Prevalence Of Intestinal Parasitic Infections Research Articles

The burden and trend of intestinal parasitosis among women at Berekum, Ghana: a 9-year retrospective study.

Intestinal parasitic infections(IPIs) are serious global public health issues, especially in low and middle-income countries. These parasites can cause high morbidity and mortality, especially in immunocompromised individuals, and can easily be transmitted by consumption of contaminated food or water or by penetration of skin and mucous membranes. We retrospectively analyzed all archived data from stool examination reports at the Parasitology Unit of Precise Health Diagnostic Services, Berekum for the prevalence and trends of parasitic infections spanning a period of 9 years (2013-2021). The data was retrieved and exported to IBM SPSS v.26 for statistical analysis. Descriptive data was summarized as proportions and presented in tables and charts. Pearson Chi-Square test (χ2) or Fisher's exact test was used to test for a statistical association between demographic factors and intestinal parasitic infections. P value was significant at < 0.05. A total of 9,217 records of stool examinations were retrieved. Almost half (48.45%) of the data were from patients aged between 20 and 29 years. An overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections of 21.20% was observed in this study. Patients aged 70 to 79 had the highest prevalence of the IPIs (44.44%). The parasites recovered in this study were intestinal flagellates, Entamoeba coli, Hookworm, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Ascaris lumbricoides, Enterobius vermicularis, Strongyloides stercoralis and Hymenolepis nana. The intestinal flagellates had the highest prevalence (98.31%) compared to the other intestinal parasites recovered. Intestinal parasitic infections had the highest prevalence in the year 2020 (28.56%) and lowest in 2018 (11.78%). An overall prevalence of 21.20% of intestinal parasitic infection was found. The majority of the parasites reported were intestinal flagellates (98.31%). The trend analysis revealed that the overall prevalence fluctuated across the entire period from 2013 to 2021.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Schoolchildren in Katsina Metropolis, Katsina State, Nigeria

Intestinal Parasitic Infections (IPIs) are significant causes of morbidity, particularly among school-aged children. This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections among schoolchildren in Katsina Metropolis, Katsina State, Nigeria. A total of 420 schoolchildren from five randomly selected primary schools were enrolled for the study. Socio-demographic data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to both the children and their parents. Stool samples were analyzed using the Kato-Katz and direct wet-mount techniques to identify the presence of parasitic infections. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was found to be 33.6%. The most prevalent parasite was Ascaris lumbricoides, detected in 28.0% of the children, and followed by Giardia lamblia (23.3%), Hookworm (22.8%), Entamoeba coli (19.5%), and Trichuris trichiura (6.6%). The prevalence was higher in males (37.1%) compared to females (30.1%). Children aged 6-9 years showed a significantly higher prevalence (38.0%) than those aged ≥10 years (30.0%) (P&lt;0.05). The key risk factors identified included family size, dietary habits, lack of toilet facilities, drinking water sources and the educational status of parents. The study indicates that STHs and intestinal protozoa infections remain prevalent among schoolchildren in Katsina Metropolis, posing a substantial public health challenge. Addressing this issue requires increased public awareness, improved sanitation in schools, and the implementation of school-based deworming programs.

Trend in Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Students at Oda Bultum University: A 5-year Retrospective Study

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Background&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: The impact of intestinal parasitic infections is not limited to morbidity and mortality, but also extends to impaired cognitive abilities and intellectual deficits in students. However, no known programmed control or prevention interventions are available for university students in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine trends in intestinal parasitic infections among students at Oda Bultum University. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Methods&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: A retrospective study was conducted among students suspected of having intestinal parasitic infections between 2019 and 2023. The Kobo Toolbox was used to collect complete age, sex, and stool examination data from the Oda Bultum University Student Clinic Laboratory Registration Book. SPSS version 25.0 was used for the data analysis. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Results&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: The overall five-year prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among university students was 1036/1902 (54.5% [CI = 52.2-56.7%]). Of the nine different parasites reported, &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;E. histolytica/dispar &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;(24.3%) was the most common, followed by&amp;lt;i&amp;gt; G. lamblia &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;(13.9%) and, among the helminths, &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;A. lumbricoides&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; (9.8%). The prevalence trends over five years were inconsistent. In contrast, the number of seasonal parasitic infections consistently increased from spring (44.9%) to summer (67.7%). &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Conclusion&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: The five-year prevalence in the present study was high (54.5%), with an inconsistent trend and consistent seasonal prevalence. There is a need to develop intervention strategies, including health education and regular deworming for the university community. Regular screening of food handlers in student cafeterias is recommended.

