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Lee CC, Huang PJ, Yeh YM, Li PH, Chiu CH, Cheng WH, Tang P. Helminth egg analysis platform (HEAP): An opened platform for microscopic helminth egg identification and quantification based on the integration of deep learning architectures. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2021; 55:395-404. [PMID: 34511389 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2021.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Millions of people throughout the world suffer from parasite infections. Traditionally, technicians use manual eye inspection of microscopic specimens to perform a parasite examination. However, manual operations have limitations that hinder the ability to obtain precise egg counts and cause inefficient identification of infected parasites on co-infections. The technician requirements for handling a large number of microscopic examinations in countries that have limited medical resources are substantial. We developed the helminth egg analysis platform (HEAP) as a user-friendly microscopic helminth eggs identification and quantification platform to assist medical technicians during parasite infection examination. METHODS Multiple deep learning strategies including SSD (Single Shot MultiBox Detector), U-net, and Faster R-CNN (Faster Region-based Convolutional Neural Network) are integrated to identify the same specimen allowing users to choose the best predictions. An image binning and egg-in-edge algorithm based on pixel density detection was developed to increase the performance. Computers with different operation systems can be gathered to lower the computation time using our easy-to-deploy software architecture. RESULTS A user-friendly interface is provided to substantially increase the efficiency of manual validation. To adapt to low-cost computers, we architected a distributed computing structure with high flexibilities. CONCLUSIONS HEAP serves not only as a prediction service provider but also as a parasitic egg database of microscopic helminth egg image collection, labeling data and pretrained models. All images and labeling resources are free and accessible at http://heap.cgu.edu.tw. HEAP can also be an ideal education and training resource for helminth egg examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Ching Lee
- Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Genomic Medicine Core Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan; Artificial Intelligence Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Po-Jung Huang
- Genomic Medicine Core Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Yuan-Ming Yeh
- Genomic Medicine Core Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan.
| | - Pei-Hsuan Li
- Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Cheng-Hsun Chiu
- Genomic Medicine Core Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan; Molecular Infectious Disease Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan.
| | - Wei-Hung Cheng
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.
| | - Petrus Tang
- Molecular Infectious Disease Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan; Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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Muturi M, Akoko J, Nthiwa D, Chege B, Nyamota R, Mutiiria M, Maina J, Thumbi SM, Nyamai M, Kahariri S, Sitawa R, Kimutai J, Kuria W, Mwatondo A, Bett B. Serological evidence of single and mixed infections of Rift Valley fever virus, Brucella spp. and Coxiella burnetii in dromedary camels in Kenya. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009275. [PMID: 33770095 PMCID: PMC7997034 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Camels are increasingly becoming the livestock of choice for pastoralists reeling from effects of climate change in semi-arid and arid parts of Kenya. As the population of camels rises, better understanding of their role in the epidemiology of zoonotic diseases in Kenya is a public health priority. Rift Valley fever (RVF), brucellosis and Q fever are three of the top priority diseases in the country but the involvement of camels in the transmission dynamics of these diseases is poorly understood. We analyzed 120 camel serum samples from northern Kenya to establish seropositivity rates of the three pathogens and to characterize the infecting Brucella species using molecular assays. We found seropositivity of 24.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 16.5–31.8%) for Brucella, 20.8% (95% CI: 13.6–28.1%) and 14.2% (95% CI: 7.9–20.4%) for Coxiella burnetii and Rift valley fever virus respectively. We found 27.5% (95% CI: 19.5–35.5%) of the animals were seropositive for at least one pathogen and 13.3% (95% CI: 7.2–19.4%) were seropositive for at least two pathogens. B. melitensis was the only Brucella spp. detected. The high sero-positivity rates are indicative of the endemicity of these pathogens among camel populations and the possible role the species has in the epidemiology of zoonotic diseases. Considering the strong association between human infection and contact with livestock for most zoonotic infections in Kenya, there is immediate need to conduct further research to determine the role of camels in transmission of these zoonoses to other livestock species and humans. This information will be useful for designing more effective surveillance systems and intervention measures. Dromedary camels are well adapted to the arid and semi-arid environment that makes up about 80% of Kenya’s landmass. As such, camels play an important role in the socio-economic wellbeing and food security of pastoralists in the country. However, the species remains relatively neglected in scientific research, one of the main reasons being camels are mostly found in remote, low-income, arid regions of Africa and Asia. We carried out a study to determine the levels of exposure of camels in northern Kenya to Brucella spp., Coxiella burnetii and Rift Valley fever virus, three priority zoonotic pathogens in the country. We found high levels of exposure to the three pathogens, indicating the important role camels might play in the epidemiology of the zoonotic diseases in humans and other livestock. Based on the study findings, we argue for the immediate need for investments in disease surveillance and control strategies for priority zoonotic disease in camels in Kenya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew Muturi
- Zoonotic Disease Unit Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- * E-mail:
| | - James Akoko
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Daniel Nthiwa
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Embu, Embu, Kenya
| | | | | | | | - Josphat Maina
- Zoonotic Disease Unit Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - S. M. Thumbi
- Center for Epidemiological and Modelling Analysis, University of Nairobi Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Nairobi, Kenya
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Paul G Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Mutono Nyamai
- Center for Epidemiological and Modelling Analysis, University of Nairobi Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Nairobi, Kenya
- Paul G Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Samuel Kahariri
- Kenya Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rinah Sitawa
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joshua Kimutai
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Wilson Kuria
- Kenya Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Athman Mwatondo
- Zoonotic Disease Unit Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Bernard Bett
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
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Gastrointestinal Nematodes among Residents in Melong, Moungo Division, Littoral Region, Cameroon. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:5368973. [PMID: 33628786 PMCID: PMC7886586 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5368973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Intestinal parasitic infections are among the most common infections worldwide. The present study was undertaken to provide baseline information on the status of gastrointestinal nematodes in Melong Subdivision, Moungo Division, Littoral Region, Cameroon. Material and Methods. Seven hundred and eighty-eight stool samples were collected in randomly selected quarters in the community of Melong. These stool samples were brought to the Laboratory of Applied Biology and Ecology in the University of Dschang for analysis using the qualitative (simple flotation) and quantitative (Mc Master count) technique. Results The nematodes identified were Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, Trichuris trichiura, and Capillaria hepatica with respective prevalences and intensities of infection of 2.2% and 3691.12 ± 3898.47, 1.4% and 940.91 ± 1825.90, 1.0% and 193.75 ± 227.47, and 0.4%and 50 ± 00. The data on the prevalence of nematodes with respect to sex and age showed that females (6.0%) were more infected than males (2.76%) with no significant difference (P > 0.05). Furthermore, with respect to age, adults were more infected than children. The percentage of educational level showed a reduction in the number of parasites in the higher educational level. The prevalence of A. lumbricoides between localities showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) with “Quarter 1” harboring most of the nematodes. Cases of double (Ascaris lumbricoides + Trichuris trichiura) and triple (Ascaris lumbricoides + Trichuris trichiura + hookworm) parasitism were encountered with both having a prevalence of 0.3%. According to the fecal concentration of eggs, 63.89% of the infections were light, 5.56% moderate, and 30.56% heavy. Conclusion A relatively low overall prevalence was obtained in our study, showing that the national deworming campaign is proving effective, but more effort is needed to completely eradicate these parasites for a single infected individual can cause havoc.
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Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in the Frugivorous and the Insectivorous Bats in Southcentral Nepal. J Parasitol Res 2020; 2020:8880033. [PMID: 33414955 PMCID: PMC7752302 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8880033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Bats are the only active flying placental mammals and are traditionally classified into mega- and microbats, which are, respectively, herbivorous and insectivorous in feeding habit. Though deforestation, habitat destruction, natural calamities, illegal hunting, and climate changes are the challenging threats for bats, the role of existing gastrointestinal (GI) parasites have not been evaluated yet in Nepal. Thus, the current study aims to determine the prevalence of GI parasites in bats from the Shaktikhor area at the Chitwan district of Southcentral Nepal. From July 2018 to February 2019, a total of 60 fecal samples of bats (30 from frugivorous bats and 30 from the insectivorous bats) were collected. These samples were preserved at 2.5% potassium dichromate solution. The fecal examination was carried out by the direct wet mount, concentrations, acid-fast staining, and sporulation techniques. Overall results showed the prevalence rate of 80% GI parasites. The parasites detected in the insectivorous bats were Ascarid spp., Capillarid sp., Cryptosporidium sp., Eimeria spp., Entamoeba sp., Giardia sp., Hymenolepis spp., Isospora sp., Oxyurid sp., Strongyle, and Strongyloides sp. In contrast, Eimeria sp., Entamoeba sp., and Hymenolepis sp. were detected in the frugivorous bats. Based on a wide diversity of parasite richness and parasitic concurrency measured by the prevalence rates, we suggest that GI parasitism might be a threatening factor in the insectivorous bats in the current study area.
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Flammer PG, Smith AL. Intestinal helminths as a biomolecular complex in archaeological research. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20190570. [PMID: 33012232 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Enteric helminths are common parasites in many parts of the world and in the past were much more widespread both geographically and socially. Many enteric helminths are relatively long-lived in the human host, often benign or of low pathogenicity while producing large numbers of environmentally resistant eggs voided in the faeces or found associated with individual remains (skeletons and mummies). The combination of helminth characters offers opportunities to the field of historical pathogen research that are quite different to that of some of the more intensively studied high impact pathogens. Historically, a wealth of studies has employed microscopic techniques to diagnose infection using the morphology of the helminth eggs. More recently, various ancient DNA (aDNA) approaches have been applied in the archaeoparasitological context and these are revolutionizing the field, allowing much more specific diagnosis as well as interrogating the epidemiology of helminths. These advances have enhanced the potential for the field to provide unique information on past populations including using diseases to consider many aspects of life (e.g. sanitation, hygiene, diet, culinary practices and other aspects of society). Here, we consider the impact of helminth archaeoparasitology and more specifically the impact and potential for application of aDNA technologies as a part of the archaeologists' toolkit. This article is part of the theme issue 'Insights into health and disease from ancient biomolecules'.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adrian L Smith
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK
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Rahman FB, Ahmed S, Noor P, Rahman MMM, Huq SMA, Akib MTE, Shohael AM. A comprehensive multi-directional exploration of phytochemicals and bioactivities of flower extracts from Delonix regia (Bojer ex Hook.) Raf., Cassia fistula L. and Lagerstroemia speciosa L. Biochem Biophys Rep 2020; 24:100805. [PMID: 32984558 PMCID: PMC7495018 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2020.100805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Delonix regia (Bojer ex Hook.) Raf., Cassia fistula L. and Lagerstroemia speciosa L. are three ornamental plants that produce colorful flowers. The present study aimed to evaluate the phytochemicals and bioactivities of methanolic extracts of flowers from Delonix regia (DrFME), Cassia fistula (CfFME), and Lagerstroemia speciosa (LsFME). The presence of ten different chemical classes in varying degrees was confirmed while qualitatively screened. During quantitative determination, LsFME possesses the highest amount of total phenolic (418.0 mg/g), flavonoid (50.8 mg/g), and tannin (256.3 mg/g) contents. The extracts showed excellent antioxidant capacity in a concentration-dependent manner with the lowest IC50 value (41.51 μg/mL) displayed by LsFME. LsFME paralyzed the experimental worms at 2.95 min and killed at 3.96 min. DrFME was found to be more effective in thrombolytic (35.5% clot lysis) and anticoagulant activities. Negligible hemolytic activity (IC50 > 200 μg/mL) found for all extracts which suggest their less potential toxicity. The in vivo experiments revealed that the CfFME has the highest analgesic (64.34% pain inhibition) activity while LsFME has the highest antidiarrheal (70.27% inhibition) and antihyperglycemic (46.94% inhibition) activities at 400 mg/kg of body weight doses. This study has shown the presence of phytochemicals and potential bioactivities which indicates the possibility of these flowers to be used as a source of phytochemicals as well as safe and effective natural medicine.
