Direct Smear Technique Research Articles

Prevalence of Gastro-Intestinal Parasitic Infection among School Children in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Nigeria

Intestinal parasitic infection is a serious and continuous health issue in Nigeria due to the suboptimal nature of sanitary equipment and housing facilities. Knowing the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among primary school pupils is a very vital concern to develop appropriate control measure in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State (PHALGA). A total of 250 children were examined. A study to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was conducted. A Structured questionnaire was used to establish environmental, behavioral and sociodemographic factors of the pupils. Stool samples were collected from all study subjects into sterile sample bottles and examined for parasites using a direct smear and formol-ether concentration technique. The results were analyzed statistically using GraphPad prism version 7 statistical tool. A total of 24.8% (62 of 250 children) carried on intestinal parasite. The most prevalent intestinal parasites identified were Ascaris lumbricoides (12.4%), Trichuris trichiura (6.8%) and hookworm (5.6%). This study indicated that the prevalence of intestinal parasites is associated with drinking unprotected well/spring water and less educated parents who do not practice hand washing before meal. Therefore, interventions such as chemotherapy, provision of adequate sanitary facilities and portable drinking water, improved personal hygiene and health education should be considered and implemented. Thus, these segments of the population should be considered by governmental and nongovernmental health institutes for any community-based intervention program.

Revisiting Acid-Fast Bacilli Microscopy of Concentrated Sputum Smears as an Efficient Tool for the Diagnosis of Tuberculosis: A Study from a Tertiary Care Centre in Southern India

Background and objectives: With 2.2 million new cases every year, Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be an epidemic of large proportions in India. Conventional direct sputum smear microscopy, though limited in its sensitivity, is still the most common method of testing for TB. Newer techniques such as concentrated sputum microscopy, have shown some promise in improving this limited sensitivity. We have compared the efficacy of concentrated sputum versus the direct smear technique in 1000 sputum samples of patients suspected to be suffering from TB. Methods: A total of 1000 sputum specimens were collected for direct acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear, concentrated AFB smear and culture from St. John’s Medical College and Hospital. 39 contaminated samples were (3.9%) omitted during the final analysis. Mycobacterial culture was used as the reference standard method for the detection of TB. Results: 184 and 198 of the 961 samples were found to AFB positive by direct smear microscopy and concentrated smear technique respectively. The measured sensitivity and specificity of direct smear microscopy were 69.86% and 95.82%, while that of concentrated smear microscopy was 76.71% and 95.96 % respectively. 33 samples found to be negative by the direct smear method turned out to be positive by the concentrated smear technique. Conclusions: Though our study suggests no significant statistical difference between the two techniques of detecting pulmonary tuberculosis, we recommend the use of the concentrated technique in centres such as ours, where facilities are already in place. In this way, the number of cases of TB that remain untreated may significantly come down.

Prevalence and associated risk factors for soil transmitted Helminth infections among Urban Dwellers, Amanuel Town, Northwest Ethiopia

Infection by soil transmitted helminthes has been increasingly recognized as an important public health problem in poor and developing countries. To initiate prevention and control measures for these neglected diseases, adequate information is required among high risk group. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for soil transmitted helminth infections among urban dwellers in Amanuel, east Gojjam, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study, involving 403 individuals, was carried out in Amanuel between November 2010 and January 2011. A structured questionnaire and observation for demographic and associated risk factors for soil transmitted helminthes (STHs) infections were used for data collection. Stool samples were collected in plastic containers from each participant and transported to Amanuel Health center for parasitological examination. Both direct wet smear and former-ether sedimentation concentration techniques were used to determine the presence of helminthes eggs. The overall prevalence of STH infections was 46.2% (186/403). Hookworm infection was the predominant soil transmitted helminth infections, which was detected in 77(19.1%) followed by A. lumbricoides which was infected 52(13%) of the study subjects. T. trichuria was the least prevalent geo-helminth infection, detected in only 23 (5.7%) of the study subjects. Majorities, 152(37.7%), had single infection. Double infection occurred in 25(6.2%) of the study subjects and only 9(2.2%) had multiple infection. The prevalence of soil transmitted helminthes was generally high in school age children and low in infants. The common predictors of STH infections in the study, among others, were poor personal hygienic conditions, less frequent wearing shoes habit, soil contacting occupation risk, and lack of hand washing habit after using toilet. On the basis of this result, it can be concluded that STH infection is an important problem among the community of Amanuel town. Therefore, it is recommended that education on personal and environmental hygiene should be taken into account to reduce the prevalence of STH infections. Moreover, school age children and other risk groups should receive regular treatment to control the transmissions of STH infections.

