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Acta Tropica Dec 2022Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) is an extracellular flagellated protozoan parasitizing the human genital and urinary tracts. T. vaginalis infection impacts human... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) is an extracellular flagellated protozoan parasitizing the human genital and urinary tracts. T. vaginalis infection impacts human reproductive function, but whether it causes infertility is still a matter of debate.
METHODS
In this work, we consulted 205 relevant articles, which were classified into three categories: epidemiological investigations (100), review articles (43), and research articles (62). RevMan 5.4 was used to conduct a meta-analysis of the articles reporting epidemiological investigations comparing the incidence of T. vaginalis infection between infertile and fertile groups. Review and research articles were used to summarize the pathogenesis of infertility caused by T. vaginalis.
RESULTS
The results indicated that rate of T. vaginalis infection in the infertile group was significantly higher than that in the fertile group. Moreover, the epidemiological surveys showed that the infertility rates of population infected with T. vaginalis were significantly higher than that of population without T. vaginalis infection. Nine out of ten (90%) related review articles stated that T. vaginalis infection causes infertility, and the review and research articles indicated the main pathogenic mechanisms of infertility caused by T. vaginalis were as follows: T. vaginalis impairs sperm quality, resulting in infertility; the immune response triggered by T. vaginalis infection impacts human reproductive function.
CONCLUSION
Our results confirm that there is a correlation between T. vaginalis infection and infertility, and T. vaginalis infection can lead to infertility. The study provides a foundation for further investigations into its pathogenesis.
Topics: Fertility; Humans; Infertility; Male; Reproduction; Semen; Trichomonas Infections; Trichomonas vaginalis
PubMed: 36116548
DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106693 -
PloS One 2023Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common infections in humans and animals, which is caused by an obligate intracellular opportunistic parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common infections in humans and animals, which is caused by an obligate intracellular opportunistic parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). Some data have shown that both Rhesus (Rh)-positive and Rh-negative individuals differ in response to biological factors, including Toxoplasma infection. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the scientific evidence regarding the possible association between the Rh blood group and Toxoplasma infection and to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii in the Rh blood group system.
METHODS
The research was conducted on PubMed, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases until January 2023. Twenty-one cross-sectional studies were included with a total of 10910 people. The data were synthesized using a random effect model with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
The overall prevalence of T. gondii was calculated at 32.34% (CI 95%: 28.23-36.45%) and 33.35% (CI 95%: 19.73-46.96%) in Rh-positive and Rh-negative blood groups. In addition, the pooled OR for the relationship between the Rh blood group and the seroprevalence of T. gondii was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.72-1.28).
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis showed a high prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in both Rh-negative and positive blood groups. This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that no significant association was found between toxoplasmosis and Rh factor. Because of the limited number of studies in this field, more research is recommended to determine the exact relationship between toxoplasmosis and the Rh factor.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Toxoplasma; Rh-Hr Blood-Group System; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Antibodies, Protozoan; Toxoplasmosis; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37406027
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287992 -
The Lancet. Global Health Dec 2020The burden of malaria infection in sub-Saharan Africa among school-aged children aged 5-15 years is underappreciated and represents an important source of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The burden of malaria infection in sub-Saharan Africa among school-aged children aged 5-15 years is underappreciated and represents an important source of human-to-mosquito transmission of Plasmodium falciparum. Additional interventions are needed to control and eliminate malaria. We aimed to assess whether preventive treatment of malaria might be an effective means of reducing P falciparum infection and anaemia in school-aged children and lowering parasite transmission.
METHODS
In this systematic review and two meta-analyses, we searched the online databases PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Clinicaltrials.gov for intervention studies published between Jan 1, 1990, and Dec 14, 2018. We included randomised studies that assessed the effect of antimalarial treatment among asymptomatic school-aged children aged 5-15 years in sub-Saharan Africa on prevalence of P falciparum infection and anaemia, clinical malaria, and cognitive function. We first extracted data for a study-level meta-analysis, then contacted research groups to request data for an individual participant data meta-analysis. Outcomes of interest included prevalence of P falciparum infection detected by microscopy, anaemia (study defined values or haemoglobin less than age-adjusted and sex-adjusted values), clinical malaria (infection and symptoms on the basis of study-specific definitions) during follow-up, and code transmission test scores. We assessed effects by treatment type and duration of time protected, and explored effect modification by transmission setting. For study-level meta-analysis, we calculated risk ratios for binary outcomes and standardised mean differences for continuous outcomes and pooled outcomes using fixed-effect and random-effects models. We used a hierarchical generalised linear model for meta-analysis of individual participant data. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42016030197.
