Distribution Of Intestinal Parasites Research Articles

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

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

Distribution of intestinal parasites in patients applied to Inonu University Turgut Ozal Medical Center Parasitology Laboratory between 2018-2022

Distribution of intestinal parasites in patients applied to Inonu University Turgut Ozal Medical Center Parasitology Laboratory between 2018-2022

Burden of intestinal parasitic infections among pregnant women in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Comprehensive nationwide data on prevalence and distribution of intestinal parasites (IPIs) among pregnant women are lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to provide pooled prevalence estimate, prevalence in different regions and species-specific IPIs among pregnant women in Ethiopia. The search was carried out in Medline via PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science and Google Scholar on published and unpublished data between 2008 and Sep 2020 for studies describing rate of IPIs among pregnant women in Ethiopian. A random-effects model and forest plots to estimate pooled effect size and effect of each study with their confidence interval (CI) were used to provide a visual summary of the data. We conducted meta-regression to understand the source of heterogeneity and pooled the prevalence using 'metaprop' command using STATA software version 14. A total of 3149 of the 9803 pregnant women were infected with one or more species of IPIs resulted in an overall prevalence of 29% (95% CI 22-37%). The prevalence estimate varied among studies with considerable heterogeneity (χ2 = 2069.19, p < 0.001 I2 = 98.84). The prevalence of IPIs was 36% (95% CI 22-50%) in Oromia region, 29% (95% CI 10-47%) in Amhara region, 24% (95% CI 17-32%) in southern nation, nationality and people region, 24% (95% CI 22-27%) in Tigray region and 24% (95% CI 20-29%) in Addis Ababa city. Hookworms with pooled prevalence estimate of 10% (95% CI 8-13%) followed by Ascaris lumbricoides 10% (95% CI 7-13%), and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 6% (95% CI 4-8%) were the three common species of IPIs identified in this group of population. The prevalence of IPIs among pregnant women is relatively high in comparison to other general population. Hookworms and Ascaris lumbricoides were the most dominant species of intestinal helminths, whereas Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was the dominant intestinal protozoa among pregnant women in Ethiopia.

Investigation of Intestinal Protozoon Prevalence in Immunocompromised Patients at a University Hospital

Immunocompromised patients are at a greater risk of developing intestinal parasite infections. In this study, we examined the presence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encaphalitozoon intestinalis and other intestinal protozoa in stool samples of immunosuppressed patients. A total of 100 stool samples were obtained from patients receiving chemotherapy because of solid organ tumour with haematological malignancies and those receiving immunosuppressive treatment because of rheumatic diseases, organ transplant patients and patients receiving treatment for HIV-related infections. Stool samples were examined by using the native-lugol method in which the stool concentration, modified Kinyoun acid-fast and trichrome staining methods and parasite presence were analysed. The stool samples were also examined for the presence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis using an indirect fluorescent antibody method. Intestinal parasites were detected in 12% of all patients. The distribution of intestinal parasites in patients were 7% Blastocystis spp., 2% Blastocystis spp. + Dientamoeba fragilis, 1% Blastocystis spp. + Entamoeba coli, 1% Blastocystis spp. + Giardia intestinalis and 1% G. intestinalis. Microsporidia spp. were detected in 4% of all patients by the IFAT method and in 8% of all patients by calcoflour staining method. In our study, the most prevalent parasite detected in the immunosuppressed patients was Blastocystis spp. The pathogenesis of Blastocystis spp. remains to be controversial, and their role in immunocompromised patients continues to remain unknown. Although these rates detected in our study are similar to the prevalence in the normal population, it is important to study these microorganisms in immunocompromised patients in terms of the associated decreasing morbidity and mortality rates.

