Intestinal Parasites In Children Research Articles

Prevalencia de Enteroparásitos en Niños de una Comunidad Ache de Alto Paraná

Introducción: Las parasitosis intestinales constituyen un importante problema de salud pública por sus altas tasas de prevalencia y amplia distribución mundial, sobre todo en las regiones tropicales y subtropicales, siendo la población infantil la mayormente afectada.

OCORRÊNCIA DE ENTEROPARASITOSES EM CRIANÇAS ATENDIDAS PELO PROGRAMA DE ERRADICAÇÃO DO TRABALHO INFANTIL (PETI) NOS DISTRITOS DE INTERLÂNDIA E SOUSÂNIA NA CIDADE DE ANÁPOLIS-GO NO ANO DE 2013

The enteroparasitosis represent a serious public health issue, and the school age children are the most affected. The study aimed to establish the occurrence of intestinal parasites in children assisted by PETI (child labor eradication program) in the districts of Interlândia and Sousânia in 2013. Forty eight children of 05 to 14 years old assisted by PETI were evalueted. From each child was collected three stool samples on alternate days and parasitological analysis was done by Hoffman method. Of the population analyzed, 37.5% had some type of parasitosis . In the samples were found only protozoan,such as Entamoeba coli 44%, Endolimax nana

Intestinal parasites in children and soil from Turbaco, Colombia and associated risk factors.

Objective To determine the frequency of intestinal parasites in children and soil from Turbaco- Colombia and associated risks factors. Methods Analytical study in which 390 children between 2 and 12 years old from 10 neighborhoods of Turbaco were included, whose legal representatives gave informed consent. Three serial samples of feces and 10 soil samples were processed. Risk factors were determined through an interview. Physicochemical and structural characteristics of soils were also evaluated. Results Parasites were found in 30.5 % of children. 162 parasites were observed; the most frequent protozoan was Endolimax nana (30.3 %) and in terms of helminthes, the most frequent was Ascaris lumbricoides (4.9 %). No statistical association between age or sex and intestinal parasites (p>0.05) or between risk factors and intestinal parasites (p>0.05) was found. Low frequencies of intestinal parasites were encountered in soil samples, being more common Entamoeba spp., Giardia spp., and Ascaris lumbricoides. Neighborhoods of Turbaco had sandy dry soil with low content of ions, low conductivity and low organic matter. Conclusion This study showed a low frequency of intestinal parasites in feces and soils. Despite this, pathogenic parasites were found which can affect the health of the population. Besides this, a high percentage of intestinal parasites that are transmitted through feces were detected indicating fecal contamination and low level of hygiene.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among schoolchildren in Phitsanulok Province, Northern Thailand

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in children from six schools located in Bang Rakam and Mueang Districts, Phitsanulok Province, Northern Thailand. MethodsThe study sites were the following six schools: Wat Krab Phuang, Wat Wang Ped, Wat Tha Ko, Wat Sao Hin, Wat Kung Waree and Wat Sakat Namman. Fecal samples were collected from 352 students in the age range 7-15 years old, and examined for intestinal parasites by formalin-ethyl acetate concentration method. Additionally, Scotch tape technique was used to recover Enterobius vermicularis eggs from 576 children. ResultIt was found that the overall prevalence of intestinal parasites among 352 examined students was 5.4%: Strongyloides stercoralis (2.5%), Entamoeba coli (E. coli) (0.6%), Giardia lamblia (0.6%), Enterobius vermicularis (0.6%), hookworm (0.3%), hookworm and E. coli (0.3%), hookworm and Trichuris trichiura (0.3%) and Strongyloides stercoralis and E. coli (0.3%). The overall prevalence of enterobiasis among 576 schoolchildren by Scotch tape technique was 14.1%. The highest infection rate (19.3%) was observed at Wat Sao Hin School. The selective anthelminthic drugs were administered to all positive cases. ConclusionsIn this study, low prevalence of parasitic infections was demonstrated among schoolchildren in Phitsanulok Province. However, the control and prevention including the transmission of parasites detected should be explained for more concern and attention and the proper hygienic health education should be implemented.

