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Hanieh S, Mahanty S, Gurruwiwi G, Kearns T, Dhurrkay R, Gondarra V, Shield J, Ryan N, Azzato F, Ballard SA, Orlando N, Nicholson S, Gibney K, Brimblecombe J, Page W, Harrison LC, Biggs BA. Enteric pathogen infection and consequences for child growth in young Aboriginal Australian children: a cross-sectional study. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:9. [PMID: 33407180 PMCID: PMC7788727 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05685-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To determine the prevalence of enteric infections in Aboriginal children aged 0-2 years using conventional and molecular diagnostic techniques and to explore associations between the presence of pathogens and child growth. METHODS Cross-sectional analysis of Aboriginal children (n = 62) residing in a remote community in Northern Australia, conducted from July 24th - October 30th 2017. Stool samples were analysed for organisms by microscopy (directly in the field and following fixation and storage in sodium-acetate formalin), and by qualitative PCR for viruses, bacteria and parasites and serology for Strongyloides-specific IgG. Child growth (height and weight) was measured and z scores calculated according to WHO growth standards. RESULTS Nearly 60% of children had evidence for at least one enteric pathogen in their stool (37/62). The highest burden of infection was with adenovirus/sapovirus (22.9%), followed by astrovirus (9.8%) and Cryptosporidium hominis/parvum (8.2%). Non-pathogenic organisms were detected in 22.5% of children. Ten percent of children had diarrhea at the time of stool collection. Infection with two or more pathogens was negatively associated with height for age z scores (- 1.34, 95% CI - 2.61 to - 0.07), as was carriage of the non-pathogen Blastocystis hominis (- 2.05, 95% CI - 3.55 to - 0.54). CONCLUSIONS Infants and toddlers living in this remote Northern Australian Aboriginal community had a high burden of enteric pathogens and non-pathogens. The association between carriage of pathogens/non-pathogens with impaired child growth in the critical first 1000 days of life has implications for healthy child growth and development and warrants further investigation. These findings have relevance for many other First Nations Communities that face many of the same challenges with regard to poverty, infections, and malnutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Hanieh
- Department of Medicine at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Siddhartha Mahanty
- Department of Medicine at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,The Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - George Gurruwiwi
- Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, 0810, Australia
| | - Therese Kearns
- Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, 0810, Australia
| | - Roslyn Dhurrkay
- Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, 0810, Australia
| | - Veronica Gondarra
- Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, 0810, Australia
| | - Jenny Shield
- Department of Medicine at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Norbert Ryan
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Peter Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Francesca Azzato
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Peter Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Susan A Ballard
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory at the University of Melbourne, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nicole Orlando
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory at the University of Melbourne, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sullen Nicholson
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Peter Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katherine Gibney
- The Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Julie Brimblecombe
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Wendy Page
- Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation, Nhulunbuy, NT, 0881, Australia.,Public Health and Tropical Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, 4870, Australia
| | - Leonard C Harrison
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Beverley-Ann Biggs
- The Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
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2
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Goudarzi F, Mohtasebi S, Teimouri A, Yimam Y, Heydarian P, Salehi Sangani G, Abbaszadeh Afshar MJ. A systematic review and meta-analysis of Hymenolepis nana in human and rodent hosts in Iran: A remaining public health concern. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 74:101580. [PMID: 33260017 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Hymenolepis nana, as a neglected zoonotic helminth, naturally occurs in both humans and rodents. Herein, a systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out to estimate pooled prevalence of H. nana infection among human and rodent hosts for the first time in Iran. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase databases (English articles) and SID and Magiran databases (Persian articles) were systematically searched for relevant studies published from inception till May 24, 2020. Chi2 and I2 index were used to assess the heterogeneity of the included studies. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's intercept and visual inspection of the funnel plot. Pooled prevalence was estimated using random-effects model with 95 % confidence interval (CI) and depicted as a forest plot. STATA software was used for analysis. The overall pooled prevalence estimate of H. nana in humans included 1.2 % (95 % CI = 1.0-1.4%). Subgroup analysis revealed 2.2 % (95 % CI = 1.8-2.6%) and 0.5 % (95 % CI = 0.3 to 0.8 %) of H. nana infection among school children and food handlers, respectively. In terms of rodent hosts, the overall pooled prevalence of H. nana infection included 13 % (95 % CI = 9.3-16.6%). Subgroup analysis revealed the highest rate of the infection was in Rattus spp. (19.6 %; 95 % CI = 10.6-28.6%), a genus with synanthropic behavior. It seems, despite the advancement in sanitation infrastructure and hygiene status, the H. nana infection compares to other helminthic diseases remains a challenging public health problem in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Goudarzi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Mohtasebi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aref Teimouri
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Yonas Yimam
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Peyman Heydarian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Ghodratollah Salehi Sangani
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Abbaszadeh Afshar
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran.
