Prevalence Of Intestinal Protozoa Research Articles

Intestinal Protozoa and Schistosoma Mansoni (Sambon 1907) Infections Among Some Pupils in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, Nigeria

The prevalence of intestinal protozoa and Schistosoma mansoni 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 in the three (3) districts of Akko Local Government Area. A structured questionnaire was used to collect relevant demographic and risk factor data associated with intestinal protozoa and S. mansoni infections. The stool samples were processed using the formol-ether concentration technique and microscopically examined for protozoan cysts and S. mansoni eggs; 12.4 % of the stool samples were positive for cysts and eggs. The prevalence of intestinal protozoa were: Entamoeba histolytica (4.9 %), Entamoeba coli (3.8 %) and Balantidium coli (2 %); Schistosoma mansoni eggs had a prevalence of 1.6 %. The prevalence of infection with protozoa and S. mansoni infections in individual schools was not uniform despite the similarity in the local topography and weather conditions. Source of drinking water and type of toilet used significantly associated with infection by intestinal protozoa and S. mansoni (Odd’s Ratio value for Pit-latrine was 18.959). The prevalence of intestinal protozoa and Schistosoma mansoni infections among the primary school pupils was associated with poor personal hygiene habits at home and in school, and improper disposal of human and animal waste as implied by the responses to the questionnaire. It is therefore recommended that a concerted health education effort is necessary in order to curb the infections within the schools and the communities.

Estimation of protozoal diversity among stray cats in Malaysia

Abstract. Abdulwahab MH, Al-Talib H. 2024. Estimation of protozoal diversity among stray cats in Malaysia. Biodiversitas 25: 2115-2120. This cross sectional study was carried out to estimate the current prevalence and protozoa species in stray cats feces in Malaysia. A total of 320 fresh fecal samples were collected from S.I Home Shelter-Selangor, EJ CAT Home- Melaka, and KB-Cat Shelter - Kelantan in Malaysia. The collected fecal samples were concentrated for the presence of intestinal protozoa using a ready-made commercial Parasep tube floatation method. The fecal samples were stained with iodine and examined for protozoa by microscopic examination. The overall prevalence of intestinal protozoa in cat feces was 73.1% (n = 234). Isospora felis was most frequently detected (n = 145; 62%), followed by Toxoplasma gondii (n = 75; 32%), Giardia intestinalis (n = 9; 3.8%), Entamoeba histolytica (n = 9; 3.8%), and Tritrichomonas foetus (n = 6; 12.5%). Monoparasitism was detected in 65.8%, which was more frequent than polyparasitism (34.2%). Therefore, the local population is at risk of exposure to a wide range of zoonotic protozoa through environmental contamination with cat feces, and the current findings should be used to mitigate public health risks. Prevention and control measures need to be taken to reduce prevalence rates, especially in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities where animals live in close proximity to humans, where poor sanitation and overcrowding exist along with a lack of veterinary care and awareness of zoonotic diseases.

Prevalence of Intestinal Protozoa among Primary School-Aged Children in Selected Communities in Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State

The prevalence of intestinal protozoa among primary school-aged children in five communities in Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State was investigated. Faecal samples were collected from 300 presumably healthy primary school-aged children from the five selected communities within Yenagoa Metropolis. Laboratory analysis was carried out on the faecal samples using zinc sulphate floatation method and formol-ether concentration technique. Demographic data of age, sex and nature of school attended (public or private), were recorded at the point of sample collection. Out of the 300 children investigated, 61 (20.3%) were positive for one type of intestinal protozoa or the other. Etegwe Community recorded the highest prevalence (30%), followed by Okutukutu (25%), Agudama (18.3%), Opolo (16.7%) while Azikoro Community recorded the least prevalence (11.7%). Among the intestinal protozoa identified, Entamoeba histolytica recorded the highest prevalence (57.4%), followed by Giardia lamblia (24.6%), Entamoeba coli (13.1%) and Toxoplasma gondii (4.9%). The age range prevalence for intestinal protozoa recorded 24%, 22.4%, 22% and 10% for 13-15 years, 10-12years, 7-9 years and 4-6years respectively. More male children (23.6%) were infected compared to the females (17.5%). The laboratory analysis further revealed that prevalence was more among children that attend public school (24.7%) than those in private schools (14.6%). Increased personal hygiene, sanitation, provision of toilet facilities, provision of good drinking water, reduction of contact with flooded areas and health education in schools will reduce the prevalence of these intestinal protozoa in the study area.

