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Al-Beltagi M, Saeed NK, Bediwy AS, Elbeltagi R. Fecal calprotectin in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases: Pros and cons. World J Clin Pediatr 2024; 13:93341. [PMID: 38948001 PMCID: PMC11212754 DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v13.i2.93341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fecal calprotectin is a valuable biomarker for assessing intestinal inflammation in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases. However, its role, pros, and cons in various conditions must be comprehensively elucidated. AIM To explore the role of fecal calprotectin in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases, including its advantages and limitations. METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, PubMed Central, Google Scholar, and other scientific research engines until February 24, 2024. The review included 88 research articles, 56 review articles, six meta-analyses, two systematic reviews, two consensus papers, and two letters to the editors. RESULTS Fecal calprotectin is a non-invasive marker for detecting intestinal inflammation and monitoring disease activity in pediatric conditions such as functional gastrointestinal disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, coeliac disease, coronavirus disease 2019-induced gastrointestinal disorders, gastroenteritis, and cystic fibrosis-associated intestinal pathology. However, its lack of specificity and susceptibility to various confounding factors pose challenges in interpretation. Despite these limitations, fecal calprotectin offers significant advantages in diagnosing, monitoring, and managing pediatric gastrointestinal diseases. CONCLUSION Fecal calprotectin holds promise as a valuable tool in pediatric gastroenterology, offering insights into disease activity, treatment response, and prognosis. Standardized protocols and guidelines are needed to optimize its clinical utility and mitigate interpretation challenges. Further research is warranted to address the identified limitations and enhance our understanding of fecal calprotectin in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Al-Beltagi
- Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta 31511, Alghrabia, Egypt
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center, King Abdulla Medical City, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center, Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group, Bahrain, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Nermin Kamal Saeed
- Medical Microbiology Section, Department of Pathology, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Bahrain, Manama 12, Manama, Bahrain
- Medical Microbiology Section, Department of Pathology, Irish Royal College of Surgeon, Bahrain, Busaiteen 15503, Muharraq, Bahrain
| | - Adel Salah Bediwy
- Department of Pulmonology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Alghrabia, Egypt
- Department of Pulmonology, University Medical Center, King Abdulla Medical City, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
- Department of Pulmonology, University Medical Center, King Abdulla Medical City, Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Reem Elbeltagi
- Department of Medicine, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Bahrain, Busiateen 15503, Muharraq, Bahrain
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Cunha FDS, Jann HW, Lugon JR, Peralta JM, Peralta RHS. Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. obtained from fecal samples of immunosuppressed patients from Brazil. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2022; 55:e05552021. [PMID: 35416875 PMCID: PMC9009872 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0555-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cryptosporidium spp. are pathogenic protozoans that play an important role in developing diseases in the elderly, children, and immunosuppressed individuals. Methods: The objective of this study was to detect and genetically characterize Cryptosporidium spp. in kidney transplanted patients (n = 97 samples; group 1) and immunosuppressed individuals from an outpatient clinic suspected of having Cryptosporidium infection (n = 53 samples; group 2). All fecal samples were analyzed by parasitological stool examination, immunochromatographic test, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR). Cryptosporidium-positive samples were tested using nested PCR for the gp60 gene, followed by sequencing for subtype determination. Results: Parasitological examination was negative in all Group 1, and positive in four Group 2 samples. Real-time PCR revealed Cryptosporidium in 13 samples: four in Group 1 (three C. hominis and one C. parvum) and nine in Group 2 (seven C. hominis, one C. parvum, and one mixed C. hominis/C. parvum). The immunochromatographic test was reactive in 11 samples (four in Group 1 and seven in Group 2). All 11 C. hominis isolates were identified as subtype IbA10G2 and one C. parvum as subtype IIbA15G2R1. All C. hominis belonged to subtype IbA10G2, which is recognized as the most prevalent and pathogenic subtype. Conclusions: This study showed, for the first time, that the presence of Cryptosporidium subtypes is considered more virulent in Brazilian transplanted kidney patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia de Souza Cunha
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Patologia, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
| | - Higor Wilson Jann
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Patologia, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
| | - Jocemir Ronaldo Lugon
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Nefrologia, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
| | - José Mauro Peralta
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Departamento de Imunologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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3
