Antiparasitic resistance represents a serious global public health concern with tremendous economic and safety implications. This study intended to investigate the expression of the two major resistant markers: cystathionine β synthase (CβS) and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) in antimony unresponsive Leishmania tropica isolates compared to responsive ones. Twenty-six patients were randomly selected from widely known foci of anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in southeastern Iran. Written informed consent of the patients was obtained. Two smears were prepared from the edge of each active lesion; one for microscopic direct smear preparation and the other for inoculation into monophasic NNN media, then for mass production of promastigotes into RPMI-1640 monophasic culture for performing nested PCR and gene expression quantification by real-time PCR. Twenty-six patients consisting of 13 unresponsive and 13 responsive equally distributed among female and male groups. All cases were identified to be L. tropica. Both resistant gene markers were significantly up-regulated in unresponsive and responsive isolates. The findings showed that CβS and ODC are directly linked with the resistance to L. tropica. Alternative drugs or combination therapy and monitoring drug resistance to prevent the spread of resistant isolates are proper strategies to control the disease.
{"title":"Identification of CβS and ODC antimony resistance markers in anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis field isolates by gene expression profiling","authors":"Farzaneh Zarrinkar , Iraj Sharifi , Razieh Tavakoli Oliaee , Ali Afgar , Elaheh Molaakbari , Mehdi Bamorovat , Zahra Babaei , Ebrahim Eskandari , Ehsan Salarkia , Marzieh Asadi","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00413","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00413","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Antiparasitic resistance represents a serious global public health concern with tremendous economic and safety implications. This study intended to investigate the expression of the two major resistant markers: cystathionine β synthase (CβS) and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) in antimony unresponsive <em>Leishmania tropica</em> isolates compared to responsive ones. Twenty-six patients were randomly selected from widely known foci of anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in southeastern Iran. Written informed consent of the patients was obtained. Two smears were prepared from the edge of each active lesion; one for microscopic direct smear preparation and the other for inoculation into monophasic NNN media, then for mass production of promastigotes into RPMI-1640 monophasic culture for performing nested PCR and gene expression quantification by real-time PCR. Twenty-six patients consisting of 13 unresponsive and 13 responsive equally distributed among female and male groups. All cases were identified to be <em>L. tropica.</em> Both resistant gene markers were significantly up-regulated in unresponsive and responsive isolates. The findings showed that CβS and ODC are directly linked with the resistance to L. <em>tropica.</em> Alternative drugs or combination therapy and monitoring drug resistance to prevent the spread of resistant isolates are proper strategies to control the disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article e00413"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143158409","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00414
Mohsen Najjari , Ali Dehesht Manesh , Shahab Rezaeian , Bibi Razieh Hosseini Farrash , Mohammad Ali Mohammadi , Mohammad Ebrahimipour
Cystic echinococcosis can involve various organs in humans with the brain and spine being particularly vulnerable. This research aimed to study clinicopathological features and molecular analysis of the central nervous system (CNS) echinococcosis cases in a central hospital for hydatid cyst surgery in northeastern Iran. CNS echinococcosis cases from surgically managed human CE cases at Ghaem hospital in northeastern Iran were analyzed from 2012 to 2022. Demographic and clinicopathological data were collected for CNS echinococcosis cases and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks were used for molecular analysis. The total prevalence of CNS echinococcosis cases was 1. 8 %. Most of the CE cases were reported in women (64. 7 %) and from rural areas (58. 8 %). The highest number of cases (41. 2 %) were aged ≤18 years, with majority being ranchers (47. 1 %). Thirteen cases (76.5 %) were found to have cysts in their brain, particularly in the supratentorial site. Headache was the most commonly reported sign in cases (9/13, 69.2 %). Infiltration of eosinophils, polymorphic inflammatory cells, and giant cells, gliosis, and foreign body granulomatous reaction, along with mild infiltration of mononuclear cells showing degeneration and necrotic foci in the brain infections. Spine infections included bone cartilage, ligaments, and hydatid cyst wall fragments. PCR analysis conducted on 17 samples revealed the presence of 13 isolates of E. granulosus sensu lato. Among these, 11 were classified within the E. granulosus sensu stricto (G1 and/or G3) complex, while 2 isolates were identified as belonging to the E. canadensis G6/G7. Cerebrospinal infection is a significant aspect of CE cases in northcentral Iran, with a higher prevalence among women and in rural areas. Children were the most affected age group, with the E. granulosus s.s. genotypes being the most common.
