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Nieves E, Fleitas P, Juárez M, Almazán C, Flores G, Alani J, Diaz R, Martos J, Cajal P, Cimino R, Krolewiecki A. Comparison of parasitological methods for the identification of soil-transmitted helminths, including Strongyloides stercoralis, in a regional reference laboratory in northwestern Argentina: An observational study. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2024; 26:e00370. [PMID: 39139793 PMCID: PMC11321430 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2024.e00370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are a significant public health problem in impoverished communities of tropical and subtropical areas. Improved diagnostic methods are crucial for Neglected Tropical Diseases programs, particularly for S. stercoralis, as traditional methods are inadequate. Thus, it is important to identify the most accurate and efficient methods for the diagnosis of STH. We performed a retrospective study analyzing laboratory data at the Instituto de Investigaciones de Enfermedades Tropicales from 2010 to 2019. The study included data from outpatients referred for stool analysis and public health interventions from urban and rural communities in northern Salta province, Argentina. Samples were included in this analysis if processed through sedimentation/concentration, Baermann, Harada-Mori and McMaster's, with a subgroup that also included Agar plate culture method (APC). Sensitivity was calculated against a composite reference standard. Of the 5625 samples collected, 944 qualified for this analysis, with a prevalence of 11.14% for A. lumbricoides, 8.16% for hookworm, 1.38% for T. trichiura, and 6.36% for S. stercoralis. The sedimentation/concentration method was the most sensitive for A. lumbricoides (96%), compared to the McMaster method, with a sensitivity of 62%. Similarly, for hookworms, sedimentation/concentration was more sensitive than McMaster's, Harada-Mori, and Baermann with sensitivities of 87%, 70%, 43%, and 13%, respectively. Most of these infections were of light intensity. For S. stercoralis, Baermann and sedimentation/concentration methods were the most sensitive, with 70% and 62% respectively, while Harada-Mori was the least sensitive. In a subset of 389 samples also analyzed by the APC, Baermann was more sensitive than APC for detecting S. stercoralis, and both methods were superior to Harada-Mori. Parasitological methods, mostly when used combined, offer adequate opportunities for the diagnosis of STH in clinical and public health laboratories. The incorporation of S. stercoralis into the control strategies of the World Health Organization requires rethinking the current diagnostic approach used for surveys. With sedimentation/concentration and Baermann appearing as the most sensitive methods for this species. Further studies, including implementation assessments, should help in identifying the most adequate and feasible all-STH diagnostic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvia Nieves
- Universidad Nacional de Salta, Sede Regional Orán, Instituto de Investigaciones de Enfermedades Tropicales, Salta, Argentina (IIET)
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina (CONICET)
| | - Pedro Fleitas
- Instituto de Salud Global de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marisa Juárez
- Universidad Nacional de Salta, Sede Regional Orán, Instituto de Investigaciones de Enfermedades Tropicales, Salta, Argentina (IIET)
- Universidad Nacional de Salta, Sede Regional Orán, Cátedra de Química Biológica, Salta, Argentina
| | - Cristina Almazán
- Universidad Nacional de Salta, Sede Regional Orán, Instituto de Investigaciones de Enfermedades Tropicales, Salta, Argentina (IIET)
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina (CONICET)
| | - Gabriela Flores
- Universidad Nacional de Salta, Sede Regional Orán, Instituto de Investigaciones de Enfermedades Tropicales, Salta, Argentina (IIET)
| | - Jimena Alani
- Universidad Nacional de Salta, Sede Regional Orán, Instituto de Investigaciones de Enfermedades Tropicales, Salta, Argentina (IIET)
| | - Ramón Diaz
- Universidad Nacional de Salta, Sede Regional Orán, Instituto de Investigaciones de Enfermedades Tropicales, Salta, Argentina (IIET)
| | - Jorge Martos
- Universidad Nacional de Salta, Sede Regional Orán, Instituto de Investigaciones de Enfermedades Tropicales, Salta, Argentina (IIET)
| | - Pamela Cajal
- Universidad Nacional de Salta, Sede Regional Orán, Instituto de Investigaciones de Enfermedades Tropicales, Salta, Argentina (IIET)
- Hospital Señor del Milagro, Ministerio de Salud Pública, Salta, Argentina
- Universidad Nacional de Salta, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Cátedra de Microbiología y Parasitología, Salta, Argentina
| | - Rubén Cimino
- Universidad Nacional de Salta, Sede Regional Orán, Instituto de Investigaciones de Enfermedades Tropicales, Salta, Argentina (IIET)
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina (CONICET)
- Universidad Nacional de Salta, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Cátedra de Química Biológica, Salta, Argentina
| | - Alejandro Krolewiecki
- Universidad Nacional de Salta, Sede Regional Orán, Instituto de Investigaciones de Enfermedades Tropicales, Salta, Argentina (IIET)
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina (CONICET)
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Gunawan H, Zulfan Z. Toxocariasis and Strongyloidiasis as Triggering Factors for Wells' Syndrome. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2024; 17:1687-1693. [PMID: 39071846 PMCID: PMC11277892 DOI: 10.2147/ccid.s464192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Wells' syndrome is a rare inflammatory skin disease characterized by pruritic erythematous lesions and cutaneous edema, often accompanied by eosinophilia. Parasitic infestations, such as toxocariasis and strongyloidiasis, can serve as triggers. However, Wells' syndrome associated with toxocariasis and strongyloidiasis has not been reported previously in Indonesia. Herein, we present a case of a 27-year-old male with a chief complaint of recurrent, pruritic, and painful erythematous rash on the right lower leg for 6 months, accompanied by fever and diarrhea. Physical examination showed cutaneous edema with erythematous macules and bullae on the affected leg. Peripheral blood eosinophilia was noted, and the histopathological analysis demonstrated flame figures, confirming the diagnosis of Wells' syndrome. A stool culture identified Strongyloides stercoralis, confirming strongyloidiasis, and serological testing was positive for toxocariasis immunoglobulin G antibodies. The patient was treated with albendazole 400 mg twice daily for 3 weeks resulted in clinical improvement observed by the 14th day. The diverse clinical features of Wells' syndrome present a challenge to clinicians in making an accurate diagnosis, which typically hinges on histopathological assessment and identifying flame figures. Therefore, clinicopathological correlation is important to establish an accurate diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendra Gunawan
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Dr. Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Zulfan Zulfan
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Dr. Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia
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Zonta ML, Servián A, Virgolini B, Garraza M, Minardi G, Navone GT. Malnutrition and intestinal parasitosis: Current prevalences and risk factors among schoolchildren in Misiones (Argentina). Am J Hum Biol 2024:e24140. [PMID: 39034672 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.24140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the current prevalences of nutritional status and intestinal parasites, and their potential association with socio-environmental conditions among schoolchildren in Aristóbulo del Valle, Misiones. METHODS We measured body weight and height in 444 schoolchildren aged 3-14 years and evaluated their nutritional status following WHO criteria. We examined fecal samples and anal swabs from 234 schoolchildren and collected socio-environmental data through questionnaires. RESULTS The prevalence of undernutrition was 4.5% and excess of weight was 24.1%. The prevalence of stunting and of being overweight reached 2.3% and 12.4%, respectively. About 42% of the schoolchildren were infected with at least one of the 12 species identified. The most prevalent species were Blastocystis sp., Enterobius vermicularis, and Giardia lamblia. Entamoeba dispar was recorded for the first time in the locality. The multiple correspondence analysis identified peri-urban, urban, and rural groups. Underweight, stunting and obesity were highest in the peri-urban group, while overweight, wasting and parasitism rates were highest in the rural group. The urban group showed the lowest parasitic prevalences. Bed-sharing, mother's education, and animal husbandry were associated with parasitic infections. CONCLUSIONS The study highlights a decrease in undernutrition but a rise in overweight and obesity, indicating an ongoing nutritional transition. The association between socio-environmental risk factors and parasitic infections underscore the need for comprehensive interventions addressing both nutritional and socio-environmental conditions to improve the population's life quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Lorena Zonta
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE-CONICET-UNLP-asoc. CIC), Buenos Aires, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Andrea Servián
- Instituto Nacional de Parasitología (INP) "Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben", Paseo Colón 568 (1063), Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud (ANLIS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Belén Virgolini
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE-CONICET-UNLP-asoc. CIC), Buenos Aires, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Mariela Garraza
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Ontogenia y Adaptación (LINOA)-Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo (FCNyM), Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Graciela Minardi
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE-CONICET-UNLP-asoc. CIC), Buenos Aires, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Graciela T Navone
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE-CONICET-UNLP-asoc. CIC), Buenos Aires, La Plata, Argentina
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Akinsolu FT, Abodunrin OR, Olagunju MT, Adewole IE, Ola OM, Abel C, Sanni-Adeniyi R, Rahman NO, Akanni OO, Njuguna DW, Soneye IY, Salako AO, Ezechi OC, Varga OE, Akinwale OP. Health workers' perspectives on school-based mass drug administration control programs for soil-transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis in Ogun State, Nigeria. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302509. [PMID: 38718082 PMCID: PMC11078364 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and schistosomiasis (SCH) are among the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), affecting 1.5 billion globally, with a significant burden in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria. These diseases impair health and contribute to socio-economic challenges, especially in children, undermining educational and future economic prospects. The 2030 NTD Roadmap highlights Mass Drug Administration (MDA) as a critical strategy for controlling these NTDs, targeting vulnerable populations like school-age children. Despite some successes, challenges persist, indicating the need for deeper insights into program implementation. This study focuses on the perspectives of health workers implementing MDA in selected local government areas (LGAs) of Ogun State, Nigeria, aiming to identify challenges and enablers that align with the broader NTD 2030 goals. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The study used a qualitative research approach involving focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with health workers engaged in neglected tropical disease control programs in Ogun State, Nigeria, between July and September 2022. A semi-structured questionnaire guided the exploration of ideas, and the data were analyzed using the QRS Nvivo 12 software package. The study found that the school-based MDA control program's efficacy largely relies on strong collaborations and partnerships, particularly with educators, community heads, and other stakeholders. These alliances and strategic communication methods, like town announcements and media campaigns, have been pivotal in reaching communities. However, the program does grapple with hurdles such as parental misconceptions, limited funds, insufficient staffing, and misalignment with the Ministry of Education. It is recommended to boost funding, foster early stakeholder involvement, enhance mobilization techniques, and consider introducing a monitoring card system similar to immunization. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The MDA Integrated Control Programs for STH and SCH in Ogun State schools demonstrate a holistic approach, integrating knowledge, collaboration, communication, and feedback. Health workers have shown commitment and adeptness in their roles. However, achieving maximum efficacy requires addressing critical barriers, such as parental misconceptions and funding challenges. Adopting the recommended strategies, including proactive communication, increased remuneration, and introducing a tracking system, can significantly enhance the program's reach and impact. The involvement of all stakeholders, from health workers to community leaders and parents, is essential for the program's sustainability and success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Folahanmi T. Akinsolu
- Department of Public Health, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
- Clinical Sciences Department, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Olunike R. Abodunrin
- Department of Public Health, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
- Department of Planning and Research, Lagos State Health Management Agency, Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Mobolaji T. Olagunju
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ifeoluwa E. Adewole
- Department of Public Health, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Oluwabukola M. Ola
- Department of Public Health, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Chukwuemeka Abel
- Department of Public Health, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | | | - Nurudeen O. Rahman
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Olukunmi O. Akanni
- Department of Public Health, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Diana W. Njuguna
- School of Nursing, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Nyeri, Kenya
| | - Islamiat Y. Soneye
- Department of Public Health, Ogun State Ministry of Health, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Abideen O. Salako
- Department of Public Health, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
- Clinical Sciences Department, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Oliver C. Ezechi
- Department of Public Health, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
- Clinical Sciences Department, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Orsolya E. Varga
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Olaoluwa P. Akinwale
- Department of Public Health, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
- Clinical Sciences Department, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria
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Legge H, Pullan RL, Sartorius B. Improved household flooring is associated with lower odds of enteric and parasitic infections in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002631. [PMID: 38039279 PMCID: PMC10691699 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Enteric and parasitic infections such as soil-transmitted helminths cause considerable mortality and morbidity in low- and middle-income settings. Earthen household floors are common in many of these settings and could serve as a reservoir for enteric and parasitic pathogens, which can easily be transmitted to new hosts through direct or indirect contact. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to establish whether and to what extent improved household floors decrease the odds of enteric and parasitic infections among occupants compared with occupants living in households with unimproved floors. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we comprehensively searched four electronic databases for studies in low- and middle-income settings measuring household flooring as an exposure and self-reported diarrhoea or any type of enteric or intestinal-parasitic infection as an outcome. Metadata from eligible studies were extracted and transposed on to a study database before being imported into the R software platform for analysis. Study quality was assessed using an adapted version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. In total 110 studies were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review, of which 65 were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis after applying study quality cut-offs. Random-effects meta-analysis suggested that households with improved floors had 0.75 times (95CI: 0.67-0.83) the odds of infection with any type of enteric or parasitic infection compared with household with unimproved floors. Improved floors gave a pooled protective OR of 0.68 (95CI: 0.58-0.8) for helminthic infections and 0.82 OR (95CI: 0.75-0.9) for bacterial or protozoan infections. Overall study quality was poor and there is an urgent need for high-quality experimental studies investigating this relationship. Nevertheless, this study indicates that household flooring may meaningfully contribute towards a substantial portion of the burden of disease for enteric and parasitic infections in low- and middle-income settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Legge
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel L. Pullan
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Benn Sartorius
