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International Journal For Parasitology Jun 2020The ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor is the most significant pathological threat to the western honey bee, Apis mellifera, leading to the death of most colonies if... (Review)
Review
The ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor is the most significant pathological threat to the western honey bee, Apis mellifera, leading to the death of most colonies if left untreated. An alternative approach to chemical treatments is to selectively enhance heritable honey bee traits of resistance or tolerance to the mite through breeding programs, or select for naturally surviving untreated colonies. We conducted a literature review of all studies documenting traits of A. mellifera populations either selectively bred or naturally selected for resistance and tolerance to mite parasitism. This allowed us to conduct an analysis of the diversity, distribution and importance of the traits in different honey bee populations that can survive V. destructor globally. In a second analysis, we investigated the genetic bases of these different phenotypes by comparing 'omics studies (genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics) of A. mellifera resistance and tolerance to the parasite. Altogether, this review provides a detailed overview of the current state of the research projects and breeding efforts against the most devastating parasite of A. mellifera. By highlighting the most promising traits of Varroa-surviving bees and our current knowledge on their genetic bases, this work will help direct future research efforts and selection programs to control this pest. Additionally, by comparing the diverse populations of honey bees that exhibit those traits, this review highlights the consequences of anthropogenic and natural selection in the interactions between hosts and parasites.
Topics: Animals; Bees; Genomics; Host-Parasite Interactions; Phenotype; Varroidae
PubMed: 32380096
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.03.005 -
Parasites & Vectors Mar 2024The study of parasites provides insight into intricate ecological relationships in ecosystem dynamics, food web structures, and evolution on multiple scales. Hepatozoon... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The study of parasites provides insight into intricate ecological relationships in ecosystem dynamics, food web structures, and evolution on multiple scales. Hepatozoon Eucoccidiorida: Hepatozoidae) is a genus of protozoan hemoparasites with heteroxenous life cycles that switch infections between vertebrates and blood-feeding invertebrates. The most comprehensive review of the genus was published 26 years ago, and currently there are no harmonized data on the epizootiology, diagnostics, genotyping methods, evolutionary relationships, and genetic diversity of Hepatozoon in the Americas.
METHODS
Here, we provide a comprehensive review based on the PRISMA method regarding Hepatozoon in wild mammals within the American continent, in order to generate a framework for future research.
RESULTS
11 out of the 35 countries of the Americas (31.4%) had data on Hepatozoon, with Carnivora and Rodentia orders having the most characterizations. Bats, ungulates, and shrews were the least affected groups. While Hepatozoon americanum, H. americanum-like, H. canis, H. didelphydis, H. felis, H. milleri, H. griseisciuri, and H. procyonis correspond to the identified species, a plethora of genospecies is pending for a formal description combining morphology and genetics. Most of the vectors of Hepatozoon in the Americas are unknown, but some flea, mite, and tick species have been confirmed. The detection of Hepatozoon has relied mostly on conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the implementation of specific real time PCR for the genus needs to be employed to improve its diagnosis in wild animals in the future. From a genetic perspective, the V4 region of the 18S rRNA gene has been widely sequenced for the identification of Hepatozoon in wild animals. However, mitochondrial and apicoplast markers should also be targeted to truly determine different species in the genus. A phylogenetic analysis of herein retrieved 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences showed two main clades of Hepatozoon: Clade I associated with small mammals, birds, and herpetozoa, and Clade II associated with Carnivora. The topology of the tree is also reflected in the haplotype network.
CONCLUSIONS
Finally, our review emphasizes Hepatozoon as a potential disease agent in threatened wild mammals and the role of wild canids as spreaders of Hepatozoon infections in the Americas.
Topics: Animals; Cats; Ecosystem; Phylogeny; Chiroptera; Eucoccidiida; Shrews; Animals, Wild; Canidae
PubMed: 38444020
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06154-3 -
Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents Mar 2020: Allergic illnesses are one of the most prevalent immunological disorders worldwide and house dust mites are important triggers of these diseases. Allergen-specific...
: Allergic illnesses are one of the most prevalent immunological disorders worldwide and house dust mites are important triggers of these diseases. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is an alternative treatment to pharmacotherapy and among its technologies, recombinant hypoallergenic derivatives have shown promising features, turn them into safer and more efficient allergy vaccines.: Patents and scientific publications referring to advances in the design of spp. hypoallergenic molecules. Data were obtained from the Espacenet® and PubMed websites, using different key terms, advanced tools and Boolean operators for searches. The retrieved data were then descriptively analyzed, taking into consideration clinical targets, geographical, temporal, collaborative, and different classification aspects of the productions.: Joint advances of molecular biology, genetic engineering, and bioinformatics technologies led to progresses in the design of spp. hypoallergenic derivatives. Collaborative networks seem to be an interesting way not only to improve technologies in AIT but also to boost the number of patents, publications, and grants for researchers. The observed trend for the use of hypoallergenic hybrid molecules was a fundamental AIT advance and this type of molecule appears to be a more attractive product for companies and more convenient, efficient, and safer allergy immunotherapy for patients.
