Direct Wet Mount Examination Research Articles

Identification of Blastocystis spp. in Urban Rodents of Different Districts in Southwestern Iran: Subtype Distribution and Possible Zoonotic Potential.

Rodents are one of the most abundant and diverse species of mammals and have recently been identified as carriers of numerous human pathogens. The current study was conducted to assess the prevalence, subtype (STs) distribution, and zoonotic potential of Blastocystis spp. in various species of rodents in Shiraz, southwestern Iran. For this aim, a total of 120 fresh fecal samples were collected from Mus musculus (n = 40), Rattus norvegicus (n = 40), and Rattus rattus (n = 40) in various municipality districts of Shiraz (6 out of 10 districts) between February and November 2020. Upon detecting parasites using light microscopy, a DNA fragment of the Blastocystis SSU rDNA gene was amplified using conventional PCR. By employing direct wet mount examination, 8 out of 120 fecal samples (6.7%; 2 from house mice, 3 from black rats, and 3 from brown rats) tested positive. Similarly, 5% (2/40) of house mice, 7.5% (3/40) of black rats, and 7.5% (3/40) of brown rats tested positive using the molecular method. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Blastocystis infecting different rodent species in Shiraz belonged to two potentially zoonotic STs (ST1 and ST4). Accordingly, rodents should not be overlooked as potential reservoirs of zoonotic Blastocystis infections. Different sampled urban districts and their statistical association with reported prevalence rates were analyzed separately. Overall, the issue of the frequency and ST distribution of Blastocystis in urban rodents of Iran is still open to question and for a proper understanding, wider and more comprehensive studies are needed.

Frequency of Entamoeba Complex in Individuals Referred to the Medical Laboratories in Jahrom City, South of Iran.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, and Entamoeba moshkovskii, using microscopic and molecular methods in Jahrom city (Fars Province), south of Iran. Stool samples were collected from 360 outpatients referred to the medical laboratories in Jahrom city. Standard parasitological methods, including direct wet mount examination, formalin-ether sedimentation technique, and trichrome staining techniques, were used for detection of Entamoeba complex. Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to identify the genus/species of Entamoeba. Entamoeba complex cysts were detected in 2.5% (9/360) of samples by microscopic methods, while 11 isolates were considered positive for the Entamoeba complex by nested PCR. Among them, 2 (18.18%) out of 11 samples were E. histolytica, 5 (45.45%) were E. dispar, and 4 (36.36%) were E. moshkovskii. Molecular positivity was more prevalent among females (4.16%), people living in rural areas (3.44%), and people over 60 years old (13.33%). Considering the clinical manifestations, the Entamoeba complex infection in patients with fever (7.69%), severe diarrhea (5.10%), and nausea (5%) was high. This study reported the presence of E. histolytica, E. dispar, and E. moshkovskii in Jahrom city. Therefore, we suggest more public health interventions in Jahrom city.

Trichomonas vaginalis Among Women in Sulaimania Governorate-Iraq

Trichomonas vaginalis infection is one of the sexually transmitted diseases. It is a health problem all over the world, including Iraq. The parasite usually infected in the vagina and urethra, but could involve the endocervix. Aim: This study aim to show the prevalence of Trichomonas vagina/is in the women that have vaginal discharge. The study included ( 600) women attended the gynecological out patient clinic in Sulaimania obstetrical and gynecological teaching hospital and rozhan out patient clinic tlu·ough the period from January 2007 till September 2007. Per vaginal examination was performed for each patient using a sterile cuscos speculum. Two high vaginal swabs were obtained from each patient one for direct microscopic examination and other for Trichomonas vagina/is culture. The prevalence of T. vaginalis was 1 0( 1. 66%) The infection rate between pregnant women was 8(1.77%) higher than that of non-pregnant women 2(1.33%). The highest is found in women at the age group (26-3 5) years in which the infection rate was 5(2.48%). The rate of infection was higher among uneducated women 9(1.5%) than educated ones. The higher rate of T. vaginalis was obtained from women with white to gray (frothy discharge) 6(1.57%) and with yellow to green discharge 4(1.81 %) and those with bad odor was 8(2.02%) was higher than odourless discharge 2(0.97%). In positive cases of T. vagina/is , 6(60%) had white to gray vaginal discharge, and the rate of bad odour (80%) and without bad odour (20%). The rate of infection among illiterate women was higher than those with school education and no positive cases were detected among those with college education. In cultures the rate ofT. vagina/is was (5%) while in direct wet mount examination was (1.66%). Candida albicans were detected in 167(83.5%) in selected culture media ofT. vaginalis

