Prevalence of strongyloidiasis in Peru: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Strongyloidiasis is a disease of great public health significance, caused by the parasitic nematodes Strongyloides stercoralis, Strongyloides fuelleborni, and Strongyloides fuelleborni subsp. kellyi. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis infection in Peru. Methods The review was based on a literature search in PubMed, SciELO and Google Scholar using the key words or root words “strongyl*” AND “Peru” on 15 July 2020. Eligible studies were published from 1 January 1981 to 15 July 2020 and written in English, Spanish, Italian, or French. Results We included 21 papers in the analysis. Studies were heterogeneous in terms of study population and diagnostic methods (e.g. Baermann technique, agar, Dancescu or charcoal cultures, serology, string capsule). Prevalence of S. stercoralis ranged from 0.3 to 45%. The pooled proportion of Strongyloides in the general population was 7.34% (95% CI 4.97 to 10.13%). Half the studies were designed to detect parasites in general. In studies designed to detect S. stercoralis, the most widely used diagnostic method was the Baermann technique. Conclusion Prevalence of S. stercoralis in Peru was high but varied by geographic area, techniques for stool examination, and participant characteristics.

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Prevalence of Strongyloidiasis in Peru: Systematic Review

10.21203/rs.3.rs-141876/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sonia Ortiz-Martínez ◽

Jose-Manuel Ramos-Rincon ◽

María-Esteyner Vásquez-Chasnamote ◽

Olga-Nohelia Gamboa-Paredes ◽

Katty-Madeleine Arista-Flores ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Strongyloides Stercoralis ◽

Geographic Area ◽

Diagnostic Methods ◽

Stool Examination ◽

Baermann Technique ◽

Public Health Significance ◽

Study Population ◽

Health Significance ◽

Great Public Health

Abstract Strongyloidiasis is a disease of great public health significance. We aimed to assess the prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis infection in Peru.Methods.This systematic review was based on a literature search in PubMed, SciELO and Google Scholar using the key words or root words “strongyl*” AND “Peru” on 15 July 2020. Eligible studies were published from 1 January 1981 to 15 July 2020 and written in English, Spanish, Italian, or French.Results.We included 21 papers in the analysis. Studies were heterogeneous regarding the study population, diagnostic methods, and the prevalence of S. stercoralis, which ranged from 0.3–45%. Half were designed to detect parasites in general. In studies designed to detect S. stercoralis, the most widely used diagnostic method was the Baermann technique.Conclusion.Prevalence of S. stercoralis in Peru was high but varied by geographic area, techniques for stool examination, and participant characteristics.

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Standardisation of lymphatic filariasis microfilaraemia prevalence estimates based on different diagnostic methods: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Parasites & Vectors ◽

10.1186/s13071-020-04144-9 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Natalie V. S. Vinkeles Melchers ◽

Luc E. Coffeng ◽

Sake J. de Vlas ◽

Wilma A. Stolk

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Lymphatic Filariasis ◽

Membrane Filtration ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Diagnostic Technique ◽

Diagnostic Techniques ◽

Diagnostic Methods ◽

Prevalence Estimates ◽

Study Population ◽

Meta Analyses

Abstract Background Lymphatic filariasis (LF) infection is generally diagnosed through parasitological identification of microfilariae (mf) in the blood. Although historically the most commonly used technique for counting mf is the thick blood smear based on 20 µl blood (TBS20), various other techniques and blood volumes have been applied. It is therefore a challenge to compare mf prevalence estimates from different LF-survey data. Our objective was to standardise microfilaraemia (mf) prevalence estimates to TBS20 as the reference diagnostic technique. Methods We first performed a systematic review to identify studies reporting on comparative mf prevalence data as measured by more than one diagnostic test, including TBS20, on the same study population. Associations between mf prevalences based on different diagnostic techniques were quantified in terms of odds ratios (OR, with TBS20 blood as reference), using a meta-regression model. Results We identified 606 articles matching our search strategy and included 14 in our analyses. The OR of the mf prevalences as measured by the more sensitive counting chamber technique (≥ 50 µl blood) was 2.90 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.60–5.28). For membrane filtration (1 ml blood) the OR was 2.39 (95% CI: 1.62–3.53), Knott’s technique it was 1.54 (95% CI: 0.72–3.29), and for TBS in ≥ 40 µl blood it was 1.37 (95% CI: 0.81–2.30). Conclusions We provided transformation factors to standardise mf prevalence estimates as detected by different diagnostic techniques to mf prevalence estimates as measured by TBS20. This will facilitate the use and comparison of more datasets in meta-analyses and geographic mapping initiatives across countries and over time.

