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Infectious Disorders Drug Targets 2022SARS-CoV-2 is the novel coronavirus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome and could afflict individuals from all walks of life. Children are usually asymptomatic...
INTRODUCTION
SARS-CoV-2 is the novel coronavirus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome and could afflict individuals from all walks of life. Children are usually asymptomatic or represent non-specific mild to moderate symptoms; therefore, they often remain undiagnosed and could be potential reservoirs and silent carriers of the virus. Despite the global attention to COVID-19 and its importance in public health, some clinical and paraclinical aspects of this disease in children are still unclear. Thus, we conducted a comprehensive systematic review of available literature to reflect on the current knowledge and practice of the disease among children.
METHODS
This study was a systematic review of current evidence conducted in October 2020. We performed a systematic search using the keywords in online databases. The investigation adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist to ensure the reliability and validity of extracted literature and results.
RESULTS
We selected and reviewed 23 most related studies out of 1744 identified papers in an initial online search based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the present review; of whom 13 were original research studies, and 10 were letters to the editors, commentaries, viewpoints, consensus statements, and perspectives. Although due to the origin of the current pandemic, China was the country with the most publications (12 articles), data from several countries have been included in this review.
CONCLUSION
COVID-19 can also affect children and cause systemic disease with several internal organ involvements. However, the prevalence, severity, and diversity of the symptoms in children are less than in adults. Cough and fever appear to be some of the most common symptoms, followed by other symptoms such as gastrointestinal manifestations. Comorbidities increase the risk of severe COVID-19 in children, and those without underlying conditions are very unlikely to suffer from severe disease. Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression due to the isolated situation caused by pandemics are common findings in children of early ages and should be seriously considered in current practice.
Topics: Adult; COVID-19; Child; Fever; Humans; Pandemics; Reproducibility of Results; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 34587889
DOI: 10.2174/1871526521666210929121705 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2019Larviciding refers to the regular application of chemical or microbial insecticides to water bodies or water containers to kill the aquatic immature forms of the...
BACKGROUND
Larviciding refers to the regular application of chemical or microbial insecticides to water bodies or water containers to kill the aquatic immature forms of the mosquito (the larvae and pupae).
OBJECTIVES
To summarize research evidence evaluating whether larviciding with chemical or microbial insecticides prevents malaria transmission.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), published in the Cochrane Library; MEDLINE; Embase; CAB Abstracts; LILACS; the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP); ClinicalTrials.gov; and the ISRCTN registry up to 6 June 2019.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included cluster-randomized controlled trials (cRCTs), interrupted time series (ITS), randomized cross-over studies, non-randomized cross-over studies, and controlled before-and-after studies (CBAs) that compared larviciding with no larviciding.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We independently assessed trials for eligibility and risk of bias, and extracted data. We assessed the certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach.
MAIN RESULTS
Four studies (one cRCT, two CBAs, and one non-randomized cross-over design) met the inclusion criteria. All used ground application of larvicides (people hand-delivering larvicides); one evaluated chemical and three evaluated microbial agents. Studies were carried out in The Gambia, Tanzania, Kenya, and Sri Lanka. Three studies were conducted in areas where mosquito aquatic habitats were less extensive (< 1 km²), and one where habitats were more extensive (> 1 km²; a cross-over study from The Gambia).For aquatic habitats of less than 1 km², one cRCT randomized eight villages in Sri Lanka to evaluate chemical larviciding using insect growth regulator; and two CBA studies undertaken in Kenya and Tanzania evaluated microbial larvicides. In the cRCT, larviciding across all villages was associated with lower malaria incidence (rate ratio 0.24, 4649 participants, low-certainty evidence) and parasite prevalence (risk ratio (RR) 0.26, 5897 participants, low-certainty evidence) compared to no larviciding. The two CBA studies reported lower malaria prevalence during the intervention period (parasite prevalence RR 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71 to 0.89; 70,902 participants; low-certainty evidence). The Kenyan study also reported a reduction in the incidence of new malaria cases (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.01; 720 participants; very low-certainty evidence).For aquatic habitats of more than 1 km², the non-randomized cross-over trial using microbial larvicides did not detect an effect for malaria incidence (RR 1.58, 95% CI 0.94 to 2.65; 4226 participants), or parasite prevalence (RR 1.15, 95% CI 0.41 to 3.20; 3547 participants); both were very low-certainty evidence. The Gambia trial also reported the mean haemoglobin level, and there was no difference across the four comparisons (mean difference -0.13, 95% CI -0.40 to 0.13; 3586 participants).We were unable to summarize or pool entomological outcomes due to unreported and missing data.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Most controlled studies on larviciding have been performed with microbial agents. Ground larviciding for non-extensive larval habitats may have an effect on malaria transmission, and we do not know if there is an effect in large-scale aquatic habitats. We found no studies using larviciding application techniques that could cover large aquatic habitats, such as aerial spraying using aircraft.
