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Stewart KA, Navarro SM, Kambala S, Tan G, Poondla R, Lederman S, Barbour K, Lavy C. Trends in Ultrasound Use in Low and Middle Income Countries: A Systematic Review. Int J MCH AIDS 2020; 9:103-120. [PMID: 32123634 PMCID: PMC7031872 DOI: 10.21106/ijma.294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence on recent trends regarding the impact and cost-benefits of ultrasound in resource-constrained settings is limited. This study presents a systematic review to determine recent trends in the utility and applicability of ultrasound use in low and middle income countries (LMIC). The review includes characterizing and evaluating trends in (1) the geographic and specialty specific use of ultrasound in LMICs, (2) the innovative applications and the accompanying research findings, and (3) the development of associated educational and training programs. METHODS The electronic databases Medline OVID, EMBASE, and Cochrane were searched from 2010 to 2018 for studies available in English, French, and Spanish. Commentaries, opinion articles, reviews and book chapters were excluded. Two categories were created, one for reported applications of ultrasound use in LMICs and another for novel ultrasound studies. RESULTS A total of 6,276 articles were identified and screened, 4,563 studies were included for final review. 287 studies contained original or novel applications of ultrasound use in LMICs. Nearly 70% of studies involved ultrasound usage originating from Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, the latter being the region with the highest number of innovative ultrasound use. Educational studies, global collaborations, and funded studies were a substantial subset of overall ultrasound research. Our findings are limited by the lack of higher quality evidence and limited number of randomized clinical trials reported. CONCLUSION AND GLOBAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS Our systematic literature review of ultrasound use in LMICs demonstrates the growing utilization of this relatively low-cost, portable imaging technology in low resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey A. Stewart
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Sergio M. Navarro
- Said Business School, Oxford, UK
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sriharsha Kambala
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Gail Tan
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Revanth Poondla
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sara Lederman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Kelli Barbour
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Chris Lavy
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Dietrich CF, Chaubal N, Hoerauf A, Kling K, Piontek MS, Steffgen L, Mand S, Dong Y. Review of Dancing Parasites in Lymphatic Filariasis. Ultrasound Int Open 2019; 5:E65-E74. [PMID: 31312785 PMCID: PMC6629997 DOI: 10.1055/a-0918-3678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic filariasis is an infection transmitted by blood-sucking mosquitoes with filarial nematodes of the species Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi und B. timori . It is prevalent in tropical countries throughout the world, with more than 60 million people infected and more than 1 billion living in areas with the risk of transmission. Worm larvae with a length of less than 1 mm are transmitted by mosquitoes, develop in human lymphatic tissue to adult worms with a length of 7-10 cm, live in the human body for up to 10 years and produce millions of microfilariae, which can be transmitted further by mosquitoes. The adult worms can be easily observed by ultrasonography because of their size and fast movements (the so-called "filarial dance sign"), which can be differentiated from other movements (e. g., blood in venous vessels) by their characteristic movement profile in pulsed-wave Doppler mode. Therapeutic options include (combinations of) ivermectin, albendazole, diethylcarbamazine and doxycycline. The latter depletes endosymbiotic Wolbachia bacteria from the worms and thus sterilizes and later kills the adult worms (macrofilaricidal or adulticidal effect).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nitin Chaubal
- Thane Ultrasound Centre, Thane Ultrasound Centre, Thane, India
| | - Achim Hoerauf
- Institut für Med. Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Parasitologie (IMMIP), Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Kerstin Kling
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus Schindler Piontek
- Caritas Krankenhaus Bad Mergentheim, Academic Teaching Hospital of the University of Würzburg, Medical Clinic 2, Bad Mergentheim, Germany
| | - Ludwig Steffgen
- Trainings-Zentrum Ultraschall-Diagnostik LS GmbH, Ultrasound, Mainleus, Germany
| | - Sabine Mand
- Institut für Med. Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Parasitologie (IMMIP), Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Yi Dong
- Zhongshan Hospital, Ultrasound, Shanghai, China
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Abstract
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a parasitic infection that is spread by mosquitos infected with worm larvae. Several factors will affect the global prevalence of LF in the future. A growing body of evidence suggests that climate change will influence the spread of parasitic diseases and their vectors. Lymphatic filariasis is the leading cause of permanent disfigurement and the second most common cause of long-term disability in the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayle B Lourens
- Michigan State University, 1355 Bogue Street, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | - Denise K Ferrell
