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The Science of the Total Environment Oct 2022It is recognised today that the global food system does not always deliver good nutrition for all human beings, and, additionally, dramatically contributes to climate... (Review)
Review
It is recognised today that the global food system does not always deliver good nutrition for all human beings, and, additionally, dramatically contributes to climate change, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss. In particular, the cereal sector threatens biodiversity and ecosystem functions, due to environmentally harmful farming activities, that critically alter climate conditions, along with energy, land, and water resources. According to this paper's authors' opinion, this supports the rationale of conducting a systematic literature review of Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) in the durum wheat (DW) sector, to highlight environmental hotspots and improvement potentials in the phases of cultivation and processing into finished products like pasta and bread. Methodological aspects were also discussed in this paper, to provide useful insights on how to best perform LCA in such agri-food supply chains. Given the findings from the papers reviewed, the authors could document that the cultivation phase is the primary environmental hotspot of DW-derived food products and suggested several mitigation and improvements solution including, organic farming practices, diversified cropping systems, reduction of N fertilisers and pesticides application, and irrigation optimisation strategies. Furthermore, the review highlighted that there exist two main gaps in the literature, mainly related to the scarce attention on the organic farming sector and DW landraces, and the lack of nutritional-property accounting in LCAs. Finally, although specific, the review may be of interest to researchers, LCA practitioners, farmers and producers, policy- and decision-makers, and other stakeholders, and could support the promotion of environmental sustainability in the DW sector.
Topics: Agriculture; Animals; Ecosystem; Fertilizers; Humans; Life Cycle Stages; Triticum
PubMed: 35809725
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157230 -
NPJ Science of Food Aug 2023The consumption of insects as food and feed has been recently suggested as a possible alternative to the rising global food need, thus it is crucial to monitor any... (Review)
Review
The consumption of insects as food and feed has been recently suggested as a possible alternative to the rising global food need, thus it is crucial to monitor any potential food safety hazards in the insect supply chain. The aims of this systematic review were to collect, select, and evaluate studies investigating the persistence of Salmonella in insects. We searched PUBMED, EMBASE, WEB of Science Core Collection, and Food Science and Technology Abstracts. In total, 36 papers investigating the persistence of Salmonella in insects (both holometabolous and heterometabolous) were included after screening. Regarding complete metamorphosis insects, the longest Salmonella persistence was reported in Phormia regina, in which the pathogen persisted for 29 days at 5 °C. Similarly, Salmonella persisted in the feces of Alphitobius diaperinus for 28 days. The incomplete metamorphosis insect showing the longest Salmonella persistence (>10 months) was Blatella germanica. Periplaneta americana excreted Salmonella via feces for 44 days until all the insects were dead. The retrieved data on the persistence of Salmonella can be useful for further analysis by risk assessors and decision-makers involved in the safety of insect-based food, contributing to defining the sanitary requirements and risk mitigation measures along the supply chain. The review protocol is registered in PROSPERO database (CRD42022329213).
