Risk Factors Of Parasitic Infections Research Articles

Neospora caninum infection in dairy cattle in Egypt: a serosurvey and associated risk factors

Neospora caninum (N. caninum) is one of the causative agents that causing cattle abortion, and severe economic losses. Due to the scarcity of data on N. caninum infection in Egyptian cattle, the purpose of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence and determine the risk factors for parasite infection. In four governorates in northern Egypt, 540 blood samples from cattle were taken, and tested using a commercial ELISA kit. The overall seroprevalence of N. caninum in examined cattle was 28.89%. A multivariate logistic regression model determined that age (OR = 2.63, P < 0.001), manual milking (OR = 1.39, P = 0.14), abortion history (OR = 2.78, P < 0.0001), repetition of estrus (OR = 2.31, P < 0.0001), and contact with dogs (OR = 2.57, P < 0.0001) were significant risk factors. The findings proved that N. caninum infection was one of the factors contributing to abortion and financial losses in dairy cattle in Egypt. Therefore, the application of sanitary security and control programs is very important in dairy farms.

A baseline epidemiological study of the co-infection of enteric protozoans with human immunodeficiency virus among men who have sex with men from Northeast China.

BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and enteric parasite co-infection not only aggravates the clinical symptoms of parasites but also accelerates acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) progression. However, co-infection research on men who have sex with men (MSM), the predominant high-risk population of HIV/AIDS in China, is still limited. In this study, we investigated the epidemiology of enteric parasites, risk factors, and associations with clinical significance in an MSM HIV/AIDS population in Heilongjiang Province, northeast China.MethodsWe recruited 308 MSMs HIV/AIDS patients and 199 HIV-negative individuals in two designated AIDS hospitals in Heilongjiang between April 2016 and July 2017. Fresh stool samples were collected. DNA extraction, molecular identification, and genotyping of Cryptosporidium species, Entamoeba histolytica, Cyclospora cayetanensis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Blastocystis hominis were performed. Fourteen diarrhea-related pathogens were examined to exclude the influence of other bacterial pathogens on diarrhea incidence.Results31.5% of MSM HIV/AIDS participants were infected with at least one parasite species, a significantly higher proportion than that found in the HIV-negative individuals (2.5%). E. bieneusi presented the highest prevalence, followed by B. hominis, E. histolytica, Cryptosporidium spp., and C. cayetanensis. Warm seasons were the risk factor for parasitic infections in this population [odds ratio (OR) = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.47–4.57]. In addition, these individuals showed a higher proportion (35.8%) of present diarrhea (PD) compared with men who have sex with women (MSW) with HIV/AIDS (16.7%). The infection proportions of both Cryptosporidium spp. and E. histolytica were significantly higher in the PD. E. bieneusi infection was more prevalent in the historic diarrhea (HD) group. CD4+ T cell counts in the MSM patients with the above three parasites were significantly lower. New species and genotypes were found, and MSM patients had a wider range of species or genotypes.ConclusionsEnteric parasitic infection was prevalent in the MSM HIV/AIDS population, especially in patients with present diarrhea during warm seasons. E. histolytica and B. hominis should also be considered high-risk parasites for opportunistic infections in AIDS patients in addition to Cryptosporidium spp.

Machine learning-based risk factor analysis and prevalence prediction of intestinal parasitic infections using epidemiological survey data.