A clinical case series of Acanthamoeba keratitis diagnosed by a simple technique of detection of motile trophozoites in wet mount preparation

Acanthamoeba keratitis is diagnosed fairly late because of lack of early clinical suspicion and unavailability of simple and effective technique for detection of the protozoa in ordinary laboratory settings. The detection of motile trophozoites in wet mount preparation of corneal scraping is probably the best confirmatory test of Acanthamoeba keratitis in ordinary laboratory settings. However, it is not easy to demonstrate motile trophozoites given the fact that the trophozoites rapidly encyst outside living tissue. We employed a protocol of preparation and transport of the wet mount to the nearby laboratory within fifteen minutes whereby optimum chance of demonstration of motile trophozoites was possible. We had been successful to detect the typical amoeboid movement of acanthamoeba in three cases. Healing of ulcers were achieved by an appropriate therapy in all three cases. Visual recovery was good in two out of three cases. To the best of our knowledge, the present case series is the first one in English literature where diagnosis of acanthamoeba keratitis is based solely on detection of motile trophozoites in direct wet mount examination. A careful history and an incisive look into the corneal lesion revealed some clue to suspect the acanthamoeba etiology. Simple laboratory technic employing wet mount microscopy rapidly confirmed the diagnoses. Healing of ulcers were achieved in all three cases by instillation of 0.02% chlorhexidine eye drop. Visual recovery was good in two out of three cases.

A Comparative Analysis of Microscopy, Coproantigen Serology, and Nested Multiplex PCR in the Laboratory Diagnosis of Entamoeba histolytica Infection.

Objectives Amoebiasis is caused by the most common intestinal protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica . This parasite causes amoebic colitis, which is manifested by diarrhea, followed by dysentery. The laboratory diagnosis of intestinal amoebiasis in most cases is by microscopic examination of stool samples. Other nonroutine methods include coproantigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) from stool samples, serum ELISA for antibodies, stool culture, isoenzyme analysis, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The present study aimed to comparatively analyze the different diagnostic modalities used for the detection of E. histolytica from the stool sample of patients with intestinal amoebiasis. Materials and Methods This study was undertaken with 631 patients, during a period of 3 years, from January 2017 to December 2019. Stool specimen obtained from each patient was subjected to direct microscopic wet mount examination, coproantigen ELISA, and nested multiplex PCR, respectively. Results Out of all the patients tested, 5.2% were positive for E. histolytica. Among the positive cases, stool microscopy was positive in 3.17%, coproantigen ELISA was positive in 29 (4.6%) cases, and PCR was positive in 30 (4.75%) cases. Statistical Analysis The prevalence of E. histolytica infection was summarized as percentages. The three diagnostic tests done were statistically analyzed, taking microscopy as the gold standard. The agreement between techniques (microscopy, coproantigen ELISA, and PCR) was analyzed with kappa statistics. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy were summarized as percentage with 95% confidence interval. Conclusion In all suspected amoebiasis cases, a combination of stool microscopy, coproantigen testing with molecular detection of the parasite offers the best approach to diagnosis of this parasitic infection.

PCR Detection and Sequencing of Trichomonas vaginalis in Women with Suspected Vaginitis in Southwestern Iran.