Risk factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections among inmates of Kisii prison, Kisii county, Kenya.

BackgroundIntestinal parasitic infections are a major health problem worldwide. In Kenya intestinal parasitic infections are highly prevalent especially in prisons due to poor and/or inadequate infrastructure. The aim of this study was to establish the risk factors associated with intestinal parasites infection among inmates of Kisii prison, Kisii county, Kenya.MethodsFresh stool samples of 384 inmates in Kisii prison aged 20 years and above, were screened for intestinal parasitic infections between February and August 2015. Stool samples were processed using direct fecal smear and formol-ether sedimentation techniques for confirmation then they were examined microscopically. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to establish the relationship of various factors and practices with the occurrence of intestinal parasites. The differences were considered statistically significant at P < 0.05.Results and discussionOf the 384 inmates screened, 95 (24.7 %) were infected with one or more intestinal parasites. Of the positive inmates, 58 (15.1 %) were infected with one species of protozoa while 24 (5.2 %) were infected with at least one species of helminthes and 13 (3.5 %) had mixed infections of species of intestinal parasites. Washing of hands before meals and after visiting toilets significantly reduced risk of infections (P < 0.05). The level of education was inversely related to the risk of intestinal parasites infection where by inmates at post primary education were least infected with intestinal parasites infection as compared to unschooled inmates (P < 0.05). Wearing of shoes was seen to significantly reduce parasitic infections (P ≤ 0.05). Duties assigned to inmates did not significantly determine the risk of intestinal parasitic infection (P > 0.05). Male inmates had significantly more intestinal parasites infections 57 (21.8 %) compared to females 28 (8.1 %) (P < 0.05). Inmates within ages 20–29 years were more infected (11.3 %) compared to the age group of >60 years (0.6 %) (P < 0.05). There was no statistical significant difference between the number of infections among the length of the jail terms (P < 0.05).ConclusionsPrevalence of intestinal parasites was high among inmates in the study area than the general population. Practices like wearing of shoes, washing of hands before meals after visiting a toilet and level of education affect the spread of the infections.

A comparative Analysis of the Gastro-Intestinal Helminth Parasites of Cattle in Awka and Obosi Abattoirs in Anambra State, Southeastern Nigeria

A comparative study was carried out on the prevalence of gastro-intestinal helminthes of cattle in Awka and Obosi abattoirs in Anambra State, between August and September, 2014. Fresh faecal specimens were collected from the rectum of 120 fleshly slaughtered cattle using universal specimen containers. arasitological examination of the faeces were done using direct smear and formal-ether concentration techniques. Out of 120 faecal specimens examined, 53(44.2%) of the cattle harboured gastro-intestinal helminth parasites. The prevalence of the intestinal parasites was higher in Obosi abattoir 33(55.0%) than in Awka abattoir 20(33.3%).The highest intestinal parasite encountered was nematode infection (26.7% in Awka; 31.7% in Obosi) and the least was cestode (15.0% in Awka; 21.7%in Obosi). Among the nematodes, Haemonchus contortus was common (10% in Awka; 11.7% in Obosi). Mixed infection recorded were 13.3% in Awka and 18.3% in Obosi abattoirs. White Fulani species had the highest infection rate in both Awka 10(16.7%) and Obosi abattoirs 14(23.4%) while the Red Fulani had the least prevalence in Awka3(5.0%) and Bokolo species 8(13.4%) in Obosi. Prevalence according to gender showed that females (20.0% in Awka; 28.3% in Obosi) were more infected than the males (13.3% in Awka; 26.7% in Obosi). The prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites was observed to be statistically significant with gender (P&gt;0.05) but not with different breeds (P&lt;0.05). Good management practices in cattle rearing will help to reduce intestinal parasites of cattle

