Presence Of Intestinal Parasites Research Articles

Doenças infecciosas em crianças pré-escolares brasileiras assistidas em creches

The scope of this article is to analyze the prevalence and factors associated with the development of infectious diseases that affect children in daycare centers, namely respiratory infections, diarrheal disease and parasitic infections. Bibliographic research was conducted in the MEDLINE, LILACS and SciELO databases, and observational studies were included. 129 studies were identified, of which 21 were considered relevant to this study, namely two longitudinal and 19 cross-sectional studies. The systematization of the reviewed studies highlighted: i) the presence of intestinal parasites was the main outcome analyzed, followed by respiratory infections; ii) only one study investigated the occurrence of diarrheal disease; iii) the Giardia lamblia was the most prevalent parasitosis; iv) the variables that were most often associated with the development of intestinal parasitosis were child age, family income and maternal education; v) the attendance at daycare centers was a risk factor for intestinal parasites and respiratory infections. Respiratory and parasitic infections are major problems in institutionalized children in daycare centers. The reduction of such diseases involves a complex web of socio-economic, sanitation and daycare center infrastructure aspects.

The awareness of health professionals in diagnostic techniques for intestinal parasites in Gaza strip, Palestine

Background:Diagnosis of intestinal parasites still depends on conventional methods in Gaza strip hospitals and private laboratories.Aim:This study aimed to evaluate the opinion and the practice of physicians and medical laboratories technologists towards the diagnosis of intestinal parasites in Gaza strip.Subjects and Methods:The study was carried out during the period from August 2006 to December 2006. All the subjects during this period were eligible for the interview. The sample size included 371 individuals out of them 270 physicians and 101 medical laboratory technologists (MLTs). Simple random sampling was used to select the physicians and MLTs from eight hospitals and eleven primary health-care centers.Results:It was found that (57.8%) 156/270 of physicians depend on the direct smear microscopy in the diagnosis of intestinal parasites in Gaza, compared to (31.7% (32/101) of MLT. Knowledge about the possible correlation of occult blood with reasons other than the presence of intestinal parasites was evident among both physicians and MLTs, reaching over 80% (P = 0.08). It was found that (54.4%, 147/270) of physicians and (73.3%. 74/101) of MLTs depend on wet mount result for of Entamoeba histolytica diagnosis (P = 0.01).Conclusion:Low awareness was found among both physicians and MLT regarding the diagnostic techniques used in the examination of intestinal parasites in Gaza Strip. Prescription of medicine by physicians sometimes depends on the clinical picture without laboratory confirmation. Advanced techniques were less used in the diagnosis of intestinal parasites in Gaza strip.

Current status of L. infantum infection in stray cats in the Madrid region (Spain): implications for the recent outbreak of human leishmaniosis?

BackgroundSince 2009, the incidence of human leishmaniosis in the SW of the Madrid region has been unusually high. Although dogs are the main reservoir for this disease, a role played by dogs in this outbreak has been ruled out and investigators are now considering other hosts (eg. cats, rabbits, hares) as possible alternative reservoirs.This study was designed to examine the Leishmania infantum status of stray cats in Madrid to assess its possible implications in the human leishmaniosis outbreak.Methods346 captured stray cats were tested for antibodies against L. infantum by the indirect fluorescent antibody technique (IFAT) and nested-PCR methods were used to detect Leishmania DNA in blood samples of cats testing seropositive for L. infantum and/or retroviruses infection. Cats were also tested for Toxoplasma gondii using the direct agglutination test (DAT) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) antigen and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) antibodies (PetChek* FIV/FeLV). The presence of intestinal parasites was determined using a routine coprological method.ResultsThe seroprevalence of L. infantum infection (cut off ≥ 1/100) was 3.2% (11/346). However, it was not possible to amplify Leishmania DNA in any of the blood samples. Seropositivity was not associated with sex, age, capture site, clinical status, retrovirus infection or T. gondii seropositivity. Of the 11 cats seropositive for L. infantum, 3 also tested positive for FIV, none for FeLV and 6 for T. gondii. It should be mentioned that the prevalence of FeLV p27 antigen was 4% and of FIV antibody was 9.2%. Although the seroprevalence of T. gondii was quite high at 53.5%, no T. gondii oocysts were found in any of the faeces samples analysed (n = 287). In contrast, intestinal parasites were detected in 76 (26.5%) samples, Toxocara cati being the most prevalent.ConclusionsOur results suggest a stable L. infantum infection situation among the stray cats of the Madrid area; the disease is uncommon and no clinical cases have been reported to date. The detection of other zoonotic parasites such as T. gondii and T. cati in stray cats indicates a need to adopt strict control measures in this population.

