Seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. in Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Toxocariasis is an important health problem caused by the parasitic species Toxocara canis (T. canis) and Toxocara cati (T. cati). Prevalence of toxocariasis in pregnant women as a vulnerable population is doubly important, and the aim of this study is to estimate the overall prevalence of toxocariasis infection in pregnant women according to the available reports. Methods: The present study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklists. A systematic search was carried out in international scientific databases (Google Scholar, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and PubMed) between 1990 and 2023. The overall prevalence of parasitic infection was estimated with a random-effects model. All analyses (overall prevalence, heterogeneity, publication bias, and sensitivity analysis) were performed with comprehensive meta-analysis (V2.2, Bio stat) software. Results: Amid the final eleven included studies, based on the random-effects model, the estimation of the pooled prevalence of Toxocara spp. was 20.8% (95% CI, 9.8-38.7%). The association between the risk factors of toxocariasis and the prevalence of the disease was not statistically significant. Conclusions: In the present study, significant prevalence was reported; however, considering the limited number of studies, it seems that the actual prevalence of the disease is higher. Therefore, it seems necessary to monitor this health problem in pregnant women.

Global Seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: In the present study, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the global and regional seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. and associated risk factors among children. METHODS: The present systematic review and meta-analysis was followed based on the Preferred Reporting. Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) protocol. We searched the online databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) and Google Scholar search engine for studies that measured seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. among children, published between 1 January 2000 and 15 January 2022. Accordingly, the pooled seroprevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using a random-effects meta-analysis model. RESULTS: A total of 65 articles from 22 countries met the inclusion criteria. The global seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. infection among children was estimated as 25% (95% CI 22-29). Meta-regression analysis showed that the type of population studied (p = 0.002) and year of publication (p = 0.044) it may be the source of heterogeneity. The highest and lowest pooled seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. infection were estimated in Thailand and Colombia as 58.2% (95% CI 50.9-65.5) and 7.04% (95% CI 3.05-11.3), respectively. Male gender was associated with a higher risk of Toxocara spp. compared to females, and this association was statistically significant (OR = 1.24; 95% CI 1.09-1.41, p = 0.001). However, residing in rural areas did not show a statistically significant increase in risk compared to living in urban areas (OR = 1.39; 95% CI 0.88-2.21, p = 0.143). CONCLUSION: Toxocariasis is common among children, hence, prevention and control scheme of this helminth in children should be considered by health officials and health policymakers, especially in developing countries, where seroprevalence is highest.

The global epidemiology of Microsporidia infection in birds: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aimed to assess the global status and genetic diversity of Microsporidia infection in different birds. An online search was conducted in international databases from 1 January 1990 to 30 June 2022. A total of 34 articles (including 37 datasets) were included for the final meta-analysis. The pooled global prevalence of Microsporidia infection in birds was 14.6% (95% CI: 11.6-18.1). The highest prevalence of Microsporidia was found in wild waterfowl which was 54.5% (28.1-78.6). In terms of detection methods, the pooled prevalence was estimated to be 21.2% (95% CI: 12.1-34.4) and 13.4% (95% CI: 10.3-17.3) for using microscopic and molecular detection methods, respectively. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was the most common pathogen (24/31; 77.42% of the studies) according to PCR-based methods, and genotype D was the highest reported genotype (nine studies). In conclusion, designing strategies for the control and prevention of Microsporidia infection in birds should be recommended.

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium and microsporidial infection in HIV-infected individuals.

BACKGROUND: Microsporidia and Cryptosporidium are obligate intracellular protozoa. These medically important species are recognized as opportunistic organisms in intestinal complications in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients. METHODS: The current cross-sectional study was designed and conducted from August 2016 to August 2017 to determine intestinal Cryptosporidium and microsporidia spp. in HIV-infected individuals from the Behavioral Diseases Counseling Center, Tabriz, Iran, by modified acid-fast and modified trichrome staining and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR. RESULTS: Of 100 HIV-infected persons, 21.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 13.0 to 30.0) and 18.0% (95% CI 11.0 to 26.0) were identified as Cryptosporidium and microsporidia, respectively, by the microscopic method. Of these 100 HIV-infected persons, 18.0% (95% CI 11.0 to 26.0) and 14.0% (95% CI 7.0 to 22.0) were positive for Cryptosporidium and microsporidia, respectively, by the molecular method. The predominant species of microsporidia in patients was Enterocytozoon bieneusi (85.7% [95% CI 57.0 to 98.0]) and Encephalitozoon cuniculi (14.3% [95% CI 1.7 to 42.0]), which were found by quantitative real-time PCR and its high-resolution melting tool. CONCLUSIONS: As far as we know, this study is the first to estimate the prevalence of infection with Cryptosporidium and microsporidia among HIV-infected persons in northwest of Iran. The prevalence of intestinal microsporidiosis and cryptosporidiosis in this area in HIV-infected people was higher than the global prevalence of infection among immunocompromised patients. In addition to the need for further studies to prove protozoan pathogenicity in the aforementioned group, preventive measures should be considered.

