-
Acta Parasitologica Jun 2022Sri Lanka has reported the highest prevalence of human dirofilariasis cases in Asia. Thus far, Dirofilaria repens is the only reported Dirofilaria species that affect... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Sri Lanka has reported the highest prevalence of human dirofilariasis cases in Asia. Thus far, Dirofilaria repens is the only reported Dirofilaria species that affect humans, dogs, and cats in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this systematic review was carried out to analyse the studies performed on dirofilariasis in Sri Lanka.
METHODS
Peer-reviewed articles were searched on dirofilariasis published on Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane, and ResearchGate from January to March 2021. Articles were selected using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Three reviewers assessed the studies and extracted data independently to minimize the risk of bias. Extracted data were compiled, and then the results were compared and discussed in this systematic review.
RESULTS
Twenty-five studies performed in Sri Lanka were analysed, and high prevalence areas, frequent clinical presentations, diagnostic methods, reservoir hosts, and treatment were identified. More than 173 cases of human dirofilariasis caused by D. repens were reported from 1962 to 2020 in 20 districts among 25 investigated. The highest number of cases (n = 80) was recorded during 2010-2012 period. Canine and feline dirofilariasis are reported countrywide, and a large number of potential mosquito breeding sites could be seen in Sri Lanka.
CONCLUSIONS
The number of reported cases of human dirofilariasis has been varied from 1962 to 2020. The highest number of cases has reported in 2010-2012, and then the number of cases has dropped. This may be due to underreporting. Thus, awareness of Dirofilaria repens infection in humans, control measures in endemic areas and further research on dirofilariasis in other districts of Sri Lanka are crucial.
Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Dirofilaria repens; Dirofilariasis; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Humans; Sri Lanka
PubMed: 35380404
DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00543-3 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jun 2021Neurocysticercosis is a parasitic infection of the central nervous system by the larval stage of the pork tapeworm and is a common cause of seizures and epilepsy in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Neurocysticercosis is a parasitic infection of the central nervous system by the larval stage of the pork tapeworm and is a common cause of seizures and epilepsy in endemic areas. Anthelmintics (albendazole or praziquantel) may be given alongside supportive treatment (antiepileptics/analgesia) with the aim of killing these larvae (cysticerci), with or without corticosteroid treatment. However, there are potential adverse effects of these drugs, and the cysticerci may eventually die without directed anthelminthic treatment.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of anthelmintics on people with neurocysticercosis.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, the WHO ICTRP, and ClinicalTrials.gov, up to 21 October 2020.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized controlled trials comparing anthelmintics and supportive treatment (+/- corticosteroids) with supportive treatment alone (+/- corticosteroids) for people with neurocysticercosis.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently screened the title and abstract of all articles identified by the search. We obtained full-text articles to confirm the eligibility of all studies that passed screening. One review author extracted data, which a second review author checked. Two review authors assessed the risk of bias of each trial and performed GRADE assessments. In cases of disagreement at consensus discussion stage between review authors, we consulted a third review author. We calculated risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous variables, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for pooled data from studies with similar interventions and outcomes.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 16 studies in the review. Only two studies investigated praziquantel and did not report data in a format that could contribute to meta-analysis. Most results in this review are therefore applicable to albendazole versus placebo or no anthelmintic. The aggregate analysis across all participants with neurocysticercosis did not demonstrate a difference between groups in seizure recurrence, but heterogeneity was marked (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.14; 10 trials, 1054 participants; I = 67%; low-certainty evidence). When stratified by participants with a single cyst or multiple cysts, pooled analysis suggests that albendazole probably improves seizure recurrence for participants with a single cyst (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.4 to 0.91; 5 trials, 396 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). All studies contributing to this analysis recruited participants with non-viable, intraparenchymal cysts only, and most participants were children. We are uncertain whether or not albendazole reduces seizure recurrence in participants with multiple cysts, as the certainty of the evidence is very low, although the direction of effect is towards albendazole causing harm (RR 2.05, 95% CI 1.28 to 3.31; 2 trials, 321 participants; very low-certainty evidence). This analysis included a large study containing a highly heterogeneous population that received an assessment of unclear risk for multiple 'Risk of bias' domains. Regarding radiological outcomes, albendazole probably slightly improves the complete radiological clearance of lesions (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.39; 13 trials, 1324 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) and the evolution of cysts (RR 1.27, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.47; 6 trials, 434 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). More adverse events appeared to be observed in participants treated with either albendazole or praziquantel compared to those receiving placebo or no anthelmintic. The most commonly reported side effects were headache, abdominal pain, and nausea/vomiting.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
For participants with a single cyst, there was less seizure recurrence in the albendazole group compared to the placebo/no anthelmintic group. The studies contributing to this evidence only recruited participants with a non-viable intraparenchymal cyst. We are uncertain whether albendazole reduces seizure recurrence for participants with multiple cysts. We also found that albendazole probably increases radiological clearance and evolution of lesions. There were very few studies reporting praziquantel outcomes, and these findings apply to albendazole only.