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Health Metric Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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Candela E, Goizueta C, Sandon L, Muñoz-Antoli C, Periago MV. The Relationship Between Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections and Environmental Factors in Puerto Iguazú, Argentina: Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e41568. [PMID: 37934580 PMCID: PMC10664009 DOI: 10.2196/41568] [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: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are widely distributed throughout the world. Various factors, including the environment, socioeconomic characteristics, and access to water and sanitation, play an important role in the spread and persistence of these parasites within communities. They, in turn, affect the growth and development of members of the community, especially children. Studies in the northern provinces of Argentina have shown variable prevalence of STHs, but the factors associated with their presence have not been completely elucidated. OBJECTIVE This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the socioeconomic and environmental factors related to STH infection in indigenous villages located in Puerto Iguazú (Misiones), Argentina. METHODS Between 2018 and 2019, stool samples were collected from individuals ≥1 year residing in 3 villages: Mini-Marangatú, Yriapú, and Fortín Mbororé. Standard parasitological methods were used to determine STH prevalence. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess participants' habits, customs, and household characteristics, and environmental data were obtained through satellite imagery. Multilinear regression with Akaike information criterion stepwise variables was used to explore relevant associations. RESULTS A total of 342 individuals from the 3 villages participated in this study. The prevalence of STHs varied across villages: 89.6% (43/48), in Mini-Marangatú, 80.8% (101/125) in Yriapú, and 68.5% (115/169) in Fortín Mbororé. Notably, there was a significant difference in hookworm infection among the villages (P=.02). The analysis highlighted the significant influence of specific environmental factors on STH presence and spatial distribution, particularly in relation to hookworm infection. Vegetation patterns represented by the Vegetation Heterogeneity Index, created ad hoc for this study, emerged as a critical factor, with 2 significant predictors related to it (P=.002 and P=.004) alongside impervious surface density with a significant predictor (P<.001). The multilinear regression model yielded a high F test score (F108=4.75, P<.001), indicating a strong fit (R2=0.5465). Furthermore, socioeconomic factors, including walking barefoot in houses with dirt floors and overcrowding, were significantly correlated with hookworm infection intensity (P<.001 and P=.001, respectively). We also used the multilinear regression model to calculate hookworm infection intensity (F110=21.15, P<.001; R2=0.4971). CONCLUSIONS Our study underscores the complexity of STH transmission, as villages with similar living conditions and environmental characteristics displayed varied STH prevalence and spatial distribution. Specific environmental factors, such as vegetation pattern and impervious surface density, played major roles in STH presence, demonstrating the crucial relationship between environmental factors and hookworm infection distribution. Moreover, our findings emphasize the significant influence of socioeconomic factors on hookworm infection intensity. By gaining insights into this complex interplay, our research contributes to a better understanding of STH transmission characteristics, thereby informing targeted public health interventions for effective control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Candela
- Department of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Spain
| | | | | | - Carla Muñoz-Antoli
- Department of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Maria Victoria Periago
- Mundo Sano Foundation, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Santos MCS, Oliveira GLD, Mingoti SA, Heller L. Sewerage as a protective factor for prevalence of hookworm infection in schoolchildren in Brazil: A multilevel ecological analysis of national prevalence surveys (1950-2018). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 895:164621. [PMID: 37271392 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prevalence of hookworm infection in Brazil has decreased considerably in recent decades. However, there is no definitive consensus as to which changes have contributed to this reduction. A hypothesis is that improvements in environmental factors have contributed to lowering the parasite load and the level of host-parasite contact. METHODS This is an ecological study using unbalanced panel data from two Brazilian surveys (1947-1953 and 2010-2015), with municipalities as the analysis unit. The sample comprised 1428 municipalities, in which a total of 745,983 schoolchildren aged 7 to 14 were examined. Zero-inflated Poisson regression models, with fixed and random effects were estimated to evaluate the association of potential explanatory variables with the prevalence of hookworm infection at a significance level of 5 %. RESULTS We identified a significant decrease in the prevalence between the first and last analyzed periods (RR 0.096; CI 0.086-0.107); The following variables were found to have a protective effect: access to sanitary sewage systems (RR 0.984, CI 0.982-0.986), urbanization (RR 0.995, CI 0.993-0.997), and gross domestic product (RR 0.929, CI 0.912-0.945). CONCLUSION The findings of this study show a decrease in the prevalence of hookworm infections over six decades in schoolchildren in the Brazilian municipalities. Environmental, demographic, and economic factors were associated with this trend. A historical analysis indicates that interventions aimed at improving sanitation contributed to reducing the disease prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Cristina Silva Santos
- Rene Rachou Institute (IRR), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), 1715 Augusto de Lima Ave, Barro Preto, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 30190-009, Brazil.
| | - Guilherme Lopes de Oliveira
- Federal Center for Technological Education of Minas Gerais, 5253 Amazonas Ave, Nova Suiça, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 30421169, Brazil.
| | - Sueli Aparecida Mingoti
- Federal University of Minas Gerais, 6627 Pres Antônio Carlos Ave, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Léo Heller
- Rachou Institute (IRR), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), 1715 Augusto de Lima Ave, Barro Preto, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 30190-009, Brazil.
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Neto AFR, Di Christine Oliveira YL, de Oliveira LM, La Corte R, Jain S, de Lyra Junior DP, Fujiwara RT, Dolabella SS. Why Are We Still a Worm World in the 2020s? An Overview of Risk Factors and Endemicity for Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis. Acta Parasitol 2023; 68:481-495. [PMID: 37531011 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00701-1] [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: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) is one of the most common chronic infections in developing countries associated with poor socioeconomic and sanitary conditions. The main objective of this overview was to evaluate the influence of environmental factors, risk factors related to the host, and control strategies on the prevalence of STH in different regions of the world. METHODS LILACS, PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Clinical Trials (gray literature) databases were used to obtain the systematic reviews published until December 2020. The methodological quality of systematic reviews was assessed using the standard criteria recommended by AMSTAR. RESULTS The initial results of the bibliographic search identified 1448 articles, of which 66 studies were read in full and 16 met the inclusion criteria. All the reviews included in this overview associated variations in the global prevalence of STH with at least one of the factors related to the environment, host, and/or control strategies. Climate, temperature, soil moisture, precipitation, mass drug administration, lack of access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and non-use of footwear were considered the main factors associated with the prevalence of STH. Socioeconomic factors, low educational level, and wearing shoes were universal factors related to prevalence, regardless of the location studied. CONCLUSION The combination of environmental factors, with factors associated with hosts that predispose infection and reinfection of helminths, as well as the adoption of control strategies based on the treatment of target populations instead of the entire population, influenced the prevalence of STH in all the continents evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelson Ferreira Ramos Neto
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil
| | | | - Luciana Maria de Oliveira
- Department of Morphology, Center of Biology and Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil
| | - Roseli La Corte
- Postgraduate Program in Parasite Biology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil
| | - Sona Jain
- Postgraduate Program in Industrial Biotechnology, Tiradentes University, Aracaju, SE, 49010-390, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo Toshio Fujiwara
- Postgraduate Program in Parasite Biology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Silvio Santana Dolabella
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil.
- Postgraduate Program in Parasite Biology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil.
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Zacharia F, Silvestri V, Mushi V, Ogweno G, Makene T, Mhamilawa LE. Burden and factors associated with ongoing transmission of soil-transmitted helminths infections among the adult population: A community-based cross-sectional survey in Muleba district, Tanzania. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288936. [PMID: 37494358 PMCID: PMC10370771 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Tanzania, school-based Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaigns have been the main strategy for the prevention and control of Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) infection. Adults are not part of the program and could remain as the reservoir of infection, favoring continuity in transmission. Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) issues and slow progress in community awareness promotion campaigns contribute to the persistence of STH as public health issue among target populations notwithstanding the achievements of the control interventions. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the current prevalence and the risk factors associated with ongoing transmission of STH infection among adults in Muleba District, Tanzania. METHODOLOGY A household-based quantitative cross-sectional study was carried out among 552 adults in Muleba district. Through a quantitative interviewer-administered questionnaire, information was registered related to socio-demographic characteristics, level of knowledge on the disease, and WaSH factors. The prevalence of STH and estimation of its intensity were assessed by analyzing stool samples through formol-ether concentration and the Kato-Katz technique. Descriptive statistics was used to summarise data; logistic regression to determine the association between STH infection and socio-demographic and WaSH factors. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS A total of 552 adults were included in the study; 50.7% (280/552) were female. The median age was of 30 years, ranging from 18 to 73 years. A prevalence of 9.1% (50/552) for STH infection was reported; the prevalence of Hookworm Spp., Ascaris lumbricoides, and Trichuris trichiura was 7.43%, 0.91%, and 0.72%, respectively. The factors significantly associated with STH infection were farming (aOR = 3.34, 95% CI: 1.45-7.70), the habit of not wearing shoes in general (aOR = 5.11, 95% CI: 1.55-16.87), and during garden activities (aOR = 4.89, 95% CI: 1.47-16.28). CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS We observed an aggregated prevalence of STH infections (Ancylostoma duodenale, Trichuris trichiura, and Ascaris lumbricoides) of 9.1% among the adult population, indicating a decreasing prevalence but ongoing transmission. Integrated management is needed to address practices contributing to ongoing transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Zacharia
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Valeria Silvestri
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Vivian Mushi
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - George Ogweno
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Twilumba Makene
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Lwidiko E Mhamilawa
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Scavuzzo CM, Delgado C, Goy M, Crudo F, Porcasi X, Periago MV. Intestinal parasitic infections in a community from Pampa del Indio, Chaco (Argentina) and their association with socioeconomic and environmental factors. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285371. [PMID: 37384739 PMCID: PMC10310042 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285371] [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: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases are a group of 20 disabling diseases, which, in particular, are the most common chronic infections in the most vulnerable people. This study aimed to characterize the infection by intestinal parasites (IPs) in dwellings from a peri-urban neighborhood in Pampa del Indio, Chaco (Argentina), and its association with socioeconomic and environmental variables. Single stool samples were collected from all individuals older than 1 year through household visits and processed using coprological sedimentation and flotation techniques. Standardized questionnaires were used at the household level to collect socio-economic information. Environmental variables were obtained from the Planetscope image, Landsat 8 images and remote sensors, while land-use layers were obtained through the use of a maximum likelihood algorithm. Stool samples were provided by 314 individuals. The prevalence of IPs found was 30.6% (n = 96), with a predominance of Giardia lamblia (12.7%, n = 40) and Hymenolepis nana (7.6%, n = 24). The only soil-transmitted helminth found was Strongyloides stercoralis with a 2.5% prevalence (n = 8). Individuals of adult age (> 18 years) were 0.65 times less likely to present parasitic infections with respect to children and adolescents. The only environmental variable that was closely associated with the presence of IPs, was the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), a measure of humidity; being higher around houses with positive individuals. Most of the IPs found in this study were of water-borne transmission and those transmitted directly from person-to-person, therefore fecal contamination is present. We believe that the low prevalence of STH in this area, which requires a passage through the soil, is related to the environmental characteristics, which are unsuitable for the development/permanence of the infective stages of these parasites. The geospatial data and tools used herein proved to be useful for the study of the relationship between the different factors that influence the presence of IPs in a community, from an eco-health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Matias Scavuzzo
- Fundación Mundo Sano, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Altos Estudios Espaciales Mario Gulich, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Comisión Nacional de Actividades Espaciales, Córdoba, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Marcia Goy
- Hospital Dr. Dante Tardelli, Pampa del Indio, Chaco, Argentina
| | - Favio Crudo
- Fundación Mundo Sano, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ximena Porcasi
- Instituto de Altos Estudios Espaciales Mario Gulich, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Comisión Nacional de Actividades Espaciales, Córdoba, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Victoria Periago
- Fundación Mundo Sano, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Hughes A, Ng-Nguyen D, Clarke NE, Dyer CEF, Hii SF, Clements ACA, Anderson RM, Gray DJ, Coffeng LE, Kaldor JM, Traub RJ, Vaz Nery S. Epidemiology of soil-transmitted helminths using quantitative PCR and risk factors for hookworm and Necator americanus infection in school children in Dak Lak province, Vietnam. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:213. [PMID: 37370075 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05809-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection is driven by a complex interaction of demographic, socioeconomic and behavioural factors, including those related to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). Epidemiological studies that measure both infection and potential risk factors associated with infection help to understand the drivers of transmission in a population and therefore can provide information to optimise STH control programmes. METHODS During October and November 2019, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of the prevalence and intensity of STH infection and associated risk factors among 7710 primary-school-age children from 64 primary schools across 13 districts in Dak Lak province, Vietnam. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to detect and quantify STH infections. RESULTS The predominant STH species was the hookworm Necator americanus (overall cluster-adjusted prevalence of 13.7%), and its prevalence was heterogeneously distributed across surveyed schools (0% to 56.3%). All other STH species had a prevalence of less than 1%. Using mixed-effects logistic regression, we found that the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) was significantly higher for both infection and moderate-to-heavy-intensity infection with N. americanus among children from multiple ethnic minority groups, compared to children from the majority group (Kinh). Adjusted odds of infection with N. americanus were also higher in children who reported practising open defecation at school (aOR 1.42, 95% CI 1.05, 1.93, P = 0.02) and in those who had an unimproved household water supply (aOR 1.28, 95% CI 1.04, 1.57, P = 0.02). Conversely, children with a flushing household toilet had a reduced risk of infection (aOR 0.58, 95% CI 0.47, 0.70, P < 0.01), as did those whose primary female carer attended secondary (aOR 0.65, 95% CI 0.51, 0.84, P < 0.01) or tertiary education (aOR 0.39, 95% CI 0.24, 0.63, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS This study is the largest reported prevalence survey of STH infections conducted using qPCR as a diagnostic technique. The findings of higher adjusted odds of infection amongst ethnic minority children highlight that STH control programmes may not be reaching certain population groups and that additional culturally appropriate approaches may be required. Additionally, the associations between specific WASH factors and infection indicate potential programmatic targets to complement preventive chemotherapy programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angus Hughes
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Dinh Ng-Nguyen
- Faculty of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Tay Nguyen University, Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak, Vietnam
| | - Naomi E Clarke
- The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity in Society, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Clare E F Dyer
- The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity in Society, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sze Fui Hii
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Archie C A Clements
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia
| | - Roy M Anderson
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Darren J Gray
- Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Luc E Coffeng
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - John M Kaldor
- The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity in Society, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rebecca J Traub
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Susana Vaz Nery
- Faculty of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Tay Nguyen University, Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak, Vietnam
