Direct Wet Mount Research Articles

Intestinal Parasitosis and Their Associated Factors among People Living with HIV at University of Gondar Hospital, Northwest-Ethiopia.

Most HIV clients die of AIDS related intestinal parasitic infections rather than due to the HIV infection itself. Therefore, this study was aimed at determining the prevalence of intestinal parasite and their associated factors among HIV/AIDS clients at the University of Gondar Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Institution based cross sectional study was conducted using systematic random sampling technique from March to May 2016. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Stool samples were collected and processed using direct wet mount, formol-ether concentration and modified Ziehl-Neelson staining techniques. Besides, blood samples were collected for CD4+ count estimation. Both descriptive and logistic regression analyses were used in data analysis. P-values <0.05 were considered as statistically significant. A total of 223 participants were enrolled in this study, and the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was found to be 29.1%. The most predominant intestinal parasite detected was cyst of Entamoeba histolytica (8.5%) followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (6.7%), Strongyloides sterocoralis (3.6%) and Cryptosporidium parvum (3.1%), whereas Schistosoma mansoni (0.9%) and Hymenolepis nana (0.9%) were the least detected. Absence of toilet (AOR= 19.4, CI: 6.46-58.3), improper hand washing before meal (AOR=11.23, 95% CI: 4.16-30.27 and CD4+ count < 200 cells/mm3 (AOR=33.31, 95% CI: 9.159-121.149) had significant association with prevalence of intestinal parasites. The study indicated that intestinal parasites are still a problem among HIV/AIDS patients in the study area. Thus, routine examination for intestinal parasites and interventions should be carried out for better management of clients.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection and associated risk factors among village health volunteers in rural communities of southern Thailand

BackgroundIntestinal parasitic infections remain prevalent and constitute a public health problem in certain rural areas of Thailand. Village health volunteers (VHVs), who are members of a Thai healthcare alliance, function as key providers of health prevention measures, disease control, and health education and share national health promotion campaigns with community members. This study is aimed at evaluating the prevalence, intensity, and risk factors for intestinal parasitic infection in VHVs in order to design community awareness and health education campaigns for the target population.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted between January to April 2016 among village health volunteers (VHVs) from four sub-districts of Nopphitam District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, southern Thailand. Subjects for the study were selected using a simple random sampling method. Socio-demographic variables and risk factors were collected by a structured questionnaire. Stool specimens were collected and processed using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques to determine the presence of parasites and modified Kato-Katz thick smear to determine the intensity of infection.ResultsA total of 324 VHVs were enrolled. The overall prevalence of intestinal helminths was 9.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.3–13.0). The prevalence of hookworm, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Trichuris trichiura were 8.0% (95% CI: 5.3–11.5), 0.9% (95% CI: 0.2–2.7), and 0.3% (95% CI: 0–1.7), respectively. Mean intensity of hookworm infection was 1732 eggs per gram of stool. The prevalence was lower for protozoan infection than for helminth infection. Blastocystis hominis accounted for the highest percentage of intestinal protozoan infections 4.0% (95% CI: 2.2–6.8), followed by Giardia intestinalis 0.6% (95% CI: 0–2.2). No statistically significant difference was observed in the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among sub-districts (p > 0.05). Having dogs at home was associated with soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection in study participants (Crude prevalence ratio [CPR]: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.0–5.2).ConclusionsThis study is the first to describe the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection VHVs from southern Thailand. Hookworm infection is more prevalent than other types of STH infection. The development of community awareness campaigns and appropriate control measures should be considered to reduce the prevalence of hookworm infection, especially among VHVs who are the key persons providing health education to the community.

