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Kihoro RW, Mulewa D, Okoyo C, Ayaa D, Korir A, Njomo DW, Mwandawiro C, Masaku J. Epidemiology of soil-transmitted helminthiasis among school-aged children in pastoralist communities of Kenya: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304266. [PMID: 38781162 PMCID: PMC11115206 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) are a major public health problem in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Kenya, the National School Based Deworming Program (NSBDP) was launched in 2012 with a goal of reducing STH prevalence in school-aged children (SAC) to <1%, however monitoring and evaluation results have consistently showed > 20% prevalence in Narok County. We conducted a study to investigate factors associated with STH infections among SAC in Narok County. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional study was conducted among 514 SAC from five schools in Trans Mara West sub-county, Narok County. The sub-county was selected because it had participating schools within the NSBDP with a high prevalence of STH infection. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Stool samples collected from participants were examined for STH eggs using Kato-Katz technique. An open data kit questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographics, household, and STH knowledge information from 139 of the 514 SAC. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the data, prevalence and mean intensity of infections were calculated, and logistic regression used to determine factors associated with STH infections. RESULTS The overall prevalence of any STH infection was 24.6% (95%CI: 21.1-28.6). Trichuris trichiura 14.4% (95%CI: 11.7-17.8), Ascaris lumbricoides 12.5% (95%CI: 9.9-15.7) and hookworm 0%. From multivariable analysis the only factors significantly associated with increased risk of STH infection were, children attending Karda and Nkarano schools with aOR = 5.29 (95%CI: 1.45-19.24); p = 0.011 and aOR = 4.53 (95%CI: 1.29-15.97); p = 0.019 respectively. For A. lumbricoides, children attending Nkarano School were associated with a significant risk of infection with aOR = 7.81 (95%CI: 1.81-33.63); p = 0.006. CONCLUSIONS Despite the ongoing work of NSBDP, the STH prevalence is still ≥ 20% in Trans Mara West sub-county Narok County, among SAC. This underscores the need for continued annual MDA. Additionally, if possible, drug combinations may effectively manage T. trichiura, the region's most common helminth. The study found a correlation between children attending specific schools and STH infection risk, suggesting the importance of health education and improved water, sanitation, and hygiene practices holistically both in schools and associated catchment areas that can act as STH reservoirs to alleviate the burden of STH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richelle W. Kihoro
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Damaris Mulewa
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Developmental Studies, Daystar University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Collins Okoyo
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dominic Ayaa
- Department of Developmental Studies, Daystar University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Agnes Korir
- Department of Developmental Studies, Daystar University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Doris W. Njomo
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Charles Mwandawiro
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Janet Masaku
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
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Williams PDE, Brewer MT, Aroian RV, Robertson AP, Martin RJ. The nematode (Ascaris suum) intestine is a location of synergistic anthelmintic effects of Cry5B and levamisole. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1011835. [PMID: 38758969 PMCID: PMC11139322 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
A novel group of biocidal compounds are the Crystal 3D (Cry) and Cytolytic (Cyt) proteins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Some Bt Cry proteins have a selective nematocidal activity, with Cry5B being the most studied. Cry5B kills nematode parasites by binding selectively to membrane glycosphingolipids, then forming pores in the cell membranes of the intestine leading to damage. Cry5B selectively targets multiple species of nematodes from different clades and has no effect against mammalian hosts. Levamisole is a cholinergic anthelmintic that acts by selectively opening L-subtype nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ion-channels (L-AChRs) that have been found on muscles of nematodes. A synergistic nematocidal interaction between levamisole and Cry5B at the whole-worm level has been described previously, but the location, mechanism and time-course of this synergism is not known. In this study we follow the timeline of the effects of levamisole and Cry5B on the Ca2+ levels in enterocyte cells in the intestine of Ascaris suum using fluorescence imaging. The peak Ca2+ responses to levamisole were observed after approximately 10 minutes while the peak responses to activated Cry5B were observed after approximately 80 minutes. When levamisole and Cry5B were applied simultaneously, we observed that the responses to Cry5B were bigger and occurred sooner than when it was applied by itself. It is proposed that the synergism is due to the cytoplasmic Ca2+ overload that is induced by the combination of levamisole opening Ca2+ permeable L-subtype nAChRs and the Ca2+ permeable Cry5B toxin pores produced in the enterocyte plasma membranes. The effect of levamisole potentiates and speeds the actions of Cry5B that gives rise to bigger Ca2+ overloads that accelerates cell-death of the enterocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul D. E. Williams
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Matthew T. Brewer
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Raffi V. Aroian
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Alan P. Robertson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Richard J. Martin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
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Behniafar H, Sepidarkish M, Tadi MJ, Valizadeh S, Gholamrezaei M, Hamidi F, Pazoki H, Alizadeh F, Kianifard N, Nooshabadi MS, Bagheri K, Hemmati F, Hemmati T, Tori NA, Siddiq A, Rostami A. The global prevalence of Trichuris trichiura infection in humans (2010-2023): A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Infect Public Health 2024; 17:800-809. [PMID: 38537575 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2024.03.005] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to evaluate global Trichuris infection prevalence, assessing progress towards the WHO's 2030 target. We searched international databases from 2010-2023, categorizing data by regions and socio-economic variables using a random-effects model. Analyzing 757 articles covering 7154,842 individuals from 78 countries, the study found a pooled global prevalence of (6.64-7.57%), with the highest rates in the Caribbean (21.72%; 8.90-38.18%) and South-East Asia (20.95; 15.71-26.71%) regions. Southern Africa (9.58; 2.11-21.46%), Latin America (9.58; 2.11-21.46%), and Middle Africa Middle Africa (8.94; 6.31-11.98%) also exhibited high prevalence. Eastern Europe had the lowest prevalence at 0.16% (0.09-0.24). Approximately 513 (480-547) million people worldwide were estimated to harbor Trichuris. Moreover ∼1.5% of people tested worldwide (2010-2023) had a moderate to heavy intensity of infection. The study emphasizes the persistent global health threat of Trichuris infection, urging tailored strategies for effective control and prevention on a global scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Behniafar
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Sarab Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sarab, Iran
| | - Mahdi Sepidarkish
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Jafari Tadi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Soghra Valizadeh
- Department of Food Hygiene and Aquatic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mostafa Gholamrezaei
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Faezeh Hamidi
- Department of Laboratory Sciences and Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tabriz Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hossein Pazoki
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Science, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Faezeh Alizadeh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois, Chicago, USA
| | - Nazanin Kianifard
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Kimia Bagheri
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Faezeh Hemmati
- Student Research Committee, Sarab Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sarab, Iran
| | - Taha Hemmati
- Student Research Committee, Sarab Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sarab, Iran
| | - Neda Ahmazadeh Tori
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | | | - Ali Rostami
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
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Amare A, Eshetie S, Kasew D, Amare A, Abebe W, Moges F. Prevalence of Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and intestinal parasites among food handlers working in University of Gondar student's cafeteria, Northwest Ethiopia. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1370338. [PMID: 38751591 PMCID: PMC11094305 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1370338] [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: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Food-borne infections continue to be a major public health problem at the international level. The issue becomes more serious in developing countries like Ethiopia. Objective This study aimed to examine the prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella species and intestinal parasites, as well as antimicrobial resistance patterns and associated factors among food handlers at the University of Gondar cafeteria in northwest Ethiopia. Methods An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to June 2021 in the University of Gondar cafeterias. Data related to the socio-demographic characteristics and hygienic practices of study participants were collected using structured questionnaires. A total of 290 stool samples were collected from food handlers. Culture and conventional biochemical tests were used to isolate the Salmonella and the Shigella species. Wet mount, Formol-ether concentration, and Kato Katz techniques were applied to identify intestinal parasites. Additionally, drug susceptibility tests were performed using the disk diffusion method. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 26. Results Of 290 food handlers' stool samples analyzed, Twenty-seven 27 (9.3%) were positive for both Salmonella and Shigella species. The prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella species was 16 (5.5%) and 11 (3.8%), respectively. Most of the isolated pathogens were resistant to tetracycline 19 (70.4%), and trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole 19 (70.4%). The overall rate of multi-drug resistant Shigella and Salmonella isolate was 59.3%. Besides, Fifty-seven 57 (19.7%) of the participants were positive for one or more intestinal parasites. The most prevalent intestinal Parasitosis was E. histolytica/dispar 22 (7.6%), followed by G. lamblia 13 (4.5%), and Ascaris lumbricoides 11 (3.8) not washing hands after using the toilet (AOR: 4.42, 95% CI: 1.57, 10.56), and consuming unpasteurized milk (AOR: 3.14, 95% CI: 1.65, 3.96), were factors significantly associated with the prevalence of Salmonella, and Shigella infection. Similarly, not washing hands after using the toilet (AOR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.0, 1.4), and consuming unpasteurized milk (AOR: 10.4, 95% CI: 3.8, 28.8), were factors significantly associated with the prevalence of intestinal parasites infection. Conclusion The prevalence of intestinal parasites, Salmonella, and Shigella species was high. Therefore, it is imperative to implement a public health policy that includes ongoing microbiological surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azanaw Amare
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Setegn Eshetie
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Desie Kasew
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Ayenew Amare
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Bahir Dar Health Sciences College, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Wondwossen Abebe
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Feleke Moges
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Rubagumya SL, Nzalawahe J, Misinzo G, Mazigo HD, Briet M, Misko VR, De Malsche W, Legein F, Justine NC, Basinda N, Mafie E. Evaluation of Lab-on-a-Disc Technique Performance for Soil-Transmitted Helminth Diagnosis in Animals in Tanzania. Vet Sci 2024; 11:174. [PMID: 38668441 PMCID: PMC11054913 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11040174] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are caused by roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and thread worms. Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment, prevention, and control of these infections. This study evaluates a new diagnostic method called Single-image Parasite Quantification (SIMPAQ), which uses a lab-on-a-disc (LoD) technique to isolate STH eggs into a single imaging zone for digital analysis. The study evaluates the purification performance of the SIMPAQ technique for detecting STH eggs in animal samples. This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 237 pigs and 281 dogs in the Morogoro region in Tanzania. Faecal samples were collected and processed with the LoD technique, as well as flotation and McMaster (McM) methods for comparison purposes. The overall prevalence of STH infections was high as per the LoD technique (74%), followed by McM (65.44%) and flotation (65.04%). Moreover, the overall performance of the LoD technique, using McM as the gold standard, was 93.51% (sensitivity), 60.89% (specificity), 81.91% (PPV), and 83.21% (NPV). The LoD technique exhibited high prevalence, sensitivity, and NPV, which demonstrates its value for STH egg detection and its crucial role in the era of accurate STH diagnosis, promoting proper management of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L. Rubagumya
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Health and Allied Sciences, St. Joseph University in Tanzania, Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 11007, Tanzania
| | - Jahashi Nzalawahe
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3019, Tanzania; (J.N.); (G.M.); (E.M.)
| | - Gerald Misinzo
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3019, Tanzania; (J.N.); (G.M.); (E.M.)
- SACIDS Foundation for One Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3297, Tanzania
| | - Humphrey D. Mazigo
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza P.O. Box 1464, Tanzania; (H.D.M.); (N.C.J.); (N.B.)
| | - Matthieu Briet
- µFlow Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (M.B.); (V.R.M.); (F.L.)
| | - Vyacheslav R. Misko
- µFlow Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (M.B.); (V.R.M.); (F.L.)
| | - Wim De Malsche
- µFlow Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (M.B.); (V.R.M.); (F.L.)
| | - Filip Legein
- µFlow Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (M.B.); (V.R.M.); (F.L.)
| | - Nyanda C. Justine
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza P.O. Box 1464, Tanzania; (H.D.M.); (N.C.J.); (N.B.)
| | - Namanya Basinda
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza P.O. Box 1464, Tanzania; (H.D.M.); (N.C.J.); (N.B.)
| | - Eliakunda Mafie
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3019, Tanzania; (J.N.); (G.M.); (E.M.)
