Species Of Intestinal Parasites Research Articles

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among patients attending Debarq Primary Hospital, northwest Ethiopia.

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are major public health problems in developing countries. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of IPIs at Debarq Primary Hospital in northwest Ethiopia. A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2022 to June 2022. The study participants were recruited from patients who visited Debarq Primary Hospital during the study period. Stool samples were collected from each participant and examined for intestinal parasites using direct wet-mount and formal-ether concentration techniques. Socio-demographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Out of 422 individuals examined, 33.64% were infected with at least one intestinal parasite species. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Giardia intestinalis, Ascaris lumbricoides, and hookworm were found in 12.79%, 8.53%, 7.10%, and 1.65% of the participants, respectively. Double and triple parasite infections were found in 2.37% and 0.23% of the participants, respectively. A habit of eating unwashed vegetables (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 9.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.68-37.14) and low income (AOR = 6.66, 95% CI = 1.87-23.70) were associated with increased odds of IPIs. Participants with a habit of hand washing after using the toilet had 0.05 (95% CI = 0.13-0.22) lower odds of IPIs than those who did not. In conclusion, IPIs are common among Debarq Primary Hospital patients and are associated with factors such as low income, not washing hands after using the toilet, and eating unwashed vegetation, necessitating control and prevention efforts in the study area that include health education and the provision and use of sanitary facilities.

Blastocystosis and Urticaria: An Overview from a Syndemic Perspective

Numerous studies have found an association between infection by some species of intestinal parasites and the development of urticarial lesions. In this document we have commented on the published findings that show the association between infection by Blastocystis spp. and urticaria, and on the theorizations in relation to the mechanisms that would explain it. Due to sharing risk factors and transmission ways, there is a marked geographic coincidence among intestinal parasitic infections. In fact, polyparasitism is a common phenomenon in low- and middle-income countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean where infections by protozoa and intestinal helminths are endemic. This argument, among others, suggest that the epidemiological and healthcare approach to urticaria associated with infection by Blastocystis spp. should be done from a syndemic approach that takes into account the ways in which social environments contribute to intestinal parasite infections clustering, the pathways through which those infections could interact biologically in each individual influencing the development and evolution of urticarial lesions, and the ways in which those interactions complicate diagnosis and treatment.

Enteric parasites and associated factors in cancer patients in Nepal.

Infection with intestinal parasites is widespread worldwide, especially in developing countries. Intestinal parasites are a major cause of diarrhea in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised people, but cancer patients are more prone to infection. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at Nepal Cancer Hospital and Research Center (NCHRC) in Nepal. One hundred individuals were selected with a convenience sampling strategy. The stool samples were examined by direct wet mount, sedimentation, flotation, and acid-fast methods to determine the prevalence and intensity of IPIs in this population. The overall prevalence of IPIs was 8% (4% protozoan and 4% helminths). Altogether, three species of intestinal parasites were detected. Cryptosporidium (4%) was predominant followed by Trichuris trichiura (2%) and Ancylostoma duodenale (2%). Multivariable regression analysis revealed that "not using soap for handwashing" was significantly associated with the prevalence of overall IPIs. None of the other evaluated risk factors indicated an association with IPIs infection. In this study, the IPIs were attributable to individual hygiene behaviors, but not to nutritional status or socio-demographic characteristics. Yet, significant numbers of males reported anemia and undernutrition in this study population.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and Associated Risk Factors among Rural Areas in Duhok Province

