Infection Rate Of Intestinal Parasites Research Articles

Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Risk Factors Among Sudanese Psychiatric Patients.

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are considered to be a major health problem, particularly in the tropical countries, such as Sudan. Due to poor hygiene practices, the psychiatric patients may pick up parasitic infections. Until now, there exists no published data or available information regarding the prevalence rate of intestinal parasitic infections among Sudanese psychiatric patients. Therefore, our present study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and the potential associated risk factors among Sudanese psychiatric patients. A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2021 to March 2022. A total of 422 stool samples were randomly collected from psychiatric patients attending the psychiatric section at Kosti Teaching Hospital in the White Nile State of Sudan. Socio-demographic data were gathered using structured questionnaires. All stool samples were examined using different parasitological techniques. The overall prevalence rate of intestinal parasitic infection among psychiatric patients was 120/211 (56.8%) and among non-psychiatric patients 66/211 (31.3%) The prevalence rate of intestinal parasites (IPs) among psychiatric patients were as follows: Entamoeba histolytica (29.9%), Giardia lamblia (19.4%), Entamoeba coli (5.2%), Ascaris lumbricoides (0.9%), Hymenolepis nana (0.9%), and Enterobius vermicularis (0.5%). There was no relationship between intestinal parasitic infection and age, sociodemographic features, sources of drinking water, contact with domestic animals, washing of hands, eating of raw vegetables/meats, or having psychiatric disorders (p > 0.05). Studying the prevalence rate of intestinal parasitic infections among psychiatric patients may help to assess their health condition or status, leading to better psychiatric healthcare services, diagnoses, and treatments.

Histopathological effects resulting from infection stray cats by intestinal parasites in Saladin province

In this, study89stray cats were examined in Saladin province, of both sexes and various ages, which included 82 stray cats and 7 cats as a group control. Showed the infected cats number" of clinical examination and stood infection rate of intestinal parasites 41.46%, was diagnosed with worms Toxocara cati by 8.53%, Toxascaris leonine by 13.41%, and Taenia spp. by 31.70%, and Dipylidium caninum by 15.85%, and Diphyllobothrium sp. by 7.31% and eggs bags each of Isospora spp. by 20.73%, and Giardia spp. 6.09% and Toxoplasma gondii by 10.97%. Histopathological examination of the intestines, showed degeneration of columnar epithelial cells and necrosis of some of them and also alienations, the villi in the intestinal cavity, with the presence of large numbers of inflammatory white blood cells within the core of the villi, and the muscular wall of the intestines contained inflammatory cells severe macular disintegration with severe degeneration in many fiber other muscle, as large vacuole appeared in the cytoplasm of the muscle fibers.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Genotypic Distribution with Risk Factors of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in HIV Patients of Maesai Hospital, Thailand

Co-infections of HIV and intestinal parasites including Enterocytozoon bieneusi (E. bieneusi) are a common cause of gastrointestinal syndrome in HIV-infected people. Our study was designed to detect infection rates of intestinal parasites and the genotypic distribution of E. bieneusi, as well as probable risk factors for infection in HIV patients at Maesai hospital, Chiang Rai, Thailand. Two hundred and twenty-four stool samples from enrolled HIV-infected participants were collected and examined for parasitic infections, using microscopy and polymerase chain reaction techniques. CD4 status as well as the demographic data of HIV-infected participants was also collected and analyzed. Intestinal parasites including E. bieneusi were detected in 4.02 % of all participants. The highest intestinal parasitic infection rate was E. bieneusi (2.23 %) followed by Strongyloides stercoralis (1.34 %), Opisthorchis viverrini (0.89 %) and Giardia intestinalis (0.45 %). Intestinal parasitic infection rate of participants with CD4 count ≤ 200 cells/mm3 was significantly higher than that of participants with CD4 counts > 200 cells/mm3 (12.50 % vs 2.63 %, p = 0.027). Correspondingly, the infection rate of E. bieneusi was significantly higher in participants with CD4 count ≤ 200 cells/mm3 than in participants with CD4 count > 200 cells/mm3 (9.38 % vs 1.05 %, p = 0.022). Two genotypes of E. bieneusi, including D (n = 3) and SH8 (n = 2), were identified from 5 participants. Both of the identified genotypes were likely a zoonotic transmission. Human infection by E. bieneusi genotype SH8 was a discovery for the first time in Thailand. However, no intestinal coccidian infections were diagnosed. The low numbers of intestinal parasitic infections of this study were probably due to wide availability of antiretroviral therapy, improved health sanitation, as well as ease of access to antiparasitic medication in HIV-infected people.
 HIGHLIGHTS
 
