Prevalence and intensity of urinary schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths among women of reproductive age in Mwaluphamba,Kwale

Objective:To assess the epidemiology of urinary schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis among women of reproductive age in Mwaluphamba,Kwale County,Kenya.Methods:A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed to randomly sample 422 women of reproductive age(15-<50 years)from four villages in Mwaluphamba location.Stool specimens were collected and examined using the Kato-Katz method,while filtration technique was used to analyze urine specimens.Participants’sociodemographic details were obtained using a standardized questionnaire.Results:Urinary schistosomiasis prevalence was at 4.7%(20/422,95%CI 2.8%-6.9%)while the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis infection was 4.5%(19/422,95%CI 2.6%-6.7%).The infection intensities of urinary schistosomiasis among the study participants ranged from 1 to 120 eggs/10 mL of urine with median egg count of 18.45 eggs/10 mL.The patients were diagnosed with light infection,of 56.16 egg/gram and 48.48 egg/gram for Trichuris trichiura and hookworms,respectively.Women without latrines had 15.7 times higher risk of having urinary schistosomiasis compared to those with a latrine.Similarly,use of surface water(aOR=1.0,95%CI 0.2-1.4,P=0.010)and crossing the river to go to a place(aOR=1.1,95%CI 0.3-1.6,P=0.009)were statistically significant risk factors for getting urinary schistosomiasis.In bivariable regression analysis,defecating around the water source(OR=4.3,95%CI 1.5-12.9)had a statistically significant association with the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis(P=0.008).Conclusions:This study has given an insight on the prevalence and intensity of urinary schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis in Mwaluphamba location that form a basis for strengthening the control and elimination programmes for these neglected tropical diseases.

Phytochemical and antioxidant activities of Rumex crispus L. in treatment of gastrointestinal helminths in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Objective: To evaluate the antioxidant activities and phytochemical content of the leaf and root extracts of Rumex crispus using the solvents extraction; methanol extract,ethanol extract, acetone extract(ACE), and water extract.Methods: Total flavonoids content, total phenolic content, and total proanthocyanidin were evaluated using spectrophotometric equivalents of the standards, quercetin, gallic acid and catechin respectively. The antioxidant activities of the plant extracts were determined using ABTS, DPPH, ferric reducing antioxidant power, total antioxidant capacity and nitric oxide scavenging assays.Results: The flavonoids and phenols contents of the extracts were in the range of(19.39 ± 4.08) to(526.23 ± 17.52) mg QE/g and(16.95 ± 12.03) to(240.68 ± 3.50) mg GAE/g, respectively. ACE of the leaf has the highest value of total flavonoids content(526.23 ± 17.52) mg QE/g while ACE of the root has the highest value of total phenolic content(240.68 ± 3.50) mg GAE/g. The highest content of total proanthocyanidin(645.38 ± 1.33) mg CE/g was in ACE of the root. Significant amounts of saponin and alkaloid were also present in the root and leaf extracts. All solvent fractions showed significant antioxidant activities(P < 0.05) with ACE of the root having the highest scavenging value as shown in DPPH, ABTS, total antioxidant capacity, nitric oxide and ferric reducing antioxidant power(IC50= 0.014 mg/m L, <0.005 mg/m L, 0.048 mg/m L,0.067 mg/m L, and 0.075 mg/m L, respectively).Conclusions: In this study, the mean phytochemical content of the root of Rumex crispus is higher than that of the leaf and this may have contributed to its high antioxidant activities. This may also justify the frequent use of the root more than the leaves in traditional medicine for the cure of helminthic infections.

High prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths in Southern Belize-highlighting opportunity for control interventions

Objective:To assess prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminths(STH) in school age children of two southern districts as baseline information prior to implement a deworming program against intestinal parasites as part of an integrated country development plan.Methods:Children randomly selected from urban and rural schools in Southern Belize provided one stool sample each,analysed by the Kato-Katz method to assess prevalence and intensity of STH infections.Epi Info software was used for data analysis;Chi-square test and Fischer exact test were applied to compare group proportions;P<0.05 was considered of statistical significance;descriptive statistics were expressed as percentages.Results:A total of 500 children from 10 schools participated in the study from May to December2005.Prevalence of STH ranged between 40%and 82%among schools,with a median of 59.2%;the majority of light intensity,and with 2.2%high intensity infection.Trichuris and Axaris infections presented similar frequency in children aged from 6 to 9 years old;hookworm infections tended to be more frequent in the older group 10 to 12 years old.Statistical significances(P≤0.01)were found in children in rural schools infected with any species of STH,in moderate Trichuris infections,in hookworm infections in rural areas with strong Mayan presence and in Ascaris infections in children of Mayan origin.Conclusions:High prevalence of STH in Southern Belize provided sound ground for implementing an integrated deworming control program.

Comparative assessment of intestinal helminths prevalence in Water,Sanitation and Hygiene(WASH) intervention and non-intervention communities in Abeokuta,Nigeria

Objective:This study compared the prevalence of intestinal helminths in Water,Sanitation and Hygiene(WASH) intervention and non-intervention communities in Abeokuta,Nigeria.Methods:Stool samples were collected from 225 respondents in a study carried out between July and November,2014.Stool samples were examined for presence of helminths using Formol-Ether concentration method.Data collected from stool samples were analyzed using SPSS for Windows(version 16).Results:Results showed that,at the intervention community,88 out of 113 respondents were infected with at least one helminth infection while at non-intervention community,80 out of 112 respondents were infected.This result revealed overall helminth prevalence of78% at Mawuko and 71% at Isolu.In both intervention(Mawuko) and non-intervention(Isolu) communities,hookworm was the most prevalent helminth observed(21% and18%,respectively) followed by Ascaris lumbricoides(13% and 13%,respectively),Taenia sp.(4% and 3%,respectively) and Trichostrongylus sp.(1% and 3%,respectively).Cases of single infections of Trichuris trichiura,Strongyloides stercoralis and Hymenolepsis nana were observed only at the non-intervention community.However,S.stercoralis occurred in the multiple infections observed at the intervention community.Significantly more(p < 0.05) cases of infections were observed in male(46%) at the intervention community than female(31%) while in non-intervention community females(39%) were significantly(p < 0.05) more infected than their male counterparts(32%).Conclusions:This study concludes that the Community Led-Total Sanitation intervention programme,which was executed in Mawuko was not effective as expected.

Helminths as an alternative therapy for intestinal diseases

Animal models and clinical studies have shown that helminth infections exert immunomodulatory activity,altering intestinal permeability and providing a potential beneficial action on autoimmune and inflammatory disorders in human beings,such as inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) and celiac disease. This is consistent with the theory that intestinal microbiota is responsible for shaping human immunological responses. With the arrival of the immunobiologic era and the use of antibodies,we propose a distinctive pathway for treating patients with IBD and celiac disease. We have some evidence about the safety and tolerability of helminth use,but evidence about their impact on disease activity is lacking. Using worms to treat diseases could be a possible way to lower treatment costs,since the era of immunobiologic agents is responsible for a significant rise in expenses. Some questions remain to be investigated regarding the use of helminths in intestinal disease,such as the importance of the specific species of helminths used,appropriate dosing regimens,optimal timing of treatment,the role of host genetics,diet,environment,and the elucidation of the exact mechanisms of action. One promising approach is the use of helminth-derived anti-inflammatory molecules as drugs. Yet there are still many challenges with this method,especially with regard to safety. Studies on intestinal permeability point to Strongyloides stercoralis as a useful nematode for these purposes.

