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PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases May 2023In leprosy patients, the most commonly reported non-viral co-infections are Tuberculosis, Leishmaniasis, Chromoblastomycosis and Helminths. The presence of a secondary...
BACKGROUND
In leprosy patients, the most commonly reported non-viral co-infections are Tuberculosis, Leishmaniasis, Chromoblastomycosis and Helminths. The presence of a secondary infection is believed to increase the likelihood of leprosy reactions. The purpose of this review was to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the most reported bacterial, fungal, and parasitic co-infections in leprosy.
METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
Following the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, a systematic literature search was conducted by two independent reviewers, resulting in the inclusion of 89 studies. For tuberculosis, a total of 211 cases were identified, with a median age of 36 years and male predominance (82%). Leprosy was the initial infection in 89% of cases, 82% of individuals had multibacillary disease, and 17% developed leprosy reactions. For leishmaniasis, 464 cases were identified, with a median age of 44 years and male predominance (83%). Leprosy was the initial infection in 44% of cases, 76% of individuals presented with multibacillary disease, and 18% developed leprosy reactions. Regarding chromoblastomycosis, we identified 19 cases with a median age of 54 years and male predominance (88%). Leprosy was the primary infection in 66% of cases, 70% of individuals had multibacillary disease, and 35% developed leprosy reactions. Additionally, we found 151 cases of co-infection with leprosy and helminths, with a median age of 43 years and male predominance (68%). Leprosy was the primary infection in 66% of cases, and 76% of individuals presented with multibacillary disease, while the occurrence of leprosy reactions varied from 37% to 81% across studies.
CONCLUSION
We observed a male-dominated pattern of co-infections among working-age individuals with multibacillary leprosy. Unlike prior studies reporting increased leprosy reactions in chronic viral co-infections, our findings did not indicate any increase among bacterial, fungal, or parasitic co-infections. Rather, co-infections with tuberculosis and leishmaniasis appeared to reduce leprosy reactions.
Topics: Humans; Male; Adult; Middle Aged; Female; Coinfection; Chromoblastomycosis; Leprosy; Leprosy, Multibacillary; Parasitic Diseases
PubMed: 37216331
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011334 -
Experimental Gerontology Apr 2018The impact of age and aging in the evolution of systemic parasitic infections remains poorly understood. We conducted a systematic review from preclinical models of...
The impact of age and aging in the evolution of systemic parasitic infections remains poorly understood. We conducted a systematic review from preclinical models of Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, malaria, sleeping sickness and toxoplasmosis. From a structured and comprehensive search in electronic databases, 29 studies were recovered and included in the review. Beyond the characteristics of the experimental models, parasitological and immunological outcomes, we also discussed the quality of current evidence. Our findings indicated that throughout aging, parasitemia and mortality were consistently reduced in Chagas disease and malaria, but were similar or increased in leishmaniasis and highly variable in toxoplasmosis. While a marked humoral response in older animals was related to the anti-T. cruzi protective phenotype, cellular responses mediated by a polarized Th1 phenotype were associated with a more effective defense against Plasmodium infection. Conversely, in leishmaniasis, severe infections and high mortality rates were potentially related to attenuation of humoral response and an imbalance between Th1 and Th2 phenotypes. Due to the heterogeneous parasitological outcomes and limited immunological data, the role of aging on toxoplasmosis evolution remains unclear. From a detailed description of the methodological bias, more controlled researches could avoid the systematic reproduction of inconsistent and poorly reproducible experimental designs.
Topics: Aging; Animals; Bias; Disease Models, Animal; Immunosenescence; Parasitic Diseases
PubMed: 29366738
DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2018.01.022 -
The Lancet. Infectious Diseases May 2018In light of the recent Zika virus outbreak, vector control has received renewed interest. However, which interventions are efficacious and community effective and how to...
