Comment on Islam et al. Helminth Parasites among Rodents in the Middle East Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Animals 2020, 10, 2342

I read with great interest the article by Islam et al. entitled "Helminth parasites among rodents in the Middle East countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis" published in Animals in December 2020 [...].

Global prevalence of Neospora caninum in rodents: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Neosporosis has been considered a cause of abortion in dairy and beef cattle worldwide. Rodents are reservoir hosts for several infectious diseases. It is necessary to determine the prevalence of Neospora caninum in rodents to improve the current understanding of the transmission dynamics of Neospora as well as its life cycle and risk of transmission to livestock. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to estimate the pooled global prevalence of N. caninum in different rodent species.

METHODS

Published studies on the prevalence of N. caninum in different rodent species were searched in the MEDLINE/PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar and the reference lists of the retrieved articles until July 30, 2022. The eligible studies were selected using inclusion and exclusion criteria. The extracted data were verified and analysed using the random-effect meta-analysis.

RESULT

For this meta-analysis, a total of 4372 rodents from 26 eligible studies were included. The global prevalence of N. caninum in rodents was estimated at 5% (95% CI 2%-9%), with the highest prevalence in Asia (12%; 95% CI 6%-24%) and lowest prevalence in America (3%; 95% CI 1%-14%) and Europe (3%; 95% CI 1%-6%). N. caninum was more prevalent in females (4%; 95% CI 2%-9%) than in males (3%; 95% CI 1%-11%). The most common diagnostic test was polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (21 studies). The pooled prevalence of N. caninum in rodents based on the diagnostic method was as follows: immunohistochemistry: 11% (95% CI 6%-20%), NAT: 5% (95% CI 4%-7%), IFAT: 5% (95% CI 2%-13%) and PCR: 3% (95% CI 1%-9%).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study showed a relatively low but widespread prevalence of N. caninum infection in rodents.

Assessment of genetic markers for multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of Fasciola isolates from Iran

BACKGROUND

Several markers have been described to characterise the population structure and genetic diversity of Fasciola species (Fasciola hepatica (F. hepatica) and Fasciola gigantica (F. gigantica). However, sequence analysis of a single genomic locus cannot provide sufficient resolution for the genetic diversity of the Fasciola parasite whose genomes are ∼1.3 GB in size.

OBJECTIVES

To gain a better understanding of the gene diversity of Fasciola isolates from western Iran and to identify the most informative markers as candidates for epidemiological studies, five housekeeping genes were evaluated using a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) approach.

METHODS

MLST analysis was developed based on five genes (ND1, Pepck, Pold, Cyt b and HSP70) after genomic DNA extraction, amplification and sequencing. Nucleotide diversity and phylogeny analysis were conducted on both concatenated MLST loci and each individual locus. A median joining haplotype network was created to examine the haplotypes relationship among Fasciola isolates.

RESULTS

Thirty-three Fasciola isolates (19 F. hepatica and 14 F. gigantica) were included in the study. A total of 2971 bp was analysed for each isolate and 31 sequence types (STs) were identified among the 33 isolates (19 for F. hepatica and 14 for F. gigantica isolates). The STs produced 44 and 42 polymorphic sites and 17 and 14 haplotypes for F. hepatica and F. gigantica, respectively. Haplotype diversity was 0.982 ± 0.026 and 1.000 ± 0.027 and nucleotide diversity was 0.00200 and 0.00353 ± 0.00088 for F. hepatica and F. gigantica, respectively. There was a high degree of genetic diversity with a Simpson's index of diversity of 0.98 and 1 for F. hepatica and F. gigantica, respectively. While HSP70 and Pold haplotypes from Fasciola species were separated by one to three mutational steps, the haplotype networks of ND1 and Cyt b were more complex and numerous mutational steps were found, likely due to recombination.

CONCLUSIONS

Although HSP70 and Pold genes from F. gigantica were invariant over the entire region of sequence coverage, MLST was useful for investigating the phylogenetic relationship of Fasciola species. The present study also provided insight into markers more suitable for phylogenetic studies and the genetic structure of Fasciola parasites.

A brief review of malaria epidemiological trend in Kermanshah province, Iran, 1986-2014

Malaria is the most severe protozoan disease in the world. As a result of strict malaria control programs, malaria's epidemiological model has changed. Knowing this epidemiological model and its effects will help us predict and prevent a new epidemic. This research was conducted to review the epidemiological trend of malaria in the Kermanshah province of Iran and some of its effective factors. Data were extracted from the registers in the disease control unit of the province, national population census, and annual rainfall report. The data was processed by SPSS16. There has been an evident decrease in malaria cases over the last 30 years in Kermanshah. This decreasing trend began especially after 1994, and since then, just 6% of all cases have happened. Between 1990 to 1997, an epidemic occurred, and more than 80% of positive cases were registered in these years. P. vivax malaria was the most common type (99.32%), and P. falciparum malaria was the second, with a very egregious difference (0.68%). The average age was 23.1 years, and men were infected twice more than women. There was a positive relation between annual rainfall level and positive malaria cases in these cities. After the major changes in malaria control programs in Kermanshah province, the number of positive cases fell noticeably, and now it is in the elimination stage. All cases of malaria were imported in the last years, and no resistance type was ever seen.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Qasr-e Shirin, a border area in the west of Iran

