Cellophane Tape Method Research Articles

Assessment of the Distribution of Intestinal Parasites Detected in the Parasitology Laboratory of Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine Between 2017 and 2021.

It is known that protozoa and helminths that cause intestinal infections adversely affect human life. Changing climate and demographic and socio-economic factors worldwide necessitate the determination and updating of the incidence of these parasites. Our study aimed to retrospectively examine the distribution of intestinal parasites detected in the Parasitology Laboratory of Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine between 2017 and 2021. Parasitological examinations were performed using the native-lugol and formol-ether condensation method. Staining method (Modified Ziehl-Neelsen) and cellophane tape method were then applied to evaluate the specimens considered necessary. One or more parasites were detected in 33 of 373 patients (8.8%) evaluated in the study. These were Giardia intestinalis at a rate of 30.5% (11/36), Enterobius vermicularis at a rate of 27.7% (10/36), Blastocystis sp. at a rate of 19.4% (7/36), Entamoeba coli at a rate of 11.1% (4/36), Cryptosporidium spp. at a rate of 8.3% (3/36) and Taenia saginata at a rate of 2.7% (1/36). It was determined that two patients were coinfected by Entamoeba coli and Blastocystis sp. while one patient was coinfected by Entamoeba coli and Giardia intestinalis. It is thought that determining the incidence of intestinal parasites, which are an important public health problem, may help guide studies for preventive health services. Although the five-year laboratory data obtained from the study do not reflect our region, it is thought that intestinal parasites maintain their importance.

Prevalence of Enterobiasis Infection Among School-Aged Children in the Kebon Kongok Landfill Area, West Lombok

Enterobiasis, also known as pinworm infection, is a parasitic infestation that predominantly affects children and is caused by the Enterobius vermicularis parasite. Worm infections can significantly impact an individual's productivity and immune system. This study aims to document the occurrence of enterobiasis among children aged 6 to 9 years in the Kebon Kongok landfill area of West Lombok Regency. Data collection involved the administration of the cellophane tape method and a questionnaire filled by the parents or guardians of the participating children. Among the 188 participants, 36 children (19.15%) were identified as having enterobiasis. Notably, boys exhibited a higher prevalence than girls, and the most common age for enterobiasis was 7 years. Statistical analysis revealed that the child's age, their habit of playing in the dirt, and the parents' or guardians' age are pivotal factors influencing the incidence of enterobiasis in the Kebon Kongok landfill area of West Lombok Regency.

Assessment of the Serum Level of IL-1B, IL-2, and IL-10 in Children Infected with Enterobius vermicularis in Babylon Province

Background: Children are most frequently infected with Enterobius vermicularis, a human-pathogenic intestinal parasite that belongs to the nematodes and causes enterobiasis. Objectives: Evaluation of interleukin (IL)-1B and IL-2 levels in pinworm-infected youngsters is the goal. Materials and Methods: A total of 87 children—including 30 control subjects—participated in this study. Their ages ranged from 2 to 13 years old, and both sexes (50 females and 37 males) were represented. IL-1B, IL-2, and IL-10 levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test. Results: When using the cellophane tape method, the results showed that 53 (60.92%) clinically infected patients had laboratory examinations, whereas all 87 (100.0%) clinically infected patients had positive diagnostic results. Additionally, the level of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1B and IL-2) was slightly higher in the intestinal E. vermicularis, a human-pathogenic organism shown to be somewhat more prevalent in patients than in the control group in this investigation. Thirty children participated in the study. Additionally, the level of IL-10 did not increase much (P = 0.005). Conclusion: There was increasing serum of IL-1B, IL-2, and IL-10 in patients with enterobiasis.