Prevalence and risks of soil transmitted helminths among Ethiopian school children:A cross-sectional study

Objective:To assess the prevalence and associated factors of soil transmitted helminths(STHs)among Endemata primary school in North West Ethiopia,2021.Methods:A cross-sectional study with 195 school children was conducted from May to July 2021 at Endemata primary school.The study participants were selected by using systematic random sampling technique.Stool samples were processed via direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques.Data was entered by Epi-Dara version 3.1 and data analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0.Variables were considered to be statistically significant if P<0.05 at 95%confidence level.Results:The overall prevalence of STHs was 10.8%(95%CI 7.1-16.0).The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides,hookworm and Trichuris trichiura were 5.6%(95%CI 3.1-9.9),3.1%(95%CI 1.3-6.7)and 2.1%(95%CI 0.6-5.3),respectively.Grade 1-4 students were more likely to get infected with STHs as compared to grade 5-8 students(adjusted OR 4.7,95%CI 1.3-16.6).Students who did not have latrines at their home were at higher risk to develop STHs infection comparing with those who had latrine at their home(adjusted OR 5.0,95%CI 1.7-15.2).Similarly,the school children who did not wear shoes were more likely to be infected by STH parasite than those who did it(adjusted OR 6.3,95%CI 1.9-20.7).The odds of being infected by STH parasites in children who did not trim their fingernails were 4.9 as compared to those who did it(adjusted OR 4.9,95%CI 1.5-15.7).Conclusions:The prevalence of STHs among Endemata primary school children was low.Student grade level,latrine availability,shoes wear and nail status were significantly associated with STHs infection.Therefore,we recommend policy makers and stakeholders to follow the integration of deworming with water,hygiene and sanitation as well as the consistent health education of school children to control and prevent STH infections.

Prevalence and burden of gastrointestinal helminths in wild and domestic guineafowls (Numida meleagris) in the Southern Province of Zambia

Objective: To determine the gastrointestinal tract helminthic fauna in domestic and wild guineafowl in Zambia.Methods: Post-mortem and laboratory parasitological examinations for helminth identification and enumeration were conducted on 198 guineafowls(148 domestic and 50 wild) from November 2010 to October 2011.Results: All guineafowls were infested with one or more helminths. Eleven helminth species, namely, Raillietina echinobothrida, Raillietina tetragona, Raillietina cesticillus, Ascaridia galli, Allodapa suctoria, Gongylonema ingluvicola, Tetrameres spp., Heterakis spp., Acuaria spiralis, Syngamus trachea, and Streptocara pectinifera were identified with no trematodes recorded. Mean nematode burden between domestic and wild fowl showed no differences having 113.7 [confidence interval(CI) 98.9-128.6] and 108(CI 76.6-139.5) nematodes respectively. In contrast, female guineafowls had a mean of 151.9(CI 128.4-177.8) nematodes per host which was significantly more than the males that had a mean of 79.6(CI 66.8-94.4). However, there were differences in helminth species richness between domestic and wild guineafowls with domestic guineafowls having more species present at a mean of 4.2(CI 3.91-4.44) than the wild ones at a mean of 3.4(CI 2.92-3.88) but there were no sex differences. Eight of the eleven helminth species co-occurred in domestic and wild fowl and five of the helminth species had higher prevalence in domestic guineafowls.Conclusions: Syngamus trachea, Streptocara pectinifera and Acuaria spiralis are reported for the first time in domestic poultry in Zambia. This study represents the first comparative study of helminths in domestic and wild guineafowls at an interface area and adds to the knowledge base in a discipline where a dearth currently exists.

The Occurence of Gastrointestinal Helminths in Slaughtered Cattle in Azare, North-East Nigeria

A Cross-sectional Study was carried out to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal(G.I.)helminths parasites in slaughtered cattle at Azare abattoir,Katagum Local Government Area,Bauchi State,North-Eastern Nigeria.One hundred and twenty faecal samples were examined using the floatation and sedimentation method.Out of the total samples tested,G.I.helminths infections were detected in 62 samples tested,giving an overall prevalence of 51.6%.Class nematodes are the most diverse class(56.5%),followed by trematodes(35.5%),while cestodes are the least prevalent(8.1%).There was a statistically significant difference in G.I.helminths’prevalence among different classes(p<0.05).Concerning sex and age,there was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence rate of G.I.helminths infection affecting the cattle(p>0.05).The Red Bororo breeds had the highest prevalence of 75%,while the least was recorded in White Fulani and Sokoto Gudali,40%each.There was a statistically significant difference in G.I helminth infection’s prevalence rate to breed(p<0.05).This study revealed that Fasciola spp.(15%)is the most prevalent G.I.helminths parasites detected,followed by Oesophagostomum spp(11.7%);Haemonchus spp.(9.2%);Strongyloides spp.(8.3%),Schistosoma spp.(3.3%);and Moniezia spp.(1.67%).Our findings from the present study revealed a high prevalence of G.I.helminths species affecting cattle in Azare,North-East Nigeria.Therefore,there is a great need for proper advocacy on appropriate management,regular deworming practices,and improved cattle hygiene to boost animal production.This will help in curbing significant loss to Nigeria’s economy and the world in general.

Prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminths and Intestinal Protozoa among School Children in Lome, Togo

Background: Significant morbidity in children is associated with infectious diseases especially soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections which are prevalent in sub-Saharan African countries. The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of STH and intestinal protozoa among schoolchildren in Lomé, Togo. Patients and Methods: In November 2013, in each of the five districts of the Lomé-commune region, thirty pupils per level of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth grades of five primary schools were included. Each child submitted a single stool sample that was analyzed by the Kato-Katz method for STH. In addition, stool samples of school children selected in third and sixth grades were examined by direct visualization using saline and Lugol’s stain for intestinal protozoa. Results: A total of 2944 children were enrolled at 25 schools. The overall prevalence of STH at schools was 5.0% (range 1.5% to 8.6%), was higher in boys than girls, and increased with age and grade. Hookworm was the most prevalent species (3.4% of children surveyed). Intestinal protozoa were found in 52.2% (765/1465) of children tested and commensal amoebae represented 22.7% of these protozoa identified. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii and Giardia intestinalis were identified in 2.3% and 11.5% of children, respectively. Co-infestation was noted in 1.35% of children with intestinal helminths and 12.2% of children with protozoa. Conclusion: Although a high prevalence of intestinal protozoa was found in our study, the majority were non-pathogenic protozoa and the low prevalence of STH among school-age children in Lomé-commune region confirms that mass drug administration (MDA) is not needed. Children should receive additional education on best hygiene practices.

Soil Contamination With Zoonotic Geohelminths: Emerging Risks in the Philippines

Soil-transmitted helminth(STH)infections continue to be the most prevalent of the 20 neglected tropical diseases,affecting nearly a quarter of the world’s population and causing approximately 2.54 million disability-adjusted life years.1,2 Ascaris lumbricoides,Trichuris trichiuria,and multiple species of hookworms(ie,Ancylostoma duodenale,Necator americanus and Ancylostoma ceylanicum)are known to cause significant infections in humans.Approximately 70%of the infections are reportedly occurring in Asia,where nearly a quarter of the population is infected with at least one STHspecies.3,4 Infections are particularly deleterious among school-and preschool-aged children,women of reproductive age and immunocompromised populations.Impaired cognitive and motor development,stunting,malnutrition and other potentially life-long sequelae are the known adverse health effects of STH infections in children.5–7 Hence,control and elimination efforts have been directed at addressing the prevalence and burden of infections among at-risk populations.

The prevalence of soil transmitted helminths and its infuential factors in Shandong Province, China: an analysis of surveillance data from 2016 to 2020