Prevalence of Intestinal Protozoa in Pigs of Northern Black Sea Region, Ukraine

Intestinal protozoan parasites threaten the health and welfare of pigs and impair the sustainability of pig farms, resulting in monetary losses. The present study aimed to determine the distribution of protozoa in large white pigs in the farms of Odesa, Mykolaiv, and Kherson regions in Ukraine. The parasitological surveys were conducted from March 2020 to March 2022 on three types of farms, including four large farms (> 100 sows), six medium farms (25-100 sows), and eight small farms (< 25 sows). A total of 3938 fecal samples from pigs of various age groups, namely 0-2-month piglets, 2-4-month piglets, pigs on fattening, and sows, were examined. Eimeria and isospores were determined using McMaster’s method in Raynaud’s modification, cryptosporidia by staining smears, blastocysts by the method of ethyl acetate-formalin concentration, and direct microscopy. The recorded protozoa were species Eimeria spp., Cystoisospora suis (syn. Isospora suis), Balantidium coli, Cryptosporidium spp., Blastocystis spp. These species of protozoa were observed in 31.1%, 49.0%, and 58.8% of pigs in large, medium-sized, and small farms, respectively. The findings indicated that Isospora suis and Eimeria spp. were most commonly present in piglets aged 0-2 months in large (29.7% and 23.0%, respectively), medium (32.3%, 29.4%), and small farms (30.0%, 13.5%). Balantidium coli was not registered in pigs from large farms, and in piglets 2-4 months old from small farms, the prevalence of infestation was 17.2%. Cryptosporidium spp. and Blastocystis spp. were mostly recorded in piglets 2-4 months old from small farms (16.2%, 7.1%). In large and medium-sized farms of the Northern Black Sea region, mono infestations were recorded the most (73.6%, 72.0%), while mixed two-component infestation dominated (52.5%) small farms. Intestinal protozoa should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intestinal disorders as major factors or concomitant intestinal pathogens.

PREVALENCE OF SALMONELLA AND INTESTINAL PARASITES AMONG FOOD HANDLERS PREDISPOSE CONSUMERS TO SIGNIFICANT HEALTH RISKS

Background and objectives: Food borne diseases are a global public health problem and food handlers play a major role for the transmission of food borne diseases. This study was aimed at exploring the prevalence of intestinal parasites, Salmonella typhi carrier rate and risk factors of infection with typhoid and/or intestinal parasites among food handlers at Ibb city, Yemen. Subjects and methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted among three hundred and fifteen food handlers, in age ranges from 14 to 65 years. All individuals were working in restaurants, cafeterias or school buffets in Ibb city. For collecting data; a pre-tested structured questionnaire was used. Stool samples were examined for intestinal parasites microscopy and for S. typhi by stool culture media and blood for detection antibodies per the standard laboratory methods were used. Results: A total of 315 food handlers in Ibb city over a 12-month period were enrolled in this study, ages ranged from 14 to 65 years, with a mean±SD age of 31.2±11.9 years. The highest prevalence of antibodies against S. typhi antigen suspension O was 18.4%, while antibodies against S. typhi H antigen suspension were 7.6%. Also, the positive rate for total S. typhi antibodies ELISA IgG was 9.5% and the positive rate for S. typhi stool cultures was 7.3%. The overall prevalence of intestinal protozoa was 20%, the most intestinal parasitic prevalent was Entamoeba histolytica (15.6%), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (12.1%), Hymenolepis nana (4.4%), and Schistosoma mansoni (3.2%). Conclusion: Inexperienced and poor personal hygienic food handlers play a role in the transmission of food-borne infections. Local health authorities should implement food handlers training on food safety, institute periodic focused medical check-up for food handlers and improve human waste disposal. Peer Review History: Received: 4 January 2023; Revised: 13 February; Accepted: 8 March 2023, Available online: 15 March 2023 Academic Editor: Dr. A.A. Mgbahurike, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, amaka_mgbahurike@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. Wadhah Hassan Ali Edrees, Hajja University, Yemen, edress2020@gmail.com Dr. Rawaa Souhil Al-Kayali, Aleppo University, Syria, rawah67@hotmail.com Similar Articles: EVALUATION OF ANTIBACTERIAL RESISTANCE OF BIOFILM FORMS OF AVIAN SALMONELLA GALLINARUM TO FLUOROQUINOLONES

