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Heliyon Jun 2024Rodents are the largest group of mammals that adapt to different ecosystems and may act as the potential reservoirs of significant pathogens including gastrointestinal...
Rodents are the largest group of mammals that adapt to different ecosystems and may act as the potential reservoirs of significant pathogens including gastrointestinal (GI) helminths. Rodent-borne parasitic pathogens have been and remain a great concern for animal and human health. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is thus to clarify and better understand the pooled prevalence of GI helminthic infections and the associated risk factors in rodents in Iran. Multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, SID, Magiran and Irandoc) were searched for relevant literature published up to March 2022. A random-effects meta-analysis model was applied to estimate the pooled prevalence with 95 % confidence interval. Moreover, heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using the Cochran's test and the -statistic. Out of the 5438 publications searched, 28 articles (30 datasets) were ultimately eligible for inclusion in the study. Thus, 3649 captured rodents belonging to 6 families, 20 genera, and 35 species were examined for GI helminths in Iran. Then, 54 helminth species were identified in the present research, including 33 nematodes, 16 cestodes, 4 trematods, and 1 acanthocephalan. The prevalence rate of GI parasitic infections was 56 % (95 % CI: 50-63 %). , and were the most common helminthic infections (13 %, 9 %, and 8 %, respectively). Moreover, 11 potential zoonotic helminths were found. There was no significant difference in pooled prevalence between male and female rodents (P = 0.40). Considering geographical areas, northern and eastern provinces had the highest prevalence of GI helminthic infections among rodents. The prevalence of GI worms in Iranian rodents was as high as 56 % with 11 zoonotic helminths. Therefore, it is suggested to observe the health of the environment, destroy the biological nests of rodents, avoid half-finished constructions, repair and improve streams and sidewalks, organize and collect garbage, and carry out biological and chemical control to handle the population of rodents. Increasing the awareness of local people about the harmful effects of rodents and the ways of transmission and prevention of rodent-borne intestinal worms transmitted to humans should be prioritized in health decisions.
PubMed: 38845951
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31955 -
BMC Oral Health Jun 2024To provide an overview of the available scientific evidence from in vitro studies regarding the effect induced by the flavonoids contained in grape seed extracts (GSE)... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of the available scientific evidence from in vitro studies regarding the effect induced by the flavonoids contained in grape seed extracts (GSE) and cranberry on the microbiological activity of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans).
METHODS
This systematic review was performed following the parameters of the PRISMA statement (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis). Electronic and manual searches were conducted using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Cochrane databases. Reference lists of selected articles were reviewed to identify relevant studies. The search was not limited by year and was conducted solely in English. Eligible studies comprised publications describing in vitro studies that evaluated the effect of flavonoids derived from GSE and cranberry extracts on the microbiological activity of S. mutans. Common variables were identified to consolidate the data. Authors of this review independently screened search results, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias.
RESULTS
Of the 420 studies identified from the different databases, 22 publications were finally selected for review. The risk of bias was low in 13 articles and moderate in 9. The studies analyzed in this review revealed that cranberry extract has an inhibitory effect on the bacterial growth of S. mutans in ranges from 0.5 mg/mL to 25 mg/mL, and GSE exerts a similar effect from 0.5 mg/mL to 250 mg/mL. Additionally, the extracts or their fractions showed reduced biofilm formation capacity, decreased polymicrobial biofilm biomass, deregulation of glycosyltransferases (Gtf) B and C expression, and buffering of pH drop. In addition to adequate antioxidant activity related to polyphenol content.
CONCLUSIONS
The overall results showed that the extracts of cranberry and grape seed were effective in reducing the virulence factors of the oral pathogen. According to the data, proanthocyanidins are the active components in cranberry and grape seed that effectively resist S. mutans. They can inhibit the formation of insoluble polysaccharides in the extracellular matrix and prevent glycan-mediated adhesion, cohesion, and aggregation of the proteins in S. mutans. This suggests that these natural extracts could play an important role in the prevention of cariogenic bacterial colonization, as well as induce a decrease in their microbiological activity.
