Intestinal Helminths Research Articles

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.

Prevalence Of Intestinal Parasites And Associated Demograhic Risk Factors Among Patients Attending State Specialist Hospital, Gombe

Background: Parasitic infections caused by intestinal helminthes and protozoan are among the most prevalent infections in humans in developing countries. High prevalence of parasitic infections may be due to one of the risk factors including low levels of environmental sanitation, lack of safe water supply, poor hygiene, low socio-economic status, poverty, improper garbage disposal and impoverished health services. Objective: The study aimed to determine the Prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated demographic risk factors among patients attending specialist hospital Gombe, Nigeria. Methods:The study was conducted in state specialist hospital Gombe. Faecal samples were collected from two hundred and thirty-three (233) patients. The stool specimens were subjected to direct saline and iodine mount for microscopic and macroscopic identification. Result: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasite was 36 (15.45%) and the most commonly isolated intestinal parasite from patients stool was Entamaeba histolytica (6.44%) based on the laboratory findings. Statistically, age was associated with the Intestinal parasitic infection. Difference in prevalence values of intestinal helminthes parasites between sexes were not statistically significant. Furthermore, the percentage of infection in both male and female patients was equal. Patients within the child age group had the highest prevalence 32(13.73%) followed by Adolescent age 3 (1.28%) and Adult 1(0.42%). Conclusion: The prevalence of intestinal parasite among patients attending state specialist hospital Gombe was 15.45%. The infestation was more prevalent in children, and the age range of 1-12 was a significant risk factor.

Intestinal Parasitic Infections in 2023

Intestinal parasites include intestinal protozoa and intestinal helminths. Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) pose a global health problem affecting over one billion people worldwide. Although these infections are predominantly seen in the developing world, they are frequently seen in the developed countries, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Patients' clinical presentations generally include diarrhea, dysentery, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, nutritional deficiency, iron deficiency anemia, anal and perianal itching, and rarely intestinal obstruction. The intestinal parasites have similarities in their mode of transmission and life cycle. The stool test is the primary way of diagnosing IPIs. Treatment is given with various anti-parasitic agents. However, appropriate preventive measures are essential for successfully controlling the IPIs.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasites among schoolchildren in Ecuador, with emphasis on the molecular diversity of Giardia duodenalis, Blastocystis sp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi.

Intestinal helminths, including Soil-Transmitted Helminth (STH), and Gastrointestinal Protist (GP) infections are major contributors to the global burden of disease, particularly in low-income countries such Ecuador. Their epidemiology in these settings is largely unknown. This prospective cross-sectional study investigates the carriage of intestinal helminths, including STH, and GP in asymptomatic schoolchildren (3-11 years) in the Chimborazo and Guayas provinces, Ecuador. Single stool samples (n = 372) and epidemiological questionnaires on demographics and potential risk factors were collected from participating schoolchildren. Conventional microscopy examination was used as screening method, and molecular (PCR and Sanger sequencing) assays were used to further investigate the epidemiology of some GP. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the strength of the association of suspected risk factors with the presence of helminths and GP. At least one intestinal parasite species was observed by microscopy in 63.2% (235/372) of the participating schoolchildren. Enterobius vermicularis (16.7%, 62/372; 95% CI: 13.0-20.9) and Blastocystis sp. (39.2%, 146/372; 95% CI: 34.2-44.2) were the most prevalent among helminths and GP, respectively. Assemblages A (50.0%), B (37.5%) and A+B (12.5%) were detected within Giardia duodenalis and ST3 (28.6%), ST1 and ST2 (26.2% each), and ST4 (14.3%) within Blastocystis sp. Three genotypes, two known (A: 66.7%; KB-1: 16.7%) and a novel (HhEcEb1, 16.7%) were identified within Enterocytozoon bieneusi. Municipality of origin, household overcrowding, and poor sanitation and personal hygiene habits were risk factors for childhood intestinal parasites colonization. Despite massive government drug administration programs, STH and GP infection remain a public health concern in paediatric populations living in poor-resource settings. Molecular analytical methods are required to better understand the epidemiology of these intestinal parasites. This study provides novel information on the occurrence of Blastocystis sp. and E. bieneusi genetic variants circulating in Ecuadorian human populations.

Physical evidence of direct antagonistic interactions between trematodes in the host gut: the kiss of death?

Although within-host competition among parasites if often assumed to occur based on statistical patterns, actual physical evidence of direct antagonistic interactions between parasites, either intraspecific or interspecific, is very rare. Here, we report such evidence between and within two species of hemiurid trematodes infecting the deep-sea grenadier fish Coryphaenoides subserrulatus. We found pairs of worms attached together, with one worm using its ventral sucker against another worm, and sucking out a large protuberance on the victim. We also found single worms showing clear signs of past attacks. There was no evidence that these interactions were more common at high intensities of infection, where the conditions would be expected to be more conducive to competitive interactions. Our findings provide evidence that trematodes may cause some harm to co-occurring individuals, suggesting a direct form of interference competition among intestinal helminths.

