Prevalence Of Intestinal Helminth Infections Research Articles

Gastrointestinal helminths infection of free-roaming cats (Felis catus) in Southeast Iran.

Cats in Iran are definitive hosts for several zoonotic intestinal helminths, such as Toxocara cati, Dipylidium caninum, Toxascaris leonina, Physaloptera praeputialis and Diplopylidium nolleri. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminth infection in free-roaming cats in southeast Iran, a region with a high free-roaming cat population. From January 2018 to December 2021, 153 cadavers of free-roaming cats from Southeast Iran were necropsied for intestinal helminth infections. The carcasses were dissected, and the digestive systems were removed. The esophagus, stomach, small intestine, caecum and colon were tightly ligated. All adult helminths were collected, preserved and identified. The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections was 80.39% (123/153). Of the cats from Kerman, 73% (73/100) were infected with at least one helminth, including D. caninum 70% (70/100), T. leonina 8% (8/100) and P. praeputialis 17% (17/100). Concurrent infection with two helminth species was found in 16% (16/100) and of three species infections was found in 3% (3/100) of the cats. Of the cats from Zabol, 94.33% (50/53) were infected with at least one of the helminths, including D. caninum 69.81% (37/53), T. leonina 11.32% (6/53), P. praeputialis 37.73% (20/53) and T. cati 5.66% (3/53). Concurrent infection with two helminth species was found in 28.3% (15/53), and three species were found in 1.88% (1/53) of the cats. Helminth infections were more prevalent in older cats. There was no association between sex and infection rate. Based on the very high prevalence of zoonotic intestinal helminth infections in free-roaming cats in southeast Iran, the potential public health risk emphasizes the need for intersectoral collaboration, particularly the provision of health and hygiene education to high-risk populations, such as pre-school and school-age children.

Intestinal helminth infections and associated risk factors among adults in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic

BackgroundHelminthiases are highly endemic in Southeast Asia, including the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). This study aimed to assess the current intestinal helminth infections and the associated risk factors among adults across the Lao PDR.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in 165 villages across 17 provinces and the Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR. A multi-stage sampling method was employed to select the adult study participants (≥ 18 years). Data collection included (1) interview of the study participants, (2) physical measurements, and (3) a five gram of stool sample from each study participant was collected and preserved in 10% formalin solution for intestinal helminth detection using formalin-ether concentration technique (FECT). Descriptive analysis was used to describe the socio-demographic characteristics of study participants and the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections. Logistic regressions were applied to test the association between intestinal helminth infection and individual risk factors. A P-value below 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsA total of 2800 study participants were enrolled. Their average age was 46.0 years; 57.8% were female. Overall, 30.9%, 8.6% and 1.5% of study participants were infected with one, two, or three different intestinal helminth species, respectively. Among the study participants 21.6% were infected with hookworm, 18.8% with Opisthorchis viverrini-like (Ov-like) infection, 4.8% with Strongyloides stercoralis, 2.3% with Ascaris lumbricoides, 1.5% with Trichuris trichiura, and 3.3% with Taenia spp. Ov-like infection was of high prevalence in the southern (28.8%) and central (21.3%) provinces, while hookworm (26.3%), A. lumbricoides (7.3%), T. trichiura (3.1%), and Taenia spp. (4.2%) were prevalent in the northern provinces. Risk analysis showed that men were more likely to be infected with hookworm [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.2, P = 0.019]. The Lao-Tai ethnic group had a 5.2-times (P < 0.001) higher chance of having Ov-like infection than the minorities. Possession of toilet facility at home was associated with reduced odds for Ov-like (aOR = 0.4, P < 0.001) and hookworm (aOR = 0.6, P < 0.001) infections.ConclusionsOur study provides a nationwide update of the intestinal helminth prevalence among adults in Lao PDR. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first Lao nationwide survey on intestinal helminth infections and risk factors in adults. It provides crucial information for national control programs for intestinal helminth infections in Lao PDR.Graphical abstract

Clinical Manifestations And Intensities Of Intestinal Helminthic Infections Among Primary School Children In Gombe, North Eastern Nigeria