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Key Words
- Bioefficacy
- CE, Catechin equivalent
- CfFME, Cassia fistula flower methanolic extract
- DPPH, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl
- DrFME, Delonix regia flower methanolic extract
- Flowers
- Folk medicine
- GAE, Gallic acid equivalent
- IC50, Half-maximal inhibitory concentration
- LsFME, Lagerstroemia speciosa flower methanolic extract
- Mice model
- Ornamental plants
- PT, Prothrombin time
- Phytoconstituents
- SEM, Standard error of the mean
- TAE, Tannic acid equivalent
- TFC, Total flavonoid content
- TPC, Total phenolic content
- TTC, Total tannin content
- UV, Ultra-violet
- aPTT, Activated partial thromboplastin time
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Bin Rahman
- Cell Genetics and Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Sium Ahmed
- Cell Genetics and Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Priya Noor
- Cell Genetics and Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Mir Md Mahbubur Rahman
- Cell Genetics and Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh
| | - S M Azimul Huq
- Cell Genetics and Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Md Taharat Elahi Akib
- Cell Genetics and Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Abdullah Mohammad Shohael
- Cell Genetics and Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh
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Le L, Khatoon S, Jiménez P, Peterson C, Kernen R, Zhang W, Molehin AJ, Lazarus S, Sudduth J, May J, Karmakar S, Rojo JU, Ahmad G, Torben W, Carey D, Wolf RF, Papin JF, Siddiqui AA. Chronic whipworm infection exacerbates Schistosoma mansoni egg-induced hepatopathology in non-human primates. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:109. [PMID: 32111243 PMCID: PMC7048111 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-3980-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis continues to inflict significant morbidity and mortality in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The disease endemicity overlaps with the transmission of other parasitic diseases. Despite the ubiquity of polyparasitism in tropical regions, particularly in rural communities, little is known about the impact of multiple helminth infections on disease progression. In this pilot study, we describe the influence of chronic Trichuris trichiura infection on Schistosoma mansoni egg-induced hepatopathology in infected baboons. METHODS Baboons with or without underlying whipworm infection were challenged with S. mansoni cercariae to establish schistosomiasis. Adult S. mansoni worms were recovered by perfusion and enumerated, hepatic granulomas were quantified via light microscopy, and transcriptional profiling of tissues were completed using RNA sequencing technologies. RESULTS Co-infection with both S. mansoni and T. trichiura resulted in higher female schistosome worm burden and significantly larger liver granuloma sizes. Systems biology analyses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) revealed pathways associated with increased liver damage in co-infected baboons. CONCLUSIONS Underlying chronic whipworm infection intensified schistosome egg-induced liver pathology in infected baboons. RNA-Seq analysis provided insight into pathways associated with increased liver damage, corroborating histological findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loc Le
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Sabiha Khatoon
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Paola Jiménez
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Christopher Peterson
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Rebecca Kernen
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Weidong Zhang
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Adebayo J Molehin
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Samra Lazarus
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Justin Sudduth
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Jordan May
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Souvik Karmakar
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Juan U Rojo
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA
| | - Gul Ahmad
- Department of Natural Sciences, Peru State College, Peru, NE, USA
| | - Workineh Torben
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Alexandria, LA, USA
| | - David Carey
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Roman F Wolf
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.,Oklahoma City VA Health Care System, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - James F Papin
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Afzal A Siddiqui
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA. .,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.
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Radwan EH, Hassan AAER, Lotfy WM, El-Mawgood AA, Mashaal HM. The Prevalence of Intestinal Parasite Infection in El Behara Schoolchildren. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIMNOLOGY 2019; 1:33-51. [DOI: 10.14302/issn.2691-3208.ijli-19-2853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasite in schoolchildren in Damanhur, Egypt and some of its villages. The pathogenic enteric protozoa have been progressively involved in bargaining the soundness of a great many individuals, for the most part in creating nations. Mediations are being set up to control the dreariness and mortality because of these protozoan contaminations. A portion of these mediations target school going kids with regards to class based wellbeing intercession. The present examination concentrated on exploring the commonness of intestinal protozoan contaminations among younger students chose networks comprising of urban, urban-poor and per urban settlements in the Damanhour and a few towns. In the present work Giardia lamblia was the second usually identified protozoan with a diseases rate 10.4% among the analyzed cases. In the present examination generally speaking level of parasitic contaminations among the kids was 57.3%. It's viewed as Enterobius vermicularis was the most usually identified protozoan as it spoke to 4.1% of the parasitic diseases in the considered cases pursued by Ascaris lumbricoides; 1.4% and Giardia lamblia contaminations as they spoke to 0.6%; separately. The protozoa like Giardia and Cryptosporidium are regularly present in surface waters and cause episodes in this manner legitimately affecting human wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wael M. Lotfy
- Faculty of Nursing, Dean of Matrouh University, Egypt
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Mekonnen Z, Getachew M, Bogers J, Vercruysse J, Levecke B. Assessment of seasonality in soil-transmitted helminth infections across 14 schools in Jimma Town, Ethiopia. Pan Afr Med J 2019; 32:6. [PMID: 31068999 PMCID: PMC6492303 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2019.32.6.16085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Up to date, the frequency of preventive chemotherapy based on the prevalence is the only strategy in the control programmes of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs). However, prevalence of STHs may be affected by climatic and/or seasonal changes, particularly when these are important determinants of transmission of STH infections. Our objective was to describe the prevalence and infection intensity and seasonal variation (mainly dry vs rainy season) of any STHs among school age children. Methods Assessment of infection intensity and prevalence of STHs was carried out during dry season (February-March, 2012) and end of rainy season (September-October, 2012) across 14 primary schools in Jimma Town, Jimma, Ethiopia. A total of 1,680 school children (840 in each season) were included. All stool samples were processed by the McMaster egg counting method. Odds of infection and intensity was performed to assess any differences in prevalence and infection intensity between the schools and the two seasons. The pooled odd ratio and their 95% confidence interval was also computed and presented using the "metafor" package of the statistical software R. The level of significance was declared at p < 0.05. Results Infections with any STH were observed in 824/1,680 (49.0%) subjects. T. trichiura was the most prevalent (35.5%), followed by A. lumbricoides (23.4%) and hookworms (9.9%). Among the schools there were a huge variation in prevalence, ranging from 16.7% to 68.3% for any STH, 6.7% to 39.2% for A. lumbricoides, 10.8% to 55.0% for T. trichiura and 0 % to 28.3% for hookworms. A significant difference in prevalence (for T. trichiura) and in infection intensity (for A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura) across seasons was observed. Generally, STH infections were more prevalent in the dry season (52.4%) compared to the rainy season (45.7%) and as well intensity of all three STH infections was higher in the dry season. Conclusion Our data suggested that there were huge variation in STH prevalence among schools and a significant difference in infection intensity and prevalence across seasons. This in turn might limits how national governments and international organizations define and target resources to combat the disease burden due to STH infection. Long term studies are needed to confirm the influence of seasonal factors and related ecological, environmental and socio-economic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeleke Mekonnen
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Mestawet Getachew
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Johannes Bogers
- Applied Molecular Biology Research (AMBIOR) Group, Antwerp University, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jozef Vercruysse
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, University of Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bruno Levecke
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, University of Ghent, Belgium
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Extending the global worm index and its links to human development and child education. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006322. [PMID: 29927931 PMCID: PMC6013015 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Pabalan N, Singian E, Tabangay L, Jarjanazi H, Boivin MJ, Ezeamama AE. Soil-transmitted helminth infection, loss of education and cognitive impairment in school-aged children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0005523. [PMID: 29329288 PMCID: PMC5766095 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence of an adverse influence of soil transmitted helminth (STH) infections on cognitive function and educational loss is equivocal. Prior meta-analyses have focused on randomized controlled trials only and have not sufficiently explored the potential for disparate influence of STH infection by cognitive domain. We re-examine the hypothesis that STH infection is associated with cognitive deficit and educational loss using data from all primary epidemiologic studies published between 1992 and 2016. METHODS Medline, Biosis and Web of Science were searched for original studies published in the English language. Cognitive function was defined in four domains (learning, memory, reaction time and innate intelligence) and educational loss in two domains (attendance and scholastic achievement). Pooled effect across studies were calculated as standardized mean differences (SMD) to compare cognitive and educational measures for STH infected/non-dewormed children versus STH uninfected /dewormed children using Review Manager 5.3. Sub-group analyses were implemented by study design, risk of bias (ROB) and co-prevalence of Schistosoma species infection. Influential studies were excluded in sensitivity analysis to examine stability of pooled estimates. FINDINGS We included 36 studies of 12,920 children. STH infected/non-dewormed children had small to moderate deficits in three domains-learning, memory and intelligence (SMD: -0.44 to -0.27, P<0.01-0.03) compared to STH-uninfected/dewormed children. There were no differences by infection/treatment status for reaction time, school attendance and scholastic achievement (SMD: -0.26 to -0.16, P = 0.06-0.19). Heterogeneity of the pooled effects in all six domains was high (P<0.01; I2 = 66-99%). Application of outlier treatment reduced heterogeneity in learning domain (P = 0.12; I2 = 33%) and strengthened STH-related associations in all domains but intelligence (SMD: -0.20, P = 0.09). Results varied by study design and ROB. Among experimental intervention studies, there was no association between STH treatment and educational loss/performance in tests of memory, reaction time and innate intelligence (SMD: -0.27 to 0.17, P = 0.18-0.69). Infection-related deficits in learning persisted within design/ROB levels (SMD: -0.37 to -52, P<0.01) except for pre-vs post intervention design (n = 3 studies, SMD = -0.43, P = 0.47). Deficits in memory, reaction time and innate intelligence persisted within observational studies (SMD: -0.23 to -0.38, all P<0.01) and high ROB strata (SMD:-0.37 to -0.83, P = 0.07 to <0.01). Further, in Schistosoma infection co-prevalent settings, associations were generally stronger and statistically robust for STH-related deficits in learning, memory and reaction time tests(SMD:-0.36 to -0.55, P = 0.003-0.02). STH-related deficits in school attendance and scholastic achievement was noted in low (SMD:-0.57, P = 0.05) and high ROB strata respectively. INTERPRETATION We provide evidence of superior performance in five of six educational and cognitive domains assessed for STH uninfected/dewormed versus STH infected/not-dewormed school-aged children from helminth endemic regions. Cautious interpretation is warranted due to high ROB in some of the primary literature and high between study variability in most domains. Notwithstanding, this synthesis provides empirical support for a cognitive and educational benefit of deworming. The benefit of deworming will be enhanced by strategically employing, integrated interventions. Thus, multi-pronged inter-sectoral strategies that holistically address the environmental and structural roots of child cognitive impairment and educational loss in the developing world may be needed to fully realize the benefit of mass deworming programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noel Pabalan
- Center for Research and Development, Angeles University Foundation, Angeles City, Philippines
| | - Eloisa Singian
- Department of Medical Technology, College of Allied Medical Professions, Angeles University Foundation, Angeles, Philippines
| | - Lani Tabangay
- Department of Biological Sciences, Angeles University Foundation, Angeles City, Philippines
| | - Hamdi Jarjanazi
- Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Branch, Biomonitoring Unit, Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael J. Boivin
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Amara E. Ezeamama
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
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Abstract
Worldwide, children are often not meeting their developmental potential owing to malnutrition, infection, lack of stimulation, and toxic stress. Children with disabilities are more likely to experience poverty, neglect, and abuse, and are less likely to have adequate access to education and medical care. Early childhood developmental stimulation can improve language, learning, and future participation in communities. Therapeutic supports and endeavors to reduce stigma for people of all abilities strengthen communities and allow for human thriving.
