Intestinal Parasitosis Research Articles

Dual intestinal parasitosis unmasked by treatment for gastrointestinal sarcoidosis

The symptoms and complications of intestinal parasitosis can occur with long-term corticosteroid therapy. We highlight the case of a young man who developed chronic gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms of diarrhea, crampy abdominal pain, and vomiting while on treatment for multisystemic sarcoidosis with corticosteroids. His symptoms were initially thought to be related to the gastrointestinal manifestations of sarcoidosis, but further evaluation revealed a combined case of intestinal strongyloidiasis and giardiasis as well as previously undiagnosed human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV -1) infection. This distinctive case of dual intestinal parasitosis highlights the need for clinicians to maintain a high level of awareness to screen for intestinal parasites, particularly Strongyloides when prescribing corticosteroids in the long term given the potential risk of hyperinfection in the setting of immunosuppression..

Factors associated with intestinal parasites in the central prison of Conakry, Guinea

Introduction: intestinal parasites are a health issue for communities in developing countries, particularly persons incarcerated in prisons. The purpose of the study was to analyze factors associated with intestinal parasitosis among inmates in the Central Prison of Conakry.

Outbreak of Endoparasitosis in Free-Range Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) in Bahia, Brazil

Background: Free-range chickens are quite common in Brazil. In this alternative rearing system, the animals are rustic and raised in an extensive system. Free access to “bare soil” results in the increased occurrence of intestinal parasites since larvae and / or eggs of helminths and protozoa oocysts find favorable conditions for their survival and dissemination in the soil. Although the occurrence and importance of parasitic infections in free-range chickens is well known, the objective of this study is to report an outbreak of endoparasites in free-range chickens in the municipality of Barra - BA, in view of bird susceptibility associated with scarcity of studies in western Bahia.Cases: The chickens were kept free, in a bare soil yard in a household at the urban perimeter of the municipality of Barra - BA. Feeding consisted of whole corn grains, thrown directly in the soil. The drinking fountains were dirty and the animals had no history of vaccination or deworming. Symptoms Anorexia, difficulty in eating and in locomotion, presence of seromucous secretion in the oral cavity, emaciation and diarrhea were all observed symptoms. One of the birds presented excessive vocalization, drowsiness and flaccid paralysis of the neck. Necropsy was performed on 3 chickens: 2 females (cases 1 and 2) and 1 male (case 3). Macroscopic analysis revealed the presence of seromucous secretion in the upper respiratory tract of all animals. Specimens of Ascaridia galli were observed in cases 1 and 2, Heterakis gallinarum in cases 2 and 3, Raillietina sp. in cases 2 and 3 and Davainea proglottina in case 1. Microscopically, the animals had an inflammatory infiltrate in the liver and intestines. Some animals presented necrosis of the tracheal epithelial cells, as well as of the epithelial cells present at the apex of the villi. No significant results were found in the coproparasitological exam.Discussion: The diagnosis of endoparasitosis in this outbreak was based on epidemiological, clinical and pathological findings. The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in free-range chickens is linked to factors such as age, high animal density, absence of sanitary hygienic measures, as well as environmental temperature and humidity. The appearance of injuries in the intestinal mucosa is influenced by characteristics such as parasitic load, concomitant infections, age and the host's immune status. During necropsy of the birds were found 2 helminths of the Nematoda class (Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum) and 2 of the Cestoda class (Davainea proglottina and Raillietina sp.). A. galli, seen in 2 cases, is considered low pathogenicity for adult chickens, however young birds are susceptible and can die due to intestinal obstruction and hemorrhages. H. gallinarum is responsible for causing typhlitis, with diarrhea and weight loss, this helminth was found in 2 animals in the present study, however only 1 had changes in the digestive tract. Davainea proglotina and Raillietina spp. might cause, respectively, severe hemorrhagic enteritis and nodule formation in the small intestine mucosa. In Brazil, even though it is notable that intestinal parasitism is one of the key problems in alternative poultry farming, there are few studies that evaluate the presence of endoparasites in chickens raised in alternative production systems, with animals being more frequently exposed to nematodes and cestodes. The multiparasitism observed in this study probably stems from flaws in the rearing system, mainly related to sanitary hygiene management. Therefore, the reduction in the occurrence of these helminths is closely related to the performance of basic prophylactic measures, such as offering good quality food and water in clean containers, separating lots by age, performing sanitary emptiness and deworming.Keywords: livelihood creation, nematode, cestode, multiparasitism, avian pathology.Surto de endoparasitose em galinhas caipiras (Gallus gallus domesticus) na Bahia, BrasilDescritores: criação de subsistência, nematoide, cestoide, multiparasitismo, patologia aviária.

