Prevalence Of Giardiasis Research Articles

Comparison between Specificity and Sensitivity of Intestinal Giardialamblia Assays in AL-Door District, Salahdin Province, Iraq

The Giardia lamblia is known as a considerable cause of diarrhea in human. Difficulties are confronted in the detection of that parasite in patients’ faces because of intermittent excretion of the parasite.In this study it was determined specificity and sensitivity of floatation methodby zinc sulphate solution and ELISA assay for Giardialamblia detection compared with direct iodine stain methodAmong 82 patients who were attending AL-Door hospital through period of September to December 2018. The prevalence of Giardiasis was 32.9% and 67.1% was negative. As well this study showed that the percentage of G. lamblia infection was 31.7% by direct iodine stain method, 29.3% was by floatation methodand the sensitivity ratio was 92.3%, specificity was 100%,While 32.9% was positive by ELISA assay and the sensitivity ratio was 92.3%, specificity was 94.6%. Also our study found that the prevalence for Giardiasis depending on gender in this study was 67% for male, 33.3% for female. The results of study were showed the prevalence of infection was 23.2% in age group 8-25 years, 7.3% in 26-35 years and 2.4% in age group 36-45 years. The distribution of infection depends on residencewhich was 20.7% for rural and 12.2% for urban

FELINE GIARDIASIS IN TURKEY: PREVALENCE AND GENETIC AND HAPLOTYPE DIVERSITY OF GIARDIA DUODENALIS BASED ON THE β-GIARDIN GENE SEQUENCE IN SYMPTOMATIC CATS.

Giardia duodenalis is a common zoonotic protozoan parasite with a broad host distribution. The main objectives of the present study were to determine the prevalence of giardiasis and to reveal the genetic and haplotype diversity of G. duodenalis in symptomatic cats in Turkey. Fecal samples were collected from cats (n = 102) with diarrhea that were admitted to different pet clinics in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey. All samples were analyzed by microscopic examination (ME), rapid immunochromatographic test (ICT), and PCR targeting the β-giardin (bg) loci of the parasite. Phylogenetic, haplotype, and network analyses of G. duodenalis based on the bg gene were carried out. Overall, G. duodenalis was detected in 70/102 (68.6%) of the cats with diarrhea by ME (38/102, 37.3%), ICT (51/102, 50%), and PCR (30/102, 29.4%). According to sequence analyses of the bg gene region, all isolates were identified as G. duodenalis assemblage B. Haplotype analyses revealed 2 known and 8 novel haplotypes for G. duodenalis assemblage B. This study provides first prevalence and genetic and haplotype diversity data on G. duodenalis assemblage B from cats in Turkey.

Prevalence and pattern of waterborne parasitic infections in eastern Africa: A systematic scoping review

Waterborne parasitic diseases form one of common and important public health and economic problems in low- and middle-income countries, though little is known on the burden and patterns of these diseases in most regions. This systematic scoping review informs on the prevalence and pattern of waterborne parasitic infections in eastern Africa from 1st of January 1941 to 31st of December 2019. The review found limited number of published studies on waterborne parasitic diseases, though 13 of the 15 studied countries in eastern Africa provided one or more published report(s) totalling 47 reports. Focus of studies was mainly on schistosomiasis where 44.8% of the 47 retrieved studies reported it. Other frequently reported diseases were giardiasis (23.4% of reports), soil-transmitted helminths (23.4%) and amoebiasis (21.3%). Rarely reported diseases were malaria, cryptosporidiosis, isosporiasis, dracunculiasis and trichomoniasis. Based on parasitological examinations, schistosomiasis prevalence ranged from 17 to 33% in Burundi, 1.9 to 73.9% in Ethiopia, 2.1 to 18% in Kenya, 7.2 to 88.6% in Uganda, 22.9 to 86.3% in Tanzania, 27.2 to 65.8% in Somalia, 15 to >50% in Mauritius, 2.4% in Eritrea and 5.0 to 93.7% in Madagascar. Amoebiasis prevalence was 4.6–15,3% (Ethiopia), 5.9–58.3% (Kenya), 54.5% (Rwanda), 0.7–2.7% (Sudan), 19.93% (Uganda) and 4.5–5.0% (Seychelles). Giardiasis prevalence was 0.6–55.0% (Ethiopia), 16.6% (Kenya), 3.6% (Rwanda), 21.1% (Sudan), 40.7% (Uganda), 45.0% (Eritrea) and 3.3–6.0% (Seychelles). Soil-transmitted helminths prevalence was 41.7–52.4% (Ethiopia), 32.4–40.7% (Kenya), 9997 cases (Rwanda), 85.0% (Somalia), 4.7% (Madagascar) and 1.1–84% (Seychelles), Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworms were the most common helminths detected. Malaria prevalence was 2.9–4.31% (Ethiopia), an annual episode of 9 million people (Sudan), 13.0% (Tanzania), 146 hospital cases (Madagascar), 1.4–2.0% (Seychelles) and <5.0% in Djibouti. It is also observed that >50% of the populations in eastern Africa region lack improved drinking water sources or sanitation facilities. This may account for the observed high prevalence of the diseases. The author also suggests likely underestimation of the prevalence as most waterborne parasitic diseases are neglected and cases likely only recorded and left unpublished in health facilities. Thus for a thorough mapping of burdens of these diseases, grey literature, including hospital records must be reviewed while interventions focusing on improved water and sanitation are likely to reduce the burden considerably.

First multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of Giardia duodenalis isolates from humans in Romania

BackgroundGiardia duodenalis is one of the most prevalent and highly diverse human parasites, encompassing a complex of eight genetically distinct assemblages, each further divided into sub-assemblages. While in recent years, G. duodenalis genotype distribution patterns in humans have been intensely studied, there is still very little information available on the diversity of Giardia genotypes and sub-assemblages infecting people in Romania. In the present study, we investigated the genetic diversity of Giardia duodenalis in asymptomatic patients from Romania.MethodsOver an 11-month period, human feces from 7805 healthy adults were screened by microscopic analysis for G. duodenalis cysts during their obligatory periodic check-ups. DNA extraction was performed from microscopic-positive fecal samples, followed by multilocus sequence typing of four genetic loci of the ITS region, gdh, tpi and bg genes, followed by DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using EpiInfo 2000 software.ResultsThe prevalence of giardiasis in the present study was 0.42% (33/7805). Twenty-three samples (76.67%) were successfully genotyped at each locus. The bg and tpi genes had the highest typing success rate (100%). The identified assemblages were assemblage A in 27 cases (subtypes A2 and A3), and B in 3 cases.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, the present study is the first report of multilocus sequence typing of G. duodenalis isolated from humans in Romania. The present results may shed light on G. duodenalis infection in humans at a regional and national level, thus increasing awareness against this parasitic infection.

DISTRIBUTION AND RISK FACTORS FOR GIARDIA LAMBLIA AMONG CHILDREN AT AMRAN GOVERNORATE, YEMEN

Objective: The widespread prevalence of Giardiasis is a public health problem worldwide, and it is also common among Yemeni children. Hence, this work aims to identify the prevalent Giardia lamblia infection and risk factors among children admitted to health care centers in Amran governorate in Yemen.&#x0D; Methods: Three hundred and thirty-four stool samples were collected from infected children between March and July 2019 and the parasite is identified by light-microscope according to standard parasitology methods. Also, relevant data was obtained using a designed questionnaire.&#x0D; Results: The results showed that 181 cases (54.2%) were infected with G. lamblia infection. 57.5% of the infected children were from urban areas, while 42.5% of the cases were from rural areas. The highest incidence of G. lamblia was 60.3% among males compared to 47.5% among females. The results for age, residents and male children aged 8-14 years in both urban and rural areas recorded the highest prevalence of G. lamblia infection while the lowest was among females between 1 and 7 years and 8-14 years old, respectively, in the rural and urban area.&#x0D; Conclusion: In conclusion, as described in this work, multisectoral efforts are needed that include hygiene practices, personal hygiene habits, the provision of safe drinking water and the provision of sanitation systems to efficiently reduce this infection from all governorates of Yemen.&#x0D; Peer Review History: &#x0D; Received 22 May 2020; Revised 14 June; Accepted 3 July, Available online 15 July 2020&#x0D; UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency.&#x0D; Received file &#x0D; &#x0D; Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10&#x0D; Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.5/10&#x0D; Reviewer(s) detail:&#x0D; Name: Prof. Dr. Hassan A.H. Al-Shamahy&#x0D; Affiliation: Sana'a University, Yemen&#x0D; E-mail: shmahe@yemen.net.ye&#x0D; &#x0D; Name: Dr. Mahmoud S. Abdallah&#x0D; Affiliation: University of Sadat city, Egypt&#x0D; E-mail: dr_samy777@yahoo.com&#x0D; &#x0D; Comments of reviewer(s): &#x0D; &#x0D; Similar Articles:&#x0D; PREVALENCE OF MALOCCLUSION AMONG YEMENI CHILDREN OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS &#x0D; COCCIDIAN INTESTINAL PARASITES AMONG CHILDREN IN AL-TORBAH CITY IN YEMEN: IN COUNTRY WITH HIGH INCIDENCE OF MALNUTRITION &#x0D; OCCLUSAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PRIMARY DENTITION AMONG A SAMPLE OF YEMENI PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN &#x0D; EVALUATION OF THE IMMUNE RESPONSE TO POLIO VACCINE IN MALNOURISHED CHILDREN IN SANA'A CITY

