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Chan AHE, Thaenkham U. From past to present: opportunities and trends in the molecular detection and diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:123. [PMID: 37041645 PMCID: PMC10088203 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05763-8] [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: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Strongyloides stercoralis is a soil-transmitted helminth that is mainly found in the tropical and subtropical regions and affects approximately 600 million people globally. The medical importance of strongyloidiasis lies in its capacity to remain asymptomatic and chronically unnoticed until the host is immunocompromised. Additionally, in severe strongyloidiasis, hyperinfection syndrome and larva dissemination to various organs can occur. Parasitological techniques such as Baermann-Moraes and agar plate culture to detect larvae in stool samples are the current gold standard. However, the sensitivity might be inadequate, especially with reduced worm burden. Complementing parasitological techniques, immunological techniques including immunoblot and immunosorbent assays are employed, with higher sensitivity. However, cross-reactivity to other parasites may occur, hampering the assay's specificity. Recently, advances in molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction and next-generation sequencing technology have provided the opportunity to detect parasite DNA in stool, blood, and environmental samples. Molecular techniques, known for their high sensitivity and specificity, have the potential to circumvent some of the challenges associated with chronicity and intermittent larval output for increased detection. Here, as S. stercoralis was recently included by the World Health Organization as another soil-transmitted helminth targeted for control from 2021 to 2030, we aimed to present a review of the current molecular techniques for detecting and diagnosing S. stercoralis in a bid to consolidate the molecular studies that have been performed. Upcoming molecular trends, especially next-generation sequencing technologies, are also discussed to increase the awareness of its potential for diagnosis and detection. Improved and novel detection methods can aid in making accurate and informed choices, especially in this era where infectious and non-infectious diseases are increasingly commonplace.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Urusa Thaenkham
- Department of Helminthology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Buonfrate D, Tamarozzi F, Paradies P, Watts MR, Bradbury RS, Bisoffi Z. The diagnosis of human and companion animal Strongyloides stercoralis infection: Challenges and solutions. A scoping review. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2022; 118:1-84. [PMID: 36088083 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis is the infection caused by soil-transmitted nematodes of Strongyloides species, infecting humans and some animals. Strongyloides stercoralis is the species with most clinical and epidemiological relevance in humans and dogs, due to its high prevalence and its capacity of inducing a life-threatening hyperinfection. Diagnosis of strongyloidiasis is challenging, due to the absence of a single reference standard test with high sensitivity and specificity, which also hampers the estimation of the accuracy of other diagnostic tests. In this chapter, we review the deployment and performance of the parasitological, immunological, molecular tests for the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis in humans and in dogs. Further, we comment the available evidence from genotyping studies that have addressed the zoonotic potential of S. stercoralis. Finally, we discuss the use of different diagnostic methods in relation to the purpose (i.e., screening, individual diagnosis, inclusion in a clinical trial) and the setting (endemic/non-endemic areas) and report the accuracy figures reported by systematic reviews on either parasitological, serological or molecular techniques published in literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Buonfrate
- Department of Infectious Tropical diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy.
