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Acta Parasitologica Mar 2024Piroplasmosis and anaplasmosis stand out as the primary diseases affecting livestock during periods of tick activity. These vector-borne diseases continue to emerge... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Piroplasmosis and anaplasmosis stand out as the primary diseases affecting livestock during periods of tick activity. These vector-borne diseases continue to emerge worldwide, exerting a detrimental impact on both animal health and national economies. The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of Piroplasma spp. and its co-occurrence with Anaplasma marginale in domestic ruminants in Algeria.
METHODS
Three databases were systematically reviewed to identify eligible studies for the final meta-analysis, following the PRISMA statement. The 'meta' package in the R software was employed for the meta-analysis with the random effects model chosen for data pooling.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis encompasses 14 research papers spanning a 19-year period (2004-2023). Theileria spp. was identified in all studies, covering 1675 cattle, 190 sheep, and 128 goats, yielding an overall Theileria infection rate of 45% (95% CI 26-65%). Specifically, cattle had a 59% infection rate, while sheep and goats had rates of 18% and 20%, respectively. Babesia spp. was found in nine studies, involving 1183 cattle and 190 sheep, resulting in an overall Babesia infection rate of 7% (95% CI 4-15%), with cattle and sheep having rates of 10% and 3%, respectively. Notably, eight Piroplasma species T. annulata, T. orientalis, T. buffeli, T. equi, Theileria sp., B. bovis, B. bigemina, and B. occultans were detected in cattle, with T. annulata being the most prevalent at 54%. Regional disparities and host factors also impacted infection rates, with higher rates in Northeastern Algeria and among suspected disease cattle. Additionally, gender, age, and breed influenced cattle susceptibility to Theileria infection. Furthermore, six distinct co-infections between Piroplasma spp. and A. marginale were observed, with T. annulata/A. marginale identified in six studies, demonstrating an 8.3% co-infection rate.
CONCLUSION
This analysis offers crucial insights into the current status of Piroplasmosis and its co-infection with A. marginale in Algerian domestic ruminants, providing valuable data for surveillance and prevention strategies.
Topics: Animals; Algeria; Anaplasmosis; Anaplasma marginale; Cattle; Babesiosis; Cattle Diseases; Coinfection; Babesia; Goats; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Goat Diseases; Prevalence; Theileriasis; Theileria
PubMed: 38157135
DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00768-w -
PLoS Medicine Jan 2010One of the criteria to objectively prioritize merozoite antigens for malaria vaccine development is the demonstration that naturally acquired antibodies are associated... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
One of the criteria to objectively prioritize merozoite antigens for malaria vaccine development is the demonstration that naturally acquired antibodies are associated with protection from malaria. However, published evidence of the protective effect of these antibodies is conflicting.
METHODS AND FINDINGS
We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies examining the association between anti-merozoite immunoglobin (Ig) G responses and incidence of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Two independent researchers searched six databases and identified 33 studies that met predefined inclusion and quality criteria, including a rigorous definition of symptomatic malaria. We found that only five studies were performed outside sub-Saharan Africa and that there was a deficiency in studies investigating antibodies to leading vaccine candidates merozoite surface protein (MSP)-1(42) and erythrocyte binding antigen (EBA)-175. Meta-analyses of most-studied antigens were conducted to obtain summary estimates of the association between antibodies and incidence of P. falciparum malaria. The largest effect was observed with IgG to MSP-3 C terminus and MSP-1(19) (responders versus nonresponders, 54%, 95% confidence interval [CI] [33%-68%] and 18% [4%-30%] relative reduction in risk, respectively) and there was evidence of a dose-response relationship. A tendency towards protective risk ratios (RR<1) was also observed for individual study estimates for apical membrane antigen (AMA)-1 and glutamate-rich protein (GLURP)-R0. Pooled estimates showed limited evidence of a protective effect for antibodies to MSP-1 N-terminal regions or MSP-1-EGF (epidermal growth factor-like modules). There was no significant evidence for the protective effect for MSP-2 (responders versus nonresponders pooled RR, MSP-2(FC27) 0.82, 95% CI 0.62-1.08, p = 0.16 and MSP-2(3D7) 0.92, 95% CI 0.75-1.13, p = 0.43). Heterogeneity, in terms of clinical and methodological diversity between studies, was an important issue in the meta-analysis of IgG responses to merozoite antigens.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings are valuable for advancing vaccine development by providing evidence supporting merozoite antigens as targets of protective immunity in humans, and to help identify antigens that confer protection from malaria. Further prospective cohort studies that include a larger number of lead antigens and populations outside Africa are greatly needed to ensure generalizability of results. The reporting of results needs to be standardized to maximize comparability of studies. We therefore propose a set of guidelines to facilitate the uniform reporting of malaria immuno-epidemiology observational studies. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.
