Formalin-ethyl Acetate Sedimentation Technique Research Articles

Prevalence of Giardia Lamblia in Stool Samples of Diarrhea Patients in Khost, Afghanistan

The present study was conducted in khost post graduate civil hospital to determine the prevalence of Giardia lambalia in stool samples of patients with complain of diarrhea or abdominal discomfort which were came from center and others different districts of Khost province. Three hundred sixty-eight (368) fecal samples were collected randomly from the male, female and children patients who visited OPD (outpatient department) of mention hospitals from March 2022 to August 2022. The samples were screened for the presence of parasites using microscopic techniques (formalin ethyl acetate sedimentation technique). Out of 368 sample analyzed protozoa etiological agent Giardia lambalia was detected in 34 (9.2%) which were representative of total population. Regarding sex in male 25(70%) and 9(30%) were female positive were detected. To control Giardia lamblia is by good hygiene, adequate cooking of food, and protection of food from flies, properly wash raw vegetables before serving, use of boiled water and well developed sewage system. The study concluded that the use of raw animal manure for fertilizer, irrigation of vegetables with fecal contaminated water, poor sanitary system and improper treatment of water supplies can increase the threat of contamination of water which is main source of causing giardiasis and other infections.

Detection, prevalence, and risk factors associated with Cryptosporidium infection among cattle in Kwara State, Nigeria

Cryptosporidium species cause high morbidity and sometimes high mortality rates among cattle, resulting in serious economic threats. This present study is aimed at investigating the presence, prevalence, distribution, and risk factors associated with Cryptosporidium species infection among cattle in Kwara State, Nigeria. To achieve this, 333 apparently healthy cattle were sampled from abattoirs and different cattle herds over a one-year period. Faecal samples were collected and subjected to the formalin-ethyl acetate (formol-ether) sedimentation technique. Sediments from the formol-ether sedimentation method were used for the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. The Microsoft Excel (2016) spreadsheet and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, Chicago, Illinois, USA) for Windows version 22.0 were used for the data analysis. Of the cattle sampled, 99 were positive for the enteric protozoan (29.73%; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 25.07–34.85). There was no distinct pattern in the monthly prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in cattle. Breeds of cattle, physiological status, and seasons were statistically associated with the prevalence of Cryptosporidium species in cattle. There is a need to educate pastoralists on the control and preventive measures of this enteric protozoan to improve the economy of the cattle industry and prevent possible transmission to humans in Kwara State and Nigeria in general.

Prevalence and Related Risk Factors of Intestinal Parasitosis among Private School-Going Pupils of Dharan Submetropolitan City, Nepal

Introduction Intestinal parasitic infections are most common and prevalent among children and accounts for great morbidity and mortality. Objective This research is aimed at studying the prevalence and related risk factors of parasitic infections among private school-going pupils of Dharan Submetropolitan City. Methods and Materials This was a cross-sectional laboratory-based study conducted from 13 November 2018 to 26 February 2019 among 400 private school pupils. The stool samples were collected and microscopically examined for parasites using the formalin ethyl acetate sedimentation technique. Data Analysis. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS version 16.0. Pearson's Chi-square test was used to establish association between dependent and independent variables. The association was also determined using crude and adjusted odds ratio, and the test considered a P value < 0.05 as statistically significant with 95% confidence interval. Result In this study, 46 (11.5%) children were positive for intestinal parasites. In this study, 3 protozoans (Entamoeba histolytica = 3 (0.75%)) and 43 helminths (Ascaris lumbricoides = 22 (5.5%); Enterobiusvermicularis = 6 (1.5%); Ancylostoma duodenale = 2 (0.5%); and Trichuris trichiura = 13 (3.25%)) were isolated and identified. Statistically, significant difference in the parasitic prevalence with respect to age and gender was not seen (P > 0.05). However, the prevalence of parasitic infection was strongly associated with the ethnicity of the pupils (P = 0.001). The strong associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections were nail-biting habit, source of drinking water, biannual deworming, thumb-sucking, hand sanitation before having food and after toilet, knowledge of parents on parasitosis, health and sanitation, keeping cat/dog as pet, and wearing protective shoes during play (P = 0.001). Bowel syndromes like abdominal cramp and constipation also had a strong statistical association (P = 0.001) with the prevalence of parasitic infection. According to binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses, the parents without awareness, pupils with a nail-biting habit, pupils not wearing shoes during play, lack of deworming, drinking direct tap water, and pupils with poor hand sanitation were more likely to be infested with intestinal parasitic infections. Conclusion This study concludes that intestinal parasites are still prevalent among private school-going pupils of Dharan Submetropolitan City. The poor sanitation and sanitary habits like biting nails, consumption of untreated drinking water, and failure to practice proper hand washing were studied as contributors to the acquisition of intestinal parasitic infections. Therefore, integration of control measures such as provision of clean and safe drinking water, improved sanitation and hygiene, with biannual administration of drugs are necessary for effective eradication of parasitic infections.

Prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infection in water buffaloes in selected areas in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro, the Philippines

Background and Aim: Schistosomiasis (SCH) japonica is a zoonotic disease that can infect several mammalian hosts. Bovines, particularly water buffaloes, are considered the most important reservoir hosts due to the high levels of schistosome eggs, they excrete into the environment. In the Philippines, the previous studies have revealed a high prevalence of SCH in bovines in selected provinces in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. However, there is a lack of studies on SCH in the Davao Region, Mindanao, where the infection remains a public health concern. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of SCH in water buffaloes in four barangays (villages) each in Braulio Dujali, Davao del Norte and Maragusan, Davao de Oro, Southeastern Mindanao, the Philippines. Materials and Methods: Fecal samples from 91 water buffaloes were collected intrarectally, processed using the formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation technique, and examined microscopically to determine the prevalence of SCH. Results: A total of three water buffaloes (8.6%) in Maragusan were determined to be positive for Schistosoma japonicum, while none in Braulio Dujali. The prevalence of other parasites (Fasciola spp. [53.8%], Paramphistome spp. [20.9%], Amphistome spp. [16.5%], Strongyle spp. [11.0%], Balantidium spp. [9.9%], Eurytrema spp. [2.2%], and Gongylonema pulchrum [1.1%]) was also observed. Conclusion: The results of the study provide baseline data on the presence of S. japonicum in water buffaloes in the Davao Region, Mindanao. Strategies for controlling and eliminating SCH in animal reservoir hosts, especially in water buffaloes, are necessary for the long-term control and elimination of SCH in humans.

Zoonotic Transmission and Infection from Bovine Feces in Selected Ricefields of Lake Mainit, Philippines

Ricefields are suitable nidus of active parasite transmission via bovines due to often unprotected exposure by humans and livestock that utilize the habitat for farming and foraging. This study was conducted to assess infection of protozoans, trematodes and nematodes from bovine feces from ricefields of Brgy Magpayang, San Isidro and Matin-ao surrounding Lake Mainit, Philippines. Bovine fecal samples collected from these ricefields were processed using the Formalin Ethyl Acetate Sedimentation (FEA-SD) technique. A total of five species from three major parasite groups (protozoans, trematodes and nematodes) were observed. Bovines from ricefields of Brgy San Isidro harbored the highest number of fecal parasites. The liver fluke Fasciola sp. was the most predominant species observed with the highest prevalence (69%) across study areas. In contrast, multiple parasite burden of Fasciola sp., hookworms, coccidian oocysts and Ascaris sp. eggs were observed from bovines from Brgy San Isidro and Matin-ao. This study is the first report of parasites from bovine feces in selected ricefields of Lake Mainit. The high prevalence of Fasciola eggs in bovines calls for an extensive assessment of possible widespread bovine fascioliasis in the area.

Intestinal parasites in canine feces contaminating urban and recreational areas in Ushuaia (Argentina).

Wild and domestic dogs are important reservoir hosts of numerous intestinal parasites that represent potential infection sources for both humans and wild or other domestic animals. The aim of this study was to determine the presence, diversity, and contamination potential of intestinal parasites in dog feces contaminating urban and recreational areas in Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego province, Argentina). A total of 80 canine fecal samples were collected from urban (playgrounds, streets, sidewalks, squares and coastal walks) and recreational areas (winter centers for raising and training sled dogs) in 2018. Samples were preserved in 5% formalin and processed using formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation and FLOTAC dual Pellet techniques. Data were analyzed using the R software. At least one parasite species was recovered in 32.5% of the total samples examined. Of the seven parasite species detected, infection by protozoan species was higher than helminth infections (28.8% versus 8.8%). Sarcocystis sp. (20.0%), Giardia sp. (8.8%) and Cystoisospora spp. (7.5%) were the most frequent species, followed by Toxocara canis (5.0%), Echinococcus spp./Taenia spp. (2.5%), Trichuris vulpis and Uncinaria sp. (1.3% for both). Single infections (69.2%) were more frequent than coinfections with two (19.2%) and three parasite species (11.5%). This study provides the first description of the diversity and frequency of intestinal parasite species in dog feces from Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. The unfavorable environment of Ushuaia, characterized by low temperatures and winter snowfall, is likely to reduce parasite survivability, decreasing contamination potential. Some parasite species found are potentially zoonotic and represent an important risk for the human population and a source of infection to free-roaming pets. The results of this study revealed the need to strengthen the prevention, surveillance and control of these infections in pets, as well as to implement programs for public health education, control measures for the free-roaming canine population, and responsible pet ownership in the study area.

Helminth infections of great concern among cattle in Nigeria: Insight to its prevalence, species diversity, patterns of infections and risk factors.

Background and Aim:Helminth infections are one of the greatest causes of productive and reproductive loss in animals and man, and in some cases, it results in heavy mortalities. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence, species diversity, patterns of infections and risk factors associated with helminth infections of cattle in Ilorin, Nigeria.Materials and Methods:A total of 478 fecal samples were collected from abattoirs and cattle farms over a year period (March, 2018-February, 2019). Fecal samples were visually examined then observed using simple flotation and formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation techniques. Eggs and worms were identified according to standard procedures. The packed cell volume was determined using the hematocrit centrifugation technique.Results:A total of 79.92% of the cattle examined were found positive with one or more helminth species. Eighteen helminth species (cutting across all classes of helminths) were detected, with Haemonchus contortus (60.46%), Trichostrongylus spp. (46.44%), Ostertagia ostertagi (42.05%), Bunostomum phlebotomum (28.87%), Cooperia spp. (24.27%), Oesophagostomum radiatum (21.97%), Strongyloides papillosus (12.13%), and Fasciola gigantica (10.67%) been the most prevalent. Helminth infection was detected all through the year with the least prevalence recorded in February (55.00%). About 61% of the examined cattle harbored double/multiple helminth species. There was a significant difference between breed, sex, physiological status, and season with the prevalence rate of helminth infections (p<0.05).Conclusion:Our investigation demonstrated high prevalence and wide diversity of helminth species, which suggests that helminth infections are of great concern among cattle in Ilorin and Nigeria in general. There is a need for a radical veterinary intervention to curb the menace so as to have an economically robust cattle industry in Nigeria.

Prevalence of Entameoba Hsitolyica in Stool Samples of Diarrheal Patients

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica in patients suffering from diarrhoea in Quetta. Study Design: Microscopic examination of stool samples and analysis through the formalin ethyl-acetate sedimentation technique. Duration: Six months (from 13-2-2017 to 21-7-2017). Methodology: A total of 235 stool samples randomly collected from females, males and children having abdominal discomfort who visited outpatient departments (OPDs) in different hospitals of Quetta. Results: Out of a total of 235 patients, E. histolytica was found in 45 (19.1%) patients (males = 55.6% and females = 44.4%). Conclusion: Infections of E. histolytica can be controlled by protecting food from flies, use of boiled drinking water, proper washing of fresh vegetables, hygienic conditions and a well-established sanitation system. It has been concluded that the use of animal compost for fertilizer, cleansing of vegetables with water contaminated by animal faeces, and a poor sewage system can enhance the risks of infections caused by this parasite.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites and risk factors with emphasis on Enterobius vermicularis in children of daycares and preparatory schools of the city of Khodabandeh, Northwestern Iran

Introduction: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are considered as a common cause of morbidity and mortality in children in the developing countries. The present study was aimed at examining the status of IPIs in the children of daycares and preparatory schools in the city of Khodabandeh located at Northwestern Iran. Materials and Methods: A total of 520 daycare and preprimary school-age children in the northwest of Iran were tested for the presence of intestinal parasites using direct smear and the standard formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation techniques. Furthermore, the specific “scotch tape” test was used to identify the eggs of pinworm Enterobius vermicularis. Results: Of total 520 children, 55 cases (10.6%) were infected to intestinal parasites, including 9.2% monoparasitism and 1.4% double-parasitism. The prevalence rate for protozoan infections was 7.3% and 3.65% for helminths. Giardia lamblia infection was shown to have the highest prevalence rate among intestinal protozoa by 3.26%. The prevalence rate for E. vermicularis was 3.5% using “scotch tape” test and stool examination. There was a significant correlation between infection with intestinal parasites and daycares (P = 0.004). A significant inverse correlation was established between anal itching (as a sign of E. vermicularis infections) and hand-washing in children using soap or hand-washing liquid (P = 0.004). Conclusions: Infection with intestinal parasites in children of nursery schools and preschools of the study region, compared to the previous situation, is considerably decreased.

A comparative study of formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation technique and Mini Parasep® solvent-free method in the rapid diagnosis of intestinal parasites.

Background:Stool microscopy and concentration techniques are the two most important and necessary aspects of diagnostic parasitology. In an era when there is increased disease burden due to intestinal parasites, an early and appropriate diagnosis is warranted. Direct microscopy is usually labor intensive and tedious.Materials and Methods:Thirty-two fresh fecal specimens from patients presenting with eosinophilia and/or anemia (hemoglobin levels <10 g%), HIV-positive patients, and in patients clinically suspected of harboring parasites, were collected for the study. All the positive samples were processed by both the standard methodology, i.e., formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation technique and Mini Parasep® SF method, by the standard operating procedure of our laboratory and the manufacturer's instruction. Stool pellet concentrates were subjected to saline/iodine wet mount, modified acid fast staining for intestinal coccidian parasites and trichrome staining for Blastocystis hominis. The average number of organisms counted in 0.5 ml of pellet was used for comparison of the two techniques.Results:The morphology of eggs was maintained in both the techniques; however, the wet mount prepared from the sedimentation technique had more background fecal debris in comparison to the Parasep® technique. The parasite yield was equal for both the techniques while Mini parasep had the advantage of less distortion of parasite morphology.Conclusion:We found that Parasep® offered a better parasitic yield, a better workflow capacity, and a reduced turnaround time, which would further benefit resource-restrained laboratories and those with a high sample turnover.

New host, geographical records, and factors affecting the prevalence of helminths infection from synanthropic rodents in Yucatán, Mexico

SummaryThe aim of this paper was to study the occurrence of helminths inMus musculusandRattus rattusfrom urban, suburban and rural settlements in Yucatán, Mexico; and to analyse the host factors (e.g. sex) related to helminths’ distribution. Helminths in a total of 279 rodents were surveyed by visual examination of the liver for metacestodes and faecal examination for helminth eggs using the formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation technique. The cestodesHydatigera taeniaeformis(metacestodes detected in the liver) andHymenolepis diminuta,and the nematodesAspiculurissp.,Nippostrongylus brasiliensis,Syphacia muris,Syphacia obvelata, andTrichuris muriswere identified. InM. musculus, the prevalence of infection withT. murisandH. taeniaeformiswas higher in the rural village compared to those in the suburban neighbourhood. ForR. rattus, a higher prevalence of infection withH. diminutawas found in the urban site compared to that in the suburban site. This study reports the occurrence ofH. diminutaamong rodents living in close proximity to humans, representing a potential public health risk. In addition, this survey increases our understanding of dynamic transmission among intestinal helminths recorded in Yucatán, Mexico.

Helminth Infections by Coprological Examination in Sheep-Dogs and Their Zoonotic Importance.

