Intestinal Helminth Infections Research Articles

Intestinal Helminth Infection Impairs Oral and Parenteral Vaccine Efficacy.

The impact of endemic parasitic infection on vaccine efficacy is an important consideration for vaccine development and deployment. We have examined whether intestinal infection with the natural murine helminth Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri alters Ag-specific Ab and cellular immune responses to oral and parenteral vaccination in mice. Oral vaccination of mice with a clinically relevant, live, attenuated, recombinant Salmonella vaccine expressing chicken egg OVA (Salmonella-OVA) induced the accumulation of activated, OVA-specific T effector cells rather than OVA-specific regulatory T cells in the GALT. Intestinal helminth infection significantly reduced Th1-skewed Ab responses to oral vaccination with Salmonella-OVA. Activated, adoptively transferred, OVA-specific CD4+ T cells accumulated in draining mesenteric lymph nodes of vaccinated mice, regardless of their helminth infection status. However, helminth infection increased the frequencies of adoptively transferred OVA-specific CD4+ T cells producing IL-4 and IL-10 in the mesenteric lymph node. Ab responses to the oral Salmonella-OVA vaccine were reduced in helminth-free mice adoptively transferred with OVA-specific CD4+ T cells harvested from mice with intestinal helminth infection. Intestinal helminth infection also significantly reduced Th2-skewed Ab responses to parenteral vaccination with OVA adsorbed to alum. These findings suggest that vaccine-specific CD4+ T cells induced in the context of helminth infection retain durable immunomodulatory properties and may promote blunted Ab responses to vaccination. They also underscore the potential need to treat parasitic infection before mass vaccination campaigns in helminth-endemic areas.

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

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

Neonatal helminth infection and chronic type 2 inflammation promotes immune suppression through FcγRIIb

Abstract Allergic diseases are rising in industrialized countries. This contrasts with rural communities where decreased allergic incidence correlates with increased prevalence of intestinal helminth infections. While helminths and their byproducts can ameliorate allergic inflammation in adult mice with established disease, it remains unknown if early-life exposure can prevent or delay allergic disease onset. We utilized a neonatal infection model with the gastrointestinal helminth Heligmosomoides polygyrusand found that neonatal H. polygyruscolonization results in chronic infection and type 2 inflammation. This study investigates how chronic and systemic type 2 hallmarks IL-4 and IgG1 may be involved in the long-term suppressive mechanisms induced by neonatal helminth colonization. We hypothesize that IL-4-induced upregulation of the sole inhibitory Fc receptor, FcγRIIb, allows for sustained suppression of T cell mediated inflammation by increasing the activation threshold of antigen presenting cells. Increasing this threshold prevents allergen-specific T cells from becoming optimally activated and instead promotes T cell tolerance. In addition to IL-4 increasing expression of FcγRIIb on macrophages, it promotes the production of its ligand IgG1, completing the suppressive circuit. This model predicts that elimination of FcγRIIb and/or IL-4 will result in greater T cell activation and allergic inflammation. Our in vivoand in vitrodata show that FcγRIIb is necessary for reducing allergic airway inflammation and T cell activation after allergen challenge. Taken together, these data support a model in which chronic helminth infection naturally mimics the suppressive effects of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. Supported by the National Institutes of Health NIAID training grant (Training Program in Immunology; T32-AI07405)