FINDINGS
Of 628 studies identified, 13 were eligible for the study-level meta-analysis (n=16 309). Researchers from 11 studies contributed data on at least one outcome (n=15 658) for an individual participant data meta-analysis. Interventions and study designs were highly heterogeneous; overall risk of bias was low. In the study-level meta-analysis, treatment was associated with reductions in P falciparum prevalence (risk ratio [RR] 0·27, 95% CI 0·17-0·44), anaemia (0·77, 0·65-0·91), and clinical malaria (0·40, 0·28-0·56); results for cognitive outcomes are not presented because data were only available for three trials. In our individual participant data meta-analysis, we found treatment significantly decreased P falciparum prevalence (adjusted RR [ARR] 0·46, 95% CI 0·40-0·53; p<0·0001; 15 648 individuals; 11 studies), anaemia (ARR 0·85, 0·77-0·92; p<0·0001; 15 026 individuals; 11 studies), and subsequent clinical malaria (ARR 0·50, 0·39-0·60; p<0·0001; 1815 individuals; four studies) across transmission settings. We detected a marginal effect on cognitive function in children older than 10 years (adjusted mean difference in standardised test scores 0·36, 0·01-0·71; p=0·044; 3962 individuals; five studies) although we found no significant effect when combined across all ages.
INTERPRETATION
Preventive treatment of malaria among school-aged children significantly decreases P falciparum prevalence, anaemia, and risk of subsequent clinical malaria across transmission settings. Policy makers and programme managers should consider preventive treatment of malaria to protect this age group and advance the goal of malaria elimination, while weighing these benefits against potential risks of chemoprevention.
FUNDING
US National Institutes of Health and Burroughs Wellcome Fund/ASTMH Fellowship.
Topics: Adolescent; Africa South of the Sahara; Antimalarials; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Malaria
PubMed: 33222799
DOI: 10.1016/S2214-109X(20)30325-9 -
Microbial Pathogenesis Sep 2021Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common parasitic infections in humans, which is caused by Toxoplasma gondii. It is usually asymptomatic but primary infection in a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common parasitic infections in humans, which is caused by Toxoplasma gondii. It is usually asymptomatic but primary infection in a pregnant woman can cause severe consequences in the fetus such as miscarriage. This study aimed to estimate the global prevalence of T. gondii infection in women with spontaneous abortion. It also evaluates the possible relationship between recent Toxoplasma infection and miscarriage. Five electronic databases were reviewed. We used the random effects model and 95% confidence intervals(CI) to determine the overall prevalence and odds ratio (OR). Heterogeneity was calculated using Cochran's Q test and I statistic. The included studies were divided into three sub-groups based on antibody class against T. gondii and the existence of parasite DNA. Based on PCR, the pooled random-effects estimates that the prevalence of T. gondii infection in women with abortion was 10% (95% CI 7-14%). The pooled random effect favored a statistically significant increased risk of latent Toxoplasma infection [OR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.41-2.40, P < 0.001] and recent infection [OR = 3.72; 95% CI: 2.21-6.26, P < 0.001] in women with spontaneous abortions. In recent infections, significant pooled ORs of positive association were observed in women with miscarriage [OR = 4.2; 95% CI: 2.04-8.85; χ2 = 17.2; I = 42.0%, P = 0.07]. This study demonstrates that recent T. gondii infection is associated with an elevated risk of spontaneous abortion. Further studies concerning all risk factors related to toxoplasmosis, and undertaking confirmatory tests at the time of abortion should be performed to investigate the impact of T. gondii infection and spontaneous abortion.
Topics: Abortion, Spontaneous; Antibodies, Protozoan; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin M; Pregnancy; Risk Factors; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Toxoplasma; Toxoplasmosis
PubMed: 34186117
DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105070 -
PloS One 2023Toxoplasma gondii, a ubiquitous parasitic protozoan, may be an important cause of neurological and psychiatric diseases. The present systematic review and meta-analysis,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Toxoplasma gondii, a ubiquitous parasitic protozoan, may be an important cause of neurological and psychiatric diseases. The present systematic review and meta-analysis, therefore, was conducted to investigate the scientific evidence regarding the potential association between T. gondii infection and psychiatric disorders in Iran.
METHODS
We systematically reviewed articles from world-wide databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Iranian national databases up to July 30th, 2021. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the quality of included studies. The common odds ratio (OR) was estimated using inverse variance and a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the χ2-based Cochrane test (Q) and the I2 index. Also, sensitivity analyses and publication bias were calculated. Moreover, subgroup analysis was performed based on the type of disorder and quality score of different eligible studies.
