Giardia Lamblia Cysts Research Articles

Action of chlorine, peracetic acid, UV-LED radiation, and advanced oxidation process on Giardia lamblia cysts for reclaimed water production

Action of chlorine, peracetic acid, UV-LED radiation, and advanced oxidation process on Giardia lamblia cysts for reclaimed water production

Antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-giardia properties of the essential oil, hydroalcoholic extract, and green synthesis of the silver nanoparticles of Salvia mirzayanii plant

In this study, an environmentally-friendly, simple, and low-cost approach was developed for the production of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) accelerated by Salvia mirzayanii plant. The identification process involved ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The UV–Vis spectrum exhibited a peak at 450 nm which is a characteristic surface plasmon resonance of Ag NPs. The XRD and EDS analyses confirmed the crystalline nature and the presence of silver element, while the SEM analysis displayed the production of almost spherical nanoparticles. The FTIR spectrum exhibited that the Ag NPs were functionalized with biomolecules found in the extract, which are involved in the production and stabilization of the NPs. The antibacterial activity of the essential oil, the hydroalcoholic extract and Ag NPs was examined against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Escherichia coli (E. coli). The anti-Giardia activity was tested on Giardia lamblia cysts at different time intervals. The results exhibited that the MIC values for essential oil, hydroalcoholic extract and Ag NPs against S. aureus were 1.65 µL/mL, 75 mg/mL, and 0.125 mg/mL respectively. The MBC was attained 6.25 µL/mL, 300 mg/mL, and 0.25 mg/mL, for essential oil, hydroalcoholic extract and Ag NPs, respectively. The MIC values for essential oil, hydroalcoholic extract and NPs against E. coli were 3.12 µL/mL, 150 mg/mL, and 0.06 mg/mL, respectively. The MBC was determined to be 50 µL/mL, 300 mg/mL, and 0.25 mg/mL for essential oil, hydroalcoholic extract and Ag NPs, respectively. In addition, the antioxidant activity was determined using the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) test. The results indicated that the essential oil of this plant exhibited the highest antibacterial and anti-giardial properties, whereas its extract demonstrated the strongest antioxidant properties.

Identification of Cryptosporidium oocyst and Giardia cyst in of the samples of raw surface water of Kan River in Tehran

Background: Giardia and Cryptosporidium are considered the most important causal agents of non-bloody diarrhea, especially among primary school children, in many countries, including Iran. Many rivers are contaminated with Cryptosporidium oocyst and Giardia lamblia cysts due to domestic wastewater or farm wastewater and also the living of rodents on their margins. The present study aims to evaluate Kan River contamination with Cryptosporidium oocyst and Giardia cyst in Tehran by molecular method. Materials and Methods: Sampling was conducted from different parts of the Kan River in different seasons in 2019. Firstly, the smear has been prepared from sediments after filtering the water and collecting the sediment, stained with trichrome and acid-fast methods, and finally examined microscopically. Then, they were amplified with the Nested-PCR method by using the specific primers: the giardian gene from Giardia and the 18s rRNA gene from Cryptosporidium. Positive samples were sequenced, and a phylogenetic tree was drawn. Results: 12 suspected samples of Giardia cyst and 2 suspected samples of Cryptosporidium oocyst were detected, but only 4 samples infected with Giardia lamblia were molecularly found, and no Cryptosporidium infection was observed. In terms of genotype, the identified Giardia was 100% consistent with human isolates of genotype B. Conclusion: The presence of Giardia lamblia cysts in the water of the Kan River indicates the contamination of this river by human-contaminating parasites.

An Assessment of the Epidemiology and In vitro Susceptibility of Giardia lamblia Trophozoites and Cysts to a Variety of Plant Extracts

