Ether Concentration Method Research Articles

Frequencies of gastrointestinal parasites among students of primary school in Al Kalakla Locality, Khartoum State, Sudan: a cross-sectional study

Background: Intestinal parasite spread in tropical countries is especially common among primary school students. This study aimed to determine the frequencies of the intestinal parasite in Alkalakla locality, Khartoum state. Methods: This study was conducted in school students in Al-kalakla locality in Khartoum state from period between 20th December 2016 to 5th May 2017. Stool samples were collected from 134 randomly selected students, of whom 67 were males and 67 were females. All samples were examined using the wet preparation technique, formal ether concentration technique and saturated sugar floatation technique. Results: The frequency of intestinal parasites was 35.5% overall in the students examined; females were more affected than males (38.8% and 32.8%, respectively). The more affected age groups were 12-14 years followed by 9-11 and 6-8 years old (53.8%, 36.3% and 26.4% respectively). The least frequent intestinal parasite was Taenia spp. (1.5%) followed by Giardia lamblia (3.7%), Schistosoma mansoni and Ascaris lumbricoides (5.2% each), Entamoeba coli (7.5%), Hymenolepis nana (10.4%), and Entamoeba histolytica (16.4%). In total, 20.9% were infected with single parasite while 14.9% were infected with more than one parasite. The frequency of parasite by formal ether concentration method was 35.8 %, by wet preparation method was 17.9 % and by the saturated sugar flotation method was 16.4%. Conclusion: Our data showed that intestinal parasites were common in school students; however, females were more affected than males and the 12-14-years age group was the most affected age group. The formal ether concentration method was the best method for detecting of intestinal parasite.

Cryptosporidium and giardia species in newly and previously habituated gorillas and nearby water sources in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda.

Introductioncryptosporidium and giardia are of great one health significance and major cause of protozoan diarrhea in humans and primates; they are found in the faecal matter of animals and humans and also in contaminated water and soil as well. Therefore, we aimed at establishing the prevalence and shedding intensity of faecal Cryptosporidium and giardia in the Newly Habituated Mountain Gorillas (NHMG) and Previously Habituated Mountain Gorillas (PHMG) and in selected water sources within the gorilla home ranges in the month of January 2018.Methodswe conducted a cross sectional study in the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where a total of 56 faecal samples from both NHMG (34) and PHMG (22) and 30 water samples were purposively collected. Faecal and water samples were transported in a cooler box at 4ºC to Makerere University Parasitology Laboratory for analysis. The samples were analyzed using modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique and Ether concentration method for Cryptosporidium and giardia respectively.Resultsthe prevalence of cryptosporidium was established as 13 (59.1%), 15 (44.1%) and 7 (23.3%) in PHMG, NHMG and water respectively. The mean concentration of the oocysts per gram was 222±52.9 in PHMG, 174±41.5 in NHMG and 31±13.2 in water. The prevalence of giardia was 3 (13.6%), 4 (11.8%) and 3 (10%) in PHMG, NHMG and water respectively. The mean concentration of the oocysts per gram was 34±19.9 in PHMG, 25±12.4 in NHMG and 5±2.9 in water. There was no significant difference in both the prevalence of cryptosporidium (p>0.05) and giardia (p>0.05) in the PHMG and NHMG. This indicates that there is high risk of cross infection among the gorillas within the forest sharing similar home ranges.Conclusionthe park authorities should ensure that procedures for proper waste disposal while in the forest are properly followed, water drawn for drinking from the forest should be avoided. Further research should be carried out to identify whether the strains of the parasites found in water or other animals in the forest are the same with strains in gorilla dung in order to confirm cross infection.

