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The Canadian Journal of Infectious... 2020Splenic complications of acute infection include splenomegaly, splenic infarct, and splenic rupture. These complications are relatively rarely reported, and the aim of... (Review)
Review
Splenic complications of acute infection include splenomegaly, splenic infarct, and splenic rupture. These complications are relatively rarely reported, and the aim of this research was to synthetize data on this topic according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines using the PubMed database. In this review, we find that unlike other severe complications of babesiosis, splenic infarct and rupture occur in younger and immunocompetent patients, and they do not correlate with parasitemia level. Furthermore, admission hemoglobin of 10 mg/dl or less, platelet count of 50 × 10⁹/L or less, presence of hemodynamic instability, and splenic rupture were associated independently with an increased risk of requiring splenectomy. As babesiosis is an emerging tick-borne zoonosis, we hope that this review will help to raise awareness among clinicians regarding this rare but potentially life-threatening complication.
PubMed: 32566058
DOI: 10.1155/2020/6934149 -
Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease Feb 2023Zoonotic infections are an emerging public health threat globally. The geographical distribution, animal reservoirs and tick vectors vary greatly across species, and... (Review)
Review
Zoonotic infections are an emerging public health threat globally. The geographical distribution, animal reservoirs and tick vectors vary greatly across species, and estimations of prevalence reported in works within the literature are also quite different. Better prevalence estimates and identification of moderators are needed to understand the global transmission risk of different zoonotic species, and to provide crucial background information for the diagnosis, treatment and control of zoonotic babesiosis. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the global nucleic acid prevalence of different zoonotic species in humans, animals and ticks. Relevant publications were obtained from several electronic databases and grey literature up to December 2021. Articles were included if they were published in English or Chinese and reported the nucleic acid prevalence of zoonotic species in humans, animals or ticks. The pooled estimates of prevalence were determined using a random effect model. Heterogeneity was investigated using subgroup analyses and random effect meta-regression models. Of 3205 unique studies, 28 were included by the systematic review of zoonotic for humans, 79 for animals and 104 for ticks. The results showed overall pooled estimates of nucleic acid prevalence for the following: -1.93% (0.32-4.69%) in humans; -7.80% (5.25-10.77%), -2.12% (0.73-4.08%) and -1.42% (0.30-3.16%) in animals; and -2.30% (1.59-3.13%), -0.16% (0.05-0.32%), and -0.39% (0.26-0.54%) in questing ticks. The type of population, animal reservoir or tick vector, detecting method and continent were moderators possibly associated with heterogeneity, yet the remaining heterogeneity that was not explained was still substantial (all QE values < 0.05). is the most prevalent and widely distributed zoonotic species globally. The wide range of suitable animal reservoirs and potential transmission vectors and high prevalence in animals and ticks may contribute to the worldwide distribution of . Other zoonotic species were relatively less prevalent and were reported in quite limited areas.
PubMed: 36977133
DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8030132 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2020Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TTBDis) are a major constraint to the health and production of small ruminants in Pakistan. Despite being the subject of intermittent... (Review)
Review
Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TTBDis) are a major constraint to the health and production of small ruminants in Pakistan. Despite being the subject of intermittent studies over the past few decades, comprehensive information on the epidemiology and control of TTBDis is lacking. Herein, we have systematically reviewed the current knowledge on TTBDis of small ruminants in Pakistan. Critical appraisal of the selected 71 articles published between 1947 to 2020 revealed that morphological examination had been the most widely used method for the identification of TTBDis in Pakistan. Tick fauna comprise at least 40 species, mainly belonging to , and . The prevalence of ticks is the highest in summer (June-September) and it is also higher in goats than sheep. , and spp. are the major tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), and their prevalence is usually higher in sheep than goats. Spatio-temporal distribution, genetic diversity and control of ticks and TBPs of small ruminants as well as the competence of tick vectors for various TBPs remain to be explored. Therefore, coordinated and focused investigations are required to fill knowledge gaps in these areas to maximise the health, production and welfare of small ruminants and minimise economic losses associated with TTBDis in Pakistan.
