BMC Infectious Diseases最新文献

{"title":"Epidemiological aspects and inflammatory cytokine profiles associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection in suicide attempters in Iran.","authors":"Alireza Poursalar, Peyman Astaraki, Amal Khudair Khalaf, Parastoo Baharvand, Asghar Sepahvand, Shirzad Fallahi, Hossein Mahmoudvand","doi":"10.1186/s12879-025-11200-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12879-025-11200-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study aims to investigate the prevalence, socio-economic characteristics, risk factors, and cytokine profile (IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) of Toxoplasma gondii among individuals who have attempted suicide and referred to health centers in Lorestan province, Western Iran.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This research is a case-control study involved a sample of 250 patients diagnosed with attempting suicide (AS) and 250 healthy individuals without AS (non-AS), who were referred to healthcare centers in Lorestan province, Iran, from September 2023 to September 2024. A questionnaire was provided to collect demographic information, socio-economic factors, and potential risk factors. To evaluate the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection, ELISA kits were used to detect the anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies. The serum and expression levels of interleukin-6, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) among AS and non-AS groups were also assessed by ELISA and Real-time PCR methods.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In the AS group, 98 participants (39.2%) and 8 participants (3.2%) were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibody, respectively. Conversely, in the non-AS group, 55 individuals (22.0%) and 5 individuals (2.0%) were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibody, respectively (p < 0.001). In AS patients, age (p = 0.012, OR = 0.288, CI = 0.109-0.761), educational level (p = 0.024, OR = 0.328, CI = 0.124-0.866), residence (p = 0.018, OR = 0.429, CI = 0.212-0.867), consumption of fast food (p = 0.004, OR = 3.719, CI = 1.538-8.993) and history of suicide (p = 0.020, OR = 2.716, CI = 1.170-6.306) demonstrated a significant predictive effect on seropositivity to T. gondii infection. Whereas, a negative result on the antibody test was associated with a 0.465-fold decrease in the likelihood of suicide (p = 0.038, OR = 0.465, CI = 0.225-0.960). The likelihood of suicide demonstrates a positive correlation with increased concentrations of inflammatory cytokines, specifically IL-6 (p = 0.029, OR = 1.134, CI = 1.833-2.951) and IFN-γ (p = 0.004, OR = 1.998, CI = 1.342-2.919).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our study revealed that individuals who have attempted suicide exhibited a greater seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies compared to healthy control subjects. We also exhibited elevated serum and expression levels of IL-6 and IFN-γ, as the main proinflammatory cytokines linked to suicide behaviors, in the AS patients who tested positive for T. gondii antibodies. Consequently, this may aid in the identification of biomarkers that could inform the development of effective prevention strategies and ultimately reduce suicide mortality. The findings of the study indicate that while there may be a causal link between T. gondii infection and suicide attempts, the cross-sectional nature of the data may restrict the ability to draw definitive causal inferences. To substantiate this potenti","PeriodicalId":8981,"journal":{"name":"BMC Infectious Diseases","volume":"25 1","pages":"834"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12210893/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144538101","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Time to a tuberculosis treatment cure and its predictors among tuberculosis patients at public health facilities in Arba minch town, South Ethiopia: A retrospective cohort study.","authors":"Dereje Dana Zeruma, Mesfin Kote, Eshetu Zerihun, Getahun Gedabo, Biruk Wogayehu","doi":"10.1186/s12879-025-11224-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12879-025-11224-7","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8981,"journal":{"name":"BMC Infectious Diseases","volume":"25 1","pages":"856"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12220455/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144538159","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A scoping review of human papillomavirus related data system in China.","authors":"Yongqiu Li, Ruixuan Wang, Jun Zhang, Ya-Ting Chen, Siyan Zhan, Yi Guo, Wei Wang","doi":"10.1186/s12879-025-11106-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12879-025-11106-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection associated with various diseases, including genital warts, recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), and multiple pre-cancerous diseases and cancers. HPV causes over 90% of cervical cancer cases, the sixth most common cancer among women in China. To support the national plan for accelerating cervical cancer elimination through enhanced HPV vaccination and screening rates, China requires reliable data systems to monitor and evaluate progress effectively.