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PloS One 2024Workers in the construction industry frequently work in construction sites with numerous areas that can potentially accumulate water, such as tanks, wet cement surfaces,...
INTRODUCTION
Workers in the construction industry frequently work in construction sites with numerous areas that can potentially accumulate water, such as tanks, wet cement surfaces, or water puddles. These water collection sites become ideal breeding grounds for mosquito infestation, which leads to a higher prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases, especially malaria and dengue among construction workers. Despite that numerous factors have been identified in controlling vector-borne diseases, the specific factors that influence mosquito control at construction sites have yet to be explored.
AIMS
This systematic review aims to determine the factors associated with mosquito control among construction workers.
METHODS
Primarily, articles related to factors associated with mosquito control among construction workers were collected from two different online databases (ScienceDirect and EBSCOhost). Two independent reviewers were assigned to screen the titles and abstracts of the collected data, stored in Microsoft Excel, against the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Afterwards, the quality of the included articles was critically assessed using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Of the 171 articles identified, 4 were included in the final review.
RESULTS
Based on the thorough evaluation, mosquito-related knowledge, practical mosquito prevention measures, and Larval Source Management (LSM) were identified as vital factors associated with mosquito control among construction workers. The significant association between mosquito-related knowledge and control practices indicates higher knowledge linked to effective practices, particularly among female workers and those who were recently infected with malaria. Concurrently, there were notable challenges regarding sustainable preventive measures and larval control methods in construction settings.
CONCLUSION
Implementing effective mosquito control, including knowledge and practice on mosquito control together with vector control, is highly required to suppress the expanding mosquito population. It is recommended that employers provide continuous mosquito control education and training to their employees and reward them with incentives, while employees should comply with the guidelines set by their employers to ensure successful mosquito control and reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases in the construction industry.
Topics: Mosquito Control; Humans; Construction Industry; Animals; Malaria; Culicidae; Mosquito Vectors; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
PubMed: 38718075
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303330 -
Scientific Reports May 2024Albumin, a key protein in human blood plasma, has been linked to various health conditions. However, its association with malaria, particularly in assessing disease... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Albumin, a key protein in human blood plasma, has been linked to various health conditions. However, its association with malaria, particularly in assessing disease severity, remains inadequately understood. This comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to elucidate the relationship between albumin levels and malaria severity. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including Embase, Scopus, PubMed, MEDLINE, Ovid, and Google Scholar, to identify studies examining albumin levels in malaria patients. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Data were pooled using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using I statistics. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed based on publication year, study location, and Plasmodium species. A total of 37 studies were included in this review. The thematic synthesis indicated that albumin levels in malaria patients varied significantly based on geographical location. A meta-analysis of 28 studies found that albumin levels were significantly lower in malaria patients compared with non-malarial controls (P < 0.001, standardized mean differences [SMD] = -2.23, 95% CI - 3.25 to - 1.20, I: 98%, random effects model, 28 studies). Additionally, subgroup analysis revealed variations in albumin levels based on geographical location and Plasmodium species. Regarding the association with disease severity, thematic synthesis showed that severe malaria cases generally had decreased albumin levels across various regions. However, one Brazilian study reported higher albumin levels in severe cases. A separate meta-analysis of five studies found significantly lower albumin levels in patients experiencing severe malaria relative to those with less severe forms of the disease (P < 0.001, SMD = -0.66, 95% CI - 1.07 to - 0.25), I: 73%, random effects model, 5 studies). This study underscores the clinical significance of albumin as a potential biomarker for Plasmodium infection and the severity of malaria. The findings suggest that albumin level monitoring could be crucial in managing malaria patients, especially in assessing disease severity and tailoring treatment approaches. Additional studies are required to investigate the underlying mechanisms driving these associations and validate the clinical utility of albumin levels in malaria patient management.
