Helminth Ova Research Articles

Pathogens in septage in Vietnam

Septage is widely acknowledged as a major source of infectious pathogens while disposal of septage, and the operation and maintenance of septic tanks, is not regulated in many developing countries. Twenty untreated septage and septage sludge samples were taken from Can Tho City, Vietnam to examine their pathogen content, and indicator micro-organisms. Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. were detected in all samples, regardless of sludge storage time. Phages were detected in 80% of samples. Salmonella spp. were detected in 70% of the untreated septage and 60% of septage sludge samples. Concentrations of phages and bacteria tested in septage sludge after many years of tank storage were much higher than the expected levels. Helminth ova were present in 95% of untreated septage samples with an average of 450 ova l − 1 , and were detected in all septage sludge samples with an average of 16,000 ova l − 1 . Twelve varieties of helminth ova were identified. More helminth ova varieties in higher concentrations were found in septage than those reported from stool samples. The varieties' frequency ranged from 10% to 50% and Ascaris lumbricoides predominated. Results show that pathogens and indicator micro-organisms, especially helminth ova, accumulate in sludge. Thus helminth ova should be considered when septage sludge is treated and used for agriculture. Proper health protection measures must be applied for people handling septage.

Application of Helminth ova infection dose curve to estimate the risks associated with biosolid application on soil

Helminth ova (HO) are the main biological concern when reusing sludge for agricultural production. Worldwide sludge regulations consider a permissible range of 0.25-1 HO/gTS. Such limits are unaffordable to most developing countries, due to high helminth ova content in sludge, and the lack of viable technology to inactivate them as needed. The quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) is a useful tool to estimate the risk of treated sludge, considering feasible and viable limits. QMRA, however, has not been applied before for HO because no dose-infection curve was available. Therefore, the objectives of this paper are: to build up a risk-based model designed for untreated wastewater exposure (i.e., land irrigation) using Ascaris lumbricoides eggs as indicators for HO, and apply the results to assess health risk (i.e., Ascaris lumbricoides infection) associated with consumption of crops grown on biosolid-enriched soil. Data showed that it may be feasible to update HO threshold in biosolids from developing countries without significantly increasing risks. To reduce health risk from HO, it may be wiser to achieve feasible and evidence-based standards, than to set unaffordable limits in these countries. QMRA data suggested additional protection measures, such as biosolid application rates, crop restriction, and produce better washing practices.

Assessment of microbiological and parasitological quality of composted wastes: health implications and hygienic measures

Feedstock and compost samples were collected from twenty composting plants and analysed from the microbiological point of view. Faecal indicator organisms were determined in order to evaluate the efficacy of processes for the removal of pathogenic micro-organisms with similar survival characteristics and to verify their suitability as appropriate markers of microbial quality of composted products. In addition to the classical bacterial indicators, selected organisms, such as Salmonella, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Clostridium spores and helminth ova, were investigated. Statistically significant differences in the removal of the different micro-organisms were observed with regard to both the different composting plants (P < 0.05) and feedstock composition (P < 0.05). In fact, compost obtained by feedstock containing sewage sludge was shown to have a better hygienic quality in comparison with compost containing green discards and municipal solid waste as raw matter. Giardia cysts, Cryptosporidium oocysts and helminth ova were not effective indicators of hygienic quality of compost, whereas Clostridium perfringens spores, because of their high resistance to treatments, could be considered as an additional model for assessing the composting process, especially with regard to more resistant pathogen reduction.

Sanitary provision and helminthiasis among school children in Benin City, Nigeria

To assess the effect of sanitary provision and hygiene practices on intestinal helminth burden of primary school children. The cross sectional descriptive study was undertaken in Egor Area of Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Using a calculated sample size of 384, participants were selected from primary schools in the study area, using a multi stage sampling method. Although, 384 pupils were expected to participate in the study only 365 provided faecal samples for examination giving a response rate of 95%. In most of the schools surveyed, open refuse dumping, (score 1) was the prevalent practice. Portable water supply was present only in private schools within the compound, (score 4). Toilet facilities were grossly inadequate in number and without consideration for sex. Pit latrine, (score 2) was the common toilet provided in surveyed schools. Seventy seven, (21.1%) of the pupils were infected with one or more helminth ova. Pupils in public schools were more infected 72 (30.8%) than those in private schools 5 (3.8%). Helminth ova seen in examined faecal samples were A lumbricoides 61, (16.7%); followed by hookworm, 27 (7.4%); T. trichuria, 5(1.4%); S. stercoralis, 1(0.4%). Regular hand washing with soap reduced the prevalence of helminthiasis. The level of sanitation observed in the schools studied was low. Consequently, more toilets, preferably the VIP type should be built to overcome the hazard of the pit latrine. Provision of portable water supply should be mandatory for all schools to ensure healthy learning environment.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal parasites of Poultry in and around Banglore

