34 research outputs found
Pattern mining analysis of pulmonary TB cases in Hamadan province: Using space-time cube
Background and aims: One of the most common approach to understanding spatial and temporal trends of event data is to break it up into a series of time snapshots. Therefore space-time cube method applied in order to portray the likely trend in occurrence of the pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) cases. Methods: In this study, information of all patients with pulmonary TB recorded in surveillance system of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences from 2005 to 2013 years were studied. After geocoding the residence location address of pulmonary TB cases and converted to point layer, the space-time cube was used to detect likely trends in occurrence of tuberculosis. Then, based on the space-time cube results the Emerging Hot Spot Analysis was run to clustering hot and cold spots. Results: There was significant increasing trend in occurrence of pulmonary TB cases. The statistic trend was 2.1871 and P-value was 0.0287, as well as 36 hot spots locations was detected that have been form approximately in central areas of province. Conclusion: Significantly increasing trend in occurrence of TB cases and existence of hot spot, especially intensifying hot spots in central areas of province can represent pay more attention to this disease in mentioned areas in order to detect the change in epidemiological face and to implement suitable prevention programs
Subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. isolated from humans in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Aim: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the subtyped Blastocystis sp. isolated from humans in Iran.
Background: Blastocystis sp. is an anaerobic intestinal protozoan that infects humans as well as domestic and wild animals, i.e.
mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and arthropods.
Methods: A comprehensive search for papers published before April 2022 was undertaken utilizing English and Persian databases.
The following MeSH keywords were used in the electronic search: (Blastocystis sp.) AND (molecular OR subtype) AND (prevalence
OR epidemiology) AND Iran. The quality of the included studies was evaluated. Thereafter, a random-effects meta-analysis was
conducted to estimate the pooled prevalence and odds ratios regarding the included studies.
Results: A total of 32 studies comprised of five case-control studies and 27 cross-sectional studies met the eligibility criteria. The
overall pooled prevalence of subtyped Blastocystis sp. in Iran was estimated to be 10% (95% confidence interval: 6 to 15%). Eight
subtypes of Blastocystis sp. (ST1- ST7 and ST9) were identified in our study, of which ST3 was the most common subtype (0.04);
0.02-0.07). The difference in subtypes between two case and control groups in reported studies was not significant, but the odds ratio
of infection by ST3 (0.98; 95% CI, 0.30 to 3.20) was higher in cases.
Conclusion: The current systematic review showed that with the exception of ST8 and ST12, all human Blastocystis sp. subtypes
reported in the world are found in different parts of Iran
The worldwide prevalence of intestinal helminthic parasites among food handlers: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Food handlers have a major role in transmission of food-borne parasitic infections including intestinal helminths.
The objective of the present study was to assess the global prevalence of intestinal helminthic parasites among
food handlers. Multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, Science Direct and Google
Scholar) were searched for literature published from 1990 to 2022. Pooled prevalence was estimated using the
meta-package in R (version 3.6.1). One hundred twenty seven articles, including 220,705 individuals, were
considered in this study. The global pooled prevalence (95% confidence interval) was 0.115% (0.091% -
0.141%). The highest pooled prevalence was reported from Africa (0.160%, 0.124%–0.210%). The most prevalent helminth was Ascaris lumbricoides (0.062%, 0.047%–0.079%). Moreover, among different countries, Ghana
had the highest pooled prevalence (0.496%, 0–1.000%). This study revealed a high prevalence of intestinal
helminths among food handlers. Routine parasitological investigation, food safety and personal sanitation
training are recommended to prevent intestinal helminths transmitted by food handlers
Global prevalence and epidemiology of Strongyloides stercoralis in dogs: a systematic review and meta‑analysis
Abstract
Background: Strongyloides stercoralis, a soil-transmitted helminth, occurs in humans, non-human primates, dogs, cats
and wild canids. The zoonotic potential between these hosts is not well understood with data available on prevalence
primarily focused on humans. To increase knowledge on prevalence, this review and meta-analysis was performed to
estimate the global status of S. stercoralis infections in dogs.