Topics: Animals; Culicidae; Disease Reservoirs; Ecosystem; Humans; Insecticides; Interrupted Time Series Analysis; Larva; Malaria; Mosquito Control; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 31425624
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012736.pub2 -
International Journal of Environmental... Apr 2023The rate of new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections globally is alarming. Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) improves the quality of life among this group... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The rate of new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections globally is alarming. Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) improves the quality of life among this group of patients, ARTs are associated with risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Moreover, virally suppressed patients still experience immune activation associated with HIV migration from reservoir sites. Statins are widely recommended as therapeutic agents to control ART-related CVD; however, their impacts on the cluster of differentiation (CD)4 count and viral load are inconsistent. To assess the effect of statins on markers of HIV infections, immune activation and cholesterol, we thoroughly reviewed evidence from randomised controlled trials. We found 20 relevant trials from three databases with 1802 people living with HIV (PLHIV) on statin-placebo treatment. Our evidence showed no significant effect on CD4 T-cell count standardised mean difference (SMD): (-0.59, 95% confidence intervals (CI): (-1.38, 0.19), = 0.14) following statin intervention in PLHIV on ART. We also found no significant difference in baseline CD4 T-cell count (SD: (-0.01, 95%CI: (-0.25, 0.23), = 0.95). Our findings revealed no significant association between statins and risk of viral rebound in PLHIV with undetectable viral load risk ratio (RR): (1.01, 95% CI: (0.98, 1.04), = 0.65). Additionally, we found a significant increase in CD8CD38HLA-DR T-cells (SMD (1.10, 95% CI: (0.93, 1.28), < 0.00001) and CD4CD38HLA-DR T-cells (SMD (0.92, 95% CI: (0.32, 1.52), = 0.003). Finally, compared to placebo, statins significantly reduced total cholesterol (SMD: (-2.87, 95% CI: (-4.08, -1.65), < 0.0001)). Our results suggest that the statin lipid-lowering effect in PLHIV on ART may elevate immune activation without influencing the viral load and CD4 count. However, due to the limited evidence synthesised in this meta-analysis, we recommend that future powered trials with sufficient sample sizes evaluate statins' effect on CD4 count and viral load, especially in virally suppressed patients.
Topics: Humans; HIV Infections; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Quality of Life; HIV-1; HLA-DR Antigens; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cholesterol; Viral Load
PubMed: 37174188
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20095668 -
Indoor Air Jan 2022Despite their considerable prevalence, dynamics of hospital-associated COVID-19 are still not well understood. We assessed the nature and extent of air- and... (Review)
Review
Despite their considerable prevalence, dynamics of hospital-associated COVID-19 are still not well understood. We assessed the nature and extent of air- and surface-borne SARS-CoV-2 contamination in hospitals to identify hazards of viral dispersal and enable more precise targeting of infection prevention and control. PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Medrxiv, and Biorxiv were searched for relevant articles until June 1, 2021. In total, 51 observational cross-sectional studies comprising 6258 samples were included. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in one in six air and surface samples throughout the hospital and up to 7.62 m away from the nearest patients. The highest detection rates and viral concentrations were reported from patient areas. The most frequently and heavily contaminated types of surfaces comprised air outlets and hospital floors. Viable virus was recovered from the air and fomites. Among size-fractionated air samples, only fine aerosols contained viable virus. Aerosol-generating procedures significantly increased (OR = 2.56 (1.46-4.51); OR = 1.95 (1.27-2.99)), whereas patient masking significantly decreased air- and surface-borne SARS-CoV-2 contamination (OR = 0.41 (0.25-0.70); OR = 0.45 (0.34-0.61)). The nature and extent of hospital contamination indicate that SARS-CoV-2 is likely dispersed conjointly through several transmission routes, including short- and long-range aerosol, droplet, and fomite transmission.