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a scoping review of literature from PubMed and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases, supplemented by government documents and news articles from the Internet, spanning April 2012 and July 2023. Our objective was to identify and summarize databases and data systems used for HPV-related real-world evidence generation in China. The identified data systems cover four primary domains: HPV vaccination, HPV screening, HPV-related cervical and non-cervical diseases, and sexual and lifestyle behaviors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our review identified a total of 140 articles and 26 databases and data systems. These databases and data systems were categorized into the following reporting areas: HPV vaccination (n = 2), HPV screening (n = 2), HPV-related cervical and non-cervical diseases (n = 21), and sexual and lifestyle behaviors (n = 1). The Immunization Program Information Management System and the regional health care information platform in Ningbo provide HPV vaccination data, while KingMed Diagnostics and the \"Two Cancers\" Screening Platform track HPV screening at national level. Twenty-one systems were identified for tracking HPV-related cervical and non-cervical diseases, including head and neck cancers, penile lesions, and genital warts; however, no systems were found for anal, vulvar, or vaginal cancers, or RRP. One database, the National Human Immunodeficiency Viruses Epidemiology Database, included information on sexual and lifestyle behaviors. Pilot cities, including Yinzhou, Chengdu, Suzhou, and Lecheng, have implemented population-level data systems capable of identifying information on HPV vaccination, HPV screening, and HPV-related diseases.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>China has made significant progress in addressing HPV-related diseases and prevention, but more integrated and comprehensive data systems are needed to effectively support research, improve interventions, and achieve national and global goals in HPV prevention and cervical cancer elimination.</p>","PeriodicalId":8981,"journal":{"name":"BMC Infectious Diseases","volume":"25 1","pages":"873"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12219318/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144538021","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Retrospective cohort study of predictors of loss to follow up among adolescents and young adults living with HIV on ART in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 2015-2019.","authors":"Magreth Thadei Mwakilasa, Maryam Amour, Suleiman Chombo, Joan Rugemalila, Emmanuel Balandya, Blandina T Mmbaga, Lameck Machumi, Angelica Rugarabamu, Michael Johnson Mahande, David Sando, Bruno F Sunguya","doi":"10.1186/s12879-025-11157-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12879-025-11157-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In Tanzania, loss to follow-up (LTFU) among adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AYLHIV) presents a significant challenge. A retrospective cohort study analysing data found that approximately 42% of adolescents on antiretroviral therapy (ART) were LTFU between 2014 to 2016. This study examined the predictors of LTFU among AYLHIV in Dar es Salaam during their first year of ART treatment.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective cohort study utilized routine data collected in care and treatment centres among adolescents and young adults aged 10-24 years living with HIV in Dar es Salaam who were enrolled in HIV care from 2015-2019. The data were analysed using STATA 14. Descriptive statistics were summarized using frequencies and proportions. Kaplan-Meier method was used to determine failure probabilities within one year of ART initiation. The Fine and Gray test was conducted to report adjusted sub-hazard ratios (aSHRs) and cumulative incidence estimates for LTFU within one year of ART initiation, accounting for mortality as a competing risk.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 15,874 AYLHIVs enrolled in Care and Treatment Clinics between 2015 and 2019 were studied. The majority (10,913, 68.7%) were young adults, and 13,160 (84.4%) were female. The percentage of LTFUs within one year of ART initiation was 15%. The significant predictors of LTFU were age 20-24 years, having a CD4 cell count between 350 and 499, receiving care in healthcare facilities located in the Ubungo district and being enrolled in care between 2018 and 2019. Receiving care at private healthcare facilities, having a tuberculosis co-infection, and being classified as WHO Stage III were all associated with a reduced risk of LTFU in ART care.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study found that adolescents and young people in Tanzania experience 15% rates of LTFU in ART care, within one year of ART initiation. Therefore, HIV service providers need to pay particular attention to the AYLHIV and factors that influence LTFU in ART care. The increasing incidence of LTFU necessitates the implementation of effective and friendly tracing interventions to identify AYLHIV patients who have become LTFU to re-engage them in care.</p>","PeriodicalId":8981,"journal":{"name":"BMC Infectious Diseases","volume":"25 1","pages":"852"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12219877/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144538140","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular epidemiology, diversity, and antifungal susceptibility profiles of clinical and environmental mucorales: a five-year multicenter study in Iran (2018-2023).","authors":"Abbas Raeisabadi, Mohsen Nosratabadi, Zahra Abtahian, Sadegh Khodavaisy, Neda Kiasat, Ali Rezaei-Matehkolaei, Rasoul Mohammadi, Javad Javidnia, Leila Faeli, Iman Haghani, Hossein Zarrinfar, Raheleh Alhashemi, Mojtaba Taghizadeh Armaki, Seyed Reza Aghili, Maryam Moazeni, Mahdi Abastabar, Hamid Badali","doi":"10.1186/s12879-025-11189-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12879-025-11189-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The incidence of Mucormycosis has increased during the last decades globally due to more patients being at risk for these life-threatening infections. Early diagnosis and proper selection of appropriate antifungal therapy are vital in enhancing patient outcomes. Mucorales species present a significant challenge due to their resistance to many drugs, so investigations for new therapies and strategies must be undertaken. This study elucidates the distribution and antifungal susceptibility profiles of Mucorales isolates from Iran over five years.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Species identification was performed based on morphological features and Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) sequences analysis. Antifungal susceptibility testing for commonly used antifungal agents was conducted following CLSI M38-A3 broth microdilution.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>One hundred eighty-one (116 clinical and 65 environmental) isolates were analyzed. Rhizopus arrhizus (67.9%, n = 123) and Mucor circinelloides (23.2%, n = 42) were the predominant species. The various clinical samples analyzed included sinus biopsies, nasal secretions, orbital tissues, maxilla tissues, throat, and brain tumors.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The lowest geometric mean minimum inhibitory concentration values were observed against the clinical and environmental isolates for amphotericin B, posaconazole, and isavuconazole. Understanding Mucorales' distribution and antifungal susceptibility patterns helps clinicians select antifungal therapies. However, further studies are warranted to correlate these findings with clinical outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":8981,"journal":{"name":"BMC Infectious Diseases","volume":"25 1","pages":"849"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12220520/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144538117","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Toxoplasmosis landscape: a systematic review and meta-analysis of seroprevalence in healthy and non-healthy individuals in Sudan (1990-2025).","authors":"Abdullah Mohammed, Nasir Ibrahim, Musa Ahmed","doi":"10.1186/s12879-025-11265-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12879-025-11265-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Human toxoplasmosis is a widespread zoonotic infection with significant public health implications, particularly in Sudan, where the disease burden is high. However, the overall prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the country remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled seroprevalence of human toxoplasmosis in Sudan and identify associated risk factors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive search was conducted in English and Arabic databases for studies published before February 28, 2025, following PRISMA guidelines. The meta-analysis included 60 studies with 10,866 participants from different regions of Sudan.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The pooled seroprevalence of human toxoplasmosis was 36% (95% CI: 31-41%), with significant heterogeneity (I² = 97.29%, P < 0.0001). Hemodialysis patients exhibited the highest prevalence (56%), followed by women of childbearing age (48%) and HIV patients (42%). Geographically, northern Sudan had the highest prevalence (46%), while western Sudan had the lowest (17%). The latex agglutination test (LAT) was the most frequently used diagnostic method (56.7% of cases). Temporal analysis suggested that the prevalence of toxoplasmosis has slightly declined in recent years, likely due to improved hygiene, sanitation, and increased use of antiparasitic treatments.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Toxoplasmosis remains highly endemic in Sudan, with certain groups-including males, hemodialysis patients, women of childbearing age, HIV patients, and workers exposed to animals-at heightened risk. Targeted public health interventions are necessary to reduce the disease burden among high-risk populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":8981,"journal":{"name":"BMC Infectious Diseases","volume":"25 1","pages":"883"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12220412/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144538160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A single-center retrospective analysis of serological and molecular findings in patients infected with Epstein-Barr virus.","authors":"Hongwei Gao, Weiguo Wang, Xin Ma, Anan Zhang, Yunyan Pan","doi":"10.1186/s12879-025-11204-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12879-025-11204-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This retrospective study analyzed serological and molecular diagnostic data from 7,170 EBV-infected patients treated at the Clinical Laboratory Center of Lanzhou University Second Hospital between 2018 and 2024. The aim was to evaluate the clinical utility of combining EBV DNA quantification via qPCR with antibody testing (VCA-IgM, VCA-IgG, EA-IgM, EBNA-IgG, and VCA-IgA) using ELISA. Significant age-related variations were observed across DNA replication groups, with the high viral load (1 × 10⁵ copies/mL) predominantly detected in adolescents (median age: 13 years). VCA-IgM demonstrated the strongest association with DNA replication levels (OR = 0.168, p < 0.001), yet 45.2% (14/31) of high viral load(1 × 10⁵ copies/mL) cases were VCA-IgM negative, underscoring the limitations of relying solely on serology in immunocompromised populations. Our findings emphasize the necessity of integrating molecular and serological testing for accurate EBV diagnosis, particularly in resource-limited settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":8981,"journal":{"name":"BMC Infectious Diseases","volume":"25 1","pages":"844"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12220257/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144538022","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cholera outbreak associated with drinking contaminated river water in Kayunga District, Uganda, June - August 2023.","authors":"Adams Kamukama, Yasiini Nuwamanya, Edith Namulondo, Leah Naluwagga Baliruno, Irene Byakatonda Kyamwine, Hildah Tendo Nansikombi, Lilian Bulage, Richard Migisha, Benon Kwesiga, Alex Riolexus Ario","doi":"10.1186/s12879-025-11219-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12879-025-11219-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cholera is endemic in Uganda with cases reported annually. On July 19, 2023, the Uganda Ministry of Health declared a cholera outbreak in Kayunga District following death of four family members within eight days and confirmation of Vibrio cholerae by culture. We investigated the outbreak to determine the magnitude and its mode of transmission and generate evidence to inform interventions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We defined a suspected case of cholera as onset of acute watery diarrhea in a resident of Kayunga District aged ≥ 2 years during June 24-August 29, 2023. A confirmed case was a suspected case with Vibrio cholerae cultured from stool. We described cases, conducted an environmental assessment and performed an un-matched case-control study in Lusenke Village which was the epicenter of the outbreak. We used logistic regression to identify factors associated with cholera infection.