Parasite Infection Rates Research Articles

Detection of Hookworm (Necator Americanus) and Other Intestinal Parasitic Infection among Primary School Children in Sokoto Metropolis

Background: Hookworm is an intestinal parasite of human and is one of the major public health burdens in developing countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is estimated that about 3.5 billion people globally and 450 million people are thought to be ill as a result of such infections, the majority being children.
 Aims: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of Hookworm and other intestinal parasitic infection among primary school children
 Study Design: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study
 Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in among patients attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Sokoto state, between March to November, 2017.
 Methodology: A total of 224 participants were enrolled for the study. Standard parasitological examination was carried out on stool samples using microscopy followed by formal ether concentration methods
 Results: Finding revealed, an overall prevalence of 4.5% out of 224 samples examined recorded for both Hookworm and other intestinal parasitic infection. There was high prevalence rate of Hookworm and other intestinal parasitic infection among males (5.3%) than females (3.6%).29 (12%) were positive for intestinal parasitic infections. Males recorded higher prevalence than the females with 19 (11.9%) and 10 (11.8%) respectively
 Conclusion: The total low prevalence rate of Hookworm and other intestinal parasitic infection may be as a result of improved standard of living and awareness of the Hookworm and other intestinal parasites in the study area. The government, non-governmental agencies and private individuals should help in the provision of social amenities to ensure total eradication of these diseases. The teaching of health education in both private schools should be encouraged by the government which will go a long way in reducing prevalence and intensity of Hookworm infections among the study community.

Identification of Blood Protozoa in See-See Partridges (Ammoperdix Griseogularis) in Garmian Area/Kurdistan Region-Iraq

Haemosporidians are intracellular protozoan parasites found inside the blood cells and tissues of avian hosts; they are almost worldwide distributed and occur in a variety of avian species, including see-see partridge birds. Blood samples were collected from 63 see-see partridges during a period extended from 19th November 2018 to 15th March of 2019 in the Garmian area/Iraqi Kurdistan region to detect and investigate the infection rates of haemosporidian parasites by microscopic examination using Giemsa stained smears. The results of the study showed that out of the total samples numbers 63 only 43 were found infected with haemoprotozoan parasites composing the overall infection rate of 68,25%, from 32 birds which were infected with Plasmodium spp. at a rate 50,79%, and 8 birds were infected with Haemoproteus spp. at a rate of 12,69%., the results also revealed that the rates of infection with these protozoan parasites vary substantially among the sampled locations. The present study showed that two haemosporidian genera (Haemoproteus spp. and Plasmodium spp.) were detected in see-see partridges in Kurdistan region-Iraq for the first time, and this type of bird is considered as a new host record for these haemoprotozoa in this area.

Nonhost species reduce parasite infection in a focal host species within experimental fish communities.

The dilution effect describes the negative association between host biodiversity and the risk of infectious disease. Tests designed to understand the relative roles of host species richness, host species identity, and rates of exposure within experimental host communities would help resolve ongoing contention regarding the importance and generality of dilution effects. We exposed fathead minnows to infective larvae of the trematode, Ornithodiplostomum ptychocheilus in minnow‐only containers and in mixed containers that held 1–3 other species of fish. Parasite infection was estimated as the number of encysted worms (i.e., brainworms) present in minnows following exposure. The results of exposure trials showed that nonminnow fish species were incompatible with O. ptychocheilus larvae. There was no reduction in mean brainworm counts in minnows in mixed containers with brook sticklebacks or longnose dace. In contrast, brainworm counts in minnows declined by 51% and 27% in mesocosms and aquaria, respectively, when they co‐occurred with emerald shiners. Dilution within minnow + shiner containers may arise from shiner‐induced alterations in minnow or parasite behaviors that reduced encounter rates between minnows and parasite larvae. Alternatively, shiners may act as parasite sinks for parasite larvae. These results highlight the role of host species identity in the dilution effect. Our results also emphasize the complex and idiosyncratic effects of host community composition on rates of parasite infection within contemporary host communities that contain combinations of introduced and native species.

