Intestinal Protozoan Infections Research Articles

Prevalence and associated risk factors of human intestinal parasitic infections: a population-based study in the southeast of Kerman province, southeastern Iran

BackgroundDetermination of the prevalence and distribution pattern of intestinal parasites is a fundamental step to set up an effective control program to improve the health status. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among inhabitants of Rudbar-e Jonub county, southeast of Kerman province, southeastern Iran.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 861 stool specimens were collected from inhabitants of Rudbar-e Jonub county through a multistage cluster sampling method in 2018. The collected specimens were examined by parasitological methods including, direct wet-mounting (for the fresh specimens with a watery consistency), formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation and agar plate culture.ResultsThe prevalence of intestinal parasites was 34.2% (95% CI 30.1 to 38.2). The prevalence of protozoan parasites 32.3% (95% CI 28.4 to 36.5) was significantly higher than helminthic parasites 3.2% (95% CI 2.1 to 4.7). Blastocystis sp. (13.3%), Entamoeba coli (11.4%) and Giardia lamblia (10.6%) as protozoan parasite and Hymenolepis nana (2.4%) as helminthic parasite were the most common detected intestinal parasites in the study. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (1.5%), Iodamoeba bütschlii (1.0%), Chilomastix mesnili (0.5%), Entamoeba hartmanni (0.4%), Enterobius vermicularis (0.3%) and Ascaris lambercoides (0.3%) were other detected parasites. Multiple logistic regression revealed a significant association of intestinal parasitic infections with source of drinking water and residency status (rural/urban). Multiple infections with 2 or 3 parasitic agents constituted 22.7% of 295 infected cases.ConclusionsThis study revealed a high prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections among inhabitants of Rudbar-e Jonub county. Intestinal parasites especially protozoans remain a challenging public health problem wherever sanitation and health measures are limited in Iran.

Opportunistic Intestinal Protozoan Infections and Immunological Status of HIV/AIDS Patients in Jalingo Local Government, Taraba State

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system. Opportunistic intestinal protozoans are among the major contributors to the global intestinal parasite load. This study investigated the danger and complication due to intestinal protozoans’ infection among HIV/AIDS patients in Jalingo metropolis. The study also compared the prevalence of opportunistic intestinal protozoa infection and CD⁴⁺ T-Cell count between HIV/AIDS and non HIV patients. The procedure of wet mount technique and faecal concentration methods were employed. The CD⁴⁺ count of patients were determined using the Partee Cyflow Counter, which determines the percentage of CD⁴⁺ cells of individuals. The prevalence of opportunic intestinal protozoan parasites was higher among female positives, 68 (l9.60%) than the male, 50 (16.50%) with no significant difference (p>0.05). The infection based on age groups revealed that the age group 10-15 years had the highest prevalence of 27 (48.21%) while the age group 41-45 years had the least prevalence of 2 (2.63%). The prevalence of intestinal parasites was highly significant among the study participants with CD⁴⁺ count <200 cells/μl. <i>Cryptosporidium spp</i> was significantly associated with HIV positive subjects who had CD⁴⁺ count of less than 200 cell/μl. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was highly significant among the study participants with CD⁴⁺ count <200 cells/ul. The implications of these findings are discussed and solution proposed to curb opportunistic infections among HIV/AIDS patients.

Intestinal Protozoan Infections in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Intestinal Protozoan Infections in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Prevalence of Opportunistic Intestinal Protozoan Infection Among HIV/AIDS Patients in Jalingo Metropolis