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Intestinal parasites among intellectually disabled individuals in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Gut Pathogens ◽

10.1186/s13099-021-00424-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Mohammad Javad Abbaszadeh Afshar ◽

Mehdi Mohebali ◽

Sina Mohtasebi ◽

Aref Teimouri ◽

Bahareh Sedaghat ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Diagnostic Methods ◽

Personal Hygiene ◽

Stool Examination ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Forest Plot ◽

Intellectually Disabled ◽

Pooled Prevalence

Abstract Background Poor self-care skills and personal hygiene resulted from limitations in learning and understanding, put intellectually disabled individuals at greater risk for intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs). Despite several regional reports in Iran, the overall burden on IPIs among intellectually disabled individuals is poorly understood. Hence, the present study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of IPIs among intellectually disabled individuals in Iran. Methods Using the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of data retrieved from seven electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and ProQuest for English articles, as well as SID and Magiran for Persian) from their inception up to December 2020. Pooled prevalence was estimated using a random-effects model with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and depicted as a forest plot, while heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran’s Q-test. Results Exactly 1263 of the 3004 intellectually disabled individuals examined by 14 studies across 10 provinces of Iran were positive for IPIs. Overall pooled prevalence estimate was 41% (95% CI 29–53%) with a range of 21% (95% CI 10–32%) to 68% (95% CI 55–80%) across sub-groups. Entamoeba coli (16.2%; 95% CI 10.3–22%), Blastocystis spp. (12.2%; 95% CI 7.2–17.2%), and Giardia duodenalis (11.9%; 95% CI 7.4–16.3%) were the most prevalent protozoan species. In terms of helminthic agents, the most prevalent species were Enterobius vermicularis (11.3%; 95% CI 6.3–16.3%) followed by Strongyloides stercoralis (10.9%; 95% CI 5.0–16.9%) and Hymenolepis nana (2.8%; 95% CI 0.4–5.2%) Conclusion IPIs are highly prevalent among intellectually disabled individuals in Iran. Improving the health status and implementing infectious disease prevention strategies in rehabilitation centers, health promotion interventions to improve personal hygiene of intellectually disabled individuals, as well as utilize sensitive diagnostic methods besides routine stool examination techniques, and treatment of infected individuals will help in the control of these infections among intellectually disabled individuals.

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Strongyloidiasis in Africa: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Prevalence, Diagnostic Methods, and Study Settings

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2020/2868564 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Tadesse Hailu ◽

Endalkachew Nibret ◽

Arancha Amor ◽

Abaineh Munshea

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Strongyloides Stercoralis ◽

Diagnostic Techniques ◽

Diagnostic Methods ◽

African Countries ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Low Sensitivity

Background. Strongyloidiasis is an intestinal parasitic infection mainly caused by Strongyloides stercoralis. Although it is a predominant parasite in tropics and subtropics where sanitation and hygiene are poorly practiced, the true prevalence of strongyloidiasis is not known due to low-sensitivity diagnostic methods. Objective. This systematic review and meta-analysis is aimed at determining the pooled prevalence of strongyloidiasis in African countries, stratified by diagnostic methods, study settings, and patients. Methods. Cross-sectional studies on strongyloidiasis published in African countries from the year 2008 up to 2018 in PubMed and Google Scholar databases and which reported at least one Strongyloides spp. infection were included. Identification and screening of eligible articles were also done. Articles whose focus was on strongyloidiasis in animals, soil, and foreigners infected by Strongyloides spp. in Africa were excluded. The random effects model was used to calculate the pooled prevalence of strongyloidiasis across African countries as well as by diagnostic methods and study settings. The heterogeneity between studies was also computed. Result. A total of 82 studies were included. The overall pooled prevalence of strongyloidiasis was 2.7%. By individual techniques, the pooled prevalence of strongyloidiasis was 0.4%, 1.0%, 3.4%, 9.3%, 9.6%, and 19.4% by the respective direct saline microscopy, Kato-Katz, formol ether concentration, polymerase chain reaction, Baermann concentration, and culture diagnostic techniques. The prevalence rates of strongyloidiasis among rural community, school, and health institution studies were 6.8%, 6.4%, and 0.9%, respectively. The variation on the effect size comparing African countries, diagnostic methods, study settings, and patients was significant ( P ≤ 0.001 ). Conclusions. This review shows that strongyloidiasis is overlooked and its prevalence is estimated to be low in Africa due to the use of diagnostic methods with low sensitivity. Therefore, there is a need for using a combination of appropriate diagnostic methods to approach the actual strongyloidiasis rates in Africa.

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Diagnostic test accuracy for detecting Schistosoma japonicum and S. mekongi in humans: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

10.1371/journal.pntd.0009244 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (3) ◽

pp. e0009244

Author(s):

Md. Obaidur Rahman ◽

Miho Sassa ◽

Natasha Parvin ◽

Md. Rashedul Islam ◽

Aya Yajima ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Schistosoma Japonicum ◽

Sensitivity And Specificity ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Diagnostic Methods ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Stool Examination ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Detection Accuracy ◽

Test Accuracy

Background Most of national schistosomiasis elimination programmes in Asia are relying on stool examination, particularly Kato Katz stool examination technique for regular transmission monitoring. However, the Kato-Katz technique has shown low sensitivity for the detection of light-intensity infections, and therefore highly sensitive diagnostic tools are urgently required to monitor prevalence of infection in low transmission settings. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate and synthesize the performance of diagnostic tests for detecting Schistosoma japonicum and S. mekongi infection in people living in endemic areas. Methodology/Principal findings We comprehensively searched these nine electronic databases and other resources until July 2019, with no language or publication limits: PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, BIOSIS Citation Index, HTA, CINAHL PLUS, The Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO. We included original studies that assessed diagnostic performance using antibody, antigen, and molecular tests with stool examination test as a reference standard. Two reviewers independently extracted a standard set of data and assessed study quality. We estimated the pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity for each index test. We used diagnostic odds ratio to determine the overall accuracy and hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristics (HSROC) curve to assess the index tests performance. Fifteen studies (S. japonicum [n = 13] and S. mekongi [n = 2]) testing 15,303 participants were included in the review. Five studies reported performance of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), seven studies reported indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA), and four studies reported polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detecting S. japonicum. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.93 (95% CI: 0.84–0.98) and 0.40 (95% CI: 0.29–0.53) for ELISA, 0.97 (95% CI: 0.90–0.99) and 0.66 (95% CI: 0.58–0.73) for IHA, and 0.89 (95% CI: 0.71–0.96) and 0.49 (95% CI: 0.29–0.69) for PCR respectively. A global summary indicated the best performance for IHA, closely followed by ELISA. We were unable to perform meta-analysis for S. mekongi due to insufficient number of studies. Conclusions/Significance IHA showed the highest detection accuracy for S. japonicum. Further studies are needed to determine the suitable diagnostic methods to verify the absence of transmission of S. mekongi and also to compare detection accuracy against more sensitive reference standards such as PCR.

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Serum albumin concentrations are associated with disease severity and outcomes in coronavirus 19 disease (COVID-19): a systematic review and meta-analysis

Clinical and Experimental Medicine ◽

10.1007/s10238-021-00686-z ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Panagiotis Paliogiannis ◽

Arduino Aleksander Mangoni ◽

Michela Cangemi ◽

Alessandro Giuseppe Fois ◽

Ciriaco Carru ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Serum Albumin ◽

Disease Severity ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Severe Disease ◽

Geographic Area ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

Poor Outcome ◽

Standard Mean Difference ◽

Meta Regression Analysis

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is responsible for the most threatening pandemic in modern history. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the associations between serum albumin concentrations and COVID-19 disease severity and adverse outcomes. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, from inception to October 30, 2020. Sixty-seven studies in 19,760 COVID-19 patients (6141 with severe disease or poor outcome) were selected for analysis. Pooled results showed that serum albumin concentrations were significantly lower in patients with severe disease or poor outcome (standard mean difference, SMD: − 0.99 g/L; 95% CI, − 1.11 to − 0.88, p < 0.001). In multivariate meta-regression analysis, age (t = − 2.13, p = 0.043), publication geographic area (t = 2.16, p = 0.040), white blood cell count (t = − 2.77, p = 0.008) and C-reactive protein (t = − 2.43, p = 0.019) were significant contributors of between-study variance. Therefore, lower serum albumin concentrations are significantly associated with disease severity and adverse outcomes in COVID-19 patients. The assessment of serum albumin concentrations might assist with early risk stratification and selection of appropriate care pathways in this group.

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The reliability of maternal audit instruments to assign cause of death in maternal deaths review process: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth ◽

10.1186/s12884-021-03840-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ratnasari D. Cahyanti ◽

Widyawati Widyawati ◽

Mohammad Hakimi

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Maternal Death ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Diagnostic Reliability ◽

Maternal Deaths ◽

Measurement Tools ◽

Study Population ◽

Underlying Causes ◽

Meta Regression Analysis

Abstract Background Maternal Death Reviews (MDR) can assist in formulating prevention strategies to reduce maternal mortality. To support MDR, an adequate MDR instrument is required to accurately identify the underlying causes of maternal deaths. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the reliability of maternal death instruments for conducting the MDR process. Method Three databases: PubMed, ProQuest and EBSCO were systematically searched to identify related research articles published between January 2004 and July 2019. The review and meta-analysis involved identification of measurement tools to conduct MDR in all or part of maternal audit. Eligibiliy and quality of studies were evaluated using the Modified Quality Appraisal of Diagnostic Reliability (QAREL) Checklist: Reliability Studies. Results Overall, 242 articles were identified. Six articles examining the instrument used for MDR in 4 countries (4 articles on verbal autopsy (VA) and 2 articles on facility-based MDR) were included. None of studies identified reliability in evaluation instruments assessing maternal audit cycle as a comprehensive approach. The pooled kappa for the MDR instruments was 0.72 (95%CI:0.43–0.99; p < 0.001) with considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 96.19%; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis of MDR instruments showed pooled kappa in VA of 0.89 (95%CI:0.52–1.25) and facility-based MDR of 0.48 (95%CI:0.15–0.82). Meta-regression analysis tended to show the high heterogeneity was likely associated with sample sizes, regions, and year of publications. Conclusions The MDR instruments appear feasible. Variation of the instruments suggest the need for judicious selection of MDR instruments by considering the study population and assessment during the target periods.

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Multicentre Study of Endo-Ectoparasite Infection in Italian Cats

10.21203/rs.3.rs-558064/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Marco Genchi ◽

ALICE VISMARRA ◽

STEFANIA ZANET ◽

SIMONE MORELLI ◽

ROBERTA GALUPPI ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Geographic Area ◽

Human Infection ◽

Diagnostic Methods ◽

Effective Control ◽

Entire Study ◽

Private Households ◽

Health Concept ◽

Study Population ◽

The One

Abstract BackgroundParasites infecting cats include protozoa, helminths and arthropods. Many are also transmissible to humans. Effective control relies on knowledge of parasite distribution and risk factors for infection. The present study was aimed at evaluating prevalence of major feline parasites in Italy and risk factors associated with their occurrence.MethodsOver a 12-month study period, thirteen study centers across Italy analyzed feces, hair and ectoparasites from naturally infected cats coming from feral colonies, shelters and private households. Samples from cats (n=987) were analyzed by all centers using the same diagnostic methods. Prevalence values and risk factors were evaluated statistically for identification of predictors of risk. ResultsThe overall prevalence of gastro-intestinal (GI) and bronco-pulmonary (BP) nematodes was 35.9% (354/987). T. cati was the most prevalent species (253/987; 25.6%), followed by hookworms (98/987; 9.9%). Among BP nematodes, A. abstrusus was the most common (76/987; 7.7%). Approximately 35.7% (352/987) of the study population was infested by ectoparasites. The most common were fleas 29.4% (290/987), followed by ear mites O. cynotis 9.8% (97/987).Predictors of risk for parasite infection included age, a predominantly or exclusively outdoor lifestyle, geographic area and lack of anti-parasitic treatment.ConclusionBoth ecto- and endoparasites are still common in cats throughout Italy, many of them being of zoonotic concern and vectors of pathogens to humans. Given the presence of parasites throughout the entire study period, year-round treatment should be considered. Furthermore, data confirm the need to protect the human-animal bond using proper endo- and ecto-parasiticides to reduce the risk of human infection, in application of the One-Health concept.