PubMed: 37640696
DOI: 10.1038/s41538-023-00223-0 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Dec 2017Adult female Anopheles mosquitoes can transmit Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria. Some fish species eat mosquito larvae and pupae. In disease control policy... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Adult female Anopheles mosquitoes can transmit Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria. Some fish species eat mosquito larvae and pupae. In disease control policy documents, the World Health Organization (WHO) includes biological control of malaria vectors by stocking ponds, rivers, and water collections near where people live with larvivorous fish to reduce Plasmodium parasite transmission. In the past, the Global Fund has financed larvivorous fish programmes in some countries, and, with increasing efforts in eradication of malaria, policymakers may return to this option. Therefore, we assessed the evidence base for larvivorous fish programmes in malaria control.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate whether introducing larvivorous fish to anopheline larval habitats impacts Plasmodium parasite transmission. We also sought to summarize studies that evaluated whether introducing larvivorous fish influences the density and presence of Anopheles larvae and pupae in water sources.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), published in the Cochrane Library; MEDLINE (PubMed); Embase (Ovid); CABS Abstracts; LILACS; and the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) up to 6 July 2017. We checked the reference lists of all studies identified by the search. We examined references listed in review articles and previously compiled bibliographies to look for eligible studies. Also we contacted researchers in the field and the authors of studies that met the inclusion criteria for additional information regarding potential studies for inclusion and ongoing studies. This is an update of a Cochrane Review published in 2013.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs, including controlled before-and-after studies, controlled time series, and controlled interrupted time series studies from malaria-endemic regions that introduced fish as a larvicide and reported on malaria in the community or the density of the adult anopheline population. In the absence of direct evidence of an effect on transmission, we performed a secondary analysis on studies that evaluated the effect of introducing larvivorous fish on the density or presence of immature anopheline mosquitoes (larvae and pupae forms) in water sources to determine whether this intervention has any potential that may justify further research in the control of malaria vectors.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently screened each article by title and abstract, and examined potentially relevant studies for inclusion using an eligibility form. At least two review authors independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias of included studies. If relevant data were unclear or were not reported, we contacted the study authors for clarification. We presented data in tables, and we summarized studies that evaluated the effects of introducing fish on anopheline immature density or presence, or both. We used the GRADE approach to summarize the certainty of the evidence. We also examined whether the included studies reported any possible adverse impact of introducing larvivorous fish on non-target native species.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified no studies that reported the effects of introducing larvivorous fish on the primary outcomes of this review: malaria infection in nearby communities, entomological inoculation rate, or on adult Anopheles density.For the secondary analysis, we examined the effects of introducing larvivorous fish on the density and presence of anopheline larvae and pupae in community water sources, and found 15 small studies with a follow-up period between 22 days and five years. These studies were undertaken in Sri Lanka (two studies), India (three studies), Ethiopia (one study), Kenya (two studies), Sudan (one study), Grande Comore Island (one study), Korea (two studies), Indonesia (one study), and Tajikistan (two studies). These studies were conducted in a variety of settings, including localized water bodies (such as wells, domestic water containers, fishponds, and pools (seven studies); riverbed pools below dams (two studies)); rice field plots (five studies); and water canals (two studies). All included studies were at high risk of bias. The research was insufficient to determine whether larvivorous fish reduce the density of Anopheles larvae and pupae (12 studies, unpooled data, very low certainty evidence). Some studies with high stocking levels of fish seemed to arrest the increase in immature anopheline populations, or to reduce the number of immature anopheline mosquitoes, compared with controls. However, this finding was not consistent, and in studies that showed a decrease in immature anopheline populations, the effect was not always consistently sustained. In contrast, some studies reported larvivorous fish reduced the number of water sources withAnopheles larvae and pupae (five studies, unpooled data, low certainty evidence).None of the included studies reported effects of larvivorous fish on local native fish populations or other species.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
We do not know whether introducing larvivorous fish reduces malaria transmission or the density of adult anopheline mosquito populations.In research studies that examined the effects on immature anopheline stages of introducing fish to potential malaria vector larval habitats, high stocking levels of fish may reduce the density or presence of immature anopheline mosquitoes in the short term. We do not know whether this translates into impact on malaria transmission. Our interpretation of the current evidence is that countries should not invest in fish stocking as a stand alone or supplementary larval control measure in any malaria transmission areas outside the context of research using carefully controlled field studies or quasi-experimental designs. Such research should examine the effects on native fish and other non-target species.