Lymphocytopenia in a Calf with Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis: A Case Report

Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis, also referred to as Pink Eye, is a highly contagious disease that causes inflammation and ulceration of the cornea and conjunctiva of the eye. This report describes a case of lymphocytopenia in a 1 year old heifer. A Red Bororo heifer was presented to the University of Abuja Veterinary Teaching Hospital. She had a history of bumping into an object. Clinical signs included epiphora, conjunctivitis, with varying degrees of keratitis and lacrimation. Rectal temperature was 38.4oc and respiratory rate was 28 (cycles /minute). Pulse rate was 48 beats/minute. Blood samples and ocular swab were sent to the laboratory. The ocular swab culture and subsequent identification implicated gram negative, oxidase positive rods and gram positive, coagulase positive cocci as causative agents of the infection. The direct blood smear, wet mount and buffy coat technique revealed that the calf was negative for babesiosis and trypanosomosis. Microbiological examination revealed the presence of only <em>Moraxella bovis</em> in the heifer presented while <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> was isolated from the other four in-contact cattle. The blood picture also indicated moderately low lymphocytopenia. The animal was treated with 2 doses of long acting oxytetracycilne, 4 days apart, and the blood and microbiological tests were repeated post-treatment. Thereafter, the lymphocyte value returned to values within the normal range. It is important to assay the lymphocyte count in cases of bovine pink eye, so as to prevent dangers that may arise with very low levels of lymphocyte count.

Enteric parasitic infection among HIV-infected patients visiting Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Nepal.

BackgroundEnteric parasitic infection among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients has been a significant health problem in developing countries like Nepal. This study was undertaken to access the burden of enteric parasites among HIV patients and its association with their immune status.MethodsA cross-sectional study, involving 112 HIV sero-positive patients was conducted in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Public Health Research Laboratory, Kathmandu, Nepal from July 2011 to June 2012. The fecal samples were processed by direct-smear technique, in both normal saline solution and 1 % iodine solution as well as modified acid fast staining (Kinyoun’s method) after formalin ether concentration and Sheather’s sucrose flotation for the identification of enteric parasites.ResultsInfection with one or more parasite was seen in 33.9 % (n = 38) of the cases enrolled in the study, with the parasite prevalence rate of 41.1 % (n = 46). Literacy (OR = 1.9, 95 % CI 0.9–4.3) and CD4 T-cell count <200 (OR = 2.5, 95 % CI 1.1–5.7) were found to be associated with enteric parasite infection. Similarly, CD4 T-cell count <200 was found to be associated with opportunistic parasitic infection (OR = 3.2, 95 % CI 1.2–7.8). Among opportunistic parasites, Giardia duodenalis was the most common (28.3 %, n = 13) one. Multi-parasitism was observed in six patients (15.8 %).ConclusionEnteric parasitic infections are common in HIV-infected people. The poor immune status as indicated by low CD4 T-cell count may account for higher risk of both opportunistic and non-opportunistic enteric parasitic infection.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal and liver parasites in yaks in the cold desert area of lower Mustang, Nepal

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of gastrointestinal and liver parasites in yak in the cold desert area of the Mustang District, Nepal. MethodsFecal samples were collected over a period of three months from 96 yaks from the high Himalayan District of Mustang, Nepal. The samples were tested for the presence of parasites by direct smear, sedimentation, and floatation techniques. Yak herders were surveyed with pre-tested questionnaires by participatory appraisals to explore their knowledge and awareness of parasitic diseases and health management. ResultsExamination of fecal samples revealed that 82 were positive for one or more parasites, giving an overall prevalence of 85.42%, in which 6.25% had single and 79.17% had multiple parasitic infections. Animals with poor body condition scores and young age were more susceptible than their counterparts. Inferior body condition scores were attributed to parasitic burden. No significant difference was noted between worm burden and either the sex of the animal or the altitude. ConclusionsA high proportion of yaks in the lower Mustang Region of Nepal suffered from the mild to moderate parasitic infection, significant enough to contaminate the pasture and spread infection to healthy animals. Complementary studies are needed to establish the impact of parasitism on productive performance. Furthermore, nutrition and health management, including regular and strategic parasite monitoring programs are needed for better health and productivity.

