-
Microorganisms Jan 2024Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a complication of hematologic malignancy therapy. An early diagnosis would allow optimization of antimicrobials. The F-FDG-PET-CT may be... (Review)
Review
Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a complication of hematologic malignancy therapy. An early diagnosis would allow optimization of antimicrobials. The F-FDG-PET-CT may be useful; however, its role is not well established. We analyzed retrospectively patients with hematological malignancies who underwent F-FDG-PET-CT as part of FN management in our university hospital and compared with conventional imaging. In addition, we performed a systematic review of the literature assessing the usefulness of F-FDG-PET-CT in FN. A total of 24 cases of FN underwent F-FDG-PET-CT. In addition, 92% had conventional CT. In 5/24 episodes (21%), the fever was of infectious etiology: two were bacterial, two were fungal, and one was parasitic. When compared with conventional imaging, F-FDG-PET-CT had an added value in 20 cases (83%): it diagnosed a new site of infection in 4 patients (17%), excluded infection in 16 (67%), and helped modify antimicrobials in 16 (67%). Antimicrobials could be discontinued in 10 (41.6%). We identified seven publications of low quality and one randomized trial. Our results support those of the literature. The available data suggest that F-FDG-PET-CT is useful in the management of FN, especially to diagnose fungal infections and rationalize antimicrobials. This review points out the low level of evidence and indicates the gaps in knowledge.
PubMed: 38399711
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020307 -
Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease Feb 2024spp. are among the few enteric parasites with a prevalence that can reach up to approximately 80% in communities of developing countries. This systematic review updates... (Review)
Review
spp. are among the few enteric parasites with a prevalence that can reach up to approximately 80% in communities of developing countries. This systematic review updates and summarizes available literature on the molecular prevalence and subtype distribution of spp. in Latin American people. This work follows the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The literature revised covers from 1 January 2015 to 6 October 2023 in seven different scientific databases, and the material was selected through inclusion and exclusion criteria. According to data found in the 36 selected articles, the prevalence of spp. in Latin America ranged between 5.8% (Bolivian rural communities) and 94.0% (Colombian general public). Generally, genomic DNA was extracted from approximately 200 mg fecal sediments using commercial kits, such as the QIAamp Stool Mini Kit (QIAGEN, Hilden, Germany) or the Norgen Stool DNA Isolation Kit (Norgen Biotek Corporation, Thorold, ON, Canada). Subtype-specific primers (such as the couple of primers BhRDr-RD5) developed from unique sequences of the SSU rRNA gene were applied to subtyping. Ten specific subtypes (STs) were found as well as various mixed infections, and the most circulating STs were in the order ST3, ST1, ST2, and ST4. The most recent data about spp. molecular epidemiology and the STs in communities of Latin America are limited to studies from specific countries. Novel scientific data from the other countries are required to obtain a complete picture and truly understand the distribution and prevalence of spp. and the STs.
PubMed: 38393127
DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9020038 -
Journal of Personalized Medicine Feb 2024Hydatid cyst disease is a parasitic ailment with an endemic nature, predominantly affecting geographical areas with a tradition in animal husbandry. The most common... (Review)
Review
Hydatid cyst disease is a parasitic ailment with an endemic nature, predominantly affecting geographical areas with a tradition in animal husbandry. The most common localization of hydatid disease is in the liver (60%), followed by the lungs, with other organ localizations comprising less than 10%. The surgical approach to this condition can be carried out through open surgery or laparoscopy. The coexistence of hepatic and intraperitoneal hydatidosis often leads to the preference for open surgery. We performed a literature review aiming to retrieve data regarding demographic characteristics, clinical features, preoperative management, and surgical approach concerning these unusual localizations of hydatid disease. It was observed that the mesenteric localization frequently presented with acute abdominal pain ( = 0.038) and that the open approach was preferred in 85.71% of cases. Furthermore, an interdependence was identified between the localization of the cysts and the type of surgical approach ( = 0.001), with mesenteric localizations being approached through laparotomy and excision ( = 0.037), while omental localizations, due to the easier approach, benefited from laparoscopy with excision in 14.29% of cases. Overall, the laparoscopic approach was less frequently used, but its utilization resulted in a lower number of complications and faster recovery. Additionally, we present a rare case of hepatic and intra-abdominal hydatidosis, resolved exclusively through a laparoscopic approach, including a review of the literature for these uncommon localizations of hydatid disease. A 45-year-old patient diagnosed with multiple hydatid cysts, both hepatic and intraperitoneal, underwent surgical intervention with exploratory laparoscopy. Laparoscopic excision of peritoneal, epiploic, mesenteric cysts, and round ligament, along with laparoscopic inactivation, evacuation, and pericystectomy of hepatic hydatid cysts, was performed. The patient's recovery was uneventful, and she was reevaluated at 3 and 9 months without signs of recurrence. The association of hepatic hydatid cysts with multiple intra-abdominal localizations is not commonly encountered. The treatment of choice is surgical and is predominantly conducted through open surgery. The presented case is unique due to the exclusive laparoscopic approach in the management of mixed hepatic and intra-abdominal hydatidosis.
