Prevalence Of Protozoan Infections Research Articles

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.

Epidemiological study of Intestinal protozoan Infections: A Cross-sectional study in Zakho City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq during 2018-2022

Background and aims: Intestinal protozoan parasitic infections are considered one of the most frequent types of infection caused by these parasites and remain a major health problem for communities. This study aims to detect the frequency of intestinal protozoan infections infection among Zakho general population from October 2018 to June 2022. Methods: This study was performed as a cross-sectional study among 2118 patients referring to private medical diagnostic laboratories in Zakho City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. Samples of faecal matter were collected and subjected to analysis using two different techniques: direct observation under the microscope (wet mount) and formalin-ether concentration methods. Morphological characteristics of trophozoites and cysts were used to identify E. histolytica using microscopical examination. Results: Out of 2118 recruited samples, 1155 (54.53%) were male and 963 (45.47%) were female. The mean age of participants was 20.41 (±19.12) with ages ranging from 1-63 years. The overall prevalence of protozoan infections was 395/2118 (18.65%). Out of these, Entamoeba histolytica was the predominant pathogenic protozoa infection 271 (68.61%), followed by Giardia lamblia 100 (25.31%). A significant association was seen between Entamoeba histolytica and age groups (p=0.003) and gender (p=0.004). The highest infection rate was reported among the age group <15 years (55.72%). We also found a higher rate of Giardia infection among age group <15 years (46%) with significant differences (p=0.002) and a higher rate of Giardia seen in females (55%) with significant association (p=0.014). Conclusion: The frequency of Giardia lamblia and E. histolytica infections in our study was higher than other studies reported in Iraq and other countries, and these infections continue to pose a difficult public health issue and necessitate the implementation of stronger and more effective preventative measures.

Prevalence of Protozoa Infections in Domestic Cats

This study aims to determine the prevalence of helminthiasis infection in domestic cats that live freely in the IPB Gunung Gede campus. This study used 15 samples of stray cat feces that live in the IPB Gunung Gede Campus. The collected fecal samples were then examined qualitatively by native and flotation methods. The results showed that 4 out of 15 feral cats were positively infected with protozoa with a prevalence of 26.6% on flotation examination, whereas on native examination, the results were negative. The positive result was indicated by the discovery of oocysts during flotation examination. The positive feral cat was found with watery diarrhea condition and his hair looks dull. Protozoal infections are more common in feral cats than in domestic cats. Protozoal infections can cause disturbances in the digestive tract in the form of diarrhea and are zoonotic.

Intestinal Parasitic Infections Among Patients Who Visited Woldia Comprehensive Specialized Hospital’s Emergency Department Over a Six-Year Period, Woldia, Ethiopia: A Retrospective Study

BackgroundDespite ongoing intensive public health intervention efforts, intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remain a major public health problem in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Having updated epidemiological data focusing on the top common IPIs that cause emergency visits is crucial for implementing area-specific and evidence-based intervention strategies. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of IPIs in Woldia Comprehensive Specialized Hospital’s (WCSH) emergency laboratory over a six-year period.MethodsAn institutional-based retrospective study was conducted to assess the prevalence of IPIs over a six-year period (2014–2019) using a recorded saline wet-mount stool sample examination result in the laboratory logbook at WCSH’s emergency department.ResultsIn this study, of the total of 11,281 clinically suspected individuals who were requested for stool sample examination, 3908 (34.6%) individuals were diagnosed with IPs. The majority of confirmed cases were caused by protozoan parasites (32.9%), followed by helminth infections (1.7%). A slight fluctuating trend in the prevalence of IPs was observed in the six-year study period, with the highest prevalence documented in the year of 2014 (41.3%) and the lowest in 2017 (28.0%). Entamoeba histolytica/dispar and Giardia lamblia accounts for 95% of the IPs. The prevalence of protozoan infection was significantly higher in females (p-value = 0.0101), while H. nana (p-value =0.0138) and E. vermicularis (p-value = 0.0201) infections were higher in males. The highest and the lowest IP prevalence were reported in the age groups of 45–54 years (40%) and under five years (25.6%), respectively.Conclusion and RecommendationsIn the study area, nearly one-third of patients with emergency visits due to gastrointestinal symptoms were infected with IPs. This underlines the severity of the problem in the study area, which requires a collaborative effort of concerned bodies to minimize the burden of IP to the level where it is no longer a public health threat.

IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON INTESTINAL PARASITIC INFECTIONS: EXPERIENCE OF PARASITOLOGY AND MYCOLOGY LABORATORY OF AVICENNA MILITARY HOSPITAL IN MARRAKECH

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are a worldwide public health threat that remains frequent, especially in countries where hygienic conditions are precarious. The Covid-19 pandemic that the world is experiencing since March 2020 was associated with the establishment of a set of hygienic measures. The aim of this study is to highlight a possible impact of those measures on the prevalence of IPIs by evaluating the results of stool specimens examinations for patients of the Avicenna military hospital in Marrakech for a period extended from 2017 to 2022. The overall prevalence of IPIs was found to be 32%. The prevalence of protozoa infections was much higher than the prevalence of helminthic infections (95% vs. 5%). Amongst the protozoa, blastocystis hominis (BH) was the most common parasite. Our study showed a fall in the overall prevalence of IPIs starting from 2020 and a consequent drop in the prevalence of the most incriminated protozoa in parasitic diarrheas: entamoeba histolytica histolytica and giardia intestinalis. Those findings show the effectiveness of the hygiene measures, implemented during covid-19 pandemic, on the carriage of these parasites. The replacement of Entamoeba histolytica histolytica by blastocystis hominis in terms of pathogenicity could be explained by the reactivation of the carriage of BH due to the imbalance of the intestinal flora caused by the use of alcohol and bleach for sanitization. Therefore the present study highlights the positive impact of hygienic measures, carried out during covid-19 pandemic, on the prevalence of IPIs and leads us to emphasize the need to pursue those measures even outside the pandemic.

Comparative study of protozoan parasite communities between Anabas testudineus and Channa punctatus

The study was conducted to determine the comparative occurrence of protozoan parasites of two host species- Anabas testudineus and Channa punctatus. The host fishes were collected from April, 2018 to March, 2019 from freshwater bodies of Mymensingh, Kishoreganj, Faridpur and Jashore districts of Bangladesh. Three species of myxozoa (Henneguya mystusia, Henneguya qadrii and Henneguya acerinae) and four genera/species of ciliophora (Trichodina acuta, Trichodina sp., Epistylis lwoffi and Amphileptus disciformis) in A. testudineus; three genera/species of myxozoa (Henneguya chaudhuryi, Henneguya bengalensis and Myxobolus sp.), three species of ciliophora (Trichodina pediculus, Epistylis lwoffi and Apisoma piscicolum) and a few actinosporean stage of myxoza in C. punctatus were identified. The prevalence of protozoan infections were found higher in A. testudineus (76.19%) compare to C. punctatus (51.72%). However, mean intensity was relatively higher in C. punctatus (95.93 ± 41.53) than that of A. testudineus (71.38 ± 32.26). Myxozoans were clearly dominant group in both hosts. Multiple parasitic infections were higher in A. testudineus. The highest parasitic infection was observed in Mymensingh (100%) and lowest in Jashore (40%) in A. testudineus, whereas it was highest in fish of Faridpur (100%) and lowest in Mymensingh (33.33%) in C. punctatus. Shannon Diversity Indices indicated that the parasite community was poorly diverged in both hosts of all study areas. However, Simpson’s Diversity revealed that, parasites community was moderately diverged in both hosts in Mymensingh and in other study areas they were poorly diverged.
 Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 30(1): 23-34, 2021 (January)

Socio-demographic influences on the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among workers in Qatar