Study on the Prevalance of Gastrointestinal Helminthes Infection in Equines in and around Kombolcha

A cross sectional study was conducted from October 2013 to April 2014 in and around Kombolcha town to estimate the prevalence of gastro intestinal tract helminthes infection and to identify the common GIT helminthes parasites of equines. Gross examination, direct fecal smear, sedimentation and floatation techniques were utilized to identify the eggs of parasites in feces. A total of 384 horses, mules and donkeys were examined for gastrointestinal parasites. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 73.2% (281 from 384) with 57.0% (73 from 128), 82.5% (160 from 194) and 77.4% (48 from 62) in horses, donkeys and mules respectively. Prevalence of Strongyle spp, Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi and Anoplocephala spp was 44.5%, 3.1%, 2.3%, and 3.1% respectively in horses. Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 63.4%, 8.6%, 2.1% and 3.1% for Strongyle spp, Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi and Anoplocephala spp in donkeys, respectively and the prevalence of GIT parasites was 48.4%, 12.9%, 3.2% and 6.5% for Strongyle spp, Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi and Anoplocephala spp in mules respectively. There was statistically significant difference between species, age, and body condition and among different management systems in prevalence of equine gastrointestinal parasites (p<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites based on sex. In conclusion, the present study revealed higher prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in equines. Therefore, regular deworming, improvement of housing and feeding management were recommended.

English

Amoebasis is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality world wide, especially in developing countries because of lack of safe potable water and low level of hygiene due to high level of poverty. This study determined the prevalence and spatial distribution of amoebasis in school age children in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Two hundred and seventy eight (278) stool samples were examined for the cyst or trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica using direct smear and floatation techniques. One hundred and eighty-eight (67.6%) of the samples were found to be positive for the parasite. Females (68.3%) were more infected than males (66.9%), but there was no significant difference between prevalence and sex. Children within the age group of 4 to 6 years old had the highest rate (85.3%) of infection. There was a significant difference between prevalence and the age groups. The highest prevalence of 33 (94.3%), 58 (95.0%), 80 (88.9%) and 73 (91.3%) were recorded among children who drink water fetched from the stream, buy food from food vendors, use pit toilet and were de-wormed nine months before stool sample collection (P < 0.05). Improved sanitation, personal hygiene and policy for regular de-worming of school age children by parents and Government will decrease the rate of intestinal infections. Key words: Prevalence, Entamoeba histolytica, amoebasis, infection, hygiene, children.

Gastrointestinal parasites of vervet monkeys around Lake Hawassa recreational sites, southern Ethiopia

Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) are non-human primates belonging to the family Cercopithecidae, which are native to Africa. The objective of the present study was to assess the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in free-ranging vervet monkeys. A total of 140 free-ranging vervet monkeys found in the recreational areas of Hawassa city, Ethiopia, were examined for gastrointestinal parasitic infection from November 2013 to April 2014. For the identification of eggs and larvae of nematodes and cysts, oocysts and trophozoites of protozoa, faecal samples were subjected to direct smear and floatation techniques. Overall, out of 140 faecal samples examined, 75 % were found to harbour one or more gastrointestinal nematode parasites. The most frequently detected nematode parasite was hookworms (45.7 %). Parasite eggs suggestive of cestode parasites were found in 7.9 % of the samples. Coccidia were the most commonly detected protozoa parasites (27.1 %). Mixed infections with two or more parasites were detected in 74.3 % of the examined faecal samples. The present study can give baseline information on the occurrence of parasitic infection in wild vervet monkeys in the area. Future studies in the area should focus not only on the animals but also on the determination of the possible transmission of the parasites to humans which do have close interaction with the vervet monkeys.

