Lumbricoides Infection Research Articles

Prevalence And Intensity Of Ascaris lumbricoides Infection In Children Of Oemasi Village, Kupang District, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia

Worm infection is one of the health problems in all tropical, countries including Indonesia. The most frequent helminthiasis is the infection caused by the Soil Transmitted Helminth. Primary school-age children are an age group that is susceptible to helminthiasis. Worm infections can cause a serious impact if left untreated with no clean and healthy lifesthyle. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and intensity of Ascaris lumbricoides in children of Oemasi village, Nekamese Subdistrict, Kupang District, East Nusa Tenggara Province, followed by the characterization of subjects. The descriptive design with the cross- sectional study applied to this research. Research subjects were 112 children age 6-12 years old. The infection was diagnosed microscopically by the Katokatz method. Ascaris lumbricoides were the only species found infecting a total of 7 children (6.25%). The distribution of ascariasis was higher in females (4 or 57.1%) than in males (3 or 42.9%) with the intensity of Ascaris lumbricoides infection was categorized as mild.

Assessment of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections among Pregnant Women in Western Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study

Intestinal geo-helminths are among the common human infections in the developing world. Preschool and school-age children in Kenya have been targeted for deworming strategies through the National School-Based Deworming Program leaving out vulnerable groups including pregnant women. We conducted this study to assess the prevalence and intensity of worm infections and associated risk factors among pregnant women in Western Kenya. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 250 pregnant women seeking antenatal care services from selected health facilities in Vihiga County. Stool samples were collected and examined for soil transmitted helminths (STH) using the Kato-Katz technique and structured questionnaires were administered to determine associated risk factors. Statistical analysis was done using STATA version 14.1. Differences in proportions by age and health facility were assessed using Chi-square (χ2) test and differences in means using the student t-test. Prevalence of STHs was 12.4% (95%CI: 9.1%-16.9%). Infection caused by hookworm was 2.4% (95%CI: 1.2% - 4.7%), Ascaris lumbricoides 9.6% (95%CI: 6.3% - 14.6%), Trichuris trichiura 2.0% (95%CI: 0.8% - 5.3%). The mean intensity of hookworm infection was 101 (95%CI: 8 -1355), A. lumbricoides 375 (95%CI: 107 - 1308), and T. trichiura 3 (95%CI: 0 - 29). Univariable analysis of factors associated with infection did not reveal any significant associations. Participants with primary level of education had higher odds of T. trichiura infection compared to other participants (OR=2.58, p=0.400). Farming had higher odds of STH and A. lumbricoides infections (OR=3.47, p=0.076) and (OR=3.75, p=0.089) respectively compared to other occupations. Participants in the second trimester of pregnancy had higher odds of hookworm infection (OR=3.36, p=0.272) those with children under three years had higher odds of T. trichiura infection (OR=3.60, p=0.165). The study revealed that STH infection is prevalent among pregnant women in Vihiga although there were no significant risk factors associated with the infection. Therefore, health facilities should conduct deworming and testing for STH also they should provide health education on the risks of getting infected.

National mapping of schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis and anaemia in Yemen: Towards better national control and elimination.

Schistosomiasis (SCH) and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) are known to be endemic in Yemen. However, the distribution of both diseases had not previously been assessed by a well-structured national mapping study covering all governorates. The main aim of this study was, therefore, to map the prevalence of SCH and STH in Yemen in order to better inform implementation of effective national control and elimination interventions. The assessment of the distribution of anaemia was also included as a well-known consequence of infection with both SCH and STH. Secondarily, the study aimed to provide a broad indication of the impact of large-scale treatment on the distribution of infection. To achive these aims, 80,432 children (10-14 years old) from 2,664 schools in 332 of Yemen's 333 districts were included, in 2014, into this national cross-sectional survey. Countrywide, 63.3% (210/332) and 75.6% (251/332) of districts were found to be endemic for SCH and STH respectively. More districts were affected by intestinal than urogenital SCH (54.2% and 31.6% respectively). SCH infection was mostly mild and moderate, with no districts reporting high infection. One quarter (24.4%) of Yemeni districts had high or moderate levels of Ascaris lumbricoides infection. Infection with Trichuris trichiura was the second most common STH (44.9% of districts infected) after A. lumbricoides (68.1%). Hookworm was the least prevalent STH (9.0%). Anaemia was prevalent in 96.4% of districts; it represented a severe public health problem (prevalence ≥ 40%) in 26.5% of districts, and a mild to moderate problem in two thirds of the districts (33.7% and 36.1% respectively). This study provided the first comprehensive mapping of SCH, STH, and anaemia across the country. This formed the basis for evaluating and continuing the national control and elimination programme for these neglected tropical diseases in Yemen.