The Role of Some Free-Ranging Animals in the Transmission of Multi-Host Species of Cryptosporidium Spp.

Background: We aimed to characterize Cryptosporidium spp. in rats, cats, pigeons, and crows. Methods: Fifty-five animal origin Cryptosporidium spp. genome were identified, genotyped and confirmed by nested PCR and of RFLP-PCR analysis as well as sequenced based on 18s rRNA and gp60 genes in Tehran (2012-2019). Finally, the phylogenetic analysis was performed by MEGA software (version 7). Results: By the molecular method, Cryptosporidium spp. were detected in 24 (15.2%), 15 (15%), 2 (2%) and 13 (13%) cases of wild rats, cat, pigeon, and crow, respectively. Among the identified species by the RFLP pattern, most isolates were identified as C. parvum (24/157) 17.8% in rats, (15/100) 15% in cats, (13/100) 13%in crew and (2/100) 2% in pigeons; and the rest of the cases were C. muris and C. felis. The results of sequencing did not prove the existence of C. parvum, C. felis, C. muris, and rat genotype. Subtyping of C. parvum was indicated that the dominant subtype family belongs to the IId family and the subtype A20G1 was the most common subtype detected in all hosts while A19G1 was detected in one isolate of cat and pigeon. Conclusion: Free-ranging animals are infected by species/subtype of Cryptosporidium, which can infect humans. This shows by itself the hygienic importance of the free-ranging animals in urban ecosystems. In the transmission of human cryptosporidiosis, the multi-host Cryptosporidium species such as C. parvum, C. felis, and C. muris can be transferred potentially from these animals to humans.

Immune system roles in pathogenesis, prognosis, control, and treatment of Toxoplasma gondii infection.

Toxoplasma gondii is the protozoan causative agent of toxoplasmosis in humans and warm-blooded animals. Recent studies have illustrated that the immune system plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of toxoplasmosis by triggering immune cytokines like IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-γ and immune cells like DCs, Th1, and Th17. On the other hand, some immune components can serve as prognosis markers of toxoplasmosis. In healthy people, the disease is often asymptomatic, but immunocompromised people and newborns may suffer severe symptoms and complications. Therefore, the immune prognostic markers may provide tools to measure the disease progress and help patients to avoid further complications. Immunotherapies using monoclonal antibody, cytokines, immune cells, exosomes, novel vaccines, and anti-inflammatory molecules open new horizon for toxoplasmosis treatment. In this review article, we discussed the immunopathogenesis, prognosis, and immunotherapy of Toxoplasma gondii infection.

Global prevalence and genotype distribution of Microsporidia spp. in various consumables: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Water and food sources play a major role in the distribution and transfer of microsporidia infection to animals and humans. So, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the status and genetic diversity of microsporidia infection in water, vegetables, fruits, milk, cheese, and meat. The standard protocol of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was followed. Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched from 1 January 2000 and 1 February 2023. The point estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Of the 1,308 retrieved studies, 35 articles were included in the final meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of microsporidia infection in mixed water, mixed fruits, mixed vegetables, and milk was 43.3% (95% CI, 33-54.2%; I2, 94.86%), 35.8% (95% CI, 5.3-84.8%; I2, 0), 12% (95% CI, 4.9-26.6%; I2, 96.43%), and 5.8% (95% CI, 2.7-12%; I2, 83.72%), respectively. Considering the genotypes, microsporidia with genotype D in water sources and genotype CD6 in vegetables/fruits were the highest reported genotypes. Given the relatively high prevalence of microsporidiosis (especially in water sources), designing strategies for control, and prevention of microsporidia infection in these sources should be recommended.

