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Acta Parasitologica Sep 2020Sarcocystis is a zoonotic parasitic pathogen which endangers the safety of meat and meat products. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
Sarcocystis is a zoonotic parasitic pathogen which endangers the safety of meat and meat products. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the prevalence rate and status of Sarcocystis spp. in ruminants as important food sources in Iran.
METHODS
Data were collected from papers indexed in five English language electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar) and four Persian electronic databases (IranMedex, SID, IranDoc, and Magiran) from January to April 2019. Papers were selected based on inclusion criteria. Data analysis was performed in StatsDirect statistical software, version 2.7.2.
RESULTS
The searching process resulted in the identification of 73 studies. Data analyses revealed that the total prevalence (95% confidence intervals) of Sarcocystis spp. in Iranian ruminants was 74.40% (64.01-83.56). In addition, a significant association was also observed between sarcocystosis infection in Iranian ruminants and year, host, location, and diagnostic technique (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
According to our data, the prevalence of Sarcocystis infection in ruminants is relatively high. High pathogenicity of some Sarcocystis spp. and the negative impact that the spread of some parasites among ruminants can have on human and animal health necessitate the direction of more attention toward monitoring, controlling, and preventing sarcocystosis.
Topics: Animals; Foodborne Diseases; Goat Diseases; Goats; Humans; Iran; Prevalence; Ruminants; Sarcocystis; Sarcocystosis; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Zoonoses
PubMed: 32297107
DOI: 10.2478/s11686-020-00210-5 -
Parasitology Research Feb 2016Protozoan parasitic diseases are endemic in many countries worldwide, especially in developing countries, where infertility is a major burden. It has been reported that... (Review)
Review
Protozoan parasitic diseases are endemic in many countries worldwide, especially in developing countries, where infertility is a major burden. It has been reported that such infections may cause infertility through impairment in male and female reproductive systems. We searched Medline, PubMed, and Scopus databases and Google scholar to identify the potentially relevant studies on protozoan parasitic infections and their implications in human and animal model infertility. Literature described that some of the protozoan parasites such as Trichomonas vaginalis may cause deformities of the genital tract, cervical neoplasia, and tubal and atypical pelvic inflammations in women and also non-gonoccocal urethritis, asthenozoospermia, and teratozoospermia in men. Toxopalasma gondii could cause endometritis, impaired folliculogenesis, ovarian and uterine atrophy, adrenal hypertrophy, vasculitis, and cessation of estrus cycling in female and also decrease in semen quality, concentration, and motility in male. Trypanosoma cruzi inhibits cell division in embryos and impairs normal implantation and development of placenta. Decrease in gestation rate, infection of hormone-producing glands, parasite invasion of the placenta, and overproduction of inflammatory cytokines in the oviducts and uterine horns are other possible mechanisms induced by Trypanosoma cruzi to infertility. Plasmodium spp. and Trypanosoma brucei spp. cause damage in pituitary gland, hormonal disorders, and decreased semen quality. Entamoeba histolytica infection leads to pelvic pain, salpingitis, tubo-ovarian abscess, and genital ulcers. Cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis can induce genital lesion, testicular amyloidosis, inflammation of epididymis, prostatitis, and sperm abnormality in human and animals. In addition, some epidemiological studies have reported that rates of protozoan infections in infertile patients are higher than healthy controls. The current review indicates that protozoan parasitic infections may be an important cause of infertility. Given the widespread prevalence of parasitic protozoa diseases worldwide, we suggest further studies to better understanding of relationship between such infections and infertility.
Topics: Animals; Female; Humans; Infertility; Male; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic; Protozoan Infections; Semen
PubMed: 26573517
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4827-y -
Acta Tropica Jul 2014The control and eventual elimination of neglected tropical disease (NTD) requires the expansion of interventions such as mass drug administration (MDA), vector control,... (Review)
Review
The control and eventual elimination of neglected tropical disease (NTD) requires the expansion of interventions such as mass drug administration (MDA), vector control, diagnostic testing, and effective treatment. The purpose of this paper is to present the evidence base for decision-makers on the cost and cost-effectiveness of lymphatic filariasis (LF) and onchocerciasis prevention, treatment, and control. A systematic review of the published literature was conducted. All studies that contained primary or secondary data on costs or cost-effectiveness of prevention and control were considered. A total of 52 papers were included for LF and 24 papers were included for onchocerciasis. Large research gaps exist on the synergies and cost of integrating NTD prevention and control programs, as well as research on the role of health information systems, human resource systems, service delivery, and essential medicines and technology for elimination. The literature available on costs and cost-effectiveness of interventions is also generally older, extremely focal geographically and of limited usefulness for developing estimates of the global economic burden of these diseases and prioritizing among various intervention options. Up to date information on the costs and cost-effectiveness of interventions for LF and onchocerciasis prevention are needed given the vastly expanded funding base for the control and elimination of these diseases.
