Introduction. In terms of prevalence, helminth-protozoal infection (HPI) occupies one of the leading positions in pediatrics, and in modern medicine it is diagnosed in every fifth adolescent. Aim. To study the clinical manifestations of HPI in school-age adolescents. Materials and methods . A study was conducted on 167 adolescents (male – n = 91 or 54.5%, female – n = 76 or 45.5%) from 10 to 15 years old (mean age 11.4 ± 0.9), who had clinical and laboratory-confirmed infections with HPI. Along with standard methods of clinical and laboratory examinations, coproovoscopy and examination for enterobiasis using perianal scraping with adhesive tape were carried out. Results. In 35.3% (59/167) an association of several types of HPI pathogens was diagnosed. At the same time, the most frequently encountered parasites were Necator americanus – 38.3% (64/167) and Ascaris lumbricoides – 31.7% (53/167). All patients had astheno-neurotic and dyspeptic disorders against the background of iron deficiency anemia. At the same time, the most common clinical manifestations were unstable stool (97.3%), periodic abdominal pain (93.2%), episodes of flatulence (75.7%), and other symptoms of dyspepsia up to 46.6%. Adolescents showed a tendency to allergic diseases – 83.2%. The highest manifestations of immunoallergic pathology in adolescents with HPI were recorded in the younger adolescent group – 86.8%. In comparison, in adolescents from the middle and older age groups, these figures were 80.6%, and 74.4% cases, respectively. Discussion. Modern scientific studies have confirmed that HPI predicts many somatic diseases in adolescents, including pathologies of the respiratory and digestive systems. However, the clinical picture of GPI may differ depending on the place of residence and age. Conclusion. The clinical manifestation of HPI in adolescents is characterized by iron deficiency anemia, dyspeptic, astheno-neurotic disorders against the background of a high incidence of immuno-allergic diseases. Consequently, HPI can be a predictor of somatic and immunoallergic pathology, or aggravate its course.

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) remain a major public health concern, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Although Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworms (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus) are commonly identified in humans, emerging evidence using molecular diagnostics capable of differentiating morphologically similar ova suggests zoonotic drivers of transmission, particularly in areas with close human-animal interaction. This pilot study investigated human and animal STH infections across nine villages of Meghalaya in the northeastern region of India, using quantitative polymerase chain reaction with species-specific primers. The estimated STH prevalence was 23.3% (95% CI: 17.9-29.9%). Zoonotic potential was evident, with Ancylostoma ceylanicum detected in humans (2.8%), and Ascaris spp. and Necator americanus detected in pigs (64.5% and 3.2%, respectively) and goats (15.2% and 3.0%, respectively). To meet World Health Organization's target of eliminating STH morbidity by 2030, endemic regions may need to adopt an integrated One Health approach.

An individual may be predisposed to infection with hookworms through various activities that bring them into contact with filariform larvae in soil. Parasite control programs that rely on mass drug administration (MDA) over prolonged periods using the same antihelmintic drugs would exert selection pressure on hookworm populations and favour the development of drug resistance. This cross-sectional study was conducted to detect benzimidazole resistance genes and assess risk factors of hookworm infection among HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients in Plateau State, Nigeria. A total of 526 stool samples were collected and analysed for hookworm eggs using wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. Specimens confirmed to be hookworm-positive by microscopy were further subjected to molecular analyses on Real-Time qPCR. A well-structured questionnaire was administered to each participant to obtain information on risk factors. The result showed an overall prevalence of 6.46%; with 3.62% and 10.36% for HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients, respectively. Subjects who arrived at their farms before sunrise recorded higher hookworm prevalence (9.63%) compared to those who arrived at their farms after sunrise (2.30%). Also, subjects who conduct farm activities barefoot had a higher hookworm prevalence (7.99%), while those who wear footwear had a lower prevalence (3.07%). Again, subjects who had never been dewormed had a higher hookworm prevalence (20.93%); while those who were dewormed less than 6 months ago had a lower prevalence (1.85%). A statistically significant association was found to exist between hookworm infection and these risk factors at P ≤ 0.05. Out of the 34 samples positive by microscopy for hookworms, 16 were confirmed to be Necator americanus on qPCR. However, 5 out of the 16 samples were from HIV-positive patients, while 11 were from HIV-negative patients. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected in 2 samples on codons 167 and 200. The occurrence of these SNPs was found only among HIV-negative patients. In conclusion, the detection of SNPs suggests that mutant genes associated with benzimidazole resistance are circulating in hookworms in Plateau State, Nigeria.