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Munzhelele P, Sibeko NPS, Oguttu JW, Mbajiorgu CA, Fasina FO. Parasites burden in peri-urban free-roaming pigs in Gert Sibande District Municipality, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. J S Afr Vet Assoc 2024; 95:55-66. [PMID: 38533816 DOI: 10.36303/jsava.601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parasite infections, unlike regulated animal diseases, do not often receive attention. In fact, parasites are major sources of financial losses in pig enterprises, particularly in subsistence and small-scale pig production systems. OBJECTIVE To identify and quantify the prevalence of ecto- and endo-parasites among peri-urban free-roaming pigs (FRP) in Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM), Mpumalanga. METHODS Pig owners were identified using the snowball sampling method since no sampling frame for FRP farmers exists. Stratified sampling was used to select pigs for sampling for ecto- and endo-parasites. A form was used to record the observations. Pairwise correlation analysis was performed using Stata 15.0. The SPSS V28.0 statistical package was used to perform the chi-square test (X2) to assess the distribution of parasites in different age groups. The prevalence of parasites was assessed in different age groups of pigs using multi-response crosstabs. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to estimate the marginal mean of parasites according to municipality. Statistical significance was assessed at α ≤ 0.05. RESULTS Over 90% (91.2%) of the pigs examined were infested with at least one parasite, including Haematopinus suis, Sarcoptes scabiei, Ascaris suum, Fasciola hepatica, Trichuris suis, Strongylids, Coccidia spp, Moniezia expansa, and Siphonaptera spp. The correlation between Ascaris suum and body condition was weak but statistically significant (r = 0.24; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Policy makers, animal researchers and veterinary services must focus on developing policies, risk communication and community engagement materials, which target pig farmers in peri-urban areas such as Gert Sibande District Municipality, Mpumalanga Province.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Munzhelele
- Nooitgedacht Research Station, Animal Research, Non-ruminant Sub-directorate, Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land Administration and Environmental Affairs, South Africa
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of South Africa, South Africa
| | - N P S Sibeko
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, Mpumalanga Provincial Veterinary Laboratory, South Africa
| | - J W Oguttu
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of South Africa, South Africa
| | - C A Mbajiorgu
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of South Africa, South Africa
| | - F O Fasina
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa
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Alelign A, Mulualem N, Tekeste Z. Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among patients attending Debarq Primary Hospital, northwest Ethiopia. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298767. [PMID: 38451932 PMCID: PMC10919636 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are major public health problems in developing countries. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of IPIs at Debarq Primary Hospital in northwest Ethiopia. A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2022 to June 2022. The study participants were recruited from patients who visited Debarq Primary Hospital during the study period. Stool samples were collected from each participant and examined for intestinal parasites using direct wet-mount and formal-ether concentration techniques. Socio-demographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Out of 422 individuals examined, 33.64% were infected with at least one intestinal parasite species. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Giardia intestinalis, Ascaris lumbricoides, and hookworm were found in 12.79%, 8.53%, 7.10%, and 1.65% of the participants, respectively. Double and triple parasite infections were found in 2.37% and 0.23% of the participants, respectively. A habit of eating unwashed vegetables (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 9.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.68-37.14) and low income (AOR = 6.66, 95% CI = 1.87-23.70) were associated with increased odds of IPIs. Participants with a habit of hand washing after using the toilet had 0.05 (95% CI = 0.13-0.22) lower odds of IPIs than those who did not. In conclusion, IPIs are common among Debarq Primary Hospital patients and are associated with factors such as low income, not washing hands after using the toilet, and eating unwashed vegetation, necessitating control and prevention efforts in the study area that include health education and the provision and use of sanitary facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Alelign
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Nigus Mulualem
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Zinaye Tekeste
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Lin CJ, Siddique S. Parasitic nematodes: dietary habits and their implications. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:230-240. [PMID: 38262837 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.12.013] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Nematodes, a diverse group of roundworms, exhibit a wide range of dietary habits, including parasitism of animals and plants. These parasites cause substantial economic losses in agriculture and pose significant health challenges to humans and animals. This review explores the unique adaptations of parasitic nematodes, emphasizing their nutritional requirements and metabolic dependencies. Recent research has identified cross-kingdom compartmentalization of vitamin B5 biosynthesis in some parasitic nematodes, shedding light on coevolutionary dynamics and potential targets for control strategies. Several open questions remain regarding the complexity of nematode nutrition, host manipulation, evolutionary adaptations, and the influence of environmental factors on their metabolic processes. Understanding these aspects offers promising avenues for targeted interventions to manage and control these economically and medically important parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Jung Lin
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Shahid Siddique
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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McClure CR, Patel R, Hallem EA. Invade or die: behaviours and biochemical mechanisms that drive skin penetration in Strongyloides and other skin-penetrating nematodes. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20220434. [PMID: 38008119 PMCID: PMC10676818 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0434] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin-penetrating nematodes, including the human threadworm Strongyloides stercoralis and hookworms in the genera Necator and Ancylostoma, are gastrointestinal parasites that are a major cause of neglected tropical disease in low-resource settings worldwide. These parasites infect hosts as soil-dwelling infective larvae that navigate towards hosts using host-emitted sensory cues such as odorants and body heat. Upon host contact, they invade the host by penetrating through the skin. The process of skin penetration is critical for successful parasitism but remains poorly understood and understudied. Here, we review current knowledge of skin-penetration behaviour and its underlying mechanisms in the human parasite S. stercoralis, the closely related rat parasite Strongyloides ratti, and other skin-penetrating nematodes such as hookworms. We also highlight important directions for future investigations into this underexplored process and discuss how recent advances in molecular genetic and genomic tools for Strongyloides species will enable mechanistic investigations of skin penetration and other essential parasitic behaviours in future studies. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Strongyloides: omics to worm-free populations'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney R. McClure
- Molecular Toxicology Interdepartmental PhD Program, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ruhi Patel
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Elissa A. Hallem
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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López-Gijón R, Camarós E, Rubio-Salvador Á, Duras S, Botella-López MC, Alemán-Aguilera I, Rodríguez-Aguilera Á, Bustamante-Álvarez M, Sánchez-Barba LP, Dufour B, Le Bailly M. Implications of the prevalence of Ascaris sp. in the funerary context of a Late Antique population (5th-7th c.) in Granada (Spain). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PALEOPATHOLOGY 2023; 43:45-50. [PMID: 37738817 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites in human remains from Late Antiquity (5th - 7th c.) Granada (Spain). MATERIALS The study included pelvic and cranial control samples from 17 skeletons from the archaeological sites of Los Mondragones (n = 13) and Rafael Guillén (n = 4). METHODS In the paleoparasitological study, soil samples from pelvic area and cranium were analyzed using the rehydration, homogenization, and micro-sieving method and visualization under brightfield microscopy. RESULTS Ascaris sp. eggs were detected in pelvic samples from seven individuals. CONCLUSIONS These findings may indicate that this parasite was endemic. Its detection frequency is one of the highest reported at group level in an osteological series from Late Antiquity. SIGNIFICANCE The prevalence of Ascaris sp. associated with skeletal remains has implications for assessing the lifestyle and health of populations in southern Spain during the Late Antique period. LIMITATIONS The number of individuals is small and taphonomic processes could have limited paleoparasitological findings SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH: Future interdisciplinary studies of this type are warranted in larger osteological series to improve knowledge of parasitosis in the past.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramón López-Gijón
- Laboratorio de Antropología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Av. de la Investigación 11, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - Edgard Camarós
- Departamento de Historia (Sección de Prehistoria), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Praza da Universidade, 15703 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ángel Rubio-Salvador
- Laboratorio de Antropología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Av. de la Investigación 11, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Salvatore Duras
- Laboratorio de Antropología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Av. de la Investigación 11, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel C Botella-López
- Laboratorio de Antropología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Av. de la Investigación 11, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Alemán-Aguilera
- Laboratorio de Antropología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Av. de la Investigación 11, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | | | - Macarena Bustamante-Álvarez
- Departamento de Prehistoria y Arqueología, Facultad de Filosofía y Letras, Campus de Cartuja s/n, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Lydia P Sánchez-Barba
- Laboratorio de Antropología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, Av. de la Investigación 11, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Benjamin Dufour
- CNRS UMR 6249 Chrono-environment, University of Franche-Comte, 16 route de Gray, 25030 Besançon Cedex, France
| | - Matthieu Le Bailly
- CNRS UMR 6249 Chrono-environment, University of Franche-Comte, 16 route de Gray, 25030 Besançon Cedex, France
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11
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Williams PDE, Brewer MT, Aroian R, Robertson AP, Martin RJ. The nematode ( Ascaris suum) intestine is a location of synergistic anthelmintic effects of Cry5B and levamisole. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.20.567786. [PMID: 38045368 PMCID: PMC10690214 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.20.567786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
A novel group of biocidal compounds are the Crystal 3D (Cry) and Cytolytic (Cyt) proteins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Some Bt Cry proteins have a selective nematocidal activity, with Cry5B being the most studied. Cry5B kills nematode parasites by binding selectively to membrane glycosphingolipids, then forming pores in the cell membranes of the intestine leading to damage. Cry5B selectively targets multiple species of nematodes from different clades and has no effect against mammalian hosts. Levamisole is a cholinomimetic anthelmintic that acts by selectively opening L-subtype nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ion-channels (L-AChRs) that have been found on muscles of nematodes. A synergistic nematocidal interaction between levamisole and Cry5B has been described previously, but the location, mechanism and time-course of this synergism is not known. In this study we follow the timeline of the effects of levamisole and Cry5B on the Ca2+ levels in enterocyte cells from the intestine of Ascaris suum using fluorescence imaging. The peak Ca2+ responses to levamisole were observed after approximately 10 minutes while the peak responses to activated Cry5B were observed after approximately 80 minutes. When levamisole and Cry5B were applied simultaneously, we observed that the responses to Cry5B were bigger and occurred sooner than when it was applied by itself. It is proposed that there is an irreversible cytoplasmic Ca2+ overload that leads to necrotic cell-death in the enterocyte that is induced by levamisole opening Ca2+ permeable L-subtype nAChRs and the development of Ca2+ permeable Cry5B toxin pores in enterocyte plasma membranes. The effects of levamisole potentiate and speed the actions of Cry5B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul D. E. Williams
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Matthew T. Brewer
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Raffi Aroian
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Alan P. Robertson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Richard J. Martin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
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12
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Candela E, Goizueta C, Sandon L, Muñoz-Antoli C, Periago MV. The Relationship Between Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections and Environmental Factors in Puerto Iguazú, Argentina: Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e41568. [PMID: 37934580 PMCID: PMC10664009 DOI: 10.2196/41568] [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: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are widely distributed throughout the world. Various factors, including the environment, socioeconomic characteristics, and access to water and sanitation, play an important role in the spread and persistence of these parasites within communities. They, in turn, affect the growth and development of members of the community, especially children. Studies in the northern provinces of Argentina have shown variable prevalence of STHs, but the factors associated with their presence have not been completely elucidated. OBJECTIVE This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the socioeconomic and environmental factors related to STH infection in indigenous villages located in Puerto Iguazú (Misiones), Argentina. METHODS Between 2018 and 2019, stool samples were collected from individuals ≥1 year residing in 3 villages: Mini-Marangatú, Yriapú, and Fortín Mbororé. Standard parasitological methods were used to determine STH prevalence. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess participants' habits, customs, and household characteristics, and environmental data were obtained through satellite imagery. Multilinear regression with Akaike information criterion stepwise variables was used to explore relevant associations. RESULTS A total of 342 individuals from the 3 villages participated in this study. The prevalence of STHs varied across villages: 89.6% (43/48), in Mini-Marangatú, 80.8% (101/125) in Yriapú, and 68.5% (115/169) in Fortín Mbororé. Notably, there was a significant difference in hookworm infection among the villages (P=.02). The analysis highlighted the significant influence of specific environmental factors on STH presence and spatial distribution, particularly in relation to hookworm infection. Vegetation patterns represented by the Vegetation Heterogeneity Index, created ad hoc for this study, emerged as a critical factor, with 2 significant predictors related to it (P=.002 and P=.004) alongside impervious surface density with a significant predictor (P<.001). The multilinear regression model yielded a high F test score (F108=4.75, P<.001), indicating a strong fit (R2=0.5465). Furthermore, socioeconomic factors, including walking barefoot in houses with dirt floors and overcrowding, were significantly correlated with hookworm infection intensity (P<.001 and P=.001, respectively). We also used the multilinear regression model to calculate hookworm infection intensity (F110=21.15, P<.001; R2=0.4971). CONCLUSIONS Our study underscores the complexity of STH transmission, as villages with similar living conditions and environmental characteristics displayed varied STH prevalence and spatial distribution. Specific environmental factors, such as vegetation pattern and impervious surface density, played major roles in STH presence, demonstrating the crucial relationship between environmental factors and hookworm infection distribution. Moreover, our findings emphasize the significant influence of socioeconomic factors on hookworm infection intensity. By gaining insights into this complex interplay, our research contributes to a better understanding of STH transmission characteristics, thereby informing targeted public health interventions for effective control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Candela
- Department of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Spain
| | | | | | - Carla Muñoz-Antoli
- Department of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Maria Victoria Periago
- Mundo Sano Foundation, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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13
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Osei FB. Evolution of spatial disease clusters via a Bayesian space-time variability modelling. Spat Spatiotemporal Epidemiol 2023; 47:100617. [PMID: 38042536 DOI: 10.1016/j.sste.2023.100617] [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] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
This study proposes to use exceedance posterior probabilities of a space-time random-effects model to study the temporal dynamics of clusters. The local time trends specified for each area is further smoothed over space. We modelled the common spatial and the space-varying temporal trend using a multivariate Markov Random field to incorporate within-area correlations. We estimate the model parameters within a fully Bayesian framework. The exceedance posterior probabilities are further used to classify the common spatial trend into hot-spots, cold-spots, and neutral-spots. The local time trends are classified into increasing, decreasing, and stable trends. The results is a 3×3 table depicting the time trends within clusters. As a demonstration, we apply the proposed methodology to study the evolution of spatial clustering of intestinal parasite infections in Ghana. We find the methodology presented in this paper applicable and extendable to other or multiple tropical diseases which may have different space-time conceptualizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Badu Osei
- Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), University of Twente, the Netherlands.
