Rhomboid antigens are promising targets in the vaccine development against Toxoplasma gondii

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular parasite with worldwide distribution. It is estimated that near one-third of the people around the globe are latently seropositive for the parasite. Since the current common drugs are incapable in the elimination of parasites within tissue cysts, the development of an effective vaccine has high priority for researchers to limit the infection. During recent years, non-stop efforts of scientists have made great progress in the identification and development of T. gondii candidate vaccines. However, there is a lack of a commercially licensed vaccine for human application yet. Rhomboid proteases (ROMs) are a class of serine proteases that have an important role in the invasion of the parasites that can be considered as a new target for vaccine strategy. They also play critical roles in mitochondrial fusion and growth factor signaling, allowing the parasite to completely enter into the host cell. In the current review, we have summarized the recent progress regarding the development of ROM-based vaccines against acute and chronic T. gondii infection in animal models

Rolling up the pieces of a puzzle: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in Iran

Toxoplasmosis is a neglected parasitic disease with global distribution in warm-blooded vertebrates and high prevalence among different human societies. We contrived a systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in Iran. Following the general methodology recommended for systematic reviews and meta-analysis, four English and three Persian electronic databases were explored up to April 2016. Out of 105,139 examined samples of different hosts, the weighted overall prevalence was 37% (95% CI = 31–43). Due to the significant heterogeneity (I2 = 81.9%) the random-effects model was used. The pool estimated prevalence of toxoplasmosis in human intermediate hosts, animal intermediate hosts, and definitive hosts was 43% (95% CI = 38–47), 26 (95% CI = 17–35) and, 34% (95% CI = 22–46), respectively. Our results represent that regular inspection in food industries, improved screening programs using standard diagnostic assay as well as distinguishing toxoplasmosis condition in other zoonotic hosts are extremely recommended for better disease management in Iran.Keywords: Toxoplasma gondii, Prevalence, Iran, Systematic review, Meta-analysi

Significant Decline of Malaria Incidence in Southwest of Iran (2001–2014)

Iran is considered as one of the malaria endemic countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) and is at risk due to neighboring Afghanistan, Pakistan in the east, and Iraq to the west. Therefore the aim of the present investigation is the evaluation of the trend of malaria distribution during the past decade (2001–2014) in Khuzestan province, southwestern Iran. In this retrospective cross-sectional investigation, blood samples were taken from all malaria suspicious cases who were referred to health centers across Khuzestan province. For each positive subject a questionnaire containing demographic information was filled out. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 18. From a total of 541 malaria confirmed cases, 498 (92.05%) were male and 43 (7.95%) were female. The highest number of infections was seen in 2001 with 161 (29.75%) cases and the lowest was in 2014 with 0 (0%). Also, Plasmodium vivax was identified as dominant species in 478 (88.35%) individuals and P. falciparum comprised 63 (11.65%). The highest infection rate was observed in non-Iranian populations with number 459 (84.85%) and imported cases 508 (93.90%). Also, the majority of subjects were over 15 years of age, 458 (84.65%). Due to proximity to endemic countries which has made the malaria campaign difficult, more effort is needed to control the infection in order to achieve malaria elimination

Toxoplasmosis in Patients with Cardiac Disorders: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Toxoplasmosis is a common and serious infection caused by an obligatory intracellular protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii. This study investigated the possible association between heart failure and toxoplasmosis. We searched for toxoplasmosis and heart failure patients in English databases including PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Sciences, Science Direct, EMBASE, and Google Scholar up to June 2018. A total of 6 studies and 1,795 participants, comprising 934 cases and 861 controls, had acceptable criteria for entering the study. Im­munoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against T. gondii were found in 53% (22 to 83) of patients with heart diseases and 26% (11 to 42) of healthy controls. In comparison, immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies were found in 0.5% (0.1 to 1) in patients with heart diseases and 0.3% (0 to 0.7) of healthy controls. The patients suffering from cardiac disorders were more significantly correlated to anti-T. gondii IgG (OR: 3.53; 95% CI, 2.27 to 5.47; P = 0.014) and IgM (OR: 1.80; 95% CI, 0.31 to 10.4; P = 0.028) seropositivity than healthy controls. Despite limitations such as the low number of studies, our research showed a high association between toxoplasmosis and cardiac disorders. Therefore, toxoplasmosis may be a risk factor in cardiac patients, and more studies are being done

Effect of ointment with cabbage, pomegranate peel, and common plantain on wound healing in male rat

