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Journal Der Deutschen Dermatologischen... Jun 2024Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis is a severe infectious disease, predominantly endemic in Central and South America and is characterized by granulomatous, destructive mucosal... (Review)
Review
Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis is a severe infectious disease, predominantly endemic in Central and South America and is characterized by granulomatous, destructive mucosal lesions in the oral, nasal, and pharyngeal cavities. It is caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania spp. transmitted to humans by sandflies. Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis occurs after untreated or inadequately treated cutaneous leishmaniasis and is more common in immunocompromised patients. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize all reported treatment options for mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. This review is based on all English, German, French, Spanish and Portuguese articles published in the databases "PubMed" and "Lilacs" from 1995 to 2020. Most of the medical literature is limited to case reports, small case series, retrospective studies, and a few randomized controlled trials. Various treatment options include pentavalent antimonates such as meglumine antimonate or sodium stibogluconate, amphotericin B (liposomal, deoxycholate, lipid complex, colloidal dispersion), miltefosine, and pentamidine. Other therapeutic options include itraconazole, fluconazole, ketoconazole, aminosidine sulfate, and azithromycin. The choice of drug depends primarily on its availability in the endemic area and the patient's comorbidities.
Topics: Humans; Leishmaniasis, Mucocutaneous; Antiprotozoal Agents
PubMed: 38769082
DOI: 10.1111/ddg.15424 -
ELife May 2024Zoonotic disease dynamics in wildlife hosts are rarely quantified at macroecological scales due to the lack of systematic surveys. Non-human primates (NHPs) host a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Zoonotic disease dynamics in wildlife hosts are rarely quantified at macroecological scales due to the lack of systematic surveys. Non-human primates (NHPs) host a zoonotic malaria of public health concern and the main barrier to malaria elimination in Southeast Asia. Understanding of regional infection dynamics in wildlife is limited. Here, we systematically assemble reports of NHP and investigate geographic determinants of prevalence in reservoir species. Meta-analysis of 6322 NHPs from 148 sites reveals that prevalence is heterogeneous across Southeast Asia, with low overall prevalence and high estimates for Malaysian Borneo. We find that regions exhibiting higher prevalence in NHPs overlap with human infection hotspots. In wildlife and humans, parasite transmission is linked to land conversion and fragmentation. By assembling remote sensing data and fitting statistical models to prevalence at multiple spatial scales, we identify novel relationships between in NHPs and forest fragmentation. This suggests that higher prevalence may be contingent on habitat complexity, which would begin to explain observed geographic variation in parasite burden. These findings address critical gaps in understanding regional epidemiology and indicate that prevalence in simian reservoirs may be a key spatial driver of human spillover risk.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Asia, Southeastern; Ecosystem; Malaria; Plasmodium knowlesi; Prevalence; Primate Diseases; Primates; Zoonoses
PubMed: 38753426
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.88616 -
PloS One 2024Malaria is a vector-borne disease that initially manifests as fever, headache, and chills. The illness could progress to more severe conditions, including lethargy,...
INTRODUCTION
Malaria is a vector-borne disease that initially manifests as fever, headache, and chills. The illness could progress to more severe conditions, including lethargy, impaired consciousness, convulsions, shortness of breath, blood in urine, jaundice, and haemorrhage if left untreated. The risk of contracting malaria is considerably heightened in specific occupational settings, particularly among forest rangers, following frequent exposure to natural habitats. Consequently, advancing the understanding of malaria and emphasising how specific occupational environments (including those of forest rangers) contribute to disease risk and management is imperative.
OBJECTIVE
The present study aims to determine the factors associated with malaria infection among forest rangers by systematically reviewing electronic articles from three databases (EBSCOhost, ScienceDirect, and ResearchGate).
METHODS
The current review was prepared based on the updated preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. First, three independent reviewers screened the titles and abstracts of the data collected. The information was then stored in Endnote20 based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The articles were critically appraised with the mixed methods appraisal tool (MMAT) to assess their quality.
RESULT
A total of 103, 31, and 51 articles from EBSCOhost, ScienceDirect, and ResearchGate, respectively, were selected, resulting in 185 unique hits. Nevertheless, only 63 full-text publications were assessed following a rigorous selection screening, from which only five were included in the final review. The studies revealed that several factors contribute to malaria infection among forest rangers. The parameters were classified into sociodemographic, individual, and living condition-related.
CONCLUSION
A better understanding of malaria progresses and identifying its potential risk factors is essential to impact worker well-being. The findings might be utilised to improve malaria infection prevention programme implementations, hence maximising their success. Pre-employment and regular health screenings could also aid in evaluating and identifying potential risks for malaria infection among forest rangers.
