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Schemczssen-Graeff Z, Silva CR, de Freitas PNN, Constantin PP, Pileggi SAV, Olchanheski LR, Pileggi M. Probiotics as a strategy for addressing helminth infections in low-income countries: Working smarter rather than richer. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 226:116363. [PMID: 38871336 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116363] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Helminth infections, which affect approximately 1.5 billion individuals worldwide (mainly children), are common in low- and middle-income tropical countries and can lead to various diseases. One crucial factor affecting the occurrence of these diseases is the reduced diversity of the gut microbiome due to antibiotic use. This reduced diversity compromises immune health in hosts and alters host gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms. Helminth infections may produce complex biochemical signatures that could serve as therapeutic targets. Such therapies include next-generation probiotics, live biotherapeutic products, and biochemical drug approaches. Probiotics can bind ferric hydroxide, reducing the iron that is available to opportunistic microorganisms. They also produce short-chain fatty acids associated with immune response modulation, oral tolerance facilitation, and inflammation reduction. In this review, we examine the potential link between these effects and epigenetic changes in immune response-related genes by analyzing methyltransferase-related genes within probiotic strains discussed in the literature. The identified genes were only correlated with methylation in bacterial genes. Various metabolic interactions among hosts, helminth parasites, and intestinal microbiomes can impact the immune system, potentially aiding or hindering worm expulsion through chemical signaling. Implementing a comprehensive strategy using probiotics may reduce the impact of drug-resistant helminth strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelinda Schemczssen-Graeff
- Comparative Immunology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Parasitology, and Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Caroline Rosa Silva
- Department of Biotechnology, Genetics and Cell Biology, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | | | - Paola Pereira Constantin
- Department of Biotechnology, Genetics and Cell Biology, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Sônia Alvim Veiga Pileggi
- Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Life Sciences and Health Institute, Structural and Molecular Biology, and Genetics Department, Ponta Grossa State University, Ponta Grossa, Brazil
| | - Luiz Ricardo Olchanheski
- Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Life Sciences and Health Institute, Structural and Molecular Biology, and Genetics Department, Ponta Grossa State University, Ponta Grossa, Brazil
| | - Marcos Pileggi
- Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Life Sciences and Health Institute, Structural and Molecular Biology, and Genetics Department, Ponta Grossa State University, Ponta Grossa, Brazil.
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Erriah B, Shtukenberg AG, Aronin R, McCarthy D, Brázda P, Ward MD, Kahr B. ROY Crystallization on Poly(ethylene) Fibers, a Model for Bed Net Crystallography. CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS : A PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2024; 36:2432-2440. [PMID: 38495899 PMCID: PMC10938503 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.3c03188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Many long-lasting insecticidal bed nets for protection against disease vectors consist of poly(ethylene) fibers in which insecticide is incorporated during manufacture. Insecticide molecules diffuse from within the supersaturated polymers to surfaces where they become bioavailable to insects and often crystallize, a process known as blooming. Recent studies revealed that contact insecticides can be highly polymorphic. Moreover, insecticidal activity is polymorph-dependent, with forms having a higher crystal free energy yielding faster insect knockdown and mortality. Consequently, the crystallographic characterization of insecticide crystals that form on fibers is critical to understanding net function and improving net performance. Structural characterization of insecticide crystals on bed net fiber surfaces, let alone their polymorphs, has been elusive owing to the minute size of the crystals, however. Using the highly polymorphous compound ROY (5-methyl-2-[(2-nitrophenyl)-amino]thiophene-3-carbonitrile) as a proxy for insecticide crystallization, we investigated blooming and crystal formation on the surface of extruded poly(ethylene) fibers containing ROY. The blooming rates, tracked from the time of extrusion, were determined by UV-vis spectroscopy after successive washes. Six crystalline polymorphs (of the 13 known) were observed on poly(ethylene) fiber surfaces, and they were identified and characterized by Raman microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and 3D electron diffraction. These observations reveal that the crystallization and phase behavior of polymorphs forming on poly(ethylene) fibers is complex and dynamic. The characterization of blooming and microcrystals underscores the importance of bed net crystallography for the optimization of bed net performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Erriah
- Department
of Chemistry and Molecular Design Institute, New York University, New York, 29 Washington Place, New York City, New York 10003, United States
| | - Alexander G. Shtukenberg
- Department
of Chemistry and Molecular Design Institute, New York University, New York, 29 Washington Place, New York City, New York 10003, United States
| | - Reese Aronin
- Department
of Chemistry and Molecular Design Institute, New York University, New York, 29 Washington Place, New York City, New York 10003, United States
| | - Derik McCarthy
- Department
of Chemistry and Molecular Design Institute, New York University, New York, 29 Washington Place, New York City, New York 10003, United States
| | - Petr Brázda
- Department
of Structure Analysis, Institute of Physics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Slovance 2/1999, Prague 8 18221, Czech Republic
| | - Michael D. Ward
- Department
of Chemistry and Molecular Design Institute, New York University, New York, 29 Washington Place, New York City, New York 10003, United States
| | - Bart Kahr
- Department
of Chemistry and Molecular Design Institute, New York University, New York, 29 Washington Place, New York City, New York 10003, United States
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Bulled N, Singer M. Conceptualizing COVID-19 syndemics: A scoping review. JOURNAL OF MULTIMORBIDITY AND COMORBIDITY 2024; 14:26335565241249835. [PMID: 38682155 PMCID: PMC11055430 DOI: 10.1177/26335565241249835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Background COVID-19's heavy toll on human health, and its concentration within specific at-risk groups including the socially vulnerable and individuals with comorbidities, has made it the focus of much syndemic discourse. Syndemic theory recognizes that social factors create the conditions that support the clustering of diseases and that these diseases interact in a manner that worsens health outcomes. Syndemics theory has helped to facilitate systems-level approaches to disease as a biosocial phenomenon and guide prevention and treatment efforts. Despite its recognized value, reviews of syndemics literature have noted frequent misuse of the concept limiting its potential in guiding appropriate interventions. Objective To review how the term 'syndemic' is defined and applied within peer-reviewed literature in relation to COVID-19. Design A scoping review of definitions within COVID-19 literature published between January 1, 2020 to May 15, 2023 was conducted. Searches took place across six databases: Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, JSTOR, MEDLINE/Pubmed, PsycINFO and Scopus. PRISMA-ScR guidelines were followed. Results Content analysis revealed that COVID-19 has varied clustered configurations of communicable-non-communicable diseases and novel communicable disease interactions. Spatial analysis was presented as a new strategy to evidence syndemic arrangements. However, syndemics continue to be regarded as universal, with continued misunderstanding and misapplication of the concept. Conclusion This review found that current applications of syndemics remain problematic. Recommendations are made on the design of syndemic studies. A syndemic framework offers an opportunity for systems-level thinking that considers the full complexity of human-disease interactions and is useful to inform future pandemic preparations and responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Merrill Singer
- Anthropology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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Shelke A, Shelke S, Acharya S, Shukla S. Synergistic Epidemic or Syndemic: An Emerging Pattern of Human Diseases. Cureus 2023; 15:e48286. [PMID: 38058320 PMCID: PMC10696284 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.48286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Synergistic epidemics refer to the phenomenon where the occurrence and interaction of multiple diseases or health conditions exacerbate their individual impact, leading to complex health challenges and increased vulnerability in populations. Syndemics are a complex, multilevel phenomenon. In a population with biological interactions, a syndemic is the accumulation of two or more concurrent or sequential epidemics, which significantly worsens the situation. Disease concentration, disease interaction, and their underlying social forces, such as poverty and social inequality, are the fundamental concepts. Extensive political, economic, and cultural factors have contributed to cluster epidemics of several infectious diseases, particularly HIV and tuberculosis. Concerning the SAVA (substance abuse, violence, AIDS) syndemic, this narrative review article explores the complex interactions between substance abuse, violence, and HIV/AIDS. Further, it describes in-depth interactions between the COVID-19 syndemic's health conditions, societal factors, biological factors, and global dynamics. The review also emphasizes how infectious and non-communicable diseases interact, emphasizing how having one condition can make the severity and outcomes of another worse. It investigates the causes of synergistic epidemics and the impact of environmental factors. Syndemics acknowledge that the presence of one condition can worsen the severity and progression of others and take into account the intricate relationships between diseases. We can create more efficient plans to enhance health outcomes, lessen disparities, and promote healthier communities by understanding the connections between disorders and the underlying social determinants. This narrative review provides insights into the emerging patterns of human diseases within synergistic epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Shelke
- Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Saurabh Shelke
- Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Sourya Acharya
- Department of Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Samarth Shukla
- Department of Pathology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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Bittaye SO, Jagne A, Jaiteh LES, Amambua-Ngwa A, Sesay AK, Ekeh B, Nadjm B, Ramirez WE, Ramos A, Okeahialam B, Effa E, Nyan O, Njie R. Malaria in adults after the start of Covid-19 pandemic: an analysis of admission trends, demographics, and outcomes in a tertiary hospital in the Gambia. Malar J 2023; 22:253. [PMID: 37658450 PMCID: PMC10474732 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04691-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria remains a major public health concern in The Gambia. The study assessed the trend of malaria admissions and outcome of adult patients admitted after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary hospital in The Gambia. METHODS This was a retrospective hospital-based study and data was collected from the 18th October 2020 to 28th February 2023. Demographic data, clinical features, investigations, treatment, and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS A total of 499 malaria cases were admitted to the hospital over the 29 months of the study period. Data from 320 (67.2% of the total cases) adult patients admitted into the internal medicine department were analysed. The median age was 22 years, range (15-90) and 189 (59.1%) cases were youth with a youth (15-24 years) to older adult (> 24 years) ratio of 1.4:1. The majority of the patients were male 199 (62.2) with a male to female ratio of 1.6:1. The total number of malaria cases admitted into the internal medicine department increased from 103 cases in 2021 to 182 cases in 2022and admission peaked in November in both years. The total number of admitted malaria cases during the peak of the malaria season also increased from 92 patients between September 2021 and December 2021 to 132 patients from September 2022 to December 2022.There was also an increase in both severe and uncomplicated malaria during the same period. The total mortality was 31 (9.7%) and the rate was similar in 2021 9 (8.7%) and 2022 15 (8.4%). Patients with impaired consciousness were more likely to die when compared to those without impaired consciousness [19 (23.6%) vs 12 (5%), p ≤ 0.001]. Patients with acute kidney injury were also more likely to die when compared with those without acute kidney injury [10 (20.4%) vs 15 (7.7%), p = 0.009]. CONCLUSION The findings show an emerging and consistent trend of malaria admissions and the outcome in the youth and older adult population after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in The Gambia. This, therefore, suggests the need for the implementation of targeted malaria prevention interventions in this population to further prevent the spread of the disease to the more vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh Omar Bittaye
- Internal Medicine Department, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia.
