Hymenolepis Nana Research Articles

Parasitological Assessment of Sewage Sludge Samples for Potential Agricultural Reuse in Tunisia.

Wastewater sludge represents an important resource for reuse in agriculture. However, potentially harmful pathogens are a main threat in this context. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the presence of helminth ova and protozoan cysts in dried sewage sludge samples collected from ten wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) located in eight governorates in Tunisia. Based on morphological criteria, protozoan cysts of Giardia spp., Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii, and Entamoeba coli, were detected in all dried sludge composite samples (N = 116) from the investigated WWTPs. The mean concentration ranged from 1.4 to 10.7 cysts per 100 g dry matter (DM). The identified helminth eggs were Ascaris spp., Strongyles, Taeniid eggs, Hymenolepis nana, Enterobius vermicularis, and hookworm species. Ascaris spp. and Taeniid eggs were detected in 56.9 and 74.1% of analyzed samples, respectively. The presence of Trichuris spp., Hymenolepis diminuta, and Toxocara spp. eggs in dried sewage sludge samples was low (0.9, 1.7, and 2.6%, respectively). The mean concentration of helminth eggs during the three-year study was less than 1 egg/100 g DM. All examined dried sewage sludge sample contents were below the WHO (2006) and US EPA (2003) recommendations, and thus, the sludge can potentially be reused in agriculture.

Hymenolepis fraterna

This datasheet on Hymenolepis fraterna covers Identity, Distribution, Hosts/Species Affected.

Risk factors associated with intestinal pathogenic parasites in schoolchildren

Diseases caused by intestinal parasites impose a substantial burden on population of middle income countries including Pakistan. This research was aimed to assess the risk factors for intestinal parasites in school children of Malakand, Pakistan. Two hundred and eighty eight students were enrolled between February and June 2016. Out of the total enrolled 184 were agreed to collect stool specimens. A questionnaire was also used to collect the data on socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the participants. All the students were guided to collect at least 10gof their own stool specimens. Each of the stool specimens was diagnosed for the presence of any stage of helminth or protozoal parasites. Formal ether concentration method and wet mount techniques were applied. One way ANOVA was used for calculation of P value when it was less than 0.05 which was considered significant. Eighty two percent of the participants were found infected with one species of parasite while 69.9% of the participants were infected with more than one species of intestinal parasites. The most prevalent parasite was hook worm 33.4% (n = 99/296) followed by Taenia saginata 28.7% (n = 85/296), Ascaris lumbricoides 27.7% (n = 82/296), Hymenolepis nana 6.08% (n = 18/296), Entamoeba histolytica 3.37% (n = 10/296) and least for each Enterobius vermicularis and Fasciola hepatica 0.37% (n = 1/296). Previously used drugs, level in school, ages, weight and upper arm circumference were the most significantly (P < 0.05) related factors for the occurrence of intestinal parasite infection. Present research endorsed that risk factors play a key role in the transmission of parasitic diseases. Lack of safe water supply, using raw vegetables, animal keeping, which should be considered for sustainable strategies in the control of these infections preferably in remote parts of the world.

Prevalence of cestodes infection among school children of urban parts of Lower Dir district, Pakistan.

Tapeworms of zoonotic importance have been described as a leading public health problem. Current research was aim to assess the prevalence of tapeworms among 5-12years school children residing in district Lower Dir, Pakistan from January 2019-December 2019. The wet mount preparation in saline/iodine/methods were used for stool examination. Data was analyzed using appropriate descriptive, static methods. Of the 400 children studied 71.7% were infected with one or more species of intestinal parasites. Single infection of cestode species was found in 69 individuals with 17.2% prevalence and multiple parasitic infections were identified in 19.7% (n=79/400) individuals. The multiple infection were comprised as 10% (n=40) double, 6.75% (n=27) triple and 3% (n=12) quadruple. A total of 9 species of helminths and one species of protozoan infection. Among the helminths Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent 33.1% (n=95), Taenia saginata 22.6% (n=65), hookworm 19.8% (n=57), Hymenolepis nana 18.8% (n=54), Enterobius vermicularis and Hymenolepis diminuta 1.39% (n=4each), Trichuris trichura 1.04% (n=3), Toxocara spp 0.69% (n=2) and Schistosoma japonicum 0.34% (n=1) were reported. One protozoan species was Cryptosporidium spp 0.69% (n=2) in current study. In case of A.lumbricoides, hookworm, E.vermicularis, T.trichura, T.saginata, H.nana and H.diminuta the male children of below 8 years of age were highly infected. Other infections are reported in the same prevalence with slight difference if any. We conclude that there is a need for mass scale campaigns to create awareness regarding health and hygiene in children and the need for development of effective poverty control programs because deworming alone is not adequate to control parasitic infections.