 We discovered that HIV patients at Maesai Hospital had a low prevalence of both opportunistic and non-opportunistic intestinal parasitic infections, which was probably due to health improvement and treatment availability
 We discovered Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotypes D and SH8 in HIV patients. Human infected with genotype SH8 was the first to be reported in Thailand
 Low levels of CD4 cells and contact with animals were considered to be risk factors for infection with bieneusi genotypes D and SH8
 
 GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Biological responses in pesticide exposed lizards (Podarcis siculus)

The release of contaminants as herbicides, fungicides and insecticides into the environment has been listed as one of the six major contributors to the global decline of reptiles. Although reptiles may face severe risk from contaminants due to their ecology and physiology, they are currently less studied than other vertebrate groups. In the present work, we investigated if and how different types of field treatment (conventional and organic) affected the health status of Italian wall lizard (Podarcis siculus) individuals in central Italy. We chose a multi-biomarker approach that evaluated the biological responses of lizards to the treatment by means of AChE activity in the nervous system, biotransformation enzymes activities and oxidative stress in the liver, micronuclei frequency measured in the erythrocytes, and rate of intestinal parasitic infection. Our findings showed evidence of effects of treatment in conventional areas and between sexes with significant oxidative stress due to hydroxyl radicals, that caused DNA damage. No difference of intestinal parasite infections was found among treatments. Podarcis siculus seems to be a good bioindicator in ecotoxicological studies and potentially in risk assessment of pesticides, although further analyses in laboratory and in the field are needed to achieve more accurate quantification of specific pesticide effects in relation to known exposure history and to understand if other mechanisms were involved in the toxicity and detoxification process of pesticides for this species.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infection in children among age of 6 to 12 years in rural area of Bareilly District: Cross Sectional Study

Background: In India overall prevalence rate of intestinal parasitic infection ranges from 12.5% to 66% with varying prevalence rate for individual parasite. About 50% of the urban population and 68% of the rural population in India is affected. Aim: Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infection in children among age of 6 to 12 years in rural area of Bareilly District Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted using multistage random sampling technique in rural area of Bareilly District, Uttar Pradesh, India, from November 2016 – October 2017. Result: Among 248 children, the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestation in 6-12 years of aged children was found to be 33.90%. Conclusion: This study revealed high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among 6-12 years of age children in Rural Area of Bareilly District.

Occurrence of intestinal parasitic infestation in patients suffering from gastro-intestinal disturbance

Intestinal parasitic infections are the most common infection in the world, and are responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality. It is estimated that 3.5 billion people are affected globally and 450 million are ill as a result of these infection, the majority being children. Potable water supplies in the rural and urban areas are responsible for the high rate of intestinal parasitic infection. These parasites dwell in the gastrointestinal tract in humans and other animals in urbanized countries, protozoan parasites commonly cause gastrointestinal infections. Occurrence of intestinal parasitic infestation in patients suffering from gastro-intestinal disturbance. To determine the frequency of intestinal parasitic infestation and to identify the most common intestinal parasites causing gastrointestinal disturbance on the basis of age and sex. Stool sample to be collected in a dry, clean, wide mouthed sterile screw capped labelled 50 ml capacity plastic containers, under standard techniques after proper history of the patients. The stool sample were examined for the presence of mucus, blood, color, consistency and any segment or adult worm. Out of 95 stool sample 31 sample were positive for intestinal parasites in which egg of (19) was most common among all followed by (6), (2), (1), (1) (1) & (1).The prevalence of 32.63% parasitic infection in this study shows that intestinal parasitic infections are still important public health problem in our region and are due to low standard of personal hygiene, poor technique of hand hygiene, non-usage of hygienic latrine, poor sanitation and an illiterate population. A multisectoral control approach of mass deworming programs and hygiene education to the student and parents is required to control parasitic infection.