Infection with Entamoeba coli and Ascaris lumbricoides Affects Energy, Nutrients and Foods Intake in Mexican Children

Ascaris lumbricoides (A. Lumbricoides) and Entamoeba coli (E. coli) are two of the most prevalent intestinal parasites in Mexican children. The objective of this study was to determine the association of E. coli and A. lumbricoides infection with energy, macronutrients and food group intake in school age children. A total of 284 children (8 y ± 1.6) from a rural area of Queretaro, Mexico, participated in a cross-sectional study. Anthropometry and body fat (by DXA) were measured. Parents were interviewed to determine dietary intake using both a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and three 24-h recalls (24HR). Intestinal parasitic infection was determined by a direct smear and Kato Kats technique from a stool sample. The prevalence of E. coli and A. lumbricoides infection was 20% and 16%, respectively. Children infected with E. coli had a higher intake of energy and fat, and higher consumption of dairy, legumes, meat and cereals than non-infected children (p < 0.05). In contrast, children infected with A. lumbricoides had a significantly lower intake of energy, carbohydrates and fiber, and lower consumption of dairy and meat compared with non-infected children (p < 0.05). In this study, children infected with E. coli had a higher energy, macronutrient, and food group intake while children infected with A. Lumbricoides had lower energy, carbohydrate and fiber intakes. Further studies are needed to clarify the causal relationship.

Infection with Ascaris lumbricoides or Entamoeba coli Affect Differently Zinc Status in School‐aged Mexican Children

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the effect of Ascaris lumbricoides (A. lumbricoides) and Entamoeba coli (E. coli) on micronutrient status of school-aged children. A total of 284 children (8 y ± 1.6) from a rural area in Mexico participated in the study. A fasting blood sample was collected from all children to determine concentrations of iron, zinc, vitamins A, C, D, and E. Intestinal parasitic infection was determined by a direct smear and Kato Kats technique from a stool sample. Approximately 20% of the population studied was infected with E. coli and 16% with A. lumbricoides. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 28% and 18% had zinc deficiency; no other micronutrient deficiency was observed. Children infected with A. lumbricoides had significantly lower serum concentration of zinc compared with non-infected children (61±11.3 vs 75±10 µg/dL, respectively) (p<0.001). In contrast, children with E. coli infection had significantly higher zinc concentration (87±10 µg/dL) than non-infected children (74±10.4 µg/dL) (p<0.001). Children that were infected with both E. coli and A. lumbricoides had significantly lower zinc concentration (71±10.9 µg/dL) that non-infected children (78±8.8 µg/dL) (p<0.05). No differences were observed between infected and non-infected children with these parasites in the concentration of the rest of the micronutrients studied. In conclusion, in this population A. lumbricoides and E. coli affect zinc status differently. Further research is needed to identify the effect of each parasite on zinc status.

A survey for haemo-parasite of pigs slaughtered in Jos Abattoir plateau state Nigeria

A survey for haemo-parasite of pigs slaughtered at the Jos Abattoir was carried out between May and November 2007, to determine the sex, age, breeds related incidence and possible risk factor(s) to the spread of infection using direct smear and staining technique. Out of the total of 532 pigs examined, 92(17.29%) were positive for four genera of protozoan parasites with Trypanosoma spp accounting for 10(1.88%), Babesia spp 23(4.32%), Anaplasma spp 17(3.20%), and Eperythrozoon spp 42(7.80%). The female pigs haboured more of the blood parasites, 50(9.40%), than the male pigs, 42(7.80%). The sex related rate of infection ranged from 1.5% - 4.51% and from 0.75% - 3.38% for female and male pigs respectively. However, chi square analysis shows no significant differences in the sex related prevalence of haemo-parasites (p0.05). The parasites established themselves more in the adult pigs, 79(18.8%) than in the young pigs 13(11.61%). The infection rates ranged from 0.89% to 5.36% and from 2.14% to 8.57% for adult and young pigs respectively. Chi square analysis shows a significant difference in the infection rate between adult and young pigs (p0.05). The blood parasites encountered in the different breeds of pigs were as follows: 87(17.51%) in the large white, 2(17.51%) in the large black and 2(15.00%) in the mixed breed. There was no significant difference in the rates of infection among the different breeds of pigs (p0.05). Generally there was low rate of occurrence 17.29% for haemo parasites of pigs slaughtered at the Jos Abattoir. Keywords : Endemicity haemo-parasite, infection, pigs, rate,

Occurrence of gastro-intestinal helminths of pigs slaughtered at the Jos Abattoir, Plateau state, Nigeria.

