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Weitzel T, Dittrich S, Mockenhaupt FP, Lindner AK. Serological diagnosis of strongyloidiasis: An evaluation of three commercial assays. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012319. [PMID: 38968318 PMCID: PMC11253981 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strongyloidiasis is caused by a neglected nematode, manifesting as chronic intestinal infection with potentially severe manifestations. The disease is an emerging problem in non-endemic countries affecting travelers and migrants. Diagnosis of strongyloidiasis is hampered by the lack of standardization and absence of a gold standard. Since adequate direct methods to detect the motile larvae in stool samples are not widely available, other techniques such as serology have been developed. METHODS We evaluated three commercial ELISA kits (DRG Instruments, IVD Research, and Bordier Affinity Products) to detect IgG antibodies against Strongyloides stercoralis assays utilizing serum samples from travelers with microscopically confirmed strongyloidiasis (n = 50) and other imported helminthic infections (n = 159) as well as healthy controls (n = 50). RESULTS The DRG, IVD, and Bordier assays showed sensitivities of 58.0%, 64.0%, and 56.0%, respectively. Specificity values were 96.0%, 96.0%, and 92.0% in healthy controls, and 67.3%, 62.9%, and 76.7% in cases with other helminth infections, respectively. Cross-reactions were mostly observed in cases with other nematodes (37.5%, 42.5%, and 20.0%, respectively), but also in trematode (33.3%, 38.1%, and 19.0%, respectively) and in cestode infections (25.0%, 30.0%, and 32.5%, respectively). CONCLUSION The study demonstrates the diagnostic limitations of serological assays to detect or exclude cases of strongyloidiasis in returning travelers, who frequently present with recent or acute infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Weitzel
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of International Health, Charité Center for Global Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabine Dittrich
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of International Health, Charité Center for Global Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank P. Mockenhaupt
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of International Health, Charité Center for Global Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas K. Lindner
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of International Health, Charité Center for Global Health, Berlin, Germany
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2
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Santarém VA, Pinto GLB, Ferreira IB, Ribeiro J, Filho RTDS, Meisel DMC, Gryschek RCB, Lescano SAZ, Giuffrida R, Kmetiuk LB, de Paula FM, Biondo AW. A silent threat behind bars: Serosurvey and associated risk factors for strongyloidiasis in female inmates and correctional officers. Acta Trop 2024; 257:107301. [PMID: 38955318 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis has been a neglected parasitic infection caused by Strongyloides genus parasites. Despite assessment of S. stercoralis exposure in different vulnerable populations, seroprevalence in inmates worldwide remains to be fully established. Due to poor sanitation and lack of personal hygienic practices, incarcerated individuals have been considered prone to spread infectious illnesses. Accordingly, the present study has assessed exposure and associated risk factors for strongyloidiasis in women inmates and correctional officers at the Women's State Penitentiary of Parana, part of the third largest incarceration complex in Brazil at the time. Blood samplings were performed in 2020 and 2021from a total of 503 women inmates and 92 correctional officers. Participants voluntarily responded to an epidemiological questionnaire to assess associated risk factors to strongyloidiasis. Serological analysis was performed by ELISA for anti-S. stercoralis IgG detection. Statistical analysis was performed using R software, adopting a 5% level of significance. The data were submitted to univariate analysis by chi-square or Fisher´s Exact test for assessing the association among seropositivity and the variables. The variables with p-value < 0.2 in the univariate analysis were considered fit to be included in the logistic regression. In overall, 356/503 (70.8%; 95% CI: 66.7-74.6) inmates were seropositive for anti-S. stercoralis antibodies, with no statistically associated risk factor to seropositivity. A total of 57/92 (62.0%; 95% CI: 51.8-71.2) correctional officers were seropositive, and logistic regression revealed that individuals older than 50 years were more likely seropositive. In conclusion, the high endemicity observed herein has indicated a history of previous exposure to S. stercoralis and warned for a systematic strongyloidiasis screening for inmates, to prevent long term morbidity and disseminated infection during incarceration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vamilton Alvares Santarém
- Graduate College in Animal Sciences, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, SP 19050-920, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Luís Brucinski Pinto
- Graduate College of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Rua dos Funcionários, 1540, Juvevê, Curitiba, PR 80035-050, Brazil
| | - Isabella Braghin Ferreira
- Graduate College in Animal Sciences, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, SP 19050-920, Brazil
| | - Juliano Ribeiro
- Graduate College of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Rua dos Funcionários, 1540, Juvevê, Curitiba, PR 80035-050, Brazil
| | | | - Dirce Mary Correa Meisel
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM/06), Clinical Hospital of the University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Rogério Giuffrida
- Graduate College in Animal Sciences, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Presidente Prudente, SP 19050-920, Brazil
| | - Louise Bach Kmetiuk
- Zoonoses Surveillance Unit, Municipal Secretary of Health, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Martins de Paula
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM/06), Clinical Hospital of the University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexander Welker Biondo
- Graduate College of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Rua dos Funcionários, 1540, Juvevê, Curitiba, PR 80035-050, Brazil.
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Sprecher VP, Hofmann D, Savathdy V, Xayavong P, Norkhankhame C, Huy R, Khieu V, Sayasone S, Hattendorf J, Keiser J. Efficacy and safety of moxidectin compared with ivermectin against Strongyloides stercoralis infection in adults in Laos and Cambodia: a randomised, double-blind, non-inferiority, phase 2b/3 trial. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 24:196-205. [PMID: 37949090 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(23)00507-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection with the soil-transmitted helminth Strongyloides stercoralis affects up to 600 million people globally, most of whom live in rural areas with poor sanitation. If untreated, infection leads to long-lasting morbidity and might even be life-threatening. Moxidectin might be a promising alternative to ivermectin, the only currently recommended single-dose treatment. We aimed to assess whether moxidectin is non-inferior in terms of efficacy and safety compared with ivermectin. METHODS In this randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, non-inferiority, phase 2b/3 trial in communities in Laos and Cambodia, adults aged 18-65 years were screened for the presence of S stercoralis larvae in their stool via sextuplicate quantitative Baermann assays. Using computer-generated group allocation (block randomisation stratified by infection intensity), parasitologically (two or more positive Baermann assays) and clinically eligible participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive single oral doses of either moxidectin (8 mg) and ivermectin-matched placebo, or ivermectin (200 μg/kg bodyweight) and moxidectin-matched placebo. The primary endpoint was cure rate assessed at 14-21 days after treatment, using the available-case population analysed according to intention-to-treat principles. Moxidectin was considered non-inferior to ivermectin if the lower limit of the two-sided 95% CI of the difference was greater than the non-inferiority margin of -10 percentage points. Safety endpoints were assessed before treatment, and at 2-3 h, 24 h, and 14-21 days after treatment. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04056325 and NCT04848688. FINDINGS Between Dec 6, 2020, and May 21, 2022, 4291 participants were screened, 726 of whom were enrolled and randomly assigned to moxidectin (n=363) or ivermectin (n=363). For the participants with primary outcome data, we observed a cure rate of 93·6% (95% CI 90·5 to 96·0; 324 of 346 participants) in the moxidectin group and 95·7% (93·0 to 97·6; 335 of 350 participants) in the ivermectin group, resulting in a between-group difference of -2·1 percentage points (95% CI -5·5 to 1·3). The most common adverse events were abdominal pain (32 [9%] of 363 with moxidectin vs 34 [9%] of 363 with ivermectin) and headache (25 [7%] vs 30 [8%]), which were predominantly mild and transient. INTERPRETATION Moxidectin was non-inferior to ivermectin in terms of efficacy in the treatment of strongyloidiasis. Additionally, both drugs had a similar safety profile. The fixed dose and lower cost of moxidectin compared with ivermectin make it a valuable alternative for people with strongyloidiasis. FUNDING Swiss National Science Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane P Sprecher
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniela Hofmann
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Rekol Huy
- National Centre for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control, Ministry of Health, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Virak Khieu
- National Centre for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control, Ministry of Health, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | | | - Jan Hattendorf
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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4
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Nosková E, Sambucci KM, Petrželková KJ, Červená B, Modrý D, Pafčo B. Strongyloides in non-human primates: significance for public health control. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230006. [PMID: 38008123 PMCID: PMC10676817 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Primates are an important source of infectious disease in humans. Strongyloidiasis affects an estimated 600 million people worldwide, with a global distribution and hotspots of infection in tropical and subtropical regions. Recently added to the list of neglected tropical diseases, global attention has been demanded in the drive for its control. Through a literature review of Strongyloides in humans and non-human primates (NHP), we analysed the most common identification methods and gaps in knowledge about this nematode genus. The rise of molecular-based methods for Strongyloides detection is evident in both humans and NHP and provides an opportunity to analyse all data available from primates. Dogs were also included as an important host species of Strongyloides and a potential bridge host between humans and NHP. This review highlights the lack of molecular data across all hosts-humans, NHP and dogs-with the latter highly underrepresented in the database. Despite the cosmopolitan nature of Strongyloides, there are still large gaps in our knowledge for certain species when considering transmission and pathogenicity. We suggest that a unified approach to Strongyloides detection be taken, with an optimized, repeatable molecular-based method to improve our understanding of this parasitic infection. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Strongyloides: omics to worm-free populations'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Nosková
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 603 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kelly M. Sambucci
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 603 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Klára J. Petrželková
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 603 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Červená
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 603 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Pafčo
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 603 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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5
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Buonfrate D, Hunt VL, Odermatt P, Streit A. Strongyloides: omics to worm-free populations. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20220448. [PMID: 38008116 PMCID: PMC10676809 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Strongyloides: omics to worm-free populations'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Buonfrate
- IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria hospital, Negrar, Verona 37024, Italy
| | - Vicky L. Hunt
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Peter Odermatt
- Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Insitute, Allschwil, Basel 4123, Switherland
| | - Adrian Streit
- Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen, Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg 72076, Germany
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Ross K. Locally acquired strongyloidiasis in remote Australia: why are there still cases? Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20220435. [PMID: 38008121 PMCID: PMC10676813 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In Australia, strongyloidiasis primarily affects returned travellers, Vietnam veterans and refugees or asylum seekers, and First Nations people. Non-overseas acquired cases are seen almost exclusively in Australian First Nations remote communities. Australian First Nations communities have one of the highest rates of strongyloidiasis in the world. Our work has shown that strongyloidiasis is a disease of poverty. Acknowledging this is important-we need to shift the lens to socioeconomic factors, particularly environmental health hardware such as working toilets and sewerage systems, showers and laundries, and effective wastewater and rubbish removal. The rates of strongyloidiasis in First Nations communities is a result of decades of inadequate, poorly constructed and/or poorly maintained housing, and poor environmental health hardware (hereafter hardware). The solution lies in adequate funding, resulting in well designed and maintained housing and appropriate hardware. Governments need to allow First Nations communities themselves to take the lead role in funding allocation, and design, construction and maintenance of their housing and hardware. This will ensure housing and hardware fulfils cultural and physical needs and desires, and protects health. Improving housing and hardware will also improve other health outcomes. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Strongyloides: omics to worm-free populations'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstin Ross
- Environmental Health, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
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7
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Bryant AS, Akimori D, Stoltzfus JDC, Hallem EA. A standard workflow for community-driven manual curation of Strongyloides genome annotations. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20220443. [PMID: 38008112 PMCID: PMC10676816 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in the functional genomics and bioinformatics toolkits for Strongyloides species have positioned these species as genetically tractable model systems for gastrointestinal parasitic nematodes. As community interest in mechanistic studies of Strongyloides species continues to grow, publicly accessible reference genomes and associated genome annotations are critical resources for researchers. Genome annotations for multiple Strongyloides species are broadly available via the WormBase and WormBase ParaSite online repositories. However, a recent phylogenetic analysis of the receptor-type guanylate cyclase (rGC) gene family in two Strongyloides species highlights the potential for errors in a large percentage of current Strongyloides gene models. Here, we present three examples of gene annotation updates within the Strongyloides rGC gene family; each example illustrates a type of error that may occur frequently within the annotation data for Strongyloides genomes. We also extend our analysis to 405 previously curated Strongyloides genes to confirm that gene model errors are found at high rates across gene families. Finally, we introduce a standard manual curation workflow for assessing gene annotation quality and generating corrections, and we discuss how it may be used to facilitate community-driven curation of parasitic nematode biodata. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Strongyloides: omics to worm-free populations'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astra S. Bryant
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Damia Akimori
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Interdepartmental PhD Program, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | | | - Elissa A. Hallem
