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Parasite (Paris, France) 2021The genus Entamoeba includes a variety of widely distributed species adapted to live in the digestive tracts of humans and a large variety of animals of different... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The genus Entamoeba includes a variety of widely distributed species adapted to live in the digestive tracts of humans and a large variety of animals of different classes. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence, distribution, and molecular epidemiology of Entamoeba spp. in different classes of hosts in Brazil. Studies that analyzed hosts from several classes, including humans and domestic, wild, or captive animals, were considered. The pooled prevalence of Entamoeba spp. was calculated using the random-effects model. A total of 166 studies on humans and 16 on animals were included. The prevalence of Entamoeba spp. in the Brazilian population was 22% (95% CI: 21-24). The state with the highest prevalence was Paraiba with 72%, followed by Federal District with 53%, and Rondonia with 50%. In immunocompromized patients, the prevalence was 18%, and cancer (36%) was the most prevalent cause of immunosuppression. The prevalence of Entamoeba spp. in animal hosts was 12% (95% CI: 7-17). Captive wild animals and domestic farm animals showed the highest prevalence, with 16% and 15%, respectively. The species found more often were E. coli (86.5%), E. dispar (7.9%), and E. histolytica (3.1%). In conclusion, a high prevalence (22%) of Entamoeba spp. was found in the Brazilian population, with a prevalence of up to 50% mainly in the northern, northeastern, and central-western regions. The pathogenic species E. histolytica is distributed in most Brazilian regions, with significant prevalence percentages. Among animals, unidentified Entamoeba species were most prevalent in mammals.
Topics: Animals; Brazil; Entamoeba; Entamoeba histolytica; Entamoebiasis; Escherichia coli; Feces; Humans; Prevalence
PubMed: 33812449
DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2021028 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Feb 2022Parasitic infections, especially intestinal protozoan parasites (IPPs) remain a significant public health issue in Africa, where many conditions favour the transmission... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Parasitic infections, especially intestinal protozoan parasites (IPPs) remain a significant public health issue in Africa, where many conditions favour the transmission and children are the primary victims. This systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out with the objective of assessing the prevalence of IPPs among school children in Africa.
METHODS
Relevant studies published between January 2000 and December 2020 were identified by systematic online search on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Scopus databases without language restriction. Pooled prevalence was estimated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity of studies were assessed using Cochrane Q test and I2 test, while publication bias was evaluated using Egger's test.
RESULTS
Of the 1,645 articles identified through our searches, 46 cross-sectional studies matched our inclusion criteria, reported data from 29,968 school children of Africa. The pooled prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites amongst African school children was 25.8% (95% CI: 21.2%-30.3%) with E. histolytica/ dispar (13.3%; 95% CI: 10.9%-15.9%) and Giardia spp. (12%; 95% CI: 9.8%-14.3%) were the most predominant pathogenic parasites amongst the study participants. While E. coli was the most common non-pathogenic protozoa (17.1%; 95% CI: 10.9%-23.2%).
CONCLUSIONS
This study revealed a relatively high prevalence of IPPs in school children, especially in northern and western Africa. Thus, poverty reduction, improvement of sanitation and hygiene and attention to preventive control measures will be the key to reducing protozoan parasite transmission.
Topics: Adolescent; Africa; Animals; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Cryptosporidium; Entamoeba; Female; Giardia; Humans; Hygiene; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Male; Parasites; Students
PubMed: 35148325
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009971 -
Microbial Pathogenesis Jan 2022The possible role of Blastocystis sp. and Giardia lamblia infections in the development of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has long been controversial. In this study, we... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The possible role of Blastocystis sp. and Giardia lamblia infections in the development of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has long been controversial. In this study, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate whether these protozoan infections are associated with IBS development. We systematically searched international databases for all studies that reported these protozoa in IBS patients published by May 10, 2021. Studies were included in the review if they were observational studies with confirmed patients with IBS (in case-control and cross-sectional studies) or parasitic infections (cohort studies) with an appropriate control group. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using a random-effects meta-analysis model for included studies. A total of 32 papers (42 datasets), including 29 papers (31 datasets) for Blastocystis sp./IBS and 11 papers (11 datasets) for G. lamblia/IBS met the eligibility criteria. Our results indicated that the individuals with Blastocystis sp. infection were significantly at a higher risk of IBS development (OR, 1.78; 95%CI, 1.29-2.44). Moreover, cohort studies indicated a significant positive association between G. lamblia infection and IBS risk (OR, 5.47; 95%CI, 4.23-7.08); while an increasing but no statistically significant risk was observed in case-control studies (OR, 1.19; 95%CI, 0.75-1.87). Our findings suggested that Blastocystis sp. and G. lamblia infections are associated with the increased risk of developing IBS. Despite these results, further studies are needed to determine the effect of these protozoa on IBS development.
