Microscopic Examination Of Stools Research Articles

Endomyocardial involvement in asymptomatic Latin American migrants with eosinophilia related to helminth infection: A pilot study.

Hypereosinophilic syndrome can produce cardiac involvement and endomyocardial fibrosis, which have a poor prognosis. However, there is limited information regarding cardiac involvement among migrants from Latin America with eosinophilia related to helminthiasis. We conducted a pilot observational study where an echocardiography was performed on migrants from Latin America with both eosinophilia (>450 cells/μL) and a diagnosis of helminth infection, and on migrants from Latin America without eosinophilia or helminth infection. Microbiological techniques included a stool microscopic examination using the Ritchie's formalin-ether technique, and a specific serology to detect Strongyloides stercoralis antibodies. 37 participants were included, 20 with eosinophilia and 17 without eosinophilia. Twenty (54.1%) were men with a mean age of 41.3 (SD 14.3) years. Helminthic infections diagnosed in the group with eosinophilia were: 17 cases of S. stercoralis infection, 1 case of hookworm infection, and 2 cases of S. stercoralis and hookworm coinfection. Among participants with eosinophilia, echocardiographic findings revealed a greater right ventricle thickness (p = 0.001) and left atrial area and volume index (p = 0.003 and p = 0.004, respectively), while showing a lower left atrial strain (p = 0.006) and E-wave deceleration time (p = 0.008). An increase was shown in both posterior and anterior mitral leaflet thickness (p = 0.0014 and p = 0.004, respectively) when compared with participants without eosinophilia. Migrants from Latin America with eosinophilia related to helminthic infections might present incipient echocardiographic alterations suggestive of early diastolic dysfunction, that could be related to eosinophilia-induced changes in the endomyocardium.

Frequency of Giarrdia in Acute Watery Diarrhea

Objective: This study was executed to assess the frequency of giardia in acute watery diarrhea among children presented at Ittefaq Hospital, Lahore using the microscopic method. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done at Pediatrics department, Ittefaq Hospital, Lahore. The study was completed in 6 months. Stool samples from 275 patients, aged 6 months to 12 years, having acute watery diarrhea were taken and sent to hospital laboratory for analysis. Giardiasis was confirmed using microscopic assessment of the fecal specimens indicating cysts, trophozites and eggs of the giardia parasite. Numerical data was documented as mean and standard deviation whereas categorical data was presented as frequencies and percentages. To address the effect modifiers, data was stratified for age, gender, residence status, and economics status. Post-stratification Chi-square test was applied and p ? 0.05 was regarded as significant. Results: The mean age of patients was 5.29 ± 2.77 years with minimum and maximum ages as 6 months and 12 years. There were 144(52.36%) male and 131(47.64%) female cases. A total of 97(35.27%) cases had Giardia on microscopic examination of stools. There was no significant association between Giardia infection and different age groups, gender, area of residence, and monthly household income (p>0.05). A very high frequency of Giardia lamblia (35.27%) in children with diarrhea is of serious public health concern. Conclusion: To combat this, adequate precautionary measures should be opted including clean water supply, proper sanitation facilities, health education and promotion of personal and household hygiene, and most importantly regular deworming of pediatric population.

Frequency of Gastrointestinal Parasites, Anemia, and Nutritional Status among Children from Different Geographical Regions of Bolivia.