BackgroundPrevious epidemiological studies have examined the prevalence and risk factors for a variety of parasitic illnesses, including protozoan and soil-transmitted helminth (STH, e.g., hookworms and roundworms) infections. Despite advancements in machine learning for data analysis, the majority of these studies use traditional logistic regression to identify significant risk factors.MethodsIn this study, we used data from a survey of 54 risk factors for intestinal parasitosis in 954 Ethiopian school children. We investigated whether machine learning approaches can supplement traditional logistic regression in identifying intestinal parasite infection risk factors. We used feature selection methods such as InfoGain (IG), ReliefF (ReF), Joint Mutual Information (JMI), and Minimum Redundancy Maximum Relevance (MRMR). Additionally, we predicted children’s parasitic infection status using classifiers such as Logistic Regression (LR), Support Vector Machines (SVM), Random Forests (RF) and XGBoost (XGB), and compared their accuracy and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) scores. For optimal model training, we performed tenfold cross-validation and tuned the classifier hyperparameters. We balanced our dataset using the Synthetic Minority Oversampling (SMOTE) method. Additionally, we used association rule learning to establish a link between risk factors and parasitic infections.Key findingsOur study demonstrated that machine learning could be used in conjunction with logistic regression. Using machine learning, we developed models that accurately predicted four parasitic infections: any parasitic infection at 79.9% accuracy, helminth infection at 84.9%, any STH infection at 95.9%, and protozoan infection at 94.2%. The Random Forests (RF) and Support Vector Machines (SVM) classifiers achieved the highest accuracy when top 20 risk factors were considered using Joint Mutual Information (JMI) or all features were used. The best predictors of infection were socioeconomic, demographic, and hematological characteristics.ConclusionsWe demonstrated that feature selection and association rule learning are useful strategies for detecting risk factors for parasite infection. Additionally, we showed that advanced classifiers might be utilized to predict children’s parasitic infection status. When combined with standard logistic regression models, machine learning techniques can identify novel risk factors and predict infection risk.

The Goat as a Risk Factor for Parasitic Infections in Ovine Flocks.

Simple SummarySmall ruminants in northwestern Spain are frequently managed in mixed flocks. Sheep-goat joint management has not been considered a risk factor for parasite infection, so the main objective of this study was to establish if mixed management with goats supposes a risk factor for parasitic infections in ovine flocks. Goat contact was a risk factor for sheep to be infected by protostrongylids, Dictyocaulus filaria, gastrointestinal nematodes and Eimeria spp. In relation to host-specific parasites, goats cannot be considered as a source for sheep, but competition for food and spaces between both small ungulates can suppose a reduced grazing area to sheep, provoking high environmental contamination and stress that facilitate their infection.Small ruminants in northwestern Spain are frequently managed in mixed flocks. Sheep–goat joint management has not been considered a risk factor for parasite infection, so the main objective of this study was to establish if mixed management with goats supposes a risk factor for parasitic infections in ovine flocks. Two thousand and ninety-three sheep were sampled from 74 commercial meat ovine flocks for diagnostic of the main parasites. Goat contact was a risk factor for sheep to be infected by protostrongylids, Dictyocaulus filaria, gastrointestinal nematodes and Eimeria spp. In contrast, Moniezia, Fasciola hepatica, Dicrocoelium dendriticum and Paramphistomidae prevalences were not influenced. Sheep–goat mixed management can be considered as a risk factor, since goats would act as a source of pasture contamination for interspecific parasites (protostrongylids, Dictyocaulus filaria and gastrointestinal nematodes). In relation to host-specific parasites, such as Eimeria spp., goats cannot be considered as a source for sheep, but competition for food and spaces between both small ungulates can suppose a reduced grazing area to sheep, provoking high environmental contamination and stress that facilitate their infection. Future epidemiological studies for parasitic infections in small ruminants should consider sheep–goat mixed management as a possible risk factor to be included in multivariate analyses.

Prevalence and Related Risk Factors of Intestinal Parasitosis among Private School-Going Pupils of Dharan Submetropolitan City, Nepal

