Prevalence Of Intestinal Parasitic Infections Research Articles

Assessment of Intestinal Parasitic Infection and Personal Hygiene Practice Among School Children in A Primary School in A Village in Jakarta, Indonesia

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPI) are still among developing countries' most prevalent parasitic infections. IPI is closely linked to nutrition, personal hygiene, environmental sanitation, income, climate, and education. Aims/Objectives: To assess the IPI and personal hygiene status among school children in the flood-prone area in Jakarta, Indonesia. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a government primary school in South Jakarta, Indonesia, involving 157 students. A structured questionnaire was developed to assess the personal hygiene behavior of the students. A physical examination of the nail fingers was conducted as well. Feces samples were collected from each student and examined using direct smear techniques to identify intestinal parasite infection. Results: The prevalence of IPI was 38.2% in single and mixed infections. Intestinal parasites recorded in this study were Blastocystis hominis, Giardia lamblia, Trichuris trichiura, hookworm eggs, and non-pathogen protozoa Entamoeba coli. There is no significant difference between the prevalence of IPI with footwear usage, nail-cutting once a week (p=0.718), handwashing before the meal (p=0.688), handwashing after defecations (p=0.618); however, there is a significant difference between nail cleanliness and IPI (p=0.003). Conclusions: The prevalence of IPI in these school children was high and required interventions like health education and action on nail and hand hygiene behavior from school personnel or teachers.

Safeguarding health on every plate: Intestinal parasitic infection survey of food handlers in a tertiary care centre

Food borne infections pose significant public health problem, especially in developing countries of the world. A continuous surveillance to ensure the health of the personnel involved in preparation of the hospital food is important as they can be a source of spreading the infections and possible outbreaks. We analysed the data of the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in food handlers in our tertiary care centre from 2018 to 2022 and 6.8% were observed to harbour intestinal parasites during the period. This signifies the importance of routine screening, and the need of awareness and education of the food handlers in hospitals.

Prevalence of Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and intestinal parasites among food handlers working in University of Gondar student's cafeteria, Northwest Ethiopia.

Food-borne infections continue to be a major public health problem at the international level. The issue becomes more serious in developing countries like Ethiopia. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella species and intestinal parasites, as well as antimicrobial resistance patterns and associated factors among food handlers at the University of Gondar cafeteria in northwest Ethiopia. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to June 2021 in the University of Gondar cafeterias. Data related to the socio-demographic characteristics and hygienic practices of study participants were collected using structured questionnaires. A total of 290 stool samples were collected from food handlers. Culture and conventional biochemical tests were used to isolate the Salmonella and the Shigella species. Wet mount, Formol-ether concentration, and Kato Katz techniques were applied to identify intestinal parasites. Additionally, drug susceptibility tests were performed using the disk diffusion method. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 26. Of 290 food handlers' stool samples analyzed, Twenty-seven 27 (9.3%) were positive for both Salmonella and Shigella species. The prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella species was 16 (5.5%) and 11 (3.8%), respectively. Most of the isolated pathogens were resistant to tetracycline 19 (70.4%), and trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole 19 (70.4%). The overall rate of multi-drug resistant Shigella and Salmonella isolate was 59.3%. Besides, Fifty-seven 57 (19.7%) of the participants were positive for one or more intestinal parasites. The most prevalent intestinal Parasitosis was E. histolytica/dispar 22 (7.6%), followed by G. lamblia 13 (4.5%), and Ascaris lumbricoides 11 (3.8) not washing hands after using the toilet (AOR: 4.42, 95% CI: 1.57, 10.56), and consuming unpasteurized milk (AOR: 3.14, 95% CI: 1.65, 3.96), were factors significantly associated with the prevalence of Salmonella, and Shigella infection. Similarly, not washing hands after using the toilet (AOR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.0, 1.4), and consuming unpasteurized milk (AOR: 10.4, 95% CI: 3.8, 28.8), were factors significantly associated with the prevalence of intestinal parasites infection. The prevalence of intestinal parasites, Salmonella, and Shigella species was high. Therefore, it is imperative to implement a public health policy that includes ongoing microbiological surveillance.

Intestinal parasitic infections and predisposing factors among prison inmates in Southern Ghana: A cross-sectional study.