PubMed: 38392638
DOI: 10.3390/jpm14020205 -
Journal of Cardiovascular Development... Feb 2024Fibrosis is one of the main factors that impair the function of many organs. In the heart, fibrosis leads to contractile dysfunction and arrhythmias, which are important... (Review)
Review
Fibrosis is one of the main factors that impair the function of many organs. In the heart, fibrosis leads to contractile dysfunction and arrhythmias, which are important in the development of heart failure. Interleukin (IL)-11 is regulated in various heart diseases and has recently been reported to be an important cytokine in fibrosis in this organ. However, this topic has been little explored, and many questions persist. Thus, this systematic review aimed to report on possible IL-11 therapies evaluated in rodent model-induced cardiac fibrosis. Inclusion criteria were experimental in vivo studies that used different rodent models for cardiac fibrosis associated with IL-11 interventions, without year and language restrictions. The search in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases was performed in October 2022. The risk of bias assessment of the studies was based on the guidelines of the SYRCLE tool, and data from the selected articles were also presented in a table as a narrative description. This review was based on eight studies in which five different interventions were used: recombinant human IL-11 (rhIL-11), anti-IL11 (X203), recombinant mouse IL-11 (rmIL-11), lentivirus (LV)-IL-11 + lutein, and anti-IL11RA (X209). Based on the included studies, the results were variable, with IL-11 overexpression inducing cardiac fibrosis, while inhibition protected against this process, preserving the function of this organ. Therefore, IL-11 stands out as a promising therapeutic target for cardiac fibrosis. However, further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms triggered by each treatment, as well as its safety and immunogenicity.
PubMed: 38392279
DOI: 10.3390/jcdd11020065 -
Parasites & Vectors Feb 2024Surveillance data documenting tick and tick-borne disease (TBD) prevalence is needed to develop risk assessments and implement control strategies. Despite extensive... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Surveillance data documenting tick and tick-borne disease (TBD) prevalence is needed to develop risk assessments and implement control strategies. Despite extensive research in Africa, there is no standardized, comprehensive review.
METHODS
Here we tackle this knowledge gap, by producing a comprehensive review of research articles on ticks and TBD between 1901 and 2020 in Chad, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Over 8356 English language articles were recovered. Our search strategy included 19 related MeSH terms. Articles were reviewed, and 331 met inclusion criteria. Articles containing mappable data were compiled into a standardized data schema, georeferenced, and uploaded to VectorMap.
RESULTS
Tick and pathogen matrixes were created, providing information on vector distributions and tick-pathogen associations within the six selected African countries.
CONCLUSIONS
These results provide a digital, mappable database of current and historical tick and TBD distributions across six countries in Africa, which can inform specific risk modeling, determine surveillance gaps, and guide future surveillance priorities.
Topics: Animals; Ethiopia; Kenya; Tanzania; Tick-Borne Diseases; Ticks; Africa South of the Sahara
PubMed: 38389097
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06086-4 -
Parasites & Vectors Feb 2024Human cercarial dermatitis (HCD) is a clinical disease typically caused by skin-penetrative larvae of avian schistosomes. Its geographical epidemiology is firmly tied... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Human cercarial dermatitis (HCD) is a clinical disease typically caused by skin-penetrative larvae of avian schistosomes. Its geographical epidemiology is firmly tied with that of infected freshwater intermediate snail hosts. To better understand the current distribution of HCD and its level of nuisance in the UK, we undertook a systematic literature review.