Zoonotic intestinal parasites in free-ranging dogs (Canis lupus familiaris): a risk to public health in a Mexican Protected Area

Domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) have been in contact with humans for thousands of years, playing an important role in societies. Nonetheless, the lack of responsible ownership has contributed to the transition from companion dogs to free-ranging or feral dogs that can be reservoirs of zoonotic parasites. Our goal was to identify zoonotic intestinal parasites in free-ranging dogs in a Mexican Protected Area. A total of 132 scat samples from free-ranging dogs were collected and examined using the Faust flotation technique. We identified a total of nine parasite species, four platyhelminthes, and five nematodes. Eight of nine identified parasite are zoonotic. The most frequent zoonotic parasites are Ancylostoma caninum and Ascaris spp. (19.7% each) followed by Toxascaris leonina (17.4%) and Uncinaria stenocephala (7.6%). The least frequent are Dipylidium caninum (2.2%), Capillaria spp., Hymenolepis diminuta, and Hymenolepis nana (0.75% each). This study provides the first description of intestinal zoonotic parasites richness in free-ranging dogs within a Mexican Protected Area. The presence of zoonotic parasites in canine scats represents a high risk to public health, mainly for the transmission of some species through cutaneous and visceral migrans larvae, especially in infants and kids. We recommend specific measures to prevent, control and mitigate the presence of free-ranging dogs in Protected Areas.

Detection of enteroparasites in foliar vegetables commercialized in street- and supermarkets in Aparecida de Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.

Foliar vegetables contaminated with fecal residues are an important route of transmission of intestinal parasites to humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of parasitic forms of protozoa and helminths on lettuces (Lactuca sativa) and collard greens (Brassica oleracea) sold in street- and supermarkets in the city of Aparecida de Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil. A total of 30 samples of each vegetable (15 samples from each supermarkets and street markets) was analyzed. All samples were processed by spontaneous sedimentation method and centrifugal flotation. In 45% of the samples, immature forms of intestinal parasites were identified with 66.7% helminths eggs and 33.3% protozoan cysts or oocysts. Significantly more lettuce samples were contaminated with eggs, cysts or oocyst of at least one parasite than collard green samples (U=216; Z=-3.45; P <0.001). The parasitic forms were identified morphologically up to the family level with eggs of Ancylostomatidae, Strongyloididae, Ascarididae and Taeniidae, or oocysts of Eimeriidae, to the genus with Cystoisospora sp. and Toxocara sp., and to the species level with Cystoisospora canis, Dipylidium caninum and Hymenolepis nana. The presence of these infective agents in lettuce and collard green from both street- and supermarkets highlights the high risk of spreading parasites by eating raw vegetables sold in Aparecida de Goiânia.

Assessment of prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasite infections among school children at Amber Primary School, Northwest Ethiopia.