Distribution of Intestinal Parasites Detected in Ankara Training and Research Hospital between 2017 and 2020

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the current prevalence of intestinal parasites in patients admitted to Ankara Training and Research Hospital during the period of 2017 to 2020.
 Materials and Methods: Intestinal parasitic examination results of patients between 2017 and 2020 were evaluated retrospectively. Data on demographic and clinical parameters were obtained from the laboratory information management system.
 Results: E. vermicularis eggs were found in 7.2% of 2348 samples examined by cellophane tape method. One or more intestinal parasites were detected in 18.2% of 4211 samples examined stool concentration method. Intestinal parasite positivity was the highest in children aged 6-18 years among age groups. The most frequently detected intestinal parasites were Blastocystis sp., E. vermicularis, Dientamoeba fragilis and Giardia intestinalis.
 Conclusion: Although our hospital is in the center of Ankara Training and Research Hospital, it mostly serves patients with low socioeconomic status and immigrant individuals; therefore total intestinal parasite detection rate was found relatively high. Intestinal parasitic infections are still an important public health issue in our country. It is important to determine the prevalence of parasitic infections to develop optimal prevention and treatment strategies.

Prevalence of and risk factors for Enterobius vermicularis infestation in preschool children, West Bank, Palestine, 2015.

Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) infestation is a common condition that primarily affects children. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of and the risk factors for E. vermicularis infestation in preschool children in north West Bank. A cross-sectional study that included the six main governorates in north West Bank was carried out on a sample of 384 preschool children from 86 day-care centres. The perianal cellophane tape method was used to detect E. vermicularis infestation. Parents/guardians of participating children completed a questionnaire to collect information about: demographic characteristics; hygiene behaviour; socioeconomic status; history of previous infestation; and presence of symptoms. Risk factors for infestation were assessed using logistic regression analysis. Of the 384 children, 85 (22.1%) had E. vermicularis infestation. Age (P = 0.04), governorate (P = 0.01), residency (P = 0.03), number of household members (P < 0.001) and washing hands after toilet use (P = 0.01) were significantly associated with E. vermicularis infestation. In the logistic regression analysis, factors that increased the probability of infection were: living in villages (odds ratio (OR) 2.25; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-5.00), living in a household with ≥ nine family members (OR 3.63; 95% CI: 1.42-9.26) and not washing hands after using the toilet (OR 2.4; 95% CI: 1.30-4.40). E. vermicularis is an important helminthic infestation among preschool children in Palestine. Efforts are needed to ensure the availability of treatment for infected children at primary care centres and to reinforce hygiene behaviour.

Prevalence of human soil-borne nematode infections in Yunnan Province: a cross-sectional study in 2015

To investigate the current prevalence of human soil-borne nematode infections in Yunnan province, so as to provide the scientific evidence for formulating the soil-borne nematodiasis control strategy in the province. In 2015, a total of 20 survey sites were sampled in 10 counties (cities) of Yunnan Province using the stratified cluster random sampling method. Stool samples were collected from all local permanent residents at ages of one year and older in each survey site, and the soil-borne nematode eggs were identified using the modified Kato-Katz technique and the egg number was counted. In addition, the hookworm species was identified using the filter-paperculture method, and Enterobius vermicularis eggs were detected using the cellophane tape method in children at ages of 3 to 6 years. A total of 5 067 residents received stool examinations, and 950 residents were detected with soil-borne nematode infections, with an overall prevalence rate of 18.75%. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichura and hookworm was 7.52%, 8.47% and 9.02%, respectively. Among 446 children detected using the cellophane tape method, 5 children were detected with E. vermicularis infections. Among the 160 residents with hookworm infections, there were 139 residents with Necator americanus infections (86.88%), 16 with A. duodenale infections (10.00%) and 5 with mixed infections (3.12%). Mild A. lumbricoides (67.98%, 259/381), T. trichura (88.58%, 380/429) and hookworm infections (94.53%, 432/457) were predominant. Among the four ecological zones, the highest prevalence of human soilborne nematode infections was found in the East Tibet-South Sichuan Ecological Zone (31.79%), and among the 10 survey counties (cities), the greatest prevalence was seen in Gongshan Derung and Nu Autonomous County (50.13%), while the lowest prevalence was found in Ninglang Yi Autonomous County (0.40%). The prevalence of human soil-borne nematode infections was 5.67% (43/759), 26.67% (610/2 287) and 14.70% (297/2 021) in high-, moderate- and low-economic-level regions, respectively. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of human soil-borne nematode infections in terms of ecological regions, survey counties (cities) or economic development levels (χ2 = 342.20, 814.60 and 201.34, all P < 0.05). There was no significantdifference in the prevalence of human soil-borne nematode infections between male (18.21%, 441/2 422) and female residents (19.24%, 509/2 645) (χ2 = 0.89, P > 0.05), and soil-borne nematode infections were detected in residents at all age groups, with the greatest prevalence found in residents at ages of 1 to 9 years (25.88%). In addition, the highest prevalence of soil-borne nematode infections was seen in residents with the Dulong Ethnic Minority (82.09%), in preschool children (25.06%) and in illiterate residents (24.80%), and there was no age-, ethnicity-, occupation- or education level-specific prevalence of soil-borne nematode infections detected (χ2 = 46.50, 1 016.96, 36.33 and 52.43, all P < 0.05). The prevalence of human soil-borne nematode infections remains high in Yunnan Province. The management of soil-borne nematodiasis requires to be reinforced among low-age children, farmers, old people and residents with low educations levels or ethnic groups.