Intestinal parasites and diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Investigating the association between infectious agents and non-communicable diseases is an interesting emerging field of research. Intestinal parasites (IPs) are one of the causes of gastrointestinal complications, malnutrition, growth retardation and disturbances in host metabolism, which can play a potential role in metabolic diseases such as diabetes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of IPs in diabetic patients and the association between IPs and diabetes. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted from January 2000 to November 2022in published records by using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases as well as Google scholar search engine; Out of a total of 29 included studies, fourteen cross-sectional studies (2676 diabetic subjects) and 15 case-control studies (5478 diabetic/non-diabetic subjects) were reviewed. The pooled prevalence of IPs in diabetics and the Odds Ratio (OR) were evaluated by CMA V2. Results: In the current systematic review and meta-analysis, the pooled prevalence of IPs in diabetic patients was 26.5% (95% CI: 21.8-31.7%) with heterogeneity of I2 = 93.24%; P < 0.001. The highest prevalence based on geographical area was in Region of the Americas (13.3% (95% CI: 9.6-18.0)).There was significant association between the prevalence of intestinal parasites in diabetic cases compared to controls (OR, 1.72; 95% CI: 1.06-2.78). Conclusion: In line with the high prevalence of IPs in diabetic patients, significant association was found however, due to the limitations of the study, more studies should be conducted in developing countries and, the prevalence of IPs in diabetics should not be neglected.

In vitro anti-gastrointestinal cancer activity of Toxocara canis -derived peptide: Analyzing the expression level of factors related to cell proliferation and tumor growth.

Background: Recently, a hypothesis about the negative relationship between cancers and parasites has been proposed and investigated; some parasitic worms and their products can affect the cancer cell proliferation. Due to the potential anti-cancer effect of helminthic parasites, in the present study, the excretory-secretory protein of Toxocara canis (T. canis) parasite was used to evaluate the possible anti-cancer properties and their effect on gastrointestinal and liver cancer cell proliferation-related genes in laboratory conditions. Methods and materials: The selected synthesized peptide fraction from the T. canis excretory-secretory Troponin protein peptide (ES TPP) was exposed at 32, 64, 128, and 256 µg/ml concentrations to three gastrointestinal cancer cell lines AGS, HT-29, and Caco 2, as well as HDF cells as normal cell lines. We used the MTT assay to evaluate cellular changes and cell viability (CV). Variations in gene (Bcl-2, APAF1, ZEB1, VEGF, cyclin-D1, and caspase-3) expression were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. Results: After 24 h of exposure to pept1ides and cell lines, a decrease in CV was observed at a concentration of 64 µg/ml and compared to the control group. Then, after 48 h, a significant decrease in the CV of Caco 2 cells was observed at a concentration of 32 µg/ml; in the other cancer cell lines, concentrations above 32 µg/ml were effective. The peptide was able to significantly alter the expression of the studied genes at a concentration of 100 µg/ml. Conclusion: Although the studied peptide at high concentrations could have a statistically significant effect on cancer cells, it is still far from the standard drug and can be optimized and promising in future studies.

Global prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. in rodents, birds, and water supplies: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Animals such as rodents and birds may play a key role in the distribution of Blastocystis sp., either as introducers of the parasite into the water or as receptors of an infection already established in the water. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence and subtype distributions of Blastocystis sp. in rodents, birds, and water supplies at a global scale through a systematic review and meta-analysis approach. The standard protocol of preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) statements were applied. Eligible prevalence studies on Blastocystis sp. in rodents, birds, and water supplies, published between 1 January 2000 and 20 January 2022 were collected using a systematic literature search in online databases (Scopus and Web of Science) and search engines (PubMed and Google Scholar). Inclusion and exclusion criteria were followed. The point estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model. The variances between studies (heterogeneity) were computed by I2 index. In total, 20 articles (24 datasets) for birds, 18 articles (18 datasets) for rodents, and 10 articles (12 datasets) for water supply were included for the final meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in birds, rodents, and water was estimated to be 29% (95% CI 12-47%), 18% (95% CI 12-23%), and 10% (95% CI 6%-15%), respectively. Considering the subtypes, Blastocystis sp. with subtypes ST7 in birds, ST4 in rodents, and ST1 in water supplies were the highest reported subtypes. The present results highlight the role of birds, rodents, and water as a reservoir for human-infected Blastocystis sp. Therefore, this global estimate could be beneficial for preventive and control measures.