Topics: Cost-Benefit Analysis; Elephantiasis, Filarial; Health Care Costs; Humans; Insect Control; Onchocerciasis
PubMed: 24699086
DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2014.03.017 -
Expert Opinion on Drug Safety Mar 2021: A century-long history in 8-aminoquinolines, the only anti-malaria drug class preventing malaria relapse, has resulted in the approval of tafenoquine by the U.S. Food... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
: A century-long history in 8-aminoquinolines, the only anti-malaria drug class preventing malaria relapse, has resulted in the approval of tafenoquine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and to date registration in Brazil and Thailand. Tafenoquine is an alternative anti-relapse treatment for vivax malaria and malaria prophylaxis. It should not be given in pregnancy, during lactation of infants with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) unknown or deficient status, and in those with G6PD deficiency or psychiatric illness.: This systematic review assesses tafenoquine associated adverse events in English-language, human clinical trials. Meta-analysis of commonly reported adverse events was conducted and grouped by comparison arms.: Tafenoquine, either for radical cure or prophylaxis, is generally well tolerated in adults. There is no convincing evidence for neurologic, ophthalmic, and cardiac toxicities. Psychotic disorder which has been attributed to higher doses is a contraindication for the chemoprophylaxis indication and psychiatric illness is a warning for the radical cure indication. Pregnancy assessment and quantitative G6PD testing are required. The optimal radical curative regimen including the tafenoquine dose along with its safety for parts of Southeast Asia, South America, and Oceania needs further assessment.
Topics: Adult; Aminoquinolines; Animals; Antimalarials; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency; Humans; Malaria, Vivax; Mental Disorders
PubMed: 33306921
DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2021.1859476 -
Comparative Immunology, Microbiology... Feb 2023Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical parasitic vector-borne disease that has emerged or re-emerged in recent years and is a major health problem. Algeria is a country... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical parasitic vector-borne disease that has emerged or re-emerged in recent years and is a major health problem. Algeria is a country where leishmaniasis reaches high levels of endemicity. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to collect, compile and summarise data on the prevalence of animal leishmaniasis in Algeria. Data were collected from 2004 to 2022 during which a number of 12 papers were published from dogs, cats, hedgehogs, and jackals. A total of 4812 dogs, 388 stray cats, 24 hedgehogs and 2 Jackals were included in this analysis. The diagnosis of leishmaniasis was performed using serological or molecular tests. The overall prevalence in dogs was 21.2 % (95 %CI, 15.7-26.9 %), and in stray cats, hedgehogs and Jackal was, respectively, 25.3 % (95 %CI, 17-36.6 %), 20.8 % (95 %CI, 8.8-40.9 %) and 50 %. This study is a comprehensive epidemiological analysis of canine leishmaniasis in Algeria and will therefore be a useful tool for researchers. Further studies are needed for a better and continuous assessment of the occurrence of this zoonosis. It can also be used to propose or improve appropriate national surveillance programs for these diseases.
Topics: Animals; Cats; Dogs; Algeria; Cat Diseases; Dog Diseases; Hedgehogs; Jackals; Leishmaniasis; Zoonoses
PubMed: 36584413
DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101930 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases 2013Strongyloidiasis is frequently under diagnosed since many infections remain asymptomatic and conventional diagnostic tests based on parasitological examination are not... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Strongyloidiasis is frequently under diagnosed since many infections remain asymptomatic and conventional diagnostic tests based on parasitological examination are not sufficiently sensitive. Serology is useful but is still only available in reference laboratories. The need for improved diagnostic tests in terms of sensitivity and specificity is clear, particularly in immunocompromised patients or candidates to immunosuppressive treatments. This review aims to evaluate both conventional and novel techniques for the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis as well as available cure markers for this parasitic infection.
METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
The search strategy was based on the data-base sources MEDLINE, Cochrane Library Register for systematic review, EmBase, Global Health and LILACS and was limited in the search string to articles published from 1960 to August 2012 and to English, Spanish, French, Portuguese and German languages. Case reports, case series and animal studies were excluded. 2003 potentially relevant citations were selected for retrieval, of which 1649 were selected for review of the abstract. 143 were eligible for final inclusion.
