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Borg R, Pace D. Incidental ring-shaped cerebral lesions in a 3-year-old. Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed 2024:edpract-2024-326860. [PMID: 39059799 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2024-326860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Borg
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - David Pace
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
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Shongwe NA, Byaruhanga C, Dorny P, Dermauw V, Qekwana DN. Knowledge, practices and seroprevalence of Taenia species in smallholder farms in Gauteng, South Africa. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0244055. [PMID: 33338060 PMCID: PMC7748137 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Porcine cysticercosis and associated human infections are endemic in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Poor agricultural practices, sanitary practices, and lack of knowledge increase the burden of the diseases in susceptible populations. This study investigates the seroprevalence of Taenia spp. in township pigs in Gauteng, South Africa and describes knowledge and farming practices of pig farmers regarding T. solium infections. Blood samples were collected from 126 pigs in three Gauteng township areas, and analyzed for active Taenia spp. infection using the B158/B60 Ag-ELISA. Farmer questionnaire surveys were conducted in four township areas to investigate the level of knowledge and practices associated with porcine cysticercosis and neurocysticercosis. Logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between predictor variables and the outcome variable, knowledge of porcine cysticercosis or knowledge of neurocysticercosis. Overall, 7% of the pigs were seropositive for active Taenia spp. infection. 46% of farmers practiced a free-ranging system, while 25% practiced a semi-intensive system. Latrines were absent on all farms; however, 95% of farmers indicated that they have access to latrines at home. Most farmers had no knowledge of porcine cysticercosis (55%) or neurocysticercosis (79%), and this was not associated with any of the factors investigated. The prevalence of active Taenia spp. infection was reasonably low in this study, yet the knowledge level was also low, thus calling for further educational and training programmes to prevent Taenia spp. transmission in these communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nothando Altrecia Shongwe
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Charles Byaruhanga
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Pierre Dorny
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Veronique Dermauw
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Daniel Nenene Qekwana
- Section of Veterinary Public Health, Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- * E-mail:
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Tilli M, Botta A, Bartoloni A, Corti G, Zammarchi L. Hospitalization for Chagas disease, dengue, filariasis, leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, strongyloidiasis, and Taenia solium taeniasis/cysticercosis, Italy, 2011-2016. Infection 2020; 48:695-713. [PMID: 32418191 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-020-01443-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze epidemiology and burden of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Italy. METHODS We used Hospital Discharge Records and number of residents in Italy to calculate number and rate of hospitalization for Chagas disease, dengue, filariasis, leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, strongyloidiasis, Taenia solium taeniasis, and cysticercosis by sex, citizenship group, and region in the period 2011-2016. RESULTS 7195 hospitalizations for NTDs were retrieved, accounting for 7375 diagnoses, 60% in Italians and 40% in foreigners. Male-to-female ratio was 2; the age group more commonly affected was 25-44 years (32.5%). The most common diagnoses were leishmaniasis (34%), schistosomiasis (29%), strongyloidiasis (12%), Chagas disease (8%), and dengue (8%). Average yearly hospitalization rate per 100,000 residents for all NTDs was 2.05, 1.33, and 10.39 in general population, Italians, and foreign citizens, respectively. Hospitalization rates higher than 100 per 100,000 subjects were found in citizens from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and Bolivia. CONCLUSIONS NTDs have a not negligible burden in Italy. The most clinically relevant NTDs in Italy are leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis, followed by strongyloidiasis, Chagas disease, and dengue. Cystic echinococcosis, that was not included in the analysis since a similar study on this disease was recently published, should also be listed among the leading NTD in Italy. While schistosomiasis has its highest burden on population coming from highly endemic areas such as SSA, leishmaniasis is especially relevant in Italian-born residents of southern regions. Education at university and post-graduate levels, to increase the awareness of healthcare professionals on these topics, as well as targeted public health interventions (such as screening or presumptive treatment in high-risk groups), are an asset to improve clinical management and control of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Tilli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Annarita Botta
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bartoloni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Careggi University and Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
- Referral Center for Tropical Diseases of Tuscany Region, Careggi University and Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Corti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Careggi University and Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Zammarchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy.
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Careggi University and Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy.
- Referral Center for Tropical Diseases of Tuscany Region, Careggi University and Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy.