In the present study 100 desi and 100 farm birds were screened for the presence of gastrointestinal parasites. Among 100 desi birds screened, 71 were found positive of gastrointestinal parasites by gross examination of gastrointestinal tract. Out of 71 positive desi birds, 35 (52.2%) were found positive for cestodes, 23 (34.3%) harbour nematodes and remaining 13 (18.3%) had mixed infection. However there were no adult helminthes and helminthes ova was observed in farm birds except the gut contents showed Eimerian oocysts in 10 birds out of 100 birds by microscopic examination. Keywords: Gastrointestinal parasites, Bird, Eimerian oocysts, cestode, nematode, mixed infection.

Sanitary survey of residential areas using &lt;i&gt;Ascaris lumbricoides&lt;/i&gt; ova as indicators of environmental hygiene

Abstract Background: Fecal contamination is a serious environmental health problem. The prevalence of human ascariasis is high in temperate and tropical environments. Objective: To assess the sanitary conditions of soil using the presence of Ascaris lumbricoides ova as an indicator. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during July – September 2005. A total of 274 households from 6 Kebeles in Jimma town were assessed and interviewed on waste disposal practices, and characteristics and usage of water and latrine facilities using a structured questionnaire. Three hundred soil samples were also collected from each household and examined microscopically for Ascaris lumbricoides and other helminth ova using sugar flotation technique. Results: Of the 274 respondents, 83.2% were literate, 43.8% were government employees and 33% earned less than 8 Birr/day. Of the households, 96.7% had latrines, 88.7% of which were functioning and 54.7% were pit latrines. For disposal of household waste, 163(59.5%) used open fields and 86(31.4%) used refuse pits. A majority (253, 92.3%) used piped water for drinking and sanitary purposes. Ascaris lumbricoides ova were isolated in 37.3% of the soil samples and the overall proportion of helminth ova recovered was 41.5%. Conclusion: The living yards of the households were contaminated with helminth ova. Use of A. lumbricoides ova as an environmental health indicator could contribute to the development of surveillance tools and health protection measures in this area. A large scale study on the issue is recommended as is environmental health education for households. [Ethiop.J.Health Dev.2007;21(1):18-24]

Mites in clinical stool specimens: potential misidentification as helminth eggs

We report the finding of unexpected microscopic oval structures in clinical stool samples processed by AFIP/Medicina Laboratorial, a laboratory performing routine clinical analysis in São Paulo, Brazil. Surprisingly, these objects were identified as mite eggs, sometimes accompanied by adult mites. Because misidentification of mite eggs as helminth ova may lead to erroneous treatment with far-reaching consequences, we sought to verify the frequency of adult mites and mite eggs among a number of processed stool specimens. Given their similarity to some helminth eggs, it is important that clinical laboratories recognize these structures, especially in geographic regions where intestinal parasitosis is prevalent.

Occurrence and levels of indicators and selected pathogens in different sludges and biosolids

Determine the occurrence and levels of pathogens and indicators in raw and treated sludges and compare their persistence after two different treatments. Helminth ova, Cryptosporidium spp., Salmonella spp., enteroviruses, and bacterial and viral indicators were determined in raw sludges and biosolids produced after mesophilic and thermophilic treatments. Except Salmonella, all of the parameters were quantified. Helminth ova were found at very low concentrations even in raw sludges. Viable Cryptosporidium oocysts were still present in most samples of treated sludges. Faecal coliforms, spores of sulphite-reducing clostridia (SSRC), and somatic coliphages were the only indicators with values above their detection limits in most of the samples. Pathogens were still detected in some treated sludge samples. SSRC were the most resistant micro-organisms to treatments and hence may be an indicator for the reduction of protozoan oocysts. Somatic coliphages constitute an alternative as viral indicators due to their detection in sludges before and after treatment. Because of the persistence of some pathogens after sludge treatments, additional indicators are needed. SSRC and somatic coliphages are good candidates. Easy and inexpensive methods for the determination of these indicators are feasible both in industrialized and developing countries.

