate the possible relationship between T. gondii and mental disorders and suggest control and prevention strategies.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A systematic review has been carried out to analyze the relationship between T. gondii exposure (presence of IgG) and the onset of mental disorders in minors and adults. The etiopathogenic mechanisms described by the authors have also been included and the systems of surveillance, prevention and control of infection have been evaluated.
RESULTS
Several processes linked to the presence of cysts and the reactivation of the parasite in certain situations produce an immune and inflammatory response. Also, direct and indirect actions on different neurotransmitters. These mechanisms, together with other environmental and genetic factors, would predispose to different psychiatric pathologies.
CONCLUSIONS
Due to the limits of the study, no conclusions can be drawn in childhood and adolescence. However, the results of this systematic review show a possible association of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and compulsive disorder with T. gondii infection in adults. There is a need to improve control, integrated surveillance and extend prevention measures to the entire population.
Topics: Adult; Adolescent; Humans; Toxoplasmosis; Mental Disorders; Toxoplasma; Bipolar Disorder; Schizophrenia
PubMed: 38622004
DOI: 10.62641/aep.v52i2.1658 -
Reviews in Medical Virology Sep 2023The COVID-19 pandemic linked to the virus SARS-CoV-2, which began in China, affected ∼765 million people as of 30 April 2023. The widespread use of corticosteroids for... (Review)
Review
The COVID-19 pandemic linked to the virus SARS-CoV-2, which began in China, affected ∼765 million people as of 30 April 2023. The widespread use of corticosteroids for the symptomatic treatment of COVID-19 could lead to the reactivation of infections of opportunistic pathogens, including Strongyloides. We sought to determine the clinical symptoms and demographic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2-Strongyloides co-infection, particularly in patients with severe disease and being treated with immunosuppressive drugs. To do this, we undertook a systematic review of the literature, and searched public accessible scientific databases-the Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed/Medline and Embase -for eligible studies (1 December 2019 to 30 August 2022). The review protocol is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022377062). Descriptive statistical analyses were used to present the clinical and laboratory parameters of the co-infection; for this, we calculated prevalence using the following formula: positive cases/total number of cases × 100. Of a total of 593 studies identified, 17 studies reporting 26 co-infected patients met the criteria for inclusion in this review. The median age of these patients was 55.14 years. Most of cases (53.8%) were treated with dexamethasone, followed by methylprednisolone (26.9%). Eighteen of 26 patients were immigrants living in European countries or the USA; most of these immigrants originated from Latin America (58%) and South-East Asia (11%). The commonest symptoms of co-infection were abdominal pain (50%), fever (46.1%), dyspnoea (30.7%) and cough (30.7%), and frequently reported laboratory findings were high absolute eosinophil count (38.4%), high white blood cell count (30.7%), high C-reactive protein (23.0%) and high neutrophil count (19.2%). Two of the 26 patients (7.7%) had fatal outcomes. Most of the SARS-CoV-2-Strongyloides coinfected cases were immigrants living in developed countries, emphasising the need for clinicians in these countries to be aware of clinical and laboratory parameters associated with such co-infections, as well as the key importance of rapid and accurate diagnostic tests for timely and effective diagnosis and patient management.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Coinfection; Pandemics; Adrenal Cortex Hormones
PubMed: 37353858
DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2469 -
Phytotherapy Research : PTR Sep 2023Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The use of conventional antiparasitic drugs is often inhibited due to limited... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The use of conventional antiparasitic drugs is often inhibited due to limited availability, side effects or parasite resistance. Medicinal plants can be used as alternatives or adjuncts to current antiparasitic therapies. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to critically synthesise the literature on the efficacy of different plants and plant compounds against common human GI parasites and their toxicity profiles. Searches were conducted from inception to September 2021. Of 5393 screened articles, 162 were included in the qualitative synthesis (159 experimental studies and three randomised control trials [RCTs]), and three articles were included in meta-analyses. A total of 507 plant species belonging to 126 families were tested against different parasites, and most of these (78.4%) evaluated antiparasitic efficacy in vitro. A total of 91 plant species and 34 compounds were reported as having significant in vitro efficacy against parasites. Only a few plants (n = 57) were evaluated for their toxicity before testing their antiparasitic effects. The meta-analyses revealed strong evidence of the effectiveness of Lepidium virginicum L. against Entamoeba histolytica with a pooled mean IC of 198.63 μg/mL (95% CI 155.54-241.72). We present summary tables and various recommendations to direct future research.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Plants, Medicinal; Parasites; Antiparasitic Agents
PubMed: 37230485
DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7895 -
Brazilian Journal of Microbiology :... Sep 2023Collared and white-lipped peccaries are sympatric and are distributed in most of South America and in the humid tropical forests of Mexico and Central America.... (Review)
Review
Collared and white-lipped peccaries are sympatric and are distributed in most of South America and in the humid tropical forests of Mexico and Central America. Historically, these species have been used as a source of protein by traditional and/or indigenous human communities, but currently they have been used for legal consumption in different countries. Thus, there has been greater interaction between these wild species and domestic animals and humans, enabling microbial interactions between different niches. The present study presents a systematic review of the literature on the microbial community of collared peccaries and white-lipped peccaries distributed throughout the world, focusing on experimental studies related to the detection of microorganisms as well as the prevalence of the animal species and its characterization of the studied population, in situ or ex situ. Seventy-two studies were selected, mainly in South American countries, related to different species of microorganisms isolated or serologically detected (viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites), either as microbiota, pathogens or commensals, many of which are of zoonotic interest, such as Leptospira, Toxoplasma, Brucella, among others. Therefore, these wild mammals are characterized as sentinel agents of anthropic action and require the implementation of studies in relation to their contribution to the spread of microorganisms, being a potential source of amplification and transmission of pathogens.