Background Soil-transmitted helminths(STHs)were previously endemic in Shandong Province,China.This study aimed to analyze the STHs prevalence trend and the natural,social,and human cognitive and behavioural factors infuencing the discrepancies between high and low infection levels from 2016 to 2020 in Shandong Province in eastern China.Methods STHs surveillance data of Shandong Province from 2016 to 2020 were obtained from China Information Management System for Prevention and Control of Parasitic Diseases.STHs infections were detected by modifed Kato–Katz method.Comprehensive information on the natural and social factors,STHs-related knowledge and behaviours were collected through questionnaire surveys.Retrospective spatial scan analysis was performed using SaTScan v10.1 to evaluate any identifed spatial clusters of STHs infection for statistical signifcance and Bayes discriminant analysis was used to discriminate the high or low infection groups of the villages.Results In total,72,160 participants were involved in our survey from 2016 to 2020.The overall STHs prevalence rate was 1.13%,with the eastern region of Shandong Province having the highest rate(2.02%).The predominant species was T.trichiura,with the prevalence rate of 0.99%and the≥70-year age group possessed the highest rate of 2.21%.The STHs prevalence rate showed an annual linear downward trend from 2016 to 2020(χ_(trend)^(2) =127.600,P<0.001).Respondents aged≥60 years had the lowest awareness level of STHs-related prevention knowledge(all P<0.05),and were the most likely to adopt the practice of fertilizing with fresh stool(χ^(2)=28.354,P<0.001).Furthermore,the southern region demonstrated the highest temperature and rainfall level and the lowest GNP and annual net income per capita(all P<0.05).Conclusions There is a remarkable declining in STHs prevalence in Shandong Province from 2016 to 2020.However,the prevalence rates of STHs especially T.trichiura in the southern and eastern regions were still high,and the elderly were more susceptible to be infected with STHs owning to their low awareness level of STHS-related prevention knowledge and high adoption rate of dangerous production and living behaviours.Integrated approaches of health education,environment improvement and behaviour change should be strengthened to obtain a further reduction of STHs prevalence in China.

Ancylostoma ceylanicum and other zoonotic canine hookworms:neglected public and animal health risks in the Asia-Pacific region

Zoonotic hookworm infections remain a significant public health problem,causing nearly 500 milion cases globally and approximately four million disability-adjusted life years lost annually.More than one-fth of these cases are attrib-uted to Ancylostoma ceylanicum,an emerging zoonotic health issue in the Asia-Pacific region.This review presents key research gaps regarding the epidemiology,diagnosis,control,prevention and elimination of A.ceylanicum and other canine zoonotic hookworms as neglected health threats.A.ceylanicum is the second most prevalent human hook-worm in the region;it is the most common hookworm among dogs and cats-reservoirs of zoonotic infections.Previous population genetic and phylogenetic analyses revealed that A.ceylanicum has three possible transmis-sion dynamics:zoonotic,animal-only,and human-only pathways.The actual burden of zoonotic ancylostomiasis in most endemic countries remains unknown due to the use of parasitological techniques(e.g.,Kato-Katz thick smear and floatation techniques)that have reduced diagnostic performance and do not allow accurate species identifica-tion in helminth surveys.The emergence of benzimidazole resistance in soil-transmitted helminths(STHs),includ-ing hookworms,is a concern due to the protracted implementation of mass drug administration(MDA).Resistance is conferred by single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)that occur in theβ-tubulin isotype 1 gene.These mutations have been reported in drug-resistant A.caninum but have not been found in A.ceylanicum in the field.A.ceylanicum remains understudied in the Asia-Pacific region.The zoonotic nature of the parasite warrants investigation of its occur-rence in human and animal reservoir hosts to understand the dynamics of zoonotic transmission in different endemic foci.The detection of benzimidazole resistance-associated SNPs in zoonotic hookworms from Asia-Pacific countries has yet to be thoroughly explored.Considering the high level of hookworm endemicity in the region,the circulation of resistant isolates between humans and animals potentially presents a significant One Health threat that can under-mine current MDA and proposed animal deworming-based control efforts.

Helminths of veterinary and zoonotic importance in Nigerian ruminants:a 46-year meta-analysis(1970-2016)of their prevalence and distribution

Background:The livestock industry plays a vital role in the economy of Nigeria.It serves as a major source of income and livelihood for majority of Nigerians who are rural settlers and contributes about 5.2%to the National Gross Domestic Product(GDP).Helminths however,cause economic losses due to reductions in milk production,weight gain,fertility and carcass quality.Zoonotic helminths of livestock origin cause health problems in humans.Methods:Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis(PRISMA)guidelines,the prevalence and distribution of helminths of veterinary and zoonotic importance in Nigerian ruminants were determined in a meta-analysis of data published between 1970 and 2016.Data were stratified based on regions,hosts,study periods,sample sizes and study types while helminths were phylogenetically grouped into cestodes,nematodes and trematodes.Results:Data from 44 studies reported across 19 Nigerian states revealed an overall pooled prevalence estimate(PPE)of 7.48%(95%CI:7.38-7.57)for helminths of veterinary and zoonotic importance from a total of 320208 ruminants.We observed a significant variation(P<0.001)between the PPEs range of 1.90%(95%CI:1.78-2.02)and 60.98%(95%CI:58.37-63.55)reported across different strata.High heterogeneity(99.78,95%CI:7.38-7.57)was observed.Strongyloides papillosus was the most prevalent(Prev:32.02%,95%CI:31.01-33.11),while,Fasciola gigantica had the widest geographical distribution.Conclusions:Helminths of veterinary and zoonotic importance are prevalent in ruminants and well distributed across Nigeria.Our findings show that helminths of ruminants may also be possible causes of morbidity in humans and economic losses in the livestock industry in Nigeria.High heterogeneity was observed within studies and the different strata.Good agricultural practices on farms,standard veterinary meat inspection and adequate hygiene and sanitation in abattoirs,farms and livestock markets need to be implemented in Nigeria in order to reduce the economic,public health and veterinary threats due to these helminths.

Polyparasitism with Schistosoma haematobium,Plasmodium and soil-transmitted helminths in school-aged children in Muyuka-Camero on following implementation ofc ontrol measures:a cross sectional study

Background:Despite the ubiquity of polyparasitism,its health impacts have been inadequately studied.The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and determinants of polyparasitism with Schistosoma haematobium,Plasmodium and soil-transmitted helminths(STH)following sustained control measures,as well as evaluate the outcomes and clinical correlates of infection in school-aged children(SAC)living in the schistosomiasis endemic focus of Muyuka-Cameroon.Methods:In a cross-sectional study,urine,blood and stool samples were each collected from SAC(4-14 years)selected at random between March and June 2015.Microhaematuria in urine was detected using reagent strip and 5.haematobium ova by filtration/microscopy methods.Plasmodium was detected using Giemsa-stained blood films and complete blood count was obtained using an auto-haematology analyser.STH in stool was detected by the Kato-Katz method.Categorical and continuous variables were compared as required,Kappa value estimated and the adjusted odds ratio(aOR)in the multivariate analysis was used to evaluate association of the risk factors with infection.

Soil-transmitted helminths and plasmodium falciparum malaria among individuals living in different agroecosystems in two rural communities in the mount Cameroon area:a cross-sectional study

Background:Soil-transmitted helminths(STHs)and Plasmodium falciparum infections remain public health problems in Cameroon.A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Mount Cameroon area to determine the prevalence and intensity of STHs and P.falciparum infections in individuals living in different agroecosystems;to assess the influence of these infections on haematological parameters;and to identify the risk factors associated with STH infections.Methods:STH and malaria parasites were detected using the Kato-Katz method and Giemsa staining of blood films,respectively.Complete blood count values were obtained using an automatic haematology analyser.Soil samples were analysed using the sucrose floatation sedimentation method.Categorical and continuous variables were compared as required and logistic regression models were used to assess the risk factors for STH infections and anaemia.Results:Of the 450 participants examined,STHs,P.falciparum and mixed co-infections were detected in 14.0,33.3 and 5.6%of participants,respectively.Significantly higher prevalences of Ascaris(18.8%)and Trichuris(7.9%)infections were observed in participants from tea plantation areas compared to those from banana and palm plantation areas,with similar trends in egg density.P.falciparum prevalence and parasite density were comparable between the different agroecosystems.The overall prevalence of anaemia was 64.2%.The prevalence of haematological manifestations such as moderate(48.0%)and severe(8.0%)anaemia,leucopenia(26.9%)and microcytosis(30.8%)was significantly higher among Plasmodium-STH co-infected participants.Soil samples from plantations showed the highest prevalences of STH eggs compared to soil samples from areas around pit toilets and public water taps.Living in a tea plantation area(OR=3.07),age(AOR=1.49)and lack of access to potable water(OR=2.25)were identified as risk factors for STH infections,while the age groups 15-25 years(OR=2.928)and 26-35 years(OR=2.832),and being female(OR=2.671)were significant risk factors for anaemia.Conclusions:STHs,malaria and anaemia are still of public health concern in plantation communities.Co-infections negatively influence haematological parameters.The tea farming agroecosystem,age and lack of access to potable water were identified as significant risk factors for STH infections.Trial registration:Not applicable.