Intestinal parasite infections in symptomatic children attending hospital in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

BackgroundInfections with helminths and other intestinal parasites are an important but neglected problem in children in developing countries. Accurate surveys of intestinal parasites in children inform empirical treatment regimens and can assess the impact of school based drug treatment programmes. There is limited information on this topic in Cambodia.MethodsIn a prospective study of intestinal parasites in symptomatic children attending Angkor Hospital for Children, Siem Reap, Cambodia, April-June 2012, samples were examined by microscopy of a direct and concentrated fecal sample. Two culture methods for hookworm and Strongyloides stercoralis were employed when sufficient sample was received. Demographic, clinical and epidemiological data were collected.Principal FindingsWe studied 970 samples from 865 children. The median (inter-quartile range) age of the children was 5.4 (1.9-9.2) years, 54% were male. The proportion of children with abdominal pain was 66.8%, diarrhea 34.9%, anemia 12.7% and malnutrition 7.4%. 458 parasitic infections were detected in 340 (39.3%) children. The most common parasites using all methods of detection were hookworm (14.3%), Strongyloides stercoralis (11.6%) and Giardia lamblia (11.2%). Giardia lamblia was most common in children aged 1-5 years, hookworm and Strongyloides stercoralis were more common with increasing age. Hookworm, Strongloides stercoralis and Giardia lamblia were more common in children living outside of Siem Reap town. In a multivariate logistic regression increasing age was associated with all three infections, defecating in the forest for hookworm infection, the presence of cattle for S. stercoralis and not using soap for handwashing for G. lamblia.Conclusions/SignificanceThis study confirms the importance of intestinal parasitic infections in symptomatic Cambodian children and the need for adequate facilities for laboratory diagnosis together with education to improve personal hygiene and sanitation.

Intestinal parasites in children enrolled in early childhood centers of São Mateus, state of Espírito Santo, Brazil

Intestinal parasites in children enrolled in early childhood centers of São Mateus, state of Espírito Santo, Brazil

Comunicación previa sobre una encuesta parasitológica en escolares del Callao

El estudio del parasitismo intestinal en las comunidades es muy interesante porque proporciona datos bastantes útiles que permiten apreciar su nivel sanitario. Los lugares donde no existe adecuado aprovisionamiento de agua y eliminación sanitaria de aguas negras y basuras, son sitios lógicamente insalubres, donde existe un mayor grado de parasitismo intestinal y éste por supuesto, es aún mayor en los niños que son los más expuestos ya que carecen de hábitos higiénicos. A fin de tener idea del grado de infestación por parásitos intestinales en los niños de nuestras escuelas y para efectuar la prevención y control de las enfermedades parasitarias, es que planeamos y realizamos el trabajo materia de esta comunicación.

Intestinal parasites in children hospitalized at the Central Hospital in Maputo, Mozambique.

Intestinal parasites are important contributors to the global disease burden, especially in children of low-income countries. The present study determined the frequency of intestinal parasites in children hospitalized at the diarrhea section of the Infectious-Contagious Diseases ward and at the Malnutrition ward of the Department of Pediatrics of the Maputo Central Hospital in Mozambique. This pilot study conducted between February and March 2009 enrolled a total of 93 children between 1.5 and 48.2 months of age; 87.1% were younger than 24 months. Parasite detection in stool samples was achieved using direct microscopic observation and Ritchie's concentration technique. Infection with pathogenic intestinal parasites was detected in 16.1% (15/93) of the children. Giardia duodenalis and Trichuris trichiura were the most common parasites (6.5%, 6/93 each), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (2.2%, 2/93). One case of mixed infection with A. lumbricoides plus T. trichiura was also detected. This study reinforces the importance of routinely examining stool samples for the diagnosis of intestinal parasites (including protozoa) in children hospitalized in endemic areas.