Topics: Animals; Humans; One Health; Artiodactyla; Leptospira; Animals, Domestic; Microbiota
PubMed: 37380932
DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-01046-7 -
Microorganisms Dec 2023Arboviruses represent a real public health problem globally and in the Central African subregion in particular, which represents a high-risk zone for the emergence and... (Review)
Review
Arboviruses represent a real public health problem globally and in the Central African subregion in particular, which represents a high-risk zone for the emergence and re-emergence of arbovirus outbreaks. Furthermore, an updated review on the current arbovirus burden and associated mosquito vectors is lacking for this region. To contribute to filling this knowledge gap, the current study was designed with the following objectives: (i) to systematically review data on the occurrence and distribution of arboviruses and mosquito fauna; and (ii) to identify potential spillover mosquito species in the Central African region in the last 30 years. A web search enabled the documentation of 2454 articles from different online databases. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) and the quality of reporting of meta-analyses (QUORUM) steps for a systematic review enabled the selection of 164 articles that fulfilled our selection criteria. Of the six arboviruses (dengue virus (DENV), chikungunya virus (CHIKV), yellow fever virus (YFV), Zika virus (ZIKV), Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), and West Nile virus (WNV)) of public health concern studied, the most frequently reported were chikungunya and dengue. The entomological records showed >248 species of mosquitoes regrouped under 15 genera, with ( = 100 species), ( = 56 species), and ( = 52 species) having high species diversity. Three genera were rarely represented, with only one species included, namely, , , and , but individuals of the genera and were not identified at the species level. We found that two species ( and ) colonised the same microhabitat and were involved in major epidemics of the six medically important arboviruses, and other less-frequently identified mosquito genera consisted of competent species and were associated with outbreaks of medical and zoonotic arboviruses. The present study reveals a high species richness of competent mosquito vectors that could lead to the spillover of medically important arboviruses in the region. Although epidemiological studies were found, they were not regularly documented, and this also applies to vector competence and transmission studies. Future studies will consider unpublished information in dissertations and technical reports from different countries to allow their information to be more consistent. A regional project, entitled "Ecology of Arboviruses" (EcoVir), is underway in three countries (Gabon, Benin, and Cote d'Ivoire) to generate a more comprehensive epidemiological and entomological data on this topic.
PubMed: 38276174
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010004 -
Current Therapeutic Research, Clinical... 2023Schistosomiasis is an acute and chronic parasitic disease caused by blood flukes of the genus . The current drugs for treating schistosomiasis are associated with some... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Schistosomiasis is an acute and chronic parasitic disease caused by blood flukes of the genus . The current drugs for treating schistosomiasis are associated with some side effects.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this systematic study was an overview of the treatment of diseases caused by based on nanoparticles.
METHODS
In the present systematic research with keywords "", "parasitism", "anti- activity", "nanoparticles", "metal nanoparticles", "silver nanoparticles", "gold nanoparticles", "polymer nanoparticles", "PLGA nanoparticles", "nanoemulsions", "", and "" from five English-language databases, including ScienceDirect, europePMC, PubMed, Scopus, Ovid, and Cochrane were searched from 2000 to 2022 by 2 researchers.
RESULTS
In the initial search, 250 studies were selected. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 27 articles were finally selected after removing duplicate, unrelated, and articles containing full text. In present article, the most nanoparticles used against were gold nanoparticles (22%).
CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate the high potential of various nanoparticles, including metal nanoparticles, against . Also, the remarkable anti-schistosomal activity of nanoparticles suggests their use in different fields to eliminate this pathogenic microorganism so that it can be used as an effective candidate in the preparation of anti-schistosomal compounds because these compounds have fewer side effects than chemical drugs. . 2023; XX:XXX-XXX).