{"title":"A ten-year evaluation of central nervous system cystic echinococcosis in a highly endemic area of Iran: Molecular epidemiology and clinicopathological characteristics","authors":"Mohsen Najjari , Ali Dehesht Manesh , Shahab Rezaeian , Bibi Razieh Hosseini Farrash , Mohammad Ali Mohammadi , Mohammad Ebrahimipour","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00414","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00414","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cystic echinococcosis can involve various organs in humans with the brain and spine being particularly vulnerable. This research aimed to study clinicopathological features and molecular analysis of the central nervous system (CNS) echinococcosis cases in a central hospital for hydatid cyst surgery in northeastern Iran. CNS echinococcosis cases from surgically managed human CE cases at Ghaem hospital in northeastern Iran were analyzed from 2012 to 2022. Demographic and clinicopathological data were collected for CNS echinococcosis cases and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks were used for molecular analysis. The total prevalence of CNS echinococcosis cases was 1. 8 %. Most of the CE cases were reported in women (64. 7 %) and from rural areas (58. 8 %). The highest number of cases (41. 2 %) were aged ≤18 years, with majority being ranchers (47. 1 %). Thirteen cases (76.5 %) were found to have cysts in their brain, particularly in the supratentorial site. Headache was the most commonly reported sign in cases (9/13, 69.2 %). Infiltration of eosinophils, polymorphic inflammatory cells, and giant cells, gliosis, and foreign body granulomatous reaction, along with mild infiltration of mononuclear cells showing degeneration and necrotic foci in the brain infections. Spine infections included bone cartilage, ligaments, and hydatid cyst wall fragments. PCR analysis conducted on 17 samples revealed the presence of 13 isolates of <em>E. granulosus sensu lato.</em> Among these, 11 were classified within the <em>E. granulosus sensu stricto</em> (G1 and/or G3) complex, while 2 isolates were identified as belonging to the <em>E. canadensis</em> G6/G7. Cerebrospinal infection is a significant aspect of CE cases in northcentral Iran, with a higher prevalence among women and in rural areas. Children were the most affected age group, with the <em>E. granulosus s.s.</em> genotypes being the most common.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article e00414"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143158408","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00408
Alebie Mesfin , Woynshet Gelaye , Getaneh Alemu
In impoverished nations, intestinal protozoan infections (IPIs) are a leading cause of diarrhea in children. However, in the majority of afflicted nations, including Ethiopia, the role played by each intestinal protozoa species in causing diarrhea and the risk factors linked with it are not adequately addressed. This would support focused intervention efforts. The prevalence of IPIs and related variables were evaluated between April and May 2023 among 380 under-five children in Borena district of Amhara region, central Ethiopia, by an institution-based cross-sectional survey. Systematic random sampling was used to select study participants. The study included a structured questionnaire to gather data regarding sociodemographic characteristics and perceived risk factors for IPIs. Using saline and iodine wet mounts as well as Richie's modified formol-ethyl acetate concentration technique, stool samples were collected and analyzed under a microscope. SPSS was used to enter and evaluate the data. At a 95 % confidence level, bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to determine the factors linked to intestinal protozoa infection. Among 380 participants, 136 (35.8 %) were tested positive for one or more intestinal parasite species at least by one of the diagnostic methods. 118 (31.1 %; 95 % CI: 26.6–36.1) children were infected by intestinal protozoans.
The parasites detected were: G. lamblia 71 (18.7 %) and E. histolytica/disar 54 (14.2 %), E. vermicularis 3 (0.8 %), A. lumbricoides 2 (0.5 %), H. nana 2 (0.5 %) and T. trichiura 1 (0.3 %). Seven (1.8 %) participants were infected by both protozoan species. Children whose mothers/guardians did not attend formal education were at higher risk of IPI (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.801; 95 %CI: 1.666–4.711, p<0.001) than children from literate mothers/guardians. Absence of functional toiltet in the household (AOR = 1.952; 95 %CI: 1.195–3.187, p = 0.008), hand washing with water alone, rather than with soap/ash (AOR = 3.052; 95 %CI: 1.203–7.746, p = 0.019) and having frequent contact with animals (AOR = 2.103; 95 %CI: 1.238–3.574, p = 0.006) were associated with IPIs. These findings revealed that Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica are public health problems causing diarrhea among under-five children in the study area, and their transmission is associated with the illiteracy of mothers/guardians, the absence of functional toilets, not using soap/ash during hand washing, and frequent contact with domestic animals. Therefore, when diagnosing, treating, and educating patients about diarrhea, healthcare professionals should take these protozoans into account.