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Hillyer JF. Parasites and Parasitology in this SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 World: An American Society of Parasitologists Presidential Address. J Parasitol 2021; 106:859-868. [PMID: 33450760 DOI: 10.1645/20-158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is one of the worst global health crises of this generation. The core of this pandemic is the rapid transmissibility of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, its high morbidity and mortality, and the presence of infectious asymptomatic carriers. As a result, COVID-19 has dominated this year's headlines and commanded significant research attention. As we consider SARS-CoV-2 and the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential that scientists, governments, the media, and the general population also come to grips with the everyday cost of parasitic diseases. Plasmodium (malaria), schistosomes, filarial worms, hookworms, Ascaris, whipworms, and other protozoan and metazoan parasites take a tremendous toll on local communities. Yet, because most of these diseases are no longer endemic to developed countries, their research and intervention are not funded at levels that are proportional to their global morbidity and mortality. The scientific and public health communities must indeed vigorously fight SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, but while doing so and beyond, it will be essential to demonstrate steadfast resolve toward understanding and combating the parasitic diseases that for centuries have haunted humankind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julián F Hillyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235
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Riaz M, Aslam N, Zainab R, Aziz-Ur-Rehman, Rasool G, Ullah MI, Daniyal M, Akram M. Prevalence, risk factors, challenges, and the currently available diagnostic tools for the determination of helminths infections in human. EUR J INFLAMM 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/2058739220959915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Soil transmitted helminthes (STH) are among the major public health issues in tropical and sub-tropical countries infecting more than 2 billion humans worldwide. STH causes considerable morbidity in children, affecting their cognitive development and physical growth. Endemic areas with poor sanitation and limited access to good quality water supply have the highest burden of STH infection. Various approaches to reduce and control the worm infections include the intermittent deworming of children with anti-helminthic drugs. Individual patient management and population based studies can only be successful upon using the diagnostic techniques with high accuracy. The lack of reliable tools for the provision of correct diagnostic results about the status and intensity of infection is a major challenge, as these factors varies considerably in areas of low infection intensities. The techniques currently available for the diagnosis of parasitic infections show limited specificity and sensitivity and as such several techniques in combination are normally used in diagnosing the variety of parasite species infection. This review article was planned to study the prevalence, risk factors, and the available diagnostic techniques for soil and water transmitted helminthes infections in humans. This article also discussed the challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and management of worm infections particularly helminthes. The articles available online on important portals like google scholar, PubMed, Digital Libraries, PakMediNet, Science direct, and the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) were searched for inclusion of the data in this review study. Duplicate studies and irrelevant reports describing the general aspects of parasite infections were excluded. This review study provides a comprehensive report on the prevalence, accurate diagnostic, and chemotherapeutic protocols to reduce the burden of worms infections. WHO suggests the chemotherapy for worm infections as feasible and cost effective strategy in schools due to the lack of proper policy for the prevention of intestinal worms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Riaz
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, Sargodha Medical College, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Nosheen Aslam
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Rida Zainab
- Department of Eastern Medicine, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Aziz-Ur-Rehman
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore (Jhang Campus), Pakistan
| | - Ghulam Rasool
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, Sargodha Medical College, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | | | - Muhammad Daniyal
- Faculty of Eastern Medicine, Hamdard University Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Akram
- Department of Eastern Medicine, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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Woods GM, Lyons AB, Bettiol SS. A Devil of a Transmissible Cancer. Trop Med Infect Dis 2020; 5:tropicalmed5020050. [PMID: 32244613 PMCID: PMC7345153 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed5020050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Devil facial tumor disease (DFTD) encompasses two independent transmissible cancers that have killed the majority of Tasmanian devils. The cancer cells are derived from Schwann cells and are spread between devils during biting, a common behavior during the mating season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a parasite as "An organism that lives on or in a host organism and gets its food from, or at, the expense of its host." Most cancers, including DFTD, live within a host organism and derive resources from its host, and consequently have parasitic-like features. Devil facial tumor disease is a transmissible cancer and, therefore, DFTD shares one additional feature common to most parasites. Through direct contact between devils, DFTD has spread throughout the devil population. However, unlike many parasites, the DFTD cancer cells have a simple lifecycle and do not have either independent, vector-borne, or quiescent phases. To facilitate a description of devil facial tumor disease, this review uses life cycles of parasites as an analogy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory M. Woods
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - A. Bruce Lyons
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia; (A.B.L.); (S.S.B.)