Topics: Blastocystis; Cross-Sectional Studies; Giardia lamblia; Giardiasis; Humans; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Prevalence
PubMed: 34592369
DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105215 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Apr 2024The oral cavity is a habitat to a diverse range of organisms that make up an essential element of the human microbiota. There are up to 1000 species of micro-organisms... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The oral cavity is a habitat to a diverse range of organisms that make up an essential element of the human microbiota. There are up to 1000 species of micro-organisms capable of colonizing the mouth. Thirty percent of them are uncultivable. The genus Entamoeba includes several species, out of which at least seven of them are able to inhabit the human body (, , , , , , ). It was shown that only is able to colonize the oral cavity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association and prevalence of in periodontal disease using two electronic database search engines. In order to have a broader view of the subject, a comprehensive manual search was conducted between 15th February 2023 and 1 April 2023 on these content aggregators and the initial search resulted in 277 articles using the keywords "", "periodontitis", "", "periodontal disease", "prevalence", and "incidence", in different combinations. The results showed that 755 patients were infected with out of a total number of 1729 patients diagnosed with periodontal disease, indicating a global prevalence of 43% in the set of patients analyzed. was prevalent in 58% of the patients that had gingivitis and in 44% of the patients with periodontitis. Prevalence of based on gender was 43% in female patients and 47% in male patients. The results indicate that the higher incidence of in people with periodontal disease compared to healthy people is more than just a sign of the disease; it could also be linked to the severity of the condition and the disease propensity to progress.
Topics: Humans; Entamoeba; Periodontal Diseases; Entamoebiasis; Prevalence; Female; Male
PubMed: 38792919
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60050736 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Apr 2009Entamoeba histolytica infection is common in developing countries, and up to 100,000 individuals with severe disease die every year. Adequate therapy for amoebic colitis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Entamoeba histolytica infection is common in developing countries, and up to 100,000 individuals with severe disease die every year. Adequate therapy for amoebic colitis is necessary to reduce the severity of illness, prevent development of complicated disease and extraintestinal spread, and decrease transmission.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate antiamoebic drugs for treating amoebic colitis.
SEARCH STRATEGY
In September 2008, we searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL (2008, Issue 3), MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, mRCT, and conference proceedings. We contacted individual researchers, organizations, and pharmaceutical companies, and checked reference lists.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized controlled trials of antiamoebic drugs given alone or in combination, compared with placebo or another antiamoebic drug for treating adults and children diagnosed with amoebic colitis.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently assessed the eligibility and methodological quality of trials, and extracted and analysed the data. We calculated clinical and parasitological failure rates, relapse, and adverse events as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), using a random-effects model. We determined statistical heterogeneity and explored possible sources of heterogeneity using subgroup analyses. We carried out sensitivity analysis using trial quality to assess the robustness of the results.
MAIN RESULTS
Thirty-seven trials, enrolling 4487 participants, met the inclusion criteria. Only one trial used adequate methods for randomization and allocation concealment, was blinded, and analysed all randomized participants. Only one trial used a E. histolytica stool antigen test. Tinidazole reduced clinical failure compared with metronidazole (RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.51; 477 participants, eight trials) and was associated with fewer adverse events. Compared with metronidazole, combination therapy resulted in fewer parasitological failures (RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.86; 720 participants, 3 trials).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Tinidazole is more effective in reducing clinical failure compared with metronidazole and has fewer associated adverse events. Combination drug therapy is more effective in reducing parasitological failure compared with metronidazole alone. However, these results are based on trials with poor methodological quality so there is uncertainty in these conclusions. Further trials of the efficacy of antiamoebic drugs, with better methodological quality, are recommended. More accurate tests to detect E. histolytica are needed, particularly in countries where concomitant infection with other bacteria and parasites is common.