CONCLUSIONS
Sensitivity of microscopic-based techniques is not good enough, particularly in chronic infections. Furthermore, techniques such as Baermann or agar plate culture are cumbersome and time-consuming and several specimens should be collected on different days to improve the detection rate. Serology is a useful tool but it might overestimate the prevalence of disease due to cross-reactivity with other nematode infections and its difficulty distinguishing recent from past (and cured) infections. To evaluate treatment efficacy is still a major concern because direct parasitological methods might overestimate it and the serology has not yet been well evaluated; even if there is a decline in antibody titres after treatment, it is slow and it needs to be done at 6 to 12 months after treatment which can cause a substantial loss to follow-up in a clinical trial.
Topics: Animals; Clinical Laboratory Techniques; Drug Monitoring; Humans; Parasitology; Sensitivity and Specificity; Strongyloides; Strongyloidiasis
PubMed: 23350004
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002002 -
Preventive Veterinary Medicine Jul 2016Metacestodes, the larval stages of canid cestode parasites, are among the causes of morbidity, mortality and financial losses in small ruminants in Ethiopia as a result... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Metacestodes, the larval stages of canid cestode parasites, are among the causes of morbidity, mortality and financial losses in small ruminants in Ethiopia as a result of organ and carcass condemnation at slaughter. Several studies have been conducted over the years; however, these studies often had limited scope and coverage. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to collate the information so far available in order to provide a pooled prevalence estimate at national level and identify potential predictors. Published and grey literature written in English and Amharic in the period from, 1st of January 1990 to June 25, 2015 were searched from electronic databases and repositories of academic and research institutions. Relevant animal level data on 67,743 small ruminants was extracted from 23 published articles and one master's thesis resulting altogether in 86 animal level reports that conformed to predefined criteria. The dataset was analyzed using a meta-analytical approach. The pooled prevalence estimate computed for metacestodes infection was 11.8% with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 9.1, 15.4. The highest prevalence estimate 31.2% (95% CI: 23.1, 40.9) was found for Cysticercus tenuicollis (Taenia hydatigena) followed by cystic echinococcosis (Echinococcus granulosus) 8.8% (95% CI: 5.8, 13.1), Cysticercus ovis (Taenia ovis) 4.9% (95% CI: 2.9, 9.4) and Coenurus cerebralis (Taenia multiceps) 4.6% (95% CI: 1.6, 12.2). Among the predictors considered for heterogeneity analysis only sample size and metacestode type fitted the final multivariable meta-regression model and explained 26.3% of the explainable heterogeneity between studies (p<0.05). The prevalence was noted to decrease with increasing sample size. No significant difference in prevalence was observed between sheep and goats (p>0.05). In conclusion, this review showed a widespread occurrence of metacestodes in small ruminants in Ethiopia. Thus, a holistic approach to break the life cycle of these parasitic stages is suggested, including regulatory interventions that encourage dog owners to keep their dogs confined and prevent backyard slaughter and proper management of abattoir waste disposal.
Topics: Animals; Cestoda; Cestode Infections; Ethiopia; Goat Diseases; Goats; Prevalence; Regression Analysis; Ruminants; Sheep; Sheep Diseases
PubMed: 27317327
DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2016.05.006 -
Acta Tropica Jun 2023Extracellular vesicle (EVs) traffic is considered an important cellular communication process between cells that can be part of a single organism or belong to different... (Review)
Review
Extracellular vesicle (EVs) traffic is considered an important cellular communication process between cells that can be part of a single organism or belong to different living beings. The relevance of EV-mediated cellular communication is increasingly studied and appreciated, especially in relation to pathological conditions, including parasitic disorders, in which the EV release and uptake processes have been documented. In the context of Chagas Disease (CD), EVs have been explored, however, current data have not been systematically revised in order to provide an overview of the published literature and the main results obtained thus far. In this systematic review, 25 studies involving the investigation of EVs in CD were identified. The studies involved Trypanosoma cruzi -derived EVs (Tc-EVs), as well as EVs derived from T. cruzi-infected mammalian cells, mainly isolated by ultracentrifugation and poorly characterized. The objectives of the identified studies included the characterization of the protein and RNA cargo of Tc-EVs, as well as investigation of EVs in parasitic infections and immune-related processes. Overall, our systematic review reveals that EVs play critical roles in several mechanisms related to the interaction between T. cruzi and mammalian hosts, their contribution to immune system evasion by the parasite, and to chronic inflammation in the host. Future studies will benefit from the consolidation of isolation and characterization methods, as well as the elucidation of the role of EVs in CD.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Chagas Disease; Trypanosoma cruzi; Proteins; Extracellular Vesicles; Biological Transport; Mammals
PubMed: 36935050
DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106899 -
TheScientificWorldJournal 2022Intestinal helminth infections are still public health problems in tropical and subtropical countries including Ethiopia. This review and meta-analysis aimed to produce... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Intestinal helminth infections are still public health problems in tropical and subtropical countries including Ethiopia. This review and meta-analysis aimed to produce the pooled prevalence and associated risk factors of human intestinal helminth parasitic infections (HIHPIs) in Ethiopia.