- School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia.
| | - Abubacarr Jagne
- Internal Medicine Department, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
- School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Lamin E S Jaiteh
- Internal Medicine Department, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
- School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Alfred Amambua-Ngwa
- Medical Research Council, The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Abdul Karim Sesay
- Medical Research Council, The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Bertha Ekeh
- Internal Medicine Department, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
- School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Behzad Nadjm
- Medical Research Council, The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Williams Estrada Ramirez
- Internal Medicine Department, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
- School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Asmell Ramos
- Internal Medicine Department, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
- School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Basil Okeahialam
- Internal Medicine Department, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
- School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Emmanuel Effa
- Internal Medicine Department, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
- School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Ousman Nyan
- Internal Medicine Department, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
- School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Ramou Njie
- Internal Medicine Department, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
- School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
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Ashiri A, Beiromvand M, Rafiei A, Heidari R, Takesh A. Prevalence of asymptomatic strongyloidiasis co-infection in COVID-19 patients residing in endemic areas. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:281. [PMID: 37563592 PMCID: PMC10416476 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01262-9] [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: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fatal forms of strongyloidiasis, hyperinfection syndrome (HS) and disseminated strongyloidiasis (DS), are caused by exaggerated autoinfection of the intestinal nematode, Strongyloides stercoralis (S. stercoralis). Corticosteroids, frequently administered to patients with severe COVID-19, can transform chronic asymptomatic strongyloidiasis into the above-mentioned fatal diseases. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of strongyloidiasis in COVID-19 patients receiving corticosteroids in a hypoendemic region. METHODS The present cross-sectional study enrolled 308 COVID-19 patients admitted to two hospitals in Ahvaz and Abadan in the southwest of Iran between 2020 and 2022. A real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test and chest computed tomography (CT) scan were employed to detect and monitor the disease's severity in the patients, respectively. All patients were evaluated for IgG/IgM against S. stercoralis using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. Subsequently, individuals with a positive ELISA test were confirmed using parasitological methods, including direct smear and agar plate culture (APC). RESULTS The patients were between 15 and 94 years old, with a mean age of 57.99 ± 17.4 years. Of the 308 patients, 12 (3.9%) had a positive ELISA test, while 296 (96.1%) had negative results. Three of the 12 patients with a positive ELISA result died, and three failed to provide a stool sample. To this end, only six cases were examined parasitologically, in which S. stercoralis larvae were observed in five patients. Significant differences were found between S. stercoralis infection with sex (p = 0.037) and age (p = 0.027). Binary regression analysis revealed that strongyloidiasis was positively associated with sex (odds ratio [OR]: 5.137; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.107-23.847), age (OR: 5.647; 95% CI 1.216-26.218), and location (OR: 3.254; 95% CI: 0.864-12.257). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that screening for latent strongyloidiasis in COVID-19 patients in endemic areas using high-sensitivity diagnostic methods, particularly ELISA, before receiving suppressive drugs should be given more consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Ashiri
- Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Molouk Beiromvand
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Abdollah Rafiei
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Reza Heidari
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ameneh Takesh
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Adjobimey T, Meyer J, Hennenfent A, Bara AJ, Lagnika L, Kocou B, Adjagba M, Laleye A, Hoerauf A, Parcina M. Negative association between ascaris lumbricoides seropositivity and Covid-19 severity: insights from a study in Benin. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1233082. [PMID: 37622109 PMCID: PMC10446766 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1233082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating effects worldwide, but the trajectory of the pandemic has been milder in Low-and-Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), including those in Africa. Co-infection with helminths, such as Ascaris lumbricoides, has been suggested as a possible factor contributing to the reduced severity observed in these regions. Methods The present study investigated the association between Ascaris-specific antibody levels and COVID-19 severity in 276 SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals in Benin. Participants were categorized into asymptomatic (n=100), mild (n=150), and severe (n=26) groups based on clinical disease severity. Sera were collected and analyzed using ELISA to measure Ascaris and SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies, while Luminex was used to assess cytokines and SARS-CoV-2-specific neutralizing antibody expression. Results and discussion The results demonstrated that asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 seropositive individuals expressed, on average, 1.7 and 2.2-times higher levels of Ascaris antibodies compared to individuals with mild and severe COVID-19, respectively. This finding suggests an inverse correlation between Ascaris antibody levels and COVID-19 severity. Notably, logistic regression analysis showed that Ascaris seropositivity was significantly associated with a reduced risk of severe COVID-19 (OR = 0.277, p = 0.021). Interestingly, COVID-19 patients with comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure showed lower expression of Ascaris antibodies. Strikingly, no correlation was observed between Ascaris antibody levels and SARS-CoV-2-specific neutralizing antibodies. On the other hand, individuals seronegative for Ascaris displayed significantly higher levels of systemic pro-inflammatory markers compared to seropositive individuals. These findings suggest that higher expression of Ascaris antibodies is associated with asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections and may contribute to the reduction of the risk to develop severe COVID-19. The beneficial effect of Ascaris seropositivity on COVID-19 outcomes in Benin may be attributed to a decrease in comorbidities and pro-inflammatory markers. These observations provide valuable insights into the milder COVID-19 trajectory observed in Africa and may have implications for future therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomabu Adjobimey
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Laboratoire de Biologie intégrative pour l’Innovation thérapeutique (BioInov), Faculté des Sciences et Techniques (FAST), Université d’Abomey Calavi, Abomey Calavi, Benin
| | - Julia Meyer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Anneka Hennenfent
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Anick J. Bara
- Laboratoire de Biologie intégrative pour l’Innovation thérapeutique (BioInov), Faculté des Sciences et Techniques (FAST), Université d’Abomey Calavi, Abomey Calavi, Benin
| | - Latifou Lagnika
- Laboratoire de Biologie intégrative pour l’Innovation thérapeutique (BioInov), Faculté des Sciences et Techniques (FAST), Université d’Abomey Calavi, Abomey Calavi, Benin
| | - Bienvenu Kocou
- Laboratoire de Biologie intégrative pour l’Innovation thérapeutique (BioInov), Faculté des Sciences et Techniques (FAST), Université d’Abomey Calavi, Abomey Calavi, Benin
| | - Marius Adjagba
- Laboratoire de Cytogénétique, Faculté des Sciences de la Santé (FSS), Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Anatole Laleye
- Laboratoire de Cytogénétique, Faculté des Sciences de la Santé (FSS), Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Achim Hoerauf
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Bonn-Cologne Site, German Center for Infectious Disease Research (DZIF), Bonn, Germany
| | - Marijo Parcina
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Shi T, Zhang X, Meng L, Li D, Jin N, Zhao X, Zheng H, Wang T, Li R, Ren X. Immediate and long-term changes in infectious diseases in China at the "First-level-response", "Normalized-control" and "Dynamic-COVID-zero" stages from 2020 to 2022: a multistage interrupted-time-series-analysis. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1381. [PMID: 37464368 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16318-y] [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: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND From January 2020 to December 2022, China implemented "First-level-response", "Normalized-control" and "Dynamic-COVID-zero" to block the COVID-19 epidemic; however, the immediate and long-term impact of three strategies on other infectious diseases and the difference in their impact is currently unknown. We aim to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) on infectious diseases in China. METHODS We collected data on the monthly case count of infectious diseases in China from January 2015 to July 2022. After considering long-term trends using the Cox-Stuart test, we performed the two ratio Z tests to preliminary analyze the impact of three strategies on infectious diseases. Next, we used a multistage interrupted-time-series analysis fitted by the Poisson regression to evaluate and compare the immediate and long-term impact of three strategies on infectious diseases in China. RESULTS Compared to before COVID-19, the incidence of almost all infectious diseases decreased immediately at stages 1, 2, and 3; meanwhile, the slope in the incidence of many infectious diseases also decreased at the three stages. However, the slope in the incidence of all sexually transmitted diseases increased at stage 1, the slope in the incidence of all gastrointestinal infectious diseases increased at stage 2, and the slope in the incidence of some diseases such as pertussis, influenza, and brucellosis increased at stage 3. The immediate and long-term limiting effects of "Normalized-control" on respiratory-transmitted diseases were weaker than "First-level-response" and the long-term limiting effects of "Dynamic-COVID-zero" on pertussis, influenza, and hydatid disease were weaker than "Normalized-control". CONCLUSIONS Three COVID-19 control strategies in China have immediate and long-term limiting effects on many infectious diseases, but there are differences in their limiting effects. Evidence from this study shows that pertussis, influenza, brucellosis, and hydatid disease began to recover at stage 3, and relaxation of NPIs may lead to the resurgence of respiratory-transmitted diseases and vector-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianshan Shi
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xiaoshu Zhang
- Gansu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Lei Meng
- Gansu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Donghua Li
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Na Jin
- Gansu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hongmiao Zheng
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Tingrong Wang
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Rui Li
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xiaowei Ren
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
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Nascimento IJDS, Cavalcanti MDAT, de Moura RO. Exploring N-myristoyltransferase as a promising drug target against parasitic neglected tropical diseases. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 258:115550. [PMID: 37336067 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) constitute a group of approximately 20 infectious diseases that mainly affect the impoverished population without basic sanitation in tropical countries. These diseases are responsible for many deaths worldwide, costing billions of dollars in public health investment to treat and control these infections. Among them are the diseases caused by protozoa of the Trypanosomatid family, which constitute Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas disease), Trypanosoma brucei (sleeping sickness), and Leishmaniasis. In addition, there is a classification of other diseases, called the big three, AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, which are endemic in countries with tropical conditions. Despite the high mortality rates, there is still a gap in the treatment. The drugs have a high incidence of side effects and protozoan resistance, justifying the investment in developing new alternatives. In fact, the Target-Based Drug Design (TBDD) approach is responsible for identifying several promising compounds, and among the targets explored through this approach, N-myristoyltransferase (NMT) stands out. It is an enzyme related to the co-translational myristoylation of N-terminal glycine in various peptides. The myristoylation process is a co-translation that occurs after removing the initiator methionine. This process regulates the assembly of protein complexes and stability, which justifies its potential as a drug target. In order to propose NMT as a potential target for parasitic diseases, this review will address the entire structure and function of this enzyme and the primary studies demonstrating its promising potential against Leishmaniasis, T. cruzi, T. brucei, and malaria. We hope our information can help researchers worldwide search for potential drugs against these diseases that have been threatening the health of the world's population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor José Dos Santos Nascimento
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Paraíba, Campina Grande, 58429-500, Brazil; Cesmac University Center, Pharmacy Departament, Maceió, Brazil; Drug Development and Synthesis Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, State University of Paraíba, Campina Grande, 58429-500, Brazil.
| | - Misael de Azevedo Teotônio Cavalcanti
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Paraíba, Campina Grande, 58429-500, Brazil; Drug Development and Synthesis Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, State University of Paraíba, Campina Grande, 58429-500, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Olimpio de Moura
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Paraíba, Campina Grande, 58429-500, Brazil; Drug Development and Synthesis Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, State University of Paraíba, Campina Grande, 58429-500, Brazil
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10
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Co-infection of COVID-19 and parasitic diseases: A systematic review. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2023; 21:e00299. [PMID: 37091061 PMCID: PMC10062795 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Co-infection of COVID-19 with other diseases increases the challenges related to its treatment management. COVID-19 co-infection with parasites is studied with low frequency. Here, we systematically reviewed the cases of parasitic disease co-infection with COVID-19. All articles on COVID-19 co-infected with parasites (protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites), were screened through defined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Of 2190 records, 35 studies remained for data extraction. The majority of studies were about COVID-19 co-infected with malaria, followed by strongyloidiasis, amoebiasis, chagas, filariasis, giardiasis, leishmaniasis, lophomoniasis, myiasis, and toxoplasmosis. No or low manifestation differences were reported between the co-infected cases and naïve COVID-19 or naïve parasitic disease. Although there was a relatively low number of reports on parasitic diseases-COVID-19 co-infection, COVID-19 and some parasitic diseases have overlapping symptoms and also COVID-19 conditions and treatment regimens may cause some parasites re-emergence, relapse, or re-activation. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the on-time diagnosis of COVID-19 and the co-infected parasites.