Parasitoses intestinais e baixos índices de Gini em Macapá (AP) e Timon (MA), Brasil

Introdução: As parasitoses intestinais ainda constituem um sério problema de Saúde Pública, devido a sua alta prevalência na população, associação com diversos fatores ambientais e seus complexos ciclos epidemiológicos.Objetivo:Efetuar um levantamento sobre a ocorrência de enteroparasitoses em duas cidades - Timon (MA) e Macapá (AP).Método:Coorte retrospectiva realizada no ano de 2012, que analisou os casos de enteroparasitoses em crianças de 2 a 12 anos de idade atendidas em dois laboratórios vinculados ao serviço público de saúde das cidades de Timon - MA e Macapá -AP.Resultados:Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolyticae Ascaris lumbricoides foram os parasitas mais prevalentes no estudo.Conclusão:Verificou-se associação entre a prevalência de parasitoses e os baixos índices de Gini. O controle dessas doenças necessita de políticas públicas envolvendo educação sanitária e ambiental, além de melhor distribuição de renda.

Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Other Intestinal Parasites in Young Children in Lobata Province, Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Principe

Rare systemic studies concerning prevalence of intestinal parasites in children have been conducted in the second smallest country in Africa, the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe. Fecal specimens from 348 children (214 in-hospital attending the Aires de Menezes Hospital and 134 from Agostinho Neto village) in São Tome Island were studied by parasitological and molecular methods. Of the 134 children from Agostinho Neto, 52.2% presented intestinal parasites. 32.1% and 20.2% of these children had monoparasitism and polyparasitism, respectively. Ascaris lumbricoides (27.6%), G. duodenalis (7.5%), T. trichiura (4.5%) and Entamoeba coli (10.5%) were the more frequent species identified in the children of this village. Giardia duodenalis (7.5%) and E. bieneusi (5.2%) were identified by PCR. Nested-PCR targeting G. duodenalis TPI identified Assemblage A (60%) and Assemblage B (40%). The E. bieneusi ITS-based sequence identified genotypes K (57.1%), KIN1 (28.6%) and KIN3 (14.3%). Among the 214 in-hospital children, 29.4% presented intestinal parasites. In 22.4% and 7.0% of the parasitized children, respectively, one or more species were concurrently detected. By microscopy, A. lumbricoides (10.3%) and Trichiuris trichiura (6.5%) were the most prevalent species among these children, and Cryptosporidium was detected by PCR in 8.9% of children. GP60 locus analysis identified 6.5% of C. hominis (subtypes IaA27R3 [35.7%], IaA23R3 [14.3%], IeA11G3T3 [28.6%] and IeA11G3T3R1 [21.4%]) and 2.3% of C. parvum (subtypes IIaA16G2R1 [20.0%], IIaA15G2R1 [20.0%], IIdA26G1 [40.0%] and IIdA21G1a [20.0%]). G. duodenalis and E. bieneusi were identified in 0.5% and 8.9% of the in-hospital children, respectively. G. duodenalis Assemblage B was characterized. The E. bieneusi genotypes K (52.6%), D (26.4%), A (10.5%) and KIN1 (10.5%) were identified. Although further studies are required to clarify the epidemiology of these infectious diseases in this endemic region the significance of the present results highlights that it is crucial to strength surveillance on intestinal pathogens.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE OCCURRENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITES IN CHILDREN LIVING IN THE FEDERAL DISTRICT OF BRAZIL

This study aimed to describe factors associated with the occurrence of intestinal parasites in children living in the Federal District of Brazil (FD). Between 2012 and 2013 fecal samples from 193 children of Riacho Fundo II (RF, n=73) and Ceilândia (CE, n=120) were examined using Rugai and Lutz’s methods. Socioeconomic and health variables were obtained through interviews with the children’s parents. The association between these variables and the occurrence of parasites was analyzed bychi-squared or Fisher’s exact tests. The occurrence of parasites in RF (79%) was higher than in CE (54%). The most frequent parasites were Giardia intestinalis (RF=15%, CE=9%), Hymenolepis nana (RF=44%, CE=0%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (RF=30%, CE=2%). In CE, a higher frequency of parasites was found in children living in crowded houses and also in houses with domestic animals present. In RF, a higher frequency of parasites was found in children whose families did not wash fruit and vegetables hygienically. A relevant occurrence of intestinal parasites in children was found in the FD, where there is a treated water supply and sewage system. We concluded that poor hygiene habits are the key factors in the transmission of intestinal parasites in FD.

The Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites in Children with Helicobacter pylori Gastritis Evaluated Retrospectively

H. pylori infection is more frequent and is seen in younger ages in developing countries when compared to developed countries. Etiopathogenetic factors include living in crowded families, low educational level of mother, low income and infected drinking water. Intestinal parasites are more frequent in low socioeconomical populations. In this study, it was aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasite in patients with H. pylori gastritis proven with endoscopic and histopathological study. Parasitology laboratory results of children who had undergone upper gastrointestinal system endoscopy (UGE) and were proved to have H. pylori gastritis were evaluated retrospectively. Stool samples were examined using native lugol and precipitation by formol ethyl acetate methods. A total of 138 children had undergone upper GIS endoscopy. Among those children, 97,1% had H. pylori positive gastritis. Of those H. pylori positive gastritis children, we obtained the stool test results of 105 children. Six children (5.71%) had Blastocystis hominis and 2 (1.91%) had Giardia intestinalis so a total of 8 patients had (7.61%) intestinal parasites. H. pylori and intestinal parasites are frequent among individuals living in low socioeconomical countries. The co-existence of hp and intestinal parasites, which have a negative effect on thriving and iron status in a growing child is a very important public health problem. National sanitation education and methods may help decrease the co-existence of these synergistic microorganisms.

Malnutrition and the presence of intestinal parasites in children from the poorest municipalities of Mexico

For many years Chiapas, Mexico's poorest state, has had the highest rate of child mortality due to intestinal infections of unknown etiology in the country. To begin identifying the infectious agents, our work determined the prevalence of intestinal parasites as well as malnutrition in children from Chiapas's three most impoverished municipalities: Pantepec, Chanal, and Larrainzar. In this cross-sectional study, conducted between January and November 2009, we assessed the prevalence of intestinal parasites by means of coproparasitological analysis in children <5 years of age (N=250) from three of the marginalized municipalities: Pantepec, Chanal and Larrainzar. The prevalence of malnutrition was then assessed using the Mexican official norm NOM-031-SSA2-1999 and WHO criteria. We evaluated the association between age (breast-fed and pre-school children) with parasites and nutritional status. Our analysis revealed the highest prevalence of intestinal parasites in children from Pantepec (62.8%), followed by Chanal (47.3%), and then Larrainzar (11.9 %). The nematode Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent enteroparasite (33.6%). Anthropometric analysis revealed that >40% of children represented varying degrees of malnutrition and a marked constitutional delay in growth. A very high prevalence of stunting was also recorded in children from Chanal and Larrainzar (70% and 55%, respectively). An association between infection with intestinal parasites and malnutrition was observed in Pantepec. Preschool-age children were more likely to be infected with intestinal parasites. Our results indicate the urgent need for interventions in order to 1) improve the nutritional status of children and 2) reduce infection rates of enteric parasites.

Parasitosis intestinal en niños de zonas palúdicas de Antioquia (Colombia)

Introducción: malaria, parasitosis intestinales y desnutrición coexisten e interactúan en los habitantes de las zonas palúdicas; se requiere conocer la magnitud de cada una de esas enfermedades. Objetivo: identificar la prevalencia de parásitos intestinales en niños (4–10 años) de Urabá y Bajo Cauca (Antioquia, Colombia) y conocer el cambio postratamiento antiparasitario intestinal específico. Metodología: en niños con paludismo, se hicieron encuestas parasitarias intestinales antes y 8 y 30 días postratamiento (albendazol + secnidazol). Se usaron coprológicos directo y por concentración, en muestra única. Resultados: el día–1, 80% mostraron algún helminto patógeno y 39%, algún protozoo patógeno; hubo helmintos y protozoos patógenos en 35%. Las prevalencias específicas el día 1 fueron: Ascaris lumbricoides 43,5%, Trichuris trichiura 68,2%, Necator americanus 37,6%, Entamoeba histolytica 15,3%, Giardia lamblia 21,2%. La intensidad parasitaria protozoaria fue siempre baja (1–2 cruces) y por helmintos fue moderada–intensa en 84% para A. lumbricoides, 83% para T. trichiura y 50% para N. americanus. Medida el día 8, la 'reducción neta de la prevalencia protozoaria', atribuible al tratamiento, fue: E. histolytica 50%, G. lamblia 71% (p &lt; 0,05). Medida el día 8, la 'reducción neta de la intensidad de helmintos', atribuible al tratamiento, fue significativa para A. limbricoides y N. americanus. La reducción neta por el albendazol medida al día 8 fue: A. lumbricoides 91%, N. americanus 87%, T. trichiura 27%; siempre fue significativa la reducción de la cantidad de huevos (p &lt; 0,05). Conclusión: las parasitosis intestinales en Turbo y El Bagre, en niños maláricos de 4–10 años, tienen muy alta prevalencia y constituyen un grave problema de salud pública.

