Entamoeba Coli Research Articles

Prevalence of Intestinal Protozoa Infections and Associated Risk Factors among Preschool Aged Children in Mkuranga District, Tanzania: A Community Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background Intestinal protozoa infections are among the public health concern in children and can lead to considerable morbidities such as growth retardation, anemia, nutrition deficiency, physical weakness and mental health problems. In Tanzania, there is a paucity of data on intestinal protozoa infections among preschool aged children (PSAC). Broad objective This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal protozoa infections among PSAC and associated risk factors in Mkuranga district, Tanzania. Methodology A community based cross-sectional study was conducted between April and June 2019 to determine the prevalence of intestinal protozoa. Stool samples were collected from PSAC and processed using formal-ether concentration method. Risk factors were identified using questionnaire and checklist. Data were entered and analysed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 20. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to determine association between prevalence of intestinal protozoa and socio-economic, water source, hygiene and sanitation variables. Results A total of 20 (3.8%) children were infected with intestinal protozoa (Entamoeba coli or Giardia lamblia). We found the increased risk of intestinal protozoa infections with increased age of children (AOR = 1.07, p = 0.045). Also, we observed a reduced odds of intestinal protozoa infections among PSAC living in low populated households (AOR 1-5/11+ = 0.14, p = 0.016 and AOR 6-10/11+= 0.10, p = 0.008), using non-spring water (AOR protected well/spring = 0.011, p = 0.023), (AOR bore hole/spring/spring = 0.008, p = 0.006), (AOR tap away of home/spring = 0.013, p = 0.014) and (AOR tape at home/spring = 0.006, p = 0.011)) and raised by young and middle-aged parents/guardian (AOR young/older = 0.20, p = 0.042 and AOR middle-aged/older = 0.18, p = 0.047). Conclusion There was a low prevalence of intestinal protozoa infection among PSAC in the two communities studied. Despite low prevalence of intestinal protozoa, the transmission is present hence the need to initiate control measures. Health education should be provided to parents/guardians on protecting water sources, treatment of drinking water and supervision of latrine usage by PSAC and introduction of hand washing facilities are crucial. Key words: Intestinal protozoa, Preschool aged children, Mkuranga and Tanzania.

Investigating the prevalence of intestinal parasites with an emphasis on Strongyloides stercoralis infection in hospitalized patients: a regional report from Iran.

Intestinal parasitic infections such as strongyloidosis are more common among individuals with immune deficiency and sometimes accompanied by severe symptoms. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasites with focus on strongyloidosis in hospitalized patients. A total number of 566 faecal samples were obtained from different wards and assessed by the use of direct smear, formalin-ether concentration, and agar plate culture procedures in order to find parasitic protozoa and helminthes. The findings revealed that 10.1% (n=57) of the examined samples were positive for intestinal parasites. The highest prevalence rate was related to Entamoeba coli (4.6%, n=26) and the lowest one was related to Strongyloides stercoralis (0.5%, n=3). In addition, Giardia lamblia prevalence rate was 3.2% (n=18) and the prevalence rate of Blastocystis hominis was 1.8% (n=10). The sensitivity of S. stercoralis diagnosis was equal for agar plate culture and formalin-ether concentration methods. This study demonstrated the significance of focus on intestinal parasites in hospitalized patients and highlighted the necessity of improving the insight in health care providers about the occurrence of parasitic infections especially strongyloidiasis in these patients.

Intestinal parasitoses and schistosome infections among students with special reference to praziquantel efficacy in patients with schistosomosis in Hajjah governorate, Yemen

The majority of the population in Yemen lives in rural areas and suffers from parasitic infections. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitoses and schistosome infections among the students enrolled in the primary schools in Hajjah governorate – north of Yemen, along with an assessment of praziquantel (PZQ) in the treatment of microscopy-confirmed cases of Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium. For this purpose, 780 samples (320 stool and 460 urine) were examined microscopically. The present study revealed an overall infection rate of 75.3% (241/320) with intestinal parasites and Schistosoma mansoni. The detected parasite species included Entamoeba histolytica (27.8%), Hymenolepis nana (12.2%), Giardia lamblia (9.7%), Entamoeba coli (9.4%), S. mansoni (9.1%), Ascaris lumbricoides (6.9%), Trichuris trichiura (3.1%), Enterobius vermicularis (2.8%) and Ancylostoma duodenale (2.2%). Schistosoma haematobium was prevalent among 1.7% (8/460) of the investigated students. On the other hand, PZQ yielded a cure rate of 75.7% of Schistosoma-infected students when administered at 40 mg/kg body weight. However, a 100% cure rate was achieved when administered at 60 mg/kg body weight. Therefore, the findings of the present study highlight the importance of monitoring PZQ efficacy through large-scale studies in different settings endemic for schistosomosis in the country.

Parasitismo intestinal en escolares de la Unidad Educativa del Milenio. Cantón Penipe, Ecuador

La población infantil tiene mayor probabilidad de ser afectada por enteroparasitosis, debido a la inmadurez inmunológica y que sus hábitos higiénicos aún se encuentran en desarrollo. Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, con enfoque mixto; cuya población objeto de investigación estuvo constituida por 382 escolares de la Unidad Educativa del Milenium. Cantón Penipe, Ecuador, cuyas edades oscilaron entre 5 y 11 años. Se realizó un muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia, a partir del cual se seleccionaron 133 alumnos matriculados desde el primero a séptimo año de educación básica, durante el periodo octubre 2017 – febrero 2018, los cuales se habían realizado exámenes de heces fecales en los últimos seis meses, y cuyos tutores legales emitieron el consentimiento informado. Entre los individuos estudiados prevaleció el género femenino. La mayoría de los pacientes no presentaban parasitismo intestinal (53,38%). La incidencia parasitaria es más frecuente en niños con edades comprendidas entre los 8 y 10 años, para un 54,13%. Entre los informes con positividad, se observó un predominio del reporte de Entamoeba coli (48%) y Entamoeba histolytica con un 42%. La mayoría de los casos positivos mostraron poliparasitosis.

Parasitosis intestinal en el universitario costarricense II. Protozoosis

A study is presented of the incidence of protozoan parasitosis in Costa Rican university freshmen. One thousand 'students of either sex were examined, and the symptoms exhibited were recorded along with the results. The total incidence of protozoan parasites was of 54.4 percent, a higher figure than we found for helmintos (2). No significant difference was found in relation to sex. Entamoeba coli was the most frequent parasite (39.45%). Although usually considered a saprozoic species, the occurrence of digestive, hepatic, and nervous symptoms, smarting of the conjunctive, and dismenorrhoea in the host individuals suggests it may have a causal relation to these symptoms. Entomoeba histolytica was found in relatively low frequency (4.6%). Students parasitized by protozoa exhibited in general a greater incidence of ob­servable symptoms, in varying degrees and combinations, than non-parasitized students; the most frequent symptoms were those mentioned above. Considering the effect of the symptoms recorded on students' general efficiency, and having observed an improvement after specific treatment, we believe all protozoan parasitosis cases should be treated, even if the species involved are not usually considered pathogenic.

Intestinal parasitic infections in HIV-1 sero-positive individuals and its correlation with CD4 cell count in a tertiary care teaching hospital, Gujarat.

Background: Opportunistic infections constitute a major health problem in patients infected with HIV. Among these, intestinal parasitic infections are the commonest and are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV positive individuals worldwide. The present study was carried out to identify various intestinal parasites in HIV-1 sero-positive individuals and to correlate these intestinal parasitic infections with CD4 count. Methods and Material: In a cross-sectional prospective study, stool samples of a total of 27 patients were examined for the presence of the enteric parasites using direct saline & iodine wet mount, formal ether concentration technique, modified acid fast staining & Giemsa staining. Data of recent CD4 cell count was obtained from the patients. Results: Out of 58 patients given written consent for participating in the study, only 27 (47%) patients provided stool samples. The prevalence of enteric parasites in HIV-1 sero-positive patients was 7.4%. The parasites detected in our study population were Entamoeba coli (3.7%) and Ancylostoma duodenale (3.7%). Entamoeba coli (3.7%) was detected in the patient with CD4 count less than 200 cells/?L. 96.3% patients were on ART. Intestinal parasites were detected from ART (3.8%) and nae ART (3.8%) patient. Conclusion: Routine examination of stool samples for parasites could significantly benefit the HIV-infected individuals by contributing to reduce morbidity and improve quality of life. However; considering to limited sample size and a single stool specimen received in the present study, a large study is required. Key Messages: Early detection and treatment of intestinal parasitic infections are important to improve the quality of life of HIV sero-positive patients.

Pattern of intestinal parasites among hospital patients at Tripoli Central Hospital, Libya

Background and Aim: Diagnosis of intestinal parasites is confirmed by the recovery of protozoan trophozoites and cysts, helminthes eggs, and larvae in stool samples in the clinical parasitological laboratory. In this study, we look at the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in outpatient department and hospitalized patients from different age groups in Tripoli Central Hospital obtained from 2007 to 2009. Materials and Methods: We have used the traditional microscopic technique to diagnose IPIs in all received stool samples during the study period. Results: In total, 18,000 stool samples were examined and it was found that 15.7% of them had at least one parasite. The overall prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites was as follows: Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar 5.1%, Entamoeba coli 10%, Giardia lamblia 8.1%, and Cryptosporidium parvum 1%, while the prevalence of intestinal helminthic parasites in this study was as follows: Enterobius vermicularis 5%, Ascaris lumbricoides 0.5%, and Strongyloides stercoralis 0.01%. Other species of intestinal helminthes are not widely prevalent in Libya. We have found a high prevalence of intestinal parasites, especially the intestinal protozoan parasites. The nonpathogenic protozoan, E. coli, had the highest prevalence rate (10.0%). Conclusion: We conducted the stool sample testing by routine ova and parasite methods, and a concentration technique increases the validity of the estimates.

玉树震后转移安置学生肠道寄生虫感染情况调查

Objective : To investigate the status of human parasites in children who have been evacuated here from Yushu after earthquake . Methods : Detect the eggs from smear feces samples. Results : 512 stool samples were collected and examined by microscope. The total infection rate was 6.05%, where the infection rate for entamoeba coli Grassi was 3.91%, Giardia lamblia stile was 1.56%, Ascaris Lumbricoides was 0.59%. Conclusion : Our results suggest that the infection rate of human parasites is not higher than normal rate in China.

Assessment of the microbiological safety of salad vegetables from different Restaurants in Ilam

Vegetables, used in preparing salads, are most important part of the diet. These materials are often irrigated by untreated urban wastewater. Wastewater, contaminated with ova of parasites, bacteria and protozoa, are used as fertilizers and it can cause a variety of infectious diseases. The purpose of this study is detection of microbial contamination of salad used in Ilam’s restaurants. In this study, 42 samples were collected from all restaurants placed in Ilam city and transferred to the laboratory. Brilliant Green Medium, Trypton water and Coax reagent used for detection of Escherichia coli . Water broth, Selenit systein, Tetrationat, Salmonella-shigella agar and Briliant green was used for identification of salmonella . For detection of Enterococcus, KF agar medium containing a diphenyl Tetrazolium chloride was used. Sabro dextrose agar medium (SDA) was used for detection of mold and yeast and wet mount and concentration methods used for parasitology investigations. The results of this study indicate that about 66.66% of samples were infected with Enterococcus , 69% had E. coli contamination and 83.33% of samples were contaminated with yeast. Samples were negative for presence of Salmonella and mold (mold not more than 10 3 ). Parasites contamination of samples was (4 cases) 9.5% for Giardia lamblia , (10 cases) 23.8% for Taenia eggs, 31% (13 cases) for Hymenolepis nana 16.6% (7 cases) for Entamoeba coli . The results of this study showed that salads are contaminated with infectious agent and the use of appropriate disinfectants and washing the vegetables used in salad preparation is essential for controlling infectious diseases.

Prevalência de parasitos intestinais na comunidade indígena Maxakali, Minas Gerais, Brasil, 2009

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência de parasitos intestinais na etnia Maxakali em Minas Gerais, Brasil. Os exames parasitológico das fezes foram realizados através da técnica TF-Test, sendo as amostras fecais coletadas em três dias alternados, em tubos independentes, contendo formol a 10%, unificados para dupla filtragem por centrifugação. Triplicatas de uma alíquota do sedimento foram examinadas em microscópio (10x e 40x) para identificação de ovos, cistos e larvas. A prevalência de parasitos (89,5%) e do poliparasitismo (46%) foi semelhante quanto ao sexo e idade, e variou entre as aldeias. As espécies prevalentes foram: Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar (48,9%), Giardia duodenalis (32%), Entamoeba coli (40,8%), Endolimax nana (10,3%), ancilostomídeos (37,9%), Schistosoma mansoni (23,7%), Hymenolepis nana (18,6%), Strongyloides stercoralis (5,4%), Ascaris lumbricoides (4,9%) e Trichuris trichiura (0,5%). Os Maxakali vivem em condições de vulnerabilidade social, e medidas de infraestrutura e de educação em saúde necessitam ser implementadas pelas instituições governamentais.

