Prevalence Of Helminths Research Articles

Proteomics analysis reveals the differential protein expression of female and male adult Toxocara canis using Orbitrap Astral analyzer.

Toxocara canis, the most prevalent helminth in dogs and other canines, is one of the socioeconomically important zoonotic parasites, particularly affecting pediatric and adolescent populations in impoverished communities. However, limited information is available regarding the proteomes of female and male adult T. canis. To address this knowledge gap, we performed a comprehensive proteomic analysis to identify the proteins with differential abundance (PDAs) and gender-specifically expressed proteins between the two sexes adult T. canis. The comparative proteomic analysis was carried out by the Orbitrap mass spectrometry (MS) with asymmetric track lossless (Astral) analyzer. The difference analysis was conducted using t-test and the proteins verification was achieved through parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). The potential biological functions of identified adult T. canis proteins and PDAs were predicted by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases. The domain, transcription factor and subcellular localization of the identified proteins and PDAs were analyzed by InterPro, AnimalTFDB 4.0 and Cell-mPLOC 2.0 databases, respectively. A total of 8565 somatic proteins of adult T. canis were identified. Compared to male adult, 682 up-regulated PDAs and 844 down-regulated PDAs were identified in female adult with P-values < 0.05 and |log2FC|> 1, including 139 proteins exclusively expressed in female and 272 proteins exclusively expressed in male. The GO annotation analysis using all PDAs revealed that the main biological processes, cellular components and molecular functions corresponded to aminoglycan metabolic process, extracellular region and protein tyrosine phosphatase activity, respectively. The KEGG analysis using all PDAs showed that the pathways were mainly associated with adipocytokine signaling pathway, proximal tubule bicarbonate reclamation and PPAR signaling pathway. This study reveals the differential protein expression between female and male adult T. canis, providing valuable resource for developing the novel intervention strategies against T. canis infection in humans and animals, especially from the perspective of sexual development and reproduction.

Contribution of socio-demographic factors in prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections among newly arrived laborers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Soil-transmitted diseases are caused by intestinal worms transmitted via various routes into the human body resulting in various clinical manifestations. This study aimed to investigate the socio-demographic factors contributing mainly to the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) among newly arrived laborers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A total of 188 stool specimens were collected and examined macroscopically and microscopically using different techniques. In addition, real-time PCR was used as a molecular tool to detect several STHs. The descriptive analysis was used to evaluate demographic data and categorical variables in association with STHs infection. Of all participants, the mean age was 26.08±2.67 years, including 103 females and 85 males. A total of 86 (45.70%) were illiterate, followed by 60 (31.90%) of participants belonging to elementary level. STHs and other intestinal parasites were detected among 35 newly arrived laborers (18.61%). Nineteen cases (10.11%) were infected with STHs, including 15 cases with one STHs (four A. lumbricoides, four N. americanus, four T. trichiura, two S. stercoralis, one A. duodenale) and four cases with two STHs (two T. trichiura and N. americanus; one S. stercoralis and A. duodenale; one T. trichiura and S. stercoralis). High rates of STHs infection were detected among drivers (11.70%) followed by housemaids (11.20%), but with no significant association to occupation. Higher rates of STHs infection were detected among those used to walk on soil barefoot in their home countries before arriving in Jeddah. This study found that none of the newly arrived expatriate laborers in Jeddah was aware of STHs. About 10% of them had infection with one or two STHs, mainly among newly arrived laborers from Asian countries. There is a need for awareness programs and regular screening for STHs and other intestinal parasites among newly arrived expatriate laborers.

Potential associations between Schistosoma mansoni infection and physico-chemical characteristics and water-related human activities in Côte d'Ivoire: a cross-sectional study.