Multi-intervention integrated deworming strategy for sustained control of soil-transmitted helminths infections: a case study in Jiangsu Province, China

Background:Soil-transmitted helminths(STH)infections still present a global health problem.Mass drug adminis‑tration(MDA)is a widely applied strategy to reduce morbidity and mortality caused by STH.Yet,this approach has some shortcomings.In this study,we analyzed the impact of a multi-intervention integrated deworming approach including MDA,health education(HE),and environmental sanitation improvements(ESI)for sustained STH control in Jiangsu Province of China that was applied from 1989 to 2019.Methods:Data,including infection rate of STH,medications used,coverage of the medication,non-hazardous lavatory rate,and household piped-water access rate in rural areas,and actions related to HE and ESI were collected(from archives)and analyzed in this retrospective descriptive study.Pearson’s correlation analysis was applied to test correlations.Results:There was a dramatic decline in the infection rate of STH from 1989(59.32%)to 2019(0.12%).From 1995 to 1999,MDA and HE were recommended in rural areas.A negative correlation was observed between infection rate and medication from 1994 to 1998(r=-0.882,P=0.048).From 2000 to 2005,targeted MDA was given to high-risk populations with HE continuously promoting good sanitation behaviors.From 2006 to 2014,targeted MDA+HE and ESI were used to consolidate the control efect.ESI was strengthened from 2006,and a negative correlation was observed between the coverage rate of the non-hazardous lavatory and the infection rate from 2006 to 2019(r=-0.95,P<0.001).The targeted MDA was interrupted in 2015,while continuous eforts like HE and ESI contributed in sustaining STH control.Conclusions:Multi-intervention integrated deworming strategy contributes to the reduction of STH infections.This approach is a valuable example of how diferent interventions can be integrated to promote durable STH control.

Performance of a Horizontal Flow Constructed Reed Bed Filter for Municipal Wastewater Treatment: The Case Study of the Prototype Installed at Gaston Berger University, Saint-Louis, Senegal

In Saint-Louis, Senegal, a constructed wetland with horizontal flow reed beds (FHa and FHb) has demonstrated significant efficacy in treating municipal wastewater. Analyzing various treatment stages, the system showed only a slight temperature variation, from an influent average of 26.3°C to an effluent of 24.7°C. Electrical conductivity decreased from 1331 mS/cm to 974.5 mS/cm post-primary treatment, with suspended solids (SS) dramatically reduced from 718.9 mg/L to 5.7 mg/L in the final effluent. Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) saw a notable decrease, from initial levels of 655.6 mg/L and 1240 mg/L to 2.3 mg/L and 71.3 mg/L, respectively. Nitrogenous compounds (N-TN) and phosphates () also decreased significantly, indicating the system’s nutrient removal capacity. Microbiological analysis revealed a reduction in fecal coliforms from 7.5 Ulog/100ml to 1.8 Ulog/100ml and a complete elimination of helminth eggs. The presence of Phragmites and Typha was instrumental in enhancing these reductions. The system’s compliance with the Senegalese standards for disposal into natural environments, WHO recommendations for unrestricted water reuse in irrigation, and the European legislation for water reuse was established. The effluent quality met the stringent criteria for various classes of agricultural reuse, illustrating the system’s potential for sustainable water management. This wetland model presents a robust solution for water-stressed regions, ensuring environmental protection while supporting agricultural needs. The study calls for ongoing research to further refine the system for optimal, reliable wastewater treatment and water resource sustainability.