{"title":"Intestinal protozoa infections and associated factors among diarrheal under-five children in Borena district, central Ethiopia","authors":"Alebie Mesfin , Woynshet Gelaye , Getaneh Alemu","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00408","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00408","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In impoverished nations, intestinal protozoan infections (IPIs) are a leading cause of diarrhea in children. However, in the majority of afflicted nations, including Ethiopia, the role played by each intestinal protozoa species in causing diarrhea and the risk factors linked with it are not adequately addressed. This would support focused intervention efforts. The prevalence of IPIs and related variables were evaluated between April and May 2023 among 380 under-five children in Borena district of Amhara region, central Ethiopia, by an institution-based cross-sectional survey. Systematic random sampling was used to select study participants. The study included a structured questionnaire to gather data regarding sociodemographic characteristics and perceived risk factors for IPIs. Using saline and iodine wet mounts as well as Richie's modified formol-ethyl acetate concentration technique, stool samples were collected and analyzed under a microscope. SPSS was used to enter and evaluate the data. At a 95 % confidence level, bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to determine the factors linked to intestinal protozoa infection. Among 380 participants, 136 (35.8 %) were tested positive for one or more intestinal parasite species at least by one of the diagnostic methods. 118 (31.1 %; 95 % CI: 26.6–36.1) children were infected by intestinal protozoans.</div><div>The parasites detected were: <em>G. lamblia</em> 71 (18.7 %) and <em>E. histolytica/disar</em> 54 (14.2 %), <em>E. vermicularis</em> 3 (0.8 %), <em>A. lumbricoides</em> 2 (0.5 %), <em>H. nana</em> 2 (0.5 %) and <em>T. trichiura</em> 1 (0.3 %). Seven (1.8 %) participants were infected by both protozoan species. Children whose mothers/guardians did not attend formal education were at higher risk of IPI (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.801; 95 %CI: 1.666–4.711, <em>p</em> <em><</em> <em>0.001</em>) than children from literate mothers/guardians. Absence of functional toiltet in the household (AOR = 1.952; 95 %CI: 1.195–3.187, <em>p = 0.008</em>), hand washing with water alone, rather than with soap/ash (AOR = 3.052; 95 %CI: 1.203–7.746, <em>p = 0.019</em>) and having frequent contact with animals (AOR = 2.103; 95 %CI: 1.238–3.574, <em>p = 0.006</em>) were associated with IPIs. These findings revealed that <em>Giardia lamblia</em> and <em>Entamoeba histolytica</em> are public health problems causing diarrhea among under-five children in the study area, and their transmission is associated with the illiteracy of mothers/guardians, the absence of functional toilets, not using soap/ash during hand washing, and frequent contact with domestic animals. Therefore, when diagnosing, treating, and educating patients about diarrhea, healthcare professionals should take these protozoans into account.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article e00408"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143158418","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-30DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00415
Solomon Tesfaye, Mastewal Yeshambel, Amir Alelign, Tilahun Yohannes
Bovine schistosomiasis and fasciolosis, caused by flatworms from different species of Schistosoma and Fasciola, continue to be significant animal health concerns in cattle farming in developing countries like Ethiopia. However, not enough epidemiological information is available in most parts of Ethiopia in this respect. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the magnitude of these two important zoonotic diseases and the associated risk factors in south Achefer district, northwest Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was carried out in June and August of 2020. The research cattle, which belonged to farmers in three selected localities, were chosen by a simple random sampling method. Freshly collected faecal samples were subjected to a parasitological test using the sedimentation technique to identify eggs of Schistosoma and Fasciola. We used Pearson's chi-square (χ2) test to ascertain the degree of variation between the proportions of disease occurrence. Logistic regression analyses were performed for the risk factor analysis. The overall prevalence of Schistosoma bovis and Fasciola hepatica was 9.6 % (37/384) and 54.2 % (208/384), respectively. Cross-bred cattle had around twice the odds of contracting Fasciola hepatica than local cattle (adjusted odds ratio, AOR: 1.87, 95 % CI: 1.02–3.43). The prevalence of Fasciola hepatica was more than seven times higher in younger cattle than in older cattle (AOR: 7.31, 95 % CI: 3.54–15.08). Comparatively to cattle in good physical health, those in poor physical condition were shown to contract Fasciola hepatica more than four times (AOR: 4.85, 95 % CI: 1.94–12.14). This study indicated that bovine Schistosoma and Fasciola infections remain among the major cattle health problems in the study area. Therefore, appropriate intervention methods should be implemented for effective zoonotic disease control in the study area.