The human being is considered a natural host for Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis), which causes trichomoniasis, the most frequent non-viral sexually transmitted infectious disease in the world. The current study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and sequencing of T. vaginalis in women with vaginitis. ; Methods: In the current research, 514 vaginal discharge samples were obtained from women with vaginitis. The specimens were evaluated by the direct wet mount examination, Dorset culture medium, and PCR technique. Primers were designed for the detection of TVK3/TVK7, TVA5/TVA6 genes specific for the identification of T. vaginalis. The PCR-positive samples were sequenced and compared with the sequences registered in the GenBank database. ; Results: Among the collected samples, 30 (5.83%), 45 (8.75%), 90 (17.50%), and 62 (12.06%) cases were positive for T. vaginalis when assayed by the direct wet mount examination, Dorset culture medium, and PCR technique (TVK3/TVK7, TVA5/TVA6 genes), respectively. There was no significant relationship between trichomoniasis and demographic characteristics of women, such as age, occupational status, mode of delivery, number of deliveries, educational level, and contraceptive methods (p˃0.05). The range of vaginal pH was between 5-7 in women with vaginitis, and there was a significant statistical correlation between the pH values and the infection rate (p<0.05). The PCR-positive samples had 100% sequence homology with the reference sequence in the GenBank database (accession number L23861.1). ; Conclusion: This study confirmed a relatively high prevalence of T. vaginalis in the southwestern region of Iran. According to our results, the PCR method, especially detecting TVK3/TVK7 genes, was more sensitive than the direct wet mount examination and Dorset culture medium methods.

Intestinal parasite infections and associated factors among inmates of Arba Minch prison, southern Ethiopia: cross sectional study

BackgroundIntestinal parasitic infection is one of the parasitic infections affecting people living in prison. Helminths and intestinal protozoan infections are the most common parasitic infection that may cause serious life-threatening diseases in inmates living in developing countries. This study was aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) among inmates living in Arba Minch prison, southern Ethiopia.MethodsInstitutional based cross sectional study was conducted on Arba Minch inmates, southern Ethiopian. Pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used to gather the data of socio-demographic characteristics, hygiene status of the prisoners, sanitation condition of the prison, and associated factors for IPIs by face to face interview. Direct wet-mount examination and formol-ether sedimentation techniques were used to examine intestinal parasitic infection from stool specimens. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to see the association between different variables and the IPI. Odds ratio with 95% CI was computed to determine the presence association and strength of the associated factors.ResultA total of 320 prisoners were participated in this study. Of these, 154(48.1%) of them were infected with one or more intestinal parasites. Eight different intestinal parasites species were identified and Giardia lamblia was the predominant parasite. Among infected inmates, nearly one out of four of them had multiple parasitic infections dominated by Giardia lamblia and E. histolytica/dispar co-infection. Sleeping in group [AOR = 1.9; 95% CI: (1.0–3.8)], married prisoners [AOR = 1.8; 95% CI: (1.1–2.9)], and hand washing habits after handling soil [AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: (1.0–5.6)] were independently associated with IPI.ConclusionHigh prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was detected in Arba Minch inmates, southern Ethiopian. Absence of hand washing, marital status, and way of sleeping were the factors associated with the IPI. Implementation of mass drug administration, education on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and periodic screening of intestinal parasitic infection is very important to reduce the high prevalence IPIs in prison.