Biological responses in pesticide exposed lizards (Podarcis siculus)

The release of contaminants as herbicides, fungicides and insecticides into the environment has been listed as one of the six major contributors to the global decline of reptiles. Although reptiles may face severe risk from contaminants due to their ecology and physiology, they are currently less studied than other vertebrate groups. In the present work, we investigated if and how different types of field treatment (conventional and organic) affected the health status of Italian wall lizard (Podarcis siculus) individuals in central Italy. We chose a multi-biomarker approach that evaluated the biological responses of lizards to the treatment by means of AChE activity in the nervous system, biotransformation enzymes activities and oxidative stress in the liver, micronuclei frequency measured in the erythrocytes, and rate of intestinal parasitic infection. Our findings showed evidence of effects of treatment in conventional areas and between sexes with significant oxidative stress due to hydroxyl radicals, that caused DNA damage. No difference of intestinal parasite infections was found among treatments. Podarcis siculus seems to be a good bioindicator in ecotoxicological studies and potentially in risk assessment of pesticides, although further analyses in laboratory and in the field are needed to achieve more accurate quantification of specific pesticide effects in relation to known exposure history and to understand if other mechanisms were involved in the toxicity and detoxification process of pesticides for this species.

Migration and tolerance shape host behaviour and response to parasite infection.

Numerous theoretical models have demonstrated that migration, a seasonal animal movement behaviour, can minimize the risks and costs of parasite infection. Past work on migration-infection interactions assumes migration is the only strategy available to organisms for dealing with the parasite infection, that is they migrate to a different environment to recover or escape from infection. Thus, migration is similar to the non-spatial strategy of resistance, where hosts prevent infection or kill parasites once infected. However, an alternative defence strategy is to tolerate the infection and experience a lower cost to the infection. To our knowledge, no studies have examined how migration can change based on combining two host strategies (migration and tolerance) for dealing with parasites. In this paper, we aim to understand how both parasite transmission and infection tolerance can influence the host's migratory behaviour. We constructed a model that incorporates two host strategies (migration and tolerance) to understand whether allowing for tolerance affects the proportion of the population that migrates at equilibrium in response to infection. We show that the benefits of tolerance can either decrease or increase the host's migration. Also, if the benefit of migration is great, then individuals are more likely to migrate regardless of the presence of tolerance. Finally, we find that the transmission rate of parasite infection can either decrease or increase the tolerant host's migration, depending on the cost of migration. These findings highlight that adopting two defence strategies is not always beneficial to the hosts. Instead, a single strategy is often better, depending on the costs and benefits of the strategies and infection pressures. Our work further suggests that multiple host-defence strategies as a potential explanation for the evolution of migration to minimize the parasite infection. Moreover, migration can also affect the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of parasite-host interactions.

Human Intestinal Parasites: Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors among Grade School Children in Maksegnit, Northwest Ethiopia.

This study was aimed to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections in grade school children in Maksegnit, Northwest Ethiopia. Five species of intestinal parasites were identified with an overall prevalence of 155 (40.4%). Among these, Ascaris lumbricoides 122 (31.8%) and Entamoeba histolytica 18 (4.7%) were predominant. Of the total 155 (40.4%) positive individuals, 149 (39%) had a single infection and the rest 6 (1.6%) had double parasitic infections. Of the different variables assessed, age, gender, shoe wearing, and eating raw or undercooked vegetables were not significantly associated with the prevalence of intestinal parasites (P > 0.05). However, a statistically significant association (P < 0.05) was observed between infected children and variables including defecation habit (AOR = 0.216), cleanliness of fingernails (AOR = 0.146), drinking river water (AOR = 0.124), and hand washing habit after defecation (AOR = 0.236) (P < 0.05). Regular deworming, education on personal hygiene, and environmental sanitation to both students and their parents shall be implemented to reduce the prevalence rate of intestinal parasitic infections in the study area.