PubMed: 37743882
DOI: 10.1016/j.curtheres.2023.100715 -
Cytokine Aug 2023The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are engaged in the degradation and remodeling of the extracellular matrix and vessels, allowing the progression of pathological... (Review)
Review
The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are engaged in the degradation and remodeling of the extracellular matrix and vessels, allowing the progression of pathological processes. Recent studies pointed that MMP -2 and -9 are promising visceral leishmaniasis biomarkers. Thus, the present studystudy aimed to review published scientific literature related to MMP-2 and -9 activity on canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). The review followed the PRISMA method, searching for articles in ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, Lilacs, Medline and Google Scholar from inception until 20 March 2022 by employing the following terms: "dog", "matrix metalloproteinases" and "Visceral Leishmaniasis" or "Kala Azar". The selected articles were read in full and only those consistent with the eligibility criteria were included in the review. Of 238 articles from the initial search, only five were deemed eligible, which were conducted between 2010 and 2018. All studies were performed in Brazil. It was observed that there was a higher expression of proMMP-2 in cerebrospinal (CS) fluid and serum and active MMP-2 in different skin areas, mainly in high parasite load areas. As for MMP-9, the pro and active forms were both expressed in CS fluid, serum and different skin areas. The MMP-2 can be considered a biomarker of bad prognostic as it plays an inflammatory role with a greater release in the initial phase of the disease, where MMP-9 is perceived in the chronic phase of CVL. Future research on the subject with greater methodological rigor and bigger sample sizes are mandatory to clarify the role of MMPs on disease progression.
Topics: Dogs; Biomarkers; Leishmaniasis, Visceral; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; Risk Factors; Animals
PubMed: 37257306
DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156236 -
Nutrients Aug 2023Vitamin E has an antioxidant property and is associated with protection against malaria. The current study used systematic review and meta-analysis approaches examining... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Vitamin E has an antioxidant property and is associated with protection against malaria. The current study used systematic review and meta-analysis approaches examining the variance in blood levels of vitamin E in malaria patients as compared with uninfected individuals. The protocol for the systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD4202341481). Searches for pertinent studies were carried out on Embase, MEDLINE, Ovid, PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. The combined effect estimate (Cohen's d) of the difference in vitamin E levels in malaria patients as compared with uninfected individuals was estimated using the random effects model. The searches yielded 2009 records, and 23 studies were included in the systematic review. The majority of the studies (80%) found that vitamin E levels were significantly lower in malaria patients than those who were not infected. Overall, the results revealed a significant reduction in blood levels of vitamin E in malaria patients when compared with uninfected individuals ( < 0.01, Cohen's d: -2.74, 95% CI: -3.72-(-1.76), I: 98.69%, 21 studies). There was a significant reduction in blood levels of vitamin E in patients suffering from severe malaria, in comparison with those experiencing less severe forms of the disease ( < 0.01, Cohen's d: -0.56, 95% CI: -0.85-(-0.26), I: 0%, 2 studies), but no variation in blood levels of vitamin E among patients suffering from either or malaria ( = 0.13, Cohen's d: -1.15, 95% CI: -2.62-0.33, I: 93.22%, 3 studies). In summary, the present study strongly suggests that vitamin E levels are significantly reduced in malaria patients, with a more pronounced decrease observed in cases of severe malaria. However, the type of malaria parasite, specifically or , did not appear to influence the levels of vitamin E. This study highlights the potential role of vitamin E in the pathogenesis of malaria and suggests that improved vitamin E status might be beneficial for improving disease outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Vitamin E; Malaria; Malaria, Vivax; Antioxidants
PubMed: 37571409
DOI: 10.3390/nu15153472 -
Parasite Epidemiology and Control May 2024Among the potential animal reservoirs of the zoonotic parasite , birds have received relatively little attention. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to... (Review)
Review
Among the potential animal reservoirs of the zoonotic parasite , birds have received relatively little attention. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the global status and to provide an overview of the epidemiology of infection in birds. The standard protocol of preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, ProQuest, and Google Scholar were searched for relevant publications from January 1990, to March 2024. All peer-reviewed original research articles describing the prevalence of in birds were included. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, and both direct and indirect detection were considered. The point estimates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the meta-package in R (version 3.6.1). The variance between studies (heterogeneity) was quantified by the index. Finally, 258 articles (including 380 datasets) were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The global pooled prevalence was 24% (21 - 26%). The highest prevalence of was observed in buzzards (52%, 34 - 70%), turkeys (31%, 17 - 46%), and chickens (30%, 26 - 34%). The present study provides a comprehensive view of the global prevalence of in birds.
PubMed: 38745996
DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2024.e00350