Topics: Adult; Albendazole; Anticestodal Agents; Bias; Brain Diseases; Child; Humans; Neurocysticercosis; Placebos; Praziquantel; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Seizures
PubMed: 34060667
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000215.pub5 -
Global distribution of genotypes in domestic and wild canids: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Parasitology Aug 2022The current systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate the genotypic distribution of canine echinococcosis worldwide. Studies published from the inception until 21... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The current systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate the genotypic distribution of canine echinococcosis worldwide. Studies published from the inception until 21 May 2021 were screened, relevant articles were selected and the random-effect model was used to draw forest plots with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Totally, 44 articles were included, mostly examined dogs (37 records), followed by wolf (8 records), jackal (7 records), fox (3 records), pump fox (3 records) and coyote (1 record). sensu stricto (G1–G3) and G6/7 cluster of were the most common genotypes among canids. Most studies were conducted in Asia and Europe with 17 and 15 datasets, respectively. Exclusively, Iran possessed the highest number of studies (10 records). Meta-analysis showed that the pooled molecular prevalence of echinococcosis was 33.82% (95% CI 24.50–43.83%). Also, the highest and lowest prevalence of canine echinococcosis was calculated for South America (66.03%; 95% CI 25.67–95.85%) and Europe (19.01%; 95% CI 9.95–30.16%). Additionally, there were statistically significant differences between the global prevalence of echinococcosis in canines and publication year, continent, country, sample type, host and molecular test. These findings will elevate our knowledge on the poorly known canine echinococcosis worldwide.
Topics: Animals; Asia; Canidae; Dogs; Echinococcosis; Echinococcus; Echinococcus granulosus; Genotype
PubMed: 35591776
DOI: 10.1017/S0031182022000658 -
Parasites & Vectors Jan 2022Sensitive, reliable and fast diagnostic tools that are applicable in low-resource settings, at the point of care (PoC), are seen as crucial in the fight against visceral... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Sensitive, reliable and fast diagnostic tools that are applicable in low-resource settings, at the point of care (PoC), are seen as crucial in the fight against visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Addressing the need for a PoC test, several diagnostic tests, including serological and molecular methods, have been developed and evaluated in the past. One promising molecular method, already implemented for diagnosis of a range of diseases, is the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) protocol. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, using a comprehensive search strategy, we focus on studies evaluating the performance of LAMP for the diagnosis of leishmaniasis in humans and other mammals such as dogs, compared with microscopy and/or any other molecular diagnostic method. A meta-analysis, pooling sensitivity and specificity rates and calculating areas under the curve (AUCs) in summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) plots, was conducted on datasets extracted from studies, grouped by clinical condition and sample type. We found high sensitivity and specificity for LAMP when compared with microscopy and PCR using blood samples, with pooled estimate values of > 90% for all subgroups, corresponding to calculated AUC values > 0.96, except for LAMP compared to microscopy for diagnosis of CL. However, only a limited number of studies were truly comparable. Most of the observed heterogeneity is likely based on true differences between the studies rather than sampling error only. Due to simple readout methods and low laboratory equipment requirements for sample preparation compared to other molecular methods, LAMP is a promising candidate for a molecular (near-)PoC diagnostic method for VL and CL.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Genes, Protozoan; Humans; Leishmania; Leishmaniasis, Visceral; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; Neglected Diseases; Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques; Pathology, Molecular
PubMed: 35073980
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05133-2 -
BMC Oral Health Mar 2023Numerous studies have shown that dental unit water lines (DUWLs) are often contaminated by a wide range of micro-organisms (bacteria, fungi, protozoa) and various... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUNDS
Numerous studies have shown that dental unit water lines (DUWLs) are often contaminated by a wide range of micro-organisms (bacteria, fungi, protozoa) and various prevalence have been reported for it in previous studies. Therefore, this review study aims to describe the prevalence of bacterial biofilm contamination of DUWLs.