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.

A coprological survey on helminths of Jackal Canis aureus Linnaeus 1758 in Kashmir Himalaya.

A coprological examination was carried out between February 2017 and January 2019 to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in jackals of Kashmir Himalaya, India. Fecal floatation and sedimentation technique revealed helminths in 215 scats out of 879 examined scats, with overall helminth prevalence of 24.45%. In the study, five different species of helminths were detected in scats of jackal: Toxocara canis (22.86%), Ancylostoma caninum (20.47%), Dipylidium caninum (17.17%), Trichuris vulpis (19.34%), and taeniid eggs (13.65%). One helminth species was found in (0.11%) of the jackal scats, two were in (1.25%), three were in (4.77%), four were in (16.38%), and five were in (1.92%). Toxocara canis, a nematode with great zoonotic significance, was most common helminth found in scats of jackal during the study. We observed significant seasonal fluctuation (p < 0.05) in the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths, with summer having high frequency followed by autumn, spring, and winter having lowest prevalence. The study area's jackal population's preponderance of zoonotic helminth species suggests a high risk of zoonotic infection by canine intestinal helminths. This study will aid veterinarians in better plan preventative strategies with regard to wild animal intestinal parasites.

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&lt;0.005). Similarly, parity and educational level were significantly (p&lt;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&lt;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&lt;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.

Epizootic Aspects of Helminthiases in Horses of Tyumen Region

Introduction. Parasitic diseases are one of the main problems of horse breeding, in particular, helminthic infestations. The helminths are able to induce mechanical, toxic, inoculation effect. Moreover they absorb the nutrients necessary for the horse body. Thereby the helminths inflict significant harm on the horse population, not only due to animals deaths, but also due to weakening the protective functions of the body as well as working capability, sports and breeding qualities of horses. The aim of the present work is to study the epizootological aspects of helminthiases in horses at the territory of Tyumen region.Materials and methods. The study was carried out taking into account the horses keeping and care practices in twenty-two administrative districts of the region, located in the subzones of the northern and southern forest-and-steppe and subtaiga areas. To determine the infestation extensity (IE), the parasitological research methods of Kotelnikov-Khrenov, Fülleborn’s, Darling's modification method and the method of studying the scrapings of the perianal folds of the horse were applied. Results. During the research it has been found that the infestation extensity in horses infested with helminths in the Tyumen region averages to 27.9 ± 1.43 %. Whereas, the maximum helminthic infestation was found in horses in the subzone of the northern forest-and-steppe area IE 38.7 ± 1.97 % and the minimum in the subzone of the southern forest-and-steppe area IE 22.5 ± 1.16 %. It was found that in the conditions of year-round keeping in the stables with regular walking, the intestinal helminths parasitised in horses with the following infestation extensity (IE): Parascaris equorum 70.1 ± 2.53 %, suborder Strongylata 48.3 ± 1.97 %, Oxyuris equi 36.1 ± 1.63 %, the representative of Strongyloides westeri 20.9 ± 1.19 %. In the conditions of herd farming, the maximum infestation extensity in horses was observed for the helminths of suborder Strongylata with IE 74.0 ± 2.31 %, also spotted were parasites Parascaris equorum with IE of 41.2 ± 1.67 %, Oxyuris equi with IE — of 13.2 ± 0.87 % and the minimum infestation extensity was recorded for the parasites Strongyloides westeri with IE of 6.5 ± 0.21 %. In horses in the conditions of improved herd farming, the maximum infestation extensity was observed for the helminths of suborder Strongylata with IE of 79.4 ± 2.52 % and the minimum was for Strongyloides westeri with IE of 0.8 ± %. When studying the distribution of infestation in relation to the keeping and care practices, the data was obtained confirming that under practices of keeping in stables the helminths Parascaris equorum prevail with IE of 70.1 ± 2.53 % and under practices of herd and improved-herd farming the helminths of the suborder Strongylata with IE of 74.0 ± 2.31 % and IE 79.4 ± 2.52 %, respectively.Discussion and conclusions. Thus, in the result of studying the epizootic aspects of helminthiases in horses, it was found that helminthic infestation is recorded in various climatic zones throughout the whole territory of Tyumen region.

Parasitological and Molecular Studies of Intestinal Helminths among Women in Obi and Oju Local Government Areas of Benue State, Nigeria

The parasitological and molecular studies of intestinal helminth among women in Obi and Oju LGAs, Benue State were investigated. Stool samples were analysed using the formal-ether concentration technique for the detection of parasites. Well-structured questionnaires were used to elicit socio- demographic data as well as knowledge of the women towards helminth infection. Representative samples were afterwards processed molecularly using PCR technology. The parasites recovered were Entamoeba histolytica, Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm, Strongyloides stercoralis, Taenia spp., Trichuris trichiura and Trichomonas vaginalis. An overall prevalence of 9.93% was obtained for helminth infection. Women within the age group of 15-20 years recorded the highest prevalence (27.77%). Civil servants and single women recorded the highest infection rates (19.52% and 23.82% respectively) while in terms of education, those with no formal education recorded the highest rate of infection (27.52%). Furthermore, the majority of the women were unaware of intestinal helminths and the specific types (85.53%). There was also a significant relationship between education, age, and rate of infection (P&lt;0.05). It was therefore concluded that helminth infection among women in Oju and Obi LGAis comparatively low. The amplification of genes confirms the presence of Plasmodium falciparum, Schistosoma haematobium, Trichomonas vaginalis, Ascaris lumbricoides and Entamoeba histolytica. The detection of T. vaginalis by the polymerase chain reaction buttresses the sensitivity of PCR as a diagnostic tool. There is a need for enlightenment campaigns against helminth infections in Oju and Obi. Efforts of the government are needed to ensure the provision of efficient molecular facilities for accurate diagnosis of infection.

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.

Networking between helminths, microbes, and mammals

Just as mammals have coevolved with the intestinal bacterial communities that are part of the microbiota, intestinal helminths represent an important selective force on their mammalian host. The complex interaction between helminths, microbes, and their mammalian host is likely an important determinant of mutual fitness. The host immune system in particular is a critical interface with both helminths and the microbiota, and this crosstalk often determines the balance between tolerance and resistance against these widespread parasites. Hence, there are many examples of how both helminths and the microbiota can influence tissue homeostasis and homeostatic immunity. Understanding these processes at a cellular and molecular level is an exciting area of research that we seek to highlight in this review and that will potentially guide future treatment approaches.

THE PREVALENCE OF INVASIVE DISEASES AMONG CATS IN URALSK

The frequent spread of intestinal worms among carnivorous animals is found in a number of diseases that are dangerous to the human body. Intestinal worming infection rates are high among stray cats and dogs as well as domesticated animals. In the research work, studies were conducted to differentiate intestinal worming in cats brought in from micro-districts of Uralsk, West Kazakhstan region. The results of the studies determined the extent of intestinal worming among cats, their species composition, seasonal dynamics of infections and the level of the age of the disease. The city of Uralsk revealed a widespread of cat helminth infections. (IE- 36.1%). By intestinal helminth infestation, the primary toxocariasis Toxocara mystax) is 19,7%, and by spread toxocariasis (Toxascaris leonina) is 12,4%. The degree of the extensiveness of infestation, depending on the time of the year, was determined; it was found that in summer and autumn, the infestation reaches a high degree of extensiveness. It was found that intestinal worm infestation in cats is associated with age. Toxocariasis is more common in 6-month-old cats. And with age, the incidence of this worming disease decreases significantly. In cats over five years old, this worming disease is sporadic.

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.

Prevalence and Determinant Factors of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Undernutrition among Primary School Children in North-Central Ethiopia: A School-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are a major public health problem with high morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Undernutrition is a major health problem among school children and affects their cognitive development, psychological development, motor skills, and academic achievements. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinant factors of IPIs and undernutrition among primary school children. Cross-sectional study was conducted among 450 children from February to March 2021 at selected primary schools in Dessie town, North-central Ethiopia. Participants were selected using a stratified sampling technique. Pretested questionnaires were used to collect sociodemographic and nutrition-related data. Stool samples were used to diagnose IPIs. Participants' height and weight were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Nutritional assessment was done using WHO AnthroPlus software. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 software. P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 28.9%. The prevalence of intestinal protozoa and helminths were 19.1% and 9.8%, respectively. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was the most prevalent parasite (9.3%) followed by Giardia intestinalis (7.6%), Enterobius vermicularis (2.9%), and Ascaris lumbricoides (2.7%). The prevalence of intestinal parasites was higher in male (16.5%) than in female (12.4%) participants. Children whose mother's level of education is illiterate, 6-11 years old, have a habit of eating raw/undercooked fruits and vegetables, untrimmed and dirty fingernails, and sickness in the past week were significantly associated with IPIs. The prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting were 22.4%, 26.2%, and 20.7%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression showed gender, family size, meal frequency, and breakfast were significantly associated with undernutrition. IPIs had a statistically significant association with underweight, stunting, and wasting. The study showed that IPIs and undernutrition are still major health problems among children in North-central Ethiopia. Periodic deworming, community health, and school health education will be valuable to improve the health, growth, and educational outcome of children.

A comparative study on the prevalence of intestinal helminths in dewormed and non-dewormed healthy persons in Ghana

Introduction: Helminthic infection is a significant public health concern in most developing countries. This study determined the prevalence of intestinal helminths in dewormed and non dewormed health persons in Ghana

"Eggs and Larvae of Intestinal Helminths in Fingernail Among Rickshaw Puller, Labors and Vendors in Dhaka City"

The present study was carried out during the months of June 2021 to May 2022 to observe the prevalence of eggs and larvae of gastrointestinal parasites in the nails of the vendors and rickshaw pullers within Dhaka city.

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.

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.