METHODS
Articles written in English were searched from online databases. Sixty-seven studies were included. Meta-analysis was computed using STATA version 14.
RESULT
The pooled prevalence of HIHPIs was (33.35%, 95% CI: 28.85%, 37.86%). (10.84%, 95% CI: 9.34, 12.34), hookworm spp. (8.89%, 95% CI: 7.75, 10.04), (4.22%, 95% CI: 3.64, 4.81), (2.51%, 95% CI: 2.17, 2.86), (2.29%, 95% CI: 1.96, 2.63), species (1.01%, 95% CI: 0.80, 1.22), (1.17%, 95% CI: 0.92, 1.41), and (0.71%, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.90) were recorded. Handwashing before food (OR: 5.22,95% CI: 3.49, 6.94), handwashing after toilet (OR: 3.03, 95%; CI: 1.01, 5.05), age (OR: 1.66, 95% CL. 1.09, 2.23), open defecation (OR: 2.42, 95% CI: 1.60, 3.24), eating raw and unwashed vegetables/fruits (OR: 1.98, 95%; CI: 1.30, 2.66), maternal education (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 0.91, 2.72), family income (OR: 2.00, 95% CI: 0.87, 3.31), source of drinking water (OR: 3.12, 95% CI: 1.96, 4.27), swimming/contact with river water (OR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.11, 2.69), barefoot (OR: 3.28, 95% CI: 1.67, 4.88), playing with soil (OR: 2.64, 95% CI: 1.40, 3.88), and family size (OR: 3.75, 95% CI: 2.03, 5.46) were factors associated with HIHPIs in Ethiopia. High heterogeneity of the prevalence of HIHPIs was observed among the studies within and among regions (I > 99.6% and ≤ 0.001).
CONCLUSION
HIHPIs in Ethiopia were significantly high. Therefore, special attention should be given by all stakeholders to minimize HIHPIs in Ethiopia.
Topics: Animals; Cross-Sectional Studies; Ethiopia; Helminthiasis; Helminths; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Prevalence; Risk Factors
PubMed: 36093316
DOI: 10.1155/2022/3905963 -
Allergy Mar 2016Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is defined as persistent wheals, angioedema, or both lasting for >6 weeks due to known or unknown causes. Some epidemiological... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is defined as persistent wheals, angioedema, or both lasting for >6 weeks due to known or unknown causes. Some epidemiological studies and case reports suggest that internal parasite infections (PI) can cause CSU. Here, we provide a systematic overview of published findings on the prevalence and relevance of PI in CSU and we discuss possible pathomechanisms. The prevalence of PI in CSU was investigated by 39 independent studies and comorbidity reportedly ranged from 0 to 75.4% (two-thirds of these studies reported infection rates of 10% or less). The prevalence of PI in adult and pediatric CSU patients ranged from 0% to 75.4% and from 0% to 37.8%, respectively. CSU patients were more often diagnosed with protozoa and had a significantly higher risk of toxocariasis seropositivity and Anisakis simplex sensitization when compared to healthy controls. Patients with chronic urticaria more frequently had seropositivity of fasciolosis, Anisakis simplex sensitization, and the presence of Blastocystis hominis allele 34 (ST3) as compared with control subjects. In 21 studies, efficacy of treatment with antiparasitic drugs ranged from 0 to 100% (35.7% of 269 CSU patients benefitted). In 9 (42.8%) of 21 studies, more than 50% of efficacy was observed. The reported rate of urticaria comorbidity in PI patients in 18 independent studies is 1-66.7%. Urticaria including CSU might be a quite common symptom of strongyloidiasis and blastocystosis. Pathogenic mechanisms in CSU due to PI may include specific IgE, Th2 cytokine skewing, eosinophils, activation of the complement, and the coagulation systems.
Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Animals; Antigen-Antibody Complex; Case-Control Studies; Child; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Complement System Proteins; Cytokines; Eosinophils; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Immunoglobulin E; Parasitic Diseases; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Th2 Cells; Urticaria
PubMed: 26648083
DOI: 10.1111/all.12818