Intestinal Helminths Research Articles

Curative and Toxic Effects of Selected Medicinal Plants on Internal Organs of Rattus albus Experimentally Infected with Human Intestinal Parasites

Curative and Toxic effects of selected plant extracts: (Napleonaea imperalis, Sida acuta and Vernonia amygdalina) on Rattus albus experimentally infected with human intestinal parasites was studied from October 2014 to March 2016. Two hundred and thirty (230) male and female patients presenting with symptoms of gastroenteritis and abdominal discomfort at GOPD, IMSUTH, Orlu, were selected for the study. Three hundred and twenty two uninfected laboratory animals used for the study were innoculated with 7 human intestinal parasites: Ascaris lumbricoides, Necator americanus, Hymenolepsis nana, Trichuris trichiura, Entamoeba histolytica,Taenia species and Trichomonas hominis.Eight weeks after, the experimentally infected Rattus albus were treated with 3 selected plant extracts: Vernonia amygdalina, Sida acuta and Napoleonae imperialis and observed for 3 weeks. The active principles of the selected medicinal plants were extracted with ethanol at 78oC using soxhlet extraction method. Fifty four laboratory animals of about 150g body weight each were used for toxicity test. The different treatment groups and controls were selected for histopathological studies using paraffin wax embedding method. The results showed that all 3 selected plant extracts contain Tanins, Saponins, Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Cardiac Glycosides, Phytate, Oxalate, Phenol, Steroids, Terpenoids and Cyanide. Curative tests showed that all the plant extracts exhibited anti – parasitic effects (Curative dose) against human intestinal helminthes and protozoa at 10µg/150g body weight. Toxicity test showed that Napoleonaea imperialis and Vernonia amygdalina extracts exhibited toxicity resulting to death of laboratory animals (LD50) at 50µg/150g while Sida acuta extract exhibited toxicity resulting to death of laboratory animals (LD50) at 40µg/150g. Three types of impairment: inflammatory changes, degenerative changes and distortion were observed on the intestine of the laboratory animals. On the kidneys, 5 types of impairment: lymphocytic infiltration, degenerative changes, necrosis, vacuolation, and distortion of stroma and glomerulus were observed. This study has shown that Napoleonae imperialis, Sida acuta and Vernonia amygdalina extracts exhibit curative effects on human intestinal parasites at low concentrations. At higher concentration, they exhibit toxic effects on host organs: intestine, kidney and liver.

Estrongiloidiasis ¿la enfermedad tropical más desatendida?

Strongyloidiasis is caused by Strongyloides stercoralis, an intestinal helminth which is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas with varied clinical presentation. Herein we present a patient with S. stercoralis infection with pleural, gastrointestinal tract and hematological manifestations. The diagnosis was confirmed by upper GI endoscopy. The patient received treatment with benzimidazole derivatives (albendazole), for ivermectin is difficult to get due to its use during the current SARS COV 2 pandemic in our country.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites among Immunocompromised Patients, Children, and Adults in Sana'a, Yemen.

Intestinal parasite infection (IPI) is still a very important public health issue. The severity of the parasitic disease has been reported as a high infection in immunocompromised patients and children. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites among immunocompromised patients and children with various gastrointestinal system complications in Sana'a city, Yemen, with different variables, including genus and age, and explore the risk factors associated with parasitic intestinal infections. The study socioeconomic data and certain behavioral and environmental risk factors and stool samples were collected from immunocompromised adult and children's patients, including children (one to eight years old), pregnant women, diabetes mellitus patients, cancer patients, HIV patients, and older adults. Out of 436 fecal samples, the overall prevalence rate of IPIs among immunocompromised patients and children in Sana'a was 51.8%. In contrast, the rate of infection in children (26.1%) was higher than that in old patients (25.7%) and in females (38.5%) and higher than that in males (13.3%). The protozoa (44.5%) have been shown more than intestinal helminths (7.3%) in samples, and the most common intestinal protozoan was Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica (13.8% and 12.8%), respectively. The most common intestinal helminthiasis was Hymenolepis nana with 1.8%. Concluding that the rate of infection was high for several reasons, including lack of commitment to hygiene as not handwashing after using the toilet (88.9%), eating uncovered food (56.3%), poor sanitation as lack of water sources (59.5%), reduced health education, and presence of other family members infected by parasites (61.3%). Interventions are required to reduce intestinal parasites, including health education on personal hygiene for patients, increasing awareness, and improving the environment and healthcare system.