Topics: Animals; Anopheles; Disease Reservoirs; Disease Vectors; Feeding Behavior; Fishes; Larva; Malaria; Mosquito Control; Plasmodium; Population Density; Water
PubMed: 29226959
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008090.pub3 -
Scientific Reports May 2021Felidae as definitive hosts for Toxoplasma gondii play a major role in transmission to all warm-blooded animals trough oocysts dissemination. Therefore the current... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Felidae as definitive hosts for Toxoplasma gondii play a major role in transmission to all warm-blooded animals trough oocysts dissemination. Therefore the current comprehensive study was performed to determine the global status of T. gondii infection in domestic and wild felids aiming to provide comprehensive data of interest for further intervention approaching the One Health perspective. Different databases were searched by utilizing particular key words for publications related to T. gondii infecting domestic and wild feline host species, worldwide, from 1970 to 2020. The review of 337 reports showed that the seroprevalence of T. gondii in domestic cats and wild felids was estimated in 37.5% (95% CI 34.7-40.3) (I = 98.3%, P < 0.001) and 64% (95% CI 60-67.9) (I = 88%, P < 0.0001), respectively. The global pooled prevalence of oocysts in the fecal examined specimens from domestic cats was estimated in 2.6% (95% CI 1.9-3.3) (I = 96.1%, P < 0.0001), and that in fecal samples from wild felids was estimated in 2.4% (95% CI 1.1-4.2) (I = 86.4%, P < 0.0001). In addition, from 13,252 examined soil samples in 14 reviewed studies, the pooled occurrence of T. gondii oocysts was determined in 16.2% (95% CI 7.66-27.03%). The observed high rates of anti-T. gondii antibodies seroprevalence levels and oocyst excretion frequency in the felids, along with soil (environmental) contamination with oocysts may constitute a potential threat to animal and public health, and data will result of interest in further prophylaxis programs.
Topics: Animals; Feces; Felidae; Humans; Oocysts; Prevalence; Public Health; Soil; Toxoplasma; Toxoplasmosis; Toxoplasmosis, Animal
PubMed: 33947922
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89031-8 -
Infection Jun 2024Despite the significant burden of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) malaria and the licensure of two vaccines for use in infants and young children that are partially effective... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Protective efficacy and safety of radiation-attenuated and chemo-attenuated Plasmodium Falciparum sporozoite vaccines against controlled and natural malaria infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Despite the significant burden of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) malaria and the licensure of two vaccines for use in infants and young children that are partially effective in preventing clinical malaria caused by Pf, a highly effective vaccine against Pf infection is still lacking. Live attenuated vaccines using Pf sporozoites as the immunogen (PfSPZ Vaccines) hold promise for addressing this gap. Here we review the safety and efficacy of two of the most promising PfSPZ approaches: PfSPZ Vaccine (radiation attenuated PfSPZ) and PfSPZ-CVac (chemo-attenuated PfSPZ).
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, CENTRAL, and WOS until 22nd December 2021. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of these two vaccine approaches that measured protection against parasitaemia following controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) in malaria-naive and malaria-exposed adults or following exposure to naturally transmitted Pf malaria in African adults and children (primary outcome) and that also measured the incidence of solicited and unsolicited adverse events as indicators of safety and tolerability after vaccination (secondary outcome). We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that measured the detected parasitaemia after vaccination (primary outcome) and the incidence of various solicited and unsolicited adverse events (secondary outcome). The quality of the included RCTs using the Cochrane ROB 1 tool and the quality of evidence using the GRADE system were evaluated. We pooled dichotomous data using the risk ratio (RR) for development of parasitemia in vaccinees relative to controls as a measure of vaccine efficacy (VE), including the corresponding confidence interval (CI). This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022308057).
RESULTS
We included 19 RCTs. Pooled RR favoured PfSPZ Vaccine (RR: 0.65 with 95% CI [0.53, 0.79], P = 0.0001) and PfSPZ-table (RR: 0.42 with 95% CI [0.27, 0.67], P = 0.0002) for preventing parasitaemia, relative to normal saline placebo. Pooled RR showed no difference between PfSPZ Vaccine and the control in the occurrence of any solicited adverse event (RR: 1.00 with 95% CI [0.82, 1.23], P = 0.98), any local solicited adverse events (RR: 0.73 with 95% CI [0.49, 1.08], P = 0.11), any systemic solicited adverse events (RR: 0.94 with 95% CI [0.75, 1.17], P = 0.58), and any unsolicited adverse event (RR: 0.93 with 95% CI [0.78, 1.10], P = 0.37).
CONCLUSION
PfSPZ and PfSPZ-CVacs showed comparable efficacy. Therefore, they can introduce a promising strategy for malaria prophylaxis, but more large-scale field trials are required to sustain efficacy and yield clinically applicable findings.