Topics: Allergens; Animals; Desensitization, Immunologic; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Patents as Topic; Pyroglyphidae
PubMed: 31913726
DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2020.1712360 -
American Journal of Ophthalmology Mar 2024Several treatments have been in use for Demodex blepharitis, before the discovery of lotilaner, like tea tree oil and antibiotics; however, they either have irritable... (Review)
Review
Efficacy and Safety of Lotilaner Ophthalmic Solution (0.25%) for the Treatment of Demodex Blepharitis: A GRADE Assessed Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational & Experimental Studies.
PURPOSE
Several treatments have been in use for Demodex blepharitis, before the discovery of lotilaner, like tea tree oil and antibiotics; however, they either have irritable effects or systemic adverse effects, respectively. Lotilaner, a novel ectoparasiticide, has been proposed as a treatment for patients grappling with Demodex blepharitis. This review aims to assess the safety and efficacy of lotilaner in the treatment of Demodex blepharitis.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
An extensive search was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar to find relevant literature till July 31, 2023 following the PRISMA guidelines. A total of 143 articles were retrieved by database searching, out of which 6 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Four randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis of mite eradication incidence. The review is registered with PROSPERO: CRD42023459997.
RESULTS
Lotilaner is effective in eradicating Demodex mites in individuals suffering from Demodex blepharitis according to RR for the intervention versus the control group of 3.55 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.87-4.40, P < .00001, I = 0%). The meta-analysis of clinically meaningful collarette score revealed the summary RR for the intervention versus the control group was 3.15 (95% CI: 2.56-3.89, P < 0.00001, I = 27%). In conclusion, the results of the included studies were comparable and consistent.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results indicated that lotilaner is an effective, well-tolerated, and promising drug in treating patients with Demodex blepharitis. Lotilaner administration and cost-effectiveness should now be contemplated for the study population as these constituents have a vital impact on its treatment success.
PubMed: 38513948
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2024.03.019 -
Parasites & Vectors Nov 2019Scrub typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, is an important and neglected vector-borne zoonotic disease with an expanding known distribution. The ecology of the...
Scrub typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, is an important and neglected vector-borne zoonotic disease with an expanding known distribution. The ecology of the disease is complex and poorly understood, impairing discussion of public health interventions. To highlight what we know and the themes of our ignorance, we conducted a systematic review of all studies investigating the pathogen in vectors and non-human hosts. A total of 276 articles in 7 languages were included, with 793 study sites across 30 countries. There was no time restriction for article inclusion, with the oldest published in 1924. Seventy-six potential vector species and 234 vertebrate host species were tested, accounting for over one million trombiculid mites ('chiggers') and 83,000 vertebrates. The proportion of O. tsutsugamushi positivity was recorded for different categories of laboratory test and host species. Vector and host collection sites were geocoded and mapped. Ecological data associated with these sites were summarised. A further 145 articles encompassing general themes of scrub typhus ecology were reviewed. These topics range from the life-cycle to transmission, habitats, seasonality and human risks. Important gaps in our understanding are highlighted together with possible tools to begin to unravel these. Many of the data reported are highly variable and inconsistent and minimum data reporting standards are proposed. With more recent reports of human Orientia sp. infection in the Middle East and South America and enormous advances in research technology over recent decades, this comprehensive review provides a detailed summary of work investigating this pathogen in vectors and non-human hosts and updates current understanding of the complex ecology of scrub typhus. A better understanding of scrub typhus ecology has important relevance to ongoing research into improving diagnostics, developing vaccines and identifying useful public health interventions to reduce the burden of the disease.
Topics: Animals; Arachnid Vectors; Geographic Mapping; Humans; Orientia tsutsugamushi; Scrub Typhus; Trombiculidae; Vertebrates; Zoonoses
PubMed: 31685019
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3751-x -
Ocular Immunology and Inflammation Feb 2024To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Lotilaner ophthalmic solution 0.25% in the treatment of demodex blepharitis. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Lotilaner ophthalmic solution 0.25% in the treatment of demodex blepharitis.
METHODS
PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase databases were searched. RCTs comparing lotilaner with placebo or any other standard treatments were included. Outcomes of mean collarette grade (MCG), mite density (Md), meaningful collarette reduction (MCR), mite eradication (ME), were pooled as mean difference (MD), and the outcomes of erythema cure (EC), collarette cure (CC) adverse events (AE) as risk ratio (RR) with their 95% confidence interval (CI) between the two groups from baseline to the endpoint. Review Manager (Version 5.4.1) software was used to conduct all statistical analyses.