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections in humans are considered a significant global issue, particularly in rural areas. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections and their associated factors in rural areas in Duhok province-Kurdistan Region-Iraq.
 Methods: A total of 620 stool samples were collected from individuals of various ages residing in rural villages within districts of Duhok province and were subjected to microscopic examination techniques.
 Results: Among the participants, 62.26% were found to be infected with at least one or two species of intestinal parasites. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was higher in males (68.65%) compared to females (31.35%). The highest prevalence rate (34.46%) was observed in the age group between 6 and 12 years. The infection were three protozoa: Entamoeba histolytica (73.83%), Giardia lamblia (16.84%), and Blastocystis hominis (8.81%). only one helminths was detected: Taenia spp. (0.52%). Protozoan infection was higher than helminths infections (99.48% and 0.52%, respectively). Abdominal pain and diarrhea were reported with high rates (33.16% and 32.12%, respectively). Participants who consumed water from wells exhibited the highest rate of intestinal parasitic infections (62.44%). Those who did not wash their hands before meals (70.47%), consumed raw or unwashed vegetables and fruits (61.66%), and had contact with animals (80.57%) showed significantly higher prevalence rates of intestinal parasitic infections (P < 0.05).
 Conclusions: The prevalence of intestinal parasites among rural populations was high in Kurdistan Region and it was associated with unhygienic conditions.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites among Children Accessing Medical Healthcare at the Federal Medical Centre Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Aim: This work was conducted between the period of April 2022 and March 2023 to investigate the prevalence and predisposing factors of enteric parasites among children accessing medical healthcare at the Federal Medical Center keffi, Nasarawa State.
 Study Design: The study was a cross-sectional study. 
 Methodology: Fresh stool specimens were collected into sterile bottles from children aged 1-15 (246 males and 194 females) who accessed medical healthcare at the Federal Medical Center keffi, Nasarawa State between the period of April 2022 and March 2023. Information such as age, gender, and drinking water sources were obtained from the subjects through a structured questionnaire. The stool specimens were observed visually for colour, consistency, and presence of blood, pus, and adult worms while the concentration of the eggs, cysts, and larvae of the intestinal parasites was carried out using the formol ether method and viewed with X10 and X40 magnifications of the binocular microscope. Data obtained from this study were analyzed using the chi-square test by the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version (21.0). Values obtained were considered significant at 95% probability.
 Results: An overall prevalence of 27.26% was obtained in the study participants with a total of five species of intestinal parasites identified. The parasites include; Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Trichomonas hominis. Entamoeba. histolytica was the most prevalent (15.45%) while S. stercoralis was the least prevalent (1.36%). In this study, males recorded a higher prevalence of Entamoeba. histolytica (16.49%) than females (14.63%) likewise for E. coli (5.14%) and (4.07%), Strongyloides stercoralis (1.55%) and (1.22%) respectively. In contrast, females recorded a higher prevalence of Giardia lamblia (2.85%) than males (2.58%) and Trichomonas hominis (3.25%) and (1.03%) respectively. The prevalence of intestinal parasites varied significantly among the age groups, with the age group 1-5 years being the most susceptible to E. histolytica (45.71%). Children who drank river water had the highest prevalence of parasitic infection (57.14%) while those who drank borehole water had the lowest majority (14.29%).
 Conclusion: The high prevalence of intestinal parasites observed in this study in relation to the sources of drinking water of the subjects suggests a major predisposing factor to intestinal parasitic infections. Therefore, the provision of potable drinking water and public enlightenment on proper hygiene practices in the study area is of great importance.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in street dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) with highlights on zoonosis in Lalitpur, Nepal.

The presence of intestinal parasites influences the growth and well-being of canids. Additionally, infected dogs and their faeces with considerably higher eggs/oocysts released per gram (epg/opg) of zoonotic parasites contribute to parasitic spillover to humans, domestic animals and sympatric wildlife. The current study aimed to reveal the prevalence of intestinal parasites (protozoa and helminths) and to list the zoonotically significant parasites in free-roaming street dogs in Lalitpur Metropolitan City, Nepal. Fresh faecal samples (n=332) were collected from feral dogs of varying ages and sexes and transported to the research laboratory. The copro microscopic examination was carried out via direct wet mount, formalin ethyl acetate sedimentation, saturated salt flotation, acid-fast staining and sporulation techniques. Coproscopy revealed an overall 95.7% (318/332) prevalence rate with 23 diverse species of intestinal parasites (10 protozoa and 13 helminths). Among them, 5 protozoa and 11 helminths possessed zoonotic potential, and their overall prevalence was 92.5%. Helminth's overall prevalence was double that of the protozoa (87.7% vs. 43%). Polyparasitism was dominant over mono parasitism (79.5% vs. 16.3%), and co-infection of up to seven species of parasites at a time was recorded. Urban street dogs harboured a higher prevalence of intestinal parasites that varied with age and sex. Since most of the reported parasites are zoonotic, dog density and parasitic richness indicate a greater spillover risk to humans and domestic animals. Furthermore, this study also provides appropriate 'baseline' data for assessing effective control measures against parasitic infestations among street dogs and controlling their transmission to humans.