Topics: Humans; Malaria Vaccines; Malaria, Falciparum; Parasitemia; Plasmodium falciparum; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sporozoites; Vaccines, Attenuated
PubMed: 38319556
DOI: 10.1007/s15010-024-02174-4 -
International Journal For Parasitology Dec 2014Predictive models of parasite life cycles increase our understanding of how parasite epidemiology is influenced by global changes and can be used to support decisions... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Predictive models of parasite life cycles increase our understanding of how parasite epidemiology is influenced by global changes and can be used to support decisions for more targeted worm control. Estimates of parasite population dynamics are needed to parameterize such models. The aim of this study was to quantify the main life history traits of Ostertagia ostertagi, economically the most important nematode of cattle in temperate regions. The main parameters determining parasite density during the parasitic phase of O. ostertagi are (i) the larval establishment rate, (ii) hypobiosis rate, (iii) adult mortality and (iv) female fecundity (number of eggs laid per day per female). A systematic review was performed covering studies from 1962 to 2007, in which helminth-naïve calves were artificially infected with O. ostertagi. The database was further extended with results of unpublished trials conducted at the Laboratory for Parasitology of Ghent University, Belgium. Overall inverse variance weighted estimates were computed for each of the traits through random effects models. An average establishment rate (±S.E.) of 0.269±0.022 was calculated based on data of 27 studies (46 experiments). The establishment rate declined when infection dose increased and was lower in younger animals. An average proportion of larvae entering hypobiosis (±S.E.) of 0.041 (±0.009) was calculated based on 27 studies (54 experiments). The proportion of ingested larvae that went into hypobiosis was higher in animals that received concomitant infections with nematode species other than O. ostertagi (mixed infections). An average daily adult mortality (±S.E.) of 0.028 (±0.002) was computed based on data from 28 studies (70 experiments). Adult mortality was positively correlated with infection dose. A daily fecundity (±S.E.) of 284 (±45) eggs per female was found based on nine studies (10 experiments). The average female sex ratio of O. ostertagi based on individual animal data (n=75) from six different studies was estimated to be 0.55. We believe that this systematic review is the first to summarise the available data on the main life history traits of the parasitic phase of O. ostertagi. In conclusion, this meta-analysis provides novel estimates for the parameterization of life cycle-based transmission models, explicitly reports measures of variance around these estimates, gives evidence for density dependence of larval establishment and adult mortality, shows that host age affects larval establishment and, to our knowledge, provides the first evidence for O. ostertagi of a female-biased sex ratio.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Female; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Life Cycle Stages; Male; Models, Immunological; Ostertagia; Ostertagiasis; Zoonoses
PubMed: 25229178
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2014.08.006 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jan 2010Foot ulceration is thought to affect 15% of people with diabetes at some time in their lives. Debridement is widely regarded as an effective intervention to speed up... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Foot ulceration is thought to affect 15% of people with diabetes at some time in their lives. Debridement is widely regarded as an effective intervention to speed up ulcer healing. The most effective method is unclear.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of debridement interventions on the healing of diabetic foot ulcers.
SEARCH STRATEGY
For this third update we searched the Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register (June 2009); The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) - The Cochrane Library 2009, Issue 2; Ovid MEDLINE - 1950 to June Week 3 2009; Ovid EMBASE - 1980 to 2009 Week 25 and Ovid CINAHL - 1982 to June Week 3 2009.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating any method of debriding diabetic foot ulcers and measuring complete healing or rate of healing. There was no restriction on articles/trials based on language or publication status.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Data extraction and assessment of study quality were undertaken by one review author and checked by an Editor of the Wounds Group.
MAIN RESULTS
Six RCTs of debridement were identified: four assessed hydrogels, with an additional study evaluating larval therapy against hydrogel and one evaluated surgical debridement. Pooling the three RCTs which compared hydrogel with gauze or standard care suggested that hydrogels are significantly more effective in healing diabetic foot ulcers (Relative Risk 1.84, 95% Confidence Interval (CI)1.3 to 2.61). Surgical debridement showed no significant benefit over standard treatment. One small trial suggested that larvae resulted in a more than 50% reduction in wound area compared with hydrogel. Other debridement methods such as enzyme preparations or polysaccharide beads have not been evaluated in diabetic foot ulcers.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is evidence to suggest that hydrogel increases the healing rate of diabetic foot ulcers compared with gauze dressings or standard care and larval therapy resulted in significantly greater reduction in wound area than hydrogel. More research is needed to evaluate the effects of a range of widely used debridement methods and of debridement per se.