Introduction Intestinal parasitic infections are most common and prevalent among children and accounts for great morbidity and mortality. Objective This research is aimed at studying the prevalence and related risk factors of parasitic infections among private school-going pupils of Dharan Submetropolitan City. Methods and Materials This was a cross-sectional laboratory-based study conducted from 13 November 2018 to 26 February 2019 among 400 private school pupils. The stool samples were collected and microscopically examined for parasites using the formalin ethyl acetate sedimentation technique. Data Analysis. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS version 16.0. Pearson's Chi-square test was used to establish association between dependent and independent variables. The association was also determined using crude and adjusted odds ratio, and the test considered a P value < 0.05 as statistically significant with 95% confidence interval. Result In this study, 46 (11.5%) children were positive for intestinal parasites. In this study, 3 protozoans (Entamoeba histolytica = 3 (0.75%)) and 43 helminths (Ascaris lumbricoides = 22 (5.5%); Enterobiusvermicularis = 6 (1.5%); Ancylostoma duodenale = 2 (0.5%); and Trichuris trichiura = 13 (3.25%)) were isolated and identified. Statistically, significant difference in the parasitic prevalence with respect to age and gender was not seen (P > 0.05). However, the prevalence of parasitic infection was strongly associated with the ethnicity of the pupils (P = 0.001). The strong associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections were nail-biting habit, source of drinking water, biannual deworming, thumb-sucking, hand sanitation before having food and after toilet, knowledge of parents on parasitosis, health and sanitation, keeping cat/dog as pet, and wearing protective shoes during play (P = 0.001). Bowel syndromes like abdominal cramp and constipation also had a strong statistical association (P = 0.001) with the prevalence of parasitic infection. According to binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses, the parents without awareness, pupils with a nail-biting habit, pupils not wearing shoes during play, lack of deworming, drinking direct tap water, and pupils with poor hand sanitation were more likely to be infested with intestinal parasitic infections. Conclusion This study concludes that intestinal parasites are still prevalent among private school-going pupils of Dharan Submetropolitan City. The poor sanitation and sanitary habits like biting nails, consumption of untreated drinking water, and failure to practice proper hand washing were studied as contributors to the acquisition of intestinal parasitic infections. Therefore, integration of control measures such as provision of clean and safe drinking water, improved sanitation and hygiene, with biannual administration of drugs are necessary for effective eradication of parasitic infections.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitosis and associated risk factors among school children of Saptari district, Nepal: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundIntestinal parasitosis, caused by both helminths and protozoans, are among the most prevalent infections, especially in developing countries. Enteric parasites continue to be a major cause of parasitic diseases which is the most common among street and school going children with poor sanitation. This cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence and potential risk factors of intestinal parasitosis among school going children of two schools of Saptari district of southern Nepal. Stool samples were collected in a clean, dry, screw-capped, and wide-mouthed plastic container, fixed with 10% formal-saline solution, and transported to the laboratory for further microscopic analysis by following concentration technique.ResultsOut of the 285 stool samples analysed, 94 (33%) were positive for the parasitosis. Presence of intestinal parasites was marginally more in rural school (44.6%) than in urban (30%) (P < 0.05). Giardia lamblia was highly prevalent (15.4%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica-like (7.7%), E. coli (7%), Ascaris lumbricoides (1.8%), and Hymenolepis nana (1.08%), respectively. Children of the age group 11–15 years were highly affected (44.2%) compared to younger age groups. The findings of intestinal parasitosis in the study population were statistically significant with family income, hand-washing habit, type of drinking water, and availability of a toilet facility at home (P < 0.05). Over 85% of infection was associated with parasitosis that indicated mainly waterborne infection rather than soil-borne helminths.ConclusionsPoor hygiene measures and farming occupation are identified as major risk factors of parasitic infections, so sanitation especially focusing on safe drinking water along with multi intervention strategies must be emphasized in the Saptari district of Nepal to reduce the burden of parasitic diseases in school children.

Conhecimentos sobre enteroparasitoses entre gestantes atendidas em uma unidade de saúde de Maceió - AL em 2017