RESULTS
Four RCTs (947 patients) were included in this study. The overall effect favored the lotilaner group in terms of mean collarette grade upper lid (MD -0.99, 95% CI [-1.26, -0.72]), MCG lower lid (MD -0.57, 95% CI [-1.03, -0.11]), Md (MD -1.13, 95% CI [-1.47, -0.79]), MCR (MD 2.07, 95% CI [2.27, 3.21]), ME (MD 3.46, 95% CI [2.96, 4.04]). EC (RR 3.16, 95% CI [2.18 to 4.59]) and CC (RR 4.17, 95% CI [2.97 to 5.85]). No significant difference between the two groups in terms of AE (RR 1.25, 95% CI [0.75 to 2.06]). However, these findings are limited by significant heterogeneity in some of the reported outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings show that lotilaner might effectively treat Demodex blepharitis. However, further RCTs with larger and more diverse populations are needed to confirm these findings as some outcomes show significant heterogeneity.
PubMed: 38301215
DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2024.2309552 -
Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical... 2020Current guidelines do not recommend performing aeroallergen skin prick testing (SPT) in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). (Review)
Review
Presence of positive skin prick tests to inhalant allergens and markers of T2 inflammation in subjects with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU): a systematic literature review.
BACKGROUND
Current guidelines do not recommend performing aeroallergen skin prick testing (SPT) in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU).
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this review was to investigate the presence of aeroallergen sensitization and markers of T2 inflammation in subjects with CSU.
METHODS
Systematic literature reviews to identify all studies that evaluated the presence of T2 markers of allergic inflammation in CSU subjects were performed.
RESULTS
In 16 studies that assessed the prevalence of positive SPT to multiple aeroallergens in CSU, 38.5% of CSU subjects had positive SPT. In three controlled studies, 34.2% of CSU subjects had positive SPT to multiple aeroallergens, compared to 13.6% of controls (p = 0.047). In 18 studies that assessed the prevalence of house dust mite (HDM) positive SPT in CSU, 27.5% of CSU subjects had positive SPT. In three controlled studies, 27.5% of CSU subjects had positive SPT to HDM, compared to 2.1% of controls (p = 0.047). Overall, CSU subjects were 3.1 times more likely to be aeroallergen-sensitized (95% CI 1.7-5.8, p = 0.0002) and 6.1 times more likely to be HDM-sensitized (95% CI 3.7-9.9, p < 0.00001) than controls. Mean total serum IgE (tIgE) levels were 238 kU/L and median tIgE levels were 164 kU/L, which was greater than the upper 90 percentile of normal (< 137 kU/L). Compared to healthy controls, CSU subjects were 6.5 times more likely to have IgG autoantibody against FcεR1α (p = 0.001), 2.4 times more likely to have IgG anti-IgE antibody (p = 0.03) and 5 times more likely to have anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibody (p = 0.02). When corticosteroids were withheld for ≥ 28 days, mean blood eosinophil percentage was elevated at 5.9% (normal < 4%), but other studies reporting absolute count found the mean was in the normal range, 239 L (normal < 400 L).
CONCLUSION
Increased aeroallergen sensitization, tIgE, autoantibodies and blood eosinophil percentage in the CSU subjects indicates the possible importance of T2 inflammation in the pathogenesis of CSU. Further studies may be warranted to determine if specific allergen avoidance, desensitization or improvement in the mucosal allergic inflammation present in asthma and/or rhinitis has any benefit in the management of CSU.
PubMed: 32944029
DOI: 10.1186/s13223-020-00461-x -
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical... May 2024Although randomized controlled trials (RCT) are the reference standard of evidence in allergen immunotherapy (AIT), nonrandomized studies (NRS) are needed to confirm...
IR (index of reactivity)-house dust mite sublingual immunotherapy liquid formulation for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and nonrandomized studies.
BACKGROUND
Although randomized controlled trials (RCT) are the reference standard of evidence in allergen immunotherapy (AIT), nonrandomized studies (NRS) are needed to confirm their results in more representative populations, particularly for treatment duration and persistence. However, when discrepancies are observed between RCT and NRS, NRS reliability decreases because these discrepant results are generally attributed to the methodologic flaws of NRS.
OBJECTIVE
We compared the benefit of sublingual AIT (SLIT) for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in NRS versus RCT focusing on a single product/allergen to reduce heterogeneity.
METHODS
For meta-analysis, house dust mite (HDM) SLIT liquid formulation studies were sourced from computerized (Medline, Web of Science, and LILACS databases, to January 2023) and manual literature searches. Populations, treatments, and outcome data were combined (DerSimonian-Laird method). Noncomparative NRS were compared to RCT' SLIT arm before and after treatment. Efficacy was determined as the standardized mean difference (SMD) in symptom score (SS) and medication score (MS).
