Prevention Of Parasitic Infections Research Articles

Employing patient-centric health education for the prevention of parasitic infections.

Soil-transmitted infections such as Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm, Trichuris trichiura, and Strongyloides stercoralis are common in South India. Factors such as diet, sanitation, and living conditions play a role in the prevalence of helminthic diseases. Many individuals remain asymptomatic carriers. Timely intervention is essential to prevent these infections. This is a prospective, randomized intervention study that enrolled 52 participants, excluding children, all of whom had parasitic infections. A prevalidated questionnaire was given to assess the risk factors for parasitic diseases, and fecal examinations were conducted to identify parasitic infestations. The World Health Organization's hand hygiene self-assessment framework was used to evaluate handwashing skills. Subsequent posttesting and resampling of patients allowed for score comparison, assessment of reductions in parasitic load, determination of cure rates, and monitoring of patient readmission rates. After the health education intervention, a statistically significant improvement (P < 0.01) was observed in patients' knowledge and attitudes toward parasitic infections, as shown by their posttest scores compared to their pretest scores. In addition, there were notable improvements in handwashing skills following the implementation of the handwashing educational program. This research confirms that health education is vital in promoting proper hand hygiene, reducing parasitic infections, and urging timely medical care for these conditions.

Knowledge and Practice on Prevention of Intestinal Parasitic Infection among mothers of under-five children in Bule Hora Town, Oromia Region, Southern Ethiopia, 2021

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPI) isone of the public health problems in many communities, particularly among children in rural areas of developing countries. Ethiopian studies have concentrated on the prevalence and distribution of intestinal parasitic infections, primarily among school children. Only a few studies have looked at the scope on knowledge of under-five children’s mothers regarding prevention of parasitic infections. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach was conducted from November 30 to December 30, 2020, among mothers of under-five children in Bule Hora town. The sample size in this study was 403. The data will be coded, checked and cleaned data (edited) will be entered into Epi-Data version 4.4.3.1 and exported to SPSS Statistics Version 25 for analysis. Result: The overall knowledge and practice level concerning mothers of under-five children regarding prevention of intestinal parasitic infections was, all among 51.6% had poor knowledge and 53.1% had poor practice. In Religious group wagefata, (AOR 2.199, 95% CI 1.05 - 4.59), mothers who not able to read and write (AOR 0.26, 95% CI 0.12-0.57) had poor knowledge than others. Further in age group (31-35) (AOR 2.94, 95% CI 1.38-6.24), Muslim (AOR 0.39, 95% CI 0.18-0.85) and mothers who had not able to read and write (AOR 3.97, 95% CI 1.26 - 12.49) had poor practice respectively. Conclusion: Mothers with children under the age of five have a considerably low degree of optimal awareness and experience when it comes to preventing intestinal parasitic infection. As a result, campaigns or formal training can be used to raise community consciousness about intestinal parasitic infestation prevention and control.

Clinical characteristics and pathogen spectra of parasitic infections in a tertiary hospital of Shanghai: A 13-year retrospective study.

BackgroundThis study performed a follow-up investigation of parasitic infections and the evolution of the infection spectra in Shanghai and its surrounding areas in Eastern China. The current study was conducted in the Shanghai Ruijin Hospital, a tertiary hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine.MethodsThis retrospective investigation reviewed a total of 412 parasitic infections in patients admitted to the Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital from January 1, 2010 to July 31, 2022. Detailed information for these patients was retrieved from the Electronic Medical Record System. Analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism 5.0 and SPSS Statistics 26.ResultsOverall, 17 species of parasites were detected from the 412 admissions. Over the 13 years, the number of patients peaked in 2021 and food-born parasites (FBPs) were the primary species. During the most recent 5 years, Clonorchis sinensis, replacing Paragonimus westermani, has become the primary parasite detected among the patients, consistent with the observation that eating uncooked fish has turned into the most common route of transmission. Paragonimus westermani infections declined with age, but Cysticercus increased with age. The periods from the onset of symptoms to definite diagnosis for some patients infected with Sparganum mansoni, Paragonimus westermani, and Cysticercus were more than 6 months. Interestingly, eosinophilia was only detected in 51.83% of parasite-infected patients. In addition, superinfections of parasites were common in our study.ConclusionOur study demonstrates the transitional change in the prevalence of parasitic infection over the latest 13 years in a single center in Eastern China. The incidence of parasitic infections peaked in 2021, and the dominant parasitic species switched from a soil origin to foodborne. The direction for the diagnosis and prevention of parasitic infection among different age groups should alter according to age. It is difficult to diagnose parasitic infections and superinfections that occur in some patients. Thus, more sensitive and efficient detection methods should be developed. In addition, although eosinophilia and elevated IgE are still reliable indicators for initiating screening of parasitic infection, the development of novel parasitic diagnostic kits is still in urgent need for occult infection.