&lt;p&gt;As infecções parasitárias podem causar a morte do infectado dependendo do grau de patogenicidade, o que justifica a investigação do conhecimento sobre essas enfermidades em grupos de risco específicos, como gestantes. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o conhecimento sobre enteroparasitoses entre gestantes atendidas em uma unidade de saúde de Maceió – AL. Para tal, foi realizado um estudo transversal descritivo, com uma amostra não probabilística por conveniência de 100 gestantes em acompanhamento pré-natal. Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionário padronizado, no período de fevereiro a julho de 2017. O grau de escolaridade não influenciou o conhecimento sobre as enteroparasitoses avaliadas. Cerca de 54% das gestantes afirmaram possuir o hábito de sempre lavar as mãos antes das refeições e após ir ao banheiro. O consumo de frutas e hortaliças foi prevalente, e 37% afirmaram higienizá-las com vinagre ou água sanitária, mas 87% afirmaram consumir carne malpassada. Aproximadamente 80% recebiam o abastecimento de água encanada, e 47% utilizavam água mineral para ingestão. Apesar dos avanços na assistência pré-natal na última década, a falta de conhecimento entre gestantes acerca de parasitoses se configura como fator de risco para infecção parasitária; nesse sentido, torna-se necessária a realização de atividades de educação em saúde para esse grupo, esclarecendo formas de transmissão e prevenção relacionadas às enteroparasitoses.&lt;/p&gt;

Tritrichomonas Foetus: A Study of Prevalence in Animal Hosts in Poland.

Tritrichomonas foetus is described as a pathogen of cattle and cats and also exhibits commensalism with pigs. In order to estimate the prevalence and determine the risk factors for parasite infection, specimens from animal hosts (cat, pigs, and cattle) from Poland were investigated. To our best knowledge, this is the first such study to examine samples from wild boars (Sus scrofa) for the presence of T. foetus. Data were collected from 117 cats, 172 pigs, 236 wild boars, and 180 cattle. The sensitivity of T. foetus identification was increased by using two molecular assays: PCR and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). The prevalence of feline tritrichomonosis was 20.51%, and statistically significant differences were obtained between groups of animals regarding age, breed, number of cats, diarrhea, and place of living. Positive PCR and LAMP results for T. foetus were estimated for 16.28% of pigs, and the obtained data were significantly correlated with age. Conversely, no significant differences were observed concerning the farm size factor. In our survey, no cases of bovine tritrichomonosis were found, which is consistent with the data from the other countries of the European Union. Similarly, all wild boar samples were also T. foetus-negative according to LAMP and PCR.

Who let the cats out? A global meta-analysis on risk of parasitic infection in indoor versus outdoor domestic cats ( Felis catus).

Parasitic infection risks in domestic animals may increase as a result of outdoor activities, often leading to transmission events to and from owners, other domestic animals and wildlife. Furthermore, outdoor access has not been quantified in domestic animals as a risk factor with respect to latitude or parasite transmission pathway. Cats are an ideal model to test parasitic infection risk in outdoor animals because there have been many studies analysing this risk factor in this species; and there is a useful dichotomy in cat ownership between indoor-only cats and those with outdoor access. Thus, we used meta-analysis to determine whether outdoor access is a significant risk factor for parasitic infection in domestic pet cats across 19 different pathogens including many relevant to human, domestic animal and wildlife health, such as Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara cati. Cats with outdoor access were 2.77 times more likely to be infected with parasites than indoor-only cats. Furthermore, absolute latitude trended towards significance such that each degree increase in absolute latitude increased infection likelihood by 4%. Thus, restricting outdoor access can reduce the risk of parasitic infection in cats and reduce the risk of zoonotic parasite transmission, spillover to sympatric wildlife and negative impacts on feline health.

Status of intestinal parasitic infections among rural and urban populations, southwestern Iran

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections in the urban and rural areas of Shushtar County, southwest Iran. Methods: A total of 1 008 fecal samples were analyzed by direct smear examination, formalin-ether concentration, and Ziehl-Neelsen and trichrome staining; furthermore, PCR was used to distinguish Trichostrongylus and hookworm species based on 28S rRNA gene. Results: Totally, 16.0% cases tested positive, either with a pathogenic or a non-pathogenic parasite. Protozoa were detected in 14.0%, helminths in 1.0%, protozoa and helminth co-infections were detected in 0.3%, and co-infections of two protozoa were detected in 0.7% of cases. The most common protozoa and helminths were Giardia duodenalis (7.7%) and Trichostrongylus spp. (0.5%), respectively. Among five microscopy Trichostrongylus positive cases, Trichostrongylus culbriformis was successfully identified in three isolates by sequencing. In the rural areas, the prevalence of parasitic infection was higher (9.8%) than that in the urban areas (6.2%). A significant association was found between educational level, type of drinking water, animals contact, hand-washing, and clinical symptoms. Conclusions: This study indicates that intestinal parasitic infections remain as a public health priority in Shushtar County. It seems that drinking water and environmental sanitation are the main risk factors of parasitic infections in rural areas.