Intestinal Parasitic Infections among HIV-Infected Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy Attending Debretabor General Hospital, Northern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundParasitic infections are known causes of morbidity among HIV-infected patients with low CD4+ counts who are on antiretroviral therapy (ART), mainly as a result of immuno suppression. This study aimed to assess the extent of intestinal parasitic infection and related risk factors among HIV-infected patients attending ART clinic at Debretabor General Hospital, Northern Ethiopia.MethodsA health facility–based cross-sectional study was conducted on 383 HIV-infected patients attending the ART clinic of Debretabor General Hospital, northern Ethiopia from December 2018 to March 2019. An interview-based structured questionnaire was used to gather sociodemographic and risk-factor data. About 5 g fresh stool and 4 mL venous blood were collected from each patient, then transported and tested in accordance with laboratory-standard operating procedures. Data obtained were entered into SPSS version 22.0 and analyzed. P<0.05 with 95% CI was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 25.3%, with 18% and 23.8% by direct wet-mount and formol ether–concentration technique, respectively. Eight (2.1%) patients were infected by multiple parasites using the concentration technique. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most frequently identified parasite (n=23, 25.3%). Parasitic infection was significantly higher among illiterates (P=0.011), patients with CD4 count <200 cells/mm3 (P<0.001), and those who did not have a toilet in their home (P=0.049) than their counterparts.ConclusionRelatively higher prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was found among HIV/AIDS patients. The distribution of intestinal parasites was greatly affected by illiteracy, reduced CD4+ counts, and absence of a toilet. Therefore, HIV/AIDS patients with low CD4+ counts should be diagnosed consistently for intestinal parasites with routine stool examinations, and awareness creation should be advocated to be included as an essential component of ART-monitoring strategies for improved patient care.

The Distribution of Intestinal Parasites in Patients Presenting to a University Hospital in Istanbul: A Seven-year Retrospective Analysis

The purpose of this study was to determine the intestinal parasite distributions in patients who applied to the Parasitology Laboratory of Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, by evaluating the parasites retrospectively. Normal saline and stool lugol were applied for direct examination of stool samples that were sent for parasite examination; cellophane band samples were evaluated microscopically. The samples suspected to have protozoa were evaluated using modified acid fast and trichrome staining methods. We evaluated the parasitological examination results of patients who applied to our laboratory between January 2012 and December 2018. A total of 2.96% of the 20,948 patients who applied had parasites in their faeces. Blastocystis spp. was detected at the highest rate (63.23%), followed by Giardia intestinalis (17.26%), Enterobius vermicularis (12.58%), Taenia saginata (2.42%), Cryptosporidium spp. (1.94%) and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (1.45%). Although the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections has decreased when compared to previous years, it still remains important. For this reason, solving infrastructure problems, providing information on personal hygiene and sanitation rules are among the most important tasks needed to reduce the prevalence of intestinal parasites.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Intestinal Parasite Infections in Greek Swine Farrow-To-Finish Farms.

Intestinal parasites, helminths, and protozoa challenge health and welfare of pigs and deteriorate the sustainability of swine farms leading to monetary losses. A multicentric survey was conducted for approximately one year. Overall, 1150 fecal samples were collected from eight intensive farms in Greece at regular intervals and examined by flotation and Ziehl-Neelsen techniques. Age, season, and time of last recorded antiparasitic treatment were assessed as possible risk factors using binary regression models. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitism in pigs was 44.7%. The most frequently detected parasites in the studied population were the protozoa Balantidium coli (37.8%), followed by Entamoeba spp. (8.3%), Cystoisospora suis (6.0%), and the nematodes Ascaris suum (3.7%), Trichuris suis (2.5%), and Oesophagostomum spp. (1.4%). Distribution of intestinal parasites in different age groups was as expected. In autumn, the prevalence of Balantidium coli infection enhanced whereas the prevalence of Entamoeba spp. and Cystoisospora suis infections increased in spring. Time of last recorded antiparasitic treatment influenced Balantidium coli and Trichuris suis infection levels. Our results demonstrated that swine intestinal parasitism in intensive farms of Greece seems to be relatively common and highlighted the importance of proper laboratory examinations, as well as the need for tailored made control programs.