Microbial translocation drives chronic immune activation that is linked to HIV disease progression. Invasive parasitic gut nematodes induce microbial translocation and downregulate the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. We evaluated the impact of albendazole anthelmintic therapy on serum markers of microbial translocation and inflammation among helminth-infected Ugandans living with HIV. Participants were randomized to an immediate or delayed 400 mg of daily albendazole and followed for 1 month. Baseline stool analysis, conducted via multiparallel real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, determined the prevalence of parasitic infections. Baseline and follow-up blood draws evaluated soluble CD14 (sCD14), C-reactive protein (CRP), and 10 pro-inflammatory cytokines. Changes in biomarker concentrations over time and across randomization arms were evaluated using parametric and nonparametric tests. We enrolled 224 antiretroviral therapy-experienced Ugandan adults living with HIV. Twenty-four participants (10.7%) were infected with either Necator americanus or Strongyloides stercoralis (12 immediate arm; 12 delayed arm). At baseline, participants with current helminth infection had increased concentrations of CRP, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α compared with uninfected participants. Among helminth-infected participants, those in the immediate therapy arm had nonsignificant higher mean sCD14 concentrations (1.40 µg/mL) at follow-up compared with participants in the delayed arm (95% CI: -0.17, 2.98; P = 0.06) with no significant differences observed in other biomarker concentrations. Increases in sCD14 following anthelmintic treatment in this cohort require further investigation in larger cohorts with longer follow-up durations. However, incorporating anthelmintic therapy into routine adult HIV care may provide subtle health benefits in this potentially vulnerable population.

Characterisation of β-tubulin isotypes in Uncinaria stenocephala and implications for benzimidazole resistance in hookworms.

Co-infection by intestinal helminths and Plasmodium spp. may be common in endemic communities. In 2003, Uganda instituted a national deworming program, with anti-helminth medication provided twice annually to children 6 months to 5 years of age, but few follow-up studies have been conducted. Several studies have identified a relationship between helminth infection, Plasmodium spp. infection and malaria severity. However, the relationship is not well defined, and results are inconclusive. We analyzed 177 stool samples from a cohort of children with severe malaria enrolled in two hospitals in Uganda from 2014–2017. All children were 6 months to 48 months of age and had a clinical presentation of and laboratory confirmation for severe malaria. We also analyzed 25 stool samples from community children who were negative for malaria via rapid diagnostic test and were enrolled from the same household or neighborhood and matched by age, sex, and time of enrollment. We investigated if intestinal helminth infection modified risk of severe malaria. We extracted nucleic acids from stool and tested them for six helminth species (Anyclostoma duodenale, Ascaris lumbricoides, Necator americanus, Strongyloides stercolaris, Trichuris trichiura, Shistosoma mansoni) using highly sensitive quantitative PCR. We found a low prevalence of infection by ≥1 intestinal helminth species in children with severe malaria (5.1%, n = 9/177) and community control children (4.0%, n = 1/25). Helminth infection did not increase or decrease the risk of severe malaria in this cohort (aRR = 1.0, 95% Confidence Interval = 0.82, 1.3, p = 0.78). In these areas of Uganda, the national deworming campaign has been highly successful, as stool-based helminth infection was rare even when using sensitive methods of detection and helminths were not associated with severe malaria in this study.