Comparison of Albendazole and Mebendazole on Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections among School-Aged Children

BACKGROUND: Anthelmintics, such as albendazole and mebendazole, are widely used to treat soil-transmitted helminths (STHs). With its extensive usage and administration along with other medical prescriptions, different environmental conditions, etc., some studies have reported unsatisfactory efficacy from albendazole to treat STHs. AIM: To observe the efficacy of albendazole and mebendazole as a single dose in treating STH infections in elementary school children. METHODS: An open randomized clinical trial was conducted in Batubara, North Sumatra, comparing the efficacy of albendazole and mebendazole. Samples were 6−12-year-old children infected with STHs based on Kato-Katz examination. A Chi-square test was performed to compare the cure rate and a t-test was done to compare the number of eggs per gram (EPG) feces in both groups. RESULT: A total of 199 children from 426 met the study criteria. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the cure rate of Ascaris lumbricoides infections at 87.5% and 31% for albendazole and mebendazole groups, respectively. The cure rate of Trichuris trichiura infection at 61.5% and 65.6% with albendazole and mebendazole, respectively, and there was no significant difference (p > 0.05). There was a significant reduction in the number of eggs of all STHs after the treatment either with albendazole or mebendazole. CONCLUSION: Single-dose albendazole has better efficacy against Ascaris lumbricoides infection than mebendazole. Meanwhile, both albendazole and mebendazole have high efficacy in reducing the number of eggs.

Prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides infections among elementary school children and associated risk factors from Southern Ethiopia.

Intestinal parasitic infections are distributed virtually throughout the world, with high prevalence rates in tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world as well as in Ethiopia. Children between age groups of 5-10 years are at the highest risk of infection. The intestinal nematode Ascaris lumbricoides infects approximately 25% of the world's population annually. Hence, this study was the first attempt to assess the prevalence and associated factors of A. lumbricoides infection among the school children from Offa district, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April, 2020 in three selected elementary school. Data were collected through questionnaires and stool samples examination. The overall prevalence of A. lumbricoides was noted as 41.4% and was the leading cause of intestinal parasitoids followed by Schistosoma mansoni (27.6%), Trichuris trichiura (18.1%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (4.1%). Children age group between 5 and 10 years found more susceptible to the infection. Eating habits like unwashed raw vegetables (P = 0.035), absence of toilets (P = 0.000), children who defecate in open field (P = 0.041), drinking unprotected water (P = 0.034), toilet without cover (P = 0.027), lack of hand washing before meal and after defecation (P = 0.000), (P = 0.048) were the key factors significantly associated with A. lumbricoides infection. The present study showed that A. lumbricoides was a major health problem among school children and requires annual de-worming to control morbidity associated with intestinal parasites.

Estimating the population at risk with soil transmitted helminthiasis and annual drug requirements for preventive chemotherapy in Ogun State, Nigeria