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Vera Torres A, González LP, Mususú WC, Vásquez SV, Cortés Mejía NA, López Panqueva RDP. Case Report: Duodenal Papillary Stenosis Secondary to Strongyloides stercoralis Infection in a Non-Immunocompromised Host. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 109:332-334. [PMID: 37364861 PMCID: PMC10397460 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Strongyloides stercoralis infection is a common infection in tropical and subtropical regions and is considered one of the "neglected tropical diseases." Owing to its life cycle, this infection can remain undetectable for years, preventing an early diagnosis and prompt treatment. We report the case of a 65-year-old woman who presented to us with a history of nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss and, after initial radiologic and laboratory workup, was diagnosed with a periampullary mass with no secondary spread. She underwent an uneventful pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy, and on histopathological study of the lesion, a diagnosis of S. stercoralis infection was confirmed. This case stands out because of the importance of keeping S. stercoralis infections as a differential diagnosis of periampullary masses, particularly when the patient comes from regions where S. stercoralis is prevalent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alonso Vera Torres
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Services, University Hospital Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Laura Peña González
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Services, University Hospital Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - William Cruz Mususú
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Services, University Hospital Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Sergio Valencia Vásquez
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Services, University Hospital Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Nicolás Andrés Cortés Mejía
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Services, University Hospital Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Rocío del Pilar López Panqueva
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
- Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Department, Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá University Hospital, Bogotá, Colombia
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Lupia T, Crisà E, Gaviraghi A, Rizzello B, Di Vincenzo A, Carnevale-Schianca F, Caravelli D, Fizzotti M, Tolomeo F, Vitolo U, De Benedetto I, Shbaklo N, Cerutti A, Fenu P, Gregorc V, Corcione S, Ghisetti V, De Rosa FG. Overlapping Infection by Strongyloides spp. and Cytomegalovirus in the Immunocompromised Host: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:358. [PMID: 37505654 PMCID: PMC10385408 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8070358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Strongyloides and cytomegalovirus co-infections are rarely reported, even though they are distinguished by high morbidity and mortality, especially in immunocompromised hosts. We narratively reviewed the literature on reported cases of Strongyloides and CMV co-infections in immunosuppressed patients. Most cases occurred in males with a median age of 47 (IQR, 37-59). Strongyloides/CMV co-infections occurred among immunocompromised hosts, especially in solid organ transplants and hematological or rheumatological diseases. Most of the patients underwent a course of steroid treatment before the diagnosis of co-infections. Other common immunomodulatory agents were tacrolimus and mycophenolate. The first clinical manifestations of co-infections were mainly gastrointestinal, followed by respiratory symptoms. CMV was, in most patients, co-infected with an isolated reactivation, although Strongyloides manifested especially as hyperinfection syndrome. Ganciclovir and ivermectin are the mainstays of CMV and Strongyloides treatment. However, the treatment mortality reported in this narrative review is around 52.4%. Interestingly secondary bacterial infections are common in CMV/Strongyloides-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Lupia
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Cardinal Massaia, 14100 Asti, Italy
| | - Elena Crisà
- Unit of Oncology and Haematology, Candiolo Cancer Institute (FPO-IRCCS), Strada Provinciale 142, Km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Alberto Gaviraghi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Barbara Rizzello
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | | | - Fabrizio Carnevale-Schianca
- Unit of Oncology and Haematology, Candiolo Cancer Institute (FPO-IRCCS), Strada Provinciale 142, Km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Daniela Caravelli
- Unit of Oncology and Haematology, Candiolo Cancer Institute (FPO-IRCCS), Strada Provinciale 142, Km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Marco Fizzotti
- Unit of Oncology and Haematology, Candiolo Cancer Institute (FPO-IRCCS), Strada Provinciale 142, Km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Francesco Tolomeo
- Unit of Oncology and Haematology, Candiolo Cancer Institute (FPO-IRCCS), Strada Provinciale 142, Km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Umberto Vitolo
- Unit of Oncology and Haematology, Candiolo Cancer Institute (FPO-IRCCS), Strada Provinciale 142, Km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Ilaria De Benedetto
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Nour Shbaklo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | | | - Piero Fenu
- Healthcare Management, IRCCS Candiolo, 10100 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Vanesa Gregorc
- Unit of Oncology and Haematology, Candiolo Cancer Institute (FPO-IRCCS), Strada Provinciale 142, Km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Silvia Corcione
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
- School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Valeria Ghisetti
- Microbiology Unit, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, 10100 Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco Giuseppe De Rosa
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Cardinal Massaia, 14100 Asti, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
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10
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Lupia T, Crisà E, Gaviraghi A, Rizzello B, Di Vincenzo A, Carnevale-Schianca F, Caravelli D, Fizzotti M, Tolomeo F, Vitolo U, De Benedetto I, Shbaklo N, Cerutti A, Fenu P, Gregorc V, Corcione S, Ghisetti V, De Rosa FG. Strongyloides spp. and Cytomegalovirus Co-Infection in Patient Affected by Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:331. [PMID: 37368749 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8060331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
To our knowledge, we have described the first case of Strongyloides/Cytomegalovirus (CMV) concomitant infection that occurred in a European country. The patient was a 76-year-old woman affected by relapsed non-Hodgkin lymphoma who presented interstitial pneumonia with a rapidly progressive worsening of respiratory insufficiency, leading to cardiac dysfunction and consequent death. CMV reactivation is a common complication in immunocompromised patients, while hyperinfection/disseminated strongyloidiasis (HS/DS) is rare in low endemic regions, but has been widely described in Southeast Asia and American countries. HS and DS are two consequences of the failure of infection control by the immune system: HS is the uncontrolled replication of the parasite within the host and DS the spreading of the L3 larvae in organs other than the usual replication sites. Only a few cases of HS/CMV infection have been reported in the literature, and only in one patient with lymphoma as an underlying disease. The clinical manifestations of these two infections overlap, usually leading to a delayed diagnosis and a consequent poor outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Lupia
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Cardinal Massaia, 14100 Asti, Italy
| | - Elena Crisà
- Unit of Oncology and Haematology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Alberto Gaviraghi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Barbara Rizzello
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | | | | | - Daniela Caravelli
- Unit of Oncology and Haematology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Marco Fizzotti
- Unit of Oncology and Haematology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Francesco Tolomeo
- Unit of Oncology and Haematology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Umberto Vitolo
- Unit of Oncology and Haematology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Ilaria De Benedetto
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Nour Shbaklo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | | | - Piero Fenu
- Healthcare Management, IRCCS Candiolo, 10100 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Vanesa Gregorc
- Unit of Oncology and Haematology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Silvia Corcione
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
- School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Valeria Ghisetti
- Microbiology Unit, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, 10100 Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco Giuseppe De Rosa
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Cardinal Massaia, 14100 Asti, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
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11
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La Hoz RM. Minimizing the Risk of Donor-Derived Events and Maximizing Organ Utilization Through Education and Policy Development. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2023:S0891-5520(23)00044-2. [PMID: 37302913 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we review the current knowledge of donor-derived disease and current US Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network policies to minimize the risk. During the process, we also consider actions to further mitigate the risk of donor-derived disease. The overarching goal is to provide an infectious disease perspective on the complex decision of organ acceptance for transplant programs and candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo M La Hoz
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9913, USA.
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12
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Constante M, Domingos J, Neves Coelho F, Baptista Fernandes T, Baptista T, Maio Herculano M. Strongyloides stercoralis Dissemination and Hyperinfection Associated with Long-Term Steroid Treatment in a Neurosurgical Population. Case Rep Infect Dis 2023; 2023:4412935. [PMID: 37261247 PMCID: PMC10228231 DOI: 10.1155/2023/4412935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis develops from the infection with Strongyloides stercoralis (Family: Strongylidae) and was recently considered a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization due to its global distribution and high burden of infection. Here, we present the cases of two patients under corticosteroid therapy after neurosurgical surgery who developed septic shock-like hyperinfection syndrome due to disseminated strongyloidiasis. The first case is a 77-year-old man from Cape Verde who was diagnosed with an extra-axial right parietal brain mass. He was given dexamethasone and was submitted to a biparietal craniotomy. His condition deteriorated and he was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), where he was diagnosed with disseminated strongyloidiasis with hyperinfection. Anthelmintic treatment and corticosteroid therapy were rapidly tapered and stopped. Neurological dysfunction persisted and the patient was transferred to the ward. The patient had died after complications of hospital-acquired pneumonia. The second case is a 47-year-old man from Guinea-Bissau who was diagnosed with a space-occupying lesion in the right temporal region and started treatment with dexamethasone. He underwent a craniectomy with partial excision of the lesion (high-grade glioma). Later his neurologic state worsened, and he was diagnosed with septic shock and hospital-acquired pneumonia. He was admitted to the ICU, the diagnosis of disseminated strongyloidiasis and hyperinfection syndrome was made and he initiated treatment with ivermectin and albendazole. Corticosteroid therapy was tapered. The patient's clinical status deteriorated, and multiple opportunistic infections were diagnosed during the ICU stay, which lead him to die. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion when in the presence of corticosteroid-treated patients with sepsis. Preventive strategies and subsequent treatment should be considered in patients with a risk of acquisition or dissemination. Treating severe strongyloidiasis is still a clinical challenge and a delayed diagnosis can significantly worsen the outcomes of the patients affected, as seen in the presented cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Constante
- Egas Moniz Hospital, Ocidental Lisbon Hospital Center (Portugal), Department of Internal Medicine, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Domingos
- Egas Moniz Hospital, Ocidental Lisbon Hospital Center (Portugal), Department of Infectious Diseases, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Francisco Neves Coelho
- Egas Moniz Hospital, Ocidental Lisbon Hospital Center (Portugal), Department of Intensive Care, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Teresa Baptista Fernandes
- Egas Moniz Hospital, Ocidental Lisbon Hospital Center (Portugal), Department of Clinical Pathology and Microbiology, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Teresa Baptista
- Egas Moniz Hospital, Ocidental Lisbon Hospital Center (Portugal), Department of Infectious Diseases, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta Maio Herculano
- Egas Moniz Hospital, Ocidental Lisbon Hospital Center (Portugal), Department of Intensive Care, Lisbon, Portugal
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13
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Cardoso de Souza Z, Humberto Xavier Júnior F, Oliveira Pinheiro I, de Souza Rebouças J, Oliveira de Abreu B, Roberto Ribeiro Mesquita P, de Medeiros Rodrigues F, Costa Quadros H, Manuel Fernandes Mendes T, Nguewa P, Marques Alegretti S, Paiva Farias L, Rocha Formiga F. Ameliorating the antiparasitic activity of the multifaceted drug ivermectin through a polymer nanocapsule formulation. Int J Pharm 2023; 639:122965. [PMID: 37084836 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.122965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Ivermectin (IVM) is a potent antiparasitic widely used in human and veterinary medicine. However, the low oral bioavailability of IVM restricts its therapeutic potential in many parasitic infections, highlighting the need for novel formulation approaches. In this study, poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanocapsules containing IVM were successfully developed using the nanoprecipitation method. Pumpkin seed oil (PSO) was used as an oily core in the developed nanocapsules. Previously, PSO was chemically analyzed by headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS). The solubility of IVM in PSO was found to be 4,266.5 ± 38.6 μg/mL. In addition, the partition coefficient of IVM in PSO/water presented a logP of 2.44. A number of nanocapsule batches were produced by factorial design resulting in an optimized formulation. Negatively charged nanocapsules measuring around 400 nm demonstrated unimodal size distribution, and presented regular spherical morphology under transmission electron microscopy. High encapsulation efficiency (98-100%) was determined by HPLC. IVM-loaded capsules were found to be stable in nanosuspensions at 4°C and 25°C, with no significant variations in particle size observed over a period of 150 days. Nanoencapsulated IVM (0.3 mM) presented reduced toxicity to J774 macrophages and L929 fibroblasts compared to free IVM. Moreover, IVM-loaded nanocapsules also demonstrated enhanced in vitro anthelmintic activity against Strongyloides venezuelensis in comparison to free IVM. Collectively, the present findings demonstrate the promising potential of PCL-PSO nanocapsules to improve the antiparasitic effects exerted by IVM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilyane Cardoso de Souza
- Graduate Program in Applied Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Pernambuco (UPE), 50100-130, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | - Irapuan Oliveira Pinheiro
- Graduate Program in Applied Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Pernambuco (UPE), 50100-130, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | - Brenda Oliveira de Abreu
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Pernambuco (UPE), 50100-130 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | | | - Helenita Costa Quadros
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute (IGM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), 40296-710 Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | | | - Paul Nguewa
- University of Navarra, ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), 31009, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Silmara Marques Alegretti
- Departament of Animal Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), 13083-862, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Paiva Farias
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute (IGM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), 40296-710 Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Fabio Rocha Formiga
- Graduate Program in Applied Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Pernambuco (UPE), 50100-130, Recife, PE, Brazil; Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), 50670-420 Recife, PE, Brazil.
