Ascaris Lumbricoides Research Articles

Prevalence of enteroparasites in rural and urban children in the municipalities of Bocaiúva do Sul and Colombo, Paraná, Brazil

The aim of this study was to diagnose enteroparasites and to relate them to socioeconomic factors in schoolchildren from the public system in the municipalities of Colombo and Bocaiúva do Sul, located in the Metropolitan Region from the city of Curitiba, Brazil. Fecal samples were processed using the modified Ritchie and Ziehl-Neelsen staining methods. Analysis of the risk factors, using Tukey test and Odds ratio (OR), was obtained by connecting questionnaires with parasitological results. Of the 414 schoolchildren analyzed, 32.4% (134) were positive for at least one enteroparasite species. The most prevalent were Blastocystis spp. (21.7%), Entamoeba coli (5.5%), Endolimax nana (5.5%), Giardia duodenalis (3.9%), Trichuris trichiura (3.7%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (2.9%). Schoolchildren from rural areas had a higher occurrence of enteric parasites (p<0.05), showing that is necessary to continue with health education, being careful with the food, basic sanitation and parasitological examination of feces before treatment. KEY WORDS: Enteroparasites; monoparasitism; multiparasitism; children; socio-echonomic factors.

Parasitological, Bacterial and Fungal Evaluation of Some Ready-to-Eat Foods Sold by Vendors in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Aims: To determine the prevalence and distribution of gastrointestinal parasites, bacteria and fungi in Date, Wet Tiger nut, Dry Tiger nut, Kuli-kuli and kola nuts sold by roadside vendors in nine locations in Rivers State. Study Design: A total of 270 samples were procured randomly from roadside sellers. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Animal and Environmental Biology [parasitology unit), University of Port Harcourt, between March and July 2022. Methodology: The 270 samples were examined for gastrointestinal parasites using direct wet preparation and sedimentation techniques, while 135 of the samples selected based on type and location were examined for bacteria and fungi using standard microbial techniques. Results: Out of the 270 samples examined, 124(49.9%) were positive for gastrointestinal parasites as follows; Ascaris lumbricoides 52(19.3%), Ancylostoma spp 39(14.4%), Trichuris trichiura 19(7.0%) and Giardia lamblia 14(5.2%). dry Tiger nut recorded the highest prevalence 39(72.2%) and Kola nut 11(20.4%) had the least prevalence. Aluu had the highest prevalence 21(70.0%) while Rumuokoro recorded the least 3(10.0%) p=05. Of the 135 samples, 96(71.1%) was positive for bacteria while 19(14.1%) was positive for Candida species (fungi). The bacteria isolated were Escherichia coli 48(35.5%), Klebsiella species 32(23.7%) and Staphylococcus aureus 16(11.9%). Kola nut recorded the highest bacterial contamination 26(96.3%) and Date the lowest 10 (37.0). Samples from Choba had the highest bacterial contamination 12(80%) while Alakahia had the least bacterial contamination 7(46.7%) p=05. Dry Tiger nut 12(44.4%) and Wet Tiger nut 7(25.9%) were the only sample types with fungal contamination. Conclusion: Vendors and consumers should be educated on the possible health implications of poorly handled RTE foods, and government should implement and enforce sanitary rules to preserve the environmental quality of areas where RTE foods are being processed and sold.

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

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among patients attending Debarq Primary Hospital, northwest Ethiopia.

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are major public health problems in developing countries. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of IPIs at Debarq Primary Hospital in northwest Ethiopia. A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2022 to June 2022. The study participants were recruited from patients who visited Debarq Primary Hospital during the study period. Stool samples were collected from each participant and examined for intestinal parasites using direct wet-mount and formal-ether concentration techniques. Socio-demographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Out of 422 individuals examined, 33.64% were infected with at least one intestinal parasite species. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Giardia intestinalis, Ascaris lumbricoides, and hookworm were found in 12.79%, 8.53%, 7.10%, and 1.65% of the participants, respectively. Double and triple parasite infections were found in 2.37% and 0.23% of the participants, respectively. A habit of eating unwashed vegetables (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 9.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.68-37.14) and low income (AOR = 6.66, 95% CI = 1.87-23.70) were associated with increased odds of IPIs. Participants with a habit of hand washing after using the toilet had 0.05 (95% CI = 0.13-0.22) lower odds of IPIs than those who did not. In conclusion, IPIs are common among Debarq Primary Hospital patients and are associated with factors such as low income, not washing hands after using the toilet, and eating unwashed vegetation, necessitating control and prevention efforts in the study area that include health education and the provision and use of sanitary facilities.

