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Clinical Infectious Diseases : An... Apr 2024Mass drug administration (MDA) is the cornerstone for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF). The proportion of the population that is never treated (NT) is a...
BACKGROUND
Mass drug administration (MDA) is the cornerstone for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF). The proportion of the population that is never treated (NT) is a crucial determinant of whether this goal is achieved within reasonable time frames.
METHODS
Using 2 individual-based stochastic LF transmission models, we assess the maximum permissible level of NT for which the 1% microfilaremia (mf) prevalence threshold can be achieved (with 90% probability) within 10 years under different scenarios of annual MDA coverage, drug combination and transmission setting.
RESULTS
For Anopheles-transmission settings, we find that treating 80% of the eligible population annually with ivermectin + albendazole (IA) can achieve the 1% mf prevalence threshold within 10 years of annual treatment when baseline mf prevalence is 10%, as long as NT <10%. Higher proportions of NT are acceptable when more efficacious treatment regimens are used. For Culex-transmission settings with a low (5%) baseline mf prevalence and diethylcarbamazine + albendazole (DA) or ivermectin + diethylcarbamazine + albendazole (IDA) treatment, elimination can be reached if treatment coverage among eligibles is 80% or higher. For 10% baseline mf prevalence, the target can be achieved when the annual coverage is 80% and NT ≤15%. Higher infection prevalence or levels of NT would make achieving the target more difficult.
CONCLUSIONS
The proportion of people never treated in MDA programmes for LF can strongly influence the achievement of elimination and the impact of NT is greater in high transmission areas. This study provides a starting point for further development of criteria for the evaluation of NT.
Topics: Elephantiasis, Filarial; Mass Drug Administration; Humans; Animals; Filaricides; Albendazole; Ivermectin; Prevalence; Anopheles; Disease Eradication; Wuchereria bancrofti; Diethylcarbamazine; Drug Therapy, Combination
PubMed: 38662701
DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciae021 -
Clinical Infectious Diseases : An... Apr 2024Mass drug administration (MDA) of antifilarial drugs is the main strategy for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF). Recent clinical trials indicated that the...
Mass drug administration (MDA) of antifilarial drugs is the main strategy for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF). Recent clinical trials indicated that the triple-drug therapy with ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine, and albendazole (IDA) is much more effective against LF than the widely used two-drug combinations (albendazole plus either ivermectin or diethylcarbamazine). For IDA-based MDA, the stop-MDA decision is made based on microfilariae (mf) prevalence in adults. In this study, we assess how the probability of eventually reaching elimination of transmission depends on the critical threshold used in transmission assessment surveys (TAS-es) to define whether transmission was successfully suppressed and triple-drug MDA can be stopped. This analysis focuses on treatment-naive Indian settings. We do this for a range of epidemiological and programmatic contexts, using the established LYMFASIM model for transmission and control of LF. Based on our simulations, a single TAS, one year after the last MDA round, provides limited predictive value of having achieved suppressed transmission, while a higher MDA coverage increases elimination probability, thus leading to a higher predictive value. Every additional TAS, conditional on previous TAS-es being passed with the same threshold, further improves the predictive value for low values of stop-MDA thresholds. An mf prevalence threshold of 0.5% corresponding to TAS-3 results in ≥95% predictive value even when the MDA coverage is relatively low.
Topics: Elephantiasis, Filarial; Mass Drug Administration; Humans; Albendazole; Filaricides; Diethylcarbamazine; Ivermectin; Animals; India; Microfilariae; Drug Therapy, Combination; Adult; Prevalence
PubMed: 38662696
DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciae019 -
Cureus Mar 2024Hydatid disease is a zoonotic disease caused by the parasite . It is an endemic disease in many parts of the world. Although humans are incidental hosts of the parasite,...
Hydatid disease is a zoonotic disease caused by the parasite . It is an endemic disease in many parts of the world. Although humans are incidental hosts of the parasite, the disease sometimes results in fatal consequences. The liver and lungs are the most common sites of infection in humans. We report the case of a 45-year-old female who presented with complaints of right hypochondriac pain, fever, and cough, initially suspected as a case of liver abscess but later diagnosed as a giant calcified hydatid cyst of the liver. Imaging and immunoglobulin G for helped confirm our diagnosis. Based on her symptoms, the patient was treated symptomatically with analgesics, paracetamol, and an antitussive for pain, fever, and cough, respectively. In terms of definitive care, she was treated with oral albendazole and referred to her home district for necessary surgical intervention.
PubMed: 38659532
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56876 -
Saudi Medical Journal Apr 2024Echinococcosis is a parasitic infection that is distributed worldwide. Its clinical presentation depends on the size and location of the cyst. A 7-year-old was found...
Echinococcosis is a parasitic infection that is distributed worldwide. Its clinical presentation depends on the size and location of the cyst. A 7-year-old was found with a superimposed infected pulmonary hydatid cyst that was initially misdiagnosed as complicated pneumonia. Our case underscores the challenges of diagnosing and managing echinococcosis, emphasizes the need for a high index of suspicion, and describes the disease's ability to mimic other clinical entities.
Topics: Humans; Echinococcosis, Pulmonary; Child; Male; Diagnosis, Differential; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 38657978
DOI: 10.15537/smj.2024.45.4.20230078 -
Iranian Journal of Parasitology 2024Echinococcosis is the most common cestode infection globally caused by the species. The most common organ involvement is the lungs and liver, but other organs can be...
Echinococcosis is the most common cestode infection globally caused by the species. The most common organ involvement is the lungs and liver, but other organs can be rarely involved. Here, we present a case with a giant cerebral hydatid cyst. A 4-year-old boy presented with abnormal gait and walking at Marmara University School of Medicine Pendik Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye in September 2022. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed a cyst of 13 cm in diameter. The cyst was enucleated successfully with no rupture. Oral albendazole therapy was started. There was no eosinophilia, and the echinococcal indirect hemagglutination test was negative. Ultrasonography detected an anechoic cystic lesion in the liver. He was evaluated for deep-organ involvement; however, no cysts were detected in other organs. The histopathological examination was compatible with a hydatid cyst. Although intracranial hydatid disease in children is rare, it should be considered among the differential diagnoses in patients with neurological symptoms, especially in endemic regions.
PubMed: 38654946
DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v19i1.15218 -
The American Journal of Case Reports Apr 2024BACKGROUND Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by angiopathy, autoimmunity, and fibrosis. One form of scleroderma, systemic sclerosis, is...
BACKGROUND Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by angiopathy, autoimmunity, and fibrosis. One form of scleroderma, systemic sclerosis, is characterized by diffuse skin lesions and visceral involvement. Eosinophilic pleural effusion is a rare complication attributed to a large array of diseases. We present a case of a man with underlying systemic sclerosis who developed eosinophilic pleural effusion as a complication of associated Trichinella spiralis infection. CASE REPORT A 49-year-old man presented for bilateral inflammatory radio-ulnar-carpal joint pain, paresthesia of the hands and forearms and a 2-week history of right posterior aching thoracic pain and night sweats. The physical examination revealed sclerodermatous skin involvement of the hands, forearms, and forehead, sclerodactyly, Raynaud's phenomenon, and telangiectasias, together with muffled cardiac sounds and right basal abolishment of the vesicular breath sounds. Imagistic evaluation showed the presence of pleuro-pericardial fluid. A thoracocentesis highlighted the presence of an exudative eosinophilic pleural effusion. Laboratory findings showed leukocytosis, with elevated neutrophil and eosinophil counts. The patient was tested for a parasitic infection, but initially the results were negative. He started anti-inflammatory treatment, but no reduction of the pleural fluid was observed. Subsequent evaluation revealed specific anti-trichinella IgG antibodies. Albendazole and corticosteroid therapy were initiated, which resulted in remission of the symptoms. CONCLUSIONS This report highlights the possibility of developing rare or even not-until-now seen complications when 2 etiologically different diseases are associated. The physician should carefully assess the situation to find and resolve the underlying causes.
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Scleroderma, Systemic; Trichinella spiralis; Trichinellosis; Pleural Effusion; Eosinophilia; Animals
PubMed: 38652711
DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.943420 -
Veterinary Medicine and Science May 2024Various anti-parasitic drugs are used to control donkey parasitic diseases. The abuse of donkey drugs leads to the disposition of residues in the edible parts of treated...
BACKGROUND
Various anti-parasitic drugs are used to control donkey parasitic diseases. The abuse of donkey drugs leads to the disposition of residues in the edible parts of treated donkeys.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to (1) analyse the pharmacokinetics of ABZSO to serve as reference for the dosage regimen in donkey; and (2) calculate the withdrawal times of the ABZSO in the tissue of the donkey.
METHODS
The concentrations of ABZSO and its metabolites in plasma and tissues were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography with an ultraviolet detector. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed by the programme 3p97.
RESULTS
The plasma concentrations of ABZSO and ABZSO concentration-time data in donkey conformed to the absorption one-compartment open model. The of ABZSO was 0.67 h, whereas the t was 12.93 h; the C and the T were calculated as 0.58 μg mL and 3.01 h. The V of ABZSO was estimated to be 10.92 L kg; the area under the curve (AUC) was 12.81 μg mL h. The C and AUC values of ABZSO were higher than those of ABZSO; however, t and V were lower. Other pharmacokinetics parameters were similar between the two metabolites.
CONCLUSIONS
The results revealed that ABZSO was the main metabolite of ABZSO in donkey plasma. The concentrations of ABZSO and its chief metabolite (ABZSO) were detected in liver, kidney, skin and muscle; however, ABZ-SONH was only detected in liver and kidney. The results also revealed that the depletion of ABZSO and its metabolite in donkey was longer, especially in skin.
Topics: Animals; Anthelmintics; Injections, Intramuscular; Equidae; Albendazole
PubMed: 38640108
DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1393 -
Biomedical Journal Apr 2024We investigated the effects of combination therapy albendazole and doxycycline in Angiostrongylus cantonensis-infected mice during early and late treatment.
BACKGROUND
We investigated the effects of combination therapy albendazole and doxycycline in Angiostrongylus cantonensis-infected mice during early and late treatment.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice were divided into five groups: (i) uninfected, (ii) infected with A. cantonensis, (iii) infected + 10 mg/kg albendazole, (iv) infected + 25mg/kg doxycycline, and (v) infected + 10 mg/kg albendazole + 25 mg/kg doxycycline. We administered drugs in both early treatments started at 7-day post infections (dpi) and late treatments (14 dpi) to A. cantonensis-infected C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice. To assess the impact of these treatments, we employed the Morris water maze test to evaluate spatial learning and memory abilities, and the rotarod test to measure motor coordination and balance in C57BL/6 mice. Additionally, we monitored the expression of the cytokine IL-33 and GFAP in the brain of these mice using western blot analysis.
RESULTS
In this study, A. cantonensis infection was observed to cause extensive cerebral angiostrongyliasis in C57BL/6 mice. This condition significantly affected their spatial learning and memory abilities, as assessed by the Morris water maze test, as well as their motor coordination, which was evaluated using the rotarod test. Early treatment with albendazole led to favorable recovery outcomes. Both C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice express IL-33 and GFAP after co-therapy. The differences of levels and patterns of IL-33 and GFAP expression in mice may be influenced by the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signals within the immune system.
CONCLUSIONS
Combination therapy with anthelmintics and antibiotics in the early stage of A. cantonensis infection, in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice resulted in the death of parasites in the brain and reduced the subsequent neural function damage and slowed brain damage and neurobehavior impairment. This study suggests a more effective and novel treatment, and drug delivery method for brain lesions that can decrease the neurological damage of angiostrongyliasis patients.
PubMed: 38636898
DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2024.100727 -
IJID Regions Jun 2024Kenya has implemented a national school-based deworming program, which has led to substantial decline in the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), although...
OBJECTIVES
Kenya has implemented a national school-based deworming program, which has led to substantial decline in the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), although some pockets of infections remain. To effectively design an STH control program that leads to significant reductions of there is a need to understand the drivers of persistent infection despite ongoing treatment programs.
METHODS
This study was conducted between July and September 2019 at the south coast of Kenya, using a two-stage sampling design. First, a school-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2265 randomly selected school children from selected schools in areas known to be endemic for . After this, we conducted a nested case-control study wherein all children positive for (142) were matched to 148 negative controls based on age and village. A household survey was then conducted with all household members of cases and controls. In addition, a subsample of 116 children found to be infected with were followed up to assess the efficacy of albendazole at day 21 post-treatment. The predictors of presence of were investigated through multilevel logistic regression, considering clustering of infection.
RESULTS
Overall, 34.4% of the children were infected with at least one STH species; was the most common (28.3%), 89.1% of those with had light-intensity infections. The prevalence of was significantly higher in male children and was positively associated with younger age and number of people infected with in a household. The parasitological cure rate and egg reduction rate of were 35% and 51%, respectively. Other STHs identified were hookworm (9.6%) and (5.7%).
CONCLUSIONS
remains a significant public health challenge in the study area with albendazole treatment efficacy against the parasite, remaining lower than the World Health Organization-recommended thresholds. Because of the observed focal transmission of in the current area, control efforts tailored to local conditions and targeting lower implementation units should be used to achieve optimal results on transmission.
PubMed: 38634069
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.03.007 -
Cureus Mar 2024This qualitative study, grounded in theory, employed inductive coding for analysis, focusing on menstrual health among urban women aged 10-25. The research aims to...
This qualitative study, grounded in theory, employed inductive coding for analysis, focusing on menstrual health among urban women aged 10-25. The research aims to explore the menstrual health status, practices, and beliefs of participants. The research delves into the impact of recent government initiatives on menstrual health and assesses the role of urbanization in shaping evolving menstrual health practices among young girls. Employing in-depth qualitative methods such as interviews and focus group discussions, the study seeks a comprehensive understanding of participants' experiences and perceptions related to menstrual health. The dynamics of women's menstrual experiences are significantly influenced by urbanization, heightened exposure to social media, evolving lifestyles, and government initiatives like the distribution of menstrual products in schools and the enhancement of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities in government institutions. Positive shifts have been observed, including reduced restrictions on menstruating individuals, enhanced access to affordable hygiene products, and improved disposal facilitated by municipal garbage collection services. However, notable gaps persist in basic knowledge about menstruation, hygienic practices, effective interpersonal communication with schoolteachers or community health care workers, and compliance with government programs promoting weekly iron-folic acid supplementation and biannual Albendazole intake, calling for substantial improvement.
PubMed: 38633924
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56390