Benefit of Iron Supplementation with Ferric Sodium EDTA (NaFe <sup>3+</sup>-EDTA) in the Treatment of Anemia during Pregnancy in Democratic Republic of Congo (FERARI Study)

Background: Oral iron supplements, usually in the form of ferrous salts, are associated with gastric side effects, poor compliance and failure of anemia treatment. To make iron more bioavailable, reduce the gastric side effects and increase the patient compliance, newer iron form, Ferric Sodium EDTA, has become available on the market. Objective: To assess the change in hemoglobin level after iron supplementation with Ferric Sodium EDTA during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: This is a longitudinal study concerning 337 women attending antenatal care in maternity hospitals in the Democratic Republic of Congo from May to December 2020. The study included sociodemographic and anthropometric variables along with type of feed, hemoglobin level at recruitment and after three weeks of taking iron supplement with Ferric Sodium EDTA (Hemoforce Plus Zinc® syrup). For statistical analysis, we used t-test or ANOVA and chi-square test, the significance being stated at p Results: The frequency of pregnancy anemia was 51.4%. The mean hemoglobin value of the overall study group was 8.7 ± 0.5 g/dL. The mean maternal age and weight were 28.9 ± 6.2 years and 65.3 ± 11.7 kg, respectively. Most pregnant women (83.1%) had a diet consisting of food of plant and animal origin in equal proportions. Mean of Body Mass Index (BMI) was 24.6 ± 4.6 Kg/m2 and 44.3% were overweight and obese. The co-morbidities associated were malaria and intestinal parasitosis found in 45% and 5.9% of cases, respectively. After iron treatment with Ferric Sodium EDTA, the average hemoglobin level increased to 11.2 g/dL with mean gain of 2.5 g/dL (p Conclusion: Ferric Sodium EDTA as a novel iron formulation (Hemoforce Plus Zinc®) has shown a rapid increase in hemoglobin levels in pregnant women suffering from anemia. The speedy rise in hemoglobin is related to the property of Ferric Sodium EDTA to enhance the iron absorption by inhibiting the dietary iron inhibitors. Thus, Ferric Sodium EDTA should be used as an effective and promising iron supplement in pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitosis and Its Associated Factors Among Children Aged 6 to 59 months Attending Mekane Eyesus Primary Hospital, Northcentral Ethiopia.

Background. Intestinal parasites are still a serious public health problem and important cause of morbidity and mortality all over the world, particularly in developing countries. Unfortunately, pre-school children are more susceptible to infection. However, information is scarce in the study area. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis and associated factors among children aged 6 to 59 months in Northcentral Ethiopia. Methods. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was carried out at Mekane Eyesus primary hospital from June 10 to November 30, 2020. Stool samples were collected from 322 children and examined by using direct wet mount and formal ether concentration techniques. The data were entered and analyzed using EPI Info v7 and SPSS v23 statistical software, respectively. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic analysis was carried out and potential associated factors were identified based on adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and P-value <.05. Results. The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 18.0% (95% CI: 14.0%-22.0%). A total of 4 parasites were examined and the dominant parasite was E. histolytica/dispar (8.1%) followed by A. limbricoide (4.7%). Children with irregular trimming of fingernails (AOR = 3.14, 95% CI: 1.59-6.21), and child who have habit of eating unwashed fruits/vegetables (AOR = 3.80, 95% CI: 1.14-12.82) were strongly associated with IPIs. Conclusions. Protozoa parasites are most common cause of diseases in children. The study identified some preventable and modifiable factors to address the prevalence of IPIs. Additionally, improving mothers/guardians awareness about source of infection and mode of transmission is necessary.

