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Pharmaceutics Jul 2022Ectoparasites are pathogens that can infect the skin and cause immense pain, discomfort, and disease. They are typically managed with insecticides. However, the... (Review)
Review
Ectoparasites are pathogens that can infect the skin and cause immense pain, discomfort, and disease. They are typically managed with insecticides. However, the fast-emerging antimicrobial resistance and the slow rate of development of new bio-actives combined with environmental and health concerns over the continued use of neurotoxic insecticides warrant newer and alternative methods of control. Tea tree oil (TTO), as an alternative agent, has shown remarkable promise against ectoparasites in recent studies. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review to assess preclinical and clinical studies exploring the antiparasitic activity of TTO and its components against clinically significant ectoparasites, such as mites, scabies mites, house dust mites, lice, fleas, chiggers, and bed bugs. We systematically searched databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE (EBSCOhost), Embase (Scopus), CENTRAL, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, SciELO, and LILACS in any language from inception to 4 April 2022. Studies exploring the therapeutic activity of TTO and its components against the ectoparasites were eligible. We used the ToxRTool (Toxicological data reliability assessment) tool, the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools, and the Jadad scale to assess the methodological qualities of preclinical (in vitro and in vivo) studies, non-randomised controlled trials (including cohort, case series, and case studies), and randomised controlled trials, respectively. Of 497 identified records, 71 studies were included in this systematic review, and most (66%) had high methodological quality. The findings of this review revealed the promising efficacy of TTO and its components against ectoparasites of medical importance. Most importantly, the compelling in vitro activity of TTO against ectoparasites noted in this review seems to have translated well into the clinical environment. The promising outcomes observed in clinical studies provide enough evidence to justify the use of TTO in the pharmacotherapy of ectoparasitic infections.
PubMed: 36015213
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081587 -
Asia Pacific Allergy Jul 2022Individual studies have suggested that upper airway dysbiosis may be associated with asthma or its severity. We aimed to systematically review studies that evaluated... (Review)
Review
Individual studies have suggested that upper airway dysbiosis may be associated with asthma or its severity. We aimed to systematically review studies that evaluated upper airway bacterial microbiota in relation to asthma, compared to nonasthmatic controls. Searches used MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science Core Collection. Eligible studies included association between asthma and upper airway dysbiosis; assessment of composition and diversity of upper airway microbiota using 16S rRNA or metagenomic sequencing; upper airway samples from nose, nasopharynx, oropharynx or hypopharynx. Study quality was assessed and rated using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. A total of 249 publications were identified; 17 in the final analysis (13 childhood asthma and 4 adult asthma). Microbiome richness was measured in 6 studies, species diversity in 12, and bacterial composition in 17. The quality of evidence was good and fair. The alpha-diversity was found to be higher in younger children with wheezing and asthma, while it was lower when asthmatic children had rhinitis or mite sensitization. In children, Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were higher in asthmatics compared to controls (7 studies), and , , and were predominant in the bacterial community. In pooled analysis, nasal colonization was associated with the presence of wheezing at age 5 ( = 0.04). In adult patients with asthma, the abundance of Proteobacteria was elevated in the upper respiratory tract (3 studies). Nasal colonization of was lower in asthmatics (2 studies). This study demonstrates the potential relationships between asthma and specific bacterial colonization in the upper airway in adult and children with asthma.
