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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 -
Transactions of the Royal Society of... Jun 2024It is well-documented that using immunosuppressive drugs such as corticosteroids or cytokine blockers in treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increases the risk...
BACKGROUND
It is well-documented that using immunosuppressive drugs such as corticosteroids or cytokine blockers in treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increases the risk of co-infections. Here we systematically summarized the cases of COVID-19-associated parasitic infections (CAPIs) in Iran.
METHODS
From 19 February 2020 to 10 May 2023, all studies on Iranian patients suffering from CAPIs were collected from several databases using a systematic search strategy.
RESULTS
Of 540 records, 11 studies remained for data extraction. In this research, most of the studies were related to Lophomonas and Toxoplasma. Of 411 cases of CAPIs, toxoplasmosis (385 [93.7%]) had the highest rate of infection among Iranian patients, followed by blastocystosis (15 [3.6%]), fascioliasis (4 [0.97%]), leishmaniasis (3 [0.7%]), lophomoniasis (3 [0.7%]) and strongyloidiasis (1 [0.2%]). In general, Blastocystis enhanced diarrhoea in patients with COVID-19. Lophomonas, Toxoplasma and Strongyloides increased the severity of COVID-19, but Fasciola decreased its intensity. Patients with a history of cutaneous leishmaniasis showed mild symptoms of COVID-19. Also, patients with a prior history of hydatid cysts were not affected by COVID-19.
CONCLUSIONS
Due to the similar symptoms of some parasitic diseases and COVID-19 and immunosuppressive treatment regimens in these patients that may cause the reactivation or recurrence of parasitic infections, early diagnosis and treatment are required.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Iran; Coinfection; SARS-CoV-2; Parasitic Diseases; Animals
PubMed: 38288655
DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trae001 -
Journal of the European Academy of... Apr 2024Strongyloides stercoralis is a parasitic worm with a complex life cycle and can cause significant morbidity, including a proctocolitis and life-threatening... (Review)
Review
Strongyloides stercoralis is a parasitic worm with a complex life cycle and can cause significant morbidity, including a proctocolitis and life-threatening hyperinfection syndrome. Limited reports from non-endemic areas, including in men who have sex with men (MSM), suggest sexual transmission of S. stercoralis. In this systematic review of the published literature, we aimed to explore the associated factors of S. stercoralis in MSM. We systematically searched three bibliographical databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL and EMBASE) up to November 2022. We used a two-stage process to assess eligibility: the primary author conducted an initial screen of abstracts, and then three authors conducted independent full manuscripts to determine the final eligible manuscripts. We only included manuscripts written in English that contained data on specific factors associated with sexual transmission in MSM. We used the STROBE checklist to assess the risk of bias and synthesized the narrative data using the SWiM method. Seven manuscripts were eligible for this review (four case reports, one case series, one cross-sectional study and one experimental study), which included 22 individuals from Europe and the Americas. From these studies, S. stercoralis in MSM was associated with living with HIV (including having a low CD4 count and not using antiretrovirals), having a concomitant sexually transmitted infection (Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Treponema pallidum and hepatitis C) and a concomitant (sexually transmitted) protozoal infection (Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia), travel to the S. stercoralis endemic area, multiple sexual partners from endemic areas, oro-anal sexual contact and chemsex. Although limited by the number of cases in the literature, we have highlighted some possible biological and behavioural risk factors associated with the sexual transmission of S. stercoralis in MSM that could be used to both target future research and S. stercoralis public health control interventions.
Topics: Male; Animals; Humans; Homosexuality, Male; Strongyloides stercoralis; HIV Infections; Cross-Sectional Studies; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Sexual Behavior; Sexually Transmitted Diseases
PubMed: 38013501
DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19664 -
BMC Infectious Diseases Oct 2023Tuberculosis (TB) and intestinal helminths have huge public health importance, and they are geographically overlapped. Data about the burden of intestinal helminth and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Tuberculosis (TB) and intestinal helminths have huge public health importance, and they are geographically overlapped. Data about the burden of intestinal helminth and TB co-infection in these areas are fragmented. In this systematic review and meta-analysis we compile the current literatures and generate pooled prevalence. We also identity factors associated with intestinal helminth co-infection among TB patients.
METHODS
Original articles published in English language up to March 23, 2022 were systematically searched from electronic database (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholars and HINARI). The search was done using medical subject heading terms and keywords. Identified articles were exported into the EndNote library. The identified articles were screened using PRISMA flow diagram. Then the methodological quality of included articles was evaluated and rated using the modified version of Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel. Sensitivity analysis and Egger regression test were used for the assessment of heterogeneity and publication bias. Finally the results are presented with a meta-analysis of pooled estimates, forest plots, and tables. The quantitative data were analyzed using Stata version 14.
RESULTS
From a total of 5457 searched articles, 22 eligible articles were included in the review. The pooled prevalence of helminth co-infection among TB cases was 29.69% (95%CI: 21.10, 38.29). TB patients were found to more frequently harbor one or more intestinal helminths than TB negative individuals (OR = 1.72 (95%CI: 1.20, 2.48)). Among the reported helminths, Schistosoma mansoni and Strongyloides stercoralis had the highest pooled prevalence among TB cases. However, unlike other individual helminths, only Strongyloides stercoralis (OR = 2.67 (95% CI, 1.20-6.76)) had significant association with TB cases compared to TB negatives. BMI was significantly associated with intestinal helminth co-infection among TB patients (OR = 2.75 (95%CI: 1.19, 6.38)).
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with TB have been shown to harbor co-infection with one or more intestinal helminths with considerable proportions when compared with TB-negative individuals. The higher prevalence of helminth infection in TB cases might indicate that co-infection promotes active TB disease. Thus, routine intestinal helminth screening and assessment of their nutritional status is suggested for TB patients.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Coinfection; Risk Factors; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Tuberculosis; Helminths; Africa; Asia
PubMed: 37899439
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08716-9 -
Infectious Diseases of Poverty Sep 2023Strongyloidiasis, caused by the nematodes Strongyloides stercoralis and Strongyloides fuelleborni, is estimated to affect over 600 million individuals worldwide. The... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Strongyloidiasis, caused by the nematodes Strongyloides stercoralis and Strongyloides fuelleborni, is estimated to affect over 600 million individuals worldwide. The disease is endemic in Southeast Asia, where a warm-humid climate and socio-economic conditions maintain the parasite's life cycle and transmission. However, the current diagnostic methods may not be sufficiently sensitive, suggesting that the true prevalence of strongyloidiasis could be seriously underestimated in this. This study aims to determine the prevalence of strongyloidiasis in Southeast Asia through a systematic review and meta-analysis and to discuss the implications of the estimated prevalence on diagnostic approaches and control strategies.
METHODS
Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed and Google Scholar databases to identify studies reporting Strongyloides prevalence data in the 11 Southeast Asian countries up to December 2022. A random effects model was employed to estimate the pooled prevalence of S. stercoralis at both regional and country levels.
RESULTS
Out of 3722 articles identified, 224 met our inclusion criteria. For S. stercoralis specifically, we found 187 articles, of which 52.4% were from Thailand. All Southeast Asian countries, except Brunei, had at least one study on Strongyloides prevalence. The estimated pooled prevalence of S. stercoralis regionally was 12.7% (95% CI 10.70-14.80%), ranging from 0.4 to 24.9% at the country level. Cambodia had the highest pooled prevalence (24.9%, 95% CI 15.65-35.38%), followed by Lao PDR (16.5%, 95% CI 9.50-24.95%). Moreover, we obtained a pooled prevalence of 10% (95% CI 7.06-13.52%) in a group comprising immigrants, workers, and veterans from Southeast Asian countries. S. stercoralis infects various host types, including nonhuman primates, domestic dogs and cats, rodents, and transport carriers such as cockroaches and vegetables.
CONCLUSIONS
A high prevalence of strongyloidiasis in Southeast Asia was revealed, highlighting the importance of the region's ongoing research, surveillance, and control efforts. Factors contributing to the strongyloidiasis transmission include the role of animal hosts, the impact of global connectivity, and the significance of the co-endemicity of other Strongyloides species. Based on these findings, a multi-pronged One-Health approach is essential for sustainable intervention and control.
Topics: Animals; Cats; Dogs; Public Health; Strongyloidiasis; Cat Diseases; Prevalence; Dog Diseases; Cambodia; Strongyloides stercoralis
PubMed: 37705080
DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01138-4 -
Journal of Parasitic Diseases :... Sep 2023We performed this review to determine the weighted prevalence of equids parasitic infections in Ethiopia. Article searches on parasites of equids were conducted using... (Review)
Review
UNLABELLED
We performed this review to determine the weighted prevalence of equids parasitic infections in Ethiopia. Article searches on parasites of equids were conducted using PubMed, PubMed Central, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Sciences, Scopus, AJOLs and Research Gate. A random effects model was used to estimate the weighted prevalence and to study heterogeneity. The primary searches generated, 3082 potential studies, of which 66 reports met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. There were 32 reports involving two or more equids species, eighteen on donkeys, and sixteen on horses. Moreover, fifty of the reports mentioned helminth infections in equids, thirteen on protozoans, and three on ectoparasites. The estimated weighted prevalence of parasitic infections in equids was 58.3% (95% CI 50.8-65.4%, = 99%). Helminths were the most prevalent parasites in equids, accounting for 77.1% (95% CI 71.4%, 82%, = 98.5%), followed by ectoparasites at 35.4% (95% CI 33.4-37.52%, = 88.2%) and haemoparasites (protozoans) at 10.84% (95% CI 6.6%, 17.3%, = 98.1%). Furthermore, with a prevalence of 82.3% (95% CI 75.9-87.3%, = 97.4%), donkeys were the most affected equids with helminth parasites. From the reports, we found forty-three species of helminth parasites affecting equids, including thirty-four nematode species (, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , and species), three trematodes (two and one species), three cestodes (two and one species) and three botfly larvae (one and two species). species (, , , , and ), piroplasms ( and ), and species have also been reported to affect equids. Ticks (, ) and lice ( and ) were the ectoparasites recorded to affect equids. The risk of publication bias across studies was likely to be high due to differences in publication year and diagnostic techniques. In conclusion, parasitic infections of equids are common in Ethiopia and are caused by a variety of parasite species, putting the performance and well-being of these packing animals at risk. Therefore, more research is needed to identify infection risk factors and raise awareness of the consequences of parasitism in order to provide strategies to mitigate the problems in equids.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12639-023-01598-3.
PubMed: 37520199
DOI: 10.1007/s12639-023-01598-3 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Jul 2023Strongyloides stercoralis is a neglected soil-transmitted helminth (STH) that leads to significant morbidity in endemic populations. Infection with this helminth has... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Strongyloides stercoralis is a neglected soil-transmitted helminth (STH) that leads to significant morbidity in endemic populations. Infection with this helminth has recently been recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a major global health problem to be addressed with ivermectin preventive chemotherapy, and therefore, there is now, the need to develop guidelines for strongyloidiasis control that can be implemented by endemic countries. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of ivermectin preventive chemotherapy (PC) on S. stercoralis prevalence in endemic areas to generate evidence that can inform global health policy.
METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and LILACS for literature published between 1990 and 2022 and reporting prevalence of S. stercoralis before and after PC with ivermectin, administered either at school or at community level. The search strategy identified 933 records, eight of which were included in the meta-analysis. Data extraction and quality assessment were carried out by two authors. Meta-analysis of studies based on fecal testing demonstrated a significant reduction of S. stercoralis prevalence after PC: prevalence Risk Ratio (RR) 0.18 (95% CI 0.14-0.23), I2 = 0. A similar trend was observed in studies that used serology for diagnosis: RR 0.35 (95% CI 0.26-0.48), I2 = 4.25%. A sensitivity analysis was carried out for fecal tests where low quality studies were removed, confirming a post-intervention reduction in prevalence. The impact of PC could not be evaluated at different time points or comparing annual vs biannual administration due to insufficient data.
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE
Our findings demonstrate a significant decrease of S. stercoralis prevalence in areas where ivermectin PC has taken place, supporting the use of ivermectin PC in endemic areas.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Strongyloides stercoralis; Ivermectin; Strongyloidiasis; Chemoprevention; Prevalence
PubMed: 37428815
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011473 -
Scientific Reports Jul 2023Soil-transmitted Helminth (STH) infections have been found associated with people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) but little is known about the overall... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Soil-transmitted Helminth (STH) infections have been found associated with people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) but little is known about the overall burden of STH coinfection in HIV patients. We aimed to assess the burden of STH infections among HIV patients. Relevant databases were systematically searched for studies reporting the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthic pathogens in HIV patients. Pooled estimates of each helminthic infection were calculated. The odds ratio was also determined as a measure of the association between STH infection and the HIV status of the patients. Sixty-one studies were finally included in the meta-analysis, consisting of 16,203 human subjects from all over the world. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides infection in HIV patients was found to be 8% (95% CI 0.06, 0.09), the prevalence of Trichuris trichiura infection in HIV patients was found to be 5% (95% CI 0.04, 0.06), the prevalence of hookworm infection in HIV patients was found to be 5% (95% CI 0.04, 0.06), and prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis infection in HIV patients was found to be 5% (95% CI 0.04, 0.05). Countries from Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America & Caribbean and Asia were identified with the highest burden of STH-HIV coinfection. Our analysis indicated that people living with HIV have a higher chance of developing Strongyloides stercoralis infections and decreased odds of developing hookworm infections. Our findings suggest a moderate level of prevalence of STH infections among people living with HIV. The endemicity of STH infections and HIV status both are partially responsible for the burden of STH-HIV coinfections.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Prevalence; HIV; Soil; HIV Infections; Helminthiasis; Ascariasis; Hookworm Infections; Helminths; Strongyloidiasis; Coinfection; Feces; Ascaris lumbricoides
PubMed: 37422549
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38030-y -
Tropical Biomedicine Mar 2023Gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) in elephants have been reported in several studies over the last decades. Nonetheless, comprehensive data on clinicopathology of...
Gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) in elephants have been reported in several studies over the last decades. Nonetheless, comprehensive data on clinicopathology of elephant GIPs, parasite burden threshold value, and the effectiveness of conventional anthelmintic drugs are still lacking. Herein, we have systematically reviewed the available knowledge on elephant GIPs identified among different parts of the world based on their prevalence, epidemiology, pathology, diagnosis, treatment, and control. Two electronic databases were searched for publications that met the inclusion criteria. About19 English journal articles published between year of 2011- 2021 were included. The main GIPs reported in elephants were Cyathostomidae (at least 14 species), Ancylostomidae, Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Oesophagostomum columbianum, Oesophagostomum aceleatum, Ascarids, Trichurids, Strongyloides, Anophlocephalidae, flukes, and Coccidia across different parts of the world, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Most elephants show no clinical signs until the equilibrium between parasite and host is disturbed. The common diagnostic methods for GIPs are traditional direct smear, faecal floatation, sedimentation, and McMaster egg counting technique, all involving morphological identification. However, some articles described the use of molecular detection to characterise common GIPs of elephants. Although benzimidazoles and macrocyclic lactones group of anthelmintic are the most conventional GIPs treatment and control for captive and semi-captive elephants, there is limited data on the threshold value of faecal egg count as the baseline for treatment decision. Over the last decades, various studies regarding elephant GIPs have been conducted. However, more focused and systematic studies are required to enhance our knowledge in multiple aspects of elephant parasitology to find effective solutions and improve elephant health.
Topics: Animals; Elephants; Parasites; Feces; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Anthelmintics
PubMed: 37356004
DOI: 10.47665/tb.40.1.012 -
Reviews in Medical Virology Sep 2023The COVID-19 pandemic linked to the virus SARS-CoV-2, which began in China, affected ∼765 million people as of 30 April 2023. The widespread use of corticosteroids for... (Review)
Review
The COVID-19 pandemic linked to the virus SARS-CoV-2, which began in China, affected ∼765 million people as of 30 April 2023. The widespread use of corticosteroids for the symptomatic treatment of COVID-19 could lead to the reactivation of infections of opportunistic pathogens, including Strongyloides. We sought to determine the clinical symptoms and demographic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2-Strongyloides co-infection, particularly in patients with severe disease and being treated with immunosuppressive drugs. To do this, we undertook a systematic review of the literature, and searched public accessible scientific databases-the Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed/Medline and Embase -for eligible studies (1 December 2019 to 30 August 2022). The review protocol is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022377062). Descriptive statistical analyses were used to present the clinical and laboratory parameters of the co-infection; for this, we calculated prevalence using the following formula: positive cases/total number of cases × 100. Of a total of 593 studies identified, 17 studies reporting 26 co-infected patients met the criteria for inclusion in this review. The median age of these patients was 55.14 years. Most of cases (53.8%) were treated with dexamethasone, followed by methylprednisolone (26.9%). Eighteen of 26 patients were immigrants living in European countries or the USA; most of these immigrants originated from Latin America (58%) and South-East Asia (11%). The commonest symptoms of co-infection were abdominal pain (50%), fever (46.1%), dyspnoea (30.7%) and cough (30.7%), and frequently reported laboratory findings were high absolute eosinophil count (38.4%), high white blood cell count (30.7%), high C-reactive protein (23.0%) and high neutrophil count (19.2%). Two of the 26 patients (7.7%) had fatal outcomes. Most of the SARS-CoV-2-Strongyloides coinfected cases were immigrants living in developed countries, emphasising the need for clinicians in these countries to be aware of clinical and laboratory parameters associated with such co-infections, as well as the key importance of rapid and accurate diagnostic tests for timely and effective diagnosis and patient management.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Coinfection; Pandemics; Adrenal Cortex Hormones
PubMed: 37353858
DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2469