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Chapman PA, Owen H, Flint M, Soares Magalhães RJ, Traub RJ, Cribb TH, Kyaw-Tanner MT, Mills PC. Molecular epidemiology and pathology of spirorchiid infection in green sea turtles ( Chelonia mydas). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2017; 6:39-47. [PMID: 28331802 PMCID: PMC5345959 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2017.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Spirorchiid blood fluke infections affect endangered turtle populations globally, and are reported as a common cause of mortality in Queensland green sea turtles. Both the flukes and their ova are pathogenic and can contribute to the stranding or death of their host. Of particular interest are ova-associated brain lesions, which have been associated with host neurological deficits. Accurate estimations of disease frequency and the relative effect of infection relating to different spirorchiid species are made difficult by challenges in morphological identification of adults of some genera, and a lack of species-level identifying features for ova. A new specifically designed molecular assay was used to detect and identify cryptic spirorchiids and their ova in Queensland green sea turtle tissues collected from 2011 to 2014 in order to investigate epidemiology, tissue tropisms and pathology. Eight spirorchiid genotypes were detected in 14 distinct tissues, including multiple tissues for each. We found no evidence of a characteristic pathway of the eggs to the exterior; instead the results suggest that a high proportion of eggs become lost in dead-end tissues. The most common lesions observed were granulomas affecting most organs with varying severity, followed by arteritis and thrombi in the great vessels. The number of spirorchiid types detected increased with the presence and severity of granulomatous lesions. However, compared with other organs the brain showed relatively low levels of spirorchiid diversity. An inverse relationship between host age and spirorchiid diversity was evident for the liver and kidneys, but no such relationship was evident for other organs. Molecular data in this study, the first of its kind, provides the first species-level examination of spirorchiid ova and associated pathology, and paves the way for the future development of targeted ante-mortem diagnosis of spirorchiidiasis. First species-level molecular study of spirorchiidiasis. Eight genotypes detected across fourteen tissue types. Species investigated in terms of tissue tropisms and pathology. Granulomas and arteritis/thrombosis most common lesions. Number of species present correlated with presence and severity of lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe A Chapman
- Veterinary-Marine Animal Research, Teaching and Investigation, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Helen Owen
- Veterinary-Marine Animal Research, Teaching and Investigation, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mark Flint
- Veterinary-Marine Animal Research, Teaching and Investigation, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia; School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, The Florida Aquarium's Center for Conservation, Apollo Beach, FL, USA
| | - Ricardo J Soares Magalhães
- UQ Spatial Epidemiology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia; Children's Health and Environment Program, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rebecca J Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thomas H Cribb
- School of Biological Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Myat T Kyaw-Tanner
- Veterinary-Marine Animal Research, Teaching and Investigation, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Paul C Mills
- Veterinary-Marine Animal Research, Teaching and Investigation, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
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14
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Cabello RKS, Beck LC, Massara CL, Murta FL, Guimarães RJ, Pieri OS, Schall VT, Favre TC. Schistosoma mansoni infection and related knowledge among schoolchildren in an endemic area of Minas Gerais, Brazil, prior to educational actions. Acta Trop 2016; 164:208-215. [PMID: 27647573 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
As a signatory to World Health Assembly Resolution WHA65.21 on eliminating schistosomiasis, the Brazilian Ministry of Health (MoH) recommends early identification and timely treatment of the infection carriers for morbidity control, plus complementary preventive measures, such as health education, for transmission control. This study reports infection and awareness of schistosomiasis among schoolchildren before the implementation of school-based educational actions in an endemic municipality with persisting moderate prevalence levels despite successive control campaigns since the late 1990s. A questionnaire was applied in April 2013 to schoolchildren in the middle years of schooling (6th to 8th year) of Malacacheta municipality to assess baseline knowledge and risk behaviour related to schistosomiasis. A stool survey was conducted in May/June 2013 in 2519 schoolchildren from all years of fundamental education (first to 9th year) to identify the infection carriers, as well as to assess baseline prevalence and intensity of infection using the Kato-Katz method (one sample, two slides). The infected schoolchildren were treated promptly with single-dose praziquantel 60mg/kg and followed up after 45days for treatment efficacy. Relevant outcomes from baseline stool survey, treatment and follow-up were statistically evaluated in relation to area of residence (rural/urban), gender, age group (<11/≥years) and infection. Adherence to baseline survey was 81.2%, and prevalence of infection was 21.4%. Of the 539 positives, 60 (11.1%) had ≥400 eggs per gram of faeces (heavy-intensity infection). Prevalence of infection was significantly higher among rural residents and≥11year olds, whereas intensity of infection was higher among rural residents,≥11year olds and boys. Adherence by the positives to treatment was 93.3% and adherence by the treated children to 45-day follow-up was 72.2%. At 45days after treatment, 97.0% of the 363 children surveyed were egg-negative; the egg reduction rate was 99.4%. Of the 924 children who responded to the questionnaire, 95.5% showed awareness of schistosomiasis, although 76.2% reported contact with natural, unsafe bodies of water. Reported contact with water was significantly more frequent among infected than non-infected, and boys than girls. The results show persisting infection and risk behaviour among schoolchildren, regardless of their basic knowledge about schistosomiasis. These are grounds for implementing specific educational actions to improve awareness and behavioural change, jointly with other control measures, to attain the MoH goals.
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15
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Mekonnen Z, Suleman S, Biruksew A, Tefera T, Chelkeba L. Intestinal polyparasitism with special emphasis to soil-transmitted helminths among residents around Gilgel Gibe Dam, Southwest Ethiopia: a community based survey. BMC Public Health 2016; 16:1185. [PMID: 27881115 PMCID: PMC5121972 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3859-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One third of the world population is estimated to be infected with intestinal parasites. The most affected people are children and the poor people living in tropics and subtropics. Polyparasitism (the concurrent infection with multiple intestinal parasite species) is found to be the norm among the same population although accurate estimate of its magnitude is unknown. It was found that polyparasitism might have a greater impact on morbidity than single species infection which might also increase susceptibility to other infections. Therefore, this study aimed at determining the prevalence and distribution of intestinal polyparasitism with special emphasis on Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) among residents around Gilgel Gibe dam located in Jimma zone of Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. METHODS A total of 1,021 participants were recruited in this study and provided stool samples for parasitological examination. Direct wet mount and Kato-Katz techniques were employed for stool examination. Pearson chi-square test was employed to assess the association of infection status and polyparasitism with gender and age group of the study participants. RESULTS Five hundred thirty two individuals were infected with at least one parasite, providing the overall prevalence of 52.1%. Among positive individuals, 405 (76.1%), 114 (21.4%), and 13 (2.5%) individuals were infected with only one, two and three species of parasites, respectively. The overall prevalence of intestinal polyparasitism observed among the study participants was 12.4% (127/1,021). The predominant STH was hookworm, with a prevalence of 44.1%. Hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides were the most frequently recorded combination in cases of polyparasitic infection. The study revealed that there was no significant difference in the distribution of polyparasitism with regard to age group and sex of the study participants (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION The study indicated the presence of high prevalence of parasites as well as distribution of polyparasitism in the area. Moreover, the detection of Schistosoma mansoni in the community living within close proximity of the newly constructed dam would be taken as an indication of future risk factor. Further investigation on the predictors of polyparasitism and the assessment of effects of polyparasitism on the population are needed. Finally, there is a need to undertake integrated control strategies which involve improved sanitation, health education and chemotherapy that targets the whole community instead of only certain segments of populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeleke Mekonnen
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Pathology, College of Health sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.
| | - Sultan Suleman
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Abdissa Biruksew
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Pathology, College of Health sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Tamirat Tefera
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Pathology, College of Health sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Legese Chelkeba
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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16
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Erismann S, Diagbouga S, Odermatt P, Knoblauch AM, Gerold J, Shrestha A, Grissoum T, Kaboré A, Schindler C, Utzinger J, Cissé G. Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among schoolchildren in the Plateau Central and Centre-Ouest regions of Burkina Faso. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:554. [PMID: 27756339 PMCID: PMC5069922 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1835-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Unsafe drinking water, unimproved sanitation and lack of hygiene pose health risks, particularly to children in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections in school-aged children in two regions of Burkina Faso. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out in February 2015 with 385 children aged 8–14 years from eight randomly selected schools in the Plateau Central and Centre-Ouest regions of Burkina Faso. Stool samples were subjected to the Kato-Katz and a formalin-ether concentration method for the diagnosis of helminths and intestinal protozoa infections. Urine samples were examined with a urine filtration technique for Schistosoma haematobium eggs. Water samples from community sources (n = 37), children’s households (n = 95) and children’s drinking water cups (n = 113) were analysed for contamination with coliform bacteria and faecal streptococci. Data on individual and family-level risk factors were obtained using a questionnaire. Mixed logistic regression models were employed to determine factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections in schoolchildren. Results Intestinal parasitic infections were highly prevalent; 84.7 % of the children harboured intestinal protozoa, while helminth infections were diagnosed in 10.7 % of the children. We found significantly lower odds of pathogenic intestinal protozoa infection (Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar and Giardia intestinalis) among children from the Plateau Central, compared to the Centre-Ouest region (P < 0.001). Children from households with “freely roaming domestic animals” (P = 0.008), particularly dogs (P = 0.016) showed higher odds of G. intestinalis, and children reporting exposure to freshwater sources through domestic chores had higher odds of S. haematobium infection compared to children without this water contact activity (P = 0.035). Water quality, household drinking water source and storage did not emerge as significant risk factors for intestinal parasitic infections in children. Conclusions Intestinal protozoa but not helminths were highly prevalent among schoolchildren in randomly selected schools in two regions of Burkina Faso. Our findings call for specific public health measures tailored to school-aged children and rural communities in this part of Burkina Faso. It will be interesting to assess the effect of water, sanitation and hygiene interventions on the transmission of intestinal parasitic infections. Trial registration ISRCTN17968589 (date assigned: 17 July 2015). Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1835-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Séverine Erismann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Serge Diagbouga
- Institut de Recherches en Sciences de la Santé, P.O. Box 7192, Ouagadougou, 03, Burkina Faso
| | - Peter Odermatt
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Astrid M Knoblauch
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jana Gerold
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Akina Shrestha
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003, Basel, Switzerland.,Kathmandu University, P.O. Box 6250, 45200, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | - Tarnagda Grissoum
- Institut de Recherches en Sciences de la Santé, P.O. Box 7192, Ouagadougou, 03, Burkina Faso
| | - Aminata Kaboré
- Institut de Recherches en Sciences de la Santé, P.O. Box 7192, Ouagadougou, 03, Burkina Faso
| | - Christian Schindler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Guéladio Cissé
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003, Basel, Switzerland.