Occurrence of intestinal parasites among asylum seekers in Italy: A cross-sectional study.

In recent years Europe has experienced a dramatic increase in migration flows. Nevertheless, limited data is available about the occurrence of neglected parasitic diseases among migrant population. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal and urinary parasites in newly arrived asylum seekers. A total of 364 newly arrived migrants hosted at the Asylum Seekers Centre of Castelnuovo di Porto (Italy) were screened during 8 months period for intestinal and urinary parasites. Each enrolled subject was interviewed using a standardized questionnaire, with focus on socio-demographical data and risk factors of parasitic infections. Stool analysis showed a prevalence of intestinal parasites of 20.6%. The travel route did not affect the prevalence of intestinal parasites (p = 0.096), while a significant negative correlation was found between the length of travel and the prevalence of parasite infection (p = 0.019). No statistically significant correlation between gastrointestinal symptoms and the presence of intestinal parasites was detected. The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis reported in asylum seekers does not necessarily reflect the prevalence of the parasitosis in the motherland. An anamnestic and syndromic approach may not be sufficient to highlight the problem of intestinal parasitic infestations in a screening setting.

Prevalence and risk factors for intestinal parasite infections in schoolchildren, in the city of Santarém, Pará State, Brazil

Introduction: Intestinal parasites are common in children in poor countries around the world, and are the cause of serious health problems. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in schoolchildren in Santarem, and associated socio-environmental risk factors. Methods: Questionnaires were applied to parents, and fecal exams were performed by direct method and sedimentation. Results: The parasites that prevailed were Entamoeba coli (20.4%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (9.0%). The family income is an important factor related to parasitic infections (χ 2 =21.000/ p =0.001). Other factors such as water treatment (χ 2 =20.15/ p =0.002), health infrastructure (χ 2 =25.40/ p =0.001), and hygiene practices such as hand washing (χ 2 =11.54/ p =0.003) were statistically significant for the presence of intestinal parasites too, some on a lesser scale. Conclusion: The results showed that Entamoeba coli and Ascaris lumbricoides are the prevalent parasites. The family income, water quality, and sanitary infrastructure are the main risk factors for parasitic infections.

Micro-heterogeneity of malaria transmission in the Peruvian Amazon: a baseline assessment underlying a population-based cohort study

