Prevalence Of Intestinal Protozoan Infections Research Articles

Retrospective Evaluation of Intestinal Protozoa Parasites in Patients Presenting to Kafkas University Health Research and Application Hospital Between 2019-2022.

This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the prevalence of protozoan parasites in stool samples collected from patients presenting with various gastrointestinal complaints to the Medical Parasitology Laboratory of Kafkas University Research and Application Hospital between 2019 and 2022. Stool samples were initially examined using the native-Lugol method for the detection of protozoan parasites, followed by the formol-ethyl acetate sedimentation method, Giemsa, and carbol fuchsin staining methods. Specific immunochromatographic card tests were used for the diagnosis of Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia intestinalis. Of the 2.267 stool samples examined over the four-year period from January 2019 to December 2022, 7.63% were found to contain one or more protozoan parasites. Among these parasites, Entamoeba histolytica was detected at the highest rate of 4.06%. The other parasite species were identified as follows: Blastocystis spp. 1.15%, Entamoeba spp. and Entamoeba coli each 0.52%, Giardia intestinalis 0.48%, Endolimax nana 0.17%, and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 0.08%. This study indicates that despite a decrease in the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections in the Kars region, these infections remain a significant public health issue. Therefore, improvements in hygiene and sanitation conditions, increased public health education, and the widespread implementation of early diagnosis and treatment methods are necessary. Special measures should be taken to protect vulnerable groups, particularly children and the elderly.

Prevalence of Intestinal Protozoa Infections Among Some Primary School Pupils in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, Nigeria

The prevalence of intestinal protozoa infections among primary school pupils in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, Nigeria was investigated. Stool samples were collected from 450 pupils aged 5–13 years from six (6) primary schools in the Local Government Area. A structured questionnaire was used to collect relevant demographic and risk factor data associated with intestinal protozoa infections. The stool samples were processed using the formol-ether concentration technique and microscopically examined for protozoan cysts; 10.7 % of the stool samples were positive for the cysts. The prevalences of intestinal protozoa were: 4.9 % for Entamoeba histolytica, 3.7 % for Entamoeba coli and 2.1 % for Balantidium coli. The prevalence of infection by protozoa in individual schools was not uniform despite the similarity in the local topography and weather conditions. Demographic data of age, sex and nature of school attended (public or private), were recorded at the point of sample collection. The age range prevalence for intestinal protozoa recorded 4.9%, 4% and 1.8% for 5-7 years, 8-10 years and 11-13 years respectively. More male pupils (6.4%) were infected compared to the females (4.3%). The laboratory analysis further revealed that prevalence was more among pupils that attend public school (7.1%) than those in private schools (3.6%). Poverty, ignorance and poor environmental sanitation were factors found to be associated with the prevalence rates recorded. It is therefore recommended that a concerted health education effort is necessary in order to curb the infections within the schools and the communities.

Identifikasi Penyakit Protozoa Terhadap Manusia

Protozoa is a microscopic, one-cell organism that belongs to the protista group. Some protozoa species are pathogenic and can cause a variety of serious diseases in humans, which are often spread through water, contaminated food, or vectors such as mosquitoes and flies. Diseases caused by protozoa, such as malaria, amebiasis, giardiasis, and leishmaniasis, have a significant impact on public health, especially in developing countries with poor sanitation and limited health systems. This research uses a method (literature review) with a keyword search for articles on protozoa disease against humans in the context of articles in Indonesia. Data collection techniques using search processes in Google Scholar Research results show that increased awareness, education, and training for medical personnel are also important to ensure that protozoa infections can be diagnosed and treated effectively, thus minimizing the impact of the disease on society. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of sanitation, personal hygiene, health education, routine screening, and vector control to reduce the prevalence of intestinal protozoa infections and improve the health of people with weakened immunity

Physical Water Quality and Intestinal Protozoa Contamination on Household Water in Ajung District, Jember Regency

