Prevalence Of Parasitic Infections Research Articles

Parasitic infection prevalence in tuberculosis patients and their household contacts in the Littoral Region of Cameroon

Parasitic infection prevalence in tuberculosis patients and their household contacts in the Littoral Region of Cameroon

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and Associated Factors Among Public Primary Second-Cycle Schoolchildren in Debre Markos Town, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Intestinal parasitic infection is a common disease that causes significant morbidity and mortality in developing countries, including Ethiopia. The burden of intestinal parasites is worse in schoolchildren, which leads to absenteeism from school, lower cognitive ability, affects academic performance, and causes malnutrition and anemia. While many studies have been reported, there is a paucity of published data in Debre Markos. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated factors among public primary second-cycle schoolchildren in Debre Markos Town, Northwest Ethiopia. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among three selected public primary second-cycle schools in Debre Markos town from May 1 to 30, 2022. Study participants were selected by using random and systematic sampling techniques with proportional allocation to each grade. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires. A single stool specimen was collected from the study participants and processed using direct wet mount and formol ether concentration technique. Binary logistic regression models were applied to assess the association between independent and outcome variables at a 95% confidence level. A total of 343 students were included in the study. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 12% (41/343) with a predominance of hookworms (5.2%, 18/343), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides 2.3% (8/343), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 1.2% (4/343), Hymenolepis nana 0.9% (3/343), Strongyloides stercoralis 0.9% (3/343), Giardia lamblia 0.9% (3/343), and Trichuris trichiura 0.6% (2/343). The habit of open-field defecation (AOR, 95% CI; 2.43 [1.16-5.09]), not using soap to wash hands (AOR, 95% CI; 2.93 [1.33-6.42]), and not wearing closed shoes (AOR, 95% CI; 3.12 [1.19-8.23]) were factors significantly associated with the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was comparatively low in the study area. Open-field defecation, not using soap to wash hands, and not wearing closed shoes were identified as independent predictors.

Prevalence and Distribution of Parasitic Infections in Children in Diwaniyah Hospitals, Iraq

Intestinal parasites are a significant public health concern, particularly among children. These infections can lead to severe health issues, including malnutrition and impaired growth. This study focuses on the prevalence of intestinal parasites among children suffering from diarrhea in Diwaniyah Governorate, specifically at Diwaniyah Teaching Hospital. The study aimed Identify the prevalence of intestinal parasites among children suffering from diarrhea in Diwaniyah Governorate and assess the demographic distribution of infected children, focusing on gender differences, Entrobiais and Hymenolipiasis) are the most prevalent, infecting an estimated one-sixth of the global population. Infection rates are highest in children living in our country, followed by rural areas. Hundreds of millions of people are infected with helminths and intestinal protozoa, particularly children in low- and middle-income countries, we conducted a cross-sectional epidemiological survey in Al-Qadisiyah province communities of six region with sex hospital which including (Alhamza, Al-sanyia, Al-Shamyia hospital, Afak hospital, Al-Diwanyia 2 desert, Al-Diwanyia 1 desert)for 12 months to detect and record all intestinal parasite in patient who admitted to hospital However, a much larger and rapidly growing childhood population in these regions remains untreated and suffering from more than one parasite.

Syrian Refugee Children and Intestinal Parasitoses - Experience of the Moroccan Field Hospital in the Zaatari Camp, Jordan

This prospective study, conducted at the Moroccan field hospital in the Zaatari refugee camp, Jordan, established under the high directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among Syrian refugee children. Between June and November 2014, stool samples from 372 children under 15 years were analyzed using standard parasitological techniques. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 63.71%, peaking at 67.3% among children aged 4-10 years. Protozoa were predominant (59.32%), with Giardia intestinalis and Entamoeba histolytica being the most common species. Helminthic infections accounted for 30.37% of cases, mainly due to Enterobius vermicularis. Polyparasitism was observed in three children. These findings underscore the precarious living conditions in refugee camps and highlight the necessity for effective public health interventions.

Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Children: A 10-Year Retrospective Study.