Topics: Streptococcus mutans; Vaccinium macrocarpon; Plant Extracts; Flavonoids; Grape Seed Extract; Biofilms; Humans; Vitis; Proanthocyanidins
PubMed: 38840232
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04263-0 -
Virology Journal Jun 2024Limited data is available regarding the severity and mortality of Mpox in individuals with immunocompromised conditions. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Limited data is available regarding the severity and mortality of Mpox in individuals with immunocompromised conditions. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to understand the impact of HIV- or non-HIV-associated immunosuppression on the severity of Mpox requiring hospitalization and mortality.
METHODS
A thorough literature search was performed from 2022 up to January 2024. The results were presented as odds ratios (ORs). We only included patients who required hospitalization for severity rather than isolation.
RESULTS
A total of 34 studies were included in this analysis. Our analysis did not find a significant difference in the hospitalization risk between HIV-positive individuals and those who were HIV-negative (OR = 1.03; P = 0.85; 7 studies; CD4 count of fewer than 200 cells/µL was less than 0.5% across all studies). Patients with a CD4 count lower than 200 cells/µL or an unsuppressed RNA viral load (> 200 copies/ml) had a significantly higher hospitalization risk (OR = 5.3, P < 0.001) and (OR = 3, P < 0.001), respectively. Most of the reported deaths were reported in patients with HIV with CD4 counts below 200 cells/µL, with some fatal cases occurring in non-HIV immunosuppressed patients, particularly organ transplant recipients. Based on the autopsy findings, Mpox was confirmed in multiple organs, particularly the digestive tract, lung, and testes. Furthermore, some studies documented cases of death that were suspected to be related to hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). Most of the death reports showed concomitant non-Mpox infections at the time of hospitalization and death CONCLUSIONS: Our finding shows that Mpox acts as an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised individuals. These individuals should be prioritized for early care and closely monitored for signs of deteriorating clinical conditions. Clinical manifestations and autopsy findings strongly suggest Mpox dissemination to multiple organs, particularly the digestive tract, and lungs. However, the presence of concomitant non-Mpox infections complicates the assessment of the attribution of Mpox to death. Caution should be exercised when interpreting data suggesting poorer outcomes in individuals with non-HIV immunosuppression, as current evidence is scarce and further research is needed.
Topics: Humans; Hospitalization; Immunocompromised Host; HIV Infections; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Mpox (monkeypox); Disease Outbreaks; Immunosuppression Therapy; Viral Load
PubMed: 38840177
DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02392-0 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2024Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis caused by fungi of the genus sp. Phenotypic and genotypic differences have been associated with their geographic distribution,... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis caused by fungi of the genus sp. Phenotypic and genotypic differences have been associated with their geographic distribution, virulence, or clinical manifestation of sporotrichosis. In the past decade, the interest in identifying species of the sp. has been increasing, due to its epidemiological importance and, in consequence, is important to know how to preserve them for future studies, in culture collection.
AIMS
The purposes of this study were to analyze the global distribution of environmental isolates and/or causal agents of sporotrichosis identified by polyphasic taxonomy, with mandatory use of molecular identification, and to evaluate the percentages and distribution of isolates stored in culture collections.
METHODS
A systematic review of articles on animal and human sporotrichosis and/or environmental isolation of the fungus, from 2007 to 2023, was done. Results: Our results demonstrated that, , , and were the most identified species. With respect to the deposit and maintenance of species, we observed that only 17% of the strains of sp. isolated in the world are preserved in a culture collection.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review confirmed a difficulty in obtaining the frequency of species stored in culture collection and insufficient data on the molecular identification mainly of animal sporotrichosis and isolation of sp. in environmental samples.