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Masaku J, Okoyo C, Araka S, Musuva R, Njambi E, Njomo DW, Mwandawiro C, Njenga SM. Understanding factors responsible for the slow decline of soil-transmitted helminthiasis following seven rounds of annual mass drug administration (2012-2018) among school children in endemic counties of Kenya: A mixed method study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011310. [PMID: 37141340 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) continue to be a significant health problem in Sub-Saharan Africa especially among school children. In Kenya, treatment of over five million children has been conducted annually in 28 endemic counties since the year 2012. However, the latest monitoring and evaluation (M&E) results indicated a slow decline of prevalence and intensity of STH in some counties after the seven rounds of annual mass drug administration (MDA). The current study sought to determine the factors associated with the slow decline in prevalence and intensity of STH among school children participating in the school deworming programme. METHODOLOGY Mixed methods cross-sectional study was conducted in three endemic counties of Kenya. For quantitative technique, simple random sampling was used to select 1,874 school children from six purposively selected primary schools. The school children were interviewed, and a single stool collected and analysed using Kato-Katz technique. While for qualitative methods, 15 focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with purposively selected parents/guardians of school children. Data was collected through voice records using FGD and analyzed using NVIVO. FINDINGS Prevalence of any STH infection was 30.8% (95%CI: 28.7-32.9), with the highest prevalence observed in Vihiga County (40.7%; 95%CI: 37.4-44.4). Multivariable analysis revealed that geographical location (OR = 3.78, (95%CI: 1.81-7.88) p<0.001), and not washing hands after defecation (OR = 1.91, (95%CI: 1.13-3.20) p = 0.015) were significantly associated with any STH infection. For qualitative analysis, majority of the parents/guardians of SAC felt that poor water sanitation and hygiene practices (WASH) both in school and household level could be a cause of continued STH infection. Also failing to include the rest of the community members in the MDAs were mentioned as possible contributors to observed slow decline of STH. CONCLUSIONS There was moderate STH prevalence and mean intensity despite the seven rounds of repeated annual MDA. The study recommends a revamped awareness creation on WASH and community wide treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Masaku
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Collins Okoyo
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sylvie Araka
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rosemary Musuva
- Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR) Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth Njambi
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Doris W Njomo
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Charles Mwandawiro
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sammy M Njenga
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
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Imalele EE, Braide EI, Emanghe UE, Effanga EO, Usang AU. Soil-transmitted helminth infection among school-age children in Ogoja, Nigeria: implication for control. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:1015-1026. [PMID: 36882536 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07809-3] [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: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
The study aimed at assessing the prevalence and risk factors of soil-transmitted helminthiases among school-aged children in Ogoja Local Government Area, Cross River State. Fecal samples were collected from 504 participants and analyzed using the Kato-Katz technique and modified Baermann technique for identifying larvae of Strongyloides. A total of 232 (46.0%) samples were positive for soil-transmitted helminths. The overall prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, Trichuris trichiura, and Strongyloides stercoralis were 14.1%, 16.5%, 2.6%, and 12.9% respectively. The prevalence of infections were higher among males (46.6%) than females (45.4%). Overall, parasitic infection was higher in the 5-7-year age group (65.6%) than in the other age groups (p = 0.000). Infection intensities of A. lumbricoides (84.00 EPG) (p = 0.044) and T. trichiura (96.00 EPG) (p = 0.041) were higher in school-age children aged 14-16 years. A. lumbricoides and hookworm co-infection (8.7%) was the most common mixed infection and was significantly higher in males than females. School-aged children who did not have prior knowledge about soil-transmitted helminth infections, the habit of drinking water without boiling, open defecation, use of pit latrine, and children who did not have toilet facilities in school were significantly associated with soil-transmitted helminthiases. There was a significant relationship between washing hands after using the toilet, the habit of putting on footwear outside the house, and soil-transmitted helminth infection. In addition to preventive chemotherapy, control measures should focus on health education, providing clean drinking water, proper disposal of human excreta and sewage, and environmental hygiene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edema Enogiomwan Imalele
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
| | - Ekanem Ikpi Braide
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
| | - Ubleni Etta Emanghe
- Department of Medical Microbiology/Parasitology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel Offiong Effanga
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
| | - Anok Ukam Usang
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
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An Epidemiological Survey of Intestinal Parasitic Infection and the Socioeconomic Status of the Ethnic Minority People of Moken and Orang Laut. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8030161. [PMID: 36977162 PMCID: PMC10055958 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8030161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ethnic minority groups are often subjected to exclusion, social and healthcare marginalization, and poverty. There appears to be important linkages between ethnic minority groups, poor socioeconomic status, and a high prevalence of parasitic infection. Data regarding the prevalence and health effects of IPIs are necessary in the development and implementation of targeted prevention and control strategies to eradicate intestinal parasitic infection in the high-risk population. Thus, we investigated for the first time the intestinal parasitic infection status (IPIs), the socioeconomic status, and sanitary condition in the communities of Moken and Orang Laut, the ethnic minority peoples living on the coast of southwest Thailand. A total of 691 participants participated in the present study. The information concerning socioeconomic status and sanitary condition of the study population was obtained by personal interviews using a picture questionnaire. Stool samples were collected and examined for intestinal parasitic infection using direct wet smear and formalin-ethyl acetate concentration techniques. The results revealed that 62% of the study population were infected with one or more types of intestinal parasites. The highest prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was found in the 11–20-year-old age range group. A statistically significant difference of IPIs among the three communities were observed (p < 0.0001). There was a statistical difference concerning 44 multiple infections of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) (p < 0.001), whereas no statistically significant difference in multiple infections of protozoa was observed (p > 0.55). The results also displayed the significant difference in socioeconomic status and sanitary condition among the Moken living in Ranong and Phang Nga and the Orang Laut living in the Satun province (p < 0.001). Our study found no direct association between parasitic infection status and ethnic/geographic features; however, socioeconomic status is the key factor associated with prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection, with the observation that the higher prevalence of IPIs is due to a low socioeconomic status, consequently leading to poor hygiene and sanitation practices. The picture questionnaire played a major role in information gathering, especially from those of low or no education. Lastly, data pertaining to the species of the parasites and the mode of transmission assisted in the identification of group-specific vulnerabilities and shortcomings that can be utilized in education and corrected to reduce the prevalence of infection in the study areas.
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Ekobol N, Boonjaraspinyo S, Artchayasawat A, Boonmars T. Monks: A Population at Risk for Liver Fluke and Skin-Penetrating Helminths. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8030135. [PMID: 36977136 PMCID: PMC10059027 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8030135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Monks cannot cook received raw meat dishes and should walk barefoot while working. This population lacks both a survey of parasitic infection and a proper prevention and control policy. Five hundred and fourteen monks from the Ubolratana, Ban Haet, and Ban Phai Districts of Kh on Kaen Province were enrolled in this study. A stool container and questionnaire were collected from each study participant. Stool samples were processed by formalin ethyl acetate concentration and agar plate culture techniques. We then analyzed the results and risk factors to demonstrate associations. The prevalence of overall parasites, liver flukes, and skin-penetrating helminths were 28.8%, 11.1%, and 19.3%, respectively. Raw fish dish offerings were associated with opisthorchiasis (ORcrude 3.32; 95% CI 1.53–7.20). The risk factors for skin-penetrating helminths were older age (ORcrude 5.02; 95% CI 2.2–11.17), being a long-term ordinate (ORcrude 3.28; 95% CI 1.15–9.34), smoking (ORcrude 2.03; 95% CI 1.23–3.36), and chronic kidney disease with other underlying disease (ORcrude 20.7; 95% CI 2.54–190.1). The protective factors for skin-penetrating helminths were secular education above primary education (ORcrude 0.41; 95% CI 0.25–0.65) and having received health education about parasitic infection (ORcrude 0.47; 95% CI 0.28–0.80). Wearing shoes at times other than alms work does not show a protective effect against skin-penetrating helminths (ORcrude 0.86; 95% CI 0.51–1.46). These findings support the recommendation for a strict Rule of Discipline regarding raw meat ingestion and allowing shoes to be worn for protection against skin-penetrating helminths in high-risk situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuttapon Ekobol
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Sirintip Boonjaraspinyo
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
- Department of Community Medicine, Family Medicine and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Atchara Artchayasawat
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Thidarut Boonmars
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
- Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +66-43-363-434
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Salou Bachirou Z, Mignanwande ZF, Bokossa H, Degnonvi H, Djossou P, Hondjrebo F, Amoukpo H, Anagonou EG, Agbo I, Toffa D, Ba R, Gine A, Diez G, Johnson RC. WASH and NTDs: Outcomes and lessons learned from the implementation of a formative research study in NTD skin co-endemic communities in Benin. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1022314. [PMID: 36926314 PMCID: PMC10011489 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1022314] [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: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of bacterial, viral, parasitic and fungal diseases affecting people, most of whom live below the poverty threshold. Several control strategies are defined against these diseases, including chemotherapy and Water, Hygiene and Sanitation (WASH). This study assesses the effect of promoting hygiene and sanitation on soil-transmitted helminthiasis s and NTDs of the skin. It took place in the communes of Ze, Lalo, and Zangnanado, three municipalities located in the south of Benin. This is a formative research that took place in three phases. The first phase entailed a baseline informations and situational analysis of the state of hygiene and health, using soil-transmitted helminthiasis and wound hygiene practices as cases studies. In the second phase, interventions to promote improved hygiene and sanitation were implemented. The third phase was devoted to post-intervention evaluation. The situation analysis showed that the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis was 6.43 and 7.10% in the municipalities of Ze and Lalo, respectively. In the communes of Zangnanado, the most common wound management practices identified were: putting sand or ashes in the wounds to keep flies away, the use of medicinal plants and the application of powder from antibiotic capsules for wound dressing. The post-intervention evaluation showed a decrease in the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis from 6.43 to 1.19% in the municipality of Lalo and from 7.10 to 1.75% in the municipality of Ze. In the commune of Zangnanado, a significant shift in wound management practices was noted, which led to the healing of several chronic wounds. This research supports the evidence that WASH-based interventions are very important to tackle neglected tropical diseases NTDs in addition to specific diseases based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoulkifl Salou Bachirou
- Interfaculty Center for Training and Research in Environment for Sustainable Development (CIFRED), University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey Calavi, Benin
| | - Zinsou Franck Mignanwande
- Interfaculty Center for Training and Research in Environment for Sustainable Development (CIFRED), University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey Calavi, Benin
| | - Hervé Bokossa
- Interfaculty Center for Training and Research in Environment for Sustainable Development (CIFRED), University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey Calavi, Benin
| | - Horace Degnonvi
- Interfaculty Center for Training and Research in Environment for Sustainable Development (CIFRED), University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey Calavi, Benin
| | - Parfait Djossou
- Interfaculty Center for Training and Research in Environment for Sustainable Development (CIFRED), University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey Calavi, Benin
| | - Flora Hondjrebo
- Interfaculty Center for Training and Research in Environment for Sustainable Development (CIFRED), University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey Calavi, Benin
| | - Hermione Amoukpo
- Interfaculty Center for Training and Research in Environment for Sustainable Development (CIFRED), University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey Calavi, Benin
| | - Esai Gimatal Anagonou
- Interfaculty Center for Training and Research in Environment for Sustainable Development (CIFRED), University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey Calavi, Benin
| | - Inès Agbo
- Interfaculty Center for Training and Research in Environment for Sustainable Development (CIFRED), University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey Calavi, Benin
| | - Damien Toffa
- Interfaculty Center for Training and Research in Environment for Sustainable Development (CIFRED), University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey Calavi, Benin
| | - Rafiatou Ba
- Interfaculty Center for Training and Research in Environment for Sustainable Development (CIFRED), University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey Calavi, Benin
| | | | | | - Roch Christian Johnson
- Interfaculty Center for Training and Research in Environment for Sustainable Development (CIFRED), University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey Calavi, Benin
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Fine-scale mapping of Schistosoma mansoni infections and infection intensities in sub-districts of Makenene in the Centre region of Cameroon. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010852. [PMID: 36227962 PMCID: PMC9595529 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010852] [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: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis control relies mainly on mass drug administration of Praziquantel (PZQ) to school aged children (SAC). Although precision mapping has recently guided decision making, the sub-districts and the epidemiological differences existing between bio-ecological settings in which infected children come from were not taken into consideration. This study was designed to fill this gap by using POC-CCA and KK to comparatively determine the prevalence and infection intensities of Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) and to perform fine-scale mapping of S. mansoni infections and its infection intensities with the overarching goal of identifying sub-districts presenting high transmission risk where control operations must be boosted to achieve schistosomiasis elimination. Methodology During a cross- sectional study conducted in Makenene, 1773 stool and 2253 urine samples were collected from SAC of ten primary schools. S. mansoni infections were identified using the point of care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) and Kato-Katz (KK) test respectively on urine and stool samples. Geographical coordinates of houses of infected SAC were recorded using a global position system device. Schistosome infections and infection intensities were map using QGIS software. Results The prevalence of S. mansoni inferred from POC-CCA and KK were 51.3% and 7.3% respectively. Most infected SAC and those bearing heavy infections intensities were clustered in sub-districts of Baloua, Mock-sud and Carrière. Houses with heavily-infected SAC were close to risky biotopes. Conclusion This study confirms the low sensitivity of KK test compared to POC-CCA to accurately identify children with schistosome infection and bearing different schistosome burden. Fine-scale mapping of schistosome infections and infection intensities enabled to identify high transmission sub-districts where control measures must be boosted to reach schistosomiasis elimination. Although some disparities in terms of prevalence and infection intensities have been acknowledged within and between schistosomiasis endemic areas, the current control measures did not take into consideration the disparities within endemic areas. To improve the control of schistosomiasis, a fine-scale mapping of schistosome infections and their intensities were undertaken using KK in comparison to POC-CCA to identify sub-districts with potential high transmission risk and where control operations must be boosted to achieve elimination. After the identification of schistosome infections by the point of care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) and Kato-Katz (KK) test, the geographical coordinates of each infected child’s house were recorded using a global position system device (GPS). QGIS software was used to create a map showing schistosome infections and their infection intensities. Our results showed that the majority of infected children and those bearing heavy infection intensities were clustering mostly in Baloua, Carrière and Mock-Sud sub-districts of Makenene while children with light and moderate infection intensity were widely distributed and far away from risky biotopes. The fine-scale mapping of schistosome infections and their infection intensities enable to identify hotspot transmission sites where control strategy must be boosted to achieve the elimination of intestinal schistosomiasis in Makenene.