Topics: Humans; Malaria; Forests; Risk Factors; Animals
PubMed: 38748721
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303406 -
Parasitology Research May 2024Artemisinin (ART) combination therapy is the main treatment for malaria. Pfk13 mutations (or K13 mutations, Kelch 13) are associated with ART resistance. This study aims... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Artemisinin (ART) combination therapy is the main treatment for malaria. Pfk13 mutations (or K13 mutations, Kelch 13) are associated with ART resistance. This study aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of K13 mutations with ART resistance in malaria-endemic countries. An electronic search of studies in 2018 and a manual search in 2020 were performed to identify relevant studies. The risk of bias was assessed using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) quality assessment tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies. Data analysis was performed using R 4.1.0. Heterogeneity was estimated using the statistic I and Cochran Q test. A total of 170 studies were included in our review. Of these, 55 studies investigated the prevalence of K13 mutations in Southeast Asia. The meta-analysis showed that Southeast Asia had the highest prevalence of K13 mutations, whereas Africa, South America, Oceania, and other Asian countries outside Southeast Asia had a low prevalence of K13 mutations. The C580Y mutation was the most common in Southeast Asia with 35.5% (95%CI: 25.4-46.4%), whereas the dominant mutation in Africa was K189T (22.8%, 95%CI: 7.6-43.2%). This study revealed the emergence of ART resistance associated with K13 mutations in Southeast Asia. The diversity of each type of K13 mutation in other regions was also reported.
Topics: Artemisinins; Humans; Antimalarials; Polymorphism, Genetic; Prevalence; Drug Resistance; Plasmodium falciparum; Malaria; Malaria, Falciparum; Mutation; Protozoan Proteins; Asia, Southeastern
PubMed: 38740597
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08203-3 -
PloS One 2024Workers in the construction industry frequently work in construction sites with numerous areas that can potentially accumulate water, such as tanks, wet cement surfaces,...
INTRODUCTION
Workers in the construction industry frequently work in construction sites with numerous areas that can potentially accumulate water, such as tanks, wet cement surfaces, or water puddles. These water collection sites become ideal breeding grounds for mosquito infestation, which leads to a higher prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases, especially malaria and dengue among construction workers. Despite that numerous factors have been identified in controlling vector-borne diseases, the specific factors that influence mosquito control at construction sites have yet to be explored.
AIMS
This systematic review aims to determine the factors associated with mosquito control among construction workers.
METHODS
Primarily, articles related to factors associated with mosquito control among construction workers were collected from two different online databases (ScienceDirect and EBSCOhost). Two independent reviewers were assigned to screen the titles and abstracts of the collected data, stored in Microsoft Excel, against the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Afterwards, the quality of the included articles was critically assessed using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Of the 171 articles identified, 4 were included in the final review.
RESULTS
Based on the thorough evaluation, mosquito-related knowledge, practical mosquito prevention measures, and Larval Source Management (LSM) were identified as vital factors associated with mosquito control among construction workers. The significant association between mosquito-related knowledge and control practices indicates higher knowledge linked to effective practices, particularly among female workers and those who were recently infected with malaria. Concurrently, there were notable challenges regarding sustainable preventive measures and larval control methods in construction settings.
CONCLUSION
Implementing effective mosquito control, including knowledge and practice on mosquito control together with vector control, is highly required to suppress the expanding mosquito population. It is recommended that employers provide continuous mosquito control education and training to their employees and reward them with incentives, while employees should comply with the guidelines set by their employers to ensure successful mosquito control and reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases in the construction industry.
Topics: Mosquito Control; Humans; Construction Industry; Animals; Malaria; Culicidae; Mosquito Vectors; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
PubMed: 38718075
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303330 -
Scientific Reports May 2024Albumin, a key protein in human blood plasma, has been linked to various health conditions. However, its association with malaria, particularly in assessing disease... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Albumin, a key protein in human blood plasma, has been linked to various health conditions. However, its association with malaria, particularly in assessing disease severity, remains inadequately understood. This comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to elucidate the relationship between albumin levels and malaria severity. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including Embase, Scopus, PubMed, MEDLINE, Ovid, and Google Scholar, to identify studies examining albumin levels in malaria patients. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Data were pooled using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using I statistics. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed based on publication year, study location, and Plasmodium species. A total of 37 studies were included in this review. The thematic synthesis indicated that albumin levels in malaria patients varied significantly based on geographical location. A meta-analysis of 28 studies found that albumin levels were significantly lower in malaria patients compared with non-malarial controls (P < 0.001, standardized mean differences [SMD] = -2.23, 95% CI - 3.25 to - 1.20, I: 98%, random effects model, 28 studies). Additionally, subgroup analysis revealed variations in albumin levels based on geographical location and Plasmodium species. Regarding the association with disease severity, thematic synthesis showed that severe malaria cases generally had decreased albumin levels across various regions. However, one Brazilian study reported higher albumin levels in severe cases. A separate meta-analysis of five studies found significantly lower albumin levels in patients experiencing severe malaria relative to those with less severe forms of the disease (P < 0.001, SMD = -0.66, 95% CI - 1.07 to - 0.25), I: 73%, random effects model, 5 studies). This study underscores the clinical significance of albumin as a potential biomarker for Plasmodium infection and the severity of malaria. The findings suggest that albumin level monitoring could be crucial in managing malaria patients, especially in assessing disease severity and tailoring treatment approaches. Additional studies are required to investigate the underlying mechanisms driving these associations and validate the clinical utility of albumin levels in malaria patient management.
