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Clinical Pharmacokinetics Jul 2020About one-sixth of the world's population is affected by a neglected tropical disease as defined by the World Health Organization and Center for Disease Control.... (Review)
Review
About one-sixth of the world's population is affected by a neglected tropical disease as defined by the World Health Organization and Center for Disease Control. Parasitic diseases comprise most of the neglected tropical disease list and they are causing enormous amounts of disability, morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs worldwide. The burden of disease of the top five parasitic diseases has been estimated to amount to a total 23 million disability-adjusted life-years. Despite the massive health and economic impact, most drugs currently used for the treatment of parasitic diseases have been developed decades ago and insufficient novel drugs are being developed. The current review provides a compilation of the systemic and target-site pharmacokinetics of established antiparasitic drugs. Knowledge of the pharmacokinetic profile of drugs allows for the examination and possibly optimization of existing dosing schemes. Many symptoms of parasitic diseases are caused by parasites residing in different host tissues. Penetration of the antiparasitic drug into these tissues, the target site of infection, is a prerequisite for a successful treatment of the disease. Therefore, for the examination and improvement of established dosing regimens, not only the plasma but also the tissue pharmacokinetics of the drug have to be considered. For the current paper, almost 7000 scientific articles were identified and screened from which 429 were reviewed in detail and 100 were included in this paper. Systemic pharmacokinetics are available for most antiparasitic drugs but in many cases, not for all the relevant patient populations and only for single- or multiple-dose administration. Systemic pharmacokinetic data in patients with organ impairment and target-site pharmacokinetic data for relevant tissues and body fluids are mostly lacking. To improve the treatment of patients with parasitic diseases, research in these areas is urgently needed.
Topics: Antiparasitic Agents; Humans; Neglected Diseases; Parasitic Diseases; Tropical Medicine
PubMed: 32100246
DOI: 10.1007/s40262-020-00871-5 -
Advances in Skin & Wound Care Jul 2020To provide information about infection with cutaneous larva migrans (CLM). (Review)
Review
GENERAL PURPOSE
To provide information about infection with cutaneous larva migrans (CLM).
TARGET AUDIENCE
This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, NPs, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES
After participating in this educational activity, the participant will:1. Distinguish the clinical features, diagnosis, and management of CLM.2. Explain the epidemiology of CLM.
ABSTRACT
Cutaneous larva migrans is a hookworm infection and one of the most common skin diseases of tourists in tropical countries. Most commonly, the infection is transmitted by contact with feces of dogs and cats containing hookworm eggs. This case-based review explores the epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical features, and management of cutaneous larva migrans infection.
Topics: Animals; Hookworm Infections; Humans; Larva Migrans; Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous; Rickettsia Infections; Skin Diseases, Parasitic; Travel; Tropical Climate
PubMed: 32544114
DOI: 10.1097/01.ASW.0000662248.18996.b5 -
Talanta Nov 2021A group of infectious and parasitic diseases with prevalence in tropical and subtropical regions of the planet, especially in places with difficult access, internal... (Review)
Review
A group of infectious and parasitic diseases with prevalence in tropical and subtropical regions of the planet, especially in places with difficult access, internal conflicts, poverty, and low visibility from the government and health agencies are classified as neglected tropical diseases. While some well-intentioned isolated groups are making the difference on a global scale, the number of new cases and deaths is still alarming. The development and employment of low-cost, miniaturized, and easy-to-use devices as biosensors could be the key to fast diagnosis in such areas leading to a better treatment to further eradication of such diseases. Therefore, this review contains useful information regarding the development of such devices in the past ten years (2010-2020). Guided by the updated list from the World Health Organization, the work evaluated the new trends in the biosensor field applied to the early detection of neglected tropical diseases, the efficiencies of the devices compared to the traditional techniques, and the applicability on-site for local distribution. So, we focus on Malaria, Chagas, Leishmaniasis, Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya, Schistosomiasis, Leprosy, Human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), Lymphatic filariasis, and Rabies. Few papers were found concerning such diseases and there is no available commercial device in the market. The works contain information regarding the development of point-of-care devices, but there are only at proof of concepts stage so far. Details of electrode modification and construction of electrochemical biosensors were summarized in Tables. The demand for the eradication of neglected tropical diseases is increasing. The use of biosensors is pivotal for the cause, but appliable devices are scarce. The information present in this review can be useful for further development of biosensors in the hope of helping the world combat these deadly diseases.
Topics: Biosensing Techniques; Humans; Leprosy; Malaria; Neglected Diseases; Parasitic Diseases; Zika Virus; Zika Virus Infection
PubMed: 34364426
DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.122617 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2020Helminths, including nematodes, cestodes and trematodes, are complex parasitic organisms that infect at least one billion people globally living in extreme poverty.... (Review)
Review
Helminths, including nematodes, cestodes and trematodes, are complex parasitic organisms that infect at least one billion people globally living in extreme poverty. Helminthic infections are associated with severe morbidity particularly in young children who often harbor the highest burden of disease. While each helminth species completes a distinct life cycle within the host, several helminths incite significant lung disease. This impact on the lungs occurs either directly from larval migration and host immune activation or indirectly from a systemic inflammatory immune response. The impact of helminths on the pulmonary immune response involves a sophisticated orchestration and activation of the host innate and adaptive immune cells. The consequences of activating pulmonary host immune responses are variable with several helminthic infections leading to severe, pulmonary compromise while others providing immune tolerance and protection against the development of pulmonary diseases. Further delineation of the convoluted interface between helminth infection and the pulmonary host immune responses is critical to the development of novel therapeutics that are critically needed to prevent the significant global morbidity caused by these parasites.
