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Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection... Apr 2022Vibrio cholerae O1/O139 were the predominant circulating serogroups exhibiting multi-drug resistance (MDR) during the cholera outbreak which led to cholera treatment... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Vibrio cholerae O1/O139 were the predominant circulating serogroups exhibiting multi-drug resistance (MDR) during the cholera outbreak which led to cholera treatment failures.
OBJECTIVE
This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the weighted pooled resistance (WPR) rates in V. cholerae O1/O139 isolates obtained from environmental samples.
METHODS
We systematically searched the articles in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase (until January 2020). Subgroup analyses were then employed by publication year, geographic areas, and the quality of studies. Statistical analyses were conducted using STATA software (ver. 14.0).
RESULTS
A total of 20 studies investigating 648 environmental V. cholerae O1/O139 isolates were analysed. The majority of the studies were originated from Asia (n = 9). In addition, a large number of studies (n = 15 i.e. 71.4%) included in the meta-analysis revealed the resistance to cotrimoxazole and ciprofloxacin. The WPR rates were as follows: cotrimoxazole 59%, erythromycin 28%, tetracycline 14%, doxycycline 5%, and ciprofloxacin 0%. There was increased resistance to nalidixic acid, cotrimoxazole, furazolidone, and tetracycline while a decreased resistance to amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, chloramphenicol, ampicillin, streptomycin, and ceftriaxone was observed during the years 2000-2020. A significant decrease in the doxycycline and ciprofloxacin-resistance rates in V. cholerae O1/O139 isolates was reported over the years 2011-2020 which represents a decrease in 2001-2010 (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Fluoroquinolones, gentamicin, ceftriaxone, doxycycline, kanamycin, and cefotaxime showed the highest effectiveness and the lowest resistance rate. However, the main interest is the rise of antimicrobial resistance in V. cholerae strains especially in low-income countries or endemic areas, and therefore, continuous surveillance, careful appropriate AST, and limitation on improper antibiotic usage are crucial.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Ceftriaxone; Cholera; Ciprofloxacin; Doxycycline; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Erythromycin; Humans; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Vibrio cholerae O1; Vibrio cholerae O139
PubMed: 35468830
DOI: 10.1186/s13756-022-01100-3 -
Systematic Reviews Apr 2022Waterborne diarrhea diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally. These diseases can be mitigated by implementing various interventions. We...
BACKGROUND
Waterborne diarrhea diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally. These diseases can be mitigated by implementing various interventions. We reviewed the literature to identify available interventions to mitigate the risk of waterborne diarrheal diseases.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic database review of CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane library, Scopus, African Index Medicus (AIM), and LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature). Our search was limited to articles published between 2009 and 2020. We conducted the review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement checklist. The identified studies were qualitatively synthesized.
RESULTS
Our initial search returned 28 773 articles of which 56 studies met the inclusion criteria. The included studies reported interventions, including vaccines for rotavirus disease (monovalent, pentavalent, and Lanzhou lamb vaccine); enhanced water filtration for preventing cryptosporidiosis, Vi polysaccharide for typhoid; cholera 2-dose vaccines, water supply, water treatment and safe storage, household disinfection, and hygiene promotion for controlling cholera outbreaks.
CONCLUSION
We retrieved few studies on interventions against waterborne diarrheal diseases in low-income countries. Interventions must be specific to each type of waterborne diarrheal disease to be effective. Stakeholders must ensure collaboration in providing and implementing multiple interventions for the best outcomes.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42020190411 .
Topics: Animals; Caribbean Region; Cholera; Diarrhea; Disease Outbreaks; Humans; Sheep; Vaccines
PubMed: 35436979
DOI: 10.1186/s13643-022-01947-y -
BMC Public Health Feb 2022Floods have affected 2.3 billion people worldwide in the last 20 years, and are associated with a wide range of negative health outcomes. Climate change is projected...
BACKGROUND
Floods have affected 2.3 billion people worldwide in the last 20 years, and are associated with a wide range of negative health outcomes. Climate change is projected to increase the number of people exposed to floods due to more variable precipitation and rising sea levels. Vulnerability to floods is highly dependent on economic wellbeing and other societal factors. Therefore, this systematic review synthesizes the evidence on health effects of flood exposure among the population of sub-Saharan Africa.
METHODS
We systematically searched two databases, Web of Science and PubMed, to find published articles. We included studies that (1) were published in English from 2010 onwards, (2) presented associations between flood exposure and health indicators, (3) focused on sub-Saharan Africa, and (4) relied on a controlled study design, such as cohort studies, case-control studies, cross-sectional studies, or quasi-experimental approaches with a suitable comparator, for instance individuals who were not exposed to or affected by floods or individuals prior to experiencing a flood.