The environment within prisons, such as overcrowding, lack of access to portable water, poor sanitation, and hygiene predisposes inmates to infections, including intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs). This study therefore determined the prevalence and associated factors of IPIs among prison inmates in Southern Ghana. A cross-sectional study using the stratified sampling technique was employed. The study recruited 461 prison inmates across three notable prisons, with 50 inmates from Ho Central, 357 inmates from Nsawam Medium Security, and 54 inmates from Sekondi Central Prisons all in Southern Ghana. A structured closed-ended questionnaire was administered to collect data on sociodemographics, lifestyle/behavioral characteristics, and signs and symptoms of IPIs. In addition, stool samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of various stages of intestinal parasites (trophozoites, cysts, ova, and larva) using formol-ether concentration, and the modified Ziehl-Neelsen techniques. The prevalence of IPIs among inmates of the three selected prisons was 38.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 33.72%-42.79%). The prevalence of IPIs among inmates of the three prisons, the Ho Central, Nsawam Medium Security, and Sekondi Central were 46% (95% CI: 31.82%-60.68%), 37.5% (95% CI: 32.49%-42.79%), and 35.2% (95% CI: 22.68%-49.38%), respectively. After adjusting for confounders, the following factors; handwashing after defecation (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.05 [0.00-0.67]; p = 0.024), trimmed fingernails (AOR: 0.32 [0.13-0.76]; p = 0.011), itchy skin (AOR [95% CI]: 5.99 [3.43-10.43]; p < 0.001), anal itching (AOR [95% CI]: 0.35 [0.19-0.62]; p < 0.001), nausea (AOR [95% CI]: 5.57 [3.22-9.65]; p < 0.001), and worm expulsion (AOR [95% CI]: 3.80 [1.42-10.18]; p = 0.008) were found to be associated with intestinal parasitic infections. The study revealed that the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among prisons in Southern Ghana is high and is therefore an important public health concern. The Public Health Department of Ghana Health Service should therefore embark on health promotion and deworming exercise in all prisons in Ghana.

The Burden of Protozoal and Helminth Intestinal Infections and Related Risk Factors Among the Households of Migrant Construction Workers in Bhopal.

There are a few existing gaps and paucity of literature from Southeast Asia on the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among migrant construction workers. The present cross-sectional study was conducted to address this gap among migrant construction workers and their households in Bhopal. The study design included an interview questionnaire survey prior to the enrollment of participants and stool sample collection. The stool samples were processed according to the study protocol of macroscopy, occult blood testing, microscopy techniques combined with modified acid-fast, and sedimentation techniques. Participants were deemed positive if they exhibited microscopic findings in one out of three stool samples per recruit.We recommended clinical consultation for these cases and provided a report. Direct therapeutic intervention was not part of the study. The total recruits were 361. The predominant age group was young, i.e., aged 21 to 30 years(122/361, 33.8%), with the majority of females (55.2%). Most workers were occupied with work of digging soil (47.4%). The majority of participants (93.1%) practiced open field defecation (OFD). The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among migrant workers and households was 36.9% (133/361). Monoinfection was 88.7%, with 41% fromEntamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar.MonoinfectionwithHymenolepis nana (10.2%)was apredominant helminth. The most commoncoinfection observed was ofGiardia intestinalis with Ancylostoma duodenale (26.7%). Hand washing was the only independent predictor with an odds ratio of 3.6. Migrant behavior of the construction workers and their households was the major reason for not reaching the benefits of deworming schemes for childrenand vulnerability to intestinal parasitic infections.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among patients attending Debarq Primary Hospital, northwest Ethiopia.

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are major public health problems in developing countries. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of IPIs at Debarq Primary Hospital in northwest Ethiopia. A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2022 to June 2022. The study participants were recruited from patients who visited Debarq Primary Hospital during the study period. Stool samples were collected from each participant and examined for intestinal parasites using direct wet-mount and formal-ether concentration techniques. Socio-demographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Out of 422 individuals examined, 33.64% were infected with at least one intestinal parasite species. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Giardia intestinalis, Ascaris lumbricoides, and hookworm were found in 12.79%, 8.53%, 7.10%, and 1.65% of the participants, respectively. Double and triple parasite infections were found in 2.37% and 0.23% of the participants, respectively. A habit of eating unwashed vegetables (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 9.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.68-37.14) and low income (AOR = 6.66, 95% CI = 1.87-23.70) were associated with increased odds of IPIs. Participants with a habit of hand washing after using the toilet had 0.05 (95% CI = 0.13-0.22) lower odds of IPIs than those who did not. In conclusion, IPIs are common among Debarq Primary Hospital patients and are associated with factors such as low income, not washing hands after using the toilet, and eating unwashed vegetation, necessitating control and prevention efforts in the study area that include health education and the provision and use of sanitary facilities.