Background and objective Intestinal parasitic infections are a major public health concern, especially in low-income regions with poor sanitation. Our hospital caters to a large migrant population, but data on these infections in Portugal is limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of intestinal parasitic infections in pediatric patients from epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological perspectives. Methods A retrospective, descriptive study was conducted involving symptomatic or opportunistically screened children and adolescents, with positive stool examination for eggs, cysts, and parasites (O&P) or positive serologies for Strongyloides/Schistosoma, at a level II hospital in Portugal, between January 2012 and June 2022. Results Seventy-seven patients were included in the study, of whom 56% were migrants. The median age was six years. A total of 79 intestinal parasitic infections were diagnosed, corresponding to a positivity rate of 2.5%. Among these, 7.8% occurred in children aged under one year, a particularly vulnerable group. The most frequently identified parasite was Giardia lamblia, followed by Strongyloides stercoralis. The rate of diagnoses increased over the study period, linked to the growing migrant population. Clinically, most children and adolescents were asymptomatic. Additionally, there was a significant rate of loss to medical follow-up, which could contribute to transmission. Conclusions This study is unique in its focus on characterizing intestinal parasitic infections in the pediatric population, addressing a gap in existing research. It highlights the need for further research among children living in Europe, especially given the rising migrant population. Multicenter studies are crucial to better understand infection patterns and improve diagnostic and treatment protocols.

Patterns of soil-transmitted helminth aggregation in the human host population after several years of intensive mass drug administration.

Community-wide mass drug administration (cMDA) is known as an effective, albeit costly, control strategy for soil-transmitted helminth (STH) parasites. A better understanding of STH aggregation after many rounds of cMDA could help shape more cost-effective policies. This analysis uses data from the Geshiyaro project, aiming to break STH transmission by cMDA and water, sanitation and hygiene interventions. Ascaris lumbricoides infection prevalence is derived from egg count data and parasite aggregation is obtained by fitting a negative binomial distribution to the frequency distribution of faecal egg counts. The relationship between parasite dispersion and infection prevalence is approximately linear. Parasite aggregation increases as infection prevalence decreases. A minority of individuals carry most parasites as prevalence decreases in the community. These individuals could be selectively targeted for repeated treatment.

Common intestinal parasitic infections in an improved water access, sanitation, and hygiene profile setting in North Jakarta, Indonesia.

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs), caused by helminths and/or protozoa, continue to be a significant public health concern in Indonesia. Water access, sanitation, and hygiene practices (WASH) are influential factors for IPIs, especially among children. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between WASH and IPIs among school-aged children. A cross-sectional study involving 338 school-age children in an urban slum area in North Jakarta, Indonesia, was conducted using stool specimens subjected to microscopic and real-time polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR) examination. The children underwent a finger-prick blood test and anthropometric measurements to determine anemia and nutritional status. Parents whose children participated in stool and blood examinations were interviewed using a modified WASH questionnaire. Helminth infections were not found in this study, whereas the overall prevalence of intestinal protozoa parasitic infection (IPPI) was 18.3% and 52.4% by microscopy and rt-PCR, respectively. Blastocystis spp. was found to have the highest prevalence (microscopy: 12%; rt-PCR: 48.6%), followed by Giardia intestinalis (microscopy: 0.6%; rt-PCR: 6.7%), Cryptosporidium spp. (microscopy: 5.1%; rt-PCR: 1.6%), and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (microscopy: 0.6%; rt-PCR: 3.2%). Additionally, Dientamoeba fragilis was detected by rt-PCR at 4.1%. Furthermore, the discrepancies between microscopy and rt-PCR were observed in 8.9% (n = 28) of the examined specimens. The majority of the respondents had a low-risk category of WASH profile. School children aged 5-10 years old (OR = 2.06; 95%CI = 1.27-3.33) and those who drank unprocessed cooking water (OR = 1.95; 95%CI = 1.07-3.57) were significantly associated with IPPI. The present study demonstrated that rt-PCR provides a better understanding of IPI epidemiology and has potential as a monitoring strategy for managing IPIs. Even though this population exhibits an adequate WASH profile and is not directly associated with IPIs, conducting a more in- depth observation of WASH facilities and practices is recommended to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the WASH profile. Additionally, engaging stakeholders in health promotion programs to ensure the sustainability of a good WASH profile and awareness of parasitic infections will be advantageous in achieving optimal urban health.

Copromicroscopic Diagnosis and Prevalence of Parasitic Infections in Animals in Sitio Ibayo, San Mateo, Rizal, Philippines: Establishing a Sentinel Study for Zoonotic Disease Surveillance.