Giardia lamblia is a prevalent intestinal parasite that cause diarrhea among human beings and the life cycle is complicated and contains two stages for trophozoites and cysts. These stages are hardly eradicated by using prescribed drugs such as metronidazole. Aim: The purpose of this study was to identify the intestinal parasite Giardia lamblia in patients suffering from diarrhea and primary enteritis, then determine the antiparasitic activity of five plant extracts included (Zumeria majda, Thymus migricus, Artemisia santolina, Sargassum and Proskia) compared with available drug of metronidazole (MTZ) as an effective and first-time treatment against Giardia lamblia. Place and Duration of Study: It was performed between January 2023 to February 2024 at the laboratory of parasitology of three hospitals included Ramadi Teaching Hospital, Fallujah Teaching Hospital and Ramadi Teaching Hospital for Maternity and Children in Al-Anbar governorate of Iraq. A total of 1200 stool samples of patients were collected from both genders and ranged in age from 6 months to 65 years. Methodology: The stool samples were examined directly by formalin-ether test using a light microscope to confirm the presence of G. lamblia infection. Test tubes contained 1 mL of every extract at concentrations of 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 µg/mL before 10,000 cysts or trophozoites were added and then the tubes were incubated at 37°C for a period of 30, 120, and 360 minutes. A light microscope set to 400x magnification, smears made from residual cyst and trophozoite material were arranged individually on glass slides. The mean number of the extracted cysts and trophozoites were assessed using vital 0.1% eosin staining. Results: G. lamblia parasite infections accounted for 47.8% of all infections; males had a greater prevalence of the parasite (49.6%) than females (45.7%). In relation to other age groups, the incidences of G. lamblia infection were higher in the age groups of 6 months to 10 years and (11-20) years, at 55.17% and 47.6%, respectively. At the lowest concentrations of 75μg/mL and 100μg/mL following exposure times of 240 min and 360 min, all five plant extracts examined in this study included Zumeria majda, Thymus migricus, Artemisia santolina, Sargassum and Proskia had a significant effect and killed 100.0% of the cysts and trophozoites of G. lamblia in contrast to the MTZ, which showed the highest reduction rates 68.4% against cysts and 75.4% against trophozoites. Conclusion: To conclude, the study findings indicate that G. lamblia infections are more common in AL-Anbar province particularly in younger people. This can be attributed to a number of factors such as improper eating and drinking habits and an absence of respect for hygiene and public health standards. Plant-based extracts showed promising in vitro activity at low doses and short times of exposure, according to the results on G. lamblia. These findings could lead to the development of a novel therapeutic alternative to treat Giardiasis infections.

Zoonotic parasite contamination of some green, leafy and spicy vegetables sold in major markets of Makurdi metropolis, Benue state

Consumption of contaminated vegetables can result in parasite ingestion with subsequent health problems. The spread of zoonotic parasites through contaminated vegetables is a complicated problem that requires attention to ensure food safety and protect public health. This study investigated the zoonotic parasitic contamination of some green, leafy, and spicy vegetables sold in Makurdi metropolis, Benue State. A cross-sectional study was designed in which four hundred green, leafy, and spicy vegetables consisting of five different vegetables, were collected from five markets in Makurdi town, Benue state. Sediments obtained by washing the vegetables with normal saline were centrifuged at 1500 rpm for five minutes before being subjected to flotation, sedimentation, and modified Ziehl-Neelsen techniques, and viewed under the microscope at various magnifications. The overall prevalence of zoonotic parasites was 59.75%. Strongyloides spp. larvae (40.5%), Cryptosporidium spp. Oocyst (0.5%), Balantidium coli cyst and trophozoite (7%), Ascaris spp (5.75%), Taenia spp. (9%), Strongyle ova (4.5%), and Giardia lamblia cyst (1.5%) were identified. Results showed a significant relationship between vegetable type and parasite contamination of vegetables (p < 0.05), but no significant relationship between market location and parasite contamination (p > 0.05). The high prevalence of zoonotic parasites observed in this study highlights the potential health risks associated with consuming contaminated vegetables. The study recommends public enlightenment of vegetable sellers and consumers in Makurdi on the importance of hand hygiene and safe handling of vegetables to prevent exposure to pathogenic microorganisms.

A Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in School Children from South India

Background and Aim: According to the World Health Organization, close to 21% of India’s population may be affected by intestinal parasites, accounting for 39 million disability-adjusted life years, which may likely be due to substandard sanitation practices and insufficient personal hygiene standards. This research was conducted with the aim of determining the prevalence of helminthic infections among school-aged children in the South Canara district of India. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving school children from nursery to the 8th Grade in the South Canara district of Karnataka, India. The presence of various intestinal parasites in different age groups was determined by performing routine stool microscopy. Modified acid-fast staining was performed for stool samples collected from children <5 years of age for the detection of intestinal coccidian parasites. Statistical analysis was carried out to analyze age-related trends in relation to the prevalence of commonly detected intestinal parasites. Results: Intestinal parasites were identified in 10 of the 253 students (3.9%), with the highest incidence observed in the age group of 7–10 years (1.9%). The most prevalent parasite identified was the cysts of Giardia lamblia, with a prevalence of 7.54%, followed by Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm, each having a prevalence of 5.66%. Of the 253 students, 92.2% practiced handwashing with soap after defecation, while 7.8% did not use soap. The handwashing practices did not significantly vary across different age groups. Clinically, pallor was observed in 64.2% of the individuals. Conclusion: Giardiasis was the most common parasitic infection, followed by soil-transmitted helminths such as Ascariasis and hookworm. The level of hygiene practices among children exceeded the prevailing national and state standards.