Resistance to single dose albendazole and reinfection with intestinal helminths among children ages 2 to 11 years from the Peruvian Amazon region: a study protocol

BackgroundDeworming programs aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality from geohelminth infections are common in many countries where these infections are endemic, but data demonstrating increasing levels of resistance to albendazole and mebendazole are causes for concern. Studies to evaluate the clinical efficacy of deworming programs are critical to maintain high infection control goals.MethodsWe propose to assess the clinical efficacy of Peruvian national guidelines for deworming programs in a prospective observational study conducted in the Amazon River basin area near Iquitos, Peru. Major outcomes to be evaluated include (1) albendazole resistance of intestinal helminths (trichuriasis, ascariasis, hookworm), and (2) frequency of reinfection with intestinal helminths 4 months after treatment with albendazole. Children ages 2–11 years from the Belén District of Iquitos will be identified based on a community census. Following parental informed consent, demographic data, weight, and height will be recorded and a stool specimen for parasitological exam by direct observation and Kato-Katz concentration method, and helminthic egg counts will be collected prior to administration of albendazole, following Peruvian national guidelines. Follow-up stool specimens examined in the same manner will be collected at 20 days, 90 days, and 100 days following initial administration of albendazole, and based on parasites found repeat treatment will be administered in accordance with national guidelines. Real-time multiplex qPCR will be performed on helminth positive samples collected prior to initial deworming and on helminth-positive specimens detected on day 15–20. A total sample size of 380 participants was calculated based on total population in the target group and prevalence estimates of helminth infections and clinical resistance based on recent data.DiscussionData from observational clinical efficacy studies are important to guide geohelminth infection control programs.Trial registrationhttps://www.researchregistry.com/. Identification number: researchregistry7736; Registered retrospectively March 13, 2022; https://www.researchregistry.com/browse-the-registry#home/registrationdetails/622e024cf06132001e3327bf/

EVALUATION OF PARASITIC GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES IN CAPTIVE MAMMALS AT OGBA ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN AND NATURE PARK, BENIN CITY

This study investigated the gastro-intestinal helminthes present in the capture-held mammals at Ogba Zoological garden comprising a total of twenty-six(26) resident mammals representing thirteen (13) wildlife species, between the period of March and June, 2019. The objectives of this study were to identify the common helminthes present in the zoo mammals, estimate number of positive animal species and investigate the prevalence, abundance and diversity of the gastro intestinal helminthes among the animals. Fecal samples of the animals were collected from the study site and subjected to direct microscopic examination and concentration techniques. Overall, a total of four (4) helminthes parasites’ eggs and cyst were identified; Strongyle spp. (Threadworm), Trichuris trichuria (Whipworm) Ancyclostoma duodenale (Hookworm) and Nematodes’ eggs. A protozoan species (Entamoeba spp) was also detected in the Grey Monkeys. Fourteen (14) (53.84%) of the sampled animals were infected with the gastrointestinal helminthes parasites and eggs. Strongyle spp (30.8%), was the most prevalent gastro intestinal helminth found among the animals used for the study, while 19.2% prevalence of Hookworm (15.4%) of whipworm, (15.4%) of Entamoeba spp and (3.8%) of Nematode eggs were recorded. The gastro-intestinal helminthes were highly distributed among the Mona monkeys and grey monkeys. The Nematode eggs and larvae were isolated in the Donkey. Hookworm was highly spread among the Baboons and also found in the Civet Cat. 46.16% of the examined animals were free from gastrointestinal helminthes infection. No record of parasitic helminthes were found in the Chimpanzee, Patas monkeys, White-throated monkeys, Crested porcupine, horses, Maxwell duiker, lion and Hyena in the study site

An innate IL-25-ILC2-MDSC axis creates a cancer-permissive microenvironment for Apc mutation-driven intestinal tumorigenesis.