Opportunistic protozoans parasitic infection occur frequently in individuals with weakened immune system including people with HIV/AIDS. The study sought to determine the prevalence of opportunistic intestinal protozoan infection in HIV/AIDS patients in Jalingo metropolis. The procedure of wet mount technique and faecal concentration techniques processed the faeces collected. The CD⁴⁺ count of patients were determined using the Partee Cyflow Counter, which determines the percentage of CD⁴⁺ cells of individuals. A total of eight hundred and fifty (850) faecal samples were collected from sero-positive and sero-negative HIV/AIDS persons in Jalingo metropolis. Out of the 850 subjects 650 (76.47%) were sero-positive while 200 (23.53%) were sero-negative (Control). The sero-positive subjects showed higher prevalence of 118 (18.15%) of opportunistic parasitic protozoan infection according to the following hospital locations: Government House, 12 (25.71%); Ummah Clinic, 8 (21.82%); Taraba State Specialist Hospital, 50 (18.18%) and Federal Medical Centre, 38 (15.20%). The prevalence was higher among female positives, 68 (l9.60%) than the male, 50 (16.50%) with no significant difference (p>0.05). The infection based on age groups revealed that the age group 10-15 years had the highest prevalence of 27 (48.21%) while the age group 41-45 years had the least prevalence of 2 (2.63%). Subjects involved in farming had higher prevalence 30 (46.15%) while the least was found among those of trading/business, 33 (13.86%) with no significant difference in infection (p>0.05). <i>C. parvum</i> had the highest prevalence, 46 (24.46%) among the sero-positive individuals while <i>E. coli</i> the highest among sero-negative, 9 (60.00%). It is recommended that clinicians caring for HIV/AIDS patients should request for routine stool examination for the specific diagnosis of opportunistic intestinal parasites infections.

More Than Half Prevalence of Protozoan Parasitic Infections Among Diarrheic Outpatients in Eastern Tigrai, Ethiopia, 2019; A Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundProtozoan infections remain a major public health concern in Ethiopia, which causes malnutrition, protein and iron deficiencies, increment of health costs, hospitalization and long-term deleterious effects. In Tigrai, particularly, in the study area, there are limited literatures on the prevalence of protozoa and associated factors among diarrheic outpatients. Thus, aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of protozoan infections among diarrheic outpatients in Eastern Tigrai.MethodsHealth facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Eastern Tigrai, Ethiopia from April to October 2019 among diarrheic outpatient in health facilities of Adigrat. Four hundred one eighteen study participants were included consecutively. The stool samples were examined via direct wet mount following formal-ether concentration technique. Both interviewer based and self-administrated questionnaires were used to collect demographic data and factors associated with protozoan infections. Data were analyzed and computed using BM SPSS statistics version 22.0. P-value=0.05 at 95% confidence interval declared statistically significant.ResultsOut of 418 diarrheic outpatients, the overall prevalence of protozoan infection was 59.3% (248/418). A higher percentage of intestinal protozoan infection was recorded for females 130 (31.1%). Using well water as a source of drinking, poor hand washing habits before eating, not home latrine, dirty and untrimmed fingernails were the most important risk factors identified. E. histolytica complex and Giardia duodenalis were the most predominant protozoan infections detected among diarrheic outpatients.ConclusionThe present study showed that diarrheic outpatients in the study area were heavily infected with protozoan parasitic infection. E. histolytica complex and Giardia duodenalis were the most predominant protozoans detected among diarrheic outpatients. Using well water as a source of drinking, poor handwashing habit before eating, not having home latrine, dirty and untrimmed fingernails were most important risk factors identified. So, cooperative action and health education on preventive measure are needed to reduce protozoan infections in Tigrai, particularly in the study area. The present study showed that diarrheic outpatients in the study area were heavily infected with protozoan parasitic infection.

Intestinal parasite infections and associated factors among inmates of Arba Minch prison, southern Ethiopia: cross sectional study

BackgroundIntestinal parasitic infection is one of the parasitic infections affecting people living in prison. Helminths and intestinal protozoan infections are the most common parasitic infection that may cause serious life-threatening diseases in inmates living in developing countries. This study was aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) among inmates living in Arba Minch prison, southern Ethiopia.MethodsInstitutional based cross sectional study was conducted on Arba Minch inmates, southern Ethiopian. Pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used to gather the data of socio-demographic characteristics, hygiene status of the prisoners, sanitation condition of the prison, and associated factors for IPIs by face to face interview. Direct wet-mount examination and formol-ether sedimentation techniques were used to examine intestinal parasitic infection from stool specimens. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to see the association between different variables and the IPI. Odds ratio with 95% CI was computed to determine the presence association and strength of the associated factors.ResultA total of 320 prisoners were participated in this study. Of these, 154(48.1%) of them were infected with one or more intestinal parasites. Eight different intestinal parasites species were identified and Giardia lamblia was the predominant parasite. Among infected inmates, nearly one out of four of them had multiple parasitic infections dominated by Giardia lamblia and E. histolytica/dispar co-infection. Sleeping in group [AOR = 1.9; 95% CI: (1.0–3.8)], married prisoners [AOR = 1.8; 95% CI: (1.1–2.9)], and hand washing habits after handling soil [AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: (1.0–5.6)] were independently associated with IPI.ConclusionHigh prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was detected in Arba Minch inmates, southern Ethiopian. Absence of hand washing, marital status, and way of sleeping were the factors associated with the IPI. Implementation of mass drug administration, education on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and periodic screening of intestinal parasitic infection is very important to reduce the high prevalence IPIs in prison.