Prevalence of soil transmitted helminthes infections among Bangladeshi males seeking job abroad

This cross-sectional study was undertaken to identify the prevalence of soil transmitted helminthes infections and its relation to socio-demographic characteristics among Bangladeshi males seeking job abroad. The stool sample of each respondent coming for medical check up was collected by code number and examined under microscope to see the presence helminthic ova or larvae. Among 8140 respondents, 68.05% were from rural and 31.95% from urban area. As a whole, helminthic infection was found in 20.22% respondents. Off which rural and urban distribution were 27.58% and 5.22% respectively (p<0.001). Pattern of helminthes as per rural and urban basis were as follows: Ascaris lumbricoides in 12.45% & 2.61%, Trichuris trichurias in 2.61% & 2.50% samples respectively. As per age distribution was concerned, number of positive cases among rural population in all age groups was statistically higher (p<0.001) than that of urban population. Similarly, rate of combined infections among the rural population was also statistically higher (p<0.001). Higher positivity of helminthes was obtained in low-level educated respondents and in the farmers group. Since the study reflected a high proportion of helminthes infections in rural people, so it was recommended to launch regular deworming programme in rural community at national level. Health education activities on proper sanitary practice, safe disposal of excreta and taking safe food-drinks should be meaningful to eradicating helminthes infections. Further study is needed for monitoring the active status in the community.

Intestinal parasitic worm eggs from a crusader period cesspool in the city of Acre (Israel)

This study investigates the contents of a medieval cesspool from the city of Acre ('Akko) in order to determine which intestinal parasites were present in the population. Coins and other finds in the cesspool suggest that it was probably in use during the thirteenth century. This is only the second latrine from the Crusader period to have undergone such intense analysis. We have identified the eggs of two species of parasitic intestinal helminth ova in the cesspool debris. The most common worm eggs present were of the whipworm (Trichuris trichuria), while moderate numbers of beef/pork tapeworm eggs (Taenia sp.) were also identified.We discuss the implications of these findings for our knowledge of intestinal parasites in the Middle East, of medieval food preparation and hygiene, and of the affects of the parasites upon the health of those living in the crusader period.

Assessment of the impact of excessive chemical additions to municipal wastewaters and comparison of three technologies in the removal performance of pathogens and toxicity

The removal efficiencies of pathogens such as Salmonella (S), helminths ova (H), protozoan cysts (P), total coliforms (TC), faecal coliforms (FC) and faecal streptococci (FS) by three treatment processes: aerated lagoon (AL), activated sludge (AS) and anaerobic membrane bioreactor (MBR) were evaluated by means of standard microbiological numeration methods. The micro-toxicity and phyto-toxicity of wastewaters were monitored by LUMIStox and germination index (GI) of Lepidium sativum tests. The results of municipal wastewaters receiving industrial effluents such as Sfax and Mahres were compared with other municipal wastewaters receiving mainly domestic effluents such as Ksour-Essaf. The anaerobic MBR allowed an effective removal of 100% for all the microorganisms tested. The average removal of TC, FC, FS, S, H and P was 1.65log(10), 1.42log(10), 1.23log(10), 0.91log(10), 52.23% and 76.15% in AL system and 0.62-0.84log(10), 0.87-0.93log(10), 0.71-0.78log(10), 0.81-2.71log(10), 59-74.1% and 59.84-72.2% in AS processes, respectively. LUMIStox and GI of L. sativum tests demonstrated that Ksour-Essaf wastewater (KW) was fairly toxic, while Sfax wastewater (SW) exhibited a high toxicity. This toxicity caused the inhibition of the anaerobic consortia when the MBR was fed with the SW. Moreover, the COD and the micro-toxicity increased during the day, parallel to the industrial and domestic activities resulting in the toxic character of SW during the day. SW treated in the AL remained toxic whereas the toxicity of KW treated in the AS or in anaerobic MBR decreased considerably. However, the anaerobic MBR showed a high efficiency in removing toxicity for both SW and KW. The quality of the anaerobic MBR permeate largely conforms with the microbiological WHO guidelines for unrestricted irrigation.

Prevalence of intestinal helminths of horses in Sokoto

Faecal samples collected from fifty-four stallions, in eleven randomly selected horse stables within Sokoto metropolis were analysed using the direct faecal smear, flotation method and modified McMaster techniques. The helminth ova identified were those of Ascaris sp, Strongylus sp, Strongyloide sp, Panaplocephala sp, Dictyocaulus sp, and Gastrodiscus sp. 84.4% of the samples examined were positive, out of which Strongylus sp. Ova had the highest (75.5%). Eggs of Oxyuris sp were not seen. This study of horses in Sokoto metropolis is aimed at having an insight into the most prevalent gastrointestinal helminthes and recommendations were made towards improving the health and management of horses. The Nigerian Journal of Parasitology Vol. 24 2003: 191-193