Soil transmitted helminth (STH) infections are among the most common human infections worldwide with over 1 billion people affected. Many estimates of STH infection are often based on school-aged children (SAC). This study produced predictive risk-maps of STH on a more finite scale, estimated the number of people infected, and the amount of drug required for preventive chemotherapy (PC) in Ogun state, Nigeria. Georeferenced STH infection data obtained from a cross-sectional survey at 33 locations between July 2016 and November 2018, together with remotely-sensed environmental and socio-economic data were analyzed using Bayesian geostatistical modelling. Stepwise variable selection procedure was employed to select a parsimonious set of predictors to predict risk and spatial distribution of STH infections. The number of persons (pre-school ages children, SAC and adults) infected with STH were estimated, with the amount of tablets needed for preventive chemotherapy. An overall prevalence of 17.2% (95% CI 14.9, 19.5) was recorded for any STH infection. Ascaris lumbricoides infections was the most predominant, with an overall prevalence of 13.6% (95% CI 11.5, 15.7), while Hookworm and Trichuris trichiura had overall prevalence of 4.6% (95% CI 3.3, 5.9) and 1.7% (95% CI 0.9, 2.4), respectively. The model-based prevalence predictions ranged from 5.0 to 23.8% for Ascaris lumbricoides, from 2.0 to 14.5% for hookworms, and from 0.1 to 5.7% for Trichuris trichiura across the implementation units. The predictive maps revealed a spatial pattern of high risk in the central, western and on the border of Republic of Benin. The model identified soil pH, soil moisture and elevation as the main predictors of infection for A. lumbricoides, Hookworms and T. trichiura respectively. About 50% (10/20) of the implementation units require biannual rounds of mass drug administration. Approximately, a total of 1.1 million persons were infected and require 7.8 million doses. However, a sub-total of 375,374 SAC were estimated to be infected, requiring 2.7 million doses. Our predictive risk maps and estimated PC needs provide useful information for the elimination of STH, either for resource acquisition or identifying priority areas for delivery of interventions in Ogun State, Nigeria.

Risk of acquiring Ascaris lumbricoides infection in an endemically infected rural community in Venezuela.

Soil-transmitted helminths, such as Ascaris lumbricoides, are the most prevalent parasites globally. Optimal anthelmintic treatment for A. lumbricoides in endemically infected communities is challenged by several host-related and environmental factors influencing infection acquisition. We assessed the risk of A. lumbricoides (re)infection after treatment in a Venezuelan rural community. Individual merthiolate-iodine-formaldehyde-fixed faecal samples were collected from 224 persons before a single-dose pyrantel treatment and at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 15 months after treatment. Effects of age, sex and socioeconomic status (SES) on A. lumbricoides prevalence, eggs/gram faeces (EPG) and infection (re)acquisition were assessed using both generalised linear mixed-effects models and survival analysis. Pre-treatment A. lumbricoides prevalence was 39.7%. Higher prevalence was associated with younger age and lower SES. Higher EPG values were observed among young children. Median time to A. lumbricoides infection was six months after treatment: at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 15 months post-treatment, cumulative incidence was 6.7%, 18.9%, 34.6%, 42.2%, and 52.6%, respectively. Younger age, lower SES, and pre-treatment A. lumbricoides infection status showed significantly elevated hazard ratios. Mass drug administration protocols would benefit from considering these factors in selective treatment strategies and possibly more than just annual or biannual treatments in the target population.

Helminth infections and allergic diseases: Systematic review and meta-analysis of the global literature

There is considerable research interest in the role of helminth infections in the development of allergic diseases. However, findings from previous studies are mixed. Existing systematic reviews of these studies are outdated. We performed a systematic review of the global literature on the association between helminth infections and development and clinical outcomes of allergic diseases. We searched Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, PubMed, Global Index Medicus, Scielo, KoreaMed, Google Scholar, and Lilacs for studies published up to January 2020. We included observational epidemiological studies (cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies) of children and adults reporting associations between helminth infections and asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema, and atopy. We performed random-effects meta-analysis to summarize the effect estimates. We included 80 studies with 99,967 participants. In the meta-analyses, we did not observe an overall association between helminth infections and allergic diseases. There was, however, evidence that Ascaris lumbricoides infections were associated with an increased risk of bronchial hyperreactivity inchildren (risk ratio, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.17-1.70; I2= 50; P for I2= .09), and were associated with an increased risk of atopy among helminth-infected adults (risk ratio, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.18-1.61; I2= 52; P for I2= .02). We found no study that addressed the association between helminth infection and clinical outcomes of allergic diseases. The overall strength of the underlying evidence was low to moderate. Helminth infections may increase the risk of bronchial hyperreactivity in children and atopy in adults. Well-designed longitudinal cohorts may help clarify potential causal associations between chronic helminth infections and allergic diseases.