Prevalence of selected intestinal protozoan infections in marginalized rural communities in Palestine

BackgroundIntestinal parasitic infections are common in rural areas with poor infrastructure and low socioeconomic status. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of selected parasitic infections in marginalized rural areas in the northern part of the Palestinian West Bank Region, using conventional and PCR-based methods, and also to assess risk predictors of infection.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 104 individuals from three rural villages in the Jordan Valley. Stool samples were collected and examined by a battery of tests that included microscopy of wet fecal samples in normal saline with iodine, concentration by ethyl acetate sedimentation and also by zinc sulfate floatation, a conventional PCR and a real-time PCR (qPCR). Risk factors were assessed that included demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral characteristics. Data on method performance was analyzed by kappa-statistic, Cochrane’s Q, and McNemar post hoc test. Mid-P exact test and odds ratio were used to discern association between outcome and risk predictors.ResultsThe overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 48% (49/102). The predominant parasites were Giardia lamblia at 37% (37/102) and Hymenolepis nana at 9% (9/102). To concentrate cysts and eggs, sedimentation can be used as an alternative to floatation with a loss of 1% of positive cases. The methods employing PCRs proved crucial as it increased the detected infection rate of G. lamblia approximately three-fold from 13% by the conventional methods to 37% by the qPCR. Multiple infections were present in 13% (13/102) of the study group, which included double (10%) and triple (3%) infections. Regarding the genus Entamoeba, E. dispar and E. coli were detected at rates of 2 and 8%, respectively. While none of the individuals were infected with the pathogenic E. histolytica, E. nana (4%) was detected for the first time in the area. Age was a risk predictor for infection (OR = 2.61, CI 95% 1.05–6.45, P = 0.038).ConclusionsThe increased prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in children in marginalized rural areas in Palestine is worrying. The addition of PCR-based methods is important for the diagnosis of such infections as, with cautious interpretation, it increases proficiency and overcomes underestimation and misdiagnosis of cases. Control measures including education on personal hygiene and environmental sanitation, should be introduced to reduce the prevalence of the intestinal parasites and, thus, the infections they cause in this and other areas.

Changes in the epidemiological profile of intestinal parasites after a school-based large-scale treatment for soil-transmitted helminths in a community in northeastern Brazil: Epidemiological profile after large-scale school-based treatment for STH

Intestinal parasites cause a significant public health problem worldwide due to the associated morbidities, mainly in infected school-aged children (SAC). The strategy of large-scale deworming in SAC to control the transmission of soil-transmitted helminths (STH) has been advocated by the World Health Organization and was recently adopted in Brazil; however, the long-term effects of mass deworming on the larger parasitological profile have been less studied. After a five-year period of school-based large-scale treatment for STH using an annual single dose of albendazole in a community of Sergipe state, Brazil, a marked reduction in prevalence was observed (15.4%% vs.7.4% for Ascaris sp., 6.0%% vs. 0.4% for hookworm, and 12.8%% vs. 4.5%% for Trichuris trichiura), with the exception of Strongyloides stercoralis, which had no statistically significant change in prevalence. There was, however, an increase in the prevalence of intestinal protozoans, specifically Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (0.0%% vs. 36.0%), Blastocystis hominis (0.0%% vs. 40.1%), and Giardia duodenalis (5.6%% vs. 14.5%). Although the findings showed a dramatic reduction in the prevalence of STH after four rounds of preventive chemotherapy, there was an increase in intestinal protozoan infections, indicating a change in the epidemiological profile.