{"title":"Prevalence and associated risk factors of bovine Schistosoma and Fasciola infections among cattle in South Achefer District, North West Ethiopia","authors":"Solomon Tesfaye, Mastewal Yeshambel, Amir Alelign, Tilahun Yohannes","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00415","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00415","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bovine schistosomiasis and fasciolosis, caused by flatworms from different species of <em>Schistosoma</em> and <em>Fasciola</em>, continue to be significant animal health concerns in cattle farming in developing countries like Ethiopia. However, not enough epidemiological information is available in most parts of Ethiopia in this respect. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the magnitude of these two important zoonotic diseases and the associated risk factors in south Achefer district, northwest Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was carried out in June and August of 2020. The research cattle, which belonged to farmers in three selected localities, were chosen by a simple random sampling method. Freshly collected faecal samples were subjected to a parasitological test using the sedimentation technique to identify eggs of <em>Schistosoma</em> and <em>Fasciola</em>. We used Pearson's chi-square (χ2) test to ascertain the degree of variation between the proportions of disease occurrence. Logistic regression analyses were performed for the risk factor analysis. The overall prevalence of <em>Schistosoma bovis</em> and <em>Fasciola hepatica</em> was 9.6 % (37/384) and 54.2 % (208/384), respectively. Cross-bred cattle had around twice the odds of contracting <em>Fasciola hepatica</em> than local cattle (adjusted odds ratio, AOR: 1.87, 95 % CI: 1.02–3.43). The prevalence of <em>Fasciola hepatica</em> was more than seven times higher in younger cattle than in older cattle (AOR: 7.31, 95 % CI: 3.54–15.08). Comparatively to cattle in good physical health, those in poor physical condition were shown to contract <em>Fasciola hepatica</em> more than four times (AOR: 4.85, 95 % CI: 1.94–12.14). This study indicated that bovine <em>Schistosoma</em> and <em>Fasciola</em> infections remain among the major cattle health problems in the study area. Therefore, appropriate intervention methods should be implemented for effective zoonotic disease control in the study area.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article e00415"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143135291","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii. This study investigated the prevalence of C. burnetii in traditional dairy products, specifically yogurt and cheese, in Lorestan Province. A total of 100 samples of traditional yogurt and unpasteurized cheese were collected from various regions. To analyze the genome of C. burnetii, DNA was purified and molecular detection was performed using nested PCR with primers specific to the IS1111 transposon gene. The results revealed a prevalence of 13.3 % (95 % CI: 6.9 %–24.16 %) in yogurt samples and 12.5 % (95 % CI: 5.46 %–26.11 %) in cheese samples. Additionally, a significant seasonal variation in contamination levels was observed, with a p-value of less than 0.05. However, no significant correlation was found between geographical location and the degree of contamination. These findings suggest that the contamination of dairy products with C. burnetii is likely due to the bacterium's ‘spore-like’ form and the lack of pasteurization in the traditional production of yogurt and cheese. While the direct risk of transmission via unpasteurized dairy products is considered low, these products should still be monitored in Q fever outbreaks.
{"title":"Prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in unpasteurized dairy products in west of Iran","authors":"Soheila Mohammadkhanifard, Amin Jaydari, Ehsan Rashidian, Nemat Shams, Peyman Khademi","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00411","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00411","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by <em>Coxiella burnetii</em>. This study investigated the prevalence of <em>C. burnetii</em> in traditional dairy products, specifically yogurt and cheese, in Lorestan Province. A total of 100 samples of traditional yogurt and unpasteurized cheese were collected from various regions. To analyze the genome of <em>C. burnetii</em>, DNA was purified and molecular detection was performed using nested PCR with primers specific to the <em>IS1111</em> transposon gene. The results revealed a prevalence of 13.3 % (95 % CI: 6.9 %–24.16 %) in yogurt samples and 12.5 % (95 % CI: 5.46 %–26.11 %) in cheese samples. Additionally, a significant seasonal variation in contamination levels was observed, with a <em>p</em>-value of less than 0.05. However, no significant correlation was found between geographical location and the degree of contamination. These findings suggest that the contamination of dairy products with <em>C. burnetii</em> is likely due to the bacterium's ‘spore-like’ form and the lack of pasteurization in the traditional production of yogurt and cheese. While the direct risk of transmission via unpasteurized dairy products is considered low, these products should still be monitored in Q fever outbreaks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article e00411"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143135106","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
One of the major causes of morbidity and death in children is malaria, and HIV infection and other factors may make the situation worse. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of malaria parasitemia among HIV-infected children under 15 years in the Bonassama Health District, Douala, Cameroon, and investigate its association with CD4 cell counts, viral load, and haematological parameters.
Methods
The study was a cross-sectional study involving 287 HIV-infected children <15 years and convenient sampling was used to enrol participants. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain the characteristics of the participants from the caregivers. Venous blood was collected; blood films were made and stained using Giemsa for parasite detection. Full blood count, CD4 level and viral load were measured using a haematology auto-analyzer, pima counter and genexpert, respectively. Data were analysed using SPSS, and the chi-square test was used to assess the association. Predisposing factors to malaria were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression, and a p < 0.05 was considered significant.
