Studies on Human Intestinal Parasites in Refuse Dumps

This study investagated the data of the prevalence of intestinal parasites of human from September 2007 to July 2008 using faecal samples which were picked from refuse dump sites. A total of 2,050 stool samples picked and examined from five selected popular refuse dump sites in Ado-Ekiti. And Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia and Balantidium coli were mostly identified. The analysis of the infection shows that E. histolytica has a percentage prevalence of 65.5%, followed by G. lamblia with 42.5% and B. coli having 1.9%. Multiple infections of these parasites were also prevalent. There was a positive correlation （r=0.995, P〈0.05） between percentage prevalence of infection and home surroundings, waste, sewage disposal facilities and habits. Also, there was a significant difference （t=1 1.06, P〈0.05） in the prevalence of infections between location A and B. Probable ways of eliminating/controlling the disease are also highlighted.

Asymptomatic Carriage of Salmonella and Intestinal Parasites in Pupils in Yaounde

Background: Feco-oral transmitted diseases (FOTD) remain a public health issue, particularly in developing countries. Data concerning the carriage of Salmonella and intestinal parasites in children are available worldwide but are lacking in Cameroon. This study aimed to determine the asymptomatic carriage of Salmonella and intestinal parasites in children of two primary schools in Yaoundé. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from October 2017 to May 2018 in two primary schools (from rural and urban areas) in the 7th precinct of Yaoundé. Sociodemographic, clinical and paraclinical (rectal swab, direct examination of fresh stool and bacteriological culture on Hektoen medium) data were collected. Results: We included 368 (192 boys) pupils from both schools (184 in each school) with a mean age of 8.99 ± 2.21 years. None of the children was infected by Salmonella spp. Intestinal parasite prevalence was 9.80% (6.52% of children from the urban school vs 13.04% from the rural ones). The intestinal parasite prevalence tended to be higher in girls than in boys (11.98% vs. 7.39%). Among intestinal parasites, protozoa were the most widely found. Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia intestinalis were the most prevalent pathogenic intestinal protozoa (11.11% vs. 25% of all positive stool exams). The helminths, less frequent, were represented by Ascaris lumbicoides and Enterobius vermicularis. The factors associated with intestinal parasite carriage were mainly rural school location and age between 11 - 13 years. Conclusion: Among children in primary school, Salmonella infection was absent, while intestinal parasites are frequent, represented mostly by protozoa. This parasitism is in our cohort associated with the rural school location and the 11 - 13 years age group. This suggests that there is additional room for the implementation of prevention measures for intestinal parasite infections in our setting.

Nutritional Status of Children with Intestinal Parasites from a Tropical Area of Bolivia,Emphasis on Zinc and Iron Status

Malnutrition and parasitic diseases are within the major issues in rural areas in developing countries. In this study, the nutritional status, dietary intake including mineral absorption inhibitor (phytate), hematological indicators and trace element status (zinc, iron) were evaluated and associated to the presence of intestinal parasites in a group of children from a rural area of Bolivia. The results showed that 96% of the children had intestinal parasites;7 types of parasites (Ascaris lumbricoides, Giardia lamblia, Ancylostoma duodenale, Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba coli, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercolaris) were identified. Anthropometric measurements indicated that 37% of the children were stunted and 17% were underweight. Iron and zinc intake showed that 34% and 30% of children had inadequate intake of these nutrients respectively. Phytate: zinc molar ratios were between 6.5 and 21, and from 6.2 to 15 for phytate: iron, indicating that the absorption of zinc and iron might be compromised by the level of phytate in the diet. The serum zinc was below the lower cut-off in 87% of the children, indicating zinc deficiency. Moreover, a multiple regression model showed the significant effect of the presence of the parasite Giardia lamblia and phytate intake on the serum zinc levels. Regarding the iron status, 30% of the children presented with anemia and about 66% had iron deficiency;a simple linear regression model showed the significant negative effect of the presence of the parasite Ancylostoma duodenale on iron status. In conclusion, the levels of zinc and iron, which were low in this child population, were greatly affected by the presence of intestinal parasites;in addition, the consumption of plant-based diets with high levels of phytate also impaired the zinc absorption.

