Intestinal Parasites In Patients Research Articles

Prevalence of intestinal parasites and Helicobacter pylori coinfection, and contributing factors among patients with gastrointestinal manifestations at Addis Zemen primary hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundThe urease-producing Helicobacter pylori increase the likelihood that pathogenic intestinal protozoa will use the stomach’s increased hydrogen potential to propagate the disease. Coinfections exacerbate the onset and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites/Helicobacter pylori coinfection and contributing factors in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms at Addis Zemen Primary Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsFrom April to July 2023, patients with gastrointestinal problems participated in a cross-sectional study carried out in a hospital. To collect the clinical and sociodemographic data, a questionnaire was employed. Intestinal parasites and Helicobacter pylori were detected using the saline stool wet mount and Helicobacter pylori stool antigen tests, respectively. SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data and variables with p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultThe study included 384 participants in total, of which 47.3% (182/384) were farmers and 50.3% (193/384) were women. Of the study subjects, 69/384 or approximately 18%, had intestinal parasitic infections. In 12% of cases (46/384), Helicobacter pylori were detected. A coinfection of Helicobacter pylori and intestinal parasites was found in 5.5% (21/384) of the subjects. Multiple logistic regression revealed increased risk of coinfection of Helicobacter pylori and intestinal parasites in patients who drink surface water (AOR: 10.7, p = 0.03) family history of Helicobacter pylori (AOR: 3.3, p = 0.024) and those with untrimmed fingers (AOR: 4.9, p = 0.031).ConclusionsGiardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/ moshkovskii/ bangladeshi complex are the most common protozoans that cause coinfection with Helicobacter pylori. Drinking surface water, family history of Helicobacter pylori and untrimmed fingers are the contributing factors to intestinal parasites/Helicobacter pylori coinfection.

Presence of Intestinal Parasites in Patients with Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases in Masaya (Nicaragua).

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Masaya (Nicaragua) to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasite (IP) infections in patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and to determine the associations between the types of NCDs and patients' epidemiological characteristics of infection. A total of 157 preserved faecal samples were examined (direct wet mount, formalin/ethyl acetate concentration and modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique). Microscopically positive faecal sample identification was completed by conducting a molecular study. The total prevalence of IP was 52% in NCD patients. Diabetic patients presented an IP prevalence of 42%. Blastocystis presented the highest prevalence (42%). A molecular analysis of Giardia intestinalis (prevalence of 1.3%) revealed 100% of sub-assemblage BIII and the Entamoeba complex (5%) was identified as E. dispar. Blastocystis ST1 appeared in 44% of those suffering from diabetes and ST3 in 66% of those suffering from hypertension, while ST2 only appeared in those suffering with several NCDs simultaneously. In diabetic patients, the risk of infection is associated with having pets (p = 0.021) and land-floor houses. The risk of infection appears to be statistically related (p = 0.019) in those with several NCDs having received a previous helminthic deworming treatment. Coordinated public health activities for IP and NCD screening and diagnosis are crucial to their successful control programmes.

Distribution of Intestinal Parasites in Patients Admitted to University Hospital: Four Year Retrospective Review.

In this study, it was aimed to examine the distribution of intestinal parasites detected in people who applied to the parasitology laboratory of Fırat University Faculty of Medicine between January 2018 and December 2021. Parasitological examination reports of a total of 24,432 patients who applied to the Parasitology Laboratory of Fırat University Faculty of Medicine between January 2018 and December 2021 were examined retrospectively for the presence of intestinal parasites. A total of 24,432 (male: 12,887, 52.75%; female: 11,545, 47.25%) patients whose stool and cellophane tape samples were analyzed during the four-year period between January 2018 and December 2021 were included in the study. Intestinal parasites were found in 335 (1.4%) of the 24,432 patients examined. The most frequently detected parasite was Giardia intestinalis (n=149, 46.6%), followed by Entamoeba coli (n=123, 38.5%) and Enterobius vermicularis (n=28, 8.6%). When the distribution of parasite detection rates by years was examined, it was seen that the highest rate was in 2021 and the lowest rate was in 2019. Intestinal parasitic infections (IPE) are one of the most important public health problems in the world and in our country. Various factors such as the education level of the society, socio-economic status, infrastructure and climate affect the distribution of IPE. When we look at the distribution of parasites by years, it is 1.3% in 2018; 1.13% in 2019; 1.18% in 2020; In 2021, we found it to be 2.03%. We think that this increase in intestinal parasites is caused by the infrastructure and sheltering problems caused by the earthquake in our region.

