Human Parasitic Infections Research Articles

The abundance and morphology of human large intestinal goblet and tuft cells during chronic schistosomiasis.

Schistosomiasis affects nearly 240 million people in predominately low- and middle-income countries and ranks second in the number of cases and socio-economic burden among all parasitic diseases. Despite the enormous burden posed by schistosomes, our understanding of how schistosomiasis impacts infected human tissues remains limited. Intestinal schistosomiasis in animal models leads to goblet cell hyperplasia, likely increasing mucus production and reflecting an intestinal type 2 immune response. However, it is unknown whether these same changes occur in schistosome-infected humans. Using immunofluorescence and light microscopy, we compared the abundance and morphology of goblet cells in patients diagnosed with schistosomiasis to uninfected controls. The mucin-containing vesicles in goblet cells from schistosome-infected patients were significantly larger (hypertrophic) than uninfected individuals, although goblet cell hyperplasia was absent in chronic human schistosomiasis. In addition, we examined tuft cells in the large intestinal epithelium of control and schistosome-infected patients. Tuft cell numbers expand during helminth infection in mice, but these cells have not been characterized in human parasite infections. We found no evidence of tuft cell hyperplasia during human schistosome infection. Thus, our study provides novel insight into schistosome-associated changes to the intestinal epithelium in humans, suggesting an increase in mucus production by large intestinal goblet cells but relatively minor effects on tuft cell numbers.

Parasitic Contamination in Five Leafy Vegetables Collected from Open Marketplaces in Giza, Egypt

Background: Leafy vegetables could be contaminated with parasitic infective stages, making them possible sources of human parasitic infections. This study aimed to assess parasites contamination level among five different leafy vegetables collected from open marketplaces in Giza, Egypt. Methods: Hundred vegetable samples were collected from dill, parsley, coriander, rocca, and mint (20 of each). Samples were processed using sedimentation and concentration methods and the sediments were examined as wet smears either unstained or stained with Lugol's iodine. Also, modified trichrome and Ziehl-Neelsen stains were used to detect Microsporidia spores and coccidian oocysts. Statistical software SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis. Results: A total of 86% of the examined samples were found contaminated with parasite's eggs, cysts, oocysts, and larvae. Coriander was the most contaminated vegetable with contamination rate of 95% while dill was the least contaminated (80%). Also, protozoan parasites contamination rate (77.1%) was higher than helminths parasites contamination rate (22.9%). Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was the most prevalent parasite (40.6%) followed by Blastocystis hominis (39.5%), Ascaris lumbricoides (18.6%), Cyclospora spp. (15.11%), Giardia lamblia (11.6%), E. coli (9.3%); while Cryptosporidium spp., Iodamoeba bütschlii, Trichuris trichiura, Enterobius vermicularis, Fasciola, and hookworms’ eggs were the least prevalent parasites (1.1%). Conclusion: Leafy vegetables in Giza, Egypt had an extremely high parasite contamination rate. So, consuming such vegetables without proper washing facilitates transmission of parasitic infections which could pose a major health risk to Egyptians.

Evaluation of Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF) Parameters in the Inactivation of Anisakis Larvae in Saline Solution and Hake Meat.

Larvae of the nematode family Anisakidae are capable of causing parasitic infections in humans associated with the consumption of fishery products, leading to intestinal syndromes and allergic reactions. Anisakidae larvae are widely distributed geographically, with rates of parasitism close to 100% in certain fish species. Methods need to be established for their inactivation and elimination, especially in fishery products that are to be consumed raw, pickled, or salted, or which have been insufficiently treated to kill the parasite. Many strategies are currently available (such as freezing and heat treatment), but further ones, such as pulsed electric fields (PEF), have hardly been investigated until now. This study focuses on the experimental evaluation of the efficacy of PEF in the inactivation of Anisakis spp. larvae in terms of electric field strength, specific energy, and pulse width, as well as on the evaluation of the quality of fish samples after PEF treatment. Results show that viability of Anisakis was highly dependent on field strength and specific energy. Pulse width exerted a considerable influence at the lowest field strengths tested (1 kV/cm). Central composite design helped to define a PEF treatment of 3 kV/cm and 50 kJ/kg as the one capable of inactivating almost 100% of Anisakis present in pieces of hake, while affecting the investigated quality parameters (moisture, water holding capacity, and cooking loss) to a lesser extent than freezing and thawing. These results show that PEF could serve as an alternative to traditional freezing processes for the inactivation of Anisakis in fish.