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3
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Exotic Parasite Threats to Australia's Biosecurity-Trade, Health, and Conservation. Trop Med Infect Dis 2018; 3:tropicalmed3030076. [PMID: 30274472 PMCID: PMC6161237 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed3030076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites have threatened Australia’s biosecurity since the early days of European settlement. Tick fever in cattle and liver fluke, along with their invertebrate hosts, and hydatid disease head the list of parasites that are still impacting livestock industries. In addition, there are many parasites that have been introduced that are of significance to public health as well as the conservation of native wildlife. As a consequence of these early arrivals, Australia has become much more aware of its vulnerability should parasites such as Trichinella and Trypanosoma evansi become established in Australia. However, recent discoveries concerning Leishmania and other trypanosomes have demonstrated that Australia must not become complacent and reliant on dogma when considering the potential emergence of new threats to its biosecurity. In this short review, the major parasite threats to Australia’s biosecurity are summarised, some misconceptions are emphasised, and attention is given to the importance of challenging dogma in the face of a dearth of information about Australian native fauna.
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4
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Elyana FN, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Ithoi I, Abdulsalam AM, Dawaki S, Nasr NA, Atroosh WM, Abd-Basher MH, Al-Areeqi MA, Sady H, Subramaniam LR, Anuar TS, Lau YL, Moktar N, Surin J. A tale of two communities: intestinal polyparasitism among Orang Asli and Malay communities in rural Terengganu, Malaysia. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:398. [PMID: 27422533 PMCID: PMC4947346 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1678-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are still major health problems in many developing countries including Malaysia, particularly in the poor and socioeconomically deprived rural and remote communities in Peninsular Malaysia. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of IPIs and to identify the key factors associated with intestinal polyparasitism as well as to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) on IPIs among rural Orang Asli and Malay communities in Terengganu, Malaysia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 340 participants (165 Orang Asli and 175 Malay) aged ≤ 15 years from the Hulu Terengganu and Kemaman districts of Terengganu. Faecal samples were examined for the presence of intestinal parasites by using direct smear, formalin-ether sedimentation, trichrome stain, modified Ziehl Neelsen stain, in vitro cultivation in Jones’ medium, Kato Katz and Harada Mori techniques. Demographic, socioeconomic, environmental and behavioural information of the participants and their KAP for IPIs were collected by using a pre-tested questionnaire. Results Overall, 149 (90.3 %) Orang Asli and 43 (24.6 %) Malay children were infected by at least one parasite species. The overall prevalences of intestinal polyparasitism among the Orang Asli and Malay were 68.5 % (113/165) and 14.3 % (25/175), respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that using unsafe water supply as a source for drinking water, the presence of domestic animals, not wearing shoes when outside, not washing vegetables before consumption, not washing hands after playing with soil, indiscriminate defecation and the low level of mother’s education were the key risk factors for intestinal polyparasitism among the Orang Asli, while working mothers and the presence of domestic animals were the risk factors among the Malay children. Almost all the Malays were well aware about the IPIs while Orang Asli respondents had a poor level of related awareness. Conclusions This study demonstrates that IPIs are highly prevalent in rural Terengganu, Malaysia. Community awareness about IPIs was found to be imperative in protecting Malay children from these infections. An integrated control programme for the prevention and control of IPIs is highly recommended for these communities, with a special emphasis on the Orang Asli population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatin Nur Elyana
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hesham M Al-Mekhlafi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. .,Endemic and Tropical Diseases Unit, Medical Research Center, Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. .,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen.
