Prevalence Of Co-infection Research Articles

Prevalence of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and Dermatophytes Co-Infection in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Patients

Prevalence of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and Dermatophytes Co-Infection in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Patients

Prevalence and Antifungal Susceptibility of Candida Infections in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Cross-sectional Study from the Union Territory of Puducherry, India

Introduction: Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Candida albicans is the most commonly isolated fungal pathogen in bronchopulmonary patients. Invasive candidiasis due to Candida species has been on the rise in recent years. However, drug sensitivity studies of C. albicans isolated from TB patients are not routinely conducted in India and other developing countries. Aim: To isolate and identify Candida albicans from patients with TB and to determine its antifungal susceptibility. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 129 patients suspected of having pulmonary TB, analysed from August 2016 to January 2018 at the Department of Chest Medicine, Aarupadai Veedu Medical College and Hospital, Puducherry, India. Sputum samples were collected and processed to identify Candida species through Gram staining, Ziehl-Neelsen staining, germ tube formation, and sugar fermentation. Antifungal resistance testing was performed using the disk diffusion method recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The collected data were subsequently analysed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test to evaluate the results. Results: Candida infection was observed in 10 (7.75%) out of 129 patients with pulmonary TB. Among patients with co-infection, C. albicans was the most common, accounting for 4 (40%) cases, followed by C. krusei with 2 (20%) cases, C. tropicalis with 1 (10%) case, C. kefyr with 1 (10%) case, C. glabrata with 1 (10%) case, and C. parapsilosis with 1 (10%) case. Among the azole category, itraconazole and amphotericin B exhibited the highest sensitivity percentages against Candida. Conclusion: The current study revealed a high prevalence of coinfection between pulmonary TB and Candida spp., which may contribute to the symptoms of pulmonary lung disorders. The prevalence of Candida species could also be associated with an inadequate response to antitubercular drugs. Amphotericin B and itraconazole, two commonly used drugs in the community, are often employed as the preferred treatments for fungal infections. Early detection and treatment of this opportunistic candidiasis in patients with pulmonary TB will likely enhance outcomes for such individuals.

Epidemiological Insights into Foodborne Pathogens Through qPCR Exploration of Prevalence - Beijing Municipality, China, January 2022-April 2023.

Foodborne diseases present a substantial global health risk. Traditional diagnostic methods have constraints, but advancements in molecular techniques, like quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), provide a hopeful solution. We examined 1,011 stool samples from individuals suspected of foodborne illnesses. Our analysis indicated a significant presence of Clostridium perfringens, Salmonella enterica, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), and adenovirus. Notably, co-infections were identified in 71.22% of the samples. The data emphasize a notable prevalence of co-infections, highlighting the complexity of foodborne illnesses. This study underscores the significance of utilizing contemporary diagnostic methods in densely populated urban areas such as Beijing Municipality.

Prevalence of co-infection with human papillomavirus and Chlamydia trachomatis and risk factors associated with cervical cancer in Congolese women

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most frequently diagnosed viruses in developing countries. Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is an important cofactor in HPV-induced cervical cancer.Cervico-uterine smears were taken for cytology, and a total of 131 samples were analysed. HPV prevalence and CT were detected using specific primers (L1 gene and omp-1 gene).23 (17.5 %) HPV-only samples were detected, CT-only positives were 10 (7.6 %). And HPV/CT co-infection was 13 (9.9 %). Identified risk factors associated with HPV/CT co-infection were risky sexual behaviour and cytology status.The prevalence of HPV and CT and their co-infection rates being high in our study population, may be an indicator of cervical cancer risk. Consequently, there is an urgent need to raise awareness and take appropriate precautions.