Topics: Humans; Malaria; Severity of Illness Index; Biomarkers; Serum Albumin; Serum Albumin, Human
PubMed: 38702420
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60644-z -
Scientific Reports May 2024Malaria infection leads to hematological abnormalities, including deranged prothrombin time (PT). Given the inconsistent findings regarding PT in malaria across... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Malaria infection leads to hematological abnormalities, including deranged prothrombin time (PT). Given the inconsistent findings regarding PT in malaria across different severities and between Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax, this study aimed to synthesize available evidence on PT variations in clinical malaria. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Ovid, and Medline from 27 November 2021 to 2 March 2023 to obtain studies documenting PT in malaria. Study quality was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist, with data synthesized through both qualitative and quantitative methods, including meta-regression and subgroup analyses, to explore heterogeneity and publication bias. From 2767 articles, 21 studies were included. Most studies reported prolonged or increased PT in malaria patients compared to controls, a finding substantiated by the meta-analysis (P < 0.01, Mean difference: 8.86 s, 95% CI 5.32-12.40 s, I: 87.88%, 4 studies). Severe malaria cases also showed significantly higher PT than non-severe ones (P = 0.03, Hedges's g: 1.65, 95% CI 0.20-3.10, I: 97.91%, 7 studies). No significant PT difference was observed between P. falciparum and P. vivax infections (P = 0.88, Mean difference: 0.06, 95% CI - 0.691-0.8, I: 65.09%, 2 studies). The relationship between PT and malaria-related mortality remains unclear, underscoring the need for further studies. PT is typically prolonged or increased in malaria, particularly in severe cases, with no notable difference between P. falciparum and P. vivax infections. The inconsistency in PT findings between fatal and non-fatal cases highlights a gap in current understanding, emphasizing the need for future studies to inform therapeutic strategies.
Topics: Humans; Malaria, Vivax; Malaria, Falciparum; Plasmodium vivax; Plasmodium falciparum; Prothrombin Time; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 38698102
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60170-y -
Effects of paediatric schistosomiasis control programmes in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review.PloS One 2024Preventive chemotherapy by mass drug administration is globally recommended as the primary method of reaching the elimination of schistosomiasis, especially in the high...
Preventive chemotherapy by mass drug administration is globally recommended as the primary method of reaching the elimination of schistosomiasis, especially in the high risk-paediatric population. This systematic review provides a summary of the effects of paediatric schistosomiasis control programs on eliminating schistosomiasis in sub-Saharan Africa. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, EBSCOhost, and other databases to obtain studies regarding the effects of paediatric schistosomiasis control programmes in sub-Saharan Africa. 3455 studies were screened for eligibility, included articles reported on both paediatrics control programmes and schistosomiasis, and articles were excluded when they did not report on schistosomiasis control programmes in paediatrics exclusively. 40 selected studies were critically appraised using the JBI critical appraisal tools for relevance and 30 studies were included in the study. An in-depth quantitative descriptive analysis was conducted, and a comprehensive narrative summary explained the results within the scope of the review questions. The results show that despite preventive chemotherapy lowering schistosomiasis prevalence, chances of re-infection are high in endemic areas. Preventive chemotherapy without complementary interventions including safe water provision and proper sanitation, snail control and health education on the aetiology of schistosomiasis, transmission pattern and control practices might not eliminate schistosomiasis.
Topics: Humans; Africa South of the Sahara; Schistosomiasis; Child; Animals; Anthelmintics; Prevalence; Mass Drug Administration
PubMed: 38696510
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301464 -
Veterinary Medicine and Science May 2024Canine babesiosis is a clinically significant tick-transmitted disease caused by several species of the intraerythrocytic protozoan parasite Babesia, which result in a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Canine babesiosis is a clinically significant tick-transmitted disease caused by several species of the intraerythrocytic protozoan parasite Babesia, which result in a wide range of clinical manifestations, from mild, transient infection to serious disease and even death.
OBJECTIVES
The current study aimed to estimate the global prevalence and associated risk factors of Babesia in dogs.
METHODS
Multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science and Google Scholar) were searched for relevant literature published from January 2000 up to December 2022. The statistical analyses were performed based on the R software (version 3.6) meta-package.
RESULTS
Out of 23,864 publications, 229 studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of canine babesiosis was 0.120 (95% CI; 0.097-0.146). The highest pooled prevalence was found in Europe (0.207, 95% CI; 0.097-0.344). Among several species, Babesia canis was the most prevalent parasite (0.216, 95% CI; 0.056-0.441). The highest pooled prevalence of Babesia in dogs was observed in the summer season (0.097, 95% CI; 0.040-0.174).
CONCLUSIONS
Regular screening and appropriate control strategies are recommended for the prevention of transmission of tick-borne disease transmission among dogs.
Topics: Dogs; Babesiosis; Animals; Dog Diseases; Babesia; Prevalence; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38695207
DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1427 -
Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and... 2024Toxocariasis is an important health problem caused by the parasitic species () and (). Prevalence of toxocariasis in pregnant women as a vulnerable population is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Toxocariasis is an important health problem caused by the parasitic species () and (). Prevalence of toxocariasis in pregnant women as a vulnerable population is doubly important, and the aim of this study is to estimate the overall prevalence of toxocariasis infection in pregnant women according to the available reports.