زمینه و هدف: تحقیقات بالینی و تجربی متعدد اثربخشی گیاهان دارویی بر روند ترمیم زخم را به اثبات رسانده اند و انار، بارهنگ و کلم از جمله گیاهان مفید در طب سنتی هستند که برای التیام زخم مورد استفاده قرار گرفته اند؛ لذا این مطالعه با هدف بررسی اثر بخشی کرم با اختلاط گیاهان کلم برگ، پیه سفید انار و بخش های هوایی بارهنگ بر زخم پوستی در موش صحرایی طراحی و اجرا شد. روش بررسی: در این مطالعه تجربی 24 راس موش صحرایی بصورت تصادفی به 4 گروه 6 تایی شامل کنترل (سرم فیزیولوژیک)، شاهد (تحت درمان با پتادین)، کنترل مثبت (تحت درمان با فنی توئین) و گروه تجربی تحت درمان با کرم با اختلاط پیه انار، بارهنگ و کلم برگ تقسیم شدند. پس از ایجاد زخم در شرایط غیرعفونی و یکسان، حیوانات بصورت روزانه تحت درمان قرار گرفتند و در روزهای 3، 6، 9 و 14 پس از ایجاد زخم، درصد بهبودی زخم محاسبه گردید. یافته ها: درصد بهبودی زخم در گروه دریافت کننده کرم درمانی در روز های 3، 6، 9 و 14 نسبت به گروه کنترل افزایش معنی داری نشان داد (

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in hemodialysis patients in Iran

OBJECTIVES Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease that occurs worldwide, with a wide range of complications in immunocompromised patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among patients undergoing hemodialysis in Iran. METHODS We searched English and Persian databases for studies reporting T. gondii seroprevalence in Iranian hemodialysis patients through December 31, 2017. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. RESULTS A total of 10 studies containing 1,865 participants (1,048 patients and 817 controls) met the eligibility criteria. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against T. gondii were found in 58% (95% confidence interval [CI], 46 to 70) of hemodialysis patients and 40% (95% CI, 31 to 50) of healthy controls, while immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies were found in 2% (95% CI, 0 to 6) of hemodialysis patients and 0% (95% CI, 0 to 1) of healthy controls. The meta-analysis showed that hemodialysis patients were significantly more likely to be seropositive for IgG (odds ratio [OR], 2.04; 95% CI, 1.54 to 2.70; p<0.001) and IgM (OR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.23 to 5.22; p<0.001) antibodies against T. gondii infection than healthy individuals. CONCLUSIONS The current study revealed a high prevalence of T. gondii infection in hemodialysis patients. Since hemodialysis patients are immunocompromised and T. gondii can cause serious clinical complications, we recommend that periodic screenings for T. gondii infection should be incorporated into the routine clinical care of these patients

Global prevalence of Trichinella in pigs: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Investigating the global epidemiological patterns of Trichinella in pigs is required for accurate recognition and to establishing proper control programmes and preventivemeasures, as well as to decrease human exposure. Objectives: To obtain a better understanding of the global prevalence of Trichinella in domestic pigs and factors that might influence the prevalence, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. Multiple databases were used to identify literature published between January 2000 and December 2021, representing studies from 1985 to 2021, on Trichinella prevalence in domestic pigs. Prevalence was calculated on a global and country level, by country Human Development Index (HDI), climate, pig management system, and diagnostic test. Results: The global pooled prevalence based on 60manuscripts representing 32 countries and 65 pig populations was 2.02% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.88–3.62) and the estimated pooled prevalence in different continents ranged from 0.00% to 11.8%. Trichinella was highest in low HDI countries (21.6%; 95% CI: 4.3–47.2), tropical wet climates (20.9%; 95% CI: 10.3–34.1), and non-intensive pig farming systems (6.1%; 95% CI: 1.0–15.5). Conclusions: While there were regional differences in Trichinella prevalence in domestic pigs, these were likely driven by country HDI and pig farming systems versus climatic factors. Increased biosecurity in outdoor pig production systems, focused meat inspections and promoting awareness could potentially decrease risk of infectio

