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Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease Nov 2022Intestinal parasitic infections are common infectious diseases causing many health problems and impaired growth and physical development.. Children under five years old... (Review)
Review
Intestinal parasitic infections are common infectious diseases causing many health problems and impaired growth and physical development.. Children under five years old are the most vulnerable to infections, due to their immature immunity and feeding and exploratory behaviours. This systematic review aimed to assess the relationship between intestinal parasitic infections and undernutrition among children under 5 years old. Fifteen studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were classified as high-quality studies. Twelve parasites were reported, including , spp., , , , hookworm, , , spp. and . Ascariasis is the most reported infection, with a prevalence ranging from 10.77% in Ethiopia to 57.14% in Malaysia, and is correlated with stunting (OR 2.17 (95% CI 1.14, 4.13), = 0.02). Giardiasis is the second most reported infection, with a prevalence ranging from 4.43% in Ethiopia to 66.33% in the Central African Republic, and is related to an increased risk of stunting (OR 2.34 (95% CI 1.07, 5.10), = 0.03)), wasting (OR 2.90 (95% CI 1.12, 7.49, = 0.03)), and being underweight (OR 1.53 (95% CI 1.02, 2.29, = 0.04)). The third and fourth most prevalent infections are and hookworm infections. Intestinal parasitic infections can occur very early in life and cause significant growth retardation. It is important to understand the prevalence and effects of infection based on the parasite species in order to implement therapeutic interventions and prevention controls.
PubMed: 36422922
DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7110371 -
The Ocular Surface Oct 2019We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of different treatment for Demodex blepharitis. Parameters studied were mites count,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of different treatment for Demodex blepharitis. Parameters studied were mites count, improvement of symptoms and mites' eradication, stratified on type of treatments and mode of delivery of treatments (local or systemic).
METHOD
The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, Google scholar and Science Direct databases were searched for studies reporting an efficacy of treatments for Demodex blepharitis.
RESULTS
We included 19 studies (14 observational and 5 randomized clinical trials), for a total of 934 patients, 1741 eyes, and 13 different treatments. For mites count, eradication rate, and symptoms improvement, meta-analysis included fifteen, fourteen and thirteen studies, respectively. The overall effect sizes for efficiency of all treatments, globally, were 1.68 (95CI 1.25 to 2.12), 0.45 (0.26-0.64), and 0.76 (0.59-0.90), respectively. Except usual lid hygiene for mites count, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario ointment (CHEO) for both eradication rate and symptoms, and CHEO, 2% metronidazole ointment, and systemic metronidazole for eradication rate, all treatments were efficient. Stratified meta-analysis did not show significant differences between local and systemic treatments (1.22, 0.83 to 1.60 vs 2.24, 1.30 to 3.18 for mites count; 0.37, 0.21 to 0.54 vs 0.56, 0.06 to 0.99 for eradication rate; and 0.77, 0.58 to 0.92 vs 0.67, 0.25 to 0.98 for symptoms improvement).
CONCLUSION
We reported the efficiency of the different treatments of Demodex blepharitis. Because of less systemic side effects, local treatments seem promising molecules in the treatment of Demodex blepharitis.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Antiparasitic Agents; Blepharitis; Eye Infections, Parasitic; Humans; Ivermectin; Metronidazole; Miotics; Mite Infestations; Mites; Pilocarpine; Tea Tree Oil
PubMed: 31229586
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2019.06.004 -
Clinical Microbiology and Infection :... Dec 2023Asymptomatic malaria infections are highly prevalent in endemic areas. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Asymptomatic malaria infections are highly prevalent in endemic areas.
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of malaria parasites in migrants screened in non-endemic areas.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE-Ovid, EMBASE, Web of Science, Global Health, Lilacs, Cochrane, and MedRxiv.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Cross-sectional studies and observational prospective or retrospective cohort studies conducted in Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand regardless of language or publication status. Studies should include prevalence data on malaria in migrants that were recruited through a systematic screening approach. We excluded studies where people were tested because of malaria symptoms.
PARTICIPANTS
Migrant individuals exposed to malaria infection ASSESSMENT OF RISK OF BIAS: A standardized and validated appraisal instrument was used for studies reporting prevalence data (Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis).
METHODS OF DATA SYNTHESIS
Pooled estimates of the parasite prevalence by PCR, microscopy, and rapid diagnostic test (RDT) were calculated with a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was explored by stratification by age, region of origin, period of study, and quality of studies.
RESULTS
Of 1819 studies retrieved, 23 studies were included with in total 4203 participant PCR data, 3186 microscopy and 4698 RDT data, respectively. Migrants from sub-Saharan Africa had a malaria parasite prevalence of 8.3% (95% CI 5.1-12.2) by PCR, 4.3% (1.5-8.2) by RDT, and 3.1% (0.7-6.8) by microscopy. For migrants from Asia and Latin America, the prevalence with PCR was 0% (0.0-0.08) and 0.4% (0.0-1.8), respectively. Migrants from the Central African Region had the highest PCR prevalence (9.3% [6.0-13.0]), followed by West African migrants (2.0% [0.0-7.7]). Restricting the analysis to sub-Saharan Africa migrants arriving to the host country within the previous year, the PCR-based prevalence was 11.6% (6.9-17.4).
