Formalin-ether Sedimentation Technique Research Articles

Prevalence of schistosomiasis among school children at Esuekyir community in the Central Region of Ghana

Schistosomiasis, an endemic neglected tropical disease in areas with poor sanitation, causes physical and mental defects in both children and adults. Various strategies, especially drug administration for morbidity control, have been implemented to combat the disease in Ghana and globally. Despite these efforts, schistosomiasis remains prevalent in Ghana, negatively impacting children's academic performance, growth, and overall quality of life. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of schistosomiasis in school children at Esuekyir, a peri-urban community in Ghana. A cross-sectional study using simple random sampling technique to select participants and collect stool and urine samples from 246 school children in Esuekyir was adopted. Microscopy of urine and stool samples was performed involving urine sedimentation and stool formol-ether sedimentation techniques to analyse for parasite eggs. Questionnaires were developed to help detect risk factors that expose these children to the disease. The prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis in children at Esuekyir was 15.45% while that of intestinal schistosomiasis was 6.957.0%. There was one case of co-infection of urogenital and intestinal schistosomiasis from a 13 year old primary student. Children in primary school had higher risks of infection due to their activities around the water body. There was a significant association between class groups and urogenital schistosomiasis (p-value = 0.042). The presence of schistosomiasis in school children highlights the importance of targeted interventions and public health initiatives in addressing this specific disease condition especially in primary school children. Findings from the research revealed a higher prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis in the study population as compared to intestinal schistosomiasis.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Giardia intestinalis Infestation and Assemblage of Isolates Among Monastery Primary School Children in Yangon, Myanmar.

Giardiasisis one of the major causes of diarrhea among children. To determine the prevalence, risk factors, and genotype of Giardia intestinalis, a cross-sectional descriptive study was done on stool samples of 462 children attending three monastery primary schools from North Okkalapa Township in Yangon, Myanmar from January 2016 to February 2019. Socioeconomic data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire after obtaining informed consent. Direct wet mount, formalin-ether sedimentation, and trichrome staining techniques were used for the primary identification and then molecular identification was carried out by conventional polymerase chain reaction(PCR)-sequencing assay. G. intestinalis was identified in 11.7% (54/462) of students. There was no significant association with water source (p=0.948) and drinking untreated water (p=0.595). The infection was more common in children with low-educated parents, unsanitary garbage disposal practices, and no restrooms. All isolates were G. intestinalis assemblage B. This is the first study characterizing human isolates in a lower region of Myanmar, at the molecular level [MOU1]. These findings pointed out the high prevalence of G. intestinalis among primary school children from densely populated and low-resource settings.

Intestinal helminthiasis, anaemia and associated risk factors in a cross-section of the population of Melong, Littorial Region of Cameroon

Assessment of risk factors of intestinal helminths and anaemia in various geographical regions is important for the development of appropriate control strategies. This study aimed at determining the risk factors associated with intestinal helminths and anaemia in Melong, Cameroon. A total of 325 participants were recruited in this study between September–December 2021. Faecal samples were examined using the formol-ether sedimentation technique while haemoglobin level was measured using a HemoCue spectrometer. Data on demographic and behavioural factors was collected and used to determine the risk factors using a pretested structured questionnaire and analysed using SPSS. The overall prevalence of intestinal helminths was 24.6% (80/325). Helminths recovered from the study included hookworm (16%; 52/325), Schistosoma mansoni (10.8% 35/325) Ascaris lumbricoides (1.9%; 6/325), and Trichuris trichiura (0.6%; 2/325) with 15 participants having multiple infections (4.6%). The geometric mean egg density was 77epg and ranged from 20 to 560 epg of faeces. Males and age group ≤ 5 years had the highest parasite intensity (248epg). The overall prevalence of anaemia was 33.5% (109/325). Anaemia was significantly (p = 0.001) high at 48.8% (39/80) in those infected with intestinal parasites compared to non-infected individuals. Age group of 31–45 years; [3.42(1.05–11.21)] and > 65 years [6.21(1.75–12.47)], poor knowledge [0.41(0.67–6.07)], no regular deworming [0.70(1.76–21.96)], mud floors toilet [6.18(1.61–23.79)], toilets made of sticks [16.5(4.24–64.31)], and participants who did not have stomach/abdominal pains [0.22(0.07–0.67)] were significant predictors of helminth infections. Age group < 15 years [2.58(1.09–6.11)], geophagia [3.69(1.91–9.33)], hookworm infection [3.26(1.49–7.11)], S. mansoni [1.72 (1.16–3.41)] and those with multiple infections [1.76(1.04–2.88)] were identified as risk factors for anaemia. Risk factors identified in this study can be used to improve the control mechanism put in place by the government.

Frequency of Entamoeba Complex in Individuals Referred to the Medical Laboratories in Jahrom City, South of Iran.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, and Entamoeba moshkovskii, using microscopic and molecular methods in Jahrom city (Fars Province), south of Iran. Stool samples were collected from 360 outpatients referred to the medical laboratories in Jahrom city. Standard parasitological methods, including direct wet mount examination, formalin-ether sedimentation technique, and trichrome staining techniques, were used for detection of Entamoeba complex. Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to identify the genus/species of Entamoeba. Entamoeba complex cysts were detected in 2.5% (9/360) of samples by microscopic methods, while 11 isolates were considered positive for the Entamoeba complex by nested PCR. Among them, 2 (18.18%) out of 11 samples were E. histolytica, 5 (45.45%) were E. dispar, and 4 (36.36%) were E. moshkovskii. Molecular positivity was more prevalent among females (4.16%), people living in rural areas (3.44%), and people over 60 years old (13.33%). Considering the clinical manifestations, the Entamoeba complex infection in patients with fever (7.69%), severe diarrhea (5.10%), and nausea (5%) was high. This study reported the presence of E. histolytica, E. dispar, and E. moshkovskii in Jahrom city. Therefore, we suggest more public health interventions in Jahrom city.

Investigating intestinal parasitic infections with emphasis on molecular identification of Strongyloides stercoralis and Trichostrongylus colubriformis in north of Iran

Currently, parasitic infections are one of the important health problems in the world, especially in developing countries. This study aims to investigate intestinal parasites with an emphasis on molecular identification through the analysis of mitochondrial COX1 and ITS2 gene sequences of Strongyloides stercoralis (S. stercoralis) and Trichostrongylus spp. in north of Iran. Five hundred forty stool samples were collected from medical diagnostic laboratories affiliated with Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences in Sari city, north of Iran. First, all the samples were examined using direct smear, formalin-ether sedimentation, and trichrome staining technique. Suspected samples of Strongyloides larvae were cultured in agar plate. Then, DNA was extracted from samples containing Trichostrongylus spp. eggs and Strongyloides larvae. To amplify DNA, PCR was performed and the samples with a sharp band in electrophoresis were sequenced by Sanger method. Overall, the prevalence of parasitic infections in the study population was 5.4%. The highest and the lowest level of infection was observed with Trichostrongylus spp. and S. stercoralis at 3% and 0.2%, respectively. No traces of live Strongyloides larvae were seen in the culture medium of the agar plate. The six isolates obtained from the amplification of the ITS2 gene of Trichostrongylus spp. were sequenced, all of which were Trichostrongylus colubriformis. The sequencing results of COX1 gene indicated S. stercoralis. In the present study, the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in north of Iran has relatively decreased that its main reason can be due to the coronavirus epidemic and compliance with health principles. However, the prevalence of Trichostrongylus parasite was relatively high that it requires special attention to apply appropriate control and treatment strategies in this field.

Postpartum anemia and its determinant factors among postnatal women in two selected health institutes in Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia: A facility-based, cross-sectional study.

Anemia is highly prevalent globally and disproportionately affects postnatal women. It is a significant cause of maternal mortality and morbidity globally. The main aim of this study was to determine the extent of postpartum anemia and associated factors among postnatal women in two selected health facilities in Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia. A facility-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 282 postnatal women from March to May 2021. A systematic sampling technique was used to recruit study participants from each institute. Sociodemographic, obstetric, and clinical data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire. A venous blood sample was collected to determine the red blood cell parameters. A thin blood smear preparation was performed to examine blood morphology. In addition, direct wet mount and formalin-ether sedimentation techniques were used for stool examination to identify intestinal parasites. Data were entered into EpiData and exported to Stata 14 for statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics were presented in text, tables, and figures. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with postpartum anemia. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The proportion of postpartum anemia was 47.16%; 95% CI; 41.30-53.03 with moderate, mild, and severe anemia accounting for 45.11, 42.86, and 12.03%, respectively. The majority of the anemia (94%) was of the normocytic normochromic type. It was associated with postpartum hemorrhage (AOR = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.24-4.01), cesarean section (AOR = 4.10; 95% CI: 2.11-7.78), lack of iron and folate supplementation during pregnancy (AOR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.17-4.02), and low diet diversity level (AOR = 1.83; 95% CI: 1.05-3.18). The prevalence of anemia was found to be a major public health concern. Iron and folate supplementation during pregnancy, improved management of PPH, an effective cesarean section with post-operative care, and taking a diversified diet will reduce the burden. Therefore, identified factors should be considered to prevent and control postpartum anemia.

Prevalence of Fasciola species from Cattle Slaughtered at Birnin Kebbi Modern Abattoir

Diagnostic tools to detect and differentiate Fasciola species have improved, but the understanding of the distribution and population structure of this parasite is location dependent. This study was aimed to phenotypically identify Fasciola species from cattle brought for slaughter at Birnin Kebbi Modern Abattoir. Ante-mortem faecal samples were collected from the sampled cattle for worm egg detection and post-mortem inspection of liver samples were performed. Two methods of Parasitological (Flukefinder Kit and formalin-ether sedimentation) methods were performed on the faecal samples. Results have yielded a high prevalence (31.2%) of fluke eggs with the Flukefinder Kit than with formalin-ether sedimentation technique (8.5%). Prevalence was higher (34%) in the males than in female (26.2%) cattle. Younger cattle (34.3%) were also more infected than their older (30.7%) counterpart. Sokoto Gudali had the highest prevalence of 44.0% followed by Red Bororo with 34.0%, and the least prevalence was observed in Bunaji breed with 18.0%. Statistical analyses results had revealed no significant relation between prevalence of fasciolosis and the co-variables (sex, age) as p &gt; 0.05 but there was a significant association between prevalence and breed of cattle (p = 0.018). There was no significant agreement between the methods of faecal analyses used. Prevalence of 15.8% was observed from the post-mortem examination. This have increased the knowledge about the existence of the parasite in the study area. It is recommended that the Flukefinder® Kit should be used in diagnosis of Fasciola species due to its high sensitivity compared to the conventional sedimentation method.

Seasonal Occurrence of Cattle Fascioliasis in Kelantan, Malaysia.

A longitudinal study was conducted in five randomly selected farms in Kelantan, Malaysia to determine the seasonal occurrence of cattle fascioliasis and its association with climatic factors. A total of 480 faecal samples were collected by a random purposive sampling method from July 2018 to June 2019. The faecal samples were examined for the presence of Fasciola eggs using a formalin ether sedimentation technique. Meteorological data including temperature, humidity, rainfall, and pan evaporation were obtained from a local meteorological station. The overall prevalence of cattle fascioliasis in Kelantan was 45.8%. The prevalence was observed to be slightly higher during the wet season from August to December (50-58%) than during the dry season from January to June (30-45%). Meanwhile, the mean eggs per gram (EPG) were highest in June (191.1 ± 0.48) and lowest in October (77.62 ± 95.5). However, there were no significant differences in the mean of EPG between the monthly prevalence, tested using one-way ANOVA (p = 0.1828). A statistically significant association (p = 0.014) was observed between the disease and cattle breeds, with Charolais and Brahman showing lower odds of having the disease. There were significant moderate-to-strong positive correlations between cattle fascioliasis and rainfall (r = 0.666; p = 0.018) and humidity (r = 0.808; p = 0.001), as well as strong negative correlations with evaporation (r = -0.829; p = 0.001). The results indicated that the higher prevalence of cattle fascioliasis in Kelantan was correlated with the climatic factors, which include higher rainfall and humidity and lower evaporation.

Intestinal Parasitic Infections among School Going Children in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Objectives: In order to assess the Intestinal Parasitic infections from the School Going Children of Kathmandu Valley, this study analyzed the proportion of parasitic infection from the stool samples. Methods: Stool samples were collected from two schools of Kathmandu and analyzed for the assessment of intestinal parasites from May to June, 2018. The assessment of intestinal parasites was performed by Direct Microscopy and Formol ether Sedimentation technique and Modified Ziehl-Neelsen Staining was performed for the confirmation of Coccidian parasites. Results: The result is that out of 165 stool samples, intestinal parasites were detected in 28 (16.9%) samples and among them, 13 (46.4%) were protozoa and 15 (53.6%) were helminthes. A total of nine different parasites were recorded in the study. Among them, Taenia spp 5 (17.85%) for helminthes and G. lamblia 5 (17.85%) for protozoans was dominant and the least dominant organism for helminthes was H. diminuta (3.58%), for protozoans C. parvum (3.58%). Among the participants, more females were infected with intestinal parasite than male with majority from age group 13-15 years (23.1%). The distribution of parasites was higher among the students who drank water without treatment. Out of 28 intestinal parasites, 14/69 (20.3%) students showed the positive cases i.e. who drank water without treating followed by 13/70 (17.1%) students who filtered before drinking. The students who drank water after boiling 1/26 (3.8%) showed less distribution of parasites. The distribution of parasites was higher in the students who washed hands only with water on the basis of hand washing habits before eating i.e. 15/80 (18.7%). The distribution of parasites was higher among the students who bite their nail sometimes i.e. 15/76 (19.7%) as compared to the student who never bite their nail 13/89 (14.6%). Conclusion: Intestinal parasite is still a major health problem among the school going children in Nepal. Therefore, the infection preventive measures and school health awareness activities should continue.

Evaluation of Laboratory Methods for the Diagnosis of Entamoeba histolytica Among Children in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

The prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica using different methods in detecting the causative pathogens causing amoebic dysentery among children in Rivers State was carried out using standard laboratory procedures. This research was carried out in some selected health establishments in Port Harcourt City, the capital of Rivers State, Nigeria. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of E. histolytica among children in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The study which involved about one thousand stool samples were collected from consented subjects in Rivers State hospitals, of which 533 fecal specimens from male and 467 from female children were collected. Stool sample examined using the three diagnostic methods which were microscopic methods using normal saline and lugol’s iodine, formol-ether sedimentation technique and Entamoeba culture methods. The results showed that, out of the 1000 stool samples examined, 54 (5.4%) were positive for cyst and or trophozoites of E. histolytica when examined by direct saline and lugol’s iodine bright light microscopy. Twenty-one (2.1%) showed presence of E. histolytica when processed by sedimentation method, whereas 87 (8.7%) showed presence of E. histolytica in all the samples processed by culture method. These results implementing 89%, 81% and 95% specificity for microscopy, sedimentation and culture method respectively. Furthermore, culture method, microscopy method and sedimentation method showed sensitivity of 95% 62% and 40% respectively. Data analysis of kappa statistics showed culture method have the highest value of (0.75) followed by microscopy (0.55) and sedimentation (0.33). Finally, culture method which is the most reliable test method could be a very useful tool in the routine assessment as well as surveillance of E. histolytica in a developing country like Nigeria. Therefore, public and personal health hygiene should be taken seriously to avoid and control the infection in Rivers State.

Higher efficacy of a single dosage albendazole and different soil-transmitted helminths re-infection profiles amongst indigenous Negritos from inland jungle versus those in resettlement at town peripheries.

Demarginalization through initiation of resettlement program since 1978 is an inevitable progress faced by the indigenous Orang Asli (OA) population in Peninsular Malaysia. As Malaysian huntergatherers, the Negrito has been exposed to various environmental-cultural variations. These changes may influence the pattern of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, the common malady amongst OA. This study evaluated the deworming effects of single-dosage albendazole (400 mg) and STH-reinfection rate between Negritos who are still living in the inland jungle versus those living in resettlements at town peripheries (RPS). Stool samples from the consented participants were first examined using the direct faecal smear, formalin-ether sedimentation and Kato Katz techniques. Subsequently, stool collections were carried out in three time points following treatment (i.e., 21 days, 3 months and 6 months). In brief, a total number of 54 Negritos (inland: 24; RPS: 30) with a complete set of stool collection was included in this longitudinal study. This study revealed 72.2% cure rate against T. trichiura in the inland but only 15.0% in the RPS. Although the efficacy of albendazole against T. trichiura was ultimately low in the RPS, 62.6% egg reduction rate (ERR) (arithmetic mean) was noted (p = 0.001). For A. lumbricoides and hookworm, high cure rates were found in both communities (85.7-100.0%). Reinfection for T. trichiura was seen in less than 1 month with higher rate in the RPS (90.0%) as opposed to the inland (44.4%) at 21 days following treatment. This study found that the inland OA had better tolerability to single-dosage albendazole and experienced slower STH reinfection rates versus the RPS. Hence, the selection of albendazole dosage should be targeted and the use of single- dosage albendazole (biannually) would be more suitable for the inland OA. Conversely, we propose the use of 3-days albendazole regimens in the resettled RPS population.

Prevalence of Zoonotic Gastrointestinal Parasites of Goats in Selected Abattoirs Within Makurdi Metropolis

<h3>Purpose</h3> There is a close association between diseases of animals, especially domestic animals and man. Zoonotic infections pose a significant public health threat. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites of goats in 3 selected abattoirs in Makurdi Metropolis. <h3>Methods & Materials</h3> The study was carried out between July and October, 2013. A total of 150 faecal samples were collected using random sampling technique. Wet mount and Formol-ether sedimentation technique was used to prepare specimens which were examined using a compound microscope (at X 40 objective) for the identification of characteristic eggs of gastrointestinal parasites of goats. Statistical Analysis IBM SPSS software package (Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 20 for Windows) was used to analyze data. Categorical data were analyzed for comparison using Chi-Square Tests at a significant level of 0.05. <h3>Results</h3> Of the 150 faecal specimens examined, 143 (95.33%) were infected with at least one gastrointestinal parasite. Altogether, 8 parasites were identified among the 143 positive specimens – S<i>trongyloides papillosus</i> 43 (28.7%), <i>Fasciola gigantica</i> 37 (24.7%), <i>Trichuruis spp</i> 25 (16.7%), <i>Giardia spp</i> 13 (8.7%), <i>Marshallagia marshalli</i> 9 (6.0%), <i>Cryptosporidium spp</i> 8 (5.3%), <i>Eimeria spp</i> 5 (3.3%) and <i>Trichostrongyle spp</i> 3 (2.0%). Three zoonotic parasites were detected (<i>Gardia spp, Cryptosporidium spp</i> and <i>Eimeria spp</i>) with and an overall prevalence of 17.3%. There was no significant difference in infection between age and gender of goats sampled. <h3>Conclusion</h3> This study shows that zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites are prevalent among goats slaughtered at abattoirs within Makurdi metropolis.

Feline platynosomiasis in Klang Valley, Malaysia: Diagnosis, pathology and management.

Platynosomum fastosum (synonym Platynosomum concinnum, Platynosomum illiciens ) is a hepatic fluke causing platynosomiasis or 'lizard poisoning' in cats. This disease is generally being underestimated by veterinary practitioners due to lack of awareness and difficulty in diagnosis although the severe cases of platynosomiasis could be fatal. This study was designed to detect the presence of cat liver fluke through faecal examination among cats kept in shelters, pet cats and stray cats around Klang Valley, Malaysia. The detection of liver flukes among stray cats was based on post-mortem examination. A total of 201 faecal samples were collected from eight shelters (n = 119) and five veterinary clinics (n = 82) in Klang Valley were subjected to simple floatation and formalin-ether sedimentation techniques for ova detection. P. fastosum ova were identified in three faecal samples obtained from shelters (2.52%) and three samples collected from veterinary clinics (3.66%) by faecal examination. A total of 51 stray cats were procured from Pest and Animal Control Unit of the respective municipality. The cats were euthanised and necropsied to collect liver samples and bile duct. The liver was then dissected for isolation and identification of the fluke and bile duct fluid were aspirated for detection of fluke ova. Twelve cats (23.5%) were positive for P. fastosum and ova were found in their bile. Macroscopically, affected cats showed mottled liver (33.3%), distended gall bladder with thick tenacious bile (66.7%) that microscopically exhibited hepatic steatosis (25.0%) and hepatitis (33.3%). The severity of parasite load was almost equally distributed between the positive cats with low (n = 5, 55.6%; > 125 adult fluke) and high parasite burden (n = 4, 44.4%; < 125 adult fluke) cats, respectively. This study revealed the detection of P. fastosum among pet, shelters and stray cats in Klang Valley, Malaysia.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites with molecular detection and identification of Giardia duodenalis in fecal samples of mammals, birds and zookeepers at Beni-Suef Zoo, Egypt.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12639-020-01341-2.

Assessment of Parasites and Bacterial Contamination of Office Door Handles in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State

Microorganisms are present on all surfaces, to which they were carried by many direct and indirect methods of transmission. Bacteria and Parasites contaminating office door handles in Nnamdi Azikiwe University were assessed between June and November, 2019. The buildings and the door handles were randomly selected. Sterile swabs moistened in sterile normal saline were used to swab the door handles in a tri-directional manner. The swabs were cultured and subcultured onto nutrient, MacConkey and Salmonella-Shigella agar plates for bacterial growth. The specimens were then examined for parasites using Zinc Sulphate floatation and formol-ether sedimentation techniques. Of the 432 door handles examined, 136 (30.8%) were contaminated. The highest number of contaminated doors were found in Medical Centre 41 (30.1%) and the least in Faculty of Social Sciences Complex 10 (7.4%). <i>E. histolytica</i> 52 (38.2%) was the highest parasite encountered while <i>E. vermicularis</i> 2 (1.5%) was the least. The proportion of infected doors as well as the distribution of different species parasites in the door handles of different complexes examined was significant (P<0.05). Of 432 office door handles examined, 263 (60.9%) yielded bacterial growth. Female hostel 72 (27.4%) had more bacterial contamination while Faculty of Social Sciences 25 (9.5%) had the least. <i>Staphylococcus</i> spp 54 (20.5%) was the highest bacteria isolated, followed by <i>Escherichia</i> 53 (20.2%) while <i>Klebsiella</i> 53 (20.2%) was the least. The distribution of different species of bacteria in the door handles in different complexes was significant (P<0.05). Infectious diseases from microbial contaminated door handles are a potential threat to public health and safety therefore certain measures should be taken such as aggressive and frequent cleaning methods and good hand washing to reduce the incidence of bacterial and parasite transmission and contamination.

Comparison of direct wet mount, Kato–Katz and formol ether sedimentation technique for the diagnosis of hookworm infection in Debre Elias Woreda, Northwest Ethiopia

Hookworm infection is a neglected parasitic disease. Direct wet mount is the usual method for the diagnosis of hookworm in Ethiopia, but its sensitivity is unsatisfactory. A cross-sectional study was therefore conducted from January to February 2018 among 192 study participants in Debre Elias district. Stool samples were processed by three methods: the prevalence of hookworm was 77.6%, 68.2% and 49.0% by Kato-Katz, formol ether sedimentation technique and direct wet mount, respectively. Direct wet mount had relatively low sensitivity (61.4%) compared to formol ether sedimentation technique (85.6%) and Kato-Katz (97.4%). The latter two compared well with the gold standard method with kappa values of κ = 0.94, κ = 0.71 and κ = 0.39, respectively, and are therefore recommended over against the direct wet mount technique in detecting hookworm.

Intestinal parasites among humans and their livestock animals in a rural community in Gharbia governorate, Egypt

Our objective was to study the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among humans and their contact livestock animals in a rural community in Gharbia governorate, Egypt. The collected human and livestock animal fecal samples were examined by formol ether sedimentation technique and modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain. Human samples were further examined by the Kato-Katz technique. The total prevalence of intestinal parasites in humans was 52.3%; 7.3% helminths and 45% protozoa. Regarding animals, 29% of livestock animals had protozoan parasites and no helminths were detected. Results revealed that risk factors including drinking tap water and attendance of nurseries, affected the rate of parasitic infection among humans. The infection rate of protozoa was significantly higher among humans (1.5 times) as compared to animals.

Prevalence and Determinants of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Pregnant Women Receiving Antenatal Care in Kasoa Polyclinic, Ghana.

Background Intestinal parasitic infections affect pregnant women worldwide. The infection has been implicated in causing life-threatening conditions in both gravid women and their developing foetus. Sub-Saharan Africa is known to harbor the greatest proportion of intestinal parasitic infections largely due to socioeconomic and environmental factors. In Kasoa, Southern Ghana, there is paucity of data on the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections among pregnant women. Objective The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Kasoa Polyclinic. Methods A hospital based analytical cross-sectional study was carried out among three hundred (300) conveniently sampled pregnant women receiving antenatal care services at the Kasoa Polyclinic. Structured questionnaires were administered to the study participants to assess sociodemographic and other possible factors. Stool samples were collected from each pregnant woman and examined for the presence of intestinal parasites by microscopy using direct wet mount as well as formol-ether sedimentation techniques. Results Overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 14.3% (95% CI 11–19%). Entamoeba histolytica (5.0%) was the most predominant parasite species identified followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (4.3%), Giardia lamblia (2.3%), Trichuris trichiura (1.3%), Schistosoma mansoni (0.3%), Hookworm (0.3%), Hymenolepis nana (0.3%), and Isospora belli (0.3%). Age > 30 years (AOR = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.06–0.48; p=0.001), multigravidity (AOR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.19–0.97; p=0.043), and 2nd and 3rd trimesters (AOR = 4.73, 95% CI = 1.36–16.49; p=0.015) were independently associated with intestinal parasitic infections among pregnant women. Conclusions A prevalence of 14.3% pregnant women compared to previous studies in Ghana is relatively low. It however suggests that intestinal parasitic infection is still a problem. The major factors noted were age, gravidity, and gestational age. Routine stool examination and provision of public health education are recommended to prevent infection of pregnant mothers and their unborn babies.

Intestinal Parasitoses among Chepang and Musahar Community People of Makwanpur and Nawalparasi Districts of Nepal.

Intestinal parasitosis is one of the commonly perceived serious problems often observed in children leading to high mortality. The objective of the study was to identify the intestinal parasites and study their prevalence in the two mostly disadvantaged communities (Musahar and Chepang) of Nepal. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Musahar and Chepang communities of Nepal from April to October 2019. A total of 205 random stool samples were collected in dry, clean and screw-capped plastic containers and mixed with 2.5% potassium dichromate solution. A pre-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on predisposing factors. The laboratory examination of the stool samples was done by direct microscopy and further confirmed by concentration methods (formalin ether sedimentation technique and flotation technique using Sheather's sugar solution), and modified acid-fast staining. Detection of eggs of Enterobius vermicularis was done by cellophane tape method. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was found to be 36.6%, with a similar prevalence in the Chepangs (39.8%) and in the Musahars (33.3%) (P > 0.05). The most predominant helminth was Ascaris lumbricoides (15.6%), while the most prevalent protozoan was Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (5.4%). The study also assessed a significant association between the prevalence of parasites with socio-demographic factors, types of drinking water consumption and sanitation habits of the people (P < 0.05). The findings of the study suggest a need for formulating effective preventive and control strategies against intestinal parasitic infections along with the continuity of mass deworming program.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites amongst selected age groups within Okada, South –South Nigeria.

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites from volunteered individuals in the study site. A total of 300 stool samples, comprising 150 females and 150 males were collected randomly from the study population in Ovia North-East Local Government Area in Edo State, aged between 1 and 60 years. The stool samples were aseptically collected and examined using both direct smear method and formol ether sedimentation techniques to determine the individual parasite load of the sampled population. The age group of 16-20 had the highest number of participants 102(34%) while the age group of 6-10, 51-55 and 56-60 had the least number of participants of 3(1%) respectively. Out of the 300 stool samples examined 87, (29%) were positive with intestinal parasites while 213(71%) were negative, not having any intestinal parasitic infection However the age group of 11-15(N=10) and 31-35(N=10) had the highest prevalence rate of 11.5%, while the lowest prevalence (1%) was found in individuals of ages 41-60 years. There was no intestinal parasites found among the individuals below11 years of age.. Of the 150 male candidates examined, 57 (65.5%) were infected with intestinal parasites. On the other hand, their female counterparts had a total prevalence of 34.5%. A total number of six parasitic species were isolated from the fecal specimens. These were Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercolaris, Entamoeba coli, Hookworms and Entamoeba histolytica. Ascaris lumbricoides had the highest prevalence rate (12%), while Trichuris trichiura and Strongyloides stercolaris had the least prevalence rate (1%) respectively. The intestinal parasite infection and age were negatively correlated and there was a significant difference between the male and female infection rates (p&lt;0.05).