Interleukin-25 and group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) defend the host against intestinal helminth infection, and are associated with inappropriate allergic reactions. IL-33-activated ILC2s were previously found to augment protective tissue-specific pancreatic cancer immunity. Here, we showed that intestinal IL-25-activated ILC2s created an innate cancer-permissive microenvironment. Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with higher tumor IL25 expression had reduced survival, and increased IL-25R-expressing tumor-resident ILC2s and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) associated with impaired anti-tumor responses. Ablation of IL-25-signalling reduced tumors, virtually doubling life-expectancy in an Apc-mutation-driven model of spontaneous intestinal tumorigenesis. Mechanistically, IL-25 promoted intratumoral ILC2s, which sustained tumor-infiltrating MDSCs to suppress anti-tumor immunity. Therapeutic antibody-mediated blockade of IL-25-signalling decreased intratumoral ILC2s, MDSCs and adenoma/adenocarcinoma, while increasing anti-tumor adaptive T cell and IFNγ-mediated immunity. Thus, the roles of innate epithelium-derived cytokines IL-25 and IL-33, and ILC2s in cancer cannot be generalized. The pro-tumoral nature of the IL-25-ILC2 axis in CRC highlights this pathway as a novel therapeutic target against CRC.

Microbial regulation of intestinal motility provides resistance against helminth infection

Soil-transmitted helminths cause widespread disease, infecting ~1.5 billion people living within poverty-stricken regions of tropical and subtropical countries. As adult worms inhabit the intestine alongside bacterial communities, we determined whether the bacterial microbiota impacted on host resistance against intestinal helminth infection. We infected germ-free, antibiotic-treated and specific pathogen-free mice, with the intestinal helminth Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri. Mice harboured increased parasite numbers in the absence of a bacterial microbiota, despite mounting a robust helminth-induced type 2 immune response. Alterations to parasite behaviour could already be observed at early time points following infection, including more proximal distribution of infective larvae along the intestinal tract and increased migration in a Baermann assay. Mice lacking a complex bacterial microbiota exhibited reduced levels of intestinal acetylcholine, a major excitatory intestinal neurotransmitter that promotes intestinal transit by activating muscarinic receptors. Both intestinal motility and host resistance against larval infection were restored by treatment with the muscarinic agonist bethanechol. These data provide evidence that a complex bacterial microbiota provides the host with resistance against intestinal helminths via its ability to regulate intestinal motility.

Tissue-based IL-10 signalling in helminth infection limits IFNγ expression and promotes the intestinal Th2 response

Type 2 immunity is activated in response to both allergens and helminth infection. It can be detrimental or beneficial, and there is a pressing need to better understand its regulation. The immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10 is known as a T helper 2 (Th2) effector molecule, but it is currently unclear whether IL-10 dampens or promotes Th2 differentiation during infection. Here we show that helminth infection in mice elicits IL-10 expression in both the intestinal lamina propria and the draining mesenteric lymph node, with higher expression in the infected tissue. In vitro, exogenous IL-10 enhanced Th2 differentiation in isolated CD4+ T cells, increasing expression of GATA3 and production of IL-5 and IL-13. The ability of IL-10 to amplify the Th2 response coincided with its suppression of IFNγ expression and in vivo we found that, in intestinal helminth infection, IL-10 receptor expression was higher on Th1 cells in the small intestine than on Th2 cells in the same tissue, or on any Th cell in the draining lymph node. In vivo blockade of IL-10 signalling during helminth infection resulted in an expansion of IFNγ+ and Tbet+ Th1 cells in the small intestine and a coincident decrease in IL-13, IL-5 and GATA3 expression by intestinal T cells. These changes in Th2 cytokines correlated with reduced expression of type 2 effector molecules, such as RELMα, and increased parasite egg production. Together our data indicate that IL-10 signalling promotes Th2 differentiation during helminth infection at least in part by regulating competing Th1 cells in the infected tissue.

The IL-25-dependent tuft cell circuit driven by intestinal helminths requires macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a key innate immune mediator with chemokine- and cytokine-like properties in the inflammatory pathway. While its actions on macrophages are well-studied, its effects on other cell types are less understood. Here we report that MIF is required for expansion of intestinal tuft cells during infection with the helminth Nippostrongylus brasiliensis. MIF-deficient mice show defective innate responses following infection, lacking intestinal epithelial tuft cell hyperplasia or upregulation of goblet cell RELMβ, and fail to expand eosinophil, type 2 innate lymphoid cell (ILC2) and macrophage (M2) populations. Similar effects were observed in MIF-sufficient wild-type mice given the MIF inhibitor 4-IPP. MIF had no direct effect on epithelial cells in organoid cultures, and MIF-deficient intestinal stem cells could generate tuft cells in vitro in the presence of type 2 cytokines. In vivo the lack of MIF could be fully compensated by administration of IL-25, restoring tuft cell differentiation and goblet cell expression of RELM-β, demonstrating its requirement upstream of the ILC2-tuft cell circuit. Both ILC2s and macrophages expressed the MIF receptor CXCR4, indicating that MIF may act as an essential co-factor on both cell types to activate responses to IL-25 in helminth infection. [Display omitted]