Topics: Sporothrix; Sporotrichosis; Animals; Humans; Environmental Microbiology; Preservation, Biological
PubMed: 38828263
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1382508 -
Environmental Health Insights 2024Nosocomial pathogens are known to exacerbate morbidity and mortality in contemporary critical healthcare. Hospital fomites, which include inanimate surfaces, have been... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Nosocomial pathogens are known to exacerbate morbidity and mortality in contemporary critical healthcare. Hospital fomites, which include inanimate surfaces, have been identified as "breeding grounds" for pathogens that cause nosocomial infections. This systematic review aimed to deliver incisive insights on nosocomial pathogens in intensive care units (ICUs) and the role of fomites as potential reservoirs for their transmission.
METHOD
An extensive exploration of electronic databases, including PubMed and Scopus, from 1990 to 2023, was carried out between 25 and 29 May 2023, per standard PRISMA guidelines. Information were extracted from articles that reported on fomites in the ICU. Studies that did not quantitatively report the fomite contamination, and those that exclusively took samples from patients in the ICU were excluded from the analysis.
RESULTS
About 40% of the total samples collected on fomites from all the studies yielded microbial growth, with species of being the most predominant. Other prevalent microbes were , , , spp., sp., and sp. The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) had the highest proportion of contaminated fomites. Among known fomites, the sphygmomanometer exhibited a 100% detection rate of nosocomial pathogens. This included , , coagulase-negative (CoNS), , and Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant (VRE), extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing , and MDR were commonly isolated on fomites in the ICUs.
CONCLUSION
Many fomites that are readily used in patient care in the ICU harbour nosocomial pathogens. The most common fomite appeared to be mobile phones, sphygmomanometers, and stethoscopes, with being the most common contaminant. Consequently, the need for rigorous disinfection and sterilization protocols on fomites in the ICU cannot be overemphasized. Additionally, heightened awareness on the subject among health professionals is crucial to mitigating the risk and burden of nosocomial infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria.
PubMed: 38828046
DOI: 10.1177/11786302241243239 -
Water Research Aug 2024Legionella is an opportunistic waterborne pathogen that causes Legionnaires' disease. It poses a significant public health risk, especially to vulnerable populations in...
Legionella is an opportunistic waterborne pathogen that causes Legionnaires' disease. It poses a significant public health risk, especially to vulnerable populations in health care facilities. It is ubiquitous in manufactured water systems and is transmitted via inhalation or aspiration of aerosols/water droplets generated from water fixtures (e.g., showers and hand basins). As such, the effective management of premise plumbing systems (building water systems) in health care facilities is essential for reducing the risk of Legionnaires' disease. Chemical disinfection is a commonly used control method and chlorine-based disinfectants, including chlorine, chloramine, and chlorine dioxide, have been used for over a century. However, the effectiveness of these disinfectants in premise plumbing systems is affected by various interconnected factors that can make it challenging to maintain effective disinfection. This systematic literature review identifies all studies that have examined the factors impacting the efficacy and decay of chlorine-based disinfectant within premise plumbing systems. A total of 117 field and laboratory-based studies were identified and included in this review. A total of 20 studies directly compared the effectiveness of the different chlorine-based disinfectants. The findings from these studies ranked the typical effectiveness as follows: chloramine > chlorine dioxide > chlorine. A total of 26 factors were identified across 117 studies as influencing the efficacy and decay of disinfectants in premise plumbing systems. These factors were sorted into categories of operational factors that are changed by the operation of water devices and fixtures (such as stagnation, temperature, water velocity), evolving factors which are changed in-directly (such as disinfectant concentration, Legionella disinfectant resistance, Legionella growth, season, biofilm and microbe, protozoa, nitrification, total organic carbon(TOC), pH, dissolved oxygen(DO), hardness, ammonia, and sediment and pipe deposit) and stable factors that are not often changed(such as disinfectant type, pipe material, pipe size, pipe age, water recirculating, softener, corrosion inhibitor, automatic sensor tap, building floor, and construction activity). A factor-effect map of each of these factors and whether they have a positive or negative association with disinfection efficacy against Legionella in premise plumbing systems is presented. It was also found that evaluating the effectiveness of chlorine disinfection as a water risk management strategy is further complicated by varying disinfection resistance of Legionella species and the form of Legionella (culturable/viable but non culturable, free living/biofilm associated, intracellular replication within amoeba hosts). Future research is needed that utilises sensors and other approaches to measure these key factors (such as pH, temperature, stagnation, water age and disinfection residual) in real time throughout premise plumbing systems. This information will support the development of improved models to predict disinfection within premise plumbing systems. The findings from this study will inform the use of chlorine-based disinfection within premise plumbing systems to reduce the risk of Legionnaires disease.