METHODS
The present study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklists. A systematic search was carried out in international scientific databases (Google Scholar, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and PubMed) between 1990 and 2023. The overall prevalence of parasitic infection was estimated with a random-effects model. All analyses (overall prevalence, heterogeneity, publication bias, and sensitivity analysis) were performed with comprehensive meta-analysis (V2.2, Bio stat) software.
RESULTS
Amid the final eleven included studies, based on the random-effects model, the estimation of the pooled prevalence of spp. was 20.8% (95% CI, 9.8-38.7%). The association between the risk factors of toxocariasis and the prevalence of the disease was not statistically significant.
CONCLUSIONS
In the present study, significant prevalence was reported; however, considering the limited number of studies, it seems that the actual prevalence of the disease is higher. Therefore, it seems necessary to monitor this health problem in pregnant women.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Toxocariasis; Animals; Toxocara; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic; Prevalence; Toxocara canis
PubMed: 38682081
DOI: 10.1155/2024/1943353 -
PeerJ 2024COVID-19 and malaria cause significant morbidity and mortality globally. Co-infection of these diseases can worsen their impact on public health. This review aims to...
BACKGROUND
COVID-19 and malaria cause significant morbidity and mortality globally. Co-infection of these diseases can worsen their impact on public health. This review aims to synthesize literature on the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 and malaria co-infection to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was conducted using MeSH terms and keywords from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to January 2023. The review included original articles on COVID-19 and malaria co-infection, evaluating their methodological quality and certainty of evidence. It was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023393562).
RESULTS
Out of 1,596 screened articles, 19 met the inclusion criteria. These studies involved 2,810 patients, 618 of whom had COVID-19 and malaria co-infection. Plasmodium falciparum and vivax were identified as causative organisms in six studies. Hospital admission ranged from three to 18 days. Nine studies associated co-infection with severe disease, ICU admission, assisted ventilation, and related complications. One study reported 6% ICU admission, and mortality rates of 3%, 9.4%, and 40.4% were observed in four studies. Estimated crude mortality rates were 10.71 and 5.87 per 1,000 person-days for patients with and without concurrent malaria, respectively. Common co-morbidities included Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory disorders.
CONCLUSION
Most patients with COVID-19 and malaria co-infection experienced short-term hospitalization and mild to moderate disease severity. However, at presentation, co-morbidities and severe malaria were significantly associated with higher mortality or worse clinical outcomes. These findings emphasize the importance of early detection, prompt treatment, and close monitoring of patients with COVID-19 and malaria co-infection.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Coinfection; Malaria; SARS-CoV-2; Hospitalization; Comorbidity; Malaria, Falciparum
PubMed: 38646476
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17160 -
Veterinary Parasitology Jun 2024Lagomorpha coccidiosis, caused by coccidia, is a prevalent disease affecting rabbits, hares and pikas. This meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Lagomorpha coccidiosis, caused by coccidia, is a prevalent disease affecting rabbits, hares and pikas. This meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of coccidia infection in lagomorphs and identify potential risk factors. A systematic search of six databases yielded 102 studies published between 1981 and 2023. The pooled prevalence of Eimeriidae, Sarcocystidae and Cryptosporidiidae in lagomorphs was 76.4%, 6.2% and 3.9%, respectively. Rabbits had the highest prevalence of Eimeriidae (76.8%) and Sarcocystidae (7.4%), while pikas had the highest prevalence of Cryptosporidiidae (6.2%). Juvenile rabbits exhibited the highest prevalence of Eimeriidae (84.6%) and Cryptosporidiidae (9.9%). Northwest China had the highest prevalence of Eimeriidae (87.8%). Over time, the prevalence of Eimeriidae declined (Coefficient: -0.0062; P<0.05), but remained high (65.0%) in the past five years. Our findings highlight the prevalence of Eimeriidae infection in lagomorphs and the need for further research on Sarcocystidae and Cryptosporidiidae infections. We emphasize the importance of developing lagomorpha coccidia vaccines and implementing vaccination schedules for juvenile rabbits to mitigate coccidia infections.
Topics: Animals; China; Lagomorpha; Prevalence; Coccidiosis; Coccidia
PubMed: 38642525
DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110185 -
JAMA Network Open Apr 2024Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is one of the most common childhood cancers in sub-Saharan Africa and is etiologically linked to malaria. However, evidence for an effect of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is one of the most common childhood cancers in sub-Saharan Africa and is etiologically linked to malaria. However, evidence for an effect of malaria interventions on BL is limited.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the potential population-level association between large-scale rollout of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) in sub-Saharan Africa in the 2000s and BL incidence.
DATA SOURCES
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, a search was conducted in the Embase, Global Health, and Medline databases and in cancer registry publications between January 1, 1990, and February 27, 2023.
