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PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Feb 2015Toxoplasmosis is an important, widespread, parasitic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii. The chronic infection in immunocompetent patients, usually considered as... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Toxoplasmosis is an important, widespread, parasitic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii. The chronic infection in immunocompetent patients, usually considered as asymptomatic, is now suspected to be a risk factor for various neurological disorders, including epilepsy. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available literature to estimate the risk of epilepsy due to toxoplasmosis.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted of several databases and journals to identify studies published in English or French, without date restriction, which looked at toxoplasmosis (as exposure) and epilepsy (as disease) and met certain other inclusion criteria. The search was based on keywords and suitable combinations in English and French. Fixed and random effects models were used to determine odds ratios, and statistical significance was set at 5.0%.
PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
Six studies were identified, with an estimated total of 2888 subjects, of whom 1280 had epilepsy (477 positive for toxoplasmosis) and 1608 did not (503 positive for toxoplasmosis). The common odds ratio (calculated) by random effects model was 2.25 (95% CI 1.27-3.9), p = 0.005.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the limited number of studies, and a lack of high-quality data, toxoplasmosis should continue to be regarded as an epilepsy risk factor. More and better studies are needed to determine the real impact of this parasite on the occurrence of epilepsy.
Topics: Chronic Disease; Epilepsy; Humans; Middle Aged; Odds Ratio; Risk Factors; Toxoplasma; Toxoplasmosis
PubMed: 25695802
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003525 -
European Journal of Neurology Dec 2021According to the hygiene hypothesis, infections by agents such as parasites have a protective role against the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). Among... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
According to the hygiene hypothesis, infections by agents such as parasites have a protective role against the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). Among parasites, Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular parasite, showed evidence of a protective effect. This study was undertaken to summarize the available evidence on the association between T. gondii infection and MS.
METHODS
A systematic review of all the available articles published up to November 2020 has been conducted independently by two investigators in the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Lissa, and SciELO. The association between T. gondii infection and MS has been pooled with a random effects model.
RESULTS
From 562 articles, seven were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis for a global population of 752 MS cases and 1282 controls. T. gondii infection was associated with MS with a pooled odds ratio of 0.68 (95% confidence interval = 0.50-0.93).
CONCLUSIONS
The available evidence supports the hypothesis that T. gondii infection represents a protective factor against the development of MS.
Topics: Antibodies, Protozoan; Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Risk Factors; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Toxoplasma; Toxoplasmosis
PubMed: 34374174
DOI: 10.1111/ene.15055 -
Microbial Pathogenesis Oct 2020Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a foodborne parasite that is investigated in many psychiatric diseases, such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Therefore, a systematic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a foodborne parasite that is investigated in many psychiatric diseases, such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Therefore, a systematic literature review was conducted searching seven electronic databases on the prevalence of T. gondii antibodies among autism patients. The current study involved sensitivity analysis, meta-regression, subgroup analysis, publication bias test, and quality assessment of studies. On the basis of the findings, the odds ratio (OR) of latent Toxoplasma infection 1.93 (95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.01-3.66) was associated with ASD risk. However, there was no relationship between acute infection and ASD 0.39 (95% CI: 0.18-0.87). The obtained results of Begg's and Egger's tests showed no publication bias (P = 0.851 and P = 0.297, respectively). The sensitivity analysis confirmed robust and stable estimates with a significant level of heterogeneity (I = 78.1%, P < 0.000). Of the investigated patients' characteristics, only the gender variable was analyzed, indicating the combined ORs of 2.63 (95% CI: 0.29-23.63) in females and 2.62 (95% CI: 0.94-7.30) in male participants. This study showed that toxoplasmosis plays an important role as a risk factor for autism. However, further prospective investigations are highly recommended to illuminate the developmental pathways to this disorder and provide new strategies for the prevention and treatment of this disease.
Topics: Antibodies, Protozoan; Autistic Disorder; Female; Humans; Male; Odds Ratio; Risk Factors; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Toxoplasma; Toxoplasmosis
PubMed: 32777351
DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104434 -
Parasitology Research Apr 2017Cryptosporidiosis caused by Cryptosporidium spp. is an important parasitic disease that can be life-threatening for children and immunocompromised patients. This... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Cryptosporidiosis caused by Cryptosporidium spp. is an important parasitic disease that can be life-threatening for children and immunocompromised patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis was designed to determine the prevalence rate of Cryptosporidium infection and related risk factors among the Iranian general population. We searched electronic databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Proquest for articles in English and SID, Magiran, IranMedex, and IranDoc for articles in Persian. Out of 4816 studies identified in the electronic search, 94 articles were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The prevalence rate of cryptosporidiosis by using the random effect model among children, healthy people, and gastroenteritis and immunocompromised patients in Iran was estimated as 3.65, 2.94, 1.29, and 4.54%, respectively. Findings of a phylogenetic analysis inferred by gp60 and 18S ribosomal RNA markers indicated that most of the infection rate belonged to C. parvum (particularly subtype IIaA15G2R1) and C. hominis among understudied groups. The present study is the first systematic review and meta-analysis providing a comprehensive view of the prevalence of human cryptosporidiosis and its related risk factors in Iran. It seems that the awareness of Cryptosporidium prevalence, risk factors, and disease complications may be required for developing effective strategies to prevent infection.
Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Animals; Child; Child, Preschool; Cryptosporidiosis; Cryptosporidium; Databases, Factual; Female; Gastroenteritis; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Iran; Male; Middle Aged; Phylogeny; Prevalence; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S; Risk Factors; Sialoglycoproteins; Young Adult
PubMed: 28110441
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5376-3 -
Journal of Psychiatric Research Sep 2022The relationship between toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection and bipolar disorder (BD) is poorly understood. This review explores this relationship by estimating the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The relationship between toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection and bipolar disorder (BD) is poorly understood. This review explores this relationship by estimating the strength of the association between the two conditions using data from published studies.
METHODS
Following PRISMA guidelines, we performed a review and meta-analysis of published articles obtained from a systematic search of PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE and the Cochrane library up to January 10th, 2021. We included observational studies that compared seroprevalence of IgG class antibodies against T. gondii in patients with a diagnosis of BD with healthy controls. We excluded studies that included <10 participants in each study arm and patients with a serious concomitant medical illness. Discrepancies between the two independent researchers were resolved by consulting a third experienced researcher. Summary data were extracted from published reports. Analysis was conducted using both fixed-effects and random-effects models. The study is registered with PROSPERO number CRD42021237809.
FINDINGS
The search yielded 23 independent studies with a total of 12690 participants (4021 with BD and 8669 controls). Persons with BD had a greater odd of seropositivity with toxoplasmosis than controls, both in the fixed-effects model (OR = 1.34 [95%CI: 1.19 to 1.51]) and the random-effects model (OR = 1.69 [95%CI: 1.21 to 2.36]). No publication bias was detected but reported results showed a high heterogeneity (I2 = 84% [95%CI:77%-89%]).
INTERPRETATION
The findings support the relationship between toxoplasmosis infection and BD and suggests a need for studies designed to explore possible causal relationship. Such studies may also improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of BD and open other avenues for its treatment.
FUNDING
P.O.R. Sardegna F.S.E. 2014-2020.
Topics: Antibodies, Protozoan; Bipolar Disorder; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Risk Factors; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Toxoplasma; Toxoplasmosis
PubMed: 35870353
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.07.013 -
PloS One 2023Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common infections in humans and animals, which is caused by an obligate intracellular opportunistic parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common infections in humans and animals, which is caused by an obligate intracellular opportunistic parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). Some data have shown that both Rhesus (Rh)-positive and Rh-negative individuals differ in response to biological factors, including Toxoplasma infection. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the scientific evidence regarding the possible association between the Rh blood group and Toxoplasma infection and to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii in the Rh blood group system.
METHODS
The research was conducted on PubMed, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases until January 2023. Twenty-one cross-sectional studies were included with a total of 10910 people. The data were synthesized using a random effect model with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
The overall prevalence of T. gondii was calculated at 32.34% (CI 95%: 28.23-36.45%) and 33.35% (CI 95%: 19.73-46.96%) in Rh-positive and Rh-negative blood groups. In addition, the pooled OR for the relationship between the Rh blood group and the seroprevalence of T. gondii was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.72-1.28).
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis showed a high prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in both Rh-negative and positive blood groups. This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that no significant association was found between toxoplasmosis and Rh factor. Because of the limited number of studies in this field, more research is recommended to determine the exact relationship between toxoplasmosis and the Rh factor.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Toxoplasma; Rh-Hr Blood-Group System; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Antibodies, Protozoan; Toxoplasmosis; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37406027
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287992 -
Clinical Infectious Diseases : An... Nov 2018The microbiome influences malaria parasite fitness and transmission efficiency in mosquitoes and appears to affect malaria dynamics in mammalian hosts as well. Nascent...
BACKGROUND
The microbiome influences malaria parasite fitness and transmission efficiency in mosquitoes and appears to affect malaria dynamics in mammalian hosts as well. Nascent research examining the interrelationship of malaria and the mammalian microbiome has yielded interesting insights inviting further study.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of the literature examining associations between the microbiome and malaria in mammalian hosts. An electronic search algorithm was adapted to PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science, and reference lists of relevant sources were manually searched. Identified studies were screened and assessed independently by 2 authors, and results were compiled in a qualitative synthesis of the evidence.
RESULTS
Ten relevant studies were identified. They demonstrate associations between certain intestinal communities and protection against Plasmodium infection and modulation of disease severity. Plasmodium infection acutely and reversibly reshapes gut microbial composition in mice. The makeup of human skin microbial communities may influence mosquito attraction and thus disease transmission.