Homoeopathy : a Weapon to Children Enemy Ascaris Lumbricoids : a Pilot Study to Study the Effectiveness of Calcarea Carbonica, Cina & Sulphur in Children with Ascariasis

The National Deworming Day is an initiative of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India to make every child in the country worm free. This is one of the largest public health programs reaching large number of children during a short period. More than 836 million children are at risk of parasitic worm infections worldwide. According to World Health Organization 241 million children between the ages of 1 and 14 years are at risk of parasitic intestinal worms in India, also known as Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH). Helminths (worms) which are transmitted through soil contaminated with faecal matter are called soil-transmitted helminths (Intestinal parasitic worms). Roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) and hookworms (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale) are worms that infect people.

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.

Cystatin from the helminth Ascaris lumbricoides upregulates mevalonate and cholesterol biosynthesis pathways and immunomodulatory genes in human monocyte-derived dendritic cells.

Ascaris lumbricoides cystatin (Al-CPI) prevents the development of allergic airway inflammation and dextran-induced colitis in mice models. It has been suggested that helminth-derived cystatins inhibit cathepsins in dendritic cells (DC), but their immunomodulatory mechanisms are unclear. We aimed to analyze the transcriptional profile of human monocyte-derived DC (moDC) upon stimulation with Al-CPI to elucidate target genes and pathways of parasite immunomodulation. moDC were generated from peripheral blood monocytes from six healthy human donors of Denmark, stimulated with 1 µM of Al-CPI, and cultured for 5 hours at 37°C. RNA was sequenced using TrueSeq RNA libraries and the NextSeq 550 v2.5 (75 cycles) sequencing kit (Illumina, Inc). After QC, reads were aligned to the human GRCh38 genome using Spliced Transcripts Alignment to a Reference (STAR) software. Differential expression was calculated by DESEq2 and expressed in fold changes (FC). Cell surface markers and cytokine production by moDC were evaluated by flow cytometry. Compared to unstimulated cells, Al-CPI stimulated moDC showed differential expression of 444 transcripts (|FC| ≥1.3). The top significant differences were in Kruppel-like factor 10 (KLF10, FC 3.3, PBH = 3 x 10-136), palladin (FC 2, PBH = 3 x 10-41), and the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR, FC 2.6, PBH = 5 x 10-41). Upregulated genes were enriched in regulation of cholesterol biosynthesis by sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBP) signaling pathways and immune pathways. Several genes in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway showed significantly increased expression upon Al-CPI stimulation, even in the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Regarding the pathway of negative regulation of immune response, we found a significant decrease in the cell surface expression of CD86, HLA-DR, and PD-L1 upon stimulation with 1 µM Al-CPI. Al-CPI modifies the transcriptome of moDC, increasing several transcripts encoding enzymes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis and SREBP signaling. Moreover, Al-CPI target several transcripts in the TNF-alpha signaling pathway influencing cytokine release by moDC. In addition, mRNA levels of genes encoding KLF10 and other members of the TGF beta and the IL-10 families were also modified by Al-CPI stimulation. The regulation of the mevalonate pathway and cholesterol biosynthesis suggests new mechanisms involved in DC responses to helminth immunomodulatory molecules.

Soil-transmitted helminth infections and anemia in children attending government run schools on Samosir Island, Indonesia

BackgroundWorldwide, >654 million children live in regions where soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are endemic. These parasites cause a variety of symptoms, including anemia. MethodsIn May 2023, fecal and blood samples were collected from children aged 6 to 11 years attending government run (public) elementary schools in the Simanindo and Ronggur Nihuta sub-districts of Samosir Island, Indonesia where a twice a year mass drug administration (MDA) program is currently in place. A questionnaire was administered to students' parents or adult family members on possible risk factors for STH infections. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. ResultsIn total, 187 and 221 children in Simanindo and Ronggur Nihuta provided samples, respectively. The STH infection prevalence in Simanindo was 4.8% (9/187) and the infection prevalence in Ronggur Nihuta was 5.9% (13/221). In Simanindo, all infections were caused by Trichuris trichiura (n = 9), and in Ronggur Nihuta infections were caused by Ascaris lumbricoides (n = 6), Trichuris trichiura (n = 5), and A. lumbricoides + T. trichiura (n = 2). Three children had anemia but were negative for STH infections. While the results of the parent/adult questionnaires indicated access to a generally safe water supply and septic system, information from the in-depth interviews and focus groups revealed that the local water supply becomes greatly diminished during the dry season. ConclusionsWhile MDA has been shown to effectively control roundworms and hookworms, additional measures to control trichuriasis are needed. There is also a need for the government to invest in improving the public water supply infrastructure.

