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New Microbes and New Infections Mar 2023Tularemia or rabbit fever is a transmissible disease from animals, rodents, and insects to human populations that is caused by . Epidemiological studies showed that... (Review)
Review
Tularemia or rabbit fever is a transmissible disease from animals, rodents, and insects to human populations that is caused by . Epidemiological studies showed that tularemia is endemic throughout most different regions of the world. Recent evidence documented the transmission of the in a different part of Asia. Because there is no updated review information for tularemia in Iran, we performed this systematic review. In this study, we systematically explored biomedical databases (Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of sciences) to identify epidemiology, reservoirs, and carriers of Francisella in animal and human clinical specimens from 2010 to 2020, either in English or in Persian. Different studies have shown the different frequencies of F. tularensis among human and animal resources in eighteen provinces of Iran. In total, 1242 human clinical specimens, 1565 animal samples, and 355 environmental water samples were investigated to find F. tularensis in different provinces of Iran. According to the collected documents, 94 human clinical samples, 69 water samples, and 26 animal specimens were introduced as positive samples for the F. tularensis. According to studies, thirteen species of rodent and hare presented as an inter-epizootic reservoir. Only one species of tick (D. marginatus) was introduced as a vector for Francisella in Iran. According to these results, it is essential for exclusive attention to the prevalence of F. tularensis in different provinces of Iran. Furthermore, special planning should be done for prevention, control of the outbreak, and proper treatment of the tularemia.
PubMed: 36816490
DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2023.101092 -
Advanced Biomedical Research 2022Climate change can facilitate the expansion of leishmaniasis and create the suitable habitat for vector and reservoir species. The objective of this study was to... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Climate change can facilitate the expansion of leishmaniasis and create the suitable habitat for vector and reservoir species. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) at the climatic regions of Iran.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The literature search was conducted to identify all published studies reporting the prevalence or incidence of CL in humans in Iran. A total of 350 articles that reported leishmaniasis in Iran were retrieved, due to eligibility criteria, only 42 studies were selected to the final systematic review and meta-analysis procedure. Random effects meta-analysis was done with the estimate of heterogeneity being taken from an inverse-variance model. Subgroup analysis was conducted and it stratified the studies according to climatic regions. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed by using and Cochran's Q method value of heterogeneity. Meta regression was used to investigate factors potentially contributed the between-study heterogeneity.
RESULTS
Individual studies showed that prevalence per 100,000 population estimated the range from 1.5 to 318.7 with the overall random pooled prevalence of 83.3 (95% confidence interval 74.5-92.1). Subgroup analysis by climatic regions showed that many studies were conducted in the desert areas and also, it has more prevalent than the other climatic regions.
CONCLUSIONS
Leishmaniasis was more prevalent in regions with dry and desert climates than the other climatic regions. One of the advantages of this work is that the majority of selected studies have been conducted on population-base. However, some of the studies have been designed poorly or have had a lack of internal validity.
PubMed: 36798921
DOI: 10.4103/abr.abr_90_21 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2022Third-world countries have a higher prevalence of food-related disorders than developed nations. Millions of people in underdeveloped countries are seriously at risk...
Third-world countries have a higher prevalence of food-related disorders than developed nations. Millions of people in underdeveloped countries are seriously at risk from the potential water supply contamination with protozoan diseases. is one of the important protozoans causing diseases in livestock and humans. Despite the standard tests for diagnosing this parasite and different treatment methods, the spread of these parasites is uncontrollable and rising every year due to other management disorders. In this review, we summarize etiopathogenesis and prevalence in Pakistan. We looked for papers reporting the seroprevalence of in people and animals between 2000 and 2022 in different databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science. Data on the seroprevalence of i in Pakistan's domestic animals (sheep and goats, horses, donkeys, mules, cattle, and buffaloes), domestic pets (cats and dogs), poultry and rodents, and humans were gathered. According to the findings, sheep had an estimated pooled seroprevalence of that varied from 11.20 to 26.50 %, and goats from 24.50 to 38.40%. Whereas in buffalo the opposite trend was followed, and the prevalence was observed is 0% in 2022, in horses, donkeys, and mules, only one study was reported according to which a high prevalence was observed in mules (28.60%) followed by donkeys (23.50%) and horses (23.50%), in cats 38.5% prevalence was observed in a recent study and in dogs 28.43% observed, and in humans from 22 to 60%. Human beings are found to be the most affected species showing high prevalence among all. According to our findings, animals and pets not only serve as a reservoir for the parasite but also serve as a direct route for human infection with . The diagnostic techniques used in the observed studies were mostly serological testing whereas only a few studies have only been observed with molecular testing. To know the exact pattern of the disease for its control, the trend of molecular and advanced testing should be adopted as it is more reliable. Moreover, to decrease the transmission chances of to humans, it is crucial to manage infections in non-human species.