Prevalence and Determinant Factors of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Undernutrition among Primary School Children in North-Central Ethiopia: A School-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are a major public health problem with high morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Undernutrition is a major health problem among school children and affects their cognitive development, psychological development, motor skills, and academic achievements. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinant factors of IPIs and undernutrition among primary school children. Cross-sectional study was conducted among 450 children from February to March 2021 at selected primary schools in Dessie town, North-central Ethiopia. Participants were selected using a stratified sampling technique. Pretested questionnaires were used to collect sociodemographic and nutrition-related data. Stool samples were used to diagnose IPIs. Participants' height and weight were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Nutritional assessment was done using WHO AnthroPlus software. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 software. P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 28.9%. The prevalence of intestinal protozoa and helminths were 19.1% and 9.8%, respectively. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was the most prevalent parasite (9.3%) followed by Giardia intestinalis (7.6%), Enterobius vermicularis (2.9%), and Ascaris lumbricoides (2.7%). The prevalence of intestinal parasites was higher in male (16.5%) than in female (12.4%) participants. Children whose mother's level of education is illiterate, 6-11 years old, have a habit of eating raw/undercooked fruits and vegetables, untrimmed and dirty fingernails, and sickness in the past week were significantly associated with IPIs. The prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting were 22.4%, 26.2%, and 20.7%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression showed gender, family size, meal frequency, and breakfast were significantly associated with undernutrition. IPIs had a statistically significant association with underweight, stunting, and wasting. The study showed that IPIs and undernutrition are still major health problems among children in North-central Ethiopia. Periodic deworming, community health, and school health education will be valuable to improve the health, growth, and educational outcome of children.

Prevalence of Intestinal Protozoa and Soil Transmitted Helminths Infections among School Children in Jaragedo Town, South Gondar Zone of Ethiopia.

Background Parasitism is a relationship where one, the parasite, harms the host or lives at the expense of the host. Intestinal parasites (protozoa and STHs-soil-transmitted helminths) cause gastrointestinal tract infection in humans and animals. Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) predominate the tropics and subtropics and affect poor countries, where school children suffer the most. To prevent and control these infections, local risk factors must first be identified. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among school children in Jaragedo town schools, South Gondar Zone of Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2018 to April 30, 2019, involving 396 students from one elementary and one secondary school. Stratified simple random sampling method was used. A questionnaire was prepared to collect sociodemographic and socioeconomic data of the study subjects. Stool samples were collected and examined using formalin-ether concentration technique. Data were analyzed using SAS software version 9.4. Descriptive statistics were used to give a clear picture of population characteristics. Logistic regression was also used to determine the relationship between dependent variables (primary infection) with independent (explanatory) variables using SAS software. Results Results showed that the overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 65.4%. E. histolytica was the most prevalent intestinal parasite (12–14%) followed by G. lamblia (8–9%); other parasites could not infect more than 5% of the study subjects. Generally, parasitism did not vary between the sexes. The logistic regression analysis showed that grade, level of students, water source, habit of consuming raw meat, and level of income had a strong effect on intestinal parasitic infection (P < 0.05). Other explanatory variables were not significant (P > 0.05). High prevalence of parasites indicates improper disposal of waste, low socioeconomic level, low living standard, and poor water quality. Conclusion Therefore, short-term and long-term intervention strategies are required to minimize rates of infection.