Coinfection with malaria and intestinal parasites, and its association with anaemia in children in Cameroon

Background:The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of coinfection with malaria and intestinal parasites,as well as to determine its association with anaemia in children aged 10 years and below in Muyuka,Cameroon.Materials and methods:This was a cross-sectional study.Participants were febrile children who were admitted to the Muyuka district hospital between April and October 2012.Blood and stool samples were collected from those participants who gave consent to take part in the study.Haemoglobin concentration(Hb)and complete blood count(CBC)were performed using an automated haematology analyser(Mindray®,BC-2800).Giemsa-stained blood film was examined to detect malaria parasites,while the formol-ether concentration technique was used to detect intestinal parasitic infections(IPIs).The Pearson’s chi-square,Student’s T-test and correlation analysis were all performed as part of the statistical analyses.Results:Four hundred and eleven(411)children successfully took part in this study.The prevalence of malaria,IPIs,malaria and IPI coinfection,and anaemia observed were 98.5%,11.9%,11.9%and 44.8%,respectively.Anaemia and IPIs were significantly associated with age;anaemia was more prevalent in children under five years of age(p=0.000),whereas IPIs were more prevalent in children aged between five and 10 years(p=0.006).The parasite species isolated included Ascaris lumbricoides(36[73.5%]),Entamoeba histolytica/dispar(9[18.4%])and hookworm(4[8.2%]).The mean Hb observed was 10.64 g/dl(±1.82).A significant negative correlation was observed between malaria parasite density and Hb.There was no significant difference in the prevalence of anaemia among children infected with malaria,IPIs,or malaria and IPI coinfection,or among non-infected children.Similarly,the mean Hb did not differ among infected and non-infected children.Conclusion:This study showed that malaria and IPIs still constitute a major public health problem in the study area despite a lack of any significant association between these infections and anaemia.The findings suggest that there is a need for the implementation of control measures to curb the rate of malaria and IPIs in the study area.

Prevalence of and risk factors for malaria,filariasis,and intestinal parasites as single infections or co-infections in different settlements of Gabon,Central Africa

Background:Malaria,filariasis,and intestinal parasitic infections(IPIs)are common and frequently overlap in developing countries.The prevalence and predictors of these infections were investigated in three different settlements(rural,semi-urban,and urban)of Gabon.Methods:During cross-sectional surveys performed from September 2013 to June 2014,451 individuals were interviewed.In addition,blood and stool samples were analysed for the presence of Plasmodium,filarial roundworm,intestinal protozoan,and helminth infections.Results:Intestinal parasitic infections(61.1%),including intestinal protozoa(56.7%)and soil-transmitted helminths(STHs)(22.2%),predominated,whereas Plasmodium falciparum(18.8%),Loa loa(4.7%),and Mansonella perstans(1.1%)were less prevalent.Filariasis and STHs were mainly found in rural settlements,whereas a higher plasmodial infection prevalence rate was observed in the periurban area.The most common IPI was blastocystosis(48.6%),followed by ascaridiasis(13.7%),trichuriasis(11.8%),amoebiasis(9.3%),giardiasis(4.8%),and strongyloidiasis(3.7%).Hookworm was detected in one adult from rural Dienga.Adults had a higher prevalence of Blastocystis hominis and STHs,whereas Giardia duodenalis was more frequently observed among children aged below 5 years(P<0.01).The polyparasitism rate was 41.5%,with 7.0%Plasmodium-IPIs and 1.8%Plasmodium-STH co-infections.The multivariate analysis showed that living in a suburban area,belonging to the age group of 5-15 years,having none or a secondary education,or having an open body water close to home were significant risk factors for malaria(P≤0.01).For STH infections,identified risk factors were drinking untreated water and living in a rural area(P≤0.04).No significant predictors were identified for IPIs and malaria-IPI co-infection.Conclusions:This study reports a high prevalence of IPIs and intestinal protozoa,but a low rate of malaria-IPI co-infections in the study sites.Improvements in the living conditions of the population such as adequate water supply and proper health education and sanitation should be integrated into control strategies for malaria,STHs,and IPIs.