Epidemiology and clinical features of intestinal protozoan infections detected by Real-time PCR in non-native children within an Italian tertiary care children's hospital: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundEnteric parasite infections are underestimated due to the limited sensitivity and specificity of microscopy, which remains the diagnostic gold standard in routine clinical practice. This could be a major problem in high-income countries, where the burden of parasitic diseases is low. In recent years, Multiplex Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) based methods have been implemented. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of four enteric protozoan species detected by RT-PCR in non-native children in Italy, and to describe their clinical characteristics. MethodsAdopted and immigrant children, evaluated for migration health assessment between 2017 and 2020 in a tertiary care children's hospital in Italy, were enrolled. Molecular analysis for Giardia lamblia, Dientamoeba fragilis, Blastocystis hominis, and Entamoeba histolytica, was conducted by in-house RT-PCR. ResultsOverall, 209 children were enrolled and 70% of them resulted positive by RT-PCR for at least one enteric parasite. B. hominis (47.8%) was the most commonly identified protozoa, followed by D. fragilis (44.5%). Co-infections with multiple pathogens were detected in 35.4% of the samples. Almost 80% of parasite-positive children were asymptomatic and the most common symptom was flatulence (60.7% of symptomatic children). Eosinophils were significantly increased in RT-PCR positive children compared to the negative ones and children with D. fragilis presented the highest eosinophils count. ConclusionsThe In-house Multiplex RT-PCR assay provides a valid molecular detection system for selected enteric parasites. This novel and accurate diagnostic method can help in increasing the detection rate of parasite infection, especially in high-risk population.

Investigating the Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites in Immunocompromised Patients in Bushehr Province, Southwest Iran: A Conventional and Molecular Study

The aim of this study was to determine the status of intestinal parasitic infections in immunocompromised patients in Bushehr province, southwest Iran by conventional and molecular methods. A total of 201 stool samples were collected from kidney transplant recipients, AIDS patients and patients under chemotherapy. Samples were collected from healthy people as the control group. The specimens were tested using various conventional methods. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing was performed on samples identified as positive for Coccidia by direct microscopic examination. Approximately 32.45% were infected with at least one type of intestinal parasite. The highest (46.8%) and lowest rates of infection (24%) were observed in AIDS and chemotherapy patients, respectively, while the infection rate of the control group was 16%. Isospora spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. were observed in all patient groups, and Sarcocystis spp. sporocysts were detected in one of the transplant recipients. All identified coccidia were confirmed by PCR. There was a significant relationship between the rate of intestinal parasite infection and certain variables. Given the potential risk of certain intestinal parasites in people with immune deficiency, it is recommended that diagnosis of parasitic infections in such patients be based on specific parasitological methods. Thus, it is advisable that physicians refer them to a parasitology laboratory prior to drug administration.

“STUDY OF THE PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITES IN A LOW SOCIOECONOMIC AREA OF NORTH INDIA.”

Objective To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in low socio economic area of north of India. Method 128 subjects from a village were studied. Stool samples from all subjects were collected over a period of three months and were examined. Results The overall prevalence rate of various parasitic infections was 92.18%, with only 10 of 128 subjects not excreting parasites in their samples. The commonest parasites identied were E. coli infections in 31 (24.2%) subjects, Cyclospora sp. in 29 (22.6%) subjects and Giardia in (21.0%) subjects. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was relatively higher in females than males. In comparison to the elderly, children and teenagers were found to have a higher number of parasites.