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14
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Chan AHE, Thaenkham U. From past to present: opportunities and trends in the molecular detection and diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:123. [PMID: 37041645 PMCID: PMC10088203 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05763-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Strongyloides stercoralis is a soil-transmitted helminth that is mainly found in the tropical and subtropical regions and affects approximately 600 million people globally. The medical importance of strongyloidiasis lies in its capacity to remain asymptomatic and chronically unnoticed until the host is immunocompromised. Additionally, in severe strongyloidiasis, hyperinfection syndrome and larva dissemination to various organs can occur. Parasitological techniques such as Baermann-Moraes and agar plate culture to detect larvae in stool samples are the current gold standard. However, the sensitivity might be inadequate, especially with reduced worm burden. Complementing parasitological techniques, immunological techniques including immunoblot and immunosorbent assays are employed, with higher sensitivity. However, cross-reactivity to other parasites may occur, hampering the assay's specificity. Recently, advances in molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction and next-generation sequencing technology have provided the opportunity to detect parasite DNA in stool, blood, and environmental samples. Molecular techniques, known for their high sensitivity and specificity, have the potential to circumvent some of the challenges associated with chronicity and intermittent larval output for increased detection. Here, as S. stercoralis was recently included by the World Health Organization as another soil-transmitted helminth targeted for control from 2021 to 2030, we aimed to present a review of the current molecular techniques for detecting and diagnosing S. stercoralis in a bid to consolidate the molecular studies that have been performed. Upcoming molecular trends, especially next-generation sequencing technologies, are also discussed to increase the awareness of its potential for diagnosis and detection. Improved and novel detection methods can aid in making accurate and informed choices, especially in this era where infectious and non-infectious diseases are increasingly commonplace.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Urusa Thaenkham
- Department of Helminthology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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15
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Tebib N, Tebib N, Paredes M, Castro R, Baggio S, Torrico MV, Leon AAF, Zamorano MH, Chappuis F, Getaz L. Prevalence and risk factors of Strongyloides stercoralis in haemodialysis in Cochabamba, Bolivia: a cross-sectional study. BMC Nephrol 2023; 24:27. [PMID: 36750775 PMCID: PMC9903486 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-023-03074-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strongyloidiasis is an infectious disease that can be fatal in immunocompromised patients. Patients with end-stage renal failure who are on dialysis have a considerably weakened immune system, and organ transplantation is a major risk factor for severe strongyloidiasis. Knowledge of the local epidemiology in tropical and subtropical areas is an essential prerequisite for designing an appropriate strategy to prevent this potentially lethal complication. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence and associated risk factors of S. stercoralis infection in patients on dialysis in Cochabamba, Bolivia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out among patients undergoing haemodialysis in Cochabamba (elevation 2,500 m, temperate climate), collecting information on socio-demographic, lifestyle, and clinical variables, and using one coproparasitological technique (the modified Baermann technique) and one serological (ELISA) test for S.stercoralis diagnosis. RESULTS In total, 149 patients participated in the study (mean age = 51.4 years, 48.3% male). End-stage renal disease was predominantly (59%) of hypertensive and/or diabetic origin. The positive serological prevalence was 18.8% (95% CI: 13.3%-25.9%). Based on the sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA test, the estimate of the actual prevalence was 15.1% (95% CI: 9.4%-20.7%). Stool samples of 105 patients (70.5%) showed a coproparasitological prevalence of 1.9% (95% CI: 0.52%-6.68%). No potential risk factors were significantly associated with S. stercoralis infection. CONCLUSIONS We found a high seroprevalence of S. stercoralis in Bolivian patients undergoing haemodialysis in Cochabamba. We recommend presumptive antiparasitic treatment at regular intervals to avoid the potentially fatal complications of severe strongyloidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Tebib
- grid.492936.30000 0001 0144 5368Intensive Care Unit, Centre Hospitalier de Bienne, Bienne, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Tebib
- grid.492936.30000 0001 0144 5368Division of Internal Medicine, Centre Hospitalier de Bienne, Bienne, Switzerland
| | - Mauricio Paredes
- Centro de Hemodiálisis de La Media Luna Roja de Irán, Cochabamba, Bolivia
| | - Rosario Castro
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Clınico VIEDMA, Cochabamba, Bolivia
| | - Stéphanie Baggio
- grid.150338.c0000 0001 0721 9812Division of Prison Health, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland ,grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Francois Chappuis
- grid.150338.c0000 0001 0721 9812Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Getaz
- Division of Prison Health, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. .,Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
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16
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Scott J, Emeto TI, Melrose W, Warner J, Rush C. Seroepidemiology of Strongyloides spp. Infection in Balimo, Western Province, Papua New Guinea. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 108:346-352. [PMID: 36572010 PMCID: PMC9896327 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is poorly understood. There have been limited surveys describing the levels of endemicity in some regions of PNG, but in the Western Province, its occurrence and level of burden are unknown. This study aimed to determine the seroepidemiology of Strongyloides spp. seropositivity within a community located in the Balimo region of the Western Province. Plasma samples were collected from 120 adult participants and were subjected to anti-IgG Strongyloides spp. serological testing. Logistical regression analyses were performed to identify relationships between strongyloidiasis and attributes of sociodemography. In this cross-sectional cohort study, 22.5% (27/120; 95% CI: 15.9-30.8%) of participants were seropositive for strongyloidiasis. Participants with higher body mass indices were less likely to be seropositive for Strongyloides spp. infection (odds ratio [OR] = 0.85, P value = 0.008), and in the multivariable analysis, increasing units of age (adjusted OR [aOR] = 0.93, P value = 0.048) and participants ≤ 40 years old were associated with a decreased likelihood of Strongyloides spp. seropositivity (aOR = 0.07, P value = 0.034). The results from this study indicate that the occurrence of strongyloidiasis is high in the Western Province, PNG, and age is a determining factor of seroreactivity. This study provides evidence of endemic strongyloidiasis in this community and raises questions as to the impact of this neglected disease and other intestinal parasites on disease burden and comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Scott
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Theophilus I. Emeto
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Vector-Borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Wayne Melrose
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Warner
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Catherine Rush
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
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17
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Sangwalee W, Norkaew J, Inthachak S, Janwan P, Rodpai R, Sanpool O, Sadaow L, Boonroumkaew P, Intapan PM, Maleewong W, Thanchomnang T. Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and genetic differentiation of Strongyloides stercoralis among migrant workers from Myanmar, Lao PDR and Cambodia in northeastern Thailand. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0279754. [PMID: 36584196 PMCID: PMC9803317 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remain a public-health problem worldwide, including in countries of the Lower Mekong subregion. Increases in human migration from neighboring countries might cause reemerging parasitic infections, leading to spread of parasites in the landscape. Here, we conducted a cross-sectional study to identify the prevalence of IPIs in migrant workers from Myanmar, Lao PDR, and Cambodia who were dwelling in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand. The identification of Strongyloides species and genetic differentiation of worms from migrant workers with different countries of origin was also assessed. Fresh stool samples were collected from 338 migrant workers and examined for evidence of IPIs using agar plate culture (APC) and the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique (FECT). Among those nine samples positive for nematodes by APC, the Strongyloides or hookworm species present was confirmed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by DNA sequencing. This revealed eight cases of Strongyloides stercoralis infection and one of Necator americanus. Fifty-one out of 338 individuals (15.09%) were positive for IPIs using FECT and APC. Eggs of Opisthorchis-like flukes were the most common parasite (11.83% of samples), followed by S. stercoralis (2.37%), Entamoeba coli (1.50%), hookworm (0.89%), Taenia sp. (0.60%) and Hymenolepis nana (0.30%). The genetic differentiation of S. stercoralis recovered from migrant workers with different countries of origin was analyzed. Specimens of S. stercoralis isolated from workers from Lao PDR, Cambodia and Myanmar were genetically similar to those sequenced from Thailand. However, there were population-genetic differences between S. stercoralis from these Southeast Asian countries and other regions of the world. This study demonstrated that IPIs were prevalent in migrant workers in the northeastern region of Thailand. Our findings provided molecular confirmation of the presence of S. stercoralis and explored the genetic differentiation of S. stercoralis from those infected migrant workers. An effective anti-parasitic drug should be provided for migrant workers and its administration enforced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wararat Sangwalee
- Faculty of Public Health, Vongchavalitkul University, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
| | - Jun Norkaew
- Faculty of Public Health, Vongchavalitkul University, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
| | - Sengchoy Inthachak
- Faculty of Education, Vongchavalitkul University, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
| | - Penchom Janwan
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Rutchanee Rodpai
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand,Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Oranuch Sanpool
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand,Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Lakkhana Sadaow
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand,Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Patcharaporn Boonroumkaew
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand,Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Pewpan M. Intapan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand,Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Wanchai Maleewong
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand,Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
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18
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Soleimani A, Keivani N, Lotfipour S, Abolhasani S, Valizadeh S, Behniafar H. Promising effects of herbal compounds against strongyloidiasis: a systematic review. J Parasit Dis 2022; 46:1192-1203. [PMID: 36457765 PMCID: PMC9606197 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01532-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis could be a significant global health issue undervalued in several countries, which is caused by Strongyloides spp. Challenges stemming from the use of anthelmintic chemotherapy, such as the development of resistance, the progressive cost of medicines, environmental toxicity of chemicals, and residuals in beast products have increased interest in promoting alternative means of control for the use of plant-based parasite control methods. A study on herbal extracts may offer a less expensive yet equally effective alternative for the prevention and treatment of helminthic multi-resistance. We systematically searched the Web of Sciences, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Scopus databases to explore original publications related to medicinal plants and Strongyloides in English on September 29, 2021. The keywords of medicinal plant, traditional medicine, plant extract, herbal medicine, herbal extract, natural drug, Strongyloides, strongyloidiasis, Strongyloides infection, and helminth were used in our search. Researchers can make use of this review as a quick reference. In this study, we have summarized recent advancements and published investigations on herbal and naturally derived medicines in treating strongyloidiasis undertaken by several researchers worldwide. These medicinal herbs, as well as the active and significant compounds they contain, such as alkaloids, phenolic derivatives, tannins, and terpenes, have been outlined in recent articles. Various studies on herbal remedies to treat strongyloidiasis have been undertaken to date, but further research is still required on moderately effective and low harmful substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anahita Soleimani
- Student Research Committee, Sarab Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sarab, East Azerbaijan Iran
| | - Nadia Keivani
- Student Research Committee, Sarab Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sarab, East Azerbaijan Iran
| | - Samane Lotfipour
- Student Research Committee, Sarab Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sarab, East Azerbaijan Iran
| | - Sakhavat Abolhasani
- Department of Clinical Biochemestry, Sarab Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sarab, East Azerbaijan Iran
| | | | - Hamed Behniafar
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Sarab Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sarab, East Azerbaijan Iran
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19
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Omar M, Abdelal HO. Nitric oxide in parasitic infections: a friend or foe? J Parasit Dis 2022; 46:1147-1163. [PMID: 36457767 PMCID: PMC9606182 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01518-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The complex interaction between the host and the parasite remains a puzzling question. Control of parasitic infections requires an efficient immune response that must be balanced against destructive pathological consequences. Nitric oxide is a nitrogenous free radical which has many molecular targets and serves diverse functions. Apart from being a signaling messenger, nitric oxide is critical for controlling numerous infections. There is still controversy surrounding the exact role of nitric oxide in the immune response against different parasitic species. It proved protective against intracellular protozoa, as well as extracellular helminths. At the same time, it plays a pivotal role in stimulating detrimental pathological changes in the infected hosts. Several reports have discussed the anti-parasitic and immunoregulatory functions of nitric oxide, which could directly influence the control of the infection. Nevertheless, there is scarce literature addressing the harmful cytotoxic impacts of this mediator. Thus, this review provides insights into the most updated concepts and controversies regarding the dual nature and opposing sides of nitric oxide during the course of different parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Omar
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Gameyet Almohafza St. 1, Menya Al-Kamh, City of Zagazig, 44511 Sharkia Governorate Egypt
| | - Heba O. Abdelal
- LIS: Cross-National Data Center, Maison des Sciences Humaines - 5e étage, 11- porte des Sciences, L-4366 Esch-Belval, Luxembourg
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20