Intestinal parasitic infections in Ukrainian war refugee children living in Poland

Introduction: The armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine in February 2022 forced millions of Ukrainian citizens to flee their country and seek refuge mainly in the European Union. Many of them found shelter in Poland. There are now over one million Ukrainian war refugees living in Poland, including 500,000 children. The attention of Polish medical services has been recently drawn to the previously unknown epidemiological status of infectious and invasive diseases in the paediatric population of Ukrainian refugees. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in the group of Ukrainian children living in Poland. Materials and methods: The study involved performing parasitological examination of stool samples collected in May 2023 from 37 Ukrainian refugee children aged 3–7 years, who were living in Szczecin (Poland) and were attending a preschool set up to address the needs of the local Ukrainian community. Stool samples were tested by light microscopy using three different methods (direct smear, decantation, flotation) at the Department of Epidemiology and Tropical Medicine at the Military Institute of Medicine – National Research Institute. Results: Intestinal parasites were detected in 3 out of 37 children (8.1% of the study group; there was one case of infection with Ascaris lumbricoides and two cases of infection with Blastocystis spp.). The infected children’s parents or guardians did not observe any diarrhoeas or other gastrointestinal symptoms within 6 months prior to the examination. Conclusions: The presence of intestinal parasites among Ukrainian war refugee children living in Poland justifies the screening for parasitic diseases in this population. The obtained results will allow to take appropriate preventive and therapeutic actions.

Zarażenia pasożytami jelitowymi u dzieci ukraińskich − uchodźców wojennych mieszkających w Warszawie

Introduction and objectiveThe war and the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine have resulted in a mass migration of millions of Ukrainians into the EU countries. According to the data obtained from Statistics Poland, a governmental agency collecting and publishing the country’s statistical data, the number of Ukrainian children currently living in Poland is approximately 500,000. The massive influx of immigrants into Poland poses a considerable challenge to the national health care sector. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among Ukrainian child war refugees living in Warsaw.Material and methodsThe study involved a total of 25 Ukrainian children, patients of the Clinic of Paediatrics, Nephrology and Paediatric Allergology at the Military Institute of Medicine – National Research Institute in Warsaw. Parasitological diagnostic work-up was carried out in October 2023 at the Department of Epidemiology and Tropical Medicine, the Military Institute of Medicine – National Research Institute in Gdynia. Stool tests for the presence of intestinal parasites were conducted by light microscopy using three different methods (direct smear in Lugol’s solution, decantation with distilled water, Fülleborn’s flotation).ResultsA total of 20% of the children studied (5/25) were found to be infected with potentially pathogenic stramenopile &lt;i&gt;Blastocystis&lt;/i&gt; spp. In addition, two of the children were also infected with non-pathogenic &lt;i&gt;Endolimax&lt;/i&gt; nana and &lt;i&gt;Entamoeba&lt;/i&gt; coli protozoa. There were no infections with nematodes, cestodes or trematodes among the study participants.ConclusionsThe confirmation of potentially pathogenic &lt;i&gt;Blastocystis&lt;/i&gt; spp. in stool samples collected from Ukrainian children, war refugees living in Warsaw, justifies the necessity to re-introduce a large-scale routine screening for intestinal parasites in the paediatric population in Poland.

Intestinal Parasites Prevalence on Patients Visiting Afgoi General Hospital, in Afgoi District, Somalia

Purpose Intestinal parasitic infection stands as a significant public health concern in developing nations. This study aims to determine the intestinal parasites prevalence on patients visiting Afgoi General Hospital, in Afgoi District, Somalia.  Methods A cross-sectional study design was implemented involving 195 patients at Afgoi General Hospital. Stool samples were obtained to assess intestinal parasite prevalence, while questionnaires were administered to gather and analyze the demographic profiles of the patients.  Results The intestinal parasite prevalence was determined to be 61%. Among the identified species, Giardia lamblia exhibited the highest prevalence at 33.3%, followed by Trichuris trichura at 12.3%, Ascaris lumbricoides at 10.8%, Entamoeba histolytica at 9.2%, Hymenolepis nana at 3.6%, Strongyloides stercoralis at 1.5%, Hookworm at 1%, and both Hymenolepis diminuta and Entamoeba coli at 0.5%.  Conclusion The study revealed a notable prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among Afgoi General Hospital patients. Thus, enhancing sanitation practices, improving access to clean water, and initiating routine deworming programs are imperative measures.