Environmental sanitation factors as prevalence support of soil transmitted helminths

The prevalence of soil transmitted helminths (STH) is closely related to the defecation facilities for rural communities, such as: the habit of defecating openly on the ground, in gardens and using open latrines in rivers. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of environmental sanitation risk factors on the prevalence of STH infection. This study was included in an analytical epidemiological study at two locations, using a cross sectional study as the research design. The location were Sri Kembang Village, Bukit Village, which is included in Betung District, Banyuasin Regency, and South Sumatra, Indonesia for 30 days. There were 252 students as the research sample. Data analysis showed that the prevalence of T. trichiura was higher in Sri Kembang State Primary School Number 1 with mild to very severe infection degrees. The intensity of A. lumbricoides infection in Bukit State Primary School Number 1 got a higher prevalence than Sri Kembang. Open defecation, gardens or open latrines, and types of houses with dirt floors indicate environmental sanitation factors that are sufficient to support the prevalence of STH. For further research, it is recommended to examine socio-economic risk factors.

Akurasi Diagnostik Kecacingan Metode Direct Slidedan Kato Katzpada Penderita Helminthiasis Di Kota Mataram

Worms are diseases caused by the entry of parasites (in the form of worms) into the human body. The types of worms that are often found to cause infection are roundworms (Ascarislumbricoides), whipworms (Trichuris trichiura) and hookworms (Necatoramericanus) which are transmitted through the soil (Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis. Examination of helminth infections can be done qualitativelyand quantitative. The qualitative examination that is often used is the Direct slide method. while the quantitative examination that is often used is the Kato Katz method. This study aims to compare the accuracy of the worm infection examination between the Direct slide method and the Kato Katz method by examining stool samples. This research was conducted on 47 Ampenan Elementary School Students located on the coast in Mataram City, where the coastal area is one of the good breeding grounds for worms. This study used a comparative analytical research design with a cross sectional approach. To establish the diagnosis of helminthiasis and the type of worm that infects, an examination of worm eggs in stool samples is carried out using the Direct slide and Kato Katz methods. The results showed that the number of samples infected with STH was more commonly found by the Kato-Katz method. The results of measurements using the Direct slide method and the Kato Katz method showed that the highest prevalence of STH infection was Ascaris lumbricoides infection. Direct slide method produces a sensitivity level of 95.16% and a specificity of 100%.

1395Estimates of people infected with soil-transmitted-helminthiasis and drug requirements for preventive chemotherapy in Ogun, Nigeria

Abstract Background Soil transmitted helminthiasis (STH) are among the most common human infections worldwide with over 1 billion people affected. This study produced predictive risk maps of STH and estimated the number of people infected, and the amount of drug required for preventive chemotherapy in Ogun state, Nigeria. Methods Georeferenced STH infection data obtained from community cross-sectional survey, at 33 locations between July 2016-November 2018, together with remotely sensed environmental and socio-economic data were analyzed using Bayesian geostatistical models. Result An overall prevalence of 17.2% (95 % CI: 14.9, 19.5) was recorded for STH infection. Ascaris lumbricoides infections was the most predominant, 13.6% (95% CI: 11.5, 15.7), while Hookworm and Trichuris trichiura had 4.6 % (95% CI: 3.3, 5.9) and 1.7% (95 % CI: 0.9, 2.4), respectively. The predictive maps reveal a spatial pattern of high risk in the central, western and on the border connecting Republic of Benin. The model identified soil pH, soil moisture and elevation as important predictors of the STH infection. Approximately 1.1 million persons (preschoolers, school-aged children (SAC) and adults) are infected and requires 7.8 million doses. Also, 375,374 SAC were estimated to be infected, requiring 2.7 million doses for annual PC. Conclusion Our predictive risk maps and estimated PC needs provide useful information for the elimination of STH, by identifying priority areas for delivery of interventions in Ogun State, Nigeria.

