1
|
Li HM, Zheng JX, Midzi N, Mutsaka- Makuvaza MJ, Lv S, Xia S, Qian YJ, Xiao N, Berguist R, Zhou XN. Schistosomiasis transmission in Zimbabwe: Modelling based on machine learning. Infect Dis Model 2024; 9:1081-1094. [PMID: 38988829 PMCID: PMC11233785 DOI: 10.1016/j.idm.2024.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Zimbabwe, located in Southern Africa, faces a significant public health challenge due to schistosomiasis. We investigated this issue with emphasis on risk prediction of schistosomiasis for the entire population. To this end, we reviewed available data on schistosomiasis in Zimbabwe from a literature search covering the 1980-2022 period considering the potential impact of 26 environmental and socioeconomic variables obtained from public sources. We studied the population requiring praziquantel with regard to whether or not mass drug administration (MDA) had been regularly applied. Three machine-learning algorithms were tested for their ability to predict the prevalence of schistosomiasis in Zimbabwe based on the mean absolute error (MAE), the root mean squared error (RMSE) and the coefficient of determination (R2). The findings revealed different roles of the 26 factors with respect to transmission and there were particular variations between Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni infections. We found that the top-five correlation factors, such as the past (rather than current) time, unsettled MDA implementation, constrained economy, high rainfall during the warmest season, and high annual precipitation were closely associated with higher S. haematobium prevalence, while lower elevation, high rainfall during the warmest season, steeper slope, past (rather than current) time, and higher minimum temperature in the coldest month were rather related to higher S. mansoni prevalence. The random forest (RF) algorithm was considered as the formal best model construction method, with MAE = 0.108; RMSE = 0.143; and R2 = 0.517 for S. haematobium, and with the corresponding figures for S. mansoni being 0.053; 0.082; and 0.458. Based on this optimal model, the current total schistosomiasis prevalence in Zimbabwe under MDA implementation was 19.8%, with that of S. haematobium at 13.8% and that of S. mansoni at 7.1%, requiring annual MDA based on a population of 3,003,928. Without MDA, the current total schistosomiasis prevalence would be 23.2%, that of S. haematobium 17.1% and that of S. mansoni prevalence at 7.4%, requiring annual MDA based on a population of 3,521,466. The study reveals that MDA alone is insufficient for schistosomiasis elimination, especially that due to S. mansoni. This study predicts a moderate prevalence of schistosomiasis in Zimbabwe, with its elimination requiring comprehensive control measures beyond the currently used strategies, including health education, snail control, population surveillance and environmental management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Mei Li
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jin-Xin Zheng
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Nicholas Midzi
- National Institute of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Masceline Jenipher Mutsaka- Makuvaza
- National Institute of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
- University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Rwanda
| | - Shan Lv
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Shang Xia
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Ying-jun Qian
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Ning Xiao
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | | | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mutapi F, Garba A, Woolhouse M, Kazyoba P. Paediatric schistosomiasis: last mile preparations for deploying paediatric praziquantel. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:687-695. [PMID: 39033047 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is the second most important parasitic disease of public health importance in Africa, affecting over 50 million children aged <5 years old. Schistosomiasis control has focused on treating school-aged children (>6 years) and adults through mass drug administration (MDA). Following the recent development of a paediatric praziquantel (PZQ) formulation for children aged <5 years, there are now concerted efforts to determine optimal and effective ways to integrate treatment of these children into national schistosomiasis control programmes. In this opinion article we outline the pathway for successful drug access, delivery, and mainstreaming of the new formulation in endemic country health systems. Effective and sustained paediatric schistosomiasis treatment is an important target of the 2030 World Health Organization (WHO) neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) roadmap.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Mutapi
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, King's Buildings, Charlotte Auerbach Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK; Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa (TIBA) Partnership, TIBA Global Health Research Unit, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, King's Buildings, Charlotte Auerbach Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FL, UK.