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11
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Rekers R, Luna F. Pandemic justice for and from Latin America. ETHIC@ : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR MORAL PHILOSOPHY = REVISTA INTERNACIONAL DE FILOSOFIA DA MORAL 2023; 22:1-25. [PMID: 38379809 PMCID: PMC10878728 DOI: 10.5007/1677-2954.2023.e97435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Introdução ao Dossiê Justiça Pandêmica Global
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12
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Moin-Vaziri V, Badakhshan M. The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Arthropod-Related Diseases. J Arthropod Borne Dis 2023; 17:28-35. [PMID: 37609568 PMCID: PMC10440499 DOI: 10.18502/jad.v17i1.13199] [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: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Covid-19 pandemic that caused by the infection with the novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has revealed individual and global vulnerabilities all over the world. Many countries that had been struggled with arthropod-borne diseases (VBDs) are now embroiled in another challenge caused by COVID-19 pandemic. The situation that poses major obstacles 1) by misdiagnosis 2) delay in early and appropriate treatment of VBDs 3) difficulties in applying regular strategy for vector control and prevention methods and finally 4) irregularity in financing supports. Given the possible scenario of syndemics, it is important to plan integrated and combined measurement with the maximum participation of the people and health authorities. Here, the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on some major arthropod-related diseases will be discussed. Methods To access the collective data all related databases such as Science direct, PubMed, Elsevier, Google scholar, as well WHO web page were searched with key words "arthropoda-related diseases, COVID-19 with the name of each individual disease". Results The results showed that the management, control, and treatment of most important arthropod-related diseases could be delayed due to COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion Dealing with COVID-19, it is crucial to consider the other main killers such as malaria, dengue fever, etc. more especially in vulnerable populations by greater political, financial and global commitment. Continued surveillance will be essential to monitor for any possible changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahideh Moin-Vaziri
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Badakhshan
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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13
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AlShurman BA, Butt ZA. Proposing a New Conceptual Syndemic Framework for COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: A Narrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1561. [PMID: 36674314 PMCID: PMC9864682 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Discussions regarding syndemics have dominated research in recent years. Vaccine hesitancy has also been propelled to the forefront. In this narrative review, we aim to frame a novel syndemic framework to understand the interaction between vaccine hesitancy, COVID-19, and negative health outcomes. METHODS A non-systematic electronic search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar. Search criteria were limited to articles published between November 2019 and June 2022. Articles related to the COVID-19 syndemic and vaccine hesitancy were included. RESULTS Our review revealed that the adherence to COVID-19 regulations-although they were effective in preventing COVID-19 transmission, cases, and deaths-created a dynamically unstable 'vicious cycle' between undesirable health, economic, and social outcomes. The "accumulation" of complex stressors decreased individuals' cognitive flexibility and hindered them from making decisions and getting vaccinated. Furthermore, it increased individuals' risk of acquiring COVID-19, losing their employment, increasing poverty, and decreasing healthcare utilization. We illustrated how the amalgamation of sociodemographic and contextual factors associated with COVID-19 might impact people's vaccine decisions, making them more hesitant toward COVID-19 vaccination. Failing to receive vaccinations increases the chances of COVID-19 transmission, hospitalization, and other negative health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Understanding the interaction between these factors is essential to provide policymakers with inspiration to set appropriate interventions for promoting COVID-19 vaccination acceptance to decrease the overall burden of pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zahid Ahmad Butt
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
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14
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Akoolo L, Rocha SC, Parveen N. Protozoan co-infections and parasite influence on the efficacy of vaccines against bacterial and viral pathogens. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1020029. [PMID: 36504775 PMCID: PMC9732444 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1020029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A wide range of protozoan pathogens either transmitted by vectors (Plasmodium, Babesia, Leishmania and Trypanosoma), by contaminated food or water (Entamoeba and Giardia), or by sexual contact (Trichomonas) invade various organs in the body and cause prominent human diseases, such as malaria, babesiosis, leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis, diarrhea, and trichomoniasis. Humans are frequently exposed to multiple pathogens simultaneously, or sequentially in the high-incidence regions to result in co-infections. Consequently, synergistic or antagonistic pathogenic effects could occur between microbes that also influences overall host responses and severity of diseases. The co-infecting organisms can also follow independent trajectory. In either case, co-infections change host and pathogen metabolic microenvironments, compromise the host immune status, and affect microbial pathogenicity to influence tissue colonization. Immunomodulation by protozoa often adversely affects cellular and humoral immune responses against co-infecting bacterial pathogens and promotes bacterial persistence, and result in more severe disease symptoms. Although co-infections by protozoa and viruses also occur in humans, extensive studies are not yet conducted probably because of limited animal model systems available that can be used for both groups of pathogens. Immunosuppressive effects of protozoan infections can also attenuate vaccines efficacy, weaken immunological memory development, and thus attenuate protection against co-infecting pathogens. Due to increasing occurrence of parasitic infections, roles of acute to chronic protozoan infection on immunological changes need extensive investigations to improve understanding of the mechanistic details of specific immune responses alteration. In fact, this phenomenon should be seriously considered as one cause of breakthrough infections after vaccination against both bacterial and viral pathogens, and for the emergence of drug-resistant bacterial strains. Such studies would facilitate development and implementation of effective vaccination and treatment regimens to prevent or significantly reduce breakthrough infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavoisier Akoolo
- Biorepository and Tissue Research Facility, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Sandra C. Rocha
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Nikhat Parveen
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States,*Correspondence: Nikhat Parveen,
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15
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Chang T, Jung BK, Chai JY, Cho SI. The notable global heterogeneity in the distribution of COVID-19 cases and the association with pre-existing parasitic diseases. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010826. [PMID: 36215332 PMCID: PMC9584393 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease that has caused extensive ravages worldwide since being declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Unlike initially predicted by WHO, the incidence and severity of COVID-19 appeared milder in many Low-to-Middle-Income Countries (LMIC). To explain this noticeable disparity between countries, many hypotheses, including socio-demographic and geographic factors, have been put forward. This study aimed to estimate the possible association of parasitic diseases with COVID-19 as either protective agents or potential risk factors. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A country-level ecological study using publicly available data of countries was conducted. We conceptualized the true number of COVID-19 infections based on a function of test positivity rate (TPR) and employed linear regression analysis to assess the association between the outcome and parasitic diseases. We considered demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic confounders previously suggested. A notable heterogeneity was observed across WHO regions. The countries in Africa (AFRO) showed the lowest rates of COVID-19 incidence, and the countries in the Americas (AMRO) presented the highest. The multivariable model results were computed using 165 countries, excluding missing values. In the models analyzed, lower COVID-19 incidence rates were consistently observed in malaria-endemic countries, even accounting for potential confounding variables, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, the population aged 65 and above, and differences in the duration of COVID-19. However, the other parasitic diseases were not significantly associated with the spread of the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This study suggests that malaria prevalence is an essential factor that explains variability in the observed incidence of COVID-19 cases at the national level. Potential associations of COVID-19 with schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases (STHs) are worthy of further investigation but appeared unlikely, based on this analysis, to be critical factors of the variability in COVID-19 epidemic trends. The quality of publicly accessible data and its ecological design constrained our research, with fundamental disparities in monitoring and testing capabilities between countries. Research at the subnational or individual level should be conducted to explore hypotheses further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taehee Chang
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bong-Kwang Jung
- Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Korea Association of Health Promotion, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Yil Chai
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-il Cho
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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16
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Investigating the Potential Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Intestinal Coccidian Infections. JOURNAL OF PURE AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.22207/jpam.16.3.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
New infectious agents pose a global threat to the healthcare system, and studies are conducted to estimate their health and epidemiological outcomes in the long run. The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which has caused the COVID-19 disease, was formerly assumed to be a respiratory virus; however, it can have serious systemic effects, affecting organs such as the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Viral RNA was reported in the stool in a subset of patients, indicating another mode of transmission and diagnosis. In COVID-19, prolonged GIT symptoms, especially diarrhea, were associated with reduced diversity and richness of gut microbiota, immunological dysregulation, and delayed viral clearance. Intestinal coccidian parasites are intracellular protozoa that are most typically transmitted to humans by oocysts found in fecally contaminated food and water. Their epidemiological relevance is coupled to opportunistic infections, which cause high morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised individuals. Among immunocompetent people, intestinal coccidia is also involved in acute diarrhea, which is usually self-limiting. Evaluating the available evidence provided an opportunity to carefully consider that; the COVID-19 virus and coccidian protozoan parasites: namely, Cryptosporidium spp., Cyclospora cayetanensis, and Isospora belli, could mutually influence each other from the microbiological, clinical, diagnostic, and elimination aspects. We further systemically highlighted the possible shared pathogenesis mechanisms, transmission routes, clinical manifestations, parasite-driven immune regulation, and intestinal microbiota alteration. Finally, we showed how this might impact developing and developed countries prevention and vaccination strategies. To the best of our knowledge, there is no review that has discussed the reciprocal effect between coccidian parasites and COVID-19 coinfection.
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17
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Woodford J, Sagara I, Diawara H, Assadou MH, Katile A, Attaher O, Issiaka D, Santara G, Soumbounou IH, Traore S, Traore M, Dicko OM, Niambele SM, Mahamar A, Kamate B, Haidara B, Sissoko K, Sankare S, Diarra SDK, Zeguime A, Doritchamou JYA, Zaidi I, Dicko A, Duffy PE. Recent malaria does not substantially impact COVID-19 antibody response or rates of symptomatic illness in communities with high malaria and COVID-19 transmission in Mali, West Africa. Front Immunol 2022; 13:959697. [PMID: 35990648 PMCID: PMC9382593 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.959697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria has been hypothesized as a factor that may have reduced the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa. To evaluate the effect of recent malaria on COVID-19 we assessed a subgroup of individuals participating in a longitudinal cohort COVID-19 serosurvey that were also undergoing intensive malaria monitoring as part of antimalarial vaccine trials during the 2020 transmission season in Mali. These communities experienced a high incidence of primarily asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 during 2020 and 2021. In 1314 individuals, 711 were parasitemic during the 2020 malaria transmission season; 442 were symptomatic with clinical malaria and 269 had asymptomatic infection. Presence of parasitemia was not associated with new COVID-19 seroconversion (29.7% (211/711) vs. 30.0% (181/603), p=0.9038) or with rates of reported symptomatic seroconversion during the malaria transmission season. In the subsequent dry season, prior parasitemia was not associated with new COVID-19 seroconversion (30.2% (133/441) vs. 31.2% (108/346), p=0.7499), with symptomatic seroconversion, or with reversion from seropositive to seronegative (prior parasitemia: 36.2% (64/177) vs. no parasitemia: 30.1% (37/119), p=0.3842). After excluding participants with asymptomatic infection, clinical malaria was also not associated with COVID-19 serostatus or symptomatic seroconversion when compared to participants with no parasitemia during the monitoring period. In communities with intense seasonal malaria and a high incidence of asymptomatic or mild COVID-19, we did not demonstrate a relationship between recent malaria and subsequent response to COVID-19. Lifetime exposure, rather than recent infection, may be responsible for any effect of malaria on COVID-19 severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Woodford
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Issaka Sagara
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Halimatou Diawara
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Mahamadoun Hamady Assadou
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Abdoulaye Katile
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Oumar Attaher
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Djibrilla Issiaka
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Gaoussou Santara
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Ibrahim H Soumbounou
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Seydou Traore
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Moussa Traore
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Oumar M Dicko
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Sidi Mohamed Niambele
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Almahamoudou Mahamar
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Bourama Kamate
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Bayaya Haidara
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Kourane Sissoko
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Seydou Sankare
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Sadio Dite Koni Diarra
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Amatigue Zeguime
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Justin Y A Doritchamou
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Irfan Zaidi
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Alassane Dicko
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Patrick E Duffy
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Dessie AM, Animut Z, Genet A, Yenew C. Incidence of Death and Its Predictors of COVID-19 in Amhara Region, Ethiopia: A Retrospective Follow Up Study. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:4907-4913. [PMID: 36060235 PMCID: PMC9432381 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s380591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Risk factors associated with COVID-19 incidence of death would aid to notify the most favorable management strategies, hang about undecided, Moreover, studies regarding this issue are limited in Ethiopia and no region-wise study is conducted. Hence, the study investigated the COVID-19 incidence of death and its predictors in the Amhara regional state, Ethiopia. Methods A facility-based retrospective survey was conducted at all Amhara regional state COVID-19 treatment centers from 13 March 2020, through 13 January 2022. Epidata version 3.1 and STATA version 14 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Linearized survey analysis in a stratified Cox regression model was fitted to identify independent risk factors. P-value with 95% CI for hazard ratio was used for testing the significance at alpha 0.05. Results A total of 28,533 study participants were analyzed in this study. Of these, 2873 (11.2%) died and 25,660 (88.8%) were recovered from COVID-19. The death rate was 11.78 per 1000 person-days of observation with a median survival time of 32 days with IQR [12, 44]. Patients with co-morbidities (AHR = 1.54: 95% CI: 1.51–1.55), patients with age <5-year (AHR = 1.69: 95% CI: 1.78–1.81) and patients with age 60+ years (AHR = 2.91: 95% CI: 1.79–3.99), patients with asymptomatic diseases condition (AHR =1.15: 95% CI: 1.01–1.19), and being male (AHR = 1.22: 95% CI: 1.18–1.27) were independent significant risk factors of death from COVID-19. Conclusion A relatively high incidence of death from COVID-19 was found in this study. Significant risk factors were identified as patients with age <5 years, patients with age 60+ Years, being male, patients having at least one comorbid condition, and patients with asymptomatic disease conditions. These factors should be taken into consideration for a strategy of quarantining and treating COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anteneh Mengist Dessie
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Zelalem Animut
- Department of Public Health, Fahoba Health and Business College, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Almaw Genet
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Chalachew Yenew
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
- Correspondence: Chalachew Yenew, Tel +251945563008, Email
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Boonyarangka P, Phontham K, Sriwichai S, Poramathikul K, Harncharoenkul K, Kuntawunginn W, Maneesrikhum N, Srisawath S, Seenuan C, Thanyakait C, Inkabajan K, Pludpiem S, Pidtana K, Demons S, Vesely B, Wojnarski M, Griesenbeck JS, Spring M. Co-Infection with Plasmodium vivax and COVID-19 in Thailand. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7080145. [PMID: 35893653 PMCID: PMC9332623 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7080145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
With the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, healthcare systems not only had to address the pressing clinical needs of the COVID-19 pandemic but anticipate the effect on and of other conditions and diseases. This was of particular concern in areas of the world endemic with malaria, a disease which takes hundreds of thousands of lives each year. This case report from Thailand describes a 25-year-old man diagnosed with Plasmodium vivax, who was then found to be co-infected with COVID-19. Both conditions can have overlapping acute febrile illness symptoms which may delay or complicate diagnoses. He had no prior history of malaria and had received two vaccinations against COVID-19. His clinical course was mild with no pulmonary complications or oxygen requirement, and he responded well to treatments for both conditions. Three months after cure, he again contracted COVID-19 but did not experience any P. vivax relapse. Review of the available literature produced less than 10 publications describing co-infections with P. vivax and COVID-19; nonetheless, in endemic areas, vigilance for both diseases should continue, as co-infections could significantly alter the course of clinical management and prognosis as well as affect the healthcare staff caring for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parat Boonyarangka
- Department of Bacterial and Parasitic Diseases, US Army Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.B.); (K.P.); (S.S.); (K.P.); (K.H.); (W.K.); (K.P.); (S.D.); (B.V.); (M.W.); (J.S.G.)