Epidemiological and Molecular Characterization of Blastocystis Infection in Children Attending Daycare Centers in Medellín, Colombia.

Simple SummaryBlastocystis infection affects more than 1000 million people globally. Its frequency varies depending on sociodemographic conditions, hygienic habits, provision of public services, and predisposing factors for contracting the infection, considering the child population as the most affected in developing countries. The lack of studies on this protozoan prevents the understanding of its transmission dynamics and its implications for the population’s health. For this protozoan, the diagnosis is based on microscopic reporting by conventional techniques; and subtype identification, which vary depending on the epidemiological distribution, host, and symptoms. In our study, we describe its epidemiological and molecular characterization in a child population. Additionally, we compare the diagnosis methods of Blastocystis; our research identified a better sensitivity with molecular methods and a great diversity of alleles and subtypes in this population.Background: The present study aims to perform an epidemiological and molecular characterization of Blastocystis infection in a child population attending daycare centers of Medellín, Colombia. Methods: A total of 265 children aged 0–5 years were enrolled in five children’s centers in urban sectors of Medellín, northwestern Colombia. Stool samples were taken to identify intestinal parasites by direct examination, Ritchie–Frick concentration, and molecular identification of Blastocystis by conventional PCR and subtype (ST) identification by PCR barcoding with subsequent phylogenetic reconstruction. Kappa index was calculated to evaluate the agreement between microscopy and PCR for the diagnosis of Blastocystis. Results: The prevalence of intestinal protozoa was 36.6% (97/265), with Blastocystis as the most frequent parasitic protozoan at 15.8% (42/265), followed by Giardia intestinalis at 15.5% (41/265) and Endolimax nana at 15.1% (40/265). The prevalence of Blastocystis by PCR was 53.2% (141/265), the subtypes identified were ST3 at 30.5% (18/59), ST2 at 23.7% (14/59), ST1 at 20.3% (12/59), and with less frequency, ST4 at 5.1% (3/59), ST6 at 1.7% (1/59) and ST16 at 15.3% (9/59) allele 162. Conclusion: This study provides the first genetic characterization of Blastocystis subtypes circulating in a population of Medellín, Colombia, and also updates the epidemiology of Blastocystis subtypes in the world with the first identification of ST16 in humans.

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.

Molecular characterization of Entamoeba, Blastocystis and Cryptosporidium species in stool samples collected from Jordanian patients suffering from gastroenteritis.

Little is known about the prevalence of intestinal protozoa in patients suffering from diarrhea in Jordan. The present study aimed to detect and speciate Entamoeba, Blastocystis, and Cryptosporidium species in a total of 159 human patients with diarrhea from November 2014 to October 2016. The overall prevalence for the three parasites was 19.5% (31/159). Entamoeba spp. (Entamoeba. dispar and/or Entamoeba histolytica), Blastocystis hominis, and Cryptosporidium parvum subtype IIaA15G2R1 were detected in 12.6%, 6%, and 0.6 of samples, respectively. This is the first molecular study in Jordan to confirm the diagnosis of Entamoeba species and to discriminate between E. histolytica and E. dispar.