METHODS
This is a systematic review and meta-analysis in which the related keywords in different international databases, including Medline (via PubMed) and Scopus were searched. The retrieved studies were screened and the required data were extracted from the included studies. Three standard methods including American Dental Association (ADA), The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and contaminated > 100 CFU/ml(C-100) standards were used to assess the bacterial biofilm contamination of DUWLs. All studies that calculated the prevalence of bacterial biofilm contamination of DUWLs, and English full-text studies were included in the meta-analysis. Studies that did not have relevant data or used unusual laboratory methods were excluded. Methodological risk of bias was assessed by a related checklist and finally, the data were pooled by fixed or random-effect models.
RESULTS
Seven hundred and thirty-six studies were identified and screened and 26 related studies were included in the meta-analysis. The oldest included study was published in 1976 and the most recent study was published in 2020. According to the ADA, CDC and C-100 standards, the prevalence of bacterial contamination was estimated to be 85.0% (95% confidence interval (CI): 66.0-94.0%), 77.0% (95%CI: 66.0-85.0%) and 69.0% (95%CI: 67.0-71.0%), respectively. The prevalence of Legionella Pneumophila and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in DUWLs was estimated to be 12.0% (95%CI: 10.0-14.0%) and 8.0% (95%CI: 2.0-24.0%), respectively.
CONCLUSION
The results of this review study suggested a high prevalence of bacterial biofilm in DUWLs; therefore, the use of appropriate disinfecting protocol is recommended to reduce the prevalence of contamination and reduce the probable cross-infection.
Topics: Humans; Dental Equipment; Prevalence; Bacteria; Biofilms; Equipment Contamination; Colony Count, Microbial
PubMed: 36934281
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-02885-4 -
Egg reappearance periods of anthelmintics against equine cyathostomins: The state of play revisited.International Journal For Parasitology.... Apr 2023Cyathostomins are the most common and highly prevalent parasites of horses worldwide. Historically, the control of cyathostomins has mainly relied on the routine use of... (Review)
Review
Cyathostomins are the most common and highly prevalent parasites of horses worldwide. Historically, the control of cyathostomins has mainly relied on the routine use of anthelmintic products. Increasing reports on anthelmintic resistance (AR) in cyathostomins are concerning. A potential method proposed for detecting emerging AR in cyathostomins has been estimating the egg reappearance period (ERP). This paper reviews the data available for the ERP of cyathostomins against the three major classes of anthelmintics, macrocyclic lactones, tetrahydropyrimidines, and benzimidazoles. Published peer-reviewed original research articles were obtained from three databases (PubMed, CAB Direct and Web of Science) and were evaluated for their inclusion in a systematic review. Subsets of articles were then subjected to a review of ERP data. A total of 54 (of 134) studies published between 1972 and 2022 met the criteria for inclusion in the systematic review. Until the beginning of 2022, there was no agreed definition of the ERP; eight definitions of ERP were identified in the literature, complicating the comparison between studies. Additionally, potential risk factors for the shortening of the ERP, including previous anthelmintic use and climate, were frequently not described. Reports of shortened ERP for moxidectin and ivermectin are frequent: 20 studies that used comparable ERP definitions reported shortened moxidectin and ivermectin ERPs of 35 and 28 days, respectively. It is unclear whether the ERPs of these anthelmintics reduced to such levels are due to the development of AR or some biological factors related to horses, cyathostomin species, and/or the environment. The ERPs for other anthelmintics, such as fenbendazole and pyrantel, were frequently not reported due to established resistance against these drugs. Future research in horses is required to understand the mechanism(s) behind the shortening of ERP for cyathostomins. Based on this systematic review, we propose recommendations for future ERP studies.