Schistosomiasis remains a public health problem, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease is intimately connected to poverty and environmental factors. Our research was readily embedded into a multi-country schistosomiasis oversampling study. The aim of the study presented here was to determine the prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni and to investigate the role of water body characteristics and water-related human activities in disease transmission. In August and September 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted in the western part of Côte d'Ivoire. Stool and urine samples were collected from 1602 and 1729 children aged 5-14years, respectively, in 65 villages in the health districts of Biankouma, Ouaninou and Touba. Additionally, data were collected from direct observation of water-related activities at water bodies and interviews conducted with community leaders and health workers. The prevalence and risk factors for Schistosoma infection were assessed using generalised estimating equation models. The prevalence ofS.mansoni and S.haematobium were 27.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 21.5-34.3%) and 0.1% (95% CI 0.03-0.5%), respectively. Low prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths was observed with 2.4%, 0.4% and 0.2% for hookworm, Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides, respectively. At the health district level, we found S.mansoni prevalence of 34.4% (95% CI 25.0-45.3%), 34.3% (95% CI 24.0-46.2%) and 16.3% (95% CI 9.5-26.6%) for Biankouma, Ouaninou and Touba, respectively. Female and male participants were at a similar risk of infection (29.0% vs. 26.0%, odds ratio [OR]: 1.18, 95% CI 0.92-1.50). Children aged 9-14years showed a higher prevalence than their younger counterparts aged 5-8years (34.5% vs. 22.7%, OR: 1.80, 95% CI 1.42-2.27). High infection prevalence was observed in villages where children were washing clothes and dishes at open surface water sites and pursued recreational activities (e.g. swimming and playing in the water). The temperature, total dissolved solids and pH of water samples showed no significant association with S.mansoni infection at the village unit. Human water-related activities such as washing clothes and playing in the water are risk factors for S.mansoni transmission. Hence, preventive chemotherapy should be combined with information, education and communication to avoid or reduce the frequency of water exposure in children as part of a comprehensive package of interventions towards elimination of schistosomiasis as a public health problem.

Universal versus taxon-specific drivers of helminth prevalence and intensity of infection.

Two key epidemiological parameters, prevalence and mean intensity of infection, together capture the abundance of macroparasite populations, the strength of density-dependent effects they experience, their potential impact on host population dynamics and the selective pressures they exert on their hosts. Yet, the drivers of the extensive variation observed in prevalence and mean intensity of infection, even among related parasite taxa infecting related hosts, remain mostly unknown. We performed phylogenetically grounded Bayesian modelling across hundreds of amphibian populations to test the effects of various predictors of prevalence and intensity of infection by six families of helminth parasites. We focused on the potential effects of key host traits and environmental factors pertinent to focal host populations, i.e. the local diversity of the amphibian community and local climatic variables. Our analyses revealed several important determinants of prevalence or intensity of infection in various parasite families, but none applying to all families. Our study uncovered no universal driver of parasite infection levels, even among parasite taxa from the same phylum, or with similar life cycles and transmission modes. Although local variables not considered here may have effects extending across taxa, our findings suggest the need for a taxon-specific approach in any attempt to predict disease dynamics and impacts in the face of environmental and climatic changes.

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections in the Wolaita zone in Southern Ethiopia: mid-stage evaluation of the Geshiyaro project and progress towards the interruption of transmission

BackgroundThis paper documents changes in the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections in the Geshiyaro project in the Wolaita zone of Southern Ethiopia.MethodsThe Geshiyaro project comprises three intervention arms. Arm 1 is subdivided into the Arm 1 pilot (one district) and Arm 1 (four other districts), both receiving integrated community-wide mass drug administration MDA (cMDA) with intensive water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) interventions. Arm 2 involves 18 districts with cMDA interventions plus the existing government-led One WaSH program, while Arm 3 serves as a control with school-based MDA (sMDA) interventions plus the existing government-led One WaSH program in three districts. The study is designed as a cohort investigation over time, with the establishment of longitudinal sentinel sites where infection levels are assessed annually. A total of 45 longitudinal parasitological surveillance sentinel sites are being used across all three intervention arms to monitor STH prevalence and intensity of infection. From each of the 45 sentinel sites, 150 individuals were randomly selected, stratified by age and gender. The t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed to compare infection prevalence and intensity across the three study arms over time.ResultsThe prevalence of STH decreased significantly from 34.5% (30.6%, 38.5%) in 2019 to 10.6% (8.3%, 13.4%) in 2022/2023 (df = 1, P < 0.0001) in the Arm 1 pilot, from 27.4% (25.2%, 29.7%) in 2020 to 5.5% (4.4%, 6.7%) in 2023 (df = 1, P < 0.0001) in Arm 1, from 23% (21.3%, 24.8%) in 2020 to 4.5% (3.7%, 5.3%) in 2023 (df = 1, P < 0.001) in Arm 2, and from 49.6% (47.4%, 51.7%) in 2021 to 26.1% in 2023 (df = 1, P < 0.0001) in Arm 3. The relative reduction in the prevalence of any STH was the highest in the arms employing cMDA, namely Arm 2, with a decrease of 82.5% (79.3%, 84.2%), followed by Arm 1 with a reduction of 80.1% (75.3%, 84.6%), and then the Arm 1 pilot with a decrease of 69.4% (60.1%. 76.6%). Arm 3 employing sMDA had the lowest decrease, with a reduction of 46.9% (43.6%, 51%). The mean intensity of infection (based on Kato–Katz egg count measures) for Ascaris lumbricoides species, which was the dominant STH species present in the study area, decreased significantly in Arms 1 and 2, but only slightly in Arm 3. The prevalence of hookworm and Trichuris trichiura infections were found to be very low in all arms but also decreased significantly.ConclusionsThe reduction in the prevalence and intensity of STH in Arms 1 and 2 revealed steady progress towards transmission interruption based on cMDA intervention, but additional efforts with MDA coverage and WaSH interventions are needed to achieve a prevalence threshold < 2% based on the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) diagnostic method.Graphical