Identifikasi Protozoa Usus Oportunistik dan Faktor Risikonya Pada Anak Panti Asuhan Kota Pekanbaru

Opportunistic intestinal protozoa are protozoa that can infect humans at a time when the body’s defense system isdeclining (immunocompromising). Opportunistic protozoan infections are infections by intestinal protozoa that werenot previously considered important, but now can cause disease in humans. Opportunistic intestinal protozoan infectionsbesides being found in immunocompromised patients are also reported to infect children. Some of the intestinalprotozoan species that have been identified to cause infection are Cryptosporidium sp, Isospora belii, Cyclospora sp,and Blastocystis hominis. This study was an analytical study with a cross sectional design conducted in June 2018until January 2019. In this study, modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining was used and the results were 25.6% of orphanagesinfected with opportunistic intestinal protozoa, which consisted of Cryptosporidium sp. as much as 14.1%, Blastocystishominis as much as 4.6%, infection with a mixture of Cryptosporidium sp and Blastocystis hominis as much as 4.6%,Isospora belii as much as 2.3%, and no infection by Cyclospora cayetanensis. There was no association betweenopportunistic intestinal protozoan infections with poor handwashing habits, bowel habits, food hygiene, drinkingwater treatment, and bad animal raising habits.

The extent, nature, and pathogenic consequences of helminth polyparasitism in humans: A meta-analysis.

BackgroundIndividual helminth infections are ubiquitous in the tropics; geographical overlaps in endemicity and epidemiological reports suggest areas endemic for multiple helminthiases are also burdened with high prevalences of intestinal protozoan infections, malaria, tuberculosis (TB), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Despite this, pathogens tend to be studied in isolation, and there remains a need for a better understanding of the community ecology and health consequences of helminth polyparasitism to inform the design of effective parasite control programs.MethodologyWe performed meta-analyses to (i) evaluate the commonality of polyparasitism for helminth-helminth, helminth-intestinal protozoa, helminth-malaria, helminth-TB, and helminth-HIV co-infections, (ii) assess the potential for interspecies interactions among helminth-helminth and helminth-intestinal protozoan infections, and (iii) determine the presence and magnitude of association between specific parasite pairs. Additionally, we conducted a review of reported health consequences of multiply-infected individuals compared to singly- or not multiply-infected individuals.Principal findingsWe found that helminth-helminth and helminth-intestinal protozoan multiple infections were significantly more common than single infections, while individuals with malaria, TB, and HIV were more likely to be singly-infected with these infections than co-infected with at least one helminth. Most observed species density distributions significantly differed from the expected distributions, suggesting the potential presence of interspecies interactions. All significant associations between parasite pairs were positive in direction, irrespective of the combination of pathogens. Polyparasitized individuals largely exhibited lower hemoglobin levels and higher anemia prevalence, while the differences in growth-related variables were mostly statistically insignificant.ConclusionsOur findings confirm that helminth polyparasitism and co-infection with major diseases is common in the tropics. A multitude of factors acting at various hierarchical levels, such as interspecies interactions at the within-host infra-parasite community level and environmental variables at the higher host community level, could explain the observed positive associations between pathogens; there remains a need to develop new frameworks which can consider these multilevel factors to better understand the processes structuring parasite communities to accomplish their control.

Changes in the Levels of Some Biochemical Parameters in the Serum of Children in Response to the Giardiasis Infection

Giardiasis is one of the most common intestinal protozoan infections worldwide. The study aimed to determine the levels of a number of biochemical parameters in the sera of children with giardiasis without receiving any medication for the treatment of giardiasis or intestinal helminthic infections in the previous 7 days. The study conducted 34 (19 females and 15 males) children and 34 (18 females and 16 males) healthy children as a control group. The mean ages of infected children and control groups were 8 ± 2 and 7 ± 2 years, respectively. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium, uric acid, and albumin were determined. AST level in males was significantly higher than healthy children control (14.20 ± 1.896 and 10.06 ± 0.699), respectively (P &lt; 0.05), and no significant difference in females was noticed whereas the significant increases in ALT level were found when compared to control (12.43 ± 0.806 and 8.666 ± 0.449), for female, respectively, whereas no significant change in males was observed. Creatinine levels showed significant decrease in females when compared to control (57.72 ± 1.170 and 73.37 ± 1.635) (P ≤ 0.001), respectively.