PubMed: 33187238
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9110937 -
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 -
Parasites & Vectors Mar 2023Buffaloes are important contributors to the livestock economy in many countries, particularly in Asia, and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) commonly infect buffaloes, giving... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Buffaloes are important contributors to the livestock economy in many countries, particularly in Asia, and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) commonly infect buffaloes, giving rise to serious pathologies other than their zoonotic potential.
METHODS
The present investigation focuses on the prevalence of TBPs infecting buffaloes worldwide. All published global data on TBPs in buffaloes were collected from different databases (e.g., PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar) and subjected to various meta-analyses using OpenMeta[Analyst] software, and all analyses were conducted based on a 95% confidence interval.
RESULTS
Over 100 articles discussing the prevalence and species diversity of TBPs in buffaloes were retrieved. Most of these reports focused on water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis), whereas a few reports on TBPs in African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) had been published. The pooled global prevalence of the apicomplexan parasites Babesia and Theileria, as well as the bacterial pathogens Anaplasma, Coxiella burnetii, Borrelia, Bartonella, and Ehrlichia in addition to Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, were all evaluated based on the detection methods and 95% confidence intervals. Interestingly, no Rickettsia spp. were detected in buffaloes with scarce data. TBPs of buffaloes displayed a fairly high species diversity, which underlines the high infection risk to other animals, especially cattle. Babesia bovis, B. bigemina, B. orientalis, B. occultans and B. naoakii, Theileria annulata, T. orientalis complex (orientalis/sergenti/buffeli), T. parva, T. mutans, T. sinensis, T. velifera, T. lestoquardi-like, T. taurotragi, T. sp. (buffalo) and T. ovis, and Anaplasma marginale, A. centrale, A. platys, A. platys-like and "Candidatus Anaplasma boleense" were all were identified from naturally infected buffaloes.
CONCLUSIONS
Several important aspects were highlighted for the status of TBPs, which have serious economic implications for the buffalo as well as cattle industries, particularly in Asian and African countries, which should aid in the development and implementation of prevention and control methods for veterinary care practitioners, and animal owners.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Anaplasma; Babesiosis; Buffaloes; Cattle Diseases; Prevalence; Rickettsia; Theileria; Tick-Borne Diseases; Ticks
PubMed: 36998029
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05727-y -
Parasites & Vectors Aug 2023Bovine babesiosis, caused by different Babesia spp. such as B. bovis, B. bigemina, B. divergens, and B. major, is a global disease that poses a serious threat to... (Review)
Review
Bovine babesiosis, caused by different Babesia spp. such as B. bovis, B. bigemina, B. divergens, and B. major, is a global disease that poses a serious threat to livestock production. Babesia bovis infections are associated with severe disease and increased mortality in adult cattle, making it the most virulent agent of bovine babesiosis. Babesia bovis parasites undergo asexual reproduction within bovine red blood cells, followed by sexual reproduction within their tick vectors, which transmit the parasite transovarially. Current control methods, including therapeutic drugs (i.e., imidocarb) have been found to lead to drug resistance. Moreover, changing environmental factors add complexity to efficient parasite control. Understanding the fundamental biology, host immune responses, and host-parasite interactions of Babesia parasites is critical for developing next-generation vaccines to control acute disease and parasite transmission. This systematic review analyzed available research papers on vaccine development and the associated immune responses to B. bovis. We compiled and consolidated the reported vaccine strategies, considering the study design and rationale of each study, to provide a systematic review of knowledge and insights for further research. Thirteen studies published since 2014 (inclusive) represented various vaccine strategies developed against B. bovis such as subunit, live attenuated, and viral vector vaccines. Such strategies incorporated B. bovis proteins or whole live parasites with the latter providing the most effective prophylaxis against bovine babesiosis. Incorporating novel research approaches, such as "omics" will enhance our understanding of parasite vulnerabilities.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Babesia bovis; Babesiosis; Cattle Diseases; Babesia; Vaccines