| | - Francesca Tamarozzi
- Department of Infectious Tropical diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Paola Paradies
- Department of Emergency and Organs Transplantation, Veterinary Section, Campus of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Matthew R Watts
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research - New South Wales Health Pathology and Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Richard S Bradbury
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Federation University Australia, Berwick, VC, Australia
| | - Zeno Bisoffi
- Department of Infectious Tropical diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy; Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Ye L, Taylor GP, Rosadas C. Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 and Strongyloides stercoralis Co-infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:832430. [PMID: 35237633 PMCID: PMC8882768 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.832430] [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: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe distribution of human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) overlaps with that of Strongyloides stercoralis. Strongyloides stercoralis infection has been reported to be impacted by co-infection with HTLV-1. Disseminated strongyloidiasis and hyperinfection syndrome, which are commonly fatal, are observed in HTLV-1 co-infected patients. Reduced efficacy of anti-strongyloidiasis treatment in HTLV-1 carriers has been reported. The aim of this meta-analysis and systematic review is to better understand the association between HTLV-1 and S. stercoralis infection.MethodsPubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Global Health, Healthcare Management Information Consortium databases were searched. Studies regarding the prevalence of S. stercoralis, those evaluating the frequency of mild or severe strongyloidiasis, and treatment response in people living with and without HTLV-1 infection were included. Data were extracted and odds ratios were calculated. Random-effect meta-analysis was used to assess the pooled OR and 95% confidence intervals.ResultsFourteen studies were included after full-text reviewing of which seven described the prevalence of S. stercoralis and HTLV-1. The odds of S. stercoralis infection were higher in HTLV-1 carriers when compared with HTLV-1 seronegative subjects (OR 3.2 95%CI 1.7–6.2). A strong association was found between severe strongyloidiasis and HTLV-1 infection (OR 59.9, 95%CI 18.1–198). Co-infection with HTLV-1 was associated with a higher rate of strongyloidiasis treatment failure (OR 5.05, 95%CI 2.5–10.1).ConclusionStrongyloides stercoralis infection is more prevalent in people living with HTLV-1. Co-infected patients are more likely to develop severe presentation and to fail treatment. Screening for HTLV-1 and Strongyloides sp. should be routine when either is diagnosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingqing Ye
- Section of Virology, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Graham P. Taylor
- Section of Virology, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- National Centre for Human Retrovirology, St. Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Graham P. Taylor
| | - Carolina Rosadas
- Section of Virology, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Autier B, Boukthir S, Degeilh B, Belaz S, Dupuis A, Chevrier S, Gangneux JP, Robert-Gangneux F. Clinical value of serology for the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis in travelers and migrants: A 4-year retrospective study using the Bordier IVD ® Strongyloides ratti ELISA assay. Parasite 2021; 28:79. [PMID: 34870590 PMCID: PMC8647686 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2021075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Strongyloides stercoralis serology is a sensitive method for strongyloidiasis diagnosis, but it is prone to cross-reactions with other helminthiases. This four-year retrospective study aimed at estimating the performance of the Bordier IVD®Strongyloides ratti ELISA assay in a non-endemic country (France). The study included all patients tested for strongyloidiasis in our center between 2015 and 2019, by both serology and stool examination. Cases were defined using an algorithm considering serological results, microscopic examination of stools, and other biological, clinical or epidemiological data. The study included 805 stools from 341 patients (70% migrants, 20% travelers, 10% without travel to a highly endemic area). Thirty patients (8.8%) had positive serology, 9 had microscopically proven strongyloidiasis, and 11 and 10 were classified as probable and possible strongyloidiasis, respectively. Performances of microscopy and serology were compared, considering proven and probable strongyloidiasis as true infections. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of serology were 100%, 97%, 67% and 100%, respectively, and those of microscopic examination of stools were 45% (p < 0.01), 100% (p < 0.01), 100% (p = 0.079) and 96% (p < 0.001), respectively. Eosinophilia did not help in discriminating true-positive from false-positive results. Overall, these results underline the high value of the S. stercoralis serologic assay, compared to stool examination. The systematic use of this technique for screening purposes in travelers or migrants, or before onset of immunosuppressive therapy, could help to improve patient management and epidemiological knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brice Autier
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé Environnement Travail), UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France - CHU Rennes, Laboratoire de parasitologie-mycologie, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Sarrah Boukthir
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, CIC-1414, 35000 Rennes, France - CHU Rennes, Laboratoire de bactériologie-hygiène hospitalière, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Brigitte Degeilh
- CHU Rennes, Laboratoire de parasitologie-mycologie, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Sorya Belaz
- CHU Rennes, Laboratoire de parasitologie-mycologie, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Anne Dupuis
- CHU Rennes, Laboratoire de parasitologie-mycologie, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Sylviane Chevrier
- CHU Rennes, Laboratoire de parasitologie-mycologie, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Gangneux