Temporal variability of crustacean parasites of fish and its importance for coastal resource management to anthropogenic climate change

This paper reviews the information available over the last 20 years on studies of the temporal variability of parasitic infections caused by parasitic crustaceans of fish in the Mexican territory. The possible responses of these parasitic infections to changes in the aquatic ecosystems caused by anthropogenic climate change are described. By studying the intensity of infection of Argulus yucatanus (a case study of parasite crustaceans of fish), the response of infections to changes in water temperature can be detected. Into this context and based on previous investigations reviewed, it is highlighted the importance of monitoring for long-time the behavior of these parasites. Also, it is indicated that parasitic crustaceans represent a good study model as bioindicators of environmental changes because they are in direct contact or exposed to hazardous substances of the environment. Extensive and precise data on parasitic biodiversity along with their ecological and experimental information are necessary to understand the possible responses of the parasitic infections caused by crustaceans in the face of climate change. Based on this kind of information it would be possible to deal with issues on control strategies and prevention of parasitic infections caused by crustaceans in aquaculture as well as for the sustainable development of aquatic ecosystems. Keywords: Long-term monitoring, sentinel species, parasitic infections, parasitic crustaceans, climate change.

School-based approach for parasitic disease control in Japan and Africa.

Japan has achieved significant improvements in the control and prevention of parasitic infections through a school-based approach since the 1930s. The use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture, safe water and food, and improved sanitation and hygiene also contributed to the near eradication of endemic parasites. However, parasite infections continued to affect children mostly in resource-limited countries. The African continent has one of the highest burdens of such infections. The application of school-based approaches has several advantages where the structure of health-care systems is not optimal. In Africa, soil-transmitted helminths and schistosomiasis are frequently targets for school-based public health intervention. Mass drug administration by teachers at school can reach targeted children effectively and safely. The limitations of this approach include missing unattended children and absentee of teachers. Initially, mass drug administration at school for parasitic infections was thought to improve health and even socioeconomic status of children in the community. However, more recently the socioeconomic impact has been questioned although the reduction of parasitic diseases is still apparent. Moreover, other basic public health measurements such as increased toilet use, assuring safe water access and avoiding the use of human excrement as an agricultural fertilizer, are equally important for control and prevention of parasitic diseases. Further global efforts should be continued to achieve equal health for every child in a sustainable way.

Intestinal Protozoan Infections in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy in Shahrekord the Central Southwest of Iran in 2018

Background and aims: Parasitic infections, especially opportunistic parasites, can cause serious problems for immunocompromised patients. In this regard, this study aimed to evaluate parasitic infections in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy after referring to Kashani hospital of Shahrekord from January to May 2018. Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 750 stool samples were collected from 250 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy (three fecal samples from each patient) and sent to the Parasitology Laboratory of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences. All samples were examined macroscopically and microscopically through the direct method and a specific acid-fast staining method. To confirm the microscopic results, DNA was extracted from isolated parasites and amplification was performed by the polymerase chain reaction with the specific primers on positive samples. Results: In this study, 106 (42.4%) and 144 (57.6%) patients were males and females, respectively. In addition, 187 (74.8%) and 63 (25.2%) of them were living in urban and rural areas, respectively. In terms of the education level, most patients had a low level of literacy. Further, 12 (4.8%) patients were infected with intestinal parasites that including, 7 (2.8%), and 5 (2%) samples were infected with Blastocystis hominis and Giardia lamblia, respectively. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that B. hominis and G. lamblia are the most prevalent parasites in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Although the prevalence of intestinal parasites in cancer patients was low, these findings should not be contrary to the need for healthcare regarding the prevention of parasitic infections in cancer patients. Keywords Intestinal protozoa Cancer patient Chemotherapy Shahrekord

Preliminary data on Ascaridia galli infections in Gallus gallus domesticus and the development of a specific primer based on the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4.