Serum cytokine profile of pregnant women with malaria, intestinal helminths and HIV infections in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Malaria, helminthiasis and HIV are widespread in developing countries taking a heavy toll on pregnant women. Due to similar environmental and human factors of transmission, they co-exist. The epidemiology and pathology of these diseases have been extensively studied but data on serum cytokine profile changes which is crucial in pregnancy is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the co-infections and their impact on peripheral blood cytokines. Blood and stool samples were collected from recruited 18-45-year-old pregnant women in different trimesters who were apparently healthy with no obvious complications in pregnancy. Pretested questionnaires were administered for personal and socio-demographic details. Malaria parasitemia in Giemsa-stained thick blood films was examined microscopically. Stool samples were screened for helminths using Kato-Katz method. Cytokine levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13 and IL-17 in 121 serum samples were determined using ELISA. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney U test at α0.05. Relative to the single infections, there were significant reductions in IFN-γ and IL-13 in second and third trimesters respectively in those with Plasmodium and helminth co-infection. IFN-γ and IL-17 were elevated while IL-1α and IL-12p70 were reduced in co-infection of helminths and HIV. Co-infection of Plasmodium and HIV in second and third trimesters showed significant elevations in IL-1α, IL-10 and IL-17 while TNF-α, IL-4 and IL-12p70 were significantly reduced. HIV in pregnancy and its co-infection with Plasmodium resulted in significant distortions in the cytokine profile. However, helminth and its co-infection with Plasmodium or HIV produced less changes in the cytokine profile.

Helminths and their management in Swiss Army horses: differences between riding horses and pack horses evidence the need of improvement.

Intestinal helminth management in horses has both clinical and epidemiologic relevance, in additional association with anthelmintic resistance. The Swiss Army employs military owned riding horses and privately owned pack horses, which are brought together for service periods up to 12 weeks. We compared husbandry conditions and intestinal helminth management of both groups via questionnaire and analysed faecal samples of 53 riding horses and 130 pack horses using combined sedimentation/flotation, the McMaster method and larval cultures. Riding horses only had cyathostomin infections (prevalence: 60,4 %), while pack horses harboured cyathostomins (71,5 %), Parascaris sp. (6,9 %) and Strongylus vulgaris (1,5 %). Regression models combining faecal sample results with questionnaire data unveiled correlations of husbandry practices with parasite frequencies identifying risk and protective factors. Pasture management, hygiene and deworming practices were highly variable for pack horses, while for riding horses there was an overall concept. This included a selective deworming strategy with faecal egg counts (FECs) of strongyles prior to deworming, applying a threshold of 200 eggs per gram of faeces (epg). Anthelmintic treatments based on FECs, weekly faeces removal on pastures (pastures), the use of macrocyclic lactones and deworming horses regularly were identified as protective factors regarding the 200 epg threshold for strongyle eggs. Accordingly, the mean epg for strongyle eggs between the groups (111 and 539 in riding and pack horses, respectively) was significantly different (p < 0,001). Overall, intestinal helminth management in pack -horses showed room for improvement regarding pasture hygiene, the used anthelmintics and the frequency of deworming, from which all Swiss Army horses would benefit, as they share pastures during their -service, therefore entailing the risk of parasite transmission.

Choline metabolism promotes M2 macrophage polarization in intestinal infection with helminth Heligmosomoides polygyrus