Objective:This study is aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections among school children at Amber Primary School, Northwest Ethiopia.Methods:A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Amber Primary School from December 2019 to January 2020. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data and clinical characteristics. Direct wet mount technique was applied for detection and identification of intestinal parasites.Result:A total of 384 participants were included in this study of which 50.3% were males and 65.4% were in the age group 9–12 years. The prevalence of at least one intestinal parasite was 26.8% (n = 103), of which 13.6% (n = 14) were mixed infections. Hymenolepis nana was the most prevalent intestinal parasite (5.2%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (4.9%) and hookworm (4.7%). Male children (adjusted odds ratio = 0.624; 95% confidence interval: 0.392–0.993) and those whose mother completed elementary school (adjusted odds ratio = 2.171; 95% confidence interval: 1.012–4.658) were significantly associated with intestinal parasite infections (p < 0.05).Conclusion:Intestinal parasitic infections remained an important health problem among school children in the study area. Appropriate intervention measures should be taken to reduce the burden and related morbidities.

Assessment of the Endoparasite Fauna amongst the Rodents in Kurdistan Province, West of Iran.

Background:We aimed to evaluate the rate of infection by endoparasites amongst rodents in the western regions of Iran to enhance the level of knowledge amongst health authorities in this entity.Methods:This study was conducted in the west and southwest of Kurdistan Province, including the cities of Sanandaj, Marivan, and Sarvabad. The field mission of this work was performed in three seasons’ spring, summer, and autumn. The rodents were captured alive and their gastrointestinal tracts were evaluated for the worm endoparasites.Results:Herein, 208 rodents from 15 types of seven species, including Apodemus, Meriones, Mus, Sciurus, Cricetulus, Microtus, and Dryomys, were captured. In addition, 67 (32.21%) rodents were infected with endoparasites and 10 types of worms endoparasites, including Syphacia muris, Streptophagus spp., Mastophorus muris, Skrjabinema spp., Trichostrongylus spp., Trichuris muris, Hymenolepis nana, Hymenolepis dimimuta, Heligmosomoide spp., and other oxiuros were isolated from their gastrointestinal tracts. Most of these parasites (60%) were isolated from their small intestine whereas they were least (10%) found in their stomach and cecum.Conclusion:Having compared the results of this study with other studies in different regions of Iran, there is a higher variety of rodents and worm parasites in these regions of Iran.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites Among the Patients Visiting Sub-Regional Hospital, Dadeldhura, Nepal

Intestinal parasitic infections caused by intestinal helminthes and protozoa are the most common human infections endemic throughout the world especially in tropical and subtropical countries including Nepal. This study was conducted to study the prevalence of intestinal parasites among patients visiting Sub-Regional Hospital, Dadeldhura, Nepal. Altogether 480 stool samples were collected from April 2017- October 2017. Microscopic examination of stool was done by using formal-ether concentration technique in the Microbiology Laboratory of Sub-Regional Hospital, Dadeldhura Nepal. The overall prevalence rate was found to be 10.625%. The prevalence of parasitic infection was higher in males (52.94%) than in females (47.06%). In the age group below 15 years, the prevalence was found to be higher (52.94 %) than other age groups. Total 6 species of intestinal parasites; 2 (33.33%) were protozoan parasites viz. cysts and trophozoites of Giardia lamblia, and cysts of Entamoeba histolytica, and 4 (66.67%) were helminths viz. ova of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichuria, Hymenolepis nana, and Ancylostoma duodenale. The infection rate was found to be higher in people taking normal tap water. The study concluded that intestinal protozoan infection is still a public health problem of concern among the people of Dadeldhura. The prevalence of intestinal protozoan infection was found to be high in children and low educated groups in Dadeldhura. Thus, health education along with infection management actions and awareness programs for sanitation improvements are required to reduce protozoan infections.