Intestinal parasitic infections and its association with undernutrition and CD4 T cell levels among HIV/AIDS patients on HAART in Butajira, Ethiopia

BackgroundIntestinal parasitic infections and HIV/AIDS have been the major public health problems and remain a vital cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Both problems are linked in a vicious cycle. The magnitude of intestinal parasites was prevalent among people living with HIV/AIDS even in the HAART era. However, the pertinent risk factors associated with intestinal parasites among HIV/AIDS patients were not well investigated in Ethiopia particularly at Butajira town. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated risk factors among HIV/AIDS patients on HAART in Butajira, Ethiopia.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted, and a total of 323 study subjects was involved in the study. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select each participant during data collection. Stool specimen was collected and processed using direct wet mount, formol-ether concentration technique, and modified Ziehl-Neelson staining techniques to identify both common and opportunistic intestinal parasites. Structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic, environmental, clinical, and nutritional data. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association of various explanatory factors on intestinal parasites. P value ≤0.05 at 95% CI was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 35.9% (95% CI 31.0–40.9%). Protozoa’s (Entanmoeba histolytica/dispar trophozoite, E. histolytica/dispar cyst, Giardia lamblia trophozoite, and G. lamblia cyst), helminths (Tanea species, Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloid stercoralis, Hookworm species and H. nana), and opportunistic intestinal parasites (Cryptosporidium parvum, Isospora belli) were observed in 57 (17.1%), 46 (14.4%), and 28 (8.7%) study participants respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of animals (AOR 6. 14; 95% CI 3.13, 12.0); using river water (AOR 4.87; 95% CI 1.14, 20.7); undernutrition (AOR 2.59; 95% CI 1.36–4.95); and level of immunosuppression (AOR 4.02; 95% CI 1.78–9.05 and AOR 2.84; 95% CI 1.37–5.89) were significantly associated with intestinal parasites.ConclusionsThe prevalence of intestinal parasites found to be higher among HIV/AIDS patients receiving HAART at Butajira Hospital, southern Ethiopia. Presence of animals, using river water, lower CD4 T cell count, and undernutrition were significant factors affecting intestinal parasites. Therefore, consistent detection of intestinal parasites and deworming of patients should be performed as well as improving health education on personal hygiene, avoiding contact with pit or domestic animals, and using safe or treated water. Furthermore, improving nutritional support and household food access are recommended.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among patients attending in a tertiary care hospital of eastern region of Nepal – A retrospective, laboratory based study

Background: Intestinal parasitosis still constitutes one of the major causes of public healthproblems in the world, particularly in developing countries. Nepal is a small, impoverished country prevalent to infectious diseases, including intestinal parasitosis. Poverty, lack of awareness, failure to practice proper hand washing after defecation, practice of open defecation, unsafe drinking water and use of improper toilets are some of the reasons causing of parasitic infections.Aims and Objective: To determine the types of intestinal parasites in stool samples of patients attending to hospital. Materials and Methods: Stools specimens collected in standard stool vial were submitted in microbiology (2006-2010) unit at BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences hospital (BPKIHS) were examined for intestinal parasites by direct wet mount using normal saline (0.9%) and lugol’s iodine (0.5%).Results: A total of 11,791 stool samples (2928 in 2006, 2238 in 2007, 2151 in 2008, 2344 in 2009 and 2130 in 2010) were submitted to the Parasitology section of Department of Microbiology BPKIHS were included in the analysis. Of these, 675 (5.72%) were positive intestinal protozoa and 289 (2.45%) for intestinal helminths. Giardia intestinalis accounted for the most prevalent parasitic infection (3.34%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (1.96%) and Hookworm (0.97%). A parasitic infection was observed to be highest among 20-50 years of age group and lowest in the less than 5 years group of subjects.Conclusion: Intestinal parasitosis is a common problem. Amoebiasis, giardiasis and the common intestinal helminthes Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, and Trichuris trichiura were prevalent in our settings.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(3) 2017 55-59

Comparison of parasitological techniques for the diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections in patients with presumptive malabsorption.

