Soil-transmitted Helminth Eggs Research Articles

Geospatial analysis and prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni and soil-transmitted helminth infections in an endemic area in Eastern Brazilian Amazon.

This study evaluated the occurrence of Schistosoma mansoni and soil-transmitted helminths in an endemic area in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon, analysing prevalence and spatial distribution. The study was conducted in four localities of Primavera Municipality, in Pará state. Data was obtained from the Decit 40/2012 project and the participants were divided into five age range categories for evaluation: children, adolescents, young adults, adults and elderly individuals. For the diagnostic tests, Kato-Katz slides were prepared to detect S. mansoni and soil-transmitted helminths eggs. The spatial distribution map and the Kernel Density Estimation were performed to assess the presence and location of infections. Stool samples revealed the presence of hookworms, S. mansoni, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura eggs. Mono-, bi- and poly-parasitic infections were observed, with a significant prevalence of hookworm monoparasitism. The high frequency of children infected with soil-transmitted helminths confirms their significance as an ongoing public health problem in the poorest municipalities of Brazil. The Geographic Information System plays a crucial role in environmental surveillance and in the control of epidemics and endemic diseases, enabling accurate assessment and informed decision-making for their control.

Evaluation of Lab-on-a-Disc Technique Performance for Soil-Transmitted Helminth Diagnosis in Animals in Tanzania.

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are caused by roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and thread worms. Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment, prevention, and control of these infections. This study evaluates a new diagnostic method called Single-image Parasite Quantification (SIMPAQ), which uses a lab-on-a-disc (LoD) technique to isolate STH eggs into a single imaging zone for digital analysis. The study evaluates the purification performance of the SIMPAQ technique for detecting STH eggs in animal samples. This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 237 pigs and 281 dogs in the Morogoro region in Tanzania. Faecal samples were collected and processed with the LoD technique, as well as flotation and McMaster (McM) methods for comparison purposes. The overall prevalence of STH infections was high as per the LoD technique (74%), followed by McM (65.44%) and flotation (65.04%). Moreover, the overall performance of the LoD technique, using McM as the gold standard, was 93.51% (sensitivity), 60.89% (specificity), 81.91% (PPV), and 83.21% (NPV). The LoD technique exhibited high prevalence, sensitivity, and NPV, which demonstrates its value for STH egg detection and its crucial role in the era of accurate STH diagnosis, promoting proper management of the infection.

Diagnosis of soil-transmitted helminth infections with digital mobile microscopy and artificial intelligence in a resource-limited setting.

Infections caused by soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases and result in a major disease burden in low- and middle-income countries, especially in school-aged children. Improved diagnostic methods, especially for light intensity infections, are needed for efficient, control and elimination of STHs as a public health problem, as well as STH management. Image-based artificial intelligence (AI) has shown promise for STH detection in digitized stool samples. However, the diagnostic accuracy of AI-based analysis of entire microscope slides, so called whole-slide images (WSI), has previously not been evaluated on a sample-level in primary healthcare settings in STH endemic countries. Stool samples (n = 1,335) were collected during 2020 from children attending primary schools in Kwale County, Kenya, prepared according to the Kato-Katz method at a local primary healthcare laboratory and digitized with a portable whole-slide microscopy scanner and uploaded via mobile networks to a cloud environment. The digital samples of adequate quality (n = 1,180) were split into a training (n = 388) and test set (n = 792) and a deep-learning system (DLS) developed for detection of STHs. The DLS findings were compared with expert manual microscopy and additional visual assessment of the digital samples in slides with discordant results between the methods. Manual microscopy detected 15 (1.9%) Ascaris lumbricoides, 172 (21.7%) Tricuris trichiura and 140 (17.7%) hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale or Necator americanus) infections in the test set. Importantly, more than 90% of all STH positive cases represented light intensity infections. With manual microscopy as the reference standard, the sensitivity of the DLS as the index test for detection of A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura and hookworm was 80%, 92% and 76%, respectively. The corresponding specificity was 98%, 90% and 95%. Notably, in 79 samples (10%) classified as negative by manual microscopy for a specific species, STH eggs were detected by the DLS and confirmed correct by visual inspection of the digital samples. Analysis of digitally scanned stool samples with the DLS provided high diagnostic accuracy for detection of STHs. Importantly, a substantial number of light intensity infections were missed by manual microscopy but detected by the DLS. Thus, analysis of WSIs with image-based AI may provide a future tool for improved detection of STHs in a primary healthcare setting, which in turn could facilitate monitoring and evaluation of control programs.