Intestinal parasites co-infection and associated factors among active pulmonary tuberculosis patients in selected health centers, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: unmatched case control study

BackgroundIn co-endemic areas, rate of intestinal parasites and tuberculosis (TB) co-infection thought to be high. However, there are limited studies on the epidemiology of this co-infection in Ethiopia. Therefore, the present study aimed to generate evidence on intestinal parasites co-infection rate and associated factors among pulmonary tuberculosis patients (PTB) and their household contacts in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsUnmatched case-control study was conducted. Data were collected from 91 PTB patients (cases) and 89 household contacts (controls). Socio-demographic characteristics and associated factors were collected using structured questionnaire. Sputum, stool and blood specimens were collected, processed and examined for PTB, intestinal parasites and Human Immunodeficiency virus anti-body test, respectively. Data were entered and analyzed by Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20. Descriptive statistics, Fisher’s exact test, binary logistic regression, and odds ratio were used. P-value of < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.ResultsThe infection rate of intestinal parasites based on one stool samples in PTB patients and controls was 22 and 9%, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (COR = 2.85;95% CI = 1.18–6.87). The most prevalent intestinal parasite in PTB patients was Gardia lamblia (8.8%, 8), followed equally by Ascaris lumbricoides, Haymenolopsis nana and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (4.4%, 4). Co-infection in PTB patients was associated with body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 (AOR = 6.71;95% CI = 1.65–27.25) and dirty material in finger nails (AOR = 8.99;95% CI = 2.46–32.78). There was no variable associated with parasitic infections in controls in our analysis, which might be due to the low prevalence of intestinal parasites’.ConclusionsThere was a statistical significant difference in the infection rate of intestinal parasites in PTB patients compared to healthy household contacts. The consequence of co-infection on developing an active disease, disease severity and treatment efficacy needs to be investigated in future.

Investigation on human intestinal parasitic diseases in ecological regions of Qinba Mountains in Henan Province in 2015

To understand and analyze the epidemic status of human intestinal parasitic diseases in the ecological region of the Qinba Mountains in Henan Province, so as to provide the evidence for the control of the diseases in this region. According to the methods of National Survey Scheme on Major Human Parasitic Diseases, 26 survey spots were selected in 8 counties (cities) in ecological regions of Qinba Mountains in Henan Province in 2015. After collecting the human fecal samples, the eggs of intestinal helminthes were detected with the modified Kato-Katz thick smear method, the species of Ancylostoma of the hookworm egg-positive samples were identified with the tube fecal culture method, the eggs of Enterobius vermicularis were detected by using the adhesive tape method in children aged 3 to 6 years, and the cyst and trophozoite of intestinal protozoa were examined by iodine staining. The infections of intestinal parasites in different populations and the related influencing factors were analyzed. Totally 6 706 residents were recruited in this study, 8 kinds of parasites were found including 3 species of helminthes and 5 species of protozoans. The overall infection rate of intestinal parasites was 3.39%, covering 2.92% for helminthes and 0.49% for protozoans. The infection rate of E. vermicularis in children aged 3 to 6 years was 3.93%. The 3 identified helminthes were Ascaris lumbricoides, E. vermicularis, and Dicrocoelium dendriticum, with the highest infection rate of E. vermicularis (2.68%, χ2 = 306.362, P < 0.05). The 5 identified protozoans were Entamoeba hartmani, E. coli, Endolimax nana, Giardia lamblia, and Blastocystis hominis, and the infection rate of E. nana was the highest (χ2 = 23.842, P < 0.05). Among the 8 counties (cities), the highest infection rate of helminthes, mainly with Enterobius infection, existed in Ruyang County, and the infection rate of protozoans in Xin'an County was the highest, mainly with E. nana infection. There was a significant difference in the infection rates of helminthes and protozoans among the 8 counties (cities) (helminthes: χ2 = 357.525, P < 0.05; protozoans: χ2 = 38.795, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the helminth infection rate between males and females ( χ2 = 0.034, P > 0.05), but the protozoan infection rate of the males was higher than that of the females ( χ2 = 12.946, P < 0.05). The helminth infection rate of the 0-9 years old group was the highest ( χ2 = 62.600, P < 0.05), up to 6.60%, mainly with E. vermicularis infection. There was no significant difference in the infection rate of intestinal parasites among nationalities ( χ2 = 0.212, P > 0.05). The helminth infection rate of preschool children was the highest and up to 8.43%, mainly with E. vermicularis infection. The infection of A. lumbricoides was mainly happened among farmers, with the infection rate of 0.31%. There was a significant difference in the helminth infection rate among different occupations (χ2 = 84.333, P < 0.05). The intestinal parasites infection rate of the illiterate population was the highest and up to 7.63%, there was a significant difference among the populations with different educational levels (χ2 = 72.013, P < 0.05). The helminth infection rate of plain areas was higher than that of valley and hill ( χ2 = 11.690, P < 0.05). The helminth infection rate of people with low-income was the highest and up to 10.32% (χ2 = 244.999, P < 0.05). The protozoan infection rate of people with middle-income was the highest, who had the annual per capita net income of 6 000 to 7 999 Yuan ( χ2 = 24.749, P < 0.05). The helminth infection rate of people drinking well water was much higher than that of people drinking tap water (χ2 = 62.255, P < 0.05). The protozoan infection rate of people without insect repellent was higher than that of people with insect repellent (χ2 = 5.235, P < 0.05). The infection rates of human intestinal parasites in the ecological region of the Qinba Mountains in Henan Province have decreased sharply. E. vermicularis infection in children should be the main point of prevention and treatment of parasitic diseases in the future.