RESULTS
Data from 12 NRS (682 patients) and 8 RCT (176 patients) were analyzed. The benefit with index of reactivity (IR)-HDM SLIT liquid formulation was found significant for, first, SS in both NRS (SMD = -1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.64, -0.90) and RCT (SMD = -0.56; 95% CI, -0.90, -0.21), and second, MS with SMD equal to -1.35 (95% CI, -1.77, -0.93) and -0.46 (95% CI, -0.67, -0.25), respectively. Metaregression showed that symptom improvement was correlated with treatment duration with consistent results in NRS and RCT with 12-month SS data: -0.87 (interquartile range, -1.02, -0.77) and -0.75 (interquartile range, -0.93, -0.41), respectively.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis showed comparable clinical benefit of IR-HDM SLIT liquid formulation increasing over time in both NRS and RCT, suggesting that NRS may reliably integrate RCT results and be considered for guidelines.
PubMed: 38328804
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacig.2024.100208 -
Journal of Vector Borne Diseases Jan 2024Rickettsial infections are emerging and/or re-emerging disease that poses a serious global threat to humans and animals. Transmission to humans and animals is through...
Rickettsial infections are emerging and/or re-emerging disease that poses a serious global threat to humans and animals. Transmission to humans and animals is through the bite of the ectoparasites including ticks, fleas and chigger mites. Most of the rickettsial diseases are endemic in India, but underdiagnosed. This review is aimed at analyzing the prevalence of rickettsiosis in India and the advancement of rickettsial diagnosis. We have conducted a systematic review on the prevalence of rickettsial disease in India ranging from 1.3% to 46.6% for spotted fever, 2.4% to 77.8% for scrub typhus and 1% to 46.4% for Q fever, based on the literature published with the evidence of isolation, serological, and molecular diagnostics. Search engines Medline/PubMed, Science Direct, ProQuest, and EBSCO were used to retrieve the articles from electronic databases by using appropriate keywords to track the emergence of these rickettsial diseases in India for the period of 1865 to till date. We retrieved 153 published rickettsial articles on hospital-based studies from India that were purely made on the basis of prevalence and the laboratory parameters viz., Weil-Felix test (WF) and Rapid Immunochromatographic tests (RICT) with reference to the gold standard IFA and ELISA. More epidemiological studies are required for epidemic typhus to know the exact prevalence status of this louse-borne rickettsiosis in India. Currently, there is no confirmed specific inflammatory marker for rickettsial diseases. Moreover, serological cross-reactivity is an important aspect, and it should be investigated in endemic areas, there is also a need to include molecular diagnostic techniques for further confirmation in healthcare settings.
Topics: Animals; Humans; India; Prevalence; Rickettsia; Rickettsia Infections; Scrub Typhus; Ticks
PubMed: 38648402
DOI: 10.4103/0972-9062.392255 -
International Journal of Infectious... Jun 2024Crusted scabies (CS, Norwegian scabies) is a severe form of scabies, characterized by hyper-infestation of Sarcoptes scabiei mites. CS is commonly associated with... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Crusted scabies (CS, Norwegian scabies) is a severe form of scabies, characterized by hyper-infestation of Sarcoptes scabiei mites. CS is commonly associated with immunosuppression but is also reported in overtly immunocompetent individuals. We reviewed immunosuppressive risk factors and comorbidities associated with CS.
METHODS
The National Library of Medicine (PubMed) database was reviewed for patient case reports of CS from January 1998 to July 2023. Two authors screened records for eligibility, extracted data, and one critically appraised the quality of the studies.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42023466126.
RESULTS
A total of 436 records were identified, of which 204 were included for systematic review. From these, 683 CS patients were included. CS impacted both genders equally. Adults (21-59 years) were more commonly affected (45.5%) compared to children (0-20 years, 21%). Corticosteroid use was the most prevalent immunosuppressive risk factor identified (27.7% of all cases). About 10.2% of reports were associated with HIV/AIDS, and 8.5% with HTLV-1 infection. 10.5% of patients were overtly immunocompetent with no known risk factors. Overall, 41 (6.0%) died, many subsequent to secondary bacteremia.
CONCLUSION
This study represents the first systematic review undertaken on immunosuppressive risk factors associated with CS. This provides insights into trends of immunosuppression and mechanisms of CS development.
Topics: Scabies; Humans; Risk Factors; Comorbidity; Female; Male; Adult; Immunocompromised Host; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Adolescent; Child; Animals; Infant; Sarcoptes scabiei; HIV Infections; Child, Preschool; HTLV-I Infections; Immunosuppression Therapy; Infant, Newborn
PubMed: 38570134
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107036