Prevalence and the factors influencing soil transmitted helminths among school age children of 5 to 14 years in a rural area of Coimbatore district

Background: Highest intensity of soil transmitted helminthiasis (STH) is seen among school age children. The objective of this study is to find out the prevalence and factors associated with STH infection among school age children of 5-14 years in a rural area of Coimbatore district.Methods: After getting ethical clearance, five of the fourteen villages of Vedapatti were selected by cluster sampling method. Totally 819 participated in the survey conducted between November 2015-July 2016 in the field practice area. Consent from parents and assent from child were obtained. Structured questionnaire was used to collect information. Totally 610 gave one adequate stool sample. Early morning samples were collected and transported to the laboratory within four hours. Formal ether concentration method was performed and examination was done. Data analysis was done with SPSS-19 software. Prevalence is expressed in percentage with 95% confidence interval (CI). Univariate and Multivariate analysis were performed. Strength of association was expressed in terms of odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. P value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: The prevalence of STH was 7.70% (95% CI: 5.58- 9.82). Ascaris lumbricoides was highly prevalent 6.9% (4.89% to 8.91%) followed by hook worm 0.2(0.15% to 0.55%) and Trichuris trichura 0.7%(0.04% to 1.36%). Uni variate and Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that pucca houses offered protection against STH.Conclusions: STH is still a public health problem in Coimbatore. When regular deworming is accompanied by appropriate sanitation and hygiene activities designed to prevent re infection of STH, a long-term impact can be achieved.

Frequencies of gastrointestinal parasites among students of primary school in Al Kalakla Locality, Khartoum State, Sudan: a cross-sectional study

Background: Intestinal parasite spread in tropical countries is especially common among primary school students. This study aimed to determine the frequencies of the intestinal parasite by different techniques among school students in Alkalakla locality, Khartoum state. Methods: This study was conducted in school students in Al-kalakla locality in Khartoum state from period between 20th December 2016 to 5th May 2017. Stool samples were collected from 134 randomly selected students, of whom 67 were males and 67 were females. All samples were examined using the wet preparation technique, formal ether concentration technique and saturated sugar floatation technique. Results: The frequency of intestinal parasites was 35.5% overall in the students examined; females were more affected than males (38.8% and 32.8%, respectively). The more affected age groups were 12-14 years followed by 9-11 and 6-8 years old (53.8%, 36.3% and 26.4% respectively). The least frequent intestinal parasite was Taenia spp. (1.5%) followed by Giardia lamblia (3.7%), Schistosoma mansoni and Ascaris lumbricoides (5.2% each), Entamoeba coli (7.5%), Hymenolepis nana (10.4%), and Entamoeba histolytica (16.4%). In total, 20.9% were infected with single parasite while 14.9% were infected with more than one parasite. The frequency of parasite by formal ether concentration method was 35.8 %, by wet preparation method was 17.9 % and by the saturated sugar flotation method was 16.4%. Conclusion: Our data showed that intestinal parasites were common in school students; however, females were more affected than males and the 12-14-years age group was the most affected age group. The formal ether concentration method was the best method for detecting of intestinal parasite.

Frequencies of parasite infections among students of primary school in Al Kalakla Locality, Khartoum State, Sudan: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Intestinal parasite spread in tropical countries is especially common among primary school students. This study aimed to determine the frequencies of the intestinal parasite in Alkalakla locality, Khartoum state. Methods: This study was conducted in school students in Al-kalakla locality in Khartoum state from period between 20th December 2016 to 5th May 2017. Stool samples were collected from 134 randomly selected students, of whom 67 were males and 67 were females. All samples were examined using the wet preparation technique, formal ether concentration technique and saturated sugar floatation technique. Results: The frequency of intestinal parasites was 35.5% overall in the students examined; females were more affected than males (38.8% and 32.8%, respectively). The more affected age groups were 12-14 years followed by 9-11 and 6-8 years old (53.8%, 36.3% and 26.4% respectively). The least frequent intestinal parasite was Taenia spp. (1.5%) followed by Giardia lamblia (3.7%), Schistosoma mansoni and Ascaris lumbricoides (5.2% each), Entamoeba coli (7.5%), Hymenolepis nana (10.4%), and Entamoeba histolytica (16.4%). In total, 20.9% were infected with single parasite while 14.9% were infected with more than one parasite. The frequency of parasite by formal ether concentration method was 35.8 %, by wet preparation method was 17.9 % and by the saturated sugar flotation method was 16.4%. Conclusion: Our data showed that intestinal parasites were common in school students; however, females were more affected than males and the 12-14-years age group was the most affected age group. The formal ether concentration method was the best method for detecting of intestinal parasite.

PENERAPAN DINAMIKA KELOMPOK SOSIAL DALAM MENURUNKAN INFEKSI KECACINGAN DAN MENINGKATKAN STATUS GIZI, PERKEMBANGAN ANAK TODDLER DI KOTA KEDIRI

Infeksi cacing pada saluran pencernaan menyebabkan proses penyerapan zat gizi terganggu. Status gizi yang rendah berdampak pada penurunan kemampuan kognitif anak sehingga perkembangan anak mengalami keterlambatan. Anak toddler merupakan golongan yang paling beresiko terhadap kejadian infeksi cacing. Anak dengan infeksi kecacingan memiliki albumin dan total protein yang rendah, timbul diare dan anemia sehingga menurunkan prestasi belajar dan produktivitas. Perlu dilakukan pendampingan keluarga dengan memberikan pengetahuan dan praktek tata cara mencegah infeksi cacing berupa penyuluhan tentang perilaku hidup bersih dan sehat, penyuluhan tentang pentingnya pemenuhan gizi yang seimbang pada anak. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh dinamika kelompok sosial terhadap infeksi kecacingan, status gizi dan perkembangan anak usia toddler. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian pre eksperimental dengan rancangan one group pre – pos test design pada keluarga dengan anak usia toddler di desa Lirboyo Kediri. Data kecacingan pada anak diperoleh dengan pengambilan sampel feces dan diperiksa dengan metode formal ether concentration di laboratorium parasitologi, data status gizi diperoleh dengan pengukuran berat badan dan umur. Data perkembangan anak di peroleh dengan pengukuran DDST (Denver Devalopment Screning Test). Analisa data menggunakan analisa bivariat yaitu uji chi square dan analisa multivariate menggunakan uji Wilcoxon dengan tingkat kepercayaan 95% (α = 0.05).Hasil Penelitian ini didapatkan Adanya peningkatan Status gizi Toddler (P= 0,000), ada peningpatan perkembangan anak toddler ( p=0,000), Dengan dinamika kelompok social diharapkan dapat mendeteksi dini adanya infeksi cacing maka pengobatan dan perbaikan status gizi anak dapat dilakukan sehingga keterlambatan perkembangan anak dapat dicegah.; Kata Kunci: Dinamika Kelompok Sosial, Kecacingan, status gizi, perkembangan, anak toddler

Risk factors for Opisthorchis viverrini infection in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, where the infection is highly endemic

Abstract Background Opisthorchiasis caused by Opisthorchis viverrini is a serious health issue in the Mekong basin region, resulting in a high prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma. Nakhon Phanom province had the highest prevalence of O. viverrini infection in Thailand at 60% of the surveyed population in 2009, despite the attempted control of opisthorchiasis for >50 years. Knowing risk factors for O. viverrini infection in Nakhon Phanom may lead to improved control and prevention of opisthorchiasis. Objectives To determine risk factors for O. viverrini infection in Nakhon Phanom. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey in Nakhon Phanom province from February to March 2014. The community was selected using a stratified random sampling method, and then, participants were selected by systematic random sampling. Individuals ≥15 years old were included. Knowledge of O. viverrini infection, and attitudes and practice to avoid it were assessed using a questionnaire. O. viverrini infection was determined by stool examination with a formalin–ether concentration method. Factors associated with the infection were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results Of the 134 participants, 75 (56%) were infected with O. viverrini. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, 3 independent factors were associated with O. viverrini infection: age ≥ 55 years, odds ratio (OR) adjusted 6.36 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28–31.66); consumption of chopped raw-fish salad (koi pla), OR adjusted 28.74 (95% CI 3.59–230.24); and perceived susceptibility, OR adjusted 0.15 (95% CI 0.03–0.74). Conclusions Age ≥ 55 years, consuming koi pla, and perceived susceptibility were independently associated with O. viverrini infection in Nakhon Phanom.

Prevalence and associated factors of Plasmodium falciparum and soil transmitted helminth infections among pregnant women in Osun state, Nigeria.

Plasmodium falciparum and soil transmitted helminth (STHs) infection are widespread in sub-Sahara Africa, where co-infection is also common. This study assessed the prevalence of these infections and their risk factors among pregnant women in Osogbo, Nigeria. A total of 200 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic were recruited. Plasmodium falciparum was detected using thick and thin film methods, while formol ether concentration method was used for STHs detection. A questionnaire was used to investigate the possible risk factors associated with acquisition of malaria and helminth infections. The prevalence of P. falciparum, STHs and their co-infection was 29.5%, 12% and 5% respectively. P. falciparum, STHs and P. falciparum + STHs co-infection was significantly higher in primigravidae (52.5% vs 58.3% vs 80%) than in secongravidae (18.6% vs 25.0% vs 20%) and multigravidae (28.8% vs 16.7% vs 0%) (p=0.02). Prevalence associated factors identified for P. falciparum was age (p=0.0001) while gravidity (p=0.02) was identified for P. falciparum + STHs co-infection. High prevalence of P. falciparum and helminth infections was observed among the pregnant women with primigravidae being the most susceptible to co-infection. There is an urgent need to implement an effective malaria and STHs preventive method for this high risk population.

Prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni among a population-based sample of school-age children in Amhara region, Ethiopia

BackgroundFrom 2011 to 2015, seven trachoma impact surveys in 150 districts across Amhara, Ethiopia, included in their design a nested study to estimate the zonal prevalence of intestinal parasite infections including soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and Schistosoma mansoni.MethodsA multi-stage cluster random sampling approach was used to achieve a population-based sample of children between the ages of 6 and 15 years. Stool samples of approximately 1 g were collected from assenting children, preserved in 10 ml of a sodium acetate-acetic acid-formalin solution, and transported to the Amhara Public Health Research Institute for processing with the ether concentration method and microscopic identification of parasites. Bivariate logistic and negative binomial regression were used to explore associations with parasite prevalence and intensity, respectively.ResultsA total of 16,955 children were selected within 768 villages covering 150 districts representing all ten zones of the Amhara region. The final sample included 15,455 children of whom 52% were female and 75% reported regularly attending school. The regional prevalence among children of 6 to 15 years of age was 36.4% (95% confidence interval, CI: 34.9–38.0%) for any STH and 6.9% (95% CI: 5.9–8.1%) for S. mansoni. The zonal prevalence of any STH ranged from 12.1 to 58.3%, while S. mansoni ranged from 0.5 to 40.1%. Categories of risk defined by World Health Organization guidelines would indicate that 107 districts (71.3%) warranted preventive chemotherapy (PC) for STH and 57 districts (38.0%) warranted PC for schistosomiasis based solely on S. mansoni. No statistical differences in the prevalence of these parasites were observed among boys and girls, but age and school attendance were both associated with hookworm infection (prevalence odds ratio, POR: 1.02, P = 0.03 per 1 year, and POR: 0.81, P = 0.001, respectively) and age was associated with infection by any STH (POR: 1.02, P = 0.03). Age was also associated with reduced intensity of Ascaris lumbricoides infection (unadjusted rate ratio: 0.96, P = 0.02) and increased intensity of hookworm infection (unadjusted rate ratio: 1.07, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThese surveys determined that between 2011 and 2015, STH and Schistosoma mansoni were present throughout the region, and accordingly, these results were used to guide PC distribution to school-age children in Amhara.

Prevalence, intensity and spatial co-distribution of schistosomiasis and soil transmitted helminths infections in Ogun state, Nigeria

AbstractA cross-sectional survey was carried out in primary schools to determine prevalence, intensity and spatial co-distribution of Schistosomiasis and soil transmitted helminths (STH) infections in Ogun State, Nigeria. A total of 2148 pupils from 42 schools were examined forSchistosomaand STH infections from urine and fresh fecal samples respectively. Ethyl ether concentration method prepared in sodium acetate – acetic acid – formalin ether was used to concentrate parasites’ ova before microscopic examination. The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis and STH infections were 4.0% (95% CI = 3.21–4.92) and 34.64% (95% CI = 32.62–36.69) respectively.Schistosoma haematobiumandAscaris lumbricoideswere the most prevalent across the study area among theSchistosomaand STH species respectively. Overall, intensity of infection was higher in males than in females for allSchistosomaand STH infections, but with no significant difference (P &amp;gt; 0.05), except forTrichuris trichiura(χ2 = 6.490,P &amp;lt; 0.05). Infection intensity was significantly inversely correlated (χ2 = 12.953,P &amp;lt; 0.05) with an increase in age group. Co-distribution ofSchistosomaand STH infections occurred in 15 (35.7%) out of 42 schools, and only 30 children (1.4%) had co-infection ofSchistosomaand STH. This study provides information on the prevalence and spatial risk of schistosomiasis and STH in Ogun State. This will serve as decision-support tool for Ogun State programme managers to help facilitate integration of schistosomiasis and STH control.

Epidemiology of Soil-Transmitted Helminth and Intestinal Protozoan Infections in Preschool-Aged Children in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia

AbstractIntestinal parasites are important contributors to global morbidity and mortality and are the second most common cause of outpatient morbidity in Ethiopia. This cross-sectional survey describes the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths and intestinal protozoa in preschool children 0-5 years of age in seven communities in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, and investigates associations between infection, household water and sanitation characteristics, and child growth. Stool samples were collected from children 0-5 years of age, 1 g of sample was preserved in sodium acetate-acetic acid-formalin, and examined for intestinal helminth eggs and protozoa cysts ether-concentration method. A total of 212 samples were collected from 255 randomly selected children. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworm were 10.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.6-15.1), 1.4% (95% CI = 0-3.0), and 0% (95% CI = 0-1.7), respectively. The prevalence of the pathogenic intestinal protozoa Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar were 10.4% (95% CI = 6.2-14.6) and 3.3% (95% CI = 0.09-5.7), respectively. Children with A. lumbricoides infections had lower height-for-age z-scores compared with those without, but were not more likely to have stunting. Compared with those without G. lamblia, children with G. lamblia infections had lower weight-for-age and weight-for-height z-scores and were more than five times as likely to meet the z-score definition for wasting (prevalence ratio = 5.42, 95% CI = 2.97-9.89). This article adds to a growing body of research on child growth and intestinal parasitic infections and has implications for their treatment and prevention in preschool-aged children.

Copro-PCR prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus infection in dogs in Kerman, south-eastern Iran.

The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of taeniid parasites and the specific detection of Echinococcus granulosus using copro-DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis in the stray dogs of Kerman, south-eastern Iran. From September 2013 to May 2014, faecal samples of stray dogs were collected from different parts of the city of Kerman and its suburbs. Faecal samples from dogs were collected randomly within 24 h of defecation. All samples were transferred to the research lab and coprological examinations were conducted by the formalin-ether concentration method. In the microscopically positive samples, mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) specific primers were used to determine the taeniid identity of the infection. In addition, another set of primers was used for the specific diagnosis of E. granulosus sensu lato. In total, 307 faecal samples from stray dogs were examined for the presence of the parasites. Taeniidae eggs were detected in 34 dogs (11.07%). All 34 taeniid-positive specimens were PCR positive for cox1 (444 bp). Of all taeniid-positive specimens, 21 samples (6.8% of all dog specimens) were positive according to primers specific for E. granulosus. The findings of the present study revealed that canine echinococcosis is prevalent in the stray dogs in Kerman. The findings of the present study have important implications for hydatid control programmes in the area.

Water Resource, Hygienic Practice, and Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis in Some Rural Communities of Osun State, Nigeria

Provision of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) resources has been advocated as necessary add-on strategy for sustainable control of soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) alongside annual mass drug administration (MDA) of albendazole to endemic communities. This study investigated the burden of STH and status of WASH resources in eight rural communities in Aiyedaade LGA, Osun State, Nigeria. Four of the communities were supported with improved water and hygiene resources (Category A), and another four supported only with improved water resources (Category B). Two hundred and sixteen (216) fresh stool samples were collected from consenting community members and screened for Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm and Trichuris trichiura infections using ether concentration method. The status and condition of WASH resources were determined using questionnaire and physical observation. An overall prevalence of 35.2% was observed for any STH infection. Species’ prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm and Trichuris trichiura prevalence was 33.8%, 22.7%, and 0.5% respectively. Intensity of STH infection was significantly higher in Category A communities than in Category B communities. The prevalence of STH in Category A communities was higher (42.0%) than that in Category B communities (30.1%). There were significant differences (p = 0.000) in STH infections between the two categories. The status of improved water supply was not significantly different (p = 0.3153) in the two categories. Knowledge, attitude, and practices about STH, its transmission and control were low in both categories of communities. These results imply that current implementation of WASH which tends to focus on resource distribution, equity, and coverage, is unlikely to impact on STH transmission and control. Therefore, it is necessary for WASH providers to consider STH transmission control in their planning and implementation of WASH intervention for STH endemic communities.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Hunting Dogs in Maiduguri, Borno state, Nigeria

This study was geared towards investigating the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of hunting dogs in Maiduguri, Borno state, Nigeria. A total of 250 feacal samples were collected per rectum. The parasites were determined using formol ether and floatation concentration methods. An overall prevalence of 38% for gastrointestinal infection was recorded. The prevalence was higher in young 39(48.1%) than adults 56(33.1%). The prevalence in relation to sex shows that males had a higher prevalence 42(40.8%) than the females 56(33.1%). The prevalence of infection according to sex and age was statistically not significant (p < 0.05). This study provides evidence that gastrointestinal parasitic infection are prevalent in hunting dogs in the study area with some of the infections being zoonotic a public health risk to man.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Haftkel County, Southwest of Iran

Background: Nowadays, intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are one of the most common and serious public health problems, which affected 3.5 billion people worldwide, especially in developing countries. During the time of distribution, the pattern of disease may alter as a result of changing the life style of residents. Objectives: The current study was aimed to determine the prevalence of IPIs in the town of Haftkel, southwest Iran. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 13698 stool specimens were collected during 2010 - 2013. For all samples, both direct smear and formalin ether concentration methods were done. Finally data analysis was performed using SPSS version 11.0.1 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: 658 (4.8%) out of 13698 specimens were positive for IPIs and Giardia lamblia was detected in 433 (3.16%) samples as the commonest parasite. Other parasites were included: Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (0.7%), E. coli (0.56%), E. hartmanni (0.21%), Blastocystis hominis (0.1%), Hymenolepis nana (0.04%), Taenia spp (0.014%), and Enterobius vermicularis (0.007%). A decreasing trend was observed in the prevalence of intestinal parasites in which the frequency was 281 (6.42%) cases in 2010 and declined to 114 (3.83) in 2013. The maximum and minimum infection was seen in the summer season (34.35%) and winter (15.35%), respectively. Furthermore, the number of infected men was significantly higher than women (64.5% against 35.5%). Interestingly, no hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Trichuris trichiura eggs were seen in the current study. Conclusions: Based on the current findings, IPIs particularly helminthic cases have been declined during the past decades. Therefore, health education and improving facilities environmental especially in rural and semi-urban areas can be helpful.

Assessment of intestinal helminths in community school children of Khana Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

Two hundred and forty stool samples from three primary schools in Khana Local Government of Rivers State were examined to determine the prevalence of gastro-intestinal helminthes in pupils. The stool samples were examined using the direct wet preparation and formol ether concentration methods. The study showed that 126 females and 114 males were examined in three communities (Sii, Gwara and Gure). An overall prevalence of 70% was recorded; out of which 57 (23.7%), 53 (22.1%) and 58 (24.2%) were recorded for Sii, Gwara, and Gure respectively. Eighty three (34.5%) males and 85 (35.4%) females were infected as follows: 27 (11.2%), 30 (12.5%); 24 (10.0%), 29 (12.1%) and 32 (13.3%), 26 (10.8%) for Sii, Gwara, and Gure, respectively. Also 286 helminth worms were recovered as follows; 127 (44.4%), 114 (40%), 21 (7.3%), 20 (7%), 3 (1%) and 1 (0.3%) for Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichuira, Hookworms, Fasciola hepatica, Strongyloides stercolaris and Enterobius vermicularis respectively. There was no significant difference in pattern of infection between the sexes, and location of study (p-values &gt; 0.05). The study suggested that the high prevalence is an indication of prevailing unhygienic environment due to inadequate sanitary facilities and drinking water.Keywords: intestinal helminthes, school children, prevalence, sexes, infections

Geohelminth Infections and Nutritional Status of Preschool Aged Children in a Periurban Settlement of Ogun State.

