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Siwak AM, Baker PG, Dube A. Biosensors as early warning detection systems for waterborne Cryptosporidium. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2023; 88:615-630. [PMID: 37578878 PMCID: wst_2023_229 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2023.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Waterborne disease is a global health threat contributing to a high burden of diarrhoeal disease, and growing evidence indicates a prospective increase in incidence coinciding with the profound effects of climate change. A major causative agent of gastrointestinal disease is Cryptosporidium, a protozoan waterborne parasite identified in over 70 countries. Cryptosporidium is a cause of high disease morbidity in children and the immunocompromised with limited treatment options for patients at risk of severe illness. The hardy nature of the organism leads to its persistence in various water sources, with certain water treatment procedures proving inefficient for its complete removal. While diagnostic methods for Cryptosporidium are well-defined in the clinical sphere, detection of Cryptosporidium in water sources remains suboptimal due to low dispersion of organisms in large sample volumes, lengthy processing times and high costs of equipment and reagents. A need for improvement exists to identify the organism as an emerging threat in domestic water systems, and the technological advantages that biosensors offer over current analytical methods may provide a preventative approach to outbreaks of Cryptosporidium. Biosensors are innovative, versatile and adaptable analytical tools that could provide highly sensitive, rapid, on-site analysis needed for Cryptosporidium detection in low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Siwak
- Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Rd, Bellville, Cape Town, South Africa E-mail:
| | - Priscilla G Baker
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Rd, Bellville, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Admire Dube
- School of Pharmacy, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Rd, Bellville, Cape Town, South Africa
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Divarathna MVM, Rafeek RAM, Morel AJ, Aththanayake C, Noordeen F. Epidemiology and risk factors of respiratory syncytial virus associated acute respiratory tract infection in hospitalized children younger than 5 years from Sri Lanka. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1173842. [PMID: 37434712 PMCID: PMC10330818 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1173842] [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: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI) and a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide. Aim This study aimed to describe the prevalence and seasonal patterns of RSV and to determine the actual and predictive association of RSV-associated ARTI and clinical, socio-demographic, and climatic risk factors in children < 5 years. Methods Nasopharyngeal aspirates were collected from 500 children < 5 years admitted to the Kegalle General Hospital, Sri Lanka between May 2016 to July 2018. RSV and RSV subtypes were detected using immunofluorescence assay and real time RT-PCR, respectively. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done for the data analysis using Chi-square, Fisher's exact, Kruskal-Wallis test, and multiple binary logistic regression in the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS), version 16.0. Results Prevalence of RSV-associated ARTI was 28% in children < 5 years. Both RSV subtypes were detected throughout the study period. RSV-B was the dominant subtype detected with a prevalence of 72.14%. RSV infection in general caused severe respiratory disease leading to hypoxemia. Compared to RSV-B, RSV-A infection had more symptoms leading to hypoxemia. Factors increasing the risk of contracting RSV infection included number of people living (n > 6), having pets at home and inhaling toxic fumes. The inferential analysis predicts RSV infection in children < 5 years with ARTI, with a 75.4% probability with clinical and socio-demographic characteristics like age < 1 year, fever for > 4 days, cough, conjunctivitis, stuffiness, fatigue, six or more people at home, having pets at home and inhaling toxic fumes. Climatic factors like increases in temperature (°C), wind speed (Km/h), wind gust (Km/h), rainfall (mm) and atmospheric pressure (mb) showed a strong correlation with the RSV infection in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maduja V. M. Divarathna
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Diagnostic and Research Virology Laboratory, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Rukshan A. M. Rafeek
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Diagnostic and Research Virology Laboratory, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | | | | | - Faseeha Noordeen
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Diagnostic and Research Virology Laboratory, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
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Molecular Epidemiology of Human Cryptosporidiosis in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Clin Microbiol Rev 2021; 34:34/2/e00087-19. [PMID: 33627442 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00087-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is one of the most important causes of moderate to severe diarrhea and diarrhea-related mortality in children under 2 years of age in low- and middle-income countries. In recent decades, genotyping and subtyping tools have been used in epidemiological studies of human cryptosporidiosis. Results of these studies suggest that higher genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. is present in humans in these countries at both species and subtype levels and that anthroponotic transmission plays a major role in human cryptosporidiosis. Cryptosporidium hominis is the most common Cryptosporidium species in humans in almost all the low- and middle-income countries examined, with five subtype families (namely, Ia, Ib, Id, Ie, and If) being commonly found in most regions. In addition, most Cryptosporidium parvum infections in these areas are caused by the anthroponotic IIc subtype family rather than the zoonotic IIa subtype family. There is geographic segregation in Cryptosporidium hominis subtypes, as revealed by multilocus subtyping. Concurrent and sequential infections with different Cryptosporidium species and subtypes are common, as immunity against reinfection and cross protection against different Cryptosporidium species are partial. Differences in clinical presentations have been observed among Cryptosporidium species and C. hominis subtypes. These observations suggest that WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene)-based interventions should be implemented to prevent and control human cryptosporidiosis in low- and middle-income countries.