Gambaran Telur Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) Pada Anak-anak Yang Terindikasi Stunting Menggunakan Metode Natif

Soil-transmitted Helminth (STH) worm eggs are a type of intestinal parasite that can cause infections in humans, especially children. This parasitic infection can cause stunting, which can have a negative impact on health. This study aims to determine the description of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) eggs in children with indications of stunting. This research was carried out using laboratory observations. The object of this research was to collect feces using a random sampling technique with a direct (native) method. Based on the research that has been carried out, of the 16 feces samples, 9 positive samples were found to have soil-transmitted helminth (STH) worm eggs consisting of 7 Ascaris lumbricoides egg samples, 2 Trichuris trichiura egg samples, and 7 negative samples. It follows that one possible cause of childhood stunting could be the egg infection caused by soil-transmitted helminth (STH) worms.

Personal Hygiene Reduces the Risk of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Worm Infection

Vegetable farmers risk being infected with Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) due to frequent direct contact with soil contaminated by STH eggs. Worm infections transmitted through the soil cause disturbances in the tissues and organs of the body by taking nutrients from the vegetable growers' bodies, which can cause serious complications. The search process was carried out using a literature review using four databases, namely Google Scholar, Science Direct, WorldCat, and PubMed, with a publication range of 2018-2023. From all search results, ten articles match the research criteria. The results showed that vegetable farmers who have good personal hygiene can reduce the risk of STH infection. The presence of health workers here is expected to enable them to carry out health promotion, health education, and outreach to the community, especially to vegetable farmers, regarding good personal hygiene to prevent STH transmission.

High Specificity but Low Sensitivity of Lab-on-a-Disk Technique in Detecting Soil-Transmitted Helminth Eggs among Pre- and School-Aged Children in North-Western Tanzania.

An estimated 1.5 billion people are infected with soil-transmitted helminths (hookworms, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura). These infections are targeted for elimination by the World Health Organization (WHO) by 2030, with the main interventions being mass drug administration using albendazole or mebendazole. Tanzania is one of the endemic countries; it has been implementing MDA to school-aged children for more than a decade and the infection prevalence and intensity of infection have declined. Thus, at this point, the monitoring and evaluation of infection prevalence and intensity of infections, and assessing drug efficacy is crucial and requires accurate diagnostic tests. The currently used standard diagnostic test, the Kato-Katz (KK) technique, has several limitations and the WHO is calling for the development and evaluation of new diagnostic tests. The Lab-on-a-disk (LOD) was developed and tested in the endemic areas of north-western Tanzania to evaluate its sensitivity and specificity using KK and the formol-ether concentration technique. The results showed that when using a duplicate KK slide, the LOD had a sensitivity and specificity of 37.2% (95% CI: 30.7-43.9) and 67.3% (95% CI: 63.1-71.3%). Using four KK slides as a standard technique, the overall sensitivity and specificity were 37.7% (95% CI: 33.1-42.6) and 70.7% (95% CI: 65.5-75.6). The LOD attained high specificity but low sensitivity especially in detecting eggs of Trichuris trichiura. The LOD technique has potential as a promising diagnostic test, but its sensitivity still requires improvement.