The study aimed to measure the frequency of occurrence of infections with helminths, protozoa, and risk factors of undernutrition and anemia among schoolchildren from the Bolivian highland (altiplano) and lowland (subtropical) rural regions, with a high frequency of gastrointestinal parasite infections. Cross-sectional data were collected from 790 children, 5-13 years old. Microscopic examination of stool using the Ritchie technique, hemoglobin testing using the HemoCue analyzer, and anthropometric measurements were performed. Over 60% and 20% of children were infected with protozoa and helminth parasites, respectively. Infections caused by pathogenic Hymenolepis nana (15.7-5.2%), Ascaris lumbricoides (41.9-28.5%), Giardia lamblia (30.1-11.2%), Entamoeba histolytica (5.7-0.7%), and nonpathogenic Entamoeba coli (48.9-16%), Blastocystis hominis (40.2-28.5%), Iodamoeba butschli (16.1-2.5%), Chilomastix mesnili (19.2-7.3%), and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (7.4-5.5%) parasites, were more prevalent in the highlands than the lowlands. Single parasitic infections were more prevalent in the lowlands; polyparasitism of light or heavy intensity predominated in the highlands. A strongly increased risk of anemia and a low prevalence of wasting were determined in children in the highlands. A higher risk for stunting was associated with children of older age, and a low burden of intestinal helminths would prevent wasting in children of highlands. Infections with A. lumbricoides and G. lamblia pathogens in older children were not significant covariates for stunting. Environmental, nutritional, and parasitic factors may predispose to anemia in the highlands. A nutritional intervention and parasite control effort will substantially improve children´s health in the highlands.

Diagnostic Value of Coproantigen for Detection of Giardia Infection in Stunted Children

Background: Giardiasis is a protozoa infection caused by Giardia intestinalis, which commonly infects children, impairing children’s growth, development, and cognitive function. Standard diagnosis is carried out by microscopic examination of stool. This study aimed to evaluate coproantigen examination in stunted children compared to microscopic examination.Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on stools collected from a survey among stunted children in Bandung in 2019. Stools were preserved in 10% formaldehyde and kept at -20oC until used. Direct microscopy examination with 2% lugol solution and coproantigen ELISA test using Giardia Cryptosporidium (combo test) coproantigen test kit were performed in Parasitology Laboratory Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia.Result: A total of 99 stools originated from stunted children aged 2-6 years. with boys predominant (52.5%). Microscopic examination showed that 12.1% (12/99) of the children were harboring intestinal parasites, such as the protozoa Giardia intestinalis, Blastocystis spp, and Entamoeba coli (E. coli). Giardia was the primary infection (9.1%), of which single Giardia infection (n = 8) and mixed infection of Giardia and Blastocystis spp (n = 1). Interestingly, coproantigen examination resulted in 6 positive samples, and 4 samples agreed with the microscopy result. With a sensitivity of 44.4% and a specificity of 97.7%. The positive and negative predictive values were 66.7% and 94.7%, respectively.Conclusion: A moderate prevalence of Giardia in stunted children in Bandung regency has been observed. The combo coproantigen test method has high specificity and is suitable for use as a confirmation test to exclude Giardia infection.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections, Genotypes, and Drug Susceptibility of Giardia lamblia among Preschool and School-Aged Children: A Cross-Sectional Study in Thailand.

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in children and assess the drug susceptibility and genotypes/assemblages of Giardia lamblia in Thailand. This cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 3-12 years in Sangkhlaburi District, Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand, between 25 September 2017 and 12 January 2018. Parasites were identified by stool microscopic examination, cultivation of intestinal parasitic protozoa, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Drug susceptibility and genotype of G. lamblia were performed, respectively, by a resazurin assay and Triosephosphate Isomerase A and B genes using modified primers and probes. Among the 661 participants, 445 had an intestinal parasitic infection, resulting in a prevalence of 67.32% (95% CI: 63.60-70.89%). Blastocystis hominis was the most prevalent protozoa infection (49.32%; 95% CI: 45.44-53.22%), while Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent helminth infection (0.91%; 95% CI: 0.33-1.97%). The prevalence of G. lamblia was 17.40%, with genotype B being the most common. According to our study, intestinal parasitic infections were commonly found in Thai children. G. lamblia was the most common pathogenic protozoa infection identified and exhibited less susceptibility to metronidazole compared to furazolidone and mebendazole.