PubMed: 36744224
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1080139 -
PloS One 2023The mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 (MTCT) remains on the major route of HIV-transmission among pediatric populations in Africa. Though a prevention of MTCT... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 (MTCT) remains on the major route of HIV-transmission among pediatric populations in Africa. Though a prevention of MTCT (PMTCT) high-priority country, data on the MTCT burdens in Cameroon remains fragmented.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to assess the pooled MTCT rate, its risk-factors, and to characterize viral reservoirs of infected-children in Cameroon.
METHODS
All relevant observational cohort and cross-sectional studies conducted in Cameroon were searched from PubMed, African Journals Online, Google scholar, ScienceDirect and academic medical education databases. Heterogeneity and publication bias were respectively assessed by the I2 statistic and the Egger/funnel plot test. Meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model. MTCT rate >5% was considered as "high". This review was registered in the Prospero database, CRD42021224497.
RESULTS
We included a total of 29 studies and analyzed 46 684 children born from HIV-positive mothers. The overall rate of MTCT was 7.00% (95% CI = 6.07-8.51). According to regions, the highest burden was in Adamaoua-region (17.51% [95% CI:14.21-21.07]) with only one study found. PMTCT option-B+ resulted in about 25% reduction of MTCT (8.97% [95% CI: 8.71-9.24] without option-B+ versus 2.88% [95% CI: 5.03-9.34] with option-B+). Regarding risk-factors, MTCT was significantly associated with the absence of PMTCT-interventions both in children (OR:5.40 [95% CI: 2.58-11.27]) and mothers (OR: 3.59 [95% CI: 2.15-5.99]). Regarding viral reservoirs, a pro-viral DNA mean of 3.34±1.05 log10/mL was observed among 5/57 children and archived HIV drug resistance mutations were identified in pro-viral DNA marker among 21/79 infected-children.
CONCLUSION
In spite of the dropdown in MTCT following option-B+ implementation, MTCT remains high in Cameroon, with substantial disparities across regions. Thus, in this era of option-B+, achieving MTCT elimination requires interventions in northern-Cameroon. The variation in pro-viral load in infected-children underlines the relevance of characterizing viral reservoirs for possible infection control in tropical settings.
Topics: Child; Pregnancy; Humans; Female; HIV-1; Cameroon; HIV Infections; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Cross-Sectional Studies; HIV Seropositivity
PubMed: 36649370
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278670 -
Microorganisms Nov 2022The human body represents a complex and diverse reservoir of microorganisms. Although the human microbiome remains poorly characterized and understood, it should not be...
The human body represents a complex and diverse reservoir of microorganisms. Although the human microbiome remains poorly characterized and understood, it should not be underestimated, since recent studies have highlighted its importance in health. This is especially evident when considering microbiota in the male reproductive system, responsible for men’s fertility and sexual behavior. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is to provide an overview of the microbial communities of the healthy male genital mucosa and its role in disease. This study was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search was limited to the English language and studies published until August 2022 that included culture-independent techniques for microbiome characterization in male genital mucosa. Ten articles were included. The bacterial composition of the male genital mucosa consists of several genera including Prevotella, Finegoldia, Peptoniphilus, Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, and Anaerococcus, suggesting that the male genital microbiome composition shows similarities with the adjacent anatomical sites and is related with sexual intercourse. Moreover, male circumcision appears to influence the penile microbiome. Despite the lack of knowledge on the male genital mucosa microbiome in disease, it was reported that Staphylococcus warneri and Prevotella bivia were associated with balanoposthitis, whereas Enterobacteriaceae, Prevotella, and Fusobacterium were more abundant in male genital lichen sclerosus. The limited data and paucity of prospective controlled studies highlight the need for additional studies and established criteria for sampling methods and the microbiome assay procedure. Such a consensus would foster the knowledge about the composition of the genital microbiome of healthy males and its role in disease.