Prevalência e fatores de risco associados a infecções Infecções Parasitárias Intestinais (IPIs) em áreas rurais e urbanas de Quetta, Paquistão

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are endemic worldwide and more prevalent in countries with unhygienic conditions. The objective of the research was to identify the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in rural and urban areas of Quetta, Balochistan and to check their associated risk factors including; age, gender, educational status, sanitary system and any other immunodeficiency. For this instance 204 stool samples were collected from the urban and rural population of Quetta, Balochistan. The participants with positive results for Intestinal Parasitic Infections were interviewed using close-ended questionnaire. From the findings of this study, it has been revealed that prevalence of Intestinal parasitic infections in rural and urban areas was 21%. Males were found more prevalent (66%) as compared to females (34%) due to higher risk of contacting to outer environment. The prevalence was higher in rural areas (23%). The most prevalent intestinal parasite was Entamoeba histolytica (48%). Other prevailing parasites were Hymenolepis nana (26%), Giardia Intestinalis (17%), Trichomonas hominis (5%) and Trichuris trichiura (5%). The majority of patients were having lower socio-economic (52%) and educational status (48%). Educational status of 48% patients was primary or below primary. Most of the participants with positive results did not have hand washing habit (62%) and didn't have the closed sanitary system (71%). The intestinal parasitic infections were more prevalent among children aged from 1-10 (33%). This may be a result of poor hygiene in children. The study will contribute to lower down the prevalence in the studied areas by the application of different preventive measures in future.

Enteric parasites and associated factors in cancer patients in Nepal.

Infection with intestinal parasites is widespread worldwide, especially in developing countries. Intestinal parasites are a major cause of diarrhea in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised people, but cancer patients are more prone to infection. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at Nepal Cancer Hospital and Research Center (NCHRC) in Nepal. One hundred individuals were selected with a convenience sampling strategy. The stool samples were examined by direct wet mount, sedimentation, flotation, and acid-fast methods to determine the prevalence and intensity of IPIs in this population. The overall prevalence of IPIs was 8% (4% protozoan and 4% helminths). Altogether, three species of intestinal parasites were detected. Cryptosporidium (4%) was predominant followed by Trichuris trichiura (2%) and Ancylostoma duodenale (2%). Multivariable regression analysis revealed that "not using soap for handwashing" was significantly associated with the prevalence of overall IPIs. None of the other evaluated risk factors indicated an association with IPIs infection. In this study, the IPIs were attributable to individual hygiene behaviors, but not to nutritional status or socio-demographic characteristics. Yet, significant numbers of males reported anemia and undernutrition in this study population.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Children Attending Some Schools in Amran Governorate, Yemen

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are a global health issue among schoolchildren, with high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections among schoolchildren in the Amran governorate, Yemen. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study carried out among 200 schoolchildren aged 7–15 years between December 2021 and March 2022. The stool specimens were collected and the parasite species was detected according to standard laboratory methods. Results: The overall rate of parasite infection was 48%. Entamoeba histolytica was the most prevalent parasite among children (25%), followed by Giardia lamblia (13.5%), Entamoeba coli (12%), Enterobius vermicularis (10%), and Hymenolepis nana (6.5%). Furthermore, a higher infection was among males (57%), those aged 7 to 10 (45%), those whose parents had a basic education (60.7%), and those who consume unwashed vegetables and fruits (57.7%). Additionally, a higher infection was among those who do not wash their hands after defecation (57.7%) and individuals who maintain their nails (54.8%). Conclusion: As a result of the high prevalence of IPIs among the study's participants, environmental sanitation, personal hygiene, and health education are all required for promotion in order to avoid parasitic infection among children

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in HIV/AIDS-infected patients with correlation to CD4+ T-cell count at hospital in Eastern India.