RESULTS
Out of 2306 screened records, ten studies met our eligibility criteria. We included studies that reported the impact of floods on water-borne diseases (n = 1), vector-borne diseases (n = 8) and zoonotic diseases (n = 1). Five of the ten studies assessed the connection between flood exposure and malaria. One of these five evaluated the impact of flood exposure on malaria co-infections. The five non-malaria studies focused on cholera, scabies, taeniasis, Rhodesian sleeping sickness, alphaviruses and flaviviruses. Nine of the ten studies reported significant increases in disease susceptibility after flood exposure.
CONCLUSION
The majority of included studies of the aftermath of floods pointed to an increased risk of infection with cholera, scabies, taeniasis, Rhodesian sleeping sickness, malaria, alphaviruses and flaviviruses. However, long-term health effects, specifically on mental health, non-communicable diseases and pregnancy, remain understudied. Further research is urgently needed to improve our understanding of the health risks associated with floods, which will inform public policies to prevent and reduce flood-related health risks.
Topics: Cholera; Cross-Sectional Studies; Floods; Humans; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Scabies; Taeniasis
PubMed: 35144560
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12584-4 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Dec 2021Cholera is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in low-resource and humanitarian settings. It is transmitted by fecal-oral route, and the infection risk is higher to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Cholera is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in low-resource and humanitarian settings. It is transmitted by fecal-oral route, and the infection risk is higher to those living in and near cholera cases. Rapid identification of cholera cases and implementation of measures to prevent subsequent transmission around cases may be an efficient strategy to reduce the size and scale of cholera outbreaks.
METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPLE FINDINGS
We investigated implementation of cholera case-area targeted interventions (CATIs) using systematic reviews and case studies. We identified 11 peer-reviewed and eight grey literature articles documenting CATIs and completed 30 key informant interviews in case studies in Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Yemen, and Zimbabwe. We documented 15 outbreaks in 12 countries where CATIs were used. The team composition and the interventions varied, with water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions implemented more commonly than those of health. Alert systems triggering interventions were diverse ranging from suspected cholera cases to culture confirmed cases. Selection of high-risk households around the case household was inconsistent and ranged from only one case to approximately 100 surrounding households with different methods of selecting them. Coordination among actors and integration between sectors were consistently reported as challenging. Delays in sharing case information impeded rapid implementation of this approach, while evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions varied.
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE
CATIs appear effective in reducing cholera outbreaks, but there is limited and context specific evidence of their effectiveness in reducing the incidence of cholera cases and lack of guidance for their consistent implementation. We propose to 1) use uniform cholera case definitions considering a local capacity to trigger alert; 2) evaluate the effectiveness of individual or sets of interventions to interrupt cholera, and establish a set of evidence-based interventions; 3) establish criteria to select high-risk households; and 4) improve coordination and data sharing amongst actors and facilitate integration among sectors to strengthen CATI approaches in cholera outbreaks.
Topics: Cholera; Congo; Family Characteristics; Haiti; Humans; Hygiene; Retrospective Studies; Sanitation; Yemen; Zimbabwe
PubMed: 34919551
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010042 -
Revista Espanola de Salud Publica Nov 2021The humanitarian response to a cholera outbreak in a complex international crisis requires guaranteeing minimum conditions so that normalcy can be restored. Basic... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The humanitarian response to a cholera outbreak in a complex international crisis requires guaranteeing minimum conditions so that normalcy can be restored. Basic responses to a cholera outbreak include water and sanitation. The general objective of this systematic review was the analysis of the current evidence that addresses the effectiveness of different WASH measures to control cholera.
METHODS
A review and analysis of the literature available in the main databases (PubMed, WoS and Scopus) and in a specific meta-search engine for humanitarian aid was carried out (reliefweb.int). Based on the establishment of the PICO research question "", the identification of keywords and databases to carry out the searches, as well as a selection process based on the established eligibility criteria: being studies in both English and Spanish where the WASH intervention was clearly defined, studies where health outcomes of cholera were presented, or data related to the function and use of the WASH intervention, was established.
RESULTS
The initial search provided 17,185 documents susceptible of analysis that were screened using the search criteria, up to 22 references that were read in full text and the 11 that were finally analyzed. These were coded based on the measures set out in their protocols, on the interventions carried out in the improvement of water and its supply, the improvement of sanitation, the measures aimed at better hygiene and those that evaluated the complete WASH intervention.