Background: Children are susceptible to Intestinal helminthiasis and can develop severe complications such as malnutrition, anaemia, chronic diarrhoea, and impaired cognitive performance, which can limit their potential. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the clinical manifestations and intensities of intestinal helminthic infections among primary school children in Gombe, Nigeria. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study that used a multistage sampling technique to study 350 pupils from 24 primary schools in Gombe, Nigeria, from 4thJuly 2018 to - 31stJanuary 2019. The means and standard deviations of quantitative variables such as age, height, and weight were computed. Stools were examined by the Direct method and Formol ether concentration methods. The prevalence of intestinal helminths, clinical manifestations, types and intensities of helminthic infections were determined, and Chi-square was used to test for the association at 95% confidence intervals. A p-value of &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Data was analysed using SPSS version 24. Results: The prevalence of intestinal helminthic infection was 23.7% (83/350). There was a significant association between intestinal helminths and blood in stools (OR= 15.400, p&lt;0.001), abdominal pain (OR=1.889, p=0.023), pallor (OR=2.146, P = 0.027). More than half of the recorded infections (51.8%) were classified as light. Only, 2.4%, exhibited moderate infections, and there were no recorded cases of severe infection. Conclusions: Intestinal helminthic infection is a public health burden, especially in children. Abdominal pains, blood in stools, poor hand hygiene and pallor were significantly associated with intestinal helminthic infections. However, most of the infestations are of light to moderate intensity. Regular health education and provision of clean water with deworming of school children at intervals are highly recommended.

Neonatal helminth infection and chronic type 2 inflammation promotes immune suppression through FcγRIIb

Abstract Allergic diseases are rising in industrialized countries. This contrasts with rural communities where decreased allergic incidence correlates with increased prevalence of intestinal helminth infections. While helminths and their byproducts can ameliorate allergic inflammation in adult mice with established disease, it remains unknown if early-life exposure can prevent or delay allergic disease onset. We utilized a neonatal infection model with the gastrointestinal helminth Heligmosomoides polygyrusand found that neonatal H. polygyruscolonization results in chronic infection and type 2 inflammation. This study investigates how chronic and systemic type 2 hallmarks IL-4 and IgG1 may be involved in the long-term suppressive mechanisms induced by neonatal helminth colonization. We hypothesize that IL-4-induced upregulation of the sole inhibitory Fc receptor, FcγRIIb, allows for sustained suppression of T cell mediated inflammation by increasing the activation threshold of antigen presenting cells. Increasing this threshold prevents allergen-specific T cells from becoming optimally activated and instead promotes T cell tolerance. In addition to IL-4 increasing expression of FcγRIIb on macrophages, it promotes the production of its ligand IgG1, completing the suppressive circuit. This model predicts that elimination of FcγRIIb and/or IL-4 will result in greater T cell activation and allergic inflammation. Our in vivoand in vitrodata show that FcγRIIb is necessary for reducing allergic airway inflammation and T cell activation after allergen challenge. Taken together, these data support a model in which chronic helminth infection naturally mimics the suppressive effects of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. Supported by the National Institutes of Health NIAID training grant (Training Program in Immunology; T32-AI07405)

An update of intestinal helminth infections among urban slum communities in Bangladesh

To assess the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections and associated risk factors among people living in urban slums in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was conducted across three clusters: Dhaka, Sylhet and Chattogram. In total, 360 individuals divided into two groups (school-aged children and adults) provided stool samples and completed a semi-structured questionnaire. Parasitological assessment was performed using the formol-ether concentration technique. Overall, 31.7% (114/360) of participants had helminthiasis, with 13.3% (48/360) having mixed infections. Among the infected participants, school-aged children had a higher rate of infection (41.7%, 75/180) compared with adults (21.7%, 39/180). Ascaris lumbricoides was the predominant parasite, followed by hookworms, Trichuris trichiura, Hymenolepis nana, Enterobius vermicularis and Rhabditis sp. Parasitic infections were significantly associated with type of latrine used, direct exposure to soil, open defaecation, and presence of free-roaming animals. Despite continuous efforts to control helminthiasis, a substantial proportion of the study participants were infected with intestinal helminths. Ignorance of the roles of the environment and animals was influential, and had a negative impact on existing control interventions. An integrated public health and veterinary public health approach is required for sustainable control of intestinal helminthiasis.

Intestinal helminthiasis survey withemphasison schistosomiasis in Koga irrigation scheme environs, northwest Ethiopia.