Comparing spatio-temporal distribution of the most common human parasitic infections in Iran over two periods 2007 to 2012 and 2013 to 2018: A systematic quantitative literature review.

This study analyses the spatio-temporal trend of the prevalence of the four most prevalent parasitic diseases in Iran over two periods, 2007 to 2012 and 2013 to 2018, indicating high-risk and low-risk areas. Out of 19 126 articles, we selected 220 articles for data extraction and calculated the pooled prevalence for cutaneous leishmaniasis, human toxoplasmosis, giardiasis and blastocystosis for all 31 provinces in the country. Anselin local Moran's I was used to identify clusters and outliers in the prevalence rates. The mean prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis patients was found 35.12 per 100 000 in 2007 to 2012 but fell to 19.12 per 100 000 in the 2013 to 2018 period. The mean prevalence of acute and chronic toxoplasmosis was 2.36% and 32.5%, respectively, in 2007 to 2012, which changed to 2.28% and 31.14% in 2013 to 2018. The total prevalence of giardiasis declined from 9.8% in 2007 to 2012 to 4.8% in 2013 to 2018, while the mean prevalence of blastocystosis declined from 8.9% in 2007 to 2012 to 6.76% in the 2013 to 2018 period. There was only one high-high cluster in 2007 to 2012 and that was due to giardiasis, while there were two in 2013 to 2018, one for blastocystosis and one for chronic toxoplasmosis. The total prevalence of blastocystosis, giardiasis and cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran has continually declined since 2007. In contrast, the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant Iranian women has not been changed. Iran's Midwest has more parasitic infections compared to the Mideast, which may be explained by the existence of vast deserts and consequently dry and hot climate in the latter part of the country.

Prevalence of giardiasis and its associated factors among livestock and rivers in Mlati, Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Abstract: Giardiasis is a gastrointestinal disease caused by the protozoan Giardia sp. Recent data showed that constant contact with livestock could pose greater risk of contracting this disease, especially without any protective gears. Unfortunately, this condition is still prevalent in several areas in Indonesia. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence of giardiasis and its risk factors in the community around livestock areas and rivers in Mlati, Sleman, DIY, Indonesia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January-August 2019 around the livestock area and rivers in Mlati, Sleman, DIY. Stool samples were obtained from subjects who have livestock and live along the rivers or its tributaries. The status of Giardiasis were determined from microscopic examination and PCR using beta-giardin as the reference conducted in Parasitology and Biomedical Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, UNS.Results: A total of 179 subjects were were enrolled in this study. The prevalence of giardiasis among study population was found to be at 5.02% (n=9), 19 (10.6%) of them were cattleman, and 122 (68.1%) had a history of contact with cattle. Subjects who did not own any cattle seemed to have a significantly lower risk of contracting giardiasis (AOR: 0.041, 95%CI: 0.009-0.185; p=0.000) since contact with cattle also proved to be the risk factor of giardiasis (AOR: 1.080, 95%CI: 1.027-1.135; p&lt;0.002).Conclusion: This study revealed that constant contact with cattle lead to significantly higher risk of giardiasis for those who live among livestock and along the rivers in Mlati, Sleman DIY.