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé Environnement Travail), UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France - CHU Rennes, Laboratoire de parasitologie-mycologie, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Florence Robert-Gangneux
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé Environnement Travail), UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France - CHU Rennes, Laboratoire de parasitologie-mycologie, 35000 Rennes, France
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Balen Topić M, Marjanović E, Tomasović D, Sviben M. Is strongyloidiasis currently autochthonous in Croatia? A retrospective study. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2021; 115:1298-1303. [PMID: 34520539 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trab139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autochthonous human infections with Strongyloides stercoralis have been well documented in many European regions. By exploring patients' data, we aimed to find elements for its current endemicity in Croatia. METHODS This retrospective descriptive study analysed epidemiological and clinical data of patients treated for strongyloidiasis from January 2010 to May 2019 at a teaching hospital in Zagreb, Croatia. The diagnosis was made by direct methods using light microscopy and/or serology. RESULTS Among 65 patients with strongyloidiasis, 60% were men, and 78.5% were 50-79 y of age. The sensitivity of the examination of three stool samples after concentration, saline provocation and serology was 26.2, 80.7 and 86.2%, respectively. Clinical presentation included asymptomatic patients with eosinophilia (41.5%), chronic symptomatic infection (33.8%), acute infection (18.5%) and hyperinfection (6.2%). Twenty patients (30.8%) were immunosuppressed; among four of whom developed hyperinfection, two died. Initially 71.7% of patients were treated with albendazole and 13.3% with ivermectin, with an equal parasitological cure rate (72.2% and 75%; p=0.09). In 11 patients, acute infection was autochthonous in its origin. CONCLUSIONS Strongyloidiasis is currently endemic in Croatia and immunosuppressed travellers to this region should be advised to take precautions. Patients undergoing immunosuppression and organ donors from Croatia should be screened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjana Balen Topić
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases "Dr. Fran Mihaljević", Mirogojska 8, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Šalata 3b, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ena Marjanović
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases "Dr. Fran Mihaljević", Mirogojska 8, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Domagoj Tomasović
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases "Dr. Fran Mihaljević", Mirogojska 8, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mario Sviben
- University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Šalata 3b, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Croatian Institute of Public Health, Department for Parasitology and Mycology, Rockefellerova 7, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Paleti S, Memon J, Okwara C, Hanson J, McCarthy D. As the Worm Turns: A Globally Prevalent Cause of Chronic Diarrhea. Dig Dis Sci 2020; 65:74-77. [PMID: 31828461 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-019-05998-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Swathi Paleti
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC10-5550, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
| | - Jawairia Memon
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC10-5550, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Chinemerem Okwara
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC10-5550, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Joshua Hanson
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Denis McCarthy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC10-5550, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
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Ahmed SA, El-Moselhy A, El-Moammaly A, El-Shewy K. Strongyloides stercoralis in Patients on Corticosteroids Therapy Using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and Gelatin Particles Indirect Agglutination Tests: A Diagnostic Approach. Acta Parasitol 2019; 64:394-405. [PMID: 31069645 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-019-00060-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients on corticosteroids therapy (POCT) are more likely to flare up concealed Strongyloides infection and develop Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome and/or dissemination. Such critical complications can lead to high mortality rates. Rapid detection methods are, therefore, necessary to detect Strongyloides infection in POCT with the advantage of being applicable in a developing country. METHODS Two hundred POCT have been enrolled in this study to determine the rate of infection with Strongyloides. Three different groups of POCT (Strongyloides infected, non-infected, infected with other parasites) were used to evaluate the antibodies detection capability of two serological techniques (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and gelatin particles indirect agglutination (GPIAT) against the results of the gold standard agar plate culture (APC). RESULTS With APC, the infection rate of Strongyloides stercoralis in POCT was 9.5% (19/200). POCT with Strongyloides infection displayed related risk factors (job, rural settlements, and soil contact) for infection combined with the subtropical nature of Ismailia Governorate. With regard to serology, ELISA detection results were poor compared to APC with sensitivity and specificity of 42.1% and 82.6%, respectively, and positive and negative predictive values of 72% and 30%. GPIAT appeared to be closely related to APC with sensitivity and specificity of 89.4% and 81.8%, respectively, and positive and negative predictive values of 80.9% and 96.7%. Statistical moderate correlation was detected between GPIAT and ELISA. CONCLUSION The GPIAT technique is more convenient, easier, cheaper and faster to rule out the infection of Strongyloides in POCT. It might be the test of choice for routine immunodiagnosis of human strongyloidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahira A Ahmed
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt.