PHYTOCHEMICAL AND ANTIHELMINTIC STUDIES OF THE LEAVES EXTRACT OF SIDA ACUTA BURM. F AGAINST TAENIA saginata

Sida acuta is considered as an agricultural weed, but it is a valuable plant in the traditional medicines of Asia and Nigeria. In the traditional medicine of India and Nigeria, the leaves and roots are used as a remedy for bacterial, fungal, intestinal helminth infections, dandruff, rheumatism, liver problems, kidney stones, nervous disorders, testicular swelling and elephantitis. The study was carried out to evaluate the phytochemical and antihelmintic studies of the leaves extract of sida acuta burm. f against taenia saginata. The methanol, acetyl acetate and n-hexane extracts were subjected to preliminary Phytochemical screening for the identification of different Phytoconstituents and was found to have alkaloids, steriods, flavonoids, glycosides, cardiac glycosides, saponins, tannins and anthraquinones. The different concentrations of methanolic, acetyl acetate and n-hexane extracts were subjected to anthelminthic study and the results were compared with that of standard drug Albendazole. Different concentrations of leaf extracts were tested to evaluate Anthelmintic activity using Sida acuta. Both the extracts were found to possess vermicidal activity with the methanolic extract showing higher efficacy compared to ethyl acetate and n-hexane extracts and the results were compared with standard drug Albendazole.

Prevalence and risk factors for prenatal parasitic infections and anaemia among pregnant women in Kaduna State, Nigeria

In developing nations, anaemia is one of the most prevalent medical conditions. It has long been known that parasite infection during pregnancy is one of the main causes of anaemia and an elevated risk of maternal mortality. To ascertain the prevalence and risk factors related to parasite infections and anaemia among pregnant women receiving prenatal care in some selected public health facilities in Kaduna State, Nigeria, an eleven-month cross- sectional study of 180 consenting pregnant women was conducted from February to December 2017. A standardized questionnaire was used to interview the sampled pregnant women. Stool and blood samples of each consented pregnant woman were collected. Formal-ether sedimentation technique, thin and thick blood smears and haematocrit packed cell volume capillary methods were used to screen intestinal helminth parasites, plasmodium species and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) respectively. The result obtained showed parasitic infections prevalence of 102(56.7%) among the study population. Prevalence of Plasmodium species, hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides and those with co-infection all occurred at 47.2%, 16.7%, 17.8% and 25.0% respectively. Age, educational level, trimester and parity were all significant predictors of Plasmodium species prevalence (p<0.005). Similarly, parity and educational level were significantly (p<0.005) associated with the prevalence of intestinal parasites and co-infection. Anaemia was present in 40.0% of the examined pregnant women. Trimester and educational level were highly significant (p<0.001) predictors of anaemia among the sampled pregnant women. Plasmodium species were the most common parasitic species associated with anaemia as 43.1% of Plasmodium species-infected pregnant women had anaemia compared to those with intestinal helminth infection (30.6%) and co-infection (13.3%). However, statistical analysis revealed a significant association (p<0.05) between the prevalence of anaemia and intestinal helminth infection. Therefore, measures such as improved sanitation and health education are needed to lessen the prevalence of parasitic infections and parasite-related anaemia in the study area.

Optimal timing of introduction of complementary feeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The timing of introducing complementary feeding (CF) is crucial because premature or delayed CF can be associated with adverse health outcomes in childhood and adulthood. This systematic review aims to evaluate the impact of the timing of CF introduction on health, nutrition, and developmental outcomes among normal-term infants. Electronic databases and trial registries were searched, along with the reference lists of the included studies and relevant systematic reviews. Two investigators independently extracted data from the included studies on a standardized data-extraction form. Data were meta-analyzed separately for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies on the basis of early introduction of CF (< 3 months, < 4 months, < 6 months of age) or late introduction of CF (> 6 months, > 8 months of age). Evidence was summarized according to GRADE criteria. In total, 268 documents were included in the review, of which 7 were RCTs (from 24 articles) and 217 were observational studies (from 244 articles). Evidence from RCTs did not suggest an impact of early introduction, while low-certainty evidence from observational studies suggested that early introduction of CF (< 6 months) might increase body mass index (BMI) z score and overweight/obesity. Early introduction at < 3 months might increase BMI and odds of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), and early introduction at < 4 months might increase height, LRTI, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP). For late introduction of CF, there was a lack of evidence from RCTs, but low-certainty evidence from observational studies suggests that late introduction of CF (> 6 months) might decrease height, BMI, and systolic and diastolic BP and might increase odds of intestinal helminth infection, while late introduction of CF (> 8 months) might increase height-for-age z score. Insufficient evidence does suggest increased adiposity with early introduction of CF. Hence, the current recommendation of introduction of CF should stand, though more robust studies, especially from low- and middle-income settings, are needed. PROSPERO registration number CRD42020218517.