Temporal dynamics in gastrointestinal helminth infections of sympatric mouse lemur species (Microcebus murinus and Microcebus ravelobensis) in Northwestern Madagascar

Madagascar's lemur populations are declining in dwindling habitats due to anthropogenic expansion and changing climatic conditions. Gastrointestinal parasites can be important indicators to assess the health status of threatened species. However, parasites, hosts and the environment are connected in complex interactions. The present study aimed to disentangle the impact of seasonal and several host-specific factors (sex, species, age, reproductive status, and body mass) on endoparasitism in two small-bodied, co-occurring lemur species (Microcebus murinus and Microcebus ravelobensis) in the Ankarafantsika National Park. Helminth prevalence and egg shedding intensity was investigated via copromicroscopic examination of 810 fecal samples that were obtained from 178 individuals across an 11-month period with a longitudinal approach via repeated captures in a 30.6 ha forest area. Both mouse lemur hosts shed seven morphologically distinct egg types (assigned to Subulura baeri, unidentified Enterobiinae, Spirura sp., Lemuricola sp., two Hymenolepididae spp., one unidentified ascarid). Postmortem examination of two deceased individuals enabled assignment of adult worms to egg morphotypes of S. baeri, Spirura sp. and one Hymenolepididae sp., supported by molecular analysis. A significant seasonal variation was observed in the occurrence of the three most common helminth species S. baeri (total prevalence 71%), unidentified Enterobiinae (46%) and Spirura sp. (38%), with a higher likelihood of infection with advancing dry season. Neither host species, sex nor reproductive status had a significant effect on gastrointestinal helminth infections. Host body mass showed pronounced seasonal changes but did not differ significantly between infected and non-infected individuals. The pathogenic effects of gastrointestinal helminths therefore likely remained within compensable limits in the studied mouse lemur populations. Our findings highlight the prominent influence of seasonal changes on helminth communities. The results of combined morphologic and genetic approaches can furthermore help to overcome limitations of parasite identification via copromicroscopy by linking egg morphology to DNA sequences.

Bacilli load in PTB- intestinal helminths co-infected and PTB non -infected patients at selected public health facilities in Jimma zone, Oromia, Ethiopia: comparative cross-sectional study

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) and intestinal helminths are diseases that pose a dual burden on public health in low-income countries. Previous studies have shown that helminths can affect the shedding of bacteria or the bacterial load in the sputum of active TB patients. However, there is limited information on bacterial load in TB patients with helminth infections.ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare bacterial load in helminths-infected and non-infected pulmonary tuberculosis patients at selected public health facilities in Jimma zone, Oromia, Ethiopia.MethodsThe study was conducted in Jimma Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. A facility-based comparative cross-sectional study was employed from August 01, 2020, to January 2021. A total of 124 (55 intestinal helminths-infected and 69 non-infected) newly diagnosed smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients were included in the study. A convenience sampling technique was employed to recruit study participants, and a semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data regarding socio-demographic characteristics and possible risk factors for intestinal helminths co-infection. Stool examination was performed using both wet mount and Kato Katz technique. Additionally, weight and height measurements, sputum, and blood samples were taken to determine body mass index, bacilli load, and diabetic mellitus, respectively. Data were entered into Epi-Data software version 3.1 and analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25. A statistically significant difference was defined as a P-value of less than 0.05.ResultsIntestinal helminths reduced bacilli load 3 times more than intestinal helminths non-infected PTB (AOR = 3.44; 95% CI; 1.52, 7.79; P = 0.003) However, diabetes mellitus, HIV, drinking alcohol and cigarette smoking were not associated with bacilli load. The rate of co-infection TB with intestinal helminths was 44%. The three most prevalent parasites detected were Trichuris trichiura 29 (66%), hookworm 19 (43%), and Ascaris lumbricoides 11(25%)). Among co-infected patients about 36 (81.8%) had a single parasite infection, and 19 (43.2%) had multiple infections. A body mass index < 18.5 (AOR = 3.26; 95% CI; 1.25, 8.56;P = 0.016) and untrimmed fingernail status (AOR = 3.63; 95%CI;1.32,9.93;P = 0.012) were significantly associated with PTB- intestinal helminth –co-infection.ConclusionHelminth infection was associated with a lower bacilli load compared to helmenths non-infected PTB. The rate of co-infection TB with intestinal helminths was 44%. Trichuris trichiura was the most prevalent helminth. Untrimmed fingernail and a body mass index were associated with PTB-intestinal helminth co-infection.

Prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis and other helminths in four districts of Madagascar

BackgroundEstimation of prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis infection is required in endemic areas, in order to identify areas in need of control programmes. Data on prevalence of strongyloidiasis in Madagascar are scant. Aim of this work was to estimate prevalence of S. stercoralis in four districts of Madagascar.MethodsFecal and serum samples collected in the context of a previous study on schistosomiasis were tested with S. stercoralis real-time PCR and serology, respectively. A multiplex real-time PCR for Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenalis, Necator americanus, and Trichuris trichiura was done on fecal samples collected in the areas demonstrating higher prevalence of strongyloidiasis. Comparisons between proportions were made using Fisher exact test, with false discovery rate correction used for post-hoc comparisons. A multivariable Firth logistic regression model was used to assess potential risk factors for S. stercoralis infection.ResultsOverall, 1775 serum samples were tested, of which 102 of 487 (20.9%) and 104 of 296 (35.2%) were serological-positive in Marovoay and in Vatomandry districts (both coastal areas), respectively, compared to 28 of 496 (5.6%) and 30 of 496 (6.1%) in Tsiroanomandidy and in Ambositra districts (both highlands), respectively (adj. p < 0.001). PCR for S. stercoralis was positive in 15 of 210 (7.1%) and in 11 of 296 (3.7%) samples from Marovoay from Vatomandry, respectively, while was negative for all samples tested in the other two districts. High prevalence of A. lumbricoides (45.9%), hookworm (44.6%) and T. trichiura (32.1%) was found in Vatomandry. In the multivariable analysis, strongyloidiasis was associated with hookworm infection. Hookworm infection was also associated with male sex and lower education level.ConclusionsS. stercoralis prevalence proved higher in coastal areas compared to highlands. Different climatic conditions may explain this distribution, along with previous rounds of anthelminthics distributed in the country, which may have reduced the parasite load in the population. The high prevalence of the other soil-transmitted helminths (STH) in Vatomandry was unexpected, given the good coverage with benzimidazole in control campaigns. Further studies are needed to explore the risk factors for STH and S. stercoralis infections in Madagascar, in order to align with the WHO recommendations.

Prevalence of Intestinal Helminthes among School-Aged Children in Ife Central Local Government, Nigeria: Implications for Targeted Interventions

Background: Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are a major health concern for children in developing countries. This study assesses the prevalence and intensity of STHs among pupils in private nursery and primary schools in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Methods: The study was conducted in Ife Central LGA, Osun State, Nigeria, involving preschool and school-aged children from two private schools. A total of 55 samples, from 22 male and 33 female pupils, were analyzed for intestinal parasite ova to determine the prevalence of helminth infections among the children. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institute of Public Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Consent was secured from parents or guardians. Samples were processed using the modified Kato-Katz technique and examined microscopically for soil-transmitted helminth (STH) eggs. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, with significance set at p &lt; 0.05. Results: Among the 55 fecal samples collected, the overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections was 78.2%. Ascaris lumbricoides were the most prevalent helminth (76.4%), followed by Trichuris trichiuria (14.5%) and hookworms (5.5%). Females had a higher infection rate (81.8%) than males (68.2%). The prevalence of STH infections was highest among pupils aged ≥10 years (81.8%) and lowest among those aged 2-3 years (66.7%). Conclusion: This study highlights a significant burden of STH infections, particularly A. lumbricoides, among schoolchildren in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The high prevalence necessitates targeted deworming and improved sanitation interventions to reduce the burden of these infections among children in this region.