CONCLUSION
We provide estimates on the malaria parasite prevalence in migrants in non-endemic setting. Despite heterogeneity between settings, these findings can contribute to inform screening strategies and guidelines targeting malaria in migrants.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Parasites; Prevalence; Transients and Migrants; Cross-Sectional Studies; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Malaria; Asymptomatic Infections
PubMed: 37739263
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2023.09.010 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Feb 2021The intent of this review is to summarize the knowledge about selenium and its function in a dog's body. For this purpose, systematic literature search was conducted.... (Review)
Review
The intent of this review is to summarize the knowledge about selenium and its function in a dog's body. For this purpose, systematic literature search was conducted. For mammals, including dogs, a balanced diet and sufficient intake of selenium are important for correct function of metabolism. As for selenium poisoning, there are no naturally occurring cases known. Nowadays, we do not encounter clinical signs of its deficiency either, but it can be subclinical. For now, the most reliable method of assessing selenium status of a dog is measuring serum or plasma levels. Levels in full blood can be measured too, but there are no reference values. The use of glutathione peroxidase as an indirect assay is questionable in canines. Commercial dog food manufactures follow recommendations for minimal and maximal selenium levels and so dogs fed commercial diets should have balanced intake of selenium. For dogs fed home-made diets, complex data are missing. However, subclinical deficiency seems to affect, for example, male fertility or recovery from parasitical diseases. Very interesting is the role of selenium in prevention and treatment of cancer.
PubMed: 33562028
DOI: 10.3390/ani11020418 -
Allergy Apr 2011The rate of increase in prevalence of allergic disease in some countries implies environmental exposures may be important etiological factors. Our aim was to undertake a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The rate of increase in prevalence of allergic disease in some countries implies environmental exposures may be important etiological factors. Our aim was to undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies to quantify the association between current intestinal parasite infection and the presence of atopy and to determine whether this relation is species specific.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILIACS and CAB Abstracts (to March 2009); reviews; and reference lists from publications. No language restrictions were applied. We included studies that measured current parasite infection using direct fecal microscopy and defined atopy as allergen skin sensitization or presence of specific IgE. We estimated pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using data extracted from published papers using random-effects model.
RESULTS
Twenty-one studies met our inclusion criteria. Current parasite infection was associated with a reduced risk of allergen skin sensitization OR 0.69 (95% CI 0.60-0.79; P < 0.01). When we restricted our analyses to current geohelminth infection, the size of effect remained similar OR 0.68 (95% CI 0.60-0.76; P < 0.01). In species-specific analysis, a consistent protective effect was found for infection with Ascaris lumbricoides, Tricuris trichuria, hookworm and Schistosomiasis. There were insufficient data to pool results for atopy defined by the presence of specific IgE.
CONCLUSION
Intestinal parasite infection appears to protect against allergic sensitization. Work should continue to identify the mechanisms of this effect and means of harnessing these to reduce the global burden of allergic disease.
Topics: Dermatitis, Atopic; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic
PubMed: 21087217
DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2010.02512.x -
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 -
American Journal of Respiratory and... Sep 2006Epidemiologic studies suggest that intestinal parasite infections may protect against asthma. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
RATIONALE
Epidemiologic studies suggest that intestinal parasite infections may protect against asthma.
OBJECTIVES
A systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiologic studies to determine whether total or species-specific current parasite infection is associated with a reduced risk of asthma or wheeze.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL (up to January 2006); reviews; and reference lists from publications, with no language restrictions. We included studies that reported asthma or wheeze as an outcome measure and ascertained parasite infection by fecal examination. We estimated pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using data extracted from published papers, or where available, original data provided by authors, using random effect models.
MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS
Thirty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Infection with any parasite was associated with a small, nonsignificant increase in asthma risk (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.98-1.57; 29 studies). In species-specific analysis, Ascaris lumbricoides was associated with significantly increased odds of asthma (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.05-1.71; 20 studies), while hookworm infection was associated with a significantly strong reduction (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.28-0.90; 9 studies) that was directly and significantly related to infection intensity (p < 0.001; OR for highest tertile of infection, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.19-0.62). Other species had no significant effects on asthma. Infection effects on wheeze were derived from smaller numbers, but revealed a broadly similar pattern of results.
CONCLUSIONS
Parasite infections do not in general protect against asthma, but infection with hookworm may reduce the risk of this disease.
Topics: Adult; Asthma; Child; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 16778161
DOI: 10.1164/rccm.200603-331OC -
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 -
New Microbes and New Infections Jan 2023Investigating the association between infectious agents and non-communicable diseases is an interesting emerging field of research. Intestinal parasites (IPs) are one of...
BACKGROUND
Investigating the association between infectious agents and non-communicable diseases is an interesting emerging field of research. Intestinal parasites (IPs) are one of the causes of gastrointestinal complications, malnutrition, growth retardation and disturbances in host metabolism, which can play a potential role in metabolic diseases such as diabetes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of IPs in diabetic patients and the association between IPs and diabetes.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted from January 2000 to November 2022in published records by using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases as well as Google scholar search engine; Out of a total of 29 included studies, fourteen cross-sectional studies (2676 diabetic subjects) and 15 case-control studies (5478 diabetic/non-diabetic subjects) were reviewed. The pooled prevalence of IPs in diabetics and the Odds Ratio (OR) were evaluated by CMA V2.
RESULTS
In the current systematic review and meta-analysis, the pooled prevalence of IPs in diabetic patients was 26.5% (95% CI: 21.8-31.7%) with heterogeneity of I = 93.24%; < 0.001. The highest prevalence based on geographical area was in Region of the Americas (13.3% (95% CI: 9.6-18.0)).There was significant association between the prevalence of intestinal parasites in diabetic cases compared to controls (OR, 1.72; 95% CI: 1.06-2.78).
CONCLUSION
In line with the high prevalence of IPs in diabetic patients, significant association was found however, due to the limitations of the study, more studies should be conducted in developing countries and, the prevalence of IPs in diabetics should not be neglected.
PubMed: 36654940
DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2022.101065