Epidemiology of Giardia duodenalis assemblages in Brazil: there is still a long way to go

Giardia duodenalis infection is distributed worldwide and can achieve prevalence around 60%, especially in developing countries. This protozoan is divided into eight assemblages, in which A and B have high zoonotic potential, whereas C to H are host-specific. This scenario is changing as molecular studies progress, highlighting that knowledge on host-specificity still has a long way to go. Understanding the players involved in transmission routes enables rational designs of control strategies. Considering the high prevalence of giardiasis, this review aims to gather together the data on available studies on the distribution of G. duodenalis assemblages in Brazil until September 2020.

Survey of Giardiasis Symptoms in Patients Referred to Health Care Centers in Zahedan, South-Eastern Iran, 2017-2018

Background: There are many pathogenic intestinal parasites in humans, one of which is Giardia lamblia. This parasite has a variety of clinical symptoms in individuals. Poor health, weather conditions, and inappropriate lifestyle are all factors contributing to the high incidence of giardiasis. Objective: Based on factors influencing the prevalence of giardiasis in the region, this study was performed on subjects referred to Zahedan health care centers. Materials and Methods: A total of 671 stool specimens of subjects who referred between March 2017 and October 2018 were examined using direct and formalin ether concentration techniques. All demographic and clinical data in questionnaires were recorded. Data were analyzed using X2 test to determine any differences in the prevalence of giardiasis and clinical symptoms between different age groups. Results: Of 671 samples, 346 (51.1%) were positive. The most common complaint among participants was abdominal pain (64.1%), followed by diarrhea (53.7%), abdominal cramps (44.7%), nausea (32.6%), weight loss (30.9%), anorexia (26.8%), headache (22.2%), fatigue (14.1%), and fever (13.2%). Most of the clinical symptoms such as abdominal pain, abdominal cramp, weight loss, and headache were reported in females, and the results of chi-square test showed a significant difference (P&lt;0.05). The age group of 1-12 years had the highest percentage of infection (49.42%). The data indicated that the highest rate of infection was observed in this group, showing a significant difference in comparison with other age groups (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that in addition to health education, preventing the transmission of parasites to children would also be necessary.

Study the Relation between the Incidence of Giardiasis and Some Epidemiological Factors in Some Regions of Baghdad City

In this work, the incidence of giardiasis was investigated in some regions of Baghdad. Different factors were studied such as age, gender, personal hygiene and eating habits, in order to find its correlation with the prevalence of giardiasis. The study was carried out during the period of April 2014 till March 2015. During this period a total of 375 samples have been examined. The total rate of infection was 68/375 (18.13%. The most frequent noticed clinical symptoms in giardiasis cases are abdominal pain 60.97%, diarrhea 41.46% and fever 35%. For the studied factors, each of the age, personal hygiene and eating habits showed a relation with the incidence of giardiasis.

Impact of seasonality on the prevalence and risk factors of Giardia lamblia infections among the aborigines

Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of Giardia (G.) lamblia infections among the aboriginal community during the wet and dry seasons. Methods: A total of 473 stool samples from the aborigines in Temerloh, Pahang, Malaysia were collected during wet (n=256) and dry seasons (n=217). Smear of all the PVA-preserved stool samples were subjected to Trichrome staining and microscopic examination under 1 000 x magnification (Nikon eclipse E100) for the detection of G. lamblia. Positivity was recorded based on the presence of G. lamblia in trophozoite and/or cyst forms. Results: The prevalence of giardiasis was 12.10% and 8.29% during the wet and dry season, respectively. Age of less or equal to 15 years old and presence of other family members with G. lamblia infection were found to be the significant risk factors to acquire G. lamblia infections during both seasons. Untreated water supply was the significant risk factor of giardiasis during the dry season. This study highlighted the possibility of anthroponotic transmission of G. lamblia during both seasons and waterborne transmission during the dry season in the aboriginal community. Conclusions: This study suggests that seasonal variation plays an important role in the prevalence and risk factor of G. lamblia infection in the aboriginal community. Therefore, close contact with Giardia-infected family members and water-related activities or usage of untreated water must be avoided to reduce the burden of G. lamblia infection in this community.