Secondary malaria vectors in western Kenya include novel species with unexpectedly high densities and parasite infection rates

BackgroundMalaria vector control has been implemented chiefly through indoor interventions targeting primary vectors resulting in population declines—pointing to a possible greater proportional contribution to transmission by secondary malaria vectors with their predominant exophagic and exophilic traits. With a historical focus on primary vectors, there is paucity of data on secondary malaria vectors in many countries in Africa. This study sought to determine the species compositions and bionomic traits, including proportions infected with Plasmodium falciparum and phenotypic insecticide resistance, of secondary vectors in three sites with high malaria transmission in Kisumu County, western Kenya.MethodsCross-sectional sampling of adult Anopheles was conducted using indoor and outdoor CDC light traps (CDC-LT) and animal-baited traps (ABTs) in Kakola-Ombaka and Kisian, while larvae were sampled in Ahero. Secondary vectors captured were exposed to permethrin using WHO bioassays and then analyzed by ELISA to test for proportions infected with P. falciparum sporozoites. All Anopheles were identified to species using morphological keys with a subset being molecularly identified using ITS2 and CO1 sequencing for species identification.ResultsTwo morphologically identified secondary vectors captured—An. coustani and An. pharoensis—were determined to consist of four species molecularly. These included An. christyi, An. sp. 15 BSL-2014, an unidentified member of the An. coustani complex (An. cf. coustani) and a species similar to that of An. pharoensis and An. squamosus (An. cf. pharoensis). Standardized (Anopheles per trap per night) capture rates demonstrate higher proportions of secondary vectors across most trapping methods—with overall indoor and outdoor CDC-LTs and ABT captures composed of 52.2% (n = 93), 78.9% (n = 221) and 58.1% (n = 573) secondary vectors respectively. Secondary vectors were primarily caught outdoors. The overall proportion of secondary vectors with P. falciparum sporozoite was 0.63% (n = 5), with the unidentified species An. cf. pharoensis, determined to carry Plasmodium. Overall secondary vectors were susceptible to permethrin with a > 99% mortality rate.ConclusionsGiven their high densities, endophily equivalent to primary vectors, higher exophily and Plasmodium-positive proportions, secondary vectors may contribute substantially to malaria transmission. Unidentified species demonstrate the need for further morphological and molecular identification studies towards further characterization. Continued monitoring is essential for understanding their temporal contributions to transmission, the possible elevation of some to primary vectors and the development of insecticide resistance.Graphical

Intestinal Parasites and Fecal Cortisol Metabolites in Multi-Unowned-Cat Environments: The Impact of Housing Conditions.

Simple SummaryMulti-unowned-cat environments can be highly stressful for cats, and infectious and parasite diseases spread quickly and are difficult to prevent. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of intestinal parasites and fecal cortisol metabolites (FCM) in cat feces collected from different multi-cat environments and assess the effect of housing conditions on intestinal parasites and FCM levels in order to develop more efficient control strategies. Cat fecal samples from rescue shelters, catteries and feline colonies were analyzed with coprological methods to detect intestinal parasite patency and determine FCM. Helminth infection was mainly detected in free-roaming cats. In confined cats, protozoa infections were more likely detected in shelter cats than in cattery cats. Exposure to dogs was associated with parasite infection and cats highly exposed to dogs with visual contact and audible barking showed higher intestinal protozoa prevalence than cats that were not exposed to dogs. FCM levels were correlated with enclosure size and protozoa infection. Reducing stress by improving housing in terms of enclosure size and avoiding exposure to dogs may have an impact on the occurrence of intestinal parasites, especially protozoa.Housing conditions were assessed in different unowned multi-cat management models in order to evaluate their impact on the occurrence of intestinal parasites and fecal cortisol metabolite (FCM) levels. Fresh stool fecal samples were collected from rescue shelters, catteries and feline colonies for coprological analyses in order to detect intestinal parasite patency and fecal cortisol metabolites. A questionnaire provided information about the facilities, management and housing conditions of cats, including information about dog exposure, enclosure size, environment enrichment and changes to group composition. Overall, intestinal parasite infection was detected in 58.2% of fecal samples collected. The occurrence of intestinal parasites detected in free-roaming cats was 82.2%, mainly due to helminth infection. The parasite infection rate was 57.3% in rescue shelters and 34.6% in catteries. In confined cats, protozoa infection was more likely detected in rescue shelters than in catteries (RR = 2.02 (1.30–3.14), p = 0.0012). Although the FCM values were very variable between cats, the enclosure size and parasite infection were correlated with the average FCM. A small enclosure size was correlated with high fecal cortisol metabolites (p = 0.016). Protozoa-positive samples showed higher FCM levels than negative samples (p = 0.0150). High dog exposure was statistically associated with protozoa infection (p = 0.0006). The results indicated that improving housing, especially in terms of floor space and avoiding dog exposure, reduces stress and can thus be applied to make control strategies in multi-unowned-cat environments more efficient, especially when cats are confined.

