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Philosophical Transactions of the Royal... Jan 2024The World Health Organization has started a process to issue guidelines for the control of strongyloidiasis. The guidelines might recommend to implement preventive...
Progress towards the implementation of control programmes for strongyloidiasis in endemic areas: estimation of number of adults in need of ivermectin for strongyloidiasis.
The World Health Organization has started a process to issue guidelines for the control of strongyloidiasis. The guidelines might recommend to implement preventive chemotherapy (PC) at community level (i.e. to all individuals above 5 years of age), over a defined prevalence threshold. We previously estimated the number of school-age children (SAC) who would need PC. Here we estimate the number of people above 15 years of age who might be included in PC for strongyloidiasis. Based on previous prevalence estimates and on countries' age distribution, we retrieved the number of adults in need of PC. We then subtracted the number of people already involved in ivermectin mass distribution for the elimination of onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis and people living in countries where is endemic. The number of adults to be involved in PC was estimated at 905.4 (95% confidence interval (CI): 520.6-1177.2), 660.2 (95% CI: 512.7-1214.9), and 512.1 (95% CI: 276-719.4) million people, when the strongyloidiasis prevalence threshold for implementing PC was set to 10%, 15% and 20%, respectively. Estimates at country level are also provided.These estimates might help endemic countries wishing to implement PC for strongyloidiasis to allocate resources to include adults in addition to SAC in control programmes. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ': omics to worm-free populations'.
Topics: Child; Adult; Humans; Ivermectin; Strongyloidiasis; Onchocerciasis; Elephantiasis, Filarial; Prevalence
PubMed: 38008113
DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0433 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2023Studying parasitic nematodes, which generate a massive hazard to animal health, is more difficult than studying free-living nematodes as appropriate animal models are...
Studying parasitic nematodes, which generate a massive hazard to animal health, is more difficult than studying free-living nematodes as appropriate animal models are essential, and the relationship between parasites and hosts is extremely complex. is an intestinal nematode parasite that mainly infects dogs, humans and other primates. Currently, worms needed for research mainly rely on their natural host, the dog. This study explored a method of using as a model for The immunosuppressed were infected with . subcutaneously, and post-parasitic, first-stage larvae (PP L1) were detected in the faeces, with more larvae in female gerbils. In addition, parasitic females (PFs), third-stage larvae (L3s) and rhabditiform larvae were found primarily in the small intestines and lungs of infected gerbils. The PFs and auto-infective third-stage larvae (aL3s) obtained from are morphologically identical to those obtained from beagles and . Moreover, the infection of caused changes to biochemical indicators in the serum and in the physiology of . The results demonstrated that can be infected by , and this model provides a great tool for exploring the biological processes of this parasite and its interaction with the host.
PubMed: 38003750
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12111285 -
Journal of Clinical Microbiology Nov 2023
Topics: Humans; Gentian Violet; Phenazines; Staining and Labeling
PubMed: 37987732
DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00641-23 -
Journal of Clinical Microbiology Nov 2023
Topics: Humans; Bacteriological Techniques; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Gentian Violet; Phenazines
PubMed: 37987731
DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00642-23 -
Emerging Infectious Diseases Dec 2023Recent reports of hookworm infection in Alabama, USA, has prompted surveillance in Mississippi, given the states' similar environmental conditions. We collected stool...
Recent reports of hookworm infection in Alabama, USA, has prompted surveillance in Mississippi, given the states' similar environmental conditions. We collected stool specimens from 277 children in Rankin County, Mississippi. Kato-Katz microscopic smear, agar plate culture, and quantitative PCR indicated no soil-transmitted helminths. Nevertheless, further surveillance in other high-risk Mississippi counties is warranted.
Topics: Child; Animals; Humans; Soil; Mississippi; Feces; Prevalence; Helminths
PubMed: 37987591
DOI: 10.3201/eid2912.230709 -
Emerging Infectious Diseases Dec 2023We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) in areas of rural Alabama, USA, that have sanitation deficits....
We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) in areas of rural Alabama, USA, that have sanitation deficits. We enrolled 777 children; 704 submitted stool specimens and 227 a dried blood spot sample. We microscopically examined stool specimens from all 704 children by using Mini-FLOTAC for helminth eggs. We tested a subset by using molecular techniques: real-time PCR analysis for 5 STH species, TaqMan Array Cards for enteric helminths, and digital PCR for Necator americanus hookworm. We analyzed dried blood spots for Strongyloides stercoralis and Toxocara spp. roundworms by using serologic testing. Despite 12% of our cohort reporting living in homes that directly discharge untreated domestic wastewater, stool testing for STH was negative; however, 5% of dried blood spots were positive for Toxocara spp. roundworms. Survey data suggests substantial numbers of children in this region may be exposed to raw sewage, which is itself a major public health concern.
Topics: Child; Animals; Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Soil; Alabama; Helminthiasis; Helminths; Feces; Prevalence
PubMed: 37987581
DOI: 10.3201/eid2912.230751 -
Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease 2023Since Strongyloides can persist in its host for decades, and cause life threatening infections data on prevalence, the burden and risk factors for infection is crucial... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Since Strongyloides can persist in its host for decades, and cause life threatening infections data on prevalence, the burden and risk factors for infection is crucial in migrant populations.