BackgroundThe rapid growth of Qatar in the last two decades has been associated with an enormous expansion of building programs in its cities and in the provision of new service industries. This in turn has attracted a large influx of immigrant workers seeking employment in jobs associated with food handling, domestic service, and the building industry. Many of these immigrants come from countries in the tropics and subtropics where intestinal parasitic infections are common. In this study, we explored the environmental and socio-demographic characteristics of immigrant workers in Doha Qatar, which might explain the persistence of the parasites that they harbor.MethodologyThis cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2486 newly arrived immigrant workers and those who visited Qatar previously during the period 2012–2014. Through questionnaires and census data, we characterized the socio-demographic conditions at an individual, family, and neighborhood levels.ResultsOverall, the prevalence of combined protozoan infection was 11.7% and that of helminth was 7.0%. Combined protozoan infections were significantly associated with immigrant workers arriving in Doha for the first time. In univariate log-linear statistical models fitted in phase 1 of the analysis, significant associations were observed between the prevalence of combined protozoan infections and personal and familial factors that included religion, the level of education of subjects, both parents’ educational levels and their jobs, and the number of siblings. Furthermore, environmental effects on the prevalence of protozoan infections including the country of origin, the floor of the house, toilet type, household content index, provision of household water, farming background showed strong associations with protozoan infections. However, in phase 2, multifactorial binary logistic generalized linear models focusing only on the significant effects identified in phase 1, showed that only five factors retained significance (age class, floor of the house, household contents index, father’s education, and the number of siblings). The only factors that had a significant effect on the prevalence of helminth infections were the subjects’ age class and the mother’s educational level.ConclusionsThe prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites among immigrant workers in Qatar is clearly multifactorial in origin determined by key familial relationships of subjects and also the environment, in which the subjects lived prior to their arrival in Qatar. Moreover, our results suggest that screening protocols for applicants for visas/work permits need to be revised giving more careful attention to the intestinal protozoan infections that potential immigrant workers may harbor.Graphical

Prevalence of Enteroparasites Among Non-Saudis in Bahrah, Saudi Arabia.

BackgroundEnteroparasitic infections in tropical and subtropical regions of the world are among the most common diseases. The majority of the cases may show no symptoms; however, many untreated cases may experience severe complications. The recent substantial economic development in Saudi Arabia has resulted in an inflow of millions of workers with intestinal parasitic infection, from highly endemic countries, mainly from Asia and Africa.ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study aimed to assess for the first time the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infestation among non-Saudi residents in Bahrah, western region, Saudi Arabia.Materials and methodsA total of 355 stool samples were collected from participants included in this study for several examinations of intestinal parasites. In addition, questionnaires including personal data, sociodemographic data, personal hygiene, health habits and other factors were used.ResultsThe prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among non-Saudi workers in the present study was 22.3%, and the prevalence of protozoan infection was higher than helminth infection. Most of the workers were from Asian countries and were prevalent with Trichuris trichiura, Blastocystis hominis, Endolimax nana and Ascaris lumbricoides. Single intestinal infections were among 86% of the infected cases. The main significant factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections were personal hygiene practices (such as proper handwashing before meals and after using the toilet), source of drinking water and type of living accommodation.ConclusionIntestinal parasites were slightly more prevalent among non-Saudi workers in Bahrah. There is a need for public health awareness programs to prevent spreading of the infections.

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

Zoonotic potential of gastrointestinal parasite in long-tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis at Baluran National Park, Situbondo, East Java, Indonesia