Detection of Acanthamoeba spp. in groundwater sources in a rural area in the Philippines.

Research on free-living amoebae (FLA) and its public health implication as an etiologic agent of parasitic infection in humans has recently gained traction in the Philippines. This study aimed to identify potential FLAs in collected groundwater samples from Masinloc, Zambales, Philippines. Fifty-four (54) water samples were collected in 250-mL sterile polyethylene containers by purposive sampling from selected groundwater sources in six (6) barangays of Masinloc. The samples were vacuum filtered through a 1.2-μm pore glass microfiber filter, cultured onto non-nutrient agar (NNA) lawned with Escherichia coli, and observed microscopically for amoebic growth for 14 days using light microscopy. Amoebic growth was observed in 11.1% (6/54) of water samples. DNAs from positive samples were extracted and were made to react with polymerase chain reaction using Acanthamoeba-specific JDP1 (5'-GGCCCAGATCGTTTACCGTGAA-3') and JDP2 (5'-TCTCACAAGCTGCTAGGGAGTCA-3') primers, and universal primer Euk A (5'-AACCTGGTTGATCCTGCCAGT-3') and Euk B (5'-TGATCCTTCTGCAGGTTCACCTAC-3'). The presence of Acanthamoeba genotypes T4, T7, and T11 was confirmed using molecular and phylogenetic analysis. Our results confirmed that groundwater sources from two of six sampling sites (33.3%) in Masinloc, Zambales, were contaminated with potentially pathogenic FLAs. Proper identification of risk factors that may cause contamination consequently leads to the implementation of programs that will prevent future infections.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in animal hosts and potential implications to animal and human health in Edo, Nigeria.

Intestinal parasites in livestock cause huge economic setbacks. Moreover, these parasites can threaten human health when also present in companion animals. The study examined the prevalence and burden of intestinal parasites among roaming/migrating animals (goats, sheep, cattle, and dogs) to provide insights into the risk of potential human parasitic infections. A total of 1,741 fecal samples from goats (n = 920), sheep (n = 335), cattle (n = 230) and dogs (n = 256) were obtained randomly across 18 local government areas in Edo State, Nigeria. The parasite samples were recovered and identified under a microscope. Molecular tools were used to identify Toxocara spp. Eighteen different parasites were isolated. Among the different groups of parasites observed, nematodes occurred the most, followed by protozoans. Among nematodes, Haemonchus was most prevalent in goats (28.04%) and sheep (29.85%), while Strongyloides (10.86%) and Bunostomum (8.69%) were relatively high in cattle. Strongyloides (3.9%), hookworm (3.9%), and Toxocara (3.12%) were the predominant parasites in dogs. For protozoan parasites, Eimeria was most common in all 4 animal hosts. Several goats (2.39%) and sheep (2.38%) tested positive for Fasciola spp. Molecular analysis confirmed Toxocara canis in dogs for the first time in Nigeria. The major parasites recovered from these roaming/migrating animals have zoonotic potentials that can threaten human health.

Natural variation in the binding pocket of a parasitic flatworm TRPM channel resolves the basis for praziquantel sensitivity

The drug praziquantel (PZQ) is the key clinical therapy for treating schistosomiasis and other infections caused by parasitic flatworms. A schistosome target for PZQ was recently identified- a transient receptor potential ion channel in the melastatin subfamily (TRPMPZQ)-however, little is known about the properties of TRPMPZQ in other parasitic flatworms. Here, TRPMPZQ orthologs were scrutinized from all currently available parasitic flatworm genomes. TRPMPZQ is present in all parasitic flatworms, and the consensus PZQ binding site was well conserved. Functional profiling of trematode, cestode, and a free-living flatworm TRPMPZQ ortholog revealed differing sensitives (~300-fold) of these TRPMPZQ channels toward PZQ, which matched the varied sensitivities of these different flatworms to PZQ. Three loci of variation were defined across the parasitic flatworm TRPMPZQ pocketome with the identity of an acidic residue in the TRP domain acting as a gatekeeper residue impacting PZQ residency within the TRPMPZQ ligand binding pocket. In trematodes and cyclophyllidean cestodes, which display high sensitivity to PZQ, this TRP domain residue is an aspartic acid which is permissive for potent activation by PZQ. However, the presence of a glutamic acid residue found in other parasitic and free-living flatworm TRPMPZQ was associated with lower sensitivity to PZQ. The definition of these different binding pocket architectures explains why PZQ shows high therapeutic effectiveness against specific fluke and tapeworm infections and will help the development of better tailored therapies toward other parasitic infections of humans, livestock, and fish.

Parasitic Larvae in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid in Non-immunocompromised Patient.

Strongyloides stercoralis is responsible for a significant human parasitic infection known as strongyloidiasis. In addition, pulmonary strongyloidiasis is one of the most critical signs of disseminated strongyloidiasis. In this instance, S. stercoralis was unexpectedly discovered in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.

A genetically modified Plasmodium berghei parasite as a surrogate for whole-sporozoite vaccination against P. vivax malaria

Two malaria parasite species, Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) and P. vivax (Pv) are responsible for most of the disease burden caused by malaria. Vaccine development against this disease has focused mainly on Pf. Whole-sporozoite (WSp) vaccination, targeting pre-erythrocytic (PE) parasite stages, is a promising strategy for immunization against malaria and several PfWSp-based vaccine candidates are currently undergoing clinical evaluation. In contrast, no WSp candidates have been developed for Pv, mainly due to constraints in the production of Pv sporozoites in the laboratory. Recently, we developed a novel approach for WSp vaccination against Pf based on the use of transgenic rodent P. berghei (Pb) sporozoites expressing immunogens of this human-infective parasite. We showed that this platform can be used to deliver PE Pf antigens, eliciting both targeted humoral responses and cross-species cellular immune responses against Pf. Here we explored this WSp platform for the delivery of Pv antigens. As the Pv circumsporozoite protein (CSP) is a leading vaccine candidate antigen, we generated a transgenic Pb parasite, PbviVac, that, in addition to its endogenous PbCSP, expresses PvCSP under the control of a strictly PE promoter. Immunofluorescence microscopy analyses confirmed that both the PbCSP and the PvCSP antigens are expressed in PbviVac sporozoites and liver stages and that PbviVac sporozoite infectivity of hepatic cells is similar to that of its wild-type Pb counterpart. Immunization of mice with PbviVac sporozoites elicits the production of anti-PvCSP antibodies that efficiently recognize and bind to Pv sporozoites. Our results warrant further development and evaluation of PbviVac as a surrogate for WSp vaccination against Pv malaria.

HEPATOBILIARY IMAGING FINDINGS OF HUMAN PARASITIC INFECTIONS : A CASE REPORT

Parasitic infections due to protozoa and helminths are responsible for substantial morbidity and mortalitywordwide. In recent decades the number of human parasitic infections were recognized significantly in Viet Nam. These diseases are increasing seem to be involved in poor sanitation, dietery habits, global climate changes and pathogens. Most of damaged organs were brain, liver, gallblader, biliary tract, lung, skin… but impacted on hepatobiliary system, with more severe complications. Radiological image findings can demonstrate characteristic changes and assist in the diagnosis of parasitic infections.

The origins, isolation, and biological characterization of rodent malaria parasites.

Rodent malaria parasites have been widely used in all aspects of malaria research to study parasite development within rodent and insect hosts, drug resistance, disease pathogenesis, host immune response, and vaccine efficacy. Rodent malaria parasites were isolated from African thicket rats and initially characterized by scientists at the University of Edinburgh, UK, particularly by Drs. Richard Carter, David Walliker, and colleagues. Through their efforts and elegant work, many rodent malaria parasite species, subspecies, and strains are now available. Because of the ease of maintaining these parasites in laboratory mice, genetic crosses can be performed to map the parasite and host genes contributing to parasite growth and disease severity. Recombinant DNA technologies are now available to manipulate the parasite genomes and to study gene functions efficiently. In this chapter, we provide a brief history of the isolation and species identification of rodent malaria parasites. We also discuss some recent studies to further characterize the different developing stages of the parasites including parasite genomes and chromosomes. Although there are differences between rodent and human malaria parasite infections, the knowledge gained from studies of rodent malaria parasites has contributed greatly to our understanding of and the fight against human malaria.

Intestinal parasite infections associated with sociodemographic and seasonal factors in the Western Amazon.