Molecular characterisation and taxon assemblage typing of giardiasis in primary school children living close to the shoreline of Lake Albert, Uganda

As part of an epidemiological survey for gastrointestinal parasites in school children across five primary schools on the shoreline of Lake Albert, the prevalence of giardiasis was 87.0% (n = 254) as determined by real-time PCR analysis of faecal samples with a genus-specific Giardia 18S rDNA probe. Faecal samples were further characterised with taxon assemblage-specific triose phosphate isomerase (TPI) Taqman® probes and by sequence characterisation of the β-giardin gene. While less sensitive than the 18S rDNA assay, general prevalence by TPI probes was 52.4%, with prevalence by taxon assemblage of 8.3% (assemblage A), 35.8% (assemblage B) and 8.3% co-infection (A & B assemblages). While assemblage B was dominant across the sample, proportions of assemblages A and B, and co-infections thereof, varied by school and by age of child; mixed infections were particularly common at Runga school (OR = 6.9 [95% CI; 2.5, 19.3]) and in children aged 6 and under (OR = 2.7 [95% CI; 1.0, 7.3]). Infection with assemblage B was associated with underweight children (OR = 2.0 [95% CI; 1.0, 3.9]). The presence of each assemblage was also confirmed by sequence analysis of the β-giardin gene finding sub-assemblage AII and further genetic diversity within assemblage B. To better explore the local epidemiology of giardiasis and its impact on child health, additional sampling of school children with assemblage typing would be worthwhile.

Treatment-refractory giardiasis: challenges and solutions.

Giardia is the commonest parasitic diarrheal pathogen affecting humans and a frequent cause of waterborne/foodborne parasitic diseases worldwide. Prevalence of giardiasis is higher in children, living in poor, low hygiene settings in developing countries, and in travelers returning from highly endemic areas. The clinical picture of giardiasis is heterogeneous, with high variability in severity of clinical disease. It can become chronic or be followed by post-infectious sequelae. An alarming increase in cases refractory to the conventional treatment with nitroimidazoles (ie, metronidazole) has been reported in low prevalence settings, such as European Union countries, especially in patients returning from Asia. In view of its relevance, we aim in this review to recapitulate present clinical knowledge about Giardia, with a special focus on the challenge of treatment-refractory giardiasis. We propose a working definition of clinically drug-resistant giardiasis, summarize knowledge regarding resistance mechanisms, and discuss its clinical management according to research-based evidence and medical practice. Advances in development and identification of novel drugs and potential non-pharmacological alternatives are also reviewed with the overall aim to define knowledge gaps and suggest future directions for research.

Comparative study of variability of giardiasis prevalence caused by anthropogenic activities in Fundong Health District, north-west region of Cameroon

A cross sectional study on the variability of Giardia lamblia prevalence, in a community setting with zoonotic risk factors was carried out in the Fundong Health District of Cameroon. A total of 645 stools samples of individuals aged 0-70 years from different communities made up of urban, peri-urban and rural were enlisted for the study. Structured questionnaire were also used to collect socio-economic data of the participant. Faecal samples collected were analysed in the laboratory using direct wet mount and concentration method respectively. Results obtained showed an overall prevalence rate of 16% (Urban community 2.9%, peri-urban 8.8% and rural 18.6%). Anthropogenically, farmers had highest prevalence of 42(15.3%) based on occupation while officers had least with 1(2.08%) respectively. Amongst gender and age, males had highest prevalence rate of 61(20%) and female 41(12.3%). Age-group 0-10 years had highest prevalence rate of 40.1%. Comparative risk factors such as water sources, surface water had highest prevalence rate of 23.2% while boreholes had zero prevalence. Sanitation and people living with animals showed a significant (p&lt;0.05) relationship with Giardia prevalence. In conclusion association between Giardiasis and unhygienic socio-cultural attitude with water sources are very significant in Giardiasis transmission. Giardia lamblia infection is still a public health problem in the study area. Health Education on transmission, Sanitation, improvement on portable water management are recommended strategies to combat the problem.Keywords: Giardia; variability prevalence; anthropogenic; community setting; Fundong; Cameroon.