Aim:

The prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is growing in Iran, and new sources of the disease have been found in the country. The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiology of CL in Qasr-e Shirin County, Kermanshah Province, West of Iran. Qasr-e Shirin is located near the Iran-Iraq border, and several million pilgrims pass through this area to Iraq every year.

Materials and Methods:

A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out for active case detection from April 1, 2014, to March 31, 2015. All individuals with suspicious lesions were identified through house-to-house visits in the aforementioned area. A questionnaire was filled out for everyone with clinical suspicion of CL. A diagnosis was made based on parasitological examination of the lesion exudate. The annual incidence and prevalence of CL were estimated.

Results:

In total, 5277 individuals were randomly screened for the presence of active lesions or scars suspected of CL. The overall prevalence of CL in the County was 4.8% (60 cases had active lesions and 194 cases had scars). All age groups were affected, but the highest incidence of CL was seen in the age group 20-29 years (1.9%). The incidence and prevalence were higher in women than men (5.5% vs. 4%). Most cases (45.6%) had a single lesion or scar and 44 (17.4%) patients had five or more lesions or scars.

Conclusion:

The incidence of CL in Qasr-e Shirin County is high. There is a need for further studies on reservoirs and vectors of leishmaniasis in this area. The results of such studies help to perform more efficient and timely spraying against phlebotomine sandfly or detect and decrease the animal reservoir population.

Gene cassettes of class I integron-associated with antimicrobial resistance in isolates of Citrobacter spp. with multidrug resistance

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Integrons play a major role in the transmission and accumulation of resistance factors in multidrug resistant bacteria. This study was aimed to evaluate the gene cassettes of class I integron and antimicrobial resistance in isolates of Citrobacter with multidrug resistance (MDR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety isolates of Citrobacter spp. were collected from the largest hospital in Kermanshah, Iran. Antimicrobial resistance patterns were determined using disc diffusion method. The class I integron were detected by PCR. The integrase positive isolates were further analyzed for the presence of gene cassettes using 5' and 3' conserved sequences (CSs) primers and PCR products were sequenced. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test.

RESULTS

Of 90 Citrobacter isolates, 46 (51.1%) were multidrug resistant. Class I integron and gene cassettes were determined in 30 isolates (65.2%). Gene cassettes were found which contained genes encoded resistance to aminoglycosides and trimethoprim and a putative gene. Gene cassettes of dfrA12-orfF-aadA2, dfrA1-aadA1, aadA1 and dfrA15-aadA2 were also found in Citrobacter isolates.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate there is a high frequency of class I integron among multi-drug resistant strains of Citrobacter isolated from clinical settings. A high frequency of class I integron associated gene cassettes, in particular dfr and aadA, present in MDR strains of Citrobacter. This data indicates an important role of integrons in the creation and transmission of MDR strains in health care centers.

Study of operated primary and secondary (recurrence) hydatidosis in hospitals of Kermanshah, west of Islamic Republic of Iran

Cystic echinococcosis, caused by the larval stage of Echinoccocus granulosus, is a global public health threat. The aim of this study was to determine the demographic and clinical characteristics of cases of primary and secondary hydatid cyst in the west of the Islamic Republic of Iran. A retrospective record review was made in 7 public and private hospitals in Kermanshah from 2004 to 2009. Of 526 files of suspected cases analysed, 291 cases of hydatid cyst had been operated upon and confirmed. Of the patients, 51.5% were females, 57.7% lived in urban and suburban areas and the largest age group (17.5%) was 31-40 years. The major organs involved were liver (64.9%) and lung (26.8%) and 18 cases (6.2%) were confirmed as secondary hydatidosis. Most patients (79.4%) had been treated with albendazole. Kermanshah province should be considered an endemic region for human hydatid cyst disease; greater efforts in prevention are needed.

Human visceral leishmaniasis in kermanshah province, Western iran, during 2011-2012

BACKGROUND

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) or kala-azar is a parasitic disease caused by the species of Leishmania donovani complex. It is endemic in some parts of provinces of Iran. According to the reported cases of VL in Kermanshah Province in recent years, this study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of VL in high risk villages of the province.

METHODS

Totally, 1622 serum samples obtained from children under 15 years old and 178 from adults in 22 villages of studied areas. Serum samples were examined by direct agglutination test (DAT) for the detection of anti-Leishmania antibodies. Data were analyzed using SPSS software ver.11.5.

