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Veterinary Medicine and Science Nov 2021Food handlers regardless of whether preparing or serving food, play key roles in the transmission of food-borne infections. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Food handlers regardless of whether preparing or serving food, play key roles in the transmission of food-borne infections. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in food handlers in Iran. In the present study, a comprehensive literature search was carried out in electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Magiran, Scientific Information Database (SID), Iran Medex and Iran Doc, to identify all the published studies from 2000 to 31st April 2019. A total of 25 articles from different regions of Iran were identified and fulfilled our eligibility criteria. Totally, 140,447 cases were examined and 1163 cases were infected with intestinal parasites. Of all cases, 19,516 were male and 5901 were female with 1163 and 652 infected cases, respectively. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was evaluated 14.0% [95% CI: 11.0-17.0%]. It is revealed that protozoan, such as Giardia lamblia, with prevalence of 41.0% [95% CI: 25.0-59.0%], Blastosystis hominis with 28.0% [95% CI: 15.0-44.0%] and Entamoeba coli with 22.0% [95% CI: 16.0-29.0%] had the highest prevalence while, Dientamoeba fragilis 5.0% [95% CI: 4.0-7.0%], Iodamoeba bütschlii 5.0% [95% CI: 2.0-8.0%], Chilomastix mesnili 5.0% [95% CI: 2.0-9.0%] and Endolimax nana with 3.0% [95% CI: 1.0-7.0%], were less prevalent. Infection with Ascaris lumbricoides7.0% [95% CI: 0.0-29.0%] was more prevalent helminth followed with Enterobius vermicularis 3.0% [95% CI: 1.0-5.0%], Hymenolepis nana 2.0% [95% CI: 1.0-3.0%], Taenia spp. 2.0% [95% CI: 0.0-7.0%] and Trichuris trichiura 1.0% [95% CI: 0.0-1.0%]. The high prevalence of commensal parasites, such as Entamoeba coli, which does not need cure is indicating the importance of personal hygiene in food handlers. Our results revealed the high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in food handlers in Iran. Monitoring programs to prevent and controlling of transmission to individuals are needed.
Topics: Animals; Feces; Female; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Iran; Male; Prevalence
PubMed: 34358411
DOI: 10.1002/vms3.590 -
International Journal of Immunogenetics Jun 2020The CCR5 molecule was reported in 1996 as the main HIV-1 co-receptor. In that same year, the CCR5Δ32 genetic variant was described as a strong protective factor against... (Review)
Review
The CCR5 molecule was reported in 1996 as the main HIV-1 co-receptor. In that same year, the CCR5Δ32 genetic variant was described as a strong protective factor against HIV-1 infection. These findings led to extensive research regarding the CCR5, culminating in critical scientific advances, such as the development of CCR5 inhibitors for the treatment of HIV infection. Recently, the research landscape surrounding CCR5 has begun to change. Different research groups have realized that, since CCR5 has such important effects in the chemokine system, it could also affect other different physiological systems. Therefore, the effect of reduced CCR5 expression due to the presence of the CCR5Δ32 variant began to be further studied. Several studies have investigated the role of CCR5 and the impacts of CCR5Δ32 on autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, various types of cancer, and viral diseases. However, the role of CCR5 in diseases caused by bacteria and parasites is still poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this article is to review the role of CCR5 and the effects of CCR5Δ32 on bacterial (brucellosis, osteomyelitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis and infection by Chlamydia trachomatis) and parasitic infections (toxoplasmosis, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease and schistosomiasis). Basic information about each of these infections was also addressed. The neglected role of CCR5 in fungal disease and emerging studies regarding the action of CCR5 on regulatory T cells are briefly covered in this review. Considering the "renaissance of CCR5 research," this article is useful for updating researchers who develop studies involving CCR5 and CCR5Δ32 in different infectious diseases.
Topics: Alleles; Bacterial Infections; Genotype; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Mutation; Parasitic Diseases; Receptors, CCR5
PubMed: 32212259
DOI: 10.1111/iji.12485 -
Acta Parasitologica Mar 2022Liquid biopsy refers to the sampling and molecular analysis of body fluids such as blood, saliva, and urine in contrast to conventional tissue biopsies. Liquid biopsy... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Liquid biopsy refers to the sampling and molecular analysis of body fluids such as blood, saliva, and urine in contrast to conventional tissue biopsies. Liquid biopsy approach can offer powerful non-invasive biomarkers (circulating markers) for diagnosis and monitoring treatment response of a variety of diseases, including parasitic infections.
METHODS
In this review, we concentrate on cell-free DNA (cfDNA), microRNA (miRNA), and exosomes in the published literature.
RESULTS
Considering the high prevalence and severity of parasitic infections worldwide, circulating biomarkers can provide a new insight into the diagnosis and prognosis of parasites in the near future. Moreover, identifying and characterizing parasite- or host-derived circulating markers are important for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of parasite infection and host-parasite relationship at the molecular level. Profiling of biomarkers for parasitic diseases is a promising potential field, though further studies and optimization strategies are required, both in vitro and in vivo.