Topics: Antibodies, Protozoan; Antigens, Protozoan; Drug Design; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Incidence; Malaria Vaccines; Malaria, Falciparum; Merozoites; Plasmodium falciparum; Protozoan Proteins
PubMed: 20098724
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1000218 -
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases Sep 2022When studying a vector-borne disease, an eco-epidemiological approach is vital for a comprehensive understanding of how the pathogen circulates amongst populations.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
When studying a vector-borne disease, an eco-epidemiological approach is vital for a comprehensive understanding of how the pathogen circulates amongst populations. Equine piroplasmosis (EP), a tick-borne disease caused by the protozoans Babesia caballi and Theileria equi, is endemic in the Mediterranean basin of Europe and causes both animal health and economic issues for the equine sector. With no vaccine available, defining the episystem of the disease can help to identify which components of the host-pathogen-vector-environment system to target to improve preventive measures. In this systematic literature review, we collected relevant data on the eco-epidemiology of EP in Europe. The 62 studies remaining after the selection procedure explored potential vectors, indicators of parasite circulation and putative risk factors of EP. Eight hard tick species were identified as potential vectors of one or both piroplasm species. Meta-analyses were then conducted on prevalence and seroprevalence data in equids in European countries, demonstrating an estimated seroprevalence of 30% and 8% and prevalence of 25% and 2% for T. equi and B. caballi, respectively. Finally, herd management practices and environmental risk factors analysed in studies showed no real consensus between studies, but revealed a general trend highlighting age and exposure to ticks as risk factors, and vaccination as a protective factor. Through this study, we point out that only a few studies have focused on disease management practices and even fewer have studied the effect of environmental parameters on equid infections. Further investigation in these areas is required to better characterize the eco-epidemiology of EP and risk factors associated with this disease.
Topics: Animals; Babesiosis; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Europe; Horse Diseases; Horses; Prevalence; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Theileria; Theileriasis; Ticks
PubMed: 34333863
DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14261 -
Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease 2020Standby emergency self-treatment (SBET) is often recommended as an anti-malaria strategy for travellers to low-risk endemic areas. This self-treatment enables competent... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Standby emergency self-treatment (SBET) is often recommended as an anti-malaria strategy for travellers to low-risk endemic areas. This self-treatment enables competent malaria therapy, if medical assistance is unavailable. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends performing reliable diagnostic tests before starting antimalarial treatment. For the self-diagnosis of malaria in travellers, rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) can be used to confirm the infection before SBET is used. The aim of this research is to assess the use of RDT and/or SBET in travellers.
METHODS
We searched the databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL) using terms and synonyms for 'self-diagnosis' and 'self-treatment' combined with 'malaria' and 'travel'. Articles in English, French and German were included. Potential articles were screened and extracted by two authors (KU and PS). Only original articles and case reports documenting the self-use of RDT and/or SBET in travellers were included. Data were extracted using a standardised approach. We defined 'correct use' of RDT and SBET. Data on number and performance of RDT and SBET use, as well as malaria verification were collected in an Excel table. Five meta-analyses were performed using a random effects model and calculating pooled proportions. This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42018108874).