Surveillance of Enterobius vermicularis infections among children in Shandong Province from 2016 to 2020

To investigate the prevalence and changing trend of Enterobius vermicularis infections among children in Shandong Province, so as to provide the scientific evidence for the adjustment and development of the enterobiasis control strategy. Soil-borne nematodiasis surveillance sites were assigned in 51 counties (districts, cities) in Shandong Province from 2016 to 2020, and the E. vermicularis infections were detected using a modified Kato-Katz technique and the cellophane tape method among children at ages of 3 to 9 years living in these surveillance sites. The epidemiological profiles of E. vermicularis-infected children were descriptively analyzed. A total of 5 060 children at ages of 3 to 9 years were detected in 51 soil-borne nematodiasis surveillance sites in Shandong Province from 2016 to 2020, and the overall prevalence of E. vermicularis infections was 2.23%. The annual prevalence of E. vermicularis infections was 3.99% (26/651), 1.70% (14/824), 0.96% (8/837), 2.90% (45/1 552) and 1.67% (20/1 196) from 2016 to 2020, respectively, with a significant difference detected among years (χ2 = 21.455, P < 0.01). The prevalence of E. vermicularis infections was 1.25% (15/1 198), 1.85% (14/755), 3.18% (84/2 640) and 0 (0/467) among children from central, eastern, southern and northern Shandong Province (χ2 = 27.326, P < 0.01). In addition, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of E. vermicularis infections between male (1.98%, 56/2 831) and female children (2.56%, 57/2 229) (χ2 = 1.916, P > 0.05); however, there was age-specific prevalence of E. vermicularis infections among children (χ2 = 16.448, P < 0.05), with the greatest prevalence detected among children at ages of 6 years (3.18%, 25/786), and the lowest prevalence seen among children at ages of 3 years (0.75%, 6/800). The prevalence of E. vermicularis infections remained at a medium level among children at ages of 3 to 9 years in Shandong Province from 2016 to 2020, with region-specific prevalence found across the province. An integrated strategy is required for enterobiasis control.

Epidemiologic Study of Enterobius vermicularis Infection among Schoolchildren in the Republic of Marshall Islands.

The prevalence and risk factors of Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) infection among primary schoolchildren (PSC) in the Marshall Islands remain unknown; thus, investigation on the status of pinworm infection rate is necessary to establish baseline data. After parents'/guardians' consent, a total of 346 children (179 boys and 167 girls) participated in this study. Individual's perianal area and thumbs were inspected by using the Scotch tape technique and cellophane tape method, respectively. For each child, demographic and risk factor data were collected by a structured questionnaire and statistically analyzed. The overall prevalence of pinworm infection was 12.14% (42/346). Univariate analysis indicated significant differences in PSC who live in an urban area compared to those who live in the rural area (p=0.01). Multivariate analysis still found that PSC who live in the rural area had higher chances to acquire pinworm infection. However, no risk factors were identified to be associated with personal hygiene, sibling number, and parent's educational level or occupation. Nevertheless, a pinworm-like egg was detected on the thumb of one male participant. Children living in the rural area and thumb-sucking behavior are two of the important risk factors of transmitting pinworm infection in the PSC in the Marshall Islands. We suggested an urgent and continuous provision of adequate hygienic sensitization in the school and the community.

