Formol-ether Concentration Method Research Articles

The COVID-19 Severity and Its Association with Intestinal Parasite Coinfection and Urine Biochemical Parameters among COVID-19-Confirmed Patients Admitted to Debre Markos University COVID-19 Center, Northwest Ethiopia.

Though most people with COVID-19 disease show asymptomatic to mild illness, a substantial number of patients are at high risk of developing severe disease and adverse outcomes with long COVID-19 and death. Even though some studies showed that previously existing infections with parasites amend the host's body defenses to increase resistance to infection with SARS-CoV-2, there is limited data in Ethiopia. This study is aimed at determining the COVID-19 disease severity and its association with intestinal parasite coinfection and urine biochemical parameters among COVID-19-confirmed patients admitted at Debre Markos University COVID-19 Center, 2021. A prospective cohort study was conducted on 136 RT-qPCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted at Debre Markos University COVID-19 Center from January 1 to March 30, 2021. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected by using standardized data collection forms. A urine biochemical test was performed using a dry urine dipstick kit and stool examination using direct wet mount microscopic examination and formalin-ether concentration method. The chi-square test, Fisher exact test, and ordinal logistic regression analysis were computed to assess association with outcome variables using Statistical Package for Social Science software (version 24). A total of 136 COVID-19-confirmed patients participated in this study. The median age of the participants was 48 years. The majority (86 (62.5%)) of them were male in sex. Of the 136 cases, 39 (28.7%) had died. Among the 136 patients, 22 (16.2%) were coinfected with intestinal parasites. COVID-19 patients who have intestinal parasite coinfection had lower odds of developing clinically severe COVID-19 compared to noninfected (AOR = 0.37; 95% CI = 0.147-0.944; P = 0.037). The majority (104 (76.5%)) of them have abnormal urine biochemical results. From the abnormal urine biochemical tests observed, the urine blood, glucose, and ketone tests were positive for 54 (39.7%), 36 (26.5%), and 30 (21.1%) patients, respectively. Among the 31 critical COVID-19 patients, 25 (80.6%) showed abnormal urine biochemical parameters. Age and comorbidity were significantly associated with COVID-19 severity (P < 0.05). Patients with old age and comorbidity had an increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 disease. Patients having SARS-CoV-2 and intestinal parasitic coinfections demonstrated mild COVID-19 disease severity. Abnormal urine biochemical results were common among critical COVID-19 patients. Thus, advanced study on the effect of the interaction among intestinal parasites on COVID-19 clinical severity and its mechanisms is essential.

Triclabendazole efficacy, prevalence, and re-infection of Fasciola hepatica in bovine and ovine naturally infected in the Andes of Ecuador

Fasciola spp., infections are distributed worldwide including the Andes region of Ecuador, affecting cattle, sheep, porcine, humans, and other herbivores. Triclabendazole (TCBZ) is commonly used to treat animal infections. However, prospective studies on TCBZ efficacy and fascioliosis prevalence have not been studied in the highlands of Ecuador. This study was performed in a rural community at central of the Ecuadorian Andes in freely roaming bovine and ovine aimed to 1) evaluate the efficacy of TCBZ by administering a single oral dose of 12 mg/kg body weight, 2) assess the prevalence of F. hepatica infection and 3) to monitor re-infections for a follow-up period of five months. In total, 122, 86, 111, 110, 89, and 90 and 49, 34, 47, 28, 27, and 31 stool samples were collected each month from bovines and ovine, respectively. Besides, 32 stool samples from porcine were also collected at the beginning of the study. Stools were microscopically analyzed by formalin-ether concentration method to detect F. hepatica ova. The prevalence of F. hepatica infections before treatment was 55,7% and 63,3% for bovine and ovine, respectively. The infection prevalence was of 22% in porcine. The efficacity of triclabendazole was 83% and 97% in bovines and ovine, respectively, at 30 days post-treatment. The re-infection reaches to 54,4% in bovines and 61,3% in ovine after five months. TCBZ had a high efficacy and could be used for bovines and ovine Fasciola infections in the study region; however, re-infections reach the initial prevalence after five months. Therefore, we recommend integrated control strategies, including chemotherapy with a single oral dose of TCBZ, vector control, and future drug resistance studies.

Malaria and soil transmitted helminths among patients attending some hospitals in Kano Metropolis, Kano State, Nigeria

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) and Plasmodium falciparum are known to the causative agents of neglected tropical diseases that continue to pose significant public health challenges in Nigeria and other endemic countries. This study was aimed at determining malaria and STHs coinfection in Kano metropolis, Kano state, Nigeria. The prevalence of malaria and STHs was determined using microscopy and formol ether concentration methods, respectively. Data on socio-demographic and risk factors were collected from three hundred (300) patients using structured questionnaires. The findings revealed a high prevalence of malaria (92.7%) and low STHs (19.0%). Malaria was more prevalent in males (52.3%) than females (40.3%), with the highest prevalence observed among individuals aged 6 – 12 years (25.7%). The difference in malaria prevalence based on age was not statistically significant (p&gt;0.05), contrary to gender which showed a significant difference in their association (p&lt;0.05). STHs infections were more common in participants aged between 6 - 12 years (11.3%), and the difference in prevalence among age groups was statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). Among the study sites, patients exhibited a higher prevalence of Ascaris infection (14.3%) compared to Hookworm infection (4.6%). Co-infection was recorded in 19.0% of the patients, while 73.7% had malaria infection alone. During this study, malaria and STHs were prevalent in Kano metropolis and there was a co-infection of Malaria and STHs among patients attending the selected hospitals in Kano.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Slum Children of Dhaka City: Comparison of Two Coprological Methods

The present study aimed to measure the prevalence of intestinal parasites among children with gastrointestinal tract infections from different slum areas of Dhaka. Furthermore, a comparison was made of the accuracy of direct smear (DS) and formol-ether concentration (FEC) techniques in the detection of infection. The overall prevalence of parasitic infection was 72.46% with a combined method. By direct smear, 2 species of protozoa (11.59%), 2 species of cestode (5.07%) and 4 species of nematode (18.12%) parasites were detected whereas by formol – ether concentration method, 5 species of protozoa (28.26%), 1 species of Trematode (1.44%), 2 species of cestode (17.39%) and 5 species of nematode (79.71%) parasites were detected. By direct smear (DS) and formol-ether concentration (FEC) the prevalence of intestinal parasites was 42% and 58% respectively. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most common parasite detected by both formol-ether concentration (37.68%) and direct smear method (7.97%). A statistically significant association (P &lt; 0.001) was found between the test methods, age groups and months with parasitic infection. Direct smear showed less sensitivity than formol-ether concentration technique (100%). The diagnostic performance of formol-ether technique for the diagnosis of intestinal parasites in slum children was remarkably higher as related to direct smear in the present study. Therefore, the DS and FEC combined techniques should be used as routine investigative techniques for the identification of intestinal parasites. Henceforth, it is advantageous to use the formol-ether method to complement the direct smear method. Bangladesh J. Zool. 50(3): 353-361, 2022

Clinical Manifestations And Intensities Of Intestinal Helminthic Infections Among Primary School Children In Gombe, North Eastern Nigeria

Background: Children are susceptible to Intestinal helminthiasis and can develop severe complications such as malnutrition, anaemia, chronic diarrhoea, and impaired cognitive performance, which can limit their potential. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the clinical manifestations and intensities of intestinal helminthic infections among primary school children in Gombe, Nigeria. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study that used a multistage sampling technique to study 350 pupils from 24 primary schools in Gombe, Nigeria, from 4thJuly 2018 to - 31stJanuary 2019. The means and standard deviations of quantitative variables such as age, height, and weight were computed. Stools were examined by the Direct method and Formol ether concentration methods. The prevalence of intestinal helminths, clinical manifestations, types and intensities of helminthic infections were determined, and Chi-square was used to test for the association at 95% confidence intervals. A p-value of &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Data was analysed using SPSS version 24. Results: The prevalence of intestinal helminthic infection was 23.7% (83/350). There was a significant association between intestinal helminths and blood in stools (OR= 15.400, p&lt;0.001), abdominal pain (OR=1.889, p=0.023), pallor (OR=2.146, P = 0.027). More than half of the recorded infections (51.8%) were classified as light. Only, 2.4%, exhibited moderate infections, and there were no recorded cases of severe infection. Conclusions: Intestinal helminthic infection is a public health burden, especially in children. Abdominal pains, blood in stools, poor hand hygiene and pallor were significantly associated with intestinal helminthic infections. However, most of the infestations are of light to moderate intensity. Regular health education and provision of clean water with deworming of school children at intervals are highly recommended.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Intestinal Parasites among Food Handlers Working in Food Service Establishments in Northwest Ethiopia, 2022.

As in most of African countries, intestinal parasites have been widely distributed in Ethiopia and are among the 10 top causes of morbidity and mortality nationwide. Statistics for food-borne illness in various industrialized countries show that up to 60% of cases may be caused by poor food handling techniques and by contaminated food served in food service establishments. Epidemiological information on the prevalence of various intestinal parasitic infections in different regions/localities is a prerequisite to develop appropriate strategies. This study aimed to determine the magnitude of intestinal parasites among food handlers working in different food service establishments in Gondar city. A cross-sectional study was conducted with food handlers working in different food service establishments in Gondar city. Stool samples were collected from 350 food handlers and processed using the formol-ether concentration method and then microscopically examined for intestinal parasitic infections. Pre-tested and structured questionnaire was used to study the socio-demographic characteristics of food handlers. Chi-square test and p-value were used to assess the associations between risk factors and the parasite isolation rate. The p-value ≤0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Of the 350 food handlers, 160 (45.71%) had parasites. Among the isolated parasites, Ascaris lumbricoides was found to be the most prevalent parasite 35.63%, followed by hookworm 19.38%, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 16.25%, Trichuris trichiura 10.00%, Strongyloides stercoralis 8.13%, Schistosoma mansoni 6.88%, and Cystoisospora belli, Hymenolepis nana, and Taenia species each accounting 1.25%. The result of the study indicated that the magnitude of intestinal parasitosis among food handlers working at different levels of food establishments in Gondar, Ethiopia, was found to be high. Being at lower educational level and inactive role of the town's municipality are determined as a risk factor for parasitic positivity of food handlers.

Prevalence of Giardia lamblia Infection among Pupils and Students from Selected Schools in Nsukka Metropolis, Enugu State

Globally, Giardia lamblia is the most common intestinal protozoa parasite with about 200 million yearly infections in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The parasite is common in third-world countries with poor living conditions. The current surge in terrorism across Nigeria has forced people to migrate into relatively peaceful regions and Nsukka has been one of the cities in Nigeria that have witnessed the influx of migrants. This migration aids the spread of G. lamblia and thus puts the public health of the inhabitants of Nsukka metropolis at risk. The current state of G. lamblia infection in Nsukka metropolis is not known and this knowledge gap hampers effective planning by public health officers and policymakers to safeguard the public health of the inhabitants. The objectives of this study were to provide information on the prevalence of G. lamblia infection among pupils and students from selected schools within Nsukka metropolis and to provide data on the age group that is more vulnerable to the parasitic infection among the studied population for public health campaign against the parasite. Faecal samples were collected from 170 individuals from five different schools. The faecal samples were examined for G. lamblia under the microscope using formol-ether concentration and direct smear methods. The prevalence of G. lamblia is 38.2%. The prevalence is higher in males (40.3%) than in females (36.7%). El-Shaddai Nursery and Primary School (ENPS) and University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) recorded the highest prevalence of 53.3% each. Children in the age groups 3 - 7 years had the highest prevalence of 66.7%. Giardia lamblia is widespread among children and university students in Nsukka metropolis.

Frequency of giardia lamblia infection in children presented with acute diarrhea to tertiary care hospital

Background: Giardia lamblia was the most common parasite-caused gastrointestinal ailment in the United States by the late 1980s, and it is now a significant global public health issue. Giardiasis is an infectious condition that may have both short-term and long-term effects. Objective: To assess the frequency of giardia lamblia infection in children presented with acute diarrhea to tertiary care hospital. Methodology: The current Descriptive Cross Sectional study was carried out at the Department of Paediatrics, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar from 21 July, 2019 to 22 January, 2020. The overall Sample Size in the current study was 114. After performing the stool concentration technique using the formol-ether concentration method, trophozoites and cysts of Giardia lamblia were detected using direct microscopy of the smear in saline (0.90% w/v NaCl solution) and Lugols iodine. Data was entered in SPSS version 23.0. Results: In the current study, totally 114 patients were enrolled. Mean and SDs for age was 4.13+1.566. Mean and SDs for weight was 13.21+2.598. Mean and SDs for BMI was 24.93+0.890. Mean and SDs for duration of disease was 7.02+1.540. 43 (37.7%) patients were females and 71 (62.3%) patients were males.

Prevalence of Ecto and Gastrointestinal Parasites of &lt;i&gt;Rattus rattus&lt;/i&gt; in Mazandaran Province, North of Iran

Rodents act as reservoir hosts and are an important potential source for many zoonotic pathogens such as parasites, which pose a public health risk to humans. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the prevalence of parasites among rodents. A total of 118 Rattus rattus were captured in Mazandaran province, north of Iran, using snap live traps. Various samples were collected from feces and each rat was combed with a fine-tooth comb to extricate any ectoparasite. Fecal specimens were examined by direct wet mounting, formalin-ether concentration, modified acid-fast, and trichrome staining methods. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in the examined rats was 75.4%. Cryptosporidium spp. (30.5%) were the most prevalent protozoan, followed by Giardia spp. (20.3%), Entamoeba muris (13.5%), Trichomonas muris (10.1%), and Spironucleus muris (3.3%). Regarding helminths' eggs, Syphacia obvelata (24.5%), Hymenolepis diminuta (10.1%), and Trichuris muris (9.3%) had the highest prevalence, respectively. Furthermore, 3060 ectoparasites collected from 102 rodents were infested with lice (40% Polyplax spp.), mites (33.3%), and flea (16.1% Xenopsylla cheopis and 10.6% Xenopsylla astia). According to the results of this study, the prevalence of ecto and gastrointestinal parasites in the collected rats in the area being studied was remarkably high. Additionally, Rattus rattus can be considered a potential risk to human health.

Intestinal Parasites in Diarrheal Patients in Bandar Abbas, Southern Iran

Background: Diarrheal diseases are the major causes of morbidity and mortality in developing countries and the second most common cause of death in children under five years. The main objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in diarrheal patients in Bandar Abbas, Southern Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among patients with diarrhea in the major hospitals of Bandar Abbas. A single fecal specimen was collected from 170 diarrheic patients from October 2018 to May 2019. The diagnosis was made based on the direct wet mount and formalin-ether concentration method. Trichrome and modified acid-fast staining methods were used for the better detection of protozoa. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: A total of 170 stool specimens were collected from diarrheic patients. Of these, 57.6% were males and 42.4% were females. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 12.9%. The most prevalent parasite was Blastocystis spp. 10 (5.9%), followed by Giardia lamblia 7 (4.1%), Cryptosporidium spp. 3 (1.8%), Entamoeba coli 1 (0.6%), and Hymenolepis nana 1 (0.6%). Conclusion: Overall, the results showed that intestinal parasites, especially helminth infections, have significantly decreased in recent years.

Magnitude of Anemia and Undernutrition Among Primary School Children in a Setting of Mass Deworming in Central Ethiopia.

Undernutrition and anemia in children continue to be a public health problem in developing countries. Besides, intestinal parasitic infection among school children is common in developing countries. World Health Organization (WHO) recommends periodic deworming of children who live in endemic areas. The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of anemia and undernutrition among school children in a setting of mass deworming. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 510 school children aged 5-14 years from three randomly selected governmental schools in Sululta town, central Ethiopia. Socio-demographic variables were assessed using interviewer administered structured questionnaire. Anthropometric data were obtained and analyzed using WHO Anthroplusv1.0.4. Venous blood samples were collected using EDTA vacutainers. Hemoglobin level was determined by Sysmex KX-21N automated hematology analyzer and stool samples were processed using direct wet mount, formol-ether concentration and Kato-Katz methods. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association of anemia and undernutrition with the independent variables. The overall magnitude of anemia was 3.7%. Among anemic individuals, 84.2% and 15.8% of participants had mild and moderate anemia, respectively. The magnitude of stunting and thinness was 16.9% and 10.8%, respectively. Of them, 18.6% of stunting and 14.5% of thinness were severe. Of factors related to undernutrition, children from large families (≥5) were less likely to be stunted (AOR=0.38, 95% CI=0.2-0.7, P=0.002) compared to small families. The magnitude of anemia in the study area was considered as an insignificant public health problem and none of the socio-demographic variables of participants were significantly associated with anemia and likewise with undernutrition except for family size. Further studies are required to clearly understand the impact of mass deworming on the magnitude of anemia and undernutrition.

Detection and Quantification of Gastrointestinal Parasites among Inmates of Social Welfare Homes and Low Socio-economic Areas in Metropolitan Port Harcourt

Background: Detection and quantification of gastrointestinal parasitic infections (GIPIs) causing public health problems among poorer layers of the society are still one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in developing countries.&#x0D; Objective: The aim of the study was to detect gastrointestinal parasites among inmates of Social Welfare Homes and Low Socioeconomic Areas in Metropolitan Port Harcourt.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out for the evaluation of all the 1500 participants for GIPs among residents of social welfare homes and low socioeconomic areas in Rivers State, Nigeria for a period of one year (July 2019- June 2020). Stool samples were collected from each participant for isolation of GIPs in stool sample. Formol-ether concentration methods and Modified Ziehl-Neelson Staining techniques was used for the isolation and identification of gastrointestinal parasites. Descriptive and Chi square statistical analysis was applied.&#x0D; Results: Out of 1500, 1,381 (92.1%) participants showed negative report, while 119(7.9%) participants were positive for GIPs. Females account for 839 (55.9%) while males were 661 (44.1%). Positivity in males accounted for 9.8% (65/661) and the females had 6.4% (54/839). Age group with high prevalence occurred among 11-15yrs (13.5%)/340. Both variables were statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). Seasonal distribution of GIPs was high during the wet season (p&lt;0.05). Overall, A. lumbricoides was the most predominant gastrointestinal parasites, accounting for 35.3% of the total identified. Others were as follows; T. Trichiura 26.1%, hookworm 21.9%, C. sinensis and S. mansoni 2.5%, tapeworm 1.7%, while H. nana and H. diminuta had 0.8% each. Co-infection of A. lumbricoides + hookworm and hookworm + T. Trichiura recorded 4.2% each. Protozoa species were not identified. Risk factor of the use of toilet papers was found to be statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) among others.&#x0D; Conclusion: We recommend that knowledge of epidemiology and transmission routes of C. sinensis and H. diminuta needs to be improved and effective health education on personal hygiene and mass treatment should be sustainable to control the spread of gastrointestinal parasites.

Incidence of Cryptosporidiosis among children at Ramadi city

Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite and important pathogen of human and other vertebrate hosts. Transmission of parasite is direct,by either the fecal- oral route or the contamination of water supplies with the resistant infective oocyst stage (oocyst). Examinations were performed on 441 stool specimens refered for screening on the basis of diarrhoea and 315 stool specimens as controls. The study was carried out during the period from September,1995 to March, 1996 in Ramadi city. Combination of Formalin-Ether concentration method with modified Acid-Fast stain were used for all specimens . From 9 (2.2% ) of 441specimens obtained from patients , Cryptosporidium Oocysts were isolated, but no parasite isolated from 315 stool specimens of control groups ( 0.00). High rate infection was among (1-21( months age groups and males recorded the highest( 5 / 226 ) (2.2 %)than females (4/215) ( 1.9%). The study includes two types of residency, then water source plays a role in the transmission of the infection .The majority of Cryptosporidium Oocysts were recovered during September ( 5.35 % ) while the minority during January( 0.00).

Faecal shedding of cryptosporidium oocysts in goats in Nsukka, Enugu State: a potential threat to man

Cryptosporidiosis is one of the most important diseases in young ruminants causing diarrhoea in neonates and immune-compromised animals leading to substantial economic losses both directly and indirectly in animals and animal products and also imposing public health threats as a zoonotic disease. This study aimed at investigating the occurrence of cryptosporidium oocyst in goats in Nsukka metropolis to facilitate further studies on the zoonotic transmission of the disease agent. Faecal samples were collected from household WAD goats from three randomly selected villages in Nsukka L.G.A of Enugu State. A total of 100 goats were purposively sampled, and faecal samples were collected par rectum using disposable latex gloves and transported to the Veterinary Parasitology laboratory, University of Nigeria, Nsukka for further analysis. Faecal samples were concentrated using the Formol-ether concentration method and cryptosporidium oocysts were detected using a modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. The sample was considered positive when at least one oocyst with the correct morphologic characters was observed. Data obtained were analysed using the Chi-square test and the differences in the prevalence of cryptosporidium oocysts within each variable (Age, sex, and stool consistency) were compared. A probability of less than 0.05 was considered significant. The overall prevalence of cryptosporidium oocysts was 24%. There was a significant association between the prevalence of cryptosporidium oocysts and the sex of the goats sampled, while there were no significant associations between the prevalence of cryptosporidium oocysts and the age of the goats sampled and consistency of the faeces. The wide presence of these oocysts is of public health significance as apparent healthy goats were also shedding the oocysts. Efforts should be directed towards improving our management systems in order to prevent the menace of the public health threat. Further studies are recommended to provide evidence for other sources and factors that might influence cryptosporidiosis in the area.

The Effect of Tylosin Drug on Cryptosporidiosis in Stray Dogs of Tabriz and Its Importance in Public Health

Introduction: Intestinal protozoa of dogs have a relatively high diversity, and the prevalence of infection is often observed sub-clinically and sometimes clinically. Different species of Cryptosporidium are observed in the dog’s intestines. Due to the importance of pathogenicity of gastrointestinal protozoan parasites in dogs and also their zoonotic importance, this study was conducted on stray dogs in Tabriz. Methods: During this study, two hundred stool samples of stray dogs from different regions of Tabriz were prepared and examined microscopically for parasitology. The samples were tested by the Formalin-Ether concentration method, and also the following Ziehl-Neelsen modified staining method was used to observe Cryptosporidium protozoan. Results: Out of 200 fecal samples, 16 samples (8%) were infected with Cryptosporidium protozoa. Statistical analysis of the results also showed that there was a statistically significant difference in the rate of infection with protozoan parasites between dogs under one year old and dogs over one year old (P&lt;0.05). Regarding the sex of dogs, there was a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of Cryptosporidium between male and female dogs (P&lt;0.05). Sixteen dogs infected with Cryptosporidium parasite were also treated with tylosin for one week, and a decrease in infection with this parasite was observed in 9 treated dogs. Conclusion: In this study, the rate of Cryptosporidium infection in stray dogs decreased from 8% to 3.5% after tylosin treatment, and this drug may be useful in controlling this parasitic disease in dogs, but more extensive research should be carried out to eradicate this parasite in dogs.

Intestinal helminthiasis survey withemphasison schistosomiasis in Koga irrigation scheme environs, northwest Ethiopia.

BackgroundDistribution of schistosomiasis is more focal due to spatial heterogeneities in intermediate host snail dynamics and water contact behavior of humans. This makes the search for new transmission foci of schistosomiasis and its connection with malacologically receptive water bodies essential for effective control of its transmission. This study was intended to assess the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections among schoolchildren and Schistosoma mansoni transmission in Koga irrigation scheme surroundings, northwest Ethiopia.Materials and methodsCross-sectional parasitological and malacological surveys were conducted in three schools and nearby water bodies, respectively around Koga irrigation scheme. Stool specimens were collected from 421 randomly selected schoolchildren and microscopically examined using Kato-Katz and formol-ether concentration methods. Malacological surveys were carried out and the identified Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails were screened for schistosome infection. Swiss albino mice were exposed to schistosome cercariae shed by Biomphalaria pfeifferi for definite identification of Schistosoma species.ResultsAmong the examined schoolchildren, 22.6% (95% CI: 18.7%-26.9%) were positive for at least one intestinal helminths species. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most frequent intestinal helminth detected among forty (9.5%) children. Schistosoma mansoni was detected among 4.8% (95% CI: 2.9%-7.2%) of children and its prevalence was significantly higher among male children (p = 0.038) and those attending in Mengesha Jemberie Primary School (p = 0.044). Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails were identified in water bodies in close proximity to Mengesha Jemberie and Wotete Abay Primay schools. Schistosoma mansoni adult worms were harvested after exposure of mice to cercariae shed from Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails collected from water bodies nearby Mengesha Jemberie Primary School.ConclusionsSchistosoma mansoni infection of schoolchildren, findings of schistosome infected snails and establishment of mice infection confirm that transmission is taking place in the study areas. Hence, snail control and other measures such as provision of sanitary facilities and health education are recommended.

Helminthic infections among primary school children in Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria

Introduction: Helminthic infection (HI) is one of the neglected tropical diseases that affect the poorest and most deprived communities, affecting individuals of all ages. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and predisposing factors of HIs among primary schoolchildren in the rural and urban communities of Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria.Materials and Methods: It is a cross-sectional survey of 414 randomly selected pupils from six primary schools. Stool samples collected were processed using formol–ether concentration method. Pretested, interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaires were used to assess for relationship between infection and factors that significantly contribute to the transmission of HIs. Soil samples were also collected from different locations of the selected schools.Results: The overall prevalence of HIs was 45.4%. Hookworm was the most encountered parasite (57.4%); there were also mixed infections of Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm (8.5%) and hookworm and Trichuris trichiura (1.6%). The prevalence was more in males (46.7%), pupils aged 14–16 years (47.1%) and pupils residing in rural area (49.3%). There was significant relationship between age and hygienic practices of the pupils with HIs (P = 0.00 and 0.002, respectively). There was also significant relationship between marital status, educational level of caregivers and occupation of household heads of the pupils and HIs (P = 0.00, 0.00 and 0.00, respectively).Conclusion: The presence of viable HIs eggs/larvae in the soil suggests possible active transmission and high rate of exposure to infective agents among the schoolchildren. There is need for organised and routine deworming exercises among schoolchildren in the affected communities and also aggressive health education on the risk associated with HIs in the environment.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and their associated risk factors among preschool and school children in Egypt.

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are among the major public health problems globally, particularly in developing countries like Egypt. This study aimed to evaluate prevalence and risk factors associated with IPIs among preschool and school children in Egypt. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 996 randomly selected preschool and school-aged children in Gharbia governorate during January to April 2018. Stool specimens were examined for the presence of the parasite by direct smear and the formol-ether concentration methods. The overall prevalence of IPIs was 46.2%. Entamoeba histolytica and Ascaris lumbricoides were the most predominant parasites (12.7% per each). This is followed by Enterobius vermicularis (8.6%), Giardia lamblia (7.1%), Cryptosporidium parvum (1.5%), Heterophyes heterophyes (1.4%), Hymenolepis nana (0.7%), Hookworms (0.6%), Fasciola hepatica (0.5%) and Dipylidium caninum (0.4%). Infected children with no symptoms (26.8%) were significantly (P < 0.001) more frequent than those with medical complaint (19.4%). Socio-demographic predictors of IPIs were preschool age (OR = 4.9; P < 0.001; 95%CI 3.3–7.3), living in rural dwellings (OR = 1.96; P < 0.001; 95%CI 1.5–2.5), and belonging to a low-income family (OR = 4.7; P < 0.001; 95%CI 2.3–9.3). The absence of safe drinking water, lack of hand washing (after soil contact, or before meals, or after toilet usage), and eating unwashed vegetables were risk factors for IPIs in the study region (OR = 1.3–6.9, P < 0.001 –P = 0.05). Higher odds for exposure to potential zoonotic parasites were evident in children with pets in their homes for G. lambia and D. caninum (OR = 2.1–8.3; P = 0.02 –P = 0.04), children having household reared ruminants for C. parvum (OR = 10.4; P < 0.001), and children that play with stray animals for E. histolytica and Hookworm (OR = 1.8–6.3; P = 0.04 –P = 0.05)compared to other children with no animal contact. The present study highlights the importance of periodic screening and treatment of IPIs in children, deworming companion animals, and public education for effective prevention of IPIs in children in Egypt.

Assessment of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Chicken Slaughtered in Creek Road Market, Port Harcourt

Aim: The study was conducted to determine the gastrointestinal parasites among slaughtered Chicken at Yam Zone Market, Creek Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.&#x0D; Study Design: Gastrointestinal tracts of slaughtered chicken were collected weekly from a vendor. Each part of the GIT was emptied into separate vessel containing normal saline.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in a chicken market in Port Harcourt, Nigeria for a period of 4 months (January-April 2020).&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 100 chickens (comprising of broilers and layers) of which samples were collected from their gastrointestinal tracts were examined using formol-ether concentration methods for the presence of gastrointestinal parasites.&#x0D; Results: Eighty-four (84) parts of the gastrointestinal tracts accounted for 14.0% found to be infected with parasites. The gastrointestinal protozoan isolated is Eimeria spp (52.4%) while helminths species found were, Ascaridia galli (47.6%). There were no cestodes and trematodes identified.&#x0D; Conclusion: Poultry management system needs to be improved with a viable biosecurity control strategy towards healthy production of livestock chickens for human consumption.

Molecular identification of Entamoeba histolytica, E. dispar, and E. moshkovskii in children with diarrhea from Maracaibo, Venezuela

ResumenIntroducción. Las amebas no patógenas Entamoeba dispar, Entamoeba moshkovskii y Entamoeba bangladeshi son morfológicamente idénticas a Entamoeba histolytica, parásito responsable de la amebiasis, por lo cual se necesitan técnicas moleculares para diferenciarlas.Objetivo. Determinar la frecuencia de las diferentes especies de Entamoeba mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (Polymerase Chain Reaction, PCR) en muestras fecales de niños menores de cinco años con diarrea, provenientes de Maracaibo (Venezuela).Materiales y métodos. Se recolectó una muestra fecal por individuo en 75 niños con diarrea (grupo de casos) y en 25 niños sin diarrea (grupo control). Las heces se evaluaron mediante examen microscópico, método de concentración de formól-éter y PCR múltiple anidada en una sola ronda para identificar E. histolytica, E. dispar y E. moshkovskii. Además, se hizo una encuesta en la que se recopilaron los datos demográficos, signos, manifestaciones clínicas y estrato socioeconómico de los niños.Resultados. El 48 % de los participantes (38 del grupo de casos y 10 del grupo de control) tenían enteroparásitos. Solo en las muestras de cuatro de los niños, se encontraron quistes del complejo Entamoeba (tres en el grupo de casos y uno en el de control). Mediante PCR se amplificaron nueve muestras (9 %) para la detección de las amebas estudiadas. En el grupo de casos se registraron tres (28,13 %) de E. histolytica, cuatro (30,50 %) de E. dispar y una (9,37 %) de E. moshkovskii, en tanto que solo una (25 %) muestra amplificó para E. dispar en el grupo de control.Conclusión. En general, predominó E. dispar; sin embargo, todos los infectados con E. histolytica se detectaron en el grupo de niños con diarrea y se detectó el primer caso de E. moshkovskii en la región.