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Indian Journal of Dermatology 2023is an important causative organism of opportunistic fungal infection, and it is a growing medical concern due to the increasing usage of broad-spectrum antibiotics,... (Review)
Review
is an important causative organism of opportunistic fungal infection, and it is a growing medical concern due to the increasing usage of broad-spectrum antibiotics, immunosuppressant agents, and other immunocompromising conditions. Currently, bLf and antifungal drugs have been known to have synergistic effects, increasing the drug's efficacy. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of the synergistic effect of bLf and antifungal drugs. This review addressed the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. We conducted literature searches to assess the association of lactoferrin and current antifungal therapy against in ProQuest, PubMed, MEDLINE, EBSCOhost, SAGE, JSTOR, GARUDA, and Open Gray with no date restriction (until March 5, 2021). We used Jeffry's Amazing Statistical Program (JASP) to measure the overall size effect of MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) between studies. A total of 7 studies retained were experimental in vitro studies. Based on the available data, 4 out of 7 studies were included in the quantitative analysis. This systematic review showed that bovine lactoferrin could help inhibit the development of azole-susceptible and azole-resistant . Furthermore, there was synergistic activity between lactoferrin and various antifungals. Our meta-analysis showed that lactoferrin could significantly inhibit the growth than the control group. Bovine lactoferrin and its peptide derivatives isolated from bovine milk can significantly inhibit the growth of , both susceptible to azoles and those with azole resistance.
PubMed: 38371540
DOI: 10.4103/ijd.ijd_275_22 -
Acta Medica Portuguesa 2013Since early 60's that Cytomegalovirus was studied for its possible role in cervical cancer development. Despite several decades of studies and the description of CMV DNA... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Since early 60's that Cytomegalovirus was studied for its possible role in cervical cancer development. Despite several decades of studies and the description of CMV DNA in cervical samples, it is still doubtful what is the prevalence of Cytomegalovirus in cervix and if CMV can act as a co-factor in cervical carcinogenesis.
METHODS
In this Systematic Review we intend to summarize the frequency of Cytomegalovirus in cervical samples by revising all published studies between 1980 and 2011 regarding the detection of Cytomegalovirus in cervical samples and the development of lesions/ invasive cervical cancer. Crude and adjusted frequencies of Cytomegalovirus infection were calculated according to country and world region.
RESULTS
This study revealed that the worldwide crude frequency of Cytomegalovirus infection in the cervix was 18.9% in all cervical samples and 36.5% in HPV positive women. Cytomegalovirus infection was present in all different types of lesions: 17.4% in normal/ cervicitis, 28.0% in LSIL, 19.7% in HSIL and 44.4% in CIS/ICC. The overall rate of Cytomegalovirus infection varied from 1.58% to 61.0% with an increased incidence in less developed countries.
CONCLUSION
In this study we described a high frequency of positive Cytomegalovirus cases in all types of cervical samples, with increased incidence in both HPV-infected women and CIS/ICC cases. Hence, despite results showed that Cytomegalovirus shedding in cervical samples is frequent more studies should be performed to clarify if Cytomegalovirus infection is an opportunistic infection in HPV-infected cases, or if it contributes for cervical immunosuppression that will favor HPV-associated carcinogenesis.
Topics: Cytomegalovirus Infections; Female; Humans; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms
PubMed: 23809748
DOI: No ID Found -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2017has been suggested as an important opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised patients. We conducted a global meta-analysis to assess the prevalence and odds ratios...
has been suggested as an important opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised patients. We conducted a global meta-analysis to assess the prevalence and odds ratios (ORs) of infection in immunocompromised individuals. Electronic databases were reviewed for infection in HIV/AIDS patients, cancer patients, and transplant recipients, and meta-analyses were conducted to calculate overall estimated prevalence and ORs using random or fixed-effects models. Totally, 72 eligible studies were included. The estimated pooled prevalence of infection in immunocompromised patients and the control was 35.9 and 24.7% ( < 0.001), with an OR of 2.24, i.e., 42.1 and 32.0% for HIV/AIDS patients and the control ( < 0.05), 26.0 and 12.1% for cancer patients and the control ( < 0.001), and 42.1 and 34.5% for transplant recipients and the control ( > 0.05), whose estimated pooled ORs were 1.92 (95% CI, 1.44-2.55), 2.89 (95% CI, 2.36-3.55), and 1.51 (95% CI, 1.16-1.95), respectively. This study is the first to demonstrate that the immunocompromised patients are associated with higher odds of infection, and appropriate prevention and control measures are highly recommended for these susceptible populations.