Epidemiology of Malaria Parasite and Intestinal Helminths among Children Attending Specialist Hospital and Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital in Sokoto Metropolis

Background: Co-infection of Malaria parasite and intestinal helminths is a serious global problem with increasing morbidity and mortality rate especially in the developing countries and it occurs among all age groups and gender. Despite the fact that this disease affects all age groups, the frequency and severity of the disease are most common among children less than 15 years of age due to their undeveloped immunity coupled with their frequent exposure to the predisposing factors.&#x0D; Aims: This research aimed to determine the co-infection of Malaria parasite and intestinal helminths among children attending some selected hospitals during the course of the study.&#x0D; Study Design: This was a cross sectional, descriptive study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted among children (1 to 15 years) attending Specialist hospital and Maryam Abacha Women and Children’s hospital in Sokoto metropolis, from May 2020 to October 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 152 stool and blood samples were collected. Parasitological examination was carried out on stool samples using microscopy following formal ether concentration methods while malaria parasites were determined using rapid diagnostic test (RDT).&#x0D; Results: Findings revealed that 58 (38.2%) were positive for malaria parasite while 11 (7.2%) were positive for intestinal helminths. The intestinal helminths encountered in this study were A. lumbricoides with a prevalence rate of 2.6%, T. trichiuria with a prevalence of 2.0% followed by D. latum and E. vermicularis with a prevalence rate of 1.3% each. In this study, a higher rate of prevalence for malaria infection was recorded in males (39.3%) and a lower prevalence was seen in females (36.5%). There was no statistical significance between malaria infection and gender (X2= 0.319, P-value= 0.572). The age group 11-15 had the highest prevalence rate for malaria infection (42.9%), while the least prevalence rate (33.3%) was seen in the age group 1-5 years. There was no statistical significance between malaria infection and age group (X2= 1.073, P-value= 0.585). For intestinal helminth infection, males showed a higher prevalence of 9.0% than their female counterparts with 4.8%. But this was not statistical significant ( X2 = 1.337, P- value = 0.720). For the overall study, only one sample was found to have co-infection of malaria parasite and intestinal helminths which gave a co-infection prevalence rate of 1 (0.7%).&#x0D; Conclusion: The overall 152 blood and stool samples collected 38.2% were positive for malaria parasite while intestinal helminths were 7.2% only. The co-infection prevalence rate recorded so far was 0.7% and no multiple intestinal helminths were seen in any sample throughout the research.

Malarial and intestinal parasitic co-infections in indigenous populations of the Brazilian Amazon rainforest

The Brazilian Amazon rainforest region has a significant prevalence of malarial and intestinal parasitic infections in indigenous populations, accounting for a disproportionate burden. Thus, a cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence and association between malarial and intestinal protozoan and helminth infections in four remote indigenous villages in the Brazilian Amazon Forest. A total of 430 individuals participated in the study, and Plasmodium infections were diagnosed by examination of thick blood smears and PCR. Stool samples 295 individuals (69%) were examined by direct smear and the Kato–Katz technique. The overall prevalence of malaria, intestinal protozoan infection, and intestinal helminth infection was 14.2%, 100%, and 39.3%, respectively. Polyparasitism was predominant (83.7%), and most infected individuals had at least two or more different species of intestinal protozoan and/or helminth parasites. The prevalence of co-infection was 49.5%, and in individuals with intestinal protozoa and helminth infections (34%), Entamoeba. coli, Entamoeba histolytica, and Ascaris lumbricoides were the most common parasites. In individuals with malaria and protozoa infections (10.2%), P. vivax, E. coli, and E. histolytica predominated, and in individuals with malaria, protozoa, and helminth infections (5.4%). P. vivax, E. coli, E. histolytica, and A. lumbricoides predominated. Intestinal polyparasitism was common in the study population, and the presence of helminths was associated with an increased number of intestinal parasitic species. However, Plasmodium infections were neither a risk nor a protective factor for helminth infections; the same was true for helminth infections in relation to Plasmodium. The high prevalence of intestinal polyparasitism with Plasmodium co-infections highlights the need for combining strategies that may help control both malaria and intestinal parasite and generate a health approach aligned with indigenous perspectives.

Prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium and Intestinal Helminth Infections among Nigerian School Children

Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) are two parasitic diseases mainly affecting school children. The purpose of this study was to estimate the current prevalence and infection intensity, in addition to the associations of these infections with age and sex, in children aged 4-17 years living in Osun State, Nigeria. From each participant (250 children), one urine and one stool sample were taken for the study, for the microscopic detection of eggs or larvae in faeces by means of the Kato-Katz method and eggs in filtrated urine. The overall prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis was 15.20%, with light infection. The intestinal helminthic species identified (and their prevalence) were S. stercoralis (10.80%), S. mansoni (8%), A. lumbricoides (7.20%), hookworm (1.20%), and T. trichiura (0.4%), all of them being classified as light infections. Single infections (67.95%) are more frequent than multiple infections (32.05%). With this study, schistosomiasis and STH are still endemic in Osun State, but with a light to moderate prevalence and light infection intensity. Urinary infection was the most prevalent, with higher prevalence in children over 10 years. The >10 years age group had the highest prevalence for all of the intestinal helminths. There were no statistically significant associations between gender and age and urogenital or intestinal parasites.

Improved latrines minimally impact Schistosoma mekongi transmission in Mekong islands

Schistosoma mekongi and other intestinal helminth infections remain public health concerns in Lao People's Democratic Republic, especially in remote areas where access to sanitation is limited.We performed an experimental study in four villages where latrine construction was coupled with two rounds of mass drug administration (MDA) with praziquantel and albendazole, and compared with two control villages that only received two rounds of MDA. The prevalence of helminth infections before (baseline) and after (follow-up) intervention were compared. Additionally, the prevalence in intervention and control villages were compared 12 months post-intervention. Kato–Katz, formalin-ethyl acetate concentration and Baermann techniques were employed to assess helminth infections.We found infection prevalence of S. mekongi in the intervention and control villages was 28.6% and 1.8%, respectively. The prevalences of other helminth infections were as follows: Opisthorchis viverrini, 79.5% and 71.8%; hookworm, 48.8% and 65.6%; and Strongyloides stercoralis, 43.1% and 38.3%. Other helminth species were detected in less than 5% of the study participants. Latrine intervention coupled with two rounds of MDA in the intervention villages reduced the prevalence of S. mekongi infection by 6.0% (from 28.6% to 22.6%; P < 0.001), O. viverrini infection by 11.3% (from 79.5% to 68.2%; P < 0.001), hookworm infection by 22.6% (from 48.8% to 26.2%; P < 0.001), and S. stercoralis infection by 12.0% (from 43.1% to 31.1%; P < 0.001). The observed reductions were not significantly different when compared to the control villages, where only two rounds of MDA were implemented (P > 0.05). Study participants in both groups commonly engaged in behaviours such as open defecation, bathing in the Mekong River, consuming raw or undercooked fish dishes and walking barefoot. These practices and behaviours are associated with helminth infections. Concluding, this study showed only a marginal impact associated with latrine use in intervention communities. There is a need for longer term studies with integrated interventions, such as effective health education to foster behavioural changes related to open defecation, raw or undercooked food consumption, wearing protected footwear outdoors, and personal hygiene.