In developing nations, one of the most common reasons for death and illness is due to infections that are brought on by intestinal parasites. People who have HIV are more likely to contract parasites that are either well-established intestinal pathogens, like Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia and Strongyloidesstercoralis, or an opportunistic pathogen like Cryptosporidium, Isospora, Cyclospora and Microsporidia. Higher prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections occurs in patients with low CD4+ cell counts. Hence, this study had been performed to know the correlation of intestinal parasitic infection in HIV/AIDS patients with reference to CD4+ cell count. The study comprised 1477 HIV-positive patients who were treated at ART Centre of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi. All participants provided verbal informed consent before specimens were collected. Blood and stool sample were used for the identification of parasite and CD4+ T-Cell count. In patients living with HIV, the prevalence of intestinal parasite infection was 12.59 per cent. In a manner parallel, the prevalence of parasitic infections was found to be 10.29% among male HIV-positive patients and 2.31% among female HIV-positive patients. This study has shed light that low CD4+ T-cell count appears to be a factor for intestinal parasitic infections and development of diarrhoea. Regular screening and treatment of intestinal parasitic infections is very important in overall improvement in quality of life of HIV/AIDS patients. Nevertheless, sanitary hygiene practices and deworming are needed to enhance the control of infection in the affected areas.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infection Among the 1-15 Years Age Group Children and Its Association with Iron Deficiency Anemia

Background and Objective Intestinal parasitic infection and iron deficiency anaemia are still, a significant public health concern mostly in developing countries. The present study aimed to study the relationships between intestinal parasitic infections and iron deficiency anaemia among the 1-15 years age group of children. There are many helminths, transmitted through the soil like Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm), Trichiuris trichiura (whipworm), Ancylostoma duodenale, and Necator americanicus (hookworms). These infections are most prevalent among the children Methods: In this study the stool samples were collected fro[i]m above age group children for parasitic infection and Hb, PBF examination was also conducted to rule out the anemia at verto medical lab. There may be chances of IDA because of the nutrition deficiency but if the occult blood positive and parasites in stool, suggestive of anemia due to the blood loss. Results: The sample was collected and processed out of that 19% samples were positive for intestinal parasites. Particularly the Entamoeba coli was 6%, E. histolytica was 2%, Ascaris and Giardia was 7%. Giardia percentage was high and fecal occult blood was positive of all sample containing parasites except Entamoeba coli, the FOB was negative. The patient with intestinal infection usually having low hemoglobin value and peripheral examination populated with predominately microcytic hypochromic picture. Conclusion: The reveals the relationship between the role of intestinal parasites in loss of iron that gives the impact on hemoglobin synthesis revealed in blood film examination. finding proof of IDA. The study also helpful in early diagnosis of IDA through few parameters mentioned in study.&#x0D; &#x0D;

PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITES AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG UNDER-FIVE CHILDREN ATTENDING KIBOGORA LEVEL TWO TEACHING HOSPITAL, RWANDA

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated risk factors among under-five children attending Kibogora Level Two Teaching Hospital in Rwanda. Specific objectives were: to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among under-five years children attending Kibogora Level Two Teaching Hospital, Rwanda, to identify the source of water and their utilization in intestinal parasitic occurrence among under-five years children attending Kibogora Level Two Teaching Hospital, Rwanda; and to identify the risk factors associated with intestinal parasites occurrence among under-five children attending Kibogora Level Two Teaching Hospital, Rwanda. Methods: retrospective cross-sectional study design with quantitative approaches at Nyamasheke in June 2022. The study includes a target population of 772 children and a sample size of 263. A questionnaire was administered to collect data on hygiene, sanitation, socio-demographic and economic characteristics (risk factors), and secondary data from 2019-2022 were used. Results: the prevalence of intestinal parasites was 102(38.7%). In this study the prevalence of Ascaris 56(21.3%) was the highest followed by amoeba (Entamoeba histolytica) 24(9.1%), Giardia lamblia 8(3.0%), Trichomonas intestinalis 7(2.6%) and Ankilostoma duodenale 7(2.6%). Other intestinal parasites detected such as Necator americanus and Trichiuris trichiura were identified at less than one percent prevalence. A chi-squared test was used to establish a relationship between different variables. The chi-squared shows that there is no statistically significant association between the marital status category of the children and having latrines at home with a chi-squared value of 3.293 and a p-value 0.183 of there was no statistically significant association. utensils drying site with a chi-squared value of 5.422 and p-value of .000 there was a statistically significant association. Drinking boiled water with a chi-squared value of 7.857a and p-value of .97. Washing hands before a meal with a chi-squared value of 7.857a and p-value of 98. Washing hands after defecation with a chi-squared value of 3.293 and p-value of .193, there is no statistical significance. Finally, the high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in under-five children warrants strict control measures for microbial reduction through the utensils-drying site, improved hygiene and sanitation, and treatment of drinking water should be considered.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0015/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and Associated Risk Factors among Rural Areas in Duhok Province