Results
The overall prevalence of malaria and anaemia was 31.01 % and 25.44 %, respectively. Malaria prevalence was significantly higher in children <5 years (42.68 %, p < 0.001), those presented with fever (40.70 %, p = 0.047), children not on antiretroviral therapy (ART) (28.6 %, p = 0.02) and cotrimoxazole (28.6 %, p = 0.02). Children <5 years (AOR = 1.81, 95 % 1.19–2.75), those between 5 and 9 years (AOR = 1.61, 95 % CI 1.11–2.48), children not on ART(AOR = 2.2, 95 % 1.03–4.74) and Cotrimoxazole (AOR = 9.08, 95 % 2.33–43.46), febrile children (AOR = 1.72, 95 % 1.01–2.11), children with viral load >3000 copies/μL(AOR = 2.933, 95 % 1.36–6.49), and CD4 count <200cells/ μL (AOR = 3.09, 95 % 2.08–4.6) were factors associated with malaria parasitemia among HIV-infected children. Haemoglobin levels (p = 0.0016), White Blood Cells (p = 0.002), Red Blood Cells (P < 0.001), neutrophils count (p < 0.001), and platelet counts (p = 0.0164) were significantly lowered among malaria/HIV children compared to HIV-infected children.
Conclusion
The study concludes that HIV-infected children under 5 years, especially those not on ART or cotrimoxazole, are at a significantly higher risk for malaria and related haematological issues. This underscores the necessity for targeted malaria screening and treatment in this vulnerable group. Public health strategies should prioritize enhancing access to ART and cotrimoxazole to mitigate these risks and improve overall health outcomes.
{"title":"Malaria parasitemia and its association with CD4 cells, viral load and haematological parameters among HIV-infected children < 15 years in the Bonasssama Health District, Douala, Cameroon: Prevalence and risk factors","authors":"Ambe Fabrice Ngwa , Ekwi Damian Nsongmayi , Tanyi Pride Bobga , Bih Vanessa Tita , Judith Ngong Nyeme , Nyanjoh Eugine Mbuh","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2024.e00390","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2024.e00390","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>One of the major causes of morbidity and death in children is malaria, and HIV infection and other factors may make the situation worse. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of malaria parasitemia among HIV-infected children under 15 years in the Bonassama Health District, Douala, Cameroon, and investigate its association with CD4 cell counts, viral load, and haematological parameters.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study was a cross-sectional study involving 287 HIV-infected children <15 years and convenient sampling was used to enrol participants. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain the characteristics of the participants from the caregivers. Venous blood was collected; blood films were made and stained using Giemsa for parasite detection. Full blood count, CD4 level and viral load were measured using a haematology auto-analyzer, pima counter and genexpert, respectively. Data were analysed using SPSS, and the chi-square test was used to assess the association. Predisposing factors to malaria were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression, and a <em>p</em> < 0.05 was considered significant.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The overall prevalence of malaria and anaemia was 31.01 % and 25.44 %, respectively. Malaria prevalence was significantly higher in children <5 years (42.68 %, <em>p</em> < 0.001), those presented with fever (40.70 %, <em>p</em> = 0.047), children not on antiretroviral therapy (ART) (28.6 %, <em>p</em> = 0.02) and cotrimoxazole (28.6 %, p = 0.02). Children <5 years (AOR = 1.81, 95 % 1.19–2.75), those between 5 and 9 years (AOR = 1.61, 95 % CI 1.11–2.48), children not on ART(AOR = 2.2, 95 % 1.03–4.74) and Cotrimoxazole (AOR = 9.08, 95 % 2.33–43.46), febrile children (AOR = 1.72, 95 % 1.01–2.11), children with viral load >3000 copies/μL(AOR = 2.933, 95 % 1.36–6.49), and CD4 count <200cells/ μL (AOR = 3.09, 95 % 2.08–4.6) were factors associated with malaria parasitemia among HIV-infected children. Haemoglobin levels (<em>p</em> = 0.0016), White Blood Cells (<em>p</em> = 0.002), Red Blood Cells (<em>P</em> < 0.001), neutrophils count (<em>p</em> < 0.001), and platelet counts (<em>p</em> = 0.0164) were significantly lowered among malaria/HIV children compared to HIV-infected children.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study concludes that HIV-infected children under 5 years, especially those not on ART or cotrimoxazole, are at a significantly higher risk for malaria and related haematological issues. This underscores the necessity for targeted malaria screening and treatment in this vulnerable group. Public health strategies should prioritize enhancing access to ART and cotrimoxazole to mitigate these risks and improve overall health outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"27 ","pages":"Article e00390"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142592779","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique (FECT) is one of the most sensitive diagnostic method not only for all helminths, but also for Opisthorchis viverrini infections in stool examinations. However, it remains a diagnostic problem for light infections. We modified the one-step FECT to determine the low-intensity of O. viverrini infection and compared with various conventional detection methods. The study utilized 160 egg-positive and 160 randomly negative stool samples for O. viverrini eggs by conventional FECT (cFECT) to compare the methods, including the simple smear, the Kato-Katz method, the two commercial stool examination kits, and the one-step FECT. Our results showed that the one-step FECT method had the highest sensitivity (95.6 %), followed by cFECT (87.9 %), the Kato-Katz (55.5 %), Aquisfek SF-FIX® (48.3 %), simple smear (42.3 %), and Mini Parasep® SF (35.1 %). The ability of one-step FECT exhibited better ability to detect low parasite intensities compared to the cFECT (18 eggs per gram (e.p.g.) versus 34 e.p.g.) and the other conventional diagnostic methods. In addition, the investigation of O. viverrini infection in endemic regions in northeastern Thailand based on 3900 fecal samples revealed that the one-step FECT with an intensity of 66.8 e.p.g. (range 18–226) was significantly higher in sensitivity than cFECT, which had an intensity of 58.0 e.p.g. (range 34–214). Interestingly, fecal samples with less than 50 e.p.g. could not be detected by cFECT in 67 % of cases, and 69 out of 3900 samples were negative. In conclusion, one-step FECT improves the detection of low-intensity O. viverrini infection, which is suitable for parasites screening, especially for low-intensity infections in the community.