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14
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Okoyo C, Minnery M, Orowe I, Owaga C, Campbell SJ, Wambugu C, Olick N, Hagemann J, Omondi WP, McCracken K, Montresor A, Medley GF, Fronterre C, Diggle P, Mwandawiro C. Model-based geostatistical design and analysis of prevalence for soil-transmitted helminths in Kenya: Results from ten-years of the Kenya national school-based deworming programme. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20695. [PMID: 37829802 PMCID: PMC10565763 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20695] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Kenya is endemic for soil-transmitted helminths (STH) with over 6 million children in 27 counties currently at-risk. A national school-based deworming programme (NSBDP) was launched in 2012 with a goal to eliminate parasitic worms as a public health problem. This study used model-based geostatistical (MBG) approach to design and analyse the impact of the NSBDP and inform treatment strategy changes. Methods A cross-sectional study was used to survey 200 schools across 27 counties in Kenya. The study design, school selection and analysis followed the MBG approach which incorporated historical data on treatment, morbidity and environmental covariates to efficiently predict the helminths prevalence in Kenya. Results Overall, the NSBDP geographic area prevalence for any STH was estimated to sit between 2 % and <10 % with a high predictive probability of >0.999. Species-specific thresholds were between 2 % and <10 % for Ascaris lumbricoides, 0 % to <2 % for hookworm, and 0 % to <2 % for Trichuris trichiura, all with high predictive probability of >0.999. Conclusions Based on the World Health Organization guidelines, STH treatment requirements can now be confidently refined. Ten counties may consider suspending treatment and implement appropriate surveillance system, while another 10 will require treatment once every two years, and the remaining seven will require treatment once every year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collins Okoyo
- School of Mathematics, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Epidemiology, Statistics and Informatics (DESI), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mark Minnery
- Deworm the World, Evidence Action, Washington DC, United States
| | - Idah Orowe
- School of Mathematics, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Christin Wambugu
- Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH), Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nereah Olick
- School Health, Nutrition and Meals Unit (SHNMU), Ministry of Education, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jane Hagemann
- Deworm the World, Evidence Action, Washington DC, United States
| | - Wyckliff P. Omondi
- Division of Vector Borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases (DVBNTD), Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kate McCracken
- Deworm the World, Evidence Action, Washington DC, United States
| | - Antonio Montresor
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Graham F. Medley
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom
| | - Claudio Fronterre
- Centre for Health Informatics, Computing and Statistics (CHICAS), Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Diggle
- Centre for Health Informatics, Computing and Statistics (CHICAS), Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Charles Mwandawiro
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control (ESACIPAC), Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
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Ranasinghe S, Armson A, Lymbery AJ, Zahedi A, Ash A. Medicinal plants as a source of antiparasitics: an overview of experimental studies. Pathog Glob Health 2023; 117:535-553. [PMID: 36805662 PMCID: PMC10392325 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2023.2179454] [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] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in modern human and veterinary medicine, gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections remain a significant health issue worldwide, mainly in developing countries. Increasing evidence of the multi-drug resistance of these parasites and the side effects of currently available synthetic drugs have led to increased research on alternative medicines to treat parasitic infections. The exploration of potential botanical antiparasitics, which are inexpensive and abundant, may be a promising alternative in this context. This study summarizes the in vitro/in vivo antiparasitic efficacy of different medicinal plants and their components against GI parasites. Published literature from 1990-2020 was retrieved from Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus. A total of 68 plant species belonging to 32 families have been evaluated as antiparasitic agents against GI parasites worldwide. The majority of studies (70%) were conducted in vitro. Most plants were from the Fabaceae family (53%, n = 18). Methanol (37%, n = 35) was the most used solvent. Leaf (22%, n = 16) was the most used plant part, followed by seed and rhizome (each 12%, n = 9). These studies suggest that herbal medicines hold a great scope for new drug discoveries against parasitic diseases and that the derivatives of these plants are useful structures for drug synthesis and bioactivity optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandamalie Ranasinghe
- Centre for Biosecurity and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Anthony Armson
- Exercise Science and Chiropractic, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Alan J. Lymbery
- Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Alireza Zahedi
- Centre for Biosecurity and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Amanda Ash
- Centre for Biosecurity and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Mitra I, Bhattacharya A, Paul J, Anisuzzaman. Present status with impacts and roles of miRNA on Soil Transmitted Helminthiosis control: A review. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY 2023; 5:100162. [PMID: 37520661 PMCID: PMC10371793 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphar.2023.100162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis (STH) is one of the most widespread Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), and almost 1.5 billion of the global population is affected, mostly in the indigent, countryside sectors of tropics/subtropics. STH, commonly caused by various nematodes, adversely affects the hosts' growth, cognatic development, and immunity. Albendazole is most commonly used against STH (Soil-Transmitted Helminths) but resistance has already been reported in different countries. To date, no effective vaccine is present against STH. miRNAs are a unique class of small non-coding RNA, regulating various biological activities indulging host immune responses in host-pathogen interaction of STH. Dysregulation of miRNAs are being considered as one of the most important aspect of host-parasite interactions. Thus, it is the prime importance to identify and characterize parasite-specific as well as host-derived miRNAs to understand the STH infection at the molecular level. Systematic bibliometric analysis reveals a huge knowledge gap in understanding the disease by using both host and parasitic miRNAs as a potential biomarker. In this study, we addressed the present status of the STH prevalence, and therapy under the light of miRNAs. This would further help in designing new inhibitors and therapeutic strategies to control STH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imon Mitra
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Adamas University, Kolkata, India
| | - Arijit Bhattacharya
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Adamas University, Kolkata, India
| | - Joydeep Paul
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Adamas University, Kolkata, India
| | - Anisuzzaman
- Department of Parasitology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
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17
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Wu F, Wei H, Chen X, Du Z, Huang Y, Shi H, Yang Y, Du A, Ma G. Fatty acid- and retinol-binding protein 6 does not control worm fatty acid content in Caenorhabditis elegans but might play a role in Haemonchus contortus parasitism. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:230. [PMID: 37430357 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05836-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nematodes have lost the ability to synthesise necessary lipids de novo and have complementally evolved the capacity to acquire fatty acids and their derivatives from a diet or host animal. Nematode-specific fatty acid- and retinol-binding protein (FAR) family is one approach that facilitates lipid acquisition, representing an Achilles heel and potential target against roundworms of socioeconomic significance. However, little is known about their detailed functional roles in either free-living or parasitic nematodes. METHODS A genome-wide identification and curation were performed to screen the FAR family members of Haemonchus contortus. Their transcription patterns in worms were also analysed to identify the targets. Ligand binding assay and molecular docking were conducted to verify the fatty acid binding activities of FAR proteins of interest. RNA interference (RNAi) and heterologous expression (rescuing) experiments were designed to explore the potential roles of the selected FAR protein in nematodes. Localisation of the protein was shown in sections of paraffin-embedded worms after an immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay. RESULTS Here, an orthologue of far-6 in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (Ce-far-6) was functionally characterised in a parasitic nematode, H. contortus (Hc-far-6). It is demonstrated that knockdown of Ce-far-6 gene did not affect worm fat content, reproduction, or lifespan, but decreased worm body length at an early life stage of C. elegans. In particular, the Ce-far-6 mutant associated phenotype was completely rescued by Hc-far-6, suggesting a conserved functional role. Surprisingly, there were distinct tissue expression patterns of FAR-6 in the free-living C. elegans and parasitic H. contortus. High transcriptional level of Hc-far-6 and dominant expression of FAR-6 in the intestine of the parasitic stage of H. contortus link this gene/protein to nematode parasitism. CONCLUSIONS These findings substantially enhance our understanding of far genes and the associated lipid biology of this important parasitic nematode at a molecular level, and the approaches established are readily applicable to the studies of far genes in a broad range of parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Haidian Wei
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Guangxi Veterinary Research Institute, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Xueqiu Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zhendong Du
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yan Huang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Hengzhi Shi
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yi Yang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Aifang Du
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Guangxu Ma
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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18
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Devyatov AA, Davydova EE, Luparev AR, Karseka SA, Shuryaeva AK, Zagainova AV, Shipulin GA. Design of a Protocol for Soil-Transmitted Helminths (in Light of the Nematode Toxocara canis) DNA Extraction from Feces by Combining Commercially Available Solutions. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2156. [PMID: 37443549 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13132156] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the main challenges for the mass introduction of the molecular diagnostics of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) into clinical practice is the lack of a generally recognized effective method for isolating parasitic DNA from fecal samples. In the present study, we assessed the effects of various pretreatment procedures on the efficiency of removing PCR inhibitors and extracting Toxocara canis DNA from feces. We evaluated the effectiveness of four destructive methods (bead beating, the action of temperature-dependent enzymes, freeze-heat cycles, and incubation in a lysis buffer) on the integrity of T. canis eggs and the efficiency of DNA extraction. Also, we evaluated the effects of prewashes and the use of commercial concentrators on DNA extraction from fecal samples contaminated with T. canis eggs. A bead beating procedure was sufficient to destroy the T. canis eggs, while the effects of enzymes and freeze-heat cycles did not lead to a significant destruction of the eggs or the release of Toxocara DNA. Helminth DNA isolation protocols that do not include a bead beating step are not preferred. The preconcentration of STH eggs from feces using a commercial concentrator and subsequent washing can significantly increase the yield of DNA from STHs and reduce PCR inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander A Devyatov
- Federal State Budgetary Institution "Centre for Strategic Planning and Management of Biomedical Health Risks" of the Federal Medical Biological Agency, 10 bld 1, Pogodinskaya Str., 119121 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina E Davydova
- Federal State Budgetary Institution "Centre for Strategic Planning and Management of Biomedical Health Risks" of the Federal Medical Biological Agency, 10 bld 1, Pogodinskaya Str., 119121 Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey R Luparev
- Federal State Budgetary Institution "Centre for Strategic Planning and Management of Biomedical Health Risks" of the Federal Medical Biological Agency, 10 bld 1, Pogodinskaya Str., 119121 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sofia A Karseka
- Federal State Budgetary Institution "Centre for Strategic Planning and Management of Biomedical Health Risks" of the Federal Medical Biological Agency, 10 bld 1, Pogodinskaya Str., 119121 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna K Shuryaeva
- Federal State Budgetary Institution "Centre for Strategic Planning and Management of Biomedical Health Risks" of the Federal Medical Biological Agency, 10 bld 1, Pogodinskaya Str., 119121 Moscow, Russia
| | - Angelica V Zagainova
- Federal State Budgetary Institution "Centre for Strategic Planning and Management of Biomedical Health Risks" of the Federal Medical Biological Agency, 10 bld 1, Pogodinskaya Str., 119121 Moscow, Russia
| | - German A Shipulin
- Federal State Budgetary Institution "Centre for Strategic Planning and Management of Biomedical Health Risks" of the Federal Medical Biological Agency, 10 bld 1, Pogodinskaya Str., 119121 Moscow, Russia
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19
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Kulinkina AV, Farnham A, Biritwum NK, Utzinger J, Walz Y. How do disease control measures impact spatial predictions of schistosomiasis and hookworm? The example of predicting school-based prevalence before and after preventive chemotherapy in Ghana. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011424. [PMID: 37327211 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminth infections are among the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affecting primarily marginalized communities in low- and middle-income countries. Surveillance data for NTDs are typically sparse, and hence, geospatial predictive modeling based on remotely sensed (RS) environmental data is widely used to characterize disease transmission and treatment needs. However, as large-scale preventive chemotherapy has become a widespread practice, resulting in reduced prevalence and intensity of infection, the validity and relevance of these models should be re-assessed. METHODOLOGY We employed two nationally representative school-based prevalence surveys of Schistosoma haematobium and hookworm infections from Ghana conducted before (2008) and after (2015) the introduction of large-scale preventive chemotherapy. We derived environmental variables from fine-resolution RS data (Landsat 8) and examined a variable distance radius (1-5 km) for aggregating these variables around point-prevalence locations in a non-parametric random forest modeling approach. We used partial dependence and individual conditional expectation plots to improve interpretability. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The average school-level S. haematobium prevalence decreased from 23.8% to 3.6% and that of hookworm from 8.6% to 3.1% between 2008 and 2015. However, hotspots of high-prevalence locations persisted for both diseases. The models with environmental data extracted from a buffer radius of 2-3 km around the school location where prevalence was measured had the best performance. Model performance (according to the R2 value) was already low and declined further from approximately 0.4 in 2008 to 0.1 in 2015 for S. haematobium and from approximately 0.3 to 0.2 for hookworm. According to the 2008 models, land surface temperature (LST), modified normalized difference water index (MNDWI), elevation, slope, and streams variables were associated with S. haematobium prevalence. LST, slope, and improved water coverage were associated with hookworm prevalence. Associations with the environment in 2015 could not be evaluated due to low model performance. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our study showed that in the era of preventive chemotherapy, associations between S. haematobium and hookworm infections and the environment weakened, and thus predictive power of environmental models declined. In light of these observations, it is timely to develop new cost-effective passive surveillance methods for NTDs as an alternative to costly surveys, and to focus on persisting hotspots of infection with additional interventions to reduce reinfection. We further question the broad application of RS-based modeling for environmental diseases for which large-scale pharmaceutical interventions are in place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra V Kulinkina
- Tufts University - Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Boston, Illinois, United States of America
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Farnham
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yvonne Walz
- United Nations University - Institute for Environment and Human Security, Bonn, Germany
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20
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Halwiindi H, Chooka L, Phiri MM, Tapisha B, Masenga SK, Mudenda J, Chimfwembe K, Mugode M, Hamooya BM. Reach and uptake of mass drug administration for worm infections through health facility-, school-, and community-based approaches in two districts of Zambia: a call for scale-up. Epidemiol Infect 2023; 151:e183. [PMID: 37288508 PMCID: PMC10644052 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268823000912] [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: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Helminthiases cause significant health deficiencies among children. Mass administration of anthelminthic drugs has had significant results to counter these effects. We assessed the effects on and determinants of treatment coverage of community-directed treatment among children in Zambia, using cross-sectional survey data, and using chi-square test and multilevel mixed-effects model. Of 1,416 children, 51.5% were males and 48.5% were females, while 52.7%, were school-age, and 47.3% were preschool-age. Overall treatment coverage was 53.7% (95% confidence interval (CI) 51.1, 56.4). More preschool-age children were treated compared to school-age ones, 65.2% versus 43.4%, P < 0.001. Similarly, more children under community-directed intervention were treated compared to regular mass drug administration (65.2% versus 51.1 %, P < 0.001). Treatment among school-age participants was associated with being male (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR 1.83, 95%CI 1.23-2.72), receiving community-directed treatment (AOR 5.53; 95%CI 3.41-8.97), and shorter distance to health facility (AOR 2.20; 95%CI 1.36-3.56). Among preschool-aged participants, treatment was associated with being residents of Siavonga district (AOR 0.03; 95%CI 0.01-0.04) and shorter distance to health facility (AOR 0.35; 95%CI 0.21-0.59). Community-directed treatment can be used to increase treatment coverage, thereby contribute to 2030 vision of ending epidemics of neglected tropical diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lubombo Chooka
- School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Masauso Moses Phiri
- School of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Buumba Tapisha
- School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Sepiso K. Masenga
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mulungushi University, Livingstone, Zambia
| | - Jolezya Mudenda
- School of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Mwitwa Mugode
- School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Benson M. Hamooya
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mulungushi University, Livingstone, Zambia
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21
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Ding X, Yang Y, Zhang Y, Zhang Q, Mao F, Dai Y. Establishment of a Simple and Rapid Nucleic Acid Detection Method for Hookworm Identification. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12040630. [PMID: 37111516 PMCID: PMC10142964 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12040630] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hookworm infection is one of the most common neglected tropical diseases and is mainly found in tropical and subtropical areas. Two species of human hookworm are distributed in China, i.e., Ancylostoma duodenale (AD) and Necator americanus (NA). BACKGROUND Traditional microscopic technology such as the Kato-Katz method is not suitable for hookworm diagnosis due to the rapid degeneration of fragile hookworm eggs or for species identification of hookworm infection. The aim of the present study was to establish and evaluate a novel nucleic acid detection method based on recombinase-aided isothermal amplification (RAA) for the detection of hookworm infections and species identification. METHODS Based on the specific target gene sequences of hookworms (5.8S rRNA for AD and ITS2 for NA, respectively), we designed and synthesized amplification primers and fluorescence probes referring to the principle of the fluorescence recombinase-aided amplification (RAA) technique. RESULTS Each assay provided specific amplification of larval DNA from AD and NA by fluorescence RAA, and the detection limits in plasmids reached 102 copies and 10 copies, respectively. Genomic DNA of two hookworm species was successfully detected at a concentration of 0.1 pg/μL, revealing a high detection sensitivity. No positive amplification occurred for genomic DNA from crossed hookworm species and genomic DNA from Cryptosporidium, Giardia lamblia, Strongyloides stercoralis, Schistosoma japonicum, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Clonorchis sinensis, revealing a satisfactory specificity. Fecal sample detection results demonstrated a similar efficacy to the Kato-Katz method; however, it had a greater sensitivity than the larvae culture method. CONCLUSION A simple and rapid nucleic acid method was successfully established based on RAA, which improved the detection efficacy and species identification for human hookworm infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Ding
- Key Laboratory of National Health Commission on Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Jiangsu Province on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi 214064, China
| | - Yougui Yang
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yingshu Zhang
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of National Health Commission on Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Jiangsu Province on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi 214064, China
| | - Fanzhen Mao
- Key Laboratory of National Health Commission on Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Jiangsu Province on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi 214064, China
| | - Yang Dai
- Key Laboratory of National Health Commission on Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Jiangsu Province on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi 214064, China
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
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22
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Gaffer AA. Rare tapeworm segments case report and review of literature. Clin Case Rep 2023; 11:e7167. [PMID: 37006853 PMCID: PMC10060734 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.7167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Misidentification of intestinal parasites, especially worm infections, is major cause of diarrhea, nutritional anemia, and weight loss. Neglecting diarrhea as irritable bowel disease is common in our community, especially in adult patients after the exclusion of many GIT diseases. In poor sanitary conditions, continuous screening of intestinal parasites with well-trained lab specialists is crucial with empirical worm treatment in patients with worm symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Ali Gaffer
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory SciencesAlzaeim Alazhari UniversityKhartoumSudan
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23
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Shaver AO, Wit J, Dilks CM, Crombie TA, Li H, Aroian RV, Andersen EC. Variation in anthelmintic responses are driven by genetic differences among diverse C. elegans wild strains. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011285. [PMID: 37011090 PMCID: PMC10101645 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of parasitic nematode infections in humans and livestock relies on a limited arsenal of anthelmintic drugs that have historically reduced parasite burdens. However, anthelmintic resistance (AR) is increasing, and little is known about the molecular and genetic causes of resistance for most drugs. The free-living roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans has proven to be a tractable model to understand AR, where studies have led to the identification of molecular targets of all major anthelmintic drug classes. Here, we used genetically diverse C. elegans strains to perform dose-response analyses across 26 anthelmintic drugs that represent the three major anthelmintic drug classes (benzimidazoles, macrocyclic lactones, and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists) in addition to seven other anthelmintic classes. First, we found that C. elegans strains displayed similar anthelmintic responses within drug classes and significant variation across drug classes. Next, we compared the effective concentration estimates to induce a 10% maximal response (EC10) and slope estimates of each dose-response curve of each strain to the laboratory reference strain, which enabled the identification of anthelmintics with population-wide differences to understand how genetics contribute to AR. Because genetically diverse strains displayed differential susceptibilities within and across anthelmintics, we show that C. elegans is a useful model for screening potential nematicides before applications to helminths. Third, we quantified the levels of anthelmintic response variation caused by genetic differences among individuals (heritability) to each drug and observed a significant correlation between exposure closest to the EC10 and the exposure that exhibited the most heritable responses. These results suggest drugs to prioritize in genome-wide association studies, which will enable the identification of AR genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda O. Shaver
- Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Janneke Wit
- Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Clayton M. Dilks
- Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Timothy A. Crombie
- Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Hanchen Li
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Raffi V. Aroian
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Erik C. Andersen
- Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
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24
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Amoak D, Dhillon S, Antabe R, Sano Y, Luginaah I. Factors Associated with Deworming Medication Utilization among Pregnant Women in Benin: Evidence from the Demographic and Health Survey. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8030166. [PMID: 36977167 PMCID: PMC10053996 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8030166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Deworming medication utilization is a useful strategy to reduce the burden of anemia among pregnant women. Yet, we know very little about the prevalence and correlates of deworming medication utilization among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa, including Benin. To address this void in the literature, we used the 2017–2018 Benin Demographic and Health Survey and applied logistic regression analysis to explore the demographic, socioeconomic, and healthcare factors associated with deworming medication utilization in Benin. We found that deworming medication coverage was 65% at the national level. We observed that women aged 35–49 years were less likely to use deworming medication compared to those aged 15–24 years (OR = 0.79, p < 0.01). Compared to Christian women, Muslim women (OR = 0.70, p < 0.01) and women of other religions (OR = 0.51, p < 0.01) were also less likely to use deworming medication. Moreover, women with lower levels of education and household wealth, as well as unemployed women, were less likely to use deworming medication in comparison to their educated, richer, and employed counterparts. Women who visited ANC fewer than eight times were also less likely to use deworming medication compared to their counterparts who did so eight times or more (OR = 0.65, p < 0.001). Based on these findings, we discussed several implications for policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Amoak
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada
| | - Satveer Dhillon
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada
| | - Roger Antabe
- Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Scarborough, ON M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Yujiro Sano
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Nipissing University, North Bay, ON P1B 8L7, Canada
- Correspondence:
| | - Isaac Luginaah
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada
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25
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Uzoechi SC, Rosa BA, Singh KS, Choi YJ, Bracken BK, Brindley PJ, Townsend RR, Sprung R, Zhan B, Bottazzi ME, Hawdon JM, Wong Y, Loukas A, Djuranovic S, Mitreva M. Excretory/Secretory Proteome of Females and Males of the Hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12010095. [PMID: 36678443 PMCID: PMC9865600 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The dynamic host-parasite mechanisms underlying hookworm infection establishment and maintenance in mammalian hosts remain poorly understood but are primarily mediated by hookworm's excretory/secretory products (ESPs), which have a wide spectrum of biological functions. We used ultra-high performance mass spectrometry to comprehensively profile and compare female and male ESPs from the zoonotic human hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum, which is a natural parasite of dogs, cats, and humans. We improved the genome annotation, decreasing the number of protein-coding genes by 49% while improving completeness from 92 to 96%. Compared to the previous genome annotation, we detected 11% and 10% more spectra in female and male ESPs, respectively, using this improved version, identifying a total of 795 ESPs (70% in both sexes, with the remaining sex-specific). Using functional databases (KEGG, GO and Interpro), common and sex-specific enriched functions were identified. Comparisons with the exclusively human-infective hookworm Necator americanus identified species-specific and conserved ESPs. This is the first study identifying ESPs from female and male A. ceylanicum. The findings provide a deeper understanding of hookworm protein functions that assure long-term host survival and facilitate future engineering of transgenic hookworms and analysis of regulatory elements mediating the high-level expression of ESPs. Furthermore, the findings expand the list of potential vaccine and diagnostic targets and identify biologics that can be explored for anti-inflammatory potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel C. Uzoechi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Bruce A. Rosa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kumar Sachin Singh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Young-Jun Choi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | | | - Paul J. Brindley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - R. Reid Townsend
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipid Research, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Robert Sprung
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipid Research, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Bin Zhan
- Department of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Maria-Elena Bottazzi
- Department of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - John M. Hawdon
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Yide Wong
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns 4878, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns 4878, Australia
| | - Sergej Djuranovic
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Makedonka Mitreva
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Correspondence:
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26
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Nath TC, Eom KS, Choe S, Park H, Lee D. Molecular evidence of hookworms in public environment of Bangladesh. Sci Rep 2023; 13:133. [PMID: 36599848 PMCID: PMC9813010 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26813-8] [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: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Accurate diagnosis by precise identification of causative agents is essential for the effectiveness of any control interventions. Despite high zoonotic potential, available literature on hookworms in Bangladesh is still scarce and nonspecific. The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of hookworms in public locations across northeastern Bangladesh (Sylhet metropolitan area) using integrated parasitological and molecular assays. A total of 130 samples (80 soil and 50 environmental canine feces) were collected and examined using modified flotation technique and formalin-ether sedimentation methods. Modified plate culture was used to isolate larvae. The identification was made based on morphometric features and confirmed by amplifying the ITS region of the nuclear rDNA. Overall, 66.2% (86/130) of examined samples were positive for hookworms infection. Characteristic eggs (61-68 × 29-37 μm) and/or larvae of hookworms were observed in 73.8% (59/80) soils and 54.0% (27/50) environmental fecal samples. Rhabditiform larvae (0.48-0.54 × 0.04-0.07 mm) were observed in cultured samples. Genetic analysis of rDNA sequences revealed the presence of Ancylostoma caninum and Ancylostoma ceylanicum. In this study, hookworms' contamination of the public environment was substantial. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first molecular proof of A. caninum and A. ceylanicum observed in urban public environment in Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilak Chandra Nath
- International Parasite Resource Bank, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
- Department of Parasitology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Keeseon S Eom
- International Parasite Resource Bank, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
- Department of Parasitology and Parasite Research Center, School of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Seongjun Choe
- Department of Parasitology and Parasite Research Center, School of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Hansol Park
- International Parasite Resource Bank, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea.
- Department of Parasitology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh.
| | - Dongmin Lee
- International Parasite Resource Bank, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea.
- Department of Parasitology and Parasite Research Center, School of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea.
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27
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Williams PDE, Kashyap SS, McHugh MA, Brewer MT, Robertson AP, Martin RJ. Diethylcarbamazine, TRP channels and Ca 2+ signaling in cells of the Ascaris intestine. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21317. [PMID: 36494409 PMCID: PMC9734116 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25648-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The nematode parasite intestine absorbs nutrients, is involved in innate immunity, can metabolize xenobiotics and as we show here, is also a site of action of the anthelmintic, diethylcarbamazine. Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) is used to treat lymphatic filariasis and activates TRP-2, GON-2 & CED-11 TRP channels in Brugia malayi muscle cells producing spastic paralysis. DEC also has stimulatory effects on ascarid nematode parasites. Using PCR techniques, we detected, in Ascaris suum intestine, message for: Asu-trp-2, Asu-gon-2, Asu-ced-11, Asu-ocr-1, Asu-osm-9 and Asu-trpa-1. Comparison of amino-acid sequences of the TRP channels of B. malayi, and A. suum revealed noteworthy similarity, suggesting that the intestine of Ascaris will also be sensitive to DEC. We used Fluo-3AM as a Ca2+ indicator and observed characteristic unsteady time-dependent increases in the Ca2+ signal in the intestine in response to DEC. Application of La3+ and the TRP channel inhibitors, 2-APB or SKF 96365, inhibited DEC mediated increases in intracellular Ca2+. These observations are important because they emphasize that the nematode intestine, in addition to muscle, is a site of action of DEC as well as other anthelmintics. DEC may also enhance the Ca2+ toxicity effects of other anthelmintics acting on the intestine or, increase the effects of other anthelmintics that are metabolized and excreted by the nematode intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul D E Williams
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | | | - Mark A McHugh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Matthew T Brewer
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Alan P Robertson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Richard J Martin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
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28
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Pilotte N, Manuel M, Walson JL, Ajjampur SSR. Community-wide mass drug administration for soil-transmitted helminths – risk of drug resistance and mitigation strategies. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.897155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mass drug administration programs for the control of soil-transmitted helminths (STH) in humans most commonly utilize a single class of drugs; the benzimidazoles. Most such programs focus on the treatment of pre-school and school aged children attending schools, although there is increasing interest in the potential utility of community-wide MDA to reduce infection intensity within communities and possibly to interrupt STH transmission. In animals, mass treatment with benzimidazoles leads to the rapid selection of parasites containing resistance-encoding single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and the potential emergence of resistance in parasite species that infect humans is of major potential public health concern. As programs scale up delivery of anthelmintics and consider expanding treated populations, monitoring of drug efficacy and the potential emergence of anthelmintic resistance with sensitive diagnostic tools is critical to ensure the continued success of STH control programs. In particular, as programs consider the adoption of community-wide deworming, there is concern that such a strategy may increase the risk of drug resistance by limiting the number of untreated individuals which serve as a refugia of unexposed worm populations. We review the literature for evidence of drug resistance in human STH infections and explore risks and mitigation strategies for emergence of drug resistance in the context of community-wide deworming.
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29
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Alemu Y, Degefa T, Bajiro M, Teshome G. Prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminths infection among individuals in model and non-model households, South West Ethiopia: A comparative cross-sectional community based study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276137. [PMID: 36251667 PMCID: PMC9576057 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) is a term used to refer to infections caused by intestinal worms mainly due to A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura, and hookworm species which are transmitted through contaminated soil. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence and intensity of STHs infection among individual members living within the selected household heads (HHs) certified either as a model HHs or non-model HHs based on the implementation level of a training program known as the Health Extension Program (HEP). A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2018 at Seka Chekorsa Woreda, Jimma zone. Model and non-model HHs were selected systematically from each of the randomly selected district villages employing a multistage sampling technique. Sociodemographic and risk factors data associated with STHs infections were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Parasitological stool sample microscopic examination was done using saline wet mount and Kato Katz thick smear technique. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 20 for descriptive statistics, comparison, and logistic regression at a p-value < 0.05 for statistical significance. Overall, 612 individuals were recruited in the study from 120 randomly selected HHs. The prevalence of STHs infections was found to be 32.4%. A total of 45 (14.7%) model and 153 (50.0%) non-model individual participants were positive for at least one species of STHs showing a significant difference between individuals in model and non-model HHs (AOR: 6.543, 95% CI; 4.36-9.82, P<0.001). The dominant STHs were T. trichiura (21.6%) followed by A. lumbricoides (6.4%) and hookworms (2.3%). The intensity of T. trichiura and A. lumbricoides infection have shown a significant difference (p<0.05) while hookworm species infection was not significantly different (p>0.05) for the individuals in the HHs groups. On the other hand, the households training status, age of participants, and latrine use pattern were found significant predictors of STHs infection prevalence in the multivariate analysis (P<0.05). Therefore, the prevalence and intensity of STHs infection was higher among individuals living in a non-model HHs than model HHs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonas Alemu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology (DMIP), School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Teshome Degefa
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Mitiku Bajiro
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Getachew Teshome
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Intestinal Parasites and Enteric Bacterial Infections among Selected Region Food Handlers of Ethiopia during 2014-2022: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. ScientificWorldJournal 2022; 2022:7786036. [PMID: 36277127 PMCID: PMC9581692 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7786036] [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: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Food-borne disease due to intestinal parasites (IPs) and enteric bacterial infections (EBIs) remain a major public health problem. Food handlers, individuals involved in preparing and serving food, working with poor personal hygiene could pose a potential threat of spreading IPs and EBIs to the public. The aim of this study was to examine the overall prevalence and risk factors of IPs and EBIs among food handlers in four selected regions of Ethiopia. Scientific articles written in English were recovered from PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and other sources from Google Engine and University Library Databases. “Prevalence,” “Intestinal Parasites,” “Enteric Bacterial Infections,” “Associated Factors,” “Food Handlers,” and “Ethiopia” were the search terms used for this study. For critical appraisal, PRISMA 2009 was applied. Stata software version 16 was used to perform the meta-analysis. Heterogeneity and publication bias were evaluated using Cochran's Q, inverse variance (I2), and funnel plot asymmetry tests. A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled burden of IPs and EBIs and its associated factors among food handlers, along with the parallel odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). For this meta-analysis, a total of 5844 food handlers were included in the 20 eligible studies. The overall pooled prevalence of IPs and EBIs among food handlers in four selected regions of Ethiopia was 29.16% (95% CI: 22.61, 35.71), with covering (25.77%) and (3.39%) by IPs and EBIs, respectively. Ascaris lumbricoides, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Giardia lamblia, and hookworm were the most prevalent IPs among food handlers with a pooled prevalence of 7.58%, 6.78%, 3.67%, and 2.70%, respectively. Salmonella and Shigella spp. were the most prevalent EBIs among food handlers with a pooled prevalence of 2.78% and 0.61%, respectively. A high prevalence of IPs and EBIs among food handlers was observed in Oromia (38.56%; 95% CI: 29.98, 47.14), while a low prevalence was observed in the Tigray region (19.45%; 95% CI: 6.08, 32.82). Food handlers who had not taken food hygiene training (OR: 0.68, 95% CI: −0.34, 1.69), untrimmed finger nail (OR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.47, 2.99), lack of periodic medical checkup (OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 0.41, 2.64), lack of handwashing habits (OR: 1.97, 95% CI: 0.53, 3.41), and eating raw vegetables and meat (OR: 2.63, 95% CI: 0.92, 4.34) were factors significantly associated with the prevalence of IPs and EBIs. The prevalence of IPs and EBIs was high in the selected Ethiopian region (Amhara, Oromia, SNNPR, and Tigray) food handlers along an increasing prevalence trend from 2014 to 2022. Therefore, this study recommends the provision of proper health education and training regarding personal hygiene, hand washing, food handling, medical checks, as well as raw vegetable and meat safety.
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Peng J, Federman HG, Hernandez C, Siracusa MC. Communication is key: Innate immune cells regulate host protection to helminths. Front Immunol 2022; 13:995432. [PMID: 36225918 PMCID: PMC9548658 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.995432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic helminth infections remain a significant global health issue and are responsible for devastating morbidity and economic hardships. During infection, helminths migrate through different host organs, which results in substantial tissue damage and the release of diverse effector molecules by both hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells. Thus, host protective responses to helminths must initiate mechanisms that help to promote worm clearance while simultaneously mitigating tissue injury. The specialized immunity that promotes these responses is termed type 2 inflammation and is initiated by the recruitment and activation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, mast cells, basophils, eosinophils, dendritic cells, neutrophils, macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and group 2 innate lymphoid cells. Recent work has also revealed the importance of neuron-derived signals in regulating type 2 inflammation and antihelminth immunity. These studies suggest that multiple body systems coordinate to promote optimal outcomes post-infection. In this review, we will describe the innate immune events that direct the scope and intensity of antihelminth immunity. Further, we will highlight the recent progress made in our understanding of the neuro-immune interactions that regulate these pathways and discuss the conceptual advances they promote.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianya Peng
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
- Department of Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Hannah G. Federman
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
- Department of Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Christina M. Hernandez
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
- Department of Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Mark C. Siracusa
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
- Department of Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
- *Correspondence: Mark C. Siracusa,
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Hajare ST, Mulu T, Upadhye VJ, Chauhan NM, Eriso F. Prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides infections among elementary school children and associated risk factors from Southern Ethiopia. J Parasit Dis 2022; 46:643-652. [PMID: 36091269 PMCID: PMC9458788 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01475-5] [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: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal parasitic infections are distributed virtually throughout the world, with high prevalence rates in tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world as well as in Ethiopia. Children between age groups of 5-10 years are at the highest risk of infection. The intestinal nematode Ascaris lumbricoides infects approximately 25% of the world's population annually. Hence, this study was the first attempt to assess the prevalence and associated factors of A. lumbricoides infection among the school children from Offa district, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April, 2020 in three selected elementary school. Data were collected through questionnaires and stool samples examination. The overall prevalence of A. lumbricoides was noted as 41.4% and was the leading cause of intestinal parasitoids followed by Schistosoma mansoni (27.6%), Trichuris trichiura (18.1%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (4.1%). Children age group between 5 and 10 years found more susceptible to the infection. Eating habits like unwashed raw vegetables (P = 0.035), absence of toilets (P = 0.000), children who defecate in open field (P = 0.041), drinking unprotected water (P = 0.034), toilet without cover (P = 0.027), lack of hand washing before meal and after defecation (P = 0.000), (P = 0.048) were the key factors significantly associated with A. lumbricoides infection. The present study showed that A. lumbricoides was a major health problem among school children and requires annual de-worming to control morbidity associated with intestinal parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Tulshiram Hajare
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Dilla University, SNNPR, 419 Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Tizazu Mulu
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Dilla University, SNNPR, 419 Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Vijay J. Upadhye
- Parul Institute of Applied Sciences, Parul University, 391760 Vadodara, Gujarat India
| | - Nitin Mahendra Chauhan
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Dilla University, SNNPR, 419 Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Feleke Eriso
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Dilla University, SNNPR, 419 Dilla, Ethiopia
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Chong NS, Hardwick RJ, Smith? SR, Truscott JE, Anderson RM. A prevalence-based transmission model for the study of the epidemiology and control of soil-transmitted helminthiasis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272600. [PMID: 36006929 PMCID: PMC9409602 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Much effort has been devoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) to eliminate soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections by 2030 using mass drug administration targeted at particular risk groups alongside the availability to access water, sanitation and hygiene services. The targets set by the WHO for the control of helminth infections are typically defined in terms of the prevalence of infection, whereas the standard formulation of STH transmission models typically describe dynamic changes in the mean-worm burden. We develop a prevalence-based deterministic model to investigate the transmission dynamics of soil-transmitted helminthiasis in humans, subject to continuous exposure to infection over time. We analytically determine local stability criteria for all equilibria and find bifurcation points. Our model predicts that STH infection will either be eliminated (if the initial prevalence value, y(0), is sufficiently small) or remain endemic (if y(0) is sufficiently large), with the two stable points of endemic infection and parasite eradication separated by a transmission breakpoint. Two special cases of the model are analysed: (1) the distribution of the STH parasites in the host population is highly aggregated following a negative binomial distribution, and (2) no density-dependent effects act on the parasite population. We find that disease extinction is always possible for Case (1), but it is not so for Case (2) if y(0) is sufficiently large. However, by introducing stochastic perturbation into the deterministic model, we discover that chance effects can lead to outcomes not predicted by the deterministic model alone, with outcomes highly dependent on the degree of worm clumping, k. Specifically, we show that if the reproduction number and clumping are sufficiently bounded, then stochasticity will cause the parasite to die out. It follows that control of soil-transmitted helminths will be more difficult if the worm distribution tends towards clumping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nyuk Sian Chong
- Faculty of Ocean Engineering Technology and Informatics, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Robert J. Hardwick
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, St. Mary’s Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stacey R. Smith?