Intestinal Parasites in Children from a Day Care Centre in Matanzas City, Cuba

BackgroundIntestinal parasitic infections are widely distributed throughout the world and children are the most affected population. Day care centres are environments where children have proven to be more susceptible to acquiring IP.Methods and Principal FindingsA cross-sectional study was carried to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in stool samples among children who attend to a day care centre in an urban area of Matanzas city, Cuba, from March to June 2012. 104 children under five years old were included on the study after informed consent form was signed by parents or legal guardians. Three fresh faecal samples were collected from each child in different days and were examined by direct wet mount, formalin-ether, and Kato- Katz techniques. Data relating to demography, socioeconomic status, source of drinking water, and personal hygiene habits were also collected using a standardized questionnaire. In total, 71.1% of children harbored at least one type of intestinal parasite and 47 (45.2%) were infected by more than one species. Giardia duodenalis and Blastocystis sp. were the most common parasites found, with prevalence rates of 54.8% and 38.5% respectively.ConclusionsDespite public health campaigns, improvement in the level of education, and the availability of and access to medical services in Cuba infections by intestinal protozoan is high in this centre. Almost nothing is published regarding intestinal parasites in Matanzas province during the last 40 years so this work could also be the initial point to carry out other studies to clarify the IP status in this region.

Prevalência de Enteroparasitoses em Escolares: Uma Revisão do Perfil Encontrado nas Diferentes Regiões do Brasil

Infecções intestinais causadas por helmintos e protozoários são consideradas uma das maiores causas de agravos por processos infecciosos no mundo. O presente estudo tem como objetivo realizar um levantamento referente aos últimos anos da prevalência de parasitas intestinais em crianças no período escolar de diversas cidades do Brasil, identificando quais as espécies mais encontradas e as regiões que necessitam de maior dedicação nesta área. Por meio dos estudos analisados, verificou-se que as regiões com maior prevalência de parasitas intestinais foram o Norte e Nordeste; entretanto, na região Sudeste os resultados foram animadores, com baixos índices de contaminação por parasitas, comparados com os de todas as regiões do Brasil. Quanto aos parasitas intestinais, os mais comuns encontrados em todas as regiões brasileiras foram o Ascaris lumbricoides e o Giardia lamblia. Portanto, pode-se concluir que a alta prevalência de enteroparasitoses encontrada em crianças de alguns locais do Brasil pode demonstrar a necessidade de maior cuidado com as condições de saneamento básico e higiene pessoal, tanto nos domicílios como nos locais de estudo. Com os dados apresentados, mostrase a importância da realização de programas educativos que venham a desenvolver a consciência pessoal dos pais, familiares e das próprias crianças.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in children from minority group with low hygienic standards in Slovakia

Abstract The number of parasites followed the rapid growing of human population worldwide, not only in developing but also in developed countries. Many of them are diagnosed in children and adolescents. The occurrence of selected intestinal endoparasites in children coming from areas with low hygienic and socioeconomic status was studied. Out of 81 faecal samples examined, 46 (56.8 %) were positive for presence of intestinal parasites. From helminths, Ascaris lumbricoides was found to be the leading parasite (24.7 %), followed by Trichuris trichiura (17.3 %). Tapeworm Taenia spp. eggs were detected in 4.9 % of examined children. From protozoan parasites Cryptosporidium spp. was observed in 36 children (44.4 %) and Giardia intestinalis in 20 children (24.7 %). The occurrence of these epidemiologically low risky parasites in Roma children population suggests low hygienic standard in the Roma settlements.