Methods: Following the PRISMA guidelines, online literature published prior to November 2020 was obtained from
multiple databases (Science Direct, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar). Prevalence was calculated
on a global and country level, by country income and climate, and in stray/animal shelter dogs versus owned dogs.
Statistical analyses were conducted using R-software (version 3.6.1).
Results: From 9428 articles, 61 met the inclusion criteria. The estimated pooled global prevalence of S. stercoralis
in dogs was 6% (95% CI 3–9%). Infection was found to be the most prevalent in low-income countries with pooled
prevalence of 22% (95% CI 10–36%). The highest pooled prevalence of S. stercoralis in dogs was related to regions with
average temperature of 10–20 °C (6%; 95% CI 3–11%), an annual rainfall of 1001–1500 mm (9%; 95% CI 4–15%) and
humidity of 40–75% (8%; 95% CI 4–13%). Prevalence was higher in stray and shelter dogs (11%; 95% CI 1–26%) than in
owned dogs (3%; 95% CI 1–7%).
Conclusions: As with S. stercoralis in humans, higher prevalence in dogs is found in subtropical and tropical regions
and lower-income countries, locations which also can have high dog populations. While this study presents the first
estimated global prevalence of S. stercoralis in dogs, it is potentially an underestimation with 15 of 61 studies relying
on diagnostic methods of lower sensitivity and a paucity of data from most locations. Standardized protocols (e.g.
quantity of feces and number of samples for a Baermann) in future studies could improve reliability of results. More
prevalence studies and raising veterinary awareness of S. stercoralis are needed for a One Health approach to protect
humans and dogs from the impact of the infection.
Keywords: Strongyloides stercoralis, Canine, Neglected tropical disease, Soil transmitted helminth, Systematic revie
Global prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites among food handlers: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Food handlers with improper personal hygiene practices have a significant role in transmitting foodborne parasites, including intestinal protozoa. The current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the
global prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites among food handlers. Multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus,
Pro-Quest, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar) were explored for relevant literature published
from 1988 to April 2022. Pooled prevalence was estimated using the meta-package in R (version 3.6.1). One
hundred thirty-eight papers, including 259,364 individuals, were considered in this study. The global pooled
prevalence (95% confidence interval) was 0.143% (0.118–0.170%). The highest pooled prevalence was observed
in the Western Pacific WHO Region (0.318%, 0–1.000%). The most prevalent protozoa was Blastocystis hominis
(0.077%, 0.046–0.115%). Moreover, among different countries, Gambia had the highest pooled prevalence
(0.501%, 0.459–0.544%). The prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites estimated in the present study
revealed that food handlers highly impact the global population. Periodic stool screening is necessary for food
handlers to prevent intestinal protozoan infection. Additionally, a health education programme to raise
awareness regarding food hygiene is recommended
Global prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites among food handlers: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Food handlers with improper personal hygiene practices have a significant role in transmitting foodborne parasites, including intestinal protozoa. The current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the
global prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites among food handlers. Multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus,
Pro-Quest, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar) were explored for relevant literature published
from 1988 to April 2022. Pooled prevalence was estimated using the meta-package in R (version 3.6.1). One
hundred thirty-eight papers, including 259,364 individuals, were considered in this study. The global pooled
prevalence (95% confidence interval) was 0.143% (0.118–0.170%). The highest pooled prevalence was observed
in the Western Pacific WHO Region (0.318%, 0–1.000%). The most prevalent protozoa was Blastocystis hominis
(0.077%, 0.046–0.115%). Moreover, among different countries, Gambia had the highest pooled prevalence
(0.501%, 0.459–0.544%). The prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites estimated in the present study
revealed that food handlers highly impact the global population. Periodic stool screening is necessary for food
handlers to prevent intestinal protozoan infection. Additionally, a health education programme to raise
awareness regarding food hygiene is recommended
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
The global prevalence of Spirometra parasites in snakes, frogs, dogs, and cats: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Background: Spirometra infection is aneglected food- and waterborne disease with
worldwide distribution.