- Department of Mathematics and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - James E. Truscott
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, St. Mary’s Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Roy M. Anderson
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, St. Mary’s Campus, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Feleke DG, Ali A, Bisetegn H, Debash H, Birara W, Andualem A. Soil-transmitted helminthes and Schistosoma mansoni infections among primary school children at Ambasame primary school, North-West Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:477. [PMID: 35932006 PMCID: PMC9356502 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03534-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STHs) are the major public health problem in the world especially in school age children. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the burden of soil transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni among Ambesame primary school children, North-West Ethiopia. METHOD A cross sectional study was carried out at Ambasame primary school children from March to May, 2019. Study participants were selected using systematic random sampling technique. Socio-demographic characteristics and other factors were collected using structured questionnaire. Moreover, stool samples were examined microscopically using wet mount and formol ether concentration techniques. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Logistic regression analysis was done to investigate the association between dependent and independent variables. P-value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULT The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 117(31.2%). The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthes and S.mansoni was 110 (29.3%) using formol ether concentration technique. The most predominant parasite was S. mansoni (10.7%), followed by hookworm (5.6%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that, helminthic infection was associated with children less than 7 years of age (P-value = 0.019, AOR = 3.29, 95% CI (1.21-8.91)); fathers who are able to read and write (P-value< 0.001, AOR = 5.4, 95% CI (2.37-12.33)); absence of latrine (P-value = 0.016, AOR = 12.96, 95% CI (1.60-104.87)) and untrimmed nail (P-value = 0.043, AOR = 2.09, 95% CI (1.02-4.27)). CONCLUSION This study revealed that the prevalence of intestinal helminthes among Ambasame primary school children was relatively high. The lower educational status of father, absence of latrine and untrimmed finger nail showed statistically significant association with intestinal helminthic infection. This indicates the school community, health offices and other stakeholders should plan a strategy to tackle problems associated with sanitary condition. Furthermore, Health policy makers, healthcare workers and health extension workers should enhance their effort of awareness creation for school children, parents, school community about personal hygiene, environmental sanitation, intestinal parasites transmission, prevention and control. Moreover, mass deworming of school children and periodic screening for parasitic infection should be done.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Getacher Feleke
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Abdurahaman Ali
- Department of Medical laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Habtye Bisetegn
- Department of Medical laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Habtu Debash
- Department of Medical laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Workineh Birara
- Department of Medical laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Alehegn Andualem
- Department of Medical laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
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Abera W, Gintamo B, Shitemaw T, Mekuria ZN, Gizaw Z. Prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated factors among food handlers in food establishments in the Lideta subcity of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: an institution-based, cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e061688. [PMID: 35858725 PMCID: PMC9305799 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061688] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites and the associated factors among food handlers in the Lideta subcity of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. DESIGN An institution-based, cross-sectional study design was used. Stool samples were collected from food handlers and examined using direct wet mount and formalin-ether concentration techniques. Personal and establishment-related information was collected using a pretested questionnaire, with a structured observation. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the prevalence of intestinal parasites on the basis of adjusted OR (AOR) and 95% CI and p values <0.05. SETTING Food establishments in the Lideta subcity of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. PARTICIPANTS 411 food handlers participated in the study. OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the prevalence of intestinal parasites, defined as the presence of one or more intestinal parasitic species in stool samples. RESULTS One or more intestinal parasites were detected in 171 (41.6%; 95% CI 36.6% to 46.4%) stool samples. The most common intestinal parasites were Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (12.7%), Giardia duodenalis (11.2%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (8.3%). The presence of intestinal parasites among food handlers was associated with low monthly income (AOR: 2.83, 95% CI 1.50 to 8.84), untrimmed fingernails (AOR: 4.36, 95% CI 1.98 to 11.90), no food safety training (AOR: 2.51, 95% CI 1.20 to 5.58), low level of education (AOR: 3.13, 95% CI 1.34 to 7.44), poor handwashing practice (AOR: 2.16, 95% CI 1.03 to 4.22) and lack of medical check-up (AOR: 2.31, 95% CI 1.18 to 6.95). CONCLUSION The prevalence of intestinal parasites among food handlers in food establishments in the Lideta subcity of Addis Ababa was high. The presence of intestinal parasites was linked to socioeconomic conditions, poor hand hygiene conditions and absence of food safety training. It is crucially important to promote handwashing practices and provide food hygiene and safety training in these settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woinishet Abera
- Department of Public Health, Yanet Health College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Binyam Gintamo
- Department of Public Health, Yanet Health College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Public Health, Addis Ababa Medical and Business College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tewoderos Shitemaw
- Department of Public Health, Yanet Health College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Anesthesia Department, Menelik II Health and Medical Science College, Kotebe Metropolitan University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Zelalem Negash Mekuria
- Department of Public Health, Yanet Health College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Public Health, Addis Ababa Medical and Business College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Zemichael Gizaw
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Zhu HH, Huang JL, Chen YD, Zhou CH, Zhu TJ, Qian MB, Zhang MZ, Li SZ, Zhou XN. National surveillance of hookworm disease in China: A population study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010405. [PMID: 35679319 PMCID: PMC9182288 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hookworm disease is endemic in China and is widespread globally. The disease burden to humans is great. Methods The study described the national surveillance of hookworm implemented in 31 provinces/autonomous regions/municipalities (P/A/Ms) of China in 2019. Each P/A/M determined the number and location of surveillance spots (counties). A unified sampling method was employed, and at least 1000 subjects were investigated in each surveillance spot. The modified Kato-Katz thick smear method was employed for stool examination. Fifty samples positive with hookworm eggs were cultured in each surveillance spot to discriminate species between A. duodenale and N. americanus. Twenty-five soil samples were collected from each surveillance spot and examined for hookworm larva. The 2019 surveillance results were analyzed and compared with that of 2016–2018. Results A total of 424766 subjects were investigated in 31 P/A/Ms of China in 2019, and the overall hookworm infection rate was 0.85% (3580/424766). The weighted infection and standard infection rates were 0.66% (4288357/648063870) and 0.67% (4343844/648063870), respectively. Sichuan province had the highest standard infection rate (4.75%) in 2019, followed by Chongqing (2.54%) and Hainan (2.44%). The standard infection rates of other P/A/Ms were all below 1%, with no hookworm detected in 15 P/A/Ms. The standard hookworm infection rate in the males and the females were 0.61% (2021216/330728900) and 0.71% (2267141/317334970), respectively, with a significant difference between different genders ( χ2 = 17.23, P<0.0001). The highest standard hookworm infection rate (1.97%) was among age ≥ 60 years, followed by 45~59 years (0.77%), 15~44 years (0.37%), and 7~14 years (0.20%). The lowest standard infection rate was among the 0~6 years age group (0.12%). A significant difference was observed among different age groups ( χ2 = 2 305.17, P<0.0001). The constitute ratio for N. americanus, A. duodenale, and coinfection was 78.70% (1341/1704), 2.03% (346/1704), and 1.00% (17/1704), respectively. The detection rate of hookworm larva from soil was 3.45% (71/2056). Conclusion The national surveillance showed that the hookworm infection rate has been decreasing annually from 2016 to 2019, and it is now below 1%. China has made significant progress in controlling hookworm. The national surveillance system is an important way to understand the endemic status and provide important information in this process and thus needs to be continually optimized. Hookworm disease is endemic in China. The national surveillance system on important parasitic diseases including hookworm infection has been established in China. Stool samples were collected from participants, and the Kato-Katz method was applied to detect helminth eggs while samples with hookworm eggs were further cultured to differentiate the species of the parasite. Additionally, soil samples were collected and examined for hookworm larva. In 2019, the overall infection rate of hookworm in China was 0.85% (3580/424766). High prevalence was demonstrated in Western and Southern China, including Sichuan (4.75%), Chongqing (2.54%) and Hainan (2.44%). The prevalence was high in the females (0.71%) than in the males (0.61%), while it was high in older population especially those age over 60 years. N. americanus dominated the hookworm species. The prevalence of hookworm in soil was 3.45%. Overally, hookworm infection decreased to a low level in China. However, there still exist high endemic areas. Thus, intervention needs to be applied in the high endemic areas and elder population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Hui Zhu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji-Lei Huang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying-Dan Chen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Chang-Hai Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting-Jun Zhu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Men-Bao Qian
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research-Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mi-Zhen Zhang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Zhu Li
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research-Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research-Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail:
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Schälter F, Frech M, Dürholz K, Lucas S, Sarter K, Lebon L, Esser-von Bieren J, Dubey LK, Voehringer D, Schett G, Harris NL, Zaiss MM. Acetate, a metabolic product of Heligmosomoides polygyrus, facilitates intestinal epithelial barrier breakdown in a FFAR2-dependent manner. Int J Parasitol 2022; 52:591-601. [PMID: 35671792 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2022.04.004] [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: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 2 billion people worldwide and a significant part of the domestic livestock are infected with soil-transmitted helminths, of which many establish chronic infections causing substantial economic and welfare burdens. Beside intensive research on helminth-triggered mucosal and systemic immune responses, the local mechanism that enables infective larvae to cross the intestinal epithelial barrier and invade mucosal tissue remains poorly addressed. Here, we show that Heligmosomoides polygyrus infective L3s secrete acetate and that acetate potentially facilitates paracellular epithelial tissue invasion by changed epithelial tight junction claudin expression. In vitro, impedance-based real-time epithelial cell line barrier measurements together with ex vivo functional permeability assays in intestinal organoid cultures revealed that acetate decreased intercellular barrier function via the G-protein coupled free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR2, GPR43). In vivo validation experiments in FFAR2-/- mice showed lower H. polygyrus burdens, whereas oral acetate-treated C57BL/6 wild type mice showed higher burdens. These data suggest that locally secreted acetate - as a metabolic product of the energy metabolism of H. polygyrus L3s - provides a significant advantage to the parasite in crossing the intestinal epithelial barrier and invading mucosal tissues. This is the first and a rate-limiting step for helminths to establish chronic infections in their hosts and if modulated could have profound consequences for their life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Schälter
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Frech
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kerstin Dürholz
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sébastien Lucas
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kerstin Sarter
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Luc Lebon
- Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland
| | - Julia Esser-von Bieren
- Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland; Center of Allergy and Environment, Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Lalit K Dubey
- Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland; Centre of Microvascular Research, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
| | - David Voehringer
- Department of Infection Biology, University Hospital Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Georg Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nicola L Harris
- Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland; Department of Immunology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mario M Zaiss
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany; Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland.