Prevalence and magnitude of gastrointestinal helminth infections in cage-free laying chickens in Australia.

Helminth infections have been re-emerging with the growing popularity of free-range and floor-based chicken production systems. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and worm burdens of intestinal helminth infection in cage-free laying chickens in Australia. In an online survey about worm prevalence, a high proportion of respondents reported the detection of Ascaridia galli (77%), followed by tapeworms (69%) and caecal worms (Heterakis gallinarum) (62%), whereas fewer respondents (23%) reported the presence of hair worms (Capillaria spp.) in their flocks. Total worm recovery from 407 laying hens on four farms found that 92.1% of hens harboured one or more helminth parasite with a prevalence of 73 to 100% across farms. Mixed infections were common with 79% of hens harbouring two or more helminth species. The prevalence of nematode species H. gallinarum, A. galli and Capillaria spp. was 87, 82 and 35% respectively. Five cestode species were found with a low individual chicken prevalence (Raillietina tetragona 4.7%, Raillietina echinobothrida 3.2%, Raillietina cesticillus 5.2%, Choanotaenia infundibulum 4.4%, and Hymenolepis cantaniana 4.4%). The hens harboured an average of 71 worms with H. gallinarum having the highest mean burden (45.5 worms/hen) followed by A. galli (22.0 worms/hen), Capillaria spp. (2.7 worms/hen) and cestodes (0.8 worms/hen). The sex ratio (female:male worms) was 1.38:1 for A. galli, and 1.77:1 for H. gallinarum. There was a strong positive correlation between A. galli female worm count and excreta egg count (EECs) (rs=0.94, P<0.0001) and also between total nematode worm count and EEC (rs=0.82, P<0.0001) in individual hens. When investigating intestinal excreta (n=10) and caecal excreta (n=10) of 16 chicken flocks the prevalence of infection with ascarid worms in intestinal and caecal excreta was 71 and 78% respectively and 27% prevalence of Capillaria spp. in intestinal excreta with mean EECs of 407, 404, and 18 eggs/g of excreta (EPG), respectively. These results suggest that most chickens kept in free-range or floor production systems are infected with one or more helminth parasite species. Heavy worm infections would likely affect the production performance and welfare of birds with adverse economic impact. Strategic or tactical anthelmintic treatment with effective anthelmintic could reduce this impact.

Prevalence of Intestinal Helminths Infection among pupils in Njiwaji, Abbari and Nayi-nawa Government Primary School in Damaturu Local Government Area, Yobe State, Nigeria

Prevalence of intestinal helminths infection among pupils in Njiwaji, abbari and nayi-nawa Government primary school in Damaturu Local Government was carried out. A total of 210 primary school pupil stool samples were collected by random sampling and examination of stool was done by direct wet mount and sedimentation methods in other to test for intestinal helminthes. The prevalence of these intestinal helminthes varied significantly among the age groups and the result of this research shows that intestinal helminthiasis was prevalent in the study area. Out of 210 pupils examined 133(53.3%) were infected with the intestinal helminths parasite and of the seven (7) parasites observed Ascaris lumbricoides had the highest prevalence of 42 (20.0%) infected, followed by Hookworm 35(16.7%), Taenia species 24(11.4%), Schistosoma mansoni 16(7.6%), Hymenolepis nana 6(2.9%), Esherichia coli 3(1.4%) and Fasciola species 1(0.5%)respectively. There were significant different (p &gt; 0.05) between prevalence of infection in male and female. Solutions towards preventing this deadly intestinal parasite should be encouraged among public and private entities, especially children. Necessary steps to follow in controlling these infections are drinking of clean water, health education, improved personal hygiene, and environmental condition.