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis among school-aged children in selected primary schools in southwest Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and intensity of infection of soil-transmitted helminths among school-aged children in Ife Central and Ife East Local Government Areas, Osun State, Nigeria. Fresh stool samples were collected from 324 pupils, comprising 162 males and 162 females (aged 5-12 years). The preserved fecal samples were processed using a modified Kato-Katz technique. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Of the 324 fecal samples examined, 79 (24.4%) tested positive for helminth eggs. The eggs were identified as Ascaris lumbricoides, with a prevalence of 22.2%, and hookworm; with a prevalence of 3.7%. Double infections were observed in 5 (1.5%) pupils. Private schools had a slightly higher prevalence (24.7%) than did public schools (24.1%). Sex-related prevalence was higher among males (25.9%) than females (22.8%), and no significant difference existed in the prevalence level between the sexes (p > 0.05). This study concluded that STH infection remains a public health risk among children in the study area.

Conventional methods used in the clinical laboratory for the identification of Ascaris lumbricoides

Soil transmitted helminths affect millions of people around the world, ascariasis can generate different symptoms in the patient, so clinical diagnosis requires an exhaustive study. To date, there is no gold technique for the identification of Ascaris lumbricoides. However, the standard detection method despite its low sensitivity is the thick Kato-Katz extension, which is often used for mapping national programs. This technique can be complemented with methods such as: formalin-ether concentration, Kato- Katz, McMaster, flotation techniques (such as FLOTAC and Mini-FLOTAC), aqueous biphasic system that may be complemented with indirect conventional techniques such as blood count and serological diagnosis (identification of antibodies), the usefulness of these methodologies is limited to evaluating the transmission of this helminth in endemic areas that point to possible elimination. Molecular diagnostics are a futuristic trend, sensitive and specific, but their high costs limit their use in these countries

Soil Parasites Contamination of Jetties in Rivers State, Nigeria

The present study evaluated the Soil Parasites Contamination of Onne jetty, Abuloma jetty, Andoni jetty and Bonny jetty in Rivers State, Nigeria. A total of 200 soil samples from jetties within 0-2cm deep were collected in clean polythene using trowel. Soil samples were analysed using magnesium sulphate floatation and modified Baermann technique for the presence of soil parasites (protozoans and helminths). Out of the two hundred (200) sampled soil from the four jetties, one hundred and fifty-six 156 (78.0%) soil were contaminated with parasites. Bonny jetty had the highest soil contamination 46 (92%) followed by Abuloma 42 (84.0%), Onne 38 (76.0%), Andoni had the least soil contamination 30 (60.0%). However, there was no significant difference in the four jetties (P>0.05). Abuloma jetty had the highest parasites contamination 426 (39.48%), followed by Bonny jetty 296 (27.43%), Andoni jetty 194 (17.98%) and Onne jetty with the least parasite contamination 163 (15.11%). Thirteen soil parasites were recovered: Ascaris lumbricoides had the highest prevalence of 300 (27.8%), followed by Hookworm 164 (15.2%), Balantidium coli 152 (14.09%), Entamoeba histolytica 140 (12.97%), Entamoeba coli 100 (9.27%), Schistosoma mansoni 66(6.12%), Fasciola spp 56 (5.19%), Schistosoma japonicum 42 (3.89%), Strongyloides stercoralis 22 (2.04%), Isospora spp. 21 (1.95%), Toxocara spp 8 (0.74%), Trichuris trichiura 6 (0.56%) and Taenia spp 2 (0.19) with the least prevalence. There was no significant difference among the soil parasites recovered in the four jetties. The findings also showed that Ascaris lumbricoides had the highest average abundance and means intensity of 1.5 (75±42.77epg), followed by Hookworm with average abundance and intensity of 0.82 (41±24.69epg)), Taenia spp 0.01 (0.5±0.5) with the least abundance and intensity.

Biliary ascariasis: Case report

A 23-year-old woman with no relevant past medical history with acute abdominal pain was referred to her primary care physician which decides to perform an abdominal ultrasound where a linear echoic and mobile image was shown compatible with Ascaris Lumbricoides.

