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PloS One 2023The evidence in the literature regarding the relationship between Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infection and cervical neoplasia is conflicting. The main aim of this study... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
The evidence in the literature regarding the relationship between Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infection and cervical neoplasia is conflicting. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the magnitude of the risk of cervical neoplasia associated with TV infection.
METHODS
A meta-analysis of observational studies, which provided raw data on the association of TV infection with cervical neoplasia, was performed. For this aim, we searched scientific databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, the Web of Sciences, and Embase) from inception to March 15, 2023. A random-effects model was applied by Stata 17.0 to calculate the pooled and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), including subgroup, sensitivity, and cumulative analyses to explore sources of heterogeneity.
RESULTS
Of the 2584 records initially identified, 35 eligible studies contributed data for 67,856 women with cervical neoplasia, and 933,697 healthy controls from 14 countries were included. The pooled (2.15; 1.61-2.87; I2 = 87.7%) and adjusted (2.17; 1.82-2.60; I2 = 31.27%) ORs indicated a significant positive association between TV infection and the development of cervical neoplasia. There was no significant change in pooled and adjusted ORs by applying sensitivity and cumulative analyses, indicating the robustness of our findings. The pooled OR was significant in most sub-group analyses. There was no publication bias in the included studies.
CONCLUSION
Our findings indicated that women with a TV infection are at significantly greater risk of cervical neoplasia. Future research, particularly longitudinal and experimental studies, should be done to better understand the various aspects of this association.
Topics: Female; Humans; Trichomonas vaginalis; Trichomonas Infections; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Databases, Factual; MEDLINE
PubMed: 37437068
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288443 -
Malaria Journal Sep 2023Global interest in malaria elimination has prompted research on active test and treat (TaT) strategies. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Global interest in malaria elimination has prompted research on active test and treat (TaT) strategies.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess the effectiveness of TaT strategies to reduce malaria transmission.
RESULTS
A total of 72 empirical research and 24 modelling studies were identified, mainly focused on proactive mass TaT (MTaT) and reactive case detection (RACD) in higher and lower transmission settings, respectively. Ten intervention studies compared MTaT to no MTaT and the evidence for impact on malaria incidence was weak. No intervention studies compared RACD to no RACD. Compared to passive case detection (PCD) alone, PCD + RACD using standard diagnostics increased infection detection 52.7% and 11.3% in low and very low transmission settings, respectively. Using molecular methods increased this detection of infections by 1.4- and 1.1-fold, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Results suggest MTaT is not effective for reducing transmission. By increasing case detection, surveillance data provided by RACD may indirectly reduce transmission by informing coordinated responses of intervention targeting.
Topics: Humans; Malaria
PubMed: 37661286
DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04670-8 -
PloS One 2023Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common infections in humans and animals, which is caused by an obligate intracellular opportunistic parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common infections in humans and animals, which is caused by an obligate intracellular opportunistic parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). Some data have shown that both Rhesus (Rh)-positive and Rh-negative individuals differ in response to biological factors, including Toxoplasma infection. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the scientific evidence regarding the possible association between the Rh blood group and Toxoplasma infection and to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii in the Rh blood group system.
METHODS
The research was conducted on PubMed, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases until January 2023. Twenty-one cross-sectional studies were included with a total of 10910 people. The data were synthesized using a random effect model with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
The overall prevalence of T. gondii was calculated at 32.34% (CI 95%: 28.23-36.45%) and 33.35% (CI 95%: 19.73-46.96%) in Rh-positive and Rh-negative blood groups. In addition, the pooled OR for the relationship between the Rh blood group and the seroprevalence of T. gondii was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.72-1.28).