ABSTRACTLeprosy presents a broad clinical spectrum influenced by the host's immune response, and co‐infections may further modulate disease progression. This study evaluated clinically diagnosed leprosy patients (n = 251) from Sergipe and Minas Gerais, Brazil, along with healthy controls (n = 43), soil‐transmitted helminths‐positive controls (n = 15), and household contacts (n = 176). Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays were performed using predicted B‐cell epitopes from immunogenic proteins of Ascaris sp., Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis, Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus. Among leprosy patients, 123 (49%) were IgG seropositive for at least one soil‐transmitted helminths antigen. Nine (7.3%) had optical density (OD) values exceeding 2‐fold the cut‐off, six (4.9%) surpassed 3‐fold and one exceeded 7‐fold. In patients with documented reactions (n = 34), seropositivity was observed in 6 with neuritis, 14 with type 1 reaction (T1R) and 14 with type 2 reaction (T2R), totaling 61.8%. Among household contacts, 96 (54.5%) were seropositive. Stratified analyses revealed significant differences in IgG levels between soil‐transmitted helminths‐seropositive and seronegative individuals within both paucibacillary and multibacillary groups, despite no overall association with operational classification. These findings suggest that helminth exposure may influence immune responses within leprosy subtypes and contribute to reactional episodes. The high seroprevalence observed in both patients and household contacts highlights shared environmental exposure and supports the inclusion of helminth monitoring in leprosy control strategies. Early detection and treatment of co‐infections may reduce immune imbalances and severe inflammatory outcomes. Further studies are needed to elucidate the immunological mechanisms underlying helminth–leprosy interactions and to strengthen integrated approaches in public health.

Zoonotic soil-transmitted helminths (STH), including Ancylostoma ceylanicum, Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma braziliense, Trichuris vulpis, Trichuris suis, and Ascaris suum, are increasingly recognised as potential sources of human infection. Additionally, animals can act as carriers or reservoirs for human STH species. However, the extent of cross-host infection remains poorly understood, primarily due to reliance on morphological diagnostics. This review compiles data on the occurrence of cross-host STH infections, highlighting zoonotic STH in humans and human STH species in domestic and livestock animals. Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science were systematically searched without restriction on publication date, covering records available from inception to December 2024, with the earliest retrieved study published in 1942. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies on cross-host STH infections confirmed by molecular methods. Exclusion criteria included experimental infection studies, studies involving wildlife, and those that did not find cross-host infection. Two independent reviewers assessed bias using Appraisal tool for Cross-sectional studies (AXIS) and Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tools. The protocol is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024519067). The review screened 4197 titles and abstracts and included 51 studies. Ancylostoma ceylanicum was the commonest zoonotic STH reported, predominantly in Southeast Asia. Human STH species (Ancylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus, Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides) were found in dogs, cats, and pigs. Studies examining both humans and animals together in shared environments showed STH presence in both populations. Case studies revealed gastrointestinal and dermatological effects in humans particularly infected with zoonotic hookworms. This systematic review highlights STH cross-host species infections underscoring the need for further One health epidemiological investigations of humans and domestic/livestock animals in sympatric environments to better understand the burden and explore the transmission dynamics of cross-host STH infections.

Feasibility of interrupting the transmission of soil-transmitted helminths: the DeWorm3 community cluster-randomised controlled trial in Benin, India, and Malawi.

Intestinal parasitic infections are classified as neglected tropical diseases and represent a serious public health issue, particularly in developing countries, where they often manifest as diarrhoeal syndromes. A prospective, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted with the aim of describing the prevalence of intestinal parasites in children aged 9 months to 14 years who were hospitalised with a diagnosis of diarrhoeal disease in the paediatric department of Huambo General Hospital. Of the 173 stool samples analysed, 47 (27.2%) were positive, with a predominance of helminths (22.5%), among which Necator americanus (46.81%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (46.81%) were the most prevalent. The only protozoan identified was Giardia lamblia (12.77%) and Taenia spp. (4.26%). Although found in low percentages, this study demonstrated the presence of three groups of parasites infecting children, with helminths being the most predominant, followed by protozoa and cestodes. Additionally, the variables studied (age, sex, origin, education level, parents' occupation, source of drinking water, hygiene practices, and open defecation) did not constitute risk factors for the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections.