Correlation Between Nutritional Status, Age, and Gender on the Incidence of Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections most commonly infect preschool and school-age children. The prevalence of STH infection remains high, i.e., 73 million children are infected in Indonesia. The most commonly infecting worms are roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides), whipworms (Trichuris trichiura), and hookworms (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus). STH infection is transmitted through soil contaminated by STH eggs or larvae. Personal hygiene, availability of clean water, and defecation behavior are factors in the development of STH infection. Prolonged infection can cause malnutrition, anemia, and slow growth. This study aims to examine the association between nutritional status, age, and gender on the incidence of STH infection. This research is a descriptive-analytical study with a cross-sectional approach. Fifteen (42.86%) of 35 preschool and school-age children's stool samples were positive for Ascaris lumbricoides eggs. The nutritional status of the children was grouped into underweight, normal, and overweight. The body mass index (BMI) calculation resulted in 65.71% (23/35) underweight, 31.43% (11/35) normal, and 2.86% (1/35) overweight children. The Spearmen test shows that there is no significant correlation between nutritional status (p=0.517), age (p=0.614), and gender (p=0.637) on STH infection.

Prediction of Hemoglobin Levels and Eosinophil Counts Due to Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) Infection in Elementary School Students in the River Banks Area, South Kalimantan, Indonesia

Introduction: Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infections in School-Age Children still exist as a public health problem in the River Banks Area. Elementary school students are one of the vulnerable populations to STH infection. This research purposed to determine the prediction of hemoglobin levels and eosinophil counts due to STH infection in elementary school students in the River Banks Area, South Kalimantan, Indonesia. Methods: One hundred thirty-three kato katz stool preparation of three elementary school students in the river banks area, 68 were male and 65 were female, aged between 7 and 12 years old, were conducted for egg per gram (EPG) STHs eggs count Kato Katz method microscopic examination, and hematology analyzer blood examination to determine hemoglobin levels and eosinophil counts. Result: Linear regression analysis revealed that EPG of STHs was associated with a hemoglobin level of 13.937 with a -0.031 fold decrease in risk and with an eosinophil count of 140.204 with a 4.156 fold increase in risk, (95% confidence interval; p<0.001). Conclusion: Although EPG of STHs can be used to predict the risk of decreased hemoglobin levels and increased eosinophil counts, EPG is not the only factor to predict both of them in elementary school children.

Enhancing the Yield of a Lab-on-a-Disk-Based Single-Image Parasite Quantification Device.

The recently proposed single-image parasite quantification (SIMPAQ) platform based on a Lab-on-a-Disc (LOD) device was previously successfully tested in field conditions, demonstrating its efficiency in soil-transmitted helminth (STH) egg detection and analysis on the level delivered by the current state-of-the-art methods. Furthermore, the SIMPAQ provides relatively quick diagnostics and requires small amounts of sample and materials. On the other hand, in a recent related study, it was revealed that the performance of the SIMPAQ method can be limited due to the action of the tangential Euler and Coriolis forces, and the interaction of the moving eggs with the walls of the LOD chamber. Here, we propose a new improved design that allows us to overcome these limitations and enhance the yield of the SIMPAQ LOD device, as demonstrated in experiments with a synthetic particle model system and real parasite eggs. Despite the simplicity, the proposed design modification is demonstrated to allow a substantial improvement in the yield of the SIMPAQ device, i.e., above 90% of parasite eggs and 98% of synthetic model particles were transported to the field of view. The new design proposed here will be further examined in the new generation of SIMPAQ devices within ongoing research on STH egg detection in field conditions.

Prevalence and public health relevance of enteric parasites in domestic dogs and cats in the region of Madrid (Spain) with an emphasis on Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium sp.