Changes in the epidemiological profile of intestinal parasites after a school-based large-scale treatment for soil-transmitted helminths in a community in northeastern Brazil: Epidemiological profile after large-scale school-based treatment for STH

Intestinal parasites cause a significant public health problem worldwide due to the associated morbidities, mainly in infected school-aged children (SAC). The strategy of large-scale deworming in SAC to control the transmission of soil-transmitted helminths (STH) has been advocated by the World Health Organization and was recently adopted in Brazil; however, the long-term effects of mass deworming on the larger parasitological profile have been less studied. After a five-year period of school-based large-scale treatment for STH using an annual single dose of albendazole in a community of Sergipe state, Brazil, a marked reduction in prevalence was observed (15.4%% vs.7.4% for Ascaris sp., 6.0%% vs. 0.4% for hookworm, and 12.8%% vs. 4.5%% for Trichuris trichiura), with the exception of Strongyloides stercoralis, which had no statistically significant change in prevalence. There was, however, an increase in the prevalence of intestinal protozoans, specifically Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (0.0%% vs. 36.0%), Blastocystis hominis (0.0%% vs. 40.1%), and Giardia duodenalis (5.6%% vs. 14.5%). Although the findings showed a dramatic reduction in the prevalence of STH after four rounds of preventive chemotherapy, there was an increase in intestinal protozoan infections, indicating a change in the epidemiological profile.

PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PROTOZOA AMONG PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE AND IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

Intestinal parasites have a great influence on patients with gastro-intestinal disorders especially those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This study detected the difference in prevalence of intestinal protozoa among these two groups of patients and evaluated the injury degrees caused by protozoa in gastrointestinal tract (GIT) by measuring the fecal calprotectin (FC) level. This study was done on 219 patients; 101 were IBD patients and 118 were IBS cases attended to the gastroenterology clinics, Zagazig University Hospitals in the period from May 2017 till May 2018 with gastrointestinal symptoms. Stool samples were taken. Microscopic examination for direct wet preparation using 0.9 % of NaCl and 1% of Lugols iodine for each stool specimen was done then confirmed by formol ether sedimentation technique. Fecal smears from sediments of the concentrated samples were stained with modified Ziehl-Neelsen and Trichrome stains. Special ELISA kit was used for calprotectin (FC) fecal detection. Blood sample was taken from each case in EDTA tube for detection of total white blood count, neutrophil percentage, and the hemoglobin content. Out of 219 stool samples, 84 were positive for intestinal protozoa (38.4%); 58(57.4%) of them were patients with IBD & 26 (22%) were patients with IBS. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Giardia lamblia, Blastocystis hominis, Cryptosporidium parvum and Cyclospora cayetanensis are the protozoa which were found among the positive cases. Prevalence among IBD was 27(27%), 14(14%), 10(10%), 6(6%) and 1(1%) respectively while among IBS were 10 (8%), 6(5%), 7(6%), 2( 2%) and 1(1%) respectively. High rates of E. histolytica/dispar (27%), G. lamblia (14%), and B. hominis (10%) were among IBD patients as compared with IBS patients (8%, 5%, 6%), P<0.05. Mean fecal calprotectin levels ≥50ng / ml was considered positive and detected in 15 cases (40.5 %) for E. histolytica, followed by 4(20 %) for G. lamblia, 3(17.6 %) for B. hominis and 1(14%) for C. parvum; meanwhile FC level was negative for C. cayetanensis. There was significant correlation P<0.05 among FC, protozoan infections, total WBCs count and neutrophil%.

Prevalence of Intestinal Protozoa and Helminthic Parasitic Infections in Adult Population of Puducherry

Prevalence of Intestinal Protozoa and Helminthic Parasitic Infections in Adult Population of Puducherry

Prevalence of Intestinal Protozoa in Some Asymptomatic Children Aged Five Years Old Who Attend Private Day Care Centers

Prevalence of Intestinal Protozoa in Some Asymptomatic Children Aged Five Years Old Who Attend Private Day Care Centers

Prevalence of Intestinal Protozoa among Saudi Patients with Chronic Renal Failure: A Case-Control Study.