Coinfection prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and ticks of small ruminants in Bui and Donga-Mantung Divisions, North West Region of Cameroon

Background: This study was conducted to determine the coinfection prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and tick infestation of small ruminants in Bui and Donga-Mantung Divisions. Methods: 704 animals were physically examined for tick infestation and stool samples collected for the detection of gastrointestinal parasites, of which 383 were goats and 321 sheep. Results: Out of this number of animals examined, 378 were infected with one or more gastrointestinal parasite and ticks, giving an overall prevalence of 53.7% with the highest prevalence recorded in goats (P>0.05). The most common mixed infections recorded were Haemonchus sp/Eimeria sp/ticks, strongyloides sp/ trichostrongylus sp/ticks. Generally, the overall prevalence of these parasites and tick infestation among the different age groups showed that, adults had the highest overall prevalence (64.4%) while the young recorded the lowest prevalence (33.2%). It was however observed that females were the most infected (57.4%) compared to males (49.7%) (P>0.05). Locality based prevalence revealed that Bui Division was the most infected, with goats recording the highest prevalence (55.4%) while in Donga Mantung Division, the highest prevalence was recorded in sheep (50.4%) (P>0.05). Conclusion: This study provides an important step to reduce animal infection and infestation and minimize economic losses in small ruminants. it also provides information that will help farmers of these areas to use strategic treatment methods and medicinal plants to reduce parasite infestations on the animals and also to practice the right traditional management techniques.

CO-INFECTION WITH MALARIA AND INTESTINAL PARASITES AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH ANEMIA IN CHILDREN (ZERO TO TEN YEARS OLD) IN TIKO SUBDIVISION, CAMEROON.

Concomitant infections with malaria and intestinal parasitic infections may be associated with anemia in children (0-10 yr). This study determined the prevalence of co-infection with malaria and intestinal parasitic infections and determined its association with anemia in children (0-10 yr) in Tiko, Cameroon. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out whereby venous blood and stool samples were collected from 377 febrile children. Blood was used to perform a full blood count. Thick and thin blood films were prepared and stained with Giemsa for malaria parasite diagnosis. The formol ether concentration technique was used to analyze the stools. Pearson's chi-square test, Student's t-test, and other statistical analyses were performed. Of the 377 participants, 139 (36.9%) were positive for malaria, 21 (5.6%) had intestinal helminths, 8 (2%) had co-infection, and 79 (21.0%) were anemic. Malaria and anemia were prevalent among the children and were significantly associated (P = 0.025). There was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) among age groups. Girls were more often infected with malaria (69, 37.3%), and boys were more often infected with intestinal parasites (13, 7.0%), but there was no statistical association for both malaria and intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) for both sexes (P > 0.05). Hookworms, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Trichuris trichiura were the intestinal parasites found in this study. There was a significant association between anemia and parasitic co-infection in children (P = 0.003). Malaria and IPIs are prevalent in the Tiko municipality. They play a great role in anemia especially when there is a co-infection. Public education and awareness campaigns are necessary in this municipality.

Covid-19 and Malaria Co-Infection in Imo State, Nigeria: A Descriptive Seroprevalence Study

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and malaria syndemic poses colossal challenge in prompt diagnosis and effective management of both infections especially in tropical regions. Therefore, this survey was conducted in order to ascertain the seroprevalence of SARS-COV-2 antibodies and malaria parasite in a Federal University of Technology Owerri, located in the south-eastern part of Nigeria, shortly after the waves of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The study was carried out among staff and students in the School of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria within the age range of twenty-one (21) and above.
 Method: A total of 600 randomly selected participants (400 students and 200 staff) who had provided informed consent, were randomly selected from the School of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Technology Owerri. Questionnaires were administered to collect data on respondents’ demographics and clinical history. Then, blood samples were aseptically collected by needle prick and tested for COVID-19 and malaria using the SARS-COV-2 IgM/IgG antibody test kit and the malaria test kit (Malaria Pf (HRP2) respectively.
 Results: Malaria and COVID-19 co-infection rates observed among the staff and students in this survey were 5% and 1.8% respectively. Out of the 200 staff tested in this study, 45(22.5%) were IgG positive, 0(0%) were positive for IgM while 10(5%) tested positive to malaria parasite. Although, all IgG positives were junior staff. Then, amongst the 400 students tested, 37(9.25%) tested positive for IgG while none (0%) were IgM positive but, 62(15.5%) were positive for Plasmodium falciparum infection. The interrelated symptoms of malaria and COVID-19 mostly observed in our respondents were fever, headache and fatigue.
 Conclusion: Results from this study further explained that the level of co-infection prevalence varies directly with the level of malaria prevalence and vice versa.