METHODS
Following PRIMSA guidelines, PubMed and Scopus databases were searched with keywords "human cercarial dermatitis" OR "swimmer's itch" AND "United Kingdom". Articles about imported cases of HCD, or HCD outside the UK, were not formally included.
RESULTS
A total of 30 articles were initially identified. A further two were gained by inspection of all citations. After screening, eight publications were analysed where the location, number of cases and putative avian schistosome species incriminated were tabulated. HCD is mainly found in the south of England, though gaps in evidence and reporting remain across the UK.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite its noted recent rise in open water swimmers, published literature on HCD across the UK is sparse; this condition is both overlooked and under-reported. We therefore recommend establishing a national database that raises awareness and encourages self-reporting of this nuisance disease.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Schistosomiasis; Dermatitis; Skin Diseases, Parasitic; Skin; Fresh Water
PubMed: 38388442
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06176-x -
Infectious Diseases of Poverty Feb 2024Current soil-transmitted helminth (STH) control guidelines endorse the use of albendazole or mebendazole for school-based targeted preventive chemotherapy (PC), yet... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Current soil-transmitted helminth (STH) control guidelines endorse the use of albendazole or mebendazole for school-based targeted preventive chemotherapy (PC), yet their reduced efficacy against Strongyloides stercoralis and Trichuris trichiura presents significant limitations. Emerging evidence indicates that community-wide PC [or mass drug administration (MDA)] using ivermectin, commonly used in other neglected tropical disease (NTD) control programs, may play an important role in controlling these parasites. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of ivermectin PC in reducing STH prevalence in endemic populations.
METHODS
We searched Pubmed, EMBASE, and Web of Science on February 14, 2023, for studies that investigated the effectiveness of ivermectin PC, either alone or in combination with other anthelmintic drugs, on STH infections, and provided a measure of STH prevalence before and after PC. We calculated pooled prevalence reductions for each STH using random-effects meta-analyses. Our protocol is available on PROSPERO (registration number CRD42023401219).
RESULTS
A total of 21 were eligible for the systematic review, of which 15 were eligible for meta-analysis. All studies delivered ivermectin through MDA. The pooled prevalence reduction of S. stercoralis following MDA with ivermectin alone was 84.49% (95% CI 54.96-94.66) across five studies and 81.37% (95% CI 61.62-90.96) across seven studies with or without albendazole. The prevalence reduction of T. trichiura was 49.93% (95% CI 18.23-69.34) across five studies with ivermectin alone, and 89.40% (95% CI 73.66-95.73) across three studies with the addition of albendazole. There was high heterogeneity for all syntheses (I > 65%).
CONCLUSIONS
This study underscores the key role of ivermectin-based MDA in addressing limitations in current global STH guidelines in terms of limited efficacy against S. stercoralis and T. trichiura. Based on these findings, revising international STH guidelines to include ivermectin is a promising option to progress the control and eventual elimination of STHs and other NTDs.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Ivermectin; Albendazole; Mass Drug Administration; Soil; Helminthiasis; Anthelmintics; Helminths; Prevalence
PubMed: 38369483
DOI: 10.1186/s40249-024-01185-5 -
Parasite (Paris, France) 2024Enterocytozoon bieneusi is one of the most important zoonotic pathogens. In this study, we present a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of human E.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Enterocytozoon bieneusi is one of the most important zoonotic pathogens. In this study, we present a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of human E. bieneusi infection in endemic regions and analyze the various potential risk factors. A total of 75 studies were included. Among 31,644 individuals tested, 2,291 (6.59%) were E. bieneusi-positive. The highest prevalence of E. bieneusi in the male population was 5.50%. The prevalence of E. bieneusi in different age groups was varied, with 10.97% in teenagers. The prevalence of E. bieneusi in asymptomatic patients (6.49%) is significantly lower than that in HIV-infected patients (11.49%), and in patients with diarrheal symptoms (16.45%). Rural areas had a higher rate (7.58%) than urban ones. The prevalence of E. bieneusi in humans was the highest (6.42%) at altitudes <10 m. Moreover, the temperate zone marine climate (13.55%) had the highest prevalence. A total of 69 genotypes of E. bieneusi have been found in humans. This is the first global study regarding E. bieneusi prevalence in humans. Not only people with low immunity (such as the elderly, children, people with HIV, etc.), but also people in Europe in temperate marine climates should exercise caution to prevent infection with E. bieneusi during contact process with animals.