Transfusion-transmitted malaria : a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background : Malaria transmission through blood transfusion is an accidental but preventable cause of malaria infection and is increasingly becoming a matter of concern for blood transfusion services. This systematic review was conducted to provide a summary of evidence about the prevalence of Plasmodium infection in asymptomatic blood donors and the effectiveness of screening methods used based on the available literature. Methods : PRISMA guidelines were followed. Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, and EMBASE were searched from 1982 to October 10, 2017. All peer-reviewed original research articles describing the prevalence of malaria parasitemia in blood donors with different diagnostic methods were included. The random-effects model was applied to assess the effects of heterogeneity among the selected studies. Incoherence and heterogeneity between studies were quantified by I2 index and Cochran's Q test. Publication and population bias was assessed with funnel plots and Egger's regression asymmetry test. All statistical analyses were performed using Stata (version 2.7.2). Results : Seventy-one studies from 21 countries, 5 continents, were included in the present systematic review. The median prevalence of malaria parasitemia among 984 975 asymptomatic healthy blood donors was 10.54%, 5.36%, and 0.38% by microscopy, molecular methods (polymerase chain reaction), and rapid diagnostic tests, respectively. The most commonly detected Plasmodium species was P. falciparum. Conclusions : This systematic review demonstrates that compared with other transfusion-linked infections, that is, HIV, HCV, and HBV, transfusion-transmitted malaria is one of the most significant transfusion-associated infections especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Future work must aim to understand the clinical significance of transfusion-transmitted malaria in malaria-endemic settings.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

The prevalence of human trichuriasis in Asia: a systematic review and meta‑analysis

Trichuriasis is one of the most common soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, affecting populations globally. The condition is particularly prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas with low levels of sanitation and poor living conditions. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the prevalence of Trichuris trichiura infection in Asia at the country and region level. Multiple databases/academic search engines (Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were searched for literature on T. trichiura prevalence in Asia published through January 2021. Pooled prevalence was determined using the meta-package in R (version 3.6.1). Out of 13,836 articles, 226 studies (5,439,500 individuals) from 26 countries met the inclusion criteria. Of the 226 studies, 151 were community-based studies that included individuals across the age spectrum, while 75 studies focused on school children (typically in the 5–16 years age range). The overall T. trichiura pooled prevalence was 15.3% (95% CI: 12.4–19.1%), with a pooled prevalence of 13.3% (95% CI: 10.0–17.1%) for the community studies and 20.9% (95% CI: 14.7–27.9%) for the studies only including school children. For studies including all age groups, individuals in the 1–15 years age group had the highest pooled prevalence at 23.4% (95% CI: 1.7–49.4%). There was a significant difference found in overall pooled prevalence by sex (p < 0.001) and community type (rural versus urban) (p < 0.001). Although prevalence appears to be decreasing, study findings suggest that T. trichiura infection continues to be a public health problem in Asia. Therefore, control programs focused on at-risk individuals in endemic areas are needed

The global, regional, and national burden of stomach cancer in 195 countries, 1990-2017 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease study 2017

Background: Stomach cancer is a major health problem in many countries. Understanding the current burden of stomach cancer and the differential trends across various locations is essential for formulating effective preventive strategies. We report on the incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) due to stomach cancer in 195 countries and territories from 21 regions between 1990 and 2017. Methods: Estimates from GBD 2017 were used to analyse the incidence, mortality, and DALYs due to stomach cancer at the global, regional, and national levels. The rates were standardised to the GBD world population and reported per 100 000 population as age-standardised incidence rates, age-standardised death rates, and age-standardised DALY rates. All estimates were generated with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). Findings: In 2017, more than 1·22 million (95% UI 1·19–1·25) incident cases of stomach cancer occurred worldwide, and nearly 865 000 people (848 000–885 000) died of stomach cancer, contributing to 19·1 million (18·7–19·6) DALYs. The highest age-standardised incidence rates in 2017 were seen in the high-income Asia Pacific (29·5, 28·2–31·0 per 100 000 population) and east Asia (28·6, 27·3–30·0 per 100 000 population) regions, with nearly half of the global incident cases occurring in China. Compared with 1990, in 2017 more than 356 000 more incident cases of stomach cancer were estimated, leading to nearly 96 000 more deaths. Despite the increase in absolute numbers, the worldwide age-standardised rates of stomach cancer (incidence, deaths, and DALYs) have declined since 1990. The drop in the disease burden was associated with improved Socio-demographic Index. Globally, 38·2% (21·1–57·8) of the age-standardised DALYs were attributable to high-sodium diet in both sexes combined, and 24·5% (20·0–28·9) of the age-standardised DALYs were attributable to smoking in males. Interpretation: Our findings provide insight into the changing burden of stomach cancer, which is useful in planning local strategies and monitoring their progress. To this end, specific local strategies should be tailored to each country's risk factor profile. Beyond the current decline in age-standardised incidence and death rates, a decrease in the absolute number of cases and deaths will be possible if the burden in east Asia, where currently almost half of the incident cases and deaths occur, is further reduced. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation