Global epidemiology of Giardia duodenalis infection in cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background Application of chemotherapeutics in cancer patients may provide an immunosuppressive milieu, favourable for parasitic infections. Giardia duodenalis is an important zoonotic intestinal parasite responsible for diarrhoea in humans worldwide. Methods The present systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the prevalence of G. duodenalis and respective odds ratios (ORs) in cancer patients around the globe. Four online databases—PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar—were carefully explored for relevant literature without time limitation until 28 November 2020. Meta-analysis was done based on a random effects model to pool the estimations and define 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results The overall weighted prevalence of G. duodenalis infection in cancer patients was calculated to be 6.9% (95% CI 0.5 to 9.3) globally, based on data from 32 studies. Although not statistically significant, eight case–control studies revealed that cancer patients were 1.24 times (95% CI 0.66 to 2.31; p=0.501) more exposed to G. duodenalis infection than healthy controls. Moreover, the prevalence of infection was not significantly associated with quantitative variables, including publication year (regression coefficient −0.0135, p=0.578), sample size (regression coefficient −0.0007, p=0.074) and human development index (regression coefficient −1.6263, p=0.419). Also, subgroup analysis of the pooled G. duodenalis infection was performed for publication year, World Health Organization regions, countries, continents, cancer types and country income. Conclusions Altogether, the epidemiology of G. duodenalis infection and its associated risk factors in immunocompromised individuals, especially cancer patients, is still open to question and deserves comprehensive investigations.

Zoonotic Parasites in Playgrounds in Southern Spain: A One Health Approach

“…Although progress in treatment protocols has improved control of the disease [ 30 ], it should be emphasised that it is necessary to continue improving the protocols and verify their correct application and effectiveness [ 24 ]. Likewise, Giardia duodenalis, which was first identified in 1681 by Antony van Leeuwenhoek, is the most common human intestinal parasite [ 31 ]. Specifically, approximately 280 million human diarrhoea cases are caused by this parasite each year, being particularly significant in children [ 31 ].…”

“…Likewise, Giardia duodenalis, which was first identified in 1681 by Antony van Leeuwenhoek, is the most common human intestinal parasite [ 31 ]. Specifically, approximately 280 million human diarrhoea cases are caused by this parasite each year, being particularly significant in children [ 31 ]. Moreover, in pets Giardia duodenalis causes both symptomatic and asymptomatic infections [ 32 ].…”

Current global status, subtype distribution and zoonotic significance of Blastocystis in dogs and cats: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…The extracted data were exported to the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) version 3 software for meta-analysis, with P < 0.05 considered to be a statistically significant value [ 18 ]. A Forest plot diagram was designed using a random-effects model to represent the weighted frequencies with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).…”

Clinical Manifestations and Molecular Identification of Giardia duodenalis in Pediatric Cancer Patients in Shiraz, Southwestern Iran

“…Therefore, screening for IPIs is of utmost signi cance in the general population, particularly in individuals with immunode ciency such as organ transplant recipients, patients undergoing hemodialysis, those with HIV/AIDS, and cancer patients [1,2]. Chemotherapy treatment for cancer patients occurs at varying intervals, making them highly susceptible to IPIs, which can result in severe diarrhea [3].…”