BackgroundDistribution of schistosomiasis is more focal due to spatial heterogeneities in intermediate host snail dynamics and water contact behavior of humans. This makes the search for new transmission foci of schistosomiasis and its connection with malacologically receptive water bodies essential for effective control of its transmission. This study was intended to assess the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections among schoolchildren and Schistosoma mansoni transmission in Koga irrigation scheme surroundings, northwest Ethiopia.Materials and methodsCross-sectional parasitological and malacological surveys were conducted in three schools and nearby water bodies, respectively around Koga irrigation scheme. Stool specimens were collected from 421 randomly selected schoolchildren and microscopically examined using Kato-Katz and formol-ether concentration methods. Malacological surveys were carried out and the identified Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails were screened for schistosome infection. Swiss albino mice were exposed to schistosome cercariae shed by Biomphalaria pfeifferi for definite identification of Schistosoma species.ResultsAmong the examined schoolchildren, 22.6% (95% CI: 18.7%-26.9%) were positive for at least one intestinal helminths species. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most frequent intestinal helminth detected among forty (9.5%) children. Schistosoma mansoni was detected among 4.8% (95% CI: 2.9%-7.2%) of children and its prevalence was significantly higher among male children (p = 0.038) and those attending in Mengesha Jemberie Primary School (p = 0.044). Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails were identified in water bodies in close proximity to Mengesha Jemberie and Wotete Abay Primay schools. Schistosoma mansoni adult worms were harvested after exposure of mice to cercariae shed from Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails collected from water bodies nearby Mengesha Jemberie Primary School.ConclusionsSchistosoma mansoni infection of schoolchildren, findings of schistosome infected snails and establishment of mice infection confirm that transmission is taking place in the study areas. Hence, snail control and other measures such as provision of sanitary facilities and health education are recommended.

Intestinal Helminth Infection, Anemia, Undernutrition and Academic Performance among School Children in Northwestern Ethiopia.

This study examined the prevalence and intensity of intestinal helminth infections and their association with anemia, undernutrition, and academic performance among school children in Maksegnit, northwestern Ethiopia. A total of 1205 school children, who attended Maksegnit Number Two Elementary School between May and July 2021, participated in this study. To determine helminth infection status, two thick Kato–Katz slides were examined for each child. Hemoglobin level was measured using a HemoCue machine. Academic performance was assessed using the mean score of all subjects children have taken for the Spring 2020/2021 academic term. Out of 1205 children examined, 45.4% were infected with at least one helminth species, 7.9% were anemic, and 35.8% were undernourished. The means for hemoglobin level and z-scores of weight for age, height for age, body mass index for age, and academic scores were lower among helminth-infected children than the uninfected. Children infected with intestinal helminths showed higher odds of anemia than those uninfected with helminths. In conclusion, there was a moderate prevalence of intestinal helminth infection and undernutrition among school children in Maksegnit. Intestinal helminth infection could increase the risk of anemia, undernutrition, and poor academic performance.

Intestinal Helminth infections and associated risk factors in dogs of Dhaka City, Bangladesh

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and related risk factors for intestinal helminth infections in companion and stray dogs from Dhaka, Bangladesh. In total 310 fecal samples were collected from companion dogs (206 samples) and stray dogs (104 samples) from Dhaka south city corporation (DSCC) and Dhaka North city corporation (DNCC) areas. Salt flotation and formol ether concentration techniques were used to process the fecal samples. The prevalence of intestinal helminth infections in stray and companion dogs in DSCC was 48.98% and 18.02%, respectively, while in DNCC, it was 7.27% and 15.79%. Ancylostomatids showed the maximum prevalence (18.37%) followed by Toxocara canis (14.28%). Intestinal parasitic infections were more prevalent among female companion dogs (17.24%) than males (16.89%). Dogs of pure or mixed breed were prone to parasitic infections (29.09%). Outdoor access (P=0.000) and irregular deworming (P=0.000) were potential risk factors for intestinal helminth infections in companion dogs. Helminth infections in dogs could be a major public health concern. Proper sanitation measures especially in DSCC areas are necessary to check this alarming issue. Bangladesh J. Zool. 49 (3): 411-421, 2021

Cross-Sectional Study on Assessment of Frequency of Intestinal Helminth Infections and Its Related Risk Factors among School Children from Adola Town, Ethiopia.