Intestinal protozoa infections are still a major health problem in worldwide. The prevalence of intestinal protozoa infections are relatively high in countries facing lack of safe drinking water and lack of suitable sanitation facilities. Lack of sanitation facilities, open defecation, and contamination of environmental feces can make water quality worse, both in terms of physically, chemically, and biologically. Physical water quality is poor when the household water used daily does not meet the standard parameters of the physical water quality standard. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between physical water quality and intestinal protozoa contamination in household water in Ajung District, Jember Regency. This type of research is an observational analytic study with a cross sectional research design. The research method used is the correlation method, namely the relationship between physical water quality and intestinal protozoa contamination in household water. The population in this study is household water in Ajung District, Jember Regency. Data analysis consisted of univariate analysis to see the distribution and percentage of temperature, total dissolves solid, color, odor, and intestinal protozoa contamination in household water, and then bivariate analysis using the Chi-square test to analyze physical water quality and intestinal protozoa contamination. The conclusion is there is a relationship between physical water quality and intestinal protozoa contamination in household water.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of human intestinal parasitic infections in rural areas

Introduction: Determination of the prevalence and distribution pattern of intestinal parasites is a fundamental step to set up an effective control program to improve the health status. This study aimed to prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among inhabitants. Methodology:- Population of this study were 1150.Among all 430 participant were found infected with parasitic infection. This study was conducted in Department of Microbiology Bhagwan Mahavir institute of medical sciences, Nalanda. The duration of study was over a period of two years. Result:- This result of this study revealed that 1150 total cases were included. Out of all we have found 430 infected cases with parasite. Conclusion:-The conclusion of this study high prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections was observed among the inhabitants of the study area as compared to helminthes.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites Among the Patients Visiting Sub-Regional Hospital, Dadeldhura, Nepal

Intestinal parasitic infections caused by intestinal helminthes and protozoa are the most common human infections endemic throughout the world especially in tropical and subtropical countries including Nepal. This study was conducted to study the prevalence of intestinal parasites among patients visiting Sub-Regional Hospital, Dadeldhura, Nepal. Altogether 480 stool samples were collected from April 2017- October 2017. Microscopic examination of stool was done by using formal-ether concentration technique in the Microbiology Laboratory of Sub-Regional Hospital, Dadeldhura Nepal. The overall prevalence rate was found to be 10.625%. The prevalence of parasitic infection was higher in males (52.94%) than in females (47.06%). In the age group below 15 years, the prevalence was found to be higher (52.94 %) than other age groups. Total 6 species of intestinal parasites; 2 (33.33%) were protozoan parasites viz. cysts and trophozoites of Giardia lamblia, and cysts of Entamoeba histolytica, and 4 (66.67%) were helminths viz. ova of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichuria, Hymenolepis nana, and Ancylostoma duodenale. The infection rate was found to be higher in people taking normal tap water. The study concluded that intestinal protozoan infection is still a public health problem of concern among the people of Dadeldhura. The prevalence of intestinal protozoan infection was found to be high in children and low educated groups in Dadeldhura. Thus, health education along with infection management actions and awareness programs for sanitation improvements are required to reduce protozoan infections.

Risk Evaluation of Pathogenic Intestinal Protozoa Infection Among Laboratory Macaques, Animal Facility Workers, and Nearby Villagers From One Health Perspective.

Background: Previous epidemiological studies have confirmed non-human primates (NHPs) as reservoirs for Cryptosporidium spp. , Giardia intestinalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi. It highlights the possibility of interspecies transmission between humans and macaques in laboratory animal facilities. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of pathogenic intestinal protozoan infections in macaques and humans and to determine the risk of cross-species transmission from One Health view.Materials and Methods: A total of 360 fecal samples, including 310 from the four Macaca mulatta groups, 25 from the facility workers in a laboratory animal facility, and 25 from the villagers nearby in Yongfu country, southeast China, were collected. Nested PCR assays were done for detecting protozoan pathogens from all the specimens. Furthermore, potential risk factors (gender, age, and direct contact) on the occurrence of intestinal protozoa infection among different sub-groups were evaluated. A phylogenetic and haplotype network analysis was conducted to examine the genetic structure and shared patterns of E. bieneusi and Cyclospora cayetanensis.Results: The pathogenic intestinal protozoa were detected in both human and macaque fecal samples. A total of 134 (37.2%) samples were tested positive, which included 113 (36.4%) macaques, 14 (56.0%) facility workers, and 7 (28.0%) villagers, respectively. There was no significant difference in four intestinal protozoa infections between facility workers and villagers (χ2 = 2.4, P > 0.05). However, the positive rate of pathogenic intestinal protozoa in the facility workers, who had direct contact with macaques, was significantly higher [odds ratio (OR) = 0.31, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.09–1.00, P < 0.05).Thirty-three ITS genotypes of E. bieneusi were identified, including five known genotypes (PigEBITS7, Peru8, Henan V, D, and CM1) and six novel genotypes (MEB1–6). Seven haplotypes were identified in the network analysis from C. cayetanensis-positive samples. Meanwhile, a phylogenetic and haplotype analysis confirmed the presence of zoonotic subtypes in NHPs and humans.Conclusion: The data collected from this study confirmed a high prevalence of intestinal protozoan infection in humans and macaques. These results warrant workers of such facilities and residents to limit contact with infected animals in order to minimize related health risks. The need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the risk of zoonotic transmission, especially from a One Health perspective, is recommended.

Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal protozoan infection among symptomatic and asymptomatic populations in rural and urban areas of southern Algeria

BackgroundIntestinal parasitic infections are amongst the most common infections worldwide and have been identified as one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality among disadvantaged populations. This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections and to identify the significant risk factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections in Laghouat province, Southern Algeria.MethodsA comparative cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 623 symptomatic and 1654 asymptomatic subjects. Structured questionnaires were used to identify environmental, socio demographic and behavioral factors. Stool specimens were collected and examined using direct wet mount, formalin-ether concentration, xenic in vitro culture and staining methods.ResultsA highly significant difference of prevalence was found between symptomatic (82.3%) and asymptomatic subjects (14.9%), with the majority attributable to protozoan infection. The most common species in the symptomatic subjects were Blastocystis spp. (43.8%), E. histolytica/dispar (25.4%) and Giardia intestinalis (14.6%) and more rarely Enterobius vermicularis (02.1%), Teania spp. (0.6%) and Trichuris trichiura (0.2%), while in asymptomatic population Blastocystis spp. (8%), Entamoeba coli (3.3%) and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (2.5%) were the most common parasites detected with no case of helminth infection. Multivariate log-linear analysis showed that contact with animals was the main risk factor for transmission of these protozoa in both populations. Furthermore, living in rural areas was significantly associated with combined protozoan infection in the asymptomatic population, whereas, in the symptomatic population an increasing trend of protozoan infection was detected in the hot season. In addition, Blastocystis spp. and G. intestinalis infection were found to be associated with host sex and contact with animals across the study period.ConclusionsBased on these results, several strategies are recommended in order to effectively reduce these infections including good animal husbandry practices, health education focused on good personal hygiene practices and adequate sanitation.

Prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections among rural children in Henan Province from 2014 to 2015

To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of intestinal protozoan infections among rural children in Henan Province. A total of 104 survey sites were sampled from 35 counties (cities) in Henan Province using the stratified cluster sampling method to investigate the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections among rural children from 2014 to 2015. The trophozoites and cysts of intestinal protozoa were identified using the iodine staining method and the physiological saline direct smear method (one detection for one stool sample). The prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections was compared among rural children with different characteristics, and the factors affecting intestinal protozoan infections among rural children were identified. The overall prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections was 0.60% (40/6 771) among rural children in Henan Province from 2014 to 2015. There were 7 species of intestinal protozoa identified, and there was no species-specific prevalence (χ2 = 37.732, P = 0.000). No significant differences were found in prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections among rural children in terms of gender (χ2 = 1.793, P = 0.181), age (χ2 = 1.443, P = 0.486), occupation (χ2 = 0.219, P = 0.896) or ecological region (χ2 = 1.700, P = 0.637). In addition, terrain (χ2 = 2.311, P = 0.510), economic level (χ2 = 4.322, P = 0.229), source of drinking water (χ2 = 0.731, P = 0.393), eating raw vegetables (χ2 = 1.134, P = 0.287) and deworming (χ2 = 1.089, P = 0.297) had no remarkable effects on the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections among rural children in Henan Province; however, the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections varied significantly among rural children living in regions with different coverage of non-harmless toilets (χ2 = 10.050, P = 0.018). The prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections is low among rural children in Henan Province.