Ascaris “Download” as a cause of acute recurrent pancreatitis in a child

Introduction. Infestation with the roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides is one of the most prevalent helminthic diseases belonging to the soil-transmitted helminths class. Infections are especially affecting children in tropical countries and low and middle-income countries but also may occur in developing countries where sanitation and hygiene are poor. We aim to present a case report to sound the alarm on this widespread pathology. Case presentation. We report the case of a 9-year-old boy with Down syndrome and duodenal stenosis admitted to our hospital with recurrent bouts of pancreatitis secondary to ascariasis. Child is living in poor sanitation conditions. The first episode of pancreatitis was at the age of seven. The abdominal ultrasound shows enlargement and heterogeneity of the head and body of the pancreas, and multiple images of "the strip sign" in the duodenum, suggesting the presence of Ascaris lumbricoides. Live worms were expelled several times. During the next two years, this child was admitted for similar episodes suggesting re-infection with the soil-transmitted helminths, repeated courses of albendazole were administered to the patient and to his close relatives contact. Conclusions. Ascaris lumbricoides infection is rarely a direct cause of mortality, but it contributes to overwhelming morbidity. Periodically repeated de-worming treatment and additional preventive measures such as improvements to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) could ensure high rates of eradication.

Prevalence and risk factors of Ascaris lumbricoides infection in children of Manusak Village, Kupang District, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia

ABSTRACT Worm infection is one of the health problems in all tropical countries, including Indonesia. The most frequent helminthiasis is the infection caused by the Soil-Transmitted Helminth. Primary school-age children are an age group that is susceptible to helminthiasis. Worm infections can cause a serious impact if left untreated with no clean and healthy lifestyle. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors of STH in children of Manusak Village, East Kupang Subdistrict, Kupang District, East Nusa Tenggara Province, followed by the characterization of subjects. The analytic observational design with the cross-sectional study was applied to this research. Research subjects were 130 children aged 6-12 years old. The infection was diagnosed microscopically by the Katokatz method. Ascaris lumbricoides were the only species found infecting a total of 50 children (38.4%.). The distribution of ascariasis was higher in girls (30 or 23.08%) than in boys (20 or 15.38%), in children whose parents have no formal education (41 or 31.54%), and who their professions are a farmer. Poor hygiene and sanitation such as no washing hands with soap (27 or 20.77%) as well as the habit of not wearing footwear (47 or 36.2%) and bowel habit on the open areas (35 or 26.92%) are the risks factors causing the high incidence of A. lumbricoides in the studied area. Enlightenment to the parents regarding good personal and environmental hygiene and sanitation along with chemotherapy from the government and related agencies is needed to achieve a durable reduction of the burden of ascariasis and other STH infection. Keywords : Soil Transmitted Helminth, Ascaris lumbricoides, children, Kupang DistrictCorrespondence : heny-a@fk.unair.ac.id

A strong effect of individual compliance with mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis on sustained clearance of soil-transmitted helminth infections