PubMed: 35966153
DOI: 10.5415/apallergy.2022.12.e32 -
Acta Ophthalmologica Feb 2023To determine the prevalence of allergic sensitization in patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and to provide an overview of published studies on this topic.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
To determine the prevalence of allergic sensitization in patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and to provide an overview of published studies on this topic. We systematically searched 11 literature databases on 24 May 2021, for studies with cross-sectional data on the prevalence of positive allergy tests in patients with VKC. Our main outcome of interest was the prevalence of allergic sensitization and the allergens involved. Prevalence meta-analyses were made to provide summary estimates. We identified 33 eligible studies for qualitative review with 2122 patients with VKC. Studies were predominantly based on patients seen in ophthalmology clinics. Overall, studies reported that the most prevalent positive allergen tests were the inhaled allergens house dust mites and pollen. Twenty-nine studies were eligible for the quantitative analysis. Here, we calculated the prevalence of allergen-positive patients to 57.7% (95% confidence interval: 52.5%-62.8%). Subgroup analyses of pooled estimates on sensitization based on specific testing methods found prevalence estimates of 51.4% for conjunctival provocation test, 68.7% for total tear IgE, 58.9% for specific tear IgE, and 58.2% for skin prick test. The prevalence of allergic sensitization in patients with VKC is 57.7%, and mostly towards inhaled allergens. The most frequent positive allergens are house dust mites and pollen. Identifying possible clinically relevant allergens provide information that may aid in managing VKC, such as environmental allergy-avoidance or allergy-specific treatment.
Topics: Humans; Conjunctivitis, Allergic; Prevalence; Cross-Sectional Studies; Allergens; Immunoglobulin E
PubMed: 35848379
DOI: 10.1111/aos.15212 -
Acta Tropica Aug 2022More than ever, there is a need to understand how pathogens, vectors and hosts occur temporally and spatially to predict the occurrence of zoonotic outbreaks. Related to...
More than ever, there is a need to understand how pathogens, vectors and hosts occur temporally and spatially to predict the occurrence of zoonotic outbreaks. Related to this, mites of the Mesostigmata and Trombidiformes orders have the potential to transmit several diseases, yet their information of occurrence, distribution and zoonotic accompanying agents have not been systematically organized. We conducted a systematic review using a combination of words through the Sysrev platform, as well as literature searches in specialised databases to identify global patterns of infections, trends in mite-rodent-pathogen research and existing knowledge gaps. The inclusion criterion was the detection of pathogens in mites, either by molecular or serological techniques or by direct observation under the microscope, which rendered 125 papers. Most works have been carried out in Asia, mainly around the transmission of Orientia tsutsugamushi. Interestingly, co-infections, i.e., the presence of more than one pathogen in an individual, are common in other Acari groups such as ticks. Moreover, this is not the case for Trombidiformes and Mesostigmata as only 4.7 percent of the articles reviewed detected more than one pathogen in these mites. It is important to include a multi-host, multi-vector and multi-pathogen approaches to understand complex systems in disease ecology. A synergy between mite taxonomists, physicians and veterinarians, decision-makers, governmental organisations, and society is needed to address the emergence of mite-borne new or neglected diseases.
Topics: Animals; Asia; Disease Vectors; Mites; Orientia tsutsugamushi; Rodentia
PubMed: 35569525
DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106509 -
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical... May 2022House dust mite sublingual immunotherapy (HDM SLIT) effectively treats allergic rhinitis (AR). However, the evidence of HDM SLIT for allergic asthma remained limited.
BACKGROUND
House dust mite sublingual immunotherapy (HDM SLIT) effectively treats allergic rhinitis (AR). However, the evidence of HDM SLIT for allergic asthma remained limited.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review the efficacy and safety of HDM SLIT tablets in patients with allergic asthma.
METHODS
We performed a systematic search through PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Center of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that addressed the efficacy and safety of HDM SLIT tablets compared with placebo or no intervention in allergic asthma from their inception date until September 2021. The primary outcome was the reduction in inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) dose. Additional outcomes were asthma control, exacerbation, lung function, quality-of-life, and adverse events.
RESULTS
There were 7 RCTs, 5 studies in allergic asthma (4 in adults and 1 in children), and 2 in AR with or without asthma. The 6 standardized quality (SQ) HDM effectively reduced ICS dose in well- to partly controlled mild-to-moderate asthma in 1 RCT. Two RCTs evaluated the efficacy of 6 SQ and 12 SQ HDM in reducing asthma exacerbation in partly controlled moderate-to-severe asthma, and their results were inconsistent. One study in children with mild-to-moderate asthma found no benefit of HDM SLIT. Two RCTs in AR with or without mild-to-moderate asthma showed improvement of asthma symptoms. Adverse events were primarily local, and anaphylaxis treated with epinephrine was reported in 3 patients.
CONCLUSIONS
The HDM SLIT tablets tend to effectively reduce ICS use in adults and adolescents with well- to partly controlled mild-to-moderate allergic asthma with a favorable safety profile.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Child; Humans; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Antigens, Dermatophagoides; Asthma; Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus; Pyroglyphidae; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rhinitis, Allergic; Sublingual Immunotherapy; Tablets; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35181547
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2022.01.046 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2021Dry eye-related ocular surface examination is very important in the diagnosis and treatment of dry eye disease. With the recent advances in science and technology, dry...
Dry eye-related ocular surface examination is very important in the diagnosis and treatment of dry eye disease. With the recent advances in science and technology, dry eye examination techniques have progressed rapidly, which has greatly improved dry eye diagnoses and treatment. However, clinically, confusion remains about which examination to choose, how to ensure the repeatability of the examination, and how to accurately interpret the examination results. In this review, we systematically evaluate previous examinations of dry eye, analyze the latest views and research hotspots, and provide a reference for the diagnosis and management of dry eye.
PubMed: 35145982
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.826530 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2021Herbivore oviposition produces all sorts of responses in plants, involving wide and complex genetic rearrangements. Many transcriptomic studies have been performed to...
Herbivore oviposition produces all sorts of responses in plants, involving wide and complex genetic rearrangements. Many transcriptomic studies have been performed to understand this interaction, producing a bulk of transcriptomic data. However, the use of many transcriptomic techniques across the years, the lack of comparable transcriptomic context at the time of publication, and the use of outdated databases are limitations to understand this biological process. The current analysis intends to retrieve oviposition studies and process them with up-to-date techniques and updated databases. To reduce heterogeneities, the same processing techniques were applied, and Arabidopsis was selected to avoid divergencies on plant taxa stress response strategies. By doing so, we intended to understand the major mechanisms and regulatory processes linked to oviposition response. Differentially expressed gene (DEG) identification and co-expression network-based analyses were the main tools to achieve this goal. Two microarray studies and three RNA-seq analyses passed the screening criteria. The collected data pertained to the lepidopteran and the mite , and covered a timeline from 3 to 144 h. Among the 18, 221 DEGs found, 15, 406 were exclusive of (72 h) and 801 were exclusive for the rest of the experiments. Excluding (72 h), shared genes on the rest of the experiments were twice the unique genes, indicating common response mechanisms were predominant. Enrichment analyses indicated that shared processes were circumscribed to earlier time points, and after 24 h, the divergences escalated. The response was characterized by patterns of time-dependent waves of unique processes. oviposition induced a rich response that shared functions across time points, while eggs triggered less but more diverse time-dependent functions. The main processes altered were associated with hormonal cascades [e.g., salicilic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA)], defense [reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glucosinolates], cell wall rearrangements, abiotic stress responses, and energy metabolism. Key gene drivers of the identified processes were also identified and presented. The current results enrich and clarify the information regarding the molecular behavior of the plant in response to oviposition by herbivores. This information is valuable for multiple stress response engineering tools, among other applications.
PubMed: 35126411
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.772492 -
Allergologia Et Immunopathologia 2022To determine whether the levels of T-helper (T) 2 cytokines (interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5) in allergic reactions are allergen dependent and evaluate the impact of various... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
To determine whether the levels of T-helper (T) 2 cytokines (interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5) in allergic reactions are allergen dependent and evaluate the impact of various treatment strategies on the levels of these cytokines.
METHODS
The PubMed search engine was used from inception until January 2021. The random-effects residual maximum likelihood model was performed, and effect sizes were estimated using the Hedge's statistic. All data analysis was performed using STATA 16.0 (StataCorp LP, TX, USA).
RESULTS
Fourteen studies reporting on 794 participants were included in this study. House dust mite was associated with eliciting a stronger immune response mediated by both IL-4 and IL-5 when compared to pollen. Whereas a mixture of house dust mite and pollen was associated with IL-4-weighted inflammation. Comparisons of IL-4 and IL-5 levels amongst the allergens showed significant differences. The treatment with anti-corticosteroids or allergen-specific immunotherapy was effective in normalising the T2 responses and alleviating allergy symptoms.
CONCLUSION
T2-mediated inflammation in allergic reactions is allergen-dependent. Therefore, the type of allergen should be considered when using cytokine-targeting biologics in allergic reactions.
Topics: Allergens; Animals; Cytokines; Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Inflammation; Interleukin-4; Interleukin-5; Pyroglyphidae; Th2 Cells
PubMed: 34873895
DOI: 10.15586/aei.v50i1.470 -
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics Sep 2022Despite the vaginal mucosa is able to respond to allergenic stimuli, vaginal allergic responses have been under investigated in clinical practice. Thus, we aimed to... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Despite the vaginal mucosa is able to respond to allergenic stimuli, vaginal allergic responses have been under investigated in clinical practice. Thus, we aimed to identify the most frequent etiological agents responsible for vulvovaginal allergies, the prevalent signs/symptoms, and the diagnostic tests applied in this clinical condition.
METHODS
Literature search was performed on PubMed, Scopus, Scielo, Web of Science, and EMBASE. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020167238). Studies were divided in two groups depending on allergen exposure route. Due to a significant number of studies correlating allergy to Candida infection, subgroup analysis was included.
RESULTS
In direct exposure cases, Human Seminal Plasma was the most prevalent allergen, sensitizing 73% of affected women. These women presented localized swelling and burning as prevalent symptoms, affecting 42/68 and 36/68 women, respectively. Cutaneous Prick tests were applied in 58/68 women, either alone or combined with IgE measurements. Regarding cases of indirect/unidentified exposure, house dust mites was the most prevalent allergen (54%), followed by pollen (44%). Predominant symptoms were vulvar pruritus and burning, affecting 67/98 and 52/98 women. Skin prick test was the most prevalent diagnostic method used among different studies. Hypersensitivity toward Candida antigen was present in only half (163/323) of women presenting concomitant allergy and Candida infection.
CONCLUSION
From the two types of allergen exposure that can cause vulvovaginal allergic responses, direct contact of the antigen with the vulva and/or vagina was the most prevalent. Still, allergens can also sensitize the vaginal mucosa secondarily to other exposure route, specifically aeroallergens.
Topics: Allergens; Candidiasis; Female; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Skin Tests; Vulvovaginitis
PubMed: 34825938
DOI: 10.1007/s00404-021-06332-z -
Tropical Diseases, Travel Medicine and... Jul 2021Scabies is an extremely fastidious infestation caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. It causes a persistent itch that can disrupt a person's mental health, sleep, and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Scabies is an extremely fastidious infestation caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. It causes a persistent itch that can disrupt a person's mental health, sleep, and overall quality of life. In endemic areas, treatment by targeting symptomatic individuals and their contacts is often unsuccessful due to an asymptomatic period and high rates of re-infection. To overcome this, Mass Drug Administration (MDA) is often used to treat the whole community, irrespective of whether individuals presently have scabies. This review summarises the evidence for the effectiveness of MDA in treating scabies.
METHODS
An exhaustive literature review was conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and Scopus. All peer-reviewed articles published in English January 1990 to March 2020 were eligible and only if the studies were primary and interventional. Furthermore, the intervention had to be a pharmacological MDA method involving human subjects.
RESULTS
TWELVE articles that qualified for inclusion were identified. MDA for scabies significantly reduced its prevalence in communities at follow up. Some of the drivers of success were communities with low levels of migration, an uptake of MDA of > 85%, the use of oral Ivermectin therapy, the treatment of children and pregnant women within the treated population, and repeated treatment for participants diagnosed with scabies at baseline.
CONCLUSIONS
The average absolute reduction in prevalence of scabies was 22.0% and the relative reduction average was 73.4%. These results suggest MDA is effective in treating scabies in the endemic community. Further evidence is needed surrounding MDA use in urban areas with increased levels of migration. Importantly, MDA should not substitute the tackling of socioeconomic factors which contribute to endemic disease such as good sanitation and hygiene.
PubMed: 34193305
DOI: 10.1186/s40794-021-00143-5