CONCLUSIONS
All the measures offered positive results, their effectiveness was conditioned by the education of the beneficiaries, the simplicity of the activities and the involvement of local actors.
Topics: Cholera; Disease Outbreaks; Humans; Hygiene; Sanitation; Spain
PubMed: 34732687
DOI: No ID Found -
Clinical Microbiology and Infection :... Feb 2022Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae O1 or O139. Cholera rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are widely used to screen for cholera cases. However,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae O1 or O139. Cholera rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are widely used to screen for cholera cases. However, their accuracy has not been systematically reviewed.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of cholera RDTs.
METHODS
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
Medline, EMBASE and Web of science through to November 2020; references of included studies and a technical guidance on cholera RDTs. This review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021233124).
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Cross-sectional studies comparing the performance of cholera RDTs either to stool culture or PCR.
PARTICIPANTS
Individuals with clinically suspected cholera.
DATA EXTRACTION
Two authors independently extracted data and assessed the quality using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) criteria.
RESULTS
Eighteen studies were included in the systematic review of which 17 were used for meta-analysis. Crystal VC was the most frequently used RDT (13 studies), followed by Cholkit and Institut Pasteur cholera dipstick (three studies each), SD Bioline (two studies), Artron (one study) and Smart (one study). Using direct testing (n = 12 627 specimens), the bivariate random-effects model yielded a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 91% (95% CI 87%-94%) and 80% (95% CI 74%-84%), respectively. However, through alkaline peptone water (APW) enrichment (n = 3403 specimens), the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 89% (95% CI 79%-95%) and 98% (95% CI 95%-99%), respectively.
CONCLUSION
Cholera RDTs, especially when enriched with APW, have moderate sensitivity and specificity. Although less useful for clinical management, the current generation of RDTs have clear utility for surveillance efforts if used in a principled manner. Enrichment of stool specimens in APW before using cholera RDTs reduces the possibility of obtaining false-positive results, despite the few cholera cases that go undetected. It is noteworthy that APW-enriched cholera RDTs are not necessarily rapid tests, and are not listed in the Global Task Force on Cholera Control/WHO target product profile.
Topics: Cholera; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; Sensitivity and Specificity; Vibrio cholerae O1
PubMed: 34506946
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.08.027 -
Journal of Travel Medicine Dec 2019Exposure to cholera is a risk for individuals and groups travelling to endemic areas, and the bacteria can be imported to cholera-free countries by returning travellers....
Exposure to cholera is a risk for individuals and groups travelling to endemic areas, and the bacteria can be imported to cholera-free countries by returning travellers. This systematic review of the literature describes the circumstances in which cholera infection can occur in travellers and considers the possible value of the cholera vaccine for prevention in travellers. PubMed and EMBASE were searched for case reports of cholera or diarrhoea among travellers, with date limits of 1 January 1990-30 April 2018. Search results were screened to exclude the following articles: diarrhoea not caused by cholera, cholera in animals, intentional cholera infection in humans, non-English articles and publications on epidemics that did not report clinical details of individual cases and publications of cases pre-dating 1990. Articles were reviewed through descriptive analytic methods and information summarized. We identified 156 cases of cholera imported as a consequence of travel, and these were reviewed for type of traveller, source country, serogroup of cholera, treatment and outcomes. The case reports retrieved in the search did not report consistent levels of detail, making it difficult to synthesize data across reports and draw firm conclusions from the data. This clinical review sheds light on the paucity of actionable published data regarding the risk of cholera in travellers and identifies a number of gaps that should drive additional effort. Further information is needed to better inform evidence-based disease prevention strategies, including vaccination for travellers visiting areas of cholera risk. Modifications to current vaccination recommendations to include or exclude current or additional traveller populations may be considered as additional risk data become available. The protocol for this systematic review is registered with PROSPERO (registration number: 122797).
Topics: Cholera; Cholera Vaccines; Humans; Travel; Vaccination
PubMed: 31804684
DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taz085 -
PloS One 2019Vibrio vulnificus necrotizing skin and soft tissue infections (VNSSTIs) are associated with a high mortality rate that varies remarkably with host susceptibility.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Vibrio vulnificus necrotizing skin and soft tissue infections (VNSSTIs) are associated with a high mortality rate that varies remarkably with host susceptibility. Hepatic disease (HD) is considered the key risk factor for high VNSSTIs incidence and mortality; however, there is limited evidence in the literature to support this observation.
METHODOLOGY
We examined all reported cases of VNSSTIs and associated mortality rates between 1966 and mid-2018. The PubMed, Medline and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for observational studies on patients with VNSSTIs. Twelve studies with 1157 total patients with VNSSTIs were included in the analysis. From the pooled dataset, nearly half (46.8%) of the patients with VNSSTIs had HD. The mortality rate in HD patients with VNSSTIs was 53.9% (n = 292/542), which was considerably higher than the mortality rate of 16.1% (n = 99/615) in non-HD patients. Patients with HD contracted VNSSTIs were found to be two or more times (RR = 2.61, 95% CI = 2.14-3.19) as likely to die compared with those without HD. Besides, liver cirrhosis (LC), the end-stage HD, was confirmed to be a significant risk factor, with risk ratios of 1.84 (95% CI 1.21-2.79) and 2.00 (95% CI 1.41-2.85) when compared to non-LC and non-HD, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
HD with or without LC can be associated with infections and complications from V. vulnificus. Clinicians should aggressively approach care and management of acutely and/or critically ill patients with VNSSTIs.
Topics: Humans; Incidence; Liver Diseases; Mortality; Odds Ratio; Skin Diseases, Bacterial; Soft Tissue Infections; Vibrio Infections; Vibrio vulnificus
PubMed: 31652263
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223513 -
International Journal of Infectious... Dec 2019Epidemic intelligence (EI) for emerging infections is the process of identifying key information on emerging infectious diseases and specific incidents. Automated...
BACKGROUND
Epidemic intelligence (EI) for emerging infections is the process of identifying key information on emerging infectious diseases and specific incidents. Automated web-based infectious disease surveillance technologies are available; however, human input is still needed to review, validate, and interpret these sources. In this study, entries captured by Public Health England's (PHE) manual event-based EI system were examined to inform future intelligence gathering activities.
METHODS
A descriptive analysis of unique events captured in a database between 2013 and 2017 was conducted. The top five diseases in terms of the number of entries were described in depth to determine the effectiveness of PHE's EI surveillance system compared to other sources.
RESULTS
Between 2013 and 2017, a total of 22 847 unique entries were added to the database. The top three initial and definitive information sources varied considerably by disease. Ebola entries dominated the database, making up 23.7% of the total, followed by Zika (11.8%), Middle East respiratory syndrome (6.7%), cholera (5.5%), and yellow fever and undiagnosed morbidity (both 3.3%). Initial reports of major outbreaks due to the top five disease agents were picked up through the manual system prior to being publicly reported by official sources.
CONCLUSIONS
PHE's manual EI process quickly and accurately detected global public health threats at the earliest stages and allowed for monitoring of events as they evolved.
Topics: Cholera; Communicable Diseases, Emerging; Coronavirus Infections; Disease Outbreaks; Epidemiological Monitoring; Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola; Humans; Intelligence; Public Health; Yellow Fever; Zika Virus Infection
PubMed: 31629079
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2019.10.011 -
Vaccine Feb 2020Development of oral cholera vaccines (OCVs) experienced exciting times over the last two decades. A two-dose OCV, found efficacious through field trials, has obtained...
Development of oral cholera vaccines (OCVs) experienced exciting times over the last two decades. A two-dose OCV, found efficacious through field trials, has obtained license for use in India. However, the current policy discussion revolves around 'to use or not to use' this vaccine covering entire population in the country, which has its own cost implications. We conducted a systematic review to address this conundrum. The disease burden and distribution, potential impact, programmatic issues, and competing priorities were kept in consideration. Peer reviewed articles and 'Integrated Disease Surveillance Program' data, generated by Government of India, were accessed. Our synthesis highlights that cholera burden estimates for India have been hamstrung by their extrapolation from a single incidence study conducted in Kolkata. Heterogeneity of 685 Indian districts regarding vulnerability to cholera is also obvious. Analysis of outbreak reports indicated that some settlements and sub-populations were more vulnerable to diarrhea/cholera than others. Infrastructure failure leading to contamination of drinking water and behavioral issues were of concern. Investment in safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and addressing inequity of health services pertaining to vulnerable population groups are the needs of the hour. OCV could play an important role as one of the elements in such multi-component cholera prevention effort. OCV administration through public health system in Odisha identified logistic challenges, with low uptake of the second dose at 46%, while 61% of the target population received the first dose. We identified accumulating global evidence on the advantage and efficacy of single-dose based approach, where the same OCV, as licensed in India, was used. The short-lasting nature of cholera outbreaks in India also argue in favor of such pragmatism. Failure to implement multi-component prevention strategy today runs the risk of perpetuating inequity, recurring cholera outbreaks in future, and its retinue of costs.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Cholera; Cholera Vaccines; Disease Outbreaks; Health Policy; Humans; India; Vaccination Coverage
PubMed: 31405636
DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.07.029