BackgroundThe impact of semiannual mass drug administration (MDA) with albendazole (ALB; 400 mg) alone on lymphatic filariasis (LF) and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections was assessed during two trials conducted from 2012 to 2018 in the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The collected data were analyzed to evaluate the effect of compliance with ALB treatment on STH infections.MethodsSTH infections were diagnosed with duplicate Kato-Katz thick smears and the results are reported as eggs per gram of stool. All subjects with at least two STH infection assessments were included in the analyses. We used parametric survival models to assess the influence of compliance with ALB treatment on the probability of (i) achieving sustained clearance of an STH infection, and (ii) acquiring an STH infection during the follow-up.ResultsOut of 2658 subjects included in the trials, data on 202 participants (701 person-years; PY) with hookworm infection, 211 (651 PY) with Ascaris lumbricoides infection and 270 (1013 PY) with Trichuris trichiura infection were available to calculate the probability of achieving sustained clearance of infection. The effect of ALB was dose related for all three STH. For hookworm, the time required for sustained clearance was longer (4.3 years, P < 0.001) for participants who took zero doses per year and shorter (3.4 years, P = 0.112) for participants who took two doses per year compared to those who took one dose per year (3.7 years). For Ascaris, the time required to obtain sustained clearance followed the same pattern: 6.1 years (P < 0.001) and 3.2 years (P = 0.004) vs 3.6 years for, zero, two and one dose per year, respectively. For Trichuris, less time was required for sustained clearance (4.2 years, P < 0.001) for fully compliant participants, i.e. those who took two doses per year, than for those who only took one dose per year (5.0 years). ALB was more effective in achieving sustained clearance of STH infection in subjects with light baseline infection intensities compared to those with higher egg counts.ConclusionOur results illustrate the importance of MDA compliance at the level of the individual with respect to the STH benefit provided by semiannual ALB MDA, which is used for the elimination of LF in Central Africa.Graphical

Cytokine Levels and Micronutrient Status in Ascaris lumbricoides - Infected Nigerian School Children after Albendazole Treatment

Background Intestinal helminth infection is associated with altered immune responses and deranged micronutrient status in infected children. There is no information on the status of serum cytokine levels and micronutrient status in Ascaris lumbricoides infected Nigerian school children at pre- and post- albendazole anti-helminthic treatment. Aim To provide data on serum levels of cytokines and micronutrients in Ascaris lumbricoides infected Nigerian children at pre- and post- albendazole anti-helminthic treatment. Method This case-control prospective study assessed serum levels of micronutrients (zinc, iron, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin C), transferrin and cytokines (TNF–α, IFN–γ, IL-6, IL-8, IL-4 and IL-10) in 46 Ascaris lumbricoides infected and 40 uninfected Nigerian school children before and after anthelminthic treatment using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) as appropriate. Data were analysed using Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test and Kruskal Wallis Test, with levels of significance set at α0.05. Results More males than females were infected with helminthes and most helminth infected schoolchildren were within 5-9yrs of age. Ascaris lumbricoides has the highest prevalence. Most (77%) children were infected with Ascaris lumbricoides and 2% of the children had co-infection of Ascaris lumbricoides with hookworms and Trichuris trichiuria. Pre-albendazole anti-helminth treatment, serum zinc and vitamin A levels were significantly lower (p=0.044 and p=0.002 respectively) while transferrin, selenium, IL-8, IL-6, IFN–γ and IL-4 levels were significantly higher (p=0.001, p=0.032, p=0.014, p=0.001, p=0.014 and p=0.010 respectively) in Ascaris lumbricoides-infected group compared with controls. Serum vitamin A levels were significantly higher at one month (p=0.001) and two months (p=0.001) post-albendazole treatment while IL-8 (p=0.031) was significantly lower at one month compared with pre-treatment values. Conclusion Inflammation, zinc and vitamin A deficiencies associated with A. lumbricoides infection in Nigerian children were reversed from one month of albendazole. Recommendation Periodic anthelminthic drug treatment coupled with taking diet containing zinc and vitamin A by school children is recommended. Keywords: Albendazole, Ascaris lumbricoides, Cytokines, Zinc, Vitamin A, School children.

Deep Learning Approach for Ascaris lumbricoides Parasite Egg Classification.

A. lumbricoides infection affects up to 1/3 of the world population (approximately 1.4 billion people worldwide). It has been estimated that 1.5 billion cases of infection globally and 65,000 deaths occur due to A. lumbricoides. Generally, allied health classifies parasite egg type by using on microscopy-based methods that are laborious, are limited by low sensitivity, and require high expertise. However, misclassification may occur due to their heterogeneous experience. For their reason, computer technology is considered to aid humans. With the benefit of speed and ability of computer technology, image recognition is adopted to recognize images much more quickly and precisely than human beings. This research proposes deep learning for A. lumbricoides's egg image recognition to be used as a prototype tool for parasite egg detection in medical diagnosis. The challenge is to recognize 3 types of eggs of A. lumbricoides with the optimal architecture of deep learning. The results showed that the classification accuracy of the parasite eggs is up to 93.33%. This great effectiveness of the proposed model could help reduce the time-consuming image classification of parasite egg.