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis showed a high prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in both Rh-negative and positive blood groups. This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that no significant association was found between toxoplasmosis and Rh factor. Because of the limited number of studies in this field, more research is recommended to determine the exact relationship between toxoplasmosis and the Rh factor.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Toxoplasma; Rh-Hr Blood-Group System; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Antibodies, Protozoan; Toxoplasmosis; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37406027
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287992 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2023Insecticide-based interventions, such as long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS), remain the backbone of malaria vector control.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Insecticide-based interventions, such as long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS), remain the backbone of malaria vector control. These interventions target mosquitoes that prefer to feed and rest indoors, but have limited capacity to prevent transmission that occurs outdoors or outside regular sleeping hours. In low-endemicity areas, malaria elimination will require that these control gaps are addressed, and complementary tools are found. The use of topical repellents may be particularly useful for populations who may not benefit from programmatic malaria control measures, such as refugees, the military, or forest goers. This Cochrane Review aims to measure the effectiveness of topical repellents to prevent malaria infection among high- and non-high-risk populations living in malaria-endemic regions.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effect of topical repellents alone or in combination with other background interventions (long-lasting insecticide-treated nets, or indoor residual spraying, or both) for reducing the incidence of malaria in high- and non-high-risk populations living in endemic areas.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the following databases up to 11 January 2023: the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialised Register; CENTRAL (in the Cochrane Library); MEDLINE; Embase; CAB Abstracts; and LILACS. We also searched trial registration platforms and conference proceedings; and contacted organizations and companies for ongoing and unpublished trials.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster-randomized controlled trials (cRCTs) of topical repellents proven to repel mosquitoes. We also included non-randomized studies that complied with pre-specified inclusion criteria: controlled before-after studies (CBA), controlled interrupted time series (ITS), and controlled cross-over trials.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Four review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion, and extracted the data. Two authors independently assessed the risk of bias (RoB) using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. A fifth review author resolved any disagreements. We analysed data by conducting a meta-analysis, stratified by whether studies included populations considered to be at high-risk of developing malaria infection (for example, refugees, forest goers, or deployed military troops). We combined results from cRCTs with RCTs by adjusting for clustering and presented results using forest plots. We used the GRADE framework to assess the certainty of the evidence. We only included data on Plasmodium falciparum infections in the meta-analysis.
MAIN RESULTS
Thirteen articles relating to eight trials met the inclusion criteria and were qualitatively described. We included six trials in the meta-analysis (five cRCTs and one RCT). Effect on malaria incidence Topical repellents may slightly reduce P falciparum infection and clinical incidence when both outcomes are considered together (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56 to 0.98; 3 cRCTs and 1 RCT, 61,651 participants; low-certainty evidence); but not when these two outcomes were considered independently. Two cRCTs and one RCT (12,813 participants) evaluated the effect of topical repellents on infection incidence (IRR 0.76, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.02; low-certainty evidence). One cRCT (48,838 participants) evaluated their effect on clinical case incidence (IRR 0.66, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.36; low-certainty evidence). Three studies (2 cRCTs and 1 RCT) included participants belonging to groups considered at high-risk of being infected, while only one cRCT did not include participants at high risk. Adverse events Topical repellents are considered safe. The prevalence of adverse events among participants who used topical repellents was very low (0.6%, 283/47,515) and limited to mild skin reactions. Effect on malaria prevalence Topical repellents may slightly reduce P falciparum prevalence (odds ratio (OR) 0.81, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.97; 3 cRCTs and 1 RCT; 55,366 participants; low-certainty evidence). Two of these studies (1 cRCT and 1 RCT) were carried out in refugee camps, and included exclusively high-risk populations that were not receiving any other background vector control intervention.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient evidence to conclude that topical repellents can prevent malaria in settings where other vector control interventions are in place. We found the certainty of evidence for all outcomes to be low, primarily due to the risk of bias. A protective effect was suggested among high-risk populations, specially refugees, who might not have access to other standard vector control measures. More adequately powered clinical trials carried out in refugee camps could provide further information on the potential benefit of topical repellents in this setting. Individually randomized studies are also likely necessary to understand whether topical repellents have an effect on personal protection, and the degree to which diversion to non-protected participants affects overall transmission dynamics. Despite this, the potential additional benefits of topical repellents are most likely limited in contexts where other interventions are available.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Insecticides; Mosquito Vectors; Malaria, Falciparum; Controlled Before-After Studies; Culicidae
PubMed: 37602418
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD015422.pub2 -
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 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Nov 2023Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect most impoverished communities in developing countries, like Myanmar in Southeast Asia. NTDs have been understudied and...