- Michigan State University, 1355 Bogue Street, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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Prodjinotho UF, von Horn C, Debrah AY, Batsa Debrah L, Albers A, Layland LE, Hoerauf A, Adjobimey T. Pathological manifestations in lymphatic filariasis correlate with lack of inhibitory properties of IgG4 antibodies on IgE-activated granulocytes. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005777. [PMID: 28742098 PMCID: PMC5542694 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Helminth parasites are known to be efficient modulators of their host's immune system. To guarantee their own survival, they induce alongside the classical Th2 a strong regulatory response with high levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines and elevated plasma levels of IgG4. This particular antibody was shown in different models to exhibit immunosuppressive properties. How IgG4 affects the etiopathology of lymphatic filariasis (LF) is however not well characterized. Here we investigate the impact of plasma and affinity-purified IgG/IgG4 fractions from endemic normals (EN) and LF infected pathology patients (CP), asymptomatic microfilaraemic (Mf+) and amicrofilaraemic (Mf-) individuals on IgE/IL3 activated granulocytes. The activation and degranulation states were investigated by monitoring the expression of CD63/HLADR and the release of granule contents (neutrophil elastase (NE), eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and histamine) respectively by flow cytometry and ELISA. We could show that the activation of granulocytes was inhibited in the presence of plasma from EN and Mf+ individuals whereas those of Mf- and CP presented no effect. This inhibitory capacity was impaired upon depletion of IgG in Mf+ individuals but persisted in IgG-depleted plasma from EN, where it strongly correlated with the expression of IgA. In addition, IgA-depleted fractions failed to suppress granulocyte activation. Strikingly, affinity-purified IgG4 antibodies from EN, Mf+ and Mf- individuals bound granulocytes and inhibited activation and the release of ECP, NE and histamine. In contrast, IgG4 from CP could not bind granulocytes and presented no suppressive capacity. Reduction of both the affinity to, and the suppressive properties of anti-inflammatory IgG4 on granulocytes was reached only when FcγRI and II were blocked simultaneously. These data indicate that IgG4 antibodies from Mf+, Mf- and EN, in contrast to those of CP, natively exhibit FcγRI/II-dependent suppressive properties on granulocytes. Our findings suggest that quantitative and qualitative alterations in IgG4 molecules are associated with the different clinical phenotypes in LF endemic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich F. Prodjinotho
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Charlotte von Horn
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alex Y. Debrah
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences and School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Linda Batsa Debrah
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Anna Albers
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Laura E. Layland
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Achim Hoerauf
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Bonn-Cologne Site, German Center for Infectious Disease Research (DZIF), Bonn, Germany
| | - Tomabu Adjobimey
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Faculté des Sciences et Techniques (FAST), Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Bénin
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Effect of 3 years of biannual mass drug administration with albendazole on lymphatic filariasis and soil-transmitted helminth infections: a community-based study in Republic of the Congo. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2017; 17:763-769. [PMID: 28372977 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(17)30175-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The standard treatment strategy of mass drug administration with ivermectin plus albendazole for lymphatic filariasis cannot be applied in central Africa, because of the risk of serious adverse events in people with high Loa loa microfilaraemia. Thus, alternative strategies are needed. We investigated one such alternative strategy for mass drug administration for elimination of lymphatic filariasis and soil-transmitted helminth infections in Republic of the Congo. METHODS In 2012, we started a 3 year community trial of biannual mass administration of albendazole in a village in Republic of the Congo. All volunteering inhabitants aged 2 years or older were offered albendazole (400 mg) every 6 months. Infection with Wuchereria bancrofti was diagnosed with a rapid card immunochromatographic test for antigenaemia. People with antigenaemia were tested for microfilaraemia by night blood smears. Individuals were also tested for soil-transmitted helminth infections (ie, hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura) with the Kato-Katz method. Assessment surveys were done at 12, 24, and 36 months. The main outcome measure was change in infection rates from baseline to year 3. FINDINGS Therapeutic coverage was more than 80% in all six rounds of mass administration of albendazole. Between 2012 and 2015, W bancrofti antigenaemia and microfilaraemia rates in the community fell significantly, from 17·3% (95% CI 14·7-20·0) to 4·7% (3·3-6·6; p<0·0001) and from 5·3% (3·9-7·1) to 0·3% (0·1-1·2; p<0·0001), respectively. The geometric mean microfilaria count in microfilaraemic people fell from 199·4 (120·4-330·5) per mL in 2012 to 39·1 (95% CIs not computed) per mL in 2015 (p=0·0095). Hookworm infection was undetectable after 1 year. Between 2012 and 2015, the number of A lumbricoides eggs expelled per g of faeces fell from 9844·6 (8209·0-11 480·0) to 724·4 (340·7-1114·2; p<0·0001), and of T trichiura eggs from 1107·4 (878·5-1336·3) to 366·0 (255·7-476·2; p<0·0001). INTERPRETATION Our findings strongly support WHO's provisional strategy of biannual mass administration of albendazole to eliminate lymphatic filariasis in areas where loiasis is co-endemic and ivermectin cannot be safely mass administered. FUNDING Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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Kwarteng A, Ahuno ST. Immunity in Filarial Infections: Lessons from Animal Models and Human Studies. Scand J Immunol 2017; 85:251-257. [DOI: 10.1111/sji.12533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Kwarteng