Lowndes County is a predominantly Black rural county in Alabama, in the United States, which has a historical and current legacy of racial discrimination, creating inequitable infrastructure access and adverse health impacts. Over 80% rely on on-site sanitation infrastructure and most are failing. A community assessment of exposure to untreated sewage was conducted using samples from residential drinking water, surface swabs, and soil combined with environmental water and soil samples using culture-based and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) methods. Testing varied slightly across samples, due to difficulty of access or availability. Of 43 households, 68% and 55% of houses had detectable presence of human fecal matter indicator in their soils and on their doorsteps, respectively, and 0% had detectable amounts of culturable Escherichia coli in their drinking water. Of 40 houses sampled, 88% tested positive for E. coli in soil samples. Of 39 residences, 31% had positive presence of environmental and zoonotic parasites in soil, but none for Necator americanus, Cryptosporidium species, or Giardia intestinalis. Of the 18 sampled environmental surface waters, 100% tested positive for culturable E. coli, 50% had detectable human fecal matter indicator present, and 27% tested positive for anthropogenic parasites. This work sheds light that there is presence of culturable E. coli, human fecal matter, and anthropogenic parasites in residential soil samples of all sanitation types (municipal, septic tank, and straight piping) and in environmental surface waters throughout the sampled areas. Our findings support the narrative that sanitation infrastructure of all types in Lowndes County, Alabama are compromised and highlights residential and environmental exposure to raw wastewater.Graphical

Manufacture of Necator americanus as an infectious challenge agent: Accelerating human hookworm vaccine development.

Worm disease is included in the neglected diseases group, which is a chronic infection that often does not show clear symptoms and the impact is only felt in the long term. Worms included in the Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) group can spread through the soil and include Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, hookworms (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale), and Strongyloides stercoralis. This worm infection can cause malnutrition, impaired child growth, decreased cognitive abilities, iron deficiency anemia, and reduced learning performance. One indicator of worm infection is an increase in eosinophil levels, which are part of the body's immune system. This study aims to analyze the relationship between Ascaris lumbricoides infection and the number of eosinophils in stunted children in Noelbaki Village, Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. This study used an analytical observational design with a case-control study approach, involving stunted children as subjects. The results showed the prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides eggs of 51.3%, and an increase in abnormal eosinophils of 87.5% in cases of infection. Statistical tests revealed a significant relationship between A. lumbricoides infection and eosinophil count (p = 0.000). However, this study did not consider the possibility of allergy as a factor in increasing eosinophils.