Topics: Adaptive Immunity; Animals; Biomarkers; Disease Susceptibility; Helminthiasis; Helminths; Host-Parasite Interactions; Humans; Immunity; Immunity, Innate; Immunomodulation; Life Cycle Stages; Lung Diseases, Parasitic; Organ Specificity
PubMed: 33193446
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.594520 -
Malaria Journal Jul 2021Malaria is one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases and the foremost cause of morbidity in the tropical regions of the world. Strategies for the efficient management... (Review)
Review
Malaria is one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases and the foremost cause of morbidity in the tropical regions of the world. Strategies for the efficient management of this parasitic infection include adequate treatment with anti-malarial therapeutics and vaccination. However, the emergence and spread of resistant strains of malaria parasites to the majority of presently used anti-malarial medications, on the other hand, complicates malaria treatment. Other shortcomings of anti-malarial drugs include poor aqueous solubility, low permeability, poor bioavailability, and non-specific targeting of intracellular parasites, resulting in high dose requirements and toxic side effects. To address these limitations, liposome-based nanotechnology has been extensively explored as a new solution in malaria management. Liposome technology improves anti-malarial drug encapsulation, bioavailability, target delivery, and controlled release, resulting in increased effectiveness, reduced resistance progression, and fewer adverse effects. Furthermore, liposomes are exploited as immunological adjuvants and antigen carriers to boost the preventive effectiveness of malaria vaccine candidates. The present review discusses the findings from studies conducted over the last 40 years (1980-2020) using in vitro and in vivo settings to assess the prophylactic and curative anti-malarial potential of liposomes containing anti-malarial agents or antigens. This paper and the discussion herein provide a useful resource for further complementary investigations and may pave the way for the research and development of several available and affordable anti-malarial-based liposomes and liposomal malaria vaccines by allowing a thorough evaluation of liposomes developed to date for the management of malaria.
Topics: Antimalarials; Humans; Liposomes; Malaria
PubMed: 34315484
DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03858-0 -
Impact of parasitic infection on mental health and illness in humans in Africa: a systematic review.Parasitology Jul 2022A growing body of research implicates inflammation as a potential pathway in the aetiology and pathophysiology of some mental illnesses. A systematic review was...
A growing body of research implicates inflammation as a potential pathway in the aetiology and pathophysiology of some mental illnesses. A systematic review was conducted to determine the association between parasitic infection and mental illnesses in humans in Africa and reviewed the state of the evidence available. The search focused on publications from Africa documenting the relationship between parasites from two parasite groups, helminths and protozoans, and four classifications of mental illness: mood affective disorders, neurotic and stress-related disorders, schizotypal disorders and unspecified mental illnesses. In the 26 reviewed papers, the prevalence of mental illness was significantly higher in people with parasitic infection compared to those without infection, i.e., 58.2% 41.8% ( < 0.001). An overall odds ratio found that the association of having a mental illness when testing positive for a parasitic infection was four times that of people without infection. Whilst the study showed significant associations between parasite infection and mental illness, it also highlights gaps in the present literature on the pathophysiology of mental illness in people exposed to parasite infection. This study highlighted the importance of an integrated intervention for parasitic infection and mental illness.
Topics: Africa; Animals; Helminthiasis; Humans; Inflammation; Mental Disorders; Mental Health; Parasitic Diseases; Prevalence; Protozoan Infections
PubMed: 35549773
DOI: 10.1017/S0031182022000166 -
Transplant Infectious Disease : An... Nov 2023Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a vital treatment for various hematological disorders. However, HSCT recipients face increased risks of infectious... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a vital treatment for various hematological disorders. However, HSCT recipients face increased risks of infectious complications due to immunosuppression. Parasitic infections are a significant concern in this vulnerable population and can lead to substantial morbidity and mortality. This review examines parasitic infections in HSCT recipients, focusing on major infections affecting different organ systems, including intestinal parasites (Giardia spp., Entamoeba histolytica, and Cryptosporidium spp.), hematologic parasites (Plasmodium spp. and Babesia spp.), and tissue/visceral parasites (Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania spp., and Trypanosoma cruzi).
METHODS
A systematic search of relevant literature was conducted and included studies up to August 2023. Databases included PubMed, Google Scholar, were queried using specific keywords related to parasitic infections in HSCT patients. The epidemiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and treatment approaches for each infection were evaluated.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION
Knowing the epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical presentations are crucial for timely intervention and successful management. By emphasizing early detection, effective therapies, and the unique challenges posed by each of these infections, this review highlights the importance of tailored strategies for HSCT recipients. Future research can further refine management protocols to enhance care and outcomes for these patients.