| | - Init Ithoi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Awatif M Abdulsalam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Salwa Dawaki
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nabil A Nasr
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wahib M Atroosh
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Hafiz Abd-Basher
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mona A Al-Areeqi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hany Sady
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lahvanya R Subramaniam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Tengku Shahrul Anuar
- Integrative Pharmacogenomics Institute, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300, Selangor, Malaysia.,Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yee Ling Lau
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Norhayati Moktar
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Johari Surin
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Centre for Research and Innovation, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
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5
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Thompson R. Neglected zoonotic helminths: Hymenolepis nana, Echinococcus canadensis and Ancylostoma ceylanicum. Clin Microbiol Infect 2015; 21:426-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2015.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Revised: 01/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Asher AJ, Holt DC, Andrews RM, Power ML. Distribution of Giardia duodenalis assemblages A and B among children living in a remote indigenous community of the Northern Territory, Australia. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112058. [PMID: 25412502 PMCID: PMC4239041 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Giardiasis is a communicable gastrointestinal disease caused by Giardia duodenalis and two genetic assemblages, A and B, cause human infection. In remote Indigenous communities of Australia, giardiasis is highly prevalent among children but disease transmission is poorly understood. This study investigated the prevalence of Giardia and genetic subtypes contributing to human disease in a remote Indigenous community, in the Northern Territory of Australia. Eighty-seven faecal samples were collected from 74 children (<15 years) over an 18 month period, and the distribution of positive cases relative to participant age and gender were examined. Screening by microscopy and 18S rRNA PCR amplification showed 66.7% (58/87) of faecal samples were positive for Giardia. Both males and females were equally affected and high detection rates were obtained for participants aged 0-<5 years and 5-<10 years (66.0 and 60.0% respectively). For 58.6% of the positive samples, Giardia was only detected by 18S rRNA PCR. Approximately 75% of cases were assemblage B, and subassemblage analyses using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism of the glutamate dehydrogenase gene demonstrated that a variety of genetic variants were present. The high proportion of positive cases that were not detectable by microscopy, and dominance of assemblage B cases highlights the need for further research in this community, to assess the contribution of Giardia to chronic gastrointestinal disease among children, and to understand conditions conductive to assemblage B transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy J. Asher
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Deborah C. Holt
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Ross M. Andrews
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Michelle L. Power
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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8
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Davies J, Majumdar SS, Forbes RTM, Smith P, Currie BJ, Baird RW. Hookworm in the Northern Territory: down but not out. Med J Aust 2013; 198:278-81. [PMID: 23496406 DOI: 10.5694/mja12.11615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2012] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence and trends of human hookworm infection (HWI) in the Northern Territory over the past 10 years, and to assess the influence of the community children's deworming program (CCDP). DESIGN, PATIENTS AND SETTING A retrospective observational analysis of consecutive microbiologically confirmed cases of HWI in patients diagnosed at NT government health care facilities and the main private laboratory servicing the NT between January 2002 and July 2012. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Annual prevalence of HWI (2002-2011); age, sex, Indigenous status, residence, haemoglobin level and eosinophil count of patients with HWI; and proportion of patients within the CCDP target population (children aged 6 months to 16 years, who should receive 6-monthly albendazole). RESULTS From 64 691 faecal samples examined during the study period, hookworm was detected in 112 patients. There was a downward trend in the annual prevalence of HWI, falling from 14.0 cases per 100 000 population (95% CI, 8.8-19.2) in 2002 to 2.2 per 100 000 population (95% CI, 0.3-4.1) in 2011. Only 16 patients (14.3%) fell within the CCDP target population. Seventy-one patients (63.4%) were living in remote communities, and 94 (84.7%) were recorded as Indigenous Australians. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of HWI in the NT reduced over the 10-2013 period. HWI predominantly occurs in individuals outside the CCDP target population. Our data support continuation of the CCDP in conjunction with improvements in housing, health hardware and health promotion. Continued use of albendazole in individuals beyond the CCDP may facilitate the eventual eradication of HWI from the NT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Davies
- Division of Global and Tropical Health, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, NT, Australia