Prevalence of Hymenolepis spp. in House Mice in Baghdad City, Iraq

The prevalence of house mice (Mus musculus) Hymenolepiasis was determined in Baghdad, Iraq to study the effects of location, sex, and months on the infection rate of Hymenolepis spp. in house mice. Fifty house mice were captured from Abu Ghraib and Al-Ameriya, Baghdad, Iraq and examined for detecting parasites in laboratory in College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad. The total infection prevalence of intestinal parasites was 11 (22%) out of 50 samples, the higher prevalence was 28.57% and found in Abu Ghraib area, while lower was (13.63%) and recorded in Al-Ameriya area. The study revealed that the house mice were infected with two species of Hymenolepis: Hymenolepis nana 4 (8%) and Hymenolepis diminuta 7(14%). The intestinal parasites revealed a significance prevalence value (P&lt;0.05). There was statistical difference in between males and females in parasites infection, in which the higher rate was 8 (27.58%) and recorded in males and the lower was 3 (14.28%) and observed in females. The monthly distribution of confirmed cases over a 9-month period revealed that reported cases of house mice and Hymenolepiasis increased significantly (P&lt;0.01) in autumn (65.44%), followed by winter (15.38%), and summer (13.33%). The findings showed that house mice play an important role in the spread of zoonotic parasitic illnesses to people, as well as attention must pay to public health.

Ocurrence of enteroparasites with zoonotic potential in animals of the rural area of San Andres, Chimborazo, Ecuador.

The aim of this research was the identification of the enteroparasites harbored by the animals of the San Andrés community, to evaluate their role as susceptible hosts and sources of infection for other animals, humans (zoonoses), as well as parasite forms spreaders to the environment in this rural area, located in the province of Chimborazo, Ecuadorian Andean region. The study was carried out combining 3 coproparasitological techniques: direct examination, Ritchie and Ziehl-Neelsen in 300 animal stool samples RESULTS: Blastocystis sp., Entamoeba spp., Giardia spp., Balantidium spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Ascaris spp., Toxocara spp., Ancylostoma spp., Strongylida, Hymenolepis nana and Echinococcus spp., were detected. Infection by protozoa (87.3%) was higher than helminths (31.0%). All cattle, sheep and guinea pigs were found parasitized, and the presence of Blastocystis sp., Entamoeba spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. by all groups of animals stands out. It is also remarkable the presence of Giardia spp. in swine (19.2%), big herbivores-livestock (11.5%), leporids (8.3%) and carnivores (5.9%); Balantidium spp. in swine (19.2%), big herbivores-livestock (5.8%) and carnivores (1.2%); Hymenolepis nana in guinea pigs (2.1%); and Toxocara spp. (15.7%), Echinococcus spp. (9.6%) and Ancylostoma spp. (6.0%) in dogs. Animals from San Andrés have a wide spectrum of intestinal parasitic forms in their feces, being a source of infection to other animals and humans, and a source of contamination of the environment, posing a risk factor and reinforcing the idea of the need for more effective treatments and hygienic measures to improve livestock production and cutting its transmission.

Molecular identification of the rodent-borne pathogen Rodentolepis nana using the genetic markers of ITS-1, 18S, and 28S rDNA.

Rodentolepis nana (syn. Hymenolepis nana), the most common cyclophyllid tapeworm infecting rodents, is a well-studied gastrointestinal parasite in mice and belongs to the family Hymenolepididae. The present study focuses on the molecular analysis for the nuclear genes (ITS-1, 18S, and 28S rDNA) used for the accurate recognition of the recovered Rodentolepis species. The annotated partial ITS-1, 18S, and 28S rDNA gene regions were deposited in GenBank (gbǀ MW310394.1, gbǀ MW327585.1, and gbǀ MW324479.1, respectively) and further used in the maximum likelihood method (ML) to clarify their genetic relationships at the species level. The interrogation sequence of R. nana was aligned and belonged to the family Hymenolepididae, in the same group as all Hymenolepis species, which were distinct from Cyclophyllidea cestodes, especially species belonging to Anoplocephalidae and Taeniidae. Sequence data support the paraphyly of Hymenolepis species. The phylogeny supports the availability of the ITS-1, 18S, and 28S rDNA genes as reliable genetic markers for evolutionary relationships.

Seasonal Occurrence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Horse (Equus Ferus Caballus) From Dhaka City Bangladesh

The study was conducted to understand the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in horse during June, 2017 to April, 2018 from Bangladesh National Zoo, Puran Dhaka and Rajarbagh Police Line of Dhaka city. A total of 48 faecal samples were collected from horses and examined by Direct Smearing technique and Formol Ether Concentration technique. Out of 48 samples 47 found positive for gastrointestinal parasitic infection with an overall prevalence of 97.92 %. Highest prevalence was identified (77.1 %) in Parascaris equorum, followed by 70.8 % in Hymenolepis nana, 62.5 % in Isospora sp., 50 % in Ancylostoma duodenale, 39.6 % in Toxocara sp., 35.4 % in Entamoeba sp., 25 % in Trichuris sp., 20.8 % in Fasciola hepatica 16.67 % in Capillaria sp., 8.3 % in Taenia sp. and Opisthorchis sinensis, 4.2 % in Moniezia benedeni and Thysaniezia sp. Highest intensity (72.97± 46.32) was found for Isospora sp. The p value was 0.01, p &lt; 0.05 so the prevalence rate was statistically significant.A significant difference was founded in prevalence between male and female horse where females were highly infected and also seasonal variation showed significant differences. Highest prevalence was recorded in winter and Rainy season (100 %) followed by summer (95 %). The intensity of parasites was highest in rainy season (63.38 ±79.94) followed by summer (55.47 ±29.73) and winter (49.5 ±28.58) Bangladesh J. Zool. 49 (2): 301-319, 2021

Parasite load of raw wastewater from the city of Biskra’s discharge outfalls - Z’mor and Biskra valleys (Algeria)

Algeria, like other arid and semi-arid African countries, is confronted by problems related to rapid population growth and water stress (water short-age). This stress fosters raw wastewater reuse in market gardening and hor-ticulture. The advantages of this wastewater consist of their nutrients whose organic materials contribute to soils enrichment with humus, as well as their availability in large quantities. However, raw wastewater reuse entails a po-tential risk of environmental and water resources pollution. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the parasite load of raw wastewater from the city of Biskra’s discharge outfalls (Biskra valley and Z'mor valley), while consider-ing the demographic and socio-economic profile of populations connected to these outfalls. Our results revealed a variety of parasites in the form of hel-minths eggs at the following average concentrations: Ascaris sp. (33.66 eggs/L,), Trichuris sp. (22 eggs/L), Enterobius vermicularis (19.58 eggs/L), Ancy-lostoma sp. (17.41 eggs/L), Nematodirus sp. 17.83 (eggs/L), Hymenolepis nana (21.66 eggs/L), Moniezia expansa (16.5 eggs/L), Taenia sp. (18.5 eggs/L), Fasciola hepatica (0.58 eggs/L) and Strongyloides spp (17.11 eggs/L). The parasitic helminths eggs distribution varies according to the size of urban areas and the socio-economic level of populations connected to each outfall. This study also highlighted the qualitative and quantitative seasonal varia-tions of helminths eggs in wastewater from Biskra’s two outfalls.

Infection of Mammary Glands of Small Mammals in Eastern North America by Helminths.

Simple SummaryFor several decades, it has been known that many species of parasitic worms can infect the mammary glands of their hosts, and that some of these can be transmitted through the mammary glands from mother to nursing young. Such infections have been studied widely in many species of wild and domesticated animals, including livestock as well as cats and dogs, and also in humans. Despite this, field studies specifically designed to determine whether mammary infections occur in wild mammals sampled from their natural environment have not been performed. We explored this by conducting a survey of wild small mammals from natural sites in the states of New York, Tennessee, and Georgia in the eastern United States. We examined 53 wild hosts, including four species of rodents and one shrew, using a new method of removing and mounting whole mammary glands for microscopical study. Many intestinal parasites were found, but worms occurred in the mammary glands of only one species; four cotton rats from Georgia had roundworm larvae in their mammary glands. This is the first general survey of wild mammals to include mammary examination. Based on our positive results, we propose inclusion of mammary examination in all future surveys.To determine whether small mammals living in natural settings harbor helminth infections in their mammary glands, we conducted a survey of helminths infecting rodents and soricimorphs in three widespread locations in the eastern United States: states of New York, Tennessee, and Georgia. We examined all the primary organs in all hosts, and identified all helminths. We also excised the complete mammary glands within their subcutaneous fat pads, then stained and mounted each whole mammary gland set for microscopical examination. A total of 53 individual hosts were examined, including 32 Peromyscus spp., 11 Mus musculus, 5 Sigmodon hispidus, 4 Clethrionomys gapperi, and 1 Blarina carolinensis. Helminths collected included Heligmosomoides sp., Hymenolepis diminuta, Hymenolepis nana, Pterygodermatites peromysci, Schistosomatium douthitti, Syphacia obvelata, Syphacia sigmodontis, and Trichostrongylus sigmodontis. Four S. hispidus were infected by T. sigmodontis in the small intestine; in all four, we also found nematode larvae in lactiferous duct lumen and lactogenic tissue of the mammary glands. We were unable to identify the species of nematode larvae, but the co-occurrence with T. sigmodontis in all cases may suggest an association. Future studies should seek to identify such larvae using molecular and other methods, and to determine the role of these mammary nematode larvae in the life cycle of the identified species. No other host species harbored helminths in the mammary glands. Overall, our results suggest that mammary infections in wild small mammals are not common, but warrant inclusion in future surveys.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infestations among Children in a Tertiary Care Centre

Introduction: Intestinal parasitic infestations are more common in developing countries and an important cause of morbidity in pediatric age group. It causes abdominal pain, diarrhoea, anemia, impaired cognitive function, growth retardation and poor academic performance among school going children.&#x0D; Objectives: To analyze age, gender and most common parasitic infestations among children in a tertiary care hospital in south India.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Stool samples of pediatric patients in a tertiary care hospital is analysed for a period of one year for detection of prevalence of parasitic infestations.&#x0D; Results: In our study, 115 stool samples were analysed and prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was found to be 7.82% (9/115).There were five different parasites encountered. The most common parasite identified was Giardia lamblia(4/9)(44.44%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica(2/9)(22.22%), Ascarislumbricoides(1/9)(11.11%), Trichuris trichiura(1/9)(11.11%), and Hymenolepis nana(1/9)(11.11%).&#x0D; Conclusion: Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica were found to be the most common organism in our study. Awareness about proper hygiene, sanitation and prophylactic anti-protozoal medications is important to prevent the occurrence and complications of intestinal parasitic infestations.

Movement of Echinococcus granulosus under a light microscope

Echinococcosis, also known as hydatid cyst infection in humans and dwarf tape worm infection in dogs, is a zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution. Echinococcosis is a significant health issue and carries commercial losses. It is caused by the metacestode stage of the dog tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. This is a small worm, less than 1 cm long, that attaches to the intestinal villi. The life cycle of the genus Echinococcus involves two mammalian hosts. The definitive hosts are carnivorous dogs that become infected by ingestion of protoscoleces, consumed within the hydatid cyst as free brood capsules in contaminated meat, or within the tissue of the intermediate host.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Yifag Health Center, Northwest Ethiopia.

Background A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2019 to March 2020 to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at Yifag Health Center. Methods The data were collected by a questionnaire interview technique and collecting the stool samples from each pregnant woman. Wet-mount and formol-ether concentration techniques were applied to identify the IPIs. Data were analyzed using SPSS, version 25, and P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results Out of the total 280 pregnant women who were selected using a simple random sampling technique, 277 participated in the questionnaire survey and gave stool samples (a response rate of 98.9%). The prevalence of IPIs among pregnant women was 53.4% (95% CI: 47.37, 59.42). Taenia species (18.1%) was the predominant parasite followed by Giardia lamblia (12.6%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (9.4%), hookworms (9%), Ascaris lumbricoides (4%), Schistosoma mansoni (3.2%), Hymenolepis nana (0.7%), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.4%), and Enterobius vermicularis (0.4%). Eating raw vegetables (AOR = 2.721; 95% CI: 1.266, 5.849; P=0.010) and poor personal hygiene (AOR = 4.015; 95% CI: 1.456, 11.07; P=0.007) were associated risk factors for G. lamblia, while eating raw meat (AOR = 2.477; 95% CI: 1.252, 4.902; P=0.009) for Taenia species infections. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was high and still a health burden to the pregnant women in the study area. We recommend avoiding eating raw meat, strengthening sanitation and hygiene programs, and routine deworming of pregnant mothers to reduce the burden of IPIs among pregnant women.

