HTLV-I and Strongyloides in Australia: The worm lurking beneath

Gordon, Catherine A.; Shield, Jennifer; Bradbury, Richard S.; Muhi, Stephen; Page, Wendy; Judd, Jenni; Lee, Rogan; Biggs, Beverley‐Ann; Ross, Kirstin; Kurscheid, Johanna; Gray, Darren J.; McManus, Donald P.

doi:10.1016/bs.apar.2020.11.002

Cited by 10 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 312 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…The high rate of seropositivity in Central Australia (Alice Springs and Barkly region in the southern part of the NT, and adjacent communities in the Outback-North and East region in SA and in Goldfields region in WA) coincides with a high prevalence of HTLV-1 infection PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES [47,56]. Complicated strongyloidiasis has been reported in coinfections with HTLV-1 leading to death in some patients [47], and conversion of asymptomatic HTLV-1 to clinical HTLV-1 [57] has also been reported in patients with S. stercoralis infection. Further research is needed to elucidate the relative risks of coinfection with these pathogens in this area.…”

Section: Plos Neglected Tropical Diseasesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Seropositivity and geographical distribution of Strongyloides stercoralis in Australia: A study of pathology laboratory data from 2012–2016

et al. 2021

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background There are no national prevalence studies of Strongyloides stercoralis infection in Australia, although it is known to be endemic in northern Australia and is reported in high risk groups such as immigrants and returned travellers. We aimed to determine the seropositivity (number positive per 100,000 of population and percent positive of those tested) and geographical distribution of S. stercoralis by using data from pathology laboratories. Methodology We contacted all seven Australian laboratories that undertake Strongyloides serological (ELISA antibody) testing to request de-identified data from 2012–2016 inclusive. Six responded. One provided positive data only. The number of people positive, number negative and number tested per 100,000 of population (Australian Bureau of Statistics data) were calculated including for each state/territory, each Australian Bureau of Statistics Statistical Area Level 3 (region), and each suburb/town/community/locality. The data was summarized and expressed as maps of Australia and Greater Capital Cities. Principal findings We obtained data for 81,777 people who underwent serological testing for Strongyloides infection, 631 of whom were from a laboratory that provided positive data only. Overall, 32 (95% CI: 31, 33) people per 100,000 of population were seropositive, ranging between 23/100,000 (95% CI: 19, 29) (Tasmania) and 489/100,000 population (95%CI: 462, 517) (Northern Territory). Positive cases were detected across all states and territories, with the highest (260-996/100,000 and 17–40% of those tested) in regions across northern Australia, north-east New South Wales and north-west South Australia. Some regions in Greater Capital Cities also had a high seropositivity (112-188/100,000 and 17–20% of those tested). Relatively more males than females tested positive. Relatively more adults than children tested positive. Children were under-represented in the data. Conclusions/Significance The study confirms that substantial numbers of S. stercoralis infections occur in Australia and provides data to inform public health planning.

show abstract

Section: Plos Neglected Tropical Diseasesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Seropositivity and geographical distribution of Strongyloides stercoralis in Australia: A study of pathology laboratory data from 2012–2016

et al. 2021

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Infection with the soil-transmitted helminth Strongyloides stercoralis is highly prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including Australia [ 1 , 2 ]. Globally, an estimated 370 million people are infected with Strongyloides stercoralis [ 3 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Globally, an estimated 370 million people are infected with Strongyloides stercoralis [ 3 ]. In Australia, Strongyloides is endemic across the tropical north of the country where prevalence rates range from 10 to 60% [ 2 ]. The nematode has a complicated lifecycle in which rhabditiform larvae excreted in human faeces develop into infective filariform larvae capable of entering the human host by penetrating intact skin.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Reduced efficacy of anthelmintic drugs against Strongyloides is a consequence of impaired Th-2 immune response, which is modulated by the high IFN-γ levels observed in HTLV-1 infected individuals [ 7 ]. Treatment failure with anthelmintic drugs may, therefore, be indicative of HTLV-1 infection [ 2 ]. A higher number of HTLV-1 infected cells in peripheral blood (HTLV-1 proviral load, PVL) is associated with a higher larval burden as defined by the presence of Strongyloides larvae in stool [ 15 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The endemic areas of HTLV-1 and Strongyloides stercoralis overlap in Australia [ 2 ]. Relative to non-Indigenous Australians, Australian Aboriginal communities are disproportionately affected by both pathogens.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

The Association between Diabetes and Human T-Cell Leukaemia Virus Type-1 (HTLV-1) with Strongyloides stercoralis: Results of a Community-Based, Cross-Sectional Survey in Central Australia

Talukder

Pham

Woodman

et al. 2022

IJERPH

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

In central Australia, an area that is endemic for the human T-cell leukaemia virus type-1 (HTLV-1), the prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis and its association with other health conditions are unknown. A cross-sectional community-based survey was conducted in seven remote Aboriginal communities in central Australia, from 2014 to 2018. All residents aged ≥10 years were invited to complete a health survey and to provide blood for Strongyloides serology, HTLV-1 serology and HTLV-1 proviral load (PVL). Risk factors for Strongyloides seropositivity and associations with specific health conditions including diabetes and HTLV-1 were determined using logistic regression. Overall Strongyloides seroprevalence was 27% (156/576) (children, 22% (9/40); adults (≥15 years), 27% (147/536), varied widely between communities (5–42%) and was not associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal, respiratory or dermatological symptoms. Increasing age, lower HTLV-1 PVL (<1000 copies per 105 peripheral blood leucocytes) compared to the HTLV-1 uninfected group and community of residence were significant risk factors for Strongyloides seropositivity in an adjusted model. A modest reduction in the odds of diabetes among Strongyloides seropositive participants was found (aOR 0.58, 95% CI 0.35, 1.00; p = 0.049); however, this was lost when body mass index was included in the adjusted model (aOR 0.48, 95% CI 0.48, 1.47; p = 0.542). Strongyloides seropositivity had no relationship with anaemia. Exploring social and environmental practices in communities with low Strongyloides seroprevalence may provide useful lessons for similar settings.

show abstract

Parasitic infections of the central nervous system

Mathison,

Bradbury

2024

Molecular Medical Microbiology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

HTLV-I and Strongyloides in Australia: The worm lurking beneath

Cited by 10 publications

References 312 publications

Seropositivity and geographical distribution of Strongyloides stercoralis in Australia: A study of pathology laboratory data from 2012–2016

Seropositivity and geographical distribution of Strongyloides stercoralis in Australia: A study of pathology laboratory data from 2012–2016

The Association between Diabetes and Human T-Cell Leukaemia Virus Type-1 (HTLV-1) with Strongyloides stercoralis: Results of a Community-Based, Cross-Sectional Survey in Central Australia

Parasitic infections of the central nervous system

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About