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18
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Kamdem CN, Tiofack AAZ, Mewamba EM, Tchounkeu EY, Tatang JRA, Mengoue ELT, Mbagnia CMT, Fogue PS, Womeni HM, Simo G. Fine mapping of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm infections in sub-districts of Makenene in Centre Region of Cameroun. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13935. [PMID: 35978014 PMCID: PMC9385646 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18285-7] [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: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Preventive chemotherapy (PC) that remains the main control strategy recommended by the World Health Organization to achieve the elimination of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections as a public health problem must be strengthened by identifying the remaining transmission hot-spots for the deployment of appropriate control measures. This study was designed to assess the prevalence and infections intensities of soil-transmitted helminths and perform micro scale mapping in order to identify transmission hot-spots for targeted control operations. Stool samples were collected from 1775 children in ten primary schools of eight sub-districts of Makenene in Cameroon. Kato Katz technique was used to process and examine stool samples to detect the eggs of soil-transmitted nematodes. The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth species as well as the infection intensities was compared. Data visualizations in forms of maps were made using Quantum geographic information system (QGIS) software. The overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections was 4.8% with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 3.8–5.9%: 3.0% (95% CI 2.2–3.9) for Ascaris lumbricoides, 1.4% (95% CI 0.9–2.0) for Trichuris trichiura and 0.8% (95% CI 0.5–1.4) for hookworms. The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth species differ significantly between schools and sub-districts. The intensity of infections was light (2.4%, 1.1% and 0.8%), moderate (0.4%, 0.1% and 0.1%) and heavy (0.2%, 0.2% and 0%) for A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura and hookworm respectively. The mean intensity of infections was 7255 EPG for A. lumbricoides, 2900 EPG for T. trichiura and 298 EPG for hookworm. Between schools, significant difference was recorded in the means of infection intensities of T. Trichiura and hookworms but not for A. lumbricoides. This difference was also significant for T. Trichiura when comparison were between sex. No significant difference were recorded when the comparison were between age. Fine mapping revealed that children harbouring heavy infections were clustered in the same sub-districts; highlighting the presence of high endemicity sub-districts and hot-spots for the transmission of different soil-transmitted helminth species. This study showed a diversity in the prevalence and transmission of different soil-transmitted helminth species. It also hightlighted the need for micro scale mapping to enable the localisation of high endemicity sub-districts and transmission hot-spot sites where targeted control operations must be deployed to achieve STH elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrille Nguemnang Kamdem
- Molecular Parasitology and Entomology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, PO Box 67, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Auvaker Arnol Zebaze Tiofack
- Molecular Parasitology and Entomology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, PO Box 67, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Estelle Mezajou Mewamba
- Molecular Parasitology and Entomology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, PO Box 67, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Esthelline Yangea Tchounkeu
- Molecular Parasitology and Entomology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, PO Box 67, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Joël Rostand Atiokeng Tatang
- Research Unit of Biology and Applied Ecology, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Edmond Loic Tekeu Mengoue
- Molecular Parasitology and Entomology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, PO Box 67, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Carole Mureille Tchami Mbagnia
- Parasitology and Ecology Laboratory, Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Pythagore Soubgwi Fogue
- Molecular Parasitology and Entomology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, PO Box 67, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Hilaire Macaire Womeni
- "Unité de Recherche de Biochimie, des plantes Médicinales, des Sciences Alimentaires et Nutrition", University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Gustave Simo
- Molecular Parasitology and Entomology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, PO Box 67, Dschang, Cameroon.
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Orengo KO, Mbaria JM, Ndichu M, Jafred K, Okumu MO. Preliminary Phytochemical Composition and In Vitro Anthelmintic Activity of Aqueous and Ethanol Extracts of Olea africana against Mixed Gastrointestinal Worms in Dogs. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2022; 2022:5224527. [PMID: 36016686 PMCID: PMC9398766 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5224527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Olea africana is used by some indigenous communities in Kenya to control gastrointestinal worms in animals. Plant-based anthelmintics are gaining popularity globally in the control of gastrointestinal worms in animals. The egg hatch inhibition assay was used to assess the in vitro anthelmintic efficacy of aqueous and ethanol leaf extracts of O. africana against the eggs of mixed gastrointestinal helminths in dogs. Probit regression was used to calculate the concentration of extracts that inhibited egg hatching by 50% (IC50). Albendazole was used as a control. Standard techniques were used to quantify the phytochemicals in the extracts. The aqueous extract had an IC50 of 1.85 mg/mL (1.64-2.10), and the ethanol extract had an IC50 of 0.25 mg/mL (0.23-0.26). Quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed that aqueous and ethanol extracts of O. africana contained alkaloids (19.40 and 61.60%), saponins (24.00 and 6.00%), phenols (0.95 and 1.28 mg/g gallic acid equivalents (GAE)), flavonoids (8.71 and 12.26 mg/g catechin equivalents (CE)), and tannins (67.30 and 76.30 mg/g of tannic acid equivalent (TAE)), respectively. O. africana has dose-dependent anthelmintic effects against mixed gastrointestinal worms in dogs. These findings support the traditional use of Olea africana as a treatment option for gastrointestinal worms in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Otieno Orengo
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, P. O. Box 29053-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - James Mucunu Mbaria
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, P. O. Box 29053-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Maingi Ndichu
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology, and Parasitology, University of Nairobi, P. O. Box 29053-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kitaa Jafred
- Department of Clinical Studies, University of Nairobi, P. O. Box 29053-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mitchel Otieno Okumu
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, P. O. Box 29053-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
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20
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Stunting as a Risk Factor of Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis in Children: A Literature Review. Interdiscip Perspect Infect Dis 2022; 2022:8929025. [PMID: 35967932 PMCID: PMC9365611 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8929025] [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: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
As a high-burden neglected tropical disease, soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections remain a major problem in the world, especially among children under five years of age. Since young children are at high risk of being infected, STH infection can have a long-term negative impact on their life, including impaired growth and development. Stunting, a form of malnutrition in young children, has been long assumed as one of the risk factors in acquiring the STH infections. However, the studies on STH infection in children under five with stunting have been lacking, resulting in poor identification of the risk. Accordingly, we collected and reviewed existing related research articles to provide an overview of STH infection in a susceptible population of stunted children under five years of age in terms of prevalence and risk factors. There were 17 studies included in this review related to infection with Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, hookworm, and Strongyloides stercoralis from various countries. The prevalence of STH infection in stunted children ranged from 12.5% to 56.5%. Increased inflammatory markers and intestinal microbiota dysbiosis might have increased the intensity of STH infection in stunted children that caused impairment in the immune system. While the age from 2 to 5 years along with poor hygiene and sanitation has shown to be the most common risk factors of STH infections in stunted children; currently there are no studies that show direct results of stunting as a risk factor for STH infection. While stunting itself may affect the pathogenesis of STH infection, further research on stunting as a risk factor for STH infection is encouraged.
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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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22
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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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23
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Fleitas PE, Kehl SD, Lopez W, Travacio M, Nieves E, Gil JF, Cimino RO, Krolewiecki AJ. Mapping the global distribution of Strongyloides stercoralis and hookworms by ecological niche modeling. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:197. [PMID: 35676740 PMCID: PMC9178904 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05284-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The WHO has established a control strategy for Strongyloides stercoralis in school-aged children as well as targets and to maintain control programs for Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworms. For an efficient development of control programs, it is necessary to know the target countries around the world, as well as the areas within each country where efforts should be focused. Therefore, maps that provide information on the areas at risk for soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections on a national and sub-national scale would allow for a better allocation of resources. Methods We used the ecological niche models MaxEnt and Kuenm R library to estimate the global distribution of S. stercoralis and hookworms. We used occurrence points of both species extracted from surveys of two literature reviews and from the Global Atlas of Helminth Infection database, together with 14 raster maps of environmental variables. Results We obtained two raster maps with the presence probability of S. stercoralis and hookworm infections at a global level and then estimated the global population at risk to be 2.6 and 3.4 billion, respectively. The population at risk was also estimated at the country level using estimations for areas as small as 25 km2. A relationship was found between the probability of the presence of S. stercoralis and its prevalence, and a raster map was generated. Annual precipitation, annual temperature, soil carbon content and land cover were the main associated environmental variables. The ecological niches of Strongyloides stercoralis and hookworms had an overlap of 68%. Conclusions Here we provide information that can be used for developing more efficient and integrated control strategies for S. stercoralis and hookworm infections. This information can be annexed to the study of other risk factors or even other diseases to assess the health status of a community. Graphical Abstarct ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05284-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Emanuel Fleitas
- Instituto de Investigaciones de Enfermedades Tropicales (IIET), Sede Regional Orán Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina.,Cátedra de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-CCT Salta, Salta, Argentina
| | - Sebastián Dario Kehl
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud "Dr. C. Malbrán", Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Walter Lopez
- Instituto de Investigaciones de Enfermedades Tropicales (IIET), Sede Regional Orán Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina
| | - Marina Travacio
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Cátedra de Química General e Inorgánica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Elvia Nieves
- Instituto de Investigaciones de Enfermedades Tropicales (IIET), Sede Regional Orán Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina
| | - José Fernando Gil
- Instituto de Investigaciones de Enfermedades Tropicales (IIET), Sede Regional Orán Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina.,Cátedra de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-CCT Salta, Salta, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones en Energía No Convencional-CONICET, Salta, Argentina
| | - Rubén Oscar Cimino
- Instituto de Investigaciones de Enfermedades Tropicales (IIET), Sede Regional Orán Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina.,Cátedra de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-CCT Salta, Salta, Argentina
| | - Alejandro Javier Krolewiecki
- Instituto de Investigaciones de Enfermedades Tropicales (IIET), Sede Regional Orán Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina. .,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-CCT Salta, Salta, Argentina.
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Muñoz-Antoli C, Pérez P, Pavón A, Toledo R, Esteban JG. High intestinal parasite infection detected in children from Región Autónoma Atlántico Norte (R.A.A.N.) of Nicaragua. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5872. [PMID: 35393466 PMCID: PMC8990018 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09756-y] [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: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a lack of epidemiological information concerning intestinal parasitic infections, and especially in soil-transmitted helminths, occurring in some departments of Nicaragua. Up to now, this is the first study involving two nearby areas (Puerto Cabezas and Siuna municipalities) of the Región Autónoma Atlántico Norte (R.A.A.N.). One stool sample was analyzed by Kato-Katz, formaldehyde-ethyl acetate concentration method and modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique, and a simple questionnaire concerning demographic, sanitary and behavioral data was distributed among 735 children and evaluated. Overall prevalence of infection reached 97.0%, being the highest prevalences detected in all Nicaragua. The higher protozoan prevalence appears in Siuna (94.5%), a rural interior municipality, with a typical tropical monsoon climate, while the higher helminths rates were reached in Puerto Cabezas (92.8%), the urbanized coastal capital, with a typical tropical rainforest climate. No statistical differences were found with regard to sex. However, the 6-11-year age-group children presented the highest prevalences. Most T. trichiura infections (59.4%) were of light intensity, while 51.7% of Ascaris lumbricoides were of moderate intensity. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that those who drink rainwater and walk barefoot were 2.9 and 2.5 times more likely to have helminth infections, respectively. Results from one geographical setting might not be applied to other nearby with different climatic conditions. The use of anthelmintic drugs only will not be sufficient to bring prevalence to low levels. It is necessary to design geographically more specific intervention, with communication and interaction between different disciplines (e.g. parasitology, biochemistry, molecular biology, epidemiology, public health, etc.) being imperative to reduce STH infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Muñoz-Antoli
- Área Parasitología, Departamento Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica y Parasitología, Facultad Farmacia, Universidad Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Paloma Pérez
- Área Parasitología, Departamento Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica y Parasitología, Facultad Farmacia, Universidad Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Aleyda Pavón
- Departamento Bioanálisis Clínico, Instituto Politécnico de La Salud (IPS-Polisal), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua, Managua, Nicaragua
| | - Rafael Toledo
- Área Parasitología, Departamento Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica y Parasitología, Facultad Farmacia, Universidad Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - José Guillermo Esteban
- Área Parasitología, Departamento Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica y Parasitología, Facultad Farmacia, Universidad Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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25
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Gizaw Z, Yalew AW, Bitew BD, Lee J, Bisesi M. Fecal indicator bacteria along multiple environmental exposure pathways (water, food, and soil) and intestinal parasites among children in the rural northwest Ethiopia. BMC Gastroenterol 2022; 22:84. [PMID: 35220951 PMCID: PMC8882269 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-022-02174-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children in low-resource settings are exposed to multiple risk factors for enteropathogens. However, the probability of exposures may be different across exposure pathways. Accordingly, this study was conducted to assess environmental exposures of children to intestinal parasites in the east Dembiya district of Ethiopia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted for 372 households with children aged 24-59 months. The potential for external exposure of children to intestinal parasites was assessed by determining the presence of fecal indicator organism (Escherichia coli (E. coli)) in drinking water at point of use, ready-to-eat foods, and courtyard soil from children's outdoor play areas. For internal exposure assessment, ova of parasites in stool samples was detected using wet mount and Kato-Katz techniques to estimate exposure to intestinal parasites. The external and internal exposure assessments were also complemented using questionnaire and spot-check observations to assess behaviors that result in high risk of exposure. Individual and community-level predictors of intestinal parasites were identified using a multilevel logistic regression model. Statistically significant variables were identified on the basis of adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and p-value < 0.05. RESULTS Ova of one or more intestinal parasites was detected among 178 (47.8%) (95% CI 42.8, 52.6%) of the children. The most common intestinal parasites were A. lumbricoides (20.7%) and S. mansoni (19.1%). Furthermore, E. coli was detected in 69.1% of drinking water samples at point of use, 67.5% of ready-to-eat food samples, and 83.1% of courtyard soil samples from children's outdoor play areas. Exposure of children to intestinal parasites among children in the studied region was associated with poor hand hygiene of mothers (AOR 1.98, 95% CI (1.07, 3.66), poor hand hygiene of children (AOR 3.20, 95% CI (1.77, 5.77), mouthing of soil contaminated materials (AOR 2.31, 95% CI (1.26, 4.24), open defecation practices (AOR 2.22, 95% CI (1.20, 4.10), limited access to water (AOR 2.38, 95% CI (1.13, 5.01), water contamination (AOR 2.51, 95% CI (1.31, 4.80), food contamination (AOR 3.21, 95% CI (1.69, 6.09), and soil contamination (AOR 2.56, 95% CI (1.34, 4.90). CONCLUSION An extensive E. coli contamination of water, foods, and courtyard soil was found in the studied region and the potential sources of contamination were open defecation practices, unhygienic disposal of wastes, poor animal husbandry and keeping practices, and poor water and food safety measures at household level. Moreover, fecal contamination of water, foods, and soil linked to exposure of children to intestinal parasites in the studied region. Thus, it is critical to implement individual-level interventions (such as latrine utilization, hand hygiene promotion, food safety, home-based water treatment, and containment of domestic animals), plus community-level interventions (such as protecting water sources from contamination, source-based water treatment, and community-driven sanitation).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zemichael Gizaw
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Global One Health Initiative (GOHi), The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH USA
| | | | - Bikes Destaw Bitew
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Jiyoung Lee
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, 1841 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
- Department of Food Science and Technology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH USA
| | - Michael Bisesi
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, 1841 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
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Mationg MLS, Williams GM, Tallo VL, Olveda RM, Aung E, Alday P, Reñosa MD, Daga CM, Landicho J, Demonteverde MP, Santos ED, Bravo TA, Bieri FA, Li Y, Clements ACA, Steinmann P, Halton K, Stewart DE, McManus DP, Gray DJ. Soil-transmitted helminth infections and nutritional indices among Filipino schoolchildren. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0010008. [PMID: 34936644 PMCID: PMC8694453 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are still prevalent among schoolchildren in the Philippines. We evaluated the risk factors associated with STH and the relationship between STH and nutritional indices among schoolchildren aged 9-10 years in Laguna province, the Philippines. METHODS We used the baseline data from 40 schools enrolled in a randomised controlled trial of the Magic Glasses Philippines health education package. Data on demographic and socio-economic variables, and STH related knowledge, attitudes and practices, were obtained through a questionnaire. Stool samples were collected and assessed for STH egg presence using the Kato-Katz technique. Haemoglobin levels and height and weight of study participants were also determined. The generalized estimating equations approach was used to construct logistic regression models to assess STH-associated risk factors, and the association between any STH infection and anaemia, child stunting, wasting and being underweight. The trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12616000508471). FINDINGS Among 1,689 schoolchildren, the prevalence of any STH was 23%. The prevalence of anaemia, stunting, being underweight and wasting was 13%, 20.2%, 19% and 9.5%, respectively. Age, socio-economic status, rural/urban classification of schools and knowledge of STH were significant risk factors for acquiring a STH infection. Moreover, infections with any STH were significantly associated with stunting (P = <0.001) and being underweight (P = <0.003), but not wasting (P = 0.375) or anaemia (P = 0.462) after controlling for confounding covariates. CONCLUSION The study findings emphasise the need for sustainable deworming in tandem with other measures such as the provision of health education, improvements in sanitation and hygiene, and nutritional programs in order to control STH infections and improve morbidity outcomes in schoolchildren. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12616000508471).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Lorraine S. Mationg
- Research School of Population Heath, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Gail M. Williams
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Veronica L. Tallo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Remigio M. Olveda
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Eindra Aung
- Research School of Population Heath, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- St Vincent’s Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Portia Alday
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Mark Donald Reñosa
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Chona Mae Daga
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Jhoys Landicho
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Maria Paz Demonteverde
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Eunice Diane Santos
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Thea Andrea Bravo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Franziska Angly Bieri
- Research School of Population Heath, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Yuesheng Li
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Control on Schistosomiasis in Lake Region, Yueyang, China
| | | | - Peter Steinmann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kate Halton
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Donald E. Stewart
- Research School of Population Heath, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Darren J. Gray
- Research School of Population Heath, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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Scope and limitations of a multiplex conventional PCR for the diagnosis of S. stercoralis and hookworms. Braz J Infect Dis 2021; 25:101649. [PMID: 34774469 PMCID: PMC9392200 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjid.2021.101649] [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: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Describe the diagnostic characteristics of a conventional multiplex PCR for the diagnosis of S. stercoralis, N. americanus and Ancylostomas spp. METHODS Fecal samples were collected from a cross-sectional study in Orán department, Salta province, Argentina. The stool samples were analyzed using concentration-sedimentation, Harada Mori, McMaster, and Baermann techniques. DNA was extracted from 50 mg fecal sample using the FastPrep® Spin Kit for Soil. Three pairs of primers were used for the amplification of three products of 101, 330, and 577 base pairs (bp) for S. stercoralis, N. americanus and Ancylostoma spp, respectively. The sensitivity and analytical specificity of multiplex PCR were evaluated, as well as the sensitivity and diagnostic specificity, using a composite standard and Bayesian approach. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Multiplex PCR did not present cross-reaction with other intestinal parasites, and the detection limit for multiplex PCR was between 2 and 20 pg of genomic DNA. In addition it presented a diagnostic sensitivity of 97.4% for S. stercoralis and 90.3% for hookworms with a specificity of 100% and 87.6%, respectively. PCR identified a higher proportion (p <0.01) of coinfections (15.3%) than microscopic techniques (3.5%). Also, multiplex PCR showed that there was a positive association between S. stercoralis and hookworms (odds ratio = 2.12). However, this association was due to N. americanus (odds ratio= 3.22), since no association was observed between S. stercoralis and Ancylostoma spp. Neither was an association observed between the two species of hookworms.
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Berto CG, Coyle CM, Friedman L, Walker PF. Where was my patient born? The Intersection of tropical medicine and migrant health. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2021; 34:447-454. [PMID: 34267044 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW There is unprecedented movement of people across international borders and parasitic infections, previously restricted to endemic regions, are now encountered in nonendemic areas of the world. RECENT FINDINGS Migrants may import parasitic infections acquired in their countries of origin. Increasingly, clinicians in nonendemic regions are faced with patients with neglected diseases such as Chagas disease, malaria and strongyloidiasis. There are gaps in knowledge among physicians in nonendemic regions, which lead to missed opportunities for preventive strategies and early treatment. Both primary care and infectious disease physicians should have a broad knowledge of common parasitic infections to improve health outcomes and decrease healthcare disparities through early identification and treatment of disease encountered in migrants. SUMMARY Migrant health is still a young field in medicine; clinicians should be aware of diseases seen in migrants, and access both educational and clinical resources, including experts in tropical medicine, in order to reduce health disparities among migrants. Collaboration between primary care and infectious disease/tropical medicine experts should be strengthened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar G Berto
- Department of Medicine, NYC Health and Hospitals/Jacobi, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
| | - Christina M Coyle
- Department of Medicine, NYC Health and Hospitals/Jacobi, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Division of Infectious Disease, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | | | - Patricia F Walker
- Department of Medicine, Global Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
- Health Partners Institute, Bloomington
- HealthPartners Travel and Tropical Medicine Center, St Paul, Minnesota, USA
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Candela E, Goizueta C, Periago MV, Muñoz-Antoli C. Prevalence of intestinal parasites and molecular characterization of Giardia intestinalis, Blastocystis spp. and Entamoeba histolytica in the village of Fortín Mbororé (Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina). Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:510. [PMID: 34598722 PMCID: PMC8485468 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04968-z] [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: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intestinal parasites (IPs) are widely distributed worldwide and are one of the major contributors to gastrointestinal disease. Their prevalence is associated with poor access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of IPs, including soil-transmitted helminths (STH), and their relation to socioeconomic characteristics, as well as a first approach to molecularly characterize the types of Giardia intestinalis, Blastocystis spp. and Entamoeba histolytica present in an indigenous community from Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural settlement of Fortin Mbororé between January and March 2018. Socioeconomic variables, household characteristics, and stool and blood samples were collected. Standard coprological techniques were used to analyze stool samples, and a complete hemogram was performed on the blood samples. Giardia intestinalis microscopy-positive samples were genetically typed by the β-giardin (bg) gene. Molecular identification of Blastocystis spp. subtypes and E. histolytica were carried out by amplification and sequencing of a partial fragment of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rDNA). Results The overall prevalence of IPs was 92.7%, with 72.0% specifically for hookworm. IPs were significantly more prevalent in preschool- and school-age children (P < 0.05). No formal education (P = 0.035), the presence of unimproved floors (P = 0.001) and overcrowding (P = 0.005) were significantly associated with IP infection. Hookworm was associated with anemia (P = 0.019). Molecular characterization revealed the presence of E. histolytica sub-assemblages AII (12.5%), AIII (87.5%) and BIV (100%); one case of sub-assemblage D for G. intestinalis; and the presence of subtypes ST1 (14.8%), ST2 (14.8%) and ST3 (70.4%) of Blastocystis spp. Conclusions Protozoans detected in this study are transmitted mainly through water contaminated with fecal matter, evidencing the need to improve the quality of water and sanitation for the inhabitants of Fortín Mbororé. Molecular characterization showed that domestic animals can be implicated in the zoonotic transmission of G. intestinalis and Blastocystis spp. to humans. A hyperendemic area for STH was found, with hookworm prevalence greater than 50%. Therefore, improvements in WASH as well as mass deworming programs need to be implemented in this area to control and decrease the prevalence of IPs in general and STH in particular. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04968-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Candela
- Parasitology Section, Department of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, School of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot-Valencia, Spain
| | | | - M Victoria Periago
- Mundo Sano Foundation, Buenos Aires, Argentina. .,National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Carla Muñoz-Antoli
- Parasitology Section, Department of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, School of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot-Valencia, Spain
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Kuthyar S, Kowalewski MM, Seabolt M, Roellig DM, Gillespie TR. Molecular characterization of Giardia duodenalis and evidence for cross-species transmission in Northern Argentina. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:2209-2218. [PMID: 34224652 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities, such as human population expansion and land-use change, create ecological overlap between humans, domesticated animals, and wildlife and can exacerbate the zoonotic transmission of parasites. To improve our understanding of this dynamic, we employed multi-locus genotyping to conduct a cross-sectional study of the potential for zoonotic transmission of the protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis among humans, household associated livestock and dogs, and black and gold howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya) in the Corrientes Province of Argentina. We found Giardia prevalence to be highest in howler monkeys (90.3% (47/52)), followed by humans (61.1% (22/36)), dogs (44.4% (16/36)), and cattle (41.9% (18/43)). We further established that howler monkeys exclusively harbored strains of assemblage B (100%) while humans were infected with either assemblage A (13.3%) or B (80%) or A and B (6.7%), and cattle and dogs were infected with either assemblage A (cattle, 94.1%; dogs, 80%)), A and C (10%), or their host-adapted assemblage (cattle, 5.9%; dogs, 10%). Our finding of G. duodenalis in both humans and domesticated animals (assemblage A) and humans and wild primates (assemblage B) suggests that cross-species transmission of multiple assemblages of G. duodenalis may occur in rural complexes such as northern Argentina where people, domesticated animals, and wildlife overlap. We further highlight the need to investigate the implications of these results for human health, the economics of livestock production, and wildlife conservation in this and similar systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahana Kuthyar
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Martin M Kowalewski
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Estación Biológica Corrientes, Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia" (MACN-CONICET), Corrientes, Argentina
| | - Matthew Seabolt
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,CFD Research Corporation, Huntsville, Alabama, USA
| | - Dawn M Roellig
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Thomas R Gillespie
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Program in Population Biology, Ecology, and Evolutionary Biology and Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Zibaei M, Nosrati MRC, Shadnoosh F, Houshmand E, Karami MF, Rafsanjani MK, Majidiani H, Ghaffarifar F, Cortes HCE, Dalvand S, Badri M. Insights into hookworm prevalence in Asia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2021; 114:141-154. [PMID: 31917423 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trz115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hookworm infections are neglected tropical diseases of humans and animals worldwide. A meta-analysis and systematic review was designed to evaluate the prevalence of hookworm infection in animal and human hosts in Asia until July 2018. METHODS The available online articles of five English databases (PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science and Google Scholar) were explored. RESULTS The most parasitized carnivores were jackal (48%, CI: 4 to 91%), followed by dog (41%, CI: 29 to 53%), cat (26%, CI: 14 to 38%) and the red fox (19%, CI: 13 to 24%). The weighted prevalence of Ancylostoma braziliensis, A. caninum, A. ceylanicum, A. tubaeforme and Uncinaria stenocephala isolated from different canids were found to be 27% (CI: 21 to 33%), 23% (CI: 7.0 to 53%), 24% (CI: 12 to 35%), 44% (CI: 37 to 51%) and 37% (CI: 18 to 55%), respectively. In total, 98 records were obtained for human hookworms from 3209 760 examined individuals and the calculated weighted prevalence in this population was 19% (CI: 17 to 20%). CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight a desirable ecological milieu for parasite survival and transmission in such territories, which implicates revisiting control programs and public health infrastructures in those areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Zibaei
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | | | - Farnosh Shadnoosh
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Elham Houshmand
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of veterinary medicine, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Guilan
| | - Maryam Fasihi Karami
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | | | - Hamidreza Majidiani
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Sahar Dalvand
- Health Management and Economics Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Milad Badri
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Zavala E, King SE, Sawadogo-Lewis T, Roberton T. Leveraging water, sanitation and hygiene for nutrition in low- and middle-income countries: A conceptual framework. MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION 2021; 17:e13202. [PMID: 33988303 PMCID: PMC8189228 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) is associated with nutritional status including stunting, which affects 144 million children under 5 globally. Despite the consistent epidemiological association between WASH indicators and nutritional status, the provision of WASH interventions alone has not been found to improve child growth in recent randomized control trials. We conducted a literature review to develop a new conceptual framework that highlights what is known about the WASH to nutrition pathways, the limitations of certain interventions and how future WASH could be leveraged to benefit nutritional status in populations. This new conceptual framework will provide policy makers, program implementors and researchers with a visual tool to bring into perspective multiple levels of WASH and how it may effectively influence nutrition while identifying existing gaps in implementation and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonor Zavala
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Shannon E King
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Talata Sawadogo-Lewis
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Timothy Roberton
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Ellwanger JH, Veiga ABGD, Kaminski VDL, Valverde-Villegas JM, Freitas AWQD, Chies JAB. Control and prevention of infectious diseases from a One Health perspective. Genet Mol Biol 2021; 44:e20200256. [PMID: 33533395 PMCID: PMC7856630 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2020-0256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caught the attention of the global community and rekindled the debate about our ability to prevent and manage outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics. Many alternatives are suggested to address these urgent issues. Some of them are quite interesting, but with little practical application in the short or medium term. To realistically control infectious diseases, human, animal, and environmental factors need to be considered together, based on the One Health perspective. In this article, we highlight the most effective initiatives for the control and prevention of infectious diseases: vaccination; environmental sanitation; vector control; social programs that encourage a reduction in the population growth; control of urbanization; safe sex stimulation; testing; treatment of sexually and vertically transmitted infections; promotion of personal hygiene practices; food safety and proper nutrition; reduction of the human contact with wildlife and livestock; reduction of social inequalities; infectious disease surveillance; and biodiversity preservation. Subsequently, this article highlights the impacts of human genetics on susceptibility to infections and disease progression, using the SARS-CoV-2 infection as a study model. Finally, actions focused on mitigation of outbreaks and epidemics and the importance of conservation of ecosystems and translational ecology as public health strategies are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Henrique Ellwanger
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Departamento de Genética, Laboratório de Imunobiologia e Imunogenética, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Departamento de Genética, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular - PPGBM, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Valéria de Lima Kaminski
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia - ICT, Laboratório de Imunologia Aplicada, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline María Valverde-Villegas
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Departamento de Genética, Laboratório de Imunobiologia e Imunogenética, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier (IGMM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Laboratoire coopératif IGMM/ABIVAX, UMR 5535, Montpellier, France
| | - Abner Willian Quintino de Freitas
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre - UFCSPA, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Tecnologias da Informação e Gestão em Saúde, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - José Artur Bogo Chies
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Departamento de Genética, Laboratório de Imunobiologia e Imunogenética, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Departamento de Genética, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular - PPGBM, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Asfaw MA, Wegayehu T, Gezmu T, Bekele A, Hailemariam Z, Gebre T. Determinants of soil-transmitted helminth infections among pre-school-aged children in Gamo Gofa zone, Southern Ethiopia: A case-control study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243836. [PMID: 33306738 PMCID: PMC7732061 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-school aged children (PSAC) are highly affected by soil-transmitted helminths (STH), particularly in areas where water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are inadequate. Context-specific evidence on determinants of STH infections in PSAC has not been well established in the study area. This study, therefore, aimed to fill these gaps in Gamo Gofa zone, Southern Ethiopia. METHODS A community-based unmatched case-control study, nested in a cross-sectional survey, was conducted in January 2019. Cases and controls were identified based on any STH infection status using the Kato-Katz technique in stool sample examination. Data on social, demographic, economic, behavioral, and WASH related variables were collected from primary caregivers of children using pre-tested questionnaire. Determinants of STH infections were identified using multivariable logistic regression model using SPSS version 25. RESULTS A total of 1206 PSAC (402 cases and 804 controls) participated in this study. Our study showed that the odds of STH infection were lowest among PSAC living in urban areas (AOR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.39-0.79), among those from households with safe water source (AOR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.47-0.0.93), and in those PSAC from households with shorter distance from water source (<30 minutes) (AOR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.39-0.67). On the other hand, the odds of STH infection were highest among PSAC from households that had no functional hand washing facility (AOR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.04-1.77), in those PSAC from households that had unclean latrine (AOR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.19-2.78), and among those PSAC under caregivers who had lower score (≤5) on knowledge related to STH transmission (AOR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.13-3.01). CONCLUSIONS Given efforts required eliminating STH by 2030; the existing preventive chemotherapy intervention should be substantially strengthened with WASH and behavioral interventions. Thus, an urgent call for action is required to integrate context-specific interventions, particularly in rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mekuria Asnakew Asfaw
- Collaborative Research and Training Centre for NTDs, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Teklu Wegayehu
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Tigist Gezmu
- Collaborative Research and Training Centre for NTDs, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Alemayehu Bekele
- Collaborative Research and Training Centre for NTDs, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Zeleke Hailemariam
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Teshome Gebre
- The Task Force for Global Health, International Trachoma Initiative, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Almeida MM, Monteiro KJL, Bacelar PAA, Santos JPD, Freitas SPCD, Evangelista BBC, Leal DN, Silva DDAE, Cardoso AB, Nascimento EFD, Moraes Neto AHAD, Carvalho-Costa FA. Interactions between malnutrition, soil-transmitted helminthiasis and poverty among children living in periurban communities in Maranhao State, Northeastern Brazil. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2020; 62:e73. [PMID: 33027397 PMCID: PMC7534403 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946202062073] [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: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Poverty, malnutrition and neglected tropical diseases such as soil-transmitted helminthiases (STHs) interact in a multi-causal feedback network. This study aimed to assess the relationships between STHs, income and nutritional status of children in impoverished communities in the city of Caxias, Maranhao State, Northeastern Brazil. A cross-sectional survey (n=259 children) was carried out with the collection of fecal samples and assessment of sociodemographic, anthropometric, dietary and sanitation data. Hookworm infection and ascariasis presented prevalence rates of 14.3% and 9.3%, respectively. The logistic regression analysis showed that hookworm infection was more frequent in males (odds ratio [OR]=3.43; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.45-8.08), children aged 11-15 years old (OR=3.72; 95% CI=1.19-11.62), children living in poor families (OR=2.44; 95% CI=1.04-5.68) and those living in rented houses (OR=5.74; 95%CI=1.91-17.25). Concerning ascariasis, living in the Caldeiroes community (OR=0.01; 95%CI=0-0.17) and belonging to the 11-15 years age group (OR=0.21; 95%CI=0.04-1.02) were protection factors. Poor children have a significantly lower frequency of consumption of meat, milk, vegetables, tubers and fruits than not poor children. The frequent consumption of meat, milk and tubers was associated with significant higher values in the parameter height-for-age, whereas the consumption of meat and milk positively influenced the weight-for-age. The frequencies of stunting, underweight and wasting were 8.1%, 4.9% and 2.9%, respectively. The multivariate model demonstrated that stunting was significantly associated with economic poverty (OR=2.82; 95%CI=1.03-7.70) and low weight was associated with male sex (OR=6.43; 95% CI=1.35-30.68). In conclusion, the study describes the interactions between the dimensions of development represented by income, STHs and nutritional status revealing the importance of raising income levels to improve the living conditions of families in impoverished communities in Northeastern Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayron Morais Almeida