Cairo-East Bank effluent re-use study 3 — Effect of field crop irrigation with secondary treated wastewater on biological and chemical properties of soil and groundwater

Large scale field trials were conducted in fertile soil and desert (virgin) soil to evaluate the effect of irrigation with secondary treated wastewater from two wastewater treatment plants in Cairo on biological and chemical properties of soil and groundwater. Soil samples were taken for physical and chemical analysis after crop harvest. Groundwater monitoring wells were installed in and around the experimental soil sites. Considerable amounts of macronutrients (NPK) were applied to the grown crops through the treated wastewater irrigation: N (19–79%), P (23–181%) and K (85–357%) of the recommended fertilizer rates according to the crop and the experimental site. Soil physical and chemical analysis showed that both soils are widely variable in water holding capacity, organic matter, pH value, CaCO3, salinity, cation exchange capacity, and soil bulk density in the topsoil (0–30 cm). Groundwater samples which were examined for the presence of pathogenic bacteria (salmonella), faecal coliform bacteria and helminth ova. At the virgin soil site, 10–57% of the samples from each well contained salmonella, whereas at the fertile soil, salmonella was not detected in five wells, and the occurrence in the other four wells was 10–20% of the samples. The numbers of faecal coliforms were similar at both sites, in the range 102–103 MPN per 100 mL. Small numbers of parasite ova were also found in the majority of wells, with a greater number occurring at the virgin soil. The groundwater in both sites was similar and of poor quality, and would be unsuitable for potable or irrigation purposes.

Disinfection of sludge with high pathogenic content using silver and other compounds

A physicochemical sludge with high microbial content (10(2)-10(4) FPU/g TS bacteriophages, 10(6)-10(7) MPN/g TS faecal coliforms, 10(4) MPN/g TS Salmonella spp., 10(4) MPN/g TS Shigella spp., 10(3) MPN/g TS Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 10(2) MPN/g TS Vibrio cholerae, 10(2)-10(3) cysts/g TS Giardia sp., 10(2)-10(4) oocyts/g TS Cryptosporidium sp., 168-215 viable helminth ova/g TS) was disinfected using silver, silver-copper, and silver-copper plus a synergistic agent (SA). Twenty milligrams Ag/g TS inactivated 4.8 log of faecal coliforms in 1 h; however, 40 mg Ag/g TS are needed to reduce helminth ova viability from 84 to 38.4% in the same period of time. Combinations of Ag-Cu (60:600 mg Ag-Cu/g TS) and Ag-SA (60:24 mg Ag-SA/g TS) inactivated 7.8 log of faecal coliforms and around 90% of helminth ova in 60 min. To produce USEPA class A biosolids, 10:100:8 and 5:50:13.3 mg Ag-Cu-SA/gTS are needed. Bacterial regrowth was not observed for all conditions producing <1000 MPN/gTS faecal coliforms, suggesting a residual disinfection effect. Recommended doses to produce class A biosolids inactivated 2-4 log of bacteriophages, 4 log of Salmonella spp., 4 log of Shigella spp., 3 log of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 2 log of Vibrio cholerae, 87-99.9% of Giardia sp., and 75-99.9% of Cryptosporidium sp.

Advances in therapeutic approaches to ulcerative colitis and crohn’s disease

Advances (from 2004 to 2006) in the use of conventional agents include the molecular mechanisms of action, which have implications for monitoring (azathioprine and thioguanosine triphosphate) and chemoprevention (mesalamine and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma). Advances in biotherapy include new data on monoclonal antibodies (infliximab in ulcerative colitis, adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, fontolizumab, selective anti-adhesion molecules, and others), antisense oligonucleotides, the development of small molecules, and cell-gene therapy (including helminth ova, leukocytapheresis, stem cell transplantation, and probiotic intestinal mucosal delivery systems). However, management of inflammatory bowel disease is about more than drug therapy, dose, and timing. The goals remain induction of remission, limitation of side effects, modification of the pattern of disease, and avoidance of complications. With the cost and complexity of biotherapy, inflammatory bowel disease is emerging as a specific subspecialty.