Prevalence of feco-oral transmitted protozoan infections and associated factors among university students in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAn estimated 60% of the world’s population is infected with one form of intestinal parasites. Amoebiasis and giardiasis are among the leading intestinal protozoan infections that affected mankind. However, literature that shows the magnitude of the problem among university students in Ethiopia is at scarce. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of feco-oral transmitted protozoan infections and associated factors among sport festival participant universities in Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study design was conducted among 483 randomly selected university sport festival participant students. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Stool specimens were examined using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. The data were entered into Epi Info version 6.04 and were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 statistical software. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to control the possible confounders and an odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval at p < 0.05 was used to identify an association between variables.ResultThe overall prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections was 140(28.9%) with the predominantly higher prevalence of E. histolytica/E. dispar 95(19.7%). The female respondents were at lower risk of infections compared to their male counterparts (AOR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.22, 0.97]. Participants with educated father (AOR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.86) and those who received pocket money of > 347 Ethiopian Birr (~ 14 USD) per month (AOR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.74) were at lower risk of infections. However, being married (AOR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.10, 2.23), rural resident (AOR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.21, 3.32) and university stay for two or more years (AOR = 2.21, 95%CI: 1.48, 3.87) were more likely to be infected with protozoan infections.ConclusionThe prevalence of intestinal protozoan infection among students who attend higher educational institutions was very high. Infection prevention strategies should be undertaken at respective universities with special focus to senior students and students from the rural area.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Inmates of the New-bell Central Prison, Cameroon

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remain a public health issue in developing countries where overcrowded settlements and poor sanitation are general rule. Due to paucity of IPIs data in known overcrowded Cameroonian prisons, this cross-sectional study conducted in 2015 in the New-Bell Central Prison (NBCP) aimed to establish biodiversity, prevalence and risk factors of intestinal protozoan and helminthe infections among inmates.&#x0D; Fresh stool samples collected from the NBCP volunteered inmates were laboratory examined microscopically as fresh mounts plus iodine, Kato-Katz smears, formalin-ether concentration and modified Ziehl-Nelseen stained sediments.&#x0D; Of a total 374 inmates who participated in the study, overall IPIs prevalence was 39.3%. Helminthe and protozoa prevalence was 16.6% and 24.6% respectively. Parasites species were recorded at following prevalence: Ascaris lumbricoides (10.4%), Trichuris trichiura (5.1%), Schistosoma mansoni (0.5%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (14.2%), Entamoeba coli (16.6%), Giardia intestinalis (7.2%), Chilomastix mesnili (2.4%), Blastocystis spp (2.1%) and Cryptosporidium sp (4.3%). Co-infections by two or three parasites were recorded among parasitized inmates.&#x0D; Overall IPIs prevalence was not significantly influenced by gender, age, detention duration, education level, handwashing practices, sanitation and drinking water source. However, highest IPIs prevalence occurred in males aged 30 to 49 years old, less than one year detainees, latrine users and those who drank borehole water. Systematic handwashing practices and education level did not influence significantly IPIs prevalence. All helminthe infections were of light intensities.&#x0D; Inmates in the New Bell central prison were parasitized by several species of protozoa and intestinal worms in varying prevalence depending on the detention period, the sex, the age and hygiene. A regular IPIs control among prison inmates was recommended to the NBCP managers to prevent related morbidity.

Infection Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Protozoans in Atat Hospital, Gurage Zone, Ethiopia: A Retrospective Study

Intestinal parasitic protozoan infections remain as the major public health concerns in many developing countries like Ethiopia. A retrospective analysis was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic protozoan infection in patients admitted at Atat Hospital from September 2014 to August 2016. Stool samples collected from the patients were examined using direct wet mount and formal-Ether concentration techniques by experienced laboratory technologists of the hospital. Out of 15, 731 examined stool samples, 7062 (45%) were infected by intestinal protozoan parasites. Most of the infected individuals were infected by Entamoeba histolytica (60.0%) and the least was infected by Cryptosporidium parvum (3.6%). Higher infection was observed among males, 5-9 year age group, and during wet seasons. This study showed a yearly fluctuation of intestinal parasitic protozoan infections. Therefore, strategic, integrated and community participatory prevention and control program needs to be implemented in the study area.