Topics: Animals; Bandages; Combined Modality Therapy; Debridement; Diabetic Foot; Humans; Hydrogels; Larva; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Wound Healing
PubMed: 20091547
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003556.pub2 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2006A malaria vaccine is needed because of the heavy burden of mortality and morbidity due to this disease. This review describes the results of trials of blood... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
A malaria vaccine is needed because of the heavy burden of mortality and morbidity due to this disease. This review describes the results of trials of blood (asexual)-stage vaccines. Several are under development, but only one (MSP/RESA, also known as Combination B) has been tested in randomized controlled trials.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effect of blood-stage malaria vaccines in preventing infection, disease, and death.
SEARCH STRATEGY
In March 2006, we searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2006, Issue 1), MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and the Science Citation Index. We also searched conference proceedings and reference lists of articles, and contacted organizations and researchers in the field.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized controlled trials comparing blood-stage vaccines (other than SPf66) against P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae, or P. ovale with placebo, control vaccine, or routine antimalarial control measures in people of any age receiving a challenge malaria infection.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Both authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Results for dichotomous data were expressed as relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).
MAIN RESULTS
Five trials of MSP/RESA vaccine with 217 participants were included; all five reported on safety, and two on efficacy. No severe or systemic adverse effects were reported at doses of 13 to 15 microg of each antigen (39 to 45 microg total). One small efficacy trial with 17 non-immune participants with blood-stage parasites showed no reduction or delay in parasite growth rates after artificial challenge. In the second efficacy trial in 120 children aged five to nine years in Papua New Guinea, episodes of clinical malaria were not reduced, but MSP/RESA significantly reduced parasite density only in children who had not been pretreated with an antimalarial drug (sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine). Infections with the 3D7 parasite subtype of MSP2 (the variant included in the vaccine) were reduced (RR 0.38, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.57; 719 participants) while those with the other main subtype, FC27, were not (720 participants).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The MSP/RESA (Combination B) vaccine shows promise as a way to reduce the severity of malaria episodes, but the effect of the vaccine is MSP2 variant-specific. Pretreatment for malaria during a vaccine trial makes the results difficult to interpret, particularly with the relatively small sample sizes of early trials. The results show that blood-stage vaccines may play a role and merit further development.
Topics: Antigens, Protozoan; Humans; Malaria; Malaria Vaccines; Merozoites; Protozoan Proteins; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Vaccines, Combined
PubMed: 17054281
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006199 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2019Larviciding refers to the regular application of chemical or microbial insecticides to water bodies or water containers to kill the aquatic immature forms of the...
BACKGROUND
Larviciding refers to the regular application of chemical or microbial insecticides to water bodies or water containers to kill the aquatic immature forms of the mosquito (the larvae and pupae).
OBJECTIVES
To summarize research evidence evaluating whether larviciding with chemical or microbial insecticides prevents malaria transmission.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), published in the Cochrane Library; MEDLINE; Embase; CAB Abstracts; LILACS; the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP); ClinicalTrials.gov; and the ISRCTN registry up to 6 June 2019.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included cluster-randomized controlled trials (cRCTs), interrupted time series (ITS), randomized cross-over studies, non-randomized cross-over studies, and controlled before-and-after studies (CBAs) that compared larviciding with no larviciding.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We independently assessed trials for eligibility and risk of bias, and extracted data. We assessed the certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach.