There are few longitudinal epidemiological studies of intestinal parasitic infections (IPI) and their health effects. We studied the epidemiology and determinants of IPI and multiparasitism during childhood using molecular methods for parasite detection and analysed their effects on growth and hemoglobin levels. Random sample of 401 children from an Ecuadorian birth cohort followed up to 8 years of age. Data on environmental and sociodemographic characteristics were collected by questionnaires. Stool samples were collected, and weight, height, and hemoglobin levels were measured at 7 and 13 months, and 2, 3, 5, and 8 years. Stool samples were analysed using multi-parallel quantitative polymerase chain reaction for the presence of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) (Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Ancylostoma spp. Necator americanus, and Strongyloides stercoralis) and protozoal (Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, and Cryptosporidium spp.) parasites. Associations between risk factors and infections, and between infections and nutritional outcomes were estimated using generalized estimated equations applied to longitudinal binary or continuous outcomes. IPI were observed in 91.3% of the cohort during follow-up with peak proportions between 3 and 8 years, while multiparasitism increased more gradually (32.5% at 8 years). Factors significantly associated with multiparasitism included lower birth order, day care, Afro-Ecuadorian ethnicity, urban residence, lower household income, and maternal STH infections. IPI during follow-up were associated with lower hemoglobin (difference = -0.102, 95% CI -0.192 - -0.013, P = 0.025), height-for-age (difference = -0.126, 95% CI -0.233 - -0.019, P = 0.021) and weight-for-age (difference, -0.129, 95% CI -0.257 - -0.022, P = 0.018) z scores. Multiparasitism had the strongest negative effects on growth (height-for-age, -0.289, 95% CI -0.441- -0.137, P < 0.001; weight-for-age, -0.228, 95% CI -0.379 - -0.077, P = 0.003), with some evidence of greater effects with greater number of parasite species. IPI infections and multiparasitism were frequent during early childhood in this Ecuadorian cohort. IPI was associated with reduced weight, height, and hemoglobin trajectories while children with multiparasitism had the greatest growth deficits. Our data highlight the adverse health effects of multiparasitism during childhood in endemic settings and the need for integrated programmes of control and prevention to eliminate associated morbidity.

BackgroundThere are few longitudinal epidemiological studies of intestinal parasitic infections (IPI) and their health effects. We studied the epidemiology and determinants of IPI and multiparasitism during childhood using molecular methods for parasite detection and analysed their effects on growth and hemoglobin levels.MethodsRandom sample of 401 children from an Ecuadorian birth cohort followed up to 8 years of age. Data on environmental and sociodemographic characteristics were collected by questionnaires. Stool samples were collected, and weight, height, and hemoglobin levels were measured at 7 and 13 months, and 2, 3, 5, and 8 years. Stool samples were analysed using multi-parallel quantitative polymerase chain reaction for the presence of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) (Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Ancylostoma spp. Necator americanus, and Strongyloides stercoralis) and protozoal (Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, and Cryptosporidium spp.) parasites. Associations between risk factors and infections, and between infections and nutritional outcomes were estimated using generalized estimated equations applied to longitudinal binary or continuous outcomes.ResultsIPI were observed in 91.3% of the cohort during follow-up with peak proportions between 3 and 8 years, while multiparasitism increased more gradually (32.5% at 8 years). Factors significantly associated with multiparasitism included lower birth order, day care, Afro-Ecuadorian ethnicity, urban residence, lower household income, and maternal STH infections. IPI during follow-up were associated with lower hemoglobin (difference = -0.102, 95% CI -0.192 - -0.013, P = 0.025), height-for-age (difference = -0.126, 95% CI -0.233 - -0.019, P = 0.021) and weight-for-age (difference, -0.129, 95% CI -0.257 - -0.022, P = 0.018) z scores. Multiparasitism had the strongest negative effects on growth (height-for-age, -0.289, 95% CI -0.441- -0.137, P < 0.001; weight-for-age, -0.228, 95% CI -0.379 - -0.077, P = 0.003), with some evidence of greater effects with greater number of parasite species.ConclusionIPI infections and multiparasitism were frequent during early childhood in this Ecuadorian cohort. IPI was associated with reduced weight, height, and hemoglobin trajectories while children with multiparasitism had the greatest growth deficits. Our data highlight the adverse health effects of multiparasitism during childhood in endemic settings and the need for integrated programmes of control and prevention to eliminate associated morbidity.