RESULTS
The research resulted in 867 articles of possible relevance on RDT and 955 articles on SBET. After screening, a total of 4 articles on RDT use and 17 articles for SBET use in travellers were included in the systematic review. Most of the RDT were performed and interpreted properly by the travellers (pooled proportion 88%, 95% confidence interval (CI) from 64% to 97%), whereby the proportion of correct performance was increased after a pre-travel test run (97%). Major problems in the implementation such as pricking finger, placing blood drop, identifying lines and interpreting results could be discovered. We found data on 1025 SBET uses in studies of travellers to high-risk African countries. In these studies, the pooled proportion of SBET uses was 6% (95% CI from 2% to 13%). We found 545 SBET uses in studies of travellers to countries of mixed malaria risk. In these studies, the pooled proportion of SBET uses was 2% (95% CI from 1% to 7%). Furthermore, the evaluation showed a high proportion of correct SBET use (pooled proportion 69%, 95% CI from 35% to 90%). As a cause for incorrect use, errors in dosage (under- or overdose), disregard of minimal incubation period (< 7 days since first possible malaria exposure) and absence of fever were identified. Four cases of post-SBET severe adverse events were documented. In a third of travellers who used SBET, a Plasmodium spp. infection could be detected (pooled proportion 31%, 95% CI from 16% to 51%).
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that the majority of travellers were able to use RDT and SBET correctly. Standardised pre-travel instructions and specific training are indicated to increase the proportions of correct RDT and SBET use. With improved and user-friendly technology, RDT may become an integral part of SBET malaria recommendations for travellers. Combined use of RDT and SBET could be an appropriate strategy for selected subgroups of travellers to low-risk, remote malaria areas. Future research should focus on combined RDT and SBET strategies.
Topics: Antimalarials; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Emergency Treatment; Humans; Malaria; Plasmodium; Self Medication; Self-Examination; Travel; Travel-Related Illness
PubMed: 33132136
DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2020.101902 -
Acta Parasitologica Mar 2023Neosporosis is an important widespread parasitic infection caused by N. caninum. It infects a wide range of warm-blooded animals as intermediate hosts and dogs as the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
Neosporosis is an important widespread parasitic infection caused by N. caninum. It infects a wide range of warm-blooded animals as intermediate hosts and dogs as the definitive host. Nevertheless, there are a number of questions regarding the life cycle and epidemiological aspects of N. caninum. Also, the role of felids (domestic and non-domestic) in the life cycle of N. caninum has been little described. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the global prevalence of N. caninum in domestic and wild felids.
METHODS
PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect databases were searched for articles published on the prevalence of N. caninum in felids until Aprill 2, 2022 and the reference lists of retrieved articles were screened. A random-effects meta-analysis model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence and 95% confidence interval. Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using Cochran's Q and the I statistic.
RESULTS
After exclusion of irrelevant articles and duplication removal, 30 studies were eligible for quantitative analysis including 20 studies on domestic cats and 10 studies on wild felids. The overall prevalence of neosporosis infection in cats was 15% (95% CI 10-21%) that was significantly higher in wild felids (26%, 95% CI 13-38%) than in domestic cats (11%, 95% CI 6-16%) (P = 0.03). There was no significant difference in pooled prevalence between male and female domestic cats (P = 0.75). Regarding continent, the lowest prevalence of neosporosis infection was in Asia (9%, 95% CI 1-20%) and the highest was in North America (43.6%, 95% CI 33.9-53.2%) and Africa (18%, 95% CI 9-46%). Higher prevalence was obtained when using the NAT with 22% (95% CI 7-37%), compared to the IFAT (17%, 95% CI 9-24%) and ELISA (6%, 95% CI 2-9%) (P = 0.01).
CONCLUSION
The findings highlighted the importance of felids as potential intermediate hosts of neosporosis despite the fact that the source of the parasite for these animals was unknown. Further studies should be performed to investigate the role of this top predator (felids) in maintaining both domestic and sylvatic cycles of Neospora caninum.
Topics: Animals; Cats; Dogs; Male; Female; Neospora; Coccidiosis; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Animals, Domestic; Life Cycle Stages; Antibodies, Protozoan
PubMed: 36710305
DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00661-6 -
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases Sep 2022Toxoplasma gondii infection in wild marine mammals is a growing problem and is associated with adverse impacts on marine animal and public health. This systematic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of the global prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in wild marine mammals and associations with epidemiological variables.