Seasonality of Gamete Production of Cyclonaias Species in Central Texas

Reproductive traits, which can impact population health, are important life-history characteristics for freshwater mussels. Little research has been done on the reproductive ecology of mussels, and crucial information is missing for many threatened and endangered species, especially in Texas. The objective of this study was to examine gamete production, parasitic infection rates, and sex ratios of two freshwater mussel species (Cyclonaias petrina and Cyclonaias pustulosa) in the Llano and San Saba rivers in central Texas. Gamete densities and egg diameters of C. petrina in the Llano River varied seasonally, with peak gamete densities occurring in December and February 2017 and being significantly lower from June through September 2017, while the relative abundance of the largest size classes of eggs was highest in February 2018. Few to no differences were detected in gamete production and egg diameter sizes for C. petrina between rivers. Cyclonaias pustulosa had significantly higher sperm densities and smaller egg diameters compared to C. petrina but exhibited similar egg densities in the San Saba River. There were no significant differences in gamete densities between rivers and no significant correlations between shell length and gamete density. Infection rates of parasitic trematodes varied from <1% to 14%, with the highest infection rates occurring in C. petrina in the San Saba River. Sex ratio of C. petrina was slightly skewed toward females in the Llano River and toward males in the San Saba River, with C. pustulosa having a 1:1 sex ratio in the San Saba River. The high percentage of samples without gametes suggests that the reproductive outputs of Cyclonaias appear to be more limited in the San Saba River due to several potential stressors. Further research will need to investigate the relative importance of the various stressors that affect the reproductive ecology of mussels and their persistence.

Assessment of risk factors associated with prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in poultry of central plain zone of Punjab, India.

Background and Aim:Parasitic diseases are an important hurdle to the economy for the developing poultry industry due to their deleterious effects resulting into malnutrition, diminished feed conversion ratio, weight loss, decreased egg production, and mortality in young birds. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of gastrointestinal (GIT) parasites in poultry farms of central plain zone of Punjab.Materials and Methods:A total of 490 pooled droppings and 351 intact intestines of poultry from slaughterhouses from seven districts of central plain zone of Punjab state, India, were collected and analyzed from September 2016 to May 2018 by qualitative and quantitative techniques.Results:An overall prevalence of GIT parasites was 38.36% with significantly (p<0.01) highest (74.1%) in Ludhiana and lowest (12.0%) in Shri Fatehgarh Sahib. The most predominant (86.2%) infection was coccidia. The birds reared under a deep litter system were having a higher (p<0.01) fecal load of helminthic eggs and coccidian oocysts (54.4%) compared to the cage system (37.5%). Infection rate was apparently more (40%) in broilers than layers (35.7%). Prevalence of GIT parasites was higher (p<0.01) in monsoon season (58.5%) and lower in summer season (24.48%). The broilers in the age group of 0-2 weeks possessed a significant higher (p<0.05) level of GIT parasitic infection (57.5%), while in case of layers, a higher infection rate (46.66%) was observed in birds between 9 and 18 weeks of age as compared in other groups. Higher (p<0.05) infection rate of GIT parasites was seen in crossbred (45.55%) birds as compared to desi birds (20.00%).Conclusion:The study showed that coccidiosis was the predominant infection among all GIT parasites based on fecal and intestinal tract content analysis. The risk factors associated with the prevalence of GIT parasitic infections were geographical location, deep litter system, broilers, age, crossbred breeds, and monsoon season.