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Epidemiologia e Sistemática Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Escritório Técnico Regional Fiocruz Piauí, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
| | | | - Polyanna Araújo Alves Bacelar
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Epidemiologia e Sistemática Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Escritório Técnico Regional Fiocruz Piauí, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Pereira Dos Santos
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Epidemiologia e Sistemática Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Escritório Técnico Regional Fiocruz Piauí, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Elaine Ferreira do Nascimento
- Escritório Técnico Regional Fiocruz Piauí, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil.,Universidade Federal do Piauí, Coordenação do Programa de Pós‑Graduação em Políticas Públicas, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
| | | | - Filipe Anibal Carvalho-Costa
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Epidemiologia e Sistemática Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Escritório Técnico Regional Fiocruz Piauí, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
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Okoyo C, Campbell SJ, Williams K, Simiyu E, Owaga C, Mwandawiro C. Prevalence, intensity and associated risk factors of soil-transmitted helminth and schistosome infections in Kenya: Impact assessment after five rounds of mass drug administration in Kenya. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008604. [PMID: 33027264 PMCID: PMC7540847 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Kenya, over five million school age children (SAC) are estimated to be at risk of parasitic worms causing soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and schistosomiasis. As such, the Government of Kenya launched a National School Based Deworming (NSBD) program in 2012 targeting the at-risk SAC living in endemic regions, with the aim of reducing infections prevalence to a level where they no longer constitute a public health problem. The impact of the program has been consistently monitored from 2012 to 2017 through a robust and extensive monitoring and evaluation (M&E) program. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the parasitological outcomes and additionally investigate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) related factors associated with infection prevalence after five rounds of mass drug administration (MDA), to inform the program’s next steps. Materials and methods We utilized a cross-sectional design in a representative, stratified, two-stage sample of school children across six regions in Kenya. A sample size of 100 schools with approximately 108 children per school was purposively selected based on the Year 5 STH infection endemicity prior to the survey. Stool samples were examined for the presence of STH and Schistosoma mansoni eggs using double-slide Kato-Katz technique, urine samples were processed using urine filtration technique for the presence of S. haematobium eggs. Survey questionnaires were administered to all the participating children to collect information on their demographic and individual, household and school level WASH characteristics. Principal findings Overall, STH prevalence was 12.9% (95%CI: 10.4–16.1) with species prevalence of 9.7% (95%CI: 7.5–12.6) for Ascaris lumbricoides, 3.6% (95%CI: 2.2–5.8) for Trichuris trichiura and 1.0% (95%CI: 0.6–1.5) for hookworm. S. mansoni prevalence was 2.2% (95%CI: 1.2–4.3) and S. haematobium prevalence was 0.3% (95%CI: 0.1–1.0). All the infections showed significant prevalence reductions when compared with the baseline prevalence, except S. mansoni. From multivariable analysis, increased odds of any STH infections were associated with not wearing shoes, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.36 (95%CI: 1.09–1.69); p = 0.007; high number of household members, aOR = 1.21 (95%CI: 1.04–1.41); p = 0.015; and school absenteeism of more than two days, aOR = 1.33 (95%CI: 1.01–1.80); p = 0.045. Further, children below five years had up to four times higher odds of getting STH infections, aOR = 4.68 (95%CI: 1.49–14.73); p = 0.008. However, no significant factors were identified for schistosomiasis, probably due to low prevalence levels affecting performance of statistical analysis. Conclusions After five rounds of MDA, the program shows low prevalence of STH and schistosomiasis, however, not to a level where the infections are not a public health problem. With considerable inter-county infection prevalence heterogeneity, the program should adopt future MDA frequencies based on the county’s infection prevalence status. Further, the program should encourage interventions aimed at improving coverage among preschool age children and improving WASH practices as long-term infection control strategies. This paper presents the findings of an evaluation survey conducted in Year 6 of the Kenya National School-Based Deworming (NSBD) Program, following five years (2012–2017) of prior baseline and subsequent impact monitoring. The survey was conducted in 20 counties, covering six regions in Kenya. The survey showed continued and considerable reductions in prevalence over time, with most marked decline for hookworm, followed by Ascaris lumbricoides. Overall, the mass drug administration (MDA) program has driven both STH and schistosomiasis prevalence to relatively low levels, however not to a point where they no longer constitute a public health problem in Kenya. For these neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), and STH in particular, there are relatively few published examples of programmatic impact assessments enabling refined decisions regarding helminth control strategies. Kenya’s experiences in implementing, monitoring, and evaluating a high-coverage NSBD program are a continuing and increasingly important success story for the country, which provides learnings of importance for the international community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collins Okoyo
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
- School of Mathematics, College of Biological and Physical Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Suzy J. Campbell
- Deworm the World, Evidence Action, Washington DC, United States of America
| | | | - Elses Simiyu
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Charles Mwandawiro
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
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Gitore WA, Ali MM, Yoseph A, Mangesha AE, Debiso AT. Prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthes and its association with water, sanitation, hygiene among schoolchildren and barriers for schools level prevention in technology villages of Hawassa University: Mixed design. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239557. [PMID: 32970747 PMCID: PMC7514018 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) remain one of the most common causes of morbidity among children in Ethiopia. Assessment of the magnitude of STH and its association with water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and identify barriers for school-level prevention assist public health planners to prioritize promotion strategies and is a basic step for intervention. However, there is a lack of evidence on the prevalence of STH and its association with WASH and barriers for school-level prevention among schoolchildren. OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence of STH and its association with WASH and identify barriers for school level prevention in technology village of Hawassa University; 2019. METHODS An institution-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 1080 schoolchildren from September 5 to October 15, 2019. A two-stage cluster and purposive sampling technique were used to draw the study participants. A pretested, structured questionnaire, observation checklist, and in-depth interview were used to collect the data. Two grams of stool samples were collected from each study participant and examined using direct wet mount and Kato-Katz technique. Data were entered into Epi Info version 7 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Both bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic content analysis method by Atlas-Ti software and presented in narratives. RESULTS The overall prevalence of STHs was 23.1% (95% CI = 21.4, 27.6). The identified predictors of STHs were large family size (AOR = 2.03; 95% CI = 1.53-3.99), absence of separate toilet room for male and female (AOR = 3.33; 95% CI = 1.91-5.79), toilet not easy to clean (AOR = 2.17; 95% CI = 1.44-3.33), inadequate knowledge about STHs (AOR = 2.08; 95% CI = 1.07-3.44) and children who had travelled greater than 100 meters to access toilet (AOR = 3.45; 95% CI = 2.24-8.92). These results were supported by the individual, institutional, socio-economic and cultural qualitative results. CONCLUSION The STHs was moderate public health concerns. Reinforcing the existing fragile water, sanitation and hygiene programs and regular deworming of schoolchildren may support to reduce the burden of STHs. Also, increasing modern family planning methods utilization to decrease family size is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wondwosen Abera Gitore
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Musa Mohammed Ali
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Amanuel Yoseph
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Adane Ermias Mangesha
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Alemu Tamiso Debiso
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
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Naceanceno KS, Matamoros G, Gabrie JA, Bottazzi ME, Sanchez A, Mejia R. Use of Multi-Parallel Real-Time Quantitative PCR to Determine Blastocystis Prevalence and Association with Other Gastrointestinal Parasite Infection in a Rural Honduran Location. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 102:1373-1375. [PMID: 32189609 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
To determine whether the presence of Blastocystis is associated with other gastrointestinal parasite infections, stool samples from 95 Honduran rural children were analyzed using multi-parallel quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Kato-Katz. Combined results detected the following prevalence: Blastocystis, 71.6%; Trichuris trichiura, 63.2%; Giardia lamblia, 40.0%; Ascaris lumbricoides, 15.8%; and Necator americanus, 4.2%. Age was found associated with the quantity of both Blastocystis DNA (r s = 0.524, P < 0.001) and T. trichiura DNA in the stool (fg/µL) by quantitative PCR (r s = 0.272, P < 0.001). In addition, there was an association with T. trichiura and Blastocystis infection (odds ratio [OR] = 4.72; 95% CI = 1.83, 12.20; P < 0.001). These findings demonstrate a high prevalence of Blastocystis and other intestinal parasites in a rural location in Honduras.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin S Naceanceno
- Laboratory of Clinical Parasitology and Diagnostics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Gabriela Matamoros
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - José Antonio Gabrie
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Canada.,Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Department of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Ana Sanchez
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Canada.,Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - Rojelio Mejia
- Laboratory of Clinical Parasitology and Diagnostics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Department of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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Hookworm Infection among Pregnant Women at First Antenatal Visit in Lira, Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Reprod Med 2020; 2020:8053939. [PMID: 32685438 PMCID: PMC7341405 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8053939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hookworm infection in expectant mothers has adverse health effects on both the mothers and their unborn babies. Foetal effects are known to include intrauterine growth retardation and physical and mental growth retardation, while the mothers may develop anemia which could potentially result in death. Unfortunately, little is known about factors that may predispose a pregnant woman to infection by hookworm. In this study, we strived to determine not only the prevalence of hookworm infection among pregnant women attending their first antenatal visit during the current pregnancy in a local health center in northern Uganda but also factors that might predispose them to hookworm infection. Method This cross-sectional study was conducted among 346 pregnant women from Ogur Health Center IV located in Lira district, northern Uganda. Stool samples were collected from each study participant and analyzed for hookworms. The independent variables listed in this study (participant's sociodemographic characteristics, preconception care, and sanitation factors) were obtained using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis, including calculation of adjusted ratios, was performed using STATA software (version 14). Results Prevalence of hookworm infection among pregnant women who attended their first antenatal visit at Ogur Health Center IV was 11% (n = 38). After controlling for confounders, factors found to be significantly associated with this infection among pregnant women here were gardening barefooted (adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 3.4; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.6 to 7.5; P < 0.001) and fetching unsafe water shared with animals for domestic uses (AOR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.3 to 6.2; P value of 0.002). Conclusion Hookworm infection among pregnant women at Ogur Health Center IV in Lira district, at 11%, is a public health concern and significantly associated with barefoot gardening and fetching water from unsafe sources shared with animals. We, therefore, recommend that special emphasis during routine prenatal health education be placed on the use of protective footwear during farming and fetching water for domestic use from protected safe sources. Author Summary. Hookworm infection is a parasitic condition that more often goes unnoticed, yet it presents immense detrimental effects, especially to pregnant women and their unborn children. It is a chronic disease with accruing effects of blood depletion resulting in anemia. Anemia is, by far, one of the major causes of maternal morbidity and mortality in Uganda. Pregnant women are more prone to hookworm infection by virtue of their compromised immunity, secondary to the physiological process of pregnancy. We demonstrated here that hookworm infection still exists among pregnant women in Uganda. We also showed that gardening barefooted and fetching water for domestic uses from unsafe sources shared with animals were major factors associated with this helminthic infection. This study provides evidence necessary to influence decision making on prevention of hookworm infection in the study area.
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Senecal J, Nordin A, Vinnerås B. Fate of Ascaris at various pH, temperature and moisture levels. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2020; 18:375-382. [PMID: 32589622 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2020.264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are intestinal worms that infect 24% of the world's population. Stopping the spread of STH is difficult, as the eggs are resilient (can withstand high pH) and persistent (can remain viable in soils for several years). To ensure that new sanitation systems can inactivate STH, a better understanding of their resilience is required. This study assessed the inactivation of Ascaris eggs under various conditions, in terms of moisture content (MC) (<20 to >90%), temperature (20-50 °C) and pH (7-12.5). The results highlight that the exposure of Ascaris eggs to elevated pH (10.5-12.5) at temperatures ≤27.5 °C for >70 days had no effect on egg viability. Compounding effects of alkaline pH (≥10.5) or decreasing MC (<20%) was observed at 35 °C, with pH having more of an effect than decreasing MC. To accelerate the inactivation of STH, an increase in the treatment temperature is more effective than pH increase. Alkaline pH alone did not inactivate the eggs but can enhance the effect of ammonia, which is likely to be present in organic wastes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Senecal
- Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7032, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden E-mail:
| | - Annika Nordin
- Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7032, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden E-mail:
| | - Björn Vinnerås
- Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7032, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden E-mail:
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de Souza JN, Oliveira CDL, Araújo WAC, Souza ABS, Silva MLS, da Cruz IDR, Sampaio LM, dos Santos JSB, Teixeira MCA, Soares NM. Strongyloides stercoralis in Alcoholic Patients: Implications of Alcohol Intake in the Frequency of Infection and Parasite Load. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9060422. [PMID: 32481753 PMCID: PMC7350291 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9060422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Strongyloides stercoralis infection in immunocompromised subjects, including chronic alcoholics, can lead to a severe disease. Moreover, its prevalence in alcoholic patients seems to be higher than that in the general population. The aims of this study were to evaluate the frequency of S. stercoralis infection in alcoholic patients and to investigate the influence of alcohol intake on the parasite load, as well as to evaluate the sensitivity of three different parasitological methods according to the larval output. Fecal samples of 1290 chronic alcoholic patients were examined by spontaneous sedimentation, Baermann-Moraes, and agar plate culture (APC) methods. S. stercoralis was the most frequent parasite found (14.5%; n = 187). Alcoholic individuals infected with Strongyloides stercoralis had a higher daily consumption of alcohol than those who were not infected, 528.6 and 403.0 g/day, respectively (p < 0.05). In addition, individuals with higher alcohol intake presented an increase in parasite load. The S. stercoralis diagnostic method with the highest sensitivity was APC, 97.9% (183/187). In conclusion, S. stercoralis seems to be the most frequent parasite found in alcoholic individuals from endemic areas and alcohol intake is positively associated with S. stercoralis larvae output. In addition, this study confirms that APC is the most sensitive parasitological method used for Strongyloides diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Neci M. Soares
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +55-71-32836950; Fax: +55-71-32836919
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Seroprevalence of the Strongyloides stercoralis Infection in Humans from Yungas Rainforest and Gran Chaco Region from Argentina and Bolivia. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9050394. [PMID: 32443925 PMCID: PMC7281728 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9050394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The threadworm, Strongyloides stercoralis, is endemic in tropical and subtropical areas. Data on the prevalence and distribution of infection with this parasite species is scarce in many critical regions. We conducted a seroprevalence study of S. stercoralis infection in 13 locations in the Gran Chaco and Yungas regions of Argentina and Bolivia during the period 2010-2016. A total of 2803 human serum samples were analyzed by ELISA-NIE which has a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 95%. Results showed that 551 (19.6%) of those samples were positive. The adjusted prevalence was 20.9%, (95% confidence interval (CI) 19.4%-22.4%). The distribution of cases was similar between females and males with an increase of prevalence with age. The prevalence in the different locations ranged from 7.75% in Pampa del Indio to 44.55% in Santa Victoria Este in the triple border between Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay in the Chaco region. Our results show that S. stercoralis is highly prevalent in the Chaco and Yungas regions, which should prompt prospective surveys to confirm our findings and the design and deployment of control measures.
