Malaria endemicity and co-infection with tissue-dwelling parasites in Sub-Saharan Africa: a review

Abstract

Mechanisms and outcomes of host-parasite interactions during malaria co-infections with gastrointestinal helminths are reasonably understood. In contrast, very little is known about such mechanisms in cases of malaria co-infections with tissue-dwelling parasites. This is lack of knowledge is exacerbated by misdiagnosis, lack of pathognomonic clinical signs and the chronic nature of tissue-dwelling helminthic infections. A good understanding of the implications of tissue-dwelling parasitic co-infections with malaria will contribute towards the improvement of the control and management of such co-infections in endemic areas. This review summarises and discusses current information available and gaps in research on malaria co-infection with gastro-intestinal helminths and tissue-dwelling parasites with emphasis on helminthic infections, in terms of the effects of migrating larval stages and intra and extracellular localisations of protozoan parasites and helminths in organs, tissues, and vascular and lymphatic circulations.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40249-015-0070-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

New insights on serodiagnosis of trichinellosis during window period: early diagnostic antigens from Trichinella spiralis intestinal worms

“…Recently, outbreaks of trichinellosis also occurred in the mountainous regions of Cambodia, Lao PDR, north Thailand and Vietnam, and most of the patients had consumed traditional raw or undercooked pork dishes at wedding, funeral, or New Year parties [ 7 – 10 ]. Trichinellosis has become an emerging and re-emerging zoonotic disease with health, social, and economic impacts in developing countries [ 11 ].…”

Cerebral Malaria and Toxoplasmosis: Could their Concomitant Presentation Worsen Psychotic Condition?

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Previous Infection with Plasmodium berghei Confers Resistance to Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Mice

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“…This may indicate that parasites during co-infection can result in a competitive establishment that can promote or inhibit parasitological pathogenesis and fetal and birth outcomes. Yet, the disease outcome and immunological response induction as a consequence of interaction between Plasmodium and T. gondii remain largely elusive [11]. In this study, we determined the resistance to T. gondii (ME49) in mice induced by malaria P. berghei (ANKA) infection.…”