| | - Silvana S. Bettiol
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia; (A.B.L.); (S.S.B.)
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Liu Y, Liu H, Xie Y, Zhang B, Zou X, Ou M, Ye X, Han Y, Wu J, Chen X, Dong S, Zhu K, Guo C, Wang P, Zhai H, Jing C, Yang G. Identification of genetic variations in Necator americanus through resequencing by whole genome amplification. J Int Med Res 2019; 47:4353-4364. [PMID: 31331217 PMCID: PMC6753555 DOI: 10.1177/0300060519862069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To describe a new strategy for the whole genome resequencing of small
parasite samples. Methods Whole genome resequencing was based on a multiple displacement amplification
(MDA) method. Sequencing reads were aligned with the reference genome, and a
Bayesian model was used to calculate genotype probabilities. De
novo genome assembly was conducted, and single nucleotide
polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected. Gene ontology (GO) analysis was used to
determine connections between SNPs and genes. Results In total, 64.12% of the parasite genome sequence was mapped to
Necator americanus. fa, and 125,553 SNPs were detected.
GO analysis revealed that most SNPs in coding regions were probably
associated with common drug targets. Conclusion These results reveal the feasibility of a new strategy to detect genetic
variations of small parasites. This study also provides a proof-of-principle
for the molecular classification and epidemiological analysis of other
parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumei Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongxuan Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuefeng Xie
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baohuan Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqian Zou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meiling Ou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Ye
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yajing Han
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojing Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shirui Dong
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kehui Zhu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Congcong Guo
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Penghua Wang
- Department of Immunology, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Hening Zhai
- Endoscopy Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chunxia Jing
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,The Key Laboratory for Virology of Guangzhou, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,The Key Laboratory for Virology of Guangzhou, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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7
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Cunha FS, Peralta RHS, Peralta JM. New insights into the detection and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium with emphasis in Brazilian studies: a review. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2019; 61:e28. [PMID: 31241657 PMCID: PMC6592014 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946201961028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. is a pathogenic protozoan present in the gastrointestinal tract of several hosts. This protozoan was originally classified as within the Coccidia Class and has recently been reclassified to gregarine based on studies that observed the evolutionary phases from the process of excision and sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene. Molecular biology techniques have become diagnostic tools and have also been used to understand the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium spp., since several species of this genus are very similar morphologically and morphometrically. Molecular techniques have been used in the identification of parasites, at the species and subtypes levels and to study disease transmission. The laboratory diagnosis of human cryptosporidiosis can be made by parasite detection methods, such as optical microscopy, antigens or genetic material detection, as well as serum antibodies raised to Cryptosporidium spp. Molecular methods were developed and allowed, not only an extensive revision of the taxonomy, but also an improvement in the laboratory diagnosis. In Brazil, there are few reports of Cryptosporidium spp. outbreaks in humans and all of them took place in nurseries. A few epidemiological studies developed in Brazil have used molecular methods for the detection of Cryptosporidium spp., as well as genotyping studies of their species and subtypes. The use of real-time PCR, together with microscopy and immunochromatography techniques, would result in a more precise diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis. The analysis of genotypes, subtypes and clonality of Cryptosporidium could be useful to understand and define the prognosis and severity of infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Souza Cunha
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento
de Patologia, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - José Mauro Peralta
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Microbiologia
Prof. Paulo de Góes, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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