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We identified 78 case-patients (34 suspected and 44 confirmed); 10 (13%) died. Males were more affected than females (attack rate (AR) = 2.4 vs. 1.6/1,000). Lusenke Village was most affected (AR = 41/1,000). The outbreak began following a funeral of the index case in Kayonjo, an inland village on July 1, 2024. Eleven days later, cases were reported in the distant Lusenke Village. We observed evidence of open defecation, bathing, and washing clothes along the river banks where water for drinking and domestic use was harvested. Using unboiled/untreated river water domestically (Adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 4.5, CI = 1.2-17) increased the odds of cholera infection. Drinking the water in addition to using it domestically further increased the likelihood of cholera infection (aOR = 17, CI = 3.8-78).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This was likely a propagated outbreak triggered by a funeral of a suspected case whose source of infection was unknown and amplified through contamination of river water used and drank by village members. The outbreak ended within one week after a public health ban on drinking and use of River Nile water, community sensitization and providing prophylactic antibiotics.</p>","PeriodicalId":8981,"journal":{"name":"BMC Infectious Diseases","volume":"25 1","pages":"848"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12220318/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144538067","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Trends and factors influencing over-the-counter cold and cough medication sales in Guangzhou, China: 2011-2017.","authors":"Jian Chen, Daoze Wang, Jialu Zheng, Bing Zhang, Yilin Chen, Haoyu Long, Jinfeng Zeng, Zicheng Cao, Wenjie Han, Gang Wang, Xue Zhang, Jianyun Lu, Zhoubin Zhang, Xiangjun Du","doi":"10.1186/s12879-025-11247-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12879-025-11247-0","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8981,"journal":{"name":"BMC Infectious Diseases","volume":"25 1","pages":"839"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12211158/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144538161","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Global prevalence of intestinal parasites in cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Yenesew Mihret Wondmagegn, Abebaw Setegn, Getu Girmay, Wagaw Abebe, Nega Dessie, Agenagnew Ashagre, Adane Derso, Adane Adugna, Mebratu Tamir, Tena Cherkos, Birhanu Malede, Banchayehu Getnet, Azanaw Amare, Muluneh Assefa, Gashaw Azanaw Amare","doi":"10.1186/s12879-025-11207-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12879-025-11207-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Intestinal parasite infections (IPIs) are a major cause of diarrhea and serve as a critical factor in infections affecting both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. Opportunistic infections, in particular, present substantial challenges for those who are immunocompromised, such as cancer patients undergoing treatment. Therefore, this review aimed to assess the overall prevalence of these parasites in this vulnerable population worldwide.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a search across several databases, including PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, African Journals Online, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. The protocol for this study was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42024621432) and was carried out in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Data analysis was performed using STATA version 11.0 software, employing a random-effects model to estimate the pooled prevalence of intestinal parasites among cancer patients, along with a 95% confidence interval. To address sources of heterogeneity across studies, we conducted subgroup and sensitivity analyses. The presence of publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot and Egger's test statistic. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We identified 34 eligible studies on intestinal parasites among cancer patients, covering a total of 4,752 participants. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites among cancer patients was found to be 28.42% (95% CI: 22.22-34.63) with a significant heterogeneity (I² = 97.5%, p = 0.000). Subgroup analysis indicated that patients with solid tumors had the highest prevalence of intestinal parasites at 31.13% (95% CI: 23.93-38.34), while those with mixed tumors had the lowest prevalence at 23.26% (95% CI: 13.96-53.95). Moreover, studies utilizing culture and PCR techniques revealed the highest prevalence of intestinal parasites, reported at 54.70% (95% CI: 46.39-63.00).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Based on the available studies, this meta-analysis revealed a substantial prevalence of intestinal parasites among cancer patients across the globe. The presence of intestinal parasites in immunocompromised individuals poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Thus, the findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, and further research is needed to develop effective control strategies to reduce the impact of these illnesses on public health worldwide.</p><p><strong>Clinical trial number: </strong>Not applicable.</p>","PeriodicalId":8981,"journal":{"name":"BMC Infectious Diseases","volume":"25 1","pages":"815"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12211656/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144538106","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}