Topics: Disinfectants; Chlorine; Legionella; Disinfection; Chlorine Compounds; Water Microbiology; Chloramines; Water Supply; Oxides; Water Purification
PubMed: 38824796
DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121794 -
Food Research International (Ottawa,... Jul 2024Biopreservation strategies such as the use of Mediterranean plant extracts to ensure food safety are promising to deal with the emergence of antimicrobial resistances... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Biopreservation strategies such as the use of Mediterranean plant extracts to ensure food safety are promising to deal with the emergence of antimicrobial resistances and the overreliance on food chemical additives. In the last few decades, antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) for evaluating the in vitro antibacterial potential of plant extracts against the most relevant foodborne pathogens has been widely reported in the literature. The current meta-analysis aimed to summarise and analyse the extensive evidence available in the literature regarding the in vitro antimicrobial capability of Allium, Ocimum and Thymus spp. extracts against foodborne pathogens. A systematic review was carried out to gather data on AST results of these extracts against Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus, including inhibition diameters (ID) and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). A total of 742 records were gathered from a raw collection of 2,065 articles. Weighted mixed-effect linear models were adjusted to data to obtain pooled ID, pooled MIC and the relationship between both model estimations and observations. The pooled results revealed B. cereus as the most susceptible bacteria to Allium sativum (pooled ID = 20.64 ± 0.61 mm) by diffusion methods and S. aureus (pooled MIC = 0.146 mg/mL) by dilution methods. Diffusion methods did not yield conclusive results for Ocimum spp. extracts; however, the lowest pooled MIC was obtained for S. aureus (0.263 mg/mL). Among the foodborne pathogens evaluated, B. cereus showed the highest sensitivity to Thymus spp. extracts by both diffusion and dilution methods (pooled ID = 28.90 ± 2.34 mm and MIC = 0.075 mg/mL). The methodology used for plant extraction was found to not significantly affect MIC values (p > 0.05). Overall, the antimicrobial effectiveness of the studied extracts against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was demonstrated. Finally, the robustness of the meta-regression model was confirmed, also revealing an inversely proportional correlation between the ID and MIC measurements (p < 0.0001). These results provide a robust scientific basis on the factors affecting the in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of extracts from Mediterranean plants. They also provide valuable information for stakeholders involved in their industrial application in food, including producers, regulatory agencies and consumers which demand green-labelled foods.
Topics: Thymus Plant; Plant Extracts; Ocimum; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Allium; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Food Microbiology; Food Safety; Bacillus cereus; Listeria monocytogenes
PubMed: 38823853
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114408 -
Journal of Infection and Public Health Jul 2024Burkholderia pseudomallei, a Gram-negative pathogen, causes melioidosis. Although various clinical laboratory identification methods exist, culture-based techniques lack... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Burkholderia pseudomallei, a Gram-negative pathogen, causes melioidosis. Although various clinical laboratory identification methods exist, culture-based techniques lack comprehensive evaluation. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of culture-based automation and non-automation methods.
METHODS
Data were collected via PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus using specific search strategies. Selected studies underwent bias assessment using QUADAS-2. Sensitivity and specificity were computed, generating pooled estimates. Heterogeneity was assessed using I statistics.