Intestinal helminthic infection and allergic disorders among school children enrolled in mass deworming program, Sululta, Ethiopia

BackgroundIntestinal helminths have been proposed to have a protective role against allergic sensitization and atopic diseases. However, consistent data demonstrating this are lacking in Sub-Saharan countries. We aimed to assess the association between intestinal helminths and allergic disorders among school children enrolled in mass deworming program in Sululta, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross sectional study was conducted among 526 school children aged 5 to 14 years old from primary government schools in Sululta district, Ethiopia. An interviewer-led questionnaire administered to parents provided information on demographic and lifestyle variables. Questions on allergic disease symptoms were collected using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children (ISAAC) questionnaire 6 months following deworming treatments. Atopy was defined as a positive skin prick test reaction to one or both dust mite (Dermatophagoides) and German cockroach (Blatella germanica) allergens. Fresh stool samples were collected, processed, and examined by direct wet mount, Kato-Katz technique, and formol-ether concentration technique. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to assess the association between allergic disorder and helminths infection.ResultsOf the total 526 school children, 58.2% were females. Overall, 24% (126/526) had allergic symptoms, 5.1% (27/526) had atopy, and 16.9% (89/526) had intestinal helminths. There was no association between helminthic infection and self-reported allergic symptoms (P = 0.317), but Ascaris lumbricoides infection was positively associated with atopy (AOR = 4.307, 95% CI 1.143–16.222, P = 0.031). Atopy was related to increased allergy symptoms (AOR = 2.787, 95% CI 1.253–6.197, P = 0.012), and family history of allergy was associated with increased childhood allergy (AOR = 2.753, 95% CI 1.565–4.841, P = 0.001). Deworming in the past 6 months showed a reduced odd of self-reported allergic symptoms (AOR = 0.581, 95% CI 0.366–0.954, P = 0.034).ConclusionWhile no significant association between self-reported allergy and helminths was found in this study, this may have been due to the low prevalence and intensity of helminthic infection in the sample. There was a positive association between Ascaris lumbricoides and atopy. To further examine the underlying mechanism behind this positive association, a longitudinal study is needed.

Comparative analysis of poliovirus-specific IgA and cytokine levels in the sera of Ascaris lumbricoides-infected and helminth-negative Nigerian children after oral poliovirus vaccination

Background: Intestinal helminth infection is associated with altered immune responses and compromised vaccine efficacy in infected children. Altered immune response due to Ascaris lumbricoides infection may compromise efficacy of oral poliovirus vaccination in children. There is no information on humoral immune response during oral poliovirus (OP) vaccination of A. lumbricoides–infected Nigerian children. The objective of this study is to determine the serum levels of cytokines (tumour necrosis factor–alpha TNF-α, interferongamma IFN–γ, interleukins -4, -6, -8, -10) and poliovirus-specific IgA (PV-IgA) antibody in children infected with A. lumbricoides compared with helminth-negative children (control) before and after oral poliovirus vaccination.&#x0D; Methodology: Twenty-three A. lumbricoides-infected children between ages 5-15 years (13 males and 10 females) and 23 age (4-15 years) and sex-matched helminth-negative children who met selection criteria were enrolled into the study after ethical approval and informed consent. Their stool samples were examined for helminth ova using concentration technique. Sera were collected before and 3 weeks after OP vaccinations, and serum concentrations of IFN–γ, TNF–α, IL-4, -6, -8, -10, and poliovirus-specific IgA concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The level of statistical significance was set at α0.05.&#x0D; Results: Pre-vaccination serum levels of IFN–γ, IL–4, IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly higher in A. lumbricoides–infected children compared with pre-vaccination levels in helminth-negative children. Postvaccination serum levels of IFN–γ, IL–4 and IL-8 were significantly higher in A. lumbricoides–infected children compared with post-vaccination serum levels in helminth-negative children. In the A. lumbricoides-infected children, pre-vaccination serum levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly higher compared with post vaccination levels while pre-vaccination serum levels of IFN–γ, IL–4 and IL-8 were significantly higher in helminth-negative children compared with the post-vaccination levels. There was no significant reduction in post-vaccination median serum level of PV-IgA compared with level before vaccination in A. lumbricoides-infected children. Also, there was no significant increase in post-vaccination median serum level of PV-IgA compared with level before vaccination in helminth-negative children.&#x0D; Conclusion: Oral polio vaccine administration caused decrease expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8) in A. lumbricoides-infected school children, and A. lumbricoides infection may reduce PV-IgA production following OP vaccination.&#x0D; Keywords: Ascaris lumbricoides infection, cytokines, children, poliovirus vaccination

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Intestinal Helminthiasis in Remote Mountainous Villages of Northern Lao PDR: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Helminth infections are prevalent in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). This study aimed at determining the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal helminthiasis in remote mountainous villages of northern Lao PDR. During the dry season in January 2017, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in 3 remote mountainous villages in Oudomxay province, Lao PDR. Villagers older than 18 years of age who agreed to submit stool samples or undergo an interview, were recruited. Stool samples from 198 individuals were examined by the Kato-Katz method, and a questionnaire surveyed 161 individuals among them. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors associated with the intestinal helminthiasis. An overall prevalence of intestinal helminthiasis was 75.8%. Hookworm infection was the most common (63.1%), followed by Opisthorchis viverrini/minute intestinal flukes (17.7%), Taenia spp. (15.2%), Trichuris trichiura (2.0%), Ascaris lumbricoides (1.5%), and Enterobius vermicularis (1.0%). Questionnaire analysis revealed sex (male) and absence of latrine to be significant risk factors for hookworm infection and consumption of raw meat for taeniasis. These results suggest that the mountainous area in northern Lao PDR has a different composition of helminth infections from other studies conducted in Lao PDR; a high prevalence of hookworm infection and taeniasis and low prevalence of T. trichiura and A. lumbricoides infections were observed. Also, liver flukes or intestinal flukes were similarly prevalent in the mountainous area.

Expression of Ascaris lumbricoides putative virulence-associated genes when infecting a human host

BackgroundAscaris lumbricoides is the most common causative agent of soil-transmitted helminth infections worldwide, with an estimated 450 million people infected with this nematode globally. It is suggested that helminths are capable of evading and manipulating the host immune system through the release of a spectrum of worm proteins which underpins their long-term survival in the host. We hypothesise that the worm overexpresses these proteins when infecting adults compared to children to cirvumvent the more robust defence mechanisms of adults. However, little is known about the parasite’s genes and encoded proteins involved during A. lumbricoides infection. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the expression profile of putative virulence-associated genes during an active infection of adults and children.MethodsIn this study, quantitative PCR was performed to evaluate the expression profile of putative virulence-associated genes in A. lumbricoides isolated from infected children and adults. The study was initiated by collecting adult worms expelled from adults and children following anthelminthic treatment. High-quality RNA was successfully extracted from each of six adult worms expelled by three adults and three children, respectively. Eleven putative homologues of helminth virulence-associated genes reported in previous studies were selected, primers were designed and specific amplicons of A. lumbricoides genes were noted. The expression profiles of these putative virulence-associated genes in A. lumbricoides from infected adults were compared to those in A. lumbricoides from infected children.ResultsThe putative virulence-associated genes VENOM, CADHERIN and PEBP were significantly upregulated at 166-fold, 13-fold and fivefold, respectively, in adults compared to children. Conversely, the transcription of ABA-1 (fourfold), CATH-L (threefold) and INTEGRIN (twofold) was significantly suppressed in A. lumbricoides from infected adults.ConclusionsOn the basis of the expression profile of the putative virulence-associated genes, wepropose that the encoded proteins have potential roles in evasion mechanisms, which could guide the development of therapeutic interventions.Graphical