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17
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Ortu G, Assoum M, Wittmann U, Knowles S, Clements M, Ndayishimiye O, Basáñez MG, Lau C, Clements A, Fenwick A, Magalhaes RJS. The impact of an 8-year mass drug administration programme on prevalence, intensity and co-infections of soil-transmitted helminthiases in Burundi. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:513. [PMID: 27660114 PMCID: PMC5034474 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1794-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are amongst the most prevalent infections in the world. Mass drug administration (MDA) programmes have become the most commonly used national interventions for endemic countries to achieve elimination. This paper aims to describe the effect of an 8-year MDA programme on the prevalence, intensity of infection and co-infection of STH in Burundi from 2007 to 2014 and critically appraise the trajectory towards STH elimination in the country. Results Annual STH parasitological surveys (specifically, a “pilot study” from 2007 to 2011, an “extension study” from 2008 to 2011, and a “national reassessment” in 2014; n = 27,658 children), showed a significant drop in prevalence of infection with any STH (“pooled STH”) between baseline and 2011 in both studies, falling from 32 to 16 % in the pilot study, and from 35 to 16 % in the extension study. Most STH infections were of low intensity according to WHO classification. The national reassessment in 2014 showed that prevalence of pooled STH remained significantly below the prevalence in 2007 in both studies but there was no further decrease in STH prevalence from 2011 levels during this time. Spatial dependence analysis showed that prevalence of Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides had a tendency to cluster over the years, whilst only trends in spatial dependence were evident for hookworm infections. Spatial dependence fluctuated over the course of the programme for Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura. However, spatial trends in spatial dependence were evident in 2010 for Ascaris lumbricoides. Analysis of spatial clustering of intensity of infection and heavy infections revealed that the intensity changed over time for all parasites. Heavy intensity was only evident in Ascaris lumbricoides for 2008 and did not appear in proceeding years and other parasites. Conclusions These results demonstrate that sustained annual MDA significantly reduced the prevalence of STH infection in school-age children but was unable to achieve elimination. Additionally, significant decline in prevalence was accompanied by a drop in spatial clustering of infection indicators across all sites from 2008. The lack of consistency in the results of the spatial dependence analysis highlights that MDA programmes can interrupt the normal transmission dynamics of STH parasites. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1794-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Ortu
- Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Imperial College London, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine (St. Mary's Campus), Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK.
| | - Mohamad Assoum
- School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Children's Health and Environment Program, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Udo Wittmann
- Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Imperial College London, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine (St. Mary's Campus), Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Sarah Knowles
- Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Imperial College London, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine (St. Mary's Campus), Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Michelle Clements
- Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Imperial College London, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine (St. Mary's Campus), Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Onésime Ndayishimiye
- Programme National Intégré de lutte contre les Maladies Tropicales Négligées et la Cécité (PNIMTNC) - Ministère de la Santé Publique et de la lutte contre le SIDA, Bujumbura, Burundi
| | - Maria-Gloria Basáñez
- Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Imperial College London, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine (St. Mary's Campus), Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK.,London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine (St. Mary's Campus), Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Colleen Lau
- Children's Health and Environment Program, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Archie Clements
- Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Alan Fenwick
- Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Imperial College London, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine (St. Mary's Campus), Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Ricardo J Soares Magalhaes
- Children's Health and Environment Program, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland (Gatton Campus), Via Warrego Highway, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
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18
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Campbell SJ, Nery SV, Doi SA, Gray DJ, Soares Magalhães RJ, McCarthy JS, Traub RJ, Andrews RM, Clements ACA. Complexities and Perplexities: A Critical Appraisal of the Evidence for Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infection-Related Morbidity. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004566. [PMID: 27196100 PMCID: PMC4873196 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) have acute and chronic manifestations, and can result in lifetime morbidity. Disease burden is difficult to quantify, yet quantitative evidence is required to justify large-scale deworming programmes. A recent Cochrane systematic review, which influences Global Burden of Disease (GBD) estimates for STH, has again called into question the evidence for deworming benefit on morbidity due to STH. In this narrative review, we investigate in detail what the shortfalls in evidence are. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We systematically reviewed recent literature that used direct measures to investigate morbidity from STH and we critically appraised systematic reviews, particularly the most recent Cochrane systematic review investigating deworming impact on morbidity. We included six systematic reviews and meta-analyses, 36 literature reviews, 44 experimental or observational studies, and five case series. We highlight where evidence is insufficient and where research needs to be directed to strengthen morbidity evidence, ideally to prove benefits of deworming. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Overall, the Cochrane systematic review and recent studies indicate major shortfalls in evidence for direct morbidity. However, it is questionable whether the systematic review methodology should be applied to STH due to heterogeneity of the prevalence of different species in each setting. Urgent investment in studies powered to detect direct morbidity effects due to STH is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzy J. Campbell
- Research School of Population Health, College of Medicine, Biology, and Environment, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Captial Territory, Australia
| | - Susana V. Nery
- Research School of Population Health, College of Medicine, Biology, and Environment, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Captial Territory, Australia
| | - Suhail A. Doi
- Research School of Population Health, College of Medicine, Biology, and Environment, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Captial Territory, Australia
| | - Darren J. Gray
- Research School of Population Health, College of Medicine, Biology, and Environment, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Captial Territory, Australia
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ricardo J. Soares Magalhães
- Children's Health and Environment Program, Queensland Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - James S. McCarthy
- School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Clinical Tropical Medicine Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rebecca J. Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ross M. Andrews
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Archie C. A. Clements
- Research School of Population Health, College of Medicine, Biology, and Environment, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Captial Territory, Australia
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19
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Shield J, Aland K, Kearns T, Gongdjalk G, Holt D, Currie B, Prociv P. Intestinal parasites of children and adults in a remote Aboriginal community of the Northern Territory, Australia, 1994-1996. Western Pac Surveill Response J 2015; 6:44-51. [PMID: 25960921 DOI: 10.2471/wpsar.2015.6.1.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Parasitic infections can adversely impact health, nutritional status and educational attainment. This study investigated hookworm and other intestinal parasites in an Aboriginal community in Australia from 1994 to 1996. METHODS Seven surveys for intestinal parasites were conducted by a quantitative formol-ether method on faecal samples. Serological testing was conducted for Strongyloides stercoralis and Toxocara canis IgG by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS Of the 314 participants, infections were as follows: Trichuris trichiura (86%); hookworm, predominantly Ancylostoma duodenale (36%); Entamoeba spp. (E. histolytica complex [E. histolytica, E. dispar and E. moskovski], E. coli and E. hartmanni) (25%); S. stercoralis (19%); Rodentolepis nana (16%); and Giardia duodenalis (10%). Serological diagnosis for 29 individuals showed that 28% were positive for S. stercoralis and 21% for T. canis. There was a decrease in the proportion positive for hookworm over the two-year period but not for the other parasite species. The presence of hookworm, T. trichiura and Entamoeba spp. was significantly greater in 5-14 year olds (n = 87) than in 0-4 year olds (n = 41), while the presence of S. stercoralis, R. nana, G. duodenalis and Entamoeba spp. in 5-14 year olds was significantly greater than 15-69 year olds (n = 91). DISCUSSION Faecal testing indicated a very high prevalence of intestinal parasites, especially in schoolchildren. The decrease in percentage positive for hookworm over the two years was likely due to the albendazole deworming programme, and recent evidence indicates that the prevalence of hookworm is now low. However there was no sustained decrease in percentage positive for the other parasite species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kieran Aland
- Queensland Museum, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Thérèse Kearns
- Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Glenda Gongdjalk
- Ngalkanbuy Health Centre, Galiwin'ku, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Deborah Holt
- Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Bart Currie
- Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia . ; Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Paul Prociv
- University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Lee SC, Ngui R, Tan TK, Muhammad Aidil R, Lim YAL. Neglected tropical diseases among two indigenous subtribes in peninsular Malaysia: highlighting differences and co-infection of helminthiasis and sarcocystosis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e107980. [PMID: 25248116 PMCID: PMC4172629 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections have been documented among these minority groups since 1938. However the prevalence of STH is still high among these communities. Most studies tend to consider the Orang Asli (indigenous) as a homogenous group. In contrary, different subtribes have their own cultural practices. To understand this variation better, we studied the prevalence and associated factors of STH and other gut parasitic infections among two common subtribes (i.e. Temuan and Temiar). Results showed that the prevalence of the overall STH infections was higher in the Temuan subtribe (53.2% of 171) compared to the Temiar subtribe (52.7% of 98). Trichuris trichiura (46.2%) was the most prevalent parasite in the Temuan subtribe, followed by Ascaris spp. (25.7%) and hookworm (4.1%). In contrast, Ascaris spp. (39.8%) was more prevalent among the Temiar subtribe, preceded by T. trichiura (35.7%) and finally hookworm (8.3%). There were also co-infections of helminthiasis and intestinal protozoa among both Temuan and Temiar subtribes with rates being three times higher among the Temiar compared to Temuan. The most common co-infection was with Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii (n = 24; 24.5%, 16.0-33.0), followed by Giardia spp. (n = 3; 3.1%, -0.3-6.5). In Temuan, STH infection individuals were also infected with Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii (n = 11; 6.4%, 5.0-13.8), Cryptosporidium spp. (n = 3, 1.8%, -0.2-3.8) and Giardia spp. (n = 2, 1.2%, -0.4-2.8). In comparison, there was no Cryptosporidium spp. detected among the Temiar. However, it was interesting to note that there was an occurrence of co-infection of intestinal helminthiasis and sarcocystosis (intestinal) in a Temiar individual. The last report of sarcocystosis (muscular) among the Orang Asli was in 1978. The present study highlighted the importance of understanding the variation of infections amongst the different Orang Asli subtribes. It is vital to note these differences and use this knowledge to customise effective control measures for the various subtribes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Ching Lee
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Romano Ngui
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Tiong Kai Tan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Roslan Muhammad Aidil
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yvonne Ai Lian Lim
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Gay N, Olival KJ, Bumrungsri S, Siriaroonrat B, Bourgarel M, Morand S. Parasite and viral species richness of Southeast Asian bats: Fragmentation of area distribution matters. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2014; 3:161-70. [PMID: 25161915 PMCID: PMC4142259 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2014.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Revised: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Interest in bat-borne diseases and parasites has grown in the past decade over concerns for human health. However, the drivers of parasite diversity among bat host species are understudied as are the links between parasite richness and emerging risks. Thus, we aimed at exploring factors that explain macro and microparasite species richness in bats from Southeast Asia, a hotspot of emerging infectious diseases. First, we identified bat species that need increased sampling effort for pathogen discovery. Our approach highlights pathogen investigation disparities among species within the same genus, such as Rhinolophus and Pteropus. Secondly, comparative analysis using independent contrasts method allowed the identification of likely factors explaining parasite and viral diversity of bats. Our results showed a key role of bat distribution shape, an index of the fragmentation of bat distribution, on parasite diversity, linked to a decrease for both viral and endoparasite species richness. We discuss how our study may contribute to a better understanding of the link between parasite species richness and emergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noellie Gay
- CNRS – CIRAD AGIRs, Centre d’Infectiologie Christophe Mérieux du Laos, Vientiane, Lao Democratic People’s Republic
- Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution, CNRS-IRD-UM2, CC065, Université de Montpellier 2, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | | | - Sara Bumrungsri
- Bureau of Conservation, Research & Education Zoological Park Organization 71 Rama 5 Road, Dusit, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Mathieu Bourgarel
- Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution, CNRS-IRD-UM2, CC065, Université de Montpellier 2, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Serge Morand
- CNRS – CIRAD AGIRs, Centre d’Infectiologie Christophe Mérieux du Laos, Vientiane, Lao Democratic People’s Republic
- Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution, CNRS-IRD-UM2, CC065, Université de Montpellier 2, 34095 Montpellier, France
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchavithi Rd, Bangkok, Thailand
- Walai Rukhavej Botanical Research Institute, Maha Sarakham University, Maha Sarakham, Thailand
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Fentie T, Erqou S, Gedefaw M, Desta A. Epidemiology of human fascioliasis and intestinal parasitosis among schoolchildren in Lake Tana Basin, northwest Ethiopia. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2014; 107:480-6. [PMID: 23843557 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trt056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parasitic diseases are the second most frequent cause of outpatient morbidity in Ethiopia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lake Tana Basin, northwest Ethiopia, from November 2007 to February 2008, to assess the magnitude and associated risk factors for parasitic diseases, including human fascioliasis. We examined 520 stool samples from randomly selected schoolchildren in six schools by microscopy. Rapid sedimentation and Kato-Katz techniques were used to detect and count Fasciola and Schistosoma eggs. The formol-ether concentration method was used for the identification of other helminth eggs, larvae and cysts of protozoan parasites. RESULTS The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 71.3% (95% CI 67.3-75.1%). Hookworm was the predominant intestinal parasite (23.5%, 95% CI 19.8-27.1%), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (18.5%, 95% CI 15.2-21.9%) and Schistosoma mansoni (16.7%, 95% CI 13.5-19.9%). One hundred and sixty-three (31.4%) children had multiple parasitic infections. The most relevant finding was a prevalence of Fasciola spp. of 3.3% in an area where only sporadic cases have been reported previously. The risk of Fasciola spp. infection was significantly associated with raw vegetable consumption, use of unsafe drinking water sources, irrigation practices and sheep and/or cattle ownership. Irrigation practices, male gender, raw vegetable consumption and use of unsafe drinking water sources were risk factors for S. mansoni infection. CONCLUSIONS A high prevalence of parasitic infections among children in the region was found, including a relatively high prevalence of Fasciola spp. infection. Epidemiological studies on the magnitude of parasitic infections in different regions will enable high-risk communities to be identified and allow for planning of appropriate interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsegaw Fentie
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
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Parasite co-infections and their impact on survival of indigenous cattle. PLoS One 2014; 9:e76324. [PMID: 24586220 PMCID: PMC3930515 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In natural populations, individuals may be infected with multiple distinct pathogens at a time. These pathogens may act independently or interact with each other and the host through various mechanisms, with resultant varying outcomes on host health and survival. To study effects of pathogens and their interactions on host survival, we followed 548 zebu cattle during their first year of life, determining their infection and clinical status every 5 weeks. Using a combination of clinical signs observed before death, laboratory diagnostic test results, gross-lesions on post-mortem examination, histo-pathology results and survival analysis statistical techniques, cause-specific aetiology for each death case were determined, and effect of co-infections in observed mortality patterns. East Coast fever (ECF) caused by protozoan parasite Theileria parva and haemonchosis were the most important diseases associated with calf mortality, together accounting for over half (52%) of all deaths due to infectious diseases. Co-infection with Trypanosoma species increased the hazard for ECF death by 6 times (1.4-25; 95% CI). In addition, the hazard for ECF death was increased in the presence of Strongyle eggs, and this was burden dependent. An increase by 1000 Strongyle eggs per gram of faeces count was associated with a 1.5 times (1.4-1.6; 95% CI) increase in the hazard for ECF mortality. Deaths due to haemonchosis were burden dependent, with a 70% increase in hazard for death for every increase in strongyle eggs per gram count of 1000. These findings have important implications for disease control strategies, suggesting a need to consider co-infections in epidemiological studies as opposed to single-pathogen focus, and benefits of an integrated approach to helminths and East Coast fever disease control.