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Boughattas S, Behnke JM, Al-Sadeq D, Ismail A, Abu-Madi M. Cryptosporidium spp., prevalence, molecular characterisation and socio-demographic risk factors among immigrants in Qatar. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007750. [PMID: 31661498 PMCID: PMC6818760 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization WHO has estimated that in developed countries, up to 30% of the population may suffer from foodborne diseases each year, and that in developing countries up to 2 million deaths per annum can be attributed to cryptosporidiosis. Reports have already emphasized the role of immigrants in outbreaks of parasitic diseases especially those working in food processing industries. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Herein we assessed Cryptosporidium spp. infections among immigrants in Qatar with a special focus on food handlers and housemaids. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. by q-PCR among 839 asymptomatic subjects was 4.5%. Based on the Gp60 gene, the majority of isolates were identified as C. parvum subtype IIdA20G1b. The positive sample for C. hominis was subtyped as IeA12G3T3. Seven mixed infections were also identified (four C. parvum + C. hominis, and three C. parvum + C. meleagridis). The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. did not differ significantly between the sexes or age classes but varied significantly between subjects affiliated to different religions with the lowest prevalence among the Muslims. Multifactorial analysis retained also marked significance with education, income, and a house contents index. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our results contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis and the risk factors associated with the likelihood of carrying this infection among immigrant workers from developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Boughattas
- College of Health Sciences, Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Jerzy M. Behnke
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Duaa Al-Sadeq
- College of Health Sciences, Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ahmed Ismail
- Medical Commission, Ministry of Public Health, Doha, Qatar
| | - Marawan Abu-Madi
- College of Health Sciences, Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- * E-mail:
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Widespread occurrence of Cryptosporidium infections in patients with HIV/AIDS: Epidemiology, clinical feature, diagnosis, and therapy. Acta Trop 2018; 187:257-263. [PMID: 30118699 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium infection is a serious threat for HIV/AIDS patients, causing severe diarrhea and even death. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium in HIV/AIDS patients was calculated as approximately 8.69% (7,799/89,724), with higher prevalence observed in individuals with diarrhea, individuals with low CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts, and antiretroviral therapy-naïve individuals. Cryptosporidium infection was not significantly associated with patient age or gender, national development levels, or continent of residence. Over the period from 2007 to 2017, Cryptosporidium prevalence was 10.09% (3,282/32,517); this figure was higher than that observed in each of the previous observation periods (1985-1995 and 1996-2006), suggesting that the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis has been increasing over time in HIV/AIDS patients. Ten Cryptosporidium species and genotypes have been identified from 1,252 isolates, with C. hominis, C. parvum, and C. meleagridis accounting for 93.53% of infections. Five subtypes each of C. hominis (Ia, Ib, Id, Ie, and If), C. parvum (IIa to IIe), and C. meleagridis (IIIa to IIIe) have been described by sequence analyses of the 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene. Variation in the clinical manifestations observed in HIV/AIDS patients might be attributed to infection by different Cryptosporidium species, genotypes and subtypes, as well as different sites of infection. New molecular and immunological diagnostic techniques are in development or already commercially available. High-throughput screening methods for development of new or repurposed therapeutics as well as novel parasite genetic manipulation strategies offer hope for improving human cryptosporidiosis therapies. Painstaking efforts by researchers as well as support from governments and funding agencies will be required to make lasting achievements in this field.