Topics: Air Microbiology; Air Pollution, Indoor; COVID-19; Cross Infection; Cross-Sectional Studies; Fomites; Hospitals; Humans; Observational Studies as Topic; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 34862811
DOI: 10.1111/ina.12968 -
International Dental Journal Apr 2024Root canal re-treatment (RCR) cases are considered some of the most challenging cases in the field of endodontics, as they are mostly associated with various iatrogenic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Root canal re-treatment (RCR) cases are considered some of the most challenging cases in the field of endodontics, as they are mostly associated with various iatrogenic errors such as ledge formation, incomplete biomechanical preparation, file separation, and incomplete obturation. These iatrogenic errors lead to defective niches within root canals that may act as reservoirs for various viable microorganisms. Such residual microbial niches may cause postoperative pain even after thorough debridement and reshaping the canals, ultimately leading to a poor prognosis for the tooth. Nowadays, prevention of postoperative pain in re-treatment cases and prognosis are effectively managed by photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT).
METHOD
Relevant studies in the English language published before November 2022 were identified using electronic databases like PubMed, SCOPUS, and EBSCO to conduct bibliographic research. This systematic review is based on 3 studies that were found eligible as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. This systematic review is in accordance with PRISMA guidelines.
RESULTS
The systematic review indicated a positive impact by significantly decreasing postoperative pain in RCR cases when treated with PBMT. The variation was statistically significant at 24 hours (P = .0002), 48 hours (P = .03), and 72 hours (P = .02). The mean difference at 24 hours was 0.65 (95% CI, 0.32-0.99), at 48 hours was 0.46 (95% CI, 0.05-0.87), and at 72 hours was 0.40 (95% CI, 0.07-0.74). There was no statistical heterogenicity at 24 hours (P > .05), but a medium heterogenicity was observed at 48 hours and 72 hours.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATION
PBMT or low-level laser therapy has shown superior results as compared to the conventional pharmacologic approach in postoperative pain management in RCR cases.
Topics: Humans; Low-Level Light Therapy; Root Canal Therapy; Pain, Postoperative; Dental Care; Iatrogenic Disease
PubMed: 37985344
DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2023.10.012 -
Journal of Dentistry Dec 2020People with Cystic Fibrosis (PWCF) may be presumed to be at lower risk of periodontal disease due to long term antibiotic use but this has not been comprehensively... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES
People with Cystic Fibrosis (PWCF) may be presumed to be at lower risk of periodontal disease due to long term antibiotic use but this has not been comprehensively investigated. The oral hygiene and periodontal status of PWCF in comparison to the general population is not well established. The objective of this systematic review was to critically evaluate the literature on periodontal and oral hygiene status in PWCF to see if this group are at increased risk of periodontal disease (gingivitis or periodontitis).
DATA SOURCES
5 databases were searched: Scopus, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science.