Pattern of intestinal parasitic infections in children with malnutrition in Somalia

ObjectivesChildren living in conflict zones plagued with adverse climatic conditions often suffer from acute malnutrition. Being coinfected with intestinal parasites could worsen the prognosis if adequate interventions are not promptly instituted. We determined the pattern of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in children with acute malnutrition in the Bay and Banadir regions of Somalia. MethodsA hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August to October 2023 in 222 children with acute malnutrition aged 6-59 months, using a structured questionnaire and stool examination by a trained laboratorian. The prevalence of IPI was estimated and the pattern of IPI was explored. The relationship between the presence of IPI and demographic characteristics was examined with multiple logistic regression at a 95% level of confidence. ResultsThe mean age was 20.4 ± 12.3 months, 125 (56.3%) were females, and 41.9% were internally displaced. The prevalence of IPI was 82.9% (95% confidence interval: 77.4-87.3), Of the infected, 73.9% (136 of 184) had single parasitic infection and 23.4% (43 of 184) had double parasitic infections. Ascaris lumbricoides (46.6%), Giardia lamblia (22.1%), and Entamoeba histolytica (17.6%) were the most common parasites identified. The age of 13-36 months (adjusted odds ratio: 1.13, P = 0.02) and eating once a day (adjusted odds ratio: 1.13, P = 0.06) were associated with being infected with intestinal parasites. ConclusionsThe prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was high in children with malnutrition in the Bay and Banadir regions. Deworming should be extended to all children with malnutrition. Food, sanitation, and water provision initiatives should be improved at the community level.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Food Handlers from Greater Cairo, Egypt

Abstract Background Foodborne illnesses caused by intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are among the major health problems especially in developing countries. Food handlers play an important role in transmission of IPI during manufacturing, processing, handling, and serving of foodstuff. Objectives The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of IPIs among food handlers in Greater Cairo, Egypt and their associated risk factors. Methodology A cross sectional study was designed whereby 250 food handlers attending four provision health offices from different governorates of Greater Cairo were examined. The demographic data, job title and position, health certification as well as risk factors that might increase the transmission of IPIs were collected in a pre-designed questionnaire. Stool samples were collected from all participants and examined by direct wet/iodine mounts, formol diethyl acetate and modified Ziehl_Neelsen staining techniques. Results 65 food handlers (26%) were found to have IPIs. The commonest parasites detected were Entamoeba histolytica (24.6%), Entamoeba coli (20%), Blastocystis hominis (16.9%), Giardia intestinalis (12.3%), followed by Enterobius vermicularis (10.8 %), Ascaris lumbricoides (7.7 %) and Schistosoma mansoni (3.1%). Higher, statistically significant (P &amp;lt; 0.001), prevalence of IPIs was found among food handlers from rural areas, having low educational levels, not having previous health certificates and among those working in popular restaurants and those having poor personal hand hygienic measures. While no differences in prevalence of IPIs was found regarding age, sex, and work experience duration. Conclusion It was concluded that implementation of governmental policies ensuring routine medical checkup and continuous professional training and education of food handlers are essential for prevention of IPIs among food handlers.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among the pregnant women in South and South East Asian countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are a major health concern in resource-limited countries of South/South-East Asian region. Despite posing a potential threat to maternal and fetal health, there is limited data available on the actual burden of IPI among pregnant women. Through this systemic review and meta-analysis, we sought to determine the pooled prevalence of IPI and species-specific prevalence among pregnant women in this region. Subgroup analysis was done by region, stool examination technique, and study settings. Among 220 retrieved studies, 21 studies from 8 countries across the region were found eligible and included in this study. The estimated overall pooled prevalence of IPIs among pregnant women was 43.15% (95% confidence interval: 30.66-56.10). The most prevalent IPI was Ascaris lumbricoides (25.14%) and predominant protozoa was Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (6.96%). In subgroup analysis, the estimated pooled prevalence of IPIs in Nepal, India, Thailand, and Thai-Burmese Border was 40.88%, 28.33%, 55.38%, and 23.78%, respectively. Studies using Kato-Katz technique for stool examination showed the highest estimated pooled IPI prevalence (62.70%). The prevalence of IPI was found to be lower in facility-based studies (38.12%) than that of studies done in the community (66.21%). Considering the high burden of IPI in pregnant women as estimated in our review and the already established impact of IPI infection on maternal health and fetal outcomes, we recommend implementation of the preventive chemotherapy during routine antenatal checkups.