{"title":"Enhanced detection of Opisthorchis viverrini infection: A comparative evaluation of modified one-step FECT and conventional diagnostic methods in low-intensity setting","authors":"Suksanti Prakobwong , Lakhanawan Charoensuk , Kacha Chedtabud , Somchai Pinlaor , Srisupaph Poonlaphdecha , Alexis Ribas","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2024.e00391","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2024.e00391","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique (FECT) is one of the most sensitive diagnostic method not only for all helminths, but also for <em>Opisthorchis viverrini</em> infections in stool examinations. However, it remains a diagnostic problem for light infections. We modified the one-step FECT to determine the low-intensity of <em>O. viverrini</em> infection and compared with various conventional detection methods. The study utilized 160 egg-positive and 160 randomly negative stool samples for <em>O. viverrini</em> eggs by conventional FECT (cFECT) to compare the methods, including the simple smear, the Kato-Katz method, the two commercial stool examination kits, and the one-step FECT. Our results showed that the one-step FECT method had the highest sensitivity (95.6 %), followed by cFECT (87.9 %), the Kato-Katz (55.5 %), Aquisfek SF-FIX® (48.3 %), simple smear (42.3 %), and Mini Parasep® SF (35.1 %). The ability of one-step FECT exhibited better ability to detect low parasite intensities compared to the cFECT (18 eggs per gram (e.p.g.) versus 34 e.p.g.) and the other conventional diagnostic methods. In addition, the investigation of <em>O. viverrini</em> infection in endemic regions in northeastern Thailand based on 3900 fecal samples revealed that the one-step FECT with an intensity of 66.8 e.p.g. (range 18–226) was significantly higher in sensitivity than cFECT, which had an intensity of 58.0 e.p.g. (range 34–214). Interestingly, fecal samples with less than 50 e.p.g. could not be detected by cFECT in 67 % of cases, and 69 out of 3900 samples were negative. In conclusion, one-step FECT improves the detection of low-intensity <em>O. viverrini</em> infection, which is suitable for parasites screening, especially for low-intensity infections in the community.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"27 ","pages":"Article e00391"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142756649","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-11-01DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2024.e00396
Surra Gebeyehu , Dereje Tulu Robi
The trypanosomosis remains unresolved due to its impact on various hosts, leading to production losses in Ethiopia. In the Southwest of Oromia, multiple livestock species share grazing land in tsetse-infested areas. Thus, a cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2020 to December 2021 to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of trypanosomosis in bovines, small ruminants, and equines, as well as the distribution of the vector in the Dabo Hana district of Southwest Oromia, Ethiopia. A vector survey was carried out using 60 monoconical traps placed at intervals ranging from about 100 to 200 m. Out of the 1441 flies captured, 86.2 % were Glossina, 7.84 % were Stomoxys, and 5.96 % were Tabanus. The overall apparent density of flies was 12 flies per trap per day. Among the 1242 caught Glossina species, 85 % were identified as G. tachinoides and 15 % as G. m. submorsitans. The average age of male tsetse flies was 28 days, and the overall infection rate of trypanosomes in tsetse flies was 4.8 %. A total of 701 blood samples (190 from bovines, 384 from small ruminants, and 127 from equines) were analyzed using buffy coat and Giemsa techniques. The prevalence of trypanosomosis was found to be 10 % in bovines, 4.2 % in small ruminants, and 3.1 % in equines. A significant difference (P < 0.05) in trypanosome infection was observed among the three host species, as well as with respect to the age and body condition of the animals. The predominant cause of infection was T. congolense, accounting for 74.4 % of cases. The mean packed cell volume (PCV) values of infected bovines, small ruminants, and equines were significantly lower (P < 0.05) compared to those of non-infected animals. Trypanosomosis is a major livestock disease in the study area. The findings provide valuable insights into the prevalence and infection rates of trypanosomosis, identify the affected species, and highlight significant risk factors, such as age, body condition, and vector distribution. Implementing sustainable and integrated practices for trypanosomosis control is crucial, and conducting molecular techniques in different seasons is also recommended.