PubMed: 28337191
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00389 -
Journal of Clinical and Translational... Feb 2022With the second wave of COVID-19, there has been a substantial rise in opportunistic infections like mucormycosis. Mucormycosis is a fatal fungal infection and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND AIM
With the second wave of COVID-19, there has been a substantial rise in opportunistic infections like mucormycosis. Mucormycosis is a fatal fungal infection and understanding the associated risk factors and their management plays a key role to reduce mortality and morbidity caused due to such infections. This systematic review was conducted to assess the risk factors, clinical characteristics and to understand the pathogenesis of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) affecting the head-and-neck region.
METHODS
The PubMed database was searched with the keywords; ((Mucormycosis) OR (invasive fungal sinusitis)) AND (COVID-19) and the PRISMA chart was prepared for the selection of the reports based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria.
RESULTS
A total of 261 cases of CAM affecting the head-and-neck region were analyzed in this systematic review. Most of the patients presented with rhino-orbital/rhino-orbito-cerebral form of mucormycosis (rhino-orbital mucormycosis/rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis). Pulmonary mucormycosis along with rhino-orbital form, involvement of hard palate, and maxillary sinus was seen in one case each. A total of 224 (85.8%) patients were diabetic, 68 (30.3%) of them had poor glycemic control. Steroids were administered in 210 (80.4%) patients. Except for two, antifungal treatment was given to all patients. Follow-up data revealed 67 (25.6%) deaths and 193 (73.9%) were alive with one patient lost during follow-up.
CONCLUSION
The findings of this systematic review suggested that the occurrence of mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients is related to the inherent effects of COVID-19 infection on the immune system, comorbidities especially diabetes, and treatment aspects. Hence, a detailed understanding of these factors may aid in the personalized management of CAM and improve the disease outcome.
RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS
The risk factors in patients affected by CAM should be recognized and closely monitored in post-COVID-19 patients. A multidisciplinary team must be in place to reduce the mortality and morbidity in such patients.
PubMed: 35187287
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of the International AIDS... Jun 2023Co-trimoxazole prophylaxis is recommended for children born to women with HIV to protect those who acquire HIV from opportunistic infections, severe bacterial infections... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Co-trimoxazole prophylaxis is recommended for children born to women with HIV to protect those who acquire HIV from opportunistic infections, severe bacterial infections and malaria. With scale-up of maternal antiretroviral therapy, most children remain HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) and the benefits of universal co-trimoxazole are uncertain. We assessed the effect of co-trimoxazole on mortality and morbidity of children who are HEU.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review (PROSPERO number: CRD42021215059). We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Global Health, CINAHL Plus, Africa-Wide Information, SciELO and WHO Global Index Medicus for peer-reviewed articles from inception to 4th January 2022 without limits. Ongoing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified through registries. We included RCTs reporting mortality or morbidity in children who are HEU receiving co-trimoxazole versus no prophylaxis/placebo. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane 2.0 tool. Data were summarized using narrative synthesis and findings were stratified by malaria endemicity.
RESULTS
We screened 1257 records and included seven reports from four RCTs. Two trials from Botswana and South Africa of 4067 children who are HEU found no difference in mortality or infectious morbidity in children randomized to co-trimoxazole prophylaxis started at 2-6 weeks of age compared to those randomized to placebo or no treatment, although event rates were low. Sub-studies found that antimicrobial resistance was higher in infants receiving co-trimoxazole. Two trials in Uganda investigating prolonged co-trimoxazole after breastfeeding cessation showed protection against malaria but no other morbidity or mortality differences. All trials had some concerns or a high risk of bias, which limited the certainty of evidence.
DISCUSSION
Studies show no clinical benefit of co-trimoxazole prophylaxis in children who are HEU, except to prevent malaria. Potential harms were identified for co-trimoxazole prophylaxis leading to antimicrobial resistance. The trials in non-malarial regions were conducted in populations with low mortality potentially reducing generalizability to other settings.
CONCLUSIONS
In low-mortality settings with few HIV transmissions and well-performing early infant diagnosis and treatment programmes, universal co-trimoxazole may not be required.
Topics: Infant; Female; Child; Humans; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; HIV Infections; Malaria; Uganda; Anti-Infective Agents; World Health Organization; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37292018
DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26079 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jun 2022Desert dust outbreaks and dust storms are the major source of particulate matter globally and pose a major threat to human health. We investigated the microorganisms... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Desert dust outbreaks and dust storms are the major source of particulate matter globally and pose a major threat to human health. We investigated the microorganisms transported with desert dust particles and evaluated their potential impact on human health.