One major problem of chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) farming was various parasitic infections, especially Ascaridia galli that can cause the Ascaridiosis and is commonly found worldwide. The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiological situation of gastrointestinal tract parasitic infections and to develop species-specific primer for A. galli detection. A total of 247 chicken gastrointestinal tract specimens from 5 fresh markets in Bangkok. The species-specific primers of A. galli were manually designed using the mitochondrial genome at the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (MT-ND 4) gene. As a result, PCR assays were optimized for the specific PCR product approximately 198bp with the optimal temperature of 51°C. In addition, sensitivity tests provided the detection of adult and egg stages at the minimum concentrations of 156.3ng and 2.8ng (70 eggs), respectively. This research can be used as preliminary information regarding the epidemic situation of gastrointestinal tract infections in chickens and detection of A. galli infection in definitive hosts, which plans programs for the effective control and prevention of parasitic infections.

Pathogenetic Bases And Prevalence Of Parasitic Infections In Children: Literature Review

The purpose of this study was to analyze the literary sources of recent years dedicated to the degree of occurrence, the structure of morbidity and the pathogenetic basis of parasitic infections occurring in children. In addition, the features of the detection of nematodes, cestodoses and rematodes in different countries of the world are given. The basics of diagnosis and prevention of parasitic infections in children are described.

Determinants of Anemia Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic at Public Health Facilities in Kacha Birra District, Southern Ethiopia.

BackgroundAnemia is accountable for 20% of maternal death globally, and it is associated with premature birth, low birth weight, and infant death. According to the WHO report of 2008, 57.1% of pregnant women were anemic in Africa. In Ethiopia, anemia among pregnant women is 62.7%. There were no data in the study area that identified the determinants of anemia.ObjectiveTo identify the determinants of anemia among pregnant mothers attending ANC clinic in public health facilities in Kacha Birra District, Southern Ethiopia.MethodsAn institutional-based unmatched case–control study was conducted among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics in public health facilities in Kacha Birra District, Southern Ethiopia, from February 1/2019–May 30/2019. An aggregate of 117 cases and 227 controls were involved in the study. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Controls were pregnant ladies whose blood hemoglobin level was 11 g/dl and above at their first antenatal care clinic, and cases were pregnant ladies whose hemoglobin level less than 11 g/dl. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to isolate independent predictors of anemia.ResultsAn overall of 344 respondents (117 cases and 227controls) were included in this study with a response rate of 100%. On multivariable logistic regression models, significant predictors of anemia were: rural residence [AOR= 2.9,95% CI:1.18–5.84], previous history of heavy menstrual blood flow [AOR=2.75, 95% CI: 2.66–28.53], age of mother [AOR=4.013, 95% CI: 1.08–14.90], parasitic infection [AOR=6.39, 95% CI: 1.226–33.362], food taboo (aversion) [AOR= 3.92, CI: 95% 2.08–7.35], drinking tea/coffee instantly after meal [AOR=18.49, 95% CI:6.89–40.64].ConclusionResidence, previous heavy menstrual flow, age, parasitic infection, food taboo, and tea/coffee consumption immediately after meals were significant predictors of anemia among pregnant women. So, anemia prevention and control policy should include the promotion of counseling on the consumption of diversified and iron-enriched foods during pregnancy, prevention of parasitic infection as well as mass deworming, awareness creation on cultural norms that makes food aversion during pregnancy.

Knowledge of and Adherence to Anaemia Prevention Strategies among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Facilities in Juaboso District in Western-North Region, Ghana.