An investigation on the occurrence of gastro intestinal helminthes of pigs slaughtered at the Jos Abattoir was carried out between May and November 2007, to determined sex, age, and breed related rate of infection, and the possible risk factors to the spread of the epidemic, using direct smear and floatation techniques. Out of the total of 532 examined, 245 (46.10%) were positive for five species of helminthes parasites, namely Taenia solium 44(8.27%) Ascaris suum 52(9.77%), Trichuris suis 40(7.52%) Strongyloids ransomi 16(3.0%) Ascarops strongylina 28(5.26%). Of the 532 pigs sampled, 65(12.22%) were recorded with mixed infection. The parasites were more established in the female pigs 149(50%) than in the male pigs 96(41.02%) However, chi square analysis showed no significant difference in the prevalence rate between female and male pigs (p&gt;0.05). Apparently adult pigs haboured more of the helminthes parasites 240(57.14%) than the young pigs 41(36.61%) although the difference was not statistically significance. The large white breed was infected most, among the various breeds 239(48.28%). The infection rate for the large black was 2(26.67%) and for the mixed breed was 4(20.00%). There was no significant difference in the infection rate among the various breed of pigs (p&gt;0.05). The study shows that breeds and sex are not the promoting factors to infection rate but age.Keywords: Endemicity, Gastro-intestinal, Helminths, Occurrence, Pigs.

Some Studies on Prevalence and Effect of Thieleria Infection on Erythrocytes Profile in Camel in Some Localities at New-Valley, Governorate, Egypt

Theileria spp is protozoan parasites infecting wild and domestic animals throughout the world and affected the healthy state of the infected animals for that this study was carried to evaluate the effects of natural infection of camels with Theileria spp on blood picture and efficacy of indirect fluorescent antibody technique in diagnosis this infection, where blood samples were obtained from125 apparently healthy dromedary camels aged 1-9 years ,held in some localities in New-Valley governorate and classified into two groups, the first group (100 camels) as infected group and the rest number 25 as a control group where all of them examined by direct smear and indirect fluorescent antibody technique. Direct smear revealed 9 out 100 camel are positive for Theileria spp in ratio of 9% while indirect fluorescent antibody technique revealed 11out of 100 camels are positive (11%), with one sample as false negative and 3 samples as false positive so we can consider the indirect fluorescent technique remain the most convenient test for theileria spp diagnosis in camels. Hematological analysis revealed significant decrease in PCV, HB, RBCs count with significant increase in MCV, MCH and MCHC in infected group than control one. The frequency of theileriosis in camels is considerable and Theileria spp do not seem to induce significant alteration in clinical signs in naturally-infected dromedary camels but laboratory seem to induce significant decrease in hematological parameters which translated to anemia.

Isolation and Identification of Cryptosporidium sp. by Reverse Osmosis System of Tap water in Baghdad

A total of 60 samples of drinking water filtrated by Reverser 0smosis Filtration System from April to October 2012, from different houses in Baghdad – Al Resafa, so as to identify the eggs and cysts of protozoa. Two methods applied direct smear and staining technique with zeal nelson stain, which appeared Tape warm eggs, Ascaris lumbrecoides eggs and oocyst of Cryptospordium sp. This study revealed that total contamination rate with intestinal parasites in tap water were 96.6% this high rate, refers to filtrate tap water by reverse osmosis system was useful to prevent or reduce the contamination of drinking water, in order to reduce risks to public health; So recommended to apply this method at water purification stations. Distribution of Cryptosporidium sp. as study months of year appeared that Spring (April&amp; May ) were recorded the highest rate of contamination in filtrate tap water samples, that due to potential temperatures degrees for this protozoa as(20-30cº).When the drinking water was better as environmental maintained decreased the infection with these parasites.