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology; Kwame Nkrumah University of Science Technology, PMB; Kumasi Ghana
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR); KNUST, PMB; Kumasi Ghana
| | - S. T. Ahuno
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology; Kwame Nkrumah University of Science Technology, PMB; Kumasi Ghana
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Brunetti E, Heller T, Richter J, Kaminstein D, Youkee D, Giordani MT, Goblirsch S, Tamarozzi F. Application of Ultrasonography in the Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases in Resource-Limited Settings. Curr Infect Dis Rep 2016; 18:6. [PMID: 26781324 DOI: 10.1007/s11908-015-0512-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasound (US) has vast potential in the field of infectious diseases, especially so in resource-limited settings. Recent technological advances have increased availability and access to ultrasound in low-resource settings, where the burden of infectious diseases is greatest. This paper collates the evidence for the utilization of ultrasound and evaluates its effectiveness in the diagnosis and management of a range of infectious diseases. This paper explores the role of ultrasound in population-based screening for specific diseases as well as highlights its benefits for individual patient management. We describe the common diagnostic signs seen on US for common and neglected parasitic, bacterial, and viral diseases. We proceed to document the emerging field of chest US which is proving to be a superior imaging modality for the diagnosis of specific pulmonary conditions. We conclude by discussing the efforts needed to formalize and rigorously evaluate the role of ultrasound in infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Brunetti
- Department of Infectious Diseases, San Matteo Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy.
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Tom Heller
- Department of Medicine, Klinikum Muenchen-Perlach, Munich, Germany
| | - Joachim Richter
- Tropical Medicine, Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Daniel Kaminstein
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Hospitalist Services, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Francesca Tamarozzi
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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8
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Bélard S, Tamarozzi F, Bustinduy AL, Wallrauch C, Grobusch MP, Kuhn W, Brunetti E, Joekes E, Heller T. Point-of-Care Ultrasound Assessment of Tropical Infectious Diseases--A Review of Applications and Perspectives. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2016; 94:8-21. [PMID: 26416111 PMCID: PMC4710450 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.15-0421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of good quality and affordable ultrasound machines has led to the establishment and implementation of numerous point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) protocols in various medical disciplines. POCUS for major infectious diseases endemic in tropical regions has received less attention, despite its likely even more pronounced benefit for populations with limited access to imaging infrastructure. Focused assessment with sonography for HIV-associated TB (FASH) and echinococcosis (FASE) are the only two POCUS protocols for tropical infectious diseases, which have been formally investigated and which have been implemented in routine patient care today. This review collates the available evidence for FASH and FASE, and discusses sonographic experiences reported for urinary and intestinal schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, viral hemorrhagic fevers, amebic liver abscess, and visceral leishmaniasis. Potential POCUS protocols are suggested and technical as well as training aspects in the context of resource-limited settings are reviewed. Using the focused approach for tropical infectious diseases will make ultrasound diagnosis available to patients who would otherwise have very limited or no access to medical imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Bélard
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Immunology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Clinical Management of Cystic Echinococcosis, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Medicine, Klinikum Muenchen-Perlach, Munich, Germany; Center for Operational Medicine, Medical College Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia; Division of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Pavia/IRCCS San Matteo Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy; Department of Radiology, The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca Tamarozzi
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Immunology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Clinical Management of Cystic Echinococcosis, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Medicine, Klinikum Muenchen-Perlach, Munich, Germany; Center for Operational Medicine, Medical College Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia; Division of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Pavia/IRCCS San Matteo Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy; Department of Radiology, The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Amaya L Bustinduy
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Immunology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Clinical Management of Cystic Echinococcosis, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Medicine, Klinikum Muenchen-Perlach, Munich, Germany; Center for Operational Medicine, Medical College Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia; Division of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Pavia/IRCCS San Matteo Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy; Department of Radiology, The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Claudia Wallrauch