BACKGROUND
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect most impoverished communities in developing countries, like Myanmar in Southeast Asia. NTDs have been understudied and underreported in Myanmar.
METHODS
A systematic review of published and grey literature (1900-2023) on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Myanmar was conducted. The literature search included five international databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid Global Health, and Web of Science Core Collection and one national database: the Myanmar Central Biomedical Library (locally published papers and grey literature). The selection criteria included articles with all types of study designs of current or previous infections conducted in humans, that reported NTDs, recognised by WHO, US CDC, and listed in PLoS NTDs. We included melioidosis and rickettsioses which we consider also meet the definition of an NTD.
RESULTS
A total of 5941 records were retrieved and screened, of which, 672 (11%) met the selection criteria and were included in this review. Of the included articles, 449 (65%) were published after 2000 and 369 (55%) were from two regions (Yangon and Mandalay) of Myanmar. Of the included articles, 238 (35%) reported bacterial NTDs, 212 (32%) viral NTDs, 153 (23%) helminth NTDs, 25 (4%) protozoal NTDs and 39 (6%) reported more than one aetiology. Based on reported frequency in descending order, the bacterial NTDs were leprosy, Escherichia coli enteritis, salmonellosis, cholera, shigellosis, melioidosis, leptospirosis and rickettsioses; the viral NTDs were dengue, chikungunya and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection; the protozoal NTDs were amoebiasis, giardiasis and leishmaniasis, and the helminth NTDs were ascariasis, trichuriasis, hookworm disease, filariasis and strongyloidiasis.
CONCLUSION
This review summarises NTDs reported in Myanmar over the past 100 years. The findings suggest that most NTDs are likely to be under reported, especially from the majority of the country which is far from academic centres. Research capacity building together with strengthening of laboratory systems would lead to better understanding of the true burden of NTDs in Myanmar.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO registration ID: CRD42018092627.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Myanmar; Melioidosis; Ascariasis; Helminths; Neglected Diseases; Tropical Medicine; Encephalitis, Japanese; Rickettsia Infections
PubMed: 37910592
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011706 -
Infectious Diseases of Poverty Oct 2023The complexity of the Chagas disease and its phases is impossible to have a unique test for both phases and a lot of different epidemiological scenarios. Currently,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The complexity of the Chagas disease and its phases is impossible to have a unique test for both phases and a lot of different epidemiological scenarios. Currently, serology is the reference standard technique; occasionally, results are inconclusive, and a different diagnostic technique is needed. Some guidelines recommend molecular testing. A systematic review and meta-analysis of available molecular tools/techniques for the diagnosis of Chagas disease was performed to measure their heterogeneity and efficacy in detecting Trypanosoma cruzi infection in blood samples.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted up to July 27, 2022, including studies published in international databases. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined to select eligible studies. Data were extracted and presented according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Study quality was assessed using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2). A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). Forest plots and a summary of the receiving operating characteristics (SROC) curves displayed the outcomes. Heterogeneity was determined by I and Tau statistics and P values. Funnel plots and Deek's test were used to assess publication bias. A quantitative meta-analysis of the different outcomes in the two different clinical phases was performed.
RESULTS
We identified 858 records and selected 32 papers. Studies pertained to endemic countries and nonendemic areas with adult and paediatric populations. The sample sizes ranged from 17 to 708 patients. There were no concerns regarding the risk of bias and applicability of all included studies. A positive and nonsignificant correlation coefficient (S = 0.020; P = 0.992) was obtained in the set of studies that evaluated diagnostic tests in the acute phase population (ACD). A positive and significant correlation coefficient (S = 0.597; P < 0.000) was obtained in the case of studies performed in the chronic phase population (CCD). This resulted in high heterogeneity between studies, with the master mix origin and guanidine addition representing significant sources.