Intestinal parasites and HIV in Ethiopian tuberclosis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe distribution of intestinal parasites among patients with tuberculosis in Ethiopia is not well understood.ObjectiveThis systematic review and meta-analysis was designed to determine the pooled national prevalence of intestinal parasites and its association with HIV among patients with tuberculosis in Ethiopia.MethodsOriginal articles were searched in PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, World Health Organization's HINARI portal, and supplemented by the hand searching of cross-references. Data were extracted using a standard data extraction checklist. Random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of intestinal parasites and odds ratio of the association. The I2 statistic was utilized to quantify statistical heterogeneity across studies. Funnel plot asymmetry and Egger regression tests were used to check for publication bias. The analysis was done by STATA version 14 for Windows.ResultsOf 725 identified studies, 12 articles were eligible for inclusion in the final analysis. The pooled national prevalence of intestinal parasites among patients with tuberculosis in Ethiopia was 36.1% (95% CI, 22.1–50.1; I2 = 98.7%). Subgroup analysis based on study design indicated that the prevalence of intestinal parasite among case-control studies was 41.69% (95% CI, 28.6–54.8; I2 = 95.1%). The odds of intestinal parasites among patients with tuberculosis–HIV coinfection was not significantly different compared with patients with tuberculosis without HIV/AIDS (odds ratio = 0.99; 95% CI, 0.7—4.7; P = 0.96).ConclusionsIn Ethiopia, at least 1 out of 3 patients with tuberculosis have an intestinal parasite. These findings suggest a need of more attention on increasing screening tuberculosis patients for intestinal parasites and deworming interventions. (Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2020; 81:XXX–XXX)

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Relation to the HIV Status of Patients Attending the Care Units in Three Divisions in the Centre Region of Cameroon

Background: Depression of the immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) promotes the onset of opportunistic infections including intestinal parasites. Objectives: In this study, we are comparing the prevalence of these parasitic infections among individuals infected with HIV (HIV+) and non-infected (HIV-) enrolled in four HIV care units in the Centre Region of Cameroon. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted and stool samples were collected from 283 HIV positive subjects and 245 seronegative subjects. These samples were processed using direct wet mount, formol-ether concentration, Kato-Katz procedure, modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining, and Baermann techniques to identify both common and opportunistic intestinal parasites. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between HIV infection and socio-demographics factors as well as infection with intestinal parasites. Results: A total of 123 (23.4%) individuals were found infected with at least one protozoan parasite species, and nine (1.7%) with intestinal worms. Overall, infection rates were 27.9% and 22.4% among HIV+ and HIV- subjects, respectively. The frequencies of Cryptosporidium spp. and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar were significantly more important among HIV+ subjects (P < 0.0455). Pentatrichomonas hominis and Entamoeba coli were significantly more prevalent among HIV- subjects (P < 0.0210). Heterogeneity was observed in the distribution of intestinal parasites, according to socio-demographic parameters. In addition, Cryptosporidium spp. was significantly associated with the decrease in CD4 cell count (P = 0.0035). The frequencies of infections with Cryptosporidium spp., Isospora belli, and Iodamoeba buetschlii were significantly more important in HIV positive patients not taking antiretroviral (P < 0.0226). Conclusions: Cryptosporidium spp., Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, and Blastocystis spp. were the intestinal pathogens more often found among HIV infected individuals. HIV positive subjects were significantly more infected with intestinal parasites than seronegatives in intermediate and rural settings, among individuals aged more than 45 years and among unemployed individuals.

Intestinal parasitosis in relation to CD4 count and anemia among ART initiated patients in St. Mary Aksum general hospital, Tigray, Ethiopia

BackgroundThe geographical distribution of intestinal parasites with conditions of poverty in most countries of sub-Saharan Africa coincides with that of HIV/AIDS. However, there is paucity of studies investigating the relationship between intestinal parasitic infections with CD4 counts and anemia in HIV/AIDS patients starting Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in this region particularly and in Ethiopia in general. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in relation to CD4 count and anemia among ART-initiated patients in St. Mary Aksum General Hospital, Tigray, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 242 ART-initiated participants during February to April 2017 in St. Mary Aksum General hospital. Data was collected using structured questionnaire and laboratory examination. Logistic regression was applied to assess any association between explanatory factors and outcome variables (P values < 0.05).ResultThe overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 26.4% and among the six types of parasitic genera identified Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (18.6%) and Giardia lamblia (2.1%) were the leading. According to the multivariate analysis, lack of hand washing before meal, eating uncooked vegetables, history of taking anti-parasite medication, stool consistency, and anemia were strongly associated with intestinal parasitosis.ConclusionThere was a high prevalence of intestinal parasites among HIV positive individuals. Intervention measures such as deworming, improving hygiene and sanitation practices should be strengthened to reduce the burden of intestinal parasites among people living with HIV.