Prevalence and Sensitization and Intestinal Parasitic Infestation of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis in School Children of Kinshasa

Background: There is no study that estimates the prevalence of vernal keratoconjunctivitis and the association between vernal keratoconjunctivitis and intestinal parasitic infestation in our setting. Purpose: This study aimed to estimate the vernal keratoconjunctivitis prevalence, describe the profile of sensitization and determine the association between vernal keratoconjunctivitis disease and intestinal parasitic infestation in school children of Kinshasa during the scholar year from 2022 to 2023. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was performed from September 2022 to June 2023. The children with vernal keratoconjunctivitis were recruited by using the four-stage probability sampling technique. Children attending in the school children of Kinshasa with vernal keratoconjunctivitis were enrolled in the classroom and underwent a clinical examination and skin prick test for 11 allergens and stool examination direct with microscope in the Laboratory. Data were entered in Microsoft Sheets using SPSS version 20.0. The Chi-square test was used to compare the sex, age groups, home environment (grow trees and/or flowers around the yard), dampness in the house, keeping pets (cat and/or dog), number of people per household, number of people sharing a bedroom and intestinal parasitic infestation. The significant level was set to a value of p Results: A total of 28,800 students from four-stage probabilist sampling technique in school of Kinshasa were included, and 2100 students had symptoms according to the vernal keratoconjunctivitis-related symptom questionnaire. Children with vernal keratoconjunctivitis were enrolled and the mean age ± standard was 7.2 ± 3.7 years, with a prevalence of 7.2% and gender was three boys for one girl. All vernal keratoconjunctivitis children recruited in urban and rural part had 33.1% positive skin prick test (SPT) and 67.9% showed polysensitization. Children an urban part was more sensitized than rural respectively with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus 28.1% vs 28.9%, p = 0.00001, Blomia tropicalis. 15.9% vs 14.9%, p = 0.00001 and cockroach 12% vs 13%, p = 0.00001 in both parts. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis children in rural part were more affected to the intestinal parasite than urban with Ascaris lumbricoides 14% vs 18.3%, p = 0.0006, followed by Ancylostoma duodenale 9.5% vs 12.5%, p = 0.003, Anguillule 7.9% vs 10.1%, p = 0.001, Oxyure 5.7% vs 8.2%, p = 0.0001 and Trichuris trichiura 2.6% vs 3.3%, p = 0.0009. Conclusion: This study outlines that the prevalence of vernal keratoconjunctivitis was 7.2% and 33.1% of children attending for vernal keratoconjunctivitis in school children had a positive skin prick test to at least one allergen, in particular for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Blomia tropicalis and cockroach. The most common intestinal parasitic infestation was Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenale, Anguillule and Trichuris trichiura.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infection among Pre-School and School-Aged Children Attending to Fann University Hospital, Dakar: Results from Retrospective Analysis

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections represent a major public health problem worldwide. Pre-school and school children have a high risk of infection. The study aimed to determine the epidemiological aspects of intestinal parasitic infections in preschool and school-aged children in Dakar, Senegal. Methods: A retrospective analysis of laboratory records from preschool and school-aged children referred to the Laboratory of Parasitology at the Fann University Hospital in Dakar, Senegal, was carried out. The analysis of the period from 2016 to 2020. Stool samples were examined for the presence of parasites using direct, formal-ether concentration method and the Modified Ziehl Neelsen staining technique. Descriptive and analytic analysis was performed with Stata MP 16.1 software. Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 26.8% (429/1603). Blastocystis sp. (34%), Entamaeba coli (28%), Giardia intestinalis (9.6%), Endolimax nana (4.9%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (3.5%) were the common parasites found. Out of the 429 children positive for intestinal parasites, protozoa parasites represent 93.9%. Single infection and mixed infection represent 83.7% and 16.3%. The most prevalent associations were E. coli + Blastocystis sp. (6.3%), E. coli + E. nana (3.3%), and G. intestinalis + Blastocystis sp. (1.9%). Children between the ages of 5 - 10 years and those over 10 years had the most parasitic infections with 28.1% [aOR = 1.91;95% CI (1.25 - 2.89)] and 27.4% [aOR = 11.92 (1.07 - 3.07)]. According to the year of sample collection, the prevalence was higher in 2017, 32.6% [aOR = 1.49 (1.11 - 2.01]. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was not significantly related to gender (p = 0.87), season (p = 0.85) and symptomatology (p = 0.19). The main clinical symptoms were dysenteric syndrome, dyspeptic disorders, constipation and abdominal pain. Intestinal parasite carriage in patients with acute diarrhea was 20.4%. In HIV positive with chronic diarrhea, the prevalence was 28.6%. Conclusion: The results showed the frequency of intestinal parasites in preschool and school-aged children with a high proportion of protozoa parasites. Children aged over 5 years were more affected. Preventive measures such as health education, improved socio-economic conditions and environmental sanitation are required for reducing their frequency.