Topics: Humans; Malaria; Severity of Illness Index; Biomarkers; Serum Albumin; Serum Albumin, Human
PubMed: 38702420
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60644-z -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... May 2024The risk of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in solid organ transplant recipients has resulted in the frequent use of prophylaxis to prevent the clinical syndrome... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The risk of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in solid organ transplant recipients has resulted in the frequent use of prophylaxis to prevent the clinical syndrome associated with CMV infection. This is an update of a review first published in 2005 and updated in 2008 and 2013.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the benefits and harms of antiviral medications to prevent CMV disease and all-cause death in solid organ transplant recipients.
SEARCH METHODS
We contacted the information specialist and searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 5 February 2024 using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register are identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) Search Portal, and ClinicalTrials.gov.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs comparing antiviral medications with placebo or no treatment, comparing different antiviral medications or different regimens of the same antiviral medications for CMV prophylaxis in recipients of any solid organ transplant. Studies examining pre-emptive therapy for CMV infection are studied in a separate review and were excluded from this review.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently assessed study eligibility, risk of bias and extracted data. Summary estimates of effect were obtained using a random-effects model, and results were expressed as risk ratios (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dichotomous outcomes and mean difference (MD) and 95% CI for continuous outcomes. Confidence in the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.
MAIN RESULTS
This 2024 update found four new studies, bringing the total number of included studies to 41 (5054 participants). The risk of bias was high or unclear across most studies, with a low risk of bias for sequence generation (12), allocation concealment (12), blinding (11) and selective outcome reporting (9) in fewer studies. There is high-certainty evidence that prophylaxis with aciclovir, ganciclovir or valaciclovir compared with placebo or no treatment is more effective in preventing CMV disease (19 studies: RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.52), all-cause death (17 studies: RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.92), and CMV infection (17 studies: RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.77). There is moderate-certainty evidence that prophylaxis probably reduces death from CMV disease (7 studies: RR 0.26, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.78). Prophylaxis reduces the risk of herpes simplex and herpes zoster disease, bacterial and protozoal infections but probably makes little to no difference to fungal infection, acute rejection or graft loss. No apparent differences in adverse events with aciclovir, ganciclovir or valaciclovir compared with placebo or no treatment were found. There is high certainty evidence that ganciclovir, when compared with aciclovir, is more effective in preventing CMV disease (7 studies: RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.60). There may be little to no difference in any outcome between valganciclovir and IV ganciclovir compared with oral ganciclovir (low certainty evidence). The efficacy and adverse effects of valganciclovir or ganciclovir were probably no different to valaciclovir in three studies (moderate certainty evidence). There is moderate certainty evidence that extended duration prophylaxis probably reduces the risk of CMV disease compared with three months of therapy (2 studies: RR 0.20, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.35), with probably little to no difference in rates of adverse events. Low certainty evidence suggests that 450 mg/day valganciclovir compared with 900 mg/day valganciclovir results in little to no difference in all-cause death, CMV infection, acute rejection, and graft loss (no information on adverse events). Maribavir may increase CMV infection compared with ganciclovir (1 study: RR 1.34, 95% CI: 1.10 to 1.65; moderate certainty evidence); however, little to no difference between the two treatments were found for CMV disease, all-cause death, acute rejection, and adverse events at six months (low certainty evidence).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Prophylaxis with antiviral medications reduces CMV disease and CMV-associated death, compared with placebo or no treatment, in solid organ transplant recipients. These data support the continued routine use of antiviral prophylaxis in CMV-positive recipients and CMV-negative recipients of CMV-positive organ transplants.