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Emergency department ultrasound for the detection of B-lines in the early diagnosis of acute decompensated heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

CJEM ◽

10.1017/cem.2018.27 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 20 (3) ◽

pp. 343-352 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Kyle McGivery ◽

Paul Atkinson ◽

David Lewis ◽

Luke Taylor ◽

Tim Harris ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Emergency Department ◽

Lung Ultrasound ◽

Acute Decompensated Heart Failure ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Decompensated Heart Failure ◽

Diagnostic Methods ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

B Lines

AbstractObjectivesDyspnea is a common presenting problem that creates a diagnostic challenge for physicians in the emergency department (ED). While the differential diagnosis is broad, acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is a frequent cause that can be challenging to differentiate from other etiologies. Recent studies have suggested a potential diagnostic role for emergency lung ultrasound (US). The objective of this systematic review was to assess the accuracy of early bedside lung US in patients presenting to the ED with dyspnea.MethodsA systematic search of EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library was performed in addition to a grey literature search. We selected prospective studies that reported on the sensitivity and specificity of B-lines from early lung ultrasound in dyspneic patients presenting to the ED. Selected studies underwent quality assessment using the Critical Appraisal and Skills Program (CASP) questionnaire.Data Extraction and SynthesisThe search yielded 3674 articles; seven studies met inclusion criteria and fulfilled CASP requirements for a total of 1861 patients. Summary statistics from the meta-analysis showed that as a diagnostic test for ADHF, bedside lung US had a pooled sensitivity of 82.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]=66.4% to 91.8%) and a pooled specificity of 83.6% (95% CI=72.4% to 90.8%).ConclusionsOur results suggest that in patients presenting to the ED with undifferentiated dyspnea, B-lines from early bedside lung US may be reliably used as an adjunct to current diagnostic methods. The incorporation of lung US may lead to more appropriate and timely diagnosis of patients with undifferentiated ADHF.

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Cryptosporidiosis in HIV-positive patients and related risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Parasite ◽

10.1051/parasite/2020025 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 27 ◽

pp. 27

Author(s):

Ehsan Ahmadpour ◽

Hanie Safarpour ◽

Lihua Xiao ◽

Mehdi Zarean ◽

Kareem Hatam-Nahavandi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Diagnostic Methods ◽

Detection Methods ◽

Hiv Positive ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Related Risk ◽

Study Population ◽

Staining Methods

Cryptosporidium is one of the major causes of diarrhea in HIV-positive patients. The aim of this study is to systematically review and meta-analyze the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in these patients. PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Cochrane and Ovid databases were searched for relevant studies dating from the period of 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2017. Data extraction for the included studies was performed independently by two authors. The overall pooled prevalence was calculated and subgroup analysis was performed on diagnostic methods, geographical distribution and study population. Meta-regression was performed on the year of publication, proportion of patients with diarrhea, and proportion of patients with CD4 < 200 cells/mL. One hundred and sixty-one studies and 51,123 HIV-positive participants were included. The overall pooled prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in HIV-positive patients was 11.2% (CI95%: 9.4%–13.0%). The pooled prevalence was estimated to be 10.0% (CI95%: 8.4%–11.8%) using staining methods, 13.5% (CI95%: 8.9%–19.8%) using molecular methods, and 26.3% (CI95%: 15.0%–42.0%) using antigen detection methods. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium in HIV patients was significantly associated with the country of study. Also, there were statistical differences between the diarrhea, CD4 < 200 cells/mL, and antiretroviral therapy risk factors with Cryptosporidiosis. Thus, Cryptosporidium is a common infection in HIV-positive patients, and safe water and hand-hygiene should be implemented to prevent cryptosporidiosis occurrence in these patients.

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