Abstract Choline is an essential nutrient functioning as a precursor for membrane phospholipid. In previous studies, LPS polarization augmented both the expression of the choline transporter CTL1 and choline uptake, while specific inhibition of choline transport led to increased TNFα and IL-6. However, whether choline metabolism regulates M2 macrophage polarization or Th2 cytokine inflammation in vivo is unclear. In vitro, CTL1 and phospholipid synthesis was induced in IL-4 polarized M2 macrophages. To determine the function of choline metabolism in M2 polarization in vivo, mice were infected with Heligmosomoides polygyrus, intraperitoneally injected with choline kinase α inhibitor, RSM-932A or vehicle, and sacrificed at day 17 post-infection. RSM-932A treatment impaired weight gain and peritoneal exudate cell numbers in both naïve and infected mice. Within the peritoneal cavity of infected mice, macrophages and B-1 lymphocytes were depleted by RSM-932A treatment, while monocytes and neutrophils were increased. Flow cytometric and intestinal immunofluorescence staining revealed that RSM-932A treatment prevented M2 macrophage polarization in H.polygyrus-infected mice with a significant reduction in expression of PD-L2 and CD206, and conversely increased expression of CD86 and PD-L1. Additionally, RELMα protein in the serum and peritoneal fluid was downregulated by RSM-932A treatment. The impaired M2 polarization was associated with some loss in optimal immunity to H.polygyrus with increased parasite egg burden but no differences in intestinal worm count. This study indicates that choline metabolism is required for M2 macrophage polarization and an optimal immune response against intestinal helminth infection.

The prevalence and intensity of intestinal helminths among institutionalized children in three states of South-East Nigeria.

Intestinal helminthiasis is one of the most common and neglected diseases affecting all age groups, especially among school children. It is a disease condition of suboptimal environment and poor personal hygiene, and is more prevalent in children in institutionalized centers. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence, pattern, and intensity of intestinal helminthiasis among children in motherless babies' homes/orphanages and the relationship between the prevalence and demographic characteristics of the children. The outcome may be useful in strengthening these homes through advocacy to the appropriate authorities on general health promotion and awareness for the management of the homes. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out over 7 months (March-September 2017) in three states of the South-East Nigeria. Prior to the studies ethical clearance and permissions from relevant bodies were obtained. A total of 198 children aged 3 months to 17 years were recruited using multi-stage sampling methods from the homes and orphanages in Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu states. Their stool samples were collected and analyzed for ova of intestinal helminths using ether concentration and Kato-Katz techniques.Frequency tables were designed for relevant variables while quantitative variables were summarized using median and interquartile range (IQR). The relationship between demographic factors and presence of intestinal helminths amongst study participants was tested using Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test (FET) where appropriate. All analyses were done at the 5% level of significance, and a P value <.05 was considered statistically significant. : Children aged 1-5 years constituting the highest proportion 110 (55.6%). The median age (IQR) of the participants was 2.5 years (3 months to 17 years). They comprised of 89 (44.9%) males and 109 (55.1%) females with a male: female ratio of 1:1.2. The overall prevalence of intestinal helminths among institutionalized children was 5/198 (2.5%). Ascaris lumbricoides only was seen in four out of five (80%) infested subjects while mixed infestation of A. lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura was seen in one out of five (20%) subjects. All the infected subjects had light intensity of 100-300 EPG. It was noted that three out of five infested subjects were preschool children. However, the difference between the age groups and intestinal infestation was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). All the subjects with helminthic infection were females. Gender and location of motherless babies' homes/orphanages were not significantly associated with the presence of infestation (P > 0.05). This study showed that the prevalence and intensity of intestinal helminthiasis amongst the surveyed children in the South-Eastern Nigeria are 2.5% and more common among preschool aged children.

Convergent evolution of a parasite-encoded complement control protein-scaffold to mimic binding of mammalian TGF-β to its receptors, TβRI and TβRII

The mouse intestinal helminth Heligmosomoides polygyrus modulates host immune responses by secreting a transforming growth factor (TGF)-β mimic (TGM), to expand the population of Foxp3+ Tregs. TGM comprises five complement control protein (CCP)-like domains, designated D1-D5. Though lacking homology to TGF-β, TGM binds directly to the TGF-β receptors TβRI and TβRII and stimulates the differentiation of naïve T-cells into Tregs. However, the molecular determinants of binding are unclear. Here, we used surface plasmon resonance, isothermal calorimetry, NMR spectroscopy, and mutagenesis to investigate how TGM binds the TGF-β receptors. We demonstrate that binding is modular, with D1-D2 binding to TβRI and D3 binding to TβRII. D1-D2 and D3 were further shown to compete with TGF-β(TβRII)2 and TGF-β for binding to TβRI and TβRII, respectively. The solution structure of TGM-D3 revealed that TGM adopts a CCP-like fold but is also modified to allow the C-terminal strand to diverge, leading to an expansion of the domain and opening potential interaction surfaces. TGM-D3 also incorporates a long structurally ordered hypervariable loop, adding further potential interaction sites. Through NMR shift perturbations and binding studies of TGM-D3 and TβRII variants, TGM-D3 was shown to occupy the same site of TβRII as bound by TGF-β using both a novel interaction surface and the hypervariable loop. These results, together with the identification of other secreted CCP-like proteins with immunomodulatory activity in H. polygyrus, suggest that TGM is part of a larger family of evolutionarily plastic parasite effector molecules that mediate novel interactions with their host.