Baluran National Park (BNP) is one of the highest number of tourist visit among Indonesian national park. In the past decades, excessive feeding has induced change in macaque behaviour which increased the number of recorded human-macaque interaction. The close contact between macaque and humans can increase the risk of disease transmissions. This study aimed to identify gastro intestinal (GI) parasite in the long-tailed macaque. To provide identification, we adopted morphologic methods. We collected 100 faeces from unidentified individuals of Long-tailed macaque in BNP. Fecal samples were tested using direct smear and modified sugar floatation techniques. Microscopic examination showed 89% (89/100) samples were found to be positive of GI parasite. The prevalence of protozoa infection was higher (89%) than helminth (83%). The most prevalent GI parasite is Trichostrongylus sp (66%) following with Entamoeba sp. (53%), Strongyloides sp. (32%), Blastocystis sp. (32%), Trichuris sp.(17%), Giardia sp. (10%) and Enterobius sp. (3%). All of GI parasite that successfully identified have zoonotic concern. In conclusion, GI parasites found in faeces of long-tailed macaque at Baluran National Park potentially a zoonotic transmission.Keywords : GI Parasite; Long tailed Macaque; Baluran National Park; Zoonosis

More Than Half Prevalence of Protozoan Parasitic Infections Among Diarrheic Outpatients in Eastern Tigrai, Ethiopia, 2019; A Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundProtozoan infections remain a major public health concern in Ethiopia, which causes malnutrition, protein and iron deficiencies, increment of health costs, hospitalization and long-term deleterious effects. In Tigrai, particularly, in the study area, there are limited literatures on the prevalence of protozoa and associated factors among diarrheic outpatients. Thus, aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of protozoan infections among diarrheic outpatients in Eastern Tigrai.MethodsHealth facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Eastern Tigrai, Ethiopia from April to October 2019 among diarrheic outpatient in health facilities of Adigrat. Four hundred one eighteen study participants were included consecutively. The stool samples were examined via direct wet mount following formal-ether concentration technique. Both interviewer based and self-administrated questionnaires were used to collect demographic data and factors associated with protozoan infections. Data were analyzed and computed using BM SPSS statistics version 22.0. P-value=0.05 at 95% confidence interval declared statistically significant.ResultsOut of 418 diarrheic outpatients, the overall prevalence of protozoan infection was 59.3% (248/418). A higher percentage of intestinal protozoan infection was recorded for females 130 (31.1%). Using well water as a source of drinking, poor hand washing habits before eating, not home latrine, dirty and untrimmed fingernails were the most important risk factors identified. E. histolytica complex and Giardia duodenalis were the most predominant protozoan infections detected among diarrheic outpatients.ConclusionThe present study showed that diarrheic outpatients in the study area were heavily infected with protozoan parasitic infection. E. histolytica complex and Giardia duodenalis were the most predominant protozoans detected among diarrheic outpatients. Using well water as a source of drinking, poor handwashing habit before eating, not having home latrine, dirty and untrimmed fingernails were most important risk factors identified. So, cooperative action and health education on preventive measure are needed to reduce protozoan infections in Tigrai, particularly in the study area. The present study showed that diarrheic outpatients in the study area were heavily infected with protozoan parasitic infection.

Prevalence of Protozoal Infections in Children with Gastroenteritis at Ain Shams University Paediatrics Hospital

Prevalence of Protozoal Infections in Children with Gastroenteritis at Ain Shams University Paediatrics Hospital

Intestinal parasite infections in dogs affected by multicentric lymphoma and undergoing chemotherapy.

Prevalence and species composition of intestinal parasites were evaluated in dogs affected by high-grade multicentric lymphoma and undergoing chemotherapy and in control healthy dogs. Obtained data were statistically analyzed. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasite infections was 33.3%. In lymphoma dogs, the prevalence of protozoa infections (46.7%) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of helminth infections (6.7%) and Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., Neospora caninum, Cystoisospora ohioensis-complex, Entamoeba sp. and Spirocerca lupi were identified. In the control group, only 3/15 dogs (20%) were found positive and no statistically significant differences emerged regarding helminth (hookworms and Toxocara canis) and protozoa (G. duodenalis) infections. Results from this study may suggest a potential higher prevalence of opportunistic intestinal protozoa, including some potentially zoonotic species, in dogs affected by high-grade multicentric lymphoma, emphasizing the need to monitor lymphoma-affected dogs for these protozoa, especially those undergoing chemotherapy.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites among food handlers attending public health laboratories in Khartoum State, Sudan