STUDY SELECTION
The search resulted in 614 publications from databases with one more publication identified by searching bibliographies. 13 studies were included in the qualitative analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
The majority of studies showed better oral hygiene, with lower levels of gingivitis and plaque among people with Cystic Fibrosis (PWCF) than controls. Interestingly, despite this, many studies showed that PWCF had higher levels of dental calculus. Three studies found there was no difference in Oral Hygiene between PWCF and controls. One study found that PWCF aged between 6 and 9.5 years had increased levels of clinical gingivitis, and one study showed that PWCF with gingivitis had more bleeding on probing than people without CF. The vast majority of PWCF examined were children- only five studies included people over 18 years, and only one looked exclusively at adults. There is a need for further study into the periodontal health of PWCF- particularly those over the age of 18.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
There are currently no guidelines referring to oral care in PWCF. Studies have suggested that the oral cavity acts as a reservoir of bacteria which may colonise the lungs. If PWCF are at increased risk of periodontal disease, they should attend for regular screenings to facilitate early detection.
Topics: Adult; Child; Cystic Fibrosis; Dental Plaque; Gingivitis; Humans; Middle Aged; Oral Health; Oral Hygiene; Periodontal Diseases
PubMed: 33129998
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2020.103509 -
Parasites & Vectors Jan 2022Strongyloides stercoralis, a soil-transmitted helminth, occurs in humans, non-human primates, dogs, cats and wild canids. The zoonotic potential between these hosts is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Strongyloides stercoralis, a soil-transmitted helminth, occurs in humans, non-human primates, dogs, cats and wild canids. The zoonotic potential between these hosts is not well understood with data available on prevalence primarily focused on humans. To increase knowledge on prevalence, this review and meta-analysis was performed to estimate the global status of S. stercoralis infections in dogs.
METHODS
Following the PRISMA guidelines, online literature published prior to November 2020 was obtained from multiple databases (Science Direct, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar). Prevalence was calculated on a global and country level, by country income and climate, and in stray/animal shelter dogs versus owned dogs. Statistical analyses were conducted using R-software (version 3.6.1).
RESULTS
From 9428 articles, 61 met the inclusion criteria. The estimated pooled global prevalence of S. stercoralis in dogs was 6% (95% CI 3-9%). Infection was found to be the most prevalent in low-income countries with pooled prevalence of 22% (95% CI 10-36%). The highest pooled prevalence of S. stercoralis in dogs was related to regions with average temperature of 10-20 °C (6%; 95% CI 3-11%), an annual rainfall of 1001-1500 mm (9%; 95% CI 4-15%) and humidity of 40-75% (8%; 95% CI 4-13%). Prevalence was higher in stray and shelter dogs (11%; 95% CI 1-26%) than in owned dogs (3%; 95% CI 1-7%).
CONCLUSIONS
As with S. stercoralis in humans, higher prevalence in dogs is found in subtropical and tropical regions and lower-income countries, locations which also can have high dog populations. While this study presents the first estimated global prevalence of S. stercoralis in dogs, it is potentially an underestimation with 15 of 61 studies relying on diagnostic methods of lower sensitivity and a paucity of data from most locations. Standardized protocols (e.g. quantity of feces and number of samples for a Baermann) in future studies could improve reliability of results. More prevalence studies and raising veterinary awareness of S. stercoralis are needed for a One Health approach to protect humans and dogs from the impact of the infection.
Topics: Animals; Disease Reservoirs; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Global Health; Humans; Prevalence; Strongyloides stercoralis; Strongyloidiasis; Zoonoses
PubMed: 35012614
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05135-0 -
Parasitology Research Feb 2020We performed a systematic review of the literature published since 1900 about leishmaniasis a neglected vector-borne disease, focused on environmental and social risk...
We performed a systematic review of the literature published since 1900 about leishmaniasis a neglected vector-borne disease, focused on environmental and social risk factors for visceral (VL) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) to better understand their impact on the incidence of disease. The search terms were "leishmaniasis" AND "risk factors" using Google Scholar, PudMed, and Scielo. We reviewed 177 articles, 95 studies for VL, 75 for CL, and 7 on both forms. We identified 14 categories of risk factors which were divided into three groups: socioeconomic (7), environmental (5), and climate (2) variables. Socioeconomic factors were also associated with disease incidence in vulnerable human populations of arid and tropical developing regions. Environmental and climate factors showed significant associations with the incidence of VL and CL in all the studies that considered them. Proximity to natural vegetation remnants increased disease risk in both the New and Old World while the climate conditions favorable for disease transmission differed among regions. We propose a common conceptual framework for both clinical forms that highlights networks of interaction among risk factors. In both clinical forms, the interplay of these factors played a major role in disease incidence. Although there are similarities in environmental and socioeconomic conditions that mediate the transmission cycle of tropical, arid, and Mediterranean regions, the behavior of vector and reservoirs in each region is different. Special attention should be given to the possibility of vector adaptation to urban environments in developing countries where populations with low socioeconomic status are particularly vulnerable to the disease.