The effects of dehydration and local soil on parasite recovery: A preliminary paleoparasitological evaluation on experimental coprolites

Experimental paleoparasitological approaches have been used in order to optimize the methodology previously to the application in archeological samples. In this study we evaluated the action of dehydration and local soil (Central Argentina) on the loss of parasite eggs in experimental coprolites, using two parasitological techniques: spontaneous sedimentation and sucrose-flotation. Experimental coprolites comprised fresh human feces, positive for Hymenolepis nana, Ascaris sp., and Enterobius vermicularis, submitted to controlled artificial dehydration. Experimental coprolites with soil addition were prepared by mixing archeological sediment with equal mass of fresh feces. Helminth eggs were counted and eggs per gram were estimated in each subsample. Statistical analyses were applied to compare subsamples before and after desiccation and with and without addition of soil sediment. The performance of parasitological methods statistically differed, the sucrose flotation technique being the less effective when fresh feces and experimental coprolites were analyzed. Partial deformation of eggs was observed via both techniques only in subsamples containing H. nana eggs. However, this was not seen in Ascaris sp. subsamples, possibly due to eggshell composition. We found that sample desiccation significantly decreased the number of eggs in the experimental coprolites. Mixing archeological sediment with the fecal material also resulted in significantly fewer eggs surviving, independent of desiccation. This shows that climate and soil in which archeological fecal samples are found can strongly influence the survival of parasite eggs from past populations. The small amount of parasite evidence often found in paleoparasitological analyses, including Central Argentina, could be attributed to the action of taphonomic processes rather than to the real absence of infection in these ancient populations. Importantly, the study highlights the role of local soil, confirmed for the first time by empirical data. The research provides valuable insights into the understanding of the paleoparasitological results of the region and of general paleoparasitology.

Comparative Comprehensive Analysis on Natural Infections of Hymenolepis Diminuta and Hymenolepis Nana in Commensal Rodents.

SummaryThis first comprehensive report from Punjab province of India relates to patho-physiological alterations alongwith morpho-molecular characterisation and risk assessment of natural infections of Hymenolepis diminuta and Hymenolepis nana in 291commensal rodents including house rat, Rattus rattus (n=201) and lesser bandicoot rat, Bandicota bangalensis (n=90). Small intestine of 53.61 and 64.95 % rats was found infected with H. diminuta and H. nana, respectively with a concurrent infection rate of 50.86 %. There was no association between male and female rats and H. diminuta and H. nana infections (ᵡ2 = 0.016 and 0.08, respectively, d.f.= 1, P>0.05), while the host age had significant effect on prevalence of H. diminuta and H. nana (ᵡ2 = 28.12 and 7.18, respectively, d.f.= 1, P≤0.05) infection. Examination of faecal samples and intestinal contents revealed globular shaped eggs of H. diminuta without polar filaments (76.50 ± 3.01μm x 67.62 ± 2.42 μm), while smaller sized oval eggs of H. nana were with 4 – 8 polar filaments (47.87 ± 1.95 μm x 36.12 ± 3.05 μm). Cestode infection caused enteritis, sloughing of intestinal mucosa, necrosis of villi and inflammatory reaction with infiltration of mononuclear cells in the mucosa and submucosa. Morphometric identification of the adult cestodes recovered from the intestinal lumen was confirmed by molecular characterisation based on nuclear ITS-2 loci which showed a single band of 269 bp and 242 bp for H. diminuta and H. nana, respectively. Pairwise alignment of the ITS-2 regions showed 99.46 % similarity with sequences of H. diminuta from USA and 100 % similarity with sequences of H. nana from Slovakia, Kosice.