Ascaris Lumbricoides Infection Research Articles

Analysis of oxidative status, inflammatory cytokines, and Ascaris lumbricoides infection in women at a health district in Bamenda, Northwest, Cameroon

BackgroundClinical outcomes of ascariasis, one of the most common parasitic infections, are remarkably variable ranging from asymptomatic infection to death. Ascariasis can pair absorption of fats, vitamin A, iodine, and lactose digestion and destroys the villi, with significant consequences in pregnancy outcomes, leading to growth retardation, and cognitive impairment, decreased work capacity, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. One of the crucial factors driving the clinical outcomes of ascariasis is the immune response and associated oxidative stress. This study therefore examined the prevalence of ascariasis and associated immune response dysfunction by measuring four inflammatory cytokines alongside with the oxidant and antioxidant biomarkers in women of reproductive age in a health center in Cameroon.ResultsThree-hundred and fifty-five women (pregnant and non-pregnant) were examined for the parasite. Because some participants did not donate blood and due to low volume of blood available, only 127 individuals (62 non-pregnant women and 65 pregnant women) were included for analysis of oxidative biomarkers, and 90 samples were used for the evaluation of inflammatory biomarkers (40 non-pregnant and 50 pregnant). The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides was of 13.23%. Ascariasis was associated with high levels in inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-12, IL-10, and TNF-α) and oxidative markers (TOS, OSI, MDA, and CAT) in both pregnant and non-pregnant women, while high level of NO was only seen in pregnant women. A significant relation was observed between some cytokines and oxidant markers: IL-10 and OSI and IL-12 and NO and between IL-1β and MDA in pregnant women, while in non-pregnant, significant relation was found between Il-10 and NO as well as IL-1β and OSI and NO. Principal component analysis (PCA) underlined a pro-inflammatory cytokine signature (with strongest contributions from IL-1β, IL-10, TNF-α). PCA also highlighted an oxidative stress with strongest contributions from TOS, OSI, SOD, NO, and CAT in pregnant and from OSI, TOS, NO, CAT, and TAC in non-pregnant.ConclusionThese findings demonstrate elevated cytokines (IL-1β, IL-12, IL-10, and TNF-α) and high oxidative stress imbalance, adding further evidence for the role of a pro-inflammatory cytokine signature of oxidative stress in women with A. lumbricoides.

Investigating the effect of a school-based WASH intervention on soil-transmitted helminth and schistosome infections and nutritional status of school children in Ethiopia: a quasi-experimental study

BackgroundThe impact of access to improved water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and health education on large-scale deworming programs aimed at controlling soil-transmitted helminth (STH) and schistosome (SCH) infections has not been well studied. We assessed the additional impact of improved WASH infrastructure and health education at schools on STH and SCH infections in Ethiopia.MethodsThe study used a quasi-experimental design under which 30 schools were assigned to either an intervention (15 schools) or control (15 schools) arm. Both arms received a standard deworming treatment and lunch. In the intervention arm, improved WASH and health education were provided. At three consecutive time points (baseline in 2013, 2014 and 2015), the prevalence and intensity of STH and SCH infections and the nutritional status [hemoglobin concentrations and physical growth (height and weight)] were determined. To verify whether interventions were successfully implemented, the WASH status at school and the student knowledge, attitudes and practices related to WASH (WASH-KAP) were recorded. Differences in metrics between arms at baseline (2013) and follow-up (2015) were assessed both within and between the arms.ResultsA significant increase in scores for both the school WASH and student KAP was found in the intervention arm, indicating successful implementation of the intervention. The prevalence of any STH infection was significantly reduced in the intervention arm but not in the control arm (F = 4.486, p = 0.034). There was a significantly greater reduction in the intensity of infection of hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides compared to baseline in both arms. The intervention did not affect school children’s height-for-age z-score (intervention arm * time coef = 0.12, p = 0.400) and body mass index-for-age z-scores (intervention * time coef = − 0.06, p = 0.526). Hemoglobin concentrations increased significantly more in the control than the intervention arm (coef = − 0.16, p = 0.006).ConclusionsAlthough the intervention did increase school WASH and student WASH-KAP, our study found poor evidence of the additional benefit of improved WASH and health education to deworming and school food programs on parasite re-infection and the health outcomes of children.Graphical

Management of paediatric soil-transmitted helminthiasis in a non-endemic area: experience in a reference international health unit.

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections inflict disability worldwide, especially in the poorest communities. Current therapeutic options against STHs show limited efficacy, particularly against Trichuris trichiura. The empirical management of patients coming from high-prevalence areas has been suggested for non-endemic areas. This study aimed to describe the management of STH infections in a non-endemic setting using an individualised approach. We performed a retrospective, descriptive study of all patients up to 16years of age with STH infections attended at an international health unit in a non-endemic area (2014-2018), including all T. trichiura, Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenale, and Ascaris lumbricoides infections diagnosed using a formol-ether concentration technique and direct visualisation. Patients were treated according to current international guidelines. Sixty-one stool samples from 48 patients testing positive for STHs were collected, with 96% (46/48) reporting a previous long-term stay in endemic areas. Cure rates with 3-day benzimidazole regimens were 72% for T. trichiura, 40% for hookworms, and 83% for A. lumbricoides. The results were not influenced by any reinfection risk due to the study being performed in a non-endemic area. Patients coming from STH-endemic areas should be evaluated with appropriate diagnostic tools and followed up until cure control results. Cure rates in our cohort were moderate to low, similar to those published in studies in endemic areas. The efficacy of current treatment options is insufficient to recommend a specific empirical approach in high-income countries' healthcare systems.

Characterization of peripheral blood cellular populations in relation to Ascaris Lumbricoides infection in rural areas of Bolívar

To compare the relative frequencies of immune cell populations in the peripheral blood according to A. lumbricoides infection status. Peripheral blood samples were collected from participants infected (n = 35) and uninfected with A. lumbricoides (n=27) residing in different rural municipalities of Bolívar. Infection was diagnosed using two coprological examinations and the Kato-Katz technique. Immunophenotyping was performed using two panels of markers and staining in fresh blood. The flow cytometry reading was performed on a spectral cytometer (Northern Lights, Cytek, USA). The populations identified in the first panel (Figure 1) were T lymphocytes (CD45+ CD3+), CD4+ or CD8+, B lymphocytes (CD45+ SSClow CD3- CD19+), neutrophils (CD45+ SSChi CD3- CD16+), and eosinophils (CD45+ SSChi CD3- CD16low). Monocytes were identified in another panel (Figure 2): classical (CD14++ CD16 -), intermediate (CD14++ CD16+), and non-classical (CD14+ CD16++). Dendritic cells, including CD123 + + CD303 + (plasmacytoid), HLA-DR + + CD1c + (myeloid CD1c +), and CD14-CD141 + + (myeloid CD141 +), were also identified. The study received approval from the Ethics Committee of the University of Cartagena, and participants provided informed consent. Funding was provided by the Colombian Sistema General de Regalías under BPIN2020000100405 - BPIN2020000100364. No significant differences were observed in age [mean cases: 35.69 (SD: 17.7) vs. controls: 37.04 (SD: 15.6) years] or sex (cases: 62.9% vs. controls: 74.1%) (Table 1). All infections were mild, with a median of 96 eggs (IQR, 48-216). A marginally significant difference was observed only in the percentage of neutrophils (45.37% in cases vs. 54.79% in controls, p=0.041) (Figure 3). Although the frequency of eosinophils was higher in the cases (8.1% vs. 6%), this difference was not significant (p=0.138) (Figure 3). No significant differences were observed in the populations of monocytes or dendritic cells between cases and controls (Figure 4). Mild A. lumbricoides infection appears to affect the number of neutrophils in peripheral blood. The low infection intensity in the studied samples may explain the lack of a significant impact on other cellular populations.

Impact of Ascaris lumbricoides infection on the development of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with COPD.

The aetiopathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains unclear. The aim of our study was to determine the possible influence of Ascaris lumbricoides on the development of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) in patients with COPD. The prevalence of A. lumbricoides in patients with COPD with CPA (19.05%) was significantly higher than that in those without (9.20%) and controls (4.9%) (p < 0.05). Trends in levels of Interleukin-1β and of tumour necrosis factor α suggest ascariasis increases susceptibility to Aspergillus sp. in patients with COPD and can be considered an additional risk factor for CPA.

Systematic Review of the Relationship between Hygiene Practice and the Incidence of Ascaris lumbricoides Infection in Southeast Asian Children

Soil-Transmitted Helminth (STH) infection is one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) that affects around 1.5 billion people worldwide, including regions like Southeast Asia. The most common species infecting humans is Ascaris lumbricoides. Preschool-age and school-age children are particularly vulnerable to STH infection due to their living environments in areas where STH is prevalent. Infection of STH, especially Ascaris lumbricoides, can hinder physical and cognitive development and, in severe cases, cause obstruction of the small intestine. Various factors, such as hygiene practices, can influence the transmission of Ascaris lumbricoides infection in children. This study aims to explore the association between hygiene practices and the occurrence of Ascaris lumbricoides infection in children. A systematic review was carried out, and articles were searched in four databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and ProQuest. Subsequently, the articles were selected based on specific criteria. Five articles were identified during the search. These articles revealed a significant association between handwashing habits, toilet usage, and washing fruits before consumption with the occurrence of Ascaris lumbricoides infection. On the other hand, there was no significant association found between washing vegetables before consumption and trimming nails and the occurrence of Ascaris lumbricoides infection in children.

Comparative analysis of bile metabolic profile in patients with biliary obstruction complicated by Clonorchis sinensis infection.

Clonorchiasis is an important foodborne parasitic disease. However, eggs of Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis) cannot be detected in feces during biliary obstruction. Moreover, many diseases can cause biliary obstruction, such as gallstones, adenocarcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma and Ascaris lumbricoides infection. Therefore, it is of great significance to distinguish between patients of biliary obstruction and biliary obstruction with C. sinensis infection. A total of 48 biliary obstruction patients were enrolled, including 23 infected with C. sinensis (C. sinensis) (OB+C.s) and 25 non-infected subjects (OB). The bile samples were collected by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF MS). Additionally, multivariate statistical analysis methods were employed to identify differential metabolites. Next, bile amino acid levels were determined by targeted metabolomics analysis. A total of 146 and 132 significant metabolites were identified in electrospray ionization (ESI)+ and ESI- modes, respectively. The levels of amino acids (asparagine, glutamate, ornithine) and polyamines (spermidine and spermine) were significantly changed. Targeted analysis showed that the levels of amino acids (such as L-arginine, L-glutamine, L-lysine, L-propionic, and L-tyrosine) were lower in OB+C.s patients compared to those in OB patients. Marked metabolic pathways were involved in "Glutathione metabolism", "Caffeine metabolism", "Alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism", "Arginine and proline metabolism", "Purine metabolism", "Beta-Alanine metabolism", and "D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism". These results show that there were significant differences between OB+C.s and OB patients, especially in amino acids. The metabolic signature and perturbations in metabolic pathways may help to better distinguish OB+C.s and OB patients.

Diagnostic Test of Blood Eosinophil Level as a Marker of Ascaris lumbricoides Infection

A. lumbricoides infection is one from 17 neglected tropical diseases in Indonesia. But, Infection of A. lumbricoides in Indonesia often undiagnosed. This is because stool examination with Kato-Katz’s method still rarely done. So it needs something alternative examination that more practical and can be routinely carried out. This study was a diagnostic test for blood eosinofil levels in diagnosing A. lumbricoides infection. This research was conducted at a hospital in Medan. This study involved 63 children who had their parents approval. Children stool were examined by Kato-Katz method as a gold standard and blood eosinofil levels was examined as an index in this study. The results showed sensitivity level of eosinofil is 25% and specificity 96,08%, positive predictive value 60%, negative predictive value 84%, positive likelihood ratio 6,38% and negative likelihood ratio 0,78%. The conclusion is elevated blood eosinofil levels cannot be used as an alternative test Kato-Katz in diagnosing Infection of A. lumbricoides.

Prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections in HIV patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Soil-transmitted Helminth (STH) infections have been found associated with people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) but little is known about the overall burden of STH coinfection in HIV patients. We aimed to assess the burden of STH infections among HIV patients. Relevant databases were systematically searched for studies reporting the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthic pathogens in HIV patients. Pooled estimates of each helminthic infection were calculated. The odds ratio was also determined as a measure of the association between STH infection and the HIV status of the patients. Sixty-one studies were finally included in the meta-analysis, consisting of 16,203 human subjects from all over the world. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides infection in HIV patients was found to be 8% (95% CI 0.06, 0.09), the prevalence of Trichuris trichiura infection in HIV patients was found to be 5% (95% CI 0.04, 0.06), the prevalence of hookworm infection in HIV patients was found to be 5% (95% CI 0.04, 0.06), and prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis infection in HIV patients was found to be 5% (95% CI 0.04, 0.05). Countries from Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America & Caribbean and Asia were identified with the highest burden of STH-HIV coinfection. Our analysis indicated that people living with HIV have a higher chance of developing Strongyloides stercoralis infections and decreased odds of developing hookworm infections. Our findings suggest a moderate level of prevalence of STH infections among people living with HIV. The endemicity of STH infections and HIV status both are partially responsible for the burden of STH-HIV coinfections.

Extra-intestinal complications of Ascaris lumbricoides infections in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aberrant migration of Ascaris lumbricoides may cause extra-intestinal ascariasis (EIA) involving hepato-biliary-pancreatic (HBP) or other extra-gastro-intestinal (EGI) organs. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to study the risk factors and clinical presentations of EIA, and differences in HBP and EGI ascariasis. Medline, Web of Science and Embase were searched for cases of EIA in the English language from India. From 1204 articles, 86 studies (105 cases) were included. The majority of the cases involved the HBP system (78%). Among HBP ascariasis, the most commonly involved site was the bile duct (53.6%). Females had 11.3 times higher odds (95% CI 2.852 to 44.856; p=0.001) of HBP ascariasis, while the pediatric population had lower odds (OR=0.323). Previous gallbladder disease was significantly associated with HBP ascariasis in adults (p=0.046), while a significantly higher number of cases of EGI ascariasis were observed among pediatric patients (p=0.003). Ocular symptoms occurred exclusively in the pediatric population (p=0.017). Overall, death was reported in 3.8% of patients (n=4). This review emphasizes the importance of the complications of EIA. It encourages future research into issues such as the reasons of higher gall bladder ascariasis in females and the implications of Ascaris-related complications following biliary tract interventions. It also suggests considering Ascaris as a differential diagnosis for airway obstuction in intubated critically ill patients.

Prevalence and Intensity of Ascaris lumbricoides infection in relation to Malnutrition among School-aged Children of Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria

No Abstract

Comparison of Nitrogen Levels in Normal Faeces and Faeces Infected by Ascaris Lumbricoides and Trichuris Trichiura

Nitrogen is part of the main building blocks of protein in the human body. Nitrogen is formed from the breakdown of protein by the body. In the body nitrogen is used as a raw material for the formation of amino acids. In general, the results of the body's metabolism will be excreted through faeces and some in the urine, one of which is nitrogen. With Ascaris lumbricoides infection, nitrogen metabolism will be disrupted, so that excess levels of a substance in the body will be excreted through urine and faeces. Nitrogen levels in the body will be disturbed when the absorption of nutrients is disturbed by the body, for example during a worm infection. Types of helminth infections that commonly occur are soil-transmitted helminths such as Ascaris lumbricoides worm infection. The purpose of this study was to determine the comparison of nitrogen levels in the faeces of patients with Ascariasis infection and in normal faeces. Nitrogen levels were tested by examining the nitrogen levels in the faeces which contained Ascaris worm eggs in the stool specimen. The results showed that nitrogen levels in faeces infected by worms included sample A nitrogen content of 0.19%, sample B obtained nitrogen content of 2.16%, and nitrogen content in sample C was 2.05% with an average of 1.46% while nitrogen in normal stool specimens include sample A nitrogen content of 0.19%, sample B nitrogen content of 0.24% and sample C nitrogen content of 0.25% with an average of 0.22%. This shows that there is an increase in nitrogen levels in the body due to ascariasis infection in the body.

RISK FACTORS OF SOIL TRANSMITTED HELMINTHS AMONG ELEMETARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN CENTRAL SUMBA – WEST NUSA TENGGARA

Background: Soil Transmitted Helminhs (STH) infection is one of health issues in Indonesia. Helmintiasis is a disease commonly found among elementary school. Purpose: To identify risk factor related to the transmission of infection STH in Central Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province. Method: The research was done by analytical description based on cross-sectional study. Primary data on risk factors were colleted by which qustionnaire for students fourth to sixth grade, age ranged 8-15 years old. Diagnosis was established using Kato Katz modification method. The data were is analyzed using by cross-sectional of Chi-square test with confidence interval 95% or p-value &lt;0.05 categorized as significant. Result: The proportion of infection in male was 47.1% and in females was 50.9%. The proportion of STH infections was 83.3%, mostly found in fifth grade children (36.6%) and aged 8-11 years (66.6%). The most common type of worm egg infection found in feces was mixed infection of Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura (35.6%), followed by a single infection with T. trichiura (32.8%) and the least number was A. lumbricoides (14. 9%).STH infections have significant related to some risk factors such as defecating not in the latrine, not washing hand with water and soap before eating and after defecated, not practicing hand washing properly, biting nails, sucking fingers, not cutting nails once a week, and barefood. The highest risk factor of STH infection in Central Sumba was defecating not in the latrine (PR=135.500; CI 95% (34.062 - 539.020)). Conclusion: The proportion of STH infections is still quite high due to low personal hygiene and open defecation.

Predisposition to soil-transmitted helminth reinfection after four rounds of mass drug administration: results from a longitudinal cohort in the Geshiyaro project, a transmission elimination feasibility study in the Wolaita zone of southern Ethiopia.

Current WHO strategies for reaching soil-transmitted helminths (STH) elimination as a public health problem excludes treating certain adult populations in endemic areas, creating infection reservoirs that drive 'bounce back' of STH infection to pretreatment levels post-mass drug administration (MDA). Predisposition is a widespread, but poorly understood phenomena among helminth infections where individuals are predisposed to reinfection after repeated treatments. This analysis uses Geshiyaro project data, an STH control programme exploring transmission interruption by community-wide MDA and enhanced water, sanitation and hygiene during 2019-2023. Parasitological survey data from longitudinal cohorts are analysed using Kendall's Tau-b rank correlation to assess the evidence for predisposition to light or heavy infection between four consecutive rounds of MDA. Correlation analyses revealed the strongest evidence for predisposition to heavy or light Ascaris lumbricoides infection was between survey 1 and 2 (Tau-b 0.29; p<0.001). Overall patterns were not observed for Trichuris trichiura or hookworm infections, however, some significant and notable correlations were recorded for some stratifications and time points. Evidence for predisposition in endemic settings in southern Ethiopia with low STH prevalence suggests that more targeted approaches to MDA in those predisposed to infection may be a sensible control strategy if cheap, point of care diagnostics are available.

Physical Fitness, Growth and Appetite of Kenyan School Boys with Hookworm, Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides Infections are Improved Four Months after a Single Dose of Albendazole

We studied physical fitness with the Harvard Step Test, growth, and appetite in primary school boys infected with hookworm (96% baseline prevalence), Trichuris trichiura (98% prevalence) and Ascaris lumbricoides (41% prevalence) who received a single 600-mg dose of albendazole or an identical placebo. Boys were examined, allocated at random within pairs by descending hookworm egg count to placebo (n = 26) or albendazole (n = 27) groups, treated, and re-examined 4 mo later. Four months after treatment, the albendazole group showed highly significant improvements in fitness score, resting heart rate, and heart rates at 1, 2, 3 and 4 min after the Harvard Step Test, whereas the placebo group had not changed significantly. The albendazole group also exhibited significantly more rapid growth judged by weight gain (1.0 kg greater than the placebo group, P < 0.0002), height increment (0.6 cm more, P < 0.003), arm circumference (0.3 cm more, P < 0.0002), and triceps and subscapular skinfolds (1.0 mm more, P < 0.0002), and showed improved appetite with objective and subjective measures. We conclude that single-dose treatment with albendazole can allow improved physical fitness, growth, and appetite in school-age children in areas where these helminths and poor growth are highly prevalent.

Environmental contamination by soil-transmitted helminths ova and subsequent infection in school-age children in Calabar, Nigeria

The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) is linked to poverty, poor environmental hygiene, and poor sanitation. A cross-sectional study was conducted between July and September 2021 targeting school-age children (7–15 years) in Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. Two hundred and forty-four (244) school-age children participated in the study and 240 soil samples were collected from the selected schools. Faecal and soil samples collected were analysed following standard methods. One hundred and thirty-two [132/244; 54.1%] of 244 faecal samples analysed were positive for STHs. Three STHs were present in faecal samples examined; Ascaris lumbricoides (31.6%), Trichuris trichiura (11.9%) and hookworm (8.2%). The prevalence of STHs was highest amongst the 13–15 years age-group (57.4%) and least in the 7–9 years age group (40.7%) (p = 0.319). Females had the highest prevalence rate (55.6%) while 52.3% was recorded in males (p = 0.164). The overall intensity of Ascaris lumbricoides (68.82±3.605 epg) infection was higher than that recorded for hookworm (58.80±7.279 epg) and T. trichiura (55.71±4.460 epg). There was no significant gender and age-related difference in infection intensities (P>0.05). Out of 240 soil samples examined, 156 (65%) were positive for STHs which included Ascaris lumbricoides (23.3%), hookworm (17.5%), Trichuris trichiura (16.3%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (15.8%). Dumpsites recorded the highest prevalence of STHs (72.5%). Ascaris lumbricoides had the highest mean parasite intensity in soil (148.78±12.28). Overall intensity of STHs in soil was significantly higher in dumpsites areas (164.32±20.58) compared to playground and toilet areas (p = 0.030). Our findings reveal that soil-transmitted helminthiases remains a burden amongst school-age children. Furthermore, the high level of contamination of soil with ova/larvae of parasites is a serious public health concern pointing to the need for proper sanitation and health education within the study area. Data present will aid policy makers in establishing measures to reduce the burden of soil-transmitted helminthiases in children as well as the level of contamination in the environment.

Efficacy of Single-Dose Albendazole for the Treatment of Soil-Transmitted Helminthic Infections among School Children in Rwanda-A Prospective Cohort Study.

Mass drug administration (MDA) of single-dose albendazole to all at-risk populations as preventive chemotherapy (deworming) is recommended by WHO to halt transmission of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) in endemic countries. We assessed the effectiveness of single-dose albendazole against STH infection in the western province of Rwanda, where STH prevalence remains high despite the implementation of preventive chemotherapy for over a decade. Two weeks before the scheduled MDA, 4998 school children (5-15 years old) were screened for STH infections (Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworm), and 1526 children who tested positive for at least one type of STH parasite were enrolled and received single-dose albendazole (400 mg) through MDA. A follow-up stool exam was performed at three weeks post-treatment using Kato-Katz. Efficacy was assessed by cure rate (CR), defined as the proportion of children who became egg-free, and egg reduction rates (ERRs) at three weeks post-treatment. The CR and ERR for hookworms (CR = 96.7%, ERR = 97.4%) was above, and for Ascaris lumbricoides (CR = 95.1%, ERR = 94.6%) was borderline compared with the WHO efficacy threshold (CR and ERR ≥ 95%). However, the CR and ERR for T. trichiura (CR = 17.6% ERR = 40.3%) were below the WHO threshold for efficacy (CR and ERR ≥ 50%). Having moderate-to-heavy infection intensity and coinfection with another type of STH parasites were independent risk factors for lower CR and ERR against Trichirus trichiura (p < 0.001). Single-dose albendazole used in the MDA program is efficacious for the treatment and control for hookworms and Ascaris lumbricoides infections but not effective for Trichirus trichiura. An alternative treatment regimen is urgently needed to prevent, control, and eliminate STH as a public health problem.

Epidemiology of Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis Among Pre-School Children in Ijebu-Jesa, Southwest, Nigeria

A cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2012 and June 2013 among children aged 0-60 months attending monthly clinic organized by St. Andrew’s Clinic for Children (STACC) with a view to determining the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) among pre-school children. The study also identified the associated risk factors for Ascaris lumbricoides infections. Fresh faecal sample were collected from 223 children randomly selected into the labeled sample bottle in addition to a pretested questionnaire to collect demographic information from parents of these children. The faecal samples were homogenized, processed in the laboratory by modified Kato-Katz technique and then examined for Soil-transmitted helminthes eggs using light microscope at a magnification of x100. The data collected were analysed using SPSS statistical software Version 17.0.Of the 223 children examined, 73 (32.7%) were positive for at least one helminth. The prevalences of the helminths eggs were 31.4% for Ascaris lumbricoides, 1.8% for T. trichiura, 0.9% for hookworm and 0.5% for Strongyloides stercoralis. The prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminthes (STHs) increased with age; however, there was no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) in the prevalence of infection between the two sexes. A co-infection of A. lumbricoides was the dominant infection. The lowest prevalence and intensity (15.6%; 31.27 ± 10.83), highest prevalence 58.3% and intensity (1943.33 ± 908.80) occurred in children aged 48-59 months. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that the pattern of A. lumbricoides infection was strongly influenced by animal ownership.

High Prevalence of Hookworm Species and Associated Factors among Soil-Transmitted Helminth-Infected Household Contacts in Burie Zuria District, Northwest Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are parasitic worms that are widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions. In Ethiopia, one of the tropical countries, STH infections are high and cause a huge burden. Several STH species show a pattern of household clustering with regard to prevalence and intensity. However, there is a scarcity of data on the status of STH infection among family contacts of STH-infected individuals in Ethiopia in general and in the study area in particular. This study is aimed at assessing the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths and associated factors among STH-infected household contacts in Burie Zuria district, northwest Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 study participants from March to May 2021. Study participants were traced to their residences by following STH-infected patients. A convenient sampling technique was used to recruit the study participants. The stool samples were processed using duplicate Kato-Katz thick smears and a modified Ritchie's technique. The data were entered and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 26 of the software package. A P value <0.05 was considered a statistically significant association. The overall prevalence of STHs was 36.5% (95% CI: 31.7%-41.5%). Two STHs, namely hookworm species (33.2%, 140/422) at (95% CI: 28.9%-37.8%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (4.3%, 18/422) at (95% CI: 2.7%-6.6%), were identified, with a double infection of 2.6% (4/154) at (95% CI: 1.0%-6.5%). Almost the majority (96.9%) of hookworm species and all Ascaris lumbricoides infections were categorized under a light intensity of infection. Family size >5 (AOR = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.15-2.60; P = 0.008) and lack of latrine facility (AOR = 1.86; 95% CI: 1.17-2.90; P = 0.02) were significantly associated with STH infections. A high prevalence of hookworms was found in the study area, where the majority of the study participants were adults. This finding may provide a basis for revising the school-based deworming programs that exclude the adult population. Public health interventions like accessing latrines, health education, and deworming programs should be regularly implemented for all age groups in the areas.

Association between Ascaris lumbricoides infection and undernutrition in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: Ascariasis is the most common soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infection in children, with prevalence ranging from 6 to 60%, especially in an endemic region in Indonesia such as East Nusa Tenggara, Sumatera, and other remote areas. Ascariasis effects toward undernutrition were still unclear because there were differences between studies. This study aimed to investigate the association between Ascariasis and undernutrition in children. Methods: Six authors reviewed and analyzed eligible studies from PubMed and MEDLINE, Google Scholar, ProQuest, EBSCO-Host, and Springer Link, using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses) guidelines with Reference manager was used, and the data analyzed using Revman 5.4. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale adapted for cross-sectional studies was used to examine the publication bias. Results: This review included 15 studies and 12 studies used for meta-analyses. Pooled data indicates that Ascariasis is significantly associated with stunting (OR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.31;3.77, p = 0.003) and underweight (OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.01;1.60, p = 0.04), meanwhile not significantly associated with wasted (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.87;1.40, p = 0.40) of children aged 0-19 years. Conclusion: Ascariasis increases the risk of stunting and underweight among other parameters of undernutrition. Therefore, early screening, diagnosis, and intervention must be taken to prevent stunting and underweight in children.