Intestinal parasitic infections and risk factors among Myanmar migrant workers in northeast Thailand

Objective:To determine the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections in migrant workers in Nakhon Ratchasima Province,Northeast Thailand.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2017 to July 2018 in 600 Myanmar migrant workers.Questionnaires were employed for collecting the demographic data of participants.Stool samples were collected and examined using the formalinether concentration technique.Risk factors for intestinal parasitic infections were determined using multiple logistic regressions analyses.Results:The overall infection rate of intestinal parasitic infections was 27.67%(166/600).Among the intestinal helminthes observed,hookworm was most abundant(8.67%)followed by Trichuris trichiura(8.50%),Opisthorchis viverrini(4.17%),Ascaris lumbricoides(1.50%),Strogyloides stercoralis(1.17%)and Hymenolepis nana(0.5%).Meanwhile,Entamoeba coli was the most prevalent intestinal protozoa(4.33%,26/600)followed by Endolimax nana(1.33%),Entamoeba histolytica complex(1.17%),Blastocystis sp.(1.0%)and Giardia duodenalis(0.17%).The study found significant associations between gender and Strogyloides stercoralis infection(ORadj=5.61,95%CI=1.18–26.70,P=0.03),workers aged 30 years old were likely to have a lower risk of the T.trichiura infection(ORadj=0.45,95%CI=0.23–0.89).Moreover,the history of consuming raw or undercooked cyprinoid fish was a risk factor of Opisthorchis viverrini infection(ORadj=2.82,95%CI=1.22–6.49,P=0.015).Conclusions:There remains a high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among Myanmar migrant workers in the study area and therefore health screenings for all migrant workers in Thailand are required.

Prevalence of intestinal opportunistic parasites infections in the University hospital of Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

Background:Gastrointestinal parasites infections are widespread in Africa and their prevalence infections vary from country to country.This study aimed at assessing the prevalence of opportunistic intestinal parasites infection and other gastrointestinal parasites infection among patients attending the laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology of the University Hospital Souro Sanou of Bobo-Dioulasso.Methods:A hospital cross-sectional based study was conducted from April to August,2012.Participants were persons whom parasitological examination of stools has been prescribed by a clinician.The stools examination methods included direct wet saline examination,lugol’s iodine staining technique,formol-ether concentration and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining.We recorded age and sex information for each patient.Results:The overall prevalence of intestinal parasite infections was 65.3%(190/291).Majority of the parasitic infections was waterborne(64.3%)consisting of high prevalence of Cryptosporidium sp.(26.5%)and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar(23.4%).The prevalence of opportunistic parasites was 28.9%and Cryptosporidium sp.was the most prevalent species followed by Blastocystis sp.(1.0%),Cyclospora sp.(0.7%)and Isospora belli(0.7%).The prevalence of intestinal helminthes was 1.7%.Conclusions:The prevalence of intestinal parasitism in general remains high in Bobo-Dioulasso requiring the establishment of adequate diagnostic techniques,treatment and prevention.