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Comparative Changes of Influence Factors of Rural Residential Area Based on Spatial Econometric Regression Model: A Case Study of Lishan Township, Hubei Province, China. SUSTAINABILITY 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/su10103403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The influencing factors of rural residential areas have always been a key research direction in addressing rural problems in China. By introducing a spatial regression model combined with Kernel Density Estimation and Buffer Analysis, this study made a comparative study on the quantification of the influencing factors of rural residential areas in 2009, 2012, and 2015 in Lishan Township, Hubei Province, China. The results showed that the elevation and slope of Lishan Township have always played a decisive role in the distribution of rural residential areas, that the influence of the water system is abnormal, and that the influence of roads and townships has been strengthened based on the spatial statistical analysis. Then, based on spatial econometric regression analysis, the coefficients of “Topographic indices” (CTI) were 0.666, 0.719, and 0.439 in 2009, 2012, and 2015, respectively. The coefficients of Road (CR) were 0.170, 0.112, and 0.108, respectively. The coefficients of Town (CT) were 0.120, 0.127, and 0.166, respectively. The coefficients of Water system (CWS) were 0.166, 0.124, and 0.173, respectively. With the change of time, the influence of road decreased and the influence of town increased gradually. Furthermore, the influence of the water system and topography showed volatility.
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Ahmed SA, Guerrero Flórez M, Karanis P. The impact of water crises and climate changes on the transmission of protozoan parasites in Africa. Pathog Glob Health 2018; 112:281-293. [PMID: 30332341 PMCID: PMC6381522 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2018.1523778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Waterborne protozoa (WBP) are important cause of several outbreaks all over the world. The report system of WBP in Africa is weak. More than one third of African countries (21/54) reported WBP with absent reports in the remaining countries (33/54). The top reported WBP were Cryptosporidium, Giardia, FLA and Entamoeba contaminating different African water resources. Other protozoa were less documented even though it is abundant and robust. More than one protozoa were detected in contaminated African water including drinking sources, a prediction index to popular epidemics and real presence of undocumented WBP outbreaks. Risk factors in Africa were observed to be abundant and multi-factorial 'socioeconomic, governmental, pathogen in water and climate change. Climate change is an important factor impacting Africa. Increasing droughts in Africa with other extreme weather events will lead to water crises. Incidence and transmission of WBP will change, with new manifested strains/species. Recognizing future consequences of water crises in Africa are important. Governments and population unity will be needed to protect against expected raise and spread of WBP diseases and water shortages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahira A. Ahmed
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Milena Guerrero Flórez
- Center for Health Studies CESUN, University of Nariño. Ciudad Universitaria-Torobajo, Pasto, Colombia
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Bouzid M, Kintz E, Hunter PR. Risk factors for Cryptosporidium infection in low and middle income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006553. [PMID: 29879110 PMCID: PMC6014672 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptosporidium infection causes gastrointestinal disease and has a worldwide distribution. The highest burden is in developing countries. OBJECTIVES We sought to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify Cryptosporidium risk factors in Low and Middle Income countries (LMICs). METHODS Medline Ovid and Scopus databases were searched with no restriction on year or language of publication. All references were screened independently in duplicate and were included if they presented data on at least 3 risk factors. Meta-analyses using random effects models were used to calculate overall estimates for each exposure. RESULTS The most frequently reported risk factors in the 15 included studies were overcrowding, household diarrhoea, poor quality drinking water, animal contact, open defecation/ lack of toilet and breastfeeding. The combined odds ratio for animal contact was 1.98 (95%CI: 1.11-3.54) based on 11 studies and for diarrhoea in the household 1.98 (95%CI: 1.13-3.49) based on 4 studies. Open defecation was associated with a pooled odds ratio of 1.82 (95%CI: 1.19-2.8) based on 5 studies. Poor drinking water quality was not associated with a significant Cryptosporidium risk, odds ratio 1.06 (95%CI: 0.77-1.47). Breastfeeding was protective with pooled odds ratio 0.4 (95%CI: 0.13-1.22), which was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Based on the included studies, crowded living conditions, animal contact and open defecation are responsible for the majority of Cryptosporidium cases in LMICs. Future studies investigating Cryptosporidium risk factors should have a good study design and duration, include appropriate number of cases, select suitable controls, investigate multiple relevant risk factors, fully report data and perform multivariate analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Bouzid
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Erica Kintz
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Paul R. Hunter
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
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Abstract
In the face of growing world human and animal populations and rapid environmental change, the linkages between human, animal, and environmental health are becoming more evident. Because animals and humans have shared risk to health from changing environments, it seems logical to expand the perspective of public health beyond a single species to detect and manage emerging public health threats. Mitigating the effects of climate change, emerging pathogens, toxicant releases, and changes in the built environment requires a retooling of global public health resources and capabilities across multiple species. Furthermore, human and animal health professionals must overcome specific barriers to interprofessional collaboration to implement needed health strategies. This review outlines the relationships between human, animal, and ecosystem health and the public health challenges and opportunities that these links present.