Prevalence of Intestinal Protozoa Infections and Associated Risk Factors among Preschool Aged Children in Mkuranga District, Tanzania: A Community Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background Intestinal protozoa infections are among the public health concern in children and can lead to considerable morbidities such as growth retardation, anemia, nutrition deficiency, physical weakness and mental health problems. In Tanzania, there is a paucity of data on intestinal protozoa infections among preschool aged children (PSAC). Broad objective This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal protozoa infections among PSAC and associated risk factors in Mkuranga district, Tanzania. Methodology A community based cross-sectional study was conducted between April and June 2019 to determine the prevalence of intestinal protozoa. Stool samples were collected from PSAC and processed using formal-ether concentration method. Risk factors were identified using questionnaire and checklist. Data were entered and analysed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 20. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to determine association between prevalence of intestinal protozoa and socio-economic, water source, hygiene and sanitation variables. Results A total of 20 (3.8%) children were infected with intestinal protozoa (Entamoeba coli or Giardia lamblia). We found the increased risk of intestinal protozoa infections with increased age of children (AOR = 1.07, p = 0.045). Also, we observed a reduced odds of intestinal protozoa infections among PSAC living in low populated households (AOR 1-5/11+ = 0.14, p = 0.016 and AOR 6-10/11+= 0.10, p = 0.008), using non-spring water (AOR protected well/spring = 0.011, p = 0.023), (AOR bore hole/spring/spring = 0.008, p = 0.006), (AOR tap away of home/spring = 0.013, p = 0.014) and (AOR tape at home/spring = 0.006, p = 0.011)) and raised by young and middle-aged parents/guardian (AOR young/older = 0.20, p = 0.042 and AOR middle-aged/older = 0.18, p = 0.047). Conclusion There was a low prevalence of intestinal protozoa infection among PSAC in the two communities studied. Despite low prevalence of intestinal protozoa, the transmission is present hence the need to initiate control measures. Health education should be provided to parents/guardians on protecting water sources, treatment of drinking water and supervision of latrine usage by PSAC and introduction of hand washing facilities are crucial. Key words: Intestinal protozoa, Preschool aged children, Mkuranga and Tanzania.

Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal protozoan infection among child students with disabilities in Bantul District, Yogyakarta Special Region, Indonesia

Children with disabilities are excluded from many aspects of life. Unfortunately, they have an increased risk of infection from many kinds of pathogens including intestinal protozoan. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections and to evaluate the associated factors among children with disabilities in Bantul District, Yogyakarta Special Region, Indonesia. A cross-sectional study was conducted at school with special needs between June-December, 2019. A total of 150 participants were recruited through simple random sampling. Stool samples were examined microscopically by formalin-ether concentration and Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. Age was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney tests, while the other variables used chi-square tests. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with intestinal protozoan infections. The adjusted prevalence ratio with a 95% confidence interval at a 5% level of significance was used to measure the strength of association. Overall, there were 15 children infected by intestinal protozoan among 130 subjects with mean age of participants of 9.83 ± 3.1 years. The intestinal protozoan species were Entamoeba histolytica 7 (5.38%), Giardia lamblia 4 (3.08%), Blastocystis hominis 7 (5.38%) and Iodamoeba butschlii 1 (0.77%). Prevalence of intestinal protozoan infection among children with disabilities in Bantul District, Yogyakarta, Special Region was 11.54%. There were no significant correlations between the risk factors and intestinal protozoan infection among children with disabilities (p&gt;0.05).

Prevalence of Intestinal Protozoan Infection in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis (UC) in Isfahan, Iran.

Background:Determination of the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infection is a fundamental step to set up an effective control program to improve the health status of society and to establish efficient strategies. Intestinal pathogen and even non-pathogen protozoa consider as major causes of disease in patients with gastrointestinal problems. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infection in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) in Isfahan, Iran.Methods:The descriptive cross-sectional study carried out from 2013 to 2018 in Isfahan, Iran. One thousand nine hundred and sixty-five samples of feces from patients with UC collected and each sample examined using direct wet mounting with normal saline and iodine and sedimentation tests such as formol-ethyl acetate concentration and trichrome-staining methods.Results:From 655 patients, 185 (28.2%) infected with Giardia lamblia followed by Blastocystis hominis (27.3%), Endolimax nana (14.4%), Entamoeba coli (11.5%), Iodamoba butschlii (4.7%), Entamoeba histolytica (1.4%), and Chilomastix mesnili (0.6%).Conclusions:This study revealed a high prevalence of infection with at least one or six non-pathogenic and pathogenic intestinal protozoa in UC patients in the Isfahan region. Intestinal protozoa are a challenging public health problem wherever health care is limited in the area. The emergence of UC in the world results in the need to study etiologic factors. In order to obtain further information about the etiology of disease, we investigated the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infection in patients with UC in Isfahan, Iran.

The Prevalence of Intestinal Protozoan Infections among Children in Southwest Sumba Based on the Type of Water Sources.