In vitro and in vivo effects of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles against Giardia lamblia infection.

The current experimental study is designed to examine the in vitro and in vivo effects of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against Giardia lamblia, a major cause of parasitic diarrhea. The precipitation method was employed for the green synthesis of AgNPs by Astragalus ecbatanus aqueous extract. In the, in vitro, Giardia lamblia cysts and trophozoites were exposed to AgNPs at 10, 20, and 40 mg/mL for 10-360 min. The effects of AgNPs on trophozoite plasma membrane and their cytotoxic effects on normal and colon cancer cells were evaluated using Sytox green and MTT assay for cell viability. The in vivo assay included BALB/c mice, infected by Giardia, treated with AgNPs at 10, 15, and 20 mg/kg/day for one week. On the 8th day post-infection, stool examination was conducted to assess the presence of Giardia cysts and the reduction rate. The size distribution of AgNPs ranged between 5 and 80 nm, with the maximum particle size observed at 40-60 nm. AgNPs significantly (P<0.001) increased the mortality of Giardia lamblia trophozoites in a dose-dependent manner. Specifically, AgNPs at concentrations of 200 and 300 μg/mL destroyed Giardia lamblia cysts after 4 and 2 h, respectively. Trophozoites of Giardia lamblia showed more sensitivity to AgNPs compared to cysts. At concentrations of 100, 200, and 300 μg/mL, AgNPs eliminated all trophozoites after 4, 2, and 1 h of treatment, respectively. AgNPs dose-dependently reduced (P<0.001) the parasite load and viability of Giardia lamblia cysts. Exposure of Giardia lamblia trophozoites to AgNPs dose-dependently increased the plasma membrane permeability as indicated by rise in the exposed fluorescence. The CC50 value AgNPs for colon cancer and normal cell lines was 402.3 μg/mL and 819.6 μg/mL, respectively. The selectivity value greater than 2 (2.04), suggests that these AgNPs are safe for normal cells in comparison with cancer cells. This experimental study showed that AgNPs green synthesized by Astragalus ecbatanus exhibited significant in vitro and in vivo anti-Giardiaactivity, positioning them as potential candidates for Giardia infection treatment. Nevertheless, further research on the precise mechanisms of action and comprehensive exploration of all toxicity aspects associated with this type of AgNPs need to be considered.

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.

Antiparasitic effect of limonene, a monoterpene compound found in the essential oils against Giardia lamblia

Introduction: The present work aimed to assess the anti-parasitic effects of limonene (LMN) against Giardia lamblia trophozoites and cysts. Methods: Anti-Giardia activities of LMN (25, 50, and 100 μg/mL) were assessed against G. lamblia cysts and trophozoites for 15-360 minutes. The effects of LMN on the apoptosis stimulation G. lamblia parasites were determined by colorimetric protease assay. Results: Giardia trophozoites were more sensitive to LMN than cysts. The best effect of LMN was seen at 100 μg/mL. LMN markedly triggered caspase-3 activity by 10.2%, 25.3%, and 36.1%, respectively (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: We found the potent in vitro anti-giardia activity of LMN against G. lamblia parasites with the maximum activity at 50 and 100 μg/mL. However, additional surveys are necessary to reveal the specific efficacy, mechanisms, and safety of LMN.

Prevalence of parasitic contamination of raw vegetables consumed in Birjand city, South Khorasan province

ObjectiveFood transmitted parasitic disease can be considered as one of the most common diseases in different societies and transmitted via water, soil and food. The goal of this cross-sectional descriptive-analytic research was to determine the prevalence and type of parasitic contaminated vegetables in Birjand city in 2017. Methods196 samples were obtained from 12 kind of vegetables including leek, radish, cress, mint, basil, dill, coriander, parsley, scallion, spinach and lettuce from 20 green groceries in all parts of the city. After the washing steps, each of the samples was centrifuged, sedimented and stained. The samples were examined for the presence of metazoan and protozoan parasitic contaminations. Cysts of Giardia lamblia were partly purified via the sucrose density gradient technique. After freeze-thaw cycles, genomic DNA became extracted the usage of QIAamp Stool Mini package. The results of the study were reported as descriptive statistics (mean and percentage) and analyzed by X2 tests at a significant level of p ≤ 0.05. ResultsThe total contamination of vegetables in the city of Birjand was reported to be 78.5%. The most elevated rate of contamination was related to Entamoeba coli parasite (46%), followed by Giardia lamblia (18.3%). The highest rate of contamination was detected in fenugreek, basil and celery vegetables, which 100% of the samples contained at least one kind of parasite. In this study, pathogens and non-pathogens were found in 52.1% and 47.9% of the samples, respectively. ConclusionResults shows that the rate of parasitic contamination in this study was relatively high, which can led to prevalence of parasitic diseases in humans.