Description of the Health Status of Colombian Indigenous Communities Through Basic Laboratory Tests

Colombia enjoys considerable ethnic diversity, although its indigenous population, part of the world＇s shared cultural heritage has been reduced by various factors, including displacement, poverty, and poor access to timely and quality healthcare. The present study is focused on diagnosing health problems, particularly anemia, through a description of hematological findings amongst men and woman aged 18 to 50 years, living at various altitudes, and belonging to several different indigenous communities： the Huitoto and Embera of Caqueta, Florencia; the Born, Muinane, Okaina, Huitoto communities of La Chorrera, Amazonas; and the Yanaconas of Bogota, D.C. Tests performed included automated hemogram tests, ferritin, c-reactive protein, and parasitological assessment to correlate the presence of anemia and parasitism. The authors used a quantitative and transversal, structured, non-experimental, correlational, stratified sample design with 105 samples （51 men, 54 women）. The results showed that 7.8% （4/51） of the men had anemia, compared with 29.6% （16/54） of the women--more than triple the incidence of the male population. Moreover, we found a higher incidence of anemia in rural areas, where the majority of the country＇s indigenous populations live. In the parasitological study, 87.7% （50/57） of the participants tested positive for intestinal parasites. These findings are expected to help authorities implement more effective responses to health issues in these communities.

Assessment of Toxoplasma gondii Contamination in Cat Feces

A study in district Buner,Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,aimed to determine the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in cat feces.243 fecal samples were collected and examined for intestinal parasites at Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan.Of these,58 samples(23.86%)were positive for T.gondii oocysts.Samples were collected over five months from November 2016 to March 2017,with varying prevalence rates:20% in November,25.7% in December,22.5% in January,25.9% in February,and 21.9% in March.This was the first study of its kind conducted in district Buner.

Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitism among two indigenous subethnic groups in Peninsular Malaysia

Background:Intestinal parasitic infections(IPIs)among indigenous people have been widely documented in Malaysia,however,the prevalence of these infections remains high.In the past,most studies have focused on specific species of parasites but polyparasitism has received limited attention.In addition,epidemiology studies on indigenous people tend to consider them as a homogenous group,whereas in reality different sub-ethnic groups have different cultural and living practices.Variations in living habits such as personal hygiene practices may predispose different groups to different parasitic infections.To better understand prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitism among different sub-ethnic groups,the present study was conducted among two sub-ethnic groups of indigenous people(Temuan and Mah Meri)residing in Selangor state,Malaysia.Methods:A cross-sectional study that focused on two distinct sub-ethnic groups was carried out from February to September 2014.Faecal samples were collected from 186 participants and examined using the formalin-ether sedimentation technique.A molecular approach was adopted to conduct a genetic characterisation of the parasites.Additionally,questionnaires were administered to obtain information on the demographics,socioeconomic backgrounds and behavioural risks relating to the participants,as well as information about their environments.Statistical analyses(i.e.binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses)were performed to measure risk factors.Results:For Temuan communities,trichuriasis(64.2%)was the most common infection found,preceding hookworm infection(34%),ascariasis(7.5%),giardiasis(14.2%)and amoebiasis(7.5%).As for the Mah Meri communities,trichuriasis(77.5%)prevailed over ascariasis(21.3%),hookworm(15%),giardiasis(7.5%)and amoebiasis(3.8%).Significant differences in proportions of trichuriasis,ascariasis and hookworm infections were observed between the Temuan and Mah Meri sub-ethnic groups.Polyparasitism was more common among the Temuan sub-ethnic group(41.5%)compared to the Mah Meri sub-ethnic group(32.5%),with the majority of participants harbouring two parasites concurrently(Temuan:33%,Mah Meri:20%).Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides co-infections were most prevalent(10%)among the Mah Meri communities,while a co-infection of T.trichiura with hookworm(19.8%)was most common among the Temuan communities.Multivariate analyses showed that being unemployed,having a large family and drinking unboiled water were found to be significantly associated with intestinal parasitism.Conclusion:The present study highlights substantial polyparasitism and risk factors for infections in the Temuan and Mah Meri sub-ethnic groups.The high prevalence of IPIs among these two sub-ethnic groups indicates that parasitic infections are important health issues in these communities.Hence,it is imperative to implement sound intervention strategies such as periodic preventive chemotherapy coupled with health education in order to reduce and eradicate these infections.