Environmental Sanitation as Risk Factors for Intestinal Protozoa Infection among Stunted Children in Sugerkidul Village, Indonesia

Stunting, a prevalent health issue in Indonesia, has been found to have a significant impact on the overall well-being of children, with a prevalence rate of 24.4%. This condition not only affects physical growth but also puts children at a heightened risk of various infections, including those caused by intestinal protozoa. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship between personal hygiene parenting style and environmental sanitation with intestinal protozoa infection among stunted children in Sugerkidul Village, Jember District, Indonesia. The participants included were 30 stunted children. Questionnaires were used to collect data on personal hygiene parenting style and environmental sanitation, while microscopic stool examination was conducted to identify intestinal protozoa infection. The results showed that 26.7% of stunted children were infected with intestinal protozoa such as Giardia lamblia (13.3%), Blastocystis hominins (3.3%), and Cryptosporidium parvum (10%). Statistical analysis using Fisher's exact test showed a significant association between environmental sanitation and intestinal protozoa infection. However, there was no association between personal hygiene parenting style and this infection among stunted children in Sugerkidul Village. Therefore, to prevent intestinal protozoa infection, it is necessary to improve environmental sanitation.

Strongyloidiasis associated with severe anemia: A case report in Taiwan

Strongyloidiasis is caused by infection with the helminth, Strongyloides stercoralis. The life cycle of S. stercoralis in the host could last decades owing to autoinfection. Most symptoms of strongyloidiasis are nonspecific and may involve the skin, respiratory tract, or gastrointestinal tract. Severe anemia is a less frequently reported symptom of strongyloidiasis. The prevalence of strongyloidiasis is low in Taiwan, and sporadic cases have been previously reported. We present a case of strongyloidiasis in an 82-year-old woman diagnosed by microscopic examination of stool, presenting with severe normocytic anemia. After treatment with the antiparasitic medication, ivermectin, and blood transfusion, her anemia improved. Therefore, parasite infection should be considered in immunosuppressed patients despite atypical laboratory results. Physicians should be aware of the rare incidence of strongyloidiasis in Taiwan and consider it as a possible differential diagnosis for anemia.

Diagnostic performance of microscopic stool examination in Campylobacter infection performed by different medical specialties.

Microscopic examination of stool samples can contribute to the early diagnosis of Campylobacter gastroenteritis. However, it is unclear whether the diagnostic performance is reliable when performed by physicians. This prospective study included fresh stool samples collected from patients with gastroenteritis between August 2018 and March 2020. The samples were used for microscopic examination through Gram staining. Two physicians, a clinical laboratory technician, and microbiologists performed the examinations. In addition, antigen tests (QuickNavi-Campylobacter; Denka Co., Ltd.) were evaluated for the samples collected between May 2019 and March 2020. Infection with Campylobacter spp. was confirmed when stool cultures or polymerase chain reaction tests provided positive results. Microscopic examination was performed on 205 samples, of which 46 (22.4%) were positive for Campylobacter spp. For the microscopic examination, the sensitivity and specificity were 53.5% and 98.1% for physician A, 46.7% and 96.2% for physician B, 63.0% and 100% for the clinical laboratory technician, and 67.4% and 100% for microbiologists, respectively. The antigen testing was evaluated in 131 of the 205 samples and showed a sensitivity of 93.3% and specificity of 99.0%. Microscopic examination of the stool samples showed high specificity. The sensitivity when the examinations were performed by the physicians was insufficient. The rapid antigen tests can reliably detect Campylobacter spp. in stool samples.

Screening Strongyloides spp. Infection from Wild Rodents Implications for Public Awareness and Attitudes on Zoonotic Diseases in Malang City, Indonesia