Intestinal parasites are a constant public health problem in the Amazon region, with a high prevalence of cases related to poor sanitary conditions. We investigated the sociodemographic and seasonal factors associated with human intestinal parasite infections in an area of the Western Amazon, Brazil, from September 2017 to August 2019. Data were collected using a database available at the Diagnostic Support Centre (Centro de Apoio ao Diagnóstico, CAD) of the Municipality of Rio Branco, on positive diagnoses for intestinal parasites. Among the 53,200 samples analysed, 18.3% (n = 9712) were positive. Of these, 96.4% (n = 9363) and 3.6% (n = 349) were protozoan and helminthic infections, respectively. Males showed higher odds ratio (OR) for Enterobius vermicularis infection (OR: 2.3) and giardiasis (OR: 1.9) and lower OR for Endolimax nana (OR: 0.9) and Entamoeba coli (OR: 0.9) infections. Individuals aged ≥ 15 presented higher OR for Strongyloides stercoralis (OR: 3.4), hookworms (OR: 2.3), and almost all protozoan infections than younger individuals. In the dry season, the OR for hookworms (OR: 1.5), Iodamoeba butschlii (OR: 1.4), and Endolimax nana (OR: 1.3) infections was higher than that in the rainy season, including a high chance of polyparasitism (OR: 1.6). We concluded that there was a significant difference between the different types of intestinal parasites, particularly protozoa, with high OR in the dry season and for certain groups.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of human intestinal parasitic infections in rural areas

Introduction: Determination of the prevalence and distribution pattern of intestinal parasites is a fundamental step to set up an effective control program to improve the health status. This study aimed to prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among inhabitants. Methodology:- Population of this study were 1150.Among all 430 participant were found infected with parasitic infection. This study was conducted in Department of Microbiology Bhagwan Mahavir institute of medical sciences, Nalanda. The duration of study was over a period of two years. Result:- This result of this study revealed that 1150 total cases were included. Out of all we have found 430 infected cases with parasite. Conclusion:-The conclusion of this study high prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections was observed among the inhabitants of the study area as compared to helminthes.

Identification and characterization of extracellular vesicles from red cells infected with Babesia divergens and Babesia microti.

Babesiosis is a zoonosis and an important blood-borne human parasitic infection that has gained attention because of its growing infection rate in humans by transfer from animal reservoirs. Babesia represents a potential threat to the blood supply because asymptomatic infections in man are common, and blood from such donors can cause severe disease in certain recipients. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are vesicles released by cells that contain a complex mixture of proteins, lipids, glycans, and genetic information that have been shown to play important roles in disease pathogenesis and susceptibility, as well as cell–cell communication and immune responses. In this article, we report on the identification and characterization of EVs released from red blood cells (RBCs) infected by two major human Babesia species—Babesia divergens from in vitro culture and those from an in vivo B. microti mouse infection. Using nanoparticle tracking analysis, we show that there is a range of vesicle sizes from 30 to 1,000 nm, emanating from the Babesia-infected RBC. The study of these EVs in the context of hemoparasite infection is complicated by the fact that both the parasite and the host RBC make and release vesicles into the extracellular environment. However, the EV frequency is 2- to 10-fold higher in Babesia-infected RBCs than uninfected RBCs, depending on levels of parasitemia. Using parasite-specific markers, we were able to show that ~50%–60% of all EVs contained parasite-specific markers on their surface and thus may represent the specific proportion of EVs released by infected RBCs within the EV population. Western blot analysis on purified EVs from both in vivo and in vitro infections revealed several parasite proteins that were targets of the host immune response. In addition, microRNA analysis showed that infected RBC EVs have different microRNA signature from uninfected RBC EVs, indicating a potential role as disease biomarkers. Finally, EVs were internalized by other RBCs in culture, implicating a potential role for these vesicles in cellular communication. Overall, our study points to the multiple functional implications of EVs in Babesia–host interactions and support the potential that EVs have as agents in disease pathogenesis.

Double troubleStrongyloidiasis hyper infection and intestinal tuberculosis co-infection-A rare case report

Strongyloidiasis, a human intestinal parasitic infection is most commonly caused by Strongyloides stercoralis species. Strongyloides Hyperinfection is an accelerated autoinfection occurring in immunocompromised state like tuberculosis, where increased number of infectious filariform larvae are produced. Here, we report a case of 35-year-old male, known case of intestinal tuberculosis, presenting with complaints of pain abdomen, associated with vomiting. Clinical and radiological examination revealed hollow viscous perforation with peritonitis. Surgical ileal resection with anastomosis was performed and histopathological analysis of the specimen revealed eggs and larval and adult forms of Strongyloides stercoralis within crypts and superficial mucosa