Intestinal Parasitoses among Chepang and Musahar Community People of Makwanpur and Nawalparasi Districts of Nepal.

Intestinal parasitosis is one of the commonly perceived serious problems often observed in children leading to high mortality. The objective of the study was to identify the intestinal parasites and study their prevalence in the two mostly disadvantaged communities (Musahar and Chepang) of Nepal. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Musahar and Chepang communities of Nepal from April to October 2019. A total of 205 random stool samples were collected in dry, clean and screw-capped plastic containers and mixed with 2.5% potassium dichromate solution. A pre-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on predisposing factors. The laboratory examination of the stool samples was done by direct microscopy and further confirmed by concentration methods (formalin ether sedimentation technique and flotation technique using Sheather's sugar solution), and modified acid-fast staining. Detection of eggs of Enterobius vermicularis was done by cellophane tape method. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was found to be 36.6%, with a similar prevalence in the Chepangs (39.8%) and in the Musahars (33.3%) (P > 0.05). The most predominant helminth was Ascaris lumbricoides (15.6%), while the most prevalent protozoan was Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (5.4%). The study also assessed a significant association between the prevalence of parasites with socio-demographic factors, types of drinking water consumption and sanitation habits of the people (P < 0.05). The findings of the study suggest a need for formulating effective preventive and control strategies against intestinal parasitic infections along with the continuity of mass deworming program.

Eskişehir'de park ve toplu taşıma araçlarında Enterobius vermicularis kontaminasyonunun araştırılması

In this study, it was aimed to determine the prevalence of E. vermicularis in various public transportation vehicles and parks in the city center of Eskişehir. For the study, 7 public transportation vehicles and 6 parks were selected in the city center of Eskişehir. Diagnosis was made using cellophane tape method. A total of 192 samples were collected from children's parks and public parks, and 138 samples from public transportation vehicles. In 4.1% of the samples taken from the parks; E. vermicularis egg was found in 0.8% of the samples taken from public transportation vehicles. It has been observed that park and public transportation vehicles can be effective in E. vermicularis infection. It was identified that deficiencies in public health services, environmental and personal hygiene were identified and necessary measures were taken.

Investigation on Demodex infections among university students in Kunming City

To investigate the prevalence of Demodex infection among students in Kunming Medical University, and identify the factors affecting Demodex infections, so as to provide the evidence for the development of the strategy for the prevention of Demodex infections. A total of 1 463 students from Grade 2014 who studied Medical Parasitology in Kunming Medical University were included in the survey. Demodex was examined in students'facial skin using the cellophane tape method, and the species was identified using microscopy. The students'gender, ethnicity, place of origin and skin type were captured using a questionnaire survey. The overall prevalence of Demodex infections was 19.07% (279/1 463) on the facial skin among the university students, and a higher prevalence was seen in girls (21.16%, 183/865) than in boys (16.05%, 96/598) (χ2 =5.965,P <0.05).TheprevalenceofDemodex infectionswas18.33%(66/360)amongminorethnicstudents,andnoethnicity-specific prevalence was seen (P > 0.05). Demodex folliculorum was the predominant species, with a prevalence of 50.54% (141/279), and mild infections were predominant among all infections (96.77%, 270/279), without severe infections seen. Multivariate nonconditional logistic regression analysis revealed that gender and roommates with Demodex infections were risk factors of Demodex infections, and the infection was not associated with ethnicity, place of origin or skin type. There were only 2.53% (37/1 463) of the subjects understanding the knowledge pertaining to the prevention and control of Demodex infection. A relatively low prevalence of Demodex infection is detected in the facial skin of students from Kunming Medical University, and Demodex infection is associated with gender and roommates with Demodex infections. Health education pertaining to the prevention of Demodex infections is suggested to be intensified among university students.

