Cross-Sectional Serological Survey of Human Fascioliasis in Canutama Municipality in Western Amazon, Brazil

Prevalence trend and burden of foodborne trematodiasis in China from 1990 to 2021 and its predictions until 2030: a comparative study with Japan and South Korea

Background

Foodborne trematodiasis (FBT) poses a significant public health challenge in East Asia, influenced by local dietary practices and environmental conditions. This study evaluates the prevalence trends and disease burden of FBT in China, Japan, and South Korea from 1990 to 2021, with future burden projections until 2030, to guide targeted prevention strategies and public health resource allocation.

Methods

The study utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021, including the absolute prevalence, age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR), disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and age-standardized DALY rate (ASDALR). Joinpoint regression analyzed the average annual percentage change (AAPC) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to track FBT burden trends. A comparative analysis was conducted across different dimensions of the burden of FBT among China, Japan, and South Korea, including age, gender, and temporal trends. Additionally, the Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model projected future FBT burden trends.

Results

From 1990 to 2021, China showed significant reductions in ASPR (41.65%) and ASDALR (47.44%) of FBT. South Korea also noted a slight decrease, yet both had higher rates than the global average. Japan, conversely, saw a notable increase in FBT burden but with an overall lower burden compared to the global average. Males generally exhibited a higher disease burden than females. Future projections indicate a continued decline or stabilization in China and Japan, with a potential slight increase in South Korea by 2030.

Conclusion

The study reveals contrasting trends in FBT burden among the three East Asian countries, with significant declines in China, a slight decrease in South Korea despite higher-than-global rates, and an increasing but low burden in Japan. These insights are crucial for tailoring public health interventions and allocating resources effectively to combat FBT in the region.

Serological diagnosis of fasciolosis (Fasciola hepatica) in humans, cattle, and sheep: a meta-analysis

Fasciola hepatica can cause problems in both animals and humans. Fasciolosis can be diagnosed through the indirect ELISA immunodiagnostic test. Serological diagnosis of Fasciola is based on recombinant antigens secreted by this worm. We used PubMed and Google Scholar databases to review the published literature on 'antigens with immunogenic potential' used in serological tests to identify antibodies against F. hepatica in humans, cattle, and sheep. Studies that investigated diagnostic tests with common reference standards were included in the sensitivity and/or specificity bivariate meta-analysis. In the quality and susceptibility to bias analysis of the 33 included studies, 26 fulfilled at least six (75%) of the eight QUADAS criteria and were considered good-quality papers. We found that most of the studies used native excretory-secretory antigens and recombinant cathepsin in ELISA tests for serological diagnosis of fascioliasis in humans, cattle, and sheep. The meta-analysis revealed that all antigens demonstrated good accuracy. The best results in terms of sensitivity [0.931-2.5% confidence interval (CI) and 0.985-97.5% CI] and specificity (0.959-2.5% CI and 0.997-97.5% CI) were found in human FhES. FhrCL-1, FhES, and FhrSAP-2 antigens gave the best results for the serum diagnosis of human and animal fasciolosis.

The global prevalence of human fascioliasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Fascioliasis is a parasitic zoonosis that can infect humans and be a source of significant morbidity. The World Health Organization lists human fascioliasis as a neglected tropical disease, but the worldwide prevalence of fascioliasis data is unknown.

Objective

We aimed to estimate the global prevalence of human fascioliasis.

Data sources and methods

We performed a systematic review and prevalence meta-analysis. We used the following inclusion criteria: articles published in the English, Portuguese, or Spanish languages from December 1985 to October 2022 and studies assessing the prevalence of Fasciola in the general population with an appropriate diagnostic methodology, including longitudinal studies, prospective and retrospective cohorts, case series, and randomized clinical trials (RCTs). We excluded animal studies. Two reviewers independently reviewed the selected studies for methodological quality, performing critical standard measures from JBI SUMARI. A random-effects model was conducted of the summary extracted data on the prevalence proportions. We reported the estimates according to the GATHER statement.

Results

In all, 5617 studies were screened for eligibility. Fifty-five studies from 15 countries were selected, including 154,697 patients and 3987 cases. The meta-analysis revealed a pooled prevalence of 4.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.1-6.1; I² = 99.4%; T² = 0.07]. The prevalence in South America, Africa, and Asia was 9.0%, 4.8%, and 2.0%, respectively. The highest prevalence was found in Bolivia (21%), Peru (11%), and Egypt (6%). Subgroup analysis showed higher prevalence estimates in children, in studies from South America, and when Fas2-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used as a diagnostic method. A larger study sample size (p = 0.027) and an increase in female percentage (p = 0.043) correlated with a decrease in prevalence. Multiple meta-regression showed a higher prevalence for hyperendemic than hypoendemic (p = 0.002) or mesoendemic (p = 0.013) regions.

Conclusion

The estimated prevalence and projected disease burden of human fascioliasis are high. Study findings support that fascioliasis continues to be a globally neglected tropical disease. Strengthening epidemiological surveillance and implementing measures to control and treat fascioliasis is imperative in the most affected areas.

Recent developments in the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of Fasciola infection

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review aims at describing the latest research in Fasciola epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and control in endemic countries.

RECENT FINDINGS

The geographic distribution and range of reservoirs for Fasciola hepatica continues to expand. The impact of fascioliasis goes beyond human disease to affect food security and income in developed and developing countries. Promising serologic and molecular methods to diagnose fascioliasis have been described, but are not widely available. Triclabendazole remains the only highly active medication to treat human and livestock infected with juvenile and adult forms of Fasciola spp. Efforts to control fascioliasis may be hindered by the emergence of resistance to triclabendazole among livestock and subsequently in humans.

SUMMARY

Increased awareness and surveillance are likely to uncover the real distribution and burden of fascioliasis in human. Research into new drugs or adjuvants to tackle the emerging resistance to triclabendazole is imperative to treat and control Fasciola infection.