Protozoal Infestations Research Articles

Parabasalids in Respiratory Secretions and Lung Diseases

I read with great interest in a recent issue of CHEST(April 2014) the article by Khemasuwan et al,1 who provided a comprehensive review of helminthic and protozoal infestations of the respiratory system. Regarding the protozoal infestations, however, I think the authors have omitted a group of flagellated protists, the parabasalids, some of which are well-known protozoa and others of which are considered as uncommon emerging pathogens.2

Ectoparasites fauna of goldfish (Carassius auratus) in north Iran

The present studywas carried out to survey ectoparasites fauna of gold fish (Carassius auratus) in Mazandaran province (Iran) from April 2009 to March 2010. A total of 200 samples were obtained from 10 ornamental fish supply centers and transferred alive to the laboratory. In this study, the following ectoparasites were isolated: Ichthyophthirius multifillis , Trichodina spp., Gyrodactylus spp., Dactylogyrus vastator, Dactylogyrus baueri and Argulus coregoni. The results revealedthat 28.5% of sampled goldfish were infested with ectoparasites .The frequency of protozoan infestations were 15% (9%I. multifillis and 6% Trichodina spp.), the frequency of monogenean ectoparasite was 12.5% (5% Gyrodactylus spp., 5% D. vastator and 2.5% D. baueri) and that of crustaceans (A. coregoni) was 1%. The most frequently reported infestation was due to I. multifillis causative agent of white spot disease.Enhancing the health management through improving water quality and bio-security is the most effective way to prevent the parasite infestations.

Pattern of intestinal parasitic infections in patients visiting to rural tertiary care teaching hospital in Pune

Aim: To determine the predominant intestinal parasitic infections among all age group of patients attending tertiary care teaching hospital. Materials & methods: A total of500 stool samples were collected from all age groups and examined by routine naked eye and microscopic examination. Results: 62(12.40%) Stool samples showed presence of ova/cysts of protozoa or helminths. Protozoal cysts or trophozoites were found in (64.51%) while helminthic eggs were found in 22(35.38%) of positive samples. In protozoal infection, Entaetaemoeba histolytica was found 55% followed by Giardia lamblia.63.63 % samples were positive for Anchylostoma duodenale Presence of parasitic infection was predominantly seen in adults. Conclusion: Entaetaemoeba histolytica is a predominant protozoal infestation and the Anchylostoma duodenale amongst the helminthes. Low positivity of the specimen as compare to other study indicate improved awareness of hygiene in the society. Positivity was seen more in male (15.4%) patient than female (10%).

Intestinal parasitic infestation in combatants and their families: a hospital-based study in Mid-Western Regional Police Hospital, Nepal.

Objective:To find out the scenario of intestinal parasitic infestation in combatants and their families in the setting of Mid-Western Regional Police Hospital (MWRPH), Nepal.Study Design:Cross-sectional study.Methods:All 2005 patients presented with the complaint of abdominal pain, diarrhoea, frequent defecation, blood in stool, or black stool from August 2007 to February 2011 were offered a stool examination. About 10g of fresh stool was collected in a clean, dry bottle. Two slides from each specimen were examined applying light microscope in 10 and 40 uvf at Banke, Nepalgunj hospital laboratory.Result:Among 2005 patients, 928 (46.28%) were infested with either helminths and/or protozoa. 96% were single infestation. The most common infestation was Ascaris lumbricoides (48.06%) and the second was hook worm (18.97%). Most common protozoal infestations were Entamoeba histolytica (12.92%) and Giardia lamblia (9.49%). Helminthic infestations peaked in cool months and protozoal infestations were rather steady throughout the year.Conclusion:Very high parasitic infestation in least developed mid- western Nepal may need urgent public health intervention.