Investigation of demodex spp prevalence in medical laboratory students

This study focused on the prevalence of Demodex spp. in the students at Igdir University Vocational School of Health Services (VSHS) and on possible factors for this occurrence.The study was conducted with a total of 171 students (in the 18–52 age group, mean age: 21.33±3.14, of whom 73 were male and 98 were female) between January 2018 and May 2018. Samples were taken from the students’ faces - especially the nasal root, forehead, and cheeks - using the cellophane tape method. The samples were analyzed under a microscope, without dyeing,at 10X and 40X magnifications. To discover possible causes for the Demodex spp. prevalence, a survey was given to the same students.In this investigation, 59 out of 171 students were found to have Demodex spp. There was no immediate relationship between the prevalence of Demodex spp. and variables such as gender, age, family type, the presence of chronic disease, or facial hygiene. However, the ratio of Demodex spp. prevalence reached 19% in students who habitually ate dried nuts and fruits compared to those who did not.We concluded that the Demodex spp.the infestation was very high in students at VSHS. We also detected a negative correlation between the prevalence of Demodex spp. and the habit of eating dried nuts and fruits.

Enterobius vermicularis infection: prevalence and risk factors among preschool children in kindergarten in the capital area, Republic of the Marshall Islands

BackgroundEnterobius vermicularis (pinworm) is one of the most common human parasitic helminths, and children are the most susceptible group. Some behavioral and environmental factors may facilitate pinworm infection. In the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), the status of pinworm infections among children remains unknown.MethodsIn Majuro City, there are 14 kindergartens with a total of 635 preschool children (PSC) whose age range of 5~6 years. The present investigation attempted to determine the pinworm prevalence and associated risk factors as well as investigate whether eggs contaminated the clothes of PSC or the ground and tables in classrooms of 14 kindergartens. Informed consent form and a self-administered questionnaire were given to parents prior to pinworm screening. Perianal specimens were collected by an adhesive scotch tape method, and clothing of belly and hip sites and the ground and tables of the classrooms were inspected using a cellophane tape method to detect any eggs contamination.ResultsIn total, 392 PSC (5.28 ± 0.56 yrs. old) participated in this project. The overall prevalence of pinworm infection was 22.4% (88/392). Boys (24.5%) had higher prevalence than girls (20.31%) (p = 0.32). PSC aged > 5 years (32.77%) showed a significantly higher prevalence than those aged ≤5 years (17.95%) (p = 0.01). A univariate analysis indicated that PSC who lived in urban areas (22.95%) had a higher prevalence than those who lived in rural areas (20.69%) (p = 0.69). The employment status of the parents showed no association with the pinworm infection rate (p > 0.05). A logistic regression analysis indicated that “having an older sister” produced a higher risk of acquiring pinworm infection for PSC compared to those who did not have an older sister (OR = 2.02; 95%CI = 1.05~3.88; p = 0.04). No significant association between various other risk factors and pinworm infection was found (p > 0.05). Also, no eggs contamination was found on the clothes of the belly and hip sites or on the ground and tables in the 14 kindergartens.ConclusionsMass screening and treatment of infected PSC are important measures in pinworm control in the RMI.

Clinico-mycological study and comparison of efficacy of three different techniques of sample collection from skin lesions for potassium hydroxide mount preparation in dermatophytoses

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Dermatophytoses are superficial fungal infections which invade and multiply within keratinized tissue. The KOH mount is one of the useful procedures and believed to be more reliable than culture for demonstrating dermatophytes. A few studies in the past have demonstrated the usefulness of alternative methods of sample collection for KOH preparation, but data on sensitivity and specificity of these methods is lacking. The aim of the study was to study the clinic-mycological aspects of dermatophytoses and to compare the efficacy of three different sampling techniques from skin lesions and correlating KOH mount with culture results.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; 210 clinically diagnosed patients with dermatophytic infection attending outpatient department of Dermatology of a tertiary care hospital for duration of 2 years (September 2015 to October 2017) were included. The samples were collected from skin, hair and nail. These samples were used for direct microscopy by KOH mount and fungal cultures by Sabouraud dextrose agar media.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Of the total of 210 patients, maximum were in age group of &amp;lt;10 years (74 cases), male: female - 1.2:1. Tinea corporis was commonest presentation (40.5%). Overall direct microscopy positivity was 81% while three different techniques from the glabrous skin and groins lesions was scraping method (97%), cellophane tape method (96%), skin surface biopsy (SSB) (98%) and culture in (89%). &lt;em&gt;T. rubrum&lt;/em&gt; was commonest species isolate (37.7%).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Tinea corporis was the commonest clinical type followed tinea capitis. &lt;em&gt;T. rubrum&lt;/em&gt; were commonest dermatophytes isolated. All three methods of sampling were suitable for routine sample collection. The KOH mount helped rapid confirmation of clinical diagnosis.&lt;/p&gt;

Potassium hydroxide mount with cellophane adhesive tape: a method for direct diagnosis of dermatophyte skin infections.

Potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount is a simple and rapid procedure that can be performed with minimal resources and provides results within 1-2 h. To further optimize KOH mount using transparent cellophane tape to ascertain fungal elements, even by inexperienced personnel. A split-body study was conducted on 100 patients with tinea cruris. Conventional scrape method was performed on the right side and the cellophane tape method on the left. Microscopy was performed 1-2 h after collection, and on the next morning and days 3 and 7. Of the 100 samples, positive results were seen in 91 (91%) with the standard method and 94 (94%) with the cellophane tape method. Clumping of the fungi and presence of artefacts were more marked with the scrape than with the tape method. In view of its merits over the conventional scrape method, the cellophane tape method is a prudent alternative for the detection of superficial fungal infections.

Effects of five Chinese herbs on human demodicid mites in vitro

To research the effects of five Chinese herbs of Artemisia argyi, Chimonanthus praecox, Agastache rugosa, pine needles and Osmamthus fragrans on human demodicid mites in vitro. The human demodicid mites were acquired with the cellophane tape method. The ethanol heat reflux extractions were carried out on the 5 kinds of Chinese herbs to be studied and Stemona sessilifolia as the positive control, so as to get the herbal extracts. Next, the drug administration was carried out to the demodicid mites, and the inhibitory or killing effects of the 6 kinds of Chinese herbs above mentioned on the vermiform mites were observed under a microscope. It was considered to be dead when the bodies of the demodicid mites stopped moving. Besides, the duration from drug administration to death of the vermiform mites was recorded. Artemisia argyi, Chimonanthus praecox and Agastache rugosa could effectively inhibit and kill human demodicid mites. The effect of Artemisia argyi and Agastache rugosa was similar to the effect of Stemona sessilifolia, and the effect of Chimonanthus praecox was weaker than Stemona sessilifolia's effect. Among them, Agastache rugosa took a relatively short time (4.60 min ± 1.66 min) min and Osmamthus fragrans took the longest time (114.65min ± 80.14min) to Demodex folliculorum; Whereas, Artemisia argyi took the shortest time (3.56min ± 1.92 min) min and Osmamthus fragrans took the longest time (194.24min ± 134.96 min) min to Demodex brevis. The effects of Artemisia argyi and Agastache rugosa on human demodicid mites are similar to that of Stemona sessilifolia. The effects of Chimonanthus praecox and pine needles are weaker than that of Stemona sessilifolia. Osmamthus fragrans has no acaricidal effect.

Distribution of Intestinal Parasites Detected in Sanliurfa Mehmet Akif Inan Education and Research Hospital Between October 2015 and October 2016

A total of 7353 patients who referred to the Microbiology Laboratory of Mehmet Akif Inan Education and Research Hospital between October 2015 and October 2016 were evaluated for intestinal parasites. All fecal samples were investigated using three methods: wet mount, formalin ethyl acetate concentration, and trichrome staining. The cellophane tape method could only be used in a limited number of patients owing to the absence of a pediatrics outpatient clinic in our hospital. One or more intestinal parasites were detected in 2,322 (31.6%) among the 7,353 patients. Blastocystis spp. (1,884, 63.6%), Entamoeba coli (390, 13.2%), and Giardia intestinalis (169, 5.7%) were the most frequently observed parasites in stool samples. Two or more parasites were detected in 528 (22.7%) of the positive cases. The positivity rate was 30.3% among women and 33.4% among men. Intestinal parasitosis is still significant for community health care in the Şanlıurfa Province.