This study investigates the prevalence and intensity of parasitic infections in animal fecal samples collected from Sitio Ibayo, San Mateo, Rizal, Philippines, a suburban community considered a potential sentinel site for zoonotic disease surveillance. Using cross-sectional sampling, 132 animal fecal samples were collected in the area exhaustively. Samples were processed through direct smear with saline solution and Lugol's iodine and flotation technique using mini- and fill-FLOTAC. Microscopy was conducted, and the photomicrographs were analyzed to identify the parasite. This study revealed an overall prevalence of parasitic infection of 50.67%. The prevalence was 100% in birds, cats, doves, and a rabbit, whereas dogs showed a high prevalence of 68.75%, followed by ducks at 66.67% and humans at 44.44%. Notably, the parasitic infection among ruminants was low, including zero in cows. Farm animals such as pigs and chickens have 53.8% and 42.9% prevalence, respectively. The co-infection was seen as 24 (18.18%) samples had two types of parasites, 12 (9.09%) had three types of parasites, three (2.27%) had four types of parasites, and one (0.76%) had five types of parasites. A total of 17 genera/species of parasites were found, including those belonging to the phylum Nematoda, phylum Platyhelminthes, and phylum Protozoa. Intensity analysis of infections demonstrated high intensity ofCapillariaspp. infections among 50% of the sampled birds andEimeriaspp. among 20% of the sampled geese, with most parasitic infections in the other categories at low intensity. This study highlights the burden of parasitic infections among various animal groups in Sitio Ibayo. The prevalence and co-infections in companion animals, farm animals, and humans were notable. The high prevalence of parasites in dogs, cats, and birds underscores their potential role in maintaining and dispersing parasitic infections within the ecosystem. The predominance of low-intensity infections suggests that while immediate health impacts may be minimal for some hosts, multi-parasite infections raise concerns for ecosystem health and zoonotic transmission. Targeted interventions using the One Health approach, including improved hygiene practices, deworming programs, and public awareness campaigns, are needed to mitigate the spread of parasitic diseases in this community.

Parasitic intestinal infection in students of disabilities centers in Sanaa governorate, Yemen

Background: Intestinal parasite infections remain prevalent in low-income countries, especially among children, due to poor drinking water quality and insufficient personal and environmental cleanliness. This study sought to diagnose, prevent, and manage intestinal parasites in individuals with special needs in Sanaa Governorate. Method: We collected stool samples from 232 students, aged 1 to 18, of which 143 were male and 89 were female. We collected data using a validated standard questionnaire. We processed and analyzed fecal samples using a wet mount preparation, adhering to the standing concentration technique. Results: We found an overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection of 83.6%. E. histolytica (76.7%), G. lamblia (8.6%), A. lumbricoides (0.4%), H. nana (6.5%), S. mansoni (0.4%), Ent. vermicularis (6.5%), and S. stercoralis (2.2%). Conclusions: In children, E. histolytica was the most common intestinal parasite infection. There are few methods of transmission and protection for students with special needs.

Environmental Health Risks and Well-being among the Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia: A Review

Orang Asli community has a significantly higher prevalence of parasitic infections than mainstream society in Peninsular Malaysia. These diseases appear to be most prevalent among isolated populations across Peninsular Malaysia. The aim of this review study was to better understand the environmental health risks that Orang Asli communities in remote forests face. In this study, a qualitative content analysis research design is used. The study conducts a detailed review of studies on physical environmental problems that have been associated to poor health outcomes and are anticipated to be prevalent among remote indigenous communities. The review findings of selected literatures indicate that the primary issues were parasite infection and drinking water tainted with heavy metals and germs. Water-borne infections and other infectious diseases have been epidemiologically linked to these environmental conditions. They are anecdotally high in remote indigenous communities. These issues are a little-known issue that could have a big influence on the health of the indigenous people; more research in this field would be very beneficial. It is critical to identify and measure these physical environmental elements, as well as to understand the mechanisms by which they influence health, especially since these factors are adjustable and can be repressed with relatively simple, cost-effective adjustments in community infrastructure. The review concludes with a proposed cooperative collaboration between indigenous communities and Malaysian mainstream society. As such, the strategy aids in the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals, which cover issues such as health and well-being, clean water and sanitation, and partnership.