PubMed: 37563668
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05885-z -
BMC Infectious Diseases Oct 2019Exposure to blacklegged ticks Ixodes scapularis that transmit pathogens is thought to occur peri-domestically. However, the locations where people most frequently... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Exposure to blacklegged ticks Ixodes scapularis that transmit pathogens is thought to occur peri-domestically. However, the locations where people most frequently encounter infected ticks are not well characterized, leading to mixed messages from public health officials about where risk is highest.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on spatial risk factors for tick-borne disease and tick bites in eastern North America. We examined three scales: the residential yard, the neighborhood surrounding (but not including) the yard, and outside the neighborhood. Nineteen eligible studies represented 2741 cases of tick-borne illness and 1447 tick bites. Using random effects models, we derived pooled odds ratio (OR) estimates.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis revealed significant disease risk factors at the scale of the yard (OR 2.60 95% CI 1.96 - 3.46), the neighborhood (OR 4.08 95% CI 2.49 - 6.68), and outside the neighborhood (OR 2.03 95% CI 1.59 - 2.59). Although significant risk exists at each scale, neighborhood scale risk factors best explained disease exposure. Analysis of variance revealed risk at the neighborhood scale was 57% greater than risk at the yard scale and 101% greater than risk outside the neighborhood.
CONCLUSIONS
This analysis emphasizes the importance of understanding and reducing tick-borne disease risk at the neighborhood scale. Risk-reducing interventions applied at each scale could be effective, but interventions applied at the neighborhood scale are most likely to protect human health.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The study was registered with PROSPERO: CRD42017079169 .
Topics: Animals; Humans; Ixodes; Lyme Disease; North America; Odds Ratio; Residence Characteristics; Risk Factors; Tick Bites; Tick-Borne Diseases
PubMed: 31623574
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4484-3 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2021For the most important and well-known infections spread by ticks, Lyme borreliosis (LB) and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), there are recommendations for diagnosis and...
Laboratory Methods for Detection of Infectious Agents and Serological Response in Humans With Tick-Borne Infections: A Systematic Review of Evaluations Based on Clinical Patient Samples.
For the most important and well-known infections spread by ticks, Lyme borreliosis (LB) and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), there are recommendations for diagnosis and management available from several health authorities and professional medical networks. However, other tick-borne microorganisms with potential to cause human disease are less known and clear recommendations on diagnosis and management are scarce. Therefore, we performed a systematic review of published studies and reviews focusing on evaluation of laboratory methods for clinical diagnosis of human tick-borne diseases (TBDs), other than acute LB and TBE. The specific aim was to evaluate the scientific support for laboratory diagnosis of human granulocytic anaplasmosis, rickettsiosis, neoehrlichiosis, babesiosis, hard tick relapsing fever, tularemia and bartonellosis, as well as tick-borne co-infections and persistent LB in spite of recommended standard antibiotic treatment. We performed a systematic literature search in 11 databases for research published from 2007 through 2017, and categorized potentially relevant references according to the predefined infections and study design. An expert group assessed the relevance and eligibility and reviewed the articles according to the QUADAS (diagnostic studies) or AMSTAR (systematic reviews) protocols, respectively. Clinical evaluations of one or several diagnostic tests and systematic reviews were included. Case reports, non-human studies and articles published in other languages than English were excluded. A total of 48 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria for evaluation. The majority of these studies were based on small sample sizes. There were no eligible studies for evaluation of tick-borne co-infections or for persistent LB after antibiotic treatment. Our findings highlight the need for larger evaluations of laboratory tests using clinical samples from well-defined cases taken at different time-points during the course of the diseases. Since the diseases occur at a relatively low frequency, single-center cross-sectional studies are practically not feasible, but multi-center case control studies could be a way forward.