STUDY ON INTESTINAL PARASITIC INFECTION AND RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE INFECTIONS AND CORRELATED FACTORS ON SCHOOLCHILDREN AT TRA VINH PROVINCE IN 2017

The research used a cross-sectional method, which was conducted on 800 primary students in Tap Son primary school and Laboratory school in TraVinh province in order to identify the prevalence of soil-transmitted nematode infections and the relationship between the infection and correlated factors. Stool samples were examined with direct smear method. The rate of intestinal parasitic infection on the primary students in TraVinh province was 4,4%. Of which, Laboratory school had the least rate of intestinal parasitic infection with 0,0%, while Tap Son primary school had the highest rate of intestinal parasitic infection with 8,8%. Hookworm was the predominant nematode (100%), followed Ascarislumbricoides (0,0%), and Trichuristrichiura (0,0%). These relationships show that Tap Son primary environment is heavily polluted with hookworm eggs and that directly behavioral exposure to soil is a risk related to hookworm infections in the community.

Stratified sampling survey of major human parasitic diseases in Henan province

Objective: To understand the prevalence of major human parasitic diseases and related factors in Henan province. Methods: This stratified sampling survey was carried out according to the requirement of national survey protocol of major human parasitic diseases, 2014-2015. The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths infection, taeniasis and intestinal protozoiasis were surveyed in 104 sites selected from 35 counties (districts) and the prevalence of clonorchiasis was surveyed in 62 sites selected from 37 townships. In each survey spot, 250 persons were surveyed. A total of 26 866 persons and 15 893 persons were surveyed. Modified Kato-Katz thick smear was used to detect the eggs of intestinal helminthes. Tube fecal culture was used to identify the species of hookworm. The Enterobius eggs were detected in children aged 3 to 6 years by using adhesive tape. The cyst and trophozoite of intestinal protozoa were examined with physiological saline direct smear method and iodine stain method. Results: The overall infestation rate of intestinal parasites was2.02% in Henan, and the worm infection rate was higher than protozoa infection rate. Fourteen kinds of intestinal parasites were found, including nematode (5 species), trematode (2 species), and protozoan (7 species). The infection rate of Enterobius vermicularis was highest, and Qinba Mountain ecological area had the highest infestation rate of intestinal parasites in 4 ecological areas of Henan. There was no significant difference in intestinal parasite infection rate between males and females (χ(2)=3.630, P=0.057), and the differences in intestinal parasite infection rate among different age groups had significance (χ(2)=124.783, P=0.000 1). The infection rate reached the peak in age group ≤9 years and the major parasite was Enterobius vermicularis. Furthermore the overall human infection rate of parasite showed a downward trend with the increase of educational level of the people (χ(2)=70.969, P=0.000 1), the differences had significance (χ(2)=120.118, P=0.000 1). For different populations, the infection rate of intestinal parasites was highest among preschool children. The infection of intestinal helminth was mainly mild, only 2 severe cases were detected. The infection rate of Clonorchis sinensis in urban residents was only 0.006%. Logistic regression analysis showed that being preschool children (χ(2)=15.765, P=0.000 1) and drinking well water (χ(2)=45.589, P=0.000 1) were the risk factors for intestinal parasite infection, and annual income per capita of farmers was the protective factor against intestinal parasite infection. The infection rates of protozoa and intestinal parasites