RESULTS
The review encompassed 20 studies with 2988 B. pseudomallei samples and 753 non-B. pseudomallei samples. Automation-based methods, particularly with updating databases, exhibited high pooled sensitivity (82.79%; 95% CI 64.44-95.85%) and specificity (99.94%; 95% CI 98.93-100.00%). Subgroup analysis highlighted superior sensitivity for updating-database automation (96.42%, 95% CI 90.01-99.87%) compared to non-updating (3.31%, 95% CI 0.00-10.28%), while specificity remained high at 99.94% (95% CI 98.93-100%). Non-automation methods displayed varying sensitivity and specificity. In-house latex agglutination demonstrated the highest sensitivity (100%; 95% CI 98.49-100%), followed by commercial latex agglutination (99.24%; 95% CI 96.64-100%). However, API 20E had the lowest sensitivity (19.42%; 95% CI 12.94-28.10%). Overall, non-automation tools showed sensitivity of 88.34% (95% CI 77.30-96.25%) and specificity of 90.76% (95% CI 78.45-98.57%).
CONCLUSION
The study underscores automation's crucial role in accurately identifying B. pseudomallei, supporting evidence-based melioidosis management decisions. Automation technologies, especially those with updating databases, provide reliable and efficient identification.
Topics: Burkholderia pseudomallei; Melioidosis; Humans; Sensitivity and Specificity; Automation, Laboratory; Bacteriological Techniques; Automation
PubMed: 38820898
DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2024.04.022 -
Frontiers in Chemistry 2024This study investigated the effect of photodynamic therapy on chronic periodontitis patients and then evaluated the microbial, immunological, periodontal, and clinical... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the effect of photodynamic therapy on chronic periodontitis patients and then evaluated the microbial, immunological, periodontal, and clinical outcomes. The significant effects of photodynamic therapy obtained by and studies have made it a popular treatment for periodontal diseases in recent years. Photodynamic therapy is a novel bactericidal strategy that is stronger, faster, and less expensive than scaling and root planing.
METHOD
This study registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021267008) and retrieved fifty-three randomized controlled trials by searching nine databases (Medline, Embase, Scopus, Open Gray, Google Scholar, ProQuest, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov) from 2008 to 2023. Of 721 records identified through database searches following title and full-text analysis, and excluding duplicate and irrelevant publications, 53 articles were included in this systematic review. Fifty of the 53 eligible studies fulfilled all the criteria in the Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI's) Checklist for RCTs; the remaining articles met 9-12 criteria and were considered high quality.
RESULTS
The present study showed that photodynamic therapy in adjunct to scaling and root planing has the potential to improve periodontal parameters such as clinical attachment loss or gain, decrease in bleeding on probing, and probing pocket depth. In addition, photodynamic therapy decreases the rate of periodontal pathogens and inflammation markers, which, in turn, reduces the progression of periodontitis.
CONCLUSION
Photodynamic therapy is considered a promising, adjunctive, and low-cost therapeutic method that is effective in tissue repair, reducing chronic periodontitis, reducing inflammation, and well-tolerated by patients.
PubMed: 38817441
DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2024.1384344 -
Cureus Apr 2024is the primary microbe in the "periodontal red complex" bacteria (PRCB) along with and , which are linked to periodontal disease (PD). These pathogens are also... (Review)
Review
is the primary microbe in the "periodontal red complex" bacteria (PRCB) along with and , which are linked to periodontal disease (PD). These pathogens are also implicated in various systemic disorders, but their association with the incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is less explored. A systematic review followed by a meta-analysis was conducted as per standard guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2022) to find this association between GI cancers and PRCB after a literature search for full-text papers in the English language (between 2010 and 2023) in databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science) with suitable keywords using the Boolean search strategy. Data extraction involved titles, abstracts, and full texts retrieved and scored by the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The data were analyzed by the Review Manager (RevMan 5.2, Cochrane Collaboration, Denmark). Standard Cochran Q test and I statistics (for heterogeneity) and a random effects model (pooled OR with 95% CI) were applied to report results. among the PRCB was linked to GI cancers (OR: 2.16; 95% CI: 1.34-3.47). and did not show meaningful associations as per existing evidence for GI cancers.
PubMed: 38813341
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59251