Co-infection of HIV and parasites in China: Results from an epidemiological survey in rural areas of Fuyang city, Anhui province, China

The aim of this study was to investigate epidemiological characteristics of co-infection of HIV and intestinal parasites in a HIV/AIDS highly endemic area in China.A cross-sectional survey was carried out in two villages where HIV/AIDS prevalence in residents was over 1%.Stool samples of all residents in the two targeted villages were examined for the presence of intestinal parasites.Blood examination was performed for the HIV infection detection and anemia test.A questionnaire survey was carried out in all residents participating in the study.A total of 769 individuals were enrolled in the investigation,720 of whom were involved in stool examination of intestinal parasites.The infection rates of parasites in the residents of the targeted villages were as follows:0.56%for Ascaris lumbricoides,4.03%for Hookworm,0.28%for Trichuris trichiura,0.42%for Clonorchis sinensis,21.39%for Blastocystis hominis,3.89%for Giardia lamblia,1.67%for Entamoeba spp.,4.44%for Cryptosporidium spp.,and no infection for Strongyloides stercoralis.The overall infection rate of intestinal worms was 4.72%,intestinal parasite infection rate was 24.31%,the anemia prevalence rate was 34.68%,the co-infection rate of HIV and intestinal helminthes 2.17%,the co-infection rate of HIV and intestinal protozoa 28.26%,of which the co-infection rates of HIV and Blastocystis hominis,and HIV and Cryptosporidium spp.were 19.57%and 13.04%,respectively.A significant difference of Cryptosporidium spp.infection rate was found between HIV-positive group(13.04%)and HIV-negative group(4.70%)(P<0.05).Higher prevalence of anemia(34.68%)occurred in the study villages,particularly in children(>50%)and women(>39%).It was concluded that the infection rate of intestinal protozoa in the residents was higher than that of intestinal helminthes in the local setting,and a same pattern appeared in the co-infection rate of HIV and parasites.An interestingfinding is that the infection rate of Cryptosporidium spp.among the HIV-positives was significantly higher than that in the HIV-negatives,and children and women had higher anemia prevalence.

Intestinal parasitic infections among children under five years of age presenting with diarrhoeal diseases to two public health facilities in Hawassa, South Ethiopia

Background:Diarrhoea is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years of age in developing countries,including Ethiopia.It is caused by a wide range of pathogens,including parasites,bacteria and viruses.The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of infection with intestinal parasites(IPs)(and types)among children under 5 years of age with diarrhoeal diseases.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted at Adare Hospital and Millennium Health Centre,both located in Hawassa,South Ethiopia,from June 6 to October 28,2011.Children under 5 years of age with diarrhoea who visited these health facilities during the study period were included in the study.Data relating to demography and risk factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections(IPIs)were gathered using a structured questionnaire.Single,fresh stool specimens were examined for IPs using the direct wet mount examination,followed by Ziehl-Neelsen staining of formol-ether concentrated samples,as per standard procedures.Data were analysed using SPSS Statistics 20 software.Results:A total of 158 children(51.3%male and 48.7%female)participated in the study.Overall,the prevalence of IPs was 26.6%(42/158).Two species of IPs were detected in six children(3.8%).Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii was the predominant parasite identified(11.4%),followed by Giardia duodenalis(7.0%).The multivariable analysis revealed that the age group≥24 months was significantly associated(AOR=0.221,95%CI:0.085–0.576)with prevalence of IPIs.Conclusion:This study found that intestinal parasites are common among children with diarrheal diseases.The most frequently detected species was E.histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii.Health information about how to prevent diarrheal diseases in general and IPIs in particular should be provided to parents of young children.

Non-opportunistic intestinal parasitic infections among HIV-infected individuals at Wolaita Sodo Hospital, South Ethiopia