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Helmby H. Immunity to gastrointestinal nematodes: a story of immune modulation. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2014; 1:475-82. [DOI: 10.1586/1744666x.1.3.475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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MacIntosh AJJ. Ecology and Epidemiology of Nematode Infection in Japanese Macaques:. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.2354/psj.30.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Morales-Montor J, Picazo O, Besedovsky H, Hernández-Bello R, López-Griego L, Becerril-Villanueva E, Moreno J, Pavón L, Nava-Castro K, Camacho-Arroyo I. Helminth infection alters mood and short-term memory as well as levels of neurotransmitters and cytokines in the mouse hippocampus. Neuroimmunomodulation 2014; 21:195-205. [PMID: 24504147 DOI: 10.1159/000356521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Helminthic infections are important causes of morbidity and mortality in many developing countries, where children bear the greatest health burden. The ability of parasites to cause behavioral changes in the host has been observed in a variety of host-parasite systems, including the Taenia crassiceps-mouse model. In murine cysticercosis, mice exhibit a disruption in the sexual, aggressive and avoidance predator behaviors. OBJECTIVE The present study was conducted to characterize short-term memory and depression-like behavior, as well as levels of neurotransmitters and cytokines in the hippocampus of cysticercotic male and female mice. METHODS Cytokines were detected by RT-PCR and neurotransmitters were quantified by HPLC. RESULTS Chronic cysticercosis infection induced a decrease in short-term memory in both male and female mice, having a more pronounced effect in females. Infected females showed a significant increase in forced swimming tests with a decrease in immobility. In contrast, male mice showed an increment in total activity and ambulation tests. Serotonin levels decreased by 30% in the hippocampus of infected females whereas noradrenaline levels significantly increased in infected males. The hippocampal expression of IL-4 increased in infected female mice, but decreased in infected male mice. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that intraperitoneal chronic infection with cysticerci in mice leads to persistent deficits in tasks dependent on the animal's hippocampal function. Our findings are a first approach to elucidating the role of the neuroimmune network in controlling short-term memory and mood in T. crassiceps-infected mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Morales-Montor
- Department of Immunophysiology, Institute of Physiology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
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Orden AB, Apezteguía MC, Ciarmela ML, Molina NB, Pezzani BC, Rosa D, Minvielle MC. Nutritional status in parasitized and nonparasitized children from two districts of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Am J Hum Biol 2013; 26:73-9. [PMID: 24243498 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.22479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2013] [Revised: 10/09/2013] [Accepted: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED The Program for the Control of Intestinal Parasites and Nutrition was designed to intervene in small communities to prevent and control the effects of parasitic infections on children's health. OBJECTIVES To analyze the association between nutritional status and parasitic infection in suburban and rural children from Buenos Aires, Argentina. METHODS Nutritional status was assessed by anthropometric (weight, height, BMI, skinfolds, upper arm circumference, muscle, and fat upper arm areas) and biochemical (Hb, Ca, Mg, Zn, and Cu) indicators. Parasitological analysis were made on both serial stool and perianal swab samples. A total of 708 children aged 3-11 were measured. The biochemical analysis included 217 blood samples and the parasitological study included 284 samples. RESULTS Anthropometric status was similar in both settings with low rates of underweight and stunting (<6%), and high rates of overweight (~17%) and obesity (~12%). Ca deficiency was significantly higher in suburban children where 80% of them were hypocalcemic. Around 70% of fecal samples contained parasites. Among infected children, the most prevalent species were Blastocystis hominis and Enterobius vermicularis (~43%) followed by Giardia lamblia (~17%). Differences in parasitological status between districts were not significant. In the suburban district parasitized children were lighter, shorter, and had a lower upper arm circumference than their non-infected peers. No differences in anthropometric status were seen among infected and uninfected rural children. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest an association between intestinal parasites and physical growth in suburban children. Rural children seem to be protected against the effects of parasitic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia B Orden
- Instituto de Desarrollo e Investigaciones Pediátricas (IDIP, MS/CICPBA) & Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
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Concurrent urinary and intestinal schistosomiasis and intestinal helminthic infections in schoolchildren in Ilobu, South-western Nigeria. Acta Trop 2012; 123:16-21. [PMID: 22440198 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2012.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2011] [Revised: 03/04/2012] [Accepted: 03/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was conducted in a schistosome-endemic rural community in Southwestern Nigeria. We assessed prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted nematodes and the co-occurrence with Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni. Urine and stool samples from 419 schoolchildren were examined, and a questionnaire was administered to obtain socio-demographic characteristics. In total, 78.3% (328/419) were infected with at least one helminth species, with a prevalence (mean egg-count) of 55.1% (3069.2) of Ascaris lumbricoides, 41.1% (127.5) of S. haematobium, 22.7% (98.6) of hookworms, 17.9% (161.3) of Trichuris trichiura, and 10.3% (12.9) of S. mansoni. Multiple infections were significantly more common among children from households with more playmates, absence of toilet facilities and low income level (all p<0.001). Children with heavy hookworm burden were at a significantly higher chance of acquiring S. mansoni (OR=36.35; 95% Cl: 13.22-100.97; p<0.0001). The risk of S. mansoni and A. lumbricoides infections was increased in co-infections with S. haematobium. Logistic regression analysis revealed infections by hookworms and S. mansoni (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=3.90, 95% Cl: 2.03-7.46; p<0.0001), and by hookworms and T. trichiura (aOR=2.46, 95% Cl: 1.44-4.22; p=0.001) as significant risk factors for multiple infections. Our study shows that polyparasitism is common in the study area. Focused interventions such as mass treatment with anthelminthics and health education are needed to improve the well-being of the affected population.
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Conlan JV, Khamlome B, Vongxay K, Elliot A, Pallant L, Sripa B, Blacksell SD, Fenwick S, Thompson RCA. Soil-transmitted helminthiasis in Laos: a community-wide cross-sectional study of humans and dogs in a mass drug administration environment. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2012; 86:624-34. [PMID: 22492147 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2012.11-0413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
We conducted a community cross-sectional survey of soil-transmitted helminthiasis in humans and dogs in four provinces in northern Laos. We collected and tested human and dog fecal samples and analyzed results against sociodemographic data. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, hookworm, and Strongyloides stercoralis was 26.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 23.7-28.4%), 41.5% (95% CI = 38.8-44.1%), 46.3% (95% CI = 43.3-49.0%), and 8.9% (95% CI = 7.4-10.4%), respectively. We observed strong heterogeneity for helminthiasis by ethnicity, province, and wealth status, which coincided with a risk profile demonstrating that Mon-Khmer persons and the poorest households are highly vulnerable. Necator americanus was the dominant hookworm species infecting humans and Ancylostoma ceylanicum was the only Ancylostoma species detected. Hookworm prevalence in village dogs was 94%, and the dominant species was A. ceylanicum. Necator americanus was also detected in dogs. It appears that dogs have a role in human hookworm transmission and warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- James V Conlan
- School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia.