Parasitos Intestinais em Crianças no Brasil: Revisão Sistemática

The present study aimed to identify the main parasites that affect children in Brazil, as well as to verify the regions where studies were conducted and the diagnostic techniques through a systematic review. Thus, original articles and short communications were researched in different databases. Studies published between 2010 and 2019 were included, whereas studies related to blood and extra intestinal parasites were excluded. A total of 27 papers were eligible and then, analyzed. Most studies were conducted in Southern and South regions. The protozoan Giardia lamblia and the helminth Ascaris lumbricoides were the most prevalent parasites found in the samples. Considering the diagnostic techniques, the Hoffman, Pons &amp; Janer was the most used. Therefore, the investigation of parasites in children should be encouraged mainly in regions where there are poor basic sanitation conditions. Given that the transmission of most parasites occurs through the ingestion of contaminated water and food, the improvement of hygiene habits is essential in order to prevent intestinal parasitosis.

National State Survey to identify the presence of intestinal parasitic infections of mixed randomized patients as prevention who attended the IMSS laboratory

Introduction: Nowadays in our state, intestinal parasitic diseases are still endemic, with a greater frequency in rural and mountainous urban areas. After the years have elapsed since the last national survey, it was necessary to carry out a new survey to know the prevalence rates of intestinal parasitosis and to compare the results obtained between both studies. Such knowledge would be of great value in developing health strategies and designing intestinal parasitic infection control programs. Objective: to determine the current prevalence rates of intestinal parasites, to compare the results with those of the survey obtained. Methods: a random cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out during the months of December 2018 to March 2019 in a random sample of both sexes from the population of urban communities and the province of Zacatecas, Zac. Each one had a stool sample collected that was analyzed by the direct examination method, the Willis concentration technique, and the Kato-Katz examination; A questionnaire was also applied to them. Results: when comparing the results of the national and state surveys of intestinal parasitic infections carried out in 2009 and 2018, it was found that, in general, infections by parasites decreased, both helminths and pathogenic protozoa, although those infected with commensals increased their frequency in that of 2019. There was also a decrease in the frequency of infections by all species of soil-transmitted helminths, Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, ancylostomideos, and Strongyloides stercoralis, as well as by the pathogenic protozoa Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolitica. Conclusions: when comparing the results of national and state surveys of intestinal parasite infections carried out in 2018 and 2019, it was found that in general the frequencies of infections with intestinal parasites decreased. The finding in both studies of a higher frequency of infection with parasites or commensals in the group aged 5 to 14 years (school age), supports the recommendation to place emphasis on control programs for intestinal parasites in this age group.

Characterization of Intestinal Parasitosis in Pregant Women at Ram Janaki Hospital, Janakpurdham