Common intestinal parasitic infections among patients living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Prevalence and demographic associations (A cross-sectional retrospective study)

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) among patients referred from different primary healthcare centers (PHC) in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Material & methodsA cross-sectional retrospective study conducted at Riyadh Regional Laboratory (RRL). All stool samples that are requested for intestinal parasite detection by physicians from PHCs across the Riyadh Region during year 2020 are referred to the RRL. The data recorded included age, sex, nationality, PHC location, and the stool analysis result with the type of parasite detected. ResultsThe data of 1148 patients were collected and statistically analyzed. IPIs were present in 296 (25.8%) patients, among whom 40 were infected with more than one parasite. The rate of infection with intestinal protozoa (95.4%) was higher than that with intestinal helminths (4.6%). Sixty (17.4%) infections were caused by pathogenic intestinal parasites, including pathogenic protozoa and helminths. The most common pathogenic protozoa were Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, which represented 9.3% of all IPIs and 72.7% of infections caused by pathogenic protozoa. Saudi nationals were the predominant population infected with pathogenic protozoa (44.0%). Ascaris lumbricoides was the most common helminth infection (56.3%) among patients. Nonpathogenic IPIs were detected at a higher rate (82.6%) than pathogenic IPIs (17.4%), with the predominant protozoa being Blastocystis hominis (61.0%). A higher rate of IPIs was observed in expatriates than in Saudi nationals (229 [33.6%] vs. 67 [14.3%], respectively) (P = 0.0000). ConclusionsAmong the 12 different nationalities in our study cohort, the prevalence was the lowest in Saudi nationals (14.3%). The prevalence of B. hominis was high in all areas and nationalities, affecting all age groups among the patients referred for stool analysis. The implementation of preventive measures and awareness programs regarding sanitation and personal hygiene are needed.

Intestinal Helminth infections and associated risk factors in dogs of Dhaka City, Bangladesh

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and related risk factors for intestinal helminth infections in companion and stray dogs from Dhaka, Bangladesh. In total 310 fecal samples were collected from companion dogs (206 samples) and stray dogs (104 samples) from Dhaka south city corporation (DSCC) and Dhaka North city corporation (DNCC) areas. Salt flotation and formol ether concentration techniques were used to process the fecal samples. The prevalence of intestinal helminth infections in stray and companion dogs in DSCC was 48.98% and 18.02%, respectively, while in DNCC, it was 7.27% and 15.79%. Ancylostomatids showed the maximum prevalence (18.37%) followed by Toxocara canis (14.28%). Intestinal parasitic infections were more prevalent among female companion dogs (17.24%) than males (16.89%). Dogs of pure or mixed breed were prone to parasitic infections (29.09%). Outdoor access (P=0.000) and irregular deworming (P=0.000) were potential risk factors for intestinal helminth infections in companion dogs. Helminth infections in dogs could be a major public health concern. Proper sanitation measures especially in DSCC areas are necessary to check this alarming issue. Bangladesh J. Zool. 49 (3): 411-421, 2021

Reconstructing the history of helminth prevalence in the UK.

Intestinal helminth parasites (worms) have afflicted humans throughout history and their eggs are readily detected in archaeological deposits including at locations where intestinal parasites are no longer considered endemic (e.g. the UK). Parasites provide valuable archaeological insights into historical health, sanitation, hygiene, dietary and culinary practices, as well as other factors. Differences in the prevalence of helminths over time may help us understand factors that affected the rate of infection of these parasites in past populations. While communal deposits often contain relatively high numbers of parasite eggs, these cannot be used to calculate prevalence rates, which are a key epidemiological measure of infection. The prevalence of intestinal helminths was investigated through time in England, based on analysis of 464 human burials from 17 sites, dating from the Prehistoric to Industrial periods. Eggs from two faecal-oral transmitted nematodes (Ascaris sp. and Trichuris sp.) and the food-derived cestodes (Taenia spp. and Diphyllobothrium latum syn Dibothriocephalus latus) were identified, although only Ascaris was detected at a high frequency. The changing prevalence of nematode infections can be attributed to changes in effective sanitation or other factors that affect these faecal-oral transmitted parasites and the presence of cestode infections reflect dietary and culinary preferences. These results indicate that the impact of helminth infections on past populations varied over time, and that some locations witnessed a dramatic reduction in parasite prevalence during the industrial era (18th-19th century), whereas other locations continued to experience high prevalence levels. The factors underlying these reductions and the variation in prevalence provide a key historical context for modern anthelmintic programs.