| | - Kittijarankon Phontham
- Department of Bacterial and Parasitic Diseases, US Army Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.B.); (K.P.); (S.S.); (K.P.); (K.H.); (W.K.); (K.P.); (S.D.); (B.V.); (M.W.); (J.S.G.)
| | - Sabaithip Sriwichai
- Department of Bacterial and Parasitic Diseases, US Army Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.B.); (K.P.); (S.S.); (K.P.); (K.H.); (W.K.); (K.P.); (S.D.); (B.V.); (M.W.); (J.S.G.)
| | - Kamonporn Poramathikul
- Department of Bacterial and Parasitic Diseases, US Army Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.B.); (K.P.); (S.S.); (K.P.); (K.H.); (W.K.); (K.P.); (S.D.); (B.V.); (M.W.); (J.S.G.)
| | - Krit Harncharoenkul
- Department of Bacterial and Parasitic Diseases, US Army Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.B.); (K.P.); (S.S.); (K.P.); (K.H.); (W.K.); (K.P.); (S.D.); (B.V.); (M.W.); (J.S.G.)
| | - Worachet Kuntawunginn
- Department of Bacterial and Parasitic Diseases, US Army Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.B.); (K.P.); (S.S.); (K.P.); (K.H.); (W.K.); (K.P.); (S.D.); (B.V.); (M.W.); (J.S.G.)
| | - Napat Maneesrikhum
- Suan Phueng Hospital, Ratchaburi 70180, Thailand; (N.M.); (S.S.); (C.S.); (C.T.); (K.I.)
| | - Sarayouth Srisawath
- Suan Phueng Hospital, Ratchaburi 70180, Thailand; (N.M.); (S.S.); (C.S.); (C.T.); (K.I.)
| | - Chanida Seenuan
- Suan Phueng Hospital, Ratchaburi 70180, Thailand; (N.M.); (S.S.); (C.S.); (C.T.); (K.I.)
| | - Chattakorn Thanyakait
- Suan Phueng Hospital, Ratchaburi 70180, Thailand; (N.M.); (S.S.); (C.S.); (C.T.); (K.I.)
| | - Kanjana Inkabajan
- Suan Phueng Hospital, Ratchaburi 70180, Thailand; (N.M.); (S.S.); (C.S.); (C.T.); (K.I.)
| | - Suda Pludpiem
- Division of Health Promotion and Prevention, Suan Phueng District Health Office, Ratchaburi 70180, Thailand;
| | - Kingkan Pidtana
- Department of Bacterial and Parasitic Diseases, US Army Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.B.); (K.P.); (S.S.); (K.P.); (K.H.); (W.K.); (K.P.); (S.D.); (B.V.); (M.W.); (J.S.G.)
| | - Samandra Demons
- Department of Bacterial and Parasitic Diseases, US Army Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.B.); (K.P.); (S.S.); (K.P.); (K.H.); (W.K.); (K.P.); (S.D.); (B.V.); (M.W.); (J.S.G.)
| | - Brian Vesely
- Department of Bacterial and Parasitic Diseases, US Army Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.B.); (K.P.); (S.S.); (K.P.); (K.H.); (W.K.); (K.P.); (S.D.); (B.V.); (M.W.); (J.S.G.)
| | - Mariusz Wojnarski
- Department of Bacterial and Parasitic Diseases, US Army Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.B.); (K.P.); (S.S.); (K.P.); (K.H.); (W.K.); (K.P.); (S.D.); (B.V.); (M.W.); (J.S.G.)
| | - John S. Griesenbeck
- Department of Bacterial and Parasitic Diseases, US Army Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.B.); (K.P.); (S.S.); (K.P.); (K.H.); (W.K.); (K.P.); (S.D.); (B.V.); (M.W.); (J.S.G.)
| | - Michele Spring
- Department of Bacterial and Parasitic Diseases, US Army Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (P.B.); (K.P.); (S.S.); (K.P.); (K.H.); (W.K.); (K.P.); (S.D.); (B.V.); (M.W.); (J.S.G.)
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
- Correspondence:
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Sánchez-Marqués R, Mas-Coma S, Salas-Coronas J, Boissier J, Bargues MD. Research on Schistosomiasis in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Bibliometric Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19138051. [PMID: 35805707 PMCID: PMC9266104 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19138051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this work are to check whether the COVID-19 pandemic affected the research on schistosomiasis, to provide an insight into the most productive countries and journals and the most cited publications, and to analyse any association between the total publications of countries and a set of socio-economic and demographic factors. Based on PRISMA methodology, we used the Scopus database to search for articles published between 1 January 2020 and 26 March 2022. VOSviewer was used to generate the co-authorship and the co-occurrence networks, and Spearman’s rank correlation was applied to study associations. A total of 1988 articles were included in the study. Although we found that the year-wise distribution of publications suggests no impact on schistosomiasis research, many resources have been devoted to research on COVID-19, and the Global Schistosomiasis Alliance revealed the main activities for eradication of schistosomiasis had been affected. The most productive country was the United States of America. The articles were mainly published in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases. The most prolific funding institution was the National Natural Science Foundation of China. The total publications per country were significantly correlated with population, GERD, and researchers per million inhabitants, but not with GDP per capita and MPM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Sánchez-Marqués
- Departmento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Av. Vicent Andres Estellés s/n, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (S.M.-C.); (M.D.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Santiago Mas-Coma
- Departmento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Av. Vicent Andres Estellés s/n, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (S.M.-C.); (M.D.B.)
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos IIII, C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Pabellón 11. Planta 0, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Joaquín Salas-Coronas
- Tropical Medicine Unit, Hospital del Poniente, Ctra. de Almerimar 31, El Ejido, 04700 Almería, Spain;
| | - Jerôme Boissier
- IHPE, University Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, University Perpignan Via Domitia, F-66000 Perpignan, France;
| | - María Dolores Bargues
- Departmento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Av. Vicent Andres Estellés s/n, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (S.M.-C.); (M.D.B.)
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos IIII, C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Pabellón 11. Planta 0, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Adjobimey T, Meyer J, Terkeš V, Parcina M, Hoerauf A. Helminth antigens differentially modulate the activation of CD4 + and CD8 + T lymphocytes of convalescent COVID-19 patients in vitro. BMC Med 2022; 20:241. [PMID: 35764965 PMCID: PMC9241220 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02441-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, a recently discovered strain of coronavirus. The virus has spread rapidly, causing millions of death worldwide. Contrary to the predictions, prevalence and mortality due to COVID-19 have remained moderate on the African continent. Several factors, including age, genetics, vaccines, and co-infections, might impact the course of the pandemic in Africa. Helminths are highly endemic in Sub-Saharan Africa and are renowned for their ability to evade, skew, and suppress human immune responses through various immune-modulatory mechanisms. Such effects will likely impact SARS-CoV-2 transmission and disease progression. METHODS Here, we analyzed in vitro the impact of antigen extracts from three major helminth parasites, including Onchocerca volvulus, Brugia malayi, and Ascaris lumbricoides, on the immune reactivity to SARS-CoV-2 peptides in COVID-19 patients. Activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was investigated using flow cytometry to monitor the expression of CD137 (4-1BB) and CD69. Cytokine expression, including IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, and TNFα, was measured by Luminex in cell culture supernatants. RESULTS We observed that helminth antigens significantly reduced the frequency of SARS-CoV-2-reactive CD4+ T helper cells. In contrast, the expression of SARS-CoV-2-reactive CD8+ T cells was not affected and even significantly increased when PBMCs from COVID-19 patients living in Benin, an endemic helminth country, were used. In addition, stimulation with helminth antigens was associated with increased IL-10 and a reduction of IFNγ and TNFα. CONCLUSIONS Our data offer a plausible explanation for the moderate incidence of COVID-19 in Africa and support the hypothesis that helper T cell-mediated immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 are mitigated in the presence of helminth antigens, while virus-specific cytotoxic T cell responses are maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomabu Adjobimey
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Straße 25, 53105, Bonn, Germany. .,Unité de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques (FAST), Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Bénin.
| | - Julia Meyer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Straße 25, 53105, Bonn, Germany
| | - Vedrana Terkeš
- Department of Infectiology, General Hospital Zadar, Zadar, Croatia
| | - Marijo Parcina
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Straße 25, 53105, Bonn, Germany
| | - Achim Hoerauf
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Straße 25, 53105, Bonn, Germany.,Bonn-Cologne Site, German Center for Infectious Disease Research (DZIF), Bonn, Germany
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Carlson CJ, Colwell R, Hossain MS, Rahman MM, Robock A, Ryan SJ, Alam MS, Trisos CH. Solar geoengineering could redistribute malaria risk in developing countries. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2150. [PMID: 35444178 PMCID: PMC9021229 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29613-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Solar geoengineering is often framed as a stopgap measure to decrease the magnitude, impacts, and injustice of climate change. However, the benefits or costs of geoengineering for human health are largely unknown. We project how geoengineering could impact malaria risk by comparing current transmission suitability and populations-at-risk under moderate and high greenhouse gas emissions scenarios (Representative Concentration Pathways 4.5 and 8.5) with and without geoengineering. We show that if geoengineering deployment cools the tropics, it could help protect high elevation populations in eastern Africa from malaria encroachment, but could increase transmission in lowland sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia. Compared to extreme warming, we find that by 2070, geoengineering would nullify a projected reduction of nearly one billion people at risk of malaria. Our results indicate that geoengineering strategies designed to offset warming are not guaranteed to unilaterally improve health outcomes, and could produce regional trade-offs among Global South countries that are often excluded from geoengineering conversations. Solar geoengineering, an emergency climate intervention, could shift one billion people back into areas of malaria risk. Regional tradeoffs and potential adverse outcomes point to the need for health sector planning with Global South leadership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J Carlson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20057, USA. .,Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20057, USA.