Objectives: The objective of this study was designed to focus the prevalence, detection and identification of intestinal parasites and its associated factors among pregnant women.&#x0D; Methods: Total 264 stool samples were collected in a labeled dry, clean disinfectant free wide mouthed plastic container during antenatal visits at Ram Janaki Hospital, Janakpurdham and were examined by macroscopically and microscopically. The detection and identification of protozoal cysts, oocysts, trophozoites and helminthic eggs or larva was done by wet preparation and formalether sedimentation concentration technique. The data was analysed using SPSS 20 version and Microsoft Excel 2007. A Chi-square test was performed to predict the parasite detection using predictor variables. The p-values &lt;0.05 was considered as significant.&#x0D; Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among pregnant women was 42%. There was positive association of symptoms of intestinal parasitosis among pregnant women (p &lt; 0.05). The most predominant intestinal parasites among study participants were E. histolytica (20%) slightly dropped by G. lamblia (16%) followed by Hook worm (13%) and A. lumbricoides (11%). The correlation between all the variables with intestinal parasites presence and absence was statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) but statistically insignificant for age and consumption of green leafy vegetables (p&gt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was relatively moderate. Lack of awareness, low hygienic and sanitation habits regarding parasitic infections were the major determinant factors for higher prevalence. Improving sanitation, awareness creation and public health programes should be organized at regular interval in community.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in pregnant women

Parasitic infections affect tens of millions of pregnant women worldwide, and directly or indirectly lead to a spectrum of adverse maternal and fetal/placental effects. To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in pregnant women and its association with various factors. Stool specimens were collected from pregnant women in a clean, wide mouth, leak-proof screw capped container. Formol ether Concentration technique was performed to increase the yield of the eggs and larvae. Modified Acid Fast staining was done for opportunistic parasitic infections. Out of the 300 pregnant women screened for presence of intestinal parasites, the prevalence of intestinal parasites was 42.67%. Protozoa (88.65%) were predominant than the helminths (11.34%). The prevalence of intestinal parasites was more in the second and the third trimester as compared to the first trimester. Primigravida women had greater positivity of intestinal parasites than the multigravida. Out of 220 anemic females, 115 (52.27%) had presence of intestinal parasites showing an association between anemia and intestinal parasites. Intestinal parasitosis showed a significant correlation with eosinophilia. Two independently collected stool specimens for routine stool examination should be sufficient to ensure adequate diagnostic sensitivity. Routine screening of stool samples for intestinal parasites, especially in anemic, malnourished and women with eosinophilia should be considered as a part of the routine antenatal care. Considering the fact that sanitation and hygiene is suboptimal in most parts of the country, there should be a strong emphasis on the recommendations in the national guidelines regarding deworming in pregnancy.

Violation of the gut microbiota composition of and the level of cytokines in children with enterobiosis

Background: The problem of the influence of intestinal helminths on the intestinal microbiota has not yet been properly studied. Aim: to implement a comparative analysis of the qualitative and quantitative changes in the intestinal microflora and cytokine profile in children with and without intestinal parasitoses. Methods & Materials: We examined children aged 3–7 years, undergoing an outpatient medical screening in the Rostov Research Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology. The biological material of 48 children was studied using parasitological, bacteriological and immunological methods. Identification of the isolated microorganisms was carried out using MALDI-TOF. The level of intestinal cytokines was determined by commercial test systems ELISA (pro-inflammatory cytokines: interleukin-1-beta (IL-1-beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), anti-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-10 (IL-10). Results: According to the results, 2 groups of children were formed: 1st — children with enterobiosis (10 patients); 2nd — with functional digestive disorders (38 patients). Frequency of detection of Bifidum spp., Lactobacillus spp. and typical E.coli in the 1th group was 63%: 27%: 10% and in the 2nd — 49%: 25%:18%, accordingly; the obligate microorganisms (enterococci) were absent. In the group 2 among the facultative representatives of microbiota there were identified: Klebsiella spp. (37%), Proteus spp. (13%), Clostridium spp. (16%), Enterococcus spp. (16%) haemolytic Escherichia coli strains (2%); pathogenic S. aureus strains (13%), Pseudomonas spp. (3%). In children with enterobiosis there were found: Klebsiella spp. (20%), Proteus spp. (20%), Clostridium spp. (20%), atypical Escherichia (20%). Pathogenic S.aureus strains were detected in 20% of cases. Analysis of the level of cytokines showed that in the 1st group the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines was lower than in the 2nd group was significantly exceeded: INF-gamma (12 pg/ml), IL-1 beta (9 pg/ml), and IL-4 (17 pg/ml), IL-10 (1,3 pg/ml). In the 2nd group level of cytokines: INF-gamma (43 pg/ml), IL-1 beta (12 pg/ml), and IL-4 (21 pg/ml), IL-10 (50 pg/ml). Conclusion: The production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the intestine in children with enterobiasis was less intense than in the group of children without pinworms. The microbial landscape of the resident and optional groups of intestinal bacteria was less diverse in patients with intestinal helminthes.