Topics: Humans; Cryptosporidiosis; Cryptosporidium; Parasitic Diseases; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Immunosuppression Therapy; Transplant Recipients
PubMed: 37793057
DOI: 10.1111/tid.14160 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2019Parasitic diseases cause significant morbidity and mortality in the developing and underdeveloped countries. No efficacious vaccines are available against most parasitic... (Review)
Review
Parasitic diseases cause significant morbidity and mortality in the developing and underdeveloped countries. No efficacious vaccines are available against most parasitic diseases and there is a critical need for developing novel vaccine strategies for care. IL-21 is a pleiotropic cytokine whose functions in protection and immunopathology during parasitic diseases have been explored in limited ways. IL-21 and its cognate receptor, IL-21R, are highly expressed in parasitized organs of infected humans as well in murine models of the human parasitic diseases. Prior studies have indicated the ability of the IL-21/IL-21R signaling axis to regulate the effector functions (e.g., cytokine production) of T cell subsets by enhancing the expression of T-bet and STAT4 in human T cells, resulting in an augmented production of IFN-γ. Mice deficient for either IL-21 () or IL-21R () showed significantly reduced inflammatory responses following parasitic infections as compared with their WT counterparts. Targeting the IL-21/IL-21R signaling axis may provide a novel approach for the development of new therapeutic agents for the prevention of parasite-induced immunopathology and tissue destruction.
Topics: Animals; Disease Susceptibility; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Immunity; Inflammation; Interleukin-21 Receptor alpha Subunit; Interleukins; Parasitic Diseases; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 31867283
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00401 -
Tropical Animal Health and Production Oct 2021Proper health management is essential for productivity in duck farming. However, there is limited information on the effect of management conditions on rates of...
Proper health management is essential for productivity in duck farming. However, there is limited information on the effect of management conditions on rates of metabolic problems and parasitic infections in anatids. We evaluated the rates of metabolic syndromes and gastrointestinal parasite involvement in Muscovy ducks up to 12 weeks of age, under 3 management conditions: backyard, organized, and organized with probiotics. Individuals under organized management developed 2 metabolic problems: ascites, which was rare (3.5%), fatal, and affected both males and females, and angel wing syndrome, which was more frequent (10.6%), has low impact on general health, and only affected males. The treatments do not have a significant effect on the development of ascites, but only individuals in controlled conditions presented this syndrome, and due to its low prevalence, further studies with a larger sample size are required. The risk of angel wing syndrome increased significantly with probiotic supplementation. Regarding to parasitic infection, the improvement of sanitary management and the use of probiotics supplementation reduced the occurrence of coccidiosis. Similarly organized management with probiotic supplementation showed a protective effect on helminthiasis by reducing the frequency of Heterakis gallinarum and greatly reducing the helminth egg load. Coccidiosis and helminthiasis infections were not significantly correlated with the final weight of the ducks. Therefore, organized management and the use of probiotics seems to reduce the impact of parasitic infection, although it increases the risk of developing metabolic syndrome.
Topics: Animals; Coccidiosis; Communicable Diseases; Ducks; Female; Male; Metabolic Syndrome; Parasitic Diseases
PubMed: 34599403
DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02944-4 -
Acta Tropica Dec 2019China was once a country plagued by parasitic diseases. At the beginning of the founding of the People's Republic of China, nearly 80% of the population suffered from... (Review)
Review
China was once a country plagued by parasitic diseases. At the beginning of the founding of the People's Republic of China, nearly 80% of the population suffered from parasitic diseases because of poverty and poor sanitary conditions. After nearly 70 years of development, China has made remarkable achievements in the prevention and control of parasitic diseases, and the prevalence of parasitic diseases has been greatly reduced. In addition to organizational leadership from the government and various preventive measures, drug treatment and drug research & development are important and irreplaceable links in prevention and control work. Since the 1950s, China has begun to introduce, produce and imitate antiparasitic drugs from abroad, such as santonin, benzimidazole, and praziquantel. Chinese scientists have also contributed to the optimization of production techniques, improvements in drug formulation, the application in the clinic and the mechanisms of actions of generic drugs. At the same time, China has independently developed tribendimidine (TrBD, a broad spectrum anthelminthic), and its anthelminthic spectrum has been comprehensively studied. It is active against almost 20 parasites, is especially superior to benzimidazoles against Necator americanus, and surpasses the effectiveness of praziquantel against Clonorchis sinensis. In the treatment of tapeworm disease, the traditional Chinese medicines pumpkin seeds and betel nuts have good curative effects for taeniasis. Chinese scientists have explored the action modes and clinical administration methods of pumpkin seeds and betel nuts, which is still the main clinical regimen for the disease. This paper reviews the history and progress of the study of anthelmintics in intestinal helminth infections since the founding of the People's Republic of China and aiming to support clinicians and drug researchers in China and other countries.
Topics: Animals; Anthelmintics; Cestode Infections; China; Clonorchis sinensis; Helminthiasis; History, 20th Century; History, 21st Century; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Parasitic Diseases; Phenylenediamines; Praziquantel; Taeniasis
PubMed: 31542370
DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105181