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are parasitic nematodes that infect humans, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, where they contribute substantially to neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Among them, hookworms (Ancylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus and Ancylostoma ceylanicum) cause substantial morbidity, leading to anaemia, malnutrition, and developmental impairment. Despite the global impact of hookworm disease, genomic research on A. duodenale has lagged behind that of other hookworms, limiting comparative and molecular biological investigations. Here, we report the first chromosome-level reference genome of A. duodenale, assembled from a single adult specimen archived in ethanol at -20 °C for more than 27 years. Using third-generation sequencing (PacBio Revio, Menlo Park, CA, USA, Oxford Nanopore, Oxford, UK), Hi-C scaffolding, and advanced computational tools, we produced a high-quality 319 Mb genome, filling a critical gap in hookworm genomics. Comparative analyses with N. americanus and the related, free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans provided new insights into genome organisation, synteny, and specific adaptations. While A. duodenale exhibited strong chromosomal synteny with N. americanus, its limited synteny with C. elegans highlights its distinct parasitic adaptations. We identified 20,015 protein-coding genes, including conserved single-copy orthologues (SCOs) linked to host-pathogen interactions, immune evasion and essential biological processes. The first comprehensive secretome analysis of A. duodenale revealed a diverse repertoire of excretory/secretory (ES) proteins, including immunomodulatory candidates predicted to interact with host structural and immune-related proteins. This study advances hookworm genomics, establishes a basis for the sequencing of archival specimens, and provides fundamental insights into the molecular biology of A. duodenale. The genomic resource for this hookworm species creates new opportunities for diagnostic, therapeutic, and vaccine development within a One Health framework. It complements recent epidemiological work and aligns with the WHO NTD roadmap (2021-2030) and Sustainable Development Goal 3.3.

Background &amp; Objective: Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) infections are among the most common communicable diseases worldwide and have a significant impact on public health. These infections are caused by several types of intestinal worms, including Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis, Necator americanus, and Ancylostoma duodenale. Children and individuals working in agriculture are particularly at high risk of infection. The flotation method is commonly used to detect helminth eggs in stool samples. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the flotation method using different solutions—NaCl, ZnSO₄, and MgSO₄—at incubation times of 30 minutes and 40 minutes in detecting the number of STH eggs. Method: This study used an experimental design, where the researchers applied different flotation solutions and incubation times. The results were statistically analyzed using the MANOVA test. Results: The MANOVA test showed that all significance values were &gt; 0.05, indicating no statistically significant effect of the different flotation solutions and incubation times on the quantitative detection of STH eggs. However, descriptive analysis revealed that the ZnSO₄ solution with 40 minutes of incubation was more effective than NaCl and MgSO₄, as it detected a higher number of STH eggs. Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is no statistically significant effect of the flotation method using different solutions and incubation times on the quantitative detection of Soil-Transmitted Helminth eggs. Nonetheless, ZnSO₄ with 40 minutes of incubation showed relatively better descriptive results.

Necator americanus is the predominant species causing hookworm infections in humans. Despite advancements in prevention strategies, mild cases of infection still occur, highlighting the need for improved detection technology. Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) is an isothermal molecular diagnostic known for its sensitivity, speed, portability, and widespread application in detecting various pathogens. Although several molecular assays are available for N. americanus, they have limitations in detecting mild N. americanus infections. Fluorescent RPA primers and probes targeting the N. americanus internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) gene were developed. The method's detection limit was assessed via serial dilution of genomic DNA. Specificity was confirmed against Clonorchis sinensis, Schistosoma japonicum, Fasciola hepatica, Ascaris lumbricoides, Enterobius vermicularis and Ancylostoma duodenale. Thirty samples identified as positive by Kato-Katz, along with 11 samples identified as negative by the method, were tested to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of fluorescent RPA. Additionally, 287 field samples were tested for validation with these methods. All positive samples were identified as either N. americanus or A. duodenale. This study successfully developed a fluorescent RPA assay targeting the ITS2 gene of N. americanus. The length of the amplified fragment was 237 bp. Optimized conditions were achieved, resulting in a minimum detection limit of 1fg/µL, with no cross-reactivity with other pathogens. In laboratory validation, the fluorescent RPA assay demonstrated 100% sensitivity (30/30) and 100% specificity (11/11) compared to the Kato-Katz, and 100% sensitivity (29/29) and 91.7% specificity (11/12) when compared to the semi-nested PCR. In field validation using human fecal samples, the fluorescent RPA assay showed a sensitivity of 90.0% (36/40) and a specificity of 91.1% (225/247) compared to the Kato-Katz. And the sensitivity of the fluorescent RPA method compared to the semi-nested PCR method was 100% (34/34), while the specificity was 90.5% (229/252). The fluorescent RPA assay presents a rapid and dependable method for detecting N. americanus in fecal samples. Its high sensitivity and specificity provide significant utility for field surveillance and early identification of N. americanus infections. This advancement could facilitate the rapid molecular diagnosis of N. americanus disease in hookworm-endemic regions.