ФАКТОРЫ ОКРУЖАЮЩЕЙ СРЕДЫ И ЗАРАЖЕННОСТЬ ЛОШАДЕЙ ЖЕЛУДОЧНО-КИШЕЧНЫМИ ГЕЛЬМИНТАМИ В ГОРНОМ АЛТАЕ

The aim of the study is to conduct a comparative assessment of the infestation of horses with intestinal helminths in various administrative districts and to characterize the patterns of the relationship between abiotic and anthropogenic environmental factors and the rates of infestation of horses with intestinal helminths in the Gorny Altai. Based on long-term (2019–2023) ovoscopic examinations of 1.2 thousand horses from 10 districts of the region, the infestation of animals with helminths of the gastrointestinal tract was characterized. Correlation analysis was used to characterize the relationship between the level of infestation of animals with helminths, the number of parasites with abiotic and anthropogenic environmental factors in the context of farms and districts of the Gorny Altai. Horses are mostly infected with helminths in the Chemalsky District, where the prevalence of infestation is 95.8 %, and the infection intensity is 458.3 eggs per gram of feces. The lowest prevalence of helminths in animals was recorded in the Ust-Kansky District – EI 56.3 %, with IIs – 186.7 specimens. g/f. The prevalence of infestation in animals is significantly lower in areas characterized by low temperatures and precipitation, and significantly higher in warmer and more humid areas of the region. The prevalence of infestation in horses is 84.6 %, with IIs – 337.5 specimens. g/f. The most significant factors influencing the infection of animals with intestinal helminths (EI, % and IIs) in farms are the long-term average annual precipitation (r = 0.42 and 0.52) and the degree of anthropogenic pressure (r = –0.55 and –0.63), in the context of regions, long-term average annual temperatures (r = 0.55 and 0.65) and long-term average precipitation (r = 0.69 and 0.65).

Intestinal parasitic infections in patients with aids in northeast Brazil: an historical series from 2017 to 2022

Opportunistic infections are a major cause of death in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) may aggravate the clinical condition of immunosuppressed patients and they may increase the risk of death. The goal of the present study was to determine the epidemiological profile of patients with AIDS and IPIs who visited a reference hospital for contagious diseases in Northeast Brazil from 2017 through 2022. It was an observational, transverse, descriptive, and analytical study. Medical records were assessed, epidemiological questionnaires were administered to identify risk factors for IPI, and coproparasitological examinations were performed to detect IPI. Of the 248 patients included in this study, 30.6% (76/ 248) tested positive for IPI. Entamoeba histolytica/ dispar (16.5%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (14.4%) were the most prevalent protozoa and helminths identified. Diarrheic consistency was observed in 25.8% of the feces samples, and mucus or blood were present in 19.4%. Analysis of the sociodemographic profiles of patients with IPIs showed that most were female, lived in small cities, earned up to two minimum wages, had an incomplete primary education, and were single. We conclude that to control parasite transmission in patients with HIV/AIDS, public policies related to human and environmental health, routine coproparasitological exams, and acceptance of antiretroviral therapy are necessary. KEY WORDS: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; opportunistic infections; intestinal parasite infections; public health.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in domestic pigs from family farms in northeastern Argentina

Domestic pigs serve as significant hosts and reservoirs for multiple parasite species, some specific to pigs and many others of zoonotic importance. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites in pigs within a rural area in northeastern Argentina. We also examined demographic information, breeding conditions, and exposure factors associated with parasite presence. Pig feces were subjected to coprological examination through flotation and sedimentation techniques. Modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique was employed to examine oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp. In total, 29 family farms with pig pens were analyzed, and 42 stool samples were collected from pigs on these farms. At the farm level, the presence of at least one parasite species was recorded in 27 rural houses (93.1%). We found that 90.4% of pigs were parasitized, with a specific parasitoses of 10 species, with a maximum of six species in a single host. The most prevalent protozoa were Entamoeba spp. (57.1%) and Blastocystis sp. (45.2%), followed by Iodamoeba butschlii (33.3%), Neobalantidium coli (21.4%), coccidia (14.2%), Cryptosporidium spp. (9.5%) and Giardia spp. (2.3%). The most prevalent helminths were Strongylidae eggs (52.3%), Ascaris spp. (14.2%) and Trichuris spp. (2.3%). We advocate for an urgent need to implement a comprehensive prophylaxis program prioritizing general hygiene practices such as regular cleaning, removal of fecal material and renewal of drinking water. Additionally, vaccination and deworming protocols should be implemented. Furthermore, this study highlights the necessity for molecular-level evaluations to detect potential zoonotic genotypes of the identified protozoa.