Impact of Domestic Solid Waste Management on Wet Land Water Quality: Case of Abomey-Calavi Municipality in Benin Republic

The waste management is a major environmental challenge in all the countries. In the Republic of Benin, in absence of controlled landfill, the wetlands are filling in by solid household waste to set up housing environments. This study aimed at identifying the various forms of wetlands water pollutions originated by this practice. Physico-chemical parameters of sampling water were determined by using Ionic chromatography and spectrometry of atomic absorption. The microorganisms indicating fecal peril were identified by the conventional techniques of microbiology. Water quality of a witness well was also used to assess the general water quality of the backfilled wetland. The results revealed the water samples collected from backefilled wetlands were mineralized (898.32 ± 6.13 μs/cm), rich in chlorinate (237.80 ± 4.23 mg/L) and nitrates ions (224.10 ± 3.42 mg/L). They are more colored (399.23 ± 3.01 Pt/Co) and more turbid (62.5 ± 2.48 NTU) than those of the unfilled wetlands. The results of microbiological analysis shown the presence of the cysts of Giardia lamblia (590/100 L) and cysts of Entamoeba histolytica (13/100 L) in all water, except those of witness well. The frequency of water contamination by bacteria indicating general degradation is 86.4%. The embankment of the wetlands by the solid household waste leads to the water pollution.

Incidence of Intestinal Parasites in Government and Private School Going Children

Objective: Aim to assess the incidence of intestinal parasites in government and private school going children.&#x0D; Methods: The work was conducted from October, 2018 to March, 2019 at Microbiology Laboratory of DAV College, Dhobighat, Lalitpur. A total of 100 stool samples of children aged between 5-12 years were collected from both government and private schools situated in Lalitpur metropolitan city, during school hours. The stool samples were examined for intestinal parasites by Saline wet mount; Iodine wet mount and Formal – ether sedimentation technique. The questionnaires accompanying the queries related to the study were filled.&#x0D; Results: Of the total 100 stool samples examined, intestinal parasites were observed in 7% (7/100) of the total stool samples. Among the positive stool samples, 71% (5/7) of the stool samples were from government school’s children whereas 29% (2/7) were from private school’s children. Fifty seven percentage 57% (4/7) girls and 43% (3/7) boys were found to be infected with intestinal parasite in the tested stool samples. Out of total parasite detected, 57% (4/7) were eggs of Ancylostoma duodenale, 29% (2/7) were eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides and 14% (1/7) were cysts of Giardia lamblia. The study indicates that Ancylostoma is the most commonly infecting parasite followed by Ascaris and Giardia.&#x0D; Conclusion: Personal hygiene and sanitary condition were responsible for the incidence of intestinal parasites in the school going children. Environmental sanitation improvement and health education promotion will be helpful to reduce the parasitic infection rate.