It has been hypothesized that chronic renal failure (CRF) predisposes patients to infection with intestinal protozoa. We tested this hypothesis with a matched case-control study to determine the prevalence of these protozoa and their diarrhea associated symptoms among 50 patients with CRF (cases) from Taif, western Saudi Arabia. Fifty diarrheal patients without CRF were recruited in the study as controls. Participants were interviewed by a structured questionnaire and stool samples were collected. Samples were thoroughly examined with microscopy and three coproantigens detection kits. Enteric protozoa were detected in 21 cases and 14 controls. Blastocystis spp. were the most predominant parasite (16% in cases versus 8% in controls), followed by Giardia duodenalis (10% in cases versus 12% in controls) and Cryptosporidium spp. (10% in cases versus 6% in controls). Cyclospora cayetanensis was identified in two cases, while Entamoeba histolytica was described in one case and one control. Intestinal parasitism was positively associated with the male gender, urban residence, and travel history. Clinical symptoms of nausea/vomiting and abdominal pain were significantly varied between the parasitized cases and controls (P value ≤ 0.05). Given the results, we recommend screening all diarrheal feces for intestinal protozoa in the study's population, particularly those with CRF.

Occurrence of intestinal parasites among the teachers, students and staffs of Dhaka University

The present study was conducted to find out the incidence of the intestinal parasites and their prevalence among the teachers, students and staffs of University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. The study revealed that the prevalence of intestinal protozoa and helminth parasites are common among the outdoor patients of University of Dhaka. A total of 350 stool samples was examined in the Pathology department of Medical Center of University of Dhaka from June 2009 to May 2010, four species of intestinal parasites were identified of which two species were protozoa (Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia intestinalis) and two species were nematodes (Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura). The overall prevalence of infestation was 23.14% where Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia intestinalis, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura were found as 4.86%, 3.71%, 11.14% and 3.43% respectively. Highest prevalence was recorded in Ascaris lumbricoides (11.14%) and the seasonal pattern showed that highest (30%) prevalence occurred in rainy season and lowest (17.19%) in winter season. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was higher in female (30.56%) than in male (22.29%). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v39i2.17863 J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 39(2): 239-246, December 2013

A Cross-Sectional Study on Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Rural Communities, Northeast Thailand

Despite the existence of effective anthelmintics, parasitic infections remain a major public health problem in Southeast Asia, including Thailand. In rural communities, continuing infection is often reinforced by dietary habits that have a strong cultural basis and by poor personal hygiene and sanitation. This study presents a survey of the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among the people in rural Thailand. The community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in villages in Khon Kaen Province, northeastern Thailand, from March to August 2013. A total of 253 stool samples from 102 males and 140 females, aged 2-80 years, were prepared using formalin-ethyl acetate concentration methods and examined using light microscopy. Ninety-four individuals (37.2%) were infected with 1 or more parasite species. Presence of parasitic infection was significantly correlated with gender (P=0.001); nearly half of males in this survey (49.0%) were infected. Older people had a higher prevalence than younger members of the population. The most common parasite found was Opisthorchis viverrini (26.9%), followed by Strongyloides stercoralis (9.5%), Taenia spp. (1.6%), echinostomes (0.4%), and hookworms (0.4%). The prevalence of intestinal protozoa was Blastocystis hominis 1.6%, Entamoeba histolytica 0.8%, Entamoeba coli 0.8%, Balantidium coli 0.4%, Iodamoeba bütschlii 0.4%, and Sarcocystis hominis 0.4%. Co-infections of various helminths and protozoa were present in 15.9% of the people. The present results show that the prevalence of parasitic infections in this region is still high. Proactive education about dietary habits, personal hygiene, and sanitation should be provided to the people in this community to reduce the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections. Moreover, development of policies and programs to control parasites is needed.