This study assessed the geohelminth and nutritional status of preschoolers in a periurban community of Ogun state. Fresh stool specimens were collected for laboratory analysis, processed using ether concentration method, and examined under the microscope for geohelminth ova. Demographic characteristics and daily nutrient intake of children were subjectively assessed during an interview session with parents, following anthropometric data collection. Data obtained were analysed using a statistical software for Windows. Nutritional indicators such as underweight, stunting, and wasting were computed from anthropometric data. Results showed an overall prevalence of 39.2% and 12.4% for Ascariasis and Hookworm infection, respectively, with no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the sexes. Prevalence of nutritional indicators was 52.6%, 35.1%, 34.0%, and 9.3% for underweight, stunting, wasting, and thinness conditions, respectively. A good proportion of the malnourished preschoolers were free of Ascaris infection but infected with Hookworm parasite. The adverse effect of geohelminth infection cannot still be ignored in impaired growth, reduced survival, poor development, and cognitive performance of preschoolers. Therefore promotion of adequate health education program on measures of preventing geohelminth infections is needed.

Validation of a Point-of-Care Circulating Cathodic Antigen Urine Cassette Test for Schistosoma mansoni Diagnosis in the Sahel, and Potential Cross-Reaction in Pregnancy.

On the shores of Lake Chad, schistosomiasis among mobile pastoralists was investigated in a field laboratory. Point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) cassette test, reagent strip, and filtration were conducted on urine samples. Fresh stool samples were subjected to the Kato-Katz technique, and fixed samples were examined with an ether-concentration method at a reference laboratory. POC-CCA urine cassette tests revealed a Schistosoma mansoni prevalence of 6.9%, compared with only 0.5% by stool microscopy. Three pregnant women with otherwise negative urine and stool testing had positive POC-CCA. This observation raises concern of cross-reactivity in pregnancy. Hence, two pregnant women in Switzerland with no history of schistosomiasis were subjected to POC-CCA and one tested positive. Our data suggest that POC-CCA can be performed under extreme Sahelian conditions (e.g., temperatures > 40°C), and it is more sensitive than stool microscopy for S. mansoni diagnosis. However, potential cross-reactivity in pregnancy needs further investigation.

Performance evaluation of direct saline stool microscopy, Formol ether concentration and Kato Katz diagnostic methods for intestinal parasitosis in the absence of gold standard methods

The parasite load within the sample and the amount of sample taken during examination greatly compromise the sensitivity of direct saline stool microscopy. A cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2011 in Bahir Dar city among 778 fresh single stool samples to evaluate the performance of direct saline (DS), Kato Katz (KK) and Formol ether concentration (FEC) methods against the 'Gold' standard. Among 778 stool samples from school age children, the highest prevalence of intestinal parasites was recorded by FEC (55.1%). The sensitivity of DS, FEC and KK were 61.1%, 92.3% and 58.7%, respectively. FEC is more sensitive than DS and KK. Hence, use of the latter is preferred.

Gastrointestinal Helminth Infections in a Ruminant Livestock Farm in Abeokuta, South Western Nigeria

Aim: This study investigated the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections in ruminant livestock at DUFARMS holding of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, in Ogun State, southwestern Nigeria. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place of Study: The study was conducted in Abeokuta, southwestern Nigeria between November 2013 and August 2014. Methodology: Faecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of 170 ruminant livestock and processed using ether-concentration method before examination for gastrointestinal helminth ova under the microscope. Data obtained were analyzed descriptively using SPSS 20.0 software and results were considered statistically significant at p<0.05.