Detection rate of common intestinal parasites in end stage renal disease patients under maintenance hemodialysis in Benha University Hospital, Egypt

Background: Several parasites are responsible for life threatening infections in immunocompromisedpatients including those with chronic renal diseases. Determination of enteroparasitosis prevalence inpatients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) experiencing hemodialysis (HD) showed elevated rates ofinfection, primarily by protozoa.Objectives: To investigate the common intestinal parasites among patients with ESRD undergoing HD inBenha University Hospital.Subjects and Methods: This case-control research was performed on 57 patients subjected to HDand 60 apparently healthy people as control group with no history of kidney disorders or otherimmunosuppressive conditions in the control group. Age of participants ranged from 20-70 years in bothgroups. Three consecutive fresh fecal samples from all participants were obtained after completion of thequestionnaire and examined macroscopically and microscopically to identify various stages of commonpathogenic intestinal parasites using iodine and modified Ziehl-Neelsen stains to detect protozoa.Results: The total rate of parasite infection was 68.4% and 48.3% in ESRD patients and control group,respectively. The discrepancies between the two groups were statistically significant. E. histolytica/E.dispar was the commonest parasite compared to other parasites in the two groups.Conclusion: In ESRD patients, a high detection rate of intestinal parasites was reported which can lead tosevere complications in these patients being immunocompromissed individuals. Hence, stool examintionshould also be integrated into the standard clinical care of these patients.

CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY ON THE PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITIC INFECTIONS AMONG DISPLACED PERSONS IN YEMEN

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are considered major health concerns in developing countries especially among economically disadvantaged communities. Currently, there is a lack of information on the prevalence of IPIs among internally displaced persons in Yemen.&#x0D; Objectives: To determine the prevalence of IPIs among internally displaced person in Saber camp, Lahaj governorate, Yemen during May- November 2019.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among internally displaced person from the Saber camp. samples of fresh stool were collected from the participants and examined by wet mount and formal-ether fecal concentration technique. Data were processed using the Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS), version 25.0. The significant level set was p-value &lt;0.05.&#x0D; Results: The study involved a sample of 350 participants. Overall, the study found that 156 (44.6%) of the participants were infected with at least one intestinal parasite. The most predominant parasite determined in this study was Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (24.6%) followed by Giardia lamblia (19.7%), Hymenolepis nana 7.1%, Enterobius vermicularis 0.90%, and Strongyloides.stercoralis 0.30%. The prevalence rate of parasitic infection in males was 55 (45.8%), whereas females were 101 (43.9 %). The association between intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) and gender was found statistically insignificant (χ² = 0.118, P = 0.732, df = 1). The finding of the study showed that the prevalence rate was significantly different based on the age of respondents (χ² = 12.10 P = 0.033, df = 5) with the highest prevalence in the age group 1-9 years was 45.5%, where the lowest was 5.8 % in groups of respondents age between 40 to49 years.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study reveals an alarmingly high prevalence of IPIs (44.6 %) on IPIs infection among internally displaced person in Saber camp in Lahaj governorate, Yemen. Hence, there is a great need for improvement of sanitation and proper health education is required to reduce intestinal parasitic infection.

Parasitic infection in captive wild mammals and birds in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

We investigated the infection rate of gastrointestinal (GI) parasite eggs and premature stages from different wild animals and birds in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Safari Park, Dulahazra, Cox’s Bazar. A total of 56 fecal samples were collected from 24 species during July to November 2012 using modified Stoll’s ova dilution technique. Coprology analysis revealed that the overall rate of parasitic infection was 78.6%, of which 51.8% were helminths and 35.7% protozoa. The identified parasites were Paramphistomum spp. (7.1%), Fasciola spp. (5.4%), strongyles (26.8%), Ascaris spp. (3.6%), Strongyloides spp. (7.1%), Dictyocaulus spp. (5.4%), Trichuris spp. (3.6%), Capillaria spp. (5.4%), Heterakis spp. (3.6%), and Balantidium coli (35.7%). Mixed infection (21.4%) was observed in nine animals, including co-infection with Balantidium coli and strongyles in Tiger Panthera tigris, Sambar Deer Rusa unicolor and Pig-tailed Macaque Macaca nemestrina, Strongyloides spp., Trichuris spp. and larvae of Dictyocaulus spp. in Capped Langur Trachypithecus pileatus, Balantidium coli and Capillaria spp. in Clouded Leopard Neofelis nebulosa, Fasciola spp. and Balantidium coli in Spotted Deer Axis axis, Ascaris spp. and strongyles in African Elephant Loxodonta africana, Strongyloides spp. and Heterakis spp. in Peafowl Pavo cristatus and Heterakis spp. and strongyles co-infection in Great Pied Hornbill Buceros bicornis. It is concluded that GI parasites were prevalent in this safari park. Further epidemiological investigation is necessary for controlling parasitic infection.