Topics: Amebicides; Animals; Drug Therapy, Combination; Dysentery, Amebic; Entamoeba histolytica; Humans; Metronidazole; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Tinidazole
PubMed: 19370624
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006085.pub2 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jan 2019Infection with the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica is common in low- and middle-income countries, and up to 100,000 people with severe disease die every year. Adequate... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Infection with the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica is common in low- and middle-income countries, and up to 100,000 people with severe disease die every year. Adequate therapy for amoebic colitis is necessary to reduce illness, prevent development of complicated disease and extraintestinal spread, and decrease transmission.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate antiamoebic drugs for treating amoebic colitis.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the available literature up to 22 March 2018. We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, mRCT, and conference proceedings. We contacted individual researchers, organizations, and pharmaceutical companies, and we checked reference lists.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized controlled trials of antiamoebic drugs given alone or in combination, compared with placebo or another antiamoebic drug, for treating adults and children with a diagnosis of amoebic colitis.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed the eligibility and methodological quality of trials and extracted and analysed the data. We calculated clinical and parasitological failure rates and rates of relapse and adverse events as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), using a random-effects model. We determined statistical heterogeneity and explored possible sources of heterogeneity using subgroup analyses. We carried out sensitivity analysis by using trial quality to assess the robustness of reported results.
MAIN RESULTS
In total, 41 trials (4999 participants) met the inclusion criteria of this review. In this update, we added four trials to the 37 trials included in the first published review version. Thirty trials were published over 20 years ago. Only one trial used adequate methods of randomization and allocation concealment, was blinded, and analysed all randomized participants. Only one trial used an E histolytica stool antigen test, and two trials used amoebic culture.Tinidazole may be more effective than metronidazole for reducing clinical failure (RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.51; 477 participants, eight trials; low-certainty evidence) and is probably associated with fewer adverse events (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.92; 477 participants, 8 trials; moderate-certainty evidence). Compared with metronidazole, combination therapy may result in fewer parasitological failures (RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.86; 720 participants, 3 trials; low-certainty evidence), but we are uncertain which combination is more effective than another. Evidence is insufficient to allow conclusions regarding the efficacy of other antiamoebic drugs.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Compared with metronidazole, tinidazole may be more effective in reducing clinical failure and may be associated with fewer adverse events. Combination drug therapy may be more effective for reducing parasitological failure compared with metronidazole alone. However, these results are based mostly on small trials conducted over 20 years ago with a variety of poorly defined outcomes. Tests that detect E histolytica more accurately are needed, particularly in countries where concomitant infection with other bacteria and parasites is common.
Topics: Amebicides; Animals; Drug Therapy, Combination; Dysentery, Amebic; Entamoeba histolytica; Humans; Metronidazole; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Tinidazole
PubMed: 30624763
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006085.pub3 -
Klinika Oczna 2012To present new methods of diagnosis and treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To present new methods of diagnosis and treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Searching Medline base for articles in English publicated since 2006 till the beginning of 2011, describing the way and results of diagnosis and treatment Acanthamoeba keratitis. Publications include studies, reviews as well as case reports concerning discussed subject.
RESULTS
14 publications were found and used to present miscellaneous methods utilized nowadays to identify the reason of Acanthamoeba keratitis with simultaneous evaluations of its' sensitivity and specificity. The review comprises improvements of laboratory diagnosis as well as corneal imaging systems helpful to diagnose infectious keratitis. 17 publications were quoted to elaborate results of pharmacological protocols as well as surgical procedures of Acanthamoeba keratitis treatment. Outcomes of experimental investigations were also cited.
CONCLUSIONS
As none of presented methods of diagnosis and treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis have become a standardized guideline jet, still there is a great need to look for new ones.
Topics: Acanthamoeba; Acanthamoeba Keratitis; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Antiprotozoal Agents; Cornea; Humans; Keratoplasty, Penetrating; Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 23461162
DOI: No ID Found -
Parasites & Vectors Jan 2020Blastocystis sp. affects a wide variety of animals and is the most common protozoan in human fecal samples with potential pandemic distribution. In the present study, a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Blastocystis sp. affects a wide variety of animals and is the most common protozoan in human fecal samples with potential pandemic distribution. In the present study, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine the prevalence and distribution of Blastocystis sp. in different classes of hosts in Brazil.