Intestinal parasitic infections still remain a public health problem, overall in tropical and subtropical regions. Frequently, patients with malabsorption syndrome can be infected with intestinal parasites, independent that they could be the etiological agents. To compare three coproparasitological techniques Paratest®, Ritchie and direct wet mount for the diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections in patients with suspected malabsorption syndrome. A descriptive cross sectional survey was carried out in 82 patients with presumptive symptoms of intestinal malabsorption. Three consecutive stool samples were collected from every patient and they were analyzed by three coproparasitological techniques. The degree of agreement was almost perfect when all parasitological techniques were compared for all protozoan infections. Nevertheless, the agreement between Paratest® and Ritchie's methods was slightly lower because this last method was superior for intestinal infections with commensals. The technique of Ritchie showed 100% of sensitivity for protozoa infections in general. However, the direct wet mount and the Paratest®, showed lower sensitivity. When all techniques were compared only for infections with no pathogenic protozoa, the Paratest® had the lowest sensitivity, and less predictive value for negatives. Ritchie's method showed a higher superiority than Paratest® for the diagnosis of intestinal protozoa infections in this group of patients. We would recommend the evaluation of new techniques in local conditions before to decide the introduction in the public health network of laboratories.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in St. Marry Hospital, Axum, Northern Ethiopia: A Retrospective Study

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are an important public health problem in developing countries. The aim of this study is to get information about the presence and prevalence of intestinal parasites. Methods: A hospital based retrospective study was carried out for the prevalence of intestinal parasites in Axum Saint Marry hospital, Tigray from September 2013 to August 2015. In the study hospital standard operating procedures (SOPs) is used in every procedures of stool sample examination. Stool samples were examined by experienced laboratory technologists within 2 hours of collection using direct wet mount and formal-Ether concentration techniques. Results: Of the examined 21,611 stool samples 7,663 (35.5%) were positive for intestinal parasites. The dominant parasites detected were Entameoba histolytica 3,892 (50.8%) followed by Gardia lamblia 2,507 (32.7%), Hookworm 499 (6.5%) and Schistosma mansoni 296 (3.9%). Other helminthes were also isolated and recorded in the laboratory registration book. Conclusion: This retrospective study showed a variable prevalence of intestinal parasites from year to year but with no significant reduction. Health education and practical measures on personal and environmental sanitation such as proper waste disposal are important to reduce intestinal parasitic infection in the study area.

Prevalence and subtype identification of Blastocystis isolated from humans in Ahvaz, Southwestern Iran.

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis and its relation with demographic data and symptoms in humans referred to medical centers in Ahvaz 2014-2015. Infections with intestinal parasites are one of the most important threats to human health worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical areas. Blastocystis sp. is a common parasite of humans with a vast variety of non-human hosts. We aimed to study the prevalence and subtypes of Blastocystis sp. in individuals referred to medical laboratories in Ahvaz city, southwest Iran. From September 2014 to September 2015, 618 stool samples were collected from 16 medical laboratories in Ahvaz, and examined using direct wet mount, formalin-ether concentration, a modified version of the Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique, and cultivation in xenic HSr + S medium. Subtypes of positive Blastocysts sp. were obtained using the "barcoding" method. The results were analyzed using SPSS software, version 16, with Chi-square and Fisher's exact test. Totally, 325 (52.6%) of the referred individuals were men and 293 (47.4%) were women. Blastocystis sp. was observed in 146 (23.6%) samples. Co-infections with other intestinal parasites were found in 32 (5.17%) cases. Out of the 146 positive isolates, 20.83%, 20.83% and 58.34% belonged to ST1, ST2, ST3 respectively. Blastocystis sp. was quite common in the study population, with a carrier rate corresponding to nearly one in every four individuals. The subtype distribution identified in the present study was largely identical to that reported from other studies in Iran, with ST3 being the most common.

Genotyping of Trichomonas vaginalis isolates from women in Shahrekord city (Southwestern Iran)