The three main intestinal helminth infections (IHIs), ascariasis, trichuriasis, and hookworm, are common clinical disorders worldwide. These IHIs are more prevalent in tropics and subtropical countries especially in developing countries like sub-Saharan Africa responsible for morbidity, mortality, and physical as well as intellectual growth retardation in children. In Ethiopia, the burden of IHIs appears in all ages mainly due to factors like lack of education, low socio-economic status, and inadequate supply of drugs and proper awareness. The present study was carried out to access the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections and associated risk factors among school children in Adola town from Guji Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, from August 2019 to December 2019. 404 stool samples were collected in a clean, dry, screw-capped, and wide-mouthed plastic container, fixed with 10% formal-saline solution, and transported to the Adola Hospital laboratory for further microscopic analysis by wet mount following formal ether concentration technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 by binary logistic regression model using odd ratio with 95% CI. The overall prevalence of IHIs among school children was found to be 33.91% (137/404). Rate of double infection was noted to be 2.72% (11/404). Most dominant species was Ascaris lumbricoides (8.9%) followed by Hymenolepis nana (7.7%), Taenia saginata (5.4%), hookworm (4.7%), Trichuris trichiura (2.5%), Schistosoma mansoni (2.2%), Enterobius vermicularis (1.7%), and Strongyloides stercoralis (0.7%), respectively. Highest prevalence was observed in male students (39.6%) compared to female students (28.8%) (P < 0.05). The prevalence of IHIs among school children in the age group of 6-10, 11-15, 16-20, and above 20 was 49.6%, 35.8%, 10.9%, and 3.6%, respectively (P < 0.05). IHI was significantly associated with some of the risk factors such as gender, educational level of students', toilet usage habit, habit of hand washing, hand washing habit before feeding and after defecation, purpose of hand washing, and awareness to intestinal helminths (P < 0.05). In the study area, the prevalence of IHIs is moderately high and represents a public health problem in the school children. Therefore, all stakeholders should pay attention to raise awareness about health education programs such as proper personal hygiene, environmental sanitation, improving the quality of drinking water, and treatment to reduce the consequences of intestinal helminths.

INTESTINAL HELMINTHIASIS AMONG SLAUGHTERED CATTLE IN BENIN CITY, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

The gastrointestinal tract of cattle harbours a number of parasites particularly helminthes that are responsible for clinical and sub clinical parasitism. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections among slaughtered cattle in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 215 cattle consisting of 134 males and 81 females. Faecal samples were collected from the rectum of each slaughtered cattle into a clean universal container for parasitological investigation using standard procedures. An overall prevalence of 36.3% of intestinal helminthiasis was observed among slaughtered cattle in this study. Gender and breed significantly affected the prevalence of intestinal helminthiasis among slaughtered cattle (P=0.0093; P&lt;0.0001 respectively). The intestinal helminthes recovered were Fasciola hepatica, Strongyloides papillosus, Taenia saginata, Paramphistomum cervi, Dicrocoelium hospes and Monieza benedeni. Fasciola hepatica was the most prevalent (56.41%) while Monieza benedeni showed the least (2.56%) helminth observed. Measures to control parasitic infections among cattle with a view of improving the quality of growth and productivity are advocated

Intestinal Helminth Infections among Children with Disabilities in Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta

&lt;p&gt;Due to physical, intellectual, mental, and/or sensory limitations, person with disabilities tend to experience obstacles and limitations in their ability to care for themselves, knowledge of health, and access to health services. As a result, people with disabilities are more at risk of experiencing health problems, one of which is intestinal helminth infection. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections and associated risk factors among children with disabilities at school age in Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. A school-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from October until December 2019. A total of 130 stool samples were collected and examined by the flotation, Kato-Katz, Harada-Mori, and Baermann methods to detect the presence of helminth eggs and/or larvae. An interview with parents/guardians of the subject based on a questionnaire was conducted to obtain information regarding the associated risk factor. The overall prevalence of intestinal helminth infections among subjects was 1.5% (CI=95%). Of these, 0,07% (1/130) was positive for hookworm infection, and the remaining 0,07% (1/130) was positive for &lt;em&gt;Trichuris trichiura&lt;/em&gt;. Analysis for all risk factors showed no statistically significant association between all risk factors and the intestinal helminths infections in the study subjects (p&amp;gt;0.05).&lt;/p&gt;

Soil-transmitted helminths, intestinal protozoa and Clonorchis sinensis infections in southeast China