Study of Parasitic and Bacterial Infections in the Food-Handling Personnel, Ramadan, Iran

Background: Food-handling personnel play an important role in ensuring food safety throughout the chain of production, processing, storage and preparation. Mishandling and disregard of hygienic measures on their part may enable pathogens to come into contact with food and to cause illness in the consumers. Occasionally, food-handling personnel may transfer to food pathogens that they are carrying in or on their bodies . Methods: In order to evaluate the role of persons who was working in food handling and processing centers, the study carried out in above-mentioned centers in Ramadan the west of Iran. A total of 938 stool samples collected of persons who were working in the restaurants, confectionaries, milk products stores, Chelo-Kabab houses, sandwich shops etc. All samples examined by culture for entero-pathogens bacteria and by formalin-ether concentration technique for ova and parasites . Results: A total of 21 samples were suspected to bacteria that, finally 7 samples confirmed by sere-typing identified. These were Shigella boydii (5 samples) and Shigella flexeneri (2 samples). Over 74% of stool samples contained one species parasite. Entamoeba coli (45%) was the most common parasite followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (39%), E . histolytica (14.5%), and Giardia lamblia (9%). Prevalence rate for helminthes, pathogenic and non-pathogenic protozoa were 43%, 26%, and 52.7% respectively. The prevalence of intestinal parasites, as well as intestinal helminthes in persons who had three-monthly check-up and health care were significantly less than others (p Conclusion: This study showed food handling personnel are an important source of E. histolytica , G. lamblia pinworm and Shigella distribution in this city .

Characteristic Profiles of Parasitic and Fungal Infections in Acute Diarrhea

Background : Diarrhea has been widely encountered in developing countries, including Indonesia. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of parasites and fungal infections, which also constitutes the etiologies of acute diarrhea. Method : A cross-sectional study was performed involving 93 patients. Patients with chief complaint of acute diarrhea were recruited at five hospitals in Jakarta, Indonesia during the period of November 2008 until May 2009. Acute diarrhea was defined as passing watery or soft stools with frequency of more than three times per day, weighted more 200 g per day, and occurred in less than 15 days duration. They were asked to collect their stool to the laboratory for further parasites and fungal detection. Results : This study showed that 41 out of 93 patients (44.09%) were found to be infected with parasites or fungi. The most common microorganism found was Candida albicans in 18 (19.35%) patients. Other parasites encountered in the stool samples were Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba coli, Giardia lamblia. The presenting clinical symptoms of the patients were fever (44.87%), bloating (41.03%), nausea (39.74%), oliguria (39.74%), cephalgia (35.90%), vomiting (24.36%), and tenesmus (19.23%). Conclusion : The incidence of parasitic and fungal infections in patients with acute diarrhea constitutes nearly half of all cases of infection-caused diarrhea. The most commonly encountered microorganism is Candida albicans. Keywords : parasites, fungi, acute diarrhea

Parasitic Contamination of Fruits and Vegetables Sold at Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria

The safety of fruits and vegetables sold in Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria for consumption was assessed with respect to their contamination by Ova and Cysts of parasites. Out of 320 samples of seven (7) varieties of vegetables and fruits examined from three different markets in Kaduna metropolis, 45 (14.00%) were positive and their percentage of occurrence were: Hookworm (32.00%), Ascaris lumbricoides (24.00%), Entamoeba coli (18.00%) E. histolytica, (10.00%), Balantidium coli (6.00%), Strongyloides stercoralis (4.00%), Giardia lamblia (4.00%), and Trichuris (2.00%). The most infected vegetable was Lactuca sativa (lettuce) (30.00%), while Solanum melongena (Garden egg) had the least percentage contamination (4.00%). The public health importance of these findings and the need to promote health education on sanitation and eating habits were discussed as part of measures to control the increasing outbreak of gastro enteritis in Nigeria, through washing of all vegetables prior to consumption. Keywords: Cyst, Fruits, Ova, Parasitic Contamination; Vegetables Nigerian Journal of Parasitology , Vol. 32 [2] September 2011, pp. 309-315

A survey on the intestinal parasites of the school children in Kaohsiung county.

The present study on the prevalence of intestinal parasites infection, from September to December 1999, was conducted among school children in Taoyuan Hsiang, Kaohsiung county. The investigated areas included three (Jiannshan, Shingjong and Taoyuan) primary schools. The overall infection rate in 305 children determined by Merthiolate-Iodine-Formaldehyde Concentration method of stools was 17%. Four confirmed species of helminthes (Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm, Trichuris trichiura and Hymenolepis nana) and three species of protozoa (Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba coli and Blastocystis hominis) were detected. Males and females had the infection rates of 24% and 11%. The infection rates of aboriginal and non-aboriginal children were 17% and 14%, respectively. Grade 1 and Grade 6 had the highest infection rate (21%). Following tape perianal examination of 302 children, the overall infection rate of Enterobius vermicularis was 25%. Males and females had the infection rates of 24% and 26%. The infection rates of aboriginal and non-aboriginal children were 27% and 11%, respectively. Grade 1 had the highest infection rate (37%). Based on these data, the infection rate of intestinal parasites among rural primary school children in Kaohsiung county remains high.

The Food of Entamoeba coli

The Food of Entamoeba coli

Sphaerita in Cysts of Entamoeba coli

Sphaerita in Cysts of Entamoeba coli