| | - Amany El-Moselhy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Amal El-Moammaly
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Khalid El-Shewy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
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Mutombo PN, Man NWY, Nejsum P, Ricketson R, Gordon CA, Robertson G, Clements ACA, Chacón-Fonseca N, Nissapatorn V, Webster JP, McLaws ML. Diagnosis and drug resistance of human soil-transmitted helminth infections: A public health perspective. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2019; 104:247-326. [PMID: 31030770 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections represent a major public health problem globally, particularly among socio-economically disadvantaged populations. Detection of STH infections is often challenging, requiring a combination of diagnostic techniques to achieve acceptable sensitivity and specificity, particularly in low infection-intensity situations. The microscopy-based Kato-Katz remains the most widely used method but has low sensitivity in the detection of, for instance, Strongyloides spp. infections, among others. Antigen/antibody assays can be more sensitive but are parasite species-specific. Highly sensitive PCR methods have been developed to be multiplexed to allow multi-species detection. Novel diagnostic tests for all STH species are needed for effective monitoring, evaluation of chemotherapy programmes, and to assess the potential emergence of parasite resistance. This review discusses available diagnostic methods for the different stages of STH control programmes, which vary in sensitivity and spectrum of detection requirements, and tools to evaluate drug efficacy and resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polydor Ngoy Mutombo
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Nicola W Y Man
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Nejsum
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Robert Ricketson
- Hale O'mana'o Biomedical Research, Division of Emerging Pathogens, Edmond, OK, United States
| | - Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Gemma Robertson
- Public and Environmental Health, Forensic and Scientific Services, Department of Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Nathalie Chacón-Fonseca
- Soil-Transmitted Helminths Section, Tropical Medicine Institute, Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Veeranoot Nissapatorn
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand; Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Joanne P Webster
- Centre for Emerging, Endemic and Exotic Diseases (CEEED), Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mary-Louise McLaws
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Requena-Méndez A, Buonfrate D, Gomez-Junyent J, Zammarchi L, Bisoffi Z, Muñoz J. Evidence-Based Guidelines for Screening and Management of Strongyloidiasis in Non-Endemic Countries. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 97:645-652. [PMID: 28749768 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis is an intestinal parasitic infection becoming increasingly important outside endemic areas, not only because of the high prevalence found in migrant populations, but also because immunosuppressed patients may suffer a potentially fatal disseminated disease. The aim of these guidelines is to provide evidence-based guidance for screening and treatment of strongyloidiasis in non-endemic areas. A panel of experts focused on three main clinical questions (who should be screened and how, how to treat), and reviewed pertinent literature available in international databases of medical literature and in documents released by relevant organizations/societies. A consensus of the experts' opinion was sought when specific issues were not covered by evidence. In particular, six systematic reviews were retrieved and constituted the main support for this work. The evidence and consensus gathered led to recommendations addressing various aspects of the main questions. Grading of evidence and strength of recommendation were attributed to assess the quality of supporting evidence. The screening of individuals at risk of the infection should be performed before they develop any clinical complication. Moreover, in immunosuppressed patients, the screening should be mandatory. The screening is based on a simple and widely accessible technology and there is now a universally accepted treatment with a high efficacy rate. Therefore, the screening could be implemented as part of a screening program for migrants although further cost-effectiveness studies are required to better evaluate this strategy from a public health point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Requena-Méndez
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal-CRESIB), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dora Buonfrate
- Centre for Tropical Diseases, Sacro Cuore Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - Joan Gomez-Junyent
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal-CRESIB), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lorenzo Zammarchi
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Universita Degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Zeno Bisoffi
- Centre for Tropical Diseases, Sacro Cuore Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - José Muñoz
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal-CRESIB), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Strongyloidiasis Current Status with Emphasis in Diagnosis and Drug Research. J Parasitol Res 2017; 2017:5056314. [PMID: 28210503 PMCID: PMC5292188 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5056314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis is a parasitic neglected disease caused by the nematode Strongyloides stercoralis affecting 30 to 100 million people worldwide. Complications, strongly associated with alcoholism, organ transplants, and HTLV-1 virus, often arise due to late diagnosis, frequently leading to patient death. Lack of preemptive diagnosis is not the only difficulty when dealing with this parasite, since there are no gold standard diagnostic techniques, and the ones used have problems associated with sensitivity, resulting in false negatives. Treatment is also an issue as ivermectin and benzimidazoles administration leads to inconsistent cure rates and several side effects. Researching new anti-Strongyloides drugs is a difficult task since S. stercoralis does not develop until the adult stages in Mus musculus (with the exception of SCID mice), the main experimental host model. Fortunately, alternative parasite models can be used, namely, Strongyloides ratti and S. venezuelensis. However, even with these models, there are other complications in finding new drugs, which are associated with specific in vitro assay protocol steps, such as larvae decontamination. In this review, we highlight the challenges associated with new drug search, the compounds tested, and a list of published in vitro assay methodologies. We also point out advances being made in strongyloidiasis diagnosis so far.