Oxidative stress, gene expression and histopathology of cultured gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) naturally co-infected with Ergasilus sieboldi and Vibrio alginolyticus

BackgroundParasitic and bacterial co-infections have been associated with increasing fish mortalities and severe economic losses in aquaculture through the past three decades. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oxidative stress, histopathology, and immune gene expression profile of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) co-infected with Ergasilus sieboldi and Vibrio alginolyticus.ResultsVibrio alginolyticus and Ergasilus sieboldi were identified using 16 S rRNA and 28 S rRNA sequencing, respectively. The collagenase virulence gene was found in all Vibrio alginolyticus isolates, and the multiple antimicrobial resistance index ranged from 0.286 to 0.857. Oxidant-antioxidant parameters in the gills, skin, and muscles of naturally infected fish revealed increased lipid peroxidation levels and a decrease in catalase and glutathione antioxidant activities. Moreover, naturally co-infected gilthead sea bream exhibited substantial up-regulation of il-1β, tnf-α, and cyp1a1. Ergasilus sieboldi encircled gill lamellae with its second antennae, exhibited severe gill architectural deformation with extensive eosinophilic granular cell infiltration. Vibrio alginolyticus infection caused skin and muscle necrosis in gilthead sea bream.ConclusionThis study described some details about the gill, skin and muscle tissue defense mechanisms of gilthead sea bream against Ergasilus sieboldi and Vibrio alginolyticus co-infections. The prevalence of co-infections was 100%, and no resistant fish were detected. These co-infections imbalance the health status of the fish by hampering the oxidant-antioxidant mechanisms and proinflammatory/inflammatory immune genes to a more detrimental side. Our results suggest that simultaneous screening for bacterial and parasitic pathogens should be considered.

Assessment of the Prevalence of Malaria and Its Associated Risk Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Jalingo and Takum Local Government, Taraba State, Nigeria

Malaria infections are co-endemic throughout most of the tropical and sub-Saharan Africa and present a major threat to public health. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of malaria co-infection in pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Jalingo and Takum Local government Areas, Taraba State, Nigeria. The study was conducted in Jalingo and Takum Local Governments Areas between September, 2018 to December 2018. A total of five hundred and twenty (520) pregnant women were screened on antenatal day. Prepared thick films using Giemsa staining technique were examined microscopically for the presence of malaria parasites. A questionnaire was also prepared to collect demographic data and some risk factors. The prevalence of Malaria in Jalingo( 75.6%) and Takum (79.5% ). Malaria infection based on age distribution showed that age group 31-35 had the highest malaria infection (83.6%) while age group < 41 had the least malaria infection (56.5%). This result showed no significant difference between age distribution of malaria Infection based on educational status showed those without Formal Education had the highest prevalence (88.8%) and (19.4%) for Malaria. Occupational related prevalence showed that Traders had the highest prevalence of (86%) and (17.2%) for Malaria χ2= 10.346 (P.>0.5). pregnancy status also showed varied infection rates , those in their first trimester had the highest prevalence( 84.2%) for Malaria but there was no significant difference (P>0.5) between pregnancy status. There was also a significant difference in infection between blood group and Malaria, blood group Ohad the highest prevalence of (90.9%). Association between infection and some risk factors showed that malaria infection is significantly related to fleeting of room with insecticide (O. R= 1.285,), Receive blood transfussion. (O. R=1.645), presences of stagnant water (O. R= 1.170), Malaria control in pregnancy is necessary so as to reduce the incidence of adverse pregnancy complications. The use of long lasting insecticide treated nets should be intensified. Keywords: Malaria infection, antenatal, pregnant women, Jalingo and Takum, Nigeria.