INTERPRETATION/CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
The results described in this meta-analysis (qualitative and quantitative analyses) do not allow the selection of the optimal protocol of molecular method for the study of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in any of its phases, among other reasons due to the complexity of this infection. Continuous analysis and optimization of the different molecular techniques is crucial to implement this efficient diagnosis in endemic areas.
Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; Sensitivity and Specificity; Chagas Disease
PubMed: 37845734
DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01143-7 -
PloS One 2024Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a worldwide distributed protozoan parasite which has infected a wide range of warm-blooded animals and humans. The most common form of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a worldwide distributed protozoan parasite which has infected a wide range of warm-blooded animals and humans. The most common form of T. gondii infection is asymptomatic (latent); nevertheless, latent toxoplasmosis can induce various alterations of sex hormones, especially testosterone, in infected humans and animals. On the other hand, testosterone is involved in behavioral traits and reproductive functions in both sexes. Hence, the purpose of this systematic review is to summarize the available evidence regarding the association between T. gondii infection and testosterone alteration.
METHODS
In the setting of a systematic review, an electronic search (any date to 10 January 2023) without language restrictions was performed using Science Direct, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Following the initial search, a total of 12,306 titles and abstracts were screened initially; 12,281 were excluded due to the lack of eligibility criteria or duplication. Finally, 24 articles met the included criteria. A mean±standard deviation (SD) was calculated to assess the difference of testosterone between T. gondii positive and T. gondii negative humans. The possibility of publication bias was assessed using Egger's regression. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS
This systematic review identified 24 articles (18 studies in humans and six studies in animals). Most human studies (13 out of 19) reported an increased level of testosterone following latent toxoplasmosis in males, while three studies reported decreased levels and two studies reported an insignificant change. Eleven articles (seven datasets in males and seven datasets in females) were eligible to be included in the data synthesis. Based on the random-effects model, the pooled mean± SD of testosterone in T. gondii positive than T. gondii negative was increased by 0.73 and 0.55 units in males and females, respectively. The Egger's regression did not detect a statistically significant publication bias in males and females (p = value = 0.95 and 0.71), respectively. Three studies in male animals (rats, mice, and spotted hyenas) and two studies in female animals (mice and spotted hyenas) reported a decline in testosterone in infected compared with non-infected animals. While, one study in female rats reported no significant changes of testosterone in infected than non-infected animals. Moreover, two studies in male rats reported an increased level of testosterone in infected than non-infected animals.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provides new insights about the association between T. gondii infection and testosterone alteration and identifies relevant data gaps that can inform and encourage further studies. The consequence of increased testosterone levels following T. gondii infection could partly be associated with increased sexual behavior and sexual transmission of the parasite. On the other hand, declining testosterone levels following T. gondii infection may be associated with male reproductive impairments, which were observed in T. gondii-infected humans and animals. Furthermore, these findings suggest the great need for more epidemiological and experimental investigations in depth to understand the relationship between T. gondii infection and testosterone alteration alongside with future consequences of testosterone alteration.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Animals; Mice; Rats; Testosterone; Hyaenidae; Toxoplasmosis; Toxoplasma; Reproduction; Seroepidemiologic Studies
PubMed: 38568993
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297362 -
Malaria Journal Aug 2023Malaria affects 24 million children globally, resulting in nearly 500,000 child deaths annually in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Recent studies have provided... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Malaria affects 24 million children globally, resulting in nearly 500,000 child deaths annually in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Recent studies have provided evidence that severe malaria infection results in sustained impairment in cognition and behaviour among young children; however, a formal meta-analysis has not been published. The objective was to assess the association between severe malaria infection with cognitive and behavioural outcomes among children living in LMICs.