Pet dogs and cats exert an unquestionable beneficial effect in the well-being of their owners, but can also act as a source of zoonotic infections if improperly cared. We investigated the occurrence, risk factors, genetic variability and zoonotic potential of intestinal parasites in dogs and cats attended in a clinical veterinary setting in Spain. Canine (n = 252) and feline (n = 35) faecal samples were collected during 2017-2019 and analysed by coproparasitological methods. A rapid lateral immunochromatographic test (ICT) was used for detecting Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium sp. Samples positive at microscopy examination and/or ICT were reassessed by molecular methods. Overall, 48.8% (123/252) of dogs and 48.6% (17/35) of cats were infected by enteric parasites. In dogs, G. duodenalis was the most prevalent species (40.9%), followed by Cystoisospora sp. (7.1%), and Toxocara canis (5.2%). In cats, Joyeuxiella sp. and Toxocara cati were the dominant species (20.0% each), followed by G. duodenalis (14.3%), D. caninum (5.7%) and Cystoisospora felis and Toxascaris leonina (2.9% each). Pups and kittens were more likely to harbour intestinal parasites and develop clinical signs. Sequence analyses of dog isolates revealed the presence of assemblages A (n = 1), C (n = 4), D (n = 4) and C+D (n = 1) within G. duodenalis; C. parvum (n = 1) and C. canis (n = 4) within Cryptosporidium and PtEb IX (n = 1) in Enterocytozoon bieneusi. A novel C. canis subtype family, named XXi, is reported. Our results highlight that (i) well-cared dogs carry zoonotic enteric protozoan parasites of public health relevance, (ii) proper hygiene practices and routine veterinary treatment are essential to prevent zoonotic infections, (iii) vulnerable populations should avoid contact with pups/kittens with diarrhoea and (iv) infected dogs might be major contributors to the environmental contamination with soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) eggs.

Assessment of the capacity of Whatman filter papers as support to store stools for the molecular diagnostic testing of soil-transmitted helminthiasis

Storage of stools for the detection of soil-transmitted helminths (STH) remains challenging for the molecular diagnostic testing of STH infections. This study aimed to overcome this challenge by assessing the capacity of Whatman filter papers to store stools for the molecular detection of STHs. Stool samples were collected from school-aged children of soil-transmitted helminthiasis endemic areas of Cameroon and then, analysed using Kato Katz technique. For this study, 128 and 40 stool samples respectively with and without STH eggs were analysed. From each sample, 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg of stool were weighted and spread on 6 grades of Whatman filter papers that were stored at room temperature from one to ten weeks. DNA was extracted from spread stool using CTAB based-method. The amount of stool to spread on filter papers and the grade of filter paper offering good storage were determined by amplifying specific DNA fragments of Ascaris lumbricoides. The capacity of filter papers to store stool samples for several weeks before the molecular detection of STH species was assessed by amplifying specific DNA fragments of different STHs. The amplification rates of A. lumbricoides were significantly higher (P < 0.0001) for 10 and 20 mg of stored stools. Stools spread on Whatman paper grade 2 yielded the highest amplification rate of 100% for A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura and hookworm. PCR revealed STH infections in all the 128 spread stools carrying STH eggs. It also revealed Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale respectively in 10 and 13 of 15 spread stools contained hookworm eggs. PCR confirmed the co-infections of these hookworm species as well as that of A. lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura in 7 spread stools. Out of 40 stools without STH eggs, PCR revealed that 5 (12.5%) and 9 (22.5%) had respectively A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura infections. The amplification rate of each STH species was 100% from one to 8 weeks and decreased to 86.7% after 10 weeks of storage. This study highlighted the capacity of filter papers to store stools for the molecular detection of STHs. Storing stools on these papers will enable to monitor and evaluate control programs and ensure post-elimination surveillance.

Domesticated Cats as a Source of Environmental Contamination with Toxocara cati and Other Soil-Transmitted Helmminth Eggs in Urban Area, Manila-Philiphines

Toxocariasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases are the most prevalent parasitic zoonoses affecting humans and animals that cause environmental contamination. Toxocara and other soil-transmitted helminth eggs in animal feces are the primary sources of soil-transmitted helminthiases transmission in the environment particularly in urban areas. These parasite eggs constitute a source of infection for both definitive and paratenic hosts. Avian and rodents, that can be paratenic hosts of these parasites, are a significant source of food for cats in urban settings. Stray cats and dogs also consume leftover food or receive frequent feedings from locals that increases the chance of acquiring soil-transmitted helminth infections. Despite the risks that these soil-transmitted helminths have, studies and information regarding their zoonotic potential is very limited to date. This study aimed to determine the relationship between cat feces and the environmental contamination of residential soils with Toxocara cati and other soil-transmitted helminth eggs. A total of 50 samples were collected in selected urban residences in Malate, Manila. Stool samples were processed using Formol-Ether Concentration Technique while optimized sugar flotation technique was used for the soil samples then both were subjected to microscopy. The overall infection rate was 76% and the contamination rate was 52%. Toxocara cati was the most prevalent zoonotic parasite identified in 48% of stool and 44% of soil samples followed by Ascaris spp. with 32% in stools and 16% in soil samples. Trichuris spp. with 24% and hookworm with 16% were also detected in stool samples but were absent in soil samples. The presence of Toxocara cati and Ascaris spp. eggs in feces and their environmental contamination might be accounted to their durable and highly resistant eggs as well as the as the Philippines as a tropical country which may induce optimal conditions for Toxocara spp. and other soil-transmitted helminth eggs’ development and survival.&#x0D;

First molecular data on the human roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides species complex from the Bronze and Iron Age in Hallstatt, Austria

Palaeoparasitological studies can provide valuable information on the emergence, distribution, and elimination of parasites during a particular time in the past. In the prehistoric salt mines of Hallstatt, located in the Austrian Alps, human faeces have been conserved in salt. The aim of this study was to recover ancient DNA of intestinal parasites from these coprolites. Altogether, 35 coprolites from the Hallstatt salt mines, dating back to the Bronze Age mining phase (1158–1063 BCE) and the Iron Age mining phase (750–662 BCE), respectively, were analysed by microscopy and molecular methods. In 91% of the coprolite samples, eggs of soil-transmitted helminths (STH), namely of Trichuris and/or Ascaris were detected by light microscopy. The Ascaris eggs were exceptionally well preserved. For further analysis, DNA was extracted from the palaeofaecal samples and species-specific primers targeting different genes were designed. While amplification of Trichuris DNA remained unsuccessful, sequence data of A. lumbricoides species complex were successfully obtained from 16 coprolites from three different genes, the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1), the mitochondrial cytochrome B gene (cytB) and the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 gene (nadh1). Importantly, these included two Ascaris sequences from a coprolite from the Bronze Age, which to the best of our knowledge are the first molecular data of this genus from this period.

Confirmation of Soil-Transmitted-Helminths Infection Prevalence by Kato-Katz Kit Diagnostic in Elementary School Children in West Martapura River Banks, South Kalimantan Indonesia

Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) infections are the most widespread neglected tropical diseases, primarily affecting morbidity in School Age Children (SAC). STH infection in SAC remains a public health problem in Martapura River Banks. Early and accurate STH detection is essential to determine an effective treatment for reducing morbidity. The Health Department recommends detecting STH infection by Kato Katz (KK) but in public health centers only by the direct method. This research objective is to confirm STH infection prevalence by Kato-Katz (KK) in elementary school children in West Martapura River Banks, South Kalimantan, Indonesia, against the direct method. The modified KK templates were developed from acrylic material. A total number of 253 children 7-12 years old in four West Martapura elementary schools were examined for STHs eggs using both microscopies modified KK against direct method by two trained laboratory technicians. STHs infection prevalence was 50 (19.76%), interpreted as low prevalence by direct and 78 (30.83%), moderate by KK. The concordance between both methods was significantly based on Cohen’s kappa (?=0.682). Even though the concordance of both methods was strong, the prevalence of STHs by modified KK was 30.08% higher than by Direct, which was only 20.33% positive. This study recommended using the KK for STHs diagnostic for prevalence measurement in low STHs infection.

Design of a Protocol for Soil-Transmitted Helminths (in Light of the Nematode Toxocara canis) DNA Extraction from Feces by Combining Commercially Available Solutions.