Background: Infections by intestinal pathogens especially protozoans and helminths are considered to pose a real health problem, particularly in the tropics. They cause considerable morbidity and mortality rates in developing countries. The high prevalence of these infections is closely correlated with poverty, poor environmental hygiene, and impoverished health services. This study aimed to detect prevalence and frequency of parasitic infections among food handlers in Khartoum Sudan. Methods: Three hundred and fifty Food-handlers, attending public health laboratories in Khartoum, Sudan, for an annual medical check-up, were screened for intestinal parasites by four laboratory techniques viz. direct faecal examination, formal-ether concentration, Baermann technique and agar culture method. Results: The infection rate was 23.7% by Formol-Ether Concentration technique, followed by direct saline stool preparation (7.1%). Out of 83 positive samples the infection rate among different nationalities was as follows: Sudanese 68 (81.9%), Ethiopians 13 (15.7%), Syrians 2 (2.4%) and Egyptians 0 (0%). Intestinal parasites were more prevalent among males (73; 25.1%) than female food handlers (10; 16.9%). Three protozoans, nematodes, two tap worms and one trematode worm were detected among infected population: their frequency were as follows: Entamoeba histolytica (7.4%), Entamoeba coli (6.86%), Giardia lamblia (6%), Schistosoma mansoni (1.40%), Necator americanus (1.43%), Hymenolepis nana (0.68%), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.68%), Taenia saginata (0.57%), Ascaris lumbricoides (0.57%) and Trichostrongylus species (0.29%). Conclusion: The overall prevalence of protozoan infections among food handler in Khartoum state, Sudan was 20.26% while the helminthic infections was 5.97%. Formol-ether concentration technique is better for detection of intestinal parasites than the direct faecal smear technique. Likewise, Barmann’s technique confirms detection of nematodes worms especially hookworms.

Prevalence of enteric parasitic diseases among patients referred at a teaching hospital in Kenya

Aim: Enteric parasitic diseases pose a serious public health problem worldwide and yet are neglected. To refocus attention on these diseases, a cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of enteric infections in patients referred to referral hospital in Kenya. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted from April to December 2015 and involved a randomly selected sample of 185 patients. Fecal specimens were collected and delivered to laboratory for analysis. Preliminary macroscopic assessment of specimens for segments, larvae, and adult stages was done. To confirm the presence of ova, trophozoites, cysts, and oocysts, direct wet smear, formol–ether concentration, and modified Ziehl–Neelsen techniques were used. Results: Overall prevalence of 46.5% of enteric parasitic diseases was confirmed. Highest and lowest prevalence was due to protozoans and helminthes, respectively. Protozoan parasite prevalence was Entamoeba histolytica (23.9%), Cryptosporidium parvum (13%), Entamoeba coli (6.5%), Giardia lamblia (6.5%), and Iodamoeba butschlii (6.5%). Helminth prevalence was Ascaris lumbricoides (1.6%), Hymenolepis nana, Trichuris trichiura, and Ancylostoma duodenale each (0.5%). There was no significant difference in prevalence in age groups and gender (P = 0.05). Females were at the highest risk of C. parvum infection. Polyparasitism was prevalent among protozoans than helminthes. Conclusion: High prevalence of protozoan infections was observed among referred patients in comparison to helminthiasis. Based on reported multiple infections, deworming programs targeting helminthiasis should be restructured to incorporate diagnosis and treatment of enteric protozoan infections to reduce prevalence of enteric parasitic infections.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among primary school children in southern Iran.