The Study on Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminths (Cestodes, Nematodes, and Trematodes) in Chickens, Dalomana District, Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia

Introduction: Gastrointestinal tract helminthiasis of poultry is a parasitic infection of gastrointestinal parts of poultry by macroparasite which is classified as a tapeworm (cestodes), roundworm (nematodes), and flukeworm (trematodes). Cestodes and nematodes are the common intestinal helminthic infections in local chickens leading to high nutritional and economic loss to the poor farmers of rural areas. Thus, the current study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites and identify the parasite species that infect local breed chickens in the study area.&#x0D; Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study on gastrointestinal helminths was conducted on 144 local breeds of chickens raised under a traditional management system in seven kebeles located around Dalomana town of Bale zone, Ethiopia.&#x0D; Results: Of these chickens, 131 (91%) were infected with one of the five different helminth parasites and 13 (9%) were free of helminth parasites. The results of the current study indicated that 131 (91%) and 107 (74.3%) of the examined chickens were invariably infected by diverse species of cestodes and nematodes species, respectively. The major cestode species recovered from chickens were Raillietina echinobothrida (75.5%), Raillietina tetragona (73.6%), Davainea proglottina (11.1%). The major nematode species encountered were Heterakis gallinarum (37.5%), Ascaridia galli (35.4%), Capillaria anatis (6.9%), Capillaria obsignata (5.6%), and Capillaria annulata (4.9%). Regarding the prevalence of these parasites in relation to age, sex, and kebele, no significant difference was indicated.&#x0D; Conclusion: The findings of the current study strongly suggested that helminthiasis is a very serious problem of backyard chickens in Dalomana district, Bale zone of Oromia, and appropriate control strategies need to be devised.

The impact of Helicobacter pylori and intestinal helminth infections on gastric adenocarcinoma and inflammatory bowel disease in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Gastric adenocarcinoma (GCA) is the 5th leading cancer globally with an estimated 1.1 million cases reported in 2020. Ninety percent of non-cardia GCAs are attributable to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), the most prevalent bacterial infection globally. Rates of H. pylori infection are highest in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), yet surprisingly low numbers of GCAs are reported in the region. A similar phenomenon is seen with the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. These disorders have risen dramatically over the past century in high income countries across the globe, with sharp increases noted more recently in newly industrialized regions. In contrast IBD is rare in most regions in SSA. For both diseases this may reflect under-reporting or limited access to diagnostic modalities, but an alternative explanation is the high burden of infection with gastrointestinal parasites endemic to SSA which may attenuate the risk of developing GCA and IBD. In this mini review we discuss the complex interplay between these microorganisms, GCA, and IBD, as well as a possible protective role of H. pylori and the development of IBD.

Prevalence, correlates of undernutrition and intestinal parasitic infection among children below 5 years living in the forest community of Ndelele, East Region of Cameroon: A cross-sectional assessment.

In low- and middle-income countries, undernutrition often co-exists with intestinal parasites, especially Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) infections in children. The collective impact of both conditions result in undernutrition and can exacerbate the general poor health status of children. A cross-sectional survey of 422 mother-child (12-59 months old) pairs from 14 villages in the District of Ndelele, East Region of Cameroon, was carried out to assess the magnitude and correlates of undernutrition and intestinal parasites. Socio-demographic data were collected from mothers and anthropometric data were collected from children. Parasitological assessment was performed using a combination of direct microscopy flotation, sedimentation and centrifugation techniques. Correlates of undernutrition and intestinal parasites were identified using multinomial logistic regression at individual and household levels. 83.77% of the children assessed for undernutrition were undernourished and 66.82% were positive for one or more intestinal parasites. It was not uncommon for the study participants to be concurrently infected with two or more intestinal parasites. The most common intestinal parasitic infections detected in the study were A. lumbricoides, E. histolytica/dispar and Hookworm infection. Multinomial logistic regression using Nutritional status as outcome showed that, children who were not exclusively breastfed were 106% (RR = 2.06; C.I = 1.12-3.80) more likely to be underweight compared to those who were exclusively breastfed. The household size of 4 to 6 persons also significantly impacted wasting (p-value = 0.007) at 7% (RR = 1.07, C.I = 0.49-2.32). Analysis by a logistic regression model with STH infection as outcome revealed that, Fingernail cleanness (p-value = 0.044; AOR = 1.75; CI = 1.09-2.78) and household size (p-value = 0.038; AOR = 0.55; CI = 0.32-0.92) were positively associated with intestinal parasite infection at the 5% significant level. This study reveals that intestinal helminthic parasitic infections (STH) and undernutrition are serious health problems in children below five in the study area. To address this dire situation, concerted efforts are needed to improve sanitation, hygiene education access, community deworming programs, and improve diets.