Global prevalence, burden and trend in HIV and drug-susceptible tuberculosis co-infection from 1990 to 2019 and prediction to 2040

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to describe the current situation and forecast the trends of co-infection between the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and drug-susceptible tuberculosis (DS-TB) in different countries, across various age groups and genders. MethodsWe obtained data on the number of cases, age-standardized incidence rate, age-standardized prevalence rate, age-standardized rate of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and age-standardized death rate from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 database. These data were used to describe the distribution and burden of co-infection between the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and DS-TB in different regions, genders, and age groups. We employed joinpoint regression analysis to analyze the temporal trends from 1990 to 2019. Additionally, an age-period-cohort model was established to forecast the future trends of co-infection up to 2040. ResultsThe prevalence and burden of co-infection varied across different age groups and genders. The territories with the higher disease burden were distributed in some Asian and African countries. In terms of temporal trends, the age-standardized incidence rate and age-standardized prevalence rate of HIV and DS-TB co-infection exhibited an overall increasing trend from 1990 to 2019, and the prediction indicated a slow downward trend from 2019 to 2040. ConclusionsThe co-infection of HIV and DS-TB posed a grave threat to public health and economic development. What’s more, there existed a significant disparity between the actual state of co-infection and the desired goals for prevention and control.

EPH123 A Machine Augmented Systematic Literature Review: Prevalence of Coinfections in COVID-19 Patients During Early and Late Pandemic Periods

EPH123 A Machine Augmented Systematic Literature Review: Prevalence of Coinfections in COVID-19 Patients During Early and Late Pandemic Periods

Vairimorpha apis Versus Vairimorpha ceranae, Replacement or Dynamic Prevalence?

Abstract Nosematosis is currently a frequently discussed disease of bees caused by two species of microsporidia: Vairimorpha apis, and Vairimorpha ceranae. Vairimorpha apis represents the original species of Apis mellifera parasite, and Vairimorpha ceranae, is a species introduced from Asia. In the last two decades, epidemiological data on the growth of the prevalence of V. ceranae infection have increased, which has led to its dominant position at the expense of its congener V. apis, practically all over the world. This process is assumed to be the result of asymmetric competition within the host, where V. ceranae, showed a better ability to adapt to higher temperatures, which was first manifested by its spread in warmer climate zones. However, several results of studies from recent years somewhat unexpectedly showed that it is premature to talk about the complete replacement of V. apis by V. ceranae. They pointed to a greater influence of seasonality and average temperatures in winter and summer in a given year on the result of the current prevalence of infection and co-infection of Vairimorpha spp., regardless of the climatic zone in which the colonies were located. Considering the different clinical and subclinical manifestations of infection caused by V. apis, and V. ceranae, and its impact on the defense, survival and productivity of bee colonies, the aim of our work was to analyze the factors affecting the distribution and prevalence of Vairimorpha spp.

390. Corticosteroid Treatment in Severe Patients with SARS-CoV-2 and Chronic HBV Co-infection: A Retrospective Multicenter Study