Strongyloidiasis is a nematode parasite with broader distribution proved to infect humans and animals. Strongyloides ratti common endoparasites infected rodent as the most adaptive population in various environments. We have currently raised concerning the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) situations in Indonesia. This study aimed to understand the incidence of Strongyloides spp. infecting wild rodents in Malang City during October to December 2021 by stratified random sampling. A total of 50 rats (Rattus norvegicus, Rattus rattus diardii, Mus musculus), 26 male (52%) and 24 female (48%). Following 12 juveniles (24%) and 38 adults (76%). Coprology examinations use floatation and sedimentation methods immediately after the gastrointestinal tract's stool collection (GITs). We also administered a limited survey to get responses from 80 people (housewives, sellers, employee, and students) to obtain risk transmission, public awareness, and attitudes. We were continually analyzed data using the chi-squared and Fisher Exact Test. The microscopic examination of stools was 28% positively detected S. ratti. Our study found an association presented between the age of rats and Strongyloidiasis infections (p<0.05). However, the gender of rats did not have a significant association (p>0.05) to the S. ratti several infections. In addition, most participants did not understand the zoonotic disease and these infections, indicating a low-level knowledge 71 (88%), because better education supports the increase of awareness. However, almost all participants have good practice of hygiene and sanitation toward COVID-19 situations 72 (90%). The further study recommends investigating Strongyloidiasis infections in another species and increasing the education program for housewives and sellers in a traditional marketplace to have better knowledge.

Evaluation of Commercial Concentration Methods for Microscopic Diagnosis of Protozoa and Helminths in Human Stool Samples in a Non-Endemic Area.

The diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections still widely relies on microscopic examination of stools and requires reliable reagents and staff expertise. The ParaFlo® assays (Eurobio Ingen) are ready-to-use concentration methods for parasite egg detection, and they could improve reagent traceability and ease of manipulation. Ninety-three stool samples were analyzed with the ParaFlo® concentration methods and then compared with routine microscopic methods for protozoa and helminth detection: seventy-eight were analyzed with ParaFlo® Bailenger and in-house Thebault or Bailenger concentrations, and fifty-five were analyzed with ParaFlo®DC and the in-house merthiolate-formalin diphasic concentration (DC) method. Fully concordant results were obtained for 75%, 70%, and 69% of samples when comparing ParaFlo® DC and in-house DC, ParaFlo® Bailenger and in-house Bailenger, and ParaFlo® Bailenger and Thebault, respectively. The performances of the ParaFlo® assays did not differ statistically from that obtained with their in-house counterparts (Bailenger and DC) for the detection of protozoa, but ParaFlo® Bailenger performed significantly poorer than the Thebault method (p < 0.001). No statistical differences were observed between the commercial and in-house methods for helminth detection. These marketed concentration methods could be used in routine if combined with other techniques for protozoa detection.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and Their Transmission Risk Factors among Inmates of Naivasha and Kisii Prisons in Kenya

Parasites live off a host to survive where they grow, reproduce and invade organ systems therefore causing parasitic infections. Among the ten most common parasitic infections according to world health organization are hookworm, ascariasis, amoebiasis and trichuriasis. Parasitic infections in endemic countries shorten lives and impose a lifelong burden on the potential for advancement. Limited studies have been carried out to establish the prevalence of intestinal parasites among neglected and institutionalized groups of the population such as prison inmates which justified the need to establish the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) among inmates of Kisii and Naivasha prisons in Kenya. A cross-sectional study was used. Four hundred inmates after sampling, provided stool samples for analysis. Formal-ether concentration techniques was used for identification of helminths eggs and cysts of protozoa while direct wet mount using saline and iodine was used for microscopic examination of loose stool for identification of trophozoites of protozoa. Data on the predisposing factors were collected using structured questionnaire and focus group discussion. Chi Square test was used to determine the association between age groups and sex while odds ratio was used to determine the association of personal hygiene and infection by intestinal parasites. The prevalence rate of intestinal parasites was 84(20.84%) with Kisii prison having a prevalence of 37(20.04%) while Naivasha prison having 47(21.56%). Intestinal protozoa infections were higher 50(12.4%) than helminthes 28(10.4%). Intestinal protozoa identified were Entamoeba histolytica 30(7.4%) and Giardia lamblia 20(4.9%) while the intestinal helminthes identified were Ascaris lumbricoides 22(5.5%), Strongyloides stercolaris 2(0.5%) and hookworms 4(1.0%). Chi square test showed that significantly more females were infected than males (χ² = 12.53, P=0.016, df = 2) as well as inmates of 18-27 years in both prisons (χ² = 9.36, P=0.007, df = 28). Correlation coefficient indicated that the infections increased with lack of footwear (OR 2.68, Cl 0.94-3.41), failures to hand wash before meals (OR 2.88, Cl 0.93-3.36) and after toilet use (OR 2.19, Cl 1.02-4.44). Provision of health education and personal hygiene and sanitation, more pit latrines with enough water points for hand washing as well as sufficient footwear is recommended to reduce the IPIs in the prisons. This can be facilitated by the officers-in-charge in collaboration with the Ministry of health.