Prevalence and factors associated with intestinal parasites among under-five children attending Woreta Health Center, Northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundEnvironmental, social, geographical, and other factors could affect the distribution of intestinal parasites. Parasitic infections would impose on health and social problems like mal-absorption, diarrhea, impaired work capacity, and reduced growth rate. However, there is a scarcity of information regarding the prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated factors in the study area.MethodsInstitution based cross-sectional study was conducted among 310 study participants from April–May, 2017. Study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. EPI Info version 7 and SPSS version 20 were used to enter and analyze the data. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were computed. In multivariate analysis, variables with P-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsIn this study, the mean age of participants was 29.25 Months. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 18.7% (95% CI = 14.4–23.3). Children who rarely feed fresh meal (AOR = 7.74, 95% CI: 1.61, 7.84), Children whose nails were sometimes trimmed (AOR = 3.41, 95% CI: 2.20–10.28), children who had no clean playing ground (AOR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.25–5.18), and children who had open defecation of the family (AOR = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.27–10.86) were significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections. Among the intestinal parasites, 31(53.5%) were G.lamblia (Giardia lamblia) and 21(36.2%) were E. histolytica/E. dispar/E. moshkovskii.ConclusionIn this study, the prevalence of intestinal parasites was found low compared with the WHO annual or biannual population prevalence and treatment. However, strengthening of health education about food, personal and environmental hygiene of both children and mothers/guardians is crucial to limit the transmission. Besides, improving mothers/guardian awareness about the mode of intestinal parasites transmission is necessary.

Investigation on the Pattern of Intestinal Parasites Present in Refuse Dumps and Abattoir Wastes in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Waste, soil, animal waste and sewage sludge are common sources of manure used to fertilize agricultural fields. The use of community waste, human excrement and effluents from slaughterhouses to fertilize agricultural fields is gaining importance. This practice is especially true in developing countries due to the rising costs of chemical fertilizers which have become unaffordable for many farmers and also due to the increasing demand for basic foodstuffs, some villagers are also used to using pond or stream water for which effluents have been discharged to wet the floor of their hut. Recycling wastewater for agricultural irrigation can give a strong economic boost as it helps conserve resources and protect the environment by preventing pollution of rivers, protecting water quality and preventing intrusion seawater in coastal areas. The presence, prevalence and distribution of intestinal parasites in waste, human and animal waste have been reasonably reported in different parts of the world. The most important of these parasites are Entamoeba Histolytica, Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm, Balantidium coli, Trichomonas hominis, Taenia saginata. Recent epidemiological studies have indicated that in regions of the world where helminthic diseases are endemic in the population and where raw untreated wastewater is used to irrigate vegetables and other salads generally consumed uncooked, the consumption of this vegetable wastewater irrigated can lead to infection parasites. These studies have also indicated that, regardless of the level of municipal sanitary and personal hygiene, the irrigation of vegetables and salad crops with raw sewage can serve as the main route for lasting exposure to helminthic infections

Prevalence and distribution of intestinal parasites in stray dogs in the northwest area of Mexico