Isolation and Identification of Cryptosporidium sp. by Reverse Osmosis System of Tap water in Baghdad

A total of 60 samples of drinking water filtrated by Reverser 0smosis Filtration System from April to October 2012, from different houses in Baghdad – Al Resafa, so as to identify the eggs and cysts of protozoa. Two methods applied direct smear and staining technique with zeal nelson stain, which appeared Tape warm eggs, Ascaris lumbrecoides eggs and oocyst of Cryptospordium sp. This study revealed that total contamination rate with intestinal parasites in tap water were 96.6% this high rate, refers to filtrate tap water by reverse osmosis system was useful to prevent or reduce the contamination of drinking water, in order to reduce risks to public health; So recommended to apply this method at water purification stations. Distribution of Cryptosporidium sp. as study months of year appeared that Spring (April&amp; May ) were recorded the highest rate of contamination in filtrate tap water samples, that due to potential temperatures degrees for this protozoa as(20-30cº).When the drinking water was better as environmental maintained decreased the infection with these parasites.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Geohelminthiasis in Umuebu Community, Ukwuani Local Government Area, Delta State, Southern Nigeria

Aims: The objective of this current study was to determine the prevalence, intensity and associated risk factors of Geohelminthes infections or Soil transmitted helminthes (STHs) among pupils in Umuebu Community, Ukwuani Local Government area of Delta State. Study Design: A cross sectional study was undertaken to assess the status of soil transmitted helminthes infection with respect to prevalence, intensity and associated risk factors among school children in Ebu Primary School Umuebu and the entire community in Ukwuani Local Government Area, Delta State. Place and Duration of Study: The field study was carried out in Ebu primary School, in Umuebu community, Delta State while the laboratory work was carried out at the Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Lagos State University, Ojo Nigeria and Queen of the Apostle Catholic Hospital Laboratory, Obiaruku, Delta State all in Southern Nigeria between April and December, 2011. Methodology: Eight hundred and seventy eight (878) children were randomly selected. Original Research Article British Journal of Medicine & Medical Research, 4(5): 1175-1186, 2014 1176 They comprised of 466 (52.76%) males and 412 (47.24%) females between the ages of 5-13 years in the master list of Ebu Primary School, Umuebu. The stool samples were examined for the presence of STHs using direct smear and Kato-Katz techniques. Results: Eight hundred and seven (92.74%) of the subjects were infected with Geohelminthiasis. The overall prevalence by species was Ascaris lumbricoides (76.89%), Hookworm (54.60%) and Trichuris. trichiura (29.24%). Two hundred and eighty two (39.40%) were infected with two or more STHs. The prevalence and intensity of all species of STHs significantly varied with age (p>0.05), with the highest prevalence in age group 5-7 years. The sex related prevalence show that males were more infected for all species of STHs than females, but this was only statistically significant for hookworm (p>0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis for the epidemiological variable showed that licking of fingers, drinking from wells or surface tanks and geophagy were risk factors for A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura infections while walking barefooted was only risk factor for hookworm infection. Conclusion: Targeted health education on hygienic practices coupled with the establishment of sustainable and regular deworming programmes in the community are advocated considering the high prevalence of STHs reported in this study.

Diagnostic accuracy of brush cytology with direct smear and cell-block techniques according to preparation order and tumor characteristics in biliary strictures.

There are few data supporting the diagnostic yield of brush cytology depending on the order of cytologic preparation method or the location or shape of tumors in biliary strictures. We investigated diagnostic yields and variations in brush cytology with direct smear and cell-block preparations according to sampling preparation sequence and tumor location and shape in biliary strictures. Patients who had undergone ERCP with tissue sampling between August 2009 and April 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. Group A was examined using brush cytology with direct smear followed by cell-block with or without biopsy, while the reverse order was performed for group B. Among 138 enrolled patients, 92 patients (A: 36, B: 56) underwent both brush cytology with direct smear and cell-block preparations. No differences in sensitivity, specificity, or accuracy were observed according to the sampling preparation method and the location or shape of tumors in biliary strictures. The cellularity observed from brush cytology with direct smear was better than that from cell-block according to the location of the tumor (p<0.01). The diagnostic yield was increased in both groups with addition of an endobiliary biopsy. No difference in diagnostic accuracy was observed between the sequences of preparation for brush cytology with direct smear and cell-block techniques. Brush cytology showed better cellularity for diagnosis.