Abstract Background The impact of corticosteroids on patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)/chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection is currently unknown. We aimed to investigate the association of corticosteroids with these patients. Methods This retrospective multicenter study screened 5447 confirmed COVID-19 patients hospitalized between Jan 1, 2021, to December 1, 2022, in three centers in India, where the prevalence of chronic HBV infection is moderate to high. Severe patients who had chronic HBV and acute SARS-CoV-2 infection were potentially eligible. The diagnosis of chronic HBV infection was based on positive testing for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or HBV DNA during hospitalization and a medical history of chronic HBV infection. Severe patients (meeting one of the following criteria: respiratory rate > 30 breaths/min; severe respiratory distress; or SpO2 ≤ 93% on room air; or oxygen index < 300 mmHg) with COVID-19/HBV co-infection were identified. The bias of confounding variables on corticosteroid effects was minimized using a multivariable logistic regression model and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) based on the propensity score. Results The prevalence of HBV co-infection in COVID-19 patients was 4.1%. There were 105 patients with severe COVID-19/HBV co-infections (median age 62 years, 57.1% male). Fifty-five patients received corticosteroid treatment and 50 patients did not. In the multivariable analysis, corticosteroid therapy (OR, 6.32, 95% CI 1.17-34.24, P = 0.033) was identified as an independent risk factor for 28-day mortality. With IPTW analysis, corticosteroid treatment was associated with delayed SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA clearance (OR, 2.95, 95% CI 1.63-5.32, P < 0.001), increased risk of 28-day and in-hospital mortality (OR, 4.90, 95% CI 1.68-14.28, P = 0.004; OR, 5.64, 95% CI 1.95-16.30, P = 0.001, respectively), and acute liver injury (OR, 4.50, 95% CI 2.57-7.85, P < 0.001). Methylprednisolone dose per day and cumulative dose in non-survivors were significantly higher than in survivors. Conclusion In patients with severe COVID-19/HBV co-infection, corticosteroid treatment may be associated with an increased risk of 28-day and in-hospital mortality. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Etiology of Acute Lower Respiratory Illness Hospitalizations Among Infants in 4 Countries.

Recent studies explored which pathogens drive the global burden of pneumonia hospitalizations among young children. However, the etiology of broader acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRIs) remains unclear. Using a multicountry study (Albania, Jordan, Nicaragua, and the Philippines) of hospitalized infants and non-ill community controls between 2015 and 2017, we assessed the prevalence and severity of viral infections and coinfections. We also estimated the proportion of ALRI hospitalizations caused by 21 respiratory pathogens identified via multiplex real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction with bayesian nested partially latent class models. An overall 3632 hospitalized infants and 1068 non-ill community controls participated in the study and had specimens tested. Among hospitalized infants, 1743 (48.0%) met the ALRI case definition for the etiology analysis. After accounting for the prevalence in non-ill controls, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was responsible for the largest proportion of ALRI hospitalizations, although the magnitude varied across sites-ranging from 65.2% (95% credible interval, 46.3%-79.6%) in Albania to 34.9% (95% credible interval, 20.0%-49.0%) in the Philippines. While the fraction of ALRI hospitalizations caused by RSV decreased as age increased, it remained the greatest driver. After RSV, rhinovirus/enterovirus (range, 13.4%-27.1%) and human metapneumovirus (range, 6.3%-12.0%) were the next-highest contributors to ALRI hospitalizations. We observed substantial numbers of ALRI hospitalizations, with RSV as the largest source, particularly in infants aged <3 months. This underscores the potential for vaccines and long-lasting monoclonal antibodies on the horizon to reduce the burden of ALRI in infants worldwide.

Status of common sexually transmitted infection in population referred for colposcopy and correlation with human papillomavirus infection