Spread of Intestinal Parasites in Patients Presenting with Gastrointestinal Complaints.

The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in patients admitted to University of Health Sciences Türkiye (UHS) Van Training and Research Hospital. A total of 300 patients between the ages of 18-90 who applied to UHS Van Training and Research Hospital with gastrointestinal complaints and were referred to the parasitology laboratory between September 2021 and December 2021, and 100 patients without any chronic disease and gastrointestinal complaints in the control group were included in the study. Stool samples taken from patients included in the study and individuals in the control group were analyzed by native-lugol and modified acid-fast staining methods. In the study, intestinal parasites were detected in 41 (13.3%) of 300 patients in the patient group and in seven (7%) of 100 individuals in the control group. The highest rate of Blastocystis species (Blastocystis spp.) (5.7%) was found in the patient group. Entamoeba coli 3%, G. intestinalis 2.7% and Cryptosporidium species (Cryptosporidium spp). 2.3% were found among the other species detected. In addition, a statistically significant correlation was found between the incidence of parasites and abdominal pain (p=0.022) and nausea (p=0.029). As a result; it was concluded that intestinal parasites are still an important health problem in patients with gastrointestinal complaints and intestinal parasites should definitely be considered in this patient group.

A large-scale study on the prevalence of intestinal parasites in patients referred to medical laboratories in Urmia, Northwest Iran

IntroductionIntestinal parasitic infections (IPIs), caused by helminths and protozoans, are among the most prevalent infections in humans in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of IPIs in patients referred to three educational and medical centers affiliated with Urmia University of Medical Sciences in Urmia.Materials and methodsIn this cross-sectional study, 2845 stool samples, including 2174 (76.4%) males and 671 (23.6%) females, were collected from patients referred to Imam Khomeini and Shahid Motahhari hospitals and Shahid Nikkhah Health Center in Urmia, Northwest Iran, from January 2020 to February 2022. The microscopic examination for IPIs was carried out using the wet mount method, and the hard-to-identify samples were stained by trichrome for accurate identification of protozoa. For diagnosis of infections by coccidian parasites modified Ziehl-Neelsen (mZN) staining was used.ResultsBased on the results, two hundred nine intestinal parasites were identified in 184 out of 2845 (6.5%) patients of which 136 out of 2174 males (6.3%) and 48 out of 671 females (7.2%) were positive. Some patients had tested positive for multiple protozoa. The observed intestinal protozoa are as follows: Blastocystis spp. 118 (4.1%), Endolimax Nana 42 (1.5%), Entamoeba coli 24 (0.8%), Giardia lamblia 13 (0.5%), Cryptosporidium spp. 6 (0.2%), Iodamoeba butschlii 3 (0.1%), Chilomastix mesnili 2 (0.1%), and an accidentally detected helminthic infection Enterobius vermicularis 1 (0.05%).ConclusionAccording to the results, the most prevalent IPIs in West Azerbaijan Province are caused by Blastocystis spp., and Giardia lamblia. Most intestinal protozoa observed in the study were nonpathogenic and commensal, which shows water or food contamination in the area. Thus, medical technologists in the parasitology section must be trained and aware of IPIs in medical laboratories.

Diagnostic des quelques parasites intestinaux chez les patients fréquentant l’Hopital Général de Reference de Kintambo à Kinshasa en RDCONGO

This study was focused on the diagnosis of some intestinal parasites in patients attending the General Reference Hospital of Kintambo. The results showed that, among the causative agents of these pathologies, protozoa were diagnosed in large numbers, with the genus Antamoeba. Helminths were dominated by Ascaris lumbricoides.These results confirm that intestinal parasitosis remains a public health problem in the Democratic Republic of Congo in general and in Kinshasa in particular.This situation is explained by the absence of personal hygiene (washing of hands, cleanliness of food), good management of faecal peril which had to go through the installation of latrines, sewers and treatment of waste water.