MAIN RESULTS
Four studies (one cRCT, two CBAs, and one non-randomized cross-over design) met the inclusion criteria. All used ground application of larvicides (people hand-delivering larvicides); one evaluated chemical and three evaluated microbial agents. Studies were carried out in The Gambia, Tanzania, Kenya, and Sri Lanka. Three studies were conducted in areas where mosquito aquatic habitats were less extensive (< 1 km²), and one where habitats were more extensive (> 1 km²; a cross-over study from The Gambia).For aquatic habitats of less than 1 km², one cRCT randomized eight villages in Sri Lanka to evaluate chemical larviciding using insect growth regulator; and two CBA studies undertaken in Kenya and Tanzania evaluated microbial larvicides. In the cRCT, larviciding across all villages was associated with lower malaria incidence (rate ratio 0.24, 4649 participants, low-certainty evidence) and parasite prevalence (risk ratio (RR) 0.26, 5897 participants, low-certainty evidence) compared to no larviciding. The two CBA studies reported lower malaria prevalence during the intervention period (parasite prevalence RR 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71 to 0.89; 70,902 participants; low-certainty evidence). The Kenyan study also reported a reduction in the incidence of new malaria cases (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.01; 720 participants; very low-certainty evidence).For aquatic habitats of more than 1 km², the non-randomized cross-over trial using microbial larvicides did not detect an effect for malaria incidence (RR 1.58, 95% CI 0.94 to 2.65; 4226 participants), or parasite prevalence (RR 1.15, 95% CI 0.41 to 3.20; 3547 participants); both were very low-certainty evidence. The Gambia trial also reported the mean haemoglobin level, and there was no difference across the four comparisons (mean difference -0.13, 95% CI -0.40 to 0.13; 3586 participants).We were unable to summarize or pool entomological outcomes due to unreported and missing data.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Most controlled studies on larviciding have been performed with microbial agents. Ground larviciding for non-extensive larval habitats may have an effect on malaria transmission, and we do not know if there is an effect in large-scale aquatic habitats. We found no studies using larviciding application techniques that could cover large aquatic habitats, such as aerial spraying using aircraft.
Topics: Animals; Culicidae; Disease Reservoirs; Ecosystem; Humans; Insecticides; Interrupted Time Series Analysis; Larva; Malaria; Mosquito Control; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 31425624
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012736.pub2 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Oct 2019Myiasis due to Old World screw-worm fly, Chrysomya bezziana, is an important obligate zoonotic disease in the OIE-list of diseases and is found throughout much of...
BACKGROUND
Myiasis due to Old World screw-worm fly, Chrysomya bezziana, is an important obligate zoonotic disease in the OIE-list of diseases and is found throughout much of Africa, the Indian subcontinent, southeast and east Asia. C. bezziana myiasis causes not only morbidity and death to animals and humans, but also economic losses in the livestock industries. Because of the aggressive and destructive nature of this disease in hosts, we initiated this study to provide a comprehensive understanding of human myiasis caused by C. bezziana.
METHODS
We searched the databases in English (PubMed, Embase and African Index Medicus) and Chinese (CNKI, Wanfang, and Duxiu), and international government online reports to 6th February, 2019, to identify studies concerning C. bezziana. Another ten human cases in China and Papua New Guinea that our team had recorded were also included.
RESULTS
We retrieved 1,048 reports from which 202 studies were ultimately eligible for inclusion in the present descriptive analyses. Since the first human case due to C. bezziana was reported in 1909, we have summarized 291 cases and found that these cases often occurred in patients with poor hygiene, low socio-economic conditions, old age, and underlying diseases including infections, age-related diseases, and noninfectious chronic diseases. But C. bezziana myiasis appears largely neglected as a serious medical or veterinary condition, with human and animal cases only reported in 16 and 24 countries respectively, despite this fly species being recorded in 44 countries worldwide.
CONCLUSION
Our findings indicate that cryptic myiasis cases due to the obligate parasite, C. bezziana, are under-recognized. Through this study on C. bezziana etiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, epidemiology, prevention and control, we call for more vigilance and awareness of the disease from governments, health authorities, clinicians, veterinary workers, nursing homes, and also the general public.
Topics: Animals; Databases, Factual; Diptera; Humans; Hygiene; Life Cycle Stages; Screw Worm Infection; Socioeconomic Factors; Treatment Outcome; Zoonoses
PubMed: 31618203
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007391