Trichomonas vaginalis is a causative agent of vaginitis in female and urethritis in men. It is primarily transmitted by sexually route. It is known that each geographical area has its own set of Trichomonas vaginalis strain. Parasite strains in each region have its specific characterizations and different strains of the parasite are able to cause various diseases with the acuity and severity. The aim of this study was to determine the genotyping of Trichomonas vaginalis strains in the Shahrekord city (Chaharmahal Va Bakhtiari province, southwest Iran). A total of 1725 vaginal samples were taken from clinically suspected women for Trichomonas vaginalis infection and 21 specimens were diagnosed as positive by direct smear wet mount and culture repeated passage of the parasite in the modified TYI-S-33 medium. The genomic DNA was extracted from each sample and the nested polymerase chain reaction was applied using specific oligonucleotide primers for actin gene amplification. Finally, the restriction fragment length polymorphism using RsaI, MseI, and HindII restriction enzymes were done on PCR products for genotyping. PCR-RFLP analysis of 21 positive cases (1.22%) was showing the most frequent genotype was H (8 cases), followed by G (4 cases), E (3 cases), and P (2 cases). N and I genotypes were detected in each 1 case. Also, there was 2 cases mix (E and H) genotype. The findings of the present work were showed 7 different genetic strains in isolated Trichomonas vaginalis from symptomatic and asymptomatic women in Shahrekord city. In this study high level of H genotype in referred women in Shahrekord city was observed and H, G, E, and I genotypes were may be related to burning and itching as well as H, P, and mix genotypes were associated with malodorous discharge with pelvic pain in this region of Iran. For a suggestion, it would be better in further studies the accurate determination of genetic diversity of this parasite done in Chaharmahal Va Bakhtiari province and other parts of the country.

Comparison between Kato - Katz Thick Smear and Sedimentation Techniques in Diagnosis of Faecal - Orally Transmitted Helminthes and Other Geohelminthes

Kato-Katz technique is widely used for the diagnosis of Fecal-orally transmitted helminthic infections. It is relatively simple and inexpensive. However, a single slide prepared from a single stool specimen has low sensitivity, particularly in light infections. Therefore, there is a great need for concentration techniques. This study detected an accurate and affordable method for diagnosis of fecal-orally transmitted helminthes and other geohelminthes. The study was carried out on 217 stool samples of different sex and age groups. Stool samples were collected from different urban and rural areas in Sharkia Governorate. Stool samples were examined macroscopically and analyzed by different parasitological techniques: direct wet mount (DWM), Kato-Katz thick smear, spontaneous sedimentation in tube technique (SSTT) and formol ether sedimentation technique (FEC). The results showed that formol ether sedimentation method detected 59 positive samples followed by spontaneous sedimentation in tube technique (48/59 positive samples). FEC showed significant difference when compared to direct wet mount and Kato-Katz thick smear. SSTT also showed significant difference when compared to DWM (P <0.05).The overall prevalence of intestinal helminthes was (29.6%) among studied samples in Sharkia Governorate. The commonest helminthic infection was H. nana (12%) followed by E. vemicularis(10%) then A. lumbricoides (3.7%).

COMPARISON BETWEEN KATO-KATZ THICK SMEAR AND SEDIMENTATION TECHNIQUES IN DIAGNOSIS OF FAECAL-ORALLY TRANSMITTED HELMINTHES AND OTHER GEOHELMINTHES

Kato-Katz technique is widely used for the diagnosis of Fecal-orally transmitted helminthic infections. It is relatively simple and inexpensive. However, a single slide prepared from a single stool specimen has low sensitivity, particularly in light infections. Therefore, there is a great need for concentration techniques. This study detected an accurate and affordable method for diagnosis of fecal-orally transmitted helminthes and other geohelminthes. The study was carried out on 217 stool samples of different sex and age groups. Stool samples were collected from different urban and rural areas in Sharkia Governorate. Stool samples were examined macroscopically and analyzed by different parasitological techniques: direct wet mount (DWM), Kato-Katz thick smear, spontaneous sedimentation in tube technique (SSTT) and formol ether sedimentation technique (FEC). The results showed that formol ether sedimentation method detected 59 positive samples followed by spontaneous sedimentation in tube technique (48/59 positive samples). FEC showed significant difference when compared to direct wet mount and Kato-Katz thick smear. SSTT also showed significant difference when compared to DWM (P <0.05).The overall prevalence of intestinal helminthes was (29.6%) among studied samples in Sharkia Governorate. The commonest helminthic infection was H. nana (12%) followed by E. vemicularis(10%) then A. lumbricoides (3.7%).

Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal protozoan infections: a population-based study in rural areas of Boyer-Ahmad district, Southwestern Iran.