BackgroundTo investigate the prevalence of common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the association of STI/human papillomavirus co-infection in young and middle-aged women with previous abnormal cervical findings referred for colposcopy.Methods719 cervical-swab cytobrush specimens were obtained from women aged ≤ 50 years who were referred for colposcopy at Peking University First Hospital due to previous abnormal cervical findings. HPV 21 typing and a panel of pathogenic STIs were tested for using the 21 HPV GenoArray Diagnostic Kit (HBGA-21PKG; HybriBio, Ltd., Chaozhou, China) and a nucleic acid STI detection kit (HybriBio Ltd. Guangzhou, China), after which colposcopy with multipoint positioning biopsy was performed.ResultsThe overall prevalence of STIs among HPV positive women with previous abnormal cervical cancer screening results was 63.7% (458/719), with Ureaplasma parvum serovar 3, Ureaplasma parvum serovar 6 and herpes simplex virus type 2 having significantly higher prevalence among high-risk HPV positive patients (19.3%, Χ2 = 5.725, P = 0.018; 21.5%, Χ2 = 4.439, P = 0.035; 5.7%, Χ2 = 4.184, P = 0.048). Among patients positive for the high-risk human papillomavirus, the prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection in human papillomavirus 16/18 positive patients was significantly higher than that in other patients (2.5%, Χ2 = 4.675; P = 0.043). Histopathologically, Chlamydia trachomatis infection was more frequently detected in lower than or equal to low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion infection status (13.0%, Χ2 = 3.368; P = 0.041).ConclusionsThe high prevalence of HPV coinfection with other sexually transmitted pathogens, particularly Ureaplasma parvum serovar 3, Ureaplasma parvum serovar 6, and herpes simplex virus type 2, calls for routine STI screening and effective STI prevention and management in patients with abnormal cervical cancer screening results.

HIV AND SYPHILIS CO-INFECTION IN NORTHEAST BRAZIL: A GENDER ASSESSMENT

Introduction: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis co-infection is highly common, especially in Brazil, which recorded a high number of cases in 2020. Due to its high prevalence and morbidity, this study aimed to determine the frequency and the clinical-epidemiological profile of HIV and syphilis co-infection between genders in specialized care services in Northeast Brazil. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with secondary data from 171 individuals with HIV and syphilis co-infection. Data were collected in a reference center for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in Northeast Brazil from 2015 to 2020. Welch’s test compared the means of independent samples; the chi-square and Fisher’s exact test assessed the association between categoric variables. The significance level was set at 5%. This study has ethical approval. Results: The HIV and syphilis co-infection frequency was 15.4%. Individuals with co-infection had a mean age of 34.2 (± 11.0) years and were predominantly men. The women sample started their sex life earlier, had a lower education level and per capita family income, used more illicit drugs, and were mostly heterosexual, married or in a stable union, and unemployed. Men had more anal sex. Moreover, most individuals had syphilis in the asymptomatic phase and HIV with undetectable viral load; CD4 T cells were greater than 350 cells/mm³. Conclusion: The high prevalence of HIV and syphilis co-infection in specialized care services, especially in MSM, highlights the need to improve counseling to reduce sexual risk behavior and improve prevention and care strategies to control these diseases.

Characterization of respiratory bacterial co-infection and assessment of empirical antibiotic treatment in patients with COVID-19 at hospital admission

Accurate characterization of respiratory bacterial co-infection is critical for guiding empirical antibiotic treatment for hospitalised patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We retrospectively assessed the clinical and analytical predictors of respiratory bacterial co-infection and described the empirical use of antibiotics in COVID-19 hospitalised patients. Respiratory bacterial co-infection was documented in 6.9% (80/1157) of the patients. The predominant bacteria isolates were Haemophilus influenzae, followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Respiratory bacterial co-infection was associated with having had a positive culture for a respiratory pathogen in the last year (OR = 25.89), dyslipidaemia (OR = 2.52), heart failure (OR = 7.68), ferritin levels < 402 ng/mL (OR = 2.28), leukocyte count > 8.7 × 109/L (OR = 2.4), and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treated with inhaled corticosteroids (OR = 12.94). Empirical antibiotic treatment was administered in 42.33% of patients, although it declined across the distinct study periods (p < 0.001). Patients admitted to intensive care units harbouring co-infection exhibited worse outcomes and more bacterial secondary infections. In conclusion, respiratory bacterial co-infection prevalence was low, although it could lead to unfavourable outcomes. Moreover, the percentage of empirical antibiotic treatment remained high. The study's findings allowed the identification of several predictors for respiratory bacterial co-infection and could help implement adequate antibiotic stewardship measures.