Pre-clinical development of a vaccine for human lymphatic filariasis

This study was conducted to optimize a fusion protein vaccine for translational development as a vaccine against the human tropical parasitic infection, lymphatic filariasis (LF). The vaccine candidate, His-tagged rBmHAXT was developed previously in our laboratory and was tested in various animal models including mouse, gerbils and Rhesus macaque where it exhibited significant levels of vaccine-induced protection. However, for commercial manufacturing and for regulatory approval for human use, there was a need to modify the vaccine antigen and its production and analytical release methods. Therefore, the major focus of this study was to develop a process for manufacturing an affinity tag-free rBmHAXT and evaluate its immunogenicity, potency and protective efficacy in both inbred and outbred mouse models, as well as in outbred gerbil models. Our results demonstrate that the tag-free rBmHAXT vaccine produced with a process suitable for cGMP production had protective properties equivalent to the original His-tagged rBmHAXT.

Emetine in Combination with Chloroquine Induces Oncolytic Potential of HIV-1-Based Lentiviral Particles.

Chloroquine and Emetine are drugs used to treat human parasitic infections. In addition, it has been shown that these drugs have an antiviral effect. Both drugs were also found to cause a suppressive effect on the growth of cancer cells of different origins. Here, using the replication-deficient HIV-1-based lentiviral vector particles, we evaluated the ability of the combination of these drugs to reduce viral transduction efficiency. We showed that these drugs act synergistically to decrease cancer cell growth when added in combination with medium containing lentiviral particles. We found that the combination of these drugs with lentiviral particles decreases the viability of treated cells. Taken together, we state the oncolytic potential of the medium containing HIV-1-based particles provoked by the combination of Chloroquine and Emetine.

Schistosoma mansoni Epidemiology Among Snails, Rodents and Children: A One Health Approach.

BackgroundSchistosoma is one of the prevalent parasitic infection in humans and animals. Schistosomiasis in children is particularly serious and results in liver and spleen enlargement, anemia, stunting, reduced ability to learn and death. The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence and distribution of schistosomiasis in children, rodents and snail populations in Aleffa and Takusa districts, north-west Ethiopia.MethodsDisease status and exposure were simultaneously measured from December 2020 to December 2021. School children's stool specimens were collected for schistosomiasis examination by Kato Katz and formal-ether techniques. Live rodents and snails were trapped and collected in search of adult schistosoma, eggs, and cercariae, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analytic technique by using SPSS version 20 was conducted.ResultsOf 460 stool specimens examined, 116 (25.22) were found positive for S. mansoni infection. In the present finding, the possible determinants for the occurrence of intestinal schistosomiasis in school children were female sex (AOR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.37–2.96); working with bare foot (AOR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.08–1.52); skin cut/abrasion history (AOR = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.08–7.43) and swimming habit (AOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.33–1.99). The overall (n = 108) rodent prevalence of S. mansoniwas 23 (21.3%). Only 6 snails were shedding the infective stage of schistosoma cercariae.ConclusionThe study revealed that there is a moderate prevalence of schistosomiasis in different hosts. Thus, multi-host intervention is crucial to achieving the goal of interrupting transmission of schistosomiasis in the study area. Further research to better understand and exploit the broader environmental, ecological context and encompassing dynamic interactions between all hosts over time will be crucial for building predictive models beyond the known fact of having or not having reservoirs/hybridization of schistosoma in our study area.

Ruthenium Metallotherapeutics: Novel Approaches to Combatting Parasitic Infections.