BackgroundParasitic infections are still a significant health problem in rural areas in developing countries including Iran. There is no recent population-based data about the prevalence of human intestinal parasites in most rural areas of Iran. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infection in inhabitants of rural areas of Boyer-Ahmad district, Southwestern Iran.MethodsA total of 1025 stool samples were collected from the inhabitant of 50 randomly selected villages in Boyer-Ahmad Township. The stool samples were evaluated by parasitological methods including, direct wet-mounting, formalin ethyl acetate concentration, zinc sulfate floatation, and Trichrome permanent stain for detection of protozoan infections. Diarrheic samples were further evaluated with a modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining method for detection of coccidian parasites.ResultsThe prevalence of both pathogenic and nonpathogenic intestinal parasites in the population was 37.5% (385 out of 1025 cases), some individual with multiple infections. Giardia lamblia was detected in 179 (17.46%), Blastocystis hominis in 182 (17.76%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar in 9 (0.87%), Endolimax nana in 216 (21.07%), Entamoeba coli in 151 (14.73%), Ioedamoeba butschlii in 45 (4.39%), Chillomastix mesnili in 22 (2.14%), Trichomonas hominis in 2 (0.19%) and Dientamoeba fragillis in 2 (0.19%) of cases. Multivariate logistic regression revealed significant associations between protozoan infection (pathogenic protozoa) and contact with animals (OR yes/no = 2.22, p < 0.001) and educational status (OR higher/illiterate = 0.40, P = 0.01).ConclusionFindings of this study demonstrated that protozoan infection rate in rural areas of southwestern Iran is still high and remained as a challenging health problem in these areas.

Intestinal polyparasitism with special emphasis to soil-transmitted helminths among residents around Gilgel Gibe Dam, Southwest Ethiopia: a community based survey.

BackgroundOne third of the world population is estimated to be infected with intestinal parasites. The most affected people are children and the poor people living in tropics and subtropics. Polyparasitism (the concurrent infection with multiple intestinal parasite species) is found to be the norm among the same population although accurate estimate of its magnitude is unknown. It was found that polyparasitism might have a greater impact on morbidity than single species infection which might also increase susceptibility to other infections. Therefore, this study aimed at determining the prevalence and distribution of intestinal polyparasitism with special emphasis on Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) among residents around Gilgel Gibe dam located in Jimma zone of Oromia regional state, Ethiopia.MethodsA total of 1,021 participants were recruited in this study and provided stool samples for parasitological examination. Direct wet mount and Kato-Katz techniques were employed for stool examination. Pearson chi-square test was employed to assess the association of infection status and polyparasitism with gender and age group of the study participants.ResultsFive hundred thirty two individuals were infected with at least one parasite, providing the overall prevalence of 52.1%. Among positive individuals, 405 (76.1%), 114 (21.4%), and 13 (2.5%) individuals were infected with only one, two and three species of parasites, respectively. The overall prevalence of intestinal polyparasitism observed among the study participants was 12.4% (127/1,021). The predominant STH was hookworm, with a prevalence of 44.1%. Hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides were the most frequently recorded combination in cases of polyparasitic infection. The study revealed that there was no significant difference in the distribution of polyparasitism with regard to age group and sex of the study participants (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe study indicated the presence of high prevalence of parasites as well as distribution of polyparasitism in the area. Moreover, the detection of Schistosoma mansoni in the community living within close proximity of the newly constructed dam would be taken as an indication of future risk factor. Further investigation on the predictors of polyparasitism and the assessment of effects of polyparasitism on the population are needed. Finally, there is a need to undertake integrated control strategies which involve improved sanitation, health education and chemotherapy that targets the whole community instead of only certain segments of populations.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among primary school children in southern Iran.

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in primary school children in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran during January to March 2016. Single stool samples were collected from 1465 participants by clean stool cup. The questionnaire was prepared on the basis of demographic characteristics. The diagnosis was made on the basis of the direct wet mount, formalin-ether concentration, and Ziehl-Neelsen and trichrome stained slides. Out of the 1465 school children examined, six species of intestinal parasites were identified with an overall prevalence of 95 positive students (6.5%). Prevalence of protozoan infections (6.2%) was significantly higher than helminth infections (0.3%). The most common protozoan species were Giardia lamblia (n=42, 2.9%) and Blastocystis hominis (n=31, 2.1%). Only two cases of Hymenolepis nana and two cases of Enterobius vermicularis were detected. The prevalence of parasitic infections was higher in boys (n=52, 7%) than girls (n=41, 5.7%), but the difference was not significant. The parasitic infections were higher among the children whose parent's education was less than high school diploma (p=0.000), and there was also a significant association between the parents' jobs and the intensity of parasitic infection. The prevalence of intestinal parasites, compared to the previous studies in this area, was significantly lower; that is mainly due to an increase in the quality of life and parents' education as well as the accessibility to health services. The most prevalent intestinal parasite was G.lamblia; therefore, it is recommended that more emphasis is applied to controlling and preventing this parasitic infection by washing hands, particularly before each meal course.