Global librometric analysis of research on Ascaris lumbricoides and its relationship to nursing practices associated with health education

It is estimated that approximately 820 million people are infected with Ascaris lumbricoides, and ascariasis infections are over 1.33 million, which is worrying as it can lead to morbidity by impairing the consumption of nutrients, as well as digestion and absorption due to intestinal obstruction. Knowing what research has been done on the subject is important for thinking about future steps to control and prevent helminths and their pathology. Evaluating international participation in research on A. lumbricoides with a view to highlighting the subject and associating these results with nursing practices related to health education, in order to help identify important aspects of the disease caused by this pathogen and to draw up educational interventions in communities, as well as obtaining support for future research. This is a descriptive, bibliometric study with a quantitative approach, carried out in five steps: research designer, compilation of bibliometric data, data analysis, data visualization and interpretation of results. To retrieve the data, scientific articles were searched for in the Web of Science™ (WoS) database. The search term used was "Ascaris lumbricoides". All the information available was downloaded in text file format for analysis using the RStudio Desktop software, linked to the R software (v.4.2.1). The Bibliometrix R package and its complementary graphical web interface, Biblioshiny, and the VOSviewer software were used for analysis. We analyzed 740 articles on A. lumbricoides, published between 1945 and 2023, in 324 scientific journals; Parasitology, Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene and Experimental Parasitology were the journals that ranked first for publications on the subject, and the Journal of Cell Biology had the most cited article to date. It was observed that the years that produced the most were 2010 and 2011, both with 17 articles, with the peak number of citations being 510 per year, occurring in 2013. The United States is at the top of the article production ranking, and is also the country with the most collaborations, with Brazil in second place. It was possible to identify global research trends on A. lumbricoides, and it was shown that there is little research on the subject. In the long term, the data obtained can support further research and the development of strategies aimed at both prevention and the control and management of cases of infection by the parasite, on an ongoing basis, through health education; in this regard, nursing professionals are fundamental, as they are the main agents dispersing knowledge to prevent diseases such as ascariasis in the low-income population.

Detecting Intestinal Parasites in Diarrheal Cases among Children in Dir Lower District

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are a critical health concern globally, causing significant morbidity, especially in low-resource settings. Factors such as poor sanitation, limited access to clean water, and suboptimal hygiene practices contribute to their spread. These infections are known to disproportionately affect children in underdeveloped regions, leading to chronic health issues and impeding socio-economic development. Objective: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in children presenting with diarrhea in the Dir Lower district of Pakistan and to analyze the distribution of these infections across different age groups and genders. The study also sought to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes towards diarrhea management among mothers of affected children. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in THQ hospitals in Samarbagh, Dir Lower. Stool samples were collected from 350 children under surveillance, with 150 positive cases identified for further analysis between October and December 2023. Stool Routine Examination (RE) and microscopy were the primary diagnostic techniques used. Ethical considerations adhered to the Helsinki Declaration. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Results: Out of 350 children surveyed, 38% (n=112) tested positive for at least one intestinal parasite. Giardia lamblia (47.32%) and Entamoeba histolytica (23.21%) were the most prevalent protozoa. The helminths Ascaris lumbricoides (4.46%) and Hymenolepis nana (9.82%) were also detected. The highest incidence of IPIs was among females (78 cases) and children under four years (61 cases). Conclusion: The study confirmed a high prevalence of IPIs among children with diarrhea in Dir Lower, with Giardia lamblia being the most common parasite. The findings underscore the need for improved public health strategies focusing on sanitation and hygiene education, especially in young children and females.

Clinical laboratory diagnostic techniques used in the identification of the helminth Ascaris lumbricoides, a review of the literature

Ascariasis is a disease caused by the helminth Ascaris lumbricoides (intestinal worm), which infects an average of 819 million individuals. Approximately more than 60 000 people die worldwide each year from this parasite. It is classified as a neglected subtropical endemic disease and is frequently found in Africa, Latin America, and East Asia. Ascariasis is detected by conventional tests, which are based on the direct identification of A. lumbricoides by direct macroscopic examination, traditional microscopy, formaldehyde concentration method, Kato-Katz, McMaster, flotation techniques (such as FLOTAC and Mini-FLOTAC), with the aim of observing helminth eggs; all these are cost-effective tests, but of low or moderate sensitivity. Therefore, molecular biology methods such as conventional PCR and multiplex PCR are an option for the detection of this parasite due to their high sensitivity and specificity, but their low accessibility in endemic countries due to the high prices of reagents and equipment should be considered. Indirect methods based on serology have been used for the identification of A. lumbricoides, but they have generated cross reactions with infections by other helminths so there is no specific serological test for this parasite at present. Nowadays, new techniques have been designed with high sensitivity and specificity that allow the diagnosis of ascariasis, among which we can mention detection and identification of A. lumbricoides eggs through optical imaging and loop-mediated isothermal amplification