Human parasitic infections cause a combined global mortality rate of over one million people per annum and represent some of the most challenging diseases for medical intervention. Current chemotherapeutic strategies often require prolonged treatment, coupled with subsequent drug-induced cytotoxic morbidity to the host, while resistance generation is also a major concern. Metals have been used extensively throughout the history of medicine, with more recent applications as anticancer and antimicrobial agents. Ruthenium metallotherapeutic antiparasitic agents are highly effective at targeting a range of key parasites, including the causative agents of malaria, trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, amoebiasis, toxoplasmosis and other orphan diseases, while demonstrating lower cytotoxicity profiles than current treatment strategies. Generally, such compounds also demonstrate activity against multiple cellular target sites within parasites, including inhibition of enzyme function, cell membrane perturbation, and alterations to metabolic pathways, therefore reducing the opportunity for resistance generation. This review provides a comprehensive and subjective analysis of the rapidly developing area of ruthenium metal- based antiparasitic chemotherapeutics, in the context of rational drug design and potential clinical approaches to combatting human parasitic infections.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Human Intestinal Helminths Parasitic Infections in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background Intestinal helminth infections are still public health problems in tropical and subtropical countries including Ethiopia. This review and meta-analysis aimed to produce the pooled prevalence and associated risk factors of human intestinal helminth parasitic infections (HIHPIs) in Ethiopia. Methods Articles written in English were searched from online databases. Sixty-seven studies were included. Meta-analysis was computed using STATA version 14. Result The pooled prevalence of HIHPIs was (33.35%, 95% CI: 28.85%, 37.86%). Ascaris lumbricoides (10.84%, 95% CI: 9.34, 12.34), hookworm spp. (8.89%, 95% CI: 7.75, 10.04), Schistosoma mansoni (4.22%, 95% CI: 3.64, 4.81), Trichuris trichiura (2.51%, 95% CI: 2.17, 2.86), Hymenolepis nana (2.29%, 95% CI: 1.96, 2.63), Taenia species (1.01%, 95% CI: 0.80, 1.22), Strongyloides stercoralis (1.17%, 95% CI: 0.92, 1.41), and Enterobius vermicularis(0.71%, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.90) were recorded. Handwashing before food (OR: 5.22,95% CI: 3.49, 6.94), handwashing after toilet (OR: 3.03, 95%; CI: 1.01, 5.05), age (OR: 1.66, 95% CL. 1.09, 2.23), open defecation (OR: 2.42, 95% CI: 1.60, 3.24), eating raw and unwashed vegetables/fruits (OR: 1.98, 95%; CI: 1.30, 2.66), maternal education (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 0.91, 2.72), family income (OR: 2.00, 95% CI: 0.87, 3.31), source of drinking water (OR: 3.12, 95% CI: 1.96, 4.27), swimming/contact with river water (OR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.11, 2.69), barefoot (OR: 3.28, 95% CI: 1.67, 4.88), playing with soil (OR: 2.64, 95% CI: 1.40, 3.88), and family size (OR: 3.75, 95% CI: 2.03, 5.46) were factors associated with HIHPIs in Ethiopia. High heterogeneity of the prevalence of HIHPIs was observed among the studies within and among regions (I2 > 99.6% and P ≤ 0.001). Conclusion HIHPIs in Ethiopia were significantly high. Therefore, special attention should be given by all stakeholders to minimize HIHPIs in Ethiopia.

Soil Contamination and Infection of School Children by Soil-Transmitted Helminths and Associated Factors at Kola Diba Primary School, Northwest Ethiopia: An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are among the most prevalent parasitic worms infecting humans worldwide. They are still a major public health concern in the developing world, school-age children being the most affected segment of the population. Soil polluted with parasite ova and/or infective larvae is a source of human parasitic infections. There is a substantial shift in the notion of sanitation in many countries, and control of STHs contamination in the environment is becoming an emerging topic of research. However, data are scarce on the extent of soil contamination with STHs in Ethiopia in general and the study area in particular. Objective This study aimed to determine the prevalence of STHs in soil, and school children and associated factors at Kola Diba primary school, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 at Kola Diba primary school. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 400 participants. About 150 soil samples were collected. A structured Amharic version questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic variables and the factors associated with STH infection. Two grams of stool specimen was processed using the Kato-Katz technique. Data were entered and analyzed using STATA version 14.1. Binary and multiple logistic regressions were performed, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result The overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths was 50.0% with Ascaris lumbricoides (26.2%), hookworm species (16.5%), and Trichuris trichiura (3.5%). The overall soil contamination rate was 13.3% with A. lumbricoides (9.3%) and T. trichiura (4.0%). No habit of handwashing after toilet (AOR; 2.2, 95%CI: 1.3–3.6, P value = 0.002), no habit of regular shoe-wearing (AOR; 3.7, 95%CI: 2.1–6.2, P value <0.001), untrimmed fingernail status (AOR; 4.3, 95%CI: 2.6–7.1, P value <0.001), and playing with soil (AOR; 3.5, 95%CI: 2.2–5.7, P value <0.001) were significantly associated with STHs infection. Conclusion The prevalence of STHs remains high among primary school children, with a considerable soil contamination rate. No habit of handwashing after defecation, untrimmed fingernail status, and no habit of regular shoe-wearing and playing with soil were significantly associated with the STHs infections.