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Ezeamama AE, McGarvey ST, Hogan J, Lapane KL, Bellinger DC, Acosta LP, Leenstra T, Olveda RM, Kurtis JD, Friedman JF. Treatment for Schistosoma japonicum, reduction of intestinal parasite load, and cognitive test score improvements in school-aged children. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2012; 6:e1634. [PMID: 22563514 PMCID: PMC3341324 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2011] [Accepted: 03/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To determine whether treatment of intestinal parasitic infections improves cognitive function in school-aged children, we examined changes in cognitive testscores over 18 months in relation to: (i) treatment-related Schistosoma japonicum intensity decline, (ii) spontaneous reduction of single soil-transmitted helminth (STH) species, and (iii) ≥2 STH infections among 253 S. japonicum-infected children. Methodology Helminth infections were assessed at baseline and quarterly by the Kato-Katz method. S. japonicum infection was treated at baseline using praziquantel. An intensity-based indicator of lower vs. no change/higher infection was defined separately for each helminth species and joint intensity declines of ≥2 STH species. In addition, S. japonicum infection-free duration was defined in four categories based on time of schistosome re-infection: >18 (i.e. cured), >12 to ≤18, 6 to ≤12 and ≤6 (persistently infected) months. There was no baseline treatment for STHs but their intensity varied possibly due to spontaneous infection clearance/acquisition. Four cognitive tests were administered at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months following S. japonicum treatment: learning and memory domains of Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning (WRAML), verbal fluency (VF), and Philippine nonverbal intelligence test (PNIT). Linear regression models were used to relate changes in respective infections to test performance with adjustment for sociodemographic confounders and coincident helminth infections. Principal Findings Children cured (β = 5.8; P = 0.02) and those schistosome-free for >12 months (β = 1.5; P = 0.03) scored higher in WRAML memory and VF tests compared to persistently infected children independent of STH infections. A decline vs. no change/increase of any individual STH species (β:11.5–14.5; all P<0.01) and the joint decline of ≥2 STH (β = 13.1; P = 0.01) species were associated with higher scores in WRAML learning test independent of schistosome infection. Hookworm and Trichuris trichiura declines were independently associated with improvements in WRAML memory scores as was the joint decline in ≥2 STH species. Baseline coinfection by ≥2 STH species was associated with low PNIT scores (β = −1.9; P = 0.04). Conclusion/Significance Children cured/S. japonicum-free for >12 months post-treatment and those who experienced declines of ≥2 STH species scored higher in three of four cognitive tests. Our result suggests that sustained deworming and simultaneous control for schistosome and STH infections could improve children's ability to take advantage of educational opportunities in helminth-endemic regions. Parasitic worm infections are associated with cognitive impairment and lower academic achievement for infected relative to uninfected children. However, it is unclear whether curing or reducing worm infection intensity improves child cognitive function. We examined the independent associations between: (i) Schistosoma japonicum infection-free duration, (ii) declines in single helminth species, and (iii) joint declines of ≥2 soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections and improvements in four cognitive tests during18 months of follow-up. Enrolled were schistosome-infected school-aged children among whom coinfection with STH was common. All children were treated for schistosome infection only at enrolment with praziquantel. Children cured or schistosome-free for >12 months scored higher in memory and verbal fluency tests compared to persistently infected children. Likewise, declines of single and polyparasitic STH infections predicted higher scores in three of four tests. We conclude that reducing the intensity of certain helminth species and the frequency of multi-species STH infections may have long-term benefits for affected children's cognitive performance. The rapidity of schistosome re-infection and the ubiquity of concurrent multi-species infection highlight the importance of sustained deworming for both schistosome and STH infections to enhance the learning and educational attainment of children in helminth-endemic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amara E Ezeamama
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachussetts, United States of America.
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Prevalence, features and risk factors for malaria co-infections amongst visceral leishmaniasis patients from Amudat Hospital, Uganda. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2012; 6:e1617. [PMID: 22506087 PMCID: PMC3323524 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2011] [Accepted: 03/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND METHODOLOGY Due to geographic overlap of malaria and visceral leishmaniasis (VL), co-infections may exist but have been poorly investigated. To describe prevalence, features and risk factors for VL-malaria co-infections, a case-control analysis was conducted on data collected at Amudat Hospital, Uganda (2000-2006) by Médecins sans Frontières. Cases were identified as patients with laboratory-confirmed VL and malaria at hospital admission or during hospitalization; controls were VL patients with negative malaria smears. A logistic regression analysis was performed to study the association between patients' characteristics and the occurrence of the co-infection. RESULTS Of 2414 patients with confirmed VL, 450 (19%) were positively diagnosed with concomitant malaria. Most co-infected patients were males, residing in Kenya (69%). While young age was identified by multivariate analysis as a risk factor for concurrent VL and malaria, particularly the age groups 0-4 (odds ratio (OR): 2.44; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.52-3.92) and 5-9 years (OR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.45-3-45), mild (OR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.32-0.88) and moderate (OR: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.27-0.77) anemia negatively correlated with the co-morbidity. VL patients harboring skin infections were nearly three times less likely to have the co-infection (OR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.17-0.72), as highlighted by the multivariate model. Anorexia was slightly more frequent among co-infected patients (OR: 1.71; 95% CI: 0.96-3.03). The in-hospital case-fatality rate did not significantly differ between cases and controls, being 2.7% and 3.1% respectively (OR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.46-1.63). CONCLUSIONS Concurrent malaria represents a common condition among young VL patients living in the Pokot region of Kenya and Uganda. Although these co-morbidities did not result in a poorer prognosis, possibly due to early detection of malaria, a positive trend towards more severe symptoms was identified, indicating that routine screening of VL patients living in malaria endemic-areas and close monitoring of co-infected patients should be implemented.
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Soares Magalhães RJ, Biritwum NK, Gyapong JO, Brooker S, Zhang Y, Blair L, Fenwick A, Clements ACA. Mapping helminth co-infection and co-intensity: geostatistical prediction in ghana. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2011; 5:e1200. [PMID: 21666800 PMCID: PMC3110174 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2010] [Accepted: 04/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Morbidity due to Schistosoma haematobium and hookworm infections is marked in those with intense co-infections by these parasites. The development of a spatial predictive decision-support tool is crucial for targeting the delivery of integrated mass drug administration (MDA) to those most in need. We investigated the co-distribution of S. haematobium and hookworm infection, plus the spatial overlap of infection intensity of both parasites, in Ghana. The aim was to produce maps to assist the planning and evaluation of national parasitic disease control programs. Methodology/Principal Findings A national cross-sectional school-based parasitological survey was conducted in Ghana in 2008, using standardized sampling and parasitological methods. Bayesian geostatistical models were built, including a multinomial regression model for S. haematobium and hookworm mono- and co-infections and zero-inflated Poisson regression models for S. haematobium and hookworm infection intensity as measured by egg counts in urine and stool respectively. The resulting infection intensity maps were overlaid to determine the extent of geographical overlap of S. haematobium and hookworm infection intensity. In Ghana, prevalence of S. haematobium mono-infection was 14.4%, hookworm mono-infection was 3.2%, and S. haematobium and hookworm co-infection was 0.7%. Distance to water bodies was negatively associated with S. haematobium and hookworm co-infections, hookworm mono-infections and S. haematobium infection intensity. Land surface temperature was positively associated with hookworm mono-infections and S. haematobium infection intensity. While high-risk (prevalence >10–20%) of co-infection was predicted in an area around Lake Volta, co-intensity was predicted to be highest in foci within that area. Conclusions/Significance Our approach, based on the combination of co-infection and co-intensity maps allows the identification of communities at increased risk of severe morbidity and environmental contamination and provides a platform to evaluate progress of control efforts. Urinary schistosomiasis and hookworm infections cause considerable morbidity in school age children in West Africa. Severe morbidity is predominantly observed in individuals infected with both parasite types and, in particular, with heavy infections. We investigated for the first time the distribution of S. haematobium and hookworm co-infections and distribution of co-intensity of these parasites in Ghana. Bayesian geostatistical models were developed to generate a national co-infection map and national intensity maps for each parasite, using data on S. haematobium and hookworm prevalence and egg concentration (expressed as eggs per 10 mL of urine for S. haematobium and expressed as eggs per gram of faeces for hookworm), collected during a pre-intervention baseline survey in Ghana, 2008. In contrast with previous findings from the East Africa region, we found that both S. haematobium and hookworm infections are highly focal, resulting in small, localized clusters of co-infection and areas of high co-intensity. Overlaying on a single map the co-infection and the intensity of multiple parasite infections allows identification of areas where parasite environmental contamination and morbidity are at its highest, while providing an evidence base for the assessment of the progress of successive rounds of mass drug administration (MDA) in integrated parasitic disease control programs.
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Devi U, Mahanta J, Patgiri D. Emergency Hospitalization Due to Ascariasis. J Emerg Med 2011; 40:678-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2009.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2009] [Accepted: 05/09/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Walker M, Hall A, Basáñez MG. Individual predisposition, household clustering and risk factors for human infection with Ascaris lumbricoides: new epidemiological insights. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2011; 5:e1047. [PMID: 21541362 PMCID: PMC3082514 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2010] [Accepted: 03/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Much of our current understanding of the epidemiology of Ascaris lumbricoides infections in humans has been acquired by analyzing worm count data. These data are collected by treating infected individuals with anthelmintics so that worms are expelled intact from the gastrointestinal tract. Analysis of such data established that individuals are predisposed to infection with few or many worms and members of the same household tend to harbor similar numbers of worms. These effects, known respectively as individual predisposition and household clustering, are considered characteristic of the epidemiology of ascariasis. The mechanisms behind these phenomena, however, remain unclear. In particular, the impact of heterogeneous individual exposures to infectious stages has not been thoroughly explored. Methodology/Principal Findings Bayesian methods were used to fit a three-level hierarchical statistical model to A. lumbricoides worm counts derived from a three-round chemo-expulsion study carried out in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The effects of individual predisposition, household clustering and household covariates of the numbers of worms per host (worm burden) were considered simultaneously. Individual predisposition was found to be of limited epidemiological significance once household clustering had been accounted for. The degree of intra-household variability among worm burdens was found to be reduced by approximately 58% when household covariates were included in the model. Covariates relating to decreased affluence and quality of housing construction were associated with a statistically significant increase in worm burden. Conclusions/Significance Heterogeneities in the exposure of individuals to infectious eggs have an important role in the epidemiology of A. lumbricoides infection. The household covariates identified as being associated with worm burden provide valuable insights into the source of these heterogeneities although above all emphasize and reiterate that infection with A. lumbricoides is inextricably associated with acute poverty. Numerous analyses have found that people infected with roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides) are predisposed to harbor either many or few worms. Members of the same household also tend to harbor similar numbers of worms. These phenomena are called individual predisposition and household clustering respectively. In this article, we use Bayesian methods to fit a statistical model to worm count data collected from a cohort of participants at baseline and after two rounds of re-infection following curative treatment. We show that individual predisposition is extremely weak once the clustering effect of the household has been accounted for. This suggests that predisposition is of limited importance to the epidemiology of roundworm infection. Further, we show that over half of the variability in average worm counts among households is explained by household risk factors. This implies that exposures to infectious roundworm eggs shared by household members are important determinants of household clustering. We argue that these results support the hypothesis proposed in the literature that the household is a key focus of roundworm transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Walker
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, London, United Kingdom.
