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Ahmed SA, Kotepui M, Masangkay FR, Milanez GD, Karanis P. Gastrointestinal parasites in Africa: A review. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2023; 119:1-64. [PMID: 36707173 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Data on human gastrointestinal parasites (GIP) infections in the african sub-regions and countries are mainly lacking in terms of prevalence and population stratification by afflicted age group, symptomatology, multi-parasitism, and diagnostic methods. This study aims to describe the GIP reported in african countries and discuss the extent of the burden in the african context. Only 68.42% (39/57) of african countries reported human cases of GIP with helminths (45%, CI: 40-50%, I2: 99.79%) as the predominant parasitic group infecting the african population. On a regional scale, Central Africa had the highest pooled prevalence for GIP (43%, CI: 32-54%, I2: 99.74%), while the Central African Republic led all countries with a pooled prevalence of 90% (CI: 89-92%, I2: 99.96%). The vulnerable population (patients who are minorities, children, old, poor, underfunded, or have particular medical conditions) was the most affected (50%, CI: 37-62%, I2: 99.33%), with the predominance of GIP in the 6 to <20 years age group (48%, CI: 43-54%, I2: 99.68%). Reports on multi-parasitism (44%, CI: 40-48%, I2: 99.73%) were almost double the reports of single infections (43%, CI: 27-59%, I2: 99.77%) with combined molecular and non-molecular techniques demonstrating the best performance for GIP identification. The current review spans more than 40 years of GIP reports from the african continent. Geographical characteristics, environmental factors, habits of its inhabitants, and their health status play a crucial role in GIP modulation and behaviour in its captive hosts. Strategies for regular and enhanced surveillance, policy formation, and high-level community awareness are necessary to identify the true incidence in Africa and the transmission of the pathogens via water and food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahira A Ahmed
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Manas Kotepui
- Medical Technology Program, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Frederick R Masangkay
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Giovanni D Milanez
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- University of Cologne, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Cologne, Germany; University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Abdel Gawad SS, Ismail MAM, Imam NFA, Eassa AHA, Abu-Sarea EY. Detection of Cryptosporidium spp. in Diarrheic Immunocompetent Patients in Beni-Suef, Egypt: Insight into Epidemiology and Diagnosis. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2018; 56:113-119. [PMID: 29742865 PMCID: PMC5976013 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2018.56.2.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium species is an important cause of gastrointestinal infections globally. This study aimed to shed light on its role in diarrheic immunocompetent patients in Beni-Suef, Egypt and to compare three diagnostic methods. Two hundred diarrheic patients, 37±16.8 year old, were enrolled. Stool samples were examined by light microscopy, using modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain (MZN) for Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. Coproantigens were detected by sandwich ELISA. DNA molecular diagnosis was done by nested PCR. PCR yielded the highest detection rates (21.0%), compared to ELISA (12.5%) and MZN staining method (9.5%). The higher infection rates were in 20–40 year-old group, followed by 40–60 year-old. Association between epidemiologic factors was statistically not significant; positivity and gender, clinical manifestations, residence, source or water, or contact with animals. Cryptosporidiosis is an important enteric parasitic infection in Beni-Suef and PCR remains the gold standard for diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mousa A M Ismail
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Naglaa F A Imam
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Ahmed H A Eassa
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
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Comparison of current methods used to detect Cryptosporidium oocysts in stools. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2018; 221:743-763. [PMID: 29776848 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2018.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In this review all of the methods that are currently in use for the investigation of Cryptosporidium in stool material are highlighted and critically discussed. It appears that more qualifications and background knowledge in this field regarding the diagnosis of the Cryptosporidium parasite is required. Furthermore, there is no standardization for the protocols that are commonly used to either detect oocysts in faeces or to diagnose the Cryptosporidium infection. It is therefore necessary to initiate further education and research that will assist in improving the accuracy of the diagnosis of Cryptosporidium oocysts in the faecal micro-cosmos. Where ambient concentrations of oocysts are low in stool material, detection becomes a formidable task. Procedures for ring tests and the standardization of multi-laboratory testing are recommended. It is also necessary to enhance the routine surveillance capacity of cryptosporidiosis and to improve the safety against it, considering the fact that this disease is under diagnosed and under reported. This review is intended to stimulate research that could lead to future improvements and further developments in monitoring the diagnostic methodologies that will assist in harmonizing Cryptosporidium oocysts in stool diagnosis.