Prevalence of intestinal protozoan infestation among primary school children in Urban and peri-urban communities in Kumasi, Ghana

Introduction- Intestinal protozoan infections continue to remain a global public health challenge, particularly in developing countries. Children are greatly prone to these infections via the ingestion of food, water or soil contaminated with the infective stage of these parasites. Objectives- This study focused on establishing the prevalence of intestinal protozoan infection among primary school children aged 5 to 12 years from six communities in the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana. Methods- A total of 2400 children were randomly selected sampled. Stool samples collected from the children were analyzed using the formol-ether concentration technique. The modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique was employed in the identification of Cryptosporidium parvum. Results- The overall prevalence of intestinal protozoan identified among the studied school children was 42.9%. Prevalence was significantly higher in males than females with rates of 51.0% (604/1162) and 30.8% (381/1238) respectively. The highest protozoan infestation was Giardia lamblia with a prevalence of 16.8% (195/1162) and 7.8 % (97/1238) in males and females respectively. Three pathogenic strains (Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar and Cryptosporidium parvum) and four non-pathogenic species (Entamoeba coli, Endolimax nana, Chilomastix mesnili and Iodamoeba butschlii) were identified in the study. Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum recorded prevalence rates of 12.2% and 8.5% respectively. Prevalence was however proportional to age with respect to Endolimax nana and Iodamoeba butschlii infections. Conclusion- There is relatively high prevalence of intestinal protozoan infection among the studied children. This obviously suggests that there are possible household, school based and behaviour oriented risk factors which predispose the children to these parasites.

Detection of Parasites During Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Procedures

Background and study aim: : Helminthic and protozoal infestation of the alimentary tract is endemic in tropical and subtropical areas and also occur in temperate zones. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and characterization of parasites detected during upper digestive endoscopic procedures. Patients and methods:: Retrospective analysis of the records of patients exposed to upper endoscopic procedures in the endoscopy units, Tropical Medicine Department, Zagazig University Hospitals, Egypt in a 5 year period extending from January 2007 to January 2012. A total of 4925 cases were included; 4708 cases for gastrodudenoscopy (EGDS) and 217 cases for endoscopic-retrograde-cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP). All cases were reviewed as regard age, sex, residence, indications for endoscopy and endoscopic features. Cases with parasitic infestations were characterized regarding the mentioned variables. Results : :A total of 8 cases with parasitic infestations were described. Six cases detected by EGDS and 2 cases by ERCP. Five cases were Ancylostoma duodenale , one case Ascaris lumbricoides, one case Strongyloides stercoralis and one case Fasciola hepatica. Most cases were presented with anemia and persistent epigastric pain. Seven cases were associated with duodenitis on endoscopic examination. Conclusion : :Parasites are not common findings during upper digestive endoscopic procedures, and should be suspected in patients with anemia and persistent epigastric pain.

A study on incidence of gastrointestinal parasites in buffaloes from different slaughter houses of Chittagong Metropolitan Area

The study was conducted to investigate the incidence of gastrointestinal parasites of buffalo in different slaughter houses of Chittagong Metropolitan Area, Bangladesh. A total of 100 faecal samples were collected from three slaughter houses and studied by coproscopic examinations. Direct smear, sedimentation and floatation techniques along with egg micrometry were conducted to identify various parasitic eggs. Among 100 faecal samples 69% were positive for different individual parasitic infestation. Trematodes, nematodes, cestodes and protozoan infestations were 48%, 16%, 2% and 3%, respectively. Among the trematodes Schistosoma sp. (23%), Paramphistomum sp. (15%) and Fasciola sp. (10%) were found. Incidence of nematode infestations were Toxocara sp (4%), Oesophagostomum sp. (5%), Cooperia sp. (2%), Bunostomum sp. (3%) and 1% for both Trihostrongylus sp. and Strongyloides sp. Mixed infection were observed 7% of positive samples. Results indicate that the heavy worm burden in buffaloes causes severe economic loss to the farmers by reducing the overall productivity.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ujzru.v30i0.10703 Univ. j. zool. Rajshahi Univ. Vol. 30, 2011 pp. 05-07

Intestinal parasite carriage in workers exposed to sewage.