Immune-Molecular Identification of Giardia Intestinalis in Diarrhoeal Children : Comparison of Three Diagnostic Methods

Giardiasis is a major health problem in both developed and developing world. A variety of methods for diagnosis of Giardia duodenalis cysts or trophozoites is available but still has certain limitations. 100 sample from diarrhoeal children who attending outpatient clinic in Abu El Rish hospital, .Kasr Al Ainy, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt. Giardiasis was diagnosed by direct wet mount, microscopy after formal- ethyl acetate concentration, Ridascreen ELISA assay and n-PCR targeting beta giardin (bg) gene. Using ELISA as reference standard, the methods' sensitivities, specificities, positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values and positive (LR+) and negative (LR-) likelihood ratios with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were analyzed.The diagnostic methods were evaluated to determine their impact on the posttest probability using Fagan's nomogram. All the studied methods led to a LR+ higher than 10 indicating ability to ruling in giardiasis. n-PCR recorded LR- equal 0.00 and the probability of giardiasis would be 0% if the test was negative. The methods were also ranked on basis of Multiattribute utility theory and Analytical hierarchy process with ELISA ranked better than n-PCR.

IMMUNE-MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION OF GIARDIA INTESTINALIS IN DIARRHOEAL CHILDREN: COMPARISON OF THREE DIAGNOSTIC METHODS

Giardiasis is a major health problem in both developed and developing world. A variety of methods for diagnosis of Giardia duodenalis cysts or trophozoites is available but still has certain limitations. 100 sample from diarrhoeal children who attending outpatient clinic in Abu El Rish hospital, .Kasr Al Ainy, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt. Giardiasis was diagnosed by direct wet mount, microscopy after formal- ethyl acetate concentration, Ridascreen ELISA assay and n-PCR targeting beta giardin (bg) gene. Using ELISA as reference standard, the methods' sensitivities, specificities, positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values and positive (LR+) and negative (LR-) likelihood ratios with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were analyzed.The diagnostic methods were evaluated to determine their impact on the posttest probability using Fagan's nomogram. All the studied methods led to a LR+ higher than 10 indicating ability to ruling in giardiasis. n-PCR recorded LR- equal 0.00 and the probability of giardiasis would be 0% if the test was negative. The methods were also ranked on basis of Multiattribute utility theory and Analytical hierarchy process with ELISA ranked better than n-PCR.

Coexistence of Helicobacter pylori and Intestinal Parasitosis in Children with Chronic Abdominal Pain.

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of coinfection with Helicobacter pylori and intestinal parasitosis in children with chronic abdominal pain (CAP) and to investigate the common risk factors in the development of both infections. Ninety patients with CAP were enrolled in this study. Blood samples of each case were screened for human preformed IgG (HpIgG) antibodies, and stool samples were tested for HpSA and also examined for intestinal parasites by direct wet-mount, formalin-ethyl-acetate concentration, and Trichrome staining procedures. Cellophane tape test was used for Enterobius vermicularis. Children tested positive for HpIgG and/or HpSA were accepted as H. pylori positive. The risk factors were compared with a questionnaire. The incidence of Giardia intestinalis was 14.8% in the H. pylori-positive group and was found to be statistically higher than that in the H. pylori-negative group (1.6%). The positivity rates of H. pylori were found to be statistically higher in children attending school and using drinking water from taps. The incidences of parasitosis were significantly higher in children with a low maternal education level and with a history of parasitosis treatment in the family. The most common etiologies of CAP in children are H. pylori infection and intestinal parasitosis. İmprovement of hygienic conditions would be beneficial in preventing both infections.