Status and perception of intestinal parasitosis among students of a health professional institution in NDjamena, Chad

Intestinal parasitic diseases remain an epidemiology a real problem in Chad, but little research has been done in this area. The purpose of the study is to determine the status of intestinal parasites infection among students in a health professional training institution and to assess their level of perception of this health problem. This prospective and descriptive study took place between June and July 2018. A total of 107 stool samples were collected from students in a health professional training institution in the city of N’Djamena. Direct examination and formalin-ether concentration methods were used to search for parasites. The results showed that the overall prevalence of intestinal parasites among the students was 64.5%. The parasite species identified were Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Ascaris lumbricoides, Taenia solium and Strongyloides stercoralis with respective percentages: 46.73, 13.08, 13.08, 1.87, and 0.93%. The rates of infestation according to the ethological factors were: - cooking water: 46.51 and 75.80% respectively for the national water company (SNE) and drilled water; feeding mode: 60 and 64.70% for respectively individual and collective; washing hands with soap before meals: 78.57 and 62.37% for respectively no and yes. To fight the diseases caused by parasitosis should involve a strategy on sanitation and health education.The species of parasites identified indicate that the fight against diseases caused by the above parasitosis should involve a strategy on sanitation and health education. Key words: Parasite, students, N’Djamena, health professional institution, Chad.

Risk factors and prevalence of enteroparasitic diseases in Shellfish Pickers from a lake area in the Northeast of Brazil

Introduction: Intestinal parasitosis are a public health problem worldwide. There are several risk factors and a high association with some specific labor activities. Objective: The present study assessed the risk factors and prevalence of enteroparasitic diseases in shellfish pickers from one district of Maceió, Alagoas state, Brazil. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 41 female shellfish pickers including parasitological tests in fecal samples and a questionnaire with objective and subjective questions. Sand samples from their working environment were also analyzed. Results: At least one species of parasite was found in 19.51% of the fecal samples. Pathogenic species of Giardia lamblia, Trichuris trichiura, Schistosoma mansoni, Ascaris lumbricoides, Enterobius vermicularis, from the Ancylostomatidae family, and non-pathogenic species of Entamoeba coli were found. Polyparasitism was diagnosed in 37.5% of the positive samples. A total of 57.14% of sand samples contained hookworm larvae. Regarding the risk factor, low educational level was statistically associated to the presence of parasites (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Greater investment in basic education is needed to increase the knowledge about preventive measures against parasitic diseases and the promotion food-handling courses in order to change existing inadequate habits in the community. Basic sanitation is also essential in preventing environmental contamination.

Ocorrência de enteroparasitoses em crianças cadastradas em uma obra social

&lt;p&gt;Intestinal parasitoses are a serious public health problem, especially in underdeveloped countries, and this problem is associated and aggravated by poor sanitary conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the parasitological characteristics of children and family members registered in a social work. A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2017 to December 2018. The feces were collected in sterile vials, the exams were performed using the spontaneous sedimentation and Baermann-Moraes methods. The species detected were Giardia lamblia, Endolimax nana, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiuria and Schistosoma mansoni. The most frequent parasite was Endolimax nana (25.64%), while among the helminths, with 15.44% Ascaris lumbricoides was the most frequent. Regarding epidemiological data, the source of supply water corresponded to 97.91% of households connected (consumers) to the public supply network, ie source of treated source. As for drinking water, 44.44% of households used tap water (from the public network) and another part of families (33.33%) consumed mineral water at home, only 5.56% of households drank well water artesian. Consequently, the importance of health education programs to prevent parasitic infections is highlighted.&lt;/p&gt;

Assessment of Prevalence and Risk Factors for Intestinal Parasitosis, Malnutrition, and Anemia among School Children in Ghindae Area, Eritrea.