Study of Intestinal Parasitosis among School Going Children in Pokhara, Nepal

The study was carried out in order to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in school-going children in schools located in Pokhara, Nepal from November 2011 to January 2012. A total number of 100 stool samples were collected from children of ages 3 to 15 years. A questionnaire including the factors predisposing to parasitosis was filled up and parasitic examination was carried out by direct wet mount examination and concentration method using standard formal ether concentration technique. The prevalence rate was found to be 15%. Prevalence of parasitic infection was higher in girls (16%) than in boys (14%) and age group 8-12 years were found to be more suffering (17.3%) than other age groups. The occurrence of parasitic infection in symptomatic children was found to be 40% and 10% in asymptomatic children. The symptoms were found statistically significant with infestation of parasites. Intestinal infection was highest in Dalit students (20%) compared to other caste students. Prevalence of parasitic infection in other caste was 15% in Brahman, 9.5% in Newar and 9% in Chhetri. Among 15 positive cases 5 types of parasites were detected. The results showed Giardia lamblia to be the most common parasite. Occurrence of other intestinal parasites was Entamoeba histolytica (26.6%), Ascaris lumbricoides (26.6%), Trichuris trichura (6.6%) and Hook worm (6.6%). The study concluded that intestinal parasitosis is still public health problem among school going children of Pokhara valley especially among Dalit students.&#x0D; Key words: Intestinal parasitosis, Formal ether concentration, Children, Pokhara, Nepal

Gastrointestinal parasites of different avian species in Ilorin, North Central, Nigeria.

Objective:The current study aimed to determine the prevalence, infection burden, and risk factors associated with the occurrence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in different avian species in Ilorin, Nigeria.Materials and Methods:This study was conducted in Ilorin, involving 597 fecal samples and GI tracts from a variety of sold and slaughtered avian species. The study was conducted between September 2017 and February 2018. Fecal samples were examined using floatation technique, while the GI tracts were examined for gross helminths and its content were subjected to the direct wet mount examination. Data were analyzed using percentages (descriptive) and the Chi-square (१) test (inferential). p < 0.05 was considered significant for all analysis.Results:Ten GI parasites were detected with Eimeria species (32.83%), Ascaridia galli (30.15%) and Heterakis gallinarum (24.79%) as the most prevalent ones. Multiple parasites co-infection was recorded in all the avian species: broilers (77.78%), layers (33.33%), cockerels (45.16%), indigenous chickens (17.91%), ducks (69.70%), pigeons (94.12%), turkeys (47.83%), and guinea fowls (77.36%). Pigeons (100.00%) and turkeys (95.65%) were the most infected avian species. Age, sex, and avian types were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the occurrence of GI parasites infection.Conclusion:This study gives a reflection of the GI parasites fauna of avian species in Nigeria. The GI parasites are endemic among different avian species in Ilorin, North Central Nigeria. Knowledge on the epidemiology of these parasites is important in instituting a good preventive and control measures against GI parasites, so as to have maximum production and reproduction effects in the poultry industry.

The Study of Trichomoniasis in Pregnant Women Attending Hamadan City Health Centers in 2015

Background: Trichomoniasis is one of the most non-viral sexually transmitted diseases worldwide that causes some complications such as adverse pregnancy outcomes. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of Trichomonas vaginalis infection among pregnant women in Hamadan, west of Iran. Methods: This study was conducted on 1200 pregnant women attending the Hamadan city health centers in 2015. After gathering socio-demographic characteristics and clinical signs and symptoms of the women, first-voided morning urine was collected from the all participants and subjected to sediment wet-mount preparations and Dorset culturemedium for detection of T. vaginalis. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. Results: T. vaginalis was diagnosed in 0.6% (7/1200) of the urine samples using two parasitological methods. Dorset culture medium and direct wet-mount examination of the urine sediments were positive in 7 (0.6%) and 4 (0.3%) samples, respectively. There was no relationship between trichomoniasis and age, education, occupation, place of living, husband’s job, and history of contraceptive methods (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The results demonstrated the rate of T. vaginalis infection in pregnant women is relatively low in the area but, because of the importance of this issue in pregnant women, it can be substantial during antenatal care.

Intestinal parasitic infections among children under five years of age presenting with diarrhoeal diseases to two public health facilities in Hawassa, South Ethiopia.