The presence of protozoan cysts and helminth eggs in sewage and the very low minimal infective doses of parasites suggest an occupational risk for workers exposed to sewage. The objective of this study was to assess this risk in a group of raw sewage-exposed workers. The relationship between sewage exposure and intestinal parasite carriage was estimated by a multiple cross-sectional survey comparing yearly prevalence rates in 126 employees working in sewers in Paris, France, with the prevalence rate in 363 food-handlers employed between 1988 and 1993. The incidence of intestinal parasitic infestation was estimated among sewage-exposed workers. Four parasite species were identified among sewage-exposed workers: whipworm, Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba coli and Endolimax nanus. The prevalence mean of intestinal parasite carriage was 11.8% (57/480), related to the presence of protozoa in 91% of samples. G. lamblia was present in 3.5% (17/480) of samples. The incidence of positive parasitological stool examination was 5.9/100 person-years. The incidence of G. lamblia in stool examinations was 1.7/100 person-years. Age-adjusted odds ratios were significantly higher in exposed workers in 1988 (OR: 6.5; 95% CI: 2.0-14.5), 1990 (OR: 4.4; 95% CI: 1.2-10.1) and 1991 (OR: 3.4; 95% CI: 1.0-8.2), but not during the other three years. The results of this study emphasize an occupational risk of intestinal protozoan infestation in workers exposed to sewage. The decrease of adjusted OR with time reflects the efficacy of compliance with rules of hygiene.

Possible cytotoxic effects of the dinoflagellate, Gyrodinium aureolum, on juvenile bivalve molluscs

Juveniles of eight commercially important species of bivalve molluscs (Spisula solidissima, Argopecten irradians, Crassostrea virginica, Mytilus edulis, Mya arenaria, Ostrea edulis, Mercenaria mercenaria, Placopecten magellanicus) were exposed in the laboratory to the commonly occurring dinoflagellate, Gyrodinium aureolum. Histological analyses of gut tissues indicated that the impact of G. aureolum on the shellfish was species-specific. High rates of mortality were noted in the bay scallop, A. irradians, but not in other molluscan species. There were no pathological differences between control animals and animals fed G. aureolum in S. solidissima, M. arenaria, or M. mercenaria. The most severely affected molluscs were C. virginica and A. irradians. C. virginica did not exhibit differences in digestive gland parameters between control and experimental animals; however, several animals did show significant mantle and gill lesions. Bay scallops exhibited decreased height of absorptive cells and increased lumen diameter after exposure to Gyrodinium suggesting, at least, poor food quality of Gyrodinium. Evidence of toxic effects was not identified in the digestive gland. Several bay scallops also showed variable amounts of inflammation in the kidney associated with protozoal infestations and variable amounts of predominately rod-shaped bacteria within the urinary space. Aquaculturists, especially of scallop species, should monitor for the presence of G. aureolum. Given its large size (25-30 μm), G. aureolum could be filtered from incoming water to hatcheries, thus avoiding mass mortalities of spat and juvenile scallops.

Bacterial mutagens in the urine of patients under tinidazole treatment

Tinidazole is an antiparasitic drug belonging to the 5-nitroimidazole family. It is prescribed against protozoal infestations and is widely used in Mexico as well as other underdeveloped countries where infectious diseases are the first cause of children mortality. The drug is a direct mutagen in Salmonella typhimurium TA100 strain and the presence of S9 mixture did not modify its mutagenic effect. At low doses no mutagenicity was detected with strains TA100NR, TA98 or UTH8414 (Uvr + derivative of TA100). Urine from four patients under tinidazole treatment exhibited a mutagenic activity on strain TA100, greater than expected from the tinidazole concentrations determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Components from the urine samples were separated on thin-layer chromatography (TLC) plates, and their mutagenic effects tested by direct application of the Salmonella assay onto sections of the developed chromatoplate. The R f of one component (0.62) corresponded to the one obtained for a tinidazole standard and showed the expected mutagenicity, while a second component with an R f = 0.39 , exhibited a mutagenic potency slightly greater than the observed for tinidazole; however, as in the case of the drug itself, reduction of the nitro group was necessary for a mutagenic activity.