Background Research studies on determination of risk factors for intestinal parasitic infections and related malnutrition and anemia in various tropical areas are necessary for appropriate preventive resource allocation and cost effective control. This study is aimed at evaluating the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitosis, malnutrition, and anemia amongst elementary and junior school students in Ghindae area, Eritrea. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted in 6 schools around Ghindae from February to April 2018. 460 children were selected randomly for analysis and consent was taken from guardians. The pertinent sociodemographic data was collected using a pretested questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements were carried out to determine the proportion of students with malnutrition, stunting, and thinness. Fecal samples were examined by formal-ether concentration technique, and blood specimen was collected and analyzed for the assessment of hemoglobin using Hemocue analyzers. The association between predictors and outcome variables were measured with a stepwise logistic regression model. Result The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 45.3%. Protozoan infections (38.2%) were more prevalent than soil-transmitted helminthic infections (10.4%). The presence of different intestinal parasitic infections had statistically significant association with the residence area, hand washing habits, source of drinking water, and type of latrine used. The prevalence of malnutrition was 36.9% with 18.5% stunting and 21.2% thinness. Students of rural areas had 2.03 times more odds of having malnutrition. The current prevalence of anemia was 12.4%, out of which 7.6% had mild anemia while 4.4% of them had moderate anemia and 0.4% were severely anemic. Conclusion The prevalence of parasitic infection among school-age children in Ghindae area was high. Unsafe drinking water sources from streams and springs were among the core problems for increased prevalence along with decreased awareness on personal hygienic and sanitation practices. Undernutrition was widely prevalent among students in Ghindae area. Height for age and BMI for age scores of all participants were found to be below the WHO growth standards. Malnutrition was in higher prevalence in rural areas outside Ghindae, which is attributed to two times higher odds than their counterparts. The magnitude of anemia found in this study is considered a mild public health problem.

Investigação da ocorrência de enteroparasitoses em portadores de doenças autoimunes e em uso de imunossupressores a longo prazo

RESUMO: Introdução: Pacientes com diagnóstico de doenças autoimunes apresentam em função da própria doença de base ou do tratamento por drogas imunossupressoras, um maior risco de ocorrência de manifestações graves das parasitoses intestinais. Objetivo. O presente estudo visou avaliar a prevalência de parasitoses intestinais em portadores de doenças autoimunes e em uso de imunossupressores. Metodologia. Foi realizada uma busca ativa através dos prontuários dos pacientes da Reumatologia do Ambulatório de Especialidades Médicas da Universidade Estadual de Ciências da Saúde de Alagoas (UNCISAL). Para cada participante foi aplicado um questionário padrão, levando em consideração, caracterização e características socioeconômicas, ambientais, hábitos sanitários e condições clínicas. Para identificação dos parasitos foi realizado o exame parasitológico de fezes pelo método de Hoffman, Pons e Janner. Resultados. Foram realizadas 14 entrevistas e 08 exames parasitológicos de fezes. Houve uma predominância no sexo feminino nos pacientes analisados (85,7%) e as patologias mais encontradas foram Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico (LES) e Artrite Reumatoide (AR), sendo cada uma com 35,7%. A polifarmácia esteve presente em todos os participantes. Das medicações utilizadas, o Metotrexato se fez presente em 100% dos participantes, seguido pela Azatioprina (75%) e pela Prednisona (61%). Não foi encontrada positividade de nenhuma espécie de parasito nas fezes analisadas. Conclusão. Devido à escassez de estudos de correlação entre parasitoses intestinais e doenças autoimunes, existe uma grande necessidade de aprofundar-se nessa temática, tendo em vista que as parasitoses intestinais são problemas de saúde pública em todo o Brasil e associadas a uma condição de imunossupressão podem apresentar graves repercussões passíveis de serem evitadas.&#x0D; PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Enteroparasitoses, Doenças autoimunes, Drogas imunossupressoras.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitosis in Children of a Primary School in Pedro Juan Caballero - PY