ABUNDANCE AND PUBLIC HEALTH SIGNIFICANCE OF ASCARIS LUMBRICOIDES AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, KEFFI, NASARAWA STATE

Ascaris lumbricoides, a soil-transmitted helminth, remains one of the most prevalent parasitic infections globally, particularly affecting children in low-resource settings with inadequate sanitation and hygiene practices. This study determined the prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides among patients attending the Federal Medical Centre Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria, between May and July 2024. A total of 100 patients participated in this study. Stool samples were analyzed using the concentration technique. The results of the study show that, of the 100 fecal samples examined, 5 (5%) were positive. The highest prevalence was found among the age group 1-30, with 4 (0.04%), followed by 31-60, with 1 (0.01%), while the age group >60 recorded no infections. The highest prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides infection was among females, with 4 (0.04%), compared to males, with 1 (0.01%). Ascaris lumbricoides remains a public health concern, especially among children in the study area. The provision of potable water, toilet facilities, and regular deworming will enhance control measures.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among patients attending a tertiary care hospital from August 2022 to May 2024

Objective: To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and to identify temporal trends over a two year period among patients attending a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in the Microbiology Department, AIIMS Kalyani, West Bengal. Stool samples sent for diagnostic screening from August 2022 to May 2024 were included in the analysis. Complete patient details and blood parameters were retrieved from hospital records. Results: Out of the 532 subjects, 64.7% were males and 35.3% were females, with 39.8% of the children aged between 0-18 years. The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 6.8%. The highest prevalence of parasitosis was observed in the age group over 60 years, followed by 46-60 age year group, at 14.1% and 9.5% respectively. The lowest prevalence was found in the age group of 31-45 years at 2.2%. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar showed the highest prevalence at 61.1%, followed by Giardia spp. at 16.7%. Multi-parasitism was observed in only 2.8 % of the subjects. Conclusions: There was an annual increase in the trend of intestinal parasitic infections over the 2 year period from 2022 to 2024. Therefore, important interventions are warranted, such as enhancing sanitary conditions, implementing periodic deworming programs, and educating the public about the risks of faecal contamination of water, the importance of drinking boiled water, and promoting environmental hygienic practices.

Prevalence and molecular identification of protozoan intestinal parasitic infections in cancer patients and a control group

BackgroundParasitic infections, especially opportunistic infections, are important issues for immunocompromised patients, including cancer patients. In this study, the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections was investigated in Iranian cancer patients and a control group using microscopic and molecular methods.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on a group of 158 individuals with gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal cancers from hospitals affiliated with the Iran University of Medical Sciences, alongside 158 healthy individuals included in the control group. Stool samples were collected and examined using direct and concentration methods. The modified acid-fast staining method was used to detect coccidian parasite infections. DNA was extracted from the patients’ samples, and PCR and sequencing were performed.ResultsThe overall prevalence of protozoan infections was higher in the cancer patients (31.6%) than in the control group (12.0%), with the difference between the two groups being statistically significant (P = 0.0001). The study identified Blastocystis hominis as the most common protozoan, with a prevalence of 22.8%, followed by Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba coli, Dientamoeba fragilis, and Chilomastix mesnili, with rates of 2.5%, 1.3%, 1.3%, and 0.6%, respectively, in the cancer patients. Cystoisospora belli and Cryptosporidium sp. were found as opportunistic infections in 2.5% and 0.6% of the cancer patients, respectively. Blastocystis hominis, with a prevalence of 9.5%, followed by Giardia lamblia at 1.3%, were the most common parasitic infections in the control group. A statistical difference was found for Cystoisospora belli (P = 0.044) and Blastocystis hominis (P = 0.0013) between the cancer patients and the control group. Cryptosporidium sp. was confirmed as Cryptosporidium parvum, and Cystoisospora belli was confirmed by PCR sequencing.ConclusionChemotherapy, aside from corticosteroids, increases susceptibility to intestinal Protozoan infections in patients with hematological malignancies, particularly those with lymphoma and leukemia. The results indicated a higher risk of intestinal Protozoan infections, including opportunistic infections, in the cancer patients than in the control group. Cystoisospora belli and Cryptosporidium parvum were found to cause diarrhea in hematological malignancy patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Efficacy of amniotic fluid, blood and urine samples for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women candidates for amniocentesis using serological and molecular techniques