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Silva MLS, Inês EDJ, Souza ABDS, Dias VMDS, Guimarães CM, Menezes ER, Barbosa LG, Alves MDCM, Teixeira MCA, Soares NM. Association between Strongyloides stercoralis infection and cortisol secretion in alcoholic patients. Acta Trop 2016; 154:133-8. [PMID: 26592319 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Revised: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
A higher prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis infections has been reported in alcoholic patients compared to nonalcoholic patients living in the same area. Excessive alcohol consumption increases the levels of endogenous corticosteroids that subsequently enhance the fecundity of S. stercoralis parthenogenetic females. These corticosteroids also enhance the transformation of rhabditiform larvae into infective filariform larvae by mimicking the effect of the ecdysteroid hormones produced by the parasite, thus leading to autoinfection. In addition, alterations in the intestinal barrier and host immune response contribute to the development of hyperinfection and severe strongyloidiasis in alcoholic patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of S. stercoralis infections in alcoholic patients and to determine the association between S. stercoralis infection and endogenous cortisol levels. The frequency of infection was evaluated in 332 alcoholic and 92 nonalcoholic patients. The parasitological diagnosis was carried out by agar plate culture, the modified Baermann-Moraes method and spontaneous sedimentation. The immunological diagnosis was performed using an ELISA with anti-S. stercoralis IgG. The cortisol levels were measured in serum samples by ELISA. The frequency of S. stercoralis infection in alcoholic patients was 23.5% (78/332), while in nonalcoholic patients, it was 5.4% (5/92) (p<0.05). The cortisol levels were higher in alcoholic than in nonalcoholic patients (p<0.05). However, among the alcoholic patients, the cortisol levels did not differ between S. stercoralis-infected and uninfected patients (p>0.05). As demonstrated in this work, 81.3% (26/32) of patients with a high parasite load, considered as more than 11 larvae per gram of feces, presented serum cortisol levels above the normal reference value (24 mg/dL). High endogenous cortisol levels in alcoholic patients were not associated to susceptibility to S. stercoralis infection, however once infected, this may lead to a high parasite load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mônica L S Silva
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Elizabete de J Inês
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Alex Bruno da S Souza
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Victória Maria dos S Dias
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Márcia Cristina A Teixeira
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Neci M Soares
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
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Eamudomkarn C, Sithithaworn P, Sithithaworn J, Kaewkes S, Sripa B, Itoh M. Comparative evaluation of Strongyloides ratti and S. stercoralis larval antigen for diagnosis of strongyloidiasis in an endemic area of opisthorchiasis. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:2543-51. [PMID: 25877389 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4458-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The use of Strongyloides ratti as heterologous antigen for serodiagnosis of strongyloidiasis is preferable to Strongyloides from humans due to the ease and safety of antigen preparation. In Southeast Asia where Opisthorchis viverrini coexists with Strongyloides stercoralis, there has been no report in using S. ratti for serodiagnosis of S. stercoralis. In this study, performance of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on S. ratti was compared with that based on S. stercoralis for diagnosis of strongyloidiasis in areas where O. viverrini is co-endemic in Thailand. Of the 107 individuals, 50 (46.7 %) were positive for S. stercoralis by agar culture method and by ELISA; 82 (76.6 %) and 81 (75.7 %) were seropositive using S. ratti and S. stercoralis antigens, respectively. The levels of parasite-specific IgG to S. ratti and S. stercoralis antigen were significantly proportionally correlated (P < 0.001). Mixed infections with O. viverrini have little effect on diagnosis of strongyloidiasis. Of 42 subjects who were infected with other parasites, there were no cross-reaction with Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Taenia spp., hookworms, Paragonimus spp., Clonorchis sinensis, Ascaris lumbricoides except for Fasciola spp. (1 of 5), and Opisthorchis viverrini (5 of 20). In spite of cross-reactivities, the results suggest that the S. ratti antigen provides an useful option for diagnosis of strongyloidiasis in an endemic area of opisthorchiasis with high sensitivity comparable to the S. stercoralis antigen and provide a basis for effective control strategies for strongyloidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chatanun Eamudomkarn
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