BackgroundExtensive parasitic diseases epidemiology in Zhejiang province has not been carried out since the second national survey in 2004. Therefore, dynamics in prevalence and infection pattern of the major intestinal parasites should be explored.MethodsThe distribution of three parasites including soil-transmitted helminths (STH), intestinal protozoa and C. sinensis in Zhejiang from 2014 to 2015 were explored. Kato-Katz technique was used for STH and C. sinensis detection, whereas transparent adhesive paper anal swab was used for pinworm detection, and iodine smear was used for protozoa detection. A questionnaire survey on alimentary habits and sanitary behaviors was conducted in half of the studied counties.ResultsThis study recruited 23,552 participants: 19,935 from rural and 3617 from urban area. Overall prevalence of intestinal helminth infections was 1.80%. In this study, seven helminth species were identified including A. duodenale, N. americanus, Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, C. sinensis, Fasciolopsis buski and pinworm. The average prevalence of STH infection was 1.71%: 1.94% in rural and 0.44% in urban area. Hookworm was the most prevalent infection at 1.58%: 1.79% in rural and 0.44% in urban area. Prevalence varied considerably in the studied counties. Prevalence was highest in Yongkang county at 10.25%. Only 2.79% of children from rural area were infected with pinworm. A proportion of 0.40% of rural participants were infected with protozoa, whereas Endolimax nana was the most prevalent at 0.23%. C. sinensis showed infection only in one man. Awareness on C. sinensis was 24.47% in rural and 45.96% in urban area, respectively.ConclusionsPrevalence of STH and protozoa infections declined considerably whereas C. sinensis infections remained few in Zhejiang province compared with the prevalence reported in previous large scale surveys (19.56% for national STH infection in 2004, 18.66% and 4.57% for provincial STH and protozoa infection, respectively in 1999). The findings of this study showed that hookworm, mainly N. americanus remained a parasitic threat to population health, mainly in the central and western Zhejiang. Therefore, more health education regarding fertilization and farming habits is necessary in rural areas. The awareness concerning hookworm infection should be reinforced.

Malaria and Intestinal Helminth Co-infection among Pregnant Women Attending Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, Gombe State, Nigeria

Malaria and intestinal helminth infections are of public health concern globally, particularly among the risk groups like pregnant women in developing countries. In this study the prevalence of malaria and intestinal helminth coinfection and their relationship with anaemia were assessed. Two hundred (200) pregnant women aged between 16-55 years reporting to Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe (FTHG), Gombe State for antenatal clinics were enrolled at booking. Venous blood and stool samples were collected from each participant who consented to participate in this study, for haemoglobin estimation, determination of malaria parasitaemia and intestinal helminth parasite. Microscopy and Formal-ether concentration technique (FECT) were used to estimate the prevalence of malaria and determine the presence of intestinal helminth parasite, respectively. Chi-square (χ2) test was used to analyse the relationship between prevalence of intestinal helminth infection with Malaria and Anaemia among the participant. Results obtained revealed that 107 (53.5%) who consented to participate in the study are positive for malaria, with 11 (5.5%) infected with both malaria and intestinal helminths. Findings also revealed that more women 116 (58%) had mild anaemia among the study population. Three intestinal helminths Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichiuris trichiura and Hookworms were also recovered. A significant (P≤ 0.05) correlation between the prevalence of malaria, intestinal helminth and anaemia. Findings of this study provides an insight and further improves our understanding of the some clinical factors responsible for anaemia in pregnancy.

Prevalence And Sociodemographic Characteristics Of Helminthic Infections Among Primary School Pupils In Gombe, North-eastern Nigeria

Background: The public health burden and prevalence of intestinal helminths in Nigeria are increasing, with 45% of school age children being infected annually. Interrogating the burden and associated demographics will aid preventive measures, early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminthic infections in school children, types and associated sociodemographic characteristics. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study that used multistage sampling technique to obtain a sample of 350 pupils aged 5 to 14 years from 24 primary schools in Gombe LGA of Gombe state from July 2018 to January 2019. Stool samples were examined with Direct and Formol- ether concentration methods. Results: The prevalence of helminthic infection was 23.7%. The proportion of various types of helminths were 26.5%, 24.1%, 21.7%, and 0.6% for A. lumbricoides, Hookworm, H. nana and Trichuris trichuira respectively while multiple infection accounted for 18.1%. Majority (43; 51.8%) of the infections were light infections. Infection in Public schools accounted for 96.4%. There was a significant association between helminthic infection and public school (p&lt;0.001), low Socio-economic class (P= 0.004) and use of insanitary toilets (P = 0.003). Conclusion: Intestinal helminthic infection is a public health problem in primary school children in Gombe, especially in public schools that are attended by students from low social class and whose toilet facilities are in poor states. Regular health education with provision of water closet toilets and de-worming of public primary school children at intervals are recommended to decrease worm burden.