Assessment of albendazole efficacy against Ascaris lumbricoides at three sites of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Kerala in India

Objective: To assess efficacy of albendazole against Ascaris (A.) lumbrìcoides among school-children at three sites of Rajahmundry, Sundergarh and Wayanad. Methods: Sites were selected based on soil-transmitted helminths prevalence, different sociocultural-geographical characteristics and operational feasibility. 9-12 Years old children from 14 schools were included. The study was conducted in two rounds: baseline &amp; follow up survey. All eligible children found positive for A. lumbricoides at baseline were administered supervised single tablet albendazole 400 mg under the National Deworming Day Initiative. During post-treatment follow-up survey, eligible children who provided second stool sample were included in the final analysis. Stool samples were examined using WHO recommended Kato-Katz technique. Efficacy was estimated based on cure rate (CR) and Fecal Egg Count Reduction Rate (FECRR) among children found positive in baseline and follow-up surveys. Results: 328 Out of 625 (52.5%) were found positive for A. lumbricoides in the baseline survey and 85 out of 178 samples (47.8%) during post-treatment follow-up survey. Overall, the estimated CR was 52.2%. FECRR (95% CI) for albendazole was 72.6% (79.2%-66.0%). The FECRR was highest in East Godaveri [89.7% (96.8%-82.6%)], followed by Sundergarh [86.4% (95.3%-77.5%)] and Wayanad [69% (81.7%-56.4%)]. Conclusions: Our study confirmed overall reduction in FEC although with varying albendazole efficacy for A. lumbricoides infection at three different locations in India. However, these finding may be assessed in context of ongoing MDA under Filaria control program and further studies by in vivo as well as in vitro methods are required to reach to a conclusion on possible resistance if any.

Gastrointestinal Helminths in Local (Black Bengal) and Jamunapari Goats of Barishal Sadar, Southern Bangladesh

Gastrointestinal helminths are important causes of hindering global goat production. To find the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths of Black Bengal and Jamunapari breeds of goats, the current investigation was carried out at Barishal Sadar Upazilla of Barishal district, Bangladesh. The gastrointestinal helminths were identified through coprological examination. A total of 112 fecal samples were collected from household goats across different seasons, breeds, sexes, and ages. During the study period, four types of gastrointestinal helminths were identified based on the presence of helminth eggs in fecal samples. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in goats was found to be 82.1%, while the prevalence rates of Fasciola gigantica (F. gigantica), Paramphistomum spp., Bunostomum spp., and Hemonchus spp. were 34.8% (95% CI: 1.4-2.5), 22.3% (95% CI: 0.7-1.8), 14.3% (95% CI: 0.1-1.5), and 10.7% (95% CI: 0.2-1.0), respectively. A significantly different prevalence was observed among different gastrointestinal helminths in goats. A significantly lower prevalence of F. gigantica and Paramphistomum spp. was observed in male goats, compared to females. A higher prevalence of F. gigantica was significantly observed during the winter, compared to the summer. The current study elucidates that F. gigantica was more prevalent in female goats. The current study indicated that F. gigantica was more prevalent in female goats. These findings underscore the importance of further research and control measures to manage gastrointestinal helminth infections in goats across southern Bangladesh and other regions with similar environmental conditions.

Prevalence of Helminths in Small Ruminant Farms and Evaluation of Control Practices Used to Counter Anthelmintic Resistance in Southern Italy.