Intestinal parasites in children in Biankouma, Ivory Coast (mountaineous western region): efficacy and safety of praziquantel and albendazole

Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis are a global public health problem, especially among schoolchildren. The purpose of this study was to determine the overall and specific prevalences of intestinal helminth infection and to assess the clinical efficacy, tolerance, and safety of praziquantel and albendazole for treating it. A descriptive cross-sectional study based on random sampling with one degree of freedom was conducted from November 2006 to March 2007 in the primary schools of Biankouma, Côte d'Ivoire. Stool samples were collected from 386 children aged from 4 to 15 years and analyzed by direct examination, with both the simplified Ritchie and Kato techniques. Children infected by schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis eggs were treated with praziquantel (40 mg/kg in a single dose), albendazole (400 mg/kg in a single dose) or both, as deemed necessary. The prevalence rate of intestinal parasite infection was 55.2%, including overall 15.4% with more than one parasite: two in 14.2% and three in 1.2%. Infection was correlated with male gender and older age. The most frequent helminths were Schistosoma mansoni (35.5%) and Necator americanus (25.9%). The efficacy rate for praziquantel, defined as parasite-free stools, was 57.7% on day 14 and 80.9% on day 90. The efficacy rate for albendazole on day 7 was 96.1% for Ascaris lumbricoides, 93% for Necator americanus and 81.3% for Trichuris trichiura. Adverse effects were common (40.8%) but minor (abdominal pain, headache, and itching) within 2 to 4 hours after intake of praziquantel.

The Intestinal Parasites of Bashiqa District, Nineveh Governorate, Iraq

An investigation was performed on intestinal parasites in children of Bashika District, suburb of Mosul city and 12 Km northeast of it. A total of 422 stool specimens were examined, 256 from males and 166 from females, the percentage of infection was 60.66 % and 39.33% respectively. The recovered parasites were: Entamoeba histolytica (28.2%), Giardia lamblia (37%), Hymenolepis nana (6.5%), Taenia saginata (2.5%), Ascaris lumbricoides (3.8%), Enterbius vermicularis (15.3%), Trachiuris trachura (1.2%) and Ancylostoma duodenale (5.1%). As regards the difference in gender infection: E. histolytica (14.4% in males and 8.2% in females), in G. lamblia (15.45 in males and 14.4% in females), T .saginata (2.0% in males and 5.1% in females), the nematodes 12.3% in males and 7.2% in females. As concern symptoms recorded, diarrhea was the most abundant symptom (36.5% in males and 24.3% in females), then abstaing with abdominal pain (24.3% in males and 18.9% in females). Regarding factors complaints of parasitic infection: not washing hands before eating was the major factor in increasing parasitic infection (27.7% in males and 30.2% in females), then come not washing vegetables (22.5% in males and 20.9% in females) in addition to other socio-economic factors and bad infrastructure of most of the district villages.

Prevalência de parasitoses intestinais entre crianças de 4-12 anos no Crato, Estado do Ceará: um problema recorrente de saúde pública

Prevalence of intestinal parasite infections among 4- to 12-year-old children in Crato, Ceara State. In this study, we estimated the frequency of intestinal parasites in 383 children in the Pinto Madeira neighborhood of Crato-Ceara State. A survey was conducted covering households with 4- to 12-year-old children, including interviews and coprological surveys using the Kato-Katz and Faust methods. An association was identified between intestinal parasitosis and sanitation, forms of use and availability of water. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides and Entamoeba sp was demonstrated. The data also showed that the prevalence of helminths and protozoa was significantly higher for 4- to 5-year-old boys and 6- to 7-year-old girls, children of mothers with less education, living in households with poor conditions of water supply, hygiene and sanitation. These results suggest that investments in sanitary structure and the adoption of policies to improve family education could help significantly in reducing the prevalence of intestinal parasites in children.