In light of the recent Zika virus outbreak, vector control has received renewed interest. However, which interventions are efficacious and community effective and how to best deliver them remains unclear. Following PRISMA guidelines, we did a systematic review to assess evidence for applied vector control interventions providing protection against Chagas disease, dengue, leishmaniasis, and lymphatic filariasis at the household level. We searched for published literature and grey literature between Jan 1, 1980, and Nov 30, 2015, and updated our search on April 2, 2017, using databases including the Cochrane, Embase, LILACS, PubMed, Web of Science, and WHOLIS. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias was used. Inclusion criteria included studies reporting vector control interventions in and around a house or dwelling; and use of insecticides as sprays on netting or screens, and any method to control larval breeding in water containers in and around the home. 1416 articles were assessed and 32 articles included. The most effective interventions affecting vector indices for multiple diseases were found to be intradomiciliary residual spraying, insecticide-treated materials (especially insecticide-treated nets or curtains), and treatment of larval habitats with biological and chemical methods. Waste management and clean-up campaigns reduce vector populations, although to a lesser extent than other interventions and not consistently. Modifications to the structure of homes (eg, wall plastering) had no impact on the control of vectors. Protection of the house and its surroundings might affect the transmission of several diseases. The most effective interventions should be prioritised when vector control programmes are designed; however, the quality of delivery (ie, coverage and reapplication) of interventions is a crucial factor to ensure their effectiveness. Additional randomised trials that assess the measures of human disease and eventually target several diseases with a combination of interventions that protect the household and its inhabitants against multiple vectors, are needed to inform global policy in this area.
Topics: Animals; Chagas Disease; Dengue; Elephantiasis, Filarial; Housing; Humans; Insect Control; Insect Vectors; Leishmaniasis
PubMed: 29074038
DOI: 10.1016/S1473-3099(17)30422-X -
The Veterinary Record Jan 2003On the basis of a systematic review of the literature, this paper provides the first evidence-based maps of the distribution of the major vector-borne parasitic... (Review)
Review
On the basis of a systematic review of the literature, this paper provides the first evidence-based maps of the distribution of the major vector-borne parasitic infections of dogs and cats in Europe. From an initial survey of 894 publications, data from 268 were analysed, summarised and collated. Prevalence data were used to calculate the force of infection to provide distribution and incidence maps for canine infections with Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens, Babesia canis and Ehrlichia canis. There was little information from some areas but, in spite of its acknowledged incompleteness, the study provides an evidence-based framework upon which to assess the risks of infection, and will provide a basis, by correlation with climatic and vegetation data, to derive more comprehensive risk assessment maps for Europe. To clinicians in both endemic and non-endemic countries, it will be of assistance in decision-making with respect to diagnosis and preventive measures.
Topics: Animals; Disease Vectors; Europe; Incidence; Parasitic Diseases, Animal
PubMed: 12572938
DOI: 10.1136/vr.152.4.97 -
Contact Lens & Anterior Eye : the... Dec 2021A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions in the treatment ofDemodex blepharitis in adult patients. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions in the treatment ofDemodex blepharitis in adult patients.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting the efficacy of treatments forDemodex blepharitis in the main databases (PubMed / Scopus / Cochrane / EMBASE / Science Direct / WOS / Scielo / Google Scholar / metaRegister of Controlled Trials / ClinicalTrials.gov/ WHO ICTRP) until November 24, 2020 was performed according to the PRISMA statement for meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Overall, 18 studies were included for 29 different interventions in 1195 participants with 1574 eyes that were positive for Demodex Spp. Demodex counts, total eradication, clinical improvement, Ocular Surface Disease Index, Tear Break-Up Time, cylindrical dandruff, Schirmer test, osmolarity and adverse reactions were analysed, and stratified sub-analyses conducted. The overall effects for Demodex count (mean difference), total eradication (risk ratio) and adverse reactions (risk difference) were -2.07 (95 % CI -3.99 to -0.15) p = 0.03, 1.84 (95 % CI 1.27-2.66) p = 0.001 and 0.24 (95 % CI 0.08 to 0.41) p = 0.005, respectively. The most frequent interventions evaluated in the included studies were tea tree oil (TTO) and its derivatives, such as terpinen 4-ol.
CONCLUSION
Multiple therapeutic choices were evaluated in this meta-analysis. Pharmacological interventions were superior to non-pharmacological (mechanical, thermal and pulsed light) interventions. It was not possible to establish significant differences between TTO and non-TTO-derived treatments. Adverse reactions were more frequent in TTO-derived treatments, however all were mild. It is necessary to execute studies with longer follow-up times to determine whether re-infestation occurs after the administration of different treatments.