CONCLUSION
In this review, we discuss three approaches in the liquid biopsy including circulating cfDNA, miRNAs, and exosomes for diagnosis and evaluation of parasites and summarize circulating biomarkers in non-invasive samples during parasitic infections.
Topics: Animals; Biomarkers; Cell-Free Nucleic Acids; Exosomes; Humans; Liquid Biopsy; MicroRNAs; Parasites; Parasitic Diseases
PubMed: 34176040
DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00444-x -
Revista Da Sociedade Brasileira de... 2023Enterobius vermicularis, an intestinal helminth, is transmitted through the ingestion of eggs found in food, water, dust, or other fomites, including infected... (Review)
Review
Enterobius vermicularis, an intestinal helminth, is transmitted through the ingestion of eggs found in food, water, dust, or other fomites, including infected individuals. This review aimed to examine the frequency and distribution of E. vermicularis infections in Brazil between 1991 and 2022. The conducted bibliographic survey revealed that the frequency of E. vermicularis infections in Brazil ranged from 0.1 to 26.1%, depending on factors such as population ethnicity, individual age group, geographic area, time frame, and diagnostic method. However, these findings were based on a limited number of publications, suggesting that the actual prevalence rates of E. vermicularis infection may still be unknown and potentially underestimated.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Enterobius; Brazil; Helminthiasis; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Prevalence; Enterobiasis
PubMed: 37792827
DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0073-2023 -
Nanoscale Oct 2021This study investigates if visceral leishmaniasis (VL) infection has some effects on the organ and cellular uptake and distribution of 100-200 nm near-infrared...
This study investigates if visceral leishmaniasis (VL) infection has some effects on the organ and cellular uptake and distribution of 100-200 nm near-infrared fluorescently labelled non-biodegradable polystyrene latex beads (PS NPs) or biodegradable polylactic--glycolic nanoparticles (PLGA NPs), as this parasitic infection produces morphological alterations in liver, spleen and bone marrow, organs highly involved in NP sequestration. The results showed that the magnitude of the effect was specific for each organ and type of NP. With the exception of the liver, the general trend was a decrease in NP organ and cellular uptake, mostly due to immune cell mobilization and/or weight organ gain, as vascular permeability was increased. Moreover, NPs redistributed among different phagocytic cells to adapt infection associated changes and cellular alterations. In the liver, it is noteworthy that only isolated Kuffer cells (KCs) captured NPs, whereas they were not taken up by KC forming granulomas. In the spleen, NPs redistributed from macrophages and dendritic cells towards B cells and inflammatory monocytes although they maintained their preferential accumulation in the marginal zone and red pulp. Comparatively, the infection rarely affected the NP cellular distribution in the bone marrow. NP cellular target changes in VL infection could affect their therapeutic efficacy and should be considered for more efficient drug delivery.
Topics: Biological Transport; Drug Carriers; Drug Delivery Systems; Humans; Monocytes; Nanoparticles; Parasitic Diseases
PubMed: 34651151
DOI: 10.1039/d1nr03797h -
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift... Jun 2022Parasites are a diverse group of pathogens; they range from unicellular protozoa (e. g. Giardia lamblia) to tapeworms that can grow several meters long. Parasites have... (Review)
Review
Parasites are a diverse group of pathogens; they range from unicellular protozoa (e. g. Giardia lamblia) to tapeworms that can grow several meters long. Parasites have adapted to humans over millions of years and cause a wide, colorful variety of diseases. Due to increasing travel and climate change, previously rare pathogens occur more frequently in patients in Germany.Often the history, clinical findings and imaging are suggestive of the causative parasite and the suspected diagnosis only needs to be confirmed with pathogen detection in order to initiate targeted therapy. Nonetheless, the diagnosis is often delayed due to lack of experience of attending clinicians with parasitic infections.In this review article we give an overview of the epidemiology, transmission, diagnosis and treatment of some of the most common parasitic infections that are endemic, or regularly imported to Germany. We also discuss current and future challenges in the diagnosis, treatment and control of these pathogens.
Topics: Animals; Germany; Humans; Parasites; Parasitic Diseases; Travel
PubMed: 35636420
DOI: 10.1055/a-1664-7518 -
Emerging Infectious Diseases Aug 2021Surveillance for soil-transmitted helminths, strongyloidiasis, cryptosporidiosis, and giardiasis was conducted in Mississippi, USA. PCR performed on 224 fecal samples...
Surveillance for soil-transmitted helminths, strongyloidiasis, cryptosporidiosis, and giardiasis was conducted in Mississippi, USA. PCR performed on 224 fecal samples for all soil-transmitted helminths and on 370 samples for only Necator americanus and Strongyloides stercoralis identified 1 S. stercoralis infection. Seroprevalences were 8.8% for Toxocara, 27.4% for Cryptosporidium, 5.7% for Giardia, and 0.2% for Strongyloides parasites.