Study on intestinal parasitic infections and gut microbiota in cancer patients at a tertiary teaching hospital in Malaysia

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) can lead to significant morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. While they are unlikely to cause severe disease and are self-limiting in healthy individuals, cancer patients are especially susceptible to opportunistic parasitic infections. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in various aspects of health, including immune regulation and metabolic processes. Parasites occupy the same environment as bacteria in the gut. Recent research suggests intestinal parasites can disrupt the normal balance of the gut microbiota. However, there is limited understanding of this co-infection dynamic among cancer patients in Malaysia. A study was conducted to determine the prevalence and relationship between intestinal parasites and gut microbiota composition in cancer patients. Stool samples from 134 cancer patients undergoing active treatment or newly diagnosed were collected and examined for the presence of intestinal parasites and gut microbiota composition. The study also involved 17 healthy individuals for comparison and control. Sequencing with 16S RNA at the V3–V4 region was used to determine the gut microbial composition between infected and non-infected cancer patients and healthy control subjects. The overall prevalence of IPIs among cancer patients was found to be 32.8%. Microsporidia spp. Accounted for the highest percentage at 20.1%, followed by Entamoeba spp. (3.7%), Cryptosporidium spp. (3.0%), Cyclospora spp. (2.2%), and Ascaris lumbricoides (0.8%). None of the health control subjects tested positive for intestinal parasites. The sequencing data analysis revealed that the gut microbiota diversity and composition were significantly different in cancer patients than in healthy controls (p < 0.001). A significant dissimilarity was observed in the bacterial composition between parasite-infected and non-infected patients based on Bray–Curtis (p = 0.041) and Jaccard (p = 0.021) measurements. Bacteria from the genus Enterococcus were enriched in the parasite-infected groups, while Faecalibacterium prausnitzii reduced compared to non-infected and control groups. Further analysis between different IPIs and non-infected individuals demonstrated a noteworthy variation in Entamoeba-infected (unweighted UniFrac: p = 0.008), Cryptosporidium-infected (Bray–Curtis: p = 0.034) and microsporidia-infected (unweighted: p = 0.026; weighted: p = 0.019; Jaccard: p = 0.031) samples. No significant dissimilarity was observed between Cyclospora-infected groups and non-infected groups. Specifically, patients infected with Cryptosporidium and Entamoeba showed increased obligate anaerobic bacteria. Clostridiales were enriched with Entamoeba infections, whereas those from Coriobacteriales decreased. Bacteroidales and Clostridium were found in higher abundance in the gut microbiota with Cryptosporidium infection, while Bacillales decreased. Additionally, bacteria from the genus Enterococcus were enriched in microsporidia-infected patients. In contrast, bacteria from the Clostridiales order, Faecalibacterium, Parabacteroides, Collinsella, Ruminococcus, and Sporosarcina decreased compared to the non-infected groups. These findings underscore the importance of understanding and managing the interactions between intestinal parasites and gut microbiota for improved outcomes in cancer patients.

Knowledge of Intestinal Parasitic Infection and Anemia among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Ogun State

A study was conducted at General Hospital Ijebu Igbo antenatal section to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection and anemia in pregnant women. A questionnaire was administered to 42 pregnant women who attended the antenatal section of the clinic during the study period. Out of these 42 pregnant women, 18 (42.9%) provided both fecal and blood samples for parasitological and hematological analysis. 50% of the respondents fall within 16-25years age group, while those within 36-45years have the lowest percentage (22.2%). 50% have the knowledge of the helminth infection, out of the 9(50%) that have the knowledge, only 7(77.8%) have the knowledge of how the infection is being transmitted. Of 18 respondents, 13(72%) have the knowledge of anemia, and 5(28%) of them had no prior knowledge of it. The parasitological analysis revealed three intestinal parasite which are Ascaris lumbricoides (22.2%), Enterobius vermicularis (11.11%) and Entamoeba histolytica (5.56%). There were no reported cases of severe anaemic condition in this hospital based study. This suggests that the awareness level of anemia and parasitic infection is moderately high. Therefore, screening for intestinal parasites and deworming of infected pregnant women should be included in antenatal care.

Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Risk Factors Among Sudanese Psychiatric Patients.