Helicobacter Pylori and Intestinal Parasites Co-infection in Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in a Hospital, South-South Nigeria

Pregnant women are susceptible to severe health problems caused by Helicobacter pylori and intestinal parasitic infections. These conditions include iron deficiency anaemia, hyperemesis gravidarum, gastritis, duodenal ulcers, and maternal morbidity and mortality. These infections usually spread due to poor personal hygiene and socioeconomic conditions. The study aimed to investigate the occurrence of H. pylori and intestinal parasitic infections amongst pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic in Okolobiri, Bayelsa State. We analysed the samples using the H. pylori antibody rapid tests, stool direct wet mounts, formal ether concentration, and saturated sodium chloride floatation. The data revealed that 34% of the women were infected with H. pylori and 20% with intestinal parasites. The highest occurrence of H. pylori infection and intestinal co-infection was in the 26-30 age group. Entamoeba histolytica was the most common type of protozoa present, while Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichuria were the most common forms of helminth infections. The Chi-square analysis showed a statistically significant difference with respect to age. These results provide essential epidemiological data on the prevalence of H. pylori and intestinal parasitic infections among pregnant women in Okolobri, Bayelsa State. The study highlights the need to screen pregnant women for H. pylori and intestinal parasites to improve antenatal care for both mother and child.

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.

Gambaran Telur Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) Pada Anak-anak Yang Terindikasi Stunting Menggunakan Metode Natif

Soil-transmitted Helminth (STH) worm eggs are a type of intestinal parasite that can cause infections in humans, especially children. This parasitic infection can cause stunting, which can have a negative impact on health. This study aims to determine the description of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) eggs in children with indications of stunting. This research was carried out using laboratory observations. The object of this research was to collect feces using a random sampling technique with a direct (native) method. Based on the research that has been carried out, of the 16 feces samples, 9 positive samples were found to have soil-transmitted helminth (STH) worm eggs consisting of 7 Ascaris lumbricoides egg samples, 2 Trichuris trichiura egg samples, and 7 negative samples. It follows that one possible cause of childhood stunting could be the egg infection caused by soil-transmitted helminth (STH) worms.

Cockroaches as carriers of human medically important parasites.

Cockroaches have been identified as mechanical carriers of pathogens capable of infesting humans. The primary objective of this research was to detect and separate medically significant parasites found within the collected cockroaches. A total of 185 cockroaches were captured. In the laboratory, cockroaches underwent a series of steps. Initially, they were washed in a saturated salt solution and rinsed with 70% alcohol, dried, and subsequently dissected to examine endoparasites. In this study, a transport rate of 29.729% was documented, and four types of helminths were identified, which included Ascaris lumbricoides (47.27%), Enterobius vermicularis (30.91%), Trichuris spp. (7.27%), and Hymenolepis nana (14.55%). The parasites were more frequently found on the external surface of cockroaches (38/69.09%), compared to the internal surface (17/30.91%). Cockroaches captured in toilets were found to carry a higher percentage of parasites (31/16.75%) compared to those from kitchens (11/5.94%) and houses (13/7.02%). These findings suggest that cockroaches can serve as carriers for intestinal parasites and potentially act as mechanical agents in the dissemination of these parasites.

Prevalence of helmintic infections in Brazilian Maxakali indigenous: a repeated cross-sectional design.

The prevalence of intestinal parasites is known to be high among Amerindian populations; further, there are serious problems in the healthcare of these populations in Brazil. The Maxakali, located in the northeastern region of Minas Gerais, Brazil, is an indigenous group that still preserves many of its cultural aspects. This study aimed to compare the positivity rate of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths in this ethnic group in epidemiological surveys conducted in 1972 and 2014. Stool parasitological examinations were performed by the Kato-Katz technique during both periods in this population. In 2014, the parasitological diagnosis was also realized with the TF-Test® technique. In 1972, 270 inhabitants were examined. The positivity rates were 67.4% for Schistosoma mansoni, 72.9% for hookworms, 43.7% for Ascaris lumbricoides, and 23.7% for Trichuris trichiura. In 2014, 545 individuals were examined, and the positivity rates obtained were 45.7% for S. mansoni, 22.8% for hookworms, 0.6% for A. lumbricoides, and 2.8% for T. trichiura. The comparison of the parasitological surveys conducted in 1972 and 2014, indicates that the indigenous Maxakali remained neglected by the health and indigenous protection authorities during these four decades. The infection rate observed in 2014 for schistosomiasis and hookworm remains high, considering the current epidemiological view of these diseases in the Brazilian population.