Background Anaemia in pregnancy is a major problem in both developed and developing countries. The commonest source of anaemia is nutritional deficiency of iron with evidence suggesting that up to 90% of maternal anaemia may be due to inadequate consumption of dietary iron; however, there are other causes which include worm infestation, HIV infection, and genetic disorders. There are some implemented approaches in Ghana including education and awareness creation, nutritional supplements, and control and prevention of parasitic infections among others to prevent and control anaemia in pregnancy. This study assessed pregnant women adherence to Ghana's anaemia prevention strategies being implemented in the Juaboso District. Method A descriptive cross-sectional data on knowledge of and adherence to anaemia prevention strategies among pregnant women was collected. Pearson's chi-square and logistic regression models were used to assessed associations between predictor and outcome variables. A p value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Findings. About 13.5% of the pregnant women had high knowledge on anaemia, while 58.4% and 28.1% had moderate and low knowledge, respectively. Less than half (39.1%) of the women adhered to anaemia prevention strategies. There were significant associations between knowledge of anaemia and where pregnant woman resides in the district (AOR: 2.04, 95% CI: 2.16-9.83, p = 0.003), woman's educational (AOR: 10.43, 95% CI: 6.14-51.63, p = 0.002), and occupational status (AOR: 15.14, 95% CI: 13.57-18.43, p < 0.001). Again, there were significant associations between adherence to anaemia prevention strategies and the woman's ethnicity (AOR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.04-0.92, p = 0.001) and her knowledge of anaemia (AOR: 3.88, 95% CI: 1.32-7.93, p = 0.001). Conclusions Pregnant women's knowledge of anaemia and adherence to anaemia prevention strategies are not encouraging. However, anaemia in pregnancy and its consequences could be devastating to all stakeholders if actions are not taken to reduce the phenomenon. Therefore, we recommend that more education and sensitisation programs including good nutritional practices in the diet of pregnant women be promoted to increase awareness and adherence to anaemia prevention strategies among pregnant women in the Juaboso District.

Parasitic (Helminthic) Infection While on Asthma Biologic Treatment: Not Everything Is What It Seems.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airway that is characterized by bronchial hyperresponsiveness and variable airflow limitation. Approximately 235 million people are affected by asthma worldwide and 5–10% are considered to be refractory to standard asthma treatment. These patients are known to have repeated exacerbations requiring multiple courses of systemic corticosteroids and as a result, are at risk for increased adverse effects (i.e., osteoporosis, infections). Several new medications known as biologic agents have been approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe asthmatics. These biologic agents target essential parts of the cell-mediated allergic and to a lesser degree non-allergic immune response (IgE, IL-5, and IL-4/IL-13). They are gaining more favor in the treatment of moderate-to-severe asthma due to their efficacy and excellent safety profile. Despite the most common adverse events being minor, such as injection site reactions, upper respiratory infections, or headaches, these agents carry a small risk of more severe complications such as anaphylaxis and decreased defense against parasitic infections (PI). The incidence of PI compared with other rare adverse events is not well reported, and there are no consensus guidelines for risk prevention of PI in asthmatics undergoing evaluation for, or currently using, biologic therapy. Thus, this article sets out to review the incidence of reported PI and other rare adverse events among asthmatics using current FDA-approved biologic therapies. Secondly, we discuss the clinical implications for the importance of risk prevention of PI with the use of biologic therapies in asthmatics. Lastly, we share an educational handout to assist providers in informing their patients of behaviors that could potentially increase their risk of PI while being on a biologic agent.

Regulatory Mechanisms of IL-33-ST2-Mediated Allergic Inflammation.