Prevalence of Intestinal Helminths among Cancer Patients Who Are under Chemotherapy at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital Oncology Clinic, Northwest Ethiopia.

Background In developing countries, environmental and personal hygiene is playing a great role in the increasing of intestinal helminth infection. In countries with limited resources and poor hygiene practices, there is a substantial overlap of intestinal helminthic and chronic infections like HIV, TB, and cancer. Intestinal helminths like Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworm cause malnutrition and induce a type-2 immune response that could worsen the severity and clinical outcomes of patients with cancer. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminths among cancer patients who are under chemotherapy. Methodology. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in volunteer cancer patients. Clinical information were collected from study participants using a structured questioner. Stool sample was collected for parasitological examination. Formol-ether concentration technique was done, and then, two microscopic slides were prepared. Examination was done by two laboratory technicians for the detection of helminths. SPSS version 22 was used for data analysis, and simple descriptive statistical analysis was done for data presentation. Result The total study participants were 41, of these 31 (75.6%) were females and 10 (24.4%) were male. Breast cancer and colonic cancer were the highest proportion with the others, 43.9% and 17.1%, respectively. The prevalence of intestinal parasites were 7/41 (17%). Hookworm 3/41(7.3%), Ascaris lumbricoides 3/41(7.3%), and Hymenolepis nana 1/41(2.4%) are the isolated parasite. Conclusions and Recommendations. The prevalence of intestinal helminths in cancer is lower than HIV and DM in the study area. However, the prevalence in these cancer patients is still high and needs deworming and health education for the better management of these cancer patients.

HELMINTHOFAUNA OF HORSES IN RYAZAN REGION

The high susceptibility of horses to invasive diseases caused by the intestinal helminthofauna, regardless of age, physiological state of the livestock of horse breeding farms, is still the object of research. The damage caused by helminths is a decrease in productivity and efficiency, weakening the immunity of horses and, with severe invasion, can lead to blockage of the intestines, colic and death of animals. Only timely detection of parasites and subsequent treatment, prevention of invasive diseases can prevent economic losses. The importance of studying the climatic and geographical distribution of these parasitic organisms becomes obvious. This paper discusses the presence of horse helminths as a phenomenon in the Ryazan Region. 26 fecal samples from horses aged 5–10 years were examined using the microscopy method. Samples of fresh feces were taken from individual stalls twice: on November 16, 2021 and on December 2, 2021. Identification of intestinal helminths was conducted by the Fulleborn method (with a saturated saline solution) followed by examination of drops under a microscope with a magnification of 400. As a result of the studies, eggs of Strongylus equinus, Parascaris equorum, as well as sexually mature representatives of Parascaris equorum after livestock deworming were found. Antiparasitic measures were selected taking into account the biology of the pathogen.

ANTIPARASITIC GRAIN-FODDER GRANULES FOR HELMINTHIASES OF HORSES

Helminthiastic infestations are widespread in horse-breeding farms of the Altai Mountains. The specifics of the industry involve the use of therapeutic agents that have not only a wide range of antiparasitic activity, but also manufacturability in application. The purpose of this research is to develop a new prescription of antiparasitic feed granules (AFG) based on grain-fodder raw materials with aversectin C and albendazole and to assess their effectiveness against intestinal helminthiasis of horses. The efficacy study was conducted on the principle of "critical test", 2 experimental groups of horses of 20 and 16 heads of the New Altai breed were formed. Before giving the drug and after 15 days, coproovoscopic studies of horse feces for the presence of eggs of intestinal helminths by the flotation method were carried out. AFGs were fed to horses once, in a group way from feeders at the rate of 2.5 g per kg of animal weight (aversectin – 0.2 mg, albendazole 5 mg/ kg b/w). Animals ate antiparasitic granules well, after taking the drugs there was no toxic effect on the body of horses. Feeding to horses with AFG provided high efficacy of the drug in strongylatosis of the gastrointestinal tract, parascariasis and anoplocephalidosis of horses (90.1–100%).