Introduction: Parasitosis is a type of endoparasitism, which is directly related to sanitary conditions and is an important public health problem in developing countries. Objective: To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in children attending a primary public school in Pedro Juan Caballero - PY. Materials and Methods: 85 (eighty-five) stool samples were analyzed using the centrifugal sedimentation technique. Results: Cysts and/or parasite eggs were observed in the stool samples of 67 (78.8%) children. Giardia lamblia cysts were those that showed the highest incidence in the children. Conclusion: The high Giardia lamblia index demonstrates the lack of access to drinking water for consumption, inadequate sanitation and the absence of a public health network. This study highlights the importance of encouraging the use of serial analysis of stool, strengthening preventive measures for parasitosis, developing protocols for their approach, and designing a strategy that includes the preschool population in the programs that periodically evaluate the development of children.

Blastocystis spp.: the role in human somatic pathology

In recent years, the role of pathogens of infectious and parasitic diseases in human somatic pathology has been increasingly discussed. Blastocysts belong to the most common intestinal protozoa, but their role in intestinal parasitosis, as well as in some somatic diseases, is still poorly understood. An important question remains about the pathogenic potential of Blastocystis spp. because the parasite is detected in patients with symptoms and in asymptomatic carriers. At the same time, recent researches have shown a link between blastocyst invasion and various forms of gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction, primarily irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as well as skin manifestations, such as urticaria. The main method used for the clinical diagnosis of blastocyst invasion remains microscopy, which, despite the intensive development of immunological and molecular genetic methods of diagnosis, is often not only the first, but also a sufficient stage of research. Stating from the year 2000, in Ukraine the reporting forms list the cases of Blastocystis spp. detection during parasitological surveys of the population, but the blastocystosis morbidity has not being registered. In general, the frequency of detection of Blastocystis spp. in the population of Ukraine corresponds to the prevalence of the pathogen in developed countries — the average long‑term indicator for 2009 — 2018 was 4.4 per 100 thousand population. The results of our own research indicate a higher frequency of detection of Blastocystis spp. among the adult population of Ukraine, mainly in patients with gastrointestinal diseases. During the examination of healthy adults, Blastocystis spp. was detected in 5.2 ± 0.8 %, in patients with chronic gastrointestinal tract lesions — 20.5 ± 6.5 %, including the cases among patients diagnosed with IBS — 28.6 ± 9.9 %. All IBS patients with detected Blastocystis spp. demonstrated dysbiotic disorders of the 1 or 2 degrees.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitosis and associated risk factors among school children of Saptari district, Nepal: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundIntestinal parasitosis, caused by both helminths and protozoans, are among the most prevalent infections, especially in developing countries. Enteric parasites continue to be a major cause of parasitic diseases which is the most common among street and school going children with poor sanitation. This cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence and potential risk factors of intestinal parasitosis among school going children of two schools of Saptari district of southern Nepal. Stool samples were collected in a clean, dry, screw-capped, and wide-mouthed plastic container, fixed with 10% formal-saline solution, and transported to the laboratory for further microscopic analysis by following concentration technique.ResultsOut of the 285 stool samples analysed, 94 (33%) were positive for the parasitosis. Presence of intestinal parasites was marginally more in rural school (44.6%) than in urban (30%) (P < 0.05). Giardia lamblia was highly prevalent (15.4%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica-like (7.7%), E. coli (7%), Ascaris lumbricoides (1.8%), and Hymenolepis nana (1.08%), respectively. Children of the age group 11–15 years were highly affected (44.2%) compared to younger age groups. The findings of intestinal parasitosis in the study population were statistically significant with family income, hand-washing habit, type of drinking water, and availability of a toilet facility at home (P < 0.05). Over 85% of infection was associated with parasitosis that indicated mainly waterborne infection rather than soil-borne helminths.ConclusionsPoor hygiene measures and farming occupation are identified as major risk factors of parasitic infections, so sanitation especially focusing on safe drinking water along with multi intervention strategies must be emphasized in the Saptari district of Nepal to reduce the burden of parasitic diseases in school children.