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Kline K, McCarthy JS, Pearson M, Loukas A, Hotez PJ. Neglected tropical diseases of Oceania: review of their prevalence, distribution, and opportunities for control. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e1755. [PMID: 23383349 PMCID: PMC3561157 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Among Oceania's population of 35 million people, the greatest number living in poverty currently live in Papua New Guinea (PNG), Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands. These impoverished populations are at high risk for selected NTDs, including Necator americanus hookworm infection, strongyloidiasis, lymphatic filariasis (LF), balantidiasis, yaws, trachoma, leprosy, and scabies, in addition to outbreaks of dengue and other arboviral infections including Japanese encephalitis virus infection. PNG stands out for having the largest number of cases and highest prevalence for most of these NTDs. However, Australia's Aboriginal population also suffers from a range of significant NTDs. Through the Pacific Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, enormous strides have been made in eliminating LF in Oceania through programs of mass drug administration (MDA), although LF remains widespread in PNG. There are opportunities to scale up MDA for PNG's major NTDs, which could be accomplished through an integrated package that combines albendazole, ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine, and azithromycin, in a program of national control. Australia's Aboriginal population may benefit from appropriately integrated MDA into primary health care systems. Several emerging viral NTDs remain important threats to the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Kline
- Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology & Microbiology, and National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Sabin Vaccine Institute and Texas Children's Hospital-Baylor College of Medicine Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - James S. McCarthy
- Clinical Tropical Medicine Laboratory, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mark Pearson
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter J. Hotez
- Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology & Microbiology, and National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Sabin Vaccine Institute and Texas Children's Hospital-Baylor College of Medicine Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, Texas, United States of America
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Jenkins EJ, Castrodale LJ, de Rosemond SJ, Dixon BR, Elmore SA, Gesy KM, Hoberg EP, Polley L, Schurer JM, Simard M, Thompson RCA. Tradition and transition: parasitic zoonoses of people and animals in Alaska, northern Canada, and Greenland. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2013; 82:33-204. [PMID: 23548085 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-407706-5.00002-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Zoonotic parasites are important causes of endemic and emerging human disease in northern North America and Greenland (the North), where prevalence of some parasites is higher than in the general North American population. The North today is in transition, facing increased resource extraction, globalisation of trade and travel, and rapid and accelerating environmental change. This comprehensive review addresses the diversity, distribution, ecology, epidemiology, and significance of nine zoonotic parasites in animal and human populations in the North. Based on a qualitative risk assessment with criteria heavily weighted for human health, these zoonotic parasites are ranked, in the order of decreasing importance, as follows: Echinococcus multilocularis, Toxoplasma gondii, Trichinella and Giardia, Echinococcus granulosus/canadensis and Cryptosporidium, Toxocara, anisakid nematodes, and diphyllobothriid cestodes. Recent and future trends in the importance of these parasites for human health in the North are explored. For example, the incidence of human exposure to endemic helminth zoonoses (e.g. Diphyllobothrium, Trichinella, and Echinococcus) appears to be declining, while water-borne protozoans such as Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Toxoplasma may be emerging causes of human disease in a warming North. Parasites that undergo temperature-dependent development in the environment (such as Toxoplasma, ascarid and anisakid nematodes, and diphyllobothriid cestodes) will likely undergo accelerated development in endemic areas and temperate-adapted strains/species will move north, resulting in faunal shifts. Food-borne pathogens (e.g. Trichinella, Toxoplasma, anisakid nematodes, and diphyllobothriid cestodes) may be increasingly important as animal products are exported from the North and tourists, workers, and domestic animals enter the North. Finally, key needs are identified to better assess and mitigate risks associated with zoonotic parasites, including enhanced surveillance in animals and people, detection methods, and delivery and evaluation of veterinary and public health services.
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Abstract
In this review, the current status of genomic and proteomic research on Giardia is examined in terms of evolutionary biology, phylogenetic relationships and taxonomy. The review also describes how characterising genetic variation in Giardia from numerous hosts and endemic areas has provided a better understanding of life cycle patterns, transmission and the epidemiology of Giardia infections in humans, domestic animals and wildlife. Some progress has been made in relating genomic information to the phenotype of Giardia, and as a consequence, new information has been obtained on aspects of developmental biology and the host-parasite relationship. However, deficiencies remain in our understanding of pathogenesis and host specificity, highlighting the limitations of currently available genomic datasets.