Toxoplasma gondii infection in wild marine mammals is a growing problem and is associated with adverse impacts on marine animal and public health. This systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression estimates the global prevalence of T. gondii infection in wild marine mammals and analyses the association between T. gondii infection and epidemiological variables. PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data databases were searched until 30 May 2021. Eighty-four studies (n = 14,931 wild marine mammals from 15 families) were identified from literature. The overall pooled prevalence of T. gondii infection was 22.44% [3848/14,931; 95% confidence interval (CI): 17.29-28.04]. The prevalence in adult animals 21.88% (798/3119; 95% CI: 13.40-31.59) was higher than in the younger age groups. North America had a higher prevalence 29.92% (2756/9243; 95% CI: 21.77-38.77) compared with other continents. At the country level, the highest prevalence was found in Spain 44.26% (19/88; 95%CI: 5.21-88.54). Regarding climatic variables, the highest prevalence was found in areas with a mean annual temperature >20°C 36.28% (171/562; 95% CI: 6.36-73.61) and areas with an annual precipitation > 800 mm 26.92% (1341/5042; 95% CI: 18.20-36.59). The subgroup and meta-regression analyses showed that study-level covariates, including age, country, continent, and mean temperature, partly explained the between-study heterogeneity. Further studies are needed to investigate the source of terrestrial to aquatic dissemination of T. gondii oocysts, the fate of this parasite in marine habitat and its effects on wild marine mammals.
Topics: Animals; Caniformia; Cetacea; Oocysts; Prevalence; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Toxoplasma; Toxoplasmosis; Toxoplasmosis, Animal
PubMed: 35195942
DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14493 -
Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence among tuberculosis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Microbial Pathogenesis Oct 2021Toxoplasma gondii and Mycobacterium tuberculosis are intracellular pathogens, both infecting a substantial proportion of human population. We conducted a systematic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Toxoplasma gondii and Mycobacterium tuberculosis are intracellular pathogens, both infecting a substantial proportion of human population. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the pooled T. gondii seroprevalence in tuberculosis patients. Three international databases were systematically searched for literature on prevalence of T. gondii in tuberculosis patients. A total of 1389 documents were identified, and eight papers were eligible to be included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Geographical data gaps were evident, as no studies were identified from many countries where both infections are important. The pooled seroprevalence of IgG, IgM, and both IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii in tuberculosis patients were estimated to be 35.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 19.3-56.7%), 35.0% (95% CI, 3.0-90.3%), and 13.4% (95% CI, 2.4-49.0%), respectively. In the included case-control studies, the pooled T. gondii seroprevalence (proportion anti- T. gondii IgG antibody positive) was higher in tuberculosis patients than in their controls, with an odds ratio by random effects model of 1.63 (95% CI, 1.28-2.08). The results of our work suggest an association between T. gondii seropositivity and being a tuberculosis patient, which should however be interpreted with caution because the timeline of the infections and the disease process are not accounted for. Our work showed that T. gondii seropositivity, indicating chronic infection with the zoonotic parasite, was relatively common among tuberculosis patients.
Topics: Antibodies, Protozoan; Humans; Risk Factors; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Toxoplasma; Tuberculosis
PubMed: 34246749
DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105083 -
Parasites & Vectors Mar 2023Buffaloes are important contributors to the livestock economy in many countries, particularly in Asia, and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) commonly infect buffaloes, giving... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Buffaloes are important contributors to the livestock economy in many countries, particularly in Asia, and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) commonly infect buffaloes, giving rise to serious pathologies other than their zoonotic potential.
METHODS
The present investigation focuses on the prevalence of TBPs infecting buffaloes worldwide. All published global data on TBPs in buffaloes were collected from different databases (e.g., PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar) and subjected to various meta-analyses using OpenMeta[Analyst] software, and all analyses were conducted based on a 95% confidence interval.
RESULTS
Over 100 articles discussing the prevalence and species diversity of TBPs in buffaloes were retrieved. Most of these reports focused on water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis), whereas a few reports on TBPs in African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) had been published. The pooled global prevalence of the apicomplexan parasites Babesia and Theileria, as well as the bacterial pathogens Anaplasma, Coxiella burnetii, Borrelia, Bartonella, and Ehrlichia in addition to Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, were all evaluated based on the detection methods and 95% confidence intervals. Interestingly, no Rickettsia spp. were detected in buffaloes with scarce data. TBPs of buffaloes displayed a fairly high species diversity, which underlines the high infection risk to other animals, especially cattle. Babesia bovis, B. bigemina, B. orientalis, B. occultans and B. naoakii, Theileria annulata, T. orientalis complex (orientalis/sergenti/buffeli), T. parva, T. mutans, T. sinensis, T. velifera, T. lestoquardi-like, T. taurotragi, T. sp. (buffalo) and T. ovis, and Anaplasma marginale, A. centrale, A. platys, A. platys-like and "Candidatus Anaplasma boleense" were all were identified from naturally infected buffaloes.