Kronik Hastalığı Olan Hastalarda Bağırsak Parazitlerinin Değerlendirilmesi

Objective: Parasitic diseases concern all segments of society, especially children in the growing age. Intestinal parasites not only cause mental and physical development retardation, but also cause loss of work force with the complaints they cause, negatively affecting both physical and mental health and the country's economy. In this study, we aimed to evaluate intestinal parasites in patients with chronic diseases. Methods: The files of patients who applied to the internal medicine outpatient clinic between 01.01.2022 and 31.12.2022 and underwent direct stool microscopy in the Parasitology Laboratory of Ordu University Medical Faculty were retrospectively scanned. The patients were divided into 2 groups as those with chronic disease and those without chronic disease. As a chronic disease; Diabetes Mellitus, hypertension, chronic heart disease, chronic heart failure, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, other chronic lung diseases, chronic kidney failure, chronic liver failure, goiter diseases, rheumatic diseases were taken as. Socio-demographic characteristics of the patients such as age, gender, educational status, economic status and marital status, and stool microscopic examinations were recorded. Results: 385 patients were evaluated in the study. It consisted of 281 female and 104 male patients. 209 patients with chronic disease were identified. There is a significant relationship between age, marital and educational status and chronic diseases in the comparison of those with and without chronic disease according to their socio-demographic characteristics (P&amp;lt;0.005). Conclusion: There was no significant difference between those with and without chronic disease in terms of intestinal parasites. However, it has been suggested that controlled studies are needed by increasing the number of patients in the patient groups.

The Relationship between Helicobacter Pylori and Intestinal Parasites in Patients with Peptic Ulcer

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), risk factors, and co-infection with intestinal parasites in adult patients presenting gastrointestinal complaints. Materials and Methods: The working group of the study consisted of 385 patients with gastrointestinal complaints. A questionnaire including questions aiming to canvass the socio-demographic features, lifestyles, and complaints of the patients was administered to the study population. Cellophane slide method, native-lugol, sedimentation and Modified kinyoun acid-fast methods were used for the diagnosis of parasites in stool, under microscope. The H. pylori antigen was studied in the stool sample taken for the diagnosis of H. pylori.Results: H. pylori positivity was found to be 27.79% in the patients included in the study. 76.6% of those who are positive for H. pylori are women, and the positivity rate was found to be higher at the age of 40 and over (75.7%). The majority of patients with H. pylori positivity expressed being married (73.8%), having middle / low-income (89.7%), having a low educational background (82.2%), living in a village (55.1%), and in a nuclear family (72.2%) (p&amp;lt;0.001). H. pylori positivity was higher in those who used tap water (40.2%) and those who had a vegetable-based diet (75.7%) (p&amp;lt;0.001). The study found a statistically significant correlation between Entamoeba histoloytica and Enterobius vermicularis positivity and H. pylori positivity (p&amp;lt;0.05 p&amp;lt;0.001, respectively). The calculated odds ratio showed that H. pylori positivity was 1.19 times higher in Entamoeba histoloytica positivity and 11.27 times higher in Enterobius vermicularis positivity. Conclusion: Larger and more comprehensive studies should be performed to understand better the epidemiology, clinical effects, treatment, and control of H. pylori co-infection.

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

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

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites in HIV/AIDS-Infected Patients Attending Clinics in Selected Areas of the Eastern Cape

Introduction: Intestinal parasites in HIV and AIDS patients increase the risk of gastroenteritis, adding to the complexity of the virus. According to the literature, their interactions are one of the factors leading to HIV replication and progression of AIDS in Africa. Chronic immunosuppression caused by HIV infection makes people vulnerable to parasitic infections, and this is associated with a CD4+ cell count of less than 100. The study describes the prevalence of intestinal parasites in patients attending HIV/AIDS clinics in certain areas of the Eastern Cape. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 600 patients from HIV/AIDS clinics in the Eastern Cape. Tambo Municipality and Amatole Municipality were the municipalities covered. These included the Ngangalizwe Community Clinic, Tsolo Gateway Clinic, Idutywa Health Centre, and Nqamakwe Health Centre. The stools of 600 participants were examined using direct wet saline/iodine embedding, formal ether concentration technique, and modified Ziehl–Neelsen methods. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 28.2 years. They were predominantly female (79.9%), mostly single (63.6%), and lived in rural (65.2%) and urban areas (34.8%). The prevalence of intestinal parasites was determined to be 30% (180/600) after screening 600 stool samples. The most frequently detected parasites were Ascaris lumbricoides (55.9%), Balantidium coli (15.1%), Entamoeba coli (11.3%), Diphyllobothrium latum (4.3%), Taenia species (3.8%), Schistosoma mansoni (1.6%), and Cryptosporidium spp. (1.6%). Males were affected more frequently (39.2%) than females (27.9%). The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.017). Among the identified intestinal parasites, A. lumbricoides, B. coli, and Taenia spp. were found at all four sites. Conclusion: This study has shed light on the high burden of intestinal parasites in HIV/AIDS patients in the Eastern Cape. Medication adherence, deworming, and sanitary hygiene practices are needed to enhance the control of infection in the affected communities and hence contribute to the control of the HIV pandemic.

Retrospective Analysis of the Distribution of Intestinal Parasites in Patients Admitted to Dicle University Faculty of Medicine Between the Years 2011-2020

The purpose of this study was to determine and evaluate retrospectively the distribution of intestinal parasites detected in patients who applied to Dicle University Medical Faculty Parasitology Laboratory between 2011-2020. Stool samples sent to the parasitology laboratory for parasite examination were examined by the native-Lugol method and the samples sent with cellophane tape were examined microscopically for parasite examination. In addition, modified acidfast and trichrome staining methods were used to identify protozoan. Parasites were detected in 5.99% of 60.501 stool samples sent to the parasitology laboratory. Blastocystis spp. (57.62%) was detected with the highest rate among positive samples, followed by 31.93% Giardia intestinalis, 3.75% Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, 2.37% Hymenolepis nana, 1.57% Fasciola spp., 0.91% Taenia saginata, 0.72% Enterobius vermicularis, 0.52% Cryptosporidium spp., 0.42% Cyclospora cayetanensis, 0.19 Ascaris lumbricoides were detected. Although the incidence of intestinal parasite infections in our study decreased over a ten-year period, it continues to maintain its importance. Therefore, to reduce the prevalence of intestinal parasites; It is important to safeguarding clean water resources, solve infrastructure problems, and inform the public about sanitation rules.

Distribution of Intestinal Parasites Detected in Ankara Training and Research Hospital between 2017 and 2020

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the current prevalence of intestinal parasites in patients admitted to Ankara Training and Research Hospital during the period of 2017 to 2020.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Intestinal parasitic examination results of patients between 2017 and 2020 were evaluated retrospectively. Data on demographic and clinical parameters were obtained from the laboratory information management system.&#x0D; Results: E. vermicularis eggs were found in 7.2% of 2348 samples examined by cellophane tape method. One or more intestinal parasites were detected in 18.2% of 4211 samples examined stool concentration method. Intestinal parasite positivity was the highest in children aged 6-18 years among age groups. The most frequently detected intestinal parasites were Blastocystis sp., E. vermicularis, Dientamoeba fragilis and Giardia intestinalis.&#x0D; Conclusion: Although our hospital is in the center of Ankara Training and Research Hospital, it mostly serves patients with low socioeconomic status and immigrant individuals; therefore total intestinal parasite detection rate was found relatively high. Intestinal parasitic infections are still an important public health issue in our country. It is important to determine the prevalence of parasitic infections to develop optimal prevention and treatment strategies.

Prevalence of parasitic infections in stool samples investigated in centeral laboratory of Meybod

Parasitic infections are one of the major health problems worldwide, especially in developing countries. This study was done to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in patients referred to the central laboratory of Meybod. This research was a descriptive and cross-sectional study in which the stool samples related to all patients referred to the central laboratory of Meybod in 2020 were evaluated. After collecting data, analysis was performed with SPSS software (version22) and chi-square test. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was as 67 (5.2%) Giardia lamblia and 33 (2.6%) Entamoeba coli. The most frequent seasons of positive patients for intestinal parasites were summer and autumn. The prevalence of parasites in this study was lower than the prevalence reported in other studies.