METHODS
In this observational retrospective cohort study, we describe the epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological characteristics of imported strongyloidiasis diagnosed at the Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, during 2010-2021.
RESULTS
We identified 98 individuals with strongyloidiasis, 89 (90.8%) born in endemic and 9 (9.2%) in non-endemic countries. Sub-Saharan Africa was the most common origin among the group born in endemic countries (62, 69.7%), (p < 0.005). There were 22 individuals with an underlying immunosuppressive condition. Gastrointestinal symptoms (53/98, 54.1%) were the symptoms most frequently described, and were more frequent in adults (57.0%) vs children (0%) (p = 0.013). Eosinophilia was detected in 74 (75.5%), being more frequent in the endemic-borne group (79.8% vs 33.3%, p = 0.002). Eight persons developed complications of strongyloidiasis because of either hyperinfection or disseminated disease. No people living with HIV with CD4 <500/mm (n = 6) developed severe strongyloidiasis.
CONCLUSION
A limited number of strongyloidiasis cases was identified, with few complicated cases in immunosuppressed patients. Further studies focusing on identifying and exploring the risk of complicated strongyloidiasis in immunosuppressed patients are needed.
Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; Retrospective Studies; Strongyloidiasis; Sweden; Tertiary Care Centers
PubMed: 37977232
DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2023.102666 -
Journal of Asthma and Allergy 2023Eosinophilic inflammation is a hallmark of asthma, and blood eosinophilia has been established as a biomarker for phenotyping asthma and predicting the response to...
Eosinophilic inflammation is a hallmark of asthma, and blood eosinophilia has been established as a biomarker for phenotyping asthma and predicting the response to anti-IL5 treatments. Although parasitic infections are rare in European adults, they remain an important differential diagnosis for blood eosinophilia. We present three patients with both domestic parasitic infections and asthma to raise awareness of the potential challenge of eosinophilia and to provide experience in the management of parasitic infections in the setting of planned or ongoing anti-IL5 treatment. One, a patient from Croatia with moderate asthma but severe blood eosinophilia had an underlying infection, with positive stool cultures. Second, a patient with severe allergic asthma and gastrointestinal symptoms had a positive titer in serology with a clinical response to treatment with ivermectin. Third, a patient with severe nonallergic eosinophilic asthma and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) showed an increasing hepatic tumour under anti-IL5-receptor therapy. Positive serology confirmed the diagnosis of , and albendazole therapy was initiated. Anti-IL5 therapies were safely started (Patient 2) or resumed (Patient 3) after the initiation of antiparasitic treatment. Screening for parasitic infections is useful in cases of hypereosinophilia, extrapulmonary symptoms or stay in endemic regions.
PubMed: 37965273
DOI: 10.2147/JAA.S428607 -
Cureus Oct 2023Strongyloidiasis is a helminth infection affecting 613.9 million people annually, mainly in the tropics and subtropics. The reported seroprevalence in the United States... (Review)
Review
Strongyloidiasis is a helminth infection affecting 613.9 million people annually, mainly in the tropics and subtropics. The reported seroprevalence in the United States is 4% with most of the cases reported in immigrants. Human T-lympho-tropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) infections, hypogammaglobulinemia, immunosuppressant use - particularly steroid use, alcoholism, and malnutrition have been associated with an increased risk of strongyloidiasis. Recently, cases of strongyloidiasis hyperinfection syndrome have been described in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients treated with steroids as well. This brief review discusses the epidemiology, clinical features, management, and prevention of strongyloidiasis including some facts about the infection in pregnancy, transplant recipients, and COVID-19 patients. We conducted an online search using the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Strongyloidiasis can be asymptomatic or present with mild symptoms. is known to cause autoinfection. In immunocompromised individuals, it can present with severe symptoms, hyperinfection, or disseminated disease. Reported mortality in cases of disseminated Strongyloidiasis is 87.1%. Serology and detection of larvae in stool by direct microscopy are the most commonly used methods to diagnose strongyloidiasis. The drug of choice for the treatment is ivermectin. However, the use of ivermectin in human pregnancy is not well studied, and its teratogenic risks are unknown. Proactive screening of strongyloidiasis is necessary in immunocompromised individuals to prevent severe disease.
PubMed: 37954715
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46908 -
Cureus Oct 2023Strongyloidiasis is a rare parasitic disease that can remain dormant and asymptomatic in many individuals. However, in cases of immunosuppression, the motility rate of...
Strongyloidiasis is a rare parasitic disease that can remain dormant and asymptomatic in many individuals. However, in cases of immunosuppression, the motility rate of the parasite increases significantly. This case study presents a unique clinical scenario involving an 88-year-old Hispanic male with a disseminated infection. The patient's medical history includes coronary artery disease, a history of percutaneous coronary intervention, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and subsequent recovery of left ventricular function, hypertension, dyslipidemia, mantle cell lymphoma being treated with rituximab every two months since 2019, and chronic anemia. This case emphasizes the importance for physicians to consider strongyloidiasis when faced with a diverse range of symptoms, including syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), rash, gastrointestinal upset, urinary retention, chronic anemia, and chronic eosinophilia, as these manifestations may share a common origin.
PubMed: 37927761
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46408