Topics: Animals; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Ixodes; Laboratories; Lyme Disease; Tick-Borne Diseases
PubMed: 34616701
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.580102 -
Pathogens and Global Health Jun 2022Human babesiosis is an emerging tick-borne protozoan zoonosis caused by parasites of the genus and transmitted by ixodid ticks. It was thought to be a public health... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Human babesiosis is an emerging tick-borne protozoan zoonosis caused by parasites of the genus and transmitted by ixodid ticks. It was thought to be a public health problem mainly for the immunocompromised, however the increasing numbers of documented cases among immunocompetent individuals is a call for concern. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we reported from 22 countries and 69 studies, an overall pooled estimate (PE) of 2.23% (95% CI: 1.46-3.39) for infections in humans. PEs for all sub-groups varied significantly (p < 0.05) with a continental range of 1.54% (95% CI: 0.89-2.65) in North America to 4.17% (95% CI: 2.11-8.06) in Europe. PEs for country income levels, methods of diagnosis, study period, sample sizes, species and targeted population ranged between 0.43% (95% CI: 0.41-0.44) and 7.41% (95% CI: 0.53-54.48). recorded the widest geographic distribution and was the predominant specie reported in North America while was predominantly reported in Europe. Eight species; -like, and were reported in humans from different parts of the world with the highest prevalence in Europe, lower middle income countries and among individuals with history of tick bite and other tick-borne diseases. To control the increasing trend of this emerging public health threat, tick control in human settlements, the use of protective clothing by occupationally exposed people and the screening of transfusion blood in endemic countries are recommended. AJOL: African Journals OnLine, CI: Confidence interval, CIL: Country income level, df: Degree of freedom, HIC: Higher-income countries, HQ: High quality, : Inverse variance index, IFAT: Indirect fluorescent antibody test, ITBTBD: Individuals with tick-bite and tick-borne diseases, JBI: Joanna Briggs Institute, LIC: Lower-income countries, LMIC: Lower middle-income countries, MQ: Medium quality, NA: Not applicable, N/America: North America, OEI: Occupational exposed individuals, OR: Odds ratio, PE: Pooled estimates, PCR: Polymerase chain reaction, Prev: Prevalence, PRISMA: Preferred Reporting System for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, Q: Cochran's heterogeneity statistic, QA: Quality assessment, Q-p: Cochran's p-value, qPCR: Quantitative polymerase chain reaction, S/America: South America, Seq: Sequencing, UMIC: Upper middle-income countries, USA: United States of America.
Topics: Animals; Babesia; Babesiosis; Humans; Prevalence; Tick-Borne Diseases; Zoonoses
PubMed: 34788196
DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2021.1989185 -
The American Journal of Medicine Nov 2014Often, the controversial diagnosis of chronic Lyme disease is given to patients with prolonged, medically unexplained physical symptoms. Many such patients also are... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Often, the controversial diagnosis of chronic Lyme disease is given to patients with prolonged, medically unexplained physical symptoms. Many such patients also are treated for chronic coinfections with Babesia, Anaplasma, or Bartonella in the absence of typical presentations, objective clinical findings, or laboratory confirmation of active infection. We have undertaken a systematic review of the literature to evaluate several aspects of this practice.
METHODS
Five systematic literature searches were performed using Boolean operators and the PubMed search engine.
RESULTS
The literature searches did not demonstrate convincing evidence of: 1) chronic anaplasmosis infection; 2) treatment-responsive symptomatic chronic babesiosis in immunocompetent persons in the absence of fever, laboratory abnormalities, and detectable parasitemia; 3) either geographically widespread or treatment-responsive symptomatic chronic infection with Babesia duncani in the absence of fever, laboratory abnormalities, and detectable parasitemia; 4) tick-borne transmission of Bartonella species; or 5) simultaneous Lyme disease and Bartonella infection.
CONCLUSIONS
The medical literature does not support the diagnosis of chronic, atypical tick-borne coinfections in patients with chronic, nonspecific illnesses.
Topics: Anaplasmosis; Animals; Babesiosis; Bartonella Infections; Chronic Disease; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Lyme Disease
PubMed: 24929022
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2014.05.036