Ocular Toxocariasis Associated with Blurred Vision and Visual Impairment: Report of Four Cases.

Ocular toxocariasis in humans is caused by infection with larvae of Toxocara species, which are common ascarid roundworms of mammals, kept in close proximity to human. Four cases with a history of contact with dogs and cats and blurred vision and visual impairment over periods of variable duration were examined. We screened patients diagnosed with ocular larva migrans syndrome between March and June 2021 at the Ophthalmology clinics affiliated with Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran. Detailed demographics, clinical characteristics, and fundus photography were recorded. Anti-Toxocara antibodies in the sera and vitreous fluid detected by ELIZA. Complete recovery in all four patients was achieved following treatment with oral albendazole. The diagnosis of ocular toxocariasis can be challenging, because both the condition is relatively uncommon and its presentation varies from patient to patient. There are lots of differential diagnoses like retinoblastoma, therefore correct, quick diagnosis, and treatment is very important.

Are Blastocystis hominis and Cryptosporidium spp. playing a positive role in colorectal cancer risk? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Intestinal protozoa Blastocystis hominis and Cryptosporidium spp. are two influential factors in intestinal complications and malignancies. In present study, we estimated the pooled prevalence and odds ratio (OR) of the two parasites in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and their possible association with the deadly disease. METHOD: Our systematic search was conducted for published researches between January 1, 2000 and April 30, 2022 by using four international databases include Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science as well as Google scholar search engine. The random- and fixed-effects models were used to estimate the pooled prevalence, OR, and 95% confidence interval (CI) by comprehensive meta-analysis (V2.2, Bio stat) software. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. RESULTS: Thirteen papers (seven case-control and six cross-sectional studies) for B. hominis/CRC and six papers (two case-control and four cross-sectional studies) for Cryptosporidium spp./CRC were eligible to include in data synthesis. Pooled prevalence of B. hominis and Cryptosporidium spp. in CRC patients was calculated to be 26.8% (95% CI 19.4-35.7%) and 12.7% (95% CI 6.8-22.5%), respectively. Based on case-control studies, significant difference was found between case and controls in both protozoa (B. hominis OR 2.10; 95% CI 1.39-3.18% vs. Cryptosporidium spp. OR 5.06; 95% CI 1.8-13.6%). Considering the Blastocystis subtypes, ST1 (5/6; 83.33% studies) and ST3 (5/6; 83.33% studies) had the highest number of reports in CRC patients. Regarding the Cryptosporidium species, only C. parvum and C. hominis were reported. CONCLUSION: Given the significant prevalence of both parasites in CRC patients and their statistically significant association, there is a need to pay more attention to these two intestinal parasites in under treatment patients.

Global prevalence of Giardia duodenalis in cattle: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Giardia duodenalis is an important intestinal parasite responsible for diarrhea in humans and animals worldwide. Up to now, G. duodenalis infections in cattle have been reported in many studies around the world. Hence, the aim of the present study is to report on the distribution of G. duodenalis in cattle at global scale and to evaluate the global prevalence, risk factors and genetic characterization of G. duodenalis infection among cattle worldwide. International databases were systematically searched to identify relevant studies. A random-effects meta-analysis model was used to estimate the overall and the subgroup-pooled prevalence of G. duodenalis across studies, and the variance between studies (heterogeneity) was quantified by I2 index. One hundred and fifty-eight articles (including 195 datasets), from 48 countries met eligibility criteria for analysis. Considering detection methods, the pooled prevalence was estimated to be 24% (95% confidence interval (CI), 19-30%) using copro-antigen techniques, 22% (95% CI, 17-28%) using molecular, and 16% (95% CI, 12-20%) using microscopic detection. Molecular methods showed that the highest number of reports were associated with assemblage E (45/46; 97.83% studies), assemblage A (33/46; 71.74% studies) and assemblage A+E (10/46; 21.74% studies). The pooled prevalence different of subgroups (WHO regions, countries, and type of cattle) were analyzed separately. Moreover, a significant association was observed between G. duodenalis infection with cattle suffering from diarrhea (odds ratio (OR), 2.61; 95% CI, 1.50-4.55) and pre-weaned calves (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.08-2.95). These results suggest that the corresponding control scheme and effective management measures should be formulated to reduce the transmission of G. duodenalis infection according to the difference of geographical conditions in different areas.