| | - Amadou Garba
- Department of the Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland
| | - Mark Woolhouse
- Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa (TIBA) Partnership, TIBA Global Health Research Unit, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, King's Buildings, Charlotte Auerbach Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FL, UK; Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, Ashworth Laboratories, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Paul Kazyoba
- National Institute for Medical Research, 2448 Barack Obama Dr, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; TIBA Partnership, NIMR, Tanzania, 2448 Barack Obama Dr, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Danso-Appiah A, Owiredu D, Akuffo KO. Praziquantel-related visual disorders among recipients in mass drug administration campaigns in schistosomiasis endemic settings: Systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300384. [PMID: 38758736 PMCID: PMC11101040 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hundreds of millions of doses of Praziquantel (PZQ) have been administered to persons with and without schistosomiasis living in schistosomiasis endemic settings, through the mass drug administration (MDA) strategy which started in the early 2000s. A recent publication suggested high risk of PZQ-related visual disorders, raising public health concerns. We aim to systematically synthesize evidence on the magnitude of PZQ-related visual disorders. METHODS We will search PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, SCOPUS, CENTRAL and LILACS from 1977 (when the first human clinical trials on PZQ started) to 31st May 2024, with no language restrictions. The key search terms will include "Praziquantel", "PZQ", "visual disorder", "adverse events", "side effects", "blurry vision" and "visual impairment" together with alternative terms and synonyms. All the countries endemic for schistosomiasis will be included as search terms. We will also search HINARI, Africa Journals Online, Thesis Databases and Preprint Repositories. Where necessary, we will contact expert researchers working in the field of schistosomiasis, UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), pharmaceutical industries, country-specific Food and Drug Authorities (FDAs) and the European Medicines Agency databases. We will search Conference Proceedings and reference lists of relevant studies for additional studies. At least two authors will independently select studies, extract data and assess risk of bias in the included studies. Any disagreements or discrepancies will be resolved through discussion between the reviewers. Heterogeneity will be explored graphically, and statistically using the I2-statistic. We will conduct random-effects meta-analysis when heterogeneity is appreciable, and express dichotomous outcomes (visual adverse events including excessive lacrimation, blurry vision and visual impairments) as risk ratio (RR) or Odds Ratio (OR) with their 95% confidence interval (CI). We will perform subgroup analysis to assess the impact of heterogeneity, and sensitivity analyses to test the robustness of the effect estimates. The overall level of evidence will be assessed using GRADE. EXPECTED OUTCOMES The present review expects to identify and categorize visual disorders occurring after administration of PZQ, alone or in combination with other drugs. By synthesizing the data from multiple studies, the review aims to present a quantitative assessment of the risk or odds of experiencing a visual disorder in different populations after ingesting PZQ. The review will also generate insights into whether PZQ in combination with other drugs are associated with increased odds of visual disorders and whether the occurrence of visual disorders correlates with dosage or treatment duration. Policymakers, public health experts and stakeholders could rely on the review findings to deliver context-sensitive preventive chemotherapy programs by adjusting drug combinations or dosing schedules to reduce risk of visual adverse effects in populations treated with PZQ. The review aims to identify gaps in the current evidence regarding visual disorders following PZQ administration in schistosomiasis endemic settings which can serve as the basis for future research on important but unanswered questions. DISSEMINATION AND PROTOCOL REGISTRATION The findings of this study will be disseminated through stakeholder forums, conferences, and peer-review publications. The review protocol has been registered in the International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO)- CRD42023417963.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Danso-Appiah
- Centre for Evidence Synthesis and Policy, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - David Owiredu
- Centre for Evidence Synthesis and Policy, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kwadwo Owusu Akuffo
- Department of Optometry and Visual Science, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mbabazi J, Pesu H, Mutumba R, Bromley K, Ritz C, Filteau S, Briend A, Mupere E, Grenov B, Friis H, Olsen MF. Correlates of early child development among children with stunting: A cross-sectional study in Uganda. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2024; 20:e13619. [PMID: 38291803 PMCID: PMC10981482 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Many children in low- and middle-income countries are not attaining their developmental potential. Stunting is associated with poor child development, but it is not known which correlates of stunting are impairing child development. We explored potential socioeconomic, nutritional, clinical, and household correlates of early child development among 12-59-month-old children with stunting in a cross-sectional study in Uganda. Development was assessed using the Malawi Development Assessment Tool (MDAT) across four domains of gross and fine motor, language, and social skills. Linear regression analysis was used to assess correlates of development in the four domains and total MDAT score. Of 750 children included, the median [interquartile range] age was 30 [23-41] months, 55% of the children resided in rural settings with 21% from female-headed households and 47% of mothers had no schooling. The mean ± standard deviation height-for-age z-score (HAZ) was -3.02 ± 0.74, 40% of the children had a positive malaria test and 65% were anaemic (haemoglobin < 110 g/L). One-third had children's books at home, majority (96%) used household objects to play with and most of them (70%) used toys as pretence items like