Parasitic zoonoses in the Roma population.

Roma people are the largest minority group in Europe. The vast majority live in substandard conditions in segregated settlements, overcrowded with people and animals that predispose them to various, especially zoonotic diseases. Parasitic zoonotic diseases remain a challenge in this vulnerable population group, especially among Roma children. PubMed was searched using the keywords Roma with combination of names of different parasites to get all available studies on prevalence of parasitic zoonoses among European Roma, published between years 2000 and 2020. After application of exclusion criteria, data were extracted from the studies that made the final sample. Parasitic zoonoses are common among Roma. Cryptosporidium, Toxoplasma gondii, soil-transmitted helminths and Giardia spp. are more common in Roma children compared to non-Roma children, and Toxoplasma gondii and soil-transmitted helminths are also more common in Roma adults compared to non-Roma adults. Data on prevalence of trichinellosis, echinococcosis, and taeniasis among Roma show that they do not affect Roma more often compared to the general population. Roma people, particularly children, are more susceptible to parasitic zoonoses. Substandard sanitary conditions and close contact with infected animals are important risk factors in this population and should be aimed with preventive measures.

Drug-induced gingival overgrowth in cardiovascular patients.

Drug-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO) is a pathological growth of gingival tissue, primarily associated with calcium channel blockers and immunosuppressants. Consequently, it is mainly seen in cardiovascular and transplanted patients. Nifedipine remains the main calcium channel blocker related to the development of this unpleasant side-effect. As for immunosuppressants, cyclosporin is the leading causative agent, whereas other drugs from this drug-group, including tacrolimus, have better safety profiles. Accumulated collagen with inflammatory infiltrates is the histological hallmark of this condition. Several factors are involved in the pathogenesis and can increase the risk, such as male gender, younger age, pre-existing periodontal inflammation, and concomitant use of other DIGO-inducing medications. Patients with DIGO may experience severe discomfort, trouble with speech and mastication, pain, and teeth loss, aside from cosmetic implications. Furthermore, these patients also have an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. The interdisciplinary approach and cooperation with dental care experts are necessary for patient management. Treatment includes discontinuing the drug and switching to one with a better profile, improving oral hygiene, and surgical removal of enlarged tissue. Recognizing the potential of commonly used medications to cause DIGO and its effect on patients' health is necessary for early detection and adequate management of this complication.

Hepatotropic viruses: Is Roma population at risk?

Roma people make up a significant ethnic minority in many European countries, with the vast majority living in Central and Eastern Europe. Roma are a vulnerable population group in social, economic, and political terms. Frequent migrations, life in segregated communities, substandard housing, poverty, and limited access to quality health care, including low immunization coverage, affect their health status and predispose them to various diseases, including viral hepatitis. Hepatitis A, B, and E are highly prevalent among Roma and mainly associated with low socioeconomic status. In contrast, hepatitis C does not seem to be more frequent in the Roma population. Enhanced efforts should be directed towards the implementation of screening programs, preventive measures, and treatment of viral hepatitis in Roma communities throughout Europe.