Parasitic Infections in Internationally Adopted Children: A Twelve-Year Retrospective Study.

Parasitic infections (PIs) are among the most frequent infectious diseases globally. Previous studies reported discrepant results regarding the prevalence of PIs in internationally adopted children (IAC). Data from IAC referred to our paediatric university hospital in 2009–2021 were collected to evaluate the frequency of PIs by the use of stool microscopic examination, antigen assays for Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum, and serological tests for Toxocara canis, Strongyloides stercoralis, Schistosoma mansoni, Echinococcus spp., Taenia solium, and Trypanosoma cruzi. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate risk factors for PIs and eosinophilia. The proportion of IAC with at least one positive test was 26.83% (640/2385); 2.13% (n = 51) had positive tests for 2 or 3 parasites. A positive assay for helminthic infection was retrieved in 11.07% of children (n = 264), and 17.86% (n = 426) presented with eosinophilia. The most common positive tests were anti-Toxocara canis antibodies (n = 312; 13.8%), followed by positive stool antigen for Giardia lamblia (n = 290; 12.16%), and positive microscopic stool examination for Blastocystis hominis (n = 76; 3.19%). A statistically significant association was found between PIs and region of origin (children from Latin America and Africa were more likely to present PIs than children from Eastern Europe), age 5–14 years, and eosinophilia. No significant association was observed between PIs and gender, vitamin D deficiency, or anemia. In conclusion, PIs are relevant in IAC and an accurate protocol is needed to evaluate IAC once they arrive in their adoptive country.

Intestinal Giardiasis in Children Undergoing Upper Endoscopy for Unexplained Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Implication for Diagnosis

Background Giardia lamblia is a flagellated protozoan causing diarrheal outbreaks worldwide. Microscopic stool examination is widely used. We conducted this study to explore intestinal giardiasis in children undergoing upper endoscopy for unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms. Methods The study included 160 children undergoing upper endoscopy for unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms (patients) and 90 children as controls. We collected stool samples for microscopic examination and ELISA coproantigen detection from all participants. We examined duodenal biopsies for patients. Results In patients, stool examination revealed Giardia in 23.8% and coproantigen detection was positive in 37.5%. Endoscopic duodenal biopsies revealed Giardia trophozoites in 5% of patients, in addition to various pathological changes. Conclusion Giardiasis was significantly higher (P = 0.001) in children with unexplained gastrointestinal complaints than the controls. Diagnosis by coproantigen detection was superior to microscopic stool examination, with a sensitivity of 90.9%. Duodenal biopsies examination confirmed the infection in fewer cases but added other diagnostic information.

Standardization of Purisha Pariksha with special reference to Jala Nimajjan Vidhi