Topics: Animals; Horses; Ivermectin; Horse Diseases; Drug Resistance; Anthelmintics; Parasite Egg Count; Feces
PubMed: 36543048
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2022.12.002 -
Tropical Medicine & International... Sep 2022Malaria is one of the most important parasitic infectious diseases worldwide. Despite the scale-up of effective antimalarials, mortality rates from severe malaria (SM)... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Malaria is one of the most important parasitic infectious diseases worldwide. Despite the scale-up of effective antimalarials, mortality rates from severe malaria (SM) remain significantly high; thus, numerous trials are investigating both antimalarials and adjunctive therapy. This review aimed to summarise all the outcome measures used in trials in the last 10 years to see the need for a core outcome set.
METHODS
A systematic review was undertaken to summarise outcomes of individually randomised trials assessing treatments for SM in adults and children. We searched key databases and trial registries between 1 January 2010 and 30 July 2020. Non-randomised trials were excluded to allow comparison of similar trials. Trial characteristics including phase, region, population, interventions, were summarised. All primary and secondary outcomes were extracted and categorised using a taxonomy table.
RESULTS
Twenty-seven of 282 screened trials met our inclusion criteria, including 10,342 patients from 19 countries: 19 (70%) trials from Africa and 8 (30%) from Asia. A large amount of heterogeneity was observed in the selection of outcomes and instruments, with 101 different outcomes measures recorded, 78/101 reported only in a single trial. Parasitological outcomes (17 studies), neurological status (14 studies), death (14 studies) and temperature (10 studies), were the most reported outcomes. Where an outcome was reported in >1 study it was often measured differently: temperature (4 different measures), renal function (7 measures), nervous system (13 measures) and parasitology (10 measures).
CONCLUSION
Outcomes used in SM trials are inconsistent and heterogeneous. Absence of consensus for outcome measures used impedes research synthesis and comparability of different interventions. This systematic review demonstrates the need to develop a standardised collection of core outcomes for clinical trials of treatments for SM and next steps to include the development of a panel of experts in the field, a Delphi process, and a consensus meeting.
Topics: Adult; Africa; Antimalarials; Child; Consensus; Humans; Malaria; Outcome Assessment, Health Care
PubMed: 35916146
DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13803 -
Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics : the... Jul 2020There is increasing clinical and research interest in the potential contribution of Demodex to ocular surface disease. The aim of this systematic review was to summarise...
PURPOSE
There is increasing clinical and research interest in the potential contribution of Demodex to ocular surface disease. The aim of this systematic review was to summarise and synthesise current clinical evidence relating to the aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of ocular Demodex.
RECENT FINDINGS
A comprehensive literature search was performed in OVID Medline, OVID Embase, and clinical trial registries, for studies published between 1990 and August 2019, examining Demodex on the ocular surface. The review included primary clinical research studies and systematic reviews of primary clinical research studies, where Demodex was considered in the context of the ocular surface and/or adnexa. Studies were categorised using the National Health and Medical Research Council evidence hierarchy. Risk of bias assessment was performed using validated tools for studies categorised as providing Level I or II evidence. A total of 87 studies were eligible for inclusion, including two systematic reviews. Most studies (60%) were observational, describing the prevalence of ocular Demodex in different clinical populations. There was a high degree of variability in the epidemiological data derived from cross-sectional aetiology studies. There was mostly consistent evidence to support an association between ocular Demodex and chronic blepharitis. Seven diagnostic test-accuracy studies were identified, which considered a range of techniques, including slit lamp examination for cylindrical eyelash collarettes and/or eyelash manipulation techniques, light microscopic evaluation of epilated eyelashes and in vivo confocal microscopy. There is currently no accepted gold-standard diagnostic method for ocular Demodex. For intervention studies, there was one systematic review, 11 published randomised trials, six trial registry entries, and nine case series. Despite a number of recent trials, the appropriate treatment regimen for ocular Demodex (including the optimal criteria and timing of an intervention) is not clearly established.
CONCLUSIONS
This comprehensive narrative synthesis has captured the landscape of clinical evidence relating to the prevalence, aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of ocular Demodex. There remain opportunities to enhance understanding of its role in ocular surface disease, best diagnostic approaches and optimal treatment protocols.