Anthelmintic resistance in small ruminants is a serious worldwide problem. To reduce their spread, it is essential to know the prevalence of helminths on farms and the control practices adopted. As these studies in the Calabria region of southern Italy are fragmentary and outdated, a study on the prevalence of helminths in small ruminant holdings in this area has been conducted. The measures implemented to control helminths were also evaluated through questionnaires administered to farmers. In particular, on 90 farms (45 sheep and 45 goats), 1800 faecal samples from 900 sheep and 900 goats were collected in the spring. Using the FLOTAC dual technique, parasitological examinations demonstrated the presence of gastrointestinal nematodes in 100% of sheep and goat farms, followed by Nematodirus spp. (84.44% sheep and 48.89% goats), Moniezia spp. (73.33% sheep and 35.56% goats), Trichuris ovis (48.89% sheep and 42.22% goats), lungworms (28.89% sheep and 42.22% goats), Strongyloides papillosus (40% sheep and 26.67% goats), Dicrocoelium dendriticum (13.33% sheep and 26.67% goats), Calicophoron daubneyi (6.67% sheep and 31.11% goats), Fasciola hepatica (6.67% sheep and 4.44% goats), and Skrjabinema ovis (4.44% sheep and goats). The questionnaires showed that 82% and 85% of the farmers had applied pasture rotation, and that 93.3% and 86.6% had used anthelmintics in the previous year for sheep and goats, respectively. Only 24.4% of sheep farmers and 11.3% of goat farmers had carried out parasitological tests prior to treatments. The most used classes of anthelmintics were macrocyclic lactones and benzimidazoles, and only in 21.6% and 15.6%, for sheep and goats, respectively, was drug rotation carried out. These results denote that helminths represent a health problem for small ruminants and highlight a lack of knowledge of parasite control strategies among farmers. In these conditions, anthelmintic resistance phenomena could develop over time. Therefore, it is necessary to implement all possible strategies for the control of helminths, and to prevent the spread of anthelmintic resistance phenomena on farms in southern Italy.

Contribution of wastewater irrigated vegetables to the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infection among female farmers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BackgroundUntreated or inadequately treated wastewater carrying human feces can host helminth eggs and larvae, contaminating the soil and plants that are irrigated with it. In Addis Ababa, farmers use untreated wastewater to grow vegetables; however, there are little data currently available published on vegetables' contribution to the prevalence of helminth among female farmers along the Akaki River, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Addis Ababa City in February 2022. A stratified random sampling method was used to sample farming households. The sample size for each district was determined by a proportional allocation to the total number of households in the area. Two hundred and fifty-two composite vegetable samples and 101 farmers’ stool samples were collected and analyzed for helminth prevalence. Data on socio-demographics were collected by trained data collators using a structured questionnaire. Kato-Katz concentration was used to detect STH from a stool sample. Stata version 14.0 was used to process the data. Poisson regression was used to identify the association between STH prevalence in the vegetable and the farm's stool.ResultsHelminths were found in 67.5% of vegetables sampled and 20.8% of female farmers' stools. Ascaris lumbricoides eggs (vegetable 48.4% and stool 9.9%) were identified in all analyzed samples. Hookworm eggs (vegetable 13.1% and stool 8.9%) and Trichuris trichiura eggs (vegetable 5.9% and stool 2%) were also isolated. The total number of helminth eggs present in wastewater-irrigated vegetables and female farmers’ stool had a positive association (p < 0.05) with a regression coefficient of 1.92 (95% CI = 1.56–2.28).ConclusionsThe study found a significant prevalence of helminth infections, particularly Ascaris lumbricoides, in stool and vegetable samples irrigated with wastewater. A clear association was found between vegetable production and a higher prevalence of helminth infections among female farmers. Therefore, it is important to ensure that farmers are educated in the importance of food washing and sanitation/hygiene practices when using wastewater irrigation for vegetable crops.Graphical

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites, Protozoans and Soil-Transmitted Helminths, in Children from Communities of Northern Argentina after the Interruption of Deworming

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites, Protozoans and Soil-Transmitted Helminths, in Children from Communities of Northern Argentina after the Interruption of Deworming