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Immunology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Clinical Management of Cystic Echinococcosis, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Medicine, Klinikum Muenchen-Perlach, Munich, Germany; Center for Operational Medicine, Medical College Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia; Division of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Pavia/IRCCS San Matteo Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy; Department of Radiology, The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Martin P Grobusch
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Immunology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Clinical Management of Cystic Echinococcosis, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Medicine, Klinikum Muenchen-Perlach, Munich, Germany; Center for Operational Medicine, Medical College Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia; Division of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Pavia/IRCCS San Matteo Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy; Department of Radiology, The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Walter Kuhn
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Immunology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Clinical Management of Cystic Echinococcosis, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Medicine, Klinikum Muenchen-Perlach, Munich, Germany; Center for Operational Medicine, Medical College Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia; Division of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Pavia/IRCCS San Matteo Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy; Department of Radiology, The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Enrico Brunetti
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Immunology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Clinical Management of Cystic Echinococcosis, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Medicine, Klinikum Muenchen-Perlach, Munich, Germany; Center for Operational Medicine, Medical College Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia; Division of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Pavia/IRCCS San Matteo Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy; Department of Radiology, The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Joekes
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Immunology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Clinical Management of Cystic Echinococcosis, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Medicine, Klinikum Muenchen-Perlach, Munich, Germany; Center for Operational Medicine, Medical College Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia; Division of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Pavia/IRCCS San Matteo Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy; Department of Radiology, The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Heller
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Immunology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Clinical Management of Cystic Echinococcosis, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Medicine, Klinikum Muenchen-Perlach, Munich, Germany; Center for Operational Medicine, Medical College Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia; Division of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Pavia/IRCCS San Matteo Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy; Department of Radiology, The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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White RD, Weir-McCall JR, Budak MJ, Waugh SA, Munnoch DA, Sudarshan TAP. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance lymphography in the assessment of lower limb lymphoedema. Clin Radiol 2014; 69:e435-44. [PMID: 25064763 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2014.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Revised: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/09/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Chronic lower limb lymphoedema is a debilitating condition that may occur as a primary disorder or secondary to other conditions. Satisfactory visualization of the lymphatic vessels to aid diagnosis and surgical planning has been problematic. Historically, direct lymphography was used to visualize lymphatic vessels, although the significant surgical risks involved led to this being largely abandoned as a technique. Technetium-99m lymphoscintigraphy has been the mainstay of diagnosis for over two decades, but is hampered by inherently poor temporal and spatial resolution and limited anatomical detail. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance lymphography (MRL) is a relatively new technique that shows early promise in the evaluation of chronic lymphoedema. This article provides the procedural technique for lower limb MRL at both 1.5 and 3 T, discusses pathophysiology and classifications of lymphoedema, provides an overview of relevant lower limb lymphatic anatomy using MRL imaging, compares the various techniques used in the diagnosis of lower limb lymphoedema, shows common pathological MRL imaging findings, and describes alternative uses of MRL. Utilization of this technique will allow more accurate diagnosis and classification of patients suffering from lymphoedema.
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Affiliation(s)
- R D White
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Ninewells Avenue, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK; Department of Clinical Radiology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff CF14 4XW, UK
| | - J R Weir-McCall
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Ninewells Avenue, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - M J Budak
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Ninewells Avenue, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - S A Waugh
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Ninewells Avenue, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - D A Munnoch
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Ninewells Avenue, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - T A P Sudarshan
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Ninewells Avenue, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK.