BackgroundDiarrhoea is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years of age in developing countries, including Ethiopia. It is caused by a wide range of pathogens, including parasites, bacteria and viruses. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of infection with intestinal parasites (IPs) (and types) among children under 5 years of age with diarrhoeal diseases.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at Adare Hospital and Millennium Health Centre, both located in Hawassa, South Ethiopia, from June 6 to October 28, 2011. Children under 5 years of age with diarrhoea who visited these health facilities during the study period were included in the study. Data relating to demography and risk factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) were gathered using a structured questionnaire. Single, fresh stool specimens were examined for IPs using the direct wet mount examination, followed by Ziehl-Neelsen staining of formol-ether concentrated samples, as per standard procedures. Data were analysed using SPSS Statistics 20 software.ResultsA total of 158 children (51.3 % male and 48.7 % female) participated in the study. Overall, the prevalence of IPs was 26.6 % (42/158). Two species of IPs were detected in six children (3.8 %). Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii was the predominant parasite identified (11.4 %), followed by Giardia duodenalis (7.0 %). The multivariable analysis revealed that the age group ≥24 months was significantly associated (AOR = 0.221, 95 %CI: 0.085–0.576) with prevalence of IPIs.ConclusionThis study found that intestinal parasites are common among children with diarrheal diseases. The most frequently detected species was E. histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii. Health information about how to prevent diarrheal diseases in general and IPIs in particular should be provided to parents of young children.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40249-015-0081-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Diversity and prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in seven non-human primates of the Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire.

Parasites and infectious diseases are well-known threats to primate populations. The main objective of this study was to provide baseline data on fecal parasites in the cercopithecid monkeys inhabiting Côte d’Ivoire’s Taï National Park. Seven of eight cercopithecid species present in the park were sampled: Cercopithecus diana, Cercopithecus campbelli, Cercopithecus petaurista, Procolobus badius, Procolobus verus, Colobus polykomos, and Cercocebus atys. We collected 3142 monkey stool samples between November 2009 and December 2010. Stool samples were processed by direct wet mount examination, formalin-ethyl acetate concentration, and MIF (merthiolate, iodine, formalin) concentration methods. Slides were examined under microscope and parasite identification was based on the morphology of cysts, eggs, and adult worms. A total of 23 species of parasites was recovered including 9 protozoa (Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Entamoeba hartmanni, Endolimax nana, Iodamoeba butschlii, Chilomastix mesnili, Giardia sp., Balantidium coli, and Blastocystis sp.), 13 nematodes (Oesophagostomum sp., Ancylostoma sp., Anatrichosoma sp., Capillariidae Gen. sp. 1, Capillariidae Gen. sp. 2, Chitwoodspirura sp., Subulura sp., spirurids [cf Protospirura muricola], Ternidens sp., Strongyloides sp., Trichostrongylus sp., and Trichuris sp.), and 1 trematode (Dicrocoelium sp.). Diversity indices and parasite richness were high for all monkey taxa, but C. diana, C. petaurista, C. atys, and C. campbelli exhibited a greater diversity of parasite species and a more equitable distribution. The parasitological data reported are the first available for these cercopithecid species within Taï National Park.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infection and Malnutrition in Enugu Urban and Suburban Area

Introduction: The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and malnutrition among school children in urban and suburban of Enugu metropolis was carried out. Methods: Anthropometric measurements consisting of weight, head circumference and mid arm circumference were measured. Weight for age, head and mid arm circumference were used as indicators to determine the nutritional status (malnutrition). Examination of stool specimens was done using direct wet mount examination and concentration techniques .The parasitosis and malnutrition was studied in 98 (40 urban and 58 suburban) school children aged 1 to 12 years. Results: The overall prevalence (positive) of intestinal parasites in this study was 38(38.8%), while 60(61.2%) were absent (negative). The prevalence of infection was significantly higher among the suburban (%) children than among the urban (%) children. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides 11(27.5%) was higher in suburban than in urban Ascaris lumbricoides 5(12.5%) than all other parasites encountered from suburban and urban area respectively. The study does not really show a significant association between nutritional indicators and intestinal parasitic infection but shows a slight association to Ascariasis and hookworm infection. Conclusion: This study shows that there is a slight improvement in the level of malnutrition, hygiene and sanitation in Enugu metropolis. Since intestinal parasitic infections are associated with malnutrition, controlling these parasites would increase the physical development and well-being of the affected children.

Feconomics®; a new and more convenient method, the routine diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections.

Direct wet mount examination and concentration are the most commonly used methods for detecting intestinal parasites from fecal samples. Concentration methods are used when there are fewer protozoan cyst, coccidian oocyst, microsporidial spore, helminth egg, and larvae in the fecal samples. Early detection of the causative intestinal parasites plays a significant role in implementing timely and correct treatment, which relieves the patients' symptoms and also prevents recurrences. Formalin-ethyl acetate concentration (FEAC) is believed to be a gold standard method to detect most intestinal parasites. Thus, in this study, we evaluated the diagnostic value of Feconomics® [manufactured by Salubris Inc, Boston, USA. Patent application number (TR): 2010/07549] which is a simple, new, and rapid fecal concentration method for the detection of the intestinal parasites in human beings. We also compared the FEAC with Feconomics® and direct wet mount examination. A total of 918 fecal samples were collected from the patients suspected to have intestinal parasitic infection. Samples were examined with the direct wet mount, FEAC, and Feconomics® methods. Different parasite species 15.9% (146/918) with Feconomics®, 13.3% (122/918) with FEAC, and 9.8% (90/918) with direct wet mount examination, Feconomics® > FEAC > direct wet mount examinations were detected. They were statistically compared considering FEAC as the gold standard for parasitological diagnosis; the sensitivity and specificity of Feconomics® were calculated as 96 and 97%, respectively. Blastocystis hominis was found to be the most common parasite, followed by Giardia lamblia with direct wet mount examination, FEAC, and Feconomics® methods. Feconomics® proved to be better than not only FEAC in concentrating parasite egg and cyst forms as well as in maintaining characteristic morphology but it is also better in direct wet mount examination. Feconomics® eliminates the need for centrifugation by using absorbent beads that help the homogenization and concentration of the sample. Feconomics® in this study was considerably better than FEAC in detecting the trophozoites of Giardia lamblia. We suggest that Feconomics® be used for the routine diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infection in rural areas of developing countries due to the fact that a centrifuge is not required and it eliminates large stool particles.

A Comparison of Microscopy and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Diagnosis of Giardia lamblia in Human Faecal Specimens.

Giardia lamblia, a flagellate protozoa, is a common causative agent of parasitic diarrhoeal diseases of humans. Laboratory diagnosis mainly consists of direct microscopic examination of stool specimen for trophozoite and cysts of Giardia. However, due to intermittent faecal excretion of parasite, the case may be miss diagnosed and the patient may continue excreting the parasite and infecting others. Therefore, other mode of diagnosis should be looked for, which overcome the above drawbacks of microscopy used alone for diagnosis. The present study was done to evaluate the efficacy of RIDASCREEN Giardia (ELISA) test in comparison to direct microscopy in the diagnosis of Giardia lamblia in stool specimens from patients with diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. A total of 1680 patients were included in the study and three faecal specimens were taken from each patient which was divided into two parts. One part was used for direct wet mount examination and second part was used to put ELISA by using RIDASCREEN Giardia test. Out of 1680 stool samples, 380 specimens (22.6%) were found to be positive for Giardia lamblia. Maximum cases were detected by RIDASCREEN Giardia (ELISA) test with sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 91.5%. Maximum cases of giardiasis were detected in children less than 10 y of age (12.8%). RIDASCREEN Giardia test is a rapid and effective method with high sensitivity and specificity and detects Giardia antigens in stool specimens even when the count of parasite is low, thus reducing the chances of missing even the asymptomatic cases.

Prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis and risk factors in women treated at public health units in Brazil: a transversal study

Studies have revealed high prevalence rates of Trichomonas vaginalis in men and women worldwide. In Brazil, where reporting is not mandatory, the true prevalence rate is unknown. This study determined the prevalence of the parasite in women attending public health units in the city of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil, identifying possible risk factors for infection, and also compared three diagnostic techniques for detecting the parasite. Samples of vaginal secretions collected from 742 women attending public health units were analyzed by direct wet mount examination, culture and smear test. Epidemiological questionnaires were administered. Of the total of 742 samples analyzed, 19 (2.6%) tested positive for T. vaginalis. The variables significantly associated with infection were: being of black ethnicity, smoking, having knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases and presenting clinical signs. The culture method was considered the gold standard test. Although there are programs to control other sexually transmitted diseases, there are none for trichomoniasis. The results of this study indicate the presence of T. vaginalis in the female population, and points to the need for more research in Brazil to gain a better understanding of the profile and epidemiology of the parasite.

English

IntroductionMaharashtra is a very large state of 300,000 km2, with a total population of around 97 million. The capital city of Maharashtra, Mumbai, is the most populous city in India, with around 14 million inhabitants. The HIV prevalence at antenatal clinics in Maharashtra was 0.5% in 2007. The state has the highest reported rates of HIV prevalence among female sex workers (18%). Similarly high rates were found among injecting drug users (24%) and homosexual men (12%). Pune is the second largest city in Maharashtra, with a growing population of more than 40 lakhs (4 million). It ranks among the top five HIV prevalent cities in the state. There are very few studies that have been carried out to compare the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestation in HIV-reactive and non-reactive individuals in Maharashtra. Materials and MethodsStudy PeriodThe present study was carried out from 1st December 2008 to 31st August 2010 in Pad. Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Center, Pimpri, Pune. Results and ObservationsIn this study, stool samples of 490 individuals were processed, out of which 110 were HIV-positive and 380 were HIV-negative. Evaluation of 4 different stool concentration techniques was done in comparison with the direct wet mount microscopic examination. Out of all the stool samples examined, 100 of them were also processed using concentration techniques (by all methods). It was seen that using routine examination, only 6% of the stool samples revealed a positive finding, whereas using concentration techniques a maximum of 17% of the same samples were positive. ConclusionFurther, as demonstrated in our study, we can conclude that stool concentration techniques should be adopted, since in case of low parasite load, often the diagnosis is missed by carrying out only direct wet mount examination. Finally, to prevent intestinal parasitic infections, patients should be educated regarding maintenance of personal hygiene. Keywordsintestinal parasites, Ascaris lumbricoides, H. nana, T. solium, T. saginata

Trichomonas gallinae in budgerigars and columbid birds in Perth, Western Australia.

To estimate the prevalence of infection with Trichomonas gallinae and other parasites of the alimentary tract in psittacine and columbid birds in Perth and to determine in vitro the effectiveness of drugs commonly recommended for treating trichomoniasis. Samples of crop contents were collected from aviary flocks of budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) and other psittacine and columbid birds in both private and commercial collections in Perth. Similar samples from wild Senegal doves (Streptopelia senegalensis) also were collected. Crop contents were examined and cultured for Trichomonas gallinae and in vitro studies were conducted on the susceptibility of isolates to several drugs used commonly. Other parasites also were detected by faecal examination and/or necropsy. T gallinae was recovered from birds in 1 of 13 private collections of budgerigars (2/289 birds in total). Direct wet-mount examination of crop fluid identified 36.4% of samples at four commercial bird dealers which were later determined by culture to contain T gallinae. The prevalence of T gallinae infection range from 0 to 11.4% in budgerigars. The prevalence of T gallinae infection of wild Senegal doves was 46% and from one flock of racing pigeons was 59%. The in vitro minimum lethal concentrations of metronidazole, dimetridazole and ronidazole ranged from 40 to 96, 30 to 80 and 40 to 92 micrograms/mL respectively for six isolates of T gallinae. Other alimentary parasites detected during the survey included Spironucleus sp (syn. Hexamita sp), coccidia, Ascaridia platycerci and Raillietina sp. Thirteen budgerigar flocks belonging to members of avicultural societies in Perth had a low prevalence of trichomoniasis and other parasitic infections. The dose rate currently recommended for ronidazole may not result in complete protozoacidal activity against T gallinae infection.

Fasciola hepatica:Detection of Antigenemia and Coproantigens in Experimentally Infected Rats

The presence of eggs in stool is the standardmethod for a fascioliasis diagnosis. However, itlacks sensitivity since parasite eggs do not ap-pear during acute fascioliasis and are intermit-tently shed during a chronic disease. As anti-body titers persist after curing, serological testsare also of limited diagnostic value (Garci´a-Rodri´guezet al. 1985; Espino et al. 1992). Alack of specificity has been observed due tocross-reactions between Fasciola and otherparasites (Hanna and Hillyer 1984; Hillyer andSoler de Galanes 1988). We have developed amonoclonal antibody (MAb-ES78, mouseIgG2a) sandwich ELISA to detect circulatingexcretory–secretory (ES) antigens (Espinoet al.1990) and coproantigens (Espino et al. 1994) inpatients with fascioliasis. In the present paperwe compare this technique with a conventionalantibody test during the course of an experimen-tal primary infection in rats.Twenty female, outbred Wistar strain rats,aged 6–8 weeks, were infected orally with 25metacercariae of Fasciola hepatica. Blood andstool samples were collected immediately be-fore infection and weekly for 16 weeks, afterwhich the rats were sacrificed and flukes col-lected from the liver. Parasitological diagnosiswas performed by direct wet mount examina-tion (Ash and Orihel 1987). Stool suspensionswere prepared from each specimen by mixing 1g with 3 ml of PBS containing 0.05% Tween20. These suspensions were centrifuged at 900 gfor 3 min and the supernatants collected andtested to measure coproantigen levels. Bloodsamples were centrifuged at 3000 g for 3 min at4°C. The sera were collected and tested bysandwich ELISA to detect circulating free anti-gens. MAb-ES78 sandwich ELISA was per-formed essentially as previously reported for thehuman model (Espino et al. 1994). Antibodylevels to F. hepatica ES antigens were mea-sured in an indirect ELISA following a proce-dure similar to that described previously(Espino et al. 1987) using a sheep peroxidase-labeled anti-rat conjugate.Prior to infection, antibodies to F. hepaticaES antigens were not detected (Fig. 1). Anti-bodies were detected in 80% of the rats 2 weeksafter infection and in all animals at 3 weekspostinfection, reaching absorbance value peaksbetween 6 and 10 weeks, while the mean absor-bance value in controls was significantly differ-ent (P < 0.01; Student t test). Antigenemia wasobserved from 1 to 3 weeks postinfection (Fig.2), which corresponds to the time when juvenileworms are actively migrating through the liverparenchyma excreting significant amounts ofantigens directly into the blood stream. At thistime absorbance values were significantly in-creased relative to control sera and to those ob-tained 5 to 16 weeks postinfection (P < 0.001).To determine approximate amounts of ES an-tigens in sera and stools of infected rats, absor-

Evaluation of direct wet mount parasitological examination of preserved fecal specimens

A retrospective study covering a 12-year period was performed to determine the contribution of the direct wet mount microscopic examination to the identification of intestinal parasites in preserved fecal material. It was determined that each of 898 specimens contained at least one parasite when processed by the direct wet mount, concentration, and trichrome staining procedures. Of these procedures, the direct wet mount examination was solely responsible for the identification of 45 (2.9%) of 1,581 parasites identified. This is in contrast to the 15.1 and 12.5% which were found exclusively by the concentration and trichrome methods, respectively. These percentages may vary, depending on the prevalence of parasites and the stages present in the stool specimen.