| | - Rita Colwell
- University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Mohammad Sharif Hossain
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammed Mofizur Rahman
- Institute for Technology and Resources Management in the Tropics and Subtropics, Cologne University of Applied Sciences, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alan Robock
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Sadie J Ryan
- Quantitative Disease Ecology and Conservation (QDEC) Lab Group, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.,Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.,School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4041, South Africa
| | - Mohammad Shafiul Alam
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Christopher H Trisos
- African Climate and Development Initiative, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. .,Centre for Statistics in Ecology, the Environment and Conservation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
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Hossain MM, Saha N, Rodela TT, Tasnim S, Nuzhath T, Roy TJ, Burdine JN, Ahmed HU, McKyer ELJ, Basu BK, Ma P. Global research on syndemics: a meta-knowledge analysis (2001-2020). F1000Res 2022; 11:253. [PMID: 36936050 PMCID: PMC10015119 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.74190.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syndemics or synergies of cooccurring epidemics are widely studied across health and social sciences in recent years. METHODS We conducted a meta-knowledge analysis of articles published between 2001 to 2020 in this growing field of academic scholarship. RESULTS We found a total of 830 articles authored by 3025 authors, mostly from high-income countries. Publications on syndemics are gradually increasing since 2003, with rapid development in 2013. Each article was cited more than 15 times on average, and most (n = 604) articles were original studies. Syndemics research focused on several areas, including HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, mental health, gender minority stressors, racism, violence, chronic physical and mental disorders, food insecurity, social determinants of health, and coronavirus disease 2019. Moreover, biopsychosocial interactions between multiple health problems were studied across medical, anthropological, public health, and other disciplines of science. CONCLUSIONS The limited yet rapidly evolving literature on syndemics informs transdisciplinary interests to understand complex coexisting health challenges in the context of systematic exclusion and structural violence in vulnerable populations. The findings also suggest applications of syndemic theory to evaluate clinical and public health problems, examine the socioecological dynamics of factors influencing health and wellbeing, and use the insights to alleviate health inequities in the intersections of synergistic epidemics and persistent contextual challenges for population health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mahbub Hossain
- EviSyn Health, Khulna, Bangladesh
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Stataion, Texas, 77840, USA
| | - Nobonita Saha
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Tahmina Tasnim Rodela
- Department of Economics, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Samia Tasnim
- EviSyn Health, Khulna, Bangladesh
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Stataion, Texas, 77840, USA
| | - Tasmiah Nuzhath
- EviSyn Health, Khulna, Bangladesh
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Stataion, Texas, 77840, USA
| | - Tamal Joyti Roy
- Institute of Information and Communication Technology, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - James N. Burdine
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Stataion, Texas, 77840, USA
| | | | - E. Lisako J. McKyer
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Stataion, Texas, 77840, USA
| | | | - Ping Ma
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Stataion, Texas, 77840, USA
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Hossain MM, Saha N, Rodela TT, Tasnim S, Nuzhath T, Roy TJ, Burdine JN, Ahmed HU, McKyer ELJ, Basu BK, Ma P. Global research on syndemics: a meta-knowledge analysis (2001-2020). F1000Res 2022; 11:253. [PMID: 36936050 PMCID: PMC10015119 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.74190.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syndemics or synergies of cooccurring epidemics are widely studied across health and social sciences in recent years. METHODS We conducted a meta-knowledge analysis of articles published between 2001 to 2020 in this growing field of academic scholarship. RESULTS We found a total of 830 articles authored by 3025 authors, mostly from high-income countries. Publications on syndemics are gradually increasing since 2003, with rapid development in 2013. Each article was cited more than 15 times on average, and most (n = 604) articles were original studies. Syndemics research focused on several areas, including HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, mental health, gender minority stressors, racism, violence, chronic physical and mental disorders, food insecurity, social determinants of health, and coronavirus disease 2019. Moreover, biopsychosocial interactions between multiple health problems were studied across medical, anthropological, public health, and other disciplines of science. CONCLUSIONS The limited yet rapidly evolving literature on syndemics informs transdisciplinary interests to understand complex coexisting health challenges in the context of systematic exclusion and structural violence in vulnerable populations. The findings also suggest applications of syndemic theory to evaluate clinical and public health problems, examine the socioecological dynamics of factors influencing health and wellbeing, and use the insights to alleviate health inequities in the intersections of synergistic epidemics and persistent contextual challenges for population health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mahbub Hossain
- EviSyn Health, Khulna, Bangladesh
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Stataion, Texas, 77840, USA
| | - Nobonita Saha
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Tahmina Tasnim Rodela
- Department of Economics, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Samia Tasnim
- EviSyn Health, Khulna, Bangladesh
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Stataion, Texas, 77840, USA
| | - Tasmiah Nuzhath
- EviSyn Health, Khulna, Bangladesh
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Stataion, Texas, 77840, USA
| | - Tamal Joyti Roy
- Institute of Information and Communication Technology, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - James N. Burdine
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Stataion, Texas, 77840, USA
| | | | - E. Lisako J. McKyer
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Stataion, Texas, 77840, USA
| | | | - Ping Ma
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Stataion, Texas, 77840, USA
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Ma C, Guo X, Wang L, Li W, Liu S, Lin F, Xu W. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence and mortality of zoonotic diseases in China. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2021-007109. [PMID: 34996765 PMCID: PMC8743839 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-007109] [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: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been reported that strict non-pharmaceutical measures can significantly reduce the incidence and mortality of respiratory and intestinal infectious diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are limited reports on the impact in terms of the rates of zoonotic diseases. METHODS We extracted the incidence and mortality data of eight notifiable infectious zoonotic diseases from the website of the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China for the period of January 2015 to April 2021. RESULTS First, the overall incidence of zoonotic diseases decreased from 0.3714 per 100 000 in 2015-2019 to 0.2756 in 2020 (25.79% reduction, p<0.001); however, a dramatic increase in activity was seen in 2021 compared with 2020 (0.4478 per 100 000 in 2021, 62.47% increase, p<0.001). Anthrax, brucellosis, leptospirosis and hydatid disease exhibited significant upward trends in 2021. Second, analysed further by stages, the monthly incidence in the routine stage (from May to December 2020) was much higher than that in the emergency stage of the COVID-19 (from January to April 2020) (55.33% increase, p<0.001). We also found that the monthly observed incidence was significantly lower than the predicted incidence of a 10.29% reduction in the emergency stage. Third, no differences were seen in mortality between 2021 and 2020, while a significant decline was found in 2020 compared with the previous 5 years (72.70%, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Strict containment and feasible suppression strategies during the 2020 period of the COVID-19 pandemic had positive impacts on the overall incidence of zoonotic diseases in China. However, anthrax, brucellosis, leptospirosis and hydatid diseases might increase with the relaxation of non-pharmacological interventions in 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenjin Ma
- College of Statistics and Data Science, Faculty of Science, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangyu Guo
- Center for Applied Statistics, School of Statistics, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Lan Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wang Li
- Nanjing Jiliang Information Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Shelan Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Feng Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wangli Xu
- Center for Applied Statistics, School of Statistics, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
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Ayana GM, Merga BT, Birhanu A, Alemu A, Negash B, Dessie Y. Predictors of Mortality Among Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Ethiopia. Infect Drug Resist 2021; 14:5363-5373. [PMID: 34938084 PMCID: PMC8685765 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s337699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The very unprecedented virus causing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has continued causing catastrophes in economy and loss of human lives. Despite countries' urgent and resilient public health actions against the COVID-19 pandemic, the disease is causing a large number of deaths. However, predictors of mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients have not been well investigated in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the predictors of mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients at a tertiary care hospital in Ethiopia. Methods A hospital-based retrospective cohort design study was implemented among hospitalized COVID-19 patients at a tertiary care hospital in Harar, Ethiopia from March 20 to August 20, 2021. Data of 531 admitted patients were entered using Epi-data 3.1 and exported to STATA 14.2 for analysis. Binary logistic regression was used to identify significant predictors of outcome variables with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval. Results Of the total 531 study participants, 101 deaths occurred. The mortality rate was 16.2 per 1000 person-days of observation with median survival time of 44 days with IQR [28, 74]. Smoking history [AOR=2.55, 95% CI (1.15, 5.65)], alcohol history [AOR=2.3, 95% CI (1.06, 4.97)], comorbidities [AOR=2.95, 95% CI (1.26, 6.91)], and increasing oxygen saturation [AOR=0.92, 95% CI (0.89, 0.95)], and lymphocyte count [AOR=0.90, 95% CI (0.88, 0.97)] were independent significant predictors of death from Covid-19. Conclusion The incidence of mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients was found to be high. Devising individual, tailored management for patients with "risk" behaviors, comorbid conditions, and poor prognostic markers such as lymphopenia and low oxygen saturation, may reduce the incidence of death among hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galana Mamo Ayana
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Science, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Bedasa Taye Merga
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Science, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Abdi Birhanu
- School of Medicine, College of Health and Medical Science, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Addisu Alemu
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Science, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Belay Negash
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Science, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Yadeta Dessie
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Science, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
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Woodford J, Sagara I, Kwan J, Zaidi I, Dicko A, Duffy PE. Assessing and Minimizing the Effect of Malaria on SARS-CoV-2 Serodiagnostics. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2021.781586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria may affect the reliability of SARS-CoV-2 seroassay performance and limit understanding of SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology in malaria-endemic regions. We present our experience conducting SARS-CoV-2 serosurveillance in seasonal malaria-affected communities in Mali and discuss relevant literature regarding the effect of malaria on the performance of SARS-CoV-2 serodiagnostics, including approaches to minimize the effect of malaria-associated assay interference.
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The Future of Carica papaya Leaf Extract as an Herbal Medicine Product. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26226922. [PMID: 34834014 PMCID: PMC8622926 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26226922] [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: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Carica papaya (papaya) leaf extract has been used for a long time in a traditional medicine to treat fever in some infectious diseases such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. The development of science and technology has subsequently made it possible to provide evidence that this plant is not only beneficial as an informal medication, but also that it has scientifically proven pharmacological and toxicological activities, which have led to its formal usage in professional health care systems. The development of formulations for use in nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals has caused this product to be more valuable nowadays. The use of good manufacturing practice (GMP) standards, along with the ease of registering this product facilitated by policies of the national government, will absolutely increase the value of papaya leaf extract as a vital nutraceutical and cosmeceutical products in the near future. In this article, we review the potential of papaya leaf extract to be a high-value commodity in terms of its health effects as well as its industrial benefits.