Identification of "Soil Transmitted Helminth" Contamination on The Raw Vegetables in Warung Pecel Lele in Kebon Jeruk District, Jakarta

The prevalence of intestinal helminth infections in several provinces in Indonesia including Jakarta reaches 80% (or is still high). Helminth transmission may occur via food/drinks or through the skin. In particular, consumption of raw vegetables allows for the transmission of helminth eggs to happen. The purpose of this study was to identify intestinal worm eggs in raw vegetables sold in warung pecel lele. Raw vegetables were usually served together with the pecel lele menu which is a very popular dish among the Jakartans. The present study is a descriptive study with a cross sectional approach. Seventy-five samples of raw vegetables were included in this study, which were obtained from 25 warung pecel lele in Kebon Jeruk District, Jakarta. Samples were examined for helminth egg contamination based on a sedimentation method by lugol staining. Of all the raw vegetables samples, 20 samples (26.7%) was contaminated by soil transmitted helminths eggs. Ascaris lumbricoides worm eggs were identified in 17 samples (22.7%), whereas hookworm eggs were found in 3 samples (4%). The study suggests that the number of helminth egg contamination identified in raw vegetables are still high among warung pecel lele in West Jakarta.

Helminthic infestation in children aged 6 to 59 months with diarrhea in Calabar

Background: Helminthic infections and diarrheal diseases have remained public health problem worldwide, especially in developing countries. Children below five years of age are at a higher risk. This study therefore aims to determine the prevalence, and intensity of intestinal helminths in children with and without the diarrheal disease. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study of 130 children aged 6 to 59 months, carried out in the Children Emergency Room and the Diarrhea Treatment and Training Unit of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (U. C. T. H), Calabar, Nigeria. Those admitted with and without diarrhoea were consecutively recruited. Data were obtained by administration of questionnaires to parents/caregivers whose children met the inclusion criteria. Clinical examinations including anthropometric parameters (weight and length/height) were carried out on all the children recruited for the study while mid-upper arm circumference was done for children aged 12–59 months. Stool samples were collected from each child into a wide mouth universal, clean, dry, leak-proof, container, with the help of their parents/guardians. Microscopy was carried out on the stool samples collected within 1 h in the microbiology laboratory for the presence of ova, larva, or worm segment using direct microscopy with saline and iodine wet preparation and formol ether concentration. Ova were identified and quantified. The type of worm and intensity were recorded. Results: Out of the 130 children, 65 (50%) had diarrhea while the other 65 (50%) were without diarrhoea. The mean age of subjects with diarrhea was 16.86 ± 11.7 months and 17.60 ± 9.9 months for those without diarrhoea. There was no significant difference in sex distribution between the age groups (P = 0.86). The overall prevalence of intestinal helminthic infection in the study population was 1.5%. The prevalence of intestinal helminths in those with diarrhea and those without diarrhea was 3.1% and 0.0%, respectively, (P = 0.496). Only Ancylostoma duodenale (hookworm) was isolated in those with diarrhea and it was of light intensity. There was no significant difference in the method of disposal and source of water, comparing subjects having diarrhea and those not having diarrhea (P > 0.05). The proportions of subjects that usually played in the sand, go on footwear outside home, and go on footwear at home, were not significantly different comparing those having diarrhea and those not having diarrhea (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The prevalence rate of intestinal helminths in children with and without diarrhoea was low. There was general environmental cleanliness and personal hygiene in the study population which were likely responsible for the low helminthic infection thus emphasizing the need for maintenance of good hygiene, access to good water supply and periodic intake of anti-helminthic drugs in view of the public health importance of helminthic infection and diarrhoea.

Prevalence and Intensity of Intestinal Helminth Infections in Preschool Pupils in Lugari Subcounty, Kakamega County, Kenya.

