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Background Patients with mental disorders have a high risk of intestinal parasitic infection due to poor hygiene practices. Hence, to better clarify this overlooked phenomenon, the current study is conducted to determine the global prevalence of protozoan parasite infections in patients with mental disorders and investigate the associated risk factors. Methods Several databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Google Scholar) were searched for papers published until December 2022. The fixed effect meta-analysis was used to estimate the overall odds ratio (OR) and pooled prevalence was estimated using a random-effects model with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Totally, 131 articles (91 case-control and 40 cross-sectional studies) met the eligibility criteria. Patients with mental disorders were significantly at higher risk for protozoan parasites than healthy controls (OR: 2.059, 1.830-2.317). The highest pooled OR (2.485, 1.413-4.368) was related to patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, and the highest pooled prevalence was detected in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders (0.341, 0.244-0.446), followed by bipolar and related disorders (0.321, 0.000-0.995). Toxoplasma gondii was the most prevalent protozoan parasite (0.343, 0.228-0.467) in cross-sectional studies and the highest pooled OR was related to Cyclospora cayetanensis (4.719, 1.352-16.474) followed by Cryptosporidium parvum (4.618, 2.877-7.412). Conclusion Our findings demonstrated that individuals afflicted with mental disorders are significantly more susceptible to acquiring protozoan parasites in comparison to healthy individuals. Preventive interventions, regular screening, and treatment approaches for parasitic diseases should be considered for patients with mental disorders. Keywords: Protozoan parasites, Mental disorders, Prevalence, Meta-analysis, Worldwide, Author(s): Amir Abdoli[sup.1,2], Meysam Olfatifar[sup.3], Aida Vafae Eslahi[sup.4], Zeinab Moghadamizad[sup.5], Rasoul Samimi[sup.4], Mohammad Amin Habibi[sup.6,7], Amir Sam Kianimoghadam[sup.8], Milad Badri[sup.4] and Panagiotis Karanis[sup.9,10] Background Over the past few decades, protozoan [...]

Background: Eimeria is a protozoan parasite that affects poultry, particularly chickens, causing a disease known as coccidiosis. This disease imposes substantial significant economic challenges to the poultry sector. Objectives: The current study aimed to estimate the global prevalence and associated risk factors of Eimeria in domestic chickens. Methods: Multiple databases (Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, Web of Science and Google Scholar) were searched for articles published until June 2023. The pooled prevalence was estimated using a random‐effects model with a 95% confidence interval. The statistical analysis was conducted using meta packages in R version (3.6.1). Results: In total, 41 articles fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The global pooled prevalence was 44.3% (36.9%–51.8%) with Eimeria tenella (38.7%, 30.1%–47.7%) as the most prevalent species. The highest pooled prevalence was related to the Western Pacific Region (80.5%, 72.6%–87.3%) and urban areas (44.4%, 36.5%–52.6%). Moreover, areas with humid subtropical climates represent the highest overall prevalence (75.8%, 46.6%–95.9%). Conclusion: The necessity for robust and innovative strategies for preventing and managing this disease cannot be overstated. Addressing Eimeria impact is crucial not only for safeguarding poultry health but also for sustaining the economic viability of the poultry industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Canine babesiosis is a clinically significant tick‐transmitted disease caused by several species of the intraerythrocytic protozoan parasite Babesia, which result in a wide range of clinical manifestations, from mild, transient infection to serious disease and even death. Objectives: The current study aimed to estimate the global prevalence and associated risk factors of Babesia in dogs. Methods: Multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science and Google Scholar) were searched for relevant literature published from January 2000 up to December 2022. The statistical analyses were performed based on the R software (version 3.6) meta‐package. Results: Out of 23,864 publications, 229 studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of canine babesiosis was 0.120 (95% CI; 0.097–0.146). The highest pooled prevalence was found in Europe (0.207, 95% CI; 0.097–0.344). Among several species, Babesia canis was the most prevalent parasite (0.216, 95% CI; 0.056–0.441). The highest pooled prevalence of Babesia in dogs was observed in the summer season (0.097, 95% CI; 0.040–0.174). Conclusions: Regular screening and appropriate control strategies are recommended for the prevention of transmission of tick‐borne disease transmission among dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ba ckground: Studies on experimental model of cancer showed that hydatid cyst fluid (HCF) has antitumor activity. We aimed to investigate the effect of HCF and Antigen B (AgB) on 4T1 breast tumor cells in BALB/c mice. Methods: This study was carried out in the Department of Parasitology, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran from 2019 to 2020. There were two control groups of BALB/c mice (one group were injected with aluminum sulfate and another group with PBS), and six groups, injected via the intraperitoneal route with 100, 300 and 500 μg/ml concentrations of HCF, AgB diluted in 100 μl PBS, and alum. Seven days after the last treatment, 7×105 4T1 cells were subcutaneously injected into the right flank of BALB/c mice. Results: The difference between the mean size of the tumor in the case and control groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). The mean level of cytokines between the case and control groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). Our histopathological studies showed a reduction in both tumor volume and carcinogenesis in groups injected with 300 μg/ml HCF and 500 μg/ml AgB. The antitumor activity of HCF and AgB may be related to the immune responses against these antigens. Conclusion: We suggest that polarization of the Th1/Th2 ratio toward the Th1 pathway occurred in groups injected with HCF and AgB. More comprehensive and precise experiments using different hydatid cyst components are required to investigate their prophylactic effects on breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fish tapeworms of the genus Diphyllobothrium are pseudophyllidean cestodes transmitted through the consumption of raw or inadequately cooked fish. Objective: The current systematic review and meta-analysis aim to estimate the global prevalence of Diphyllobothrium in dogs and cats based on published literature. Methods: Multiple English databases (PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) were explored for relevant papers published until December 2021. Findings: Among the 37 studies that were included, 32 documented Diphyllobothrium infection in dogs and five in cats. The pooled prevalence (95% confidence interval) was 0.060% (0.030%-0.100%). The analysis based on country showed that the highest pooled prevalence in dogs and cats was observed in Bangladesh (0.250%, 0.149%-0.366%) and Indonesia (0.254%, 0.182%-0.333%), respectively. Based on the continent, Africa (0.109%, 0.017%-0.264%) and Asia (0.060%, 0%-0.345%) were the most common regions for infection in dogs and cats, respectively. Among different diagnostic methods, the highest pooled prevalence was related to molecular (0.661%, 0.573%-0.743%) and parasitological techniques (0.041%, 0%-0.217%) for dogs and cats' studies, respectively. Conclusion: The findings show the importance of establishing a prevention and control measure focused on improving regular deworming and enhancing awareness of parasitic zoonotic diseases to minimize the transmission risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strongyloidiasis is a neglected tropical disease mostly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. The current study evaluated the prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis in immunocompetent and immunodeficient patients in Iran. The available online literature published from June 1994 to October 2020 was obtained from multiple English databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar) and four Persian databases (Magiran, Iran Medex, Iran Doc and SID). All statistical analyses were performed using R software (version 3.6) meta-package and p-values <0.05 were considered significant. From 1051 articles, 74 studies (248 656 individuals) met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of S. stercoralis was 2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1 to 3) and 4% (95% CI 1 to 8) in immunocompetent and immunodeficient patients, respectively. In immunodeficient cases, the pooled prevalence of studies utilizing serology, culture and microscopic methods was 10% (95% CI 2 to 23), 1% (95% CI 0 to 6) and 1% (95% CI 0 to 1), respectively. In immunocompetent cases, the pooled prevalence of studies utilizing microscopic, culture and molecular methods was 2% (95% CI 1 to 3), 2% (95% CI 1 to 4) and 2% (95% CI 0 to 6), respectively. We propose an appropriate screening and control program along with comprehensive research regarding the frequency of strongyloidiasis in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carnivore carcasses on the roads can be regarded as study materials in parasitology and eco-epidemiology. Stray carnivores such as dogs and cats are known to harbor so many different pathogens like zoonotic helminthes. The current investigation, apparent the status of the helminthic parasites found in road killed carnivores from different parts of Guilan Province north of Iran. Methods: Fifty road killed carnivores including 27 stray dogs (Canis familiaris), 11 golden jackals (Canis aureus) and 12 stray cats (Felis catus) were collected from 21 locations of Guilan Province, during Apr to Nov 2015. Internal organs of the carcasses, including digestive tract, heart, kidneys, lungs, liver, skin, eyes as well as muscles were carefully inspected and sampled for helminthological investigation. Results: About 80% of the 50 carnivores, (stray dogs 77.77%, golden jackals 81.81%, and stray cats 91.66%) were found naturally infected with helminthic parasites. Dipylidum caninum, Toxocara cati, Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonine, Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma tubaeforme, Dirofilaria immitis, Dioctophyma renale, Dipylidum caninum, Echinococcus granulosus, Mesocestoides spp., Taenia hydatigena, Taenia hydatigera, Joyuxiella spp., Spirometra spp. are reported herein. Conclusion: The prevalent occurrence of zoonotic helminthes such as T. canis, T. cati, T. leonina, E. granulosus, D. immitis and D. renale in stray carnivores should be considered as a public health hazard, specifically within a vast tourism area like Guilan Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microsporidia are intracellular parasites with significant impact on both animal and human health. The prevalence of microsporidia infections in rabbits, including the genera Enterocytozoon and Encephalitozoon, underscores the importance of understanding their epidemiology for effective control strategies. This systematic review and meta-analysis estimated the global prevalence of microsporidia infection in rabbits using five databases (Scopus, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) to retrieve articles published between 03 December 2003 and 26 March 2023. The global prevalence was estimated with a 95 % confidence interval. All statistical analyses conducted were based on meta-package of R (version 3.6.1). A p-value lower than 0.05 was interpreted as statistically significant. A total of 71 studies comprising 72 datasets were included, yielding a global pooled prevalence of microsporidia infections in rabbits at 0.312 (0.250-0.378). The prevalence varied significantly by continent with highest observed in North America (0.495, 0.151-0.842). Slovenia had the highest pooled prevalence (0.714, 0.654-0.773). Encephalitozoon cuniculi accounted for the highest prevalence (0.338, 0.271-0.407). The findings highlight the global distribution of microsporidia in rabbit populations, emphasizing the zoonotic potential and public health implications. The predominance of E. cuniculi underscores its importance as a widespread pathogen affecting both animal and human health. The data underscore the need for continued surveillance and monitoring, particularly in regions with high prevalence., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest concerning the research or authorship., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)