those to mimic cooking. After age, sex, and site adjustments, HAZ (0.24, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.14-0.33) and head circumference (0.07, 95% CI: 0.02-0.12) were positive correlates of total MDAT score, whereas weight-for-height z-score (WHZ) was not. Current breastfeeding was associated with 0.41 (95% CI: 0.17-0.65) lower total MDAT score. Children from households with a single income earner had 0.22 (95% CI: 0.06-0.37) lower total MDAT score. Furthermore, severe food insecurity, inflammation and positive malaria test were associated with lower scores for motor development. All family care indicator subscales (FCIs) positively correlated with the total MDAT score and this association was independent of household's socioeconomic status. In conclusion, stunting degree, head circumference, number of household income earners and stimulation by improved FCIs correlate with early child development among stunted children. The negative association with prolonged breastfeeding is likely due to reverse causality. Identified correlates may inform initiatives to support children with stunting attain their development potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Mbabazi
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise & SportsUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Paediatrics and Child HealthMakerere UniversityKampalaUganda
| | - Hannah Pesu
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise & SportsUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Rolland Mutumba
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise & SportsUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Paediatrics and Child HealthMakerere UniversityKampalaUganda
| | | | - Christian Ritz
- The National Institute of Public HealthSouthern University of DenmarkCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Suzanne Filteau
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population HealthLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - André Briend
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise & SportsUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Tampere Center for Child Health ResearchUniversity of TampereTampereFinland
| | - Ezekiel Mupere
- Department of Paediatrics and Child HealthMakerere UniversityKampalaUganda
| | - Benedikte Grenov
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise & SportsUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Henrik Friis
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise & SportsUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Mette F. Olsen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise & SportsUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Infectious DiseasesRigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kasambala M, Mukaratirwa S, Vengesai A, Mduluza-Jokonya T, Jokonya L, Midzi H, Makota RB, Mutemeri A, Maziti E, Dube-Marimbe B, Chibanda D, Mutapi F, Mduluza T. The association of systemic inflammation and cognitive functions of pre-school aged children residing in a Schistosoma haematobium endemic area in Zimbabwe. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1139912. [PMID: 37143686 PMCID: PMC10151793 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1139912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cognitive function is negatively impacted by schistosomiasis and might be caused by systemic inflammation which has been hypothesized to be one of the mechanisms driving cognitive decline, This study explored the association of systemic inflammatory biomarkers; interleukin (IL)-10, IL-6, IL-17, transforming growth factor (TGF-β), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP) and hematological parameters with cognitive performance of preschool-aged children (PSAC) from an Schistosoma haematobium endemic area. Methods The Griffith III tool was used to measure the cognitive performance of 136 PSAC. Whole blood and sera were collected and used to quantify levels of IL-10, TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β, IL-17 A and CRP using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and hematological parameters using the hematology analyzer. Spearman correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between each inflammatory biomarker and cognitive performance. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine whether systemic inflammation due to S. haematobium infection affected cognitive performance in PSAC. Results Higher levels of TNF-α and IL-6, were correlated with lower performance in the Foundations of Learning domain (r = -0.30; p < 0.001 and r = -0.26; p < 0.001), respectively. Low cognitive performance in the Eye-Hand-Coordination Domain was observed in PSAC with high levels of the following inflammatory biomarkers that showed negative correlations to performance; TNF-α (r = -0.26; p < 0.001), IL-6 (r = -0.29; p < 0.001), IL-10 (r = -0.18; p < 0.04), WBC (r = -0.29; p < 0.001), neutrophils (r = -0.21; p = 0.01) and lymphocytes (r = -0.25; p = 0.003) The General Development Domain correlated with TNF-α (r = -0.28; p < 0.001) and IL-6 (r = -0.30; p < 0.001). TGF-β, L-17A and MXD had no significant correlations to performance in any of the cognitive domains. The overall general development of PSAC was negatively impacted by S. haematobium infections (OR = 7.6; p = 0.008) and (OR = 5.6; p = 0.03) where the PSAC had higher levels of TNF-α and IL-6 respectively. Conclusion Systemic inflammation and S. haematobium infections are negatively associated with cognitive function. We recommend the inclusion of PSAC into mass drug treatment programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maritha Kasambala
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Biological Sciences and Ecology, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
- *Correspondence: Maritha Kasambala,
| | - Samson Mukaratirwa
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Arthur Vengesai
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe
| | - Tariro Mduluza-Jokonya
- Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Luxwell Jokonya
- Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Herald Midzi
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Biotechnology and Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Rutendo Birri Makota
- Department of Biological Sciences and Ecology, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Arnold Mutemeri
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Emmanuel Maziti
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Bazondlile Dube-Marimbe
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Dixon Chibanda