Malaria and intestinal parasites in pregnant and non-pregnant women: a comparative study at the University Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana

In sub-Sahara African countries, both malaria and intestinal helminth infections are endemic and co-infection commonly occurs. It is estimated that over a third of the world’s population, mainly in the tropics and sub-tropics are infected with parasitic helminths and Plasmodium species thus often leading to co-infections. This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of malaria and intestinal parasites in a sample of 760 study participants comprising 380 pregnant women and 380 non-pregnant women attending the University Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. Blood and stool samples were analyzed for malaria and intestinal parasites using Giemsa staining technique and direct wet mount method respectively. The overall prevalence of malaria infection, intestinal parasite infection and malaria-intestinal parasite co-infection was 73 (9.6%), 43 (5.6%) and 10 (1.3%) respectively. Malaria infection was higher in pregnant women (12.6%) compared to non-pregnant women (6.6%). Non-pregnant women recorded higher intestinal helminth infection (10%) than pregnant women (1.3%). No case of co-infection was recorded among the pregnant women. The study suggests a higher susceptibility to malaria infection when compared to their non-pregnant counterpart with an association between malaria parasite and intestinal helminths in non-pregnant women.Journal of Medical and Biomedical Sciences (2015) 4(3), 31-35Keywords: Ante-natal, infection, personal hygiene, maternal screening, hospital

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.

Optimization of Trichomonas vaginalis Diagnosis during Pregnancy at a University Hospital, Argentina.

The aim of this study was to evaluate different methods for Trichomonas vaginalis diagnosis during pregnancy in order to prevent maternal and perinatal complications. A total of 386 vaginal exudates from pregnant women were analyzed. T. vaginalis was investigated by 3 types of microscopic examinations direct wet mount with physiologic saline solution, prolonged May-Grunwald Giemsa (MGG) staining, and wet mount with sodium-acetate-formalin (SAF)/methylene blue method. PCR for 18S rRNA gene as well as culture in liquid medium were performed. The sensitivity and specificity of the microscopic examinations were evaluated considering the culture media positivity or the PCR techniques as gold standard. The frequency of T. vaginalis infection was 6.2% by culture and/or PCR, 5.2% by PCR, 4.7% by culture, 3.1% by SAF/methylene blue method and 2.8% by direct wet smear and prolonged MGG staining. The sensitivities were 83.3%, 75.0%, 50.0%, and 45.8% for PCR, culture, SAF/methylene blue method, and direct wet smear-prolonged MGG staining, respectively. The specificity was 100% for all the assessed methods. Microscopic examinations showed low sensitivity, mainly in asymptomatic pregnant patients. It is necessary to improve the detection of T. vaginalis using combined methods providing higher sensitivity, such as culture and PCR, mainly in asymptomatic pregnant patients, in order to prevent maternal and perinatal complications.

Helminthic Infection and Nutritional Studies among Orang Asli Children in Sekolah Kebangsaan Pos Legap, Perak.

Background. Orang Asli (aborigine) children are susceptible to soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections due to their lifestyle and substandard sanitation system. Objectives. This study aimed to examine the helminthic and nutritional status of Orang Asli school children in Sekolah Kebangsaan Pos Legap, a remote primary school at Kuala Kangsar District in the state of Perak, Malaysia. In addition, the sensitivities of four STH stool examination techniques were also compared. Methods. Demography and anthropometry data were collected by one-to-one interview session. Collected stools were examined with four microscopy techniques, namely, direct wet mount, formalin ether concentration (FEC), Kato-Katz (KK), and Parasep™. Results. Anthropometry analysis showed that 78% (26/33) of children in SK Pos Legap were malnourished and 33% (11/33) of them were stunted. Stool examinations revealed almost all children (97%) were infected by either one of the three commonest STHs. FEC was the most sensitive method in detection of the three helminth species. Conclusion. This study revealed that STH infections and nutritional status still remain a health concern among the Orang Asli children. These communal problems could be effectively controlled by regular monitoring of STH infection loads, administration of effective antihelminthic drug regimen, and also implementation of effective school nutritional programs.