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are considered to be a major health problem, particularly in the tropical countries, such as Sudan. Due to poor hygiene practices, the psychiatric patients may pick up parasitic infections. Until now, there exists no published data or available information regarding the prevalence rate of intestinal parasitic infections among Sudanese psychiatric patients. Therefore, our present study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and the potential associated risk factors among Sudanese psychiatric patients. A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2021 to March 2022. A total of 422 stool samples were randomly collected from psychiatric patients attending the psychiatric section at Kosti Teaching Hospital in the White Nile State of Sudan. Socio-demographic data were gathered using structured questionnaires. All stool samples were examined using different parasitological techniques. The overall prevalence rate of intestinal parasitic infection among psychiatric patients was 120/211 (56.8%) and among non-psychiatric patients 66/211 (31.3%) The prevalence rate of intestinal parasites (IPs) among psychiatric patients were as follows: Entamoeba histolytica (29.9%), Giardia lamblia (19.4%), Entamoeba coli (5.2%), Ascaris lumbricoides (0.9%), Hymenolepis nana (0.9%), and Enterobius vermicularis (0.5%). There was no relationship between intestinal parasitic infection and age, sociodemographic features, sources of drinking water, contact with domestic animals, washing of hands, eating of raw vegetables/meats, or having psychiatric disorders (p > 0.05). Studying the prevalence rate of intestinal parasitic infections among psychiatric patients may help to assess their health condition or status, leading to better psychiatric healthcare services, diagnoses, and treatments.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Factors among Presumptive Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients at Debre Tabor Referral Hospital, South Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

In developing countries, intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) and tuberculosis (TB) coinfections have been perceived to be high. The geographic distributions of helminths and TB overlap substantially. Parasitic infections affect the outcome of TB by changing the cell-mediated immune response to a humoral response, while Mycobacterium infection favors the immune escape of helminths. There are limited studies on the epidemiology of intestinal parasites among presumptive pulmonary TB (PTB) patients in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study is aimed at determining the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among patients with presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis at Debre Tabor Referral Hospital. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2021. The sociodemographic data and associated factors were collected using a structured questionnaire, and stool samples were collected by convenient sampling technique and processed for the detection of intestinal parasites using a direct wet mount saline preparation and formal ether concentration technique. The data was coded, cleaned, and analyzed by SPSS version 23. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to determine an adjusted odds ratio (AOR). p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 25.6% (81/316); of these, 12.9% (41/316) were protozoan infections and 12.7% (40/316) were helminth infections. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that being older than 36 years (AOR: 4.35; 95% CI: 1.26, 13.91; p = 0.001), rural residence (AOR: 3.46; 95% CI: 1.18, 9.97; p < 0.001), unable to read and write (AOR = 2.62; 95%CI = 2.15, 8.43; p = 0.004), and use of river water (AOR: 3.47; 95% CI: 1.62, 8.21; p < 0.001) were associated with intestinal parasitic infections. The present study showed that the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis patients was high in the study area. Age, residence, educational status, and source of water were significant factors in IPIs among presumptive TB patients. Moreover, our findings suggest a proper health education program for good personal hygiene habits, the coloration of water, avoiding open-field defecation, and also preventative measures to avoid the acquisition of IPIs in patients with TB. Presumptive tuberculosis patients should be screened and treated accordingly. Additionally, it needs further research and recommends more assessment for intestinal parasitic infection in PTB patients.

Intestinal Parasitic Infection in Children and Adolescents With Ocular Diseases: The Prevalence, Spectrum, and Effect of Lockdown During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

People with visual impairments and blindness face challenges in performing regular tasks such as maintaining proper sanitation, which makes them vulnerable to intestinal parasitic infections. This study aims to examine the prevalence and distribution of intestinal parasitic infections in children and adolescents with ocular diseases and to assess if the lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic affected these rates. This retrospective, hospital record-based study was conducted among children and adolescents attending the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology in Kolkata, India. It involved routine stool examinations as part of their treatment during 2019-2020. Early morning stool specimens were collected and brought to the institute laboratory in containers. Stools were examined under a microscope for cysts, ova, parasites, and adult worms. Findings were recorded in the laboratory record book. These data were then extracted into a spreadsheet and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26 (Released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York). The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 8.59% (59 out of 687 patients). Among those 59 positive cases, Ascaris lumbricoides, Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Trichuris trichiura, Taenia spp., Enterobius vermicularis, and Isospora belli were detected in 27 (45.8%), 15 (25.4%), 8 (13.6%), 6 (10.2%), 3 (5.1%), 2 (3.4%), and 1 (1.7%) patients, respectively. The positivity rate of stool samples was higher from September and thereafter from January to March. The sample positivity rate was higher post-pandemic and lockdown, but not statistically significant (11.5% vs. 5.3%; χ²=4.044, df=1, p=0.44). Ascaris lumbricoides was the most commonly observed intestinal parasite in children and adolescents with ocular disease in our setting. Seasonal variation was noted with higher case positivity at the end of the rainy season and thereafter in winter. Therefore, we propose to strengthen the routine deworming program during this period in Eastern India. Higher sample positivity after the pandemic may be attributed to school closures during the lockdown period, which might have caused some children to miss their routine deworming medication.

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.