CONCLUSIONS
Several important aspects were highlighted for the status of TBPs, which have serious economic implications for the buffalo as well as cattle industries, particularly in Asian and African countries, which should aid in the development and implementation of prevention and control methods for veterinary care practitioners, and animal owners.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Anaplasma; Babesiosis; Buffaloes; Cattle Diseases; Prevalence; Rickettsia; Theileria; Tick-Borne Diseases; Ticks
PubMed: 36998029
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05727-y -
International Journal of Infectious... Dec 2021Plasmodium falciparum gametocytaemia has been associated with anaemia. The aim of this review was to synthesize available evidence on the comparative effect of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Comparative effect of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine and artemether-lumefantrine on gametocyte clearance and haemoglobin recovery in children with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials.
BACKGROUND
Plasmodium falciparum gametocytaemia has been associated with anaemia. The aim of this review was to synthesize available evidence on the comparative effect of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PQ) and artemether-lumefantrine (AL) on gametocyte clearance and haemoglobin recovery in children with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in Africa.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was undertaken to identify relevant articles from online databases. The search was performed from August 2020 to 30 April 2021. Extracted data from eligible studies were pooled as risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI).
RESULTS
Gametocyte carriage was reduced in both treatment groups, with no significant difference found between the groups. However, on days 28 and 42, a significant increase in serum haemoglobin level from baseline was observed in the DHA-PQ group (standardized mean difference 0.15, 95% CI 0.05-0.26; participants=2715; studies=4; I32%, high quality of evidence) compared with the AL group (mean difference 0.35, 95% CI 0.12-0.59; participants=1434; studies=3; I=35%, high quality of evidence).
CONCLUSION
DHA-PQ had a greater impact on haemoglobin recovery than AL on days 28 and 42; this difference was significant.
Topics: Africa; Antimalarials; Artemether; Artemether, Lumefantrine Drug Combination; Artemisinins; Child; Drug Combinations; Fluorenes; Hemoglobins; Humans; Malaria, Falciparum; Plasmodium falciparum; Quinolines; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 34653658
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.10.013 -
The Lancet. Infectious Diseases Oct 2014Chloroquine is the first-line treatment for Plasmodium vivax malaria in most endemic countries, but resistance is increasing. Monitoring of antimalarial efficacy is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Chloroquine is the first-line treatment for Plasmodium vivax malaria in most endemic countries, but resistance is increasing. Monitoring of antimalarial efficacy is essential, but in P. vivax infections the assessment of treatment efficacy is confounded by relapse from the dormant liver stages. We systematically reviewed P. vivax malaria treatment efficacy studies to establish the global extent of chloroquine resistance.
METHODS
We searched Medline, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews to identify studies published in English between Jan 1, 1960, and April 30, 2014, which investigated antimalarial treatment efficacy in P. vivax malaria. We excluded studies that did not include supervised schizonticidal treatment without primaquine. We determined rates of chloroquine resistance according to P. vivax malaria recurrence rates by day 28 whole-blood chloroquine concentrations at the time of recurrence and study enrolment criteria.
FINDINGS
We identified 129 eligible clinical trials involving 21,694 patients at 179 study sites and 26 case reports describing 54 patients. Chloroquine resistance was present in 58 (53%) of 113 assessable study sites, spread across most countries that are endemic for P. vivax. Clearance of parasitaemia assessed by microscopy in 95% of patients by day 2, or all patients by day 3, was 100% predictive of chloroquine sensitivity.
INTERPRETATION
Heterogeneity of study design and analysis has confounded global surveillance of chloroquine-resistant P. vivax, which is now present across most countries endemic for P. vivax. Improved methods for monitoring of drug resistance are needed to inform antimalarial policy in these regions.
FUNDING
Wellcome Trust (UK).
Topics: Antimalarials; Chloroquine; Drug Resistance; Drug Therapy, Combination; Global Health; Humans; Malaria, Vivax; Plasmodium vivax; Recurrence; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 25213732
DOI: 10.1016/S1473-3099(14)70855-2