Interleukin-33 (IL-33) plays multiple roles in tissue homeostasis, prevention of parasitic infection, and induction of allergic inflammation. Especially, IL-33-ST2 (IL-1RL1) axis has been regarded as the villain in allergic diseases such as asthma and atopic dermatitis and in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Indeed, a number of studies have indicated that IL-33 produced by endothelial cells and epithelial cells plays a critical role in the activation and expansion of group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) which cause allergic inflammation by producing large amounts of IL-5 and IL-13. However, mechanisms that antagonize IL-33-ST2-mediated allergic responses remain largely unknown. Recently, several groups including our group have demonstrated cellular and molecular mechanisms that could suppress excessive activation of ILC2s by the IL-33-ST2 axis. In this review, we summarize recent progress in the regulatory mechanisms of IL-33-ST2-mediated allergic responses. Selective targeting of the IL-33-ST2 axis would be a promising strategy in the treatment of allergic diseases.

Surveillance of soil-borne nematodiasis in population in Hefei City, 2012-2015

To analyze the surveillance results of soil-borne nematodiasis in Hefei City from 2012 to 2015, so as to provide the evidence formulating the Hefei "Thirteen-five" parasitic disease prevention strategy. The population in monitoring points in Changfeng County, Lujiang City and Chaohu County were investigated for Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuristrichiura and hookworm infections with Kato-Katz technique every year from 2012 to 2015, and the children aged less than 6 years were checked for Enterobius vermicularis infection by using the cellophane tape method. A total of 12 496 people were investigated from 2012 to 2015, the number of infections was 84, and among them, the number of hookworm infection was the most (70 cases) and the number of A. lumbricoides was the least (3 cases). The infection rate in 2014 was higher than that in other years, and there was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.008). There was a statistically significant difference among all age groups over 6 years of age in the infection rates (χ2 = 27.229, P < 0.05), and the infection rate of the age group over 66 years was higher than that of the other age groups. The infection rate in the female was higher than that in the male (χ2 = 5.378, P < 0.05). The infection rate in the monitoring point in Changfeng County was higher than that in the other monitoring points (P < 0.017). From 2012 to 2015, the infection rate of soil-borne nematode infections is lower than 5% in Hefei City. The number of hookworm infection is the most. Therefore, during the "Thirteen five" period, the key point of prevention of parasitic infections is hookworm infection.

Parasite control practices in Polish horse farms

Virtually all horses in Poland receive periodically deworming treatment. In the view of emerging anthelmintic resistance it is important to know the current parasite control practices used by Polish horse owners. In order to assess the situation and analyze it in terms of the risk of drug resistance, a questionnaire survey was forwarded to 300 horse establishments. The response rate was 49.6%. The average number of deworming treatments in adult horses was determined at 2.1. and 2.8 for youngstock per calendar year. The most commonly used drugs were ivermectin, pyrantel pamoate and moxidectin. Almost 73% of respondents indicated that they take into consideration the resistance of parasites. However, only 4,03% of the responders regularly send faecal samples from all horses for parasitological examination. In ca. 92% of cases the person administrating the drug guessed the weight of the horse by the visual evaluation. Generally, little attention was payed to pasture hygiene and prevention of parasitic infection. The responses indicate high level of awareness among horse owners of the need to control parasites. It also show the large involvement of veterinarians as a source of advice about deworming practices, so we concluded that the most appropriate way to achieve improvement would be implementation of further education programmes for veterinarians.

Subtype Distribution of Blastocystis in Communities along the Chao Phraya River, Thailand.

Blastocystis is a common zoonotic enteric protozoan that has been classified into 17 distinct subtypes (STs). A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and subtype distributions of Blastocystis in villagers living along the Chao Phraya River, Ayutthaya Province, Thailand, and to assess the risk of zoonotic infection. In total, 220 stool samples were collected, and DNA was extracted. PCR and sequencing were performed with primers targeting the small-subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) genes. Blastocystis was present in 5.9% (13/220) of samples, and ST3 (5.0%; 11/220) was the predominant subtype, followed by ST2 (0.45%; 1/220) and ST6 (0.45%; 1/220). Phylogenetic trees were constructed with the maximum-likelihood method based on the Hasegawa–Kishino–Yano + G + I model, neighbor-joining, and maximum parsimony methods. The percentage of bootstrapped trees in which the associated taxa clustered together was relatively high. All the sequences of the Blastocystis-positive samples (KU051524–KU051536) were closely related to those from animals (pig, cattle, and chicken), indicating a zoonotic risk. Therefore, the villagers require proper health education, especially regarding the prevention of parasitic infection, to improve their personal hygiene and community health. Further studies are required to investigate the Blastocystis STs in the animals living in these villages.