Intestinal Parasitoses among Chepang and Musahar Community People of Makwanpur and Nawalparasi Districts of Nepal.

Intestinal parasitosis is one of the commonly perceived serious problems often observed in children leading to high mortality. The objective of the study was to identify the intestinal parasites and study their prevalence in the two mostly disadvantaged communities (Musahar and Chepang) of Nepal. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Musahar and Chepang communities of Nepal from April to October 2019. A total of 205 random stool samples were collected in dry, clean and screw-capped plastic containers and mixed with 2.5% potassium dichromate solution. A pre-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on predisposing factors. The laboratory examination of the stool samples was done by direct microscopy and further confirmed by concentration methods (formalin ether sedimentation technique and flotation technique using Sheather's sugar solution), and modified acid-fast staining. Detection of eggs of Enterobius vermicularis was done by cellophane tape method. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was found to be 36.6%, with a similar prevalence in the Chepangs (39.8%) and in the Musahars (33.3%) (P > 0.05). The most predominant helminth was Ascaris lumbricoides (15.6%), while the most prevalent protozoan was Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (5.4%). The study also assessed a significant association between the prevalence of parasites with socio-demographic factors, types of drinking water consumption and sanitation habits of the people (P < 0.05). The findings of the study suggest a need for formulating effective preventive and control strategies against intestinal parasitic infections along with the continuity of mass deworming program.

Gastrointestinal parasites of domesticated duck (Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus, 1758) in Chandragiri municipality, Kathmandu, Nepal

Intestinal parasitosis is one of the chief causes of health problems associated with domesticated and free-range ducks particularly in developing countries. Among the various health problems amoebiasis and helminthic infection are still significant among ducks (Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus, 1758) in Nepal. We report the status of intestinal parasitosis, particularly the prevalence and associated risk factors of gastrointestinal parasites of ducks reared in three different locations (Bishnu-Devi, Kanchan-Basti and Balambu) of Chandragiri Municipality from November 2016 to February 2017 using opportunistic random method. A total of 120 faecal samples collected in clean, dry and screw-capped plastic containers from six different locations were examined for the presence of parasites using formol-ether concentration method and modified Ziehl Neelsen staining technique, sodium chloride floatation and zinc sulphate sedimentation methods. Overall parasite positive rate was 81.67% (98/120). Positive rate of nematodes was highest (74.49%; 73/98) followed by cestodes (52.04%; 51/9) and protozoans (41.84%; 41/98) (P&lt;0.05). A total of 78 (65.00%) samples showed single infections and 20 (16.67%) samples showed mixed infection (χ2 = 5.55; P&lt;0.05). Statistical analysis indicated that locations were insignificantly associated with the infection by gastrointestinal tract parasites in the study areas. A total of eight (8) genera of parasites were identified which include two genera of protozoa, five genera of nematodes and one genera of cestodes. Of these, Ascaridia galli (21.67%) was found to have the highest prevalence and Isospora sp. (6.67%) to be the lowest. Gastrointestinal tract parasites were the major biological constraints contributing tothe low productivity of ducks and hampered the economic benefits obtained from the sector. Improvement of biosecurity measures for household duck farms through educating and motivating household farmers could help mitigate the effects of parasitic infection on production.&#x0D; Keywords: Duck, Nematode, Cestode, Kathmandu, Chandragiri