English

This cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out to determine the socio-demographic, and clinical profiles of mycologically diagnosed pityriasis versicolor (PV) among outpatients of the Department of Dermatology, Teaching Hospital of Yopougon (Abidjan, C&ocirc;te d&rsquo;Ivoire) between July, 2012 and February, 2013. Among 1578 patients screened for various consultations, 200 presented with lesions suggestive of PV, reflecting a rate of 12.7% (CI95% = 11.1 to 14.4). These 200 patients were enrolled regardless of gender or age and sampled using the cellophane tape method for identification of Malassezia yeast. Percentage of patients receiving mycological diagnose was 10.8% (CI95% = 9.4 to 12.4). The average age of the patients was 24.8 years (3 to 56 years; SD = 9.6). Women (58.5%) and patients between 20 and 30 years (54.4%) were most commonly affected. Education level (p = 0.0013), lesion type (p = 0.0005) and use of cosmetic products (p &lt; 0.0001) were associated with the occurrence of PV. Cosmetic products with depigmenting effects were among the most commonly used by affected patients (52.2%). Lesions were mostly located on the back (38.8%) and the chest (20.5%). There were no associated symptoms (43.9%) observed and affected patients (33.3%) experienced high sweating. A better understanding of the risk factors associated with this condition and biological confirmation of suspicious cases would allow for more effective therapeutic management.&nbsp; &nbsp; Key words: Pityriasis versicolor, contributing factors, Malassezia sp., C&ocirc;te d&rsquo;Ivoire.

Enterobiasis epidemiology and molecular characterization of Enterobius vermicularis in healthy children in north-eastern Poland

Summary Enterobiasis is a human intestinal parasitic disease caused by human pinworm, Enterobius vermicularis. Despite being the most prevalent nematode infection in Europe and North America, predominantly among in school aged children, the data concerning infection rate and knowledge of genetic variability of pinworms are incomplete. The aim of the study was the estimation of prevalence and molecular typing of Enterobius vermicularis among healthy children in north-eastern Poland. In 2013 – 2015, 296 individuals (aged 2 – 18 years) from 12 kindergartens, schools and orphanages were examined by the adhesive cellophane tape method. Data on socio-demographic status were collected using a questionnaire. Molecular analysis was performed using the DNA of adult female pinworms and primers targeting the region of cytochrome oxidase I gene. The overall prevalence of enterobiasis was 10.1 %. Enterobius vermicularis infection rates were 3.9 % in children living in families and 32.8 % among the orphans (OR=0.08; 95 % CI: 0.04 – 0.19; p&lt;0.001). There were no associations between distribution of enterobiasis and gender, pets possession and the season of examination. In 43.3 % of the infected children enterobiasis was asymptomatic. Based on a molecular marker three different haplotypes of pinworm were identified. All sequences clustered within type B, together with human E. vermicularis isolates from Denmark, Germany, Greece, and Japan. This paper provides complementary data on the occurrence and intraspecific variability of E. vermicularis in human population in Europe.

Epidemic status of human key parasitic diseases in Tongcheng City, Anhui Province

To understand the current status of key parasitic diseases in Tongcheng City, so as to provide an epidemiological reference for formulating the scientific planning for "13th Five-year" parasitic diseases prevention and control. The villages of different levels in Tongcheng City were sampled to investigate the infection of parasitic diseases of residents aged three or more years. Soil-transmitted nemathelminth, intestinal protozoa and Enterobius vermicularis were investigated by the Kato-Katz technique (a fecal sample seized two), iodine smear method and cellophane tape method, respectively. Meanwhile a questionnaire survey was conducted on the basic situation, knowledge and health behaviors of the residents to soiltransmitted nemathelminth infection. Totally 1 023 residents were investigated, and 38 were positive of parasitic infection, with the total infection rate of 3.71%. The soil-transmitted nematodes infection rate was 3.62%, 36 people were infected with hookworm (3.52%), one person was infected with Trichuris trichiura (0.10%), one person was infected with intestinal protozoa (Blastocystis hominis). Ascaris lumbricoides, E. vermicularis and tapeworm infections were not founded. The total awareness rate of prevention knowledge, behavior and attitude was 76.93%. The infection rate of soil-transmitted nemathelminth infections is reduced below 5% in Tongcheng City. The main species of parasites is Necator americanus, and the population of the infection is mainly concentrated in the residents over the age of 60 years.