decreased sharply compared with the results of previous two surveys, and the rate of intestinal helminth infection also dropped sharply compared with the second survey. The numbers of protozoa, helminth and intestinal parasites detected in this survey were all less than the numbers found in the previous two surveys. Conclusions: Compared the results of three surveys in Henan, the infection rate of protozoa and intestinal parasites showed a downward trend. The prevention and treatment of Enterobius vermicularis infection in children should be the key point of parasitic disease control in the future.

Survey and analysis of major human parasitic diseases in Chongqing City

To investigate the epidemic of major human parasitic diseases in Chongqing City, so as to provide a reference for developing prevention and control strategies. According to the unified methods formulated by the national investigation scheme and stratified cluster random sampling, 36 rural pilots and 50 urban pilots were selected in Chongqing City. The number of the objects investigated in individual pilot was defined over 250. Totally 22 263 residents were detected. The overall infection rate of intestinal parasites was 5.41%. The infection rates of Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, Trichuris trichiura, and Enterobius vermicularis were 1.20%, 4.23%, 0.13% and 0.47% respectively. Only 0.22% of the infections were co-infections. The infection rate of overall intestinal parasites was statistically higher in the females than that in the males (χ2 = 15.19, P < 0.05), and the infection rates were significantly different among various age groups, occupations, education levels, and regions (χ2 = 15.19, 396.72, 421.07, 347.79, all P < 0.05). The infection rates of major human parasites in Chongqing show an obviously decreasing tendency compared with the rates of the past twice of national surveys. In the future, the controlling practices are obliged to focus on reducing the infection rates of soil-borne parasites.

Prevalence and Health Effects of Intestinal Parasitic Infection in School Children in Satun Province, Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: Intestinal parasitic infection is a major health problem in the southern region of Thailand. Despite an established annual deworming program, many school age children still suffer from parasitic infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and health effects of intestinal parasitic infection in school children in Satun Province, Thailand. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in children aged of 3 to 15 years during the period December 2014 to January 2015. Body mass index and hematocrit measurements were performed. Stool samples were collected for parasite detection by direct examination and concentration technique. Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 18.42%. B.hominis (29%), Giardia lamblia (13.3%), Trichuris trichiura (13.3%), and hookworm (13.3%) were the most commonly isolated parasites. School KY had the highest rate of intestinal parasitic infection, followed by schools RC, YT, and SD. Rate of soil-transmitted helminthic (STH) infection was highest at school RC, while the highest rate of protozoa infection was found at school KY. Only STH infection was significantly associated with anemia. No significant association was observed between weight status and parasitic infection. Conclusion: Intestinal parasitic infection continues to be a problem in school children in Satun Province, Thailand. STH infection was found to be significantly associated with anemia. The majority of parasite types detected at each school varied substantially, which may indicate distinctly different sanitation-related problems at each school. Therefore, improvement in personal sanitation and health education should be emphasized at every school in the area to prevent parasitic infection.

Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal protozoan and helminth infections among pulmonary tuberculosis patients without HIV infection in a rural county in P. R. China

Although co-infection of tuberculosis (TB) and intestinal parasites, including protozoa and helminths, in humans has been widely studied globally, very little of this phenomenon is known in China. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural county of China to investigate such co-infections. Patients with pulmonary TB (PTB) undergoing anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis (anti-MTB) treatment were surveyed by questionnaires, and their feces and blood specimens were collected for detection of intestinal protozoa and helminths, routine blood examination and HIV detection. The χ2 test and multivariate logistic regression model were used to identify risk factors. A total of 369 patients with PTB were included and all of them were HIV negative. Overall, only 7.3% of participants were infected with intestinal protozoa, among which prevalence of Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba spp. and Trichomonas hominis were 6.0%, 1.1% and 0.3%, respectively; 7.0% were infected with intestinal helminths, among which prevalence of hookworm, Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides and Clonorchis sinensis were 4.3%, 1.9%, 0.5% and 0.3%, respectively; and 0.5% were simultaneously infected with intestinal protozoa and helminths. Among patients with PTB, body mass index (BMI)≤18 (OR=3.30, 95% CI=1.44–7.54) and raised poultry or livestock (e.g., chicken, duck, pig) (OR=3.96, 95% CI=1.32–11.89) were significantly associated with harboring intestinal protozoan infection, while BMI≤18 (OR=3.32, 95% CI=1.39–7.91), anemia (OR=3.40, 95% CI=1.44–8.02) and laboring barefoot in farmlands (OR=4.54, 95% CI=1.88–10.92) were significantly associated with having intestinal helminth infection. Additionally, there was no significant relationship between duration of anti-MTB treatment and infection rates of intestinal parasites including protozoa and helminths. Therefore, preventing malnutrition, avoiding unprotected contact with reservoirs of protozoa, and improving health education for good hygiene habits, particularly wearing shoes while outdoors, are beneficial in the prevention of intestinal protozoan and helminth infection among patients with PTB.

A Study on the Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Elementary School Students at a District (Silvana) In Urmia, West Azerbaijan

Background & Aims: According to the increasing rate of intestinal parasitic infection in rural areas compared to urban areas, this study deals with the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in elementary school students in Silvana rural district. Material and Methods: 350 students of both sexes were selected randomly. All samples were studied with routine parasitology methods, such as wet mount method and formalin – ether concentration. Microscopic examination of Enterobius vermicularis and Taenia saginata eggs carried out with 10 and 40 lenses. Results: The study showed that the total prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections is 52%, And prevalence of protozoan infections (50.57%) is more than helminthes infection (Oxyuris 24.9%, Ascaris 0.28%, Hymenolepis nana 1.14%).Relative frequencies of intestinal protozoan were as follows: Giardia lamblelia (37.57%), Entamoeaba coli (26.86%), Iodamoeba butchlii (8%), Blastocystis hominis (4.28%). The study showed a significant opposite correlation between mother’s education and prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in subjects (P- value = 0.03). Conclusion: The result of the present study indicated the high prevalence of protozoan infections and Oxyuriasis in this area. Other

Comparison of Intestinal Parasitic Infection among Adults with or Without HIV/ AIDS in Yaoundé and Effect of HAART and CD4 Cells Counts

Introduction: HIV infection and parasitic diseases constitute an important public health problem in many sub-Saharan African countries. The aim of this study was to assess the relationships between intestinal parasites, HIV/AIDS infection and Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). Methods: 332 HIV infected patients and 315 controls were recruited in a cross-sectional study. Stool and blood were collected from each participant. Stool specimen was examined in search of intestinal parasites by microscopy and blood sample was screened for HIV 1 and 2 antibodies. Results: The infection rates of intestinal parasites were higher in patients infected with HIV (19.9%; 66/332) than in those without HIV infection (11.7%, 37/315) (P=0.005). We have identified a total of eleven species of parasites in stool specimens: Entamoeba histolytica (6.0%), Blastocytis hominis (5.9%), Entamoeba coli (4.9%), Trichuris trichiura (1.2%), Ascaris lumbricoides (0.8%), Giardia intestinalis (0.8%), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.6%), Cryptosporidium parvum (0.6%), Isospora belli (0.5%), Microsporidia (0.5%) and chistosoma mansoni (0.1%). Infection with Cryptosporidium parvum, Isospora belli, and Microsporidia sp were found only among HIV positive patients. HAART was associated with a decrease of the rate of intestinal parasitic infection. Isospora belli and Microsporidia sp were diagnosed only in patients with CD4 cells counts <200 μL. Conclusion: The frequency of intestinal parasitic infestation was the highest among HIV positive patients. The absence of HAART increases intestinal parasitism. Cryptosporidium parvum, Isospora belli and Microsporidia sp were confirmed to be specific to people living with HIV/AIDS.