Distribution of intestinal parasites in patients applied to Inonu University Turgut Ozal Medical Center Parasitology Laboratory between 2018-2022

Distribution of intestinal parasites in patients applied to Inonu University Turgut Ozal Medical Center Parasitology Laboratory between 2018-2022

AN ANALYSIS OF PARASITIC AGENTS IN PATIENTS WITH GASTROENTERITIS ADMITTED TO A UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

Objective Acute gastroenteritis is a disease characterized by diarrhea. In this disease, virus, bacteria and parasite are the most common factors. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the diversity of intestinal parasites in patients with gastroenteritis who applied to the Emergency Department (ED). Material and Methods In this descriptive and cross-sectional study, a total of 4177 records of patients with acute gastroenteritis (ICD: K52.9) who were admitted to the ED of our hospital between November 2014 and November 2017 were evaluated retrospectively. A total 410 stool samples for intestinal parasites using the standard parasitological methods were examined. Results 45.9% of the cases (n=188) were male and 54.1% (n=222) were female. The most common cause of parasitic diarrhea was E. histolytica (85.2%). Of the 410 patients included in the study, 34.6% (n = 142) had leukocytes in the microscopic examination. The microscopic examination of 62.7% (n = 89) of patients with leukocytes also showed parasites. Evaluating the coexistence of parasites and leukocytes together in the stool sample the presence of leukocytes was significantly higher in patients with parasites in the stool sample (p &amp;lt;0.0001). When the coexistence of parasites and erythrocytes in the stool sample were evaluated together, the presence of erythrocytes was significantly higher in patients with parasites in the stool sample (p &amp;lt;0.0001). Conclusion E. histolytica is an important public health problem in our region and all over the world. We believe that this problem will be reduced by sewage and infrastructure works and by improvement in sanitation of drinking and utility water.

Contribution to the Diagnostic Study of Intestinal Parasitosis, Haiti

Parasitic intestinal diseases are widespread in the world with a higher prevalence in developing countries. They are generally a serious public health problem in tropical countries. In October 2020, a cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in patients visiting Fermathe Hospital in Haiti. Data were collected on stool results with the presence of parasites and we used systematic sampling for further information regarding patients with parasitology problems. A summary field survey was also carried out in the surrounding areas with more cases recorded such as Corail, Calbasse, Fort Jacques, Center / Marché Kenscoff, Doco, and Douret for direct observations of the inventory and voluntary interviews with the residents of the area on hygiene practices. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 31.26% and the most common species were: Endolimax nana (39.13%), followed by Blastocystis hominis (14%), Blastocystis hominis / Giardia intestinales (12.07%), Entamoeba coli (5.31%), and others like Iodamoeba butschlii, Ascaris lumbricoides or combined parasites were less than 5%. The field survey revealed a strong relationship between parasitosis and drinking water, parasitosis, and place of defecation. Although there are health centers in the area, many people use self-medication or empiric therapy. The study highlights the important causes of gastrointestinal disorders that present themselves in this hospital and confirms intestinal parasitosis as a major public health problem in Haiti.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in HIV-infected individuals and their relationship with immune status

Background and Objectives: Intestinal parasitic infection is a common entity in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These infections may lead to fatal complications in the immuno suppressed individuals. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in HIV sero-positive patients and their relationship with the immune status of individuals. Materials and Methods: Fecal samples from 100 HIV sero-positive and an equal number of HIV sero-negative individuals were collected and examined for enteric parasites by direct microscopy. CD4 counts were carried out in only HIV sero-positive patients. Prevalence of intestinal parasites in patients with CD4 count <200 cells/μl, 200-499 cells/μl, and ≥500 cells/μl in HIV-infected patients were compared. Results: Enteric parasites were detected in 59.3% HIV-infected patients with CD4 count <200 cells/μl as compared with 23.5% in patients with CD4 count>200 cells/μl (P < 0.01). Prevalence of coccidian parasites was significantly (P < 0.01) higher (14%) in HIV sero-positive subjects compared with HIV sero-negative subjects (2%). Isospora belli (25%) was the most common parasite with CD4 count <200 cells/μl, followed by Cryptosporidium parvum (12.5%). Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was significantly higher in patients with diarrhea, 73.6% than without diarrhea, 25.9%, (P < 0.05). The mean CD4 count of HIV sero-positive patients presenting with diarrhea was significantly (P < 0.01) lower (181.26 ± 135.14) than without diarrhea (352.02 ± 204.03). Conclusion: This study emphasizes the need for routine screening of parasites especially in patients with lower CD4 count so as to decrease the morbidity by ensuring the early treatment of the cases.