Helminth and protozoan parasites in dogs and cats in Belgium

This study investigates the level of helminthic and protozoal infestation over the last 10 years in strays, well-cared-for dogs and cats. Determination of the prevalence of infections was based either on faecal examination or on worm counts at necropsy. Of 2324 faecal flotations (NaCl sp.gr. 1.20) of stray dogs, 34.2% had eggs or proglottids of one or more worm species consisting of Toxocara canis (17.4%), Toxascaris leonina (10.1%), Uncinaria stenocephala (11.4%), Trichuris vulpis (7.0%) and cestodes (2.1%). Isospora oocysts were observed in 5.2% of the dogs. The data on the distribution of the various worm species in the positive dogs indicate that T. canis eggs were by far the most common (50.9%). Necropsy data from 212 infected dogs indicate that 38.9% were infected with T. canis and 33.7% with T. leonina. The overall prevalence of worm infestation of 246 well-cared-for kennel dogs, based on worm egg counts by the McMaster technique, was 36.1%. Of 30 feline faecal samples examined by flotation, 83.3% were positive for parasites, including Toxocara cati (60%), Ancylostoma tubaeformae (36.6%), Taenia (Hydatigera) taeniaeformis (20%) and coccidia (30%). Toxocara cati was the most frequently found worm species at the necropsy of 25 cats (52%). Toxoplasma was not observed.

Intestinal parasitism of children and mothers in rural Somalia.

A survey on intestinal parasitism was carried out by microscopic examination of stool specimens from 517 children (0 to 16 years old) or from mothers living in two rural towns in Somalia. Burao represented the hot and dry region in the north and Kismayo the more humid area in the south. The overall prevalances of intestinal parasitism were 48 and 88%, respectively. Protozoal infestation was found in 46% (potentially pathogenic protozoa in 20%) in Burao and 37% (potentially pathogenic protozoa in 17%) in Kismayo. In contrast a major difference between the two towns was observed with helminthic infection. In Burao only 6% of the specimens showed worm eggs or larvae, whereas in Kismayo the prevalence was 84% (P less than 0.001). The difference in helminthic infection rates might be explained by the different climatic factors, different population densities or habits of the people. Among 14 detected parasitoses the following five were found with an overall frequency of 10% or greater: trichuriasis (45%); entamebiasis coli (23%); ascariasis (17%); giardiasis (16%); and ancylostomiasis (15%).

Lysis of intracranial hematomas with urokinase in a rabbit model

Urokinase (UK), a potent thrombolytic agent, was tested in a rabbit model for safety and efficacy in lysing intracranial hematomas. Intracerebral-intraventricular (IC-IV) hematomas were created by stereotaxically injecting 0.2 ml of clotted human blood into the frontal lobe and lateral ventricle of a total of 57 anesthetized adult New Zealand White rabbits (weighing 1.6 to 2.5 kg). Control animals received 0.2 ml of normal saline injected into the clot, and the experimental group received an equal volume of UK solution (50,000 units/ml) immediately after the clot injection. Some animals were sacrificed at 3 hours and others at 24 hours postinjection. At 3 hours, clot lysis had been achieved in nine (90%) of 10 UK-treated animals as compared to one (14%) of seven controls. By 24 hours, clots had been lysed in 10 (83%) of 12 UK-treated animals and in two (33%) of six controls. Overall, clot lysis was demonstrated in 19 (86%) of the 22 UK-treated animals and in only three (23%) of the 13 controls (p less than 0.001). There was no significant difference in results between these animals and a further set of 22 rabbits that were treated with UK or saline 24 hours after clot injection. There was no histological evidence of damage or inflammation noted on careful light microscopic examination of three to five sections from each brain, although findings consistent with encephalitozoonosis, an incidental protozoan infestation, were encountered in four animals. These studies suggest that UK may be safely and effectively employed for the lysis of intracranial hematomas in this animal model, and that a delay in therapy of up to 24 hours does not significantly compromise its efficacy.

Diarrhoea and malabsorption in acquired immune deficiency syndrome: a study of four cases with special emphasis on opportunistic protozoan infestations.