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Wumba R, Longo-Mbenza B, Menotti J, Mandina M, Kintoki F, Situakibanza NH, Kakicha MK, Zanga J, Mbanzulu-Makola K, Nseka T, Mukendi JP, Kendjo E, Sala J, Thellier M. Epidemiology, clinical, immune, and molecular profiles of microsporidiosis and cryptosporidiosis among HIV/AIDS patients. Int J Gen Med 2012; 5:603-11. [PMID: 22924007 PMCID: PMC3422901 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s32344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites, with special emphasis on microsporidia and Cryptosporidium, as well as their association with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) symptoms, risk factors, and other digestive parasites. We also wish to determine the molecular biology definitions of the species and genotypes of microsporidia and Cryptosporidium in HIV patients. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, carried out in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, stool samples were collected from 242 HIV patients (87 men and 155 women) with referred symptoms and risk factors for opportunistic intestinal parasites. The analysis of feces specimen were performed using Ziehl-Neelsen stainings, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunofluorescence indirect monoclonal antibody, nested PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism, and PCR amplification and sequencing. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were used to quantify the risk. RESULTS Of the 242 HIV patients, 7.8%, 0.4%, 5.4%, 0.4%, 2%, 10.6%, and 2.8% had Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encephalitozoon intestinalis, Cryptosporidium spp., Isospora belli, pathogenic intestinal protozoa, nonpathogenic intestinal protozoa, and helminths, respectively. We found five genotypes of E. bieneusi: two older, NIA1 and D, and three new, KIN1, KIN2, and KIN3. Only 0.4% and 1.6% had Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis, respectively. Of the patients, 36.4%, 34.3%, 31%, and 39% had asthenia, diarrhea, a CD4 count of <100 cells/mm(3), and no antiretroviral therapy (ART), respectively. The majority of those with opportunistic intestinal parasites and C. hominis, and all with C. parvum and new E. bieneusi genotypes, had diarrhea, low CD4+ counts of <100 cells/mm(3), and no ART. There was a significant association between Entamoeba coli, Kaposi sarcoma, herpes zoster, chronic diarrhea, and asthenia, and the presence of 28 cases with opportunistic intestinal parasites. Rural areas, public toilets, and exposure to farm pigs were the univariate risk factors present in the 28 cases with opportunistic intestinal parasites. In logistic regression analysis, a CD4 count of <100 cells/mm(3) (OR = 4.60; 95% CI 1.70-12.20; P = 0.002), no ART (OR = 5.00; 95% CI 1.90-13.20; P < 0.001), and exposure to surface water (OR = 2.90; 95% CI 1.01-8.40; P = 0.048) were identified as the significant and independent determinants for the presence of opportunistic intestinal parasites. CONCLUSION E. bieneusi and Cryptosporidium are becoming more prevalent in Kinshasa, Congo. Based on the findings, we recommend epidemiology surveillance and prevention by means of hygiene, the emphasis of sensitive PCR methods, and treating opportunistic intestinal parasites that may be acquired through fecal-oral transmission, surface water, normal immunity, rural area-based person-person and animal-human infection, and transmission of HIV. Therapy, including ART and treatment with fumagillin, is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Wumba
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Parasitology, University Clinic of Kinshasa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Congo
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