Investigation of Intestinal Protozoon Prevalence in Immunocompromised Patients at a University Hospital

Immunocompromised patients are at a greater risk of developing intestinal parasite infections. In this study, we examined the presence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encaphalitozoon intestinalis and other intestinal protozoa in stool samples of immunosuppressed patients. A total of 100 stool samples were obtained from patients receiving chemotherapy because of solid organ tumour with haematological malignancies and those receiving immunosuppressive treatment because of rheumatic diseases, organ transplant patients and patients receiving treatment for HIV-related infections. Stool samples were examined by using the native-lugol method in which the stool concentration, modified Kinyoun acid-fast and trichrome staining methods and parasite presence were analysed. The stool samples were also examined for the presence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis using an indirect fluorescent antibody method. Intestinal parasites were detected in 12% of all patients. The distribution of intestinal parasites in patients were 7% Blastocystis spp., 2% Blastocystis spp. + Dientamoeba fragilis, 1% Blastocystis spp. + Entamoeba coli, 1% Blastocystis spp. + Giardia intestinalis and 1% G. intestinalis. Microsporidia spp. were detected in 4% of all patients by the IFAT method and in 8% of all patients by calcoflour staining method. In our study, the most prevalent parasite detected in the immunosuppressed patients was Blastocystis spp. The pathogenesis of Blastocystis spp. remains to be controversial, and their role in immunocompromised patients continues to remain unknown. Although these rates detected in our study are similar to the prevalence in the normal population, it is important to study these microorganisms in immunocompromised patients in terms of the associated decreasing morbidity and mortality rates.

Strongyloides stercoralis and other intestinal parasites in patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs in northern Iran: a closer look at risk factors.

OBJECTIVESThe objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis and other intestinal parasites in patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs in northern Iran and to investigate related risk factors.METHODSThis cross-sectional study was conducted among 494 patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs, including cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy (n=188) and those treated with prolonged corticosteroid administration (n=306). All fresh fecal samples were examined using the direct wet-mount, formalin ethyl acetate concentration, and agar plate culture techniques.RESULTSIn total, 16.8% of patients were positive for at least 1 intestinal parasite; the helminthic and protozoan infection rates were 5.1% and 12.3%, respectively. The infection rate was significantly higher in corticosteroid-treated individuals (19.6%) than cancer patients (12.2%) (p<0.05). The prevalence rate of S. stercoralis among patients receiving chemotherapy and those treated with corticosteroids were 4.3% and 5.2%, respectively. The prevalence rate of S. stercoralis infection was significantly higher in older patients (p<0.05).CONCLUSIONSStrongyloidiasis is one of the most common parasites among patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs in northern Iran. Early diagnosis and proper treatment of these patients are necessary to minimize the complications of severe strongyloidiasis.

Frequency of intestinal parasites in patients attended at a university hospital in Maceió, state of Alagoas, Brazil

The aim of this study was to analyze the parasitological tests of a population at a public hospital in Maceió-AL. A descriptive study was made between January and July of 2015 analyzing the parasitological tests of a population at a public hospital in Maceió-AL. Variables such as gender, age, positive tests, protozoan species, helminths species and parasitic associations were analyzed. Out of 1.581 tests, 806 (51%) tested positive. Regarding gender, 535 (67%) were from women. Helminths were the most predominant infections (63.94%), compared to protozoans (36.06%). The Helminths with the highest number of infections were: Ascaris lumbricoides (93.23%), Trichuris trichiura (2.32%) and Enterobius vermicularis (1.26%). Among protozoans, Endolimax nana and Entamoeba coli corresponded to 78.09% and 15.91% respectively. Although non pathogenic, it suggests fecal contamination. According to the degree of parasitism, 84.0% were monoparasitism. It can be concluded that the number of positive tests for enteroparasites was high, mainly in men. The species A. lumbricoides was the main helminth detected, while E. nana was the main protozoan found in the tests. The age group between 24 and 59 years old was the one that had the highest amount of positive tests. The results observed strengthen the need for the implementation of prevention measures for intestinal parasitic infections.