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Steinmann P, Utzinger J, Du ZW, Zhou XN. Multiparasitism a neglected reality on global, regional and local scale. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2010; 73:21-50. [PMID: 20627138 DOI: 10.1016/s0065-308x(10)73002-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This review focuses on the issue of multiparasitism, with a special emphasis on its characteristics, its extent in eastern Asia and its significance for infectious disease control. Multiparasitism is pervasive among socially and economically disadvantaged or marginalised communities, particularly in tropical and subtropical areas. Intestinal parasites are the most numerous group, but an array of parasites is located elsewhere than in the human gastrointestinal tract. Although multiparasitism has been recognised for decades, in-depth studies are rare, and its public health and economic implications have yet to be fully elucidated. The assessment of multiparasitism is hampered by a lack of sensitive broad-spectrum diagnostic tools and the need to collect multiple biological samples for detailed appraisal. Non-specific symptoms and mainly subtle effects complicate the appreciation of its influence on cognitive and physical development, health, economic productivity and general well-being. Multiparasitism has been reported from virtually every eastern Asian country, and studies regarding the extent of multiparasitism and its effects on child health have been implemented in the region. However, new research is needed, as no comprehensive evaluations of multiparasitism in eastern Asia could be identified. Two case studies pertaining to multiparasitism at the local and regional scale are presented. Multiparasitism was rampant in an ethnic minority village in southern People's Republic of China where the challenges associated with its thorough evaluation are illustrated. The results from a cross-sectional survey covering 35 villages highlight the significance of its evaluation for the design of locally adapted and sustainable parasite control and poverty alleviation programmes. We conclude by listing a set of research needs for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Steinmann
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Clements ACA, Deville MA, Ndayishimiye O, Brooker S, Fenwick A. Spatial co-distribution of neglected tropical diseases in the east African great lakes region: revisiting the justification for integrated control. Trop Med Int Health 2010; 15:198-207. [PMID: 20409287 PMCID: PMC2875158 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2009.02440.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine spatial patterns of co-endemicity of schistosomiasis mansoni and the soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm in the Great Lakes region of East Africa, to help plan integrated neglected tropical disease programmes in this region. METHOD Parasitological surveys were conducted in Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and Burundi in 28 213 children in 404 schools. Bayesian geostatistical models were used to interpolate prevalence of these infections across the study area. Interpolated prevalence maps were overlaid to determine areas of co-endemicity. RESULTS In the Great Lakes region, prevalence was 18.1% for Schistosoma mansoni, 50.0% for hookworm, 6.8% for A. lumbricoides and 6.8% for T. trichiura. Hookworm infection was ubiquitous, whereas S. mansoni, A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura were highly focal. Most areas were endemic (prevalence >or=10%) or hyperendemic (prevalence >or=50%) for one or more STHs, whereas endemic areas for schistosomiasis mansoni were restricted to foci adjacent large perennial water bodies. CONCLUSION Because of the ubiquity of hookworm, treatment programmes are required for STH throughout the region but efficient schistosomiasis control should only be targeted at limited high-risk areas. Therefore, integration of schistosomiasis with STH control is only indicated in limited foci in East Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archie C A Clements
- School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Herston, Qld, Australia.
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Mupfasoni D, Karibushi B, Koukounari A, Ruberanziza E, Kaberuka T, Kramer MH, Mukabayire O, Kabera M, Nizeyimana V, Deville MA, Ruxin J, Webster JP, Fenwick A. Polyparasite helminth infections and their association to anaemia and undernutrition in Northern Rwanda. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2009; 3:e517. [PMID: 19753110 PMCID: PMC2737105 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2009] [Accepted: 08/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections constitute major public health problems in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. In this study we examined the functional significance of such polyparasite infections in anemia and undernutrition in Rwandan individuals. METHODS Three polyparasite infection profiles were defined, in addition to a reference profile that consisted of either no infections or low-intensity infection with only one of the focal parasite species. Logistic regression models were applied to data of 1,605 individuals from 6 schools in 2 districts of the Northern Province before chemotherapeutic treatment in order to correctly identify individuals who were at higher odds of being anaemic and/or undernourished. FINDINGS Stunted relative to nonstunted, and males compared to females, were found to be at higher odds of being anaemic independently of polyparasite infection profile. The odds of being wasted were 2-fold greater for children with concurrent infection of at least 2 parasites at M+ intensity compared to those children with the reference profile. Males compared to females and anaemic compared to nonanaemic children were significantly more likely to be stunted. None of the three polyparasite infection profiles were found to have significant effects on stunting. CONCLUSION The present data suggest that the levels of polyparasitism, and infection intensities in the Rwandan individuals examined here may be lower as compared to other recent similar epidemiological studies in different regions across sub-Saharan Africa. Neither the odds of anaemia nor the odds of stunting were found to be significantly different in the three-polyparasite infection profiles. However, the odds of wasting were higher in those children with at least two parasites at M+ intensity compared to those children with the reference profile. Nevertheless, despite the low morbidity levels indicated in the population under study here, we recommend sustainable efforts for the deworming of affected populations to be continued in order to support the economic development of the country.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Artemis Koukounari
- Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | | | | | - Michael H. Kramer
- TRAC Plus - Center for Treatment and Research on AIDS, Malaria, Tuberculosis and Other Epidemics, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | | | - Vianney Nizeyimana
- TRAC Plus - Center for Treatment and Research on AIDS, Malaria, Tuberculosis and Other Epidemics, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Marie-Alice Deville
- Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Josh Ruxin
- Access Project, Kigali, Rwanda
- The Earth Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Joanne P. Webster
- Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alan Fenwick
- Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Hotez PJ, Kamath A. Neglected tropical diseases in sub-saharan Africa: review of their prevalence, distribution, and disease burden. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2009; 3:e412. [PMID: 19707588 PMCID: PMC2727001 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 723] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are the most common conditions affecting the poorest 500 million people living in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and together produce a burden of disease that may be equivalent to up to one-half of SSA's malaria disease burden and more than double that caused by tuberculosis. Approximately 85% of the NTD disease burden results from helminth infections. Hookworm infection occurs in almost half of SSA's poorest people, including 40-50 million school-aged children and 7 million pregnant women in whom it is a leading cause of anemia. Schistosomiasis is the second most prevalent NTD after hookworm (192 million cases), accounting for 93% of the world's number of cases and possibly associated with increased horizontal transmission of HIV/AIDS. Lymphatic filariasis (46-51 million cases) and onchocerciasis (37 million cases) are also widespread in SSA, each disease representing a significant cause of disability and reduction in the region's agricultural productivity. There is a dearth of information on Africa's non-helminth NTDs. The protozoan infections, human African trypanosomiasis and visceral leishmaniasis, affect almost 100,000 people, primarily in areas of conflict in SSA where they cause high mortality, and where trachoma is the most prevalent bacterial NTD (30 million cases). However, there are little or no data on some very important protozoan infections, e.g., amebiasis and toxoplasmosis; bacterial infections, e.g., typhoid fever and non-typhoidal salmonellosis, the tick-borne bacterial zoonoses, and non-tuberculosis mycobaterial infections; and arboviral infections. Thus, the overall burden of Africa's NTDs may be severely underestimated. A full assessment is an important step for disease control priorities, particularly in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the greatest number of NTDs may occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Hotez
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., United States of America
- Sabin Vaccine Institute, Washington, D.C., United States of America
- * E-mail: or (PJH)
| | - Aruna Kamath
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., United States of America
- Sabin Vaccine Institute, Washington, D.C., United States of America
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Pullan RL, Bethony JM, Geiger SM, Cundill B, Correa-Oliveira R, Quinnell RJ, Brooker S. Human helminth co-infection: analysis of spatial patterns and risk factors in a Brazilian community. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2008; 2:e352. [PMID: 19104658 PMCID: PMC2602736 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2008] [Accepted: 12/02/2008] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals living in areas endemic for helminths are commonly infected with multiple species. Despite increasing emphasis given to the potential health impacts of polyparasitism, few studies have investigated the relative importance of household and environmental factors on the risk of helminth co-infection. Here, we present an investigation of exposure-related risk factors as sources of heterogeneity in the distribution of co-infection with Necator americanus and Schistosoma mansoni in a region of southeastern Brazil. METHODOLOGY Cross-sectional parasitological and socio-economic data from a community-based household survey were combined with remotely sensed environmental data using a geographical information system. Geo-statistical methods were used to explore patterns of mono- and co-infection with N. americanus and S. mansoni in the region. Bayesian hierarchical models were then developed to identify risk factors for mono- and co-infection in relation to community-based survey data to assess their roles in explaining observed heterogeneity in mono and co-infection with these two helminth species. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The majority of individuals had N. americanus (71.1%) and/or S. mansoni (50.3%) infection; 41.0% of individuals were co-infected with both helminths. Prevalence of co-infection with these two species varied substantially across the study area, and there was strong evidence of household clustering. Hierarchical multinomial models demonstrated that relative socio-economic status, household crowding, living in the eastern watershed and high Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were significantly associated with N. americanus and S. mansoni co-infection. These risk factors could, however, only account for an estimated 32% of variability between households. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that variability in risk of N. americanus and S. mansoni co-infection between households cannot be entirely explained by exposure-related risk factors, emphasizing the possible role of other household factors in the heterogeneous distribution of helminth co-infection. Untangling the relative contribution of intrinsic host factors from household and environmental determinants therefore remains critical to our understanding of helminth epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Pullan
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
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Ghonge NP. Gastric migration of intestinal ascariasis: B-mode sonographic depiction. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2008; 27:1799-1801. [PMID: 19023010 DOI: 10.7863/jum.2008.27.12.1799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nitin P Ghonge
- Diwan Chand Imaging Research Center, New Delhi-110 001, India.