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Francisca Mutapi
- Ashworth Laboratories, Institute for Immunology and Infection Research and Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Takafira Mduluza
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ferrari E, Palandri L, Lucaccioni L, Talucci G, Passini E, Trevisani V, Righi E. The Kids Are Alright (?). Infants’ Development and COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Public Health 2022; 67:1604804. [PMID: 35795098 PMCID: PMC9252310 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1604804] [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: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The study aimed to assess and compare the global development in six-month-old infants before and during the pandemic restrictive social distancing measures. Methods: This cross-sectional nested study involved infants assessed through the Griffiths Scales of Child Development (GSCD) between September 2019 and April 2021. Infants were classified in a pre-COVID or a COVID group, considering the evaluation date and the restrictive measures in place. GSCD subscales and General Development Scores (GDS) were calculated and compared. Results: One hundred and four healthy term-born infants were evaluated. GDS in the COVID group (n:70; median: 94; IQR: 90–100) appeared significantly lower than in the pre-COVID group (n:34; median: 98; IQR: 97–103; p < 0.001). Language and personal-social-emotional subareas scores appeared the most affected. A decreasing trend of GDS along with the severity of restriction was observed. Conclusion: A reduction in infant development scores was observed during pandemic social distancing. Further studies are needed to systematize these findings and to address effective public health policies for infants and families during long-term forced isolation periods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Ferrari
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Lucia Palandri
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- *Correspondence: Lucia Palandri,
| | - Laura Lucaccioni
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mothers, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mothers, Children and Adults, Postgraduate School of Pediatrics, University of Modena and Reggio Emili, Modena, Italy
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mothers, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giovanna Talucci
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mothers, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Erica Passini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mothers, Children and Adults, Postgraduate School of Pediatrics, University of Modena and Reggio Emili, Modena, Italy
| | - Viola Trevisani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Mothers, Children and Adults, Postgraduate School of Pediatrics, University of Modena and Reggio Emili, Modena, Italy
| | - Elena Righi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Raj E, Calvo-Urbano B, Heffernan C, Halder J, Webster JP. Systematic review to evaluate a potential association between helminth infection and physical stunting in children. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:135. [PMID: 35443698 PMCID: PMC9022337 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05235-5] [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: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite considerable public health efforts over the past 20 years, childhood stunting (physical and/or cognitive) levels globally remain unacceptably high-at 22% amongst children under 5 years old in 2020. The aetiology of stunting is complex and still largely unknown. Helminths can cause significant mortality and morbidity and have often been cited as major causative agents for stunting, although their actual role in childhood stunting remains unclear. Our aim was to systematically review the current evidence to help support or refute the hypothesis that helminths cause physical stunting in children. METHODS Inclusion criteria were as follows: infected with (and/or exposed to) helminths (soil-transmitted helminths, schistosomes or food-borne trematodes), children, pregnant or breastfeeding women as study participants (children included infants 0-1 year old, preschool-age children 1-5 years and school-age children > 5 years old), anthelmintic treatment intervention, stunting-related variables reported (e.g. height, height-for-age z-score, birth weight), helminth infection reported in relation to stunting, any geographic location, any date, peer-reviewed literature only. Exclusion criteria were: non-primary research, study protocols, studies with no new data, non-English language papers and animal (non-human) helminth studies. Seven databases were searched on 28 May 2021. Risk of bias was assessed for included studies and GRADE was used for studies included in RCT subgroup meta-analyses (in preschool-age children and pregnant women). This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021256201). RESULTS Eighty studies were included in the analyses. No significant overall evidence was found in support of the hypothesis that helminths cause physical stunting in children, although there was some association with wasting. CONCLUSIONS Whilst analyses of the available literature to date failed to support a direct association between helminth infection and childhood stunting, there was significant heterogeneity between studies, and many had follow-up periods which may have been too short to detect impacts on growth. Most apparent was a lack of available data from key demographic groups wherein one may predict the greatest association of helminth infection with stunting-notably that of infants, preschool-age children, and pregnant or nursing women. Thus this review highlights the urgent need for further targeted empirical research amongst these potentially most vulnerable demographic groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Raj
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK.
| | - B Calvo-Urbano
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, W2 1PG, London, UK
| | - C Heffernan
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK
- London International Development Centre, London, WC1A 2NS, UK
| | - J Halder
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, W2 1PG, London, UK
| | - J P Webster
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK.
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, W2 1PG, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|