BackgroundMalaria and soil-transmitted helminths (STH) represent significant public health challenges in tropical regions, particularly affecting children and impeding development. This study investigates the co-morbidity of malaria, caused by Plasmodium spp., and STH infections, including Ascaris lumbricoides(roundworm), Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus (hookworm), and Trichuris trichiura(whipworm), in Nigeria.MethodsWe utilized malaria prevalence data from the Nigeria Malaria Indicators Survey (NMIS) for the years 2010 and 2015 and STH prevalence data from the Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN) portal, covering the years 1978–2014. A Bayesian coregionalization model was employed to analyze the prevalence and incidence of malaria and STH, linking these data to climatic factors such as temperature and precipitation. The study’s findings highlight significant co-morbidity between malaria and STH, particularly in the southsouth and southeast regions.ResultsOur analysis reveals notable regional disparities: malaria prevalence is highest in the northwest and north-central regions, while Ascaris lumbricoides is widespread in both northern and southern states. Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus(Hookworm) are predominantly found in the southwest, and Trichuris trichiura, though less prevalent, is significant in specific areas. Substantial co-morbidity between malaria and STH was observed, particularly in the South-South and southeast regions, indicating a compounded health burden. Furthermore, climatic factors significantly influence disease distribution; higher temperatures correlate with increased malaria prevalence, although temperature has a minimal effect on STH prevalence and incidence. In contrast, precipitation is positively associated with both malaria and STH incidence.ConclusionsThese findings enhance our understanding of the spatial distribution and risk factors associated with malaria and STH in Nigeria, providing vital insights for the development of public health policies and targeted intervention strategies.

Food safety is a serious concern in every part of the world. The interest of the public on food safety issues is on the ascendancy worldwide. The study determined the occurrence of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) in some ready-to-eat vegetables used as salad vegetables available in local markets of Owerri Municipal Imo State Nigeria. An experimental study design was adopted, where a total of two hundred and fifty (250) samples were used for this study. Seven (7) different ready-to-eat vegetables used as vegetable salads were used in this study. Existing instrument methods described by Samah et al. and Amoah et al were used for data collection after being validated and its reliability tested for quality assurance, 10% of the samples were randomly selected and re-examined by an experienced Laboratory Technologist. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 21, frequency table were generated to determine the association between soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) and ready-to-eat vegetables used as salad vegetables. A total of 54 soil-transmitted helminths were detected in the vegetables comprising 22 Ascaris lumbricoides, 7 Strongyloides stercolaris, 4 Necator americanus, 7 Ancylostoma duodenale and 14 Trichuris trichuria were detected. Garden egg seeds, cucumber and cabbage had the highest Ascaris lumbricoides occurrence, while lettuce had the highest Strongyloides stercolaris. Necator americanus was only isolated from garden egg seeds, cucumber, carrot and cabbage. Findings from this study have shown the presence of soil-transmitted helminthes in some ready to eat vegetables. This shows some poor level of adequate washing of these vegetables by farmers, wholesalers and retailers in different markets sampled. Therefore, vegetable vendors should adopt good hygienic practices to ensure that these vegetables are not contaminated with soil-transmitted helminths.