CONCLUSIONS
Early research supports a relationship between malaria and the microbiome. The evidence is incomplete, but the observed associations are evocative and signal a promising avenue of inquiry. Microbiome-based studies of malaria can be readily integrated into field-based research.
Topics: Animals; Culicidae; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Host-Parasite Interactions; Humans; Malaria; Mice; Microbiota; Plasmodium; Skin
PubMed: 29701835
DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy374 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2023Interest in host epigenetic changes during apicomplexan infections increased in the last decade, mainly due to the emergence of new therapies directed to these... (Review)
Review
Interest in host epigenetic changes during apicomplexan infections increased in the last decade, mainly due to the emergence of new therapies directed to these alterations. This review aims to carry out a bibliometric analysis of the publications related to host epigenetic changes during apicomplexan infections and to summarize the main studied pathways in this context, pointing out those that represent putative drug targets. We used four databases for the article search. After screening, 116 studies were included. The bibliometric analysis revealed that the USA and China had the highest number of relevant publications. The evaluation of the selected studies revealed that was considered in most of the studies, non-coding RNA was the most frequently reported epigenetic event, and host defense was the most explored pathway. These findings were reinforced by an analysis of the co-occurrence of keywords. Even though we present putative targets for repurposing epidrugs and ncRNA-based drugs in apicomplexan infections, we understand that more detailed knowledge of the hosts' epigenetic pathways is still needed before establishing a definitive drug target.
PubMed: 36839571
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020299 -
Current Drug Discovery Technologies 2022Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a popular spice containing curcumin that is responsible for its therapeutic effects. Curcumin with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a popular spice containing curcumin that is responsible for its therapeutic effects. Curcumin with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and antimicrobial activities has led to a lot of research focusing on it over the years. This systematic review aimed to evaluate research on the anti-Plasmodium berghei activity of curcumin and its derivatives.
METHODS
Our study was performed according to PRISMA guidelines and was recorded in the database of a systematic review and preclinical meta-analysis of CAMARADESNC3Rs (SyRF). The search was performed in five databases, namely Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Google Scholar, from 2010 to 2020. The following keywords were searched: "Plasmodium berghei", "Medicinal Plants", "Curcumin", "Concentration", Animals kind", "Treatment Durations", "Routes of Administration" and "in vivo".
RESULTS
Of the 3,500 papers initially obtained, 14 articles were reliable and were thus scrutinized. Animal models were included in all studies. The most commonly used animal strain was Albino (43%), followed by C57BL/6 (22%). The other studies used various murine strains, including BALB/c (14%) and ICR (7%). Two (14%) studies did not mention the strain of animal model used. Curcumin alone or in combination with other compounds depending on the dose used, route of administration, and animal model showed a moderate to strong anti-Plasmodium berghei effect.
CONCLUSION
According to the studies, curcumin has anti-malarial effects on Plasmodium berghei, and, however, its effect on human Plasmodium is unclear. Due to the side effects and drug resistance of current drugs in the treatment of human malaria, the use of new compounds with few or no side effects, such as curcumin, is recommended as an alternative or complementary treatment.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antimalarials; Curcumin; Malaria; Mice; Plasmodium berghei
PubMed: 35293297
DOI: 10.2174/1570163819666220315140736 -
The Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary... Apr 2015Toxoplasma gondii is a cosmopolitan zoonotic intracellular coccidian of the phylum Apicomplexa infecting warm-blooded animals and human beings. This protozoan causes a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Toxoplasma gondii is a cosmopolitan zoonotic intracellular coccidian of the phylum Apicomplexa infecting warm-blooded animals and human beings. This protozoan causes a significant public health problem in humans and imposes considerable economic losses and damages to husbandry industries. The final host, cats, accounts for all of these significant burdens. Hence the present study was designed to analyse and review the overall prevalence rate of T. gondii infection in cats in Iran for the first time. In the present study data collection (published and unpublished papers, abstracts of proceedings of national parasitology congresses and dissertations) was systematically undertaken on electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Ebsco, Science Direct, Scopus, Magiran, Irandoc, IranMedex and Scientific Information Database. A total of 21 studies from 1975 to 2013 reporting prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in cats from different areas in Iran met the eligibility criteria. The pooled proportion of toxoplasmosis using the random-effect model amongst cats was estimated at 33.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 22.05-46.41). The prevalence rate of cat toxoplasmosis in various regions of Iran ranged from 1.2% to 89.2%. Firstly, this study establishes a crude prevalence rate of T. gondii infection in cats. Secondly, it discusses the role of significant risk factors including sex, age and being either household or stray cats, in the epidemiology of the disease. Furthermore, the current study determines gaps and drawbacks in the prior studies that are useful to keep in mind to assist in designing more accurate investigations in future.
Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Iran; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Toxoplasmosis, Animal
PubMed: 26017063
DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v82i1.823