scholarly journals Parasitic infections: overlooked, under-diagnosed and under-researched

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harsha Sheorey ◽  
Richard S Bradbury
Keyword(s):  
Immunosuppressive Drugs ◽  
Differential Diagnoses ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Parasitic Diseases ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Clinical Presentations ◽  
Tropical Areas ◽  
Industrialised Countries

Professor George Nelson (1924–2009) once stated that, ‘Parasitology is the preserve of the diagnostically destitute’. Little has changed to this day, with potentially relevant parasitic causes of illnesses often not being considered early in the differential diagnoses of clinical presentations. Parasitic infections are sometimes overlooked as causes of morbidity and (in some cases) mortality in both the medical and veterinary fields. In Australia there remain significant problems associated with giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis, strongyloidiasis and other parasitic diseases, particularly in remote, underserved and tropical regions of the country and also in the immuno-compromised individuals (HIV, immunosuppressive drugs etc.). The burden of many parasitic diseases is greater in tropical and sub-tropical areas of non-industrialised countries. With increasingly adventurous travel and dining, increasing numbers of Australians returning from travel overseas with added souvenirs of common or exotic parasitoses every year and refugees and migrants arriving in Australia, these infections are becoming increasingly important.

Recent Advances in the Development of Broad-Spectrum Antiprotozoal Agents

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Moreno-Herrera ◽  
Sandra Cortez-Maya ◽  
Virgilio Bocanegra-Garcia ◽  
Bimal Krishna Banik ◽  
Gildardo Rivera
Keyword(s):  
Giardia Lamblia ◽  
Heterocyclic Compounds ◽  
Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Parasitic Diseases ◽  
Pharmacological Treatments ◽  
Preclinical Development ◽  
Leishmania Spp ◽  
Effective Drugs

: Infections caused by Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania spp., Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Plasmodium spp., and Trichomonas vaginalis, are part of a large list of human parasitic diseases. Together, they cause more than 500 million infections per year. These protozoa parasites affect both low- and high-income countries and their pharmacological treatment is limited. Therefore, new and more effective drugs in preclinical development could improve overall therapy for parasitic infections even when their mechanisms of action are unknown. In this review, a number of heterocyclic compounds (diamidine, guanidine, quinoline, benzimidazole, thiazole, diazanaphthalene, and their derivatives) reported as antiprotozoal agents are discussed as options for developing new pharmacological treatments for parasitic diseases.

scholarly journals Application of Dendrimers for Treating Parasitic Diseases

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 343
Author(s):  
Veronica Folliero ◽  
Carla Zannella ◽  
Annalisa Chianese ◽  
Debora Stelitano ◽  
Annalisa Ambrosino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Water Solubility ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Medical Knowledge ◽  
High Ratio ◽  
Molecular Volume ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Parasitic Diseases ◽  
Wide Range

Despite advances in medical knowledge, parasitic diseases remain a significant global health burden and their pharmacological treatment is often hampered by drug toxicity. Therefore, drug delivery systems may provide useful advantages when used in combination with conventional therapeutic compounds. Dendrimers are three-dimensional polymeric structures, characterized by a central core, branches and terminal functional groups. These nanostructures are known for their defined structure, great water solubility, biocompatibility and high encapsulation ability against a wide range of molecules. Furthermore, the high ratio between terminal groups and molecular volume render them a hopeful vector for drug delivery. These nanostructures offer several advantages compared to conventional drugs for the treatment of parasitic infection. Dendrimers deliver drugs to target sites with reduced dosage, solving side effects that occur with accepted marketed drugs. In recent years, extensive progress has been made towards the use of dendrimers for therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic purposes for the management of parasitic infections. The present review highlights the potential of several dendrimers in the management of parasitic diseases.

Differential diagnoses of severe COVID‐19 in tropical areas: The experience of Reunion Island

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauline Krol ◽  
Nathalie Coolen‐Allou ◽  
Laura Teysseyre ◽  
Nicolas Traversier ◽  
Floryan Beasley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Differential Diagnoses ◽  
Reunion Island ◽  
Réunion Island ◽  
Tropical Areas

scholarly journals The state of art of neutrophil extracellular traps in protozoan and helminthic infections

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
César Díaz-Godínez ◽  
Julio C. Carrero
Keyword(s):  
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Parasitic Diseases ◽  
Helminth Parasites ◽  
Extracellular Traps ◽  
Helminthic Infections ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi ◽  
Net Release

AbstractNeutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are DNA fibers associated with histones, enzymes from neutrophil granules and anti-microbial peptides. NETs are released in a process denominated NETosis, which involves sequential steps that culminate with the DNA extrusion. NETosis has been described as a new mechanism of innate immunity related to defense against different pathogens. The initial studies of NETs were carried out with bacteria and fungi, but currently a large variety of microorganisms capable of inducing NETs have been described including protozoan and helminth parasites. Nevertheless, we have little knowledge about how NETosis process is carried out in response to the parasites, and about its implication in the resolution of this kind of disease. In the best case, the NETs entrap and kill parasites in vitro, but in others, immobilize the parasites without affecting their viability. Moreover, insufficient studies on the NETs in animal models of infections that would help to define their role, and the association of NETs with chronic inflammatory pathologies such as those occurring in several parasitic infections have left open the possibility of NETs contributing to pathology instead of protection. In this review, we focus on the reported mechanisms that lead to NET release by protozoan and helminth parasites and the evidence that support the role of NETosis in the resolution or pathogenesis of parasitic diseases.

scholarly journals Actual problems of assessing the quality of disinfection measures for parasitosis in the Russian Federation

2020 ◽  
Vol 99 (3) ◽  
pp. 274-278
Author(s):  
М.М. M. Асланова ◽  
Т.В. V. Гололобова ◽  
К.Ю. Yu. Кузнецова ◽  
А.В. V. Загайнова ◽  
Тамари Резоевна Мания ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Russian Federation ◽  
Professional Community ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Neglected Diseases ◽  
Parasitic Diseases ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressure ◽  
Difficult Situation ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
Parasitic Pathogens

Introduction. The main and the most significant issues of the management of disinfection measures taking into account modern trends and factors affecting the quality of these measures in relation to parasitic infections in the territory of the Russian Federation are considered. The professional community of physicians, epidemiologists, hygienists, disinfectants was almost powerless in the fight against slow or latent infections of a parasitic nature, which are still ca lled “neglected diseases” (“unnoticed diseases”), partly because they occur without pronounced symptoms, and there are a number of unresolved problems in the prevention and diagnosis. Despite the fact that modern medicine in the field of prevention and diagnosis of some infectious diseases has achieved good results, the problems with the disinfection of parasitic pathogens remain relevant. Environmental degradation, various natural disasters, urbanization, increased anthropogenic pressure, as well as climate change do not contribute to improving the difficult situation with regard to the spread, reproduction and formation of new stable foci of parasites. The measures for the improving the system of non-specific prevention of parasitic diseases are determined. Material and methods. In the course of the work, there were analyzed statistical reports of the Federal Reserve and the literature data. Results. The analysis of statistical data showed that during 2014-2018, the incidence of parasites in the Russian population remained at a high level and did not have a pronounced tendency to decrease, and the proposed anti-parasitic disinfectants cannot meet modern anti-epidemiological and hygienic requirements. Conclusion. A number of recommendations and initiatives on disinfection measures for the prevention and spread of parasitic infections in the territory of the Russian Federation were proposed to solve the tasks. There are determined main ways of improving the system of nonspecific prevention of parasitic diseases.

scholarly journals ACTUAL PROBLEMS OF ASSESSING THE QUALITY OF DISINFECTION MEASURES FOR PARASITOSIS IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

2020 ◽  
Vol 99 (3) ◽  
pp. 274-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. M. Aslanova ◽  
T. V. Gololobova ◽  
K. Yu. Kuznetsova ◽  
A. V. Zagaynova ◽  
Tamari R. Maniya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Russian Federation ◽  
Professional Community ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Neglected Diseases ◽  
Parasitic Diseases ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressure ◽  
Difficult Situation ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
Parasitic Pathogens

Introduction. The main and the most significant issues of the management of disinfection measures taking into account modern trends and factors affecting the quality of these measures in relation to parasitic infections in the territory of the Russian Federation are considered. The professional community of physicians, epidemiologists, hygienists, disinfectants was almost powerless in the fight against slow or latent infections of a parasitic nature, which are still ca lled “neglected diseases” (“unnoticed diseases”), partly because they occur without pronounced symptoms, and there are a number of unresolved problems in the prevention and diagnosis. Despite the fact that modern medicine in the field of prevention and diagnosis of some infectious diseases has achieved good results, the problems with the disinfection of parasitic pathogens remain relevant. Environmental degradation, various natural disasters, urbanization, increased anthropogenic pressure, as well as climate change do not contribute to improving the difficult situation with regard to the spread, reproduction and formation of new stable foci of parasites. The measures for the improving the system of non-specific prevention of parasitic diseases are determined. Material and methods. In the course of the work, there were analyzed statistical reports of the Federal Reserve and the literature data. Results. The analysis of statistical data showed that during 2014-2018, the incidence of parasites in the Russian population remained at a high level and did not have a pronounced tendency to decrease, and the proposed anti-parasitic disinfectants cannot meet modern anti-epidemiological and hygienic requirements. Conclusion. A number of recommendations and initiatives on disinfection measures for the prevention and spread of parasitic infections in the territory of the Russian Federation were proposed to solve the tasks. There are determined main ways of improving the system of nonspecific prevention of parasitic diseases.