Prevalence of Giardia Lamblia among Children Attended at SOS Hospital

Background: Giardia lamblia is considered to be one of the leading causative agents of diarrhea, especially in children. Epidemiological surveys have shown that parasitic diarrhea in children is primarily due to G. lamblia infection Giardia lamblia can result in reduced physical fitness, delayed growth and gastrointestinal problems, such as abdominal pain, vitaminB12 deficiency and malabsorption about 200 million people have symptomatic giardiasis. In areas where sanitation and hygiene are poor the disease is most severeObjective: To identify prevalence of giardia lamblia among children attended at SOS hospital in Mogadishu Somalia.Methods and Materials: study was descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in SOS hospital, Mogadishu-Somalia during May 2020 to june2020; 50 stool samples were collected from the patients attending at SOS hospital. The Stool was to identify under microscope Examination used for wet preparation method. The study used SPSS (version 20.0) for analysis, and results were presented in frequencies, percentage, and bar charts.Results: 50 sample stools were collected from patient with suspected parasitic infection SOS hospital different age groups and both sexes were covered. When we made diagnosis test of stool ni 8(16%) were giardia lamblia cyst seen also when we made diagnosis test ni 2(4%) were giardia lamblia trophozoite, during diagnosing I have seen other parasites, 9(18%) were Ascaris lubricoides ova seen, 7(14%) were T.T ova seen, 5(10%) were H.nan egg seen, 4(8%) were E.histolytic, when we made diagnose test of giardia lamblia in 15(30%) were negative.Conclusion: the results from the study showed high rate of giardia lamblia infection and also another parasite. We have identified domestic factors like mother education, no. of under-five children in the family, low SES and peri-domestic factors like lack of solid waste collection and visible sewage near the house. We emphasize the pro-vision of health care services, personal education and environmental hygiene by both governmental and non-governmental organization to reduce this high prevalence. Regular diagnosis should be available and treatment should be provided for infected and vulnerable communities.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitosis in Children of a Primary School in Pedro Juan Caballero - PY

Introduction: Parasitosis is a type of endoparasitism, which is directly related to sanitary conditions and is an important public health problem in developing countries. Objective: To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in children attending a primary public school in Pedro Juan Caballero - PY. Materials and Methods: 85 (eighty-five) stool samples were analyzed using the centrifugal sedimentation technique. Results: Cysts and/or parasite eggs were observed in the stool samples of 67 (78.8%) children. Giardia lamblia cysts were those that showed the highest incidence in the children. Conclusion: The high Giardia lamblia index demonstrates the lack of access to drinking water for consumption, inadequate sanitation and the absence of a public health network. This study highlights the importance of encouraging the use of serial analysis of stool, strengthening preventive measures for parasitosis, developing protocols for their approach, and designing a strategy that includes the preschool population in the programs that periodically evaluate the development of children.

Detection and prevalence of common intestinal parasites in stool samples at a tertiary care hospital in Hyderabad Karnataka region: A retrospective study

Parasitic infections are globally widespread with their prevalence differing with the level of sanitation, associated with poverty, malnutrition, overcrowding and tropical climate. The common parasitic forms identified in stool of patients include trophozoites and cysts of protozoans like Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, etc. The present study was undertaken to know the prevalence of common parasites in stool samples in our tertiary care hospital. The records of 10,336 stool samples from both outpatient and inpatient departments were examined which were received for testing in our microbiology laboratory from the period of January 2016 to January 2018. Out of these samples, 9904 were finally included for the present retrospective study. Both hanging drop and routine examination was done for 976 (9.85%) samples and routine examination was done for 8928 (90.14%) samples. Stool samples collected were examined grossly and microscopically for presence of any infectious parasites. The most common parasite detected in the stool samples was Entamoeba histolytica with higher percentage of cases seen in females (60%) and age group of 0-10 years (33.33%). The pathogenic parasites detected were Entamoeba histolytica cysts and trophozoites in 720 samples (7.26%) followed by trophozoites and cysts of Giardia lamblia in 128 samples (1.29%), ova of Ascaris lumbricoides in 14 samples (0.14%) and ova of Taenia in 2 samples (0.02%). This study demonstrates that intestinal parasite infections are a public health problem in our study population. Poor sanitation and inadequate environmental conditions constituted the main determining factors that predisposed this population to intestinal parasites.

Anti-parasitic Activity of Some Medicinal Plants Essential Oils on Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica, In Vitro

Background and objectives: Giardiasis and amoebiasis are two common diseases in human societies which make increasing problems for the health managing systems. In the present study, the antiparasitic activity of Allium sativum, Artemisia sieberi, Zatraria multiflora, Chenopodium botrys and Eucalyptus globulus essential oils on Giardia lamblia cysts and Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites were investigated in vitro. Methods: Giardia lamblia cysts and E. histolytica trophozoites were isolated from infected sample stools. The parasites were treated by four concentrations (0.2, 0.1, 0.01 and 0.001 µg/mL) of essential oils, separately for 30 min at 37 °C. Results: Theessential oils at the concentration of 0.1 and 0.2 µg/mL indicated appreciate parasiticidal effect (p <0.05). Eucalyptus globulus had maximum efficacy on both G. lamblia and E. histolytica with mortality rates of 79.7% and 87.6% within 30 min. Conclusion: All essential oils showed potent anti-giardiasis and anti-amoebiasis activity. Also, E. globulus with the highest efficiency could be considered as anti-protozoa medication to use an adjunct or primary therapy.