Intestinal helminths cause anaemia, malnutrition, indigestion disorders, retarded growth, and low mental abilities in pupils. About 1.5 billion are infected globally. Intestinal helminth infections are caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis, Enterobius vermicularis, Ancylostoma duodenale, and Necator americanus. Lugari Subcounty has poor sanitation and inadequate clean water. This study determined the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections in preschool pupils in Lugari Subcounty. A stratified multistage cluster experimental design was used. Sampling was carried out in four wards: Lumakanda, Lugari, Luandeti, and Chekalini. Preschool pupils of either gender were selected randomly. Written consents and verbal assent were obtained from parents or guardians and preschool pupils, respectively. Questionnaires were administered in order to collect sociodemographic data. Stool samples were collected and tested for the presence of eggs using the standard Kato-Katz technique. Prevalence rate and prevalence ratio were calculated as the percentage of infected preschool pupils among the total number of preschool pupils examined. Preschool pupils positive with helminths were treated freely, and a follow-up screening was conducted three months after treatment. Approval of the study was sought from the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology Institutional Ethical Review Board (MMUST IRB). The overall prevalence of intestinal helminths was 12.3%. Only one species, Ascaris lumbricoides, was identified. Statistical tests were carried out at a 5% significance level (p < 0.05, confidence interval (CI) 95%). There was a statistically significant association for prevalence and intensity of intestinal helminths versus factors like school location, knowledge of washing hands before eating, and awareness of washing hands after visiting a toilet. Although this study revealed a low prevalence and light intensity, some factors had significant effects on intestinal helminth infections among the preschool children. Therefore, there is a need to intensify efforts for their intestinal helminth control.

High prevalence of intestinal helminthic infection among children under 5 years in a rural Ghanaian community: an urgent call for attention

Intestinal parasitic infections presents a significant public health concern in developing countries. The study determined the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection of children under 5years. A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted at Dodi Papase, a town in the Kadjebi district of the Oti region of Ghana. Stool samples were collected from 152 children under 5years and examined for the presence of intestinal parasites using Kato-Katz technique. Additionally, venous blood samples were collected from participants into EDTA tubes and analyzed for their hemoglobin concentration using the Sysmex XS-500i automated hematology analyzer All laboratory analyses were done at the Ho Teaching Hospital Laboratory. Overall prevalence of intestinal helminthic infections was 44.08% (67/152). Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and Hookworm recorded 20.39%, 10.53% and 13.16% prevalence respectively. Children aged 4years recorded the highest prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections vis-à-vis 50.00% A. lumbricoides and 37.50% Hookworm while children below age 2years recorded the lowest. T. trichiura infection was highest among children below age 2years (44.44%) and lowest among children aged 4years. This study recorded an overall parasitic infections of 44.08%. This therefore calls for periodic screening, anti-helminthic treatment of these children as well as intensified education on attitudinal/behavioral change on improved personal and environmental hygiene in order to help control the menace of intestinal parasitic infections.

Prevalence of intestinal helminthic infections among secondary school students in Edo State, Nigeria