Effect of antenatal parasitic infections on anti-vaccine IgG levels in children: a prospective birth cohort study in Kenya.

BackgroundParasitic infections are prevalent among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa. We investigated whether prenatal exposure to malaria and/or helminths affects the pattern of infant immune responses to standard vaccinations against Haemophilus influenzae (Hib), diphtheria (DT), hepatitis B (Hep B) and tetanus toxoid (TT).Methods and Findings450 Kenyan women were tested for malaria, schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis (LF), and intestinal helminths during pregnancy. After three standard vaccinations at 6, 10 and 14 weeks, their newborns were followed biannually to age 36 months and tested for absolute levels of IgG against Hib, DT, Hep B, and TT at each time point. Newborns’ cord blood (CB) lymphocyte responses to malaria blood-stage antigens, soluble Schistosoma haematobium worm antigen (SWAP), and filaria antigen (BMA) were also assessed. Three immunophenotype categories were compared: i) tolerant (those having Plasmodium-, Schistosoma-, or Wuchereria-infected mothers but lacking respective Th1/Th2-type recall responses at birth to malaria antigens, SWAP, or BMA); ii) sensitized (those with infected/uninfected mothers and detectable Th1/Th2-type CB recall response to respective parasite antigen); or iii) unexposed (no evidence of maternal infection or CB recall response).Overall, 78.9% of mothers were infected with LF (44.7%), schistosomiasis (32.4%), malaria (27.6%) or hookworm (33.8%). Antenatal maternal malaria, LF, and hookworm were independently associated with significantly lower Hib-specific IgG. Presence of multiple maternal infections was associated with lower infant IgG levels against Hib and DT antigens post-vaccination. Post-vaccination IgG levels were also significantly associated with immunophenotype: malaria-tolerized infants had reduced response to DT, whereas filaria-tolerized infants showed reduced response to Hib.ConclusionsThere is an impaired ability to develop IgG antibody responses to key protective antigens of Hib and diphtheria in infants of mothers infected with malaria and/or helminths during pregnancy. These findings highlight the importance of control and prevention of parasitic infections among pregnant women.

Parasite surveys and environmental management for prevention of parasitic infection in cultivated Barbonymus gonionotus (Cyprinidae) in fishponds, in an opisthorchiasis endemic area of northeast Thailand

Snails and fishes from ponds in an area endemic for human liver fluke (Opisthorchis viverrini) in Khon Kaen Province, northeast Thailand, were surveyed for the presence of zoonotic helminth parasites during May-November 2007. The surveys were performed to obtain information on the potential for transmission of these parasites to fish cultivated for human consumption. Sixteen species/subspecies of snails from 7 families and 14 species of fish from 6 families were collected for parasitological examination. Four species of snails were found to be infected with a range of trematode species. Bithynia siamensis goniomphalos, the first intermediate host of O. viverrini, was the most commonly infected with trematodes, with a prevalence of infection of 1.69-25.00% in 10 ponds. O. viverrini was found in 1 of 1065 (0.09%) B. siamensis goniomphalos individuals examined in one pond. Metacercariae of Echinostoma revolutum, another agent of human infection, was found in the snail Idiopoma umbilicata in one pond. The fish Luciosoma bleekeri was infected with the trematode Centrocestus caninus in one pond. An environmental management trial was conducted in selected ponds in the endemic area to measure the effects of exclusion of snails and thus trematode parasites. After modifications to the ponds and boundaries, including the exclusion of snails, the ponds were stocked with Barbonymus gonionotus fingerlings. Batches of the fingerlings from the same nursery farm were determined to be free of parasites prior to their introduction to the ponds. The experimental ponds were examined monthly for the presence of snails. Fish were also sampled monthly for parasites. After 8 months, fish grown in environmentally managed ponds were larger than those of the control pond. However, fish in all ponds were found to be infected with the trematode Haplorchis taichui. The source of this zoonotic species is uncertain and will require further investigation and potential environmental management, both at farms and at hatcheries. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Mojo Health Center, Eastern Ethiopia: A 6-year (2005-2010) Retrospective Study