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Tchoumi SY, Diagne ML, Rwezaura H, Tchuenche JM. Malaria and COVID-19 co-dynamics: A mathematical model and optimal control. APPLIED MATHEMATICAL MODELLING 2021; 99:294-327. [PMID: 34230748 PMCID: PMC8249695 DOI: 10.1016/j.apm.2021.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Malaria, one of the longest-known vector-borne diseases, poses a major health problem in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Its complexity is currently being exacerbated by the emerging COVID-19 pandemic and the threats of its second wave and looming third wave. We formulate and analyze a mathematical model incorporating some epidemiological features of the co-dynamics of both malaria and COVID-19. Sufficient conditions for the stability of the malaria only and COVID-19 only sub-models' equilibria are derived. The COVID-19 only sub-model has globally asymptotically stable equilibria while under certain condition, the malaria-only could undergo the phenomenon of backward bifurcation whenever the sub-model reproduction number is less than unity. The equilibria of the dual malaria-COVID19 model are locally asymptotically stable as global stability is precluded owing to the possible occurrence of backward bifurcation. Optimal control of the full model to mitigate the spread of both diseases and their co-infection are derived. Pontryagin's Maximum Principle is applied to establish the existence of the optimal control problem and to derive the necessary conditions for optimal control of the diseases. Though this is not a case study, simulation results to support theoretical analysis of the optimal control suggests that concurrently applying malaria and COVID-19 protective measures could help mitigate their spread compared to applying each preventive control measure singly as the world continues to deal with this unprecedented and unparalleled COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Y Tchoumi
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences ENSAI, University of NGaoundere, P.O. Box 455 Ngaoundere, Cameroon
| | - M L Diagne
- Departement de Mathematiques, UFR des Sciences et Technologies, Universite de Thies, Thies, Senegal
| | - H Rwezaura
- Mathematics Department, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35062, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - J M Tchuenche
- School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa
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Current malaria infection, previous malaria exposure, and clinical profiles and outcomes of COVID-19 in a setting of high malaria transmission: an exploratory cohort study in Uganda. LANCET MICROBE 2021; 3:e62-e71. [PMID: 34723228 PMCID: PMC8545833 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(21)00240-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background The potential effects of SARS-CoV-2 and Plasmodium falciparum co-infection on host susceptibility and pathogenesis remain unknown. We aimed to establish the prevalence of malaria and describe the clinical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 and P falciparum co-infection in a high-burden malaria setting. Methods This was an exploratory prospective, cohort study of patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to hospital in Uganda. Patients of all ages with a PCR-confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection who had provided informed consent or assent were consecutively enrolled from treatment centres in eight hospitals across the country and followed up until discharge or death. Clinical assessments and blood sampling were done at admission for all patients. Malaria diagnosis in all patients was done by rapid diagnostic tests, microscopy, and molecular methods. Previous P falciparum exposure was determined with serological responses to a panel of P falciparum antigens assessed using a multiplex bead assay. Additional evaluations included complete blood count, markers of inflammation, and serum biochemistries. The main outcome was overall prevalence of malaria infection and malaria prevalence by age (including age categories of 0–20 years, 21–40 years, 41–60 years, and >60 years). The frequency of symptoms was compared between patients with COVID-19 with P falciparum infection versus those without P falciparum infection. The frequency of comorbidities and COVID-19 clinical severity and outcomes was compared between patients with low previous exposure to P falciparum versus those with high previous exposure to P falciparum. The effect of previous exposure to P falciparum on COVID-19 clinical severity and outcomes was also assessed among patients with and those without comorbidities. Findings Of 600 people with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection enrolled from April 15, to Oct 30, 2020, 597 (>99%) had complete information and were included in our analyses. The majority (502 [84%] of 597) were male individuals with a median age of 36 years (IQR 28–47). Overall prevalence of P falciparum infection was 12% (95% CI 9·4–14·6; 70 of 597 participants), with highest prevalence in the age groups of 0–20 years (22%, 8·7–44·8; five of 23 patients) and older than 60 years (20%, 10·2–34·1; nine of 46 patients). Confusion (four [6%] of 70 patients vs eight [2%] of 527 patients; p=0·040) and vomiting (four [6%] of 70 patients vs five [1%] of 527 patients; p=0·014] were more frequent among patients with P falciparum infection than those without. Patients with low versus those with high previous P falciparum exposure had a increased frequency of severe or critical COVID-19 clinical presentation (16 [30%] of 53 patients vs three [5%] of 56 patients; p=0·0010) and a higher burden of comorbidities, including diabetes (12 [23%] of 53 patients vs two [4%] of 56 patients; p=0·0010) and heart disease (seven [13%] of 53 patients vs zero [0%] of 56 patients; p=0·0030). Among patients with no comorbidities, those with low previous P falciparum exposure still had a higher proportion of cases of severe or critical COVID-19 than did those with high P falciparum exposure (six [18%] of 33 patients vs one [2%] of 49 patients; p=0·015). Multivariate analysis showed higher odds of unfavourable outcomes in patients who were older than 60 years (adjusted OR 8·7, 95% CI 1·0–75·5; p=0·049). Interpretation Although patients with COVID-19 with P falciparum co-infection had a higher frequency of confusion and vomiting, co-infection did not seem deleterious. The association between low previous malaria exposure and severe or critical COVID-19 and other adverse outcomes will require further study. These preliminary descriptive observations highlight the importance of understanding the potential clinical and therapeutic implications of overlapping co-infections. Funding Malaria Consortium (USA).
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The COVID-19 Prevalence among Children: Hypotheses for Low Infection Rate and Few Severe Forms among This Age Group in Sub-Saharan Africa. Interdiscip Perspect Infect Dis 2021; 2021:4258414. [PMID: 34675974 PMCID: PMC8526265 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4258414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite some cases of severe or critical manifestations of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) described among children, the prevalence of this infection in the pediatric population is quite low worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Current data suggest indeed that, independent of the population considered overall, severe and critical cases of COVID-19 are rare among children. This observation prompted us to discuss the possible hypotheses which could explain the low prevalence of COVID-19 among children; amongst others, we discuss (1) immunomodulation by the Bacillus Calmette–Guerin vaccine or by some parasitic infections such as malaria, schistosomiasis, and helminthiasis and (2) cross immunization with other coronaviruses commonly found in the sub-Saharan African setting.
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Epidemiological Analysis of COVID-19 Cases in Native Amazonian Communities from Peru. EPIDEMIOLGIA (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 2:490-501. [PMID: 36417212 PMCID: PMC9620947 DOI: 10.3390/epidemiologia2040034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Despite early control measures, SARS-CoV-2 reached all regions of Peru during the first wave of the pandemic, including native communities of the Peruvian Amazon. Here, we aimed to describe the epidemiological situation of COVID-19 in the Amazonas region of Peru using an open database of 11,124 COVID-19 cases reported from 19 March to 29 July 2020, including 3278 cases from native communities. A high-incidence area in northern Amazonas (Condorcanqui) reported a cumulative incidence of 63.84/1000 inhabitants with a much lower death rate (0.95%) than the national average. Our results showed at least eight significant factors for mortality, and the Native Amazonian ethnicity as a protective factor. Molecular confirmatory tests are necessary to better explain the high incidence of antibody response reported in these communities.
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Matin S, Talei S, Dalimi A, Dadkhah M, Ghorbani M, Molaei S. COVID-19 and Hydatidosis Infections: Is There Any Relationship? IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2021; 16:343-345. [PMID: 34557252 PMCID: PMC8418649 DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v16i2.6287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Matin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Sahand Talei
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdolhossein Dalimi
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoomeh Dadkhah
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Maryam Ghorbani
- Deputy of Research & Technology, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Soheila Molaei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
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Wolday D, Gebrecherkos T, Arefaine ZG, Kiros YK, Gebreegzabher A, Tasew G, Abdulkader M, Abraha HE, Desta AA, Hailu A, Tollera G, Abdella S, Tesema M, Abate E, Endarge KL, Hundie TG, Miteku FK, Urban BC, Schallig HHDF, Harris VC, de Wit TFR. Effect of co-infection with intestinal parasites on COVID-19 severity: A prospective observational cohort study. EClinicalMedicine 2021; 39:101054. [PMID: 34368662 DOI: 10.1101/2021.02.02.21250995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection results in a spectrum of clinical presentations. Evidence from Africa indicates that significantly less COVID-19 patients suffer from serious symptoms than in the industrialized world. We and others previously postulated a partial explanation for this phenomenon, being a different, more activated immune system due to parasite infections. Here, we aimed to test this hypothesis by investigating a potential correlation of co-infection with parasites with COVID-19 severity in an endemic area in Africa. Methods: Ethiopian COVID-19 patients were enrolled and screened for intestinal parasites, between July 2020 and March 2021. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with severe COVID-19. Ordinal logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between parasite infection, and COVID-19 severity. Models were adjusted for sex, age, residence, education level, occupation, body mass index, and comorbidities. Findings: 751 SARS-CoV-2 infected patients were enrolled, of whom 284 (37.8%) had intestinal parasitic infection. Only 27/255 (10.6%) severe COVID-19 patients were co-infected with intestinal parasites, while 257/496 (51.8%) non-severe COVID-19 patients were parasite positive (p<0.0001). Patients co-infected with parasites had lower odds of developing severe COVID-19, with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 0.23 (95% CI 0.17-0.30; p<0.0001) for all parasites, aOR 0.37 ([95% CI 0.26-0.51]; p<0.0001) for protozoa, and aOR 0.26 ([95% CI 0.19-0.35]; p<0.0001) for helminths. When stratified by species, co-infection with Entamoeba spp., Hymenolepis nana, Schistosoma mansoni, and Trichuris trichiura implied lower probability of developing severe COVID-19. There were 11 deaths (1.5%), and all were among patients without parasites (p = 0.009). Interpretation: Parasite co-infection is associated with a reduced risk of severe COVID-19 in African patients. Parasite-driven immunomodulatory responses may mute hyper-inflammation associated with severe COVID-19. Funding: European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) - European Union, and Joep Lange Institute (JLI), The Netherlands. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04473365.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawit Wolday
- Mekelle University College of Health Sciences, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | | | - Geremew Tasew
- Ethiopian Public Health institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Saro Abdella
- Ethiopian Public Health institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Ebba Abate
- Ethiopian Public Health institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | - Britta C Urban
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Respiratory Clinical Research Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Henk H D F Schallig
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Experimental Parasitology Unit, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Vanessa C Harris
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Experimental Parasitology Unit, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute of Global Health and Development, Department of Global Health, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tobias F Rinke de Wit
- Amsterdam Institute of Global Health and Development, Department of Global Health, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Joep Lange Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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35
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Wolday D, Gebrecherkos T, Arefaine ZG, Kiros YK, Gebreegzabher A, Tasew G, Abdulkader M, Abraha HE, Desta AA, Hailu A, Tollera G, Abdella S, Tesema M, Abate E, Endarge KL, Hundie TG, Miteku FK, Urban BC, Schallig HH, Harris VC, de Wit TFR. Effect of co-infection with intestinal parasites on COVID-19 severity: A prospective observational cohort study. EClinicalMedicine 2021; 39:101054. [PMID: 34368662 PMCID: PMC8324426 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.101054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection results in a spectrum of clinical presentations. Evidence from Africa indicates that significantly less COVID-19 patients suffer from serious symptoms than in the industrialized world. We and others previously postulated a partial explanation for this phenomenon, being a different, more activated immune system due to parasite infections. Here, we aimed to test this hypothesis by investigating a potential correlation of co-infection with parasites with COVID-19 severity in an endemic area in Africa. Methods: Ethiopian COVID-19 patients were enrolled and screened for intestinal parasites, between July 2020 and March 2021. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with severe COVID-19. Ordinal logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between parasite infection, and COVID-19 severity. Models were adjusted for sex, age, residence, education level, occupation, body mass index, and comorbidities. Findings: 751 SARS-CoV-2 infected patients were enrolled, of whom 284 (37.8%) had intestinal parasitic infection. Only 27/255 (10.6%) severe COVID-19 patients were co-infected with intestinal parasites, while 257/496 (51.8%) non-severe COVID-19 patients were parasite positive (p<0.0001). Patients co-infected with parasites had lower odds of developing severe COVID-19, with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 0.23 (95% CI 0.17-0.30; p<0.0001) for all parasites, aOR 0.37 ([95% CI 0.26-0.51]; p<0.0001) for protozoa, and aOR 0.26 ([95% CI 0.19-0.35]; p<0.0001) for helminths. When stratified by species, co-infection with Entamoeba spp., Hymenolepis nana, Schistosoma mansoni, and Trichuris trichiura implied lower probability of developing severe COVID-19. There were 11 deaths (1.5%), and all were among patients without parasites (p = 0.009). Interpretation: Parasite co-infection is associated with a reduced risk of severe COVID-19 in African patients. Parasite-driven immunomodulatory responses may mute hyper-inflammation associated with severe COVID-19. Funding: European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) - European Union, and Joep Lange Institute (JLI), The Netherlands. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04473365.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawit Wolday
- Mekelle University College of Health Sciences, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | | | - Geremew Tasew
- Ethiopian Public Health institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Saro Abdella
- Ethiopian Public Health institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Ebba Abate
- Ethiopian Public Health institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | - Britta C. Urban
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Respiratory Clinical Research Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Henk H.D.F. Schallig
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Experimental Parasitology Unit, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Vanessa C. Harris
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Experimental Parasitology Unit, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute of Global Health and Development, Department of Global Health, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tobias F. Rinke de Wit