Detection of Intestinal Parasites in Domestic Cats in Mosul City, Iraq

Gastrointestinal parasites are a major source of disease in cats in the tropics and are a major cause of public health problems in many parts of the world. This study was conducted to investigate the intestinal parasites of domestic cats and infection rates according to the age of the animal. Fifty fecal samples were collected from domestic cats in Mosul city during the period from October 2019 Until the end of January 2020. Eleven species of intestinal parasite were identified in the feces of domestic cats included three genera of Nematodes: Toxocara cati (16%), Toxascaris leonina (8%), Ancylostoma tubaeforme (8%), two genera of Cestodes: Taenia caniforms (4%), Diphylobothrium latum (2%), one genus of the Trematodes: Schistosoma intercalatum (2%) and five species of intestinal protozoa: Isospora felis (32%), Isospora rivolta (28%), Cryptosporidium spp. (10%), Entamoeba coli (12%), Toxoplasma like oocyst (6%). The total infection with intestinal parasites was (64%). The highest rate of infection was Isospora felis (32%), followed by Isospora rivolta (28%). This is the first record of the Isospora genus in the Mosul city, also recorded in this study for the first time in Iraq, the infection of cats with the parasite Schistosoma intercalatum (2%) and the infection with Entamoeba coli (12%) is the first record in the Mosul city. No significant differences were observed in the infection rates with different parasites between the age groups of animals and between the types of infection with different species of intestinal parasites in domestic cats.

Risk factors associated with dog endoparasites infection spread in East Slovak Lowland.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of endoparasites in dog feces from public places, investigate the occurrence of endoparasites in soil, and identify potential risk factors associated with the dog endoparasites infection spread in East Slovak Lowland - the region near the EU border with Ukraine. In a one-year study, a total of 803 dog fecal samples and 148 soil samples from public places were examined for the presence of endoparasite developmental stages. In general, 43.59 % of dog excrements were positive. Six different species of intestinal parasites were detected: Toxocara canis (22.65 %), Trichuris vulpis (14.07 %), family Ancylostomatidae (10.09 %), Capillaria aerophilla (5.60 %), Ascaris spp. (1.49 %). Altogether, 52.03 % of soil samples were positive for at least one endoparasites species. The occurrence of parasitic eggs in the soil was as follows: Ascaris spp. (37.16 %), Toxocara spp. (29.05 %), Trichuris spp. (29.05 %) %), family Ancylostomatidae (2.03 %) and Toxascaris leonina (2.03 %). The occurrence of endoparasites between the towns and villages varied significantly. The distribution of endoparasites in dogs and soil was affected by the population density, the minority people living in the studied territory, the number of people living in poor hygienic conditions with limited access to drinking water and the usage of sewerage. Persisting endoparasitic contamination of the environment in East Slovak Lowland forms a reservoir with zoonotic potential representing public and environmental health problems.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasites among schoolchildren in Ecuador, with emphasis on the molecular diversity of Giardia duodenalis, Blastocystis sp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi.

Intestinal helminths, including Soil-Transmitted Helminth (STH), and Gastrointestinal Protist (GP) infections are major contributors to the global burden of disease, particularly in low-income countries such Ecuador. Their epidemiology in these settings is largely unknown. This prospective cross-sectional study investigates the carriage of intestinal helminths, including STH, and GP in asymptomatic schoolchildren (3-11 years) in the Chimborazo and Guayas provinces, Ecuador. Single stool samples (n = 372) and epidemiological questionnaires on demographics and potential risk factors were collected from participating schoolchildren. Conventional microscopy examination was used as screening method, and molecular (PCR and Sanger sequencing) assays were used to further investigate the epidemiology of some GP. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the strength of the association of suspected risk factors with the presence of helminths and GP. At least one intestinal parasite species was observed by microscopy in 63.2% (235/372) of the participating schoolchildren. Enterobