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Parasites & Vectors Jun 2024Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging tick-borne zoonosis caused by the SFTS virus (SFTSV). Understanding the prevalence of SFTSV RNA in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging tick-borne zoonosis caused by the SFTS virus (SFTSV). Understanding the prevalence of SFTSV RNA in humans, vertebrate hosts and ticks is crucial for SFTS control.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine the prevalence of SFTSV RNA in humans, vertebrate hosts and questing ticks. Nine electronic databases were searched for relevant publications, and data on SFTSV RNA prevalence were extracted. Pooled prevalence was estimated using a random effects model. Subgroup analysis and multivariable meta-regression were performed to investigate sources of heterogeneity.
RESULTS
The pooled prevalence of SFTSV RNA in humans was 5.59% (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.78-9.15%) in those in close contact (close contacts) with infected individuals (infected cases) and 0.05% (95% CI 0.00-0.65%) in healthy individuals in endemic areas. The SFTSV infection rates in artiodactyls (5.60%; 95% CI 2.95-8.96%) and carnivores (6.34%; 95% CI 3.27-10.23%) were higher than those in rodents (0.45%; 95% CI 0.00-1.50%). Other animals, such as rabbits, hedgehogs and birds, also played significant roles in SFTSV transmission. The genus Haemaphysalis was the primary transmission vector, with members of Ixodes, Dermacentor, and Amblyomma also identified as potential vectors. The highest pooled prevalence was observed in adult ticks (1.03%; 95% CI 0.35-1.96%), followed by nymphs (0.66%; 95% CI 0.11-1.50%) and larvae (0.01%; 95% CI 0.00-0.46%). The pooled prevalence in ticks collected from endemic areas (1.86%; 95% CI 0.86-3.14%) was higher than that in ticks collected in other regions (0.41%; 95% CI 0.12-0.81%).
CONCLUSIONS
Latent SFTSV infections are present in healthy individuals residing in endemic areas, and close contacts with SFTS cases are at a significantly higher risk of infection. The type of animal is linked to infection rates in vertebrate hosts, while infection rates in ticks are associated with the developmental stage. Further research is needed to investigate the impact of various environmental factors on SFTSV prevalence in vertebrate hosts and ticks.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Phlebovirus; Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome; Ticks; Vertebrates; Prevalence; RNA, Viral
PubMed: 38902842
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06341-2 -
Cureus May 2024Malaria remains a significant global health challenge, with Plasmodium parasites transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes causing substantial morbidity and mortality. Despite... (Review)
Review
Malaria remains a significant global health challenge, with Plasmodium parasites transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes causing substantial morbidity and mortality. Despite historical efforts, malaria continues to affect millions worldwide, particularly in tropical regions. This systematic review aimed to assess the acceptability of the RTS, S/AS01 malaria vaccine among diverse populations. A comprehensive search strategy was employed across databases such as Cochrane Library, Embase, Google Scholar, and Medline. Studies were included based on specific criteria, including observational and cross-sectional designs involving adults. Data extraction and analysis were conducted meticulously, encompassing key variables related to vaccine acceptance rates and influencing factors. Analysis of 18 studies involving 18,561 participants revealed an overall malaria vaccine acceptance rate of 87.51%, ranging from 32.26% to 99.30%. Significant variations were observed based on demographics, with Ghana and Nigeria reporting high acceptance rates. Factors influencing acceptance included knowledge levels, past vaccination experiences, community preferences, and engagement in malaria prevention behaviors. Concerns about adverse reactions and regional disparities were noted as potential barriers to acceptance. This review highlights the importance of understanding public perceptions and concerns regarding malaria vaccines to enhance vaccine coverage and uptake. Tailored communication strategies, advocacy efforts, and targeted education interventions are crucial for addressing misconceptions and increasing vaccine acceptance. Policy recommendations should consider demographic and regional factors to ensure effective implementation of malaria vaccination programs, ultimately contributing to global malaria prevention efforts and public health initiatives.
PubMed: 38899238
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60678 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024The study aimed to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 and spp. coinfection across continents. Conducted following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review utilized PubMed,... (Review)
Review
The study aimed to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 and spp. coinfection across continents. Conducted following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review utilized PubMed, Embase, SCOPUS, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science databases, searching for literature in English published from December 2019 to December 2022, using specific Health Sciences descriptors. A total of 408 records were identified, but only 50 were eligible, and of these, only 33 were included. Thirty-three references were analyzed to evaluate the correlation between COVID-19 and spp. infections. The tabulated data represented a sample group of 8741 coinfected patients. The findings revealed notable disparities in co-infection rates across continents. In Asia, 23% of individuals were infected with , while in Europe, the proportion of co-infected patients stood at 15%. Strikingly, on the African continent, 43% were found to be infected with , highlighting significant regional variations. Overall, the proportion of co-infections among COVID-positive individuals were determined to be 19%. Particularly concerning was the observation that 1 in 6 ICU coinfections was attributed to , indicating its substantial impact on patient outcomes and healthcare burden. The study underscores the alarming prevalence of co-infection between COVID-19 and , potentially exacerbating the clinical severity of patients and posing challenges to treatment strategies. These findings emphasize the importance of vigilant surveillance and targeted interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of bacterial coinfections in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
PubMed: 38893674
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14111149 -
Open Forum Infectious Diseases Jun 2024is a World Health Organization critical priority fungal pathogen. We conducted a systematic review to describe its epidemiology in Africa. PubMed and Google scholar... (Review)
Review
is a World Health Organization critical priority fungal pathogen. We conducted a systematic review to describe its epidemiology in Africa. PubMed and Google scholar databases were searched between January 2009 and September 2023 for clinical studies on cases and/or isolates from Africa. Reviews were excluded. We included 19 studies, involving at least 2529 cases from 6 African countries with the most, 2372 (93.8%), reported from South Africa. Whole-genome sequencing of 127 isolates identified 100 (78.7%) as clade III. Among 527 isolates, 481 (91.3%) were resistant to fluconazole, 108 (20.5%) to amphotericin B, and 9 (1.7%) to micafungin. Ninety of 211 (42.7%) patients with clinical outcomes died. is associated with high mortality and antifungal resistance, yet this critical pathogen remains underreported in Africa. Collaborative surveillance, fungal diagnostics, antifungals, and sustainable infection control practices are urgently needed for containment.
PubMed: 38887473
DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad681 -
Journal of Infection and Public Health Jul 2024The objective of this were conducted to elucidate spatiotemporal variations in malaria epidemiology in Gabon since 1980. For that, five databases, were used to collect... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The objective of this were conducted to elucidate spatiotemporal variations in malaria epidemiology in Gabon since 1980. For that, five databases, were used to collect and identify all studies published between 1980 and 2023 on malaria prevalence, antimalarial drug resistance, markers of antimalarial drug resistance and insecticide resistance marker. The findings suggest that Gabon continues to face malaria as an urgent public health problem, with persistently high prevalence rates. Markers of resistance to CQ persist despite its withdrawal, and markers of resistance to SP have emerged with a high frequency, reaching 100 %, while ACTs remain effective. Also, recent studies have identified markers of resistance to the insecticides Kdr-w and Kdr-e at frequencies ranging from 25 % to 100 %. Ace1R mutation was reported with a frequency of 0.4 %. In conclusion, the efficacy of ACTs remains above the threshold recommended by the WHO. Organo-phosphates and carbamates could provide an alternative for vector control.
Topics: Gabon; Humans; Malaria; Prevalence; Antimalarials; Insecticide Resistance; Drug Resistance; Animals; Insecticides
PubMed: 38870682
DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2024.05.047 -
Journal of Epidemiology and Global... Jun 2024Humans are infected by Toxoplasma gondii worldwide and its consequences may seriously affect an immune deprived population such as HIV and transplanted patients or... (Review)
Review
Humans are infected by Toxoplasma gondii worldwide and its consequences may seriously affect an immune deprived population such as HIV and transplanted patients or pregnant women and foetuses. A deep knowledge of toxoplasmosis seroprevalence in Spain is needed in order to better shape health policies and educational programs. We present the results of the first systematic review and meta-analysis on the human prevalence for this disease in Spain. Databases (PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS and Teseo) were searched for relevant studies that were published between January 1993 and December 2023 and all population-based cross-sectional and longitudinal studies reporting the human seroprevalence in Spain were revised. Within the population analysed, our targeted groups were immunocompetent population, pregnant women and immunocompromised patients. Among 572 studies and 35 doctoral theses retrieved, 15 studies and three doctoral theses were included in the meta-analysis. A random effects model was used for the meta-analyses due to the high heterogeneity found between studies (I: 99.97), since it is a statistically conservative model, in addition to allowing better external validity. The global pooled seroprevalence was 32.3% (95% CI 28.7-36.2%). Most of the studies carried out were in pregnant women and the meta-analysis reported that the pooled seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women in Spain was 24.4% (24,737/85,703, 95% CI 21.2-28.0%), based on the random effects model. It is recommended to continue monitoring the seroprevalence status of T. gondii in order to obtain essential guidelines for the prevention and control of the infection in the population.
PubMed: 38864976
DOI: 10.1007/s44197-024-00258-w -
Clinical Infectious Diseases : An... Jun 2024This meta-analysis examines the comparative diagnostic performance of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) on different...
BACKGROUND
This meta-analysis examines the comparative diagnostic performance of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) on different respiratory tract samples, in both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and non-HIV populations.
METHODS
A total of 55 articles met inclusion criteria, including 11 434 PCR assays on respiratory specimens from 7835 patients at risk of PCP. QUADAS-2 tool indicated low risk of bias across all studies. Using a bivariate and random-effects meta-regression analysis, the diagnostic performance of PCR against the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Mycoses Study Group definition of proven PCP was examined.