Topics: Humans; Acyclovir; Antiviral Agents; Bias; Cause of Death; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Ganciclovir; Organ Transplantation; Postoperative Complications; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Transplant Recipients; Valacyclovir; Valganciclovir
PubMed: 38700045
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003774.pub5 -
Scientific Reports May 2024Malaria infection leads to hematological abnormalities, including deranged prothrombin time (PT). Given the inconsistent findings regarding PT in malaria across... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Malaria infection leads to hematological abnormalities, including deranged prothrombin time (PT). Given the inconsistent findings regarding PT in malaria across different severities and between Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax, this study aimed to synthesize available evidence on PT variations in clinical malaria. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Ovid, and Medline from 27 November 2021 to 2 March 2023 to obtain studies documenting PT in malaria. Study quality was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist, with data synthesized through both qualitative and quantitative methods, including meta-regression and subgroup analyses, to explore heterogeneity and publication bias. From 2767 articles, 21 studies were included. Most studies reported prolonged or increased PT in malaria patients compared to controls, a finding substantiated by the meta-analysis (P < 0.01, Mean difference: 8.86 s, 95% CI 5.32-12.40 s, I: 87.88%, 4 studies). Severe malaria cases also showed significantly higher PT than non-severe ones (P = 0.03, Hedges's g: 1.65, 95% CI 0.20-3.10, I: 97.91%, 7 studies). No significant PT difference was observed between P. falciparum and P. vivax infections (P = 0.88, Mean difference: 0.06, 95% CI - 0.691-0.8, I: 65.09%, 2 studies). The relationship between PT and malaria-related mortality remains unclear, underscoring the need for further studies. PT is typically prolonged or increased in malaria, particularly in severe cases, with no notable difference between P. falciparum and P. vivax infections. The inconsistency in PT findings between fatal and non-fatal cases highlights a gap in current understanding, emphasizing the need for future studies to inform therapeutic strategies.
Topics: Humans; Malaria, Vivax; Malaria, Falciparum; Plasmodium vivax; Plasmodium falciparum; Prothrombin Time; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 38698102
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60170-y -
Veterinary Medicine and Science May 2024Canine babesiosis is a clinically significant tick-transmitted disease caused by several species of the intraerythrocytic protozoan parasite Babesia, which result in a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Canine babesiosis is a clinically significant tick-transmitted disease caused by several species of the intraerythrocytic protozoan parasite Babesia, which result in a wide range of clinical manifestations, from mild, transient infection to serious disease and even death.
OBJECTIVES
The current study aimed to estimate the global prevalence and associated risk factors of Babesia in dogs.
METHODS
Multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science and Google Scholar) were searched for relevant literature published from January 2000 up to December 2022. The statistical analyses were performed based on the R software (version 3.6) meta-package.
RESULTS
Out of 23,864 publications, 229 studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of canine babesiosis was 0.120 (95% CI; 0.097-0.146). The highest pooled prevalence was found in Europe (0.207, 95% CI; 0.097-0.344). Among several species, Babesia canis was the most prevalent parasite (0.216, 95% CI; 0.056-0.441). The highest pooled prevalence of Babesia in dogs was observed in the summer season (0.097, 95% CI; 0.040-0.174).
CONCLUSIONS
Regular screening and appropriate control strategies are recommended for the prevention of transmission of tick-borne disease transmission among dogs.
Topics: Dogs; Babesiosis; Animals; Dog Diseases; Babesia; Prevalence; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38695207
DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1427 -
PeerJ 2024COVID-19 and malaria cause significant morbidity and mortality globally. Co-infection of these diseases can worsen their impact on public health. This review aims to...
BACKGROUND
COVID-19 and malaria cause significant morbidity and mortality globally. Co-infection of these diseases can worsen their impact on public health. This review aims to synthesize literature on the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 and malaria co-infection to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was conducted using MeSH terms and keywords from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to January 2023. The review included original articles on COVID-19 and malaria co-infection, evaluating their methodological quality and certainty of evidence. It was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023393562).
RESULTS
Out of 1,596 screened articles, 19 met the inclusion criteria. These studies involved 2,810 patients, 618 of whom had COVID-19 and malaria co-infection. Plasmodium falciparum and vivax were identified as causative organisms in six studies. Hospital admission ranged from three to 18 days. Nine studies associated co-infection with severe disease, ICU admission, assisted ventilation, and related complications. One study reported 6% ICU admission, and mortality rates of 3%, 9.4%, and 40.4% were observed in four studies. Estimated crude mortality rates were 10.71 and 5.87 per 1,000 person-days for patients with and without concurrent malaria, respectively. Common co-morbidities included Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory disorders.
CONCLUSION
Most patients with COVID-19 and malaria co-infection experienced short-term hospitalization and mild to moderate disease severity. However, at presentation, co-morbidities and severe malaria were significantly associated with higher mortality or worse clinical outcomes. These findings emphasize the importance of early detection, prompt treatment, and close monitoring of patients with COVID-19 and malaria co-infection.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Coinfection; Malaria; SARS-CoV-2; Hospitalization; Comorbidity; Malaria, Falciparum
PubMed: 38646476
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17160