BackgroundIntestinal protozoan infection is a public health problem in Indonesia, particularly in regions lacking clean water sources such as Perokonda and Perobatang villages, Southwest Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province. The residents of Perokonda and Perobatang villages use wells and unprotected open springs respectively. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections in these two villages.Materials and MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study, carried out in Perokonda and Perobatang from August 2016 to August 2017. A total of 291 children aged 6 months to 18 years were used as subjects. Furthermore, fecal examinations were carried out by preparing smears, which were stained with lugol solution and examined under the microscopes by four experienced technicians. The data were processed using SPSS version 20 and analyzed by chi-square test.ResultsAmong the 291 samples, the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections was 20%, with 23.4% in Perokonda and 17.2% in Perobatang. The predominant species found were Blastocystis hominis (34.5%), Giardia lamblia (19.0%), and Entamoeba coli (15.5%). Moreover, approximately 69.0% of single infections were found while 31.0% were mixed and associated with 2 to 3 protozoan species. There were no significant differences between the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections and the children in Perokonda and Perobatang villages (confidence interval 0.83 - 2.62, P = 0.19).ConclusionThe type of water sources has no relationship with the species of intestinal protozoan infecting children in Perokonda and Perobatang.

Study on Intestinal Parasitic Infections: Emphasis on Protozoan Parasites Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia and Associated Risk Factors Among School Children in Some Selected Primary Schools of Dembi Dolo Town, Western Ethiopia

Intestinal parasitic infections caused mainly by protozoa and are most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions of the world where adequate water and proper sanitation are lacking. Children are greatly prone to these infections via the ingestion of food, water or soil contaminated with the infective stage of these parasites. The aim of this study is to assess the status of intestinal parasitic infections giving emphasis to protozoan parasites Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia and Associated Risk Factors among primary school children of Dembi Dolo town. The cross sectional study was conducted in Grade 1 to 4 children in some selected Government and private schools of Dembi Dolo town. Stool samples were collected in May 2019, from 384 children, both male and female of equal proportion. The specimens were processed and then examined microscopically to determine the presence of intestinal parasites. Multivariate logistic regression was used to predict association between infection rates with age, sex and school type. The quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.The difference was considered statistically significant at p-value=0.05. The intestinal parasitic infection rate for both protozoa and helminthes was 34.4%. Overall prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections among the school children was 18 %. Entamoeba histolytica infection was higher (13.3%) than Giardia lamblia (4.7%). The prevalence of protozoan infection was slightly higher in males (9.90%) than females (8.07%), but the difference was not significant. The protozoan infection was higher among children whose age is lower compared to the higher age groups. The parasitic infection rates were significantly higher in Berhana Yesus school (38.3%) compared to Burka Hayota (31.2%). Majority of the children 97.4% had single species infections while 2.6% had multiple protozoa and helminthes infections. The personal hygienic factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections were failure to boil drinking water and wash hands with soap before eating. In conclusion there is relatively high prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections among the studied children.Therfore, on personal hygiene and environmental sanitation health education should be adopted in primary schools in order to reduce intestinal parasitic infections among school children. Keywords : Intestinal parasites, Prevalence, Risk factors, School children DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/10-11-02 Publication date: June 30 th 2020

Prevalence and associated risk factors of human intestinal parasitic infections: a population-based study in the southeast of Kerman province, southeastern Iran

BackgroundDetermination of the prevalence and distribution pattern of intestinal parasites is a fundamental step to set up an effective control program to improve the health status. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among inhabitants of Rudbar-e Jonub county, southeast of Kerman province, southeastern Iran.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 861 stool specimens were collected from inhabitants of Rudbar-e Jonub county through a multistage cluster sampling method in 2018. The collected specimens were examined by parasitological methods including, direct wet-mounting (for the fresh specimens with a watery consistency), formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation and agar plate culture.ResultsThe prevalence of intestinal parasites was 34.2% (95% CI 30.1 to 38.2). The prevalence of protozoan parasites 32.3% (95% CI 28.4 to 36.5) was significantly higher than helminthic parasites 3.2% (95% CI 2.1 to 4.7). Blastocystis sp. (13.3%), Entamoeba coli (11.4%) and Giardia lamblia (10.6%) as protozoan parasite and Hymenolepis nana (2.4%) as helminthic parasite were the most common detected intestinal parasites in the study. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (1.5%), Iodamoeba bütschlii (1.0%), Chilomastix mesnili (0.5%), Entamoeba hartmanni (0.4%), Enterobius vermicularis (0.3%) and Ascaris lambercoides (0.3%) were other detected parasites. Multiple logistic regression revealed a significant association of intestinal parasitic infections with source of drinking water and residency status (rural/urban). Multiple infections with 2 or 3 parasitic agents constituted 22.7% of 295 infected cases.ConclusionsThis study revealed a high prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections among inhabitants of Rudbar-e Jonub county. Intestinal parasites especially protozoans remain a challenging public health problem wherever sanitation and health measures are limited in Iran.