Topics: Adult; Animals; Blepharitis; Eye Infections, Parasitic; Eyelashes; Humans; Mite Infestations; Mites
PubMed: 33972176
DOI: 10.1016/j.clae.2021.101453 -
Biological Trace Element Research Oct 2021Leishmaniasis is a worldwide prevalent parasitic infection caused by different species of the genus Leishmania. Clinically, the disease divided into three main forms,... (Review)
Review
Leishmaniasis is a worldwide prevalent parasitic infection caused by different species of the genus Leishmania. Clinically, the disease divided into three main forms, including visceral leishmaniasis (VL), cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL). There is no vaccine for human leishmaniasis and their treatment is challenging. Trace elements (TEs) alteration, including the selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), ron (Fe), and magnesium (Mg) have been detected in patients with CL and VL as well as canine leishmaniasis. Because TEs play a pivotal role in the immune system, and host immune responses have crucial roles in defense against leishmaniasis, this systematic review aimed to summarize data regarding TEs alteration in human and animal leishmaniasis as well as the role of these elements as an adjuvant for treatment of leishmaniasis. In a setting of systematic review, we found 29 eligible articles (any date until October 1, 2020) regarding TEs in human CL (N = 12), human VL (N = 4), canine leishmaniasis (N = 3), and treatment of leishmaniasis based on TEs (N = 11), which one study examined the TEs level both in CL and VL patients. Our analysis demonstrated a significantly decreased level of Fe, Zn, and Se among human CL and canine leishmaniasis, and Zn and Fe in patients with VL. In contrast, an increased level of Cu in CL patients and Cu and Mg in VL patients and canine leishmaniasis was observed. Treatment of CL based zinc supplementation revealed enhancement of wound healing and diminished scar formation in human and experimentally infected animals. The results of this systematic review indicate that the TEs have important roles in leishmaniasis, which could be assessed as a prognosis factor in this disease. It is suggested that TEs could be prescribed as an adjuvant for the treatment of CL and VL patients.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Humans; Leishmania; Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous; Leishmaniasis, Visceral; Trace Elements; Zinc
PubMed: 33405078
DOI: 10.1007/s12011-020-02505-0 -
Tropical Medicine & International... Jul 2020To estimate the prevalence of Chagas disease in pregnant women and the vertical transmission of the disease. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the prevalence of Chagas disease in pregnant women and the vertical transmission of the disease.
METHODS
Observational studies were identified from eight electronic databases, and details on study design, population and prevalence of Chagas disease were extracted. The data were pooled using a random-effects model, and choropleth maps were created based on geopolitical regions and countries.
RESULTS
The search identified 7788 articles, of which 50 were eligible. We observed a 9% prevalence of Chagas disease among pregnant women in the Americas (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8-10, I = 99.96%). High disease prevalence was identified in pregnant women in South American countries (12%, 95% CI: 11-13), while lower values were identified in pregnant women in North America (2%, 95% CI: 1-3). Countries with medium Human Development Index (HDI) had a higher prevalence of Chagas disease in pregnant women (15%, 95% CI: 13-16, I = 99.98%) than countries with high HDI (3%, 95% CI: 2-3). The rate of vertical transmission in the continent was 2% (95% CI: 1-2). The statistical analysis showed that this heterogeneity was explained by the study design, region of the Americas and mean income of the country.
CONCLUSION
South and Central American countries have a high prevalence and vertical transmission of Chagas disease. Therefore, systematic screens for this disease during the prenatal period are necessary in addition to the diagnosis and treatment of children at risk for Trypanosoma cruzi infection.
Topics: Americas; Chagas Disease; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic; Trypanosoma cruzi
PubMed: 32279399
DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13398 -
Comparative Immunology, Microbiology... Jun 2021Blastocystosis is an interesting parasitosis, since the parasitic infection is still seriously neglected and a considerable zoonotic evidence is emerging. Blastocystis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Blastocystosis is an interesting parasitosis, since the parasitic infection is still seriously neglected and a considerable zoonotic evidence is emerging. Blastocystis sp. infects the intestinal lumen of humans and a wide range of animals, while there is a lack of comprehensive information on Blastocystis epidemiology in cattle worldwide. Thus, the present systematic review and meta-analysis were performed by exploring four electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google scholar) for relevant published papers up to 7th November 2020, utilizing a random-effects model to pool estimations and assign 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Results of 28 studies (29 datasets) on cattle showed a 24.4 % (95 % CI: 16.9-33.9 %) prevalence for Blastocystis infection. Also, 16 out of 26 reported subtypes (STs) were isolated from cattle, with ST10 (18 datasets) as the highest-reported [32.3 % (95 % CI: 21.6-45.3)] as well as ST24 and ST25 (one study each) as the lowest-reported STs [1.4 % (95 % CI: 0.2-9.1)]. Additionally, among nine well-known zoonotic STs (ST1-ST8 and ST12), all STs except for ST8 were reported from cattle worldwide, demonstrating this animal species as a potential reservoir for human infections. Meanwhile, the overall prevalence of Blastocystis in various subgroups (publication year, WHO regions, countries, continents, and age groups) was analyzed separately. The finding of the present review article highlights the cattle as a significant source of zoonotic transmission of Blastocystis infection to humans, which must be considered for preventive measures.