{"title":"Epidemiological investigation of trypanosomosis in livestock and distribution of vector in Dabo Hana district, Southwest Oromia, Ethiopia","authors":"Surra Gebeyehu , Dereje Tulu Robi","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2024.e00396","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2024.e00396","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The trypanosomosis remains unresolved due to its impact on various hosts, leading to production losses in Ethiopia. In the Southwest of Oromia, multiple livestock species share grazing land in tsetse-infested areas. Thus, a cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2020 to December 2021 to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of trypanosomosis in bovines, small ruminants, and equines, as well as the distribution of the vector in the Dabo Hana district of Southwest Oromia, Ethiopia. A vector survey was carried out using 60 monoconical traps placed at intervals ranging from about 100 to 200 m. Out of the 1441 flies captured, 86.2 % were <em>Glossina</em>, 7.84 % were <em>Stomoxys</em>, and 5.96 % were <em>Tabanus</em>. The overall apparent density of flies was 12 flies per trap per day. Among the 1242 caught <em>Glossina</em> species, 85 % were identified as <em>G. tachinoides</em> and 15 % as <em>G. m. submorsitans</em>. The average age of male tsetse flies was 28 days, and the overall infection rate of trypanosomes in tsetse flies was 4.8 %. A total of 701 blood samples (190 from bovines, 384 from small ruminants, and 127 from equines) were analyzed using buffy coat and Giemsa techniques. The prevalence of trypanosomosis was found to be 10 % in bovines, 4.2 % in small ruminants, and 3.1 % in equines. A significant difference (<em>P</em> < 0.05) in trypanosome infection was observed among the three host species, as well as with respect to the age and body condition of the animals. The predominant cause of infection was <em>T. congolense</em>, accounting for 74.4 % of cases. The mean packed cell volume (PCV) values of infected bovines, small ruminants, and equines were significantly lower (<em>P</em> < 0.05) compared to those of non-infected animals. Trypanosomosis is a major livestock disease in the study area. The findings provide valuable insights into the prevalence and infection rates of trypanosomosis, identify the affected species, and highlight significant risk factors, such as age, body condition, and vector distribution. Implementing sustainable and integrated practices for trypanosomosis control is crucial, and conducting molecular techniques in different seasons is also recommended.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"27 ","pages":"Article e00396"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11667175/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142886227","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-11-01DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2024.e00395
Seyed Hassan Nikookar , Mohammad Reza Akbari , Mohammad Ali Oshaghi , Nasibeh Hosseini-Vasoukolaei , Ahmadali Enayati , Farzad Motevalli-Haghi , Mahdi Fakhar
Leishmaniasis is currently considered a major health problem in Iran, posing an increasing threat to society's development in various dimensions. This study aimed to detect Leishmania infection in wild-caught sand flies in Sari City, northern Iran. Sand flies were collected using sticky traps, and Leishmania DNA was identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the ITS2-rDNA region, followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. A total of 138 female sand flies were tested, among which, only 1 specimen of Ph. papatasi (11.11 %) and Ph. major (14.28 %), 4 specimens of Ph. kandelakii (7.27 %) and Se. dentata (8.33 %), and 2 specimens of Se. sintoni (50 %) were naturally infected with L. (L.) major. This was observed in the ITS2 nested-PCR amplification assays where a ∼ 245 bp PCR band was produced. Also, RFLP analysis by Mnl1 revealed the fragments of 55 and 70 and 120 bp for infected sand flies which are characteristic of L. (L.) major. Most of the sand flies were unfed, collected during warm season, found indoor. This study reperesents the first molecular detection of L. (L.) major in wild-caught sand flies, specifically in Ph. papatasi in this region, as well as Ph. kandelakii and Ph. major in Iran and even the world.