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Saqib SU, Sood S, Wong L, Patel A. Strongyloides colitis, a rare but important mimic of Crohn's disease, resulting in coma and multi-organ failure: a case report. Surg Case Rep 2022; 8:211. [PMID: 36447071 PMCID: PMC9708997 DOI: 10.1186/s40792-022-01568-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strongyloides colitis is a severe form of strongyloidiasis that carries a high mortality rate if untreated. There is an overlapping clinical presentation between Strongyloides colitis and Crohn's disease. Here, we present a case of a patient who was diagnosed with Crohn's disease and was treated with immunosuppressant therapy which resulted in a poor outcome. CASE PRESENTATION A middle-aged, native African male presented with diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Colonoscopy showed some patchy inflammation in the caecum, which on biopsy was suggestive of Crohn's disease. He had a short course of steroids before being admitted to an emergency with abdominal pain, diarrhea, malnutrition, and severe weight loss. Initial conservative treatment failed, and he became acutely unwell and septic with peritonitis. Laparotomy was carried out, which showed mild inflammation in the terminal ileum, which was not resected. Postoperatively, the patient became comatose and went into multi-organ dysfunction. He failed to progress, and a further laparotomy and subtotal colectomy were performed on the 12th postoperative day. His multi-organ failure progressed, and he succumbed to death 4 days later. DISCUSSION Strongyloides stercoralis is a parasite causing an enteric infection in animals and humans. Strongyloidiasis in immunocompetent individuals is usually an indolent disease. However, in immunocompromised individuals, it can cause hyperinfective syndrome. Patients with strongyloid colitis should undergo colonoscopy and biopsy where acute inflammation with eosinophilic infiltrates indicates parasitic infiltration of the colonic wall. Surgery is generally not indicated, and any surgical intervention with misdiagnosis of a flare-up of IBD can be very detrimental to the patient. CONCLUSION Strongyloid colitis can very harmfully mimic Crohn's colitis, and the use of steroids and immunosuppressants can disseminate parasitic infection. Hyperinfection syndrome can lead to sepsis, organ dysfunction, and comma. Disseminated infection carries a high mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabah Uddin Saqib
- grid.412570.50000 0004 0400 5079University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Sumit Sood
- grid.412570.50000 0004 0400 5079University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Ling Wong
- grid.412570.50000 0004 0400 5079University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Abhilasha Patel
- grid.412570.50000 0004 0400 5079University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire Trust, Coventry, UK
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21
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Camacho-Alvarez I, Chavez-Mamani EM, Philippe G, Luizaga-López JM, Torrico MC, Gétaz L, Jacobs F. A simple parasitological technique to increase detection of Strongyloides stercoralis in Bolivian primary health care system. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2022; 23:284. [PMID: 36396996 PMCID: PMC9673357 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-022-01888-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strongyloides stercoralis is widespread; however, there is limited information on its prevalence owing to laboratory underestimation and low clinical manifestations. The Baermann method and agar culture stand out among the parasitological techniques. Strongyloides stercoralis is present in Bolivia, but its prevalence in children remains unknown. The objective of this study was to estimate the applicability of simple parasitological techniques to increase the detection of this parasite in children living in the tropics. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tropical village in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Participants were 304 children aged 5 - 12 years who provided stool samples for different parasitological analyses (direct examination, Ritchie, Baermann, and Dancescu techniques), and their parents provided informed consent. RESULTS Up to 64.8% of pathogenic parasites were detected using the modified Ritchie method. The Baermann technique identified 17.8% of Strongyloides stercoralis cases, and a high sensitivity with respect to the Baermann technique was only for the Dancescu technique (75.9%) that is also specific for Strongyloides stercoralis, followed by 66.7% for the modified Ritchie technique, which is used in second-line care. DISCUSSION The Baermann technique is the best parasitological option for improving Strongyloides stercoralis diagnosis in the first-line care of the Primary Health Care System. A particular cycle of reinfection, combined with the environment and some other risk factors are related with persistence. Control is difficult without a proper diagnosis, and the Baermann technique is an approach to the solution. We conclude that with a high suspicion of the presence of Strongyloides stercoralis, the use of the Baermann technique is strongly recommended as support for direct examination in primary health care systems especially in tropical areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Camacho-Alvarez
- Medical Sciences Université Libre de Bruxelles (Belgium); Public Health and Epidemiology, University of San Simón (Bolivia), Cochabamba, Bolivia.
| | - Elia M Chavez-Mamani
- Biomedical and Social Research Institute, Medicine Faculty, University of San Simón, Cochabamba, Bolivia
| | - Goyens Philippe
- Nutrition and Metabolism Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola HUDERF, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jenny M Luizaga-López
- Biomedical and Social Research Institute, University of San Simón, Cochabamba, Bolivia
| | - Mary Cruz Torrico
- Medical Research Laboratory, Parasitology, Medicine Faculty, University of San Simón, Cochabamba, Bolivia
| | - Laurent Gétaz
- Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Frédérique Jacobs
- Infectious Diseases Department at Université Libre de Bruxelles, CUB-Erasme, Brussels, Belgium
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22
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Raw C, Traub RJ, Zendejas-Heredia PA, Stevenson M, Wiethoelter A. A systematic review and meta-analysis of human and zoonotic dog soil-transmitted helminth infections in Australian Indigenous communities. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010895. [PMID: 36279298 PMCID: PMC9632820 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infect 1.5 billion people and countless animals worldwide. In Australian Indigenous communities, STH infections have largely remained endemic despite control efforts, suggesting reservoirs of infection may exist. Dogs fulfil various important cultural, social and occupational roles in Australian Indigenous communities and are populous in these settings. Dogs may also harbour zoonotic STHs capable of producing morbidity and mortality in dogs and humans. This review provides an overview of human and zoonotic STH infections, identifies the Australian Indigenous locations affected and the parasite species and hosts involved. The meta-analysis provides estimates of individual study and pooled true prevalence of STH infections in Australian Indigenous communities and identifies knowledge gaps for further research on zoonotic or anthroponotic potential. A systematic literature search identified 45 eligible studies documenting the presence of Strongyloides stercoralis, Trichuris trichiura, Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma duodenale, Ancylostoma ceylanicum, undifferentiated hookworm, and Ascaris lumbricoides. Of these studies, 26 were also eligible for inclusion in meta-analysis to establish true prevalence in the light of imperfect diagnostic test sensitivity and specificity by Rogan-Gladen and Bayesian methods. These studies revealed pooled true prevalence estimates of 18.9% (95% CI 15.8–22.1) for human and canine S. stercoralis infections and 77.3% (95% CI 63.7–91.0) for canine A. caninum infections indicating continued endemicity, but considerably more heterogenous pooled estimates for canine A. ceylanicum infections, and A. duodenale, undifferentiated hookworm and T. trichiura in humans. This review suggests that the prevalence of STHs in Australian Indigenous communities has likely been underestimated, principally based on imperfect diagnostic tests. Potential misclassification of hookworm species in humans and dogs due to outdated methodology, also obscures this picture. High-quality contemporary studies are required to establish current true prevalence of parasite species in all relevant hosts to guide future policy development and control decisions under a culturally sound One Health framework. Soil-transmitted helminths include hookworms, threadworms, whipworms and roundworms. These worms may infect different hosts including humans and dogs, and some species are zoonotic, meaning that they are able to transmit between animals and humans. In many Australian Indigenous communities, people remain infected with these worms at high rates compared to other parts of the country despite various control strategies. Resource and health literacy inequalities are primary drivers for these differences. However, the potential for dogs to act as reservoirs for zoonotic worm infections in humans must also be considered. For this reason, it’s important to create a clear picture of the level of infection by location and host. Given that tests used to establish prevalence can produce false positive or negative results, we performed a meta-analysis allowing comparison of true prevalence estimates by location and host, regardless of the test used. This review suggests that threadworm and dog hookworm remain endemic in Australian Indigenous communities, though a gap exists to accurately inform the prevalence of the other worms. It also highlights the need for One Health strategies in research, policy and control where humans, all animal hosts and the environment are considered in a culturally relevant way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron Raw
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Rebecca J. Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Patsy A. Zendejas-Heredia
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark Stevenson
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anke Wiethoelter
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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23
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Cai DH, Wang J, Fang XL. Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection syndrome mimicking pseudomembranous enteritis, complicated by Escherichia coli bacteremia and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in a patient after immunosuppressive therapy: a case report. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:749. [PMID: 36153480 PMCID: PMC9509572 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07670-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Strongyloidiasis, caused by Strongyloides stercoralis (S. stercoralis), is endemic worldwide, especially in countries with warm and humid climates. Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection syndrome (SHS) is an extremely serious manifestation of strongyloidiasis, which results from an acute exacerbation of auto-infection and is often fatal.
Case presentation
We present a case of SHS mimicking pseudomembranous enteritis with a final definitive diagnosis of a triple infection including S. stercoralis, Escherchia coli (E. coli) and Pneumocytis jirovecii (P. jirovecii) that occurred in a microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) patient after immunosuppressive therapy. SHS, together with E. coli bacteremia and Pneumocytis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) in the same patient, is rare in clinical practice, which is first reported worldwide, to our knowledge. After the diagnosis was confirmed, the treatment protocol was quickly adjusted; however, the patient’s life could not be saved.
Conclusion
This case reminds us of the necessity to consider strongyloidiasis as a differential diagnosis in immunocompromised populations who live in or have visited to S. stercoralis endemic areas, especially patients with suspected pseudomembranous enteritis, even if stool examination, serological tests, and eosinophilia are negative. For this group, it is advisable to complete the relevant endoscopy and/or PCR as soon as possible. The fundamental solution to prevent this catastrophic outcome is to implement effective preventive measures at multiple levels, including physicians, patients, and relevant authorities.
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24
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Barkati S, Naeem F, Hales L, Quan C, Libman M. Strongyloides stercoralis prevalence in solid-organ and haematopoietic stem cell transplant candidates and recipients: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e057649. [PMID: 35914914 PMCID: PMC9345034 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal helminth ubiquitous in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It persists in the human host for a lifetime as a result of autoinfection and if undetected and untreated, can lead to increased morbidity and high mortality in immunocompromised individuals such as the transplant population. Transplant patients, including solid-organ and haematopoietic stem cell transplants (SOT and HSCT, respectively), are at a high risk of hyperinfection and disseminated strongyloidiasis. Unfortunately screening is often not systematically performed. Prevalence estimates of Strongyloides in this high-risk population is not well studied. Through this systematic review, we aim to summarise the descriptive evidence on Strongyloides prevalence in SOT and HSCT patients, including diagnostic and screening practices alongside the cases of hyperinfection, disseminated strongyloidiasis and the mortality rate in this population. METHODS AND ANALYSES Through the use of various online library databases, we will conduct a systematic review including relevant literature on the prevalence of Strongyloides in SOT and HSCT patients as well as studies assessing hyperinfection and disseminated strongyloidiasis in this patient population. The Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome and Study Design strategy and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines will be used to determine a final subset of studies for analysis. Quality assessment for case series and case reports will be determined by a modified quality assessment tool developed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH), and the CARE guidelines, respectively. We will provide a narrative synthesis of the findings pertaining to the primary and secondary outcomes of interest (prevalence of Strongyloides and mortality rate in transplant population, respectively) alongside the associated 95% CI. Estimates from individual studies will be pooled using a random effects model. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This systematic review does not require formal ethical approval since no primary data will be collected. Findings will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication and relevant conferences. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42021269305.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sapha Barkati
- J.D. MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases at McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Faheel Naeem
- J.D. MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases at McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Lindsay Hales
- Medical Libraries, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Curtis Quan
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Michael Libman
- J.D. MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases at McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada
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25
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Munisankar S, Rajamanickam A, Balasubramanian S, Muthusamy S, Dolla CK, Menon PA, Chinnayan P, Whalen C, Gumne P, Kaur I, Nadimpalli V, Deverakonda A, Chen Z, David Otto J, Habitegiyorgis T, Kandaswamy H, Nutman TB, Babu S. Seroprevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis infection in a South Indian adult population. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010561. [PMID: 35857754 PMCID: PMC9299326 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
The prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis infection is estimated to be 30–100 million worldwide, although this an underestimate. Most cases remain undiagnosed due to the asymptomatic nature of the infection. We wanted to estimate the seroprevalence of S. stercoralis infection in a South Indian adult population.
Methods
To this end, we performed community-based screening of 2351 individuals (aged 18–65) in Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu between 2013 and 2020. Serological testing for S. stercoralis was performed using the NIE ELISA.
Results
Our data shows a seroprevalence of 33% (768/2351) for S. stercoralis infection which had a higher prevalence among males 36% (386/1069) than among females 29.8% (382/1282). Adults aged ≥55 (aOR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.25–2.18) showed higher adjusted odds of association compared with other age groups. Eosinophil levels (39%) (aOR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.19–1.74) and hemoglobin levels (24%) (aOR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.11–1.53) were significantly associated with S. stercoralis infection. In contrast, low BMI (aOR = 1.15, 95% CI: 0.82–1.61) or the presence of diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.83–1.69) was not associated with S. stercoralis seropositivity.
Conclusions
Our study provides evidence for a very high baseline prevalence of S. stercoralis infection in South Indian communities and this information could provide realistic and concrete planning of control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saravanan Munisankar
- National Institutes of Health-National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis-International Center for Excellence in Research, Chennai, India
- * E-mail:
| | - Anuradha Rajamanickam
- National Institutes of Health-National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis-International Center for Excellence in Research, Chennai, India
| | - Suganthi Balasubramanian
- National Institutes of Health-National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis-International Center for Excellence in Research, Chennai, India
| | - Satishwaran Muthusamy
- National Institutes of Health-National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis-International Center for Excellence in Research, Chennai, India
| | | | | | | | - Christopher Whalen
- Office of Cyber Infrastructure and Computational Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, United States of America
| | - Paschaline Gumne
- Office of Cyber Infrastructure and Computational Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, United States of America
| | - Inderdeep Kaur
- Office of Cyber Infrastructure and Computational Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, United States of America
| | - Varma Nadimpalli
- Office of Cyber Infrastructure and Computational Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, United States of America
| | - Akshay Deverakonda
- Office of Cyber Infrastructure and Computational Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, United States of America
| | - Zhenhao Chen
- Office of Cyber Infrastructure and Computational Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, United States of America
| | - John David Otto
- Office of Cyber Infrastructure and Computational Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, United States of America
| | - Tesfalidet Habitegiyorgis
- Office of Cyber Infrastructure and Computational Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, United States of America
| | - Harish Kandaswamy
- Office of Cyber Infrastructure and Computational Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, United States of America
| | - Thomas B. Nutman
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Subash Babu
- National Institutes of Health-National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis-International Center for Excellence in Research, Chennai, India
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
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26
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Mendez P, Walsh B, Hallem EA. Using newly optimized genetic tools to probe Strongyloides sensory behaviors. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2022; 250:111491. [PMID: 35697205 PMCID: PMC9339661 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2022.111491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The oft-neglected human-parasitic threadworm, Strongyloides stercoralis, infects roughly eight percent of the global population, placing disproportionate medical and economic burden upon marginalized communities. While current chemotherapies treat strongyloidiasis, disease recrudescence and the looming threat of anthelminthic resistance necessitate novel strategies for nematode control. Throughout its life cycle, S. stercoralis relies upon sensory cues to aid in environmental navigation and coordinate developmental progression. Odorants, tastants, gases, and temperature have been shown to shape parasite behaviors that drive host seeking and infectivity; however, many of these sensory behaviors remain poorly understood, and their underlying molecular and neural mechanisms are largely uncharacterized. Disruption of sensory circuits essential to parasitism presents a promising strategy for future interventions. In this review, we describe our current understanding of sensory behaviors - namely olfactory, gustatory, gas sensing, and thermosensory behaviors - in Strongyloides spp. We also highlight the ever-growing cache of genetic tools optimized for use in Strongyloides that have facilitated these findings, including transgenesis, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis, RNAi, chemogenetic neuronal silencing, and the use of fluorescent biosensors to measure neuronal activity. Bolstered by these tools, we are poised to enter an era of rapid discovery in Strongyloides sensory neurobiology, which has the potential to shape pioneering advances in the prevention and treatment of strongyloidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Mendez
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Molecular Biology Interdepartmental PhD Program, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Breanna Walsh
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Molecular Biology Interdepartmental PhD Program, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Elissa A Hallem
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Pereira Vieira Barreto NM, Brito Farias MM, Oliveira CDL, Almeida Costa Araujo W, Rios Grassi MF, Nascimento de Souza J, Soares Jacobina B, Aquino Teixeira MC, Galvão-Castro B, Matos Soares N. Evaluation of Strongyloides stercoralis infection in patients with HTLV-1. BIOMEDICA : REVISTA DEL INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE SALUD 2022; 42:31-40. [PMID: 35471168 PMCID: PMC9041088 DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.5888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Individuals infected with the human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) may present severe and disseminated forms of Strongyloides stercoralis infection with low therapeutic response. OBJECTIVE To investigate the S. stercoralis infection and the seroprevalence of IgG anti-S. stercoralis antibodies in individuals infected with HTLV-1 attending the Reference Center for HTLV-1 (CHTLV) in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study in 178 HTLV-1-infected individuals treated at the HTLV specialized center between January, 2014, and December, 2018. The parasitological diagnosis of S. stercoralis was performed using the Hoffman, Pons and Janer, agar plate culture, and Baermann-Morais methods. The IgG anti-S. stercoralis detection was performed using an in house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The HTLV-1 infection was diagnosed using a commercial ELISA and confirmed by Western blot. RESULTS The frequency of S. stercoralis infection was 3.4% (6/178). Individuals infected with S. stercoralis from rural areas (50.0%; 3/6) also showed S. stercoralis hyperinfection (>3,000 larvae/gram of feces). The frequency of circulating anti-S. stercoralis IgG antibodies was 20.8% (37/178). CONCLUSIONS HTLV-1-infected people living in precarious sanitary conditions are more prone to develop severe forms of S. stercoralis infection. Considering the high susceptibility and unfavorable outcome of the infection in these individuals, the serological diagnosis for S. stercoralis should be considered when providing treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilo Manoel Pereira Vieira Barreto
- Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Programa de Pós-graduação em Processos Interativos dos Órgãos e Sistemas, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Bahia, Brasil.
| | - Marina Morena Brito Farias
- Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Programa de Pós-graduação em Processos Interativos dos Órgãos e Sistemas, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Bahia, Brasil.
| | - Cíntia de Lima Oliveira
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Bahia, Brasil.
| | - Weslei Almeida Costa Araujo
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Bahia, Brasil.
| | | | - Joelma Nascimento de Souza
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Bahia, Brasil.
| | | | | | | | - Neci Matos Soares
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Bahia, Brasil.
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Talukder MR, Pham H, Woodman R, Wilson K, Taylor K, Kaldor J, Einsiedel L. The Association between Diabetes and Human T-Cell Leukaemia Virus Type-1 (HTLV-1) with Strongyloides stercoralis: Results of a Community-Based, Cross-Sectional Survey in Central Australia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042084. [PMID: 35206272 PMCID: PMC8872355 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In central Australia, an area that is endemic for the human T-cell leukaemia virus type-1 (HTLV-1), the prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis and its association with other health conditions are unknown. A cross-sectional community-based survey was conducted in seven remote Aboriginal communities in central Australia, from 2014 to 2018. All residents aged ≥10 years were invited to complete a health survey and to provide blood for Strongyloides serology, HTLV-1 serology and HTLV-1 proviral load (PVL). Risk factors for Strongyloides seropositivity and associations with specific health conditions including diabetes and HTLV-1 were determined using logistic regression. Overall Strongyloides seroprevalence was 27% (156/576) (children, 22% (9/40); adults (≥15 years), 27% (147/536), varied widely between communities (5–42%) and was not associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal, respiratory or dermatological symptoms. Increasing age, lower HTLV-1 PVL (<1000 copies per 105 peripheral blood leucocytes) compared to the HTLV-1 uninfected group and community of residence were significant risk factors for Strongyloides seropositivity in an adjusted model. A modest reduction in the odds of diabetes among Strongyloides seropositive participants was found (aOR 0.58, 95% CI 0.35, 1.00; p = 0.049); however, this was lost when body mass index was included in the adjusted model (aOR 0.48, 95% CI 0.48, 1.47; p = 0.542). Strongyloides seropositivity had no relationship with anaemia. Exploring social and environmental practices in communities with low Strongyloides seroprevalence may provide useful lessons for similar settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Radwanur Talukder
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Alice Springs Hospital, Alice Springs, NT 0870, Australia; (M.R.T.); (H.P.)
| | - Hai Pham
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Alice Springs Hospital, Alice Springs, NT 0870, Australia; (M.R.T.); (H.P.)
| | - Richard Woodman
- Flinders Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia;
| | - Kim Wilson
- National Serology Reference Laboratory, Melbourne, VIC 3065, Australia;
| | - Kerry Taylor
- Poche Centre for Indigenous Health and Wellbeing, Alice Springs, NT 0870, Australia;
| | - John Kaldor
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
| | - Lloyd Einsiedel
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Alice Springs Hospital, Alice Springs, NT 0870, Australia; (M.R.T.); (H.P.)
- Alice Springs Hospital, Alice Springs, NT 0870, Australia
- Correspondence:
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29
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Ashiri A, Rafiei A, Beiromvand M, Khanzadeh A, Alghasi A. Case Report: Challenges for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Strongyloides stercoralis in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2022; 106:695-699. [PMID: 34844210 PMCID: PMC8832893 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-1011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis, a neglected tropical disease (NTD), which is caused by Strongyloides stercoralis, can be fatal in immunocompromised patients. In most chronic cases, infections most frequently are asymptomatic, and eosinophilia might be the only clinical characteristic of this disease. The use of corticosteroids in some diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may lead to the development of the life-threatening S. stercoralis hyperinfection syndrome. In the present research, we presented five cases of strongyloidiasis with a history of COPD and receiving corticosteroids from Abadan County, southwestern Iran. By performing the direct smear stool examinations, two cases were identified and the other three cases were diagnosed using the agar plate culture method. Despite reporting eosinophilia in previous patients' hospitalizations, the fecal examination was not performed for parasitic infections. Moreover, pulmonary symptoms were similar, but gastrointestinal symptoms were varied, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, epigastric pain, constipation, and diarrhea. All the included patients were treated with albendazole, which is the second-line drug for S. stercoralis, and relapse of infection was observed in two patients by passing few months from the treatment. The increased blood eosinophil count was shown to play important roles in both the management of COPD and diagnosis of helminthic infections. In COPD patients who are receiving steroids, screening and follow-up for strongyloidiasis should be considered as priorities. In addition, ivermectin, which is the first-line drug for strongyloidiasis, should be available in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Ashiri
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Khuzestan, Iran;,Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Khuzestan, Iran
| | - Abdollah Rafiei
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Khuzestan, Iran;,Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Khuzestan, Iran
| | - Molouk Beiromvand
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Khuzestan, Iran;,Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Khuzestan, Iran;,Address correspondence to Molouk Beiromvand, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 61357–15794, Ahvaz, Khuzestan, Iran. E-mail:
| | | | - Arash Alghasi
- Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Khuzestan, Iran
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Hofmann D, Smit C, Sayasone S, Pfister M, Keiser J. Optimizing moxidectin dosing for Strongyloides stercoralis infections: Insights from pharmacometric modeling. Clin Transl Sci 2021; 15:700-708. [PMID: 34889057 PMCID: PMC8932710 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Moxidectin is a frontrunner drug candidate in the treatment of strongyloidiasis. A dose of 8 mg is recommended to treat this indication, which shows a reasonably good efficacy and tolerability profile. Yet, owing to the unique life cycle of Strongyloides stercoralis (S. stercoralis) that entails internal autoinfection, a curative treatment would be desirable. Population‐based pharmacometric modeling that would help to identify an ideal dosing strategy are yet lacking. The aims of this study were to (i) explore the exposure‐efficacy response relationship of moxidectin in treating S. stercoralis and (ii) evaluate whether moxidectin treatment outcomes in terms of cure rates at baseline as compared to post‐treatment could be optimized. Our pharmacodynamic model suggests high predictive power (area under the concentration time curve‐receiver operating characteristic [AUC‐ROC] 0.817) in the probability of being cured by linking an exposure metric (i.e., AUC0‐24 or maximum concentration [Cmax]) to baseline infection intensity. Pharmacometric simulations indicate that with a minimum dose of 4 mg a maximum cure rate of ~ 95% is established in the low infection intensity group (larvae per gram [LPG] ≥0.4–1), whereas in the moderate‐to‐high intensity group (LPG >1) the cure rate plateaus at ~ 87%, following an 8 mg dose. To enhance efficacy further, studies using repeated dosing based on the duration of the autoinfection cycle, for example a two‐dose regimen 3 weeks apart should be considered. Simulations revealed similar Cmax in both treatment courses of a two‐dose regimen; hence safety should not be a concern. Collectively, our results provide evidence‐based guidance for enhanced dosing strategies and should be considered when designing future treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Hofmann
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Cornelis Smit
- Pediatric Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics Research, University of Basel Children's Hospital (UKBB), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Somphou Sayasone
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Lao Tropical and Public Health Institute, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Marc Pfister
- Pediatric Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics Research, University of Basel Children's Hospital (UKBB), Basel, Switzerland.,Certara, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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31
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Wang Z, Cheong MC, Tsien J, Deng H, Qin T, Stoltzfus JDC, Jaleta TG, Li X, Lok JB, Kliewer SA, Mangelsdorf DJ. Characterization of the endogenous DAF-12 ligand and its use as an anthelmintic agent in Strongyloides stercoralis. eLife 2021; 10:e73535. [PMID: 34874004 PMCID: PMC8651287 DOI: 10.7554/elife.73535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A prevalent feature of Strongyloides stercoralis is a life-long and potentially lethal infection that is due to the nematode parasite's ability to autoinfect and, thereby, self-replicate within its host. Here, we investigated the role of the parasite's nuclear receptor, Ss-DAF-12, in governing infection. We identified Δ7-DA as the endogenous Ss-DAF-12 ligand and elucidated the hormone's biosynthetic pathway. Genetic loss of function of the ligand's rate-limiting enzyme demonstrated that Δ7-DA synthesis is necessary for parasite reproduction, whereas its absence is required for the development of infectious larvae. Availability of the ligand permits Ss-DAF-12 to function as an on/off switch governing autoinfection, making it vulnerable to therapeutic intervention. In a preclinical model of hyperinfection, pharmacologic activation of DAF-12 suppressed autoinfection and markedly reduced lethality. Moreover, when Δ7-DA was administered with ivermectin, the current but limited drug of choice for treating strongyloidiasis, the combinatorial effects of the two drugs resulted in a near cure of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
| | - Mi Cheong Cheong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
| | - Jet Tsien
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
| | - Heping Deng
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
| | - Tian Qin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
| | - Jonathan DC Stoltzfus
- Department of Biology, Millersville University of PennsylvaniaMillersvilleUnited States
| | - Tegegn G Jaleta
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Xinshe Li
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - James B Lok
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Steven A Kliewer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
| | - David J Mangelsdorf
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
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Ruge M, Surati M, Manesh R, Segreti J, Solarewicz J, Mba B. Buried Deep. J Hosp Med 2021; 16:757-762. [PMID: 34338628 DOI: 10.12788/jhm.3584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Max Ruge
- Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mosmi Surati
- Department of Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Reza Manesh
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - John Segreti
- Department of Infectious Disease, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Joanna Solarewicz
- Department of Pathology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Benjamin Mba
- Department of Medicine, John H Stroger, Jr Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, Illinois
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Gilmour B, Alene KA, Clements ACA. The prevalence of soil transmitted helminth infections in minority indigenous populations of South-East Asia and the Western Pacific Region: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009890. [PMID: 34758024 PMCID: PMC8580241 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Soil transmitted helminth (STH) infections cause one of the most prevalent diseases in man. STHs disproportionately impact socio-economically disadvantaged communities including minority indigenous populations. This systematic review aimed to quantify the prevalence of STH infection within minority indigenous populations of the South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions. METHODS The systematic review was conducted in accordance with The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines following a published protocol. A random effects meta-analysis was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of STH infection, and meta-regression analysis was used to quantify associations with study characteristics. Where comparative data were available, sub-group analysis was conducted to evaluate the risk of STH infection in minority indigenous people relative to other population groups. The heterogeneity between studies was evaluated visually using Forest plots and was assessed quantitatively by the index of heterogeneity (I2) and Cochran Q-statistics. RESULTS From 1,366 unique studies that were identified, 81 were included in the final analysis. The pooled prevalence of infection within minority indigenous populations was 61.4% (95% CI 50.8, 71.4) for overall STH infection; 32.3% (95% CI 25.7, 39.3) for Ascaris.lumbricoides; 43.6% (95% CI 32.6, 54.8) for Trichuris.trichiura; 19.9% (95% CI 15.7, 24.5) for hookworm and 6.3% (95% CI 3.2, 10.2) for Strongyloides.stercoralis. A significant increase in T. trichiura prevalence was observed over time. The stratified analysis showed that the prevalence of infection for STH overall and for each STH species were not significantly different in minority indigenous participants compared to other populations groups. CONCLUSION The prevalence of STH infection is high within minority indigenous populations across countries at very different levels of socio-economic development. The increasing prevalence of T. trichiura calls for the implementation of more effective therapies and control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Gilmour
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kefyalew Addis Alene
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Western Australia, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Archie C. A. Clements
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Western Australia, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
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Wikman-Jorgensen P, Requena-Méndez A, Llenas-García J. A Review on Strongyloidiasis in Pregnant Women. Res Rep Trop Med 2021; 12:219-225. [PMID: 34584485 PMCID: PMC8464358 DOI: 10.2147/rrtm.s282268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis is a parasitic infection distributed worldwide, with an estimated 614 million people infected. Strongyloidiasis usually presents asymptomatically or with aspecific and mild clinical symptoms, mainly cutaneous, respiratory, or gastrointestinal. Disseminated disease and hyperinfection syndrome are the most serious complications, have a high mortality rate, usually occur in immunosuppressed patients, and are particularly associated with the use of corticosteroids. Strongyloidiasis is the most neglected of the neglected diseases, and its occurrence in pregnancy has been neglected and understudied. In this review, we focus on the effects of strongyloidiasis during pregnancy and highlight the knowledge shortage and the need for more research on the subject. There are few studies addressing strongyloidiasis prevalence during pregnancy and hyperinfection incidence during pregnancy is practically unknown, with only isolated case reports published. Although data are scarce, the infection has been associated with developmental disabilities and anemia during pregnancy, while hyperinfection may cause both maternal and neonatal death. Data on the best screening and diagnostic strategies during pregnancy are lacking. There is insufficient evidence on ivermectin safety in pregnancy, complicating treatment recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Wikman-Jorgensen
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario San Juan de Alicante-FISABIO, San Juan de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Ana Requena-Méndez
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal, Hospital Clinic-Universitat de Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jara Llenas-García
- Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Vega Baja-FISABIO, Alicante, Spain.,Clinical Medicine Department, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Elche, Spain
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Strongyloidiasis in Children Outside the Tropics: Do We Need to Increase Awareness? Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9091905. [PMID: 34576800 PMCID: PMC8465658 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9091905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis belongs to the group of neglected tropical diseases, due to diagnostic difficulties and the lack of systematic screening. Studies on strongyloidiasis prevalence are often heterogenous and mainly performed in adults in endemic countries. We retrospectively enrolled 2633 children referred to a tertiary care hospital in Italy between 2009 and 2020 and tested for S. stercoralis infection. Sixty-one (2.3%) had a positive serology and for 55 of them, clinical and epidemiological information were available. Thirteen cases (24%) were diagnosed in Italian children without history residency or travel to foreign countries, while the remaining were internationally adopted or migrant children. Seropositive patients were mostly asymptomatic, and often eosinophilia was the only sign of strongyloidiasis. Sero-reactivity to Toxocara canis was found in 1/3 of patients. Ivermectin was used in 37 (75.5%) treated patients. A significant reduction of eosinophil levels and IgG titer was seen after treatment. Our study confirms that strongyloidiasis is usually asymptomatic in children. However, due to the ability of the parasite to cause a life-long infection together with the risk of a severe form in case of immunosuppression, it is important to identify and treat infected children. Special consideration should be reserved to high-risk groups, such as immigrants and international adoptees, where screening for S. stercoralis is indicated. However, the study highlights that sporadic cases of autochthonous strongyloidiasis in Italy may occur. Therefore, pediatricians should be aware of this condition, which is often under-recognized.
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Ortiz-Martínez S, Ramos-Rincón JM, Vásquez-Chasnamote ME, Gamboa-Paredes ON, Arista-Flores KM, Espinoza-Venegas LA, de-Miguel-Balsa E, Pinedo-Cancino VV, Górgolas-Hernández-Mora M, Casapía-Morales M. Prevalence of strongyloidiasis in Peru: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:755. [PMID: 34348671 PMCID: PMC8336367 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06441-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Strongyloidiasis is a disease of great public health significance, caused by the parasitic nematodes Strongyloides stercoralis, Strongyloides fuelleborni, and Strongyloides fuelleborni subsp. kellyi. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis infection in Peru. Methods The review was based on a literature search in PubMed, SciELO and Google Scholar using the key words or root words “strongyl*” AND “Peru” on 15 July 2020. Eligible studies were published from 1 January 1981 to 15 July 2020 and written in English, Spanish, Italian, or French. Results We included 21 papers in the analysis. Studies were heterogeneous in terms of study population and diagnostic methods (e.g. Baermann technique, agar, Dancescu or charcoal cultures, serology, string capsule). Prevalence of S. stercoralis ranged from 0.3 to 45%. The pooled proportion of Strongyloides in the general population was 7.34% (95% CI 4.97 to 10.13%). Half the studies were designed to detect parasites in general. In studies designed to detect S. stercoralis, the most widely used diagnostic method was the Baermann technique. Conclusion Prevalence of S. stercoralis in Peru was high but varied by geographic area, techniques for stool examination, and participant characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Ortiz-Martínez
- Medical Practice El Ballestero, Health Service of Castilla La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - José-Manuel Ramos-Rincón
- Clinical Medicine Department, University Miguel Hernández of Elche, Ctra N-332, 03550 Sant Joan d'Alacant, Alicante, Spain. .,Internal Medicine Service, General University Hospital of Alicante-ISABIAL, Alicante, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | | - Eva de-Miguel-Balsa
- Clinical Medicine Department, University Miguel Hernández of Elche, Ctra N-332, 03550 Sant Joan d'Alacant, Alicante, Spain.,Intensive Care Unit, General University Hospital of Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Viviana-Vanessa Pinedo-Cancino
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Laboratory of the Specialized Unit of LIPNAA-CIRNA, National University of the Peruvian Amazon, Iquitos, Peru
| | - Miguel Górgolas-Hernández-Mora
- Infectious Disease Division, University Hospital Foundation Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain.,Medicine Department, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Martín Casapía-Morales
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Service, Loreto Regional Hospital, Iquitos, Peru.,Medical Department, Amazon Rainforest Civil Association, Iquitos, Peru.,School of Medicine, National University of the Peruvian Amazon, Iquitos, Peru
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Endemic parasitic infections in donors and recipients of stem cell and solid organ transplants: focus on strongyloidiasis and Chagas disease. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2021; 34:323-332. [PMID: 34074878 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of the article is to review recent recommendations on the management of Strongyloidiasis and Chagas disease (ChD) in the context of stem-cell or solid-organ transplantation. RECENT FINDINGS An update on laboratory screening, detection of acute disease or reactivation and recommended preventive or therapeutic options in the transplant recipients and donors is presented. Recent epidemiological data showing new estimates on the worldwide burden of both diseases and changes in the classical distribution around the globe should increase awareness and will impact the evaluation and management of transplant recipients and donors in endemic and nonendemic regions. SUMMARY Strongyloidiasis and ChD are potentially life threatening if unnoticed in the context of stem-cell or solid-organ transplantation and should be considered in endemic and nonendemic areas. Effective strategies for detection, monitoring, prevention and management are available for both diseases.
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Monitoring of parasitic diseases of dogs. EUREKA: HEALTH SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.21303/2504-5679.2021.001987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
During the study, dogs were diagnosed with the following helminthic diseases: toxocariasis, echinococcosis, uncinariosis, trichuriasis, capillariosis, dipilidiosis, which took the form of mono and mixed invasions.
The aim of this study was to identify the intensity of helminth infestation of dogs of different ages and methods of keeping.
Materials and methods. Experimental studies were conducted during 2018–2020 on the basis of the laboratory “Innovative technologies and safety and quality of livestock products” and “Veterinary Pharmacy” of the Department of Veterinary Examination, Microbiology, Zoohygiene and Safety and Quality of Livestock Products; epizootology and parasitology of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Sumy National Agrarian University.
In cities and villages, faecal samples were taken from dogs, taking into account the method of keeping (tethered or untethered) and their use (office, hunting, decorative, etc.), which were placed in airtight containers, labeled samples and sent to the laboratory for the research.
The object of clinical and laboratory research were dogs aged one to seven years, admitted to veterinary clinics in the period from 2018 to 2020, with suspected helminthic diseases. Testing of dogs was performed by collecting medical history and clinical examination.
Results. According to the results of the research, it was established that among helminthic diseases during 2018–2020 the following diseases were registered: toxocariasis, cestodes, uncinariosis of dogs. Among the blood-parasitic diseases for the period 2018–2020 were diagnosed with heartworm disease, babesiosis of dogs.