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Sweileh WM. Contribution of researchers in Arab countries to scientific publications on neglected tropical diseases (1971 - 2020). Trop Dis Travel Med Vaccines 2022; 8:14. [PMID: 35650654 PMCID: PMC9159044 DOI: 10.1186/s40794-022-00173-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are endemic in several Arab countries. The purpose of the current study was to assess the contribution of researchers in Arab countries to the knowledge base on NTDs using bibliometric indicators. METHODS Keywords related to all 20 NTDs were obtained from previously published bibliometric studies and were combined with the names of Arab countries listed as country affiliation. the search strategy was implemented in the Scopus database and bibliometric indicators were generated for the study period from 1971 to 2020 RESULTS: The search strategy generated 6542 documents; representing less than 4% of the global research in the field. Scientific research on NTDs from researchers in Arab countries (a) has experienced slow growth; (b) generated a relatively inadequate number of publications over the study period; (c) was disseminated mainly through journals in the field of parasitology or tropical medicine; (d) was contributed by researchers from the 22 Arab countries, but mainly by researchers from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan; (e) has fragmented author networks with weak collaboration between active authors in the field; (f) was characterized by strong cross-country research collaboration with researchers in the US and the UK; (g) has focused on three main diseases, specifically, schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, and onchocerciasis, and (h) showed less emphasis on soil-transmitted helminthiasis infections despite high prevalence. CONCLUSIONS Arab countries cannot achieve the 2030 global agenda without control and elimination of prevalent NTDs. Researchers in Arab countries need to establish strong research networks to exchange expertise on all NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleed M Sweileh
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology/Toxicology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
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Teimouri A, Alimi R, Farsi S, Mikaeili F. Intestinal parasitic infections among patients referred to hospitals affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, southern Iran: a retrospective study in pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:36911-36919. [PMID: 35066821 PMCID: PMC8783790 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-18192-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are still a serious public health problem worldwide, particularly in developing countries. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected people's lifestyles and quality of life. Besides, the prevalence of IPIs is directly associated with environmental sanitation, overcrowding, and personal hygiene. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine the prevalence of IPIs among patients referred to hospitals affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences by reviewing the available data of hospital information system database in the pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic. The total data of 13,686 patients referred to hospitals affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, southern Iran were collected from March 2019 to March 2021. The overall prevalence of IPIs was found to be 4.4%, and Blastocystis spp. was the most common parasite. The prevalence of protozoan parasites (4.4%) was significantly higher than helminthic parasites (0.04%, P < 0.001). A significant association was observed between IPIs with age, gender, and year (P < 0.05). The prevalence of IPIs among those referred to hospitals before the COVID-19 pandemic was higher than those referred to hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic (5.8% vs 2.8%), and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001). The odds of infection among people investigated during the COVID-19 pandemic was about 40% lower than those investigated before the COVID-19 pandemic (AOR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.49-0.73, P < 0.001). Our results showed that the prevalence of IPIs has decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Improved sanitation, personal hygiene, and health education can be effective in reducing parasitic infections in the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aref Teimouri
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Rasoul Alimi
- Department of Public Health, School of Health, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Samaneh Farsi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fattaneh Mikaeili
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Tareke AA. Spatial variation and associated factors of deworming among children aged 24 to 59 months in Ethiopia: spatial and multilevel logistic analysis. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:698. [PMID: 35397537 PMCID: PMC8994314 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13156-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intestinal parasitic infection is one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTD) which is mainly concentrated in developing countries. Gastrointestinal parasitic infections are diseases of poverty, which mainly affects children living in tropical and subtropical regions like Ethiopia. Deworming to children aged 24–59 months of age is one of the strategic initiatives to halt the global burden of intestinal parasitosis among under-five children. The information generated at local levels like hotspot areas (clusters with a high proportion of poor deworming uptake) that were identified in this study could help decision-makers to develop location-based interventional strategies. Objective This study was aimed to assess the spatial variation and factors associated with poor deworming uptake among children aged 24–59 months in Ethiopia using evidence from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey (EDHS). Methods To explore, create, visualize and edit the spatial information of poor uptake of deworming medication, ArcGIS version 10.8 software was used. The spatial pattern of poor deworming uptake was determined using global spatial autocorrelation. Purely spatial scan statistic was used to identify statistically significant hotspot areas using SaTScan™ version 9.7 software. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was fitted to identify factors associated with poor deworming uptake in Ethiopia. Variables with a p-value< 0.2 in the bivariable regression were considered for multivariable regression analysis. Adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and p-value < 0.05 were used to declare the statistical significance of each factor. Results The spatial pattern of poor deworming uptake in Ethiopia was non-random, i.e. clustered. The most likely cluster was found concentrated in most parts of Somali and East Oromia. Variables like being born from an uneducated mother ((Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.16–2.36)), being born from an unemployed mother (AOR = 1. 1.43; 95% CI: 1.19–1.74), being delivered at home (AOR = 1.60 95% CI: 1.27, 2.02), diarrhea in the last 2 weeks (AOR = 0.68, 95%CI: 0.51, 0.90), and region of residency were the significant variables associated with poor deworming medication uptake among children aged to 24 to 59 months in Ethiopia. Conclusion The spatial pattern of poor deworming uptake was non-random in Ethiopia. Variables like educational status, employment, distance, place of delivery, diarrhea and region of living were found associated with poor deworming uptake. Tailoring interventional programs based on identified clusters is recommended to minimize this unfavorable deworming uptake.
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Chelkeba L, Mekonnen Z, Emana D, Jimma W, Melaku T. Prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths infections among preschool and school-age children in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Glob Health Res Policy 2022; 7:9. [PMID: 35307028 PMCID: PMC8935818 DOI: 10.1186/s41256-022-00239-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a lack of comprehensive national data on prevalence, geographical distribution of different species, and temporal trends in soil-helminthiasis (STHs). Therefore, this study aimed to provide a summary and location of the available data on STHs infection among preschool and school-age children in Ethiopia. METHODS The search was carried out in Medline via PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar on data published between 1997 to February 2020 for studies describing the rate of STHs infection among preschool and school-age in Ethiopian. We followed the Patient, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome (PICO) approach to identify the studies. Meta-regression was performed to understand the trends and to summarize the prevalence using the "metaprop" command using STATA software version 14.0 RESULTS: A total of 29,311 of the 61,690 children examined during the period under review were infected with one or more species of intestinal parasites yielding an overall prevalence of 48% (95% CI: 43-53%). The overall pooled estimate of STHs was 33% (95% CI: 28-38%). The prevalence was 44% (95% CI: 31-58%) in SNNPR, 34% (95% CI: 28-41%) in Amhara region, 31% (95% CI: 19-43%) in Oromia region and 10% (95% CI: 7-12%) in Tigray region. Soil-transmitted helminths infection rate has been decreasing from 44% (95% CI: 30-57%) pre-Mass Drug Administration (MDA) era (1997-2012) to 30% (95% CI: 25-34%) post-MDA (2013-2020), although statistically not significant (p = 0.45). A lumbricoides was the predominant species with a prevalence of 17%. CONCLUSION Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Region, Amhara, and Oromia regions carry the highest-burden and are categorized to Moderate Risk Zones (MRZ) and therefore, requiring MDA once annually with Albendazole or Mebendazole. The prevalence of STHs decreased after MDA compared to before MDA, but the decline was not statistically significant. A. lumbricoides was the predominant species of STHs among preschool and school-age children in Ethiopia. The high prevalence of STHs observed in this review, underscores the need for better control and prevention strategies in Ethiopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Legese Chelkeba
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College Health Sciences, Black Lion Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Zeleke Mekonnen
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Daniel Emana
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Worku Jimma
- Department of Information Science, College of Natural Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Tsegaye Melaku
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.
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Morley NJ. Vertebrates as uninfected disseminators of helminth eggs and larvae. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2022; 115:45-170. [PMID: 35249663 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2021.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The passive dispersal of non-mobile organisms by vertebrates (zoochory) is a common mechanism used to explain their often widespread distribution. Transport occurs either internally via the vertebrate digestive tract (endozoochory), or externally be adhering to skin, feathers or fur (ectozoochory), and its success is due to both physiological and ecological factors associated with the disseminating 'hosting' animal. Helminth eggs and larvae are generally non-mobile stages that are largely dependent on the movement of another animal, typically a host, for geographical dissemination. Studies on the zoochory of helminths by vertebrates are extensive and particularly long-standing, stretching back to the 19th century, although this literature is often overlooked when considering the biogeography of parasites. This review assesses the potential of helminths to be dispersed passively by zoochory examining evidence from both laboratory and field studies. The physiological dynamics of the vertebrate intestines and skin surface as hostile environments, as well as the characteristics of eggs and larvae which may facilitate successful transport are evaluated. The various mechanisms of helminth endo- and ectozoochory are presented and the likelihood of long-distance dispersal determined. It is concluded that zoochory is a potentially important means of disseminating parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil J Morley
- School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey, United Kingdom.
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Cantara A, Luo Y, Dobrovolná M, Bohalova N, Fojta M, Verga D, Guittat L, Cucchiarini A, Savrimoutou S, Häberli C, Guillon J, Keiser J, Brázda V, Mergny JL. G-quadruplexes in helminth parasites. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:2719-2735. [PMID: 35234933 PMCID: PMC8934627 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic helminths infecting humans are highly prevalent infecting ∼2 billion people worldwide, causing inflammatory responses, malnutrition and anemia that are the primary cause of morbidity. In addition, helminth infections of cattle have a significant economic impact on livestock production, milk yield and fertility. The etiological agents of helminth infections are mainly Nematodes (roundworms) and Platyhelminths (flatworms). G-quadruplexes (G4) are unusual nucleic acid structures formed by G-rich sequences that can be recognized by specific G4 ligands. Here we used the G4Hunter Web Tool to identify and compare potential G4 sequences (PQS) in the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes of various helminths to identify G4 ligand targets. PQS are nonrandomly distributed in these genomes and often located in the proximity of genes. Unexpectedly, a Nematode, Ascaris lumbricoides, was found to be highly enriched in stable PQS. This species can tolerate high-stability G4 structures, which are not counter selected at all, in stark contrast to most other species. We experimentally confirmed G4 formation for sequences found in four different parasitic helminths. Small molecules able to selectively recognize G4 were found to bind to Schistosoma mansoni G4 motifs. Two of these ligands demonstrated potent activity both against larval and adult stages of this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Cantara
- Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Yu Luo
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France.,Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128 Palaiseau, France
| | - Michaela Dobrovolná
- Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 118, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Natalia Bohalova
- Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Fojta
- Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Daniela Verga
- CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Université Paris-Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France.,CNRS UMR9187, INSERM U1196, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - Lionel Guittat
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128 Palaiseau, France.,Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, UFR SMBH, Bobigny, France
| | - Anne Cucchiarini
- Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128 Palaiseau, France
| | - Solène Savrimoutou
- ARNA Laboratory, Université de Bordeaux, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Bordeaux, France
| | - Cécile Häberli
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jean Guillon
- ARNA Laboratory, Université de Bordeaux, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, UFR des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Bordeaux, France
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Václav Brázda
- Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 118, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jean Louis Mergny
- Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic.,Laboratoire d'Optique et Biosciences, Ecole Polytechnique, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128 Palaiseau, France
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Global incidence of helminthic contamination of vegetables, cucurbits and fruits: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Food Control 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.108582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices regarding Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis among Village Health Volunteers in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7020033. [PMID: 35202228 PMCID: PMC8877968 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7020033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminth infections are most prevalent in rural populations. Village health volunteers (VHVs) are the key individuals for Thai primary healthcare. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding soil-transmitted helminthiasis in VHVs. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 552 VHVs randomly selected from four subdistricts in a southern province of Thailand. Sociodemographic variables and information regarding the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to soil-transmitted helminthiasis were collected using a structured questionnaire. The results demonstrated that VHVs had poor knowledge (70.47%) and practices (66.49%); however, 69.57% had good attitudes. Most VHVs had inadequate knowledge and practices regarding soil-transmitted helminthiasis. VHVs who had been trained in parasitic infection control measures were 2.18 times more likely to have good knowledge. VHVs with a monthly family income of more than 307 USD were 1.58 times more likely to have a good attitude. VHVs with good knowledge were more likely to have good practices. In conclusion, the development of training programs and health promotion should be considered to enhance the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to soil-transmitted helminthiasis in VHVs, who are the key individuals for providing health education to community members.