Objective:To determine the prevalence of non-opportunistic intestinal helminthic and protozoal infections among HIV-infected individuals and to determine socio-demographic determinants of intestinal parasitosis.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted on HIV-infected individuals attending antiretroviral therapy clinic of Wolaita Sodo Hospital.Stool in wet mount preparation and formalether concentration technique were used to diagnose intestinal parasitic infection.Sociodemographic variables were collected by using questionnaire.Chi-square test was used to test the associations between intestinal parasitosis and socio-demographic variables.Results:The overall prevalence of non-opportunistic intestinal parasitic infection was 32.4%out of which 11.0%was protozoal infection and 21.4%was helminthic infection.The most common intestinal parasite detected was Ascaris lumbricoides with 12.7%prevalence followed by Giardia lamblia with 7.5%prevalence.The prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis,hookworm species,Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar,Schistosoma mansoni and Taenia species was 2.9%,1.2%,3.5%,1.7%and 2.3%respectively.There was no significant difference in prevalence of intestinal parasite infection with regard to age,sex,residence area,job type and religion of participants but there was a significant association between the educational status and intestinal parasitic infection.The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was higher among illiterate participants.Conclusions:Ascaris lumbricoides was the most common intestinal parasite detected in HIV-infected individuals.Giardia lamblia was the most common protozoal parasite observed.Prevalence of intestinal helminthic infection was higher than protozoal infection.Intestinal parasitosis was significantly associated with an educational status of individuals.

Seasonal changes in the parasite prevalence of a small Malagasy lemur species (Lepilemur edwardsi)

Parasitic infections can impact thefitness of individuals and can have influence on animals’population dynamics.An individuals’parasite prevalence often changes depending on external or seasonal changes,for example,rainfall and ambient temperatures,but also on internal changes,for example,changes in body condition.In this study we aimed to identify the environmental factors that may influence the intestinal parasite and ectoparasite prevalence of the folivorous Malagasy primate species,Lepilemur edwardsi,living in a seasonal dry deciduous forest.Species living in this habitat have to adapt to seasonal changes of ambient temperature,with almost no precipitation during the dry season and hence strongfluctuations of resource availability throughout the year.We sampled the feces and ectoparasites of L.edwardsi throughout the year.Intestinal parasite prevalence increased from the wet to the dry season and was highest in the late dry season,which might be due to the accompanying decrease in diet quality.Conversely,ectoparasite prevalence decreased in the dry season,presumably due to the prevailing unfavorable environmental conditions for the development of ectoparasites(i.e.,mites and ticks).Paired with the higher resting metabolism and stress level of L.edwardsi during the late dry season,it seems that this species may struggle when dry seasons intensify in its habitat.

C-reactive protein is differentially modulated by co-existing infections,vitamin deficiencies and maternal factors in pregnant and lactating indigenous Panamanian women

Background:The usefulness of C-reactive protein(CRP)as a non-specific marker of inflammation during pregnancy and lactation is unclear in impoverished populations where co-existing infections and vitamin deficiencies are common.Methods:This cross-sectional study in Panama recruited 120 pregnant and 99 lactating Ngäbe-Buglewomen from 14 communities in rural Panama.Obstetric history,indoor wood smoke exposure,fieldwork,BMI,vitamins A,B_(12),D,and folic acid,and inflammation markers(CRP,neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio(NLR),plateletcrit and cytokines)were measured.Multiple regressions explored both associations of CRP with other inflammatory markers and associations of CRP and elevated CRP based on trimester-specific cut-offs with maternal factors,infections and vitamin deficiencies.Results:CRP was higher in pregnancy(51.4±4.7 nmol/L)than lactation(27.8±3.5 nmol/L)and was elevated above trimester specific cut-offs in 21%of pregnant and 30%of lactating women.Vitamin deficiencies were common(vitamin A 29.6%;vitamin D 68.5%;vitamin B1268%;folic acid 25.5%)and over 50%of women had two or more concurrent deficiencies as well as multiple infections.Multiple regression models highlighted differences in variables associated with CRP between pregnancy and lactation.In pregnancy,CRP was positively associated with greater indoor wood smoke exposure,caries and hookworm and negatively associated with Ascaris and vaginal Lactobacillus and Bacteroides/Gardnerella scores.Consistent with this,greater wood smoke exposure,caries as well as higher diplococcal infection score increased the odds of trimester-elevated CRP concentrations whereas longer gestational age lowered the likelihood of a trimester-elevated CRP.During lactation,folic acid deficiency was associated with higher CRP whereas parity,number of eosinophils and Mobiluncus score were associated with lower CRP.Also,a higher BMI and Trichomonas vaginalis score increased the likelihood of an elevated CRP whereas higher parity and number of eosinophils were associated with lower likelihood of an elevated CRP.Conclusions:Infections both raise and lower CRP concentrations in pregnant and lactating mothers.Only folic acid deficiency during lactation was associated with higher CRP concentrations.Caution is required when interpreting CRP concentrations in pregnant and lactating women who have co-existing nutrient deficiencies and multiple infections.