- Amsterdam Institute of Global Health and Development, Department of Global Health, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Joep Lange Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Corresponding author: at Amsterdam Institute of Global Health and Development, Department of Global Health, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Heuschen AK, Lu G, Razum O, Abdul-Mumin A, Sankoh O, von Seidlein L, D'Alessandro U, Müller O. Public health-relevant consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on malaria in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review. Malar J 2021; 20:339. [PMID: 34380494 PMCID: PMC8355579 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03872-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented challenges to health systems worldwide, including the control of non-COVID-19 diseases. Malaria cases and deaths may increase due to the direct and indirect effects of the pandemic in malaria-endemic countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This scoping review aims to summarize information on public health-relevant effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the malaria situation in SSA. METHODS Review of publications and manuscripts on preprint servers, in peer-reviewed journals and in grey literature documents from 1 December, 2019 to 9 June, 2021. A structured search was conducted on different databases using predefined eligibility criteria for the selection of articles. RESULTS A total of 51 papers have been included in the analysis. Modelling papers have predicted a significant increase in malaria cases and malaria deaths in SSA due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many papers provided potential explanations for expected COVID-19 effects on the malaria burden; these ranged from relevant diagnostical and clinical aspects to reduced access to health care services, impaired availability of curative and preventive commodities and medications, and effects on malaria prevention campaigns. Compared to previous years, fewer country reports provided data on the actual number of malaria cases and deaths in 2020, with mixed results. While highly endemic countries reported evidence of decreased malaria cases in health facilities, low endemic countries reported overall higher numbers of malaria cases and deaths in 2020. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this review provide evidence for a significant but diverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on malaria in SSA. There is the need to further investigate the public health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the malaria burden. Protocol registered on Open Science Framework: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/STQ9D.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guangyu Lu
- Department of Public Health, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Oliver Razum
- Department of Epidemiology and International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Alhassan Abdul-Mumin
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Osman Sankoh
- Institute of Global Health, Medical School, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Statistics Sierra Leone, Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lorenz von Seidlein
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Olaf Müller
- Institute of Global Health, Medical School, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
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37
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van Oirschot J, Ooms GI, Waldmann B, Kadam P. Snakebite incidents, prevention and care during COVID-19: Global key-informant experiences. Toxicon X 2021; 9-10:100075. [PMID: 34386765 PMCID: PMC8342778 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2021.100075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Snakebite envenoming is a long-neglected disease causing significant morbidity and mortality in snakebite endemic low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Global awareness on snakebite was increasing steadily up to 2020, and an increasing number of countries began to acknowledge the issue, when coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) started to have an unprecedented impact on societies and health systems. To better understand how snakebite incidents, prevention and care are being affected during this global emergency, we collected perspectives of snakebite community- and health system stakeholders in a qualitative key-informant study. An open-ended survey and semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather information on changes in snakebite occurrence and circumstances, community responses, access to care and health outcomes in LMICs since the COVID-19 pandemic. Forty-three informants from 21 countries participated in the study. Based on informants' experiences, in spite of COVID-19 lockdowns, exposure to snakes did not change in many rural agrarian communities, where incidences are usually highest. However, we did find several access to care issues relating to avoidance of formal care, transport barriers, overburdened healthcare systems and -providers, and antivenom manufacturing and supply disruptions, which were unique per context. On a brighter note, ventilator availability had increased in several countries, although not automatically benefitting snakebite patients directly. In conclusion, we found apparent effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on snakebite prevention and care, although its severity was highly context- and time-dependent. Interactions between the pandemic effects and snakebite incidents most severely impact remote rural communities, showing the need to invest in community-based prevention and care. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted snakebite prevention and care in LMICs. Healthcare avoidance and transport barriers have resulted in additional morbidity and mortality. Increased ventilator availability could have a positive effect on snakebite care in specific settings. Treatment of snakebites at primary level health facilities can significantly reduce snakebite morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gaby I Ooms
- Health Action International, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Utrecht Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Abstract
We created a strategy for understanding the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the African continent. Because high-quality mobility data are challenging to obtain across Africa, the approach provides the ability to distinguish cases arising from within a country or from its neighbors. The results further show how testing capacity and social and health policy contribute to the dynamics of cases, and generate short-term prediction of the evolution of the pandemic on a country-by-country basis. This framework improves the ability to interpret and act upon real-time complex COVID-19 data from the African continent. These findings emphasize that regional efforts to coordinate country-specific strategies in transmission suppression should be a continental priority to control the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is heterogeneous throughout Africa and threatening millions of lives. Surveillance and short-term modeling forecasts are critical to provide timely information for decisions on control strategies. We created a strategy that helps predict the country-level case occurrences based on cases within or external to a country throughout the entire African continent, parameterized by socioeconomic and geoeconomic variations and the lagged effects of social policy and meteorological history. We observed the effect of the Human Development Index, containment policies, testing capacity, specific humidity, temperature, and landlocked status of countries on the local within-country and external between-country transmission. One-week forecasts of case numbers from the model were driven by the quality of the reported data. Seeking equitable behavioral and social interventions, balanced with coordinated country-specific strategies in infection suppression, should be a continental priority to control the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa.
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Guha SK, Biswas M, Gupta B, Acharya A, Halder S, Saha B, Chatterjee M, Kundu PK, Maji AK. A report on incidence of COVID-19 among febrile patients attending a malaria clinic. Trop Parasitol 2021; 11:38-41. [PMID: 34195059 PMCID: PMC8213116 DOI: 10.4103/tp.tp_105_20] [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: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: Screening for malaria and coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in all patients with acute febrile illness is necessary in malaria-endemic areas to reduce malaria-related mortality and to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 by isolation. Aims: A pilot study was undertaken to determine the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among febrile patients attending a malaria clinic. Subjects and Methods: All patients were tested for malaria parasite by examining thick and thin blood smears as well as by rapid malaria antigen tests. COVID-19 was detected by rapid antigen test and reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction in patients agreeing to undergo the test. Results: Out of 262 patients examined, 66 (25.19%) were positive for Plasmodium vivax, 45 (17.17%) for Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) with a slide positivity rate of 42.40%, and Pf% of 40.50%. Only 29 patients consented for COVID-19 testing along with malaria; of them, 3 (10.34%) were positive for COVID-19 alone and 2 (6.89%) were positive for both COVID-19 and P. vivax with an incidence of 17.24%. A maximum number of patients (196) did not examine for COVID-19 as they did not agree to do the test. Conclusion: Diagnosis of COVID-19 among three patients (10.34%) is significant both in terms of identification of cases and to isolate them for preventing transmission in the community. Detection of COVID-19 along with malaria is equally important for their proper management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhasish Kamal Guha
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Malabika Biswas
- Department of Microbiology, Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Bishal Gupta
- Department of Microbiology, Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Alisha Acharya
- Department of Microbiology, Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Supriya Halder
- Protozoology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Bibhuti Saha
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Moytrey Chatterjee
- Protozoology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Pratip Kumar Kundu
- Director and Department of Microbiology, Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Ardhendu Kumar Maji
- Protozoology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Aula OP, McManus DP, Jones MK, Gordon CA. Schistosomiasis with a Focus on Africa. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:109. [PMID: 34206495 PMCID: PMC8293433 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6030109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a common neglected tropical disease of impoverished people and livestock in many developing countries in tropical Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. Substantial progress has been made in controlling schistosomiasis in some African countries, but the disease still prevails in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa with an estimated 800 million people at risk of infection. Current control strategies rely primarily on treatment with praziquantel, as no vaccine is available; however, treatment alone does not prevent reinfection. There has been emphasis on the use of integrated approaches in the control and elimination of the disease in recent years with the development of health infrastructure and health education. However, there is a need to evaluate the present status of African schistosomiasis, primarily caused by Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium, and the factors affecting the disease as the basis for developing more effective control and elimination strategies in the future. This review provides an historical perspective of schistosomiasis in Africa and discusses the current status of control efforts in those countries where the disease is endemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oyime Poise Aula
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4006, Australia;
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane 4006, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4006, Australia;
| | - Malcolm K. Jones
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia;
| | - Catherine A. Gordon
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4006, Australia;
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Głuchowska K, Dzieciątkowski T, Sędzikowska A, Zawistowska-Deniziak A, Młocicki D. The New Status of Parasitic Diseases in the COVID-19 Pandemic-Risk Factors or Protective Agents? J Clin Med 2021; 10:2533. [PMID: 34200502 PMCID: PMC8200987 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10112533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
It is possible that parasites may influence the course of COVID-19 infection, as either risk factors or protective agents; as such, the current coronavirus pandemic may affect the diagnosis and prevention of parasitic disease, and its elimination programs. The present review highlights the similarity between the symptoms of human parasitoses and those of COVID-19 and discuss their mutual influence. The study evaluated selected human parasitoses with similar symptoms to COVID-19 and examined their potential influence on SARS-CoV-2 virus invasion. The available data suggest that at least several human parasitoses could result in misdiagnosis of COVID-19. Some disorders, such as malaria, schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths, can increase the risk of severe infection with COVID-19. It is also suggested that recovery from parasitic disease can enhance the immune system and protect from COVID-19 infection. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected parasitic disease elimination programs in endemic regions and influenced the number of diagnoses of human parasitoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Głuchowska
- Department of General Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland; (K.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Tomasz Dzieciątkowski
- Chair and Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Aleksandra Sędzikowska
- Department of General Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland; (K.G.); (A.S.)
| | | | - Daniel Młocicki
- Department of General Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland; (K.G.); (A.S.)
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 00-818 Warsaw, Poland;
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Fauziyah S, Putri SMD, Salma Z, Wardhani HR, Hakim FKN, Sucipto TH, Aquaresta F, Soegijanto S. How should Indonesia consider its neglected tropical diseases in the COVID-19 era? Hopes and challenges (Review). Biomed Rep 2021; 14:53. [PMID: 33884196 PMCID: PMC8056381 DOI: 10.3892/br.2021.1429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, some countries, including Indonesia, have faced a double burden with regards to disease control. As Indonesia is a tropical country, it serves as a suitable host for disease vectors and multiple microorganisms of causative agents of disease. In total, five of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) should be a consideration in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic, including leprosy, yaws, filariasis, soil-transmitted helminths and schistosomiasis. The present review summarises the preparedness of Indonesia in facing NTDs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Strengthening government leadership will be a valuable factor for combating NTDs in Indonesia. For instance, strong leadership can lead to precise management, by increasing the number of health facilities, engaging in active case identification, conducting health campaigns and instituting new regulations to prevent the stigmatization faced by patients. Preventive medicine in the first level of health facilities can be prioritized and presented to the community via health campaigns, health advocacy and improvement in follow-up after active case surveillance. Government-supported integrated management is also a key component in eliminating NTD. Moreover, healthy lifestyle campaigns that include social distancing, wearing a mask and regularly washing hands should be promoted continuously to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, which is potentially associated with a poor outcome in individuals with NTDs. This review concluded that the Indonesian government should strengthen their efforts toward NTD control using alternative methods, such as involving key citizens in the collaboration of the detection of new cases and introducing mobile health as a means of detecting health problems or following up on patient progress. To reduce the transmission of COVID-19, testing, tracing and treatment must be improved, so that the gap between suspected cases and confirmed cases of COVID-19 can be closed. If the transmission of COVID-19 can be decreased, case detection and efforts toward NTD control can be conducted effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shifa Fauziyah
- Master Program of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java 60132, Indonesia
| | - Serius Miliyani Dwi Putri
- Master Program of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java 60132, Indonesia
| | - Zukhaila Salma
- Master Program of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java 60132, Indonesia
| | - Hamidah Retno Wardhani
- Master Program of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java 60132, Indonesia
| | - Faradila Khoirun Nisa' Hakim
- Master Program of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java 60132, Indonesia
| | - Teguh Hari Sucipto
- Dengue Study Group, Institute of Tropical Disease, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java 60115, Indonesia
| | - Febriana Aquaresta
- Clinical Microbiology Specialist Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java 60132, Indonesia
