ABSTRACT
Background Toxoplasmosis is a chronic protozoan parasitic infection that affects nearly one-third of the global population. During the COVID-19 pandemic, cases were observed in patients with COVID-19 and toxoplasmosis. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the frequency of Toxoplasma gondii exposure in patients with COVID-19. Methods A literature search was conducted in six databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar) until March 3, 2024. Study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction were performed independently by three investigators. Statistical analysis was performed using R version 4.3, applying a random-effects model. The quality of the included observational studies was assessed using the "JBI-MAStARI". Results A total of 5,936 studies were retrieved, 13 of which were included in the final meta-analysis. The sample included a total of 2,947 patients with COVID-19 from four countries, of whom approximately 43.26% were men and 49.41% were women. Among the patients, 1,323 showed evidence of exposure to T. gondii through IgG detection, while 1,302 COVID-19 patients were specifically examined for the presence of T. gondii by IgM detection, and 36 positive cases were identified. The frequency of exposure to T. gondii, determined by the presence of IgG in patients with COVID-19, reached 49% (95% CI: 34-63%; 2,947 participants; 13 studies; I2 = 98%, p < 0.01). In addition, the frequency of exposure to T. gondii, evaluated by IgM presence in patients with COVID-19, was 2% (95% CI: 0-6%; 1,302 participants; 6 studies; I2 = 94%, p < 0.01). Conclusion It was shown that almost half of COVID-19 patients had previous exposure to T. gondii through the presence of IgG, and a small percentage, 2%, showed active infection through IgM detection.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Protozoan InfectionsABSTRACT
Background Computer vision syndrome (CVS) has become a significant public health problem, especially in developing countries. Therefore, this study aims to identify the prevalence of CVS during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was conducted using the databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase up to February 22, 2023, using the search terms "Computer Vision Syndrome" and "COVID-19". Three authors independently performed study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction, and the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument was used to evaluate study quality. Heterogeneity was assessed using the statistical test I2, and the R version 4.2.3 program was used for statistical analysis. Results A total of 192 studies were retrieved, of which 18 were included in the final meta-analysis. The total sample included 10337 participants from 12 countries. The combined prevalence of CVS was 74% (95% CI: 66, 81). Subgroup analysis based on country revealed a higher prevalence of CVS in Pakistan (99%, 95% CI: 97, 100) and a lower prevalence in Turkey (48%, 95% CI: 44, 52). In addition, subgroup analysis based on study subjects showed a prevalence of 82% (95% CI: 74, 89) for CVS in non-students and 70% (95% CI: 60, 80) among students. Conclusion According to the study, 74% of the participants experienced CVS during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given this finding, it is essential to implement preventive and therapeutic measures to reduce the risk of developing CVS and improve the quality of life of those affected. Trial registration The protocol for this systematic review and meta-analysis was registered in the international registry of systematic reviews, PROSPERO, with registration number CRD42022345965.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Vision DisordersABSTRACT
Background COVID-19, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has significantly impacted public health worldwide. However, the outcomes can be unfavourable for those living in areas where malaria is endemic and are affected by SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the prevalence of coinfection between malaria and COVID-19. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature were conducted, utilizing the most important databases in the field, such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar, up to April 9, 2023, using the search terms "Malaria" and "COVID-19". Three authors independently carried out the selection of studies, evaluation of their quality, and data extraction. The Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument was used to assess the quality of the studies. In addition, heterogeneity was evaluated using the statistical test I2, and the statistical analysis was performed using the R version 4.2.3 program. Results A total of 10227 studies were retrieved, of which 13 were included in the final meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of coinfection between Malaria and COVID-19 was 45% (95% CI: 16, 76). Subgroup analysis was performed based on country, and the prevalence of coinfection between Malaria and COVID-19 was highest in China (100%, 95% CI: 88, 100) and lowest in the Democratic Republic of Congo (1%, 95% CI: 0, 2). Regarding the subgroup analysis to evaluate the prevalence of different types of Plasmodium spp. in COVID-19 patients, it was found that the combined prevalence of Plasmodium spp. was 53% (95% CI: 15%-88%; 478/1011 cases). Conclusion The current research revealed a 45% prevalence of coinfection between Malaria and COVID-19. However, additional future studies are necessary to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 in Malaria-endemic areas fully. Trial registration The protocol for this systematic review and meta-analysis was registered with PROSPERO under the registration number CRD42023410177.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Malaria , Coronavirus InfectionsABSTRACT
Background: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly transmissible virus causing Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Its key symptoms include fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath. Vaccine plays a significant role in controlling infectious disease, and reduction of the use of health service leaving more resources for the treatment of other diseases.2 Vero Cell is an inactivated vaccine against COVID-19 manufactured by Sinopharm Company of China and recommended for people above 18 years by the World Health Organization. It is administered in two doses of 0.5 ml, 14-28 days apart. Methods and findings: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students and intern doctors of Nepalgunj Medical College after receiving ethical approval from the institutional review committee of this college. Demographic features of the study population and the frequency and percentages of side effects among the population who received the vaccines were calculated along with the duration of symptoms. All undergraduate medical students and intern doctors of Nepalgunj Medical College who received two doses of the Vero Cell vaccine against COVID-19 were involved in the study. Those who failed to give written consent and those who were not willing to receive both doses of vaccine were excluded. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire. The eligible participants were provided with the questionnaire twice, after administration of each dose of vaccine. Collected data were entered in structured Pro-forma and analyzed statistically in Microsoft Excel 2019 MSO (Version 2021). About 75% of the participants had one or more symptoms after the first dose of the vaccine, which reduced to 62% after the second dose. Symptoms were more in males after the first dose (76% vs. 72%), but the reverse was seen after the second dose (54% vs. 77%). Pain at the injection site was the most commonly reported side effect (27%) followed by myalgia (20%). No individuals receiving both doses of vaccine had diarrhea, difficulty in breathing, tingling sensation, or anaphylactic reaction. A higher percentage of females experienced pain at the injection site after the second dose over the first than males. However, males experienced fatigue more than females after every dose. Pain at the injection site and Myalgia were common symptoms to start early, within 12 hours post-vaccination. However, fatigue was seen maximally 24 hrs post-vaccination. Fever was seen in 7% of participants within 12 hours of vaccination. Cough and sore throat as side effects persisted up to 2 weeks after vaccination. The main limitation of the study is the low sample size. Conclusions: Pain at the injection site was the most common AEFI followed by Myalgia with other insignificant effects. There were no life-threatening side effects. A larger study on the general population including all age groups is highly recommended to detect all spectrum of side effects.