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Estimating the population at risk with soil transmitted helminthiasis and annual drug requirements for preventive chemotherapy in Ogun State, Nigeria. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2027. [PMID: 35132144 PMCID: PMC8821603 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06012-1] [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: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Soil transmitted helminth (STH) infections are among the most common human infections worldwide with over 1 billion people affected. Many estimates of STH infection are often based on school-aged children (SAC). This study produced predictive risk-maps of STH on a more finite scale, estimated the number of people infected, and the amount of drug required for preventive chemotherapy (PC) in Ogun state, Nigeria. Georeferenced STH infection data obtained from a cross-sectional survey at 33 locations between July 2016 and November 2018, together with remotely-sensed environmental and socio-economic data were analyzed using Bayesian geostatistical modelling. Stepwise variable selection procedure was employed to select a parsimonious set of predictors to predict risk and spatial distribution of STH infections. The number of persons (pre-school ages children, SAC and adults) infected with STH were estimated, with the amount of tablets needed for preventive chemotherapy. An overall prevalence of 17.2% (95% CI 14.9, 19.5) was recorded for any STH infection. Ascaris lumbricoides infections was the most predominant, with an overall prevalence of 13.6% (95% CI 11.5, 15.7), while Hookworm and Trichuris trichiura had overall prevalence of 4.6% (95% CI 3.3, 5.9) and 1.7% (95% CI 0.9, 2.4), respectively. The model-based prevalence predictions ranged from 5.0 to 23.8% for Ascaris lumbricoides, from 2.0 to 14.5% for hookworms, and from 0.1 to 5.7% for Trichuris trichiura across the implementation units. The predictive maps revealed a spatial pattern of high risk in the central, western and on the border of Republic of Benin. The model identified soil pH, soil moisture and elevation as the main predictors of infection for A. lumbricoides, Hookworms and T. trichiura respectively. About 50% (10/20) of the implementation units require biannual rounds of mass drug administration. Approximately, a total of 1.1 million persons were infected and require 7.8 million doses. However, a sub-total of 375,374 SAC were estimated to be infected, requiring 2.7 million doses. Our predictive risk maps and estimated PC needs provide useful information for the elimination of STH, either for resource acquisition or identifying priority areas for delivery of interventions in Ogun State, Nigeria.
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Dana D, Roose S, Vlaminck J, Ayana M, Mekonnen Z, Geldhof P, Levecke B. Longitudinal assessment of the exposure to Ascaris lumbricoides through copromicroscopy and serology in school children from Jimma Town, Ethiopia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010131. [PMID: 35041666 PMCID: PMC8797258 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We previously demonstrated that serology holds promise as an alternative diagnostic tool to copromicroscopy to monitor and evaluate deworming programs targeting soil-transmitted helminths (STHs). Here we explored the dynamics of anti-Ascaris antibodies (Ab) and evaluated the Ab-isotype of choice to assess the longitudinal exposure to Ascaris in Ethiopian school children. Methodology Between October 2018 and February 2020, stool and blood samples were collected every four months from school children (4 to 6 years of age). Stool samples were analyzed by duplicate Kato-Katz to assess the presence and intensity of any STH infection. Plasma Ab-responses against the total extract of Ascaris suum lung third stage larvae were measured through in-house Ab-ELISA’s for seven different Ab-isotypes. Principal findings At baseline, 42.4% of the 66 children were excreting eggs of any STH, Trichuris (37.9%) being the most prevalent. The cumulative prevalence (proportion of children tested that positive at least once over the entire study period) was 56.1% for Trichuris and 31.8% for Ascaris. For Ascaris, re-infections were frequently observed, whereas for Trichuris, children often remained excreting eggs following drug administration. When measuring anti-Ascaris Ab-levels, the cumulative seroprevalence was generally higher (IgG4: 60.6%; IgG1: 50.0%; IgE: 36.4%). The individual anti-Ascaris IgG4 levels at baseline were positively associated with the fecal egg counts averaged over the study period, the rate of egg-appearance and the number of positive test results. There was no apparent cross-reactivity between the anti-Ascaris IgG4 Ab-ELISA and Trichuris. Conclusions/Significance We demonstrate that the children are exposed to STH before the age of four and that the exposure to Ascaris is underestimated when measured with copromicroscopy. Compared to other Ab-isotypes, IgG4 is the Ab-isotype of choice to measure Ascaris exposure in STH endemic settings. Finally, the results also highlight that measuring anti-Ascaris IgG4 levels holds promise as a tool to identify individuals at higher risk for continued exposure to this STH. World-wide large-scale deworming programs are being implemented to control the morbidity attributable to intestinal worms. Our group has recently shown that diagnostic tools that detect anti-parasite antibodies hold promise as an alternative to the current diagnostic standard (detecting worm eggs in stool using microscopy) to monitor and evaluate the progress of these programs towards the set targets. In the present study, we further explored the potential of antibody-based assays by monitoring the exposure of Ethiopian school children during a 17-month period to worm infections. Our results indicated that children in this area are exposed to intestinal worms from an early age onwards and that, based on serological results, more children are exposed to worm infections than measured by the current diagnostic standard. In addition, we demonstrated that test results of the antibody assay at the start of the study were positively associated with mean egg counts averaged over the study period, the rate of egg-appearance and the number of positive stool tests, highlighting that such assay holds promise as a tool to identify individuals at higher high risk for continued exposure to worms, and ultimately improve control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Dana
- School of Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Science, Institute of Health Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
- * E-mail: (DD); (BL)
| | - Sara Roose
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Johnny Vlaminck
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Mio Ayana
- School of Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Science, Institute of Health Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Zeleke Mekonnen
- School of Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Science, Institute of Health Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Peter Geldhof
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Bruno Levecke
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
- * E-mail: (DD); (BL)
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Eslahi AV, Hashemipour S, Olfatifar M, Houshmand E, Hajialilo E, Mahmoudi R, Badri M, Ketzis JK. Global prevalence and epidemiology of Strongyloides stercoralis in dogs: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:21. [PMID: 35012614 PMCID: PMC8750836 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05135-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strongyloides stercoralis, a soil-transmitted helminth, occurs in humans, non-human primates, dogs, cats and wild canids. The zoonotic potential between these hosts is not well understood with data available on prevalence primarily focused on humans. To increase knowledge on prevalence, this review and meta-analysis was performed to estimate the global status of S. stercoralis infections in dogs. METHODS Following the PRISMA guidelines, online literature published prior to November 2020 was obtained from multiple databases (Science Direct, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar). Prevalence was calculated on a global and country level, by country income and climate, and in stray/animal shelter dogs versus owned dogs. Statistical analyses were conducted using R-software (version 3.6.1). RESULTS From 9428 articles, 61 met the inclusion criteria. The estimated pooled global prevalence of S. stercoralis in dogs was 6% (95% CI 3-9%). Infection was found to be the most prevalent in low-income countries with pooled prevalence of 22% (95% CI 10-36%). The highest pooled prevalence of S. stercoralis in dogs was related to regions with average temperature of 10-20 °C (6%; 95% CI 3-11%), an annual rainfall of 1001-1500 mm (9%; 95% CI 4-15%) and humidity of 40-75% (8%; 95% CI 4-13%). Prevalence was higher in stray and shelter dogs (11%; 95% CI 1-26%) than in owned dogs (3%; 95% CI 1-7%). CONCLUSIONS As with S. stercoralis in humans, higher prevalence in dogs is found in subtropical and tropical regions and lower-income countries, locations which also can have high dog populations. While this study presents the first estimated global prevalence of S. stercoralis in dogs, it is potentially an underestimation with 15 of 61 studies relying on diagnostic methods of lower sensitivity and a paucity of data from most locations. Standardized protocols (e.g. quantity of feces and number of samples for a Baermann) in future studies could improve reliability of results. More prevalence studies and raising veterinary awareness of S. stercoralis are needed for a One Health approach to protect humans and dogs from the impact of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Vafae Eslahi
- Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Sima Hashemipour
- Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Meysam Olfatifar
- Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Elham Houshmand
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Guilan, Iran
| | - Elham Hajialilo
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Razzagh Mahmoudi
- Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Milad Badri
- Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.
| | - Jennifer K Ketzis
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, West Indies, St. Kitts and Nevis.
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Prevalence and Intensity of Soil-Transmitted Helminths and Associated Factors among Adolescents and Adults in Bibugn Woreda, Northwest Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study. J Trop Med 2022; 2021:7043881. [PMID: 34976073 PMCID: PMC8718294 DOI: 10.1155/2021/7043881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Soil-transmitted helminths are a common public health problem in Ethiopia, affecting all age groups. However, epidemiological studies and interventions primarily target school-age children, despite the fact that 44.6 million adults live in endemic areas. Hence, data on the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminths infections and associated factors among adolescents and adults helps to expand interventions. Objective The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminths and associated factors among adolescents and adults in Bibugn Woreda, East Gojjam, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Bibugn Woreda from February to September 2021. Using multistage proportionate sampling technique, 641 adolescents and adults were enrolled in this study. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and factors associated with helminthic infections was collected using structured questionnaire prepared in Amharic and administered through face-to-face interview. Parasite detection in stool samples was performed using modified formol-ether concentration and Kato-Katz techniques following standard protocols. Data was entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 25. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with soil-transmitted helminths infections. P value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results The overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths infection was 20.9% (134/641). The most detected parasite was Ascaris lumbricoides (12.5%), followed by hookworm species (7.5%) and Trichuris trichiura (1.1%). Fecal egg counts revealed that 96.5% (112/116) of the infections were with light parasite intensity, while 3.5% (4/116) were with moderate parasite intensity. Family size >5 (AOR = 1.866; 95% CI: 1.221–2.853; P=0.004), absence of latrine (AOR = 3.675; 95% CI: 1.599–8.449; P=0.002), and no habit of hand washing before meal (AOR = 2.622; 95% CI: 1.073–6.405; P=0.034) were significantly associated with soil-transmitted helminths infections. Conclusion There was moderate prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths among adolescents and adults with predominance of A. lumbricoides. Family size greater than five, absence of latrine, and no hand washing habit before meal predisposed adolescents and adults for soil-transmitted helminths. The existing school-based interventions should expand to address adolescents and adults.
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50
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Rahman HU, Khatoon N, Arshad S, Masood Z, Ahmad B, Khan W, Rafiq N, Khan MI, Kabir M, Haq ZU, Kamal I, Khan E, Rashid M, Haq AU, Garedaghi Y. Prevalence of intestinal nematodes infection in school children of urban areas of district Lower Dir, Pakistan. BRAZ J BIOL 2022; 82:e244158. [DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.244158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Intestinal parasitism is the main cause of disease all over the world and described as a significant community health problem. The current study intended to find out the occurrence and identification of hazard factors linked with IPIs among 4-12 years aged shool-age children residing in Lower Dir district, Pakistan during 2019 - 2020. A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted using a pre-arranged pre-tested survey. Anthropometric data and stool collection were done to obtain the findings. The direct wet mount preparation in saline/iodine/methods was used for stool examination. Data were investigated using the GraphPad Prism 5. A total of 400 children studied (mean age of 8.6±3.6 years) the total incidence rate for the intestinal parasitic disease was established to be 71.75%. Of the 400 children studied, the overall prevalence rate for intestinal parasitic infections was found to 71.75% Ascaris lumbricoides (33.1%), Trichuris trichiura (1.04%), E. vermicularis (1.39%), Hookworm (19.86%) were identified in children living in the study area. We concluded that there is a mass scale campaigns were required to generate alertness about health and sanitation in children and the need for the development of effective poverty control programs because deworming (killing of worm with drugs) alone is not adequate to control parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Z. Masood
- Sardar Bahadur Khan women University, Pakistan
| | - B. Ahmad
- University of Malakand, Pakistan
| | - W. Khan
- University of Malakand, Pakistan
| | - N. Rafiq
- Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Pakistan
| | - M. I. Khan
- Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Pakistan
| | - M. Kabir
- University of Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Z. Ul Haq
- Hazara University Mansehra, Pakistan
| | - I. Kamal
- Hazara University Mansehra, Pakistan
| | - E. Khan
- Government Degree College, Pakistan
| | | | - A. ul Haq
- Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Pakistan
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