Objectives: The present study aims to estimate the global prevalence of Spirometra
species in snakes, frogs, dogs and cats.
Methods: Multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science and Google
Scholar) were searched for relevant literatures published up to March 2022.
Results: Among 131 data sets (including 113 articles) that met the inclusion, 15 investigations reported Spirometra infection in snakes, 23 in frogs, 41 in dogs and 52 in cats.
The pooled prevalence (95% confidence interval) in intermediate hosts and definitive
hosts was found to be 0.313% and 0.089%, respectively. Based on continent, the infection was most prevalent in Asia for studies on snakes (0.696%) and frogs (0.181%),
while Africa (0.224%) and Oceania (0.203%) were the regions with the highest pooled
prevalence rates of the infection in dogs and cats, respectively. Among different diagnostic methods, the highest pooled prevalence was related to morphological method
for studies on snakes, frog and cats with rate of 0.665%, 0.189% and 0.104%, respectively. Regarding studies on dogs, the highest pooled prevalence was observed for
molecular technique (0.101%).
Conclusions: The results presented here revealed the importance of establishing a prevention and control measure focused on protection of aquaculture systems from being
contaminated with faeces of dogs and cats, and raising awareness of parasitic zoonotic
diseases to decrease the transmission risk
Keys to Unlock the Enigma of Ocular Toxocariasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Ocular toxocariasis (OT) is a zoonotic infection caused by larval stages of Toxocara canis and T.
cati. The current review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the global prevalence of OT.
Methods: Five English (PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) databases
were explored and 101 articles met the inclusion criteria.
Results: The pooled prevalence (95% confidence interval) of OT was higher in immunological studies (9%.
6–12%) than in studies that applied ophthalmic examination (1%. 1–2%). The lower middle-income level
countries had the highest prevalence (6%. 2–12%) as well as the African region (10%. 7–13%). The highest
infection rate (4%. 2–7%) was detected in the 1–25 mean age group.
Conclusion: Regular anthelminthic treatment of cats and dogs, and removal of animal feces from public
places must be considered.
KEYWORDS Toxocariasis; ocular larva migrans; public health; humans; zoonose
Parasites in surgically removed appendices as a neglected public health concern: a systematic review and meta-analysis
The role of various parasitic infections in the occurrence of appendicitis is illustrated through cases recorded all over the world. The purpose of the current study was to estimate the global prevalence of parasite infestation (other than E. vermicularis) in appendectomy specimens.
In the setting of the PRISMA guidelines, multiple databases (Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar) were explored in articles published until 28 September 2020. Totally, 62 studies (106 datasets) with 77, 619 participants were included in the analysis.
The pooled prevalence of parasites in appendectomy samples was as follows; 0.012% (95% CI; 0.004–0.025) for Ascaris lumbricoides, 0.004% (95% CI; 0.001–0.009) for Trichuris trichiura, 0.025% (95% CI; 0.007–0.052) for Schistosoma mansoni, 0.002% (95% CI; 0.001–0.005) for Taenia spp., 0.061% (95% CI; 0.020–0.122) for Entamoeba histolytica and 0.034% (95% CI; 0.018–0.056) for Giardia lamblia.
Our results demonstrated that the risk of appendicitis may increase in the presence of helminth and protozoan infections. As such, the most cases of parasites in appendectomy specimens were reported in developing countries. Regular screening plans for diagnosis, treatment and prevention are needed for prevention of parasitic infection as well as parasitic associated appendicitis, especially in endemic regions of the world.
KEYWORDS ,Prevalence; worldwide; appendicitis; parasitic infestation; histopathological method