PubMed: 36557565
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122312 -
American Journal of Infection Control Aug 2023Human rhinoviruses (RVs) are the most common cause of acute respiratory tract illness and upper respiratory tract infections, traditionally defined as 'common colds'.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Human rhinoviruses (RVs) are the most common cause of acute respiratory tract illness and upper respiratory tract infections, traditionally defined as 'common colds'. Experimental transmission of RV has been studied for more than 50 years. However, there are divergent results as to whether hands and fomites or aerosols constitute the dominant route of transmission in natural settings.
METHODS
We have systematically reviewed the literature according to the PRISMA 2020 statement. Searches were run in PubMed and Web of Science until August 2022. Inclusion criteria were original studies of relevance for revealing the route of transmission of rhinovirus in humans.
RESULTS
The search yielded 663 results, and 25 studies met the inclusion criteria and were selected for this review. These articles addressing RV transmission routes were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: (1) indirect transmission by fomites and hands, (2) direct transmission via large aerosols (droplets) or small aerosols, or (3) transmission either direct via large aerosols (droplets) or small aerosols and fomite or hands.
CONCLUSIONS
We found low evidence, that transmission via hands and fomite followed by self-inoculation is the dominant transmission route in real-life indoor settings. We found moderate evidence, that airborne transmission either via large aerosols or small aerosols is the major transmission route of rhinovirus transmission in real-life indoor settings. This suggests that the major transmission route of RVs in many indoor settings is through the air (airborne transmission).
Topics: Humans; Common Cold; Rhinovirus; Respiratory Aerosols and Droplets; Fomites
PubMed: 36535318
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2022.12.005 -
Journal of Parasitic Diseases :... Dec 2022Human visceral leishmaniasis has long been associated with canine leishmaniasis (CL). However, to date, there is no clear information on the status of the disease in...
UNLABELLED
Human visceral leishmaniasis has long been associated with canine leishmaniasis (CL). However, to date, there is no clear information on the status of the disease in dogs in Morocco that could be used by policymakers for the prevention of human cases. This study aims to assess the status of CL in Morocco and its risk factors through an exhaustive literature search. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4. The main results showed that the overall prevalence of CL in Morocco is 17% (95% CI: 0.12-0.22), caused by two strains of parasite: and . According to the region, the maximum prevalence was reported in the coastal provinces and in the central part of the country; while, the CL risk was higher in rural area (18% [95% CI: 0.14-0.23]) and at altitude above 1000 m (23% [95% CI: - 0.08-0.53]). Regarding the intrinsic factors, the prevalence of the disease increased with the age of the dog, (30% [95% CI - 0.09-0.68) and the risk was very high in clinically asymptomatic dogs (RR = 2.08 [95% CI: 1.15-3.76]). This study is the first in Morocco indicating the CL prevalence, its geographical distribution and detailing its risk factors. These results are needed to improve management strategies for the canine reservoir of leishmaniasis in Morocco and interrupt the local transmission cycle to humans.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12639-022-01521-2.
PubMed: 36457764
DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01521-2 -
Journal of Neuroinflammation Sep 2022The spleen, a substantial reservoir of non-differentiated monocytes, may play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of post-ischemic inflammation and influence outcomes... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The spleen, a substantial reservoir of non-differentiated monocytes, may play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of post-ischemic inflammation and influence outcomes after ischemic stroke.
AIM OF THE STUDY
To analyze splenectomy as a preclinical intervention in murine models of ischemic stroke.
METHODS
Following systematic searches of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, a qualitative synthesis of study characteristics was performed, and the effect of splenectomy estimated by a three-level random-effects meta-analysis of infarct volumes and a conventional two-level random-effects meta-analysis of neurological deficit scores.
RESULTS
Database searches identified a total of 14 studies, 13 of which were used for meta-analysis. The ischemic lesion volumes were reduced in splenectomized animals compared to the control groups (difference in standardized mean differences: - 1.42; 95% CI [- 1.98, - 0.85]; 95% PI [- 2.03, - 0.80]; I = 19.04%; 95% CI [0.00%, 65.49%]; I = 47.24%; 95% CI [0.00%, 85.23%]) and neurological deficit scores were improved (- 1.20; 95% CI [- 2.20, - 0.20]; 95% PI [- 4.58, 2.18]; I = 77.5%; 95% CI [50.0%, 89.9%]). A subgroup analysis for infarct volumes showed that splenectomy performed prior to ischemia achieved a higher reduction of the ischemic lesion than when splenectomy was performed immediately prior or after stroke. Although the overall effect size of splenectomy could be classified as large, there was a significant presence of risks of bias, study heterogeneity, and a potential presence of publication bias.
CONCLUSION
Despite limitations related to heterogeneity, risks of bias, and potential publication bias, this meta-analysis points to the spleen and its functional cell populations as promising targets for the therapeutic modulation of post-stroke inflammation.
Topics: Animals; Brain Ischemia; Disease Models, Animal; Infarction; Inflammation; Ischemic Stroke; Mice; Splenectomy; Stroke
PubMed: 36151564
DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02593-w -
The Journal of Hospital Infection Dec 2022The role of fomites in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is unclear. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The role of fomites in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is unclear.
AIM
To assess whether SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted through fomites, using evidence from viral culture studies.
METHODS
Searches were conducted in the World Health Organization COVID-19 Database, PubMed, LitCovid, medRxiv, and Google Scholar to December 31, 2021. Studies that investigated fomite transmission and performed viral culture to assess the cytopathic effect (CPE) of positive fomite samples and confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 as the cause of the CPE were included. The risk of bias using a checklist modified from the modified Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies - 2 (QUADAS-2) criteria was assessed.
FINDINGS
Twenty-three studies were included. The overall risk of bias was moderate. Five studies demonstrated replication-competent virus from fomite cultures and three used genome sequencing to match fomite samples with human clinical specimens. The mean cycle threshold (C) of samples with positive viral culture was significantly lower compared with cultured samples that returned negative results (standardized mean difference: -1.45; 95% confidence interval (CI): -2.00 to -0.90; I = 0%; P < 0.00001). The likelihood of isolating replication-competent virus was significantly greater when C was <30 (relative risk: 3.10; 95% CI: 1.32 to 7.31; I = 71%; P = 0.01). Infectious specimens were mostly detected within seven days of symptom onset. One study showed possible transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from fomites to humans.
CONCLUSION
The evidence from published studies suggests that replication-competent SARS-CoV-2 is present on fomites. Replication-competent SARS-CoV-2 is significantly more likely when the PCR C for clinical specimens and fomite samples is <30. Further studies should investigate the duration of infectiousness of SARS-CoV-2 and the frequency of transmission from fomites.
Topics: Humans; SARS-CoV-2; Fomites; COVID-19
PubMed: 36115620
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2022.09.007 -
European Review For Medical and... Sep 2022Achromobacter spp. are aerobic, non-fermentative Gram-negative bacilli that can be widely found in aquatic environments. Nosocomial outbreaks and pseudo-outbreaks of...
OBJECTIVE
Achromobacter spp. are aerobic, non-fermentative Gram-negative bacilli that can be widely found in aquatic environments. Nosocomial outbreaks and pseudo-outbreaks of Achromobacter spp. bacteremia have been recognized for decades. Notably, commonly used germicides in hospital settings constitute important sources for these outbreaks. This review aims at summarizing the latest studies and presents the characteristics of nosocomial outbreaks of Achromobacter spp. bacteremia caused by germicide contamination.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic search of the PubMed and EMBASE databases was conducted for articles published in English between January 1, 2000, and June 10, 2022.
RESULTS
Overall, 170 articles were retrieved, and 7 studies were finally included in the systematic review. Whether true or pseudo-bacteremia, positive blood culture results were most commonly reported in immunosuppressed patients or those with indwelling catheters. The most commonly reported contaminated germicide was chlorhexidine solution used as both an antiseptic and disinfectant. Atomizers, dispensers, and various product containers were identified as reservoirs. The prognoses of the affected patients were generally favorable.
CONCLUSIONS
Awareness about the high survival ability of Achromobacter spp. in germicides and the possible hospital reservoirs of these microbes will help to improve infection control and prevent nosocomial outbreaks or pseudo-outbreaks caused by Achromobacter spp.
Topics: Achromobacter; Anti-Infective Agents; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Bacteremia; Chlorhexidine; Cross Infection; Disease Outbreaks; Disinfectants; Hospitals; Humans
PubMed: 36111940
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202209_29664