Background: Intestinal helminthic infections are generally common in children accounting for the largest disability adjusted life years (DALYs) of all the parasitic agents. In this study, we determined the prevalence of intestinal helminthic infections among secondary school students in a semi-urban community in Edo State, Nigeria. Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study of 489 students from four secondary schools in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria was conducted between December 2018 and July 2019. The schools were selected by stratified random sampling and all eligible students in each school were enrolled. Stool samples were collected from each student into sterile universal bottle and direct wet mount as well as formol-ether concentrated samples were examined under compound light microscope at the Animal and Environmental Biology Laboratory of the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Structured questionnaire was administered to collect data on socio-demographic and potential risk factors for helminthic infection. Data were analysed with SPSS version 22.0 and associations between variables compared using Chi square or Fischer exact test, with p&lt;0.05 as significant value.Results: Of the total 489 students examined (261 males, 228 females), 6 had intestinal helminthic infection, giving an overall prevalence rate of 1.2%, with 0.7% (n=2) in males and 1.8% (n=4) in females (p=0.4244). Three helminthic parasites, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and Ancylostoma duodenale were identified. All the 6 subjects with helminthiasis had been de-wormed at interval of more than 1 year. Regular hand washing practices (p&lt;0.025) and de-worming interval of 1 year or less (p=0.000) were factors significantly associated with low prevalence of helminthic infection while other risk factors were not significantly associated. Conclusion: The study shows low prevalence of intestinal helminthic infections among secondary school students in Esan West LGA, Edo State, Nigeria. The high level of hand hygiene practices among the participants may account for the low prevalence, which emphasizes the effective role of hygiene practices in the control and elimination of intestinal parasitic infections. De-worming of students at regular interval (yearly) is recommended.Keywords: Intestinal helminth, Prevalence, risk factors, hand hygiene, de-wormingFrench Title: Prévalence des infections helminthiques intestinales chez les élèves du secondaire dans l'État d'Edo, au NigériaContexte: les infections helminthiques intestinales sont généralement fréquentes chez les enfants représentant les plus grandes années de vie corrigées de l'incapacité (Avci) de tous les agents parasitaires. Dans cette étude, nous avons déterminé la prévalence des infections helminthiques intestinales chez les élèves du secondaire dans une communauté semi-urbaine de L'État D'Edo, au Nigeria Méthodologie: une étude transversale descriptive de 489 étudiants de quatre écoles secondaires dans la zone de Gouvernement Local D'Esan West de L'État D'Edo, au Nigeria, a été menée entre décembre 2018 et juillet 2019. Les écoles ont été sélectionnées par échantillonnage aléatoire stratifié et tous les élèves admissibles de chaque école ont été inscrits. Des échantillons de selles ont été prélevés chez chaque étudiant dans une bouteille universelle stérile et une monture humide directe ainsi que des échantillons concentrés de Formol-éther étaient examinés au microscope optique composé au Laboratoire de Biologie animale et environnementale de L'Université du Bénin, Benin City, Nigeria. Un questionnaire structuré a été administré pour recueillir des données sur les facteurs de risque sociodémographiques et potentiels d'infection helminthique. Les données étaient analysées avec la version SPSS 22.0 et les associations entre les variables comparées à L'aide du Chi carré ou du test Fischer exact, avec p&lt;0,05 pris comme valeur significative. Résultats: sur les 489 étudiants examinés (261 hommes, 228 femmes), 6 avaient une infection helminthique intestinale, ce qui donne un taux de prévalence global de 1,2%, avec 0,7% (n=2) chez les hommes et 1,8% (n=4) chez les femmes (p=0,4244). Trois parasites helminthiques, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichura et Ancylostoma duodenale ont été identifiés. Tous les 6 sujets avec d'helminthiase avaient été vermifugés à intervalle de plus d’un an. Les pratiques régulières de lavage des mains (p&lt;0,025) et l'intervalle vermifuge de 1 an ou moins (p=0,000) étaient des facteurs significativement associés à une faible prévalence de l'infection helminthique alors que d'autres facteurs de risque n'étaient pas significativement associés. Conclusion: L'étude montre une faible prévalence des infections helminthiques intestinales chez les élèves du secondaire à Esan West LGA, dans L'État D'Edo, au Nigeria. Le niveau élevé de pratiques d'hygiène des mains chez les participants peut expliquer la faible prévalence, ce qui souligne le rôle efficace des pratiques d'hygiène dans le contrôle et l'élimination des infections parasitaires intestinales. Il est recommandé de déparasiter les élèves à intervalles réguliers (chaque année).Mots-clés: helminthes intestinaux, prévalence, facteurs de risque, hygiène des mains, vermifuge

Prevalence of intestinal helminth infection among human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients attending Aminu Kano teaching hospital

Background: Helminth and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections have a major effect on the host immune system, and coinfection is widespread. About 17%–66% of the world populations are infected with helminth and approximately 24% of the world's population is infected with intestinal helminth. The majority of this infection occurs in resource-limited settings like sub-Saharan Africa which includes Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Stool samples were collected from 297 participants comprising 150 HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-infected individuals as test group and 147 HIV/AIDS-uninfected individuals as control group attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. The samples were examined using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal helminth infection was 18.0% for the test group and 2.7% for the control group. Hookworm was found to be the most prevalent intestinal helminth parasite detected with 7.07%, followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (2.69%) and Fasciola species (0.67%), respectively. Some protozoan parasites were also detected, namely Entamoeba coli (3.4%) and Entamoeba histolytica (2.7%). Six of the participants had multiple infections with hookworm and E. histolytica (3 [1.0%]), A. lumbricoides and E. coli (2 [0.7%]), and A. lumbricoides and E. histolytica (1 [0.3%]). A statistically significant association was observed between the type of toilet used, animal rearing, handwashing, and intestinal helminth infection (P 0.02, 0.003, and 0.000). No statistical association exists between sources of water, walking barefooted, and intestinal helminth infection (P 0.211 and 0.942). Conclusion: This study revealed an increased prevalence of intestinal helminth infection among the test group than the control group, as such stool examination should be part of the routine laboratory investigations for HIV/AIDS patients to have effective and proper management of the patients.