The presence of protozoal cysts and helminthic ova on Vegetables collected from Baghdad markets

The presence of protozoal cysts and helminthic ova on Vegetables collected from Baghdad markets

Advances in medical therapy for Crohn’s disease

Therapeutic research in Crohn's disease has been intensified in recent years. This has led to many novel approaches and insights into the mechanism of action of "classic" drugs. Antibiotics remain valuable but do not offer benefit when used in addition to corticosteroids. Immunomodulators remain the cornerstone for maintenance therapy, although certain corticosteroid-dependent patients can be switched to maintenance therapy with topical steroids. Azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine remain efficient beyond 4 years in patients with relapses and elevated C-reactive protein in spite of this therapy. Infliximab has shown efficiency in maintenance of active and fistulizing Crohn's disease. In addition, "automatic reinfusion" was found to be superior to "on-demand" treatment. Infusion reactions and loss of response, most often caused by antibodies against infliximab, can be prevented with immunomodulators and corticosteroid infusions before dosing. Such alternative anti-tumor necrosis factor agents as adalimumab or CDP-870 may be less immunogenic. Other biologic agents, such as the anti-integrin monoclonal antibody natalizumab, were shown to be effective in maintaining remission and somewhat less so in induction of remission. Finally, much attention is being paid to alteration of the luminal flora with probiotics and helminth ova. Extracorporeal apheresis and even stem cell transplantation were found to be effective in isolated patients, but these therapies warrant further prospective and controlled investigation.

Health hazards due to pollution of waters along the coast of Visakhapatnam, east coast of India

Environmental pollution that renders waters along the coastline and beaches unsatisfactory for use by the general public has become a global health problem. This study was conducted to examine the effects of pollution of beach waters and sediment at seven selected locations receiving land drainage along a 45-km stretch of the east coast near Visakhapatnam, India. Pathogenic bacteria were identified using standard methods of culturing on selective media. The Pollution Index (PI) was determined as the ratio of fecal coliform/fecal streptococci. Protozoan cysts and helminth ova were also identified by microscopic examination of water after appropriate staining. The results suggested that the beach waters in Visakhapatnam are hygienically poor. A high PI of the water in Lawson's Bay indicated that the water was unsuitable even for noncontact recreation (boating, etc.). Pathogen densities dissipated considerably from the source to the low tide mark. Sediments had significantly higher bacterial and protozoan populations but pathogen concentrations were low except in heavily used areas. The general distribution pattern suggests that the nature of the sediment has a significant role in the retention of bacteria, protozoan cysts, and soil-transmitted helminths.

Characterisation and conditioning of Fenton sludges issued from wastewater treatment

Characterisation tests were conducted to determine the feasibility of land application of the sludges produced in wastewater treatment by means of Fenton's Reagent. Physicochemical and microbiological parameters of Fenton sludges were compared to the values obtained for raw alum sludges. The Fenton sludges presented preferable characteristics such as the specific resistance to filtration (SRF), metals and pathogen content (fecal and tot al coliforms, helminth ova, and Salmonella sp.). The SRF ofthe Fenton sludges (1.55 x 10(13) m/kg) was 24% less than the alum sludge value (1.92 x 10(13) m/kg). The concentrations of fecal coliforms (0 MPN/g TS), Salmonella sp. (0 MPN/g TS), Helminth ova (22 HH/g TS) and metals correspond to the limits for biosolids of Class B for land application of the Mexican legislation. The Fenton reagent efficiently removes most of the pathogens, considered by the norms, by means of the combined action of the different stages that constitute this process. These results exhibit the Fenton reagent as a feasible treatment for generating sludges with characteristics of biosolids of Class B for land application. The preliminary results of conditioning tests show that Fenton sludges present better dewatering characteristics with regard to the alum sludge, for a dose of cationic polymer of 1 mg/g TS.

Comparison of the quantity and quality of the microbiological content of sludge in countries with low and high content of pathogens

The parasites present in the residual sludge generate by the diverse treatment processes of residual water vary, depending on the socioeconomic and epidemiological conditions of different communities. And although data exist at the global level regarding the microbiological quality of sludge, these data are practically nonexistent in developing countries. Therefore, this project compares the content of the four principal groups of parasites in residual sludge from the United States and Mexico. The marked differences between the orders of magnitude found in the two countries (coliphages 10(3)-10(6) and 1.3 x 10(5) PFU/gTS, fecal coliforms 10(7)-10(10) and 10(7), Salmonella typhi 10(6)-10(8) and 10(3) MPN/gTS, Giardia lamblia 10(2)-10(4) and 10(2) cysts/gTS and helminth ova from 73-177 and <1 to 10 viable HO/gTS, respectively) will permit proposing real, effective and economical stabilization processes (undoubtedly different from those of industrialized countries), and will thus take advantage of the benefits represented by the reuse and disposal of sludge, in addition to developing regulations in agreement with the conditions of each region.