Among ectoparathyroidism, the laboratory diagnosed demodectic mange, otodectosis, canine sarcoptosis, and carnivorous syphonepterosis. A total of 513 surveys were conducted in 2018, of which 80 were positive; for 2019–509, of which positive – 58; for 2020 – 488, of which 62 are positive.
Conclusions. Intestinal helminthiasis has been found to account for the lowest proportion (11 %) of carnivorous parasitic diseases compared to blood parasitic diseases (19 %) and ectoparasitosis (70 %), but they are of great interest for study because of their significant epidemiological significance and may be the cause of disease in humans.
It has been proven that helminthic diseases of dogs run as mixed invasion, and a minority of cases 31.7 % of cases run as mono invasion. Of the total number of patients with helminthic diseases, 73.4 % of the total number of animals were accompanied by other diseases of infectious and non-infectious ethology
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Springer LE, Patton JB, Zhan T, Rabson AB, Lin HC, Manser T, Lok JB, Hess JA, Abraham D. Strongyloides stercoralis and HTLV-1 coinfection in CD34+ cord blood stem cell humanized mice: Alteration of cytokine responses and enhancement of larval growth. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009559. [PMID: 34314415 PMCID: PMC8315519 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral and parasitic coinfections are known to lead to both enhanced disease progression and altered disease states. HTLV-1 and Strongyloides stercoralis are co-endemic throughout much of their worldwide ranges resulting in a significant incidence of coinfection. Independently, HTLV-1 induces a Th1 response and S. stercoralis infection induces a Th2 response. However, coinfection with the two pathogens has been associated with the development of S. stercoralis hyperinfection and an alteration of the Th1/Th2 balance. In this study, a model of HTLV-1 and S. stercoralis coinfection in CD34+ umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem cell engrafted humanized mice was established. An increased level of mortality was observed in the HTLV-1 and coinfected animals when compared to the S. stercoralis infected group. The mortality was not correlated with proviral loads or total viral RNA. Analysis of cytokine profiles showed a distinct shift towards Th1 responses in HTLV-1 infected animals, a shift towards Th2 cytokines in S. stercoralis infected animals and elevated TNF-α responses in coinfected animals. HTLV-1 infected and coinfection groups showed a significant, yet non-clonal expansion of the CD4+CD25+ T-cell population. Numbers of worms in the coinfection group did not differ from those of the S. stercoralis infected group and no autoinfective larvae were found. However, infective larvae recovered from the coinfection group showed an enhancement in growth, as was seen in mice with S. stercoralis hyperinfection caused by treatment with steroids. Humanized mice coinfected with S. stercoralis and HTLV-1 demonstrate features associated with human infection with these pathogens and provide a unique opportunity to study the interaction between these two infections in vivo in the context of human immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Springer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - John B Patton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Tingting Zhan
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Arnold B Rabson
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Hsin-Ching Lin
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Tim Manser
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - James B Lok
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jessica A Hess
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - David Abraham
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Eslahi AV, Olfatifar M, Houshmand E, Johkool MG, Zibaei M, Foroutan M, Hosseini H, Badri M. Prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis in the immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2021; 116:87-99. [PMID: 34302179 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trab104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis is a neglected tropical disease mostly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. The current study evaluated the prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis in immunocompetent and immunodeficient patients in Iran. The available online literature published from June 1994 to October 2020 was obtained from multiple English databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar) and four Persian databases (Magiran, Iran Medex, Iran Doc and SID). All statistical analyses were performed using R software (version 3.6) meta-package and p-values <0.05 were considered significant. From 1051 articles, 74 studies (248 656 individuals) met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of S. stercoralis was 2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1 to 3) and 4% (95% CI 1 to 8) in immunocompetent and immunodeficient patients, respectively. In immunodeficient cases, the pooled prevalence of studies utilizing serology, culture and microscopic methods was 10% (95% CI 2 to 23), 1% (95% CI 0 to 6) and 1% (95% CI 0 to 1), respectively. In immunocompetent cases, the pooled prevalence of studies utilizing microscopic, culture and molecular methods was 2% (95% CI 1 to 3), 2% (95% CI 1 to 4) and 2% (95% CI 0 to 6), respectively. We propose an appropriate screening and control program along with comprehensive research regarding the frequency of strongyloidiasis in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Vafae Eslahi
- Clinical Research Development Unit, Velayat Hospital, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Bahonar Boulevard, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Meysam Olfatifar
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran Province, Tehran, Velenjak, 7th Floor, Bldg No.2 SBUMS, Arabi Ave, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Houshmand
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Rasht Branch, Guilan, Iran
| | - Morteza Ghanbari Johkool
- Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Bahonar Boulevard, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mohammad Zibaei
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Taleghani Boulevard, Taleghani square, Karaj, Iran
| | - Masoud Foroutan
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Zolfaghari 30m st, Abadan, Iran
| | - Hamid Hosseini
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Taleghani Boulevard, Taleghani square, Karaj, Iran
| | - Milad Badri
- Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Bahonar Boulevard, Qazvin, Iran
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Wikman-Jorgensen PE, Llenas-Garcia J, Shedrawy J, Gascon J, Muñoz J, Bisoffi Z, Requena-Mendez A. Cost-effectiveness of different strategies for screening and treatment of Strongyloides stercoralis in migrants from endemic countries to the European Union. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 5:bmjgh-2020-002321. [PMID: 32461226 PMCID: PMC7254101 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-002321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The best strategy for controlling morbidity due to imported strongyloidiasis in migrants is unclear. We evaluate the cost-effectiveness of six possible interventions. METHODS We developed a stochastic Markov chain model. The target population was adult migrants from endemic countries to the European Union; the time horizon, a lifetime and the perspective, that of the health system. Average and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ACER and ICER) were calculated as 2016 EUR/life-year gained (LYG). Health interventions compared were: base case (no programme), primary care-based presumptive treatment (PCPresTr), primary care-based serological screening and treatment (PCSerTr), hospital-based presumptive treatment (HospPresTr), hospital-based serological screening and treatment (HospSerTr), hospital-based presumptive treatment of immunosuppressed (HospPresTrim) and hospital-based serological screening and treatment of the immunosuppressed (HospSerTrim). The willingness to pay threshold (WTP) was €32 126.95/LYG. RESULTS The base case model yielded a loss of 2 486 708.24 life-years and cost EUR 3 238 393. Other interventions showed the following: PCPresTr: 2 488 095.47 life-years (Δ1 387.23LYG), cost: EUR 8 194 563; ACER: EUR 3573/LYG; PCSerTr: 2 488 085.8 life-years (Δ1377.57LYG), cost: EUR 207 679 077, ACER: EUR 148 407/LYG; HospPresTr: 2 488 046.17 life-years (Δ1337.92LYG), cost: EUR 14 559 575; ACER: EUR 8462/LYG; HospSerTr: 2 488 024.33 life-years (Δ1316.08LYG); cost: EUR 207 734 073; ACER: EUR 155 382/LYG; HospPresTrim: 2 488 093.93 life-years, cost: EUR 1 105 483; ACER: EUR -1539/LYG (cost savings); HospSerTrim: 2 488 073.8 life-years (Δ1365.55LYG), cost: EUR 4 274 239; ACER: EUR 759/LYG. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were undertaken; HospPresTrim remained below WTP for all parameters' ranges and iterations. CONCLUSION Presumptively treating all immunosuppressed migrants from areas with endemic Strongyloides would generate cost savings to the health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Erick Wikman-Jorgensen
- Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitari San Juan de Alicante, San Juan de Alicante, Alicante, Spain .,Foundation for the Promotion of the Research in Healthcare and Biomedicine, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jara Llenas-Garcia
- Medicina Interna/Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Vega Baja-FISABIO, San Bartolome-Orihuela, Alicante, Spain.,Clinical Medicine, Universidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche Facultad de Medicina, Sant Joan D'Alacant, Spain
| | - Jad Shedrawy
- Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Stockholm County, Sweden
| | | | | | - Zeno Bisoffi
- Infectious Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Veneto, Italy.,Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Veneto, Italy
| | - Ana Requena-Mendez
- Instituto de Salud Global Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine-Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Páramo-Zunzunegui J, Rubio-López L, Benito-Barbero S, Muñoz-Fernández Á. Eosinophilic appendicitis due to Strongyloides stercoralis: a challenging differential diagnosis for clinicians. BMJ Case Rep 2021; 14:14/6/e239685. [PMID: 34078621 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2020-239685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A 45-year-old man presents with 48-hour status of high temperature, cough and dyspnoea. In the context of pandemic, the patient is initially diagnosed with COVID-19 syndrome. Later, the laboratory and ultrasound study supported acute appendicitis diagnosis. Appendicectomy was performed. The histopathology study confirmed eosinophilic appendicitis and that a parasitic infection was suspected. The stool sample was positive for Strongyloides stercoralis The diagnosis of a S stercoralis is a rare finding in Spain. S. stercoralis simulates clinical findings of inflammatory bowel disease or eosinophilic gastroenteritis, which may lead to the wrong therapeutic choice. Since in inflammatory diseases corticosteroid treatments are considered the initial choice in many cases, in the case of S. stercoralis infection, the administration of this therapy can be fatal. In Spain, the number of diagnoses is much lower than in the past decade, although it is highly probable that the infection has been underdiagnosed due to low clinical awareness among Spanish population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Páramo-Zunzunegui
- Department of General and Digestive Surgery, Hospital Universitario de Móstoles, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain .,Department of Surgery, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Rubio-López
- Department of General and Digestive Surgery, Hospital Universitario de Móstoles, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Benito-Barbero
- Department of General and Digestive Surgery, Hospital Universitario de Móstoles, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
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Ahmad H, Arifin N, Nolan TJ, Lok JB, Anuar NS, Noordin R. Strongyloides-Specific IgE Phage cDNA Clones and Development of a Novel ELISA for Strongyloidiasis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11060985. [PMID: 34071716 PMCID: PMC8228214 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11060985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis, caused mainly by the nematode Strongyloides stercoralis, is prevalent worldwide and potentially fatal in immunosuppressed patients. We report on a new IgE biomarker to diagnose Strongyloides infection. Sera from two groups infected with Strongyloides served as positive samples: Group 1A, in which infection was confirmed by stool-microscopy and/or stool-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and was seropositive by an IgG-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and an IgG4 rapid test, and Group 1B in which infection was confirmed by stool-PCR but was seronegative. Negative samples (controls) comprised infections with other parasites (Group II) and healthy donors (Group III). Immunoscreenings of an S. stercoralis complementary DNA (cDNA) library were performed, and the cDNA clone with the highest diagnostic potential (clone A133) was selected for recombinant protein production and then evaluated using IgE Western blot and ELISA. The Western blot showed that the recombinant protein (rA133) was 100% reactive with Group IA (n = 10) and Group IB (n = 5), and 96% non-reactive with Groups II and III (n = 25). Subsequently, the IgE-ELISA was developed and showed 100% diagnostic sensitivity in Groups IA (n = 32) and IB (n = 11); and 99.3% specificity in Groups II and III (n = 144). In conclusion, this study has identified rA133 as a novel recombinant protein with potential diagnostic value, and that the IgE-ELISA incorporating this protein may be useful for patient diagnosis and epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussain Ahmad
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Malaysia; (H.A.); (N.A.); (N.S.A.)
- Department of Microbiology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Norsyahida Arifin
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Malaysia; (H.A.); (N.A.); (N.S.A.)
| | - Thomas J. Nolan
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (T.J.N.); (J.B.L.)
| | - James B. Lok
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (T.J.N.); (J.B.L.)
| | - Nor Suhada Anuar
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Malaysia; (H.A.); (N.A.); (N.S.A.)
| | - Rahmah Noordin
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Malaysia; (H.A.); (N.A.); (N.S.A.)