RESULTS

Only 6 serum samples (0.33%) showed anti-Leishmania antibodies against L.infantum at titers ≥ 1/3200. Four of the seropositive cases had a history of kala-azar and Leishman bodies were seen in their bone marrows. The highest (0.5%) and lowest (0.29%) seroprevalence was seen in the age groups of 5-9 and 10-14 years old, respectively. None of the adults were seropositive. There were not any significant differences between the rate of seropositivity in males (0.36%) and females (0.31%). 66.7% of seropositive individuals showed clinical manifestations. The most important symptoms in Kala-azar patients were fever, hepato-spleenomegally and anemia.

CONCLUSION

Kala-azar is occurred sporadically in Kermanshah Province. But presence of significant number of positive sera confirms the necessity for attention of people and clinicians to kala-azar.

The trend of hydatidosis in kermanshah province, Western iran (1986-2008)

BACKGROUND

Hydatidosis is the larval stage of the Echinococcusgranulosus. This disease is endemic in Iran. There are many studies about hydatidosis in different regions of the country, but there is not any information about the disease in Kermanshah Province. This article will review all available data about hydatidosis in this province.

METHODS

Using web based search engines and a survey on medical student's theses, all the information about hydatid cysts in the province from 1986 -2008 was collected.

RESULTS

During these twenty years, at least 482 proven cases of hydatid cyst have been identified in the province. Accordingly, the trend of hydatid cyst operation in the province has been growing and the average annual number of cases has reached 1.41/100,000. Frequency of disease in urban areas was slightly higher than rural areas and the rate of infection in housewives was more than others.

CONCLUSION

Because of the growing trend of hydatid cyst operation in Kermanshah Province, which may be due to many different reasons, this province should be considered as one of the important endemic regions of hydatidosis in Iran.

Epidemiological aspects of canine visceral leishmaniosis in the Islamic Republic of Iran

An epidemiological study to examine the sero-prevalence of zoonotic visceral leishmaniosis (ZVL) among domestic and wild canines in endemic foci of Iran was carried out during 1999-2003 to assess the distribution of the disease and the possible association between infection in dogs, wild canines and people. Anti-leishmanial antibodies were detected by the direct agglutination test (DAT). Parasitological study was performed for all captured wild canines and were detected in some of the seropositive dogs with specific clinical signs (n=107). Serum samples (n=1568) were collected from domestic dogs in villages that are known endemic foci of human visceral leishmaniosis (HVL). Wild canine sera were collected from jackals (Canis aureus, n=10), foxes (Vulpes vulpes, n=10) and wolves (Canis lupus, n=10). Of the 1568 serum sampled collected from domestic dogs, 222 (14.2%) were positive by DAT (1:320 and above). No statistically significant difference was found between male (15.2%) and female (11.8%) sero-prevalence (P=0.083). Dogs of 8 years and above showed the highest sero-prevalence (40.6%). Only 23.9% of the seropositive domestic dogs had clinical signs. Parasitology and serology tests that were performed in 30 wild canines showed 10% these animals were infected by Leishmania infantum. Ten out of 11 Leishmania spp. isolated from the dogs and wild canines were identified as L. infantum and one other as L. tropica by molecular and biochemical techniques. For the first time in Iran, L. infantum and L. tropica were isolated from viscera of both a wolf and a domestic dog.

Seroepidemiological study of visceral leishmaniasis among humans and animal reservoirs in Bushehr province, Islamic Republic of Iran

Using direct agglutination tests, a survey of visceral leishmaniasis was carried out among children and adults from 13 villages and from nomadic tribes in Bushehr province during 1998-99. Of the 1496 plasma samples, the overall seropositive rate [titres > or = 1: 3200] was 3.4%. Almost all cases [94.1%] were in children under 10 years old. Eighteen patients were diagnosed with kala azar; fever and splenomegaly were the predominant signs and symptoms. Parasitology and serology examinations of local animals identified dogs and jackals infected with Leishmania infantum. Suggestions for control of visceral leishmaniasis in this area are to eliminate stray dogs, identify cases among humans and suspected leashed dogs, and treat infected individuals.

Seroepidemiological study of visceral leishmaniasis among humans and animal reservoirs in Bushehr province, Islamic Republic of Iran

Using direct agglutination tests, a survey of visceral leishmaniasis was carried out among children and adults from 13 villages and from nomadic tribes in Bushehr province during 1998-99. Of the 1496 plasma samples, the overall seropositive rate (titres > or = 1:3200) was 3.4%. Almost all cases (94.1%) were in children under 10 years old. Eighteen patients were diagnosed with kala azar; fever and splenomegaly were the predominant signs and symptoms. Parasitology and serology examinations of local animals identified dogs and jackals infected with Leishmania infantum. Suggestions for control of visceral leishmaniasis in this area are to eliminate stray dogs, identify cases among humans and suspected leashed dogs, and treat infected individuals.