Topics: Animals; Blepharitis; Eye Infections, Parasitic; Eyelashes; Humans; Microscopy, Confocal; Mite Infestations
PubMed: 32691894
DOI: 10.1111/opo.12691 -
Parasites & Vectors Jun 2022Blastocystis is a common intestinal protozoa found in animal and human fecal samples, with over 1 billion individuals infected worldwide. Since domestication, dogs and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Blastocystis is a common intestinal protozoa found in animal and human fecal samples, with over 1 billion individuals infected worldwide. Since domestication, dogs and cats have had a close bond with humans. However, their close proximity poses a potential health risk since they may harbor several zoonotic agents. A global estimate of Blastocystis infection and subtype (ST) distribution in dogs and cats would therefore be of great health importance to humans.
METHODS
We performed a comprehensive systematic search of four English-language databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science) for relevant articles up to 8 November 2021. The random-effects model was used to make pooled estimates with confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
In total, we identified 49 publications that met our inclusion criteria and subsequently analyzed the 65 datasets in these articles, of which 23 and 42 datasets were on cats and dogs, respectively. Among the 2934 cats included in the 23 datasets, which involved 16 countries, the prevalence rate of Blastocystis infection was 9.3% (95% CI 5.3-15.9%). The prevalence of Blastocystis infection was slightly lower [7%, 95% CI 4.7-10.4%) among the 7946 dogs included in the 42 datasets, involving 23 countries. The sensitivity analysis showed that no remarkable variation in the estimates upon the stepwise removal of each dataset. Higher ST diversity was found among the examined dogs (ST1-8, ST10, ST23, ST24) than among cats (ST1-4, ST10, ST14). Among dogs, ST3 was the most frequent ST (41.3%), followed by ST2 (39.3%), ST1 (30.9%), ST4 (13.4%), ST8 (12.7%), ST10 (11%) and ST5 (8.1%). Also among dogs, each of ST6, ST7, ST23 and ST24 was observed in only one study. Of the ST found in the cats examined, ST4 (29.5%), followed by ST10 (22.5%), ST1 (19.8%) and ST3 (17.6%) were the most common. A single study also reported the presence of both ST2 and ST14 in cats. With respect to zoonotic Blastocystis STs (ST1-ST9 and ST12), eight were reported from dogs (ST1-ST8) and four were isolated from cats (ST1-ST4), showing the implication of dog and cats in zoonotic transmission.
CONCLUSIONS
Taken together, our results show that elucidation of the true epidemiology and ST distribution of Blastocystis in dogs and cats demands more comprehensive studies, particularly in the negelected regions of the world.
Topics: Animals; Blastocystis; Blastocystis Infections; Cat Diseases; Cats; DNA, Protozoan; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Feces; Genetic Variation; Interleukin-1 Receptor-Like 1 Protein; Phylogeny; Prevalence
PubMed: 35733146
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05351-2 -
Comparative Immunology, Microbiology... Feb 2023Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical parasitic vector-borne disease that has emerged or re-emerged in recent years and is a major health problem. Algeria is a country... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical parasitic vector-borne disease that has emerged or re-emerged in recent years and is a major health problem. Algeria is a country where leishmaniasis reaches high levels of endemicity. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to collect, compile and summarise data on the prevalence of animal leishmaniasis in Algeria. Data were collected from 2004 to 2022 during which a number of 12 papers were published from dogs, cats, hedgehogs, and jackals. A total of 4812 dogs, 388 stray cats, 24 hedgehogs and 2 Jackals were included in this analysis. The diagnosis of leishmaniasis was performed using serological or molecular tests. The overall prevalence in dogs was 21.2 % (95 %CI, 15.7-26.9 %), and in stray cats, hedgehogs and Jackal was, respectively, 25.3 % (95 %CI, 17-36.6 %), 20.8 % (95 %CI, 8.8-40.9 %) and 50 %. This study is a comprehensive epidemiological analysis of canine leishmaniasis in Algeria and will therefore be a useful tool for researchers. Further studies are needed for a better and continuous assessment of the occurrence of this zoonosis. It can also be used to propose or improve appropriate national surveillance programs for these diseases.
Topics: Animals; Cats; Dogs; Algeria; Cat Diseases; Dog Diseases; Hedgehogs; Jackals; Leishmaniasis; Zoonoses
PubMed: 36584413
DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101930