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and to evaluate changes in the annual rates by retrospective screening of the data from Mojo Health Center’s laboratory between the period of 2005 and 2010, in Eastern central Ethiopia. To strengthen clinical study, the survey was supplemented with observational study and pre-coded questionnaires for the assessment of awareness level of treatment seeking respondents towards specific health indicators and disease transmission, prevention and control mechanisms and outsourcing and handling of drinking water and food as well as the health Center staff to observe the status of common intestinal parasites across the 6 years. The present study showed that the prevalence of intestinal parasite infection during 6 years ranged from 7.4 to 15.2%. The total average prevalence of parasites was 5007 (9.3%). Of the nine parasites detected, multi-infection was common, especially with the two most prevalent protozoan parasites (E. histolytica and G. lamblia). In 2006, a peak prevalence of 8.3% for E. histolytica/E. dispar and 6.5% for G. lamblia was experienced. The least prevalent intestinal parasite was Trichuris trichiura with about 0.001% prevalence. Even though a slight decline in the annual prevalence of parasitosis was apparent, it was noticed that the parasitic diseases are still a significant health problem in this country. Environmental sanitation improvement and health education promotion at different levels of Mojo district and empowering the laboratory department of the health center can be quite indispensable for control and prevention of parasitic infections in the area.

Efficacy of Closantel 5% against Cattle Gastrointestinal Parasites

Problem statement: There are several anthelmintic classes based on chemical structure that are in use, but, during the last 20 years, it has been increasingly noted that the target parasites have become resistant, the incidence varying with geographical location and mode of use. Approach: In this study, 60 apparently healthy cows under the same management conditions of the experiment, feces (EPG) were examined. Cows divided to 2 groups (30 = control, 30 = treated with closantel 5%) then treated cows received 10 mg kg-1 B.W closantel 5% oraly and After treatment the cow, faecal samples from each of 2 groups were examined in days 1-7-21-28 after treatment by wet-mount and willis-methods and MC-master slid used for egg count. Results: Therefore Closantel 5% drugs if used oraly by dosage 1 mL 10 kg-1 B.W in cow against Fasciola hepatica and Haemonchus spp. Bunostomum phlebotomum been quite effective (average percentage of drug effect = 97%) and used for control and prevention of parasitic infections in cow was recommended. Conclusion: Therefore Closantel 5% is an effective drug against cattle gastrointestinal helminthes in Iran.

Intestinal parasitic infections in renal transplant recipients

Context: The magnitude of intestinal parasitic infection in renal transplant recipients requires careful consideration in the developing world. However, there have been very few studies addressing this issue in Iran. Aim: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in renal transplant recipients in Iran. Materials and Methods: Stool specimens from renal transplant recipients and control groups were obtained between June 2006 and January 2007. The samples were screened for intestinal parasitic infections using direct smear, formalin-ether sedimentation, Sheather's flotation and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining methods. Statistical Analysis Used: A comparison of the frequency of parasites between cases and controls was performed using Chi-square test. Subsequently, the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare multiple parasitic infections in cases and controls. P value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Out of 150 renal transplant recipients, 33.3% (50), and out of 225 of the control group, 20% (45) were infected with one or more types of intestinal parasites. The parasites detected among patients included Entamoeba coli (10.6%), Endolimax nana (8.7%), Giardia lamblia (7.4%), Blastocystis spp. (4.7%), Iodamoeba butschlii (0.7%), Chilomastix mesnili (0.7%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (0.7%). Multiple infections were more common among renal transplant recipients group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of testing for intestinal parasites among Iranian renal transplant recipients. Routine examinations of stool samples for parasites would significantly benefit the renal transplant recipients by contributing to reduce severity of infection. The results of this study emphasize the monitoring and stool examination for prevention of parasitic infections in renal transplant recipients.