Topics: Cryptosporidiosis; Cryptosporidium; Feces; Giardiasis; Humans; Mississippi; Parasitic Diseases
PubMed: 34287125
DOI: 10.3201/eid2708.204318 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2023In developing countries, the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection is still significant, particularly due to geographical and socioeconomic variables. The...
In developing countries, the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection is still significant, particularly due to geographical and socioeconomic variables. The objective of this study was to map the distribution pattern of intestinal parasitic infection in a cohort of the Egyptian population, as well as to assess associated risk factors. A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted on 386 patients. A single fecal specimen was collected from the study individual and examined microscopically for the detection of parasitic infection. DNA was extracted from all samples and utilized to amplify Entamoeba histolytica complex species, Cryptosporidium species, Giardia intestinalis assemblages, and Blastocystis species using PCRs. Typing of Cryptosporidium species and Giardia intestinalis assemblages was performed using restriction enzymes RasI and HaeIII respectively. While Blastocystis spp. subtypes (ST) were identified through sequencing of PCR products and phylogenetic analysis. 59.6% (230/386) of the study patients were infected with one or more intestinal parasites, 87.4%; 201/230 of patients had mono-parasitic infections, and 12.6%; 29/230 had multiple-parasitic infections (P < 0.0001). The predominant protozoa were Blastocystis, followed by Entamoeba histolytica complex, and Giardia intestinalis both as mono-parasites and as part of multiple parasites. Molecular assays showed that Blastocystis ST3, Entamoeba dispar, Giardia intestinalis assemblage B, and Cryptosporidium hominis were the most prevalent species. Intestinal parasitic infection was significantly associated with age, gender, residence, and water source. Multi-parasitism showed that residency in a rural area was a risk factor (OR 4.49; 95% CI 1.51-13.37; P = 0.007). Egyptians residing in rural areas have a high prevalence of intestinal multi-parasitism. Therefore, to lessen the prevalence and effects of these infections in this group, effective and sustainable control methods, providing health education focusing on good personal hygiene habits, and providing a safe drinking water supply should be implemented.
Topics: Humans; Cryptosporidiosis; Cross-Sectional Studies; Phylogeny; Egypt; Cryptosporidium; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Giardia lamblia; Blastocystis; Entamoeba histolytica
PubMed: 37340037
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36320-z -
Emerging Infectious Diseases Jun 2023Babesiosis is a globally distributed parasitic infection caused by intraerythrocytic protozoa. The full spectrum of neurologic symptoms, the underlying...
Babesiosis is a globally distributed parasitic infection caused by intraerythrocytic protozoa. The full spectrum of neurologic symptoms, the underlying neuropathophysiology, and neurologic risk factors are poorly understood. Our study sought to describe the type and frequency of neurologic complications of babesiosis in a group of hospitalized patients and assess risk factors that might predispose patients to neurologic complications. We reviewed medical records of adult patients who were admitted to Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, USA, during January 2011-October 2021 with laboratory-confirmed babesiosis. More than half of the 163 patients experienced >1 neurologic symptoms during their hospital admissions. The most frequent symptoms were headache, confusion/delirium, and impaired consciousness. Neurologic symptoms were associated with high-grade parasitemia, renal failure, and history of diabetes mellitus. Clinicians working in endemic areas should recognize the range of symptoms associated with babesiosis, including neurologic.
Topics: Adult; Humans; United States; Babesiosis; Babesia microti; Connecticut; Nervous System Diseases; Parasitemia
PubMed: 37209667
DOI: 10.3201/eid2906.221890 -
Trends in Molecular Medicine Dec 2019The mammalian immune system has evolved the capacity to detect and destroy tumor cells. Tumors utilize multiple strategies to evade host immune surveillance, including... (Review)
Review
The mammalian immune system has evolved the capacity to detect and destroy tumor cells. Tumors utilize multiple strategies to evade host immune surveillance, including the induction of the checkpoint molecules cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) to suppress antitumor immunity. Pharmacologic blockade of these molecules with checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) restores T cell function and prolongs survival in patients with various malignancies. Emerging evidence suggests that the same checkpoint pathways may play a crucial role during infections. Indeed, CPIs appear promising as immunotherapeutic agents in infectious diseases, although their efficacy varies depending on pathogen-, cell-, and organ-specific factors. More research will be necessary to clarify the effects and safety of CPIs on clinically relevant outcomes of human infection.
Topics: Animals; Bacterial Infections; CTLA-4 Antigen; Humans; Immunotherapy; Mycoses; Parasitic Diseases; Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor; T-Lymphocytes; Virus Diseases
PubMed: 31494023
DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2019.08.004