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Fleitas PE, Travacio M, Martí-Soler H, Socías ME, Lopez WR, Krolewiecki AJ. The Strongyloides stercoralis-hookworms association as a path to the estimation of the global burden of strongyloidiasis: A systematic review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008184. [PMID: 32282827 PMCID: PMC7188296 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO (registration code CRD42019131127).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro E. Fleitas
- Universidad Nacional de Salta, Instituto de Investigaciones de Enfermedades Tropicales/CONICET, Orán, Salta, Argentina
- Universidad Nacional de Salta, Cátedra de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Salta, Salta, Argentina
| | - Marina Travacio
- Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Cátedra de Química General e Inorgánica, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Helena Martí-Soler
- Universitat de Barcelona, ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Cataluña, Spain
| | - M. Eugenia Socías
- University of British Columbia, British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Department of Medicine, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Walter R. Lopez
- Universidad Nacional de Salta, Instituto de Investigaciones de Enfermedades Tropicales/CONICET, Orán, Salta, Argentina
| | - Alejandro J. Krolewiecki
- Universidad Nacional de Salta, Instituto de Investigaciones de Enfermedades Tropicales/CONICET, Orán, Salta, Argentina
- Universitat de Barcelona, ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Cataluña, Spain
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Reinventing the Wheel of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato Transmission to Humans. Trends Parasitol 2020; 36:427-434. [PMID: 32298630 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Control of cystic echinococcosis (CE) relies on interrupting Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato transmission through interventions in dogs and livestock. However, primary prevention measures aimed at avoiding ingestion of Echinococcus eggs may help reduce the burden of human CE. CE is generally considered, to variable extents, to be foodborne, but there is little evidence on the actual contamination of matrices and sociocultural factors involved in parasite transmission. An overall appraisal of published literature suggests that environmental contamination, possibly through hand-to-mouth transmission, may be of primary importance. While in most endemic areas sufficient epidemiological information is available to start CE control programs, identifying the main sources of infection to humans would allow optimization of site-specific interventions while avoiding irrelevant health education messages.
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Sevilimedu V, Pressley KD, Snook KR, Hogges JV, Politis MD, Sexton JK, Duke CH, Smith BA, Swander LC, Baker KK, Gambhir M, Fung ICH. Gender-based differences in water, sanitation and hygiene-related diarrheal disease and helminthic infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2020; 110:637-648. [PMID: 28115686 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trw080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Qualitative evidence suggests that inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) may affect diarrheal and helminthic infection in women disproportionately. We systematically searched PubMed in June 2014 (updated 2016) and the WHO website, for relevant articles. METHODS Articles dealing with the public health relevance of helminthic and diarrheal diseases, and highlighting the role of gender in WASH were included. Where possible, we carried out a meta-analysis. RESULTS In studies of individuals 5 years or older, cholera showed lower prevalence in males (OR 0.56; 95% CI 0.34-0.94), while Schistosoma mansoni (1.38; 95% CI 1.14-1.67), Schistosoma japonicum (1.52; 95% CI 1.13-2.05), hookworm (1.43; 95% CI 1.07-1.89) and all forms of infectious diarrhea (1.21; 95% CI 1.06-1.38) showed a higher prevalence in males. When studies included all participants, S. mansoni and S. japonicum showed higher prevalence with males (OR 1.40; 95% CI 1.27-1.55 and 1.84; 95% CI 1.27-2.67, respectively). Prevalence of Trichiuris and hookworm infection showed effect modification with continent. CONCLUSIONS Evidence of gender differences in infection may reflect differences in gender norms, suggesting that policy changes at the regional level may help ameliorate gender related disparities in helminthic and diarrheal disease prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varadan Sevilimedu
- Department of Biostatistics, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, GA, USA
| | - Keisha D Pressley
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, GA, USA
| | - Kassandra R Snook
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, GA, USA
| | - Jamesa V Hogges
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, GA, USA
| | - Maria D Politis
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, GA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, KY, USA
| | - Jessica K Sexton
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, GA, USA
| | - Carmen H Duke
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, GA, USA
| | - Blake A Smith
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, IA, USA
| | - Lena C Swander
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, IA, USA
| | - Kelly K Baker
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, IA, USA
| | - Manoj Gambhir
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Vic, Australia
| | - Isaac Chun-Hai Fung
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, GA, USA
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Morales ML, Lopez M, Ly P, Anjum S, Fernandez-Baca MV, Valdivia-Rodriguez AM, Mamani-Licona FM, Baca-Turpo B, Farfan-Gonzales N, Chaman-Illanes Y, Cabada MM. Strongyloides stercoralis Infection at Different Altitudes of the Cusco Region in Peru. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 101:422-427. [PMID: 31264557 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Strongyloides stercoralis affects 30-100 million people worldwide. The burden is underestimated because of the paucity of studies, limited geographical areas surveyed, and poor quality of diagnostic tests. This study aimed at determining the epidemiology of strongyloidiasis using sensitive microscopy testing in rural populations living at different altitudes in Cusco, Peru. Data were collected from subjects aged > 3 years living in Quellouno (elevation 2,600 ft) and Limatambo (elevation 8,379 ft) districts. Subjects provided one fresh stool sample and answer a standardized questionnaire. Fresh stool was tested on site using the Baermann's test and agar plate culture. Formalin-preserved stool was tested by rapid sedimentation. Eighty percent (585/715) of eligible subjects consented to participate; after excluding subjects with missing data, 65% (462/715) were included. Fifty-five percentage were female; the median age was 33 years (interquartile range 13-52), and 72% had government health insurance. Half had intestinal parasites, and Strongyloides was the most common (24.5%) followed by Giardia (15.5%), Blastocystis (14.9%), and hookworm (11.5%). The agar plate culture detected more cases of Strongyloides than Baermann's or sedimentation tests. Strongyloides infection was more common at low altitude (26.4%) than at high altitude (18.6%), but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.08). Older age, walking barefoot, bathing in rivers/streams, and using municipal sewage were associated with strongyloidiasis. Strongyloides was the most prevalent parasite in the areas studied and was associated with demographic, socioeconomic, and sanitary factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Morales
- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia-University of Texas Medical Branch, Collaborative Research Center-Cusco, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Cusco, Peru
| | - Martha Lopez
- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia-University of Texas Medical Branch, Collaborative Research Center-Cusco, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Cusco, Peru
| | - Priscilla Ly
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Seher Anjum
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Martha Vanessa Fernandez-Baca
- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia-University of Texas Medical Branch, Collaborative Research Center-Cusco, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Cusco, Peru
| | - Angela Maria Valdivia-Rodriguez
- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia-University of Texas Medical Branch, Collaborative Research Center-Cusco, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Cusco, Peru
| | - Frecia Maribel Mamani-Licona
- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia-University of Texas Medical Branch, Collaborative Research Center-Cusco, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Cusco, Peru
| | - Benicia Baca-Turpo
- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia-University of Texas Medical Branch, Collaborative Research Center-Cusco, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Cusco, Peru
| | - Nedhy Farfan-Gonzales
- Sede Administrativa de la Red de Servicios de Salud Cusco Norte, Ministerio de Salud, Cusco, Peru
| | - Yeshica Chaman-Illanes
- Centro de Salud de Putucusi, Red de Servicios de Salud Cusco Norte, Ministerio de Salud, Cusco, Peru
| | - Miguel Mauricio Cabada
- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia-University of Texas Medical Branch, Collaborative Research Center-Cusco, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Cusco, Peru.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
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Isaac C, Turay PN, Inegbenosun CU, Ezekiel SA, Adamu HO, Ohiolei JA. Prevalence of Soil-transmitted Helminths in Primary School Playgrounds in Edo State, Southern Nigeria. Helminthologia 2019; 56:282-295. [PMID: 31708668 PMCID: PMC6818638 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2019-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Schoolchildren in primary schools are mostly at risk of acquiring soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) infections due to their habits (geophagy, onychophagy and playing with barefoot). Profiling soil parasites on school playgrounds is expected to provide an insight to an array of parasites schoolchildren are constantly at risk of acquiring; and this information could guide on intervention programmes. Soil samples from sixteen primary school playgrounds in Edo State (South-South, Nigeria) were collected over a six-month period both in the dry (January, February and March) and wet (May, June and July) seasons in 2018 and early 2019. Samples were processed and analysed following standard parasitological procedures. Of the 576 soil samples collected, 318(55.2 %) were positive with one or more soil parasites. Generally, the predominant parasites recovered from the total number of soil samples collected were: Ascaris 127(22 %), Strongyloides 111(19.27 %) and hookworm 50(8.68 %). Ascaris was most preponderant in the dry season, while Strongyloides was the most occurring in the wet season. The mean differences in the parasite load for Ascaris and hookworm between dry and wet seasons were not significant; while for Strongyloides it was higher in the wet than dry season. These results could be a consequence of observed poor state of toilet/sanitary facilities as well as the lack or poor state of basic infrastructure like proper drainage and waste disposal systems in the host communities. There is therefore urgent need to interrupt the STHs transmission cycles in the environment and possibly in schoolchildren by instituting sustainable intervention programmes within schools located in STHs endemic regions like southern Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Isaac
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria
| | - P. N. Turay
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria
| | - C. U. Inegbenosun
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria
| | - S. A. Ezekiel
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria
| | - H. O. Adamu
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria
| | - J. A. Ohiolei
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology/Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province/Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of Agriculture Ministry/Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Lanzhou730046, P. R. China
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Abstract
Most of the 30 to 100 million people infected with Strongyloides stercoralis have subclinical (or asymptomatic) infections. These infections are commonly chronic and longstanding. A change in immune status can increase parasite numbers, leading to hyperinfection syndrome, dissemination, and death if unrecognized. The use of corticosteroids and HTLV-1 infection are most commonly associated with the hyperinfection syndrome. Strongyloides adult parasites reside in the small intestine and induce immune responses that are like other nematodes. Definitive diagnosis of S stercoralis infection is based on stool examinations for larvae. S stercoralis remains largely neglected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Krolewiecki
- Institute for Tropical Diseases Research, Universidad Nacional de Salta/CONICET, Alvarado 751, Oran 4530, Salta, Argentina
| | - Thomas B Nutman
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Building 4 - Room B1-03, 4 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-0425, USA.
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Sakijege T. Private water distribution as a potential everyday risk: The case of Goba, Dar es Salaam. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 11:775. [PMID: 31534641 PMCID: PMC6739562 DOI: 10.4102/jamba.v11i1.775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
A large number of peri-urban settlements in developing countries, including Goba in Tanzania, fall short of government supplied water. The inability of the Government to budget and prioritise its budget poses a serious problem to meet the water demand, a few residents in peri-urban settlements use other sources of water, including groundwater. However, the quality and suitability safety of such groundwater are questionable. This research of Goba settlement was undertaken to explore the reality of what happens and how problems can be resolved. The research methodology deployed in-depth interviews, physical observations, photographing and mapping and analysing and testing various water samples in a laboratory. From the study several conclusions could be drawn: most of the current laws relating to groundwater and sanitation were violated, the distribution of water to neighbours compounded problems. The major diseases typhoid, diarrhoea and dysentery were common. People themselves can take the necessary precaution by the choice of locating waste water so that it does not contaminate, boiling drinking water, etc. The devolution of the power from the Central Government and Ministries to District and down to the wards would go a long way to bring public/private partnership to be meaningful. The evidence from Goba points to the prevailing situation and what could be done to bring improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tumpale Sakijege
- Department of Urban and Regional Planning, School of Spatial Planning and Social Sciences, Ardhi University, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
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Krolewiecki AJ, Alvarez LI. Ivermectin for the Treatment of Soil-Transmitted Helmithiases. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40506-019-00195-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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