Topics: Animals; Blastocystis; Blastocystis Infections; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Feces; Phylogeny; Prevalence
PubMed: 33930630
DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2021.101650 -
The Lancet. Global Health Feb 2019Global migration from regions where strongyloidiasis and schistosomiasis are endemic to non-endemic countries has increased the potential individual and public health... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Global migration from regions where strongyloidiasis and schistosomiasis are endemic to non-endemic countries has increased the potential individual and public health effect of these parasitic diseases. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of these infections among migrants to establish which groups are at highest risk and who could benefit from screening.
METHODS
We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of strongyloidiasis and schistosomiasis prevalence among migrants born in endemic countries. Original studies that included data for the prevalence of Strongyloides or Schistosoma antibodies in serum or the prevalence of larvae or eggs in stool or urine samples among migrants originating from countries endemic for these parasites and arriving or living in host countries with low endemicity-specifically the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, and 23 western European countries-were eligible for inclusion. Pooled estimates of the prevalence of strongyloidiasis and schistosomiasis by stool or urine microscopy for larvae or eggs or serum antibodies were calculated with a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was explored by stratification by age, region of origin, migrant class, period of study, and type of serological antigen used.
FINDINGS
88 studies were included. Pooled strongyloidiasis seroprevalence was 12·2% (95% CI 9·0-15·9%; I 96%) and stool-based prevalence was 1·8% (1·2-2·6%; 98%). Migrants from east Asia and the Pacific (17·3% [95% CI 4·1-37·0]), sub-Saharan Africa (14·6% [7·1-24·2]), and Latin America and the Caribbean (11·4% [7·8-15·7]) had the highest seroprevalence. Pooled schistosomiasis seroprevalence was 18·4% (95% CI 13·1-24·5; I 97%) and stool-based prevalence was 0·9% (0·2-1·9; 99%). Sub-Saharan African migrants had the highest seroprevalence (24·1·% [95% CI 16·4-32·7]).
INTERPRETATION
Strongyloidiasis affects migrants from all global regions, whereas schistosomiasis is focused in specific regions and most common among sub-Saharan African migrants. Serological prevalence estimates were several times higher than stool estimates for both parasites. These data can be used to inform screening decisions for migrants and support the use of serological screening, which is more sensitive and easier than stool testing.
FUNDING
None.
Topics: Africa South of the Sahara; Australia; Canada; Caribbean Region; Emigrants and Immigrants; Endemic Diseases; Europe; Asia, Eastern; Feces; Humans; Israel; Latin America; Mass Screening; New Zealand; Pacific Islands; Prevalence; Schistosomiasis; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Serologic Tests; Strongyloidiasis; United States
PubMed: 30683241
DOI: 10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30490-X -
The Lancet. Infectious Diseases Mar 2023The neglected zoonosis cystic echinococcosis affects mainly pastoral and rural communities in both low-income and upper-middle-income countries. In Europe, it should be... (Review)
Review
The neglected zoonosis cystic echinococcosis affects mainly pastoral and rural communities in both low-income and upper-middle-income countries. In Europe, it should be regarded as an orphan and rare disease. Although human cystic echinococcosis is a notifiable parasitic infectious disease in most European countries, in practice it is largely under-reported by national health systems. To fill this gap, we extracted data on the number, incidence, and trend of human cases in Europe through a systematic review approach, using both the scientific and grey literature and accounting for the period of publication from 1997 to 2021. The highest number of possible human cases at the national level was calculated from various data sources to generate a descriptive model of human cystic echinococcosis in Europe. We identified 64 745 human cystic echinococcosis cases from 40 European countries. The mean annual incidence from 1997 to 2020 throughout Europe was 0·64 cases per 100 000 people and in EU member states was 0·50 cases per 100 000 people. Based on incidence rates and trends detected in this study, the current epicentre of cystic echinococcosis in Europe is in the southeastern European countries, whereas historical endemic European Mediterranean countries have recorded a decrease in the number of cases over the time.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Incidence; Zoonoses; Echinococcosis; Europe; Rural Population
PubMed: 36427513
DOI: 10.1016/S1473-3099(22)00638-7