Intestinal Protozoa Infections in Relation to Nutritional Status of the Students Mandangin Island Elementary School 6 in Sampang Regency

Introduction: Intestinal protozoa infections is a tropical infectious disease that can be found mainly in developing countries. It will cause some health problem such as undernutrition. This study was aiming to determine the correlation between the incidence of intestinal protozoa infections with the nutritional status of students Mandangin Island Elementary School 6 in Sampang Regency.Methods: This research used the cross-sectional study as the design and performed by doing a lab examination to determine the incidence of protozoa infections and analyze whether it has any correlation with changes in host nutritional status, recruited from students Mandangin Island Elementary School 6, from 19th to 21st of July 2017. Results: On microscopic examination found that 71.4% (n=30) samples are positive and 28,6% (n=12) are negative. On BMI-for-age measurement there are 4,8% obesity, 7,1% overweight, 73,8% normal, 9,5% thinness, and 4,8% severe thinness. Meanwhile, on height-for-age measurement there are 73,8% normal and 26,2% stunted . The incidence of intestinal protozoa infections was correlated with the nutritional status using SPSS (p= 0,375, p= 0,539, a= 5%).Conclusion: There was no significant correlation between intestinal protozoa infections with the nutritional status of students Mandangin Island Elementary School 6 in Sampang Regency. These conditions caused by the pathogenicity stage to cause a decrease in the nutritional state has not been reached.

Infant growth faltering linked to subclinical mastitis, maternal faecal-oral contamination, and breastfeeding.

Infant growth faltering occurs in breastfed infants <6months of age. The possibility that maternal health status contributes to this growth faltering is underexplored. We investigated whether (a) subclinical mastitis (SCM), an asymptomatic inflammation of the breast, (b) maternal intestinal nematode and protozoan infections, indicators of faecal-oral contamination, or (c) poor breastfeeding practices increased the odds of stunting (length-for-age z-score<-2SD), underweight (weight-for-age z-score<-2SD), or low head circumference (head circumference-for-age z-score<-2SD) in breastfed infants in rural indigenous communities in Guatemala. Mother-infant dyads (n=105) were subdivided into those with and without SCM (milk Na:K ratio>0.6). Maternal and infant anthropometry were measured at the time of breast milk collection. Maternal stool samples were examined for the presence of intestinal nematodes and protozoa. Questionnaires were used to characterize breastfeeding practices (exclusivity and frequency) and support, hygiene (latrine use and household faucet), and infant diarrhoea. SCM occurred in 14% of women and was associated with increased odds of infant stunting (odds ratio [OR]=4.3; confidence interval [CI] [1.1, 15.8]), underweight (OR=9.2; CI [1.8, 48.0]), and low head circumference (OR=15.9; CI [2.6, 96.9]). Maternal pathogenic protozoa and nematodes were uncommon (<4%), but nonpathogenic protozoa were common (e.g., Entamoeba coli [39%]). Entamoeba coli increased the likelihood (OR=3.3; CI [1.02, 10.6]) of low head circumference, whereas higher breastfeeding frequency lowered its odds (OR=0.74, CI [0.56, 0.97]). Prevention of SCM may improve early infant growth, but public health measures that increase breastfeeding frequency and reduce faecal-oral contamination may be required to minimize low head circumference.

Association between CD4 Level and Opportunistic Intestinal Protozoan Infections in Diarrhea Suffering HIV/AIDS Patients

Association between CD4 Level and Opportunistic Intestinal Protozoan Infections in Diarrhea Suffering HIV/AIDS Patients

Intestinal protozoa in diarrheic children in an Egyptian rural area: Role of water contamination and other possible risk factors

Background: Poor quality of drinking water has been linked to increased prevalence of diarrheal diseases. Intestinal protozoal infections are potential water borne pathogens. They contribute significantly to the burden of diarrheal diseases. Their transmission dynamics vary considerably among geographic areas.Objective: The present study investigated protozoal infections in diarrheic children and their relation to protozoal contamination of drinking water and other potential risk factors in two Egyptian villages.Material and Methods: Stool samples of 150 diarrheic children and 40 drinking water samples collected from the houses of participating children were examined for enteric protozoa. Data on potential risk factors for protozoal infection were recorded.Results: Protozoa were detected in 62.7% of faecal samples and in 32.5% of water samples. Protozoa were not found in water filtered by domestic filters. Protozoal infection was significantly more common among children who were drinking water in which protozoan contaminants were detected (84.6%) compared to those whose water sources were negative (22.2%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that only two factors were independently linked to intestinal protozoal infection among participating children; neglecting hand wash before eating (adjusted OR: 7.446, 95% CI: 3.113-17.810) and drinking tap water directly without filtration (adjusted OR: 4.653, 95% CI: 1.82-11.895).Conclusion: The study provides supportive evidence for the role of contaminated water in human infection. Attention should be paid to ensure safe drinking water supply in developing countries. Simple measures such as water filtration coupled with personal hygiene can markedly reduce the risk of infection.

Intestinal helminths and protozoan infections in patients with colorectal cancer: prevalence and possible association with cancer pathogenesis.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminths and protozoa in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and to evaluate the possible association between the prevalence and CRC pathogenesis. A total of 200 CRC patients and 200 residents of Tashkent, who had no complaints related to the gastrointestinal tract, were examined by triple coproscopy using a concentration method and estimations of protozoan infection intensity. Of the CRC patients tested, 144 were classified as T1-4N0M0 (without metastases) and 56 were classified as T1-4N1-2M0-1 (with metastases). Parasitological examination was performed during CRC diagnosis before and after surgery and chemotherapy. A significantly higher prevalence of Blastocystis sp., Chilomastix mesnili, Jodamoeba butschlii, and Endolimax nana was found in CRC patients than in the control population (p < 0.0001), amounting to 80, 20, 22.5, and 11.5%, respectively. The high prevalence of Blastocystis sp., as well as the patterns of infection intensity, was stable at all stages of examination. The ratio of the number of CRC patients with and without Blastocystis sp. in the T1-4N0M0 and T1-4N1-2M0-1 groups amounted to 3.3 and 7.0, respectively. The ratios for C. mesnili, E. coli, J. butschlii, and E. nana in both groups were 0.2 and 0.2, 0.07 and 0.07, 0.3 and 0.16, and 0.18 and 0.01, respectively. The prevalence of helminths and Giardia lamblia in CRC patients and the control population was not significantly different. Taken together, these data indicate a possible role for Blastocystis sp. in CRC pathogenesis. Diagnosis, treatment, and further observation of patients with Blastocystis sp. are necessary at all stages of CRC, including during diagnosis and before and after surgery and chemotherapy.

Multiplex Real-time PCR Detection of Intestinal Protozoa in HIV-infected Children in Malawi: Enterocytozoon Bieneusi Is Common and Associated With Gastrointestinal Complaints and May Delay BMI (Nutritional Status) Recovery.

Intestinal protozoa are common opportunistic infections in HIV patients. Longitudinal studies on either the clinical relevance or the effect of immune reconstitution by antiretroviral therapy on intestinal protozoan infections in children are lacking however. This study investigates prevalence and clinical relevance of intestinal protozoa in HIV-infected Malawian children before and during their first year of antiretroviral treatment (ART). Stool samples collected at enrolment and during follow-up were tested for nonopportunistic (Giardia lamblia, Dientamoeba fragilis, Entamoeba histolytica) and opportunistic protozoa (Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encephalitozoon spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and Cystoisospora belli) using multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction. Associations between infections and clinical symptoms were evaluated using univariate methods. Nonopportunistic and opportunistic protozoa were detected in 40% (14/35) and 46% (16/35) of children at baseline, respectively. E. bieneusi was the most prevalent protozoa (37%, 13/35) and associated with gastrointestinal complaints (43% in positive (10/13) versus 18% (4/22) in E. bieneusi-negative children, P = 0.001. Body mass index recovery during 12 months of ART was more commonly delayed in E. bieneusi-positive children (+0.29 +standard deviation 0.83) than E. bieneusi-negative children (+1.03 +standard deviation 1.25; P = 0.05). E. bieneusi was not detected after 12 months of ART. E. bieneusi was the most prevalent opportunistic intestinal protozoa, present in over a third of study participants before initiation of ART. Although all children cleared E. bieneusi after 12 months of ART, E. bieneusi was associated with gastrointestinal complaints and may delay body mass index recovery. Trials to assess effect of treatment of E. bieneusi on nutritional status should be considered in HIV-infected African children.