Efficacy of some laboratory methods in detecting giardia lamblia and cryptosporidium parvumin stool samples

Background: Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium parvum are the most prevalent intestinal parasites of human. It also infects a wide range of mammals .Two genotype of G.duodenalis (A and B) were commonly reported among humans with different frequency of distribution in different geographical locations. Methods :total of 434 stool samples were collected from peoples in kikrkuk city during October 2012toAugust 2013. Zinc sulphate flotation technique was applied on 226 positive stool, serological methods involve Giardia ELISA-corpo antigen, Direct fluorescent assay (DFA), and lateral immune-chromatography assay(Triage panel) .Extractions of Giardia genome DNA from stool samples were performed using QIAamp Stool Mini kit with a modified protocol. PCR- one step procedure was used to amplify a fragment of Giardia lamblia genome using k725 gene locus,(Mixture primers of human A and B assemblages) Results:The overall rate of intestinal parasitic infection was 52.07%,Giardia lamblia rate was 24.65%.Common isolated parasites were Cryptosporidium parvum ,Blastocystishominis, other intestinal protozoan parasites and nematode helminthes:7.60 & 5.76 %,7.37 and 6.68 % respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of PCR method and direct microscopy were higher than other four methods used for detecting giardiasis. Triage panel method exert high rate of giardiasis than revealing of Cryptosporidium and Entamoeba histolytica. From the application of five methods for Cryptosporidium diagnosis, DFA and modified Ziehl-Neelsen(MZN) methods show high sensitivity and specificity than other three methods. Application of PCR single step using mixture primers assemblages A and B, show high rate of sensitivity than other methods in detecting giardiasis.Amplified Giardia genome length extended from 220 to 750 bps with mean of 437.56 bps. Conclusions: PCR assay targeting K725 gene locus is a sensitive tool and discriminates mixed genotypes of G.lamblia. DFA and MZN are sensitive tools for detecting Cryptosporidium parvum in stool samples

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites among Children Attending the Daycare Centers of Ilam, Western Iran

The prevalence of intestinal parasites among children in developed and developing countries is striking. We decided to survey the prevalence of intestinal parasites among children in the day care centers of Ham, Iran, given that this has not been investigated in this region. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in preschool children. For this study, we enrolled 650 children whose parents filled out a consent form. A fresh stool sample was obtained from each child and analyzed using direct methods, including saline and formalin-ether sedimentation techniques. A standardized questionnaire which included demographic information, socioeconomic status, type of drinking water, personal hygiene, parental age and education and number of family members, was prepared for each child. Of the 650 children, 310 were male and 340 were female. All of them were under the age of 6 years. The overall infection rate of intestinal parasites was 14. The parasites identified in the samples, with their prevalence in parentheses, include Giardia lamblia (11.7), Hymenolepis nana (7.84), Ascaris lumbricoidese ggs (3.84), Entamoeba coli (10.76), Blastocystis hominis (5.69), Dientamoebafragilis (4.30), Iodamoeba butschlii (6.61) andEntamoeba histolytica (2.92). Mixed infections were seen inl8 of the samples. The highest and lowest prevalence was seen with G. lamblia and E. histolytica, respectively. The parents' educational level was significantly associated with prevalence of parasites (p<0.05). E. histolytica, a deadly parasite, was found during this study. A precise survey of the causes of these infections and the factors related to distribution of parasites, along with periodic testing of children and their educators, health management and staff training, is essential.