Parasitic Infections among Independent Refuse Disposal Workers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Background: A study was carried out to ascertain the prevalence of parasitic infections among independent refuse disposal workers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, and to ascertain the risk factors that enhance their vulnerability to parasitic infections.&#x0D; Aims: The study was undertaken to determine parasitic infections among independent refuse&#x0D; disposal workers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.&#x0D; Methods: Urine, stool and blood specimens were collected from 210 male refuse disposal workers. Standard parasitological procedures were employed in sample collection and examinations for the presence of various parasitic organisms.&#x0D; Results: Results showed 86.2% of the subjects were infected with Plasmodium sp, 94.3% were infected with one or more of 9 parasitic species, of which hookworm had the highest prevalence (91.4%). Others included are Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Taenia sp, Strongyloides stercoralis, Enterobius vermicularis, Schistosoma mansoni, Entamoeba hystolytica, Girdia lamblia. Schistosoma haematobium was not recovered from the urine specimens. Age group 26-29 years had the highest malaria prevalence of 89.1%, followed by age group 18-21 years (88.4%) while parasitic infection rate was highest among the age group 18-21(97.6%). Refuse disposal workers who reside in Rumuokoro camp had the highest malaria and intestinal parasites followed by Eneka. Poly-parasitism with A. lumbricoides and hookworm recorded the highest prevalence of 58 (27.8%) and fifteen subjects had triple poly-parasitism, with A. lumbricoides, hookworm and T. trichiura. Only 49 of the 210 respondents used one or more of the various personal protective equipment, while 161 used none at all.&#x0D; Conclusion: Intestinal parasitic infection is highly prevalent among the independent refuse disposal workers in Port Harcourt. Inadequate use of personal protective equipment, poor personal hygiene and deplorable living conditions were identified as the major risk factors that enhanced transmission. It is therefore, imperative that the government enforces the use of personal protective equipment, implementation of preventive chemotherapy with health education to reduce morbidity and control transmission among the workers.

Prevalence of Parasitic Infections and Related Morbidity in Pediatric Patients on Regular Hemodialysis in Ain ‎Shams University Pediatric Hospital, Cairo, Egypt ‎

Background and study aim: Opportunistic parasitic infections have been documented to cause serious complications among ‎immunocompromised patients, including those undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Therefore, this study ‎aimed to determine the prevalence of common parasitic infections and associated morbidity among the ‎HD pediatric patients at Ain Shams University Pediatric Hemodialysis Unit‎‎. Patients and Methods: ‎A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 HD patients and 20 apparently healthy ‎individuals from January 2018 to March 2019. Stool samples were examined for parasites using direct ‎smear, formol ether concentration, and staining with modified Ziehl- Neelsen stain. The serological ‎analysis for anti-Toxoplasma IgM and IgG and complete blood count was performed. The results were ‎correlated with the history, physical, and demographic data of the study groups‎.‎ Results: The overall prevalence rate of intestinal parasitoses among patients with HD was a little bit higher than ‎the control group (70% versus 60%, respectively) but this was statistically insignificant. Blastocystis ‎hominis (30%), Entamoeba histolytica (28%), and Giardia lamblia (20%) were the most frequent ‎among children with HD, with a statistically significant difference in Blastocystis hominis infection ‎rates between patients and their counterparts. Moreover, the overall Toxoplasma gondii ‎seroprevalence rate among patients with HD was (22%) and the anti-Toxoplasma IgM was (2%)‎‎‎. Conclusion: The overall rate of opportunistic parasitic infections and related clinical symptoms in children with ‎HD was slightly more frequent than in the control group. So, stool examination for intestinal parasites ‎and Toxoplasma gondii screening should be incorporated into routine clinical care for children with ‎HD‎‎‎.