BackgroundsToxoplasmosis, a prevalent parasitic infection, is primarily caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). This infection poses a significant threat to neonates during pregnancy and individuals with compromised immune systems. Consequently, it is imperative to develop a novel diagnostic approach that combines high sensitivity with low-risk sampling to effectively manage patients. The aim of this study is to utilize serological and molecular techniques for the diagnosis of T. gondii infection in 100 pregnant women who were under the care of a gynecologist and were candidates for amniocentesis.MethodsDuring the 15-19th weeks of pregnancy, a total of 100 samples each of amniotic fluid, buffy coat, plasma, and urine simultaneously were collected from pregnant women candidates for amniocentesis in Mazandaran province, northern Iran. This study involved various assessments: (1) detecting anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG in plasma through chemiluminescence assay (2) determining IgG avidity in plasma using the Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique (3) identifying of T. gondii DNA in amniotic fluid, buffy coat and urine by nested PCR (nPCR) and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) methods targeting the REP-529 gene, as well as genotyping using GRA6 target genes, and (4) assessing the sensitivity and specificity of the nPCR and qPCR tests.ResultsOut of 100 pregnant women screened, 70 were between the ages of 31 to 40 years old. Among them, 23 and 44 had one and two previous pregnancies. Additionally, 13 and 8 women had one and two history of abortions, respectively. Following serologic testing, 52% of the individuals were positive for T. gondii antibodies. Of these, 52 samples were positive for IgG antibodies, and one sample was positive for both IgG and IgM antibodies. Notably, all 52 cases with IgG positivity exhibited a high level of IgG avidity. Regarding the molecular testing of amniotic fluid samples, two pregnant women tested positive in the nPCR assay, while three tested positive in the qPCR assay. Furthermore, genotyping revealed that all positive samples belonged to type I of the T. gondii genotype. Moreover, none of the 100 buffy coat and urine samples tested positive for T. gondii using the nPCR and qPCR techniques.ConclusionThe findings of the current study suggest that serological methods alone may not be reliable in diagnosing congenital toxoplasmosis and cannot rule out the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis and must be approved by molecular tests.

Epidemiology and diagnostics of intestinal parasitic infections in Italy: a multicentric survey

Background and Aims: parasitic infections are becoming more common in non-endemic countries because of intensified immigration and international travels; however, the parasitic disease burden is often underestimated because of underdiagnosis and lack of surveillance in industrialized countries. Also, in Italy, epidemiological data on intestinal parasites affecting humans are scarce and scattered in different areas of the country. The aim of this retrospective, observational study was to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections employing Parasitological Stool Examination (PSE) and to verify the quality of the diagnostic methodologies adopted to identify intestinal parasites in Italian laboratories. Materials and Methods: the study involved 28 Italian diagnostic laboratories and 36389 patients, from June 2015 to May 2016. Results: our data showed that 3173 out of 36389 subjects (8.7%) were carriers of one or more pathogenic or non-pathogenic protozoa or helminths. When only organisms known to cause intestinal disease were considered, an overall positive rate of 3.8% was found (1400/36389). Among the 1400 patients carrying one or more pathogenic species, protozoan infections predominated and were identified in 1138 subjects (3.1%); Dientamoeba fragilis and Giardia duodenalis represent the main intestinal pathogens. Concerning parasitic worms, only 262 individuals (0.7%) exhibited helminth infection; the most frequent finding was represented by Enterobius vermicularis, followed by Taenia spp. Conclusions: this survey also indicated that not all diagnostic laboratories can guarantee proper performance for parasitological diagnosis. In this context, close collaboration between physicians and clinical microbiologists is warranted to improve the diagnostics of intestinal parasitic infections, thus ensuring good quality service.