espanolRESUMEN: Las infecciones zoonoticas parasitarias son un problema global publico y para la medicina veterinaria, siendo diseminadas por perros callejeros. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la prevalencia de parasitosis intestinales en perros callejeros de la zona urbana, rural y costera del municipio de Mexicali, noroeste de Mexico. En 2014, entre enero y diciembre, se capturaron 380 perros. Se colecto el intestino, ciego y heces y se examinaron utilizando flotacion con sulfato de zinc y tincion con la solucion de Lugol. Los datos fueron analizados estadisticamente. En general, alrededor del 21,5% de los perros examinados fueron positivos a parasitos intestinales. Toxocara canis fue el parasito mas frecuentemente, con una prevalencia del 7,1%, seguido por Toxascaris leonina (5,5%), Cystoisospora spp. (5,0%), Taenia spp. (3,9%) y Dipylidium caninum (2,8%). Los perros fueron mas frecuentemente encontrados infectados con un solo genero de parasito intestinal (18,7%) que coinfectados (2,8%). Las parasitosis intestinales fueron mas prevalentes en muestras de la costa (25%) que del area rural (24,4%) y urbana (20,6%), sin embargo solo se encontro asociacion estadistica entre el area de captura y las parasitosis intestinales especificas. Hubo diferencias significativas en la prevalencia de taeniasis entre los dos grupos de edad (P EnglishABSTRACT: Zoonotic parasitic infections are a major global public and veterinary health problem and widespread among stray dogs. The objective of this study was to establish the prevalence of intestinal parasites in stray dogs in the urban, rural and coastal areas of Mexicali County in northwest Mexico. In 2014, from January to December, 380 stray dogs were captured. The entire small intestine, cecum and faeces samples were collected and examined by using simple zinc sulfate flotation and Lugol’s solution staining. Data were statistically analysed. Overall, about 21.5% of examined dogs were found positive for intestinal parasites. Toxocara canis was the most frequent detected parasite, with a prevalence of 7.1%, followed by Toxascaris leonina (5.5%), Cystoisospora spp. (5.0%), Taenia spp. (3.9%) and Dipylidium caninum (2.8%). Dogs were more frequently found to be infected with a single genus of intestinal parasite (18.7%) than co-infected (2.8%). Intestinal parasites were more prevalent in samples from the coastal area (25%) than in those from the rural (24.4%) and urban (20.6%) areas, however, only statistical association was found between capture area and specific intestinal parasitic infection. There were significant differences in the prevalence of taeniasis among two age groups (P

Distribution of Parasites Detected in Stool Samples of Patients Admitted to Our Parasitology Laboratory during a Three-Year Period between 2012 and 2014.

Parasitic diseases are among the major public health issues worldwide. A number of tests are available for diagnosis, but the sentivity and specifity of these tests are assumed to be insufficient. Nevertheless, the most common diagnostic method is microscopic examination. In this study, we aimed to introduce the distribution of parasites detected in stool samples of patients admitted to our laboratory on the basis of parameters such as, age, and gender during a 3-year period between 2012 and 2014. In total, 6757 stool samples were included in the study. After macroscopic examination, wet mounts of all samples were examined under a light microscope using ×100 and ×400 magnification lenses. Wet mounts were prepared with physiological saline and Lugol's iodine. Parasites were detected in 3.7% (252) of the samples, while no parasites were detected in 96.3% (6505) of the samples. The distribution of intestinal parasites was as follows: Blastocystis hominis (63.5%), Giardia intestinalis (26.2%), Taenia sp. (4.8%), Enterobius vermicularis (2.4%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (1.6%), and Hymenolepis nana (1.6%). When the burden of intestinal parasites on public health is considered, they are still a major health issue in Turkey. The frequency of parasitic diseases can be reduced by the education of individuals and implementation of effective diagnostic methods, treatments, and preventive measures.

Spatial distribution of intestinal parasitic infections in a Kaingáng indigenous village from Southern Brazil

The spatial distribution of enteroparasitosis in an indigenous village from Paraná was evaluated to identify areas of risk for these infections. A cross-sectional study (from November 2010 to June 2011) was performed using Three Faecal Test® and Kato & Katz method and a questionnaire on housing and hygiene conditions was administered. Local geostatistical analyses were performed to determine the spatial distribution of intestinal parasitic infections. The overall prevalence of enteroparasites was 67.2 % (457/680), and the most prevalent taxa were Ascaris lumbricoides (48.8 %) and Trichuris trichiura (44.7 %). The prevalence of heavy infection by soil-transmitted helminths was 3.6 % and the families lived in houses with an average of 5.1 residents and < 2 bedrooms per household. The average number of species per individual present spatial heterogeneity with the highest values (≥0.8) in areas with high clustering of residences. The visualization of the spatial distribution of intestinal parasites in this indigenous village is an important contribution to determining health risk areas and planning decisions and services.

Detection of the Carcinogenic Liver Fluke Opisthorchis viverrini Using a Mini Parasep SF Faecal Parasite Concentrator.