Chronic diarrhoea is frequent in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) but has been poorly investigated so far. We report four patients with AIDS in whom diarrhoea and malabsorption were outstanding features, and who underwent extensive digestive investigations. Diarrhoea was a presenting symptom in all subjects and was of secretory type in three of them. D-xylose and vitamin B12 were malabsorbed in all cases; steatorrhea was found in the two patients who could ingest significant amounts of fat. Faecal alpha 1-antitrypsin clearance was increased in all subjects. Search for digestive pathogens showed unusual protozoans in all patients: in case 1, optical and electron microscopy revealed the presence in the cytoplasm of villous enterocytes of Microsporidia protozoans still unreported in AIDS. Stool and jejunal fluid examination showed Isospora belli in case 2 and Cryptosporidium in cases 3 and 4. On histological and ultrastructural study the former was localised in the cytoplasm of a few enterocytes and the latter was scattered throughout the villus and crypt brush border. Otherwise small intestinal histology only showed minor non-specific changes and the enterocytes were ultrastructurally normal. In patient 3 the slow marker intestinal perfusion technique showed a profuse fluid secretion in the duodenum and proximal jejunum. All patients needed prolonged total parenteral nutrition. Cryptosporidium and Microsporidia could not be eradicated despite multiple drug trials. Isospora belli was transiently cured by pyrimethamine-sulphadiazine. Only patient 2 is presently at home, and patients 1, 3, and 4 died after two, six, and nine months of total parenteral nutrition, respectively.

Premenarchal vulvovaginitis.

The general subject of premenarchal vulvovaginitis has been reviewed. Vulvovaginal inflammations and infections in the premenarchal child are caused by a large number of etiologic agents. The symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of the most common of these, namely, nonspecific infections, specific nongonorrheal infections, gonorrhea, protozoal infestations, helminthiasis, mycotic infections, and inflammations due to physical, chemical, and allergenic agents, have been discussed. Reference has been made not only to the older literature but also to some of the pertinent reports published during the last 10 years.

Serum IgE levels in protozoal and helminthic infections.

Serum IgE concentration is measured, according to the Rowe modification of the Mancini technique, in non-atopic patients suffering from various helminthic or protozoal infections. Our results indicate that the IgE level is often raised in parasitosis with prominent tissue phases and remains normal with helminths whose life is restricted to the lumen of the digestive tract. In addition, our observations show that, with helminthic or protozoal infestations, the serum IgE level tends to increase significantly and rapidly following a specific treatment of the parasitosis. Afterwards, the serum IgE level decreases slowly and may return to the normal in a few months. Thus, repetitive evaluations of serum IgE concentrations, before and after therapy, appear to be of a diagnostic value in the cases where a vague clinical picture is suggesting an helminthic parasitosis.

Bacterial flora in abnormalities of the female genital tract

The bacterial flora associated with certain common abnormalities of the female genital tract were studied. The abnormalities included were trichomonal infestation of the vagina, the epithelial inflammation and cellular atypia associated with protozoal infestation, and erosions of the cervix. Trichomonas vaginalis infestation and marked epithelial inflammation were associated with a very varied bacterial flora in which Mycoplasma species, streptococci, and ;Haemophilus vaginalis' (Gardner and Dukes, 1955) were often prominent. No cases of vaginitis attributable to Haemophilus vaginalis were detected. An essentially normal bacterial flora accompanied erosions of the cervix.

Erythema Multiforme Bullosum Associated With Trichomonas Infection

This case report indicates again that a complete and thorough search for any bacterial and parasitic (including protozoan) infestation must be carried out in patients with erythema multiforme.

Amebic and Other Intestinal Protozoal Infestations in Representative Groups of New York City

Amebic and Other Intestinal Protozoal Infestations in Representative Groups of New York City Ralph W. Nauss, and May H. Salinger CopyRight https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.25.7.819 Published Online: August 29, 2011

THE SYNDROME OF HYPERTONIC AND ATONIC COLOPATHY

Colitis is a much used and abused term, and most certainly the medical profession should limit its application to include only inflammatory states of the large bowel. These inflammations, from simple catarrhal to chronic ulcerative colitis, as well as related conditions producing definite pathologic lesions, have been well demonstrated, and their causative agents have been determined, ranging from chemical poisons, certain deficiency states, as noted in pellagra and sprue, protozoan infestations and, above all, bacterial infections. A diagnosis establishing a case of acute or chronic bowel disorder, in the foregoing category, as an actual colitis affords some satisfaction in classifying the disorder and some comfort in the knowledge that one may proceed with therapy more or less promising and universally recognized. There still remain chronic constipation and intermittent diarrhea to plague, confound and divide the profession. These complaints represent by far the greater proportion of chronic bowel disorders that occur