Prevalence and risk factors of undernutrition among schoolchildren in the Plateau Central and Centre-Ouest regions of Burkina Faso

Background:Multiple factors determine children’s nutritional status,including energy and nutrient intake,recurrent infectious diseases,access(or lack thereof)to clean water and improved sanitation,and hygiene practices,among others.The“Vegetables go to School:improving nutrition through agricultural diversification”(VgtS)project implements an integrated school garden programme in five countries,including Burkina Faso.The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of undernutrition and its risk factors among schoolchildren in Burkina Faso before the start of the project.Methods:In February 2015,a cross-sectional survey was carried out among 455 randomly selected children,aged 8-14 years,in eight schools in the Plateau Central and Centre-Ouest regions of Burkina Faso.Nutritional status was determined by anthropometric assessment.Helminth and intestinal protozoa infections were assessed using the Kato-Katz and a formalin-ether concentration method.A urine filtration technique was used to identify Schistosoma haematobium eggs.Prevalence of anaemia was determined by measuring haemoglobin levels in finger-prick blood samples.Questionnaires were administered to children to determine their knowledge of nutrition and health and their related attitudes and practices(KAP).Questionnaires were also administered to the children’s caregivers to identify basic household socio-demographic and economic characteristics,and water,sanitation and hygiene(WASH)conditions.To determine the factors associated with schoolchildren’s nutritional status,mixed logistic regression models were used.Differences and associations were considered statistically significant if P-values were below 0.05.Results:Complete datasets were available for 385 children.The prevalence of undernutrition,stunting and thinness were 35.1%,29.4%and 11.2%,respectively.The multivariable analysis revealed that undernutrition was associated with older age(i.e.12-14 years compared to<12 years;adjusted odds ratio(aOR)=3.45,95%confidence interval(CI)2.12-5.62,P<0.001),multiple pathogenic parasitic infections(aOR=1.87,95%CI 1.02-3.43,P=0.044)and with moderate and severe anaemia in children(aOR=2.52,95%CI 1.25-5.08,P=0.010).Conclusions:We found high prevalence of undernutrition among the children surveyed in the two study regions of Burkina Faso.We further observed that undernutrition,anaemia and parasitic infections were strongly associated.In view of these findings,concerted efforts are needed to address undernutrition and associated risk factors among school-aged children.As part of the VgtS project,WASH,health education and nutritional interventions will be implemented with the goal to improve children’s health.Trial registration:ISRCTN17968589(date assigned:17 July 2015).

Parasitic contamination of raw vegetables and fruits collected from selected local markets in Arba Minch town,Southern Ethiopia

Background:One way that people get infected with intestinal parasites is through the consumption of contaminated vegetables and fruits.This study aimed at determining the prevalence and predictors of parasitic contamination of fruits and vegetables collected from four local markets in Arba Minch town,Southern Ethiopia.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 to 21 September 2014 to determine the level of parasitic contamination of fruits and vegetables sold in Arba Minch town.A total of 360 samples of different types of fruits and vegetables were soaked in physiological saline,followed by vigorous shaking with the aid of a mechanical shaker for 15 minutes and then examined using the sedimentation concentration technique.Results:Out of the 360 samples examined,196(54.4%)were contaminated with at least one type of parasite.Ascaris lumbricoides(20.83%)was the most frequently detected parasite and Isospora belli(3.06%)was the least frequently detected one.It was also observed that decreased parasitic contamination was significantly associated with washing the products before displaying it for selling(P<0.001).Conclusions:The findings of this study provide evidence that there is a potentially high risk of acquiring parasitic infections from the consumption of raw vegetables and fruits in Arba Minch,Ethiopia.The authors believe that an effort should be made by the relevant bodies to reduce the rate of contamination of products with medically important parasites by educating the vendors and the community.