Backgroud: Jala-Nimajjan Purisha Pariksha is an ancient method that has been described in all most all the Samhitas, which was done to assess the presence of Ama (undigested substance) in the stool. Ama is an important factor which is considered generally as the root cause of all the diseases. So, this technique was considered as an important tool to ascertain the presence of Ama in the stool. This is a simple method in which stool mass is dropped on water and observation is being made whether stool floats or sinks. If stool sinks, then it is associated with Ama or otherwise if it floats, then it is Nirama (digested substance). Aim: The aim of the study was to standardize the procedure of Jal-Nimajjan Purisha Pariksha. Materials and Methods: The present study is broadly divided into two parts: Part-I a pilot study for standardization of Jala-Nimajjan Purisha Pariksha in terms of physical parameters And Part-II: study on features of Jala-Nimajjan Purisha Pariksha in apparently healthy volunteers along with routine and microscopic examination of stool. Thirty apparently healthy volunteers were selected from BHU campus. Results: This study showed a significant result in correlation with textual descriptions of Ayurveda regarding Agni and Purisha Pariksha. Statistically, Chi-square test was applied to obtained data and analyzed by SPSS software version 6. Conclusion: This method is more important because it can detect the Ama before its manifestation of symptoms in the whole body. Whenever there is abnormality of Agni in the body, it has a direct effect on digestion. If Agni does not work properly, then Ama is produced in the intestine. Stool is the first excretory substance produced as a result of digestion. If any changes occur in the bowel, it will be seen first in stool and can be detected by Jala-Nimajjan Purisha Pariksha.

Parasitic infections among patients hospitalized in the Tropical and Parasitic Clinic of Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland between 2015 and 2018. Is there a relationship between protozoa infection and gastrointestinal symptoms?

Diarrhoea is a common reason for hospitalization among travellers returning from the tropics. The aetiology is predominantly bacterial, but it can also be caused by parasites such as Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and Blastocystis spp. We analysed patients from the Poznan Tropical and Parasitic Clinic to evaluate the presence of parasitic infections and to find correlations between infections, journeys, and gastrointestinal symptoms. In our study we examined 2561 stool samples obtained from patients hospitalized in the Tropical and Parasitic Department of Poznan Medical University, Poland. Microscopic examinations of samples were performed based on a direct thin smear in 0.9% NaCl, which allowed the assessment of the presence of protozoa life stages. In 106 (4.14%) of the 2561 examined samples we detected parasites, mainly from people coming back from tropical areas (61.32%). Mostly we detected Blastocystis sp. and Giardia intestinalis. Fifty percent of patients suffered from gastrointestinal symptoms, so careful microscopic stool examination should be performed in every case in which intestinal pathology occurs, and certainly in travelling individuals. Traveling is a real risk factor for protozoa infection. The most common parasites detected in the stool are Blastocystis sp. and Giardia intestinalis. Parasitic coinfection should be taken into consideration as a pathologic agent in patients suffering from abdominal signs and persistent diarrhoea. Prolonged protozoa infection and its role in microbiota alterations requires further investigation.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites Among the Patients Visiting Sub-Regional Hospital, Dadeldhura, Nepal

Intestinal parasitic infections caused by intestinal helminthes and protozoa are the most common human infections endemic throughout the world especially in tropical and subtropical countries including Nepal. This study was conducted to study the prevalence of intestinal parasites among patients visiting Sub-Regional Hospital, Dadeldhura, Nepal. Altogether 480 stool samples were collected from April 2017- October 2017. Microscopic examination of stool was done by using formal-ether concentration technique in the Microbiology Laboratory of Sub-Regional Hospital, Dadeldhura Nepal. The overall prevalence rate was found to be 10.625%. The prevalence of parasitic infection was higher in males (52.94%) than in females (47.06%). In the age group below 15 years, the prevalence was found to be higher (52.94 %) than other age groups. Total 6 species of intestinal parasites; 2 (33.33%) were protozoan parasites viz. cysts and trophozoites of Giardia lamblia, and cysts of Entamoeba histolytica, and 4 (66.67%) were helminths viz. ova of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichuria, Hymenolepis nana, and Ancylostoma duodenale. The infection rate was found to be higher in people taking normal tap water. The study concluded that intestinal protozoan infection is still a public health problem of concern among the people of Dadeldhura. The prevalence of intestinal protozoan infection was found to be high in children and low educated groups in Dadeldhura. Thus, health education along with infection management actions and awareness programs for sanitation improvements are required to reduce protozoan infections.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of common intestinal parasitic infections of helminthes among the asymptomatic primary school children at Woldia Town, North Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, in Ethiopia