METHODS
Six online bibliographic databases were searched and reviewed in November 2022. Studies included involved children < 18 years of age living in LMICs with active or past severe malaria infection and measured cognitive and/or behaviour outcomes. The quality of studies was assessed. Definitions of severe malaria included cerebral malaria, severe malarial anaemia, and author-defined severe malaria. Results from all studies were qualitatively summarized. For studies with relevant data on attention, learning, memory, language, internalizing behaviour and externalizing behaviour, results were pooled and a meta-analysis was performed. A random-effects model was used across included cohorts, yielding a standardized mean difference between the severe malaria group and control group.
RESULTS
Out of 3,803 initial records meeting the search criteria, 24 studies were included in the review, with data from 14 studies eligible for meta-analysis inclusion. Studies across sub-Saharan Africa assessed 11 cohorts of children from pre-school to school age. Of all the studies, composite measures of cognition were the most affected areas of development. Overall, attention, memory, and behavioural problems were domains most commonly found to have lower scores in children with severe malaria. Meta-analysis revealed that children with severe malaria had worse scores compared to children without malaria in attention (standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.68, 95% CI -1.26 to -0.10), memory (SMD -0.52, 95% CI -0.99 to -0.06), and externalizing behavioural problems (SMD 0.45, 95% CI 0.13-0.78).
CONCLUSION
Severe malaria is associated with worse neuropsychological outcomes for children living in LMICs, specifically in attention, memory, and externalizing behaviours. More research is needed to identify the long-term implications of these findings. Further interventions are needed to prevent cognitive and behavioural problems after severe malaria infection.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
This systematic review was registered under PROSPERO: CRD42020154777.
Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Developing Countries; Cognition; Malaria, Cerebral; Africa South of the Sahara
PubMed: 37537555
DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04653-9 -
Clinical Microbiology and Infection :... Dec 2023Asymptomatic malaria infections are highly prevalent in endemic areas. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Asymptomatic malaria infections are highly prevalent in endemic areas.
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of malaria parasites in migrants screened in non-endemic areas.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE-Ovid, EMBASE, Web of Science, Global Health, Lilacs, Cochrane, and MedRxiv.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Cross-sectional studies and observational prospective or retrospective cohort studies conducted in Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand regardless of language or publication status. Studies should include prevalence data on malaria in migrants that were recruited through a systematic screening approach. We excluded studies where people were tested because of malaria symptoms.
PARTICIPANTS
Migrant individuals exposed to malaria infection ASSESSMENT OF RISK OF BIAS: A standardized and validated appraisal instrument was used for studies reporting prevalence data (Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis).
METHODS OF DATA SYNTHESIS
Pooled estimates of the parasite prevalence by PCR, microscopy, and rapid diagnostic test (RDT) were calculated with a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was explored by stratification by age, region of origin, period of study, and quality of studies.
RESULTS
Of 1819 studies retrieved, 23 studies were included with in total 4203 participant PCR data, 3186 microscopy and 4698 RDT data, respectively. Migrants from sub-Saharan Africa had a malaria parasite prevalence of 8.3% (95% CI 5.1-12.2) by PCR, 4.3% (1.5-8.2) by RDT, and 3.1% (0.7-6.8) by microscopy. For migrants from Asia and Latin America, the prevalence with PCR was 0% (0.0-0.08) and 0.4% (0.0-1.8), respectively. Migrants from the Central African Region had the highest PCR prevalence (9.3% [6.0-13.0]), followed by West African migrants (2.0% [0.0-7.7]). Restricting the analysis to sub-Saharan Africa migrants arriving to the host country within the previous year, the PCR-based prevalence was 11.6% (6.9-17.4).
CONCLUSION
We provide estimates on the malaria parasite prevalence in migrants in non-endemic setting. Despite heterogeneity between settings, these findings can contribute to inform screening strategies and guidelines targeting malaria in migrants.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Parasites; Prevalence; Transients and Migrants; Cross-Sectional Studies; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Malaria; Asymptomatic Infections
PubMed: 37739263
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2023.09.010