Intestinal helminth co-infection and associated factors among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Africa and Asia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionTuberculosis (TB) and intestinal helminths have huge public health importance, and they are geographically overlapped. Data about the burden of intestinal helminth and TB co-infection in these areas are fragmented. In this systematic review and meta-analysis we compile the current literatures and generate pooled prevalence. We also identity factors associated with intestinal helminth co-infection among TB patients.MethodsOriginal articles published in English language up to March 23, 2022 were systematically searched from electronic database (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholars and HINARI). The search was done using medical subject heading terms and keywords. Identified articles were exported into the EndNote library. The identified articles were screened using PRISMA flow diagram. Then the methodological quality of included articles was evaluated and rated using the modified version of Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel. Sensitivity analysis and Egger regression test were used for the assessment of heterogeneity and publication bias. Finally the results are presented with a meta-analysis of pooled estimates, forest plots, and tables. The quantitative data were analyzed using Stata version 14.ResultsFrom a total of 5457 searched articles, 22 eligible articles were included in the review. The pooled prevalence of helminth co-infection among TB cases was 29.69% (95%CI: 21.10, 38.29). TB patients were found to more frequently harbor one or more intestinal helminths than TB negative individuals (OR = 1.72 (95%CI: 1.20, 2.48)). Among the reported helminths, Schistosoma mansoni and Strongyloides stercoralis had the highest pooled prevalence among TB cases. However, unlike other individual helminths, only Strongyloides stercoralis (OR = 2.67 (95% CI, 1.20–6.76)) had significant association with TB cases compared to TB negatives. BMI was significantly associated with intestinal helminth co-infection among TB patients (OR = 2.75 (95%CI: 1.19, 6.38)).ConclusionsPatients with TB have been shown to harbor co-infection with one or more intestinal helminths with considerable proportions when compared with TB-negative individuals. The higher prevalence of helminth infection in TB cases might indicate that co-infection promotes active TB disease. Thus, routine intestinal helminth screening and assessment of their nutritional status is suggested for TB patients.

Exploring Tomato Fruit Viromes through Transcriptome Data Analysis.

This study delves into the complex landscape of viral infections in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) using available transcriptome data. We conducted a virome analysis, revealing 219 viral contigs linked to four distinct viruses: tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV), southern tomato virus (STV), tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). Among these, ToCV predominated in contig count, followed by STV, TYLCV, and CMV. A notable finding was the prevalence of coinfections, emphasizing the concurrent presence of multiple viruses in tomato plants. Despite generally low viral levels in fruit transcriptomes, STV emerged as the primary virus based on viral read count. We delved deeper into viral abundance and the contributions of RNA segments to replication. While initially focused on studying the impact of sound treatment on tomato fruit transcriptomes, the unexpected viral presence underscores the importance of considering viruses in plant research. Geographical variations in virome communities hint at potential forensic applications. Phylogenetic analysis provided insights into viral origins and genetic diversity, enhancing our understanding of the Korean tomato virome. In conclusion, this study advances our knowledge of the tomato virome, stressing the need for robust pest control in greenhouse-grown tomatoes and offering insights into virus management and crop protection.

Analysis of prevalence of coinfections in patients living with HIV at Campos Gerais region

The human immunodeficiency virus is characterized by the tropism for the immune system. This study aims to identify the prevalence of coinfections in people living with HIV (PLHIV), which were followed in the Specialized Service in Campos Gerais region. This is a cross-sectional study and a quantitative approach. In decrescent order, the primary coinfections presented by the patients were oral candidiasis (n=100, 14,47%), non-specified herpes (n=45, 6,51%), syphilis (n=2, 0,29%) and viral hepatitis (n=1, 0,14%). The immune system vulnerability of the carrier makes him or her susceptible to coinfections and opportunistic infections. Between the main coinfections encountered in this study, oral candidiasis, non-specified herpes, syphilis and viral hepatitis stand out. There is a notorious variability on the prevalence of coinfections evidenced by epidemiologic studies similar to this, fact which can be explained by the different cultural perceptions around the HIV infection in different Brazilian regions, as well as the populational heterogeneity.