Giardiasis in Colombia: a Review of the Current Knowledge

Giardiasis is a major human intestinal disease worldwide and the most common cause of diarrhea in developing countries especially among children. In chronic infection, it may result in harmful effect on cognition, intelligence, and psychomotor development in children. This article aims to review the current prevalence of human giardiasis in Colombia, using data published in scientific literature available until January 2018. According to the last Colombian National Survey of Intestinal Parasites in 2015 conducted in school children, giardiasis continues to be a public health problem, with a prevalence of 15.4% similar to that reported in the population-based survey performed in 1980 (18.4%). Several protozoa and helminthes affect the health in patients from Colombia, but giardiasis is a serious problem, especially in children, for whom consumption of non-drinkable water is the principal risk factor for getting giardia cysts. This review presents information about the prevalence of giardiasis in Colombian people, the techniques used for diagnosis including genotyping, and some reports about animals, water, and soil as a source of infection.

Molecular genotyping of Giardia duodenalis in children from Behbahan, southwestern Iran.

Giardia duodenalis is an intestinal flagellated protozoan that infects humans and several animal species. Giardiasis causing more than 200 million symptomatic infections globally is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in developing countries. Based on molecular studies mainly targeting the small-subunit (SSU) rRNA gene locus of the parasite, eight assemblages (A to H) have been identified in humans and other animal species. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the frequency and molecular diversity of G. duodenalis in children from rural and urban day care centers from Behbahan, southwestern Iran. This cross-sectional study was based on a concentration method for the microscopic detection of G. duodenalis in stool samples of 450 children, aged 1-7years, in Behbahan, southwestern Iran. The survey was conducted from December 2015 to May 2016. PCR methods targeting the SSU rRNA and triose phosphate isomerase (TPI) genes of G. duodenalis were used for the identification and genotyping of the parasite isolates. Based on sucrose flotation and microscopy techniques, 2.7% (12/450) of children were infected with G. duodenalis, of which six (50.0%) were males and the other six (50.0%) were females. Overall, 91.7% (11/12) of the infections were detected in children from rural areas. The SSU rRNA and TPI genes were amplified successfully in nine and eight, respectively, of the Giardia-positive samples at microscopy. Among the eight TPI sequences, assemblage A, sub-assemblage AII, was identified in five of the isolates. The sequences of the three remaining samples were untypable. Although no significantly statistical difference between genotype and clinical symptoms was found, five out of the eight isolates identified as assemblage A were obtained in asymptomatic children. Giardia duodenalis infections were more prevalent in children from rural day care schools, and the predominant assemblage was A, sub-assemblage AII. The higher prevalence of giardiasis in rural areas might be related to differences in personal hygiene habits, parents' education level, source of drinking water, and inadequate hygienic toilet facilities in rural areas.

Island-Wide Surveillance of Gastrointestinal Protozoan Infection on Fiji by Expanding Lymphatic Filariasis Transmission Assessment Surveys as an Access Platform.

.As part of lymphatic filariasis (LF) transmission assessment surveys (TAS) on Fiji, an island-wide assessment of gastrointestinal protozoan infection was performed by inspection of a concomitant stool sample collection to investigate the distribution of parasitic protozoa. All grade 1 and 2 students of 69 schools on the two main islands were targeted in two phases (one in the Western Division and the other in the Central and Northern Divisions, except Taveuni sub-Division of Northern), where fecal samples of 1,800 students were available for coproscopy using formalin-ether-acetate concentration. The overall prevalence of Giardia infection was 1.6%, having 2.2% in Western and 0.8% in Central/Northern Divisions (P = 0.094). The school-level prevalence of giardiasis ranged from 0% to 15.4%, and hotspot analysis using the Getis-Ord Gi* method detected spatial heterogeneity of giardiasis prevalence in schools around Lautoka (Z-score = 3.36, P value < 0.05), an area affected by Cyclone Kofi in February 2014. Any protozoan infection prevalence was 4.9% in Western and 4.4% in Central/Northern Divisions (P = 0.825). Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis to confirm the findings from a parasitological examination of a 10% stool archive in 95% ethanol from Western Division revealed an elevated prevalence of giardiasis up to 22.4%, the presence of Entamoeba histolytica, and the absence of Cryptosporidium parvum. Obtaining stool samples alongside LF TAS is a convenient access platform for cosurveillance of gastrointestinal protozoan infection and has pinpointed hitherto unknown hotspots of giardiasis in urban city centers of Fiji. This calls for greater attention to apply tailored water, sanitation and hygiene measures for the control of these parasites.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with Giardia duodenalis infection in dairy cattle of Chitwan, Nepal