Detection of helminths by loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay:a review of updated technology and future outlook

Background:Helminths are endemic in more than half of the world's countries,raising serious public health concerns.Accurate diagnosis of helminth infection is crucial to control strategies.Traditional parasitological methods,serological tests and PCR-based assays are the major means of the diagnosis of helminth infeaion,but they are time-consuming and/or expensive,and sometimes provide inaccurate results.Loop mediated isothermal amplification(LAMP)assay,a sensitive,simple and rapid method was therefore developed for deteaion of helminths.This study aims to discuss the current status of application of LAMP on helminths detection and to make a comprehensive evaluation about this updated technology and its future outlook by comparing with several other diagnostic methods.Main body:This review summarizes LAMP assay applied for helminth detection and helminthiasis surveillance.The basic principle of LAMP is introduced to help better understand its characteristics and each reported assay is assessed mainly based on its detection sensitivity,specificity and limitations,in comparison with other common diagnostic tests.Moreover,we discuss the limitations of the assays so as to clarify some potential ways of improvement.Conclusions:Here,we summarize and discuss the advantages,disadvantages and promising future of LAMP in heliminth detection,which is expected to help update current knowledge and future perspectives of LAMP in highly sensitive and specific diagnosis and surveillance of helminthiasis and other parasitic diseases,and can contribute to the elimination of the diseases from endemic areas.

Evaluation of Immunological Markers in Children Infected with Intestinal Parasites in Three Communities, Nigeria

Helminthiases are neglected parasites that induce changes in the host’s immune response. The study assayed some immunological markers in helminth infections in children and adolescents. Stool and blood samples were collected from 276 subjects resident in three rural communities of Rivers and Imo States. Of these, 98 (35.5%) were infected with one or more of 3 parasitic species, of which Ascaris lumbricoides 39 (39.8%), Ancylostoma duodenale 30 (30.6%) and Trichuris trichiura 29 (29.6%) were recovered. Intestinal helminth parasites were identified using formol-ether concentration. Of the infected subjects, 66 had single species infections and 32 had multiple infections with two or three helminth species and children of the 6 - 10 years age group had the highest incidence. Sera of 60 infected subjects and 30 controls were evaluated to define immunological serum levels of IgE, IL-5, IFN-γ and C3 using the ELISA technique, while white blood cell differential counts and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were evaluated using haematology auto-analyser. Elevation of IL-5, IgE, WBC and eosinophil levels were demonstrated in the infected groups (p < 0.01), higher in the multiple infected groups, compared to the control. Their concentrations across the different age groups were also significantly different (p = 0.0001), the highest in 6 - 5 years and the lowest in 0 - 5 years. Differences in IFN-γ and C3 levels among non-parasitized, single-parasitized and poly-parasitized groups were not statistically significant. Neutrophil, lymphocyte and NLR levels between control and helminth infected subjects were not significantly different. The result suggested that IgE, IL-5, total WBC and eosinophil increased in helminth infections, more in poly-parasitized and 6 - 10 years children.

Prevalence, Pattern and Risk Factors of Soil Transmitted Helminth Infections amongst Children in a Tertiary Institution in South East, Nigeria

Introduction: Soil-transmitted helminthic infection (STHI) is a common public health challenge of children in the most deprived communities in low income countries. In the long-term, STHI can cause developmental and growth disorders leading to future learning defect. Objective: Our aim was to determine the prevalence and pattern of soil-transmitted helminthic infection among children attending a tertiary hospital in Imo State, Nigeria. Patients and Method: The study involved a cross-sectional survey of 268 children, aged 7 months to 18 years seen in a tertiary health facility in Nigeria;from August to December 2022. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and stool samples were analyzed for intestinal helminths using the Kato-Katz method. Results: The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthic infection (STHI) was 38.4%. Of all STHIs, Ascaris lumbricoides was the commonest geohelminth observed, 81 (62.1%). Multiple infections were noted in 25 (62.4%) of the specimen. The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthic infection amongst subjects’ 5 - 9 years was high and least in children older than 15 years. This difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.3407). Statistically significant relationship was detected between STHI and low socioeconomic class. Conclusion: The high prevalence rate of soil-transmitted helminthic infection amongst the subjects is disturbing. This high rate justifies strengthening a structured and routine deworming amongst children in order to improve outcome.