{"title":"Molecular detection of Leishmania DNA in wild-caught sand flies, Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia spp. in northern Iran","authors":"Seyed Hassan Nikookar , Mohammad Reza Akbari , Mohammad Ali Oshaghi , Nasibeh Hosseini-Vasoukolaei , Ahmadali Enayati , Farzad Motevalli-Haghi , Mahdi Fakhar","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2024.e00395","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2024.e00395","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Leishmaniasis is currently considered a major health problem in Iran, posing an increasing threat to society's development in various dimensions. This study aimed to detect <em>Leishmania</em> infection in wild-caught sand flies in Sari City, northern Iran. Sand flies were collected using sticky traps, and <em>Leishmania</em> DNA was identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the ITS2-rDNA region, followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. A total of 138 female sand flies were tested, among which, only 1 specimen of <em>Ph. papatasi</em> (11.11 %) and <em>Ph</em>. <em>major</em> (14.28 %), 4 specimens of <em>Ph. kandelakii</em> (7.27 %) and <em>Se. dentata</em> (8.33 %), and 2 specimens of <em>Se. sintoni</em> (50 %) were naturally infected with <em>L.</em> (<em>L</em>.) <em>major</em>. This was observed in the ITS2 nested-PCR amplification assays where a ∼ 245 bp PCR band was produced. Also, RFLP analysis by <em>Mnl1</em> revealed the fragments of 55 and 70 and 120 bp for infected sand flies which are characteristic of <em>L</em>. (<em>L</em>.) <em>major</em>. Most of the sand flies were unfed, collected during warm season, found indoor. This study reperesents the first molecular detection of <em>L</em>. (<em>L</em>.) <em>major</em> in wild-caught sand flies, specifically in <em>Ph. papatasi</em> in this region, as well as <em>Ph. kandelakii</em> and <em>Ph. major</em> in Iran and even the world.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"27 ","pages":"Article e00395"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142744793","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In low-and-middle income countries, national representative household surveys such as the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) and the Malaria Indicator Surveys (MIS) are routinely carried out to assess the malaria risk and the coverage of related interventions. A two-stage sampling design was used to identify clusters and households within each cluster. To ensure confidentiality, DHS made the data available after jittering (displacement) of the geographical coordinates of the clusters, shifting their original locations within a radius of 10 km. Our study assessed the influence of jittering on the estimates of the geographical distribution of malaria risk and on the effects of malaria control interventions using data from the latest MIS in Cameroon.
Methods
We generated one hundred datasets by jittering the original MIS data. For each dataset, climatic factors were extracted at the jittered locations and Bayesian geostatistical variable selection was applied to identify the most important climatic predictors and malaria intervention coverage indicators. The models were adjusted for potential confounding effects of socio-economic factors. Bayesian kriging based on the selected models was used to estimate the geographical distribution of malaria risk. The influence of jittering was analysed using results of the variable selection and the Bayesian credible intervals of the regression coefficients.
Results
Geostatistical variable selection was sensitive to jittering. Among the important predictors identified in the true data, distance to water bodies and presence of forest were mostly influenced by the jittering. Altitude and vegetation index were the least affected predictors. The various sets of selected environmental factors were able to capture the main spatial patterns of the disease risk, but the jittering increased the prediction error. The parameter estimates of the effects of socio-economic factors and intervention indicators were relatively stable in the simulated data.
Conclusion
In Cameroon, the malaria risk estimates obtained from the jittered data were comparable to the ones generated using the true locations; however, jittering modified our interpretation of the relationship between environmental predictors and malaria transmission.
{"title":"The influence of jittering DHS cluster locations on geostatistical model-based estimates of malaria risk in Cameroon","authors":"Salomon G. Massoda Tonye , Romain Wounang , Celestin Kouambeng , Penelope Vounatsou","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2024.e00397","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2024.e00397","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>In low-and-middle income countries, national representative household surveys such as the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) and the Malaria Indicator Surveys (MIS) are routinely carried out to assess the malaria risk and the coverage of related interventions. A two-stage sampling design was used to identify clusters and households within each cluster. To ensure confidentiality, DHS made the data available after jittering (displacement) of the geographical coordinates of the clusters, shifting their original locations within a radius of 10 km. Our study assessed the influence of jittering on the estimates of the geographical distribution of malaria risk and on the effects of malaria control interventions using data from the latest MIS in Cameroon.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We generated one hundred datasets by jittering the original MIS data. For each dataset, climatic factors were extracted at the jittered locations and Bayesian geostatistical variable selection was applied to identify the most important climatic predictors and malaria intervention coverage indicators. The models were adjusted for potential confounding effects of socio-economic factors. Bayesian kriging based on the selected models was used to estimate the geographical distribution of malaria risk. The influence of jittering was analysed using results of the variable selection and the Bayesian credible intervals of the regression coefficients.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Geostatistical variable selection was sensitive to jittering. Among the important predictors identified in the true data, distance to water bodies and presence of forest were mostly influenced by the jittering. Altitude and vegetation index were the least affected predictors. The various sets of selected environmental factors were able to capture the main spatial patterns of the disease risk, but the jittering increased the prediction error. The parameter estimates of the effects of socio-economic factors and intervention indicators were relatively stable in the simulated data.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In Cameroon, the malaria risk estimates obtained from the jittered data were comparable to the ones generated using the true locations; however, jittering modified our interpretation of the relationship between environmental predictors and malaria transmission.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"27 ","pages":"Article e00397"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11697606/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142932944","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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