Prevalence of intestinal protozoa in communities along the Lake Victoria region of Uganda

The objective of this study was to assess water-borne parasite point prevalence in communities in close proximity to Lake Victoria in Uganda prior to the implementation of a clean water intervention, and to investigate possible associations of water source and latrine access with protozoan prevalence. Utilizing a rapid antigen test, parasite prevalence for Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was determined from stool samples of individuals living in six Ugandan communities. Stool sample test results were stratified by the independent variables of gender, age, community, water source (improved or lake), and presence of a latrine. The impact of the independent variables on parasite prevalence was investigated with bivariable and multivariable analyses. The prevalence of Giardia (12%) was influenced by age and community of residence. The prevalence of Entamoeba (10%) did not significantly vary by the independent variables. The prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites is significant in Ugandan communities bordering Lake Victoria. Interventions to continue to improve water sources remain a high priority. Rapid antigen testing is likely to be useful in the monitoring of water-borne parasite prevalence.

Intestinal Protozoa in Immunosuppression: A Medical Hassle

Introduction: Immunity forms the backbone of our very existence and opportunistic infections have plagued the immunosuppressed since long. A significant morbidity and mortality is attributable to intestinal parasitosis in the immunocompromised population. Objectives: This study aims to study the prevalence of intestinal protozoa in various immunosuppressed groups and to correlate degree of immunosuppression with protozoal infections. Material and Methods: The study was conducted on 400 patients divided into 4 groups: Group I (HIV patients), Group II (patients on chemotherapy/chemotherapy and radiotherapy for various malignancies), and Group III (diabetes patients) and Group IV included children presenting with diarrhea. Group I, II and III included patients with and without gastrointestinal symptoms. Stool samples were investigated microscopically for cysts/trophozoites after concentration with formol-ether method. Iodine wet mount and Modified acid fast staining methods were used. Result: Intestinal protozoa were detected in 40.75% (163/400); more commonly in patients with higher degree of immunosuppression (CD4 count 7: 95.3% in diabetics and moderate to severe malnutrition: 61.8%. Most common protozoa associated was Cryptosporidium in 66 patients (40.5%) followed by, Entamoeba histolytica in 48 (29.4%), Giardia lamblia in 35 (21.5%), Isosporabelliin 9 (5.5%), Blastocystis hominis in 4 (2.5%), Cyclospora cayetenensis in 1 (0.61%). Conclusion: High prevalence of intestinal protozoa was seen in all groups of immunosuppressed patients and a significant association seen between degree of immune suppression and protozoal infection. Focus needs to be on routine screening of all immunosuppressed patients and their immune reconstitution.

The epidemiology of soil-transmitted helminth and protozoan infections in south-west Cameroon

A cross-sectional study of the prevalence, intensity and effects of soil-transmitted helminth and protozoan infections was undertaken among patients at the Buea Hospital Annex located in Buea sub-division of Cameroon. Stool samples from 356 subjects (174 males and 182 females) were collected and processed using standard concentration methods. Our results showed that 31.0% of subjects were infected with intestinal helminths and the prevalence was higher in females (32.4%) than in males (30.5%). A significantly higher prevalence was observed in rural (47.2%) than in urban areas (21.0%); significance < 0.1%. Prevalence was highest among those aged between 6 and 12 years (41.4%). The total prevalence of intestinal helminth infections were 19.3% for Ascaris lumbricoides, 14.0% for hookworm and 11.8% for Trichuris trichiura. The intensity of infection was unevenly distributed, with very heavy loads concentrated in a few individuals. Data also showed that 28.1% (100/356) of the subjects were infected with protozoans. Females showed a higher prevalence (28.6%; 52/182) than males (20.7%; 36/174). Also, there was a significantly higher prevalence in rural (34.0%; 49/144) than urban areas (18.4%; 39/212); significance < 0.1%. The age group 6-12 years again had a higher prevalence (37.1%; 26/70). The total prevalence of intestinal protozoans was: Entamoeba histolytica (24.4%), Entamoeba coli (11.2%) and Giardia lamblia (0.6%). These relatively heavy prevalences in patients may be reduced by appropriate medication and maintaining strict personal hygiene. Health education, clean water supply, good sewage management and a congenial environment will all help to minimize infection.