Częstość występowania robaczyc u dzieci w wieku przedszkolnym ? określenie czynników predysponujących

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Piotr Kaleta ◽  
Marta Palacz-Wróbel ◽  
Łukasz Chajec
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Data ◽  
Predisposing Factors ◽  
The Body ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Parasitic Diseases ◽  
Frequency Of Occurrence ◽  
The World ◽  
Parasitic Worms ◽  
The Impact

Introduction. Parasitic diseases are common and pose threats to the health and lives of people around the world. Globally improving sanitary conditions also do not provide a sufficient method of preventing the parasitic infections that trigger them. Statistical data show a huge rate of parasitism in the world and a very large share of parasitic diseases in the number of deaths. Worms among pre-school children are quite common to a certain extent, and factors that favor them ? if properly identified, can be significantly reduced. This paper presents the frequency of occurrence of worms in this age range compared to statistical data and a list of factors predisposing the occurrence of these diseases. Aim. The aim of the study was to assess the frequency and predisposing factors for the occurrence of helminthia among children in pre-school age in Poland. Material and methods. An original questionnaire was used to conduct the research. Results. The frequency of occurrence of worms reaches about 10% of confirmed infections. The most common prevalence among children is oatosis. The most important factors predisposing to parasitic worms infection are: inadequate personal hygiene, inadequate food hygiene and its preparation, the impact of places with higher risk of infection (sandpits, playgrounds, kindergartens, nurseries, orphanages). Invasions, when the massiveness of parasite invasions is not large enough, often goes asymptomatically ? that is why the parent's perceptiveness and knowledge about the basic symptoms of the most common worms play a key role. The level of parents’ knowledge and awareness of the risk of being infected with parasitic worms is high. Most of the parents surveyed correctly diagnosed symptoms performed tests for the presence of parasites in the body of their children. Conclusions. Elimination of predisposing factors significantly minimizes the occurrence of helminthiasis.

Infestations

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dirk Elston
Keyword(s):  
Mass Drug Administration ◽  
Sarcoptes Scabiei ◽  
Tinospora Cordifolia ◽  
Larva Migrans ◽  
Parasitic Diseases ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Delusional Parasitosis ◽  
Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis ◽  
Global Travel ◽  
Scabies Infestation

This review looks at parasitic diseases of the skin. Scabies, caused by the human itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei), and pediculosis, caused by the bloodsucking louse, are the most prevalent parasitic diseases in temperate regions. For treatment of scabies, ivermectin is suitable for mass drug administration during severe outbreaks, although patients with heavy scabies infestation may exhibit Mazzotti reactions during treatment with oral ivermectin. Another promising scabicide is Tinospora cordifolia lotion. The increase in global travel has also meant a worldwide increase in parasitic disorders endemic to tropical regions; these disorders include cutaneous larva migrans, pyodermas, arthropod-reactive dermatitis, myiasis, tungiasis, urticaria, and cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. Finally, patients with delusional parasitosis will express the belief that parasitical organisms are infesting their skin. Pimozide, an antipsychotic, has been successfully used to treat delusional parasitosis. This module contains 16 highly rendered figures, 2 tables, 15 references, and 5 MCQs.

Infestations

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dirk Elston
Keyword(s):  
Mass Drug Administration ◽  
Sarcoptes Scabiei ◽  
Tinospora Cordifolia ◽  
Larva Migrans ◽  
Parasitic Diseases ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Delusional Parasitosis ◽  
Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis ◽  
Global Travel ◽  
Scabies Infestation

This review looks at parasitic diseases of the skin. Scabies, caused by the human itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei), and pediculosis, caused by the bloodsucking louse, are the most prevalent parasitic diseases in temperate regions. For treatment of scabies, ivermectin is suitable for mass drug administration during severe outbreaks, although patients with heavy scabies infestation may exhibit Mazzotti reactions during treatment with oral ivermectin. Another promising scabicide is Tinospora cordifolia lotion. The increase in global travel has also meant a worldwide increase in parasitic disorders endemic to tropical regions; these disorders include cutaneous larva migrans, pyodermas, arthropod-reactive dermatitis, myiasis, tungiasis, urticaria, and cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. Finally, patients with delusional parasitosis will express the belief that parasitical organisms are infesting their skin. Pimozide, an antipsychotic, has been successfully used to treat delusional parasitosis. This module contains 16 highly rendered figures, 2 tables, 15 references, and 5 MCQs.

Proctocolitis and enteric sexually acquired infections

2019 ◽  
pp. 259-266
Keyword(s):  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
Neisseria Gonorrhoeae ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
History Taking ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Clinical Presentations ◽  
Enteric Infections ◽  
Key Terms

This chapter describes the important causes of sexually acquired enteric infections, proctitis, and proctocolitis. The key terms are defined, and the epidemiology and clinical presentations of the conditions are discussed. The bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections are reviewed. Common sexually transmitted causes of proctitis include Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis (D-K and LGV genotypes), and syphilis; these are on the increase. Non-sexual transmitted causes are outlined, as these can cause proctocolitis and need to be considered in the differential, but can often be distinguished with good history taking. Key investigations are outlined. Specific treatment of some of these are discussed, where not referred to elsewhere.

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