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections in humans are considered a significant global issue, particularly in rural areas. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections and their associated factors in rural areas in Duhok province-Kurdistan Region-Iraq.&#x0D; Methods: A total of 620 stool samples were collected from individuals of various ages residing in rural villages within districts of Duhok province and were subjected to microscopic examination techniques.&#x0D; Results: Among the participants, 62.26% were found to be infected with at least one or two species of intestinal parasites. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was higher in males (68.65%) compared to females (31.35%). The highest prevalence rate (34.46%) was observed in the age group between 6 and 12 years. The infection were three protozoa: Entamoeba histolytica (73.83%), Giardia lamblia (16.84%), and Blastocystis hominis (8.81%). only one helminths was detected: Taenia spp. (0.52%). Protozoan infection was higher than helminths infections (99.48% and 0.52%, respectively). Abdominal pain and diarrhea were reported with high rates (33.16% and 32.12%, respectively). Participants who consumed water from wells exhibited the highest rate of intestinal parasitic infections (62.44%). Those who did not wash their hands before meals (70.47%), consumed raw or unwashed vegetables and fruits (61.66%), and had contact with animals (80.57%) showed significantly higher prevalence rates of intestinal parasitic infections (P &lt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusions: The prevalence of intestinal parasites among rural populations was high in Kurdistan Region and it was associated with unhygienic conditions.

The Frequency of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in COVID-19 Patients: A Case-Control Study in Tehran, Capital of Iran.

The present study was done to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in patients with COVID-19 in health care centers (Imam Reza and Golestan hospitals), Tehran, capital of Iran. By designing a matched case-control study, 200 fecal samples were collected for each of the COVID-19 patients and healthy individuals. Nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swab samples were collected from all participants for the diagnosis of COVID-19. RNA extraction was performed, and then real time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assay was applied to detect viral RNA. Considering the lung complications, 25%> lung complications was detected in 49 patients, 25-49% in 42 patients, and 50%≤ in 109 patients. Fecal samples were examined using different parasitological techniques. After nested-PCR, sequencing was applied to identify Cryptosporidium spp. and microsporidia spp. A relatively lower prevalence of IPIs was detected among control group (7.5%), than in COVID-19 patients (13%), though not significant (P=0.13). The most prevalent parasite among patients was Blastocystis sp. (6%). Also, 13.76% of IPIs were detected in inpatients with more than 50% lung complication. As well, a remarkably significant difference in IPIs was observed among diarrheic COVID-19 patients, in comparison with nondiarrheic patients (P < 0.00001). Moreover, the isolated sequences in the present study belonged to C. parvum subtype IIa and Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotypes D and Peru 8. In conclusion, more epidemiological and clinical research studies are needed to better understand the status and interaction of IPI in COVID-19 in Iran and other countries.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in HIV-positive and negative groups in some selected semi-urban areas in Nasarawa state, Nigeria

Objectives: The objective of the study is to determine the occurrence of intestinal parasites among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive and negative groups. Materials and Methods: A case–control study was conducted in four semi-urban areas in Nasarawa State. The study enrolled 422 participants. Stool samples were collected and examined for the presence of intestinal parasites. Blood sample was collected to investigate for HIV infection. Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal infections among HIV-positive individuals was 37.7% (78/207). For geohelminth infections, HIV-positive individuals were more commonly infected by hookworm at a rate of 9.7% (20/207). For Protozoa infections, HIV-positive groups were identified more with Giardia lamblia, at a rate of 8.2% (17/207). The binary logistic regression showed that factors significantly associated with parasite infections among HIV-positive individuals included being under 43 years of age (odds ratio [OR] = 2.192, confidence interval [CI]: 0.082, 3.736) and subjects with diarrhea (OR = 1.521, CI: 0.112, 2.891) for geohelminth parasite. While in the case of Protozoa infections, parasitic infections are higher among study subjects with diarrhea (OR = 1.767, CI: 0.111, 3.009). Conclusion: HIV-positive individuals are more susceptible to coinfections with hookworm (geohelminth) and G. lamblia (Protozoa), which are more prevalent among those with poor personal hygiene habits. This indicates a need for an integrated approach to hygiene promotion, surveillance, and treatment.

Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections among pregnant women in Taiz Governorate, Yemen: A hospital-based study.

Intestinal parasitic infections in pregnant women have been associated with severe adverse outcomes such as anemia, low birth weight, and mother and fetus morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection and its associated risk factors among pregnant women in Taiz, Yemen. A cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2022 and January 2023. Sociodemographic and other explanatory variables were obtained via face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. The wet-mount and formol-ether concentration techniques were applied to identify the IPIs. Data were analyzed using SPSS, version 20, and p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. An analysis of descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression was conducted. A p-value < 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. The study included a total of 393 pregnant women. Of the 393 pregnant women screened for intestinal parasites, 144 (36.6 %) had at least one parasite. The most common intestinal parasite was Giardia lamblia (12.2 %), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (10.9 %), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (7.4 %), Enterobius vermicularis (14.3 %), and Hymenolepis nana (1.8 %). Being a farmer (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.69-4.26, p = 0:003) and drinking from unsafe water wells, streams, rain, and dams (AOR = 2:6, 95% CI: 1.68-4.25, p ≤ 0:001) were significantly associated with IPIs. Pregnant women in the study area still face a severe health burden due to intestinal parasitic infection. Therefore, it is recommended that health education should be improved, and safe tap water should be provided to pregnant women to reduce the incidence of IPIs.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among children in Kirkuk City, Iraq.

Intestinal parasites are endemic in many developing areas, and they are regarded as one of the most frequent tropical diseases, where they are responsible for adult and child morbidity and mortality. The current study is a survey to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections in patients attending the General Hospital for Pediatrics in Kirkuk City from January 2021 to September 2021. Stool samples were examined by direct smear method with normal saline 0.9 % NaCl and 1% iodine-Lugol solution staining method to determine the outcomes of the current investigation. The results were assessed using the Q-square statistic test. The current study's findings revealed that intestinal parasites were reported in 69(31.7), the most affected group of patients with intestinal parasites, those 1-3 years old (11.4%), Intestinal protozoa infection were (24.3%) significantly more than helminths with (7.4%). The most common protozoa were Entamoeba histolytica (17.9%), the next common protozoan found was Giardia lamblia (6.4%). Intestinal helminth infections were reported in this study (7.4%). Males were more infected with intestinal parasites (18.4%) than females (13.3%). The highest infection rate with intestinal parasites was recorded between August (6.4%) and September (4.6%). Double infection was detected in three cases with Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia. At the same time, no triple infection was reported during this study. Keywords: Intestinal parasitic infections, Intestinal protozoa, Intestinal helminths, Kirkuk

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections, Genotypes, and Drug Susceptibility of Giardia lamblia among Preschool and School-Aged Children: A Cross-Sectional Study in Thailand.

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in children and assess the drug susceptibility and genotypes/assemblages of Giardia lamblia in Thailand. This cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 3-12 years in Sangkhlaburi District, Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand, between 25 September 2017 and 12 January 2018. Parasites were identified by stool microscopic examination, cultivation of intestinal parasitic protozoa, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Drug susceptibility and genotype of G. lamblia were performed, respectively, by a resazurin assay and Triosephosphate Isomerase A and B genes using modified primers and probes. Among the 661 participants, 445 had an intestinal parasitic infection, resulting in a prevalence of 67.32% (95% CI: 63.60-70.89%). Blastocystis hominis was the most prevalent protozoa infection (49.32%; 95% CI: 45.44-53.22%), while Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent helminth infection (0.91%; 95% CI: 0.33-1.97%). The prevalence of G. lamblia was 17.40%, with genotype B being the most common. According to our study, intestinal parasitic infections were commonly found in Thai children. G. lamblia was the most common pathogenic protozoa infection identified and exhibited less susceptibility to metronidazole compared to furazolidone and mebendazole.

PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PROTOZOA, HELMINTHES, AND COCCIDIAN INFECTIONS AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN THALA’A DISTRICT AT AMRAN GOVERNORATE, YEMEN

Background and objectives: The prevalence of intestinal parasite infection, which can range between 18% and 90%, is one of the most frequently reported diseases in Yemen and poses a serious health issue for schoolchildren. In Thala’a District, Amran Governorate, Yemen, the study's main goal was to ascertain the prevalence of intestinal parasite infection among primary school students. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to April 2022 among 400 schoolchildren, in the age groups 7-12 years. All the children were residents of the city of Thala’a. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Stool samples were examined for intestinal parasites according to standard laboratory methods. Results: The children's ages ranged from 7 to 12 years, with a mean±SD of 9.52 ± 2.9 years. The results showed that 136/400 (34%) of the tested children were positive for intestinal parasite infection with a higher prevalence of specific intestinal worms (50.4%) than protozoa (33.3%) and coccidian infection (16.3%). The rate of infection alone was also higher than that of multiple parasitic infections (19.3% vs. 14.8%). The highest number of intestinal parasites was 50/400 (12.5%) for Ascaris lumbricoides, and 49/400 (12.25%) for Entameba histolytica followed by 9.8% for Giardia lamblia, 11.5% for Entrobius vermicularis, 6.5% for Cryptosporidium species, 6.5% for Hymenolepis nana, 2% for Schistosoma mansoni, and 0.8% for Trichuris trichiura. Considering the associated factors, boys had a higher infection rate than girls (50% vs. 24.2%) with an OR of 2.6, CI =1.7–3.9 (p &lt; 0.001). A higher rate was also recorded in older children (41%) with an odds ratio of 1.6 (p=0.03). Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of intestinal parasites among school children in Thala’a city, and various control measures are required to control and prevent intestinal parasites among school children. Peer Review History: Received: 3 March 2023; Revised: 22 April; Accepted: 27 June 2023, Available online: 15 July 2023 Academic Editor: Dr. Asia Selman Abdullah, Pharmacy institute, University of Basrah, Iraq, asia_abdullah65@yahoo.com Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Rola Jadallah, Arab American University, Palestine, rola@aauj.edu Dr. Tamer Elhabibi, Suez Canal University, Egypt, tamer_hassan@pharm.suez.edu.eg Dr. Sheikh Abdul Khaliq, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Karachi, Pakistan, drwadhsheikh1974@gmail.com

Prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections among children in pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities in the Adadle woreda of the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia.

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) can cause illness, morbidity, and occasional mortality in children. Agro-pastoralist and pastoralist children in the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia (ESRS) are especially at risk for IPIs, as access to safe water, sanitation, and health services is lacking. Minimal data on the prevalence of IPIs and associated risk factors exists in this region. We assessed the prevalence of IPIs and associated risk factors during the wet season from May-June 2021 in 366 children aged 2 to 5 years in four agro-pastoralist and four pastoralist kebeles (wards) in Adadle woreda (district) of the Shebelle zone, ESRS. Household information, anthropometric measurements, and stool samples were obtained from included children. Parasites were identified microscopically using Kato-Katz and direct smear methods. Risk factors were assessed using general estimating equation models accounting for clustering. Overall prevalence of IPIs was 35%: 30.6% for single infections and 4.4% for poly-parasitic infections. Intestinal protozoan prevalence was 24.9%: 21.9% Giardia intestinalis, and 3.0% Entamoeba spp.. Intestinal helminth prevalence was 14.5%: 12.8% Ascaris lumbricoides, 1.4% hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale /Necator americanus.), and 0.3% Hymenolepis nana. G. intestinalis infection was associated with drinking water sourced from the river (aOR 15.6, 95%CI 6.84, 35.4) and from collected rainwater (aOR 9.48, 95%CI 3.39, 26.5), with toilet sharing (aOR 2.93, 95%CI 1.36, 6.31) and with household ownership of cattle (1-5 cattle: aOR 1.65, 95%CI 1.13, 2.41; 6+ cattle: aOR 2.07, 95%CI 1.33, 3.21) and chickens (aOR 3.80, 95%CI 1.77, 8.17). A. lumbricoides infection was associated with children 36 to 47 months old (aOR 1.92, 95%CI 1.03, 3.58). Improving access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services in Adadle and employing a One Health approach would likely improve the health of children living in (agro-) pastoralist communities in Adadle and the ESRS; however, further studies are required.