BackgroundUnderstanding the dynamics of malaria transmission in diverse endemic settings is key for designing and implementing locally adapted and sustainable control and elimination strategies. A parasitological and epidemiological survey was conducted in September–October 2012, as a baseline underlying a 3-year population-based longitudinal cohort study. The aim was to characterize malaria transmission patterns in two contrasting ecological rural sites in the Peruvian Amazon, Lupuna (LUP), a riverine environment, and Cahuide (CAH), associated with road-linked deforestation.MethodsAfter a full population census, 1941 individuals 3 years and older (829 in LUP, 1112 in CAH) were interviewed, clinically examined and had a blood sample taken for the detection of malaria parasites by microscopy and PCR. Species-specific parasite prevalence was estimated overall and by site. Multivariate logistic regression models assessed risk factors for parasite infection by PCR, while SaTScan detected spatial clusters of PCR-positive individuals within each site. In addition, data from routine malaria surveillance in the period 2009–2012 were obtained.ResultsParasite prevalence by PCR was higher in CAH than in LUP for Plasmodium vivax (6.2% vs. 3.9%) and for Plasmodium falciparum (2.6% vs. 1.2%). Among PCR-confirmed infections, asymptomatic (Asy) parasite carriers were always more common than symptomatic (Sy) infections for P. vivax (Asy/Sy ratio: 2/1 in LUP and 3.7/1 in CAH) and for P. falciparum (Asy/Sy ratio: 1.3/1 in LUP and 4/1 in CAH). Sub-patent (Spat) infections also predominated over patent (Pat) infections for both species: P. vivax (Spat/Pat ratio: 2.8/1 in LUP and 3.7/1 in CAH) and P. falciparum malaria (Spat/Pat ratio: 1.9/1 in LUP and 26/0 in CAH). For CAH, age, gender and living in a household without electricity were significantly associated with P. vivax infection, while only age and living in a household with electricity was associated with P. falciparum infection. For LUP, only household overcrowding was associated with P. falciparum infection. The spatial analysis only identified well-defined clusters of P. vivax and P. falciparum infected individuals in CAH. Reported malaria incidence indicated that malaria transmission has long occurred in LUP with primarily seasonal patterns, and confirmed a malaria outbreak in CAH since May 2012.ConclusionsThis parasitological and epidemiological baseline assessment demonstrates that malaria transmission and parasite prevalence is heterogeneous in the Peruvian Amazon, and influenced by local socio-demographics and ecological contexts. Riverine and road construction/deforestation contexts must be taken into account in order to carry out effective anti-malaria control and elimination efforts.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites and risk factor analysis for Eimeria infections in Finnish pet rabbits.

No previous published prevalence studies exist on gastrointestinal parasites in Finnish pet rabbits; internationally, similar prevalence figures remain uncommon. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in pet rabbits as well as to determine the possible risk factors for parasitic infections. We analyzed 2-g faecal samples (n=398) from pet rabbits and internet-based questionnaires (n=363) completed by their owners. Owners sent over-night faecal samples to the laboratory, and the samples were quantitatively analyzed within one week using a modified McMaster method. Eimeria oocysts represented the most common parasite found (27%, mean opg 4212). Nematode Passalurus ambiguus eggs were found in 3% of the samples (mean epg 65), while Trichuris leporis eggs and cestode eggs, respectively, were each found in 1 sample (0.25%). We also conducted a risk factor analysis based on the owner questionnaire and the faecal analysis. We limited this to only Eimeria infection due to the low number of positive results for other parasites. In the final multivariable logistic regression model, we identified a young age, multi-rabbit households (with at least three rabbits) and living somewhere other than in a home-like environment as risk factors for Eimeria infection. In similar low-helminth prevalence conditions, we recommend faecal examination and deworming of rabbits according to examination results.

High Prevalence of Intestinal Parasite Carriage Among Food Handlers in the Gambia

Background: Most of the world population is approximately infected with intestinal parasites, the burden of this infection is mainly found in people living in developing countries where hygiene and environmental sanitation are poor. Gambia is not an exception to this phenomenon of poor hygiene and sanitation, therefore is at high risk of intestinal parasitic burden. Thus, this study seeks to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of parasitic infections among food handlers who sells food at Lower Basic Schools in the West Coast Region in The Gambia. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study used 540 stool samples stored at 10% formaldehyde collected from different food handlers during a study titled (Prevalence and risk factors of fecal carriage of Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae amongst food handlers in Lower Basic Schools in West Coast Region of The Gambia). Stool samples were examined microscopically using both normal saline and iodine for identification of cysts and eggs, larval of intestinal parasites using direct microscopes. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 16 and Microsoft excel version 2010 software to determine the risk factors. Results: Of the 540 food handlers administered, 536 (99.3%) were females. It was found that 250 (46.3%) were intestinal parasite carriers. Entameoba histolytica/dispar 150 (46%) followed by Giadia lamblia 52 (16%), E. coli 40 (12.3%), E. harmana 20 (6.1%), Strongloides 18 (5.5%), Ascaris lumbricoides 14 (4.3%), Iodamoeba butschlii, 9 (2.8%), Teania spp. 6 (1.8%), Diphyllobotrum latum 3 (0.9%), Hookworm 3 (0.9%), Fasiola hepatica 2 (0.6%), Hymenolepis dimunta 2 (0.6%), Tricguris Trichura 1 (0.3%), Fasiola Buski 1 (0.3%), Hymenolepis nana 1 (0.3%) and V. nana 4 (1.2%) were the parasites identified from the studied. Most of the food handlers were certified for handling food 483 (89.4%) and 492 (91.2%) know the principle of food safety. Among the risk factors, living with domestic animals, lack of training in food handling and hand washing practices with P-value of (0.014), (0.017), and (0.056) respectively and 95% Confidence Interval was associated risk factors of intestinal parasite infections. Conclusions: This study showed high prevalence of intestinal parasites among food handlers. Training of food handlers on proper methods of food preparation and practice of good personal hygiene should be conducted on regular basis. Since, transmissions of intestinal parasites are by fecal-oral route, food handlers are important sources of infections. Epidemiological surveillance and quarterly screening of food handlers should be done by qualified personnel for isolation of intestinal parasites.