Soil-Transmitted Helminths among Farmers and AgriculturalWorkers in Rural Iraq

Background and aim: Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infections are a major public health issue, especially among people involved in agricultural activities. The objective of this study was to uncover crucial characteristics linked to STH infections and provide valuable insights for focused interventions. Additionally, the study attempted to assess the prevalence of STH among farmers and workers. Materials and Methods: a cross-sectional study that included individuals from agricultural communities was conducted. Structured interviews were carried out to gather sociodemographic data, habits, lifestyle factors, and awareness. The kato-katz method was used to analyze stool samples for the presence of helminths. Statistical techniques, such as chi-square tests and correlation coefficients, were used to evaluate the relationships between variables. Results: The prevalence of STH (Soil-Transmitted Helminths) was highest at 43.33% among patients aged 46-65. An important association was found between less experience (less than 20 years) and a higher prevalence of STH (p &lt; 0.00001). Farmers demonstrated a greater prevalence compared to workers, although the difference was not statistically significant. The prevalence of STH was strongly influenced by handwashing habits, highlighting the crucial nature of maintaining consistent practices (p &lt; 0.02). Individuals with a higher level of knowledge had a decreased prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, with a statistically significant p-value of 0.001867. Several helminths were detected, particularly Ascaris lumbercoids and Trichurs trichura. Age, personal protection equipment, access to clean water, handwashing, and specific helminths were positively correlated. Conclusion: This study offers a clear understanding of the various factors that affect the prevalence of STH. It highlights the significance of specific interventions that concentrate on enhancing hand cleanliness, ensuring access to uncontaminated water, and implementing protective measures.

Estimating Prevalence and Infection Intensity of Soil-Transmitted Helminths Using Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction and Kato-Katz in School-Age Children in Angola.

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is gaining recognition in soil-transmitted helminth (STH) diagnostics, especially for Strongyloides stercoralis and differentiating hookworm species. However, sample preservation and DNA extraction may influence qPCR performance. We estimated STH prevalence and infection intensity by using qPCR in schoolchildren from Huambo, Uige, and Zaire, Angola, and compared its performance with that of the Kato-Katz technique (here termed Kato-Katz). Stool samples from 3,063 children (219 schools) were preserved in 96% ethanol and analyzed by qPCR, of which 2,974 children (215 schools) had corresponding Kato-Katz results. Cluster-adjusted prevalence and infection intensity estimates were calculated by qPCR and Kato-Katz, with cycle threshold values converted to eggs per gram for qPCR. Cohen's kappa statistic evaluated agreement between qPCR and Kato-Katz. DNA extraction and qPCR were repeated on 191 (of 278) samples that were initially qPCR negative but Kato-Katz positive, of which 112 (58.6%) became positive. Similar prevalence for Ascaris lumbricoides (37.5% versus 34.6%) and Trichuris trichiura (6.5% versus 6.1%) were found by qPCR and Kato-Katz, respectively, while qPCR detected a higher hookworm prevalence (11.9% versus 2.9%). The prevalence of moderate- or high-intensity infections was higher by Kato-Katz than by qPCR. Agreement between qPCR and Kato-Katz was very good for A. lumbricoides, moderate for T. trichiura, and fair for hookworm. Strongyloides stercoralis prevalence was 4.7% (municipality range, 0-14.3%), and no Ancylostoma ceylanicum was detected by qPCR. Despite suboptimal performance, presumably due to fixative choice, qPCR was fundamental in detecting S. stercoralis and excluding zoonotic A. ceylanicum. Further evaluations on sample fixatives and DNA extraction methods are needed to optimize and standardize the performance of qPCR.

Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Helminths Infection in Buffalo of New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal, India

Aims: Epidemiology of naturally occurring gastrointestinal (GI) helminths was studied in buffalo of New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal and the role of different factors such as season, age, sex and rearing practices on prevalence was also recorded in the present study. Methodology: Monthly 120 faecal samples of buffaloes of New Alluvial Zone (NAZ) were collected and examined by standard parasitological techniques from April, 2016 to March, 2017. Results: The overall prevalence of GI helminths was recorded as 46.53% in buffalo of NAZ in West Bengal. Paramphistome (35.9%) was observed as the predominant parasite followed by Strongyle (9.93%), Fasciola (4.17%) and Toxocara (4.03%). Monsoon (54.58%) was found to be the most favourable season followed by winter (44.79%) and summer (40.21%) for GI helminths infection in buffalo. The overall prevalence (52.57%) as well as prevalence of Strongyle and Toxocara was higher in young buffaloes than the adult buffaloes (44.47%). The overall prevalence of GI helminths was higher in female buffalo (48.85%) than the male (40.74%) and the prevalence of individual parasites did not vary greatly between the two sexes of animals. Semi-intensive system (54.46%) of rearing showed higher prevalence of GI helminths than the intensive method (39.07%). Prevalence of Strongyle, Fasciola and Paramphistome was comparatively higher in animals maintaining under semi-intensive system than the intensive system of rearing. Conclusion: The results of the present study might be utilized for planning control programme against GI helminths in buffaloes of NAZ of West Bengal.