Livestock farming has been an integral part of Nepalese agriculture systems since time immemorial. Giardia duodenalis is a cosmopolitan intestinal parasite present in a wide range of hosts. Very little or no information is reported on the prevalence of giardiasis in livestock of Nepal. This study was done during Jan 18 to July 19, 2014 to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of Giardia duodenalis infection in dairy cattle of Chitwan, Nepal. A total of 96 fresh fecal samples were collected from various dairy pocket areas and were transferred to collection bottles with 10% formalin. Wet smears of the samples were prepared, stained with lugol's iodine and then viewed under microscope at 400× magnification. The overall prevalence was found to be 44.79% (43/96). Based on the risk factors assessment survey, age was found to be significantly associated with the prevalence of Giardia duodenalis. The prevalence was found significantly (P<0.05) higher in 1-6 months age group compared to>3 years. Similarly, higher prevalence was found in diarrheic animals compared to their counterparts (P<0.05). Though higher prevalence was recorded in unhygienically housed animals, it was statistically non-significant (P<0.05). Giardiasis should be considered as an important cause of diarrhea and further advanced diagnostic approaches should be employed for the confirmation of giardiasis in dairy cattle.

Giardiasis dalam kalangan Kanak-kanak Sekolah Orang Asli di Pos Titom, Pahang, Malaysia

Giardia intestinalis is among the protozoa that is commonly found in the human fecal samples throughout the world. The prevalence of infection is higher among people living in developing countries than developed countries. One hundred and eleven Orang Asli children at Pos Titom, Pahang participated in this study. The prevalence study was conducted in accordance to gender, age groups and the diagnostic techniques employed. Fecal samples were collected and examined for the presence of G. intestinalis using three diagnostic techniques ie; the direct fecal smear, formalin-ether concentration and the trichrome staining technique. The overall prevalence of G. intestinalis infection among Orang Asli children at Pos Titom was 23.42%. The infection was higher among females (25%) as compared to males (21.57%) eventhough it was not statistically significant (p>0.05). In terms of age groups, no positive case was observed among preschoolers whose age were below seven-years while the school aged children (7 to 12-years old) showed 24.53% infection. The trichrome staining technique was the most sensitive with a detection rate of 22.52% followed by the formalin-ether concentration technique with a detection of 19.82% whilst the direct smear technique only detected 12.61% of cases. The prevalence of giardiasis amongst the Orang Asli children at Pos Titom, Pahang was still high despite various efforts made and improvements in basic infrastructural facilities undertaken for their community. The health care status and personal hygiene of Orang Asli children remains poor and needs to be further improved. DOI : http://dx.doi.org./10.17576/JSKM-2018-13

Opportunistic Protozoan Infections of Carnivores

Abstract Giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis are protozoan infections of the digestive tract and one of the most frequent causes of enteritis in dogs and cats, associated with acute and chronic diarrhoea. Generally, the risk of infection is higher for younger individuals in which the overall clinical picture and the course of disease are more serious. In this study we investigated the prevalence of giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis in dogs in Košice district of eastern Slovakia. From September 2015 until November 2016, we examined samples of faeces from 100 dogs from two shelters. Giardia duodenalis was diagnosed by the flotation method according to Faust, and by the molecular biologic method (Nested PCR). For the diagnosis of cryptosporidium oocysts, we used a staining method according to Kinyoun, and for detection of the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. a sandwich ELISA method. The total prevalence of these protozoan infections were 22 % (22/100), and of that, 19 % of the samples (19/100) were positive for Giardia duodenalis and 3 % (3/100) for the Cryptosporidium spp. In the shelter in Haniska, the giardia cysts were present in 9/54 samples (16.6 %) and cryptosporidia oocysts in 1/54 (1.85 %) samples of the faeces. In the Malá Farma shelter, 10/46 (21.73 %) samples were positive for G. duodenalis and 2/46 (4.34 %) showed positivity for Cryptosporidium spp.