Loss of forest cover and host functional diversity increases prevalence of avian malaria parasites in the Atlantic Forest

Host phylogenetic relatedness and ecological similarity are thought to contribute to parasite community assembly and infection rates. However, recent landscape level anthropogenic changes may disrupt host-parasite systems by impacting functional and phylogenetic diversity of host communities. We examined whether changes in host functional and phylogenetic diversity, forest cover, and minimum temperature influence the prevalence, diversity, and distributions of avian haemosporidian parasites (genera Haemoproteus and Plasmodium) across 18 avian communities in the Atlantic Forest. To explore spatial patterns in avian haemosporidian prevalence and taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity, we surveyed 2241 individuals belonging to 233 avian species across a deforestation gradient. Mean prevalence and parasite diversity varied considerably across avian communities and parasites responded differently to host attributes and anthropogenic changes. Avian malaria prevalence (termed herein as an infection caused by Plasmodium parasites) was higher in deforested sites, and both Plasmodium prevalence and taxonomic diversity were negatively related to host functional diversity. Increased diversity of avian hosts increased local taxonomic diversity of Plasmodium lineages but decreased phylogenetic diversity of this parasite genus. Temperature and host phylogenetic diversity did not influence prevalence and diversity of haemosporidian parasites. Variation in the diversity of avian host traits that promote parasite encounter and vector exposure (host functional diversity) partially explained the variation in avian malaria prevalence and diversity. Recent anthropogenic landscape transformation (reduced proportion of native forest cover) had a major influence on avian malaria occurrence across the Atlantic Forest. This suggests that, for Plasmodium, host phylogenetic diversity was not a biotic filter to parasite transmission as prevalence was largely explained by host ecological attributes and recent anthropogenic factors. Our results demonstrate that, similar to human malaria and other vector-transmitted pathogens, prevalence of avian malaria parasites will likely increase with deforestation.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among patients attending at Sanja Primary Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: An institutional-based cross-sectional study.

BackgroundIntestinal Parasitic Infections are the most prevalent diseases in the world, predominantly in developing countries. It is estimated that more than two billion people are affected globally, mostly in tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world. Ethiopia is one of the countries in Africa with a high prevalence of intestinal parasites. However, there is a limited study conducted in the study area. Hence, this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitosis among patients attending at Sanja Primary Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Sanja Primary Hospital from January 1 to August 20, 2019. Stool samples were collected from 1240 study participants and analyzed by direct wet mount and formal ether concentration techniques. Furthermore, sociodemographic and explanatory variables were collected using a face-to-face interview. Data were entered into Epi data version 4.4.2.1 and transferred to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression models were fitted to identify associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was considered to ascertain the significance of the association.ResultsThe overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 52.9% (95% CI: 50.2%-55.5%). Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (21.5%) was the leading cause of intestinal parasitosis followed by Hookworm species (13.3%). Furthermore, the rate of double and triple parasitic infections was observed in 6.1% and 0.5% of study participants respectively. Being Illiterate (AOR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.06–7.47, p = 0.038), swimming habits of more than 4 times a month (AOR = 2.91, 95% CI 1.62–5.24, p< 0.001) and not washing hands before a meal (AOR: 3.92, 95% CI: 1.74–8.83, p = 0.001) were the key factors significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infection.ConclusionsThe present study showed that the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis is high in the study area. Therefore, there is a need for an integrated control program, including improving personal, environmental sanitation and health education should be given to have a lasting impact on transmission.