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10
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Helpful or a Hindrance: Co-infections with Helminths During Malaria. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 828:99-129. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-1489-0_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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11
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Arndts K, Deininger S, Specht S, Klarmann U, Mand S, Adjobimey T, Debrah AY, Batsa L, Kwarteng A, Epp C, Taylor M, Adjei O, Layland LE, Hoerauf A. Elevated adaptive immune responses are associated with latent infections of Wuchereria bancrofti. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2012; 6:e1611. [PMID: 22509424 PMCID: PMC3317915 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2011] [Accepted: 02/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to guarantee the fulfillment of their complex lifecycle, adult filarial nematodes release millions of microfilariae (MF), which are taken up by mosquito vectors. The current strategy to eliminate lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem focuses upon interrupting this transmission through annual mass drug administration (MDA). It remains unclear however, how many rounds of MDA are required to achieve low enough levels of MF to cease transmission. Interestingly, with the development of further diagnostic tools a relatively neglected cohort of asymptomatic (non-lymphedema) amicrofilaremic (latent) individuals has become apparent. Indeed, epidemiological studies have suggested that there are equal numbers of patent (MF+) and latent individuals. Since the latter represent a roadblock for transmission, we studied differences in immune responses of infected asymptomatic male individuals (n = 159) presenting either patent (n = 92 MF+) or latent (n = 67 MF−) manifestations of Wuchereria bancrofti. These individuals were selected on the basis of MF, circulating filarial antigen in plasma and detectable worm nests. Immunological profiles of either Th1/Th17, Th2, regulatory or innate responses were determined after stimulation of freshly isolated PBMCs with either filarial-specific extract or bystander stimuli. In addition, levels of total and filarial-specific antibodies, both IgG subclasses and IgE, were ascertained from plasma. Results from these individuals were compared with those from 22 healthy volunteers from the same endemic area. Interestingly, we observed that in contrast to MF+ patients, latent infected individuals had lower numbers of worm nests and increased adaptive immune responses including antigen-specific IL-5. These data highlight the immunosuppressive status of MF+ individuals, regardless of age or clinical hydrocele and reveal immunological profiles associated with latency and immune-mediated suppression of parasite transmission. The tropical helminth infection lymphatic filariasis affects more than 120 million people worldwide and is considered a major public health concern. Over 90% of infections are elicited by Wucheria bancrofti and adult worms reside in the lymphatic system releasing millions of microfilariae (MF), which periodically circulate in the blood. New diagnostic tools have provided a method to determine asymptomatic patients that are amicrofilaremic: a subset of individuals that have so far been neglected but are of special interest since these patients represent a dead end in terms of parasite transmission. Therefore, we were interested in determining whether the absence of MF was associated with distinct immunological profiles and observed that indeed responses in MF+ patients were dampened. From the viewpoint of the helminth such overall suppression of immune responses may facilitate MF transmission. Latent individuals however, presented elevated filarial specific responses and extrapolating these findings to the host provides novel insight into possible protective mechanisms which either actively hinders the release of MF from worms or their travel to the periphery. Further research into these aspects may broaden the range of strategies currently employed to reduce transmission and in turn eliminate bancroftian filariasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Arndts
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Susanne Deininger
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sabine Specht
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ute Klarmann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sabine Mand
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tomabu Adjobimey
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexander Y. Debrah
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kumasi, Ghana
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, and School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Linda Batsa
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Alexander Kwarteng
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Christian Epp
- Department für Infektiologie, Parasitologie, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mark Taylor
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Ohene Adjei
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kumasi, Ghana
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, and School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Laura E. Layland
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Achim Hoerauf
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Brezina PR, Yunus F, Garcia J, Zhao Y. Description of the parasite Wucheria bancrofti microfilariae identified in follicular fluid following transvaginal oocyte retrieval. J Assist Reprod Genet 2011; 28:433-6. [PMID: 21287402 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-011-9538-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2010] [Accepted: 01/19/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This case study presents an unusual finding of filarial infection within follicular fluid obtained during an in vitro fertilization (IVF) oocyte retrieval procedure. CASE A 41 year-old G4P1030 immigrant from western Africa underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF). At the time of inspection of the follicular fluid obtained at oocyte retrieval, mobile worm-like organisms were observed and identified as Wuchereria bancrofti microfilariae (filariasis). The patient successfully underwent treatment for filariasis and Onchocerciasis co-infection. Following treatment, the patient underwent embryo transfer that failed to result in a pregnancy. DISCUSSION Recent years have seen an increase in international travel and immigration. Therefore, practitioners must become familiar not only with illnesses that are endemic to their geographic region but also diseases that are more common in remote regions of the world. The infertility evaluation and treatment offers physicians a unique opportunity to identify and initiate treatment for diseases that might otherwise go undiagnosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul R Brezina
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Falls Concourse, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 10751 Falls Road, Suite #280, Lutherville, MD 20193, USA.
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