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths and diagnose the species of important zoonotic helminths in sheep dogs. Firstly, fecal samples were macroscopically examined; subsequently, formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation and ZnSO4 centrifugal floatation techniques were applied for the examination of helminth eggs. PCR technique was utilized to determine the species of E. granulosus and T. canis in dogs found positive for Taenia spp. and Toxocara spp. Helminth infection was detected in 35.26% of sheep dogs. Taenia spp. was the most common helminth (12.05%), followed by Toxocara spp. (9.38%), Toxascaris leonina (6.25%), and Trichuris spp. (4.2%). The positive results in the E. granulosus and T. canis-specific PCR-based molecular tests were obtained in 14 of the Taenia egg-positive samples and in 5 of the Toxocara egg-positive samples from dogs. This study has suggested that coprophagy and feed raw offal and meat to dogs may be responsible for finding atypical helminth eggs in fecal samples from dogs in the absence of an actual infection. To make the diagnosis of their owned parasites of dogs, E. granulosus and T. canis which have zoonotic importance, feces must be examined by both conventional and copro-PCR techniques. In addition to dogs' feeding habits, other related factors must be taken into account in the epidemiology of helminth infection; thus, precaution and control measures will be more reliable.

Efficacious and safe dose of praziquantel for the successful treatment of feline reservoir hosts with opisthorchiasis

Opisthorchiasis caused by Opisthorchis viverrini is a major food-borne zoonosis in Greater Mekong sub-region. Even though campaigns discouraging the consumption of raw fish have been launched to public, the disease still remains highly endemic. The unsuccessful eradication of the disease is probably because of the persistence of the parasite in animal reservoir hosts, particularly felids. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the drug of choice for morbidity control of opisthorchiasis in humans and animals. However, there is no specific study on its dosage regimen for feline opisthorchiasis. Thus, the effective treatment dose of PZQ, as well as its adverse effects, was evaluated in O. viverrini infected cats. Twenty-eight infected male and female cats from the endemic area of Khon Kaen and Maha Sarakham Provinces, Thailand were enrolled in this study. Physical, hematological, blood chemical and urine examinations were analyzed, as indicators of health status, on the day before and 30days after treatment. Intensity of the infections was determined by the formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation technique. Cats were equally allotted into the low infection group of 14 cats with egg count per gram of feces (EPG) <300 and the high infection group of 14 cats with EPG higher than 300. Cats in each group were equally divided into two subgroups of 7 cats; thus, there were two low infection subgroups (L1 and L2 subgroups) and two high infection subgroups (H1 and H2 subgroups). A single dose of 25mg/kg PZQ was orally administered to each cat in the L1 and H1 subgroups and a single oral dose of 40mg/kg PZQ was administered to the L2 and H2 subgroups. Complete clearance of O. viverrini eggs was found in all cats in the L1, L2 and H2 subgroups; thus, the cure rate (CR) and egg reduction rate (ERR) were 100%. However, partial clearance was observed in two cats with high EPG (1502 and 1518) in the H1 subgroup, which received 25mg/kg PZQ. Regards, CR and ERR for these two animals was 71.4 and 99.5%. No significant difference among the 4 subgroups was seen. Almost all hematological, blood chemical and urinalysis data were within normal ranges, except for the eosinophilia and an increase of alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Hookworm infection seen in all cats would cause eosinophilia. As for drug safety, there was no side effect observed in any cats. In conclusion, this study suggested that 40mg/kg PZQ is a highly effective and safe dosage for the treatment of feline reservoir hosts of human opisthorchiasis.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in breeding cattery cats in Japan.

To address the lack of up-to-date published data, the present study assessed the prevalence of intestinal parasites in breeding catteries in Japan. Fresh faecal samples were randomly collected from 342 cats (aged 1 month to 12 years) in seven breeding catteries in Japan, located in prefectures of Nagano (n = 2), Saitama (n = 1), Aichi (n = 2), Gifu (n = 1) and Miyagi (n = 1), on a single occasion. The samples were tested for the presence of Giardia species copro-antigen using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Other intestinal parasites were identified microscopically using the formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation technique. The total prevalence of intestinal parasites was 20.8%; only two genera of protozoa (Giardia species: 18.7% and Cystoisospora species: 5.0%) were detected. Coinfections of both protozoans were recorded in 2.9% of cats. In contrast, no helminths were detected. The presence of total infection, Giardia species, Cystoisospora species and multiple infections in cats <1 year old were significantly more prevalent than in cats ⩾1 year old. There were no significant differences among faecal conditions with or without intestinal parasites. Giardia species infection was present in samples from all breeding catteries, except for one facility. Cystoisospora species and coinfections were shown in four and two breeding catteries, respectively. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was markedly variable among the breeding catteries. The present study demonstrates the significance of Giardia species and Cystoisospora species infections in breeding cattery cats. Additionally, it is suggested that environmental contamination is the most important factor influencing the prevalence of protozoal infections in breeding catteries.

High prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum and Fasciola gigantica in bovines from Northern Samar, the Philippines.

The cause of zoonotic schistosomiasis in the Philippines is Schistosoma japonicum, which infects up to 46 mammalian hosts, including humans and bovines. In China, water buffaloes have been identified as major reservoir hosts for schistosomiasis japonica, contributing up to 75% of human transmission. In the Philippines, water buffaloes (carabao; Bubalus bubalis carabanesis) have, historically, been considered unimportant reservoirs. We therefore revisited the possible role of bovines in schistosome transmission in the Philippines, using the recently described formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation (FEA-SD) technique and a qPCR assay to examine fecal samples from 153 bovines (both carabao and cattle) from six barangays in Northern Samar. A high prevalence of S. japonicum was found using qPCR and FEA-SD in both cattle (87.50% and 77.08%, respectively) and carabao (80.00% and 55.24%, respectively). The average daily egg output for each bovine was calculated at 195,000. High prevalence and infection intensity of F. gigantica was also found in the bovines by qPCR and FEA-SD (95.33% and 96.00%, respectively). The identification of bovines as major reservoir hosts for S. japonicum transmission suggests that bovine treatment and/or vaccination, as one becomes available, should be included in any future control program that aims to reduce the disease burden due to schistosomiasis in the Philippines.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in breeding kennel dogs in Japan.

The present study is the first to show overall prevalences of intestinal parasites among breeding kennel dogs in Japan. A total of 573 fresh fecal samples were collected from dogs at 12 breeding kennels. Giardia-specific coproantigen was examined by ELISA kit (SNAP(®) Giardia, IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., Maine, USA). Other intestinal parasites were determined microscopically using the formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation technique. Overall prevalences of two genera of protists, Giardia spp. and Cystoisospora spp., were 25.7 and 1.2 %, respectively. The prevalence of helminthes was recorded as: Toxocara canis 0.2 %, Toxascaris leonina 0.9 %, Ancylostoma caninum 0.2 %, Trichuris vulpis 2.1 %, and Spirometra erinacei 0.4 %. According to age categories, Giardia spp., Cystoisospora spp., and T. leonina in <1-year-old dogs were significantly more prevalent than in ≥ 1-year-old dogs (61.0 vs. 19.8 %, P < 0.0001; 7.3 vs. 0.2 %, P < 0.0001; and 4.9 vs. 0.2 %, P < 0.001; respectively). With respect to fecal condition, the prevalences of T. leonina and T. vulpis were significantly higher in unformed stool dogs than in formed ones (2.4 vs. 0 %, P < 0.01, and 4.3 vs. 0.8 %, P < 0.05, respectively). In all of the breeding kennels except for one kennel, intestinal parasite infections were found at the high prevalent, ranging from 16.0 to 70.0 %.

Study of Incidence and Spectrum of Intestinal Parasitic Infestation using Formalin Ethyl Acetate Sedimentation Technique among Children and Its Correlation with Anaemia

Study of Incidence and Spectrum of Intestinal Parasitic Infestation using Formalin Ethyl Acetate Sedimentation Technique among Children and Its Correlation with Anaemia

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in pet shop kittens in Japan.

The present study examined the prevalence of intestinal parasites in kittens from five pet shops in East Japan. Fresh faecal samples were collected from 555 kittens (aged 1-3 months) on a single occasion. The samples were tested for the presence of Giardia species coproantigen using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Other intestinal parasites were identified microscopically using the formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation technique. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 27.2%; two genera of protozoa (Giardia species and Cystoisospora species) and one nematode (Toxocara cati) were detected. Faecal condition was not related to intestinal parasite infections. Significant differences among the pet shops were observed in the overall prevalence of intestinal parasites and the presence of Cystoisospora species infections.

High Prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum Infection in Carabao from Samar Province, the Philippines: Implications for Transmission and Control

Schistosoma japonicum is endemic in the Philippines, China and Indonesia, and infects more than 40 mammalian host species, all of which can act as reservoirs of infection. In China, water buffaloes have been shown to be major reservoirs of human infection. However, in the Philippines, carabao have not been considered important reservoir hosts for S. japonicum due to the low prevalence and infection intensities reported, the only exception being a qPCR-based study indicating 51% of carabao were S. japonicum-positive. However, the low prevalence found for the same animals when using conventional copro-parasitological techniques means that there is still confusion about the role of carabao in the transmission of schistosomiasis japonicum. To address this inconsistency, and to shed light on the potential role of carabao in the transmission of S. japonicum in the Philippines, we undertook a pilot survey, collecting fecal samples from animals in Western Samar Province and we used a combination of molecular and copro-parasitological techniques to determine the prevalence and intensity of S. japonicum. We found a high prevalence of S. japonicum in the carabao using a validated real-time PCR (qPCR) and a copro-parasitological tool, the formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation (FEA-SD) technique. A much lower prevalence of S. japonicum was recorded for the same fecal samples using conventional PCR, the Kato-Katz technique and miracidial hatching. These results suggest that, due to their low diagnostic sensitivity, traditional copro-parasitological techniques underestimate infection in carabao. The use of FEA-SD and qPCR provides a more accurate diagnosis. Based on these findings, the role of bovines in the transmission of S. japonicum appears to be more important in the Philippines than previously recognized, and this may have significant implications for the future control of schistosomiasis there, particularly as, in contrast with previous surveys, we found an unprecedented high prevalence of S. japonicum in humans.

Clinical feature of cryptosporidium infection in HIV/AIDS patients with chronic diarrhea

To investigate the clinical feature of cryptosporidium infection in HIV/AIDS patients with chronic diarrhea. 253 Stool samples were collected from HIV/AIDS patients with chronic diarrhea during Nov.2009 to Dec.2010. The samples were concentrated by Formalin-Ethyl Acetate Sedimentation technique and stained by Modified acid-fast stain (AFS) for the identification of oocysts by microscopy. Divided the cases into three groups according to their CD4 cell counts (< 200, ≥ 200 and < 500, ≥ 500/µl); meanwhile the cases were divided into three groups by their age (20 - 35, 36 - 55, 56 - 69). Analyzed the groups by comparison. The total infection rate of Cryptosporidium in AIDS patients was 12.6% in 253 cases. CD4(+) T-lymphocyte counts was related to the infection rates of cryptosporidium, the difference was statistically significant (χ(2) = 10.33, P < 0.01): the infection rate were 20.4% (20/98), 9.23% (12/130), 0 (0/25) separately. In the 32 Cryptosporidium positive cases, 22 (68.8%) cases stood with diarrhea above 5 times per day, the three kind of CD4 counts level were separately 15 (15/20), 7 (7/12), 0. The difference was no statistically significant (P > 0.05). HIV/AIDS patients with chronic diarrhea who progressed during asymptomatic period, pre-AIDS period, AIDS period, had the infection rate of 0(0/7), 21.3% (19/89), 8.3% (13/157) respectively, the difference was statistically significant (χ(2) = 9.822, P < 0.01); 22 out of 32 Cryptosporidium positive cases in HIV patients were diagnosed with enteritis, the infection rate in urban area and rural area was 6.5% (7/104) and 16.8% (25/149) separately, the difference was statistically significant (χ(2) = 5.596, P < 0.05). Comparing different age groups, Cryptosporidium infection status were separately 7.3% (4/55), 13.4% (22/164), 17.6% (6/34). Each group's comparative difference was no statistically significant (χ(2) = 2.29, P > 0.05). The infection rate of cryptosporidium and clinical severity of cryptosporidium infection are statistically correlated with CD4(+) T-lymphocyte counts, with AIDS stage, with HIV associated proctitis.