- Palembang Health Laboratory Center, Palembang, South Sumatra 30126, Indonesia
| | - Soegeng Soegijanto
- Dengue Study Group, Institute of Tropical Disease, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java 60115, Indonesia
- Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Wijaya Kusuma Surabaya, Surabaya, East Java 60225, Indonesia
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Parija SC, Poddar A. Molecular diagnosis of infectious parasites in the post-COVID-19 era. Trop Parasitol 2021; 11:3-10. [PMID: 34195053 PMCID: PMC8213111 DOI: 10.4103/tp.tp_12_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The endemicity of several parasitic diseases across the globe and recent evidence of distress among COVID-19 patients with preexisting parasitic infections requires strengthening One Health framework and advanced strategies for parasitic detection. Owing to the greater sensitivity and accuracy, molecular technologies such as conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, nested PCR, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and xMAP technology have been extensively studied for parasitic diagnosis. Varieties of genes have been targeted for primer development where 18S rRNA, internal transcribed spacer regions, and mitochondrial DNAs coding for cytochrome, and other enzymes have been widely used. More recent, low-cost sequencing and advances in big data management have resulted in a slow but steady rise of next-generation sequencing-based approaches for parasite diagnosis. However, except for few parasites of global concerns such as Plasmodium and Entamoeba, most of the molecular tools and technologies are yet to witness bench to bedside and field translations. This review looks into some of the advancements in the molecular diagnosis of parasites that have potential relevance to clinical purposes and may pave the way toward disease management in an efficient and timely manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abhijit Poddar
- Scientist, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Puducherry, India
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Wolday D, Tasew G, Amogne W, Urban B, Schallig HD, Harris V, Rinke de Wit TF. Interrogating the Impact of Intestinal Parasite-Microbiome on Pathogenesis of COVID-19 in Sub-Saharan Africa. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:614522. [PMID: 33935986 PMCID: PMC8086792 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.614522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dawit Wolday
- Department of Medicine, Mekelle University College of Health Sciences, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Geremew Tasew
- Bacterial, Parasitic and Zoonotic Diseases Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Britta Urban
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Henk Dfh Schallig
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Vanessa Harris
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Global Health, Amsterdam Institute of Global Health and Development, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Tobias F Rinke de Wit
- Department of Global Health, Amsterdam Institute of Global Health and Development, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Global Health, Joep Lange Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Hamdi Y, Abdeljaoued-Tej I, Zatchi AA, Abdelhak S, Boubaker S, Brown JS, Benkahla A. Cancer in Africa: The Untold Story. Front Oncol 2021; 11:650117. [PMID: 33937056 PMCID: PMC8082106 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.650117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite rising incidence and mortality rates in Africa, cancer has been given low priority in the research field and in healthcare services. Indeed, 57% of all new cancer cases around the world occur in low income countries exacerbated by lack of awareness, lack of preventive strategies, and increased life expectancies. Despite recent efforts devoted to cancer epidemiology, statistics on cancer rates in Africa are often dispersed across different registries. In this study our goal included identifying the most promising prevention and treatment approaches available in Africa. To do this, we collated and analyzed the incidence and fatality rates for the 10 most common and fatal cancers in 56 African countries grouped into 5 different regions (North, West, East, Central and South) over 16-years (2002–2018). We examined temporal and regional trends by investigating the most important risk factors associated to each cancer type. Data were analyzed by cancer type, African region, gender, measures of socioeconomic status and the availability of medical devices. Results We observed that Northern and Southern Africa were most similar in their cancer incidences and fatality rates compared to other African regions. The most prevalent cancers are breast, bladder and liver cancers in Northern Africa; prostate, lung and colorectal cancers in Southern Africa; and esophageal and cervical cancer in East Africa. In Southern Africa, fatality rates from prostate cancer and cervical cancer have increased. In addition, these three cancers are less fatal in Northern and Southern Africa compared to other regions, which correlates with the Human Development Index and the availability of medical devices. With the exception of thyroid cancer, all other cancers have higher incidences in males than females. Conclusion Our results show that the African continent suffers from a shortage of medical equipment, research resources and epidemiological expertise. While recognizing that risk factors are interconnected, we focused on risk factors more or less specific to each cancer type. This helps identify specific preventive and therapeutic options in Africa. We see a need for implementing more accurate preventive strategies to tackle this disease as many cases are likely preventable. Opportunities exist for vaccination programs for cervical and liver cancer, genetic testing and use of new targeted therapies for breast and prostate cancer, and positive changes in lifestyle for lung, colorectal and bladder cancers. Such recommendations should be tailored for the different African regions depending on their disease profiles and specific needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosr Hamdi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.,Laboratory of Human and Experimental Pathology, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ines Abdeljaoued-Tej
- Laboratory of BioInformatics bioMathematics, and bioStatistics (BIMS), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.,Engineering School of Statistics and Information Analysis, University of Carthage, Ariana, Tunisia
| | - Afzal Ali Zatchi
- Laboratory of BioInformatics bioMathematics, and bioStatistics (BIMS), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.,Engineering School of Statistics and Information Analysis, University of Carthage, Ariana, Tunisia
| | - Sonia Abdelhak
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Samir Boubaker
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.,Laboratory of Human and Experimental Pathology, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Joel S Brown
- Department of Integrated Mathematical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Alia Benkahla
- Laboratory of BioInformatics bioMathematics, and bioStatistics (BIMS), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
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Abraha HE, Gessesse Z, Gebrecherkos T, Kebede Y, Weldegiargis AW, Tequare MH, Welderufael AL, Zenebe D, Gebremariam AG, Dawit TC, Gebremedhin DW, de Wit TR, Wolday D. Clinical features and risk factors associated with morbidity and mortality among patients with COVID-19 in northern Ethiopia. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 105:776-783. [PMID: 33741488 PMCID: PMC7962557 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the clinical features and assess the determinants of severity and in-hospital mortality of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from a unique setting in Ethiopia. METHODS Consecutive patients admitted to a COVID-19 isolation and treatment centre were included in this study. The overall clinical spectrum of COVID-19, and factors associated with risk of severe COVID-19 and in-hospital mortality were analysed. RESULTS Of 2617 quarantined patients, three-quarters (n = 1935, 74%) were asymptomatic and only 114 (4.4%) presented with severe COVID-19. Common characteristics among the 682 symptomatic patients were cough (n = 354, 50.6%), myalgia (n = 212, 31.1%), headache (n = 196, 28.7%), fever (n = 161, 23.6%), dyspnoea (n = 111, 16.3%), anosmia and/or dysgeusia (n = 90, 13.2%), sore throat (n = 87, 12.8%) and chest pain (n = 77, 11.3%). Factors associated with severe COVID-19 were older age [adjusted relative risk (aRR) 1.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.61-1.97; P < 0.0001], diabetes (aRR 2.00, 95% CI 1.20-3.32; P = 0.007), cardiovascular disease (aRR 2.53, 95% CI 1.53-4.17; P < 0.0001), malignancy (aRR 4.57, 95% CI 1.62-12.87; P = 0.004), surgery/trauma (aRR 23.98, 95% CI 10.35-55.57; P < 0.0001) and human immunodeficiency virus infection (aRR 4.24, 95% CI 1.55-11.61; P = 005). Factors associated with risk of in-hospital mortality included older age (aRR 2.37, 95% CI 1.90-2.95; P < 0.001), malignancy (aRR 6.73, 95% CI 1.50-30.16; P = 0.013) and surgery/trauma (aRR 59.52, 95% CI 12.90-274.68; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS A significant proportion of cases of COVID-19 were asymptomatic, and key comorbid conditions increased the risk of severe COVID-19 and in-hospital mortality. These findings could help in the design of appropriate management strategies for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yazezew Kebede
- Mekelle University College of Health Sciences, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | - Dawit Zenebe
- Mekelle University College of Health Sciences, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | - Tobias Rinke de Wit
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dawit Wolday
- Mekelle University College of Health Sciences, Mekelle, Ethiopia.
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Amere Subbarao S. Cancer vs. SARS-CoV-2 induced inflammation, overlapping functions, and pharmacological targeting. Inflammopharmacology 2021; 29:343-366. [PMID: 33723711 PMCID: PMC7959277 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-021-00796-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation is an intrinsic defence mechanism triggered by the immune system against infection or injury. Chronic inflammation allows the host to recover or adapt through cellular and humoral responses, whereas acute inflammation leads to cytokine storms resulting in tissue damage. In this review, we present the overlapping outcomes of cancer inflammation with virus-induced inflammation. The study emphasises how anti-inflammatory drugs that work against cancer inflammation may work against the inflammation caused by the viral infection. It is established that the cytokine storm induced in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection contributes to disease-associated mortality. While cancer remains the second among the diseases associated with mortality worldwide, cancer patients' mortality rates are often observed upon extended periods after illness, usually ranging from months to years. However, the mortality rates associated with COVID-19 disease are robust. The cytokine storm induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection appeared to be responsible for the multi-organ failure and increased mortality rates. Since both cancer and COVID-19 disease share overlapping inflammatory mechanisms, repurposing some anticancer and anti-inflammatory drugs for COVID-19 may lower mortality rates. Here, we review some of these inflammatory mechanisms and propose some potential chemotherapeutic agents to intervene in them. We also discuss the repercussions of anti-inflammatory drugs such as glucocorticoids and hydroxychloroquine with zinc or antiviral drugs such as ivermectin and remdesivir against SARS-CoV-2 induced cytokine storm. In this review, we emphasise on various possibilities to reduce SARS-CoV-2 induced cytokine storm.
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48
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Hillyer JF. Parasites and Parasitology in this SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 World: An American Society of Parasitologists Presidential Address. J Parasitol 2021; 106:859-868. [PMID: 33450760 DOI: 10.1645/20-158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is one of the worst global health crises of this generation. The core of this pandemic is the rapid transmissibility of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, its high morbidity and mortality, and the presence of infectious asymptomatic carriers. As a result, COVID-19 has dominated this year's headlines and commanded significant research attention. As we consider SARS-CoV-2 and the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential that scientists, governments, the media, and the general population also come to grips with the everyday cost of parasitic diseases. Plasmodium (malaria), schistosomes, filarial worms, hookworms, Ascaris, whipworms, and other protozoan and metazoan parasites take a tremendous toll on local communities. Yet, because most of these diseases are no longer endemic to developed countries, their research and intervention are not funded at levels that are proportional to their global morbidity and mortality. The scientific and public health communities must indeed vigorously fight SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, but while doing so and beyond, it will be essential to demonstrate steadfast resolve toward understanding and combating the parasitic diseases that for centuries have haunted humankind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julián F Hillyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235
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Tilli M, Olliaro P, Gobbi F, Bisoffi Z, Bartoloni A, Zammarchi L. Neglected tropical diseases in non-endemic countries in the era of COVID-19 pandemic: the great forgotten. J Travel Med 2021; 28:5910634. [PMID: 32970143 PMCID: PMC7543559 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taaa179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In non-endemic countries, the access to healthcare for migrants and other patients with NTDs may be hampered by new barriers linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. Low awareness of health care professionals on the opportunistic potential of some NTDs may lead to unfavorable outcome of COVID-19 patients treated with immunomodulatory drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Tilli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Italy
| | - Piero Olliaro
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, New Richards Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7LG, UK
| | - Federico Gobbi
- Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar (Verona), Via Sempreboni 5, 37024, Italy
| | - Zeno Bisoffi
- Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar (Verona), Via Sempreboni 5, 37024, Italy.,Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Policlinico G.B. Rossi - P.le L.A. Scuro 10, 37134, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bartoloni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Italy.,Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Zammarchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Italy.,Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Italy
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50
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Oyeyemi OT, Okunlola OA, Adebayo AD. Assessment of schistosomiasis endemicity and preventive treatment on coronavirus disease 2019 outcomes in Africa. New Microbes New Infect 2020; 38:100821. [PMID: 33251016 PMCID: PMC7679227 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2020.100821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, attention has been drawn to the possible interactions between the deadly disease and a few other infections. Although schistosomiasis and other neglected tropical diseases have been proposed to influence susceptibility to COVID-19, no study has looked into this. This study therefore investigated the impact of schistosomiasis on the transmission of COVID-19 and also evaluated the role of praziquantel treatment coverage on COVID-19 outcomes in African countries. The schistosomiasis endemicity and the preventive chemotherapy coverage index statuses were obtained from the World Health Organization databank. COVID-19 data were obtained from the Worldometer COVID-19 report. The data were adjusted and the percentage of COVID-19 cases confirmed, and active cases, recovery and deaths were computed. The COVID-19 outcomes were evaluated relative to schistosomiasis endemicity and treatment coverage. COVID-19 outcomes, especially active cases and recovery rates, were significantly improved in schistosomiasis nonendemic African countries (p < 0.05). While COVID-19 confirmed cases were significantly higher in countries with >75% schistosomiasis preventive chemotherapy coverage index (p < 0.05), improved COVID-19 outcomes were observed relative to active cases and recovery in countries with >75% preventive chemotherapy coverage index (p > 0.05). Schistosomiasis endemicity may be associated with negative COVID-19 outcomes, and higher praziquantel treatment coverage could reduce COVID-19 active cases and improve the recovery rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- O T Oyeyemi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Department of Mathematics, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - O A Okunlola
- Department of Mathematics, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - A D Adebayo
- Department of Remote Sensing and GIS, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
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