Prevalence and risk factors of endo- and ectoparasitic infections in smallholder pigs in Angónia district, Mozambique

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of parasitic infections in pigs kept under smallholder farming system in Angónia district, Tete Province, Mozambique. A total of 262 pigs from 133 households of six villages were randomly selected. From each pig blood, faecal samples, full body searches, and skin scrapings were conducted to determine the prevalence of Taenia solium (using Ag-ELISA), gastrointestinal (GI) parasites, and ectoparasites respectively. A questionnaire survey was administered to smallholder pig farmers to assess their knowledge and perceptions of health and pig management and an observational study was conducted to determine their pig management practices. The overall prevalence of porcine cysticercosis by Ag-ELISA was 12.6%, GI nematodes 21.4%, Eimeria spp. 8.0% and ectoparasites 37.8%. Four helminths species namely, Metastrongylus spp., Hyostrongylus spp., Oesophagostomum spp., Trichostrongylus spp., were identified from by copro culture, and through faecal egg count, Ascaris suum and Trichuris suis were identified. Haematopinus suis, Rhipicephalus spp. and Echidnophaga gallinacea were found with a prevalence of 32.4%, 7.6%, and 6.9%, respectively. The only significant risk factor identified to be related to the parasite prevalence was pig origin (village), for both gastrointestinal parasites (OR=10.81[0.81–57.27]) and ectoparasites (OR=7.06[1.42–35.03]). This study provided evidence that parasitic infections in pigs constitute a major burden for smallholder pig farmers in Angónia district, and that porcine cysticercosis is a public health threat in the area and immediate attention is needed for control and prevention of the parasite.

Factors Associated with Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections among Young Population in Northeast Brazil.

Background. Intestinal parasitic infections constitute a major public health problem that is frequently associated with poverty, inadequate sanitation, and the nutritional status of the population. Objective. The aim of the present study is to investigate the possible association of parasitic infections, sanitary conditions, hygiene practices, and the nutritional and socioeconomic status of a poor youth population. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 367 children and adolescents inhabiting a substandard settlement in the urban area of Maceió (Alagoas State, Brazil). Data collection included socioeconomic status, anthropometric measurements, fecal sample examinations, and laboratory blood analysis. The identification of factors associated with gastrointestinal parasitic infections was undertaken through bi- and multivariate analyses. Results. Stool sample analysis obtained from 300 individuals revealed that 204 (68%) were infected with at least one parasite species and of these 130 (63.7%) were polyparasitized. No significant associations were identified between low height for age (stunted), parasitic infections, and polyparasitism. There was also no association between family income and parasitosis. However, low socioeconomic status proved to be a potential risk factor for parasitic infections. Conclusion. Actions must be taken to improve sanitation, housing, and environmental conditions in order to eliminate the risk factors for parasitic infections, and thereby guarantee a better quality of life for this population.