Topics: Animals; Child; Adolescent; Humans; Male; Aged; Enterocytozoon; Prevalence; Microsporidiosis; Phylogeny; Risk Factors; Genotype; HIV Infections; China; Feces; Zoonoses
PubMed: 38345479
DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2024007 -
PloS One 2024Dialysis is a replacement therapy for patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Patients on dialysis are at high risk of acquiring hepatitis C virus (HCV), which has... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Dialysis is a replacement therapy for patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Patients on dialysis are at high risk of acquiring hepatitis C virus (HCV), which has become a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in this population. There is a wide range of prevalence of HCV in dialysis populations around the world. It is still unknown how prevalent HCV infection is among worldwide dialysis patients (including those undergoing hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis). A review was conducted to estimate the global epidemiology of hepatitis C in dialysis patients. We searched PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database (Embase), Global Index Medicus and Web of Science until October 2022. A manual search of references from relevant articles was also conducted. Heterogeneity was evaluated by the χ2 test on Cochrane's Q statistic, and the sources of heterogeneity were investigated using subgroup analysis. In order to assess publication bias, funnel plots and Egger tests were conducted, and pooled HCV prevalence estimates were generated using a DerSimonian and Laird meta-analysis model. The study is registered with PROSPERO under CRD42022237789. We included 634 papers involving 392160 participants. The overall HCV case fatality rate was 38.7% (95% CI = 28.9-49). The global prevalence of HCV infection in dialysis population group were 24.3% [95% CI = 22.6-25.9]. As indicated by UNSD region, country, dialysis type, and HCV diagnostic targeted; Eastern Europe had the highest prevalence of 48.6% [95% CI = 35.2-62], Indonesia had 63.6% [95% CI = 42.9-82], hemodialysis patients had 25.5% [95% CI = 23.8-27.3], and anti-HCV were detected in 24.5% [95% CI = 22.8-26.2]. Dialysis patients, particularly those on hemodialysis, have a high prevalence and case fatality rate of HCV infection. Hemodialysis units need to implement strict infection control measures.
Topics: Humans; Hepacivirus; Renal Dialysis; Hepatitis C; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Peritoneal Dialysis; Prevalence
PubMed: 38330063
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284169 -
Parasite Epidemiology and Control Feb 2024Asymptomatic malaria during pregnancy is a significant public health concern in malaria-endemic regions, which worsens the various effects of malaria on the mother and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Asymptomatic malaria during pregnancy is a significant public health concern in malaria-endemic regions, which worsens the various effects of malaria on the mother and fetus and increases maternal and neonatal mortality. To date, no meta-analysis has been conducted on asymptomatic malaria in pregnant women in Ethiopia. Thus, we aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of asymptomatic malaria and its associated factors in pregnant women in Ethiopia.
METHODS
PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Cochrane, AJOL, and Ethiopian University repositories were systematically searched to identify studies reporting the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infection among pregnant women in Ethiopia. A random effects model was used to perform the analysis. The heterogeneity of the studies was assessed with the I-squared tests, and subgroup analyses were performed to identify the sources of heterogeneity.
RESULTS
Ten articles with 3277 study participants were included in this review. The pooled prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infection among pregnant women in Ethiopia was 7.03% (95% CI: 6.23-9.12); I = 81.2%). In the species-specific pooled prevalence estimate, Plasmodium falciparum prevalence was 5.34% (95%CI: 3.38-7.3; I2 = 87.8%), and Plasmodium vivax prevalence was 1.69% (95%CI: 1.2-5; I2 = 91.5%).Not using insecticide-treated bed nets [OR = 7.36, 95% CI (2.75, 19.73)], being primi-gravida [OR = 1.86, 95% CI (1.23, 2.82)]; lack of health education about malaria prevention [OR = 6.86, 95% CI (2.90, 11.44)] were predictors of asymptomatic malaria infection during pregnancy.
CONCLUSION
This study revealed that asymptomatic malaria was prevalent among pregnant women in Ethiopia. This suggests that relying merely on reported symptoms may result in missed malaria cases. Therefore, regular screening and treatment protocols for malaria are recommended in antenatal care. It is also crucial to ensure that pregnant women have access to insecticide-treated bed nets and other effective malaria prevention measures.
PubMed: 38323191
DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2024.e00339