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in primary school children in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran during January to March 2016. Single stool samples were collected from 1465 participants by clean stool cup. The questionnaire was prepared on the basis of demographic characteristics. The diagnosis was made on the basis of the direct wet mount, formalin-ether concentration, and Ziehl-Neelsen and trichrome stained slides. Out of the 1465 school children examined, six species of intestinal parasites were identified with an overall prevalence of 95 positive students (6.5%). Prevalence of protozoan infections (6.2%) was significantly higher than helminth infections (0.3%). The most common protozoan species were Giardia lamblia (n=42, 2.9%) and Blastocystis hominis (n=31, 2.1%). Only two cases of Hymenolepis nana and two cases of Enterobius vermicularis were detected. The prevalence of parasitic infections was higher in boys (n=52, 7%) than girls (n=41, 5.7%), but the difference was not significant. The parasitic infections were higher among the children whose parent's education was less than high school diploma (p=0.000), and there was also a significant association between the parents' jobs and the intensity of parasitic infection. The prevalence of intestinal parasites, compared to the previous studies in this area, was significantly lower; that is mainly due to an increase in the quality of life and parents' education as well as the accessibility to health services. The most prevalent intestinal parasite was G.lamblia; therefore, it is recommended that more emphasis is applied to controlling and preventing this parasitic infection by washing hands, particularly before each meal course.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in breeding cattery cats in Japan.

To address the lack of up-to-date published data, the present study assessed the prevalence of intestinal parasites in breeding catteries in Japan. Fresh faecal samples were randomly collected from 342 cats (aged 1 month to 12 years) in seven breeding catteries in Japan, located in prefectures of Nagano (n = 2), Saitama (n = 1), Aichi (n = 2), Gifu (n = 1) and Miyagi (n = 1), on a single occasion. The samples were tested for the presence of Giardia species copro-antigen using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Other intestinal parasites were identified microscopically using the formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation technique. The total prevalence of intestinal parasites was 20.8%; only two genera of protozoa (Giardia species: 18.7% and Cystoisospora species: 5.0%) were detected. Coinfections of both protozoans were recorded in 2.9% of cats. In contrast, no helminths were detected. The presence of total infection, Giardia species, Cystoisospora species and multiple infections in cats <1 year old were significantly more prevalent than in cats ⩾1 year old. There were no significant differences among faecal conditions with or without intestinal parasites. Giardia species infection was present in samples from all breeding catteries, except for one facility. Cystoisospora species and coinfections were shown in four and two breeding catteries, respectively. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was markedly variable among the breeding catteries. The present study demonstrates the significance of Giardia species and Cystoisospora species infections in breeding cattery cats. Additionally, it is suggested that environmental contamination is the most important factor influencing the prevalence of protozoal infections in breeding catteries.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Protozoan Infections among the Tea Estates Workers of Ilam District, Nepal

&lt;strong&gt;Introduction&lt;/strong&gt;: Intestinal protozoan infections continue to remain a global public health challenge, particularly in developing countries. Since diagnosis of these parasites is difficult, prevalence data on intestinal protozoa is scarce. &lt;strong&gt;Objectives&lt;/strong&gt;: To measure the prevalence of intestinal Protozoan Infections and to identify risk factors associated with Protozoan Infections among the tea garden workers in Ilam district of Nepal. &lt;strong&gt;Materials and Methods&lt;/strong&gt;: A Community based cross-sectional study was conducted among tea garden workers in Ilam district of Nepal. Out of 4 tea estates in Ilam District, 2 tea estates (Ilam Municipality and Kanyam) were selected randomly. Out of total 150 tea workers (30 in Ilam Municipality and 120 in Kanyam), 98 workers participated in the study. Semi-structured questionnaire was used and routine examination of stool was done. Collected data was entered in Microsoft excel and analysed. &lt;strong&gt;Results&lt;/strong&gt;: Prevalence of protozoan infections among the Tea Estates workers of Ilam District was 22.4%. &lt;em&gt;Giardia lamblia&lt;/em&gt; was seen higher (12.2%) than &lt;em&gt;Entamoeba histolytica&lt;/em&gt; (10.2%). Regarding ethnicity, the protozoan infection was seen higher among Dalit (40%) than Janajati (18.8%) and Brahmin/Chhetri (11.1%) (P&amp;lt;0.05). The protozoan infections was seen lower who use of soap and water after defecation (6.2%) than those using only water (60%) (P&amp;lt;0.001). The protozoan infections was also seen lower who wear sandals or shoes (17.3%) than those did not wear (47.1%) (P&amp;lt;0.05). The protozoan infection was seen higher among those having the habit of nail biting and thumbs sucking. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusions&lt;/strong&gt;: There is relatively high prevalence of intestinal protozoan infection among the Tea garden workers in Ilam District of Nepal. This obviously suggests that there is possible poor personal hygiene, sanitation, and behavior oriented risk factors which predispose the workers to these parasites.

PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PROTOZOAN PARASITIC INFECTIONS AMONG PEOPLE ATTENDING SEBHA CENTRAL LABORATORY IN SEBHA, LIBYA: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Intestinal d protozoan parasites are still major public health problems in the world, particularly in developing countries. This retrospective study was conducted using data obtained from the Department of Parasitology of Sebha Central Laboratory in Sebha, Libya. A total of 740 stool samples were recorded from January to December, 2017. All samples were examined by direct wet smears using normal saline and Lugol’s iodine. The objective of this study was to determine the different types of intestinal protozoan in Sebha city. The results were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0, the Chi-square test was used to measure the statistical significant differences at level p&lt;0.05. The overall prevalence rate of protozoan parasitic infections was 10.5% (78/740). Four species of protozoan parasites were detected as single infections: Blastocystis hominis (6.8%; 50/740), Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar (2.3%; 17/740), Giardia lamblia (0.9%; 7/740), and Entamoeba coli (0.3%; 2/740). Two samples were obtained with mixed infections: the first by Blastocystis hominis with Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar (0.1%; 1/740), and the second by Blastocystis hominis with Giardia lamblia (0.1%; 1/740). Prevalence of protozoan infections was insignificantly (p=0.740) higher in males, 10.9% (43/396) than females (10.2%; 35/344). The prevalence of protozoan infections was highest in the 10-19 years age group (14.1%, 14/99), and lowest in the 30-39 years age group (5.7%; 4/70), with no significant differences between the intestinal protozoan infection and age groups (p=0.641). According to the seasonal variations, the results revealed that the highest rate of infection was in November (20.8%, 11/53), followed by 19.6% in September (9/46), while the lowest infection was 4.3% in July (3/70). No significant differences were detected in the prevalence of infection between the different months (p=0.236).

OCORRÊNCIA DE ENTEROPARASITOSES EM MANIPULADORES DE ALIMENTOS DE RESTAURANTES EM PARNAÍBA, PIAUÍ-BRASIL

Introduction: Intestinal parasites are a serious public health problem in Brazil and worldwide, affectingindividuals from several social classes. The fecal-oral route of transmission of these infectionsfacilitates their spread by food. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of parasitic contaminationsamong restaurant food handlers in the city of Parnaiba, Piaui, also discussing their possible influenceson the transmission of enteroparasites. Methodology: Fecal samples from 251 individuals agedbetween 20 and 59 years were analyzed. Hoffman, Pons & Janer and Willis methods were performedon samples. Structured questionnaires about socio-economic and health aspects of individuals wereapplied. Fisher’s exact and chi-square tests with significance level of 5% were used to identifyassociations between categorical variables. Results: Positive samples for parasites were found in 51%(129 samples). Cases of polyparasitism were also found. Protozoa detected were Entamoeba coli(38%), Endolimax nana (26%), Entamoeba histolytica / E. dispar (17%), Iodamoeba bustchlii (8%).Helminths detected were Ascaris lumbricoides (48%), ancylostomides (19%), Enterobius vermicularis(13%), Strongyloides stercoralis (10%), Hymenolepis nana (6%) and Taenia spp. (4%). Conclusion:A high prevalence (51%) of intestinal parasites was found in restaurant food handlers. Prevalence ofprotozoan infections (74%) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than helminth infections (26%).