The Mini Parasep SF fecal parasite concentrator (MPSFC) is a new modification of the closed concentration system, which can easily be adopted in any routine clinical pathology laboratory. Here we describe our experience with the system in diagnosing Opisthorchis viverrini. A total of 199 fecal samples was submitted for routine examination in the clinical pathology laboratory of Suranaree University of Technology hospital, Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand, during August to October 2015. Out of all samples examined, 10 (5.03%) were positive with intestinal parasites including O. viverrini (2.01%), followed by Strongyloided stercoralis (1.51%), Hookworm (0.5%), Taenia spp. (0.5%), and Entamoeba coli (0.5%). Regarding the distribution of intestinal parasites in relation to the methods used, and found that 4 samples (2.01%) were positive using the direct wet smear method while 10 (5.03%) were positive with the Mini Parasep SF method; the difference was statistically significant (X2-test = 116.506, p-value =0.001). Mean time for processing using the Parasep system was 6.03 min/ sample, the conventional direct wet smear method at 0.3 min/sample. Cost per test, conventional direct wet smear method costing less than the Parasep method at USD 0.74/sample versus USD 1.47/sample. This first report of O. viverrini detection using MPSFC indicates that Parasep concentration test is useful in the routine laboratory, increasing the yield of parasites as compared to direct microscopy, but with greater processing time and cost. Further comparisons between the Parasep concentration test and common methods for O. viverrini detection are required, particularly concerning use in epidemiological surveys.

A survey of intestinal parasites including associated risk factors in humans in Panama

BackgroundIntestinal parasitic infections are among the most common infections worldwide, leading to illness with serious and long lasting implications in children and immunocompromised people. Transmission of intestinal parasites is more frequent in tropical and sub-tropical areas where sanitation is poor and socioeconomic conditions are deficient. Panama is a country where climate and social conditions could be reflected in a high number of people infected with intestinal parasites. The presence, prevalence, and distribution of intestinal parasites in this country have been approached to date only in very restricted areas and population groups, but the impact of intestinal parasite infections at the national level is unknown. Methodology/principal findingsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey between 2008 and 2010 to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites across Panama. Overall, 14 municipalities in seven provinces of Panama were surveyed. The presence of eggs, cysts, and larvae was assessed by microscopy in 1123 human fecal samples using a concentration technique. A questionnaire to identify risk factors associated with the frequency of intestinal parasites in the study population was also prepared and performed. Overall, 47.4% of human samples presented parasites. Variables including community type, age group, occupation, co-presence of commensals and socioeconomic factors (use of shoes and type of sanitation) were significantly associated with intestinal parasites (p<0.05). Conclusions/significanceThe preliminary data obtained in the current study, showing a high prevalence of fecal–oral transmitted parasites in Panama, place intestinal parasitism as a major health problem in this country. Specific interventions should be planned for the indigenous population, the group most afflicted by intestinal parasites.

Intestinal Parasitic infections and Demographic status of school children in Bhopal region of Central India

Background: School going children of age 6-12 years are the prime victims of intestinal parasitic infections. There is scant information available on the prevalence and distribution of intestinal parasites among school children in Bhopal region of Central India. Aim: To study, (a) prevalence and types of intestinal parasites in school children (b) Demographic status and sanitary habits of school children. Materials and Methods: Cross sectional study was conducted in 300 rural and 300 urban school children of age 6-12 years. Data collected from their parents on demographic factors and behavioral habits. As consent was obtained only from rural school, stool samples of rural school children were examined for parasites by saline and iodine wet mount. Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 40.7%. Giardia intestinalis was the commonest protozoa found (43.44%). Among helminths, Ascaris lumbricoides was predominantly detected (9.84%). Literacy rate of head of family was 85% and 1.67% in rural and urban school children respectively. 49.33% used cloth filter and 41.66% used plain water for drinking in rural area while 15% used cloth filter and 34.66% used plain water for drinking in urban area. 7.33% of children from rural area and 3.0% children from urban area used open field for defecation. Dirty untrimmed nails were found in 86.23% of rural and 28.66% of urban school children. Conclusion: Burden of parasitic infections and poor sanitation are still important public health problems in school children of our region. Creating awareness about health, improving sanitation level and promotion of de-worming could reduce intestinal parasitic infestation.

Distribution of intestinal parasites in patients presenting at the Erciyes University Medical School Parasitology Laboratory between 2011 and 2013

Distribution of intestinal parasites in patients presenting at the Erciyes University Medical School Parasitology Laboratory between 2011 and 2013

The Distribution of Intestinal Parasites Detected in the Abant İzzet Baysal University Medical Faculty Hospital

The Distribution of Intestinal Parasites Detected in the Abant İzzet Baysal University Medical Faculty Hospital