Relation between Neospora caninum and abortion in dairy cows: Risk factors and pathogenesis of disease

Neosporosis is a parasitic disease cause by Neospora caninum, a parasite of great importance in livestock. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of antibody against N. caninum in dairy cattle with history of abortion, as well as to identify associated risk factors for neosporosis. Animals suspected of neosporosis (n = 130) after clinical examination were randomly selected. Sera samples from 29 farms were submitted to indirect immunofluorescence technique (IFA) in order to detect antibodies against N. caninum, and animals were considered positive if ≥IFA 1:200. An epidemiological questionnaire was used to verify probable risk factors for neosporosis and their cause-effect relation. Serological results showed that 43.8% of the animals were seropositives for N. caninum. The univariate statistical analysis found a significant relation between neoporosis and age. The number of pregnancies and the number of years that the farms had been producing milk were found as associated risk factors for the disease either by univariate or by multivariate analyses. The cause-effect model found a possible relation between reproductive problems and positive serology for neosporosis (P = 0.06). Therefore, it was concluded that approximately 44% of dairy cows with history of abortion were seropositives for N. caninum and that age and the number of years that the farms had been producing milk are risk factors for parasite infection in dairy cattle.

Intestinal parasitic infections in patients with Diabetes Mellitus: A case-control study

Introduction: Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are at increased risk of certain infections; however, little is known about the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in them. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of intestinal parasitic infections in patients with DM in comparison with a healthy control group. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 118 patients with DM and 118 healthy people as control group from April to September 2014. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and hemoglobin A1c level were checked, and checklists including risk factors for parasitic infections were filed for all participants. Three stool samples and one scotch tape were obtained. Samples were examined by direct wet smear, formol-ether concentration, Kinyoun acid-fast staining, and modified trichrome stain. Data were analyzed using chi-square and logistic regression tests. Results: The rate of parasitic infection was significantly more in the patients (26.3%) than the controls (6.8%) (P < 0.050). The most detected infection was Blastocystis hominis (n = 14) followed by Endolimax nana (n = 10) and Giardia lamblia (n = 5). Infection with B. hominis was significantly more in the DM patients (9.3%) than in the controls (2.5%) (P < 0.050). DM [odds ratio (OR) = 3.6], female gender (OR = 3.0), and the presence of symptoms (OR = 9.900) were the risk factors for intestinal parasitic infections (P < 0.050).Conclusion: Patients with DM might be at an increased risk of infection with intestinal parasites specifically B. hominis as an opportunistic infection, and routine stool examination should be considered for them.

An analysis of seroprevalence and risk factors for parasitic infections of economic importance in small ruminants in Greece

A cross-sectional serological survey was carried out to screen the small ruminants of Thessaly, Greece, for infection with Haemonchus contortus, lungworms (i.e. Cystocaulus ocreatus, Muellerius capillaris, Protostrongylus rufescens and Neostrongylus linearis) as a group, and for Cysticercus tenuicolis, Linguatula serrata and Oestrus ovis. A second objective was to determine the risk factors related to herd characteristics, management practices, farmer status and bioclimatic variables associated with these parasitic infections.A total of 361 sheep and 179 goat serum samples were examined. The seroprevalences were 33.9%, 41.5%, 14.1%, 4.6% and 1.4% for H. contortus, lungworms, L. serrata, C. tenuicolis and O. ovis, respectively. The final logistic regression model showed that farm location and temperature were associated with H. contortus, lungworm and L. serrata infections. Anthelmintic treatment, class of anthelmintic and rotation of grazing were associated with H. contortus and lungworm infections, while grazing with other herds was associated with lungworm and L. serrata infections; rain was associated with H. contortus and L. serrata infections. Farm type and age of farmer were associated with H. contortus infections and elevation was associated with lungworm infection. The results may help to formulate appropriate control strategies in Greece and other areas with similar climatic conditions in order to channel limited resources to mitigate only those risk factors which are significant to protect the profitability of the livestock industry.