METHODS
Studies that analyzed hosts of various classes, including humans, domestic animals, wild animals or captive animals, were considered. The pooled prevalence of Blastocystis sp. infection was estimated by random effects models.
RESULTS
For humans, similar prevalence rates were found for males (31.0%, 95% CI: 17.0-45.0%; weight 10%) and females (28.0%, 95% CI: 16.0-41.0%; weight 10%); the state of Mato Grosso do Sul showed the highest prevalence, with 41.0% positivity (95% CI: 36.0-46.0%; weight 2.9%). The prevalence among immunocompromised patients was 5.0% (95% CI: 3.0-7.0%; weight 10%), and the most common cause of immunosuppression was hemodialysis, with 23.0% (95% CI: 17.0-29.0%; weight 12.4%). Among classifications according to interaction with humans, wild and domestic animals presented values of 19.0% (95% CI: 7.0-31.0%; weight 42.6%) and 17.0% (95% CI: 13.0-21.0%; weight 29.6%), respectively. Among these animals, mammals (39.0%, 95% CI: 21.0-56.0%; weight 47.3%) and birds (18.0%, 95% CI: 10.0-27.0%; weight 39.3%) exhibited the highest prevalence. Phylogenetic analysis of Blastocystis sp. revealed greater genetic diversity for clades of subtypes (STs) ST1, ST2 and ST3.
CONCLUSIONS
The overall prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in the Brazilian human population was 24%, which reflects the reality in the South, Southeast and Midwest regions, where prevalence rates of up to 40% were found. Among animals, mammals and birds exhibited the highest prevalence.
Topics: Animals; Animals, Domestic; Animals, Wild; Animals, Zoo; Birds; Blastocystis; Blastocystis Infections; Brazil; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Mammals; Phylogeny; Prevalence
PubMed: 31937366
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-3900-2 -
Journal of Biological Regulators and... 2021Gingivitis and periodontitis (GP) are the main diseases of the oral cavity. The ethiology of GP have never been completely understood, however, loss of balance between...
Gingivitis and periodontitis (GP) are the main diseases of the oral cavity. The ethiology of GP have never been completely understood, however, loss of balance between the host immune system and the microbial virulence of GP pathogens may be considered the trigger of GP. In fact, the immune system, activated by microbiological agents, attacks the host and not the biofilm bacteria, causing the destruction of periodontal tissue, alveolar bone, and loss of teeth. Parasites may play an important role in the pathology of GP. The first studied and the most common parasite in the oral cavity is Entamoeba gingivalis. A possible link between E. gingivalis and GP has never been demonstrated completely, however E. gingivalis is infrequently found in people without GP. In addition, there is evidence that E. gingivalis could favour the onset and progression of GP. In conclusion, we can assert that E. gingivalis and GP may be correlated. This relationship can open new therapeutical approaches for treating GP, particularly in cases refractory to therapy.
Topics: Entamoeba; Gingivitis; Humans; Oral Health; Periodontitis; Porphyromonas gingivalis
PubMed: 33463142
DOI: No ID Found -
Parasitology Research Sep 2021Acanthamoeba spp. are among the most worldwide prevalent protozoa. It is the causative agent of a disease known as Acanthamoeba keratitis, a painful and severe... (Review)
Review
Acanthamoeba spp. are among the most worldwide prevalent protozoa. It is the causative agent of a disease known as Acanthamoeba keratitis, a painful and severe sight-threatening corneal infection that can lead to blindness. In recent years, the prevalence of Acanthamoeba keratitis has rapidly increased, growing its importance to human health. This systematic review aims to assess the distribution of Acanthamoeba sp. genotypes causing keratitis around the world, considering the sample collected type and the used identification method. Most of the cases were found in Asia and Europe. Not surprisingly, the T4 genotype was the most prevalent worldwide, followed by T3, T15, T11, and T5. Furthermore, the T4 genotype contains a higher number of species. Given the differences in pathology, susceptibility to treatment, and clinical outcome between distinct genotypes, it is essential to genotype isolates from Acanthamoeba keratitis cases to help to establish a better correlation between in vitro and in vivo activities, resulting in better drug therapies and successful treatment in cases of this important ocular infection.
Topics: Acanthamoeba; Acanthamoeba Keratitis; Cornea; Genotype; Humans
PubMed: 34351492
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07261-1