Distribution of helminths of the gastrointestinal tract of horses in Central Altai

The results of the studies (2021, 2022) on the spread of helminth infectious agents in horse breeding farms are presented. Parasitic worms of two classes Nematoda and Cestoda participate in the formation of the helminthic complex of Central Altai animals. Nematodes of two suborders Strongylata and Ascaridata (Parascaris equorum) were recorded. Two species Anoplocephalaperfoliata and Paranoplocephalamamillana were identified in cestodes represented by the tapeworms of suborder Anoplocephalata. In the province (87.8%) and in some administrative districts, infestation of whole-hoofed animals with gastrointestinal strongylates is much higher than infection with helminthes of suborder Ascaridata (14.1%) and cestodes of suborder Anoplocephalata (10.9%). Nematodes of suborder Strongylata play the main role in forming the nosological profile of intestinal helminth infections. Strongylates form the core of the helminthocomplex of the digestive system, and the infestation of whole-hoofed animals with them and their share in the structure of the helminthocomplex both in the province and in individual administrative districts is the highest. The values of IP (invasion prevalence) and PCI (parasite complex index) of strongyloides vary by administrative regions from 53,3 and 69,1% to 95,2 and 80,8%, respectively, and amount to 87,8 and 77,8% on average in the Central Altai. It was found that in most areas, the infestation of whole-hoofed animals with helminths of the digestive system in general and nematodes of suborder Strongylata differs insignificantly. Infestation of whole-hoofed animals by Parascaris equorum and cestodes of suborder Anoplocephalata is registered in the region at 14,1 and 10,9% with PCI 12,5 and 9,7 respectively, which is 6-8 times lower than analogous indices for strongylatosis of animals. Reliable direct correlation between the release of strongylate eggs into the external environment and the index of animal infestation was established. The number of propagative forms released into the environment increases with increasing values of animal infestation with strongylates.

Multiplex PCR for detection of intestinal parasites in patients at Wasit province

Intestinal parasitic infestation still represents an economic and public health problem in the world particularly in the developing countries including the Middle East .To estimate the current prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among people living in Wasit province/ middle of Iraq .100 fecal samples were collected from males and females of different ages attending AL-Karama Teaching Hospital suffering of gastroenteritis symptoms during the period from August to November 202, only 45 stool sample were positive for intestinal parasite. The total infectivity rate by intestinal parasites was (45%).This study indicated high occurrence of gastro-intestinal parasites in Wasit province, Iraq. The overall infection rate by intestinal protozoa was significantly higher than intestinal helminth infection. In the present study prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was Entamoeba histolytica 15(33.3%). the percent of the infection among males were 9(20%) while the females were 6(13.3%). According the residence in urban areas were reported 5( 11.1%) and rural areas were 10(22.2%). The Co-infection appears in 19 samples with percent of infection (42.2%) in males infection were predominance 11(24.4%) than the females 8(17.7%). According to the residence urban areas were reported 7 (15.5%) and rural areas were 12(26.6%).

Intestinal Helminth Infections in Ghanaian Children from the Ashanti Region between 2007 and 2008-A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Real-Time PCR-Based Assessment.

In spite of ongoing eradication programs, helminth infections are still a medical issue in Ghana. For follow-up assessments on the decline of regional helminth infections, historic baseline prevalence values obtained with standardized diagnostic procedures can be helpful. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, real-time PCR targeting the nematodes Ancylostoma spp. (ITS2), Ascaris lumbricoides (ITS1), Enterobius vermicularis (ITS1), Necator americanus (ITS2), Strongyloides stercoralis (18S rRNA) and Trichuris trichiura (18S rRNA), the trematodes Schistosoma spp. (ITS2) as well as the cestodes Hymenolepis nana (ITS1), Taenia saginata (ITS1) and Taenia solium (ITS1) was applied with 2046 DNA eluates from stool samples of Ghanaian children from the Ashanti region collected between 2007 and 2008 in order to retrospectively define prevalence values. The overall prevalence was low with 3.8% (n = 77) and only 0.1% (n = 2) double infections with helminths were recorded. The three most frequently detected enteric helminth species comprised 2% S. stercoralis (n = 41), 0.8% H. nana (n = 16), and 0.7% N. americanus (n = 14), while only sporadic infection events were recorded for other helminth species comprising 0.1% E. vermicularis (n = 2), 0.1% Schistosoma spp. (n = 2), 0.1% T. saginata (n = 1) and 0.1% T. trichiura (n = 1). A. lumbricoides, Ancylostoma spp. and T. solium were not detected at all. In conclusion, the retrospective assessment suggests a low prevalence of enteric helminth infections in Ghanaian children from the Ashanti Region within the assessment period between 2007 and 2008.

Gut bacteriome and metabolome of Ascaris lumbricoides in patients

The most frequent intestinal helminth infections in humans are attributed to Ascaris lumbricoides, and there are concerns over the anthelminthic resistance of this species. The gut microbiota has essential roles in host physiology. Therefore, discovering host-parasite–microbiota interactions could help develop alternative helminthiasis treatments. Additionally, these interactions are modulated by functional metabolites that can reveal the mechanisms of infection and disease progression. Thus, we aimed to investigate bacteriomes in the gut of helminths and fecal samples of patients via next-generation sequencing. Our results showed that infection intensity was associated with the bacterial composition of helminth guts but not with the intestinal bacteriome of human hosts. Moreover, the metabolomes of A. lumbricoides in the heavy and light ascariasis cases were characterized using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Increased levels of essential biomolecules, such as amino acids, lipids, and nucleotide precursors, were found in the guts of helminths isolated from heavily infected patients, implying that these metabolites are related to egg production and ascariasis pathogenicity. These findings are the first step towards a more complete understanding of the mechanisms by which the bacteriome of helminth guts affect their colonization and may reveal novel and more effective approaches to parasitic disease therapy.

Immunological Interactions between Intestinal Helminth Infections and Tuberculosis.

Helminth infections are among the neglected tropical diseases affecting billions of people globally, predominantly in developing countries. Helminths' effects are augmented by coincident tuberculosis disease, which infects a third of the world's population. The role of helminth infections on the pathogenesis and pathology of active tuberculosis (T.B.) remains controversial. Parasite-induced suppression of the efficacy of Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) has been widely reported in helminth-endemic areas worldwide. T.B. immune response is predominantly proinflammatory T-helper type 1 (Th1)-dependent. On the other hand, helminth infections induce an opposing anti-inflammatory Th2 and Th3 immune-regulatory response. This review summarizes the literature focusing on host immune response profiles during single-helminth, T.B. and dual infections. It also aims to necessitate investigations into the complexity of immunity in helminth/T.B. coinfected patients since the research data are limited and contradictory. Helminths overlap geographically with T.B., particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Each disease elicits a response which may skew the immune responses. However, these effects are helminth species-dependent, where some parasites have no impact on the immune responses to concurrent T.B. The implications for the complex immunological interactions that occur during coinfection are highlighted to inform government treatment policies and encourage the development of high-efficacy T.B. vaccines in areas where helminths are prevalent.