Diagnosis of parasitic infections in vermiform appendix in patients with appendicitis in Kirkuk city, Iraq

The present study is conducted in Kirkuk city, Iraq; between July to December 2018. Within this period 197 resected appendix are examined to investigate the parasitic infections that may associated with appendicitis. Direct with concentrated methods are used in luminal content examinations. Also, histological examination of haematoxylin and eosin stained tissue sections is performed to diagnose the parasitic infections in the lumen and within the appendix tissue. The parasitic infection reported in 12.69% cases included four species, as well as a mixed infection. Entamoeba histolytica (trophozoite and cyst), Giardia lamblia (trophozoite and cyst), Cryptospordium sp.(oocyst) and Enterobious vermicularis (adult worm and ova) are recorded. The most common determined parasite is E. histolytica (8.63%). The parasitic infection within the resected appendix reported in females (8.12%) more than males (4.57%). The parasitic infections in the study are prevalent in patients within the age groups 13 to 18 years and 19 to 24 years (3.55% for each one).

Giardiasis Alters Intestinal Fatty Acid Binding Protein (I-FABP) and Plasma Cytokines Levels in Children in Brazil.

Giardiasis is an intestinal infection caused by ingestion of water or food contaminated with cysts of Giardia lamblia. Susceptibility is higher in children and overall prevalence can reach up to 90% in low-income areas, although outbreaks are also reported in developed countries. Both parasite and immune-mediated epithelial damage has been observed in vitro and in animal models. However, whether enterocytes are directly damaged during infection is not entirely known. Our goal was to identify whether plasma levels of intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP), a marker of enterocyte damage, are related to the immune response in giardiasis. Blood plasma was collected from 31 children (19 Giardia-positive) from a public day care in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The levels of I-FABP were increased in Giardia-infected children compared to children without detectable infection. There was no difference in I-FABP levels in giardiasis caused by different genetic assemblages of Giardia. Levels of IL-8 were decreased, while there was a trend to elevated IL-17 in the Giardia-positive children. A positive correlation was observed between I-FABP and IL-17 levels as well as TNF, suggesting that epithelial damage can be related to cytokine production during giardiasis. These results help elucidate the relationship between the disruption of the intestinal mucosal barrier and immune responses to G. lamblia in children.

Microfluidic diffraction phase microscopy and its application in parasites measurement

This paper proposes a method of using diffraction phase microscopy combined with microfluidic chip to quantitatively measure waterborne parasites. A diffraction phase microscopy system is built up by combining interferometry with optical microscope to achieve high sensitivity real-time measurement of parasites. Based on soft lithographic techniques, a double-layered microfluidic chip with U-shaped trapping structures is designed and fabricated for high throughput single parasites trapping. Ficoll solution with the same refractive index as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is introduced into the microfluidic chamber to eliminate significant artifacts in phase imaging originating from diffraction at the edges of trapping structures. The accuracy of the system is verified using standard polystyrene microspheres of different diameters, and the error of maximum phase shift does not exceed 3%. 100 Giardia Lamblia (G. Lamblia) cysts and 100 Cryptosporidium Parvum (C. Parvum) oocysts are measured using this system. The phase maps of the parasites are obtained from the interferograms. The morphological parameters and quantitative optical volume difference distribution of the two kind of waterborne parasites are obtained by analyzing the quantitative phase maps. Quantitative data provides the basis for understanding their physiological characteristics. The microfluidic diffraction phase microscopy system has simple structure, good stability and high measurement accuracy, and has great potential for real-time monitoring and label-free quantitative studies of single microorganism.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of sterilization materials added to drinking water in the elimination of the Larval stages of parasites in Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf Governorate

The study was conducted to investigate the cysts and eggs of intestinal parasites in drinking water in four models of drinking water for water purification projects in Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf Governorate for the period from 1/10/2017 to 1/10/2018. The results of the examination of river water in four districts in Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf governorate showed the presence of five species of parasites are cysts of Entamoeba histolytica by 39%, and the eggs of the Ascaris worm by 12%, worm Ancylostoma duodenale by 4%, Giardia lamblia cysts 40%, and the eggs of Enterobius vermicularis by 18%. The results of the tap water examination showed that there were five types of intestinal parasites, but at a lower rate than in river water, Entamoeba histolytica cysts by 16%, eggs of Ascaris by 7%, Ancylostoma duodenale eggs by 2%, Giardia lamblia cysts by 29%, and Enterobius vermicularis by 5% overall.