One of the main challenges for the mass introduction of the molecular diagnostics of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) into clinical practice is the lack of a generally recognized effective method for isolating parasitic DNA from fecal samples. In the present study, we assessed the effects of various pretreatment procedures on the efficiency of removing PCR inhibitors and extracting Toxocara canis DNA from feces. We evaluated the effectiveness of four destructive methods (bead beating, the action of temperature-dependent enzymes, freeze-heat cycles, and incubation in a lysis buffer) on the integrity of T. canis eggs and the efficiency of DNA extraction. Also, we evaluated the effects of prewashes and the use of commercial concentrators on DNA extraction from fecal samples contaminated with T. canis eggs. A bead beating procedure was sufficient to destroy the T. canis eggs, while the effects of enzymes and freeze-heat cycles did not lead to a significant destruction of the eggs or the release of Toxocara DNA. Helminth DNA isolation protocols that do not include a bead beating step are not preferred. The preconcentration of STH eggs from feces using a commercial concentrator and subsequent washing can significantly increase the yield of DNA from STHs and reduce PCR inhibition.

Soil-Transmitted Helminth Eggs Contamination on Fresh Vegetables in Medan Indonesia

Indonesian people habitually consume fresh vegetables as companions to other foods. We can find soil-transmitted helminths (STH) eggs in fresh vegetables that are not washed clean. This study determines whether there was STH egg contamination in fresh vegetables in several stalls selling fried chicken in Medan. This study was a descriptive study with a cross-sectional design. Research samples were four types of fresh vegetables: lemon basil (Ocimum africanum), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), and cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) collected from 88 fried chicken stalls in Medan in January 2019. All samples were examined by the sedimentation method to ensure STH egg contamination at the Parasitology Laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara. The types of fresh vegetables that were most contaminated by STH eggs were lemon basil leaves (Ocimum africanum), and the most abundant STH eggs found were Ascaris lumbricoideseggs. In conclusion, there is egg contamination in fresh vegetables in several stalls selling fried chicken in Medan.

Identifikasi Soil Transmitted Helminths Pada Tanah Peternakan Domba di Desa Manggis Kecamatan Serbajadi Kabupaten Serdang Bedagai

Background. More than one and a half million of whole world population are infected by Soil Transmitted Helminths. The most common types of Soil Transmitted Helminths found in human are Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and Hookworm (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale). Soil Transmitted Helminths infections are usually found on individuals with poor personal hygiene, low socioeconomic status, and high risk occupations, such as sheep farmer. Sheep farming in Indonesia is generally a small-scale farm with modest technology. Livestock herding on the pasture may cause the livestock to consume Soil Transmitted Helminths-contaminated grass. Soil is the medium for the maturing of Soil Transmitted Helminths fertilized egg into infective form. Modest handling aspect and poor sanitation allow Soil Transmitted Helminths to be found in farm soil. Aim. To identify Soil Transmitted Helminths in the soil of a sheep farm in Manggis Village, Serbajadi District, Serdang Bedagai Regency. Method. This observational descriptive study was conducted with cross-sectional approach. 100 of soil samples were collected per 8 square meters through quota sampling from a sheep farm in Manggis Village, Serbajadi District, Serdang Bedagai Regency. The data was collected by carrying out flotation technique in laboratory. Result. Findings showed that Soil Transmitted Helminths eggs were discovered in 17 (17%) out of 100 samples. Hookworm eggs were found in 14 samples (14%), Ascaris lumbricoides eggs were found in 5 (5%) samples, which 2 (2%) samples of both were double findings of Hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides. Conclusion. There are Soil Transmitted Helminths in soil of the sheep farm in in Manggis Village, Serbajadi District, Serdang Bedagai Regency.

Advantages and Limitations of Microscopy and Molecular Detections for Diagnosis of Soil-transmitted Helminths: An Overview.