Prevalence of feco-oral transmitted protozoan infections and associated factors among university students in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAn estimated 60% of the world’s population is infected with one form of intestinal parasites. Amoebiasis and giardiasis are among the leading intestinal protozoan infections that affected mankind. However, literature that shows the magnitude of the problem among university students in Ethiopia is at scarce. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of feco-oral transmitted protozoan infections and associated factors among sport festival participant universities in Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study design was conducted among 483 randomly selected university sport festival participant students. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Stool specimens were examined using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. The data were entered into Epi Info version 6.04 and were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 statistical software. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to control the possible confounders and an odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval at p < 0.05 was used to identify an association between variables.ResultThe overall prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections was 140(28.9%) with the predominantly higher prevalence of E. histolytica/E. dispar 95(19.7%). The female respondents were at lower risk of infections compared to their male counterparts (AOR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.22, 0.97]. Participants with educated father (AOR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.86) and those who received pocket money of > 347 Ethiopian Birr (~ 14 USD) per month (AOR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.74) were at lower risk of infections. However, being married (AOR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.10, 2.23), rural resident (AOR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.21, 3.32) and university stay for two or more years (AOR = 2.21, 95%CI: 1.48, 3.87) were more likely to be infected with protozoan infections.ConclusionThe prevalence of intestinal protozoan infection among students who attend higher educational institutions was very high. Infection prevention strategies should be undertaken at respective universities with special focus to senior students and students from the rural area.

Prevalence of intestinal protozoan infection among patients in Hawassa city administration millennium health center, Ethiopia

Prevalence of intestinal protozoan infection among patients in Hawassa city administration millennium health center, Ethiopia

Seroepidemiological trend of strongyloidiasis in the Bolivian Chaco (1987-2013) in the absence of disease-specific control measures.

The prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis infections is grossly underestimated because infections go mostly undetected, although they can persist for a lifetime due to the auto-infective cycle. In the Bolivian Chaco, the prevalence of soil-transmitted nematodes dropped dramatically in the past 25 years, but the mebendazole used for preventive chemotherapy has no effect on S.stercoralis. Meanwhile, the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections remains unchanged. We compared S.stercoralis seroprevalence in rural communities of the Bolivian Chaco from 1987 to 2013. Sera collected during two previous serosurveys, conducted in the Chaco region in 1987 and 2013, were tested for S.stercoralis using a commercial assay (Bordier-ELISA, Bordier Affinity Products, Switzerland). Overall, 355 sera were analysed, 122 from the 1987 survey and 233 from the 2013 survey. Seropositivity for S.stercoralis was significantly more prevalent in 1987 (19/122, 16% in 1987 vs. 15/233, 6% in 2013, P=0.006), accounted for by a drop from 17% to 3% in people under 26years of age. Multivariate analysis showed a significant association between seropositivity for S.stercoralis and age in the 2013 population (OR 1.03 for each one-year increase, 95%CI 1.00-1.05, P=0.04), but none in 1987. The significant reduction in S.stercoralis seroprevalence in Bolivian Chaco cannot be explained by preventive chemotherapy or improved social-sanitary conditions. As the drop is seen in younger generations, it is consistent with little transmission occurring. However, the risk of transmission still exists, as prevalence is persistently high in older individuals, who present a potential reservoir due to the lifelong nature of S.stercoralis infections.

Prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections among schoolchildren in Bang Khla District, Chachoengsao Province, Central Thailand

Prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections among schoolchildren in Bang Khla District, Chachoengsao Province, Central Thailand

Prevalence of Intestinal Protozoan Infections and the Associated Risk Factors among Children in Bushenyi District, Western Uganda

Prevalence of Intestinal Protozoan Infections and the Associated Risk Factors among Children in Bushenyi District, Western Uganda