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Strongyloides stercoralis: Global Distribution and Risk Factors. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e2288. [PMID: 23875033 PMCID: PMC3708837 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 449] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The soil-transmitted threadworm, Strongyloides stercoralis, is one of the most neglected among the so-called neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). We reviewed studies of the last 20 years on S. stercoralis's global prevalence in general populations and risk groups. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A literature search was performed in PubMed for articles published between January 1989 and October 2011. Articles presenting information on infection prevalence were included. A Bayesian meta-analysis was carried out to obtain country-specific prevalence estimates and to compare disease odds ratios in different risk groups taking into account the sensitivities of the diagnostic methods applied. A total of 354 studies from 78 countries were included for the prevalence calculations, 194 (62.4%) were community-based studies, 121 (34.2%) were hospital-based studies and 39 (11.0%) were studies on refugees and immigrants. World maps with country data are provided. In numerous African, Asian and South-American resource-poor countries, information on S. stercoralis is lacking. The meta-analysis showed an association between HIV-infection/alcoholism and S. stercoralis infection (OR: 2.17 BCI: 1.18-4.01; OR: 6.69; BCI: 1.47-33.8), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show high infection prevalence rates in the general population in selected countries and geographical regions. S. stercoralis infection is prominent in several risk groups. Adequate information on the prevalence is still lacking from many countries. However, current information underscore that S. stercoralis must not be neglected. Further assessments in socio-economic and ecological settings are needed and integration into global helminth control is warranted.
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Requena-Méndez A, Chiodini P, Bisoffi Z, Buonfrate D, Gotuzzo E, Muñoz J. The laboratory diagnosis and follow up of strongyloidiasis: a systematic review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e2002. [PMID: 23350004 PMCID: PMC3547839 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 255] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2012] [Accepted: 11/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strongyloidiasis is frequently under diagnosed since many infections remain asymptomatic and conventional diagnostic tests based on parasitological examination are not sufficiently sensitive. Serology is useful but is still only available in reference laboratories. The need for improved diagnostic tests in terms of sensitivity and specificity is clear, particularly in immunocompromised patients or candidates to immunosuppressive treatments. This review aims to evaluate both conventional and novel techniques for the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis as well as available cure markers for this parasitic infection. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The search strategy was based on the data-base sources MEDLINE, Cochrane Library Register for systematic review, EmBase, Global Health and LILACS and was limited in the search string to articles published from 1960 to August 2012 and to English, Spanish, French, Portuguese and German languages. Case reports, case series and animal studies were excluded. 2003 potentially relevant citations were selected for retrieval, of which 1649 were selected for review of the abstract. 143 were eligible for final inclusion. CONCLUSIONS Sensitivity of microscopic-based techniques is not good enough, particularly in chronic infections. Furthermore, techniques such as Baermann or agar plate culture are cumbersome and time-consuming and several specimens should be collected on different days to improve the detection rate. Serology is a useful tool but it might overestimate the prevalence of disease due to cross-reactivity with other nematode infections and its difficulty distinguishing recent from past (and cured) infections. To evaluate treatment efficacy is still a major concern because direct parasitological methods might overestimate it and the serology has not yet been well evaluated; even if there is a decline in antibody titres after treatment, it is slow and it needs to be done at 6 to 12 months after treatment which can cause a substantial loss to follow-up in a clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Requena-Méndez
- Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain.
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Rajadhyaksha A, Mehra S, Kawale J. DisseminatedStrongyloidesin systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome: a case report. Int J Rheum Dis 2012; 15:e159-61. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1756-185x.2012.01741.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Rajadhyaksha
- Department of Medicine and Rheumatology; KEM Hospital and Seth GS Medical College; Mumbai; India
| | - Sonal Mehra
- Department of Medicine and Rheumatology; KEM Hospital and Seth GS Medical College; Mumbai; India
| | - Juhi Kawale
- Department of Medicine and Rheumatology; KEM Hospital and Seth GS Medical College; Mumbai; India
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Abstract
Strongyloidiasis can present with a wide variety of symptoms and can lead to a potentially fatal hyperinfection. Although any factors that suppress the host defense mechanisms can potentially trigger hyperinfection, prolonged steroid use has been quite well described. A patient with disseminated small cell lung cancer suffered a Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection syndrome complicating ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (Cushing syndrome). Evaluation revealed lymphopenia, elevated levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone in the setting of elevated cortisol levels, a normal pituitary, and metastatic malignancy. S. stercoralis larval forms were seen in the stool and sputum. At autopsy, S. stercoralis larval forms were seen in the lung along with evidence of metastatic small cell lung carcinoma.