World Health Organization (WHO) reported that over 1.5 billion people are infected by soil-transmitted helminths (STH) worldwide in sub-Saharan Africa, the United States of America, China, and East Asia. Heavy infections and polyparasitism are associated with higher morbidity rates, and the patients are exposed to increased vulnerability to other diseases. Therefore, accurate diagnosis followed by mass treatment for morbidity control is necessary.STH diagnosis commonly involves the microscopic observation of the presence of the STH eggs and larvae in the faecal samples. Furthermore, molecular approaches are increasingly utilised in monitoring and surveillance as they show higher sensitivity. Their capability to differentiate hookworm species is an advantage over the Kato-Katz technique. This review discusses the advantages and limitations of microscopy and various molecular tools used for STH detection.

Assessment of cetyl-trimethyl-ammonium bromide (CTAB) based method for the extraction of soil-transmitted helminth DNAs from stools for molecular dagnostic of soil-transmitted helminthiasis

Although several protocols were developed to extract DNA for soil-transmitted helminthiasis diagnostic, amplifying these extracts remains challenging due to DNA polymerase inhibitors. This study aimed to assess a DNA extraction method for efficient detection of soil-transmitted helminth species by determining stool mass and the type of DNA polymerase that can be used for this extraction method. For this study, 141 stool samples harbouring soil-transmitted eggs and 50 samples without egg were obtained from school-aged children of Makenene in the Centre region of Cameroon. DNA was extracted from 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg of stool using commercial kit and/or cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-based method. The amount of stool for molecular diagnostic of soil-transmitted helminthiasis was determined by amplifying Ascaris lumbricoides DNA. The performances of three DNA polymerases and CTAB-based method were assessed by amplifying DNA of different soil-transmitted helminth species. For this study, 94 stools with A. lumbricoides eggs, 39 with Trichuris trichuria and 15 with hookworm were analyzed. DNA of A. lumbricoides, T. trichuria, Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale were detected in 97.9% of extracts from stools harbouring soil-transmitted helminth eggs. Soil-transmitted helminth DNAs were significantly (X2 = 17.66; df = 3; p 〈00001) more amplified in extracts from 10 and 20 mg than those from 40 and 80 mg. The amplification rate with “Q5 high fidelity DNA polymerase” was significantly (X2 = 30.54; df = 2; p < 0.00001) higher than that of other DNA polymerases. Multiplex-PCR confirmed co-infections of A. lumbricoides with either T. trichuria or N. americanus. The extraction cost for the CTAB-based method was $1.45. This method appearedis reliable and 3 times cost effective than commercial kit. Its combination with the “Q5 high fidelity DNA polymerase” may improve soil-transmitted helminthiasis diagnostic.

PEMERIKSAAN TELUR SOIL TRANSMITTED HELMINTH (STH) PADA KUBIS (BRASSICA OLERACEA) DAN KEMANGI (OCIMUM BASILICUM) DI PASAR TRADISIONAL BEKASI

Worm infections caused by Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) in Indonesia cause diarrhea, malnutrition, and malaise. One of the epidemiology of STH occurs through soil or fertilizer contaminated with STH in vegetables. Therefore, it is necessary to examine and identify STH in vegetables, especially cabbage and basil. The purpose of this study was to determine STH eggs in vegetables from cabbage (Brassica oleracea) and basil (Ocimum basilicum) taken at Pasar Baru, Bekasi. This type of research is descriptive and quantitative with a cross-sectional design. The samples in this study were 12 cabbage and 9 basil leaves taken from Pasar Baru, Bekasi. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. Data analysis was done by quantitative descriptive. The results of this study showed that 3 (25%) samples of cabbage and 3 (22.22%) of basil were found to be positive for the presence of STH eggs. The species of STH eggs that were identified were fertile and non-fertile Ascaris lumbricoides. This study concluded that there was contamination of fertile and non-fertile A. lumbrocoides eggs in cabbage and basil vegetables sold in Pasar Baru, Bekasi.Keywords: STH eggs, basil, cabbage, Ascaris lumbricoides, sedimentation method