Co-infections of Schistosoma spp. and Malaria with Hepatitis Viruses from Endemic Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Co-infection of schistosomiasis and malaria with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are common in countries where schistosomiasis and malaria are endemic. OBJECTIVE: The present systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the prevalence of malaria/hepatitis viruses and Schistosoma/hepatitis viruses' co-infections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Relevant published studies on the co-infection of malaria and Schistosoma spp. with HBV and HCV were retrieved via international databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar). Regarding meta-analysis, the random-effect model was employed by forest plot with a 95% of confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: A total of 22 studies, including 15 studies with malaria/hepatitis viruses' co-infection and 7 studies with Schistosoma/hepatitis viruses' co-infection met the eligibility criteria. The co-infection of malaria/HCV and malaria/HBV in different populations were 15% (95% CI, 0-77%) and 5% (95% CI, 1-10%), respectively. Moreover, Schistosoma/HCV and Schistosoma/HBV co infection were detected in 7% (95% CI, 0-54%) and 2% (95% CI, 0-7%), respectively. CONCLUSION: The overlaps between Schistosoma spp. and malaria with hepatitis B and C viruses in endemic countries with lower income levels were high, which deserve further attention.

Serosurvey of anti-Toxocara antibodies and associated risk factors in domestic dogs and cats owners in Karaj, Alborz Province of Iran.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Toxocariasis is a zoonotic parasitic infection with important public health considerations. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of anti-Toxocara species antibodies and associated risk factors in domestic dogs and cats referred by their owners to veterinary clinics located in Karaj, Alborz Province, Iran. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 540 owners of dogs and cats was conducted between July - December 2020. A questionnaire administered by direct interviews was used to collect socio-demographic information and data on associated risk factors. Blood samples were collected and tested by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The overall sero-prevalence of toxocariasis among the 540 participants was 16.7% (90 of 540). When participants included in the sample were classified by age, those aged 10-29 years demonstrated higher Toxocara infection prevalence than other groups (45.6%, 41 of 90). Univariate analysis revealed that the pet owners who had contact with soil [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 7.61, 95% CI: 6.06-9.24, P = 0.028], practiced handwashing after contact with dogs and cats (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI: 1.15-4.85, P = 0.046), and feeding the pets with raw meat (AOR = 11.01, 95% CI: 5.21-19.43, P = 0.023) had an increased risk of acquiring toxocariasis. The study showed that demographic characteristics such as age, gender, place of residence, education, and pet's habitats were not significantly associated with toxocariasis. CONCLUSIONS: Given the findings and the progressive impact of toxocariasis in public health and its high prevalence in developing countries, including Iran, measures should be taken to inform the public about zoonoses and eliminate their putative transmission.

Global molecular epidemiology of microsporidia in pigs and wild boars with emphasis on Enterocytozoon bieneusi: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Microsporidia are spore-forming intracellular pathogens with worldwide prevalence, causing emerging infections in humans and animals. Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a zoonotic species of microsporidia and is responsible for more than 90% of cases of microsporidiosis in humans and animals. Pigs and wild boars are important animal reservoirs of microsporidia. Hence, we aimed to estimate the global prevalence of microsporidia and genetic diversity of E. bieneusi in pigs and wild boars through a set of systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. METHODS: Four databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar) were searched between January 1, 2000 and April 30, 2021. Regarding meta-analysis, the random-effect model was employed by forest plot with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: After exclusion of irrelevant articles and duplication removal, 33 papers, including 34 datasets (30 datasets for domestic pigs and 4 for wild boars) finally meet the inclusion criteria to undergo meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence rates of microsporidia infection in domestic pigs and wild boars were 37.6% (95% CI: 30.8-44.9%) and 8.1% (95% CI: 2.1-26.8%), respectively. While, the pooled prevalence rates of E. bieneusi were 35% (95% CI: 28.4-42.2%) in domestic pigs and 10.1% (95% CI: 1.7-42.4%) in wild boars. The genotypes EbpA was the most reported genotype in domestic pigs and wild boars. Male animals had higher prevalence rates of microsporidia infection than females (27 vs. 17.4%, OR = 1.91; 95% CI, 0.77-4.71%). CONCLUSION: This study indicates the important role of domestic pigs and wild boars as animal reservoir hosts of microsporidia. Thereby, strategies for control and prevention of these zoonotic pathogens should be designed in pigs and wild boars.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on the global prevalence of cattle microsporidiosis with focus on Enterocytozoon bieneusi: An emerging zoonotic pathogen.