RESULTS
16 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Our meta-analyses found that the OR of the risk of anti- T. gondii IgG and IgM in psychiatric patients compared to the control group was 1.56 (95% CI; 1.23-1.99) and 1.76 (95% CI: 1.19-2.61), respectively. Subgroup analysis based on the type of disorder showed that the OR of the risk of anti- T. gondii IgG in Iranian schizophrenia patients and other psychiatric disorders compared to the control group were 1.50 (95% CI; 1.09-2.07) and 2.03 (95% CI: 1.14-3.60), respectively, which are statistically significant. Also, the OR of the risk of anti- T. gondii IgM in Iranian schizophrenia and depression patients compared to the control group was 1.54 (95% CI; 0.9-2.64) and 1.03 (95% CI: 0.2-5.24), respectively, which are not statistically significant. Additionally, subgroup analysis based on quality scores showed no significant influence on the results according to the moderate quality studies. However, this association was significant according to the high quality studies. The obtained results of Egger's test were 1.5 (95% CI; -0.62-3.73, P = 0.15) and 0.47 (95% CI; -0.82-1.76, P = 0.45), respectively, indicating publication bias. The significant results of the heterogeneity analysis confirmed a high level of heterogeneity in the IgG test (P = 0.000, I2 = 66.6%). However, no significant results from the test of heterogeneity were detected in the IgM test (P = 0.15, I2 = 27.5%). The results of the sensitivity analysis showed that the impact of each study on the meta-analysis was not significant on overall estimates.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the limited number of studies, these outcomes supported a possible link between T. gondii infection and psychiatric disorders in Iran. However, more high-quality investigations are needed in the future.
Topics: Humans; Iran; Toxoplasmosis; Toxoplasma; Schizophrenia; Immunoglobulin G; Immunoglobulin M; Seroepidemiologic Studies
PubMed: 37552680
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284954 -
Cancer Epidemiology Apr 2022Brain tumors are among the most fatal cancers with substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Epidemiologic evidence suggests that infectious agents, especially,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Brain tumors are among the most fatal cancers with substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Epidemiologic evidence suggests that infectious agents, especially, protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii could be a possible risk factor or contributor. Here, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the possible association between T. gondii infection/exposure and risk of brain tumors.
METHODS
We searched the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science collection databases from inception through 1st of December 2021. Pooled estimates of odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were generated using random effects models. We did the subgroup analysis according to tumor types. Statistical tests for heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses were applied.
RESULTS
A total of seven eligible studies comprising 2323 patients diagnosed with brain tumors and 5131 healthy controls were included in the meta-analysis. T. gondii infection/exposure prevalence was 24.2% (95%CI, 12.7%-41.2) in cases and 12.9% (95%CI, 7.0-22.6%) in control subjects. Pooled analysis showed an overall OR of 1.96 (95%CI, 1.37-2.80), indicating a significant increased risk of brain tumors associated with T. gondii infection/exposure. In subgroup analysis T. gondii infection/exposure was significantly associated with gliomas (OR: 1.64, 95%CI, 1.15-2.33), meningioma (OR: 2.30, 95%CI, 1.0-5.27) and other types of brain tumors (OR: 2.19, 95%CI, 1.02-4.71).
CONCLUSION
This study provides suggestive evidence for an association between T. gondii infection/exposure and brain tumors. Our findings should be further confirmed by well-designed cohort studies with strict control of confounders. Moreover, we suggest that future studies also focus on the effect of T. gondii infection/exposure to the types of brain tumors.
Topics: Brain Neoplasms; Humans; Meningeal Neoplasms; Risk Factors; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Toxoplasma; Toxoplasmosis
PubMed: 35152168
DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2022.102119 -
Association between Toxoplasma gondii Infection and Headache: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Infectious Disorders Drug Targets 2021The impact of infectious agents, such as Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), on human behavior and mental disorders, has recently attracted the attention of researchers. T.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The impact of infectious agents, such as Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), on human behavior and mental disorders, has recently attracted the attention of researchers. T. gondii has emerged as a suitable candidate for such disorders due to its neutral nature. Therefore, the current study aimed at investigating the possible relationship between T. gondii infection and headache.
METHODS
Five databases were thoroughly searched (up to October 4, 2019) for articles on the prevalence of T. gondii in headache sufferers. In this study, the odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using a random effect model and forest plot to gauge effect size and effect of each study.
RESULTS
A total number of four articles, including one cross-sectional and three case-control studies 2517 participants, entered the meta-analysis, out of whom, 1205 subjects were afflicted with headache or migraine (17.67% positive for toxoplasmosis) and 1312 participants were not (18.29% for toxoplasmosis). The results of the meta-analysis indicated a common OR of 1.59 (95% CI: 1.03-2.47) by the random effect model.
CONCLUSION
The obtained results of several studies have linked toxoplasmosis and headache. Therefore, more quality studies with larger sample sizes are needed to determine the detailed association between headache and T. gondii infection for the prevention and control of toxoplasmosis among headache sufferers.
Topics: Antibodies, Protozoan; Cross-Sectional Studies; Headache; Humans; Risk Factors; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Toxoplasmosis
PubMed: 32552646
DOI: 10.2174/1871526520666200617135851 -
International Journal of Environmental... Mar 2023Type-1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease characterized by damage to pancreatic insulin-producing beta cells, is associated with adverse renal, retinal, cardiovascular, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Type-1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease characterized by damage to pancreatic insulin-producing beta cells, is associated with adverse renal, retinal, cardiovascular, and cognitive outcomes, possibly including dementia. Moreover, the protozoal parasite has been associated with type-1 diabetes. To better characterize the association between type-1 diabetes and infection, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies that evaluated the relationship between type-1 diabetes and infection. A random-effects model based on nine primary studies (total number of participants = 2655) that met our inclusion criteria demonstrated a pooled odds ratio of 2.45 (95% confidence interval, 0.91-6.61). Removing one outlying study increased the pooled odds ratio to 3.38 (95% confidence interval, 2.09-5.48). These findings suggest that infection might be positively associated with type-1 diabetes, although more research is needed to better characterize this association. Additional research is required to determine whether changes in immune function due to type-1 diabetes increase the risk of infection with infection with increases the risk of type-1 diabetes, or both processes occur.
Topics: Humans; Risk Factors; Toxoplasmosis; Toxoplasma; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Odds Ratio; Seroepidemiologic Studies
PubMed: 36901457
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054436 -
Transfusion and Apheresis Science :... Aug 2017The risk of transfusion transmitted leishmaniasis (TTL) from apparently healthy persons or asymptomatic individuals, should not be ignored. Lack of a comprehensive... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The risk of transfusion transmitted leishmaniasis (TTL) from apparently healthy persons or asymptomatic individuals, should not be ignored. Lack of a comprehensive review, encouraged us to design a systematic review with meta-analysis approach to assess the prevalence of Leishmania infection in healthy blood donors.
METHODS
For this purpose, 6 English databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, Science Direct, EMBASE and CINAHL) were browsed from January 1990 to July 2016.
RESULTS
Due to significant heterogeneity, the random-effects model was used (I=98.04% and 94.68%, for serological and molecular methods, respectively). A total of 496 papers were found through searching in which 17,816 apparently healthy blood donors were examined for Leishmania infection. The weighted overall prevalence of Leishmania infection in this group was estimated 4% (95% CI=2-7) and 8.7% (95% CI=4.2-14.3) using serological and molecular methods, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
High serological prevalence does not justify widespread donor screening. Leukodepletion filters would substantially decrease the risk of TTL, hence they are potentially proposed in endemic areas specifically for high-risk recipients. To better enlighten the epidemiological aspects of Leishmania infection in blood donors, it is suggested to perform high-level stewardship and more precise studies with regard to involved risk factors.
Topics: Blood Donors; Female; Humans; Leishmania; Leishmaniasis; Male; Models, Biological; Prevalence; Seroepidemiologic Studies
PubMed: 28754214
DOI: 10.1016/j.transci.2017.07.001 -
PloS One 2022Neospora caninum (N. caninum) is known to be a major cause of reproductive failure in cattle herds around the world. Therefore, the current comprehensive study was... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Neospora caninum (N. caninum) is known to be a major cause of reproductive failure in cattle herds around the world. Therefore, the current comprehensive study was performed to estimate the global prevalence of N. caninum infection in bovines that had an abortion and aborted fetuses.
METHODS
In this study, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest databases were systematically searched for relevant studies up until November 4, 2021. Pooled prevalence and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using a random effect model. Other analyzes performed on the data of this study include sensitivity analysis, publication bias test, and quality assessment.
RESULTS
The final analyses included 71 studies conducted on 2965 abortive cattle and 4805 aborted fetuses. The overall prevalence rates of N. caninum infection in bovines that had an abortion were 47% and 1% using serological and molecular methods. Furthermore, overall prevalence rates of N. caninum infection in bovine aborted fetuses globally were 35% (95% CI: 8%-62%) and 43% (95% CI: 35%-52%) using serological and molecular methods.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study showed the high prevalence of N. caninum infection in bovines that had an abortion and aborted fetuses. It is hoped that the results of this study will help prevent abortion in bovines around the world and encourage further studies to determine the impact of this parasite on the occurrence of abortion that may help reduce the economic damage caused by abortion worldwide.
Topics: Abortion, Veterinary; Animals; Antibodies, Protozoan; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Coccidiosis; Female; Fetus; Humans; Neospora; Pregnancy
PubMed: 35604902
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268903