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Schneider B, Jariwala AR, Periago MV, Gazzinelli MF, Bose SN, Hotez PJ, Diemert DJ, Bethony JM. A history of hookworm vaccine development. HUMAN VACCINES 2011; 7:1234-44. [PMID: 22064562 DOI: 10.4161/hv.7.11.18443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The human hookworms Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale remain among the most common infections of humans in areas of rural poverty in the developing regions of the world, with an estimated 1 billion people infected with one or more of these parasites. Herein, we review the nearly 100 years of research, development, animal testing, and fieldwork that have led to our current progress in recombinant hookworm vaccines. We begin with the identification of hookworm at the start of the 20th century in Southern US, then discuss the progress in developed countries to eliminate human hookworm infection, and then the industrial development and field use in the 1970s a canine hookworm vaccine(Ancylostoma caninum), and finally our progress to date in the development and clinical testing of an array of recombinant antigens to prevent human hookworm disease from N. americanus infection. Special attention is given to the challenges faced in the development of a vaccine against a blood-feeding nematode, including the epidemiology of infection (high prevalence of infection), pathogenesis (chronic infection that increases with the age of the host), and a robust immune response that fails to confer the protection in the host and a concomitant absence of correlates of protection by a successful vaccine could be developed and tested. Finally, we provide the optimal and acceptable profiles of a human hookworm vaccine, including the proposed indication, target population, and route of administration, as developed by the Human Hookworm Vaccine Initiative, the only group currently working on vaccines targeting this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent Schneider
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University Medical Center; Washington, DC USA
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Thompson R, Conlan J. Emerging issues and parasite zoonoses in the SE Asian and Australasian region. Vet Parasitol 2011; 181:69-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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14
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Parasitic diseases of remote Indigenous communities in Australia. Int J Parasitol 2010; 40:1119-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2010.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2010] [Revised: 04/12/2010] [Accepted: 04/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Macnish MG, Ryan UM, Behnke JM, Thompson RCA. Detection of the rodent tapeworm Rodentolepis (=Hymenolepis) microstoma in humans. A new zoonosis? Int J Parasitol 2003; 33:1079-85. [PMID: 13129530 DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7519(03)00137-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
A longitudinal survey of gastro-intestinal parasites was conducted over a 3-year period in remote communities in the north-west of Western Australia where, based on diagnosis by microscopy of faecal samples, Rodentolepis (=Hymenolepis) nana was found to be the most common enteric parasite. In the present study, using molecular tools, we describe the unexpected discovery, of a mixed infection with a second hymenolepidid species, Rodentolepis (=Hymenolepis) microstoma in four of the surveyed individuals. In the absence of any reliable earlier reports we believe this is to be the first instance of the detection of R. microstoma from human hosts. The development of a diagnostic restriction fragment polymorphism has enabled the study of R. microstoma in human populations and will greatly facilitate a more thorough understanding of the epidemiology of this parasite in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Macnish
- WHO Collaborating Centre for the Molecular Epidemiology of Parasitic Infections, State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, 6150, Murdoch, WA, Australia.
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Horton J. Albendazole: a broad spectrum anthelminthic for treatment of individuals and populations. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2002; 15:599-608. [PMID: 12821837 DOI: 10.1097/00001432-200212000-00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW It is over 25 years ago since the original animal research was conducted into albendazole. This review highlights some important steps in fundamental research and the management of helminth disease that have occurred in the past year, appearing in the published literature. RECENT FINDINGS In recent years there have been several published studies on lymphatic filariasis and on the impact of albendazole treatment on growth and nutrition. Recent work consolidates some of these data and supplies substantive evidence of benefit especially in the area of hookworm anaemia. Why treatment of helminths actually produces these effects has not been understood, but investigations have begun to highlight the underlying mechanisms that relate to immunity. During the last year several reviews of diagnosis and management of helminth diseases have been published which provide much needed guidance on the effective use of albendazole, and its place in treatment overall. In common with many other parasitic diseases, the validity of using single agents is being challenged, and combination therapy is being investigated at the experimental level and in clinical practice to improve therapeutic responses and to reduce the risk of resistance to the limited range of drugs currently available. SUMMARY Albendazole has changed from being a drug for individuals with worms to one to treat communities and provide benefit in public health terms. In systemic parasitic disease, however, albendazole remains a treatment for individuals. Nearly 20 years of research and of clinical use has refined the tool, but new investigations suggest that much additional study is required before we fully understand helminth parasites and the benefits of treating them.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Horton
- Deseases of the Developing World, GlaxoSmithKline, Brentford, UK.
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Garrow SC, McCarthy JS. Parasite elimination programs: home and away. Med J Aust 2002. [DOI: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2002.tb04806.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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McCarthy JS, Garrow SC. Parasite elimination programs: at home and away. Med J Aust 2002; 176:456-7. [PMID: 12065005 DOI: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2002.tb04513.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2001] [Accepted: 03/21/2002] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A more coordinated, national approach to parasite control would have substantial benefits.
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Thompson RC, Roberts MG. Does pet helminth prophylaxis increase the rate of selection for drug resistance? Trends Parasitol 2001; 17:576-8. [PMID: 11756040 DOI: 10.1016/s1471-4922(01)02084-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
There is a growing tendency to control helminths in pets by the prophylactic use of broad-spectrum drug combinations (Allwormers), some of which are of low efficacy. If similar treatment regimes were applied to livestock, parasite strains resistant to chemotherapy would be expected to evolve. The rate of selection for resistance depends significantly on epidemiological parameters and strategic recommendations based on experience with farm animals might not be applicable to pets without critical examinations. Also, the routine use of Allwormers reduces the level of interaction between veterinarians and pet owners and the valuable contribution by veterinarians towards educating pet owners about animal and public health issues in addition to parasite treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- R C Thompson
- Division of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Western Australia 6150, Murdoch, Australia.
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