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Specific IgA and IgG antibodies in paired serum and breast milk samples in human strongyloidiasis. Acta Trop 2009; 109:103-7. [PMID: 19007741 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2008.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2007] [Revised: 08/27/2008] [Accepted: 09/02/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Strongyloidiasis, caused by the nematode Strongyloides stercoralis, is one of the major worldwide parasitic infections in humans. Breastfeeding may offer a potential protection against this infection. Feces, serum and milk samples were obtained from 90 lactating women from Clinical Hospital of Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Brazil. The fecal samples were collected for parasitological diagnosis and the serum and milk samples were examined for specific S. stercoralis IgA and IgG antibodies using the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Fecal examination showed that the rate of prevalence of S. stercoralis infection in the lactating women was 4.4%. IFAT manifested a 16.7% positivity rate for specific IgA antibody in serum and a 28.9% rate in milk samples; specific IgG was 41.1% in serum and 25.5% in milk samples. According to ELISA the positivity rate for specific IgA antibody was 21.1% in serum and 42.2% in milk samples; specific IgG was 40% in serum and 18.9% in milk samples. In serum samples, these immunological tests showed a concurrence of 91.1% and 94.4%, respectively, in detecting specific IgA and IgG antibodies. In milk samples, they showed a concurrence of 70% and 78.9%, respectively, in detecting specific IgA and IgG antibodies. There was a statistically significant difference between concordant and discordant results of immunological tests (P<0.0001). IFAT and ELISA highly concurred in their detection of specific S. stercoralis IgA and IgG antibodies in serum and in milk samples reconfirming prior studies that the serological method is a complement to the direct diagnosis of the parasite, and suggesting that immunological methods using milk samples can also be helpful. Furthermore, in endemic areas, infants may acquire antibodies to S. stercoralis from breast milk, possibly, contributing to the enhancement of specific mucosal immunity against this parasite.
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Ezzedine K, Malvy D, Dhaussy I, Laporte M, de Dobbeleer G, Heenen M. Long-term prurigo in a returned expatriate with chronic strongyloidiasis. Int J Dermatol 2006; 45:1009-10. [PMID: 16911412 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2006.02791.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Vadlamudi RS, Chi DS, Krishnaswamy G. Intestinal strongyloidiasis and hyperinfection syndrome. Clin Mol Allergy 2006; 4:8. [PMID: 16734908 PMCID: PMC1538622 DOI: 10.1186/1476-7961-4-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2006] [Accepted: 05/30/2006] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In spite of recent advances with experiments on animal models, strongyloidiasis, an infection caused by the nematode parasite Strongyloides stercoralis, has still been an elusive disease. Though endemic in some developing countries, strongyloidiasis still poses a threat to the developed world. Due to the peculiar but characteristic features of autoinfection, hyperinfection syndrome involving only pulmonary and gastrointestinal systems, and disseminated infection with involvement of other organs, strongyloidiasis needs special attention by the physician, especially one serving patients in areas endemic for strongyloidiasis. Strongyloidiasis can occur without any symptoms, or as a potentially fatal hyperinfection or disseminated infection. Th2 cell-mediated immunity, humoral immunity and mucosal immunity have been shown to have protective effects against this parasitic infection especially in animal models. Any factors that suppress these mechanisms (such as intercurrent immune suppression or glucocorticoid therapy) could potentially trigger hyperinfection or disseminated infection which could be fatal. Even with the recent advances in laboratory tests, strongyloidiasis is still difficult to diagnose. But once diagnosed, the disease can be treated effectively with antihelminthic drugs like Ivermectin. This review article summarizes a case of strongyloidiasis and various aspects of strongyloidiasis, with emphasis on epidemiology, life cycle of Strongyloides stercoralis, clinical manifestations of the disease, corticosteroids and strongyloidiasis, diagnostic aspects of the disease, various host defense pathways against strongyloidiasis, and available treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raja S Vadlamudi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, VA Building 1, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - David S Chi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, VA Building 1, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Guha Krishnaswamy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, VA Building 1, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
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