METHODS
A systematic review of all reports on the association between non-anthropogenic desert dust pollution, dust microorganisms and human health is conducted.
RESULTS
In total, 51 articles were included in this review. The affected regions studied were Asia (32/51, 62.7%) followed by Europe (9/51, 17.6%), America (6/51, 11.8%), Africa (4/51, 7.8%) and Australia (1/51, 2.0%). The Sahara Desert was the most frequent source of dust, followed by Asian and American deserts. In 39/51 studies the dust-related microbiome was analyzed, while, in 12/51 reports, the association of desert dust with infectious disease outbreaks was examined. Pathogenic and opportunistic agents were isolated from dust in 24/39 (61.5%) and 29/39 (74.4%) of the studies, respectively. A significant association of dust events with infectious disease outbreaks was found in 10/12 (83.3%) reports. The infectious diseases that were mostly investigated with dust outbreaks were pneumonia, respiratory tract infections, COVID-19, pulmonary tuberculosis and coccidioidomycosis.
CONCLUSIONS
Desert dust outbreaks are vehicles of a significant number of pathogenic or opportunistic microorganisms and limited data indicate an association between dust events and infectious disease outbreaks. Further research is required to strengthen the correlation between dust events and infectious diseases and subsequently guide preventive public health measures.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; COVID-19; Communicable Diseases; Desert Climate; Disease Outbreaks; Dust; Humans; Particulate Matter
PubMed: 35682493
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116907 -
Pathogens and Global Health May 2020, as an opportunistic neurotropic parasite of the Apicomplexa family, was firstly described in 1908. As attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
, as an opportunistic neurotropic parasite of the Apicomplexa family, was firstly described in 1908. As attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neuropsychiatric disorders in children and adolescents and often persists into adulthood, the purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the relationship between infection and ADHD.The data were systematically collected from seven electronic databases up to May 1 2019 with no language restriction. This study was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; code: CRD42020149353). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using a random effects model. Seven studies involving five cross-sectional and two case-control studies were included in this meta-analysis.Results indicated that there was a statistically non-significant association between exposure to infection and increased risk of ADHD based on the detection of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody (2.02 [95% CI: 0.97-4.20]; I=58.7%). However, obtained results of Egger's tests for anti- IgG antibody showed publication bias (P=0.014).Sensitivity analysis revealed stable results for the association between anti- IgG antibody with ADHD.Given the small number of studies in this field and the obtained results, it cannot be conclusively stated that is a risk factor for ADHD.It is important to have reliable information about the relationship between and ADHD around the world; as it may lead to better insight to elucidate the possible association of toxoplasmosis and the pathogenesis of ADHD.
Topics: Antibodies, Protozoan; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Risk Factors; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Toxoplasma; Toxoplasmosis
PubMed: 32186992
DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2020.1738153 -
PloS One 2021The recovery of other pathogens in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection has been reported, either at the time of a SARS-CoV-2 infection diagnosis (co-infection) or... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
The recovery of other pathogens in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection has been reported, either at the time of a SARS-CoV-2 infection diagnosis (co-infection) or subsequently (superinfection). However, data on the prevalence, microbiology, and outcomes of co-infection and superinfection are limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the occurrence of co-infections and superinfections and their outcomes among patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We searched literature databases for studies published from October 1, 2019, through February 8, 2021. We included studies that reported clinical features and outcomes of co-infection or superinfection of SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens in hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients. We followed PRISMA guidelines, and we registered the protocol with PROSPERO as: CRD42020189763.