Topics: Animals; Climate; Disease Vectors; Environment; Humans; Incidence; Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous; Leishmaniasis, Visceral; Risk Factors; Socioeconomic Factors
PubMed: 31897789
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06575-5 -
Infectious Disease Reports Oct 2023'Query' (Q) fever is a neglected but emerging or re-emerging zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium (C.) . Several host species are considered or speculated to be the... (Review)
Review
'Query' (Q) fever is a neglected but emerging or re-emerging zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium (C.) . Several host species are considered or speculated to be the primary reservoir hosts for human infection. In the past, several research groups in Nigeria have evaluated the prevalence of in various vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Currently, there is a paucity of knowledge regarding the epidemiology of the pathogen in Nigeria with limited or no attention to control and prevention programs. Therefore, this review was undertaken to comprehend the current situation of infection in human, domestic and peri-domestic animals, and some tick species in Nigeria since 1960 with the aim to help identify future research priorities for the country. A comprehensive literature search was performed using the PRISMA guidelines on five scientific databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, AJOL, Science Direct, and Scopus for articles published from Nigeria dealing with the screening of blood, milk, or tick DNA for evidence of using any standard diagnostic approach. Of the 33 published articles subjected to full-text evaluation, more than 48% of the articles met the inclusion criteria and were thus included in this review. We observed different ranges of prevalence for antibodies from four vertebrate hosts including cattle (2.5-23.5%), sheep (3.8-12.0%), goats (3.1-10.9%), and humans (12.0-61.3%). Additionally, the use of molecular diagnostics revealed that the DNA of has been amplified in eight tick species including () , , , , , , , and Two rodent's species ( and ) in Nigeria were documented to show evidence of the bacterium with the detection of the DNA of in these two mammals. In conclusion, this review has provided more insight on the prevalence of and its associated host/vector in Nigeria. Domestic animals, peri-domestic animals, and ticks species harbor and could be a source of human infections. Due to the paucity of studies from southern Nigeria, we recommend that research groups with interest on vector-borne diseases need to consider more epidemiological studies in the future on prevalence in diverse hosts to help unravel their distribution and vector potentials in Nigeria as a whole.
PubMed: 37888137
DOI: 10.3390/idr15050056 -
Microorganisms Jul 2023Control and treatment programs (CDTI) have been set up nationally in all endemic countries to overcome the impact of onchocerciasis on the affected populations. However,... (Review)
Review
Control and treatment programs (CDTI) have been set up nationally in all endemic countries to overcome the impact of onchocerciasis on the affected populations. However, Gabon must still succeed in setting up real onchocerciasis control programs. Here, various database articles have been used to provide the scientific community with a summary document showing the mapping of this disease in Gabon. The articles dealing with onchocerciasis, animal reservoirs, surveillance, and elimination were analyzed. Results showed that little research has been performed. Most studies are concentrated in one region (The area of Lastourville). In addition, we observed that the distribution of the disease varies significantly across the country. Indeed, specific environments present a hyper-endemicity of the disease, while others are meso and hypo-endemic. So, we found some departments with a prevalence ranging from 0% to over 20%; within them, villages had infection levels comprising 10% to 60%, indicating potential hotspots. Vectors activities were studied in some areas. This paper showed the challenges encountered in the country to eliminate this disease. One solution is a deeper understanding of the disease's bioecology to establish effective health policies to eliminate onchocerciasis in Gabon effectively.
PubMed: 37630506
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11081946