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Herrador Z, Pérez-Molina JA, Henríquez Camacho CA, Rodriguez-Guardado A, Bosch-Nicolau P, Calabuig E, Domínguez-Castellano A, Pérez-Jacoiste MA, Ladrón de Guevara MC, Mena A, Ruiz-Giardin JM, Torrús D, Wikman-Jorgensen P, Benito A, López-Vélez R. Imported cysticercosis in Spain: A retrospective case series from the +REDIVI Collaborative Network. Travel Med Infect Dis 2020; 37:101683. [PMID: 32335208 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2020.101683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most common parasitic neurological disease worldwide and a major cause of epilepsy. Spain is the country reporting the highest number of NCC imported cases in Europe. METHODOLOGY Retrospective case series of NCC patients registered in the +REDIVI Network from October 1, 2009 to July 2018. A specific questionnaire, including clinical and diagnostic characteristics, was created and sent to the collaborator centers. RESULTS 46 cases were included in the analysis. 55% were male, mean age of 40 years. 95.6% were migrants. The median duration since migration from an endemic area was 10 years. Predominant nationalities were Ecuadorians (50%) and Bolivians (30.4%). Frequent locations were parenchymal (87%), subarachnoid (26.1%) and intraventricular cysts (10.9%). Serological analysis was performed in 91.3%, being 54.8% positive. Most prevalent clinical manifestations were persistent headache (60.9%), epilepsy (43.5%) and visual changes (13%). Patients were mainly treated with albendazole (76.1%), corticosteroids (67.4%), and anticonvulsionants (52.2%). 82.5% had a favorable clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS Most NCC cases were long-standing migrants. Few clinical differences were observed depending on the cysticerci location. The treatment was often not according to current recommendations, and no uniform criteria were followed when it came to the therapeutic regimen. NCC case management in Spain (including clinician awareness and laboratory capacity improvements) needs to be strengthened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaida Herrador
- Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Network Biomedical Research on Tropical Diseases (RICET in Spanish), Madrid, Spain.
| | - José A Pérez-Molina
- Network Biomedical Research on Tropical Diseases (RICET in Spanish), Madrid, Spain; National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRICYS, Madrid, Spain
| | - César Augusto Henríquez Camacho
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRICYS, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ana Mena
- Hospital Universitario Son Espases, Palma Mallorca, Spain
| | | | - Diego Torrús
- Hospital Universitario de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Philip Wikman-Jorgensen
- Hospital Universitario de Elda, Alicante, Spain; Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region, FISABIO, Spain
| | - Agustín Benito
- Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Network Biomedical Research on Tropical Diseases (RICET in Spanish), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rogelio López-Vélez
- Network Biomedical Research on Tropical Diseases (RICET in Spanish), Madrid, Spain; National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRICYS, Madrid, Spain
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Norman FF, Comeche B, Chamorro S, López-Vélez R. Overcoming challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of parasitic infectious diseases in migrants. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2020; 18:127-143. [PMID: 31914335 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2020.1713099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Recent increases in population movements have created novel health challenges in many areas of the World, and health policies have been adapted accordingly in several countries. However, screening guidelines for infectious diseases are not standardized and generally do not include comprehensive screening for parasitic infections.Areas covered: Malaria, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, amebiasis, filariases, strongyloidiasis, and schistosomiasis are reviewed, focusing on the challenges posed for their diagnosis and management in vulnerable populations such as migrants. The methodology included literature searches in public databases such as PubMed.gov and Google Scholar and search of the US National Library of Medicine online database of privately and publicly funded clinical studies (ClinicalTrials.gov) until November 2019.Expert opinion: Parasitic infections which may remain asymptomatic for prolonged periods, leading to chronic infection and complications, and/or may be transmitted in non-endemic areas are ideal candidates for screening. Proposed strategies to improve diagnosis in vulnerable groups such as migrants include facilitating access to healthcare in a multi-dimensional manner considering location, individual characteristics, and timing. Limitations and availability of specific diagnostic techniques should be addressed and focus on drug and vaccine development for these neglected infections should be prioritized through collaborative initiatives with public disclosure of results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca F Norman
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Belen Comeche
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Chamorro
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rogelio López-Vélez
- National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Infectious Diseases Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
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