RESULTS
Of 6639 articles screened, 118 were included in the random effects meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of co-infection was 19% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 14%-25%, I2 = 98%) and that of superinfection was 24% (95% CI: 19%-30%). Pooled prevalence of pathogen type stratified by co- or superinfection were: viral co-infections, 10% (95% CI: 6%-14%); viral superinfections, 4% (95% CI: 0%-10%); bacterial co-infections, 8% (95% CI: 5%-11%); bacterial superinfections, 20% (95% CI: 13%-28%); fungal co-infections, 4% (95% CI: 2%-7%); and fungal superinfections, 8% (95% CI: 4%-13%). Patients with a co-infection or superinfection had higher odds of dying than those who only had SARS-CoV-2 infection (odds ratio = 3.31, 95% CI: 1.82-5.99). Compared to those with co-infections, patients with superinfections had a higher prevalence of mechanical ventilation (45% [95% CI: 33%-58%] vs. 10% [95% CI: 5%-16%]), but patients with co-infections had a greater average length of hospital stay than those with superinfections (mean = 29.0 days, standard deviation [SD] = 6.7 vs. mean = 16 days, SD = 6.2, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
Our study showed that as many as 19% of patients with COVID-19 have co-infections and 24% have superinfections. The presence of either co-infection or superinfection was associated with poor outcomes, including increased mortality. Our findings support the need for diagnostic testing to identify and treat co-occurring respiratory infections among patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Topics: Bacterial Infections; COVID-19; Coinfection; Hospitalization; Humans; Mycoses; Prevalence; SARS-CoV-2; Superinfection; Treatment Outcome; Virus Diseases
PubMed: 33956882
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251170 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2023Reliable data on the burden of opportunistic infections (OIs) after the initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is critical for planning health services and reducing... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Reliable data on the burden of opportunistic infections (OIs) after the initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is critical for planning health services and reducing OI-related morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, there has been no nationally representative information on the prevalence of OIs in our country. Therefore, we have undertaken this comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the pooled prevalence, and identify factors associated with the development of OIs in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected adults receiving ART in Ethiopia.
METHODS
Articles were searched in international electronic databases. A standardized Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and STATA software version 16 were used for data extraction and analysis, respectively. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist was used to write this report. The random-effect meta-analysis model was used to estimate the pooled effect. The statistical heterogeneity of the meta-analysis was checked. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also performed. Publication bias was examined in funnel plots and the nonparametric rank correlation test of Begg and the regression-based test of Egger. Association was expressed through a pooled odds ratio (OR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI).
RESULTS
A total of 12 studies with 6,163 study participants were included. The pooled prevalence of OIs was 43.97% [95% CI (38.59, 49.34)]. Poor adherence to ART [OR, 5.90, 95% CI (3.05, 11.40)], under nutrition [OR, 3.70, 95% CI (2.01, 6.80)], CD4 T lymphocyte count <200 cells /μL [OR, 3.23 95% CI (2.06, 5.07)], and advanced World Health Organization (WHO) HIV clinical stages [OR, 4.84 95% CI (1.83, 12.82)] were determinants of OIs.
CONCLUSION
The pooled prevalence of OIs among adults taking ART is high. Poor adherence to ART, under nutrition, a CD4 T lymphocyte count <200 cells /μL, and advanced WHO HIV clinical stages were factors associated with the development of OIs.
PubMed: 36873895
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1087086 -
Clinical Infectious Diseases : An... Jun 2016We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the incidence and prevalence of 14 opportunistic infections (OIs) and other infections as well as the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Incidence and Prevalence of Opportunistic and Other Infections and the Impact of Antiretroviral Therapy Among HIV-infected Children in Low- and Middle-income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the incidence and prevalence of 14 opportunistic infections (OIs) and other infections as well as the impact of antiretroviral therapy (ART) among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children (aged <18 years) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), to understand regional burden of disease, and inform delivery of HIV services.
METHODS
Eligible studies described the incidence of OIs and other infections in ART-naive and -exposed children from January 1990 to November 2013, using Medline, Global Health, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Web of Knowledge, and Literatura Latino Americana em Ciências da Saúde databases. Summary incident risk (IR) and prevalent risk for each OI in ART-naive and ART-exposed children were calculated, and unadjusted odds ratios calculated for impact of ART. The number of OI cases and associated costs averted were estimated using the AIDS impact model.
RESULTS
We identified 4542 citations, and 88 studies were included, comprising 55 679 HIV-infected children. Bacterial pneumonia and tuberculosis were the most common incident and prevalent infections in both ART-naive and ART-exposed children. There was a significant reduction in IR with ART for the majority of OIs. There was a smaller impact on bacterial sepsis and pneumonia, and an increase observed for varicella zoster. ART initiation based on 2010 World Health Organization guidelines criteria for ART initiation in children was estimated to potentially avert >161 000 OIs (2013 UNAIDS data) with estimated cost savings of at least US$17 million per year.
CONCLUSIONS
There is a decrease in the risk of most OIs with ART use in HIV-infected children in LMICs, and estimated large potential cost savings in OIs averted with ART use, although there are greater uncertainties in pediatric data compared with that of adults.
Topics: AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Adolescent; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Child; Child, Preschool; Developing Countries; HIV Infections; Humans; Incidence; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Prevalence
PubMed: 27001796
DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciw139