Frequency Of Parasitic Infections Research Articles

Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Factors Among Primary School Students in Tehran

Background: Parasitic infections in children can negatively impact their growth, health, nutrition status, and cognitive development. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate intestinal parasitic infection and its relationship with the nutritional status of primary school students in Tehran in 2020. Methods: The current study was conducted on 250 samples collected by the available sampling method from 2 selected residential settlements in Tehran. The samples were tested using both direct and formalin ether concentration (sedimentation) methods. The nutritional status of participants was evaluated using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire. The data were analyzed by the χ2 test. A significant level was considered 0.05. Results: Of the 250 student samples surveyed, 45 exhibited parasitic infection. In terms of nutrition, 18 cases were malnourished, 212 cases were exposed to malnutrition, and 20 cases had normal nutrition. The frequency of parasitic infection was higher in malnourished students (P < 0.05). It was also higher in students whose parents' education levels (especially the mother) were lower. Conclusions: It seems that parasitic infections are associated with students’ nutritional status and their parent education.

Changes in the endemic-epidemic pattern of malaria in Colombia, 1978-2021.

Malaria is a major global public health issue with varying epidemiologies across countries. In Colombia, it is a priority endemic-epidemic event included in the national public health policy. However, evidence demonstrating nationwide variations in the disease behavior is limited. This study aimed to analyze changes in the levels and distribution of endemic-epidemic malaria transmission in the eco-epidemiological regions of Colombia from 1978 to 1999 and 2000 to 2021. We conducted a comprehensive time-series study using official secondary data on malaria-associated morbidity and mortality in Colombia from 1978 to 2021. Temporal-spatial and population variables were analyzed, and the absolute and relative frequency measures of general and regional morbidity and mortality were estimated. We observed an 18% reduction in malaria endemic cases between the two study periods. The frequency and severity of the epidemic transmission of malaria varied less and were comparable across both periods. A shift was observed in the frequency of parasitic infections, with a tendency to match and increase infections by Plasmodium falciparum. The risk of malaria transmission varied significantly among the eco-epidemiological regions during both study periods. This study demonstrated a sustained decrease of 78% in malarial mortality. Although the endemic components of malaria decreased slightly between the two study periods, the epidemic pattern persisted. There were significant variations in the risk of transmission across the different eco-epidemiological regions. These findings underscore the importance of targeted public health interventions in reducing malarial morbidity and mortality rates in Colombia.

Posttranslational Modification of Human Cytochrome CYP4F11 by 4-Hydroxynonenal Impairs ω-Hydroxylation in Malaria Pigment Hemozoin-Fed Monocytes: The Role in Malaria Immunosuppression.

Malaria is a frequent parasitic infection becomes life threatening due to the disequilibrated immune responses of the host. Avid phagocytosis of malarial pigment hemozoin (HZ) and HZ-containing Plasmodium parasites incapacitates monocyte functions by bioactive lipoperoxidation products 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs). CYP4F conjugation with 4-HNE is hypothesised to inhibit ω-hydroxylation of 15-HETE, leading to sustained monocyte dysfunction caused by 15-HETE accumulation. A combined immunochemical and mass-spectrometric approach identified 4-HNE-conjugated CYP4F11 in primary human HZ-laden and 4-HNE-treated monocytes. Six distinct 4-HNE-modified amino acid residues were revealed, of which C260 and H261 are localized in the substrate recognition site of CYP4F11. Functional consequences of enzyme modification were investigated on purified human CYP4F11. Palmitic acid, arachidonic acid, 12-HETE, and 15-HETE bound to unconjugated CYP4F11 with apparent dissociation constants of 52, 98, 38, and 73 µM, respectively, while in vitro conjugation with 4-HNE completely blocked substrate binding and enzymatic activity of CYP4F11. Gas chromatographic product profiles confirmed that unmodified CYP4F11 catalysed the ω-hydroxylation while 4-HNE-conjugated CYP4F11 did not. The 15-HETE dose dependently recapitulated the inhibition of the oxidative burst and dendritic cell differentiation by HZ. The inhibition of CYP4F11 by 4-HNE with consequent accumulation of 15-HETE is supposed to be a crucial step in immune suppression in monocytes and immune imbalance in malaria.

High prevalence rates of Toxoplasma gondii in cat-hunted small mammals - Evidence for parasite induced behavioural manipulation in the natural environment?

Toxoplasma gondii causes one of the most frequent parasitic infections in vertebrates on earth. The present study aimed to assess the occurrence of T. gondii infection in cat-hunted wild small mammals, and to determine the circulating T. gondii genotypes in cat prey. There is evidence suggesting that T. gondii may manipulate rodents' behaviour enhancing transmission to their definitive feline host by facilitating predation. Given that most studies focusing on rodent behavior have been performed under laboratory conditions, we tested this hypothesis in the natural environment. We analysed 157 cat-hunted wild small mammals of six different species from Switzerland. Brain and skeletal muscle samples from each animal were tested for T. gondii DNA by PCR, and positive samples were genotyped using a multilocus sequence typing approach, including 10 genetic markers. Additionally, to evaluate exposure to cat faeces, the presence of Taenia taeniaeformis metacestodes was investigated at necropsy. The prevalence of T. gondii in cat-hunted Arvicola amphibius s.l. was 11.1% (7/63), 14.6% (7/48) in Apodemus spp., 13.6% (3/22) in Myodes glareolus, 6.7% (1/15) in Crocidura russula, and 0% in Microtus arvalis (0/8) and Sorex sp. (0/1). All completely genotyped T. gondii parasites, exhibited the ToxoDB #3 genotype, a Type II variant. We additionally analysed 48 trap-captured A. amphibius s.l., which all tested negative for T. gondii infection, contrasting with the higher prevalence in cat-hunted A. amphibius s.l. (0% vs. 11.1%; p=0.0176). Furthermore, T. taeniaeformis was detected in both groups, indicating widespread contamination with cat faeces in the sampled areas. These results provide evidence that T. gondii infected rodents are at higher risk to be predated by cats and therewith support the behaviour manipulation hypothesis.

The Pattern of Pediatric Parasitic Skin Diseases in a Secondary Hospital in East Java: A Retrospective Study

Background: Epidermal parasitic skin diseases (EPSDs) are a group of neglected infectious diseases caused by parasites that infect the upper layer of the skin. A parasitic infection of the skin is caused by small insects or worms that burrow into the skin to live there or lay their eggs. EPSDs are a public health issue and can occur in children of all ages. Purpose: This study aims to describe the pattern and incidences of parasitic skin infections in children. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study utilizing medical records from the Dermatology and Venereology Clinic of Dr. Harjono Ponorogo General Public Hospital from 2016 to 2020. Result: Our study showed that, of the 1426 children brought to our clinic, parasitic infection was the second most common skin disease found in children with a prevalence of 27.1%. Parasitic infection in children was dominated by males with a proportion of 69.7%, and occurred mostly in the ≥13-year-old age group. Among all ages, scabies is the most frequent parasitic infection found, followed by cutaneous larva migrant (CLM) and pediculosis. Conclusion: The prevalence of EPSDs is increasing with age and is more common in males. This high prevalence is probably due to increased intensity of contact with other people, decreased parental care, and low socio-economic status.

History of the development of the lymphatic system (part one)

The history of lymphatic system research goes back to ancient times. Lymph nodes were likely first mentioned in the hieroglyphs of ancient Egypt. Hippocrates (5th century BC) in the 5th century BC was one of the first to mention the lymphatic system. One of the first descriptions of what can be attributed to lymphatic vessels can be found in Aristotle. The Byzantine physician Pavlo Aeginsky was a famous surgeon who illustrated the tonsils and performed the first tonsillectomy, which allowed him to identify and describe infected cervical lymph nodes. Indian and Islamic medicine, especially Avicenna, gave interesting descriptions of lymphedema (elephant disease) due to frequent parasitic infections which are more common in eastern regions. Rufus of Ephesus, a Roman physician, discovered the axillary, inguinal, and mesenteric lymph nodes, as well as the thymus, in the 1st-2nd century AD. The first mention of lymphatic vessels was in the 3rd century BC by Herophilus, a Greek anatomist who lived in Alexandria. The Alexandrian school made significant contributions to the study of the lymphatic system stemming from the works of Galen. However, whether the structures described were lymphatic vessels is still debated. Erasistratus, during the dissection of a dairy lamb, showed that the abdominal arteries are filled with milk. Very likely, this is the first misinterpreted study of mesenteric lymphatic vessels. Based on the first observations made by the medieval Arab anatomist ibn Al-Nafis, the Spanish scientist and theologian Miguel Servetus, and the Italian anatomist Realdo Colombo, who described pulmonary circulation, and Andrea Cesalpino, who first introduced the term "circulation" in relation to the cardiovascular system, it was established basic regularities of the structure of the lymphatic system. In the middle of the 16th century, Gabriele Fallopio (researcher of fallopian tubes) described the vessels now known as "mammary glands". Based on all these discoveries, the Italian surgeon and anatomist Giovanni Guglielmo Riva was the first to present a graphic representation of the lymphatic system in two of his four oil paintings, which are now kept in the Academy of History "Arte Sanitaria" in Rome.

Frequency of parasitic infections in Arachishypogaea L (groundnuts), Citrulluslanatus seeds (watermelon seeds), and Ziziphusspina-christi (nabag) sold by street vendors in Khartoum State, Sudan: a cross-sectional study

Background: Plant products, including seeds are an important source of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and energy. This study aimed to assess parasitic contaminations in roasted groundnuts, nabag, and tasali (watermelon seeds) sold by street vendors in Khartoum State, Sudan. Methods: The frequency of parasitic contaminations among all crop products was detected by washing the plants with saline, and then conducting an examination using a formal ether concentration technique (FECT), followed by a saturated sugar floatation technique. Results: The detected parasites belonged to two species: Entamoeba histolytica (33.3%) and Giardia lamblia (15.6%). No helminthic parasites were detected. Mixed contamination of the mentioned parasites was also observed (11.1%). The most contaminated crop was nabag, followed by groundnut, and finally tasali. Conclusion: No relation was established between the positivity of samples for parasites and crop type, Khartoum State city, or seller sex. FECT was more sensitive than the saturated sugar floatation technique as a detection method.

Frequency of parasitic infections in Arachishypogaea L (groundnuts), Citrulluslanatus seeds (watermelon seeds), and Ziziphusspina-christi (nabag) sold by street vendors in Khartoum State, Sudan: a cross-sectional study

Background: Plant products, including seeds are an important source of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and energy. This study aimed to assess parasitic contaminations in roasted groundnuts, nabag, and tasali (watermelon seeds) sold by street vendors in Khartoum State, Sudan. Methods: The frequency of parasitic contaminations among all crop products was detected by washing the plants with saline, and then conducting an examination using a formal ether concentration technique (FECT), followed by a saturated sugar floatation technique. Results: The detected parasites belonged to two species: Entamoeba histolytica (33.3%) and Giardia lamblia (15.6%). No helminthic parasites were detected. Mixed contamination of the mentioned parasites was also observed (11.1%). The most contaminated crop was nabag, followed by groundnut, and finally tasali. Conclusion: No relation was established between the positivity of samples for parasites and crop type, Khartoum State city, or seller sex. FECT was more sensitive than the saturated sugar floatation technique as a detection method.

Frequency of parasitic infections in Arachishypogaea L (groundnuts), Citrulluslanatus seeds (watermelon seeds), and Ziziphusspina-christi (nabag) sold by street vendors in Khartoum State, Sudan: a cross-sectional study

Background: Plant products, including seeds are an important source of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and energy. This study aimed to assess parasitic contaminations in roasted groundnuts, nabag, and tasali (watermelon seeds) sold by street vendors in Khartoum State, Sudan. Methods: The frequency of parasitic contaminations among all crop products was detected by washing the plants with saline, and then conducting an examination using a formal ether concentration technique (FECT), followed by a saturated sugar floatation technique. Results: The detected parasites belonged to two species: Entamoeba histolytica (33.3%) and Giardia lamblia (15.6%). No helminthic parasites were detected. Mixed contamination of the mentioned parasites was also observed (11.1%). The most contaminated crop was nabag, followed by groundnut, and finally tasali. Conclusion: No relation was established between the positivity of samples for parasites and crop type, Khartoum State city, or seller sex. FECT was more sensitive than the saturated sugar floatation technique as a detection method.

Frequency of parasitic infections in Arachishypogaea L (groundnuts), Citrulluslanatus seeds (watermelon seeds), and Ziziphusspina-christi (nabag) sold by street vendors in Khartoum State, Sudan: a cross-sectional study

Background: Plant products, including seeds are an important source of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and energy. This study aimed to assess parasitic contaminations in roasted groundnuts, nabag, and tasali (watermelon seeds) sold by street vendors in Khartoum State, Sudan. Methods: The frequency of parasitic contaminations among all crop products was detected by washing the plants with saline, and then conducting an examination using a formal ether concentration technique (FECT), followed by a saturated sugar floatation technique. Results: The detected parasites belonged to two species: Entamoeba histolytica (33.3%) and Giardia lamblia (15.6%). No helminthic parasites were detected. Mixed contamination of the mentioned parasites was also observed (11.1%). The most contaminated crop was nabag, followed by groundnut, and finally tasali. Conclusion: No relation was established between the positivity of samples for parasites and crop type, Khartoum State city, or seller sex. FECT was more sensitive than the saturated sugar floatation technique as a detection method.

Frequency of parasitic infections in Arachishypogaea L (groundnuts), Citrulluslanatus seeds (watermelon seeds), and Ziziphusspina-christi (nabag) sold by street vendors in Khartoum State, Sudan: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Plant products, including seeds are an important source of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and energy. This study aimed to assess parasitic contaminations in roasted groundnuts, nabag, and tasali (watermelon seeds) sold by street vendors in Khartoum State, Sudan. Methods: The frequency of parasitic contaminations among all crop products was detected by washing the plants with saline, and then conducting an examination using a formal ether concentration technique (FECT), followed by a saturated sugar floatation technique. Results: The detected parasites belonged to two species: Entamoeba histolytica (33.3%) and Giardia lamblia (15.6%). No helminthic parasites were detected. Mixed contamination of the mentioned parasites was also observed (11.1%). The most contaminated crop was nabag, followed by groundnut, and finally tasali. Conclusion: No relation was established between the positivity of samples for parasites and crop type, Khartoum State city, or seller sex. FECT was more sensitive than the saturated sugar floatation technique as a detection method.

Pattern of Mosquito Borne Parasitic Infection in the Night Blood Samples of Patients with Elevated TNF-α of> 5.0 pg/ml

Study Background: Plasmodium spp., (Protozoan) and Wuchereria bancrofti (Nematode) are transmitted by mosquitos to cause insect borne diseases known as malaria and Lymphatic filariasis/Elephantiasis. Apart from the social implication of these parasitic infections the infections can also elicit immune responses. Aim and Objective: This work was therefore designed to determine the pattern of mosquito borne parasitic infection in the night blood samples of patients with elevated TNF-α of > 5.0 pg/ml. Materials and Methods: Seventy (70; aged 31 – 76 years; Male- 35; Female-35) volunteers with plasma TNFα of 5.8 ±0.7 pg/including age-matched control participants ( n= 50 ; TNFα of 2.2 ± 0.3 pg/ml). All participants were negative to Acid Fast Bacilli, ant-HCV, HBsAg and HIV tests were recruited for the study. Night blood samples and sputum samples were obtained from the participants. Blood sample was used for determination of TNFα, HIVp24ag-Ab, anti-HCV, HBsAg by ELISA and identification of Plasmodium and Wuchereria by Geimsha thick blood film staining while sputum samples were used for the demonstration of Acid Fast Bacilli by Ziehl Neelsen staining. Results: The results showed a frequency of Plasmodium spp., in individuals with plasma TNF-α of 5.8 ±0.7 pg/ml as 31.4%(22) as against a frequency of 18%(9) in subjects with plasma TNF-α of 2.2 ± 0.3 pg/ml.. The results also showed a frequency of 5.71%(4) and2%(1) Wuchereria bancrofti in subjects with plasma TNF-α of 5.8 ±0.7 pg/ml and TNF-α of 2.2 ± 0.3 pg/ml. respectively. The overall frequency of parasitic infection obtained in both test and control subjects include: 33.3% (40)Plasmodium spp., and 4.2%(5) Wuchereria bancrofti.The overall results from both test and control subjects also showed a gender distribution of 20%(24) and 13.3%(16) Plasmodium spp.,in female and males respectively while a distribution of 1.7%(2) and 2.5%(3) Wuchereria bancrofti in females and males respectively. Conclusion: This work revealed increase in the frequency of Plasmodium spp. and Wuchereria bancrofti infections with increase in plasma TNF-α while the overall frequency of parasitic infection obtained in both test and control subjects was found to be 33.3% (40)Plasmodium spp., and 4.2%(5) Wuchereria bancrofti with possible variations in regional and gender distributions. Mosquito borne parasitic infection of Plasmodium spp., was found to be more prevalent in patients with elevated TNF-α of> 5.0 pg/ml.

Prevalencia de Fasciola hepatica en ganado bovino de Lidia

Fasciolosis remains a relatively frequent parasitic infection in cattle, despite the great implantation and efficacy of fasciolicides. In the present work, the prevalence of Fasciola hepatica has been observed for five years, analyzing 251 bullfighting cattle, evaluating the presence of macroscopic lesions in the liver. Moreover, the relationship with the temperature and average rainfall of the year, and also it describes the pathophysiological consequences during bullfighting. Methodology: it was carried out in Madrid (July-September 2013-2017). Results: n=251 animals in five years, 50.20±2.68 evaluated per year, which 14 had lesions, on average 2.80±1.64 per year. Likewise, a total of 4 compatible animals with lesions were reported during the five years, with an average of 0.80±0.84 animals per year. The average annual temperature was 15.78±0.48° C. The average annual rainfall was 570.20±102.21mm. A statistical correlation was observed between the carcasses with lesions and the average annual rainfall (P<0.01) and the annual mean temperature (P<0.05). The experiment revealed lower prevalence (5.61±2.82) than the one described by different authors, having also compatible climatological conditions with the growth of the parasite and all its intermediate hosts. The study reveals that a good praxis using antiparasitic drugs is not entirely efficient.

Ocorrência de infecção endoparasitária em cães urbanos de diferentes sistemas de manejo na região central do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

This study evaluated the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites and the frequency of parasitic infection in dogs of three different canine housing system in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A total of 125 fecal samples from dogs from shelter kennels, military kennels and commercial kennels was evaluated. Presence of endoparasites was observed in 50.4% of these samples, with mono infection occurring in 48% and multi-infection in 2.4%. Ancylostoma spp. was the most prevalent parasite. Dogs from shelter kennels had a higher rate of infection, followed by dogs at commercial and military kennels. The frequency of antiparasitic treatment was different at the three housing sites. The presence of parasitic species of zoonotic potential in dogs of the studied region suggests that even in urban areas there is a risk of infection of humans with canine intestinal parasites.

Epidemiological and clinical profile of intestinal parasitosis of children in rural areas in Central African Republic

ObjectiveTo describe the epidemiological and clinical profile of intestinal parasites in children in rural Central African Republic. Patients and methodsWe conducted a multicenter cross-sectional study in Central African Republic rural areas. Children seen as outpatients regardless of the reason for consultation were included in the study after parental consent. Each stool sample sent to the laboratory in a plastic pot was subjected to a direct co-examination with physiological water. ResultsA total of 102 children were included in the study, of whom 53 were boys (51.96%), the median age was 4 years (3 months; 15 years old). They had a primary level of education in 31.37% of cases, 76.47% came from Health Region 1. Drilling was the source of drinking water in 61.76% of cases and the backwater was used for bathing by 26.47% of children. Abdominal pain was observed in 55 children (53.92%). The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 88.23%. Of 122 identified parasites, 96 were helminths (78.69%) and 26 were protozoa (21.31%). Of the three protozoan species isolated, Entamoeba histolytica was found in 15 cases (14.70%). The most common helminthiasis was Ascaris lumbricoides (40.19%). The frequency of parasitic infection was 92% in children aged from 5 to 9 years. Mono-parasitism was observed in 52.94% versus 33.33% for poly-parasitism. ConclusionIntestinal parasitosis is a public health problem in Central African Republic rural areas. Improving access to drinking water for populations could reduce the magnitude of these diseases.