Microsporidiosis, caused by the zoonotic eukaryote microsporidia spp. have serious health threat in high-risk groups, including immunocompromised individuals. Cattle plays a major role as reservoirs of microsporidia among the animals because of close-contact with humans. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence and genetic diversity of cattle microsporidiosis at a global scale through systematic review and meta-analysis approach. A comprehensive literature searches of published articles related to the molecular distribution of microsporidiosis in cattle was conducted between 1 January 1990 and 20 December 2020. The confidence intervals (95 %) and point estimates were calculated using the random-effects model. A total of 1809 was retrieved from the initial search, after exclusion of irrelevant articles 37 articles met inclusion criteria to be included for final analysis. The estimated pooled prevalence of cattle microsporidiosis was 14 % (CI: 11.5-17 %) worldwide. Accordingly, the calves had the highest prevalence 20 % (CI: 14.8-26.5 %). According to internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene, Enterocytozoon bieneusi with genotypes BEB4 (22 studies), J (21 studies), and I (17 studies) were the highest reported genotypes. The present results highlight the role of cattle as reservoir hosts for human-infecting microsporidia. Strategies for control and prevention of these pathogens should be designed to mitigate the risk of cattle to human transmission.

Prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of recently published literature (2016-2020).

BACKGROUND: Urinary schistosomiasis is a serious threat in endemic territories of Africa and the Middle East. The status of female urinary schistosomiasis (FUS) in published literature between 2016 and 2020 was investigated. METHODS: A systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, based on the 'Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses' checklist, and a meta-analysis using random-effects model to calculate the weighted estimates and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were done. RESULTS: Totally, 113 datasets reported data on 40,531 women from 21 African countries, showing a pooled prevalence of 17.5% (95% CI: 14.8-20.5%). Most studies (73) were performed in Nigeria, while highest prevalence was detected in Mozambique 58% (95% CI: 56.9-59.1%) (one study). By sample type and symptoms, vaginal lavage [25.0% (95% CI: 11.4-46.1%)] and hematuria 19.4% (95% CI: 12.2-29.4%) showed higher FUS frequency. Studies using direct microscopy diagnosed a 17.1% (95% CI: 14.5-20.1%) prevalence rate, higher than PCR-based studies 15.3% (95% CI: 6.1-33.2%). Except for sample type, all other variables had significant association with the overall prevalence of FUS. CONCLUSIONS: More studies are needed to evaluate the true epidemiology of FUS throughout endemic regions.

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in children and the elderly in southwestern Iran.

Aim: The current study investigated the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. among children under 6 and adults over 60 years of age with diarrhea in the southwest of Iran. Background: Cryptosporidiosis is an opportunistic parasitic infection caused by the species Cryptosporidium that causes gastrointestinal complications and diarrhea. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Khuzestan province between January 2020 to December 2020. Out of 350 patients referring to medical centers with clinical signs of diarrhea, 57.4% were under six years of age and 42.6% were more than 60 years old. Fecal samples were examined using Modified Ziehl-Neelsen (MZN) staining and nested-PCR techniques. Results: The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in the study population was 0.9% as determined by microscopic and molecular methods (3/47). Conclusion: The study results confirm the prevalence of parasitic infections as reported in previous studies in other regions of Iran. Preventive health measures are necessary.

Association of parvovirus B19 and myocarditis/dilated cardiomyopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The potential association between Parvovirus B19 and heart disease has been controversial. The aim of the present study was to report the prevalence of B19 in myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) as well as measure the statistical association between them. METHODS: Our systematic search was carried out to retrieve published articles between January 2000 and March 2021 using three major databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, as well as the Google Scholar search engine. The overall prevalence of HAV, pooled odds ratio, and heterogeneity were estimated by comprehensive meta-analysis (V2.2, Biostat) software. RESULTS: The overall prevalence results in myocarditis and DCM were 23.7% (95% CI: 18.7%-29.5%) and 34.1% (95% CI: 23.8%-46.1%) respectively; in addition, the overall OR for B19 and myocarditis was 4.317 (95% CI, 1.831-10.180) versus 1.163 (95% CI: 0.706-1.916) for B19 and DCM. CONCLUSION: Our findings have shown a significant association between Parvovirus B19 and myocarditis with a high prevalence. In the case of DCM, no significant association was found while the prevalence of the virus was relatively high.