STUDY SELECTION
All epidemiologic studies on BL incidence rates in children and adolescents aged 0 to 15 years in sub-Saharan African countries where malaria is endemic were identified by 2 reviewers blinded to each other's decision.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
The systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses reporting guideline. Data were extracted independently by 2 reviewers, and quality was scored based on 3 predefined criteria: data collection, case ascertainment, and calculation of person-time at risk.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Incidence rates of BL during childhood and mean ITN use in the population. Data were analyzed using a random-effects negative binomial regression model.
RESULTS
Of 2333 studies meeting selection criteria, 23 comprising 66 data points on BL incidence were included based on 5226 BL cases from locations with large-scale ITN use in 17 countries. Rates of BL were 44% (95% CI, 12%-64%) lower in the period after ITN introduction compared with before. The adjusted pooled incidence rates of BL were 1.36 (95% CI, 0.88-2.10) and 0.76 (95% CI, 0.50-1.16) per 100 000 person-years before and after introduction of ITNs, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, a 1-percentage point increase in mean ITN use in the population in the 10 years before BL data collection was associated with a 2% (95% CI, 1%-4%) reduction in BL incidence.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, large-scale rollout of ITNs in the 2000s was associated with a reduction in BL burden among children in sub-Saharan Africa. Although published data may not be representative of all incidence rates across sub-Saharan Africa, this study highlights a potential additional benefit of malaria control programs.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Animals; Humans; Mosquito Nets; Burkitt Lymphoma; Incidence; Africa South of the Sahara; Malaria
PubMed: 38635267
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.7351 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Apr 2024Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a dermatosis which can occur after successful treatment of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and is a public health problem in VL...
Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) drug efficacy study landscape: A systematic scoping review of clinical trials and observational studies to assess the feasibility of establishing an individual participant-level data (IPD) platform.
BACKGROUND
Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a dermatosis which can occur after successful treatment of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and is a public health problem in VL endemic areas. We conducted a systematic scoping review to assess the characteristics of published PKDL clinical studies, understand the scope of research and explore the feasibility and value of developing a PKDL individual patient data (IPD) platform.
METHODS
A systematic review of published literature was conducted to identify PKDL clinical studies by searching the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Ovid Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, WHO Global Index Medicus, PASCAL, Clinicaltrials.gov, Ovid Global Health, Cochrane Database and CENTRAL, and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Only prospective studies in humans with PKDL diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up measurements between January 1973 and March 2023 were included. Extracted data includes variables on patient characteristics, treatment regimens, diagnostic methods, geographical locations, efficacy endpoints, adverse events and statistical methodology.
RESULTS
A total of 3,418 records were screened, of which 56 unique studies (n = 2,486 patients) were included in this review. Out of the 56 studies, 36 (64.3%) were from India (1983-2022), 12 (21.4%) from Sudan (1992-2021), 6 (10.7%) were from Bangladesh (1991-2019), and 2 (3.6%) from Nepal (2001-2007). Five (8.9%) studies were published between 1981-1990 (n = 193 patients), 10 (17.9%) between 1991-2000 (n = 230 patients), 10 (17.9%) between 2001-2010 (n = 198 patients), and 31 (55.4%) from 2011 onwards (n = 1,865 patients). Eight (14.3%) were randomised clinical trials, and 48 (85.7%) were non-randomised studies. The median post-treatment follow-up duration was 365 days (range: 90-540 days) in 8 RCTs and 360 days (range: 28-2,373 days) in 48 non-randomised studies. Disease diagnosis was based on clinical criterion in 3 (5.4%) studies, a mixture of clinical and parasitological methods in 47 (83.9%) and was unclear in 6 (10.7%) studies. Major drugs used for treatment were miltefosine (n = 636 patients), liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) (n = 508 patients), and antinomy regimens (n = 454 patients). Ten other drug regimens were tested in 270 patients with less than 60 patients per regimen.
CONCLUSIONS
Our review identified studies with very limited sample size for the three major drugs (miltefosine, L-AmB, and pentavalent antimony), while the number of patients combined across studies suggest that the IPD platform would be valuable. With the support of relevant stakeholders, the global PKDL community and sufficient financing, a PKDL IPD platform can be realised. This will allow for exploration of different aspects of treatment safety and efficacy, which can potentially guide future healthcare decisions and clinical practices.
Topics: Humans; Leishmaniasis, Visceral; Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous; Antiprotozoal Agents; Observational Studies as Topic; Clinical Trials as Topic; Feasibility Studies; Treatment Outcome; India; Bangladesh
PubMed: 38626228
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011635