- Correspondence:
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44
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Amato VS, Tuon FF. Mass Drug Administration for the Control of Strongyloides stercoralis Infection: Progress and Challenges. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 71:3229-3231. [PMID: 32421778 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Valdir Sabbaga Amato
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Departamento de Molestias Infecciosas e Parasitarias da Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Felipe Francisco Tuon
- Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
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Clark E, Pritchard H, Hemmige V, Restrepo A, Bautista K, Damania A, Ricciardi A, Nutman TB, Mejia R. Strongyloides stercoralis Infection in Solid Organ Transplant Patients Is Associated With Eosinophil Activation and Intestinal Inflammation: A Cross-sectional Study. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 71:e580-e586. [PMID: 32155244 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strongyloidiasis can cause devastating morbidity and death in immunosuppressed patients. Identification of reliable biomarkers for strongyloidiasis in immunosuppressed patients is critical for the prevention of severe disease. METHODS In this cross-sectional study of solid organ transplant (SOT) candidates and recipients, we quantified Strongyloides-specific IgG to the recombinant NIE-Strongyloides antigen and/or to a soluble extract of S. stercoralis somatic antigens ("crude antigen") using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). We also measured peripheral eosinophilia, 4 different eosinophil granule proteins, and intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (IFABP). RESULTS We evaluated serum biomarkers in 149 individuals; 77 (52%) pre-SOT and 72 (48%) post-SOT. Four percent (6/149) tested positive by NIE ELISA and 9.6% (11/114) by crude antigen ELISA (overall seropositivity of 9.4% [14/149]). Seropositive patients had higher absolute eosinophil counts (AECs) than seronegative patients (P = .004). AEC was positively correlated to the levels of eosinophil granule proteins eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) (P < .05), while IFABP was positively related to the 2 other eosinophil granule proteins (major basic protein [MBP] and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin [EDN]; Spearman's r = 0.3090 and 0.3778, respectively; P < .05; multivariate analyses slopes = 0.70 and 2.83, respectively). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that, in SOT patients, strongyloidiasis triggers both eosinophilia and eosinophil activation, the latter being associated with intestinal inflammation. These data provide insight into the pathogenesis of S. stercoralis infection in the immunocompromised population at high risk of severe strongyloidiasis syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Clark
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Texas, USA.,Department of Medicine, Section of Health Services Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Texas, USA.,Houston Health Services Research & Development, Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety (IQuESt), Baylor College of Medicine Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Haley Pritchard
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Vagish Hemmige
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Texas, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Alejandro Restrepo
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Texas, USA
| | - Karla Bautista
- Laboratory of Clinical Parasitology and Diagnostics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ashish Damania
- Laboratory of Clinical Parasitology and Diagnostics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Alessandra Ricciardi
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Thomas B Nutman
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Rojelio Mejia
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Texas, USA.,Laboratory of Clinical Parasitology and Diagnostics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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Hailu T, Nibret E, Amor A, Munshea A, Anegagrie M. Agar Plate Culture: An Alternative Sensitive Routine Laboratory Detection Method for Strongyloides stercoralis and Hookworm Parasites. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2021; 16:72-80. [PMID: 33786049 PMCID: PMC7988663 DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v16i1.5514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: Human infection with Strongyloides stercoralis and hookworm parasites is usually under reported due to less sensitive diagnostic methods. Agar plate culture (APC) is the most sensitive technique for parasites having larval stage. However, using APC in routine diagnosis is uncommon. This study aimed to determine the detection rate and sensitivity of APC in comparison with formal ether concentration technique (FECT) and spontaneous tube sedimentation techniques (STSTs) for S. stercoralis and hookworm larvae. Methods: Stool samples collected from 844 schoolchildren in Amhara Regional State, northwestern Ethiopia in 2019, transported to nearby health institutions and processed by APC, FECT and STSTs. The prevalence of S. stercoralis and hookworm was computed by descriptive statistics and Chi-square. The diagnostic agreement among the three techniques was evaluated using Kappa value. Results: The overall prevalence of S. stercoralis and hookworm infections by combining the three methods was 13.2% (111/844) and 33.8% (277/844), respectively. Using APC alone, the prevalence of S. stercoralis and hookworm were found to be 10.9% (92/844) and 24.5% (207/844), respectively. Agar plate culture was 5.4 and 2.7 times respectively more sensitive than FECT and STST, with slight and fair agreement in the detection of S. stercoralis. Hookworm diagnostic agreement was moderate between APC and FECT, and APC and STST. The Kappa value between STST and FECT diagnostic methods was substantial. Conclusion: APC has a better detection rate of S stercoralis and hookworm larvae. Therefore, APC can be used as an alternative routine diagnostic method to S. stercoralis and hookworm co-endemic countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadesse Hailu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Endalkachew Nibret
- Biology Department, Science College, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Arancha Amor
- Mundo Sano Foundations, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Abaineh Munshea
- Biology Department, Science College, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Melaku Anegagrie
- Mundo Sano Foundations, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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47
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Pane S, Sacco A, Iorio A, Romani L, Putignani L. Strongyloides stercoralis Infestation in a Child: How a Nematode Can Affect Gut Microbiota. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22042131. [PMID: 33669932 PMCID: PMC7924877 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Strongyloidiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the intestinal nematode Strongyloides stercoralis and characterized by gastrointestinal and pulmonary involvement. We report a pediatric case of strongyloidiasis to underline the response of the host microbiota to the perturbation induced by the nematode. Methods: We performed a 16S rRNA-metagenomic analysis of the gut microbiota of a 7-year-old female during and after S. stercolaris infection, investigating three time-point of stool samples’ ecology: T0- during parasite infection, T1- a month after parasite infection, and T2- two months after parasite infection. Targeted-metagenomics were used to investigate ecology and to predict the functional pathways of the gut microbiota. Results: an increase in the alpha-diversity indices in T0-T1 samples was observed compared to T2 and healthy controls (CTRLs). Beta-diversity analysis showed a shift in the relative abundance of specific gut bacterial species from T0 to T2 samples. Moreover, the functional prediction of the targeted-metagenomics profiles suggested an enrichment of microbial glycan and carbohydrate metabolisms in the T0 sample compared with CTRLs. Conclusions: The herein report reinforces the literature suggestion of a putative direct or immune-mediated ability of S. stercolaris to promote the increase in bacterial diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Pane
- Department of Diagnostic and Laboratory Medicine, Unit of Parasitology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (S.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Anna Sacco
- Department of Diagnostic and Laboratory Medicine, Unit of Parasitology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (S.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Andrea Iorio
- Department of Diagnostic and Laboratory Medicine, Unit of Parasitology and Multimodal Laboratory Medicine Research Area, Unit of Human Microbiome, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy;
| | - Lorenza Romani
- Immunology and Infectious Diseases Unit, University Department of Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy;
| | - Lorenza Putignani
- Department of Diagnostic and Laboratory Medicine, Unit of Parasitology and Multimodal Laboratory Medicine Research Area, Unit of Human Microbiome, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-6859-4127
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Strongyloides Stercoralis Infection in Ethiopia: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on Prevalence and Diagnostic Methods. Helminthologia 2021; 58:17-27. [PMID: 33664615 PMCID: PMC7912231 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2021-0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Strongyloides stercoralis is a helminthic intestinal parasite that causes the disease strongyloidiasis. Its prevalence is high in tropics and sub-tropics due to poor sanitation and hygiene. However, its true prevalence is not well known in Ethiopia as most health institutions use low sensitive diagnostic methods. This review aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of S. stercoralis at country, and regional state levels. Papers published on S. stercoralis in Ethiopia from 2010 to 2020 were collected from PubMed, Google Scholar and Science direct databases and Addis Ababa repository. Identification, screening, checking the eligibility, and inclusion of the relevant literatures were done. Articles with S. stercoralis positive results from Ethiopian populations were included. Articles which focused on Strongyloides infection in foreigners, and other than stool samples were excluded. The pooled prevalence of S. stercoralis and heterogeneity between studies and across regions were computed. From the 43 articles, the overall prevalence of S. stercoralis in Ethiopia was 1.82 %. Across regions, relatively high prevalence of S. stercoralis (8.78 %) was recorded in Addis Ababa city. High prevalence of S. stercoralis was found to be 44.02 % with a combination of formol ether concentration, Baermann concentration, and molecular methods. Low prevalence of 0.26 %, 0.31 %, and 1.20 % was evidenced respectively with Kato-Katz, direct saline microscopy, and formol ether concentration methods. Using random effect analysis, the pooled prevalence of S. stercoralis in Ethiopia, across regions and across diagnostic methods was 2.1 % (95 %CI: 1.20 – 3.60), 2.6 % (95 %CI: 0.80 – 8.20) and 3.7 % (95 %CI: 1.10 – 11.70), respectively. The heterogeneity was high (P<0.001). This review revealed that Strongyloides infection is probably underreported and its prevalence could be higher than the reported in Ethiopia. Therefore, a revision of the best combination of diagnostic methods could be advisable as it gives better diagnostic results in routine diagnosis of Strongyloides infection in Ethiopia.
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Gelaye W, Williams NA, Kepha S, Junior AM, Fleitas PE, Marti-Soler H, Damtie D, Menkir S, Krolewiecki AJ, van Lieshout L, Enbiale W. Performance evaluation of Baermann techniques: The quest for developing a microscopy reference standard for the diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009076. [PMID: 33600434 PMCID: PMC7891789 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are common in low and middle income countries where there is lack of access to clean water and sanitation. Effective diagnosis and treatment are essential for the control of STH infections. However, among STH parasites, Strongyloides stercoralis is the most neglected species, both in diagnostics and control strategies. Diagnostic methods cover different approaches, each with different sensitivities and specificities, such as serology, molecular techniques and microscopy based techniques. Of the later, the Baermann technique is the most commonly used procedure. In the literature, several ways have been described to perform the Baermann method, which illustrates the overall lack of a '(gold) reference standard' method for the diagnosis of S. stercoralis infection. In this study we have evaluated the performance of three Baermann techniques in order to improve the reference standard for the microscopic diagnosis of S. stercoralis infection thereby facilitating individual case detection, mapping of the disease and proper evaluation of treatment responses. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A community based cross sectional study was conducted at Zenzelima, Bahir Dar Zuria Ethiopia. A total of 437 stool samples were collected and analyzed by the following procedures: conventional Baermann (CB), modified Baermann (MB), and modified Baermann with charcoal pre-incubation (MBCI). The diagnostic sensitivity and Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of each technique was calculated using the combination of all the three techniques as a composite reference standard. Our result indicated that larvae of S. stercoralis were detected in 151 (34.6%) stool samples. The prevalence of S. stercoralis infection based on the three diagnostic methods was 9.6%, 8.0%, and 31.3% by CB, MB, and MBCI respectively. The sensitivity and NPV for CB, MB, and MBCI were 26.7% and 70.8%, 22.1% and 69.6%, and 87.0% and 93.2%, respectively. The MBCI showed significant difference (P- value = <0.001) in the sensitivity and NPV values when compared with CB and MB values. The agreement between CB, MB, and MBCI with the composite reference standard was 31.8%, 26.7%, 89.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE Our results suggest the superior performance of MBCI. It is relatively easy to implement, simple to perform and comparatively cheaper. The CB is by far the commonly used method in routine diagnostic although this technique significantly underestimates the true burden of the disease and thereby contributing to the exclusion of S. stercoralis from the control strategies. Therefore, MBCI is recommended as a routine microscopy-based diagnostic test for S. stercoralis infection, particularly in settings where molecular procedures are not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woyneshet Gelaye
- Bahir Dar University, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Nana Aba Williams
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Stella Kepha
- Kenya Medical Research Institution, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Pedro Emanuel Fleitas
- Universidad Nacional de Salta, Instituto de Investigaciones de Enfermedades Tropicales/CONICET, Oran, Salta, Argentina
| | - Helena Marti-Soler
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Destaw Damtie
- Bahir Dar University, College of Science, Department of Biology, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Sissay Menkir
- Bahir Dar University, College of Science, Department of Biology, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Alejandro J. Krolewiecki
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
- Universidad Nacional de Salta, Instituto de Investigaciones de Enfermedades Tropicales/CONICET, Oran, Salta, Argentina
| | - Lisette van Lieshout
- Department of Parasitology, Centre of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Wendemagegn Enbiale
- Bahir Dar University, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
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50
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Hillyer JF. Parasites and Parasitology in this SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 World: An American Society of Parasitologists Presidential Address. J Parasitol 2021; 106:859-868. [PMID: 33450760 DOI: 10.1645/20-158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is one of the worst global health crises of this generation. The core of this pandemic is the rapid transmissibility of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, its high morbidity and mortality, and the presence of infectious asymptomatic carriers. As a result, COVID-19 has dominated this year's headlines and commanded significant research attention. As we consider SARS-CoV-2 and the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential that scientists, governments, the media, and the general population also come to grips with the everyday cost of parasitic diseases. Plasmodium (malaria), schistosomes, filarial worms, hookworms, Ascaris, whipworms, and other protozoan and metazoan parasites take a tremendous toll on local communities. Yet, because most of these diseases are no longer endemic to developed countries, their research and intervention are not funded at levels that are proportional to their global morbidity and mortality. The scientific and public health communities must indeed vigorously fight SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, but while doing so and beyond, it will be essential to demonstrate steadfast resolve toward understanding and combating the parasitic diseases that for centuries have haunted humankind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julián F Hillyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235
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