Association of intestinal pathogens with faecal markers of environmental enteric dysfunction among slum-dwelling children in the first 2 years of life in Bangladesh.

ObjectiveEnvironmental Enteric Dysfunction (EED) can be assessed by faecal biomarkers such as Myeloperoxidase (MPO), Neopterin (NEO) and Alpha‐1 anti‐trypsin (AAT). We aimed to test the association of intestinal pathogens with faecal markers of EED among slum‐dwelling children in first 2 years of life.MethodsThe MAL‐ED birth cohort data of Bangladesh site were used to conduct this analysis. Multivariable analyses using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) were performed to test the association between intestinal pathogens and faecal markers of EED.ResultsGiardiasis, ascariasis and trichuriasis were the most frequent parasitic infections and Campylobacter spp., Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) and Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) were the common bacterial pathogens observed in stool samples of the children. Overall, 71%, 97% and 58% of stool samples were above values considered normal in non‐tropical settings for MPO, NEO and AAT respectively. Giardiasis was found to be significantly associated with MPO (Coefficient = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.15, 0.95; P‐value = 0.008) and AAT concentrations (Coefficient = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.04, 0.63; P‐value = 0.03). A significant association was found between trichuriasis and NEO (Coefficient = 0.90; 95% CI = 0.19, 1.61; P‐value = 0.01). Trichuriasis (Coefficient = 1.71; 95% CI = 0.32, 3.11; P‐value = 0.02) and giardiasis (Coefficient = 1.51; 95% CI = 0.79, 2.23; P‐value <0.001) were significantly associated with EED score. Children with EAEC had significantly higher MPO concentrations (Coefficient = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.06, 0.61; P‐value = 0.02).ConclusionThe study results imply the importance of intestinal pathogens in contributing to intestinal inflammation and increased intestinal permeability in young children.

Evaluation of a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detecting antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii from naturally and experimentally infected pigs

Background: Toxoplasmosis is one of the most frequent parasitic infections in animals causing reproductive disorders and thus notable economic losses in productivity. Among food animals, pigs along with sheep and goats possess the highest incidence of Toxoplasma gondii cysts in meat, and play a role as a source of human infection.Methods: The commercial ELISA kit (PrioCHECK® Toxoplasma Ab SR, Prionics Schlieren-Zurich, Switzerland) for the detection of specific antibodies against T. gondii in swine serum was compared with a commercial IFAT (indirect fluorescent antibody test) (Toxo-Spot IF, bioMérieux, France), used as the reference test.Results: The kappa value obtained comparing the results performed on sera by ELISA with the by IFAT was 1. By a receiver operating characteristics curve analysis, the commercial ELISA had a relative sensitivity of 100%, and a relative specificity of 100% respect to IFAT.Conclusions: The commercial ELISA showed a very good agreement with the commercial IFAT in the detection of serum antibodies to Toxoplasma in pigs. Our study confirmed the usefulness of the commercial ELISA kit for the detection of antibodies against T. gondii in pigs, representing a valuable tool to improve the diagnostic activity for T. gondii in swine populations at the farm level or at the slaughterhouse, contributing to the control of this widespread infection.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites among food handlers attending public health laboratories in Khartoum State, Sudan