RESULTS
Quantitative PCR (qPCR) on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid provided the highest pooled sensitivity of 98.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 96.8%-99.5%), adequate specificity of 89.3% (95% CI, 84.4%-92.7%), negative likelihood ratio (LR-) of 0.014, and positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of 9.19. qPCR on induced sputum provided similarly high sensitivity of 99.0% (95% CI, 94.4%-99.3%) but a reduced specificity of 81.5% (95% CI, 72.1%-88.3%), LR- of 0.024, and LR+ of 5.30. qPCR on upper respiratory tract samples provided lower sensitivity of 89.2% (95% CI, 71.0%-96.5%), high specificity of 90.5% (95% CI, 80.9%-95.5%), LR- of 0.120, and LR+ of 9.34. There was no significant difference in sensitivity and specificity of PCR according to HIV status of patients.
CONCLUSIONS
On deeper respiratory tract specimens, PCR negativity can be used to confidently exclude PCP, but PCR positivity will likely require clinical interpretation to distinguish between colonization and active infection, partially dependent on the strength of the PCR signal (indicative of fungal burden), the specimen type, and patient population tested.
PubMed: 38860786
DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciae239 -
Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012) Jun 2024Diabetic nephropathy is one of the consequences of diabetes mellitus that causes a continuous decline in the eGFR. After the COVID-19 pandemic, studies have shown that...
BACKGROUND
Diabetic nephropathy is one of the consequences of diabetes mellitus that causes a continuous decline in the eGFR. After the COVID-19 pandemic, studies have shown that patients with diabetic nephropathy who had contracted COVID-19 have higher rates of morbidity and disease progression. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature to determine and understand the effects and complications of SARS-CoV-2 on patients with diabetic nephropathy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The authors' research protocol encompassed the study selection process, search strategy, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and a data extraction plan. A systematic review was conducted by a team of five reviewers, with an additional reviewer assigned to address any discrepancies. To ensure comprehensive coverage, the authors employed multiple search engines including PubMed, ResearchGate, ScienceDirect, SDL, Ovid, and Google Scholar.
RESULTS
A total of 14 articles meeting the inclusion criteria revealed that COVID-19 directly affects the kidneys by utilizing ACE2 receptors for cell entry, which is significant because ACE2 receptors are widely expressed in the kidney.
CONCLUSION
COVID-19 affects kidney health, especially in individuals with diabetic nephropathy. The mechanisms include direct viral infection and immune-mediated injury. Early recognition and management are vital for improving the outcomes.
PubMed: 38846830
DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000002053 -
Heliyon Jun 2024FBXW7 is a tumour suppressor gene that functions as E3-ubiquitin-ligase, targeting numerous oncoproteins for degradation, i.e., Cyclin-E, c-Myc, and Notch. FBXW7...
UNLABELLED
FBXW7 is a tumour suppressor gene that functions as E3-ubiquitin-ligase, targeting numerous oncoproteins for degradation, i.e., Cyclin-E, c-Myc, and Notch. FBXW7 performs a pivotal role in regulating cell cycle progression. FBXW7 mutation is frequently implicated in various cancers.
METHODOLOGY
A systematic review and meta-analysis done on several studies using "Preferred Reporting Items for Systemmatic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA)" criteria and registered with PROSPERO (registration-number-CRD42023388845). The preliminary search comprises 1182 articles; however, 58 studies were subsequently chosen after eliminating non-eligible studies. To explore the prevalence of FBXW7 mutation among colorectal cancer patients, data were analysed using "OpenMeta Analyst and comprehensive meta-analysis-3.0 (CMA-3.0)" software.
RESULTS
This meta-analysis involves 13,974 respondents; most were males 7825/13,974, (56.0 %). Overall prevalence of FBXW7 mutations was 10.3 %, (95%CI: 8.6-12.4), I2 = 90.5 %, (P < 0.001). The occurrence of FBXW7 mutations was highest in Russia [19.0 %, (95%CI: 9.8-33.7)] and Taiwan [18.8 %, (95%CI: 8.7-35.9)], P-values< 0.05 while the least prevalence was reported in Netherland (4 %) and Italy (5 %), both P-values< 0.001. Overall prevalence of FBXW7 abberation was greatest amongst male gender: "53.9 %, (95%CI: 8.3-62.0 %)", Tumour location (colon): 59.8 %, (95%CI: 53.9-65), tumour site (left): 61.6 %, (95%CI: 53.8-68.9), Tumour-grade (Moderate): 65.9 %, (95%CI: 54.9-75.4 %), and Tumour late-stage: 67.9 %, (95%CI: 49.7-84.3 %), all P-values< 0.001. When stratified according to study-period, an increasing trend was noted from 2018 till present with the highest mutation rate recorded in 2022 (15.3 %).
CONCLUSION
Overall prevalence of FBXW7 mutations was 10.3 % with male gender, left side, and late-stage being most mutated, and these outcomes conform with severally published articles on FBXW7 mutation.
PubMed: 38845996
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31471 -
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