Age‐prevalence curves in a multi‐species parasite community

Abstract The relationship between infection prevalence and host age is informative because it can reveal processes underlying disease dynamics. Most prior work has assumed that age‐prevalence curves are shaped by infection rates, host immunity and/or infection‐induced mortality. Interactions between parasites within a host have largely been overlooked as a source of variation in age‐prevalence curves. We used field survey data and models to examine the role of interspecific interactions between parasites in shaping age‐prevalence curves. The empirical dataset included quantification of parasite infection prevalence for eight co‐occurring trematodes in over 15,000 snail hosts. We characterized age‐prevalence curves for each taxon, examined how they changed over space in relation to co‐occurring trematodes and tested whether the shape of the curves aligned with expectations for the frequencies of coinfections by two taxa in the same host. The models explored scenarios that included negative interspecific interactions between parasites, variation in the force‐of‐infection (FOI) and infection‐induced mortality that varied with host age, which were mechanisms hypothesized to be important in the empirical dataset. In the empirical dataset, four trematode parasites had monotonic increasing age‐prevalence curves and four had unimodal age‐prevalence curves. Some of the curves remained consistent in shape in relation to the prevalence of other potentially interacting trematodes, while some shifted from unimodal to monotonic increasing, suggesting release from negative interspecific interactions. The most common taxa with monotonic increasing curves had lower co‐infection frequencies than expected, suggesting they were competitively dominant. Taxa with unimodal curves had coinfection frequencies that were closer to those expected by chance. The model showed that negative interspecific interactions between parasites can cause a unimodal age‐prevalence curve in the subordinate taxon. Increases in the FOI and/or infection‐induced mortality of the dominant taxon cause shifts in the peak prevalence of the subordinate taxon to a younger host age. Infection‐induced mortality that increased with host age was the only scenario that caused a unimodal curve in the dominant taxon. Results indicated that negative interspecific interactions between parasites contributed to variation in the shape of age‐prevalence curves across parasite taxa and support the growing importance of incorporating interactions between parasites in explaining population‐level patterns of host infection over space and time. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

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

BackgroundIntestinal 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.MethodsWe 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.ResultsA 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%).ConclusionAn 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.

Current status of intestinal parasite infections in fecal samples of dogs in Korea.

This study surveyed the current status of intestinal parasite infections in Korean dog fecal samples. A total of 367 fecal samples were collected from the northern (Seoul and Gyeonggi-do), central (Chungcheong-do), and southern (Gyeongsang-do) regions and analyzed using the saturated sodium nitrate flotation technique and the nucleotide sequences of 18S rRNA. Six species of intestinal parasites were detected using the flotation technique. Among them, helminth eggs detected included Toxocara canis (6.0%), Toxascaris leonina (1.1%), Trichuris vulpis (6.8%), Ancylostoma caninum (2.7%), and Spirometra sp. (1.1%). Additionally, Cystoisospora sp. (7.6%) oocysts were also detected. The prevalence of intestinal parasite infections was higher in shelter dogs than in pet dogs. Molecular genetic assays revealed the gdh and 18S rRNA genes of Giardia duodenalis (type D) in 4.9% of fecal samples. To the best of our knowledge, 18S rRNA genes of Cryptosporidium canis were identified in 1.9% of fecal samples for the first time in Korea. These findings provide an overview of the current status of intestinal parasite infections in fecal samples of dogs from Korea and can be helpful in the surveillance of zoonotic parasite infections related to dogs.

IgG Antibody Titers Against Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercolaris, and Toxocara canis in Venezuelan Patients with Asthma or COPD.

It has been suggested that parasitic infections, common in Latin American populations, may amplify the inflammatory response of the airways. There are several reports of atopic and asthmatic patients but few reports of parasitic infection in COPD patients. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of parasitic infections in COPD patients compared with atopic and asthmatic patients attending the Institute of Immunology outpatient clinics and the pneumology service of the University hospital. A case-control study was conducted compising 100 patients with bronchial asthma, 100 patients with COPD, 100 individuals with atopy without respiratory symptoms, and 100 healthy individuals. Serum-specific IgG antibodies against the parasites Ascaris lumbricoides (Al), Strongyloides stercolaris (Ss), and Toxocara canis (Tc) were measured by ELISA. IgE levels were used as an indirect indicator of atopy. Positive IgG for Al was observed in all groups, predominantly in the atopic cohort; Ss positiveness was recorded only in four COPD patients, and Tc positiveness was observed in all groups except in controls. Significant correlations exist between the values of Al and IgE in controls, atopic, and asthmatic patients without COPD. No correlation was found for Tc. IgE levels and the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) correlate only in atopic and asthmatic patients. Parasitic infections are common in atopic patients and moderate and severe asthmatic and COPD patients. Anti-inflammatory treatment may be responsible for the increased frequency of infection in moderate and severe asthmatic and COPD patients.

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.