Background: Infections by intestinal pathogens especially protozoans and helminths are considered to pose a real health problem, particularly in the tropics. They cause considerable morbidity and mortality rates in developing countries. The high prevalence of these infections is closely correlated with poverty, poor environmental hygiene, and impoverished health services. This study aimed to detect prevalence and frequency of parasitic infections among food handlers in Khartoum Sudan. Methods: Three hundred and fifty Food-handlers, attending public health laboratories in Khartoum, Sudan, for an annual medical check-up, were screened for intestinal parasites by four laboratory techniques viz. direct faecal examination, formal-ether concentration, Baermann technique and agar culture method. Results: The infection rate was 23.7% by Formol-Ether Concentration technique, followed by direct saline stool preparation (7.1%). Out of 83 positive samples the infection rate among different nationalities was as follows: Sudanese 68 (81.9%), Ethiopians 13 (15.7%), Syrians 2 (2.4%) and Egyptians 0 (0%). Intestinal parasites were more prevalent among males (73; 25.1%) than female food handlers (10; 16.9%). Three protozoans, nematodes, two tap worms and one trematode worm were detected among infected population: their frequency were as follows: Entamoeba histolytica (7.4%), Entamoeba coli (6.86%), Giardia lamblia (6%), Schistosoma mansoni (1.40%), Necator americanus (1.43%), Hymenolepis nana (0.68%), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.68%), Taenia saginata (0.57%), Ascaris lumbricoides (0.57%) and Trichostrongylus species (0.29%). Conclusion: The overall prevalence of protozoan infections among food handler in Khartoum state, Sudan was 20.26% while the helminthic infections was 5.97%. Formol-ether concentration technique is better for detection of intestinal parasites than the direct faecal smear technique. Likewise, Barmann’s technique confirms detection of nematodes worms especially hookworms.

Visceral Leishmaniasis in HIV-Infected Patients: The Challenge of Relapse and Treatment Failure

Visceral leishmaniasis is an endemic disseminated infection, considered to be the third most frequent opportunistic parasitic infection in Europe. It is especially prevalent in patients co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus, in whom it poses a great therapeutic challenge due to increased risk of relapse. The goal of this study is to characterize a population of co-infected patients, as well as the efficiency of the adopted treatment strategies. Retrospective study with a sample composed of all patients with visceral leishmaniasis and human immunodeficiency virus admitted in an Infectious Diseases ward over a period of 10 years. Of the 23 enrolled patients, two were female (8.7%). The mean TCD4+ cell count was 104.4 cells/uL (± 120.3cells/uL), only two patients had undetectable viral load (< 20 copies/mL) and 16 (69.6%) were not under antiretroviral therapy at the time of diagnosis. Treatment-wise, liposomal amphotericin B was used in 18 patients, meglumine antimoniate in four and miltefosine in one. Fourteen (60.9%) were adherent to secondary prophylaxis protocol. A relapse rate of 26.1% was observed (six patients). Co-infection is responsible for higher treatment failure rates and more relapses. TCD4+ cell count is the main predictive factor of relapse, and strict adherence to chemoprophylaxis protocols unequivocally results in a reduction of relapse rate. Combined treatment strategies using liposomal amphotericin B and miltefosine yield fewer therapeutic failures than the classic approach. We therefore conclude that alternative, combined therapeutic protocols seem to be a viable solution for these patients.

PREVALENCE OF GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES INFECTING FISH (CLARIAS GARIEPINUS) IN QENA GOVERNORATE

Parasites of fish are of concern since they often produce a weakening of the host`s immune system thereby increasing their susceptibility to the secondary infections, resulting in the nutritive devaluation of fish ,compete for food, depriving fish of essential nutrients, inhibiting growth leading to morbidity and mortality and subsequent economic losses. Few data has been reported to identify major parasite of fish in Qena Governorate, Egypt. Accordingly,the study aimed to estimate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite infecting fish. Afield study was conducted during the period from the beginning of January 2015 to the end of December 2016.A total of 144 Clarias gariepinus (Carmoot) fish samples were collected either alive from fishermen or fresh as possible from fish markets at Qena Governorate for parasitological studies. Parasite collected and prepared then identified under the microscope. Out of 144 examined fish 84 (58.3%) samples were infected with different gastrointestinal parasites. The obtained results found that the most frequent parasitic infection among examined fish was cstodes with an infection rate of (35.4%) ,followed by trematodes infection (27%), while the lowest infection rate, were recorded in nematodes infection(16.7%),Regarding to the seasonal prevalence of the recovered parasites, we concluded that the highest rate of parasite infection was observed during Spring season (83.3%), followed by Winter (66.7%), Summer recorded (50%) and Autumn season which represented the lowest rate of infection (33.3%). The most common species of cestodes were Monobothrium sp which recorded the highest infection rate (27.8%) and Polyonchobothrium clarias (5.6%), followed by trematode species Orientocreadium batrachoides (24.3%) and nematode species Paracamallanus cyathopharynx (10.4%) and Procamallanus laevionchus (5.6%).