A Survey of Intestinal Parasite Infection during a 10-Year Period (2003-2012)

Background: Due to a reduction in the number of parasite infections, attention paid to the importance of intestinal parasites has decreased. However, intestinal parasite infections remain ubiquitous and have reappeared as a growing problem in recent decades due to changing lifestyles such as increased overseas travel. In this study, we evaluated trends in intestinal parasite infection using stool examination in a single institute. Methods: From January 2003 to December 2012, we reviewed all stool examination results performed at Samsung Medical Center. Fecal examinations were performed by formalin-ether sedimentation. Results: A total 429,866 stool examinations were performed resulting in 14,672 cases with positive findings of helminth eggs or protozoan cysts, of which the positive rate was 3.41% on average. The annual positive rate decreased from 5.68% in 2003 to 2.43% in 2012. The positive rate of intestinal parasites, excepting Endolimax nana and Entamoeba coli, was 1.52% on average. Positive rates decreased from 2.13% to 1.10% for helminth egg detections and from 2.55% to 1.30% for protozoan cyst detections during the same time period. Among nematodes, Trichuris tricuria was the most common and had an increasing positive rate after 2010. Clonorchis sinensis was the most prevalent trematode parasite, with an annual average of 528 cases. Conclusion: Infection rates of intestinal parasites have decreased over the last 10 years. However, Trichuris tricuria has reappeared and has become a major contributor to parasite infections. Further education and control efforts are needed for greater prevention and eventual eradication of parasitic infections. (Ann Clin Microbiol 2013;16:134-139)

Intestinal parasitic infections and malnutrition amongst first-cycle primary schoolchildren in Adama, Ethiopia

BackgroundA survey of intestinal parasitic infections and malnutrition in different regions or localities is a very important step in developing appropriate prevention and control strategies.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to investigate the magnitude of intestinal parasitic infections and malnutrition amongst first-cycle primary schoolchildren in Adama town, Ethiopia.MethodA total of 358 children from four primary schools in Adama town were included for stool examination, weight for age, height for age, weight for height and socio-economic status of the family.ResultsThe result of stool examinations showed that 127 (35.5%) of the study subjects were infected by one or more parasite. The most frequent parasites were Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (12.6%) and Hymenolopis nana (8.9%). The rate of intestinal parasitic infection was not significantly associated with sex, age or socio-economic factors and nutrition (P > 0.05). The overall prevalence of malnutrition was 21.2%. Those children whose families had a monthly income of less than 200 ETB (Ethiopian birr) were highly affected by malnutrition (P < 0.05), but family education was not identified as a factor for malnutrition amongst schoolchildren.ConclusionThe prevalence of E. histolytica/dispar and H. nana could be of public health importance and calls for appropriate control strategies, and the high prevalence of malnutrition amongst children from poor families requires intervention.

Human intestinal parasitism, potable water availability and methods of sewage disposal among nomadic Fulanis in Kuraje rural settlement of Zamfara state

Objective To ascertain the level of intestinal parasites vis-à-vis the quality of housing and water supply, and sanitary conditions among the people of Kuraje village in Zamfara state. Methods The study was cross sectional in nature. Individual households were selected using systematic random sampling methods and pre-tested questionnaires were administered to all the members of each household. Stool samples were collected and processed using standard laboratory procedures. Housing conditions, sources of water and sanitary conditions of the households were also inspected. Results were analysed using Epi Info 2006 model. Results The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 67.0% (347/519). 72.3% (251/347), 17.0% (59/347), and 10.7% (37/347) had one, two and three or more parasites, respectively. The associated factors with intestinal parasites were poor housing and sanitary conditions, lack of potable water and illiteracy. The commonest parasites encountered were hookworm (22.0%), Ascaris lumbricoides (18.5%), and Strongyloides stercoralis (15.6%) while the least common was Enterobius vermicularis (1.6%). Others were Giardia lamblia (5.7%), Hymenolepsis nana (5.0%), Trichuris trichiura (8.8%), Entamoeba histolytica (14.4%) and Schistosoma mansoni (8.4%). Conclusions The infection rate of intestinal parasites in Kuraje village is high. More efforts should be intensified towards improvement in sanitary and housing standards, supply of potable water and institution of a more comprehensive literacy programme for the people of the community.