Background: Intestinal worm infestation is a global health problem and serious concern for the third world countries. The most common intestinal parasites of helminthes that inhabit in human gut include Nematodes (roundworms) and Platyhelminthes (Cestodes and trematodes) which are wide spread throughout the world. Prevention and control of all parasitic infections including helminthes require research work based on the identification of parasites and associated predisposing factors. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections of helminthes among the asymptomatic primary school children at Woldia town, North Wollo Zone North Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: The study design was school based cross sectional study from November 2019 to February 2020. The technique of sampling was simple random sampling method and the sample size was computed based on the formula proposed by single population proportion to include 442 study participants. The method of data collection was laboratory microscopic stool examination using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration technique and the structured questionnaires about the associated risk factors and sociodemographic factors. Analysis of the data was made manually using the thematic framework method including the descriptive statistics Result: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections of helminths among the asymptomatic primary school children at woldia town was 96(22.7%). The predominant intestinal parasites of helminthes was Ascaries lumbercoides 40 (9.5%) followed by Trichuris trichiura 18 (4.3%), Hymenolopis nana 13 (3.1%) and Hook worms 10 (2.4%). From the overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections of helminthes, 96(22.7%), the results obtained by direct wet mount method was 36(37.5%) while the Formol-ether concentration technique method revealed 60(62.5%). Moreover, the result also showed parasitic infections of helminthes were associated with associated predisposing factors. Concluding remarks and recommendations: In this study the overall prevalence of helminthic infections was relatively lower. However the control and intervention of intestinal helminthic infections requires a constant provision of periodic deworming treatment and regular health educations regarding personal hygiene and environmental sanitations.

Yersinia Enterocolitica.

Yersinia Enterocolitica.

Hookworm infection presenting as recurrent severe anaemia requiring blood transfusion in a Pakistani migrant to Italy.

We report a case of hookworm infection presenting as recurrent severe anaemia in an adult Pakistani migrant to Italy. Clinicians working in non-endemic countries should be aware of this possible cause of anaemia, approachable by a microscopic stool examination that could avoid invasive and time-consuming diagnostic work-up.

Magnitude of Intestinal Parasite Infection and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Service in Shewarobit Town Health Facilities, North Shoa Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

IntroductionIntestinal parasites are the most common infectious gastrointestinal parasites in developing countries including Ethiopia. Globally, it remains a public health problem by affecting 3.2 billion people, of which 10% were pregnant women. In Sub-Saharan Africa, pregnant women are the risky group next to children for this infection. This study aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of intestinal parasite infection among pregnant women.MethodsFacility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 365 pregnant women attending antenatal care service in Shewarobit town health facilities, North Shoa Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Data were collected using an interview questionnaire and laboratory microscopic stool examination from February 1, 2020, to March 30, 2020. Descriptive statistics and multivariable analyses were used to characterize the data and to identify the associated factors with the outcome variable at a p-value <0.05, respectively.ResultsA total of 347 (95.1%) pregnant women participated in this study. The magnitude of intestinal parasite infection was 27.7% during the study period. Among the parasites, G. lamblia and S. mansoni were the most prevalent identified parasites. Pregnant mother, who did not have handwashing practice after using the toilet [AOR: 3.89, 95% CI (1.86–8.13)], had a habit of walking on barefoot [AOR: 5.65, 95% CI (1.72, 18.56)], had uncooked food meal habit [AOR: 5.12, 95% CI (1.24, 21.14)], use of water in unimproved water source [AOR: 3.20, 95% CI (1.11–9.24)], lack of health education [AOR: 4.08, 95% CI (2.01–8.27)], and not dewormed [AOR: 3.09, 95% CI (2.01–7.94)] were predictors for parasitic infection.ConclusionHigh prevalence of intestinal parasite infection is observed in pregnant women. Personal hygiene practice, health education, and water quality were factors identified as contributors to intestinal parasite infection in pregnant women. Public health measures on water and environmental sanitation, health education for intestinal parasite infection and personal hygiene practices, and early deworming are vital to reduce the intestinal parasites’ infection and assure safe pregnancy.