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Geiger SM. Immuno-epidemiology of Schistosoma mansoni infections in endemic populations co-infected with soil-transmitted helminths: present knowledge, challenges, and the need for further studies. Acta Trop 2008; 108:118-23. [PMID: 18582842 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2008.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2007] [Revised: 05/14/2008] [Accepted: 05/15/2008] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
This article reviews studies on epidemiological and immunological interactions between Schistosoma mansoni and soil-transmitted helminths (STH) in co-infected patients from endemic areas. In Brazil, co-infections with schistosomes and intestinal nematodes, such as Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and the hookworms, are still common, especially in poor rural areas. Important factors in the co-occurrence of different helminth species are favorable environmental conditions supporting intermediate hosts and the survival of larval stages outside the human host, widespread poverty, and low levels of hygiene and sanitation. The few existing epidemiological surveys on helminth co-infections in humans indicate positive associations between schistosomes and STH, which means high prevalences of mixed infections, as well as higher intensities of infection in co-infected patients. However, these positive interactions appear to depend on the number of different helminth species present and on the intensity of infection in each individual. For the humoral immune response in co-infected patients, much cross-reactivity in antibody responses against antigenic preparations from schistosomes and STH is observed. Data on cellular immune responses in multiply infected patients are still scarce and additive effects on the cellular reactivity and the down-modulation of cytokines are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Geiger
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto René Rachou, Avenida Augusto de Lima 1715, CEP 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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Steinmann P, Zhou XN, Du ZW, Jiang JY, Xiao SH, Wu ZX, Zhou H, Utzinger J. Tribendimidine and albendazole for treating soil-transmitted helminths, Strongyloides stercoralis and Taenia spp.: open-label randomized trial. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2008; 2:e322. [PMID: 18923706 PMCID: PMC2561005 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2007] [Accepted: 09/18/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tribendimidine is an anthelminthic drug with a broad spectrum of activity. In 2004 the drug was approved by Chinese authorities for human use. The efficacy of tribendimidine against soil-transmitted helminths (Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, and Trichuris trichiura) has been established, and new laboratory investigations point to activity against cestodes and Strongyloides ratti. Methodology/Principal Findings In an open-label randomized trial, the safety and efficacy of a single oral dose of albendazole or tribendimidine (both drugs administered at 200 mg for 5- to 14-year-old children, and 400 mg for individuals ≥15 years) against soil-transmitted helminths, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Taenia spp. were assessed in a village in Yunnan province, People's Republic of China. The analysis was on a per-protocol basis and the trial is registered with controlled-trials.com (number ISRCTN01779485). Both albendazole and tribendimidine were highly efficacious against A. lumbricoides and, moderately, against hookworm. The efficacy against T. trichiura was low. Among 57 individuals who received tribendimidine, the prevalence of S. stercoralis was reduced from 19.3% to 8.8% (observed cure rate 54.5%, p = 0.107), and that of Taenia spp. from 26.3% to 8.8% (observed cure rate 66.7%, p = 0.014). Similar prevalence reductions were noted among the 66 albendazole recipients. Taking into account “new” infections discovered at treatment evaluation, which were most likely missed pre-treatment due to the lack of sensitivity of available diagnostic approaches, the difference between the drug-specific net Taenia spp. cure rates was highly significant in favor of tribendimidine (p = 0.001). No significant adverse events of either drug were observed. Conclusions/Significance Our results suggest that single-dose oral tribendimidine can be employed in settings with extensive intestinal polyparasitism, and its efficacy against A. lumbricoides and hookworm was confirmed. The promising results obtained with tribendimidine against S. stercoralis and Taenia spp. warrant further investigations. In a next step, multiple-dose schedules should be evaluated. More than a billion people are infected with intestinal worms and, in the developing world, many individuals harbor several kinds of worms concurrently. There are only a handful of drugs available for treatment, and drug efficacy varies according to the worm species. We compared the efficacy of a single oral dose of tribendimidine, a new broad-spectrum worm drug from China, with the standard drug albendazole for the treatment of hookworm, large roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) and, for the first time, Strongyloides stercoralis and tapeworm (Taenia spp.). Our single-blind randomized trial was conducted in a village in Yunnan province, southwest China. Both drugs showed high efficacy against A. lumbricoides and a moderate efficacy against hookworm. Among 57 tribendimidine recipients, the prevalence of S. stercoralis was reduced from 19.3% to 8.8%, and that of Taenia spp. from 26.3% to 8.8%. Similar prevalence reductions were noted among the 66 albendazole recipients. Taking into account additional infections only discovered at treatment evaluation, the difference between the drug-specific Taenia spp. net cure rates was highly significant in favor of tribendimidine. In view of our promising results, multiple-dose schedules with tribendimidine against S. stercoralis and Taenia spp. should be evaluated next.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Steinmann
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Swiss Tropical Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zun-Wei Du
- Helminthiasis Division, Yunnan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Simao, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Yong Jiang
- Helminthiasis Division, Yunnan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Simao, People's Republic of China
| | - Shu-Hua Xiao
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhong-Xing Wu
- Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Swiss Tropical Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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Ezeamama AE, McGarvey ST, Acosta LP, Zierler S, Manalo DL, Wu HW, Kurtis JD, Mor V, Olveda RM, Friedman JF. The synergistic effect of concomitant schistosomiasis, hookworm, and trichuris infections on children's anemia burden. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2008; 2:e245. [PMID: 18523547 PMCID: PMC2390851 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2007] [Accepted: 05/08/2008] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the degree of synergism between helminth species in their combined effects on anemia. METHODS Quantitative egg counts using the Kato-Katz method were determined for Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, Trichuris trichiura, and Schistosoma japonicum in 507 school-age children from helminth-endemic villages in The Philippines. Infection intensity was defined in three categories: uninfected, low, or moderate/high (M+). Anemia was defined as hemoglobin <11 g/dL. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and synergy index for pairs of concurrent infections. RESULTS M+ co-infection of hookworm and S. japonicum (OR = 13.2, 95% CI: 3.82-45.5) and of hookworm and T. trichiura (OR = 5.34, 95% CI: 1.76-16.2) were associated with higher odds of anemia relative to children without respective M+ co-infections. For co-infections of hookworm and S. japonicum and of T. trichiura and hookworm, the estimated indices of synergy were 2.9 (95% CI: 1.1-4.6) and 1.4 (95% CI: 0.9-2.0), respectively. CONCLUSION Co-infections of hookworm and either S. japonicum or T. trichiura were associated with higher levels of anemia than would be expected if the effects of these species had only independent effects on anemia. This suggests that integrated anti-helminthic treatment programs with simultaneous deworming for S. japonicum and some geohelminths could yield a greater than additive benefit for reducing anemia in helminth-endemic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amara E Ezeamama
- Department of Community Health and International Health Institute, Brown University Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
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Pullan R, Brooker S. The health impact of polyparasitism in humans: are we under-estimating the burden of parasitic diseases? Parasitology 2008; 135:783-94. [PMID: 18371242 PMCID: PMC2645487 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182008000346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Parasitic infections are widespread throughout the tropics and sub-tropics, and infection with multiple parasite species is the norm rather than the exception. Despite the ubiquity of polyparasitism, its public health significance has been inadequately studied. Here we review available studies investigating the nutritional and pathological consequences of multiple infections with Plasmodium and helminth infection and, in doing so, encourage a reassessment of the disease burden caused by polyparasitism. The available evidence is conspicuously sparse but is suggestive that multiple human parasite species may have an additive and/or multiplicative impact on nutrition and organ pathology. Existing studies suffer from a number of methodological limitations and adequately designed studies are clearly necessary. Current methods of estimating the potential global morbidity due to parasitic diseases underestimate the health impact of polyparasitism, and possible reasons for this are presented. As international strategies to control multiple parasite species are rolled-out, there is a number of options to investigate the complexity of polyparasitism, and it is hoped that that the parasitological research community will grasp the opportunity to understand better the health of polyparasitism in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Pullan
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Disease, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK.
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Gangopadhyay AN, Upadhyaya VD, Gupta DK, Sharma SP, Kumar V. Conservative treatment for round worm intestinal obstruction. Indian J Pediatr 2007; 74:1085-7. [PMID: 18174642 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-007-0202-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The ascariasis is one of the most cosmopolitan intestinal parasite infections and it can be in inhospitable regions inhabited by human being, but its biggest prevalence is observed in the tropical and subtropical areas. Intestinal obstruction has been estimated to occur in 2 per 1000 ascaris-infected children per year. We are presenting a study emphasizing the conservative treatment for complete intestinal obstruction due to roundworms without sign and symptom of peritonitis and perforation. METHODS A total of 22 patients of roundworm obstruction partial or complete without signs of and symptoms of peritonitis were admitted in the Department of Pediatric Surgery IMS, BHU Varanasi India in the period form 2003-2005. Patients were put nil by mouth, intravenous fluid, antibiotics, piperazine salt through nasogastric tube and glycerine + liquid paraffin emulsion enemas and were evaluated for duration of hospital stay, rate of conversion to surgical treatment and complications. RESULTS 19 (86%) patients were treated successfully with conservative line of management. Only 3 patients required surgical intervention. No mortality, complication and mean hospital stay was 4.1 days (range 4-5 days). CONCLUSION Round worm intestinal obstruction can be effectively treated by conservative line of management.
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Mabey D, Peeling RW, Ustianowski A, Perkins MD. Diagnostics for the developing world. Nat Rev Microbiol 2005; 2:231-40. [PMID: 15083158 DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 629] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David Mabey
- Clinical Research Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7H, UK.
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Nimri LF, Elnasser Z, Batchoun R. Polymicrobial infections in children with diarrhoea in a rural area of Jordan. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 42:255-9. [PMID: 15364112 DOI: 10.1016/j.femsim.2004.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2004] [Revised: 05/16/2004] [Accepted: 05/28/2004] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Polymicrobial infections associated with diarrhoea are common in developing countries. Stool specimens were collected from 220 patient children and 100 controls. Potential pathogenic agents isolated from 143 (65%) children were identified by molecular and standard microbiological methods. Co-infections with two or more agents were detected in 50 (35%) cases. Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenteriae, Giardia and Entamoeba histolytica were found to be predominant. The etiologic agents could not be determined in 77 (35%) cases. The most significant risk factors were the age, the education level of the mother and the use of non-chlorinated water. The high infection rate of diarrhoeal diseases is a strong indication that these pathogens circulate easily through the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila F Nimri
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan.
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Taranto NJ, Cajal SP, De Marzi MC, Fernández MM, Frank FM, Brú AM, Minvielle MC, Basualdo JA, Malchiodi EL. Clinical status and parasitic infection in a Wichí Aboriginal community in Salta, Argentina. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2004; 97:554-8. [PMID: 15307425 DOI: 10.1016/s0035-9203(03)80026-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In a study, carried out in 2000, of the clinical and parasitological status of a Wichi Aboriginal community living in the suburbs of Tartagal, northern Salta, Argentina, 154 individuals were screened for parasitic infections. Ninety-five faecal samples were also obtained from the same population. Ninety-three percent of the subjects were positive for 1 or more of the parasites investigated by direct test and 70.5% of them had parasitic superinfection. The most frequent helminths were Strongyloides stercoralis (50.5%) and hookworm (47.4%). We found low reinfection rates and a long reinfection period after treatment and provision of safe water and sanitation. Serum reactivity of these patients was analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and indirect immunofluorescent assay and 22.1% of them had anti-Toxocara antibodies, 16.2% were positive for a complex antigen of Leishmania braziliensis, 29.9% were positive for a complex Trypanosoma cruzi antigen, and 17.5% were positive for a specific Trypanosoma cruzi antigen, Ag 163B6/cruzipain.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Taranto
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Enfermedades Tropicales and Cátedra de Microbiología y Parasitología, Sede Regional Orán, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina
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Mani TR, Rajendran R, Sunish IP, Munirathinam A, Arunachalam N, Satyanarayana K, Dash AP. Effectiveness of two annual, single-dose mass drug administrations of diethylcarbamazine alone or in combination with albendazole on soil-transmitted helminthiasis in filariasis elimination programme. Trop Med Int Health 2004; 9:1030-5. [PMID: 15361118 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2004.01298.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A longitudinal community-trial on the control of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), as part of a lymphatic filariasis elimination campaign, was taken up in two revenue blocks of southern India in the years 2001 and 2002 to assess the impact of two annual single-dose mass drug administration (MDA) of diethylcarbamazine (DEC) + albendazole (ALB) with that of DEC alone. The prevalences and intensities of STHs were studied among cross-sectional samples of school children aged 9-10 years by using the Kato-Katz technique at baseline and 11 months after each MDA. The combined drug mass treatment produced a higher reduction in the prevalence (RIP) (51-77%) and the egg reduction rate (ERR) (92-98%) compared with 12-15% RIP and 58-62% ERR of DEC alone mass treatment. The effect of two-drug therapy after two annual treatments was relatively long lasting as shown by RIP and ERR indicating that the reinfection rates were relatively lower in this approach than single-drug therapy. This study demonstrates that mass drug co-administration of DEC + ALB in Global Programme for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) targeted at the community had a synergistic and sustainable effect against soil-transmitted helminthiasis and provided considerable 'beyond filariasis' benefits. The additional advantages accrued to the community underscore the importance of scaling-up GPELF to cover the entire population at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- T R Mani
- Centre for Research in Medical Entomology, Madurai, India.
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Zani LC, Favre TC, Pieri OS, Barbosa CS. Impact of antihelminthic treatment on infection by Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworms in Covas, a rural community of Pernambuco, Brazil. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2004; 46:63-71. [PMID: 15141272 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652004000200002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This work aims to evaluate the impact of drug treatment on infection by Ascaris lumbricoides (Al), Trichuris trichiura (Tt) and hookworms (Hook) in a rural community from the sugar-cane zone of Pernambuco, Brazil. Four parasitological surveys were carried out from March 2001 to March 2002. Individual diagnosis was based on eight slides (four by the Kato-Katz method and four by the Hoffman method) per survey. Infected subjects were assigned to two groups for treatment with either albendazole (n = 62) or mebendazole (n = 57). Prevalence of infection fell significantly (p < 0.05) one month after treatment: Al (from 47.7% to 6.6%); Tt (from 45.7% to 31.8%) and Hook (from 47.7% to 24.5%). One year after treatment, infections by Tt and Hook remained significantly below pre-control levels. A substantial decrease in single-infection cases and multiple infections was found. Egg-negative rate was significant for Al (94.0%), Hook (68.3%) but not for Tt (45.5%), and did not differ significantly between subjects treated with mebendazole or albendazole. Egg counts fell significantly in the individuals remaining positive for Tt. It is recommended that antihelminthic treatment should be selective and given at yearly intervals preferably with albendazole, due to its cost-effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Carvalho Zani
- Departamento de Biologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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