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Cryptosporidium genotypes and associated risk factors in a cohort of Egyptian children. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s00580-017-2477-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Squire SA, Ryan U. Cryptosporidium and Giardia in Africa: current and future challenges. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:195. [PMID: 28427454 PMCID: PMC5397716 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2111-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium and Giardia are important causes of diarrhoeal illness. Adequate knowledge of the molecular diversity and geographical distribution of these parasites and the environmental and climatic variables that influence their prevalence is important for effective control of infection in at-risk populations, yet relatively little is known about the epidemiology of these parasites in Africa. Cryptosporidium is associated with moderate to severe diarrhoea and increased mortality in African countries and both parasites negatively affect child growth and development. Malnutrition and HIV status are also important contributors to the prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in African countries. Molecular typing of both parasites in humans, domestic animals and wildlife to date indicates a complex picture of both anthroponotic, zoonotic and spill-back transmission cycles that requires further investigation. For Cryptosporidium, the only available drug (nitazoxanide) is ineffective in HIV and malnourished individuals and therefore more effective drugs are a high priority. Several classes of drugs with good efficacy exist for Giardia, but dosing regimens are suboptimal and emerging resistance threatens clinical utility. Climate change and population growth are also predicted to increase both malnutrition and the prevalence of these parasites in water sources. Dedicated and co-ordinated commitments from African governments involving "One Health" initiatives with multidisciplinary teams of veterinarians, medical workers, relevant government authorities, and public health specialists working together are essential to control and prevent the burden of disease caused by these parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Afriyie Squire
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Animal Research Institute, Accra, Ghana
| | - Una Ryan
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
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Kumar P, Vats O, Kumar D, Singh S. Coccidian intestinal parasites among immunocompetent children presenting with diarrhea: Are we missing them? Trop Parasitol 2017; 7:37-40. [PMID: 28459013 PMCID: PMC5369272 DOI: 10.4103/2229-5070.202291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diarrhoea is an important cause of both morbidity and mortality among children in India. Coccidian parasitic infections are an important cause of diarrhea in immunocompromised patients, but their investigations are rarely sought by the treating physicians in seemingly immunocompetent children. This study was aimed to find the incidence rate of coccidian parasites in all children presented with diarrhoea, irrespective of their immune status. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between December 2015 and May 2016, all fecal samples from children aged between 0 and 15 years presenting with diarrhoea, irrespective of their immune status, were examined using conventional wet mount and modified acid-fast staining. At the end of the study, records of their clinical history and immune status including HIV positivity were evaluated. Findings of wet-mount and modified acid-fast stained smear microscopy were analyzed in relation with clinical details. RESULTS During the study, samples from 200 children (single sample) with diarrhea were processed. Their mean age was 5.7 ± 3.3 years (range 4-168 months). Seventeen out of 200 (8.5%) samples were positive for acid-fast coccidian parasites. Eight (4%) samples were found to be positive for Cryptosporidium hominis, while 5 (2.5%) were positive for Cyclospora cayetonensis and 4 (2%) samples for Isospora belli oocysts. Half (50%) of the children who were tested positive for Cryptosporidium and Cyclospora were found to be otherwise immunocompetent. However, all four cases of Isosporiasis were immunocompromised patients. CONCLUSION We highlight the high incidence of coccidian parasites among immunocompetent children with diarrhea. The clinicians need to be aware that coccidian parasites are a potential cause of childhood diarrhea even in immunocompetent children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Kumar
- Division of Clinical Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Omvati Vats
- Division of Clinical Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar
- Division of Clinical Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sarman Singh
- Division of Clinical Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Yimming B, Pattanatanang K, Sanyathitiseree P, Inpankaew T, Kamyingkird K, Pinyopanuwat N, Chimnoi W, Phasuk J. Molecular Identification of Cryptosporidium Species from Pet Snakes in Thailand. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2016; 54:423-9. [PMID: 27658593 PMCID: PMC5040075 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2016.54.4.423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is an important pathogen causing gastrointestinal disease in snakes and is distributed worldwide. The main objectives of this study were to detect and identify Cryptosporidium species in captive snakes from exotic pet shops and snake farms in Thailand. In total, 165 fecal samples were examined from 8 snake species, boa constrictor (Boa constrictor constrictor), corn snake (Elaphe guttata), ball python (Python regius), milk snake (Lampropeltis triangulum), king snake (Lampropeltis getula), rock python (Python sebae), rainbow boa (Epicrates cenchria), and carpet python (Morelia spilota). Cryptosporidium oocysts were examined using the dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-modified acid-fast staining and a molecular method based on nested-PCR, PCR-RFLP analysis, and sequencing amplification of the SSU rRNA gene. DMSO-modified acid-fast staining revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in 12 out of 165 (7.3%) samples, whereas PCR produced positive results in 40 (24.2%) samples. Molecular characterization indicated the presence of Cryptosporidium parvum (mouse genotype) as the most common species in 24 samples (60%) from 5 species of snake followed by Cryptosporidium serpentis in 9 samples (22.5%) from 2 species of snake and Cryptosporidium muris in 3 samples (7.5%) from P. regius.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjarat Yimming
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Khampee Pattanatanang
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Pornchai Sanyathitiseree
- Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
| | - Tawin Inpankaew
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Ketsarin Kamyingkird
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Nongnuch Pinyopanuwat
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Wissanuwat Chimnoi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Jumnongjit Phasuk
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
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Highly specific detection of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in human stool samples by undemanding and inexpensive phase contrast microscopy. Parasitol Res 2015; 115:1229-34. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4859-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Molecular seasonal, age and gender distributions of Cryptosporidium in diarrhoeic Egyptians: distinct endemicity. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2015; 34:2447-53. [DOI: 10.1007/s10096-015-2502-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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