Malnutrition and the presence of intestinal parasites in children from the poorest municipalities of Mexico

For many years Chiapas, Mexico's poorest state, has had the highest rate of child mortality due to intestinal infections of unknown etiology in the country. To begin identifying the infectious agents, our work determined the prevalence of intestinal parasites as well as malnutrition in children from Chiapas's three most impoverished municipalities: Pantepec, Chanal, and Larrainzar. In this cross-sectional study, conducted between January and November 2009, we assessed the prevalence of intestinal parasites by means of coproparasitological analysis in children <5 years of age (N=250) from three of the marginalized municipalities: Pantepec, Chanal and Larrainzar. The prevalence of malnutrition was then assessed using the Mexican official norm NOM-031-SSA2-1999 and WHO criteria. We evaluated the association between age (breast-fed and pre-school children) with parasites and nutritional status. Our analysis revealed the highest prevalence of intestinal parasites in children from Pantepec (62.8%), followed by Chanal (47.3%), and then Larrainzar (11.9 %). The nematode Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent enteroparasite (33.6%). Anthropometric analysis revealed that >40% of children represented varying degrees of malnutrition and a marked constitutional delay in growth. A very high prevalence of stunting was also recorded in children from Chanal and Larrainzar (70% and 55%, respectively). An association between infection with intestinal parasites and malnutrition was observed in Pantepec. Preschool-age children were more likely to be infected with intestinal parasites. Our results indicate the urgent need for interventions in order to 1) improve the nutritional status of children and 2) reduce infection rates of enteric parasites.

Epidemiological assessment of neglected diseases in children: lymphatic filariasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis

ObjectiveTo report the prevalence of lymphatic filariasis and intestinal parasitic infections in school-aged children living in a filariasis endemic area and discuss about the therapeutic regimen adopted in Brazil for the large-scale treatment of filariasis. MethodsA cross-sectional study including 508 students aged 5-18 years old, enrolled in public schools within the city of Olinda, Pernambuco. The presence of intestinal parasites was analyzed using the Hoffman, Pons and Janer method on 3 stool samples. The diagnosis of filarial infection was performed using the rapid immunochromatographic technique (ICT) for the antigen, and the polycarbonate membrane filtration for the presence of microfilariae. Descriptive statistics of the data was performed using EpiInfo version 7. ResultsThe prevalence of filariasis was 13.8% by ICT and 1.2% by microfilaraemia, while intestinal parasites were detected in 64.2% of cases. Concurrent diagnosis of filariasis and intestinal parasites was 9.4%, while 31.5% of students were parasite-free. Among individuals with intestinal parasites, 55% had one parasite and 45% had more than one parasite. Geohelminths occurred in 72.5% of the parasited individuals. In the group with filarial infection the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis was 54.5%. ConclusionsThe simultaneous diagnosis of filariasis and intestinal parasites as well as the high frequency of geohelminths justify the need to reevaluate the treatment strategy used in the Brazilian filariasis large-scale treatment program.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in primary school children of mthatha, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Background:The presence of intestinal parasites in a population group is indicative of lack of proper sanitation, low economic standards and poor educational background.Aim:To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in primary school children of Mthatha, South Africa and relate this to their socio-economic status.Subjects and Methods:The study population was randomly selected from four governmental schools, rural and urban, from April 2009 to September 2009. A total of 162 learners (85 boys and 77 girls) participated in this survey. Parasitological data were collected by analyzing stool samples using Formalin ethyl-acetate concentration technique. Socio-economic and epidemiologic data were collected by means of a pre-tested structured questionnaire, covering the important relevant aspects, in this descriptive, cross sectional and analytical study. Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially with SPSS satistical software, and P values of <0.05 were considered as significant.Results:Out of 162 learners analyzed, 64.8% (105/162) stool samples were positive for ova and cysts of which 57.4% (93/162) were known pathogenic parasites. The most common parasite was Ascaris lumbricoides 29.0% (47/162), followed by Giardia lamblia 9.9% (16/162) and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 6.8% (11/162) (Other parasites observed but at lower rates of occurrence were Iodamoeba butschlii, Trichuris trichiura, Hymenolepis nana, Taenia spp, Chilomastix mesnili, and Fasciola spp. Our findings showed no significant difference in parasitic infections between urban and rural learners, gender and the age of these learners. Significant associations between parasitic infections and parents’ unemployment and lower education were observed.Conclusion:Prevalence of worm infestation was more than 50%; therefore, there was a need for mass de-worming of school children in these communities and also a need for other public health interventions like health education programs and improvement of sanitation.

Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Two Groups of Students in a Semi-urban Town in Nigeria

Intestinal parasitic infections are still an important public health problem in developing countries of the world even though they tend to receive lesser attention than bacterial and viral diseases. No published information on the comparative studies contrasting prevalence rates between primary school students and undergraduate students in this area is available. This study was therefore aimed at determining the rates of infection in the two groups of students in Ekpoma, Nigeria. Two hundred and forty (240) stool specimens were collected from students (120 primary school pupils and 120 university students) residing in Ekpoma, and examined for presence of intestinal parasites. Each stool sample was examined macroscopically, and microscopically using the saline wet mount and the formol ether concentration techniques. 80 (33.3%) subjects were found to be infected with four different parasites. Prevalence rates of infection were 33.4% for Ascaris lumbricoides (primary school pupils (25%), university students (8.3%); 26.7% for Hookworm (primary school pupils (16.7%), university students (10%); 5.0% for Trichuris trichiura (primary school pupils (0%)),university students (5.0%); and 1.7% for Entamoeba histolytica (primary school pupils (0%)), university students (1.7%).The primary school pupils were mostly infected with Ascaris lumbricoides and Hookworm, while the university students had more infections with Trichuris trichiura and Entamoeba histolytica. Parasitic infection was much higher in primary school pupils (41.7%) than in university students (25%), and the difference was statistically significant ( 􀀁 2 =3.75; p <0.05). We recommend that enlightenment programmes should be mounted in schools and the community so as to inform people about the hazards of intestinal parasites, and employ appropriate preventive and control measures against these harmful parasites.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites among Schoolchildren in a Coastal Rural Area of Maragondon, Cavite, Southern Luzon, Philippines

Fresh stool samples were collected from 259 pupils enrolled in Santa Mercedes and Pinagsanhan Elementary Schools in Maragondon, Cavite with the ratio of 2:1. The samples were processed using Formol-ether and Kato-Katz Concentration Techniques and then microscopically examined for the presence of intestinal parasites. Of the 259 pupils examined from a population of 557 pupils, 217 (83.8%) had one or more parasites. The prevalence of parasites are as follows in decreasing order: Ascaris lumbricoides was the highest (66.4%) followed by hookworms (21.2%), Trichuris trichiura (14.7%), Taenia spp (13.9%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (12.7%), Giardia lamblia (6.2%) and Strongyloides stercorales (5.8%), and E. vermicularis (2.7%), in that order. The occurrence of various intestinal parasites and high prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides infection among school children of the two coastal rural areas in Maragondon, Cavite, Southern Luzon, Philippines, necessitates the immediate action of the proper health authorities in the area, coupled with public health education on the prevention of infection with Ascaris lumbricoides. Organization of education seminars including the topics such as prevention of infectious diseases, improving general hygienic conditions and application of supportive programs for the parents must be done not only to reduce intestinal parasitic infections but also to elevate the socio-cultural levels. Keywords: intestinal parasites, schoolchildren, Maragondon, Cavite, Formol-ether & Kato-katz Concentration Techniques, soil transmitted helminths

Exposición al parásito Toxocara canis en una población escolar de la comuna 7 del distrito de Santa Marta, Colombia.

The toxocariosis is a zoonosis caused by ingestion of infective eggs of parasites toxocara species, present in the contaminated soil. Human infection by Toxocara canis is a major cause of visceral larva migration syndrome. The main source of the disease are dogs infected with the parasite. In Santa Marta district the dogs population is high, however there isnt known prevalence of toxocariosis in these animals nor in humans. The purpose of this study was to assess exposure to Toxocara canis in school children between 2 and 16 years old from seven commune of Santa Marta district. The blood levels of IgG against antigen secretion/excretion of L2 larvae of Toxocara canis and total IgE blood levels was determinate, also the presence of intestinal parasites and epidemiological and clinical factors related to human toxocariosis. In a sample of 133 children, 42.1% were Toxocara canis seropositive and 92.5% had blood levels of total IgE. Epidemiologic factors associated with Toxocara exposure were the absence of drinking water (p <0.0001), lack of sewage (p = 0.034), contact with soil (p <0.0001) and presence of pets (dog,

Frequency of Blastocystis hominis and other intestinal parasites in stool samples examined at the Parasitology Laboratory of the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the São Paulo State University, Araraquara

Blastocystis homins is a protozoan that causes an intestinal infection known as human blastocystosis. This infection is diagnosed by means of parasitological examination of stools and by permanent staining techniques. The present study was developed to evaluate the frequency of Blastocystis hominis infection among inhabitants of the Araraquara region, State of São Paulo, and to compare different methods for investigating this protozoan in feces samples. Evaluations on 503 stool samples were performed by means of direct fresh examination and using the techniques of Faust et al., Lutz and Rugai et al. In addition, the iron hematoxylin, trichrome and modified Kinyoun staining techniques were used. Out of the 503 samples examined, 174 (34.6%) were found to be positive for the presence of intestinal parasites. The most frequent protozoa and helminths were Entamoeba coli (14.6%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (6.7%), respectively. Blastocystis hominis was present in 23 (4.6%) fecal samples, with a predominately pasty consistency and without characterizing a condition of diarrhea. Despite the low frequency of Blastocystis hominis found in the Araraquara region, compared with other regions of Brazil, it is important to perform laboratory diagnostic tests for this protozoan. Its finding in fecal material is indicative of food and drinking water contamination. Since the transmission route for this parasite is accepted to be oral-fecal, this implies that the population needs guidance regarding hygiene and basic sanitation measures as a means for controlling health problems caused by enteroparasites.

IgA1 levels in milk and serum samples from intestinal parasite-infected or normal puerperae

In this study, IgA1 levels in the milk and serum of puerperae were compared and a correlation was established between the levels of this immunoglobulin and the occurrence of parasitism. Eighty-three paired milk and serum samples were obtained from puerperal and IgA1 levels were analyzed. In addition, the presence of intestinal parasites in stool samples from these puerperae was determined. Twelve puerperae tested positive for intestinal parasites and all their samples presented an IgA1 ELISA Index > 1. There was a correlation between serum and milk IgA1 levels and puerperae with any parasite in their stool (r = 0.6723; p = 0.0166). This finding may reinforce the importance of breast-feeding for the protection of neonates.

An Assessment of Faecal Occult Blood Test and &lt;italic&gt;H. pylori&lt;/italic&gt; infection in Patients with Uninvestigated Dyspepsia in Primary Health Cares in Abakaliki, Nigeria

Test for faecal occult blood (FOB) is commonly used to evaluate patients with intestinal disorders. An assessment of FOBT and infection with H. pylori using standard techniques was conducted among dyspeptic patients attending primary health cares in Abakaliki, Nigeria. Of the 262 patients screened, 163(62%) were FOB+ of which 64 [39.3% ((95% CI: 29.2-48.8%) were H. pylori seropositive. FOB+ patients were more likely than were FOBpatients to be seropositive for H. pylori (39.3% vs. 5.1%, OR = 12.2). Although no relationship was found between FOBT result and presence of intestinal parasites (X2 = 9.4, p > 0.05), yeast cells were found more in stool samples of FOB+ than in FOBdyspeptic patients [68 vs. 30 (95% CI: 0.051-0.329)]. FOBT remains a vital tool for assessing intestinal disorders and may be used for the initial evaluation and early management decisions when patients first present at the first visit to their GPs.

Parasite Prevalence, Abundance, and Diversity in a Semi-free-ranging Colony of Mandrillus sphinx

We examined parasite prevalence, abundance of protozoan cysts and helminth eggs in the feces, and number of parasitic taxa in a population of mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) in semi-free-ranging conditions in their habitat range, with respect to the annual cycle, sex, age, dominance rank, and female reproductive status. We identified 3 taxa of amebic protozoa (Entamoeba coli, E. histolytica/dispar complex, and Endolimax nana), 1 ciliate protozoa (Balantidium coli), and various nematodes. Prevalence ranged from 1 observation in 874 samples for Trichuris and Mammomonogamus (nematodes) to 100% for Entamoeba coli and Endolimax nana. Daily observation, consistency of fecal samples, and periodic veterinary examination indicated that the mandrills were all healthy, suggesting that the presence of intestinal parasites in the provisioned population is well tolerated. Parasite prevalence, abundance in the feces, and number of taxa varied significantly across the annual cycle. Nematode egg prevalence and abundance were lowest during the dry season. We found no sexual difference and no influence of female dominance rank on parasitic infections. Nematode prevalence increased significantly with age in females, but not in males. There was no influence of age on prevalence of other taxa, abundance in the feces, or number of taxa. Abundance of nematode eggs in the feces was higher in pregnant than in lactating or cycling females. However, births are seasonal in the mandrill colony, and pregnant females were present during the months when nematode egg abundance was also higher in males, suggesting that this may be an influence of climatic seasonality in addition to, or instead of, female status.

Risk Factors for Childhood Diarrhea Incidence

Several longitudinal studies have investigated factors associated with childhood diarrhea in developing countries. However, most studies have neglected important dynamic features of the longitudinal design and hierarchical interrelationships among the potential risk factors. We conducted a longitudinal study of 902 children, age 0 to 36 months at baseline, in a large urban center in northeastern Brazil. Diarrhea data were collected by following children from October 2000 until January 2002 with biweekly home visits. We used a dynamic time-to-event analysis to account for several longitudinal features. We applied an effect-decomposition strategy to quantify direct and indirect effects of risk factors grouped in different blocks. Child's age and an autoregressive effect of past diarrhea episodes explained some of the decline of diarrhea incidence observed throughout the study (from more than 14 episodes to 2 episodes per child-year), a phenomenon already observed but not explained in other longitudinal diarrhea studies. We identified the following major diarrhea determinants: low socioeconomic status, poor sanitation conditions, presence of intestinal parasites, and absence of prenatal examination. The effect of socioeconomic status was mediated mostly by living and sanitation conditions. Our study shows important advantages of applying a dynamic analysis approach to longitudinal observational studies of diarrhea or other acute diseases and highlights the complex interrelationships of diarrhea determinants. Our results confirm the importance of sanitation as a major determinant of child health in urban settings of developing countries.

Related factors to human toxocariasis in a rural community of Argentina

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between toxocariasis frequency and demographic, environmental, sanitary variables, eosinophylia, and other intestinal parasites in a rural population of Argentina. Serological examination of 100 individuals was carried out by using ELISA technique for the detection of anti-toxocara antibodies. Eosinophiles in peripheral blood, presence of intestinal parasites, and demographic, environmental, and socio-cultural data were evaluated. Eighty-one feces samples of dogs belonging to the studied people were analyzed to detect eggs of Toxocara canis. Thirty of them were from 30 dogs and 51 were pools from dog feces. Samples of dirt from around the homes (n: 47) and from public park (n: 4) were taken. To determine the associations, the c(2) and Fisher tests were used. The seroprevalence was 23%. Eosinophilia in peripheral blood was detected in 86.95% seropositive individuals and in 37.66% seronegative individuals (p < 0.001, OR = 11.03). Of the 23 people with positive serology, 69.56% had at least one intestinal parasite. All individuals with positive serology had dogs in their homes. Among the dog owners there was a significant association between the presence of anti-toxocara antibodies and home flooding. Eggs of T. canis were detected in the feces of 5/81 dogs and three of these dogs belonged to individuals with positive serology. Eggs of Toxocara spp. were found in 41.17% of the dirt samples, eight of which came from the area surrounding the homes of individuals with positive serology (p = 0.032; OR = 4.36). Taking into account all the variables influencing the frequency of toxocariasis in this population, the implementation of Public Health programs specifically focused on anti-parasitic treatment of dogs is recommended.

Determinantes sociales, prácticas de alimentación y consecuencias nutricionales del parasitismo intestinal en niños de 7 a 18 meses de edad en Guapi, Cauca.

Studies on intestinal intestinal parasitism in children under 2 years of age have rarely been performed. The nutritional consequences and feasibility of parasite prevention justify the current study. The study was undertaken with 3 goals: (1) to identify the prevalence of pathogenic intestinal parasites (PIP), (2) to determine the social factors, sanitary conditions and nutritional practices that predict PIP, and (3) to evaluate PIP effects on infant nutritional status. All mothers with children under 18 months of age and living in an urban community of coastal Colombia were invited to participate in the PIP study. A fecal sample was obtained from each of 136 children; they represented 62% of the total 7-18 month-old population in the community. Presence of intestinal parasites was identified by direct microscopy and confirmed by a concentration test (Ritchie-Frick procedure). Logistic regressions were used to predict presence of PIP. The Z scores of length-for-age (< -2 SD-chronic malnutrition) and weight-for-length (< -2 SD-acute malnutrition) and covariance analysis were done to detect associations between intestinal parasitism and nutritional status. Of the 136 children, 30.6% were infected; 26.2% had helminth infections (A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura, S. stercoralis), 14.9% had protozoan infections (G. lamblia) and 11.8% had mixed infections. Wasting and stunting were present in 2.9% and 12.5%, respectively. Lack of sanitary toilet facilities and low maternal education were related to mixed infections and presence of helminths (p < 0.05). Weaned children were at greater risk of mixed infections (Odds Ratio (OR) 6.5; 90% CI: 1.9-21.5) and of G. lamblia infections (OR: 2.89; 90% CI: 1.0-8.34). Children infected with T. trichiura and with mixed infections were more likely to show wasting (p < 0.05). The high infections in young children indicate that they be included in periodic antiparasitic chemotherapy. Burden of disease associated to intestinal parasitism may be reduced if breastfeeding is continued beyond 6 months of age.

Relação entre a ocorrência de enteroparasitoses em manipuladores de alimentos e aspectos epidemiológicos em Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil

The presence of intestinal parasites and epidemiological aspects were evaluated in 238 workers from a fast food company and other individuals working in street markets and farmers' produce markets in the city of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. Parasitological techniques used in this study were: Lutz, Baermann-Moraes, Graham, and Faust, and parasite infection rates were 42.85% and 47.06%, respectively. Socioeconomic factors such as income distribution, schooling, and occupational categories proved to be relevant in this context. Habitual daily intake of fruits and vegetables was the factor most heavily associated with infection. These data suggest that intestinal parasites are frequent among food handlers in this city and that there is a need for constant epidemiological surveillance through periodic parasitological tests and health education for this entire population segment.

International Adoption: Infectious Diseases Issues

Nearly 220,000 children have been adopted from other countries by American parents since 1986. Approximately 65,000 children have arrived from China and Russia, mostly in the past 6 years. Most of these children reside in orphanages before adoption, where they may experience malnutrition, environmental deprivation, neglect, and exposure to infectious diseases. After arrival to the United States, international adoptees should undergo specialized screening evaluation for infectious diseases and other conditions. Infectious conditions of special concern include hepatitis B and C, syphilis, human immunodeficiency virus infection, tuberculosis, and presence of intestinal parasites. Before the adoption occurs, the infectious disease consultant may be asked to assist the primary care provider and the adoptive family with advice about travel and review of preadoptive medical records. After the adoption, the infectious diseases consultant may be asked to assess the adequacy of the child's vaccination record from the birth country and to assist in screening, evaluation, and management of infectious diseases.

Consumo de leite de vaca e anemia na infância no Município de São Paulo

To evaluate the influence of the consumption of cow's milk on the risk of anemia during childhood in the city of São Paulo. We have studied a probabilistic sample (n=584) of underfive children living in the city of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil, between 1995 and 1996. Anemia (hemoglobin <11 g/dl) was diagnosed using capillary blood obtained by fingertip puncture. The cow's milk content and the density of heme and nonheme iron in the child's diet were obtained using 24-hour recall questionnaires. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used to study the association between cow's milk content in the diet and hemoglobin concentration or risk of anemia, and included statistical control for potential confounders (age, sex, birthweight, presence of intestinal parasites, family income, and mother's schooling). The prevalence of anemia was 45.2% and the mean contribution of milk to the total caloric content of the children's diets was 22.0%. The association between milk consumption and risk of anemia remained significant, even after considering the dilutive effect of milk consumption on the density of iron in the diet, thus indicating a possible inhibitor effect of milk on the absorption of the iron present in the other foods ingested by the child. The relative participation of cow's milk in the child's diet showed a significant positive association with risk of anemia in children between ages six and 60 months, regardless of the density of iron in the diet.

子犬の民間健康管理施設における消化管内寄生虫の検出状況

Between September, 2001, and March, 2002, the presence of intestinal parasites was investigated from fecal conditions of 1, 535 puppies brought from 214 breeding kennels to determine their state of health before their being shipped to pet shops. They were of 53 breeds, and their mean age was 44 days. Of the 1, 535 puppies, Toxocara eggs were detected in 90 (5.9%) and Isospora oocysts in 39 (2.5%). Ancylostoma and Strongytoides eggs and Giardia trophozoites were detected in some. Feces were abnormal in 51 of the 134 dogs with intestinal parasites. The feces of 15 of the 87 (17.2%) dogs that excreted only Toxocara eggs were soft, diarrheic, and/or bloody. The feces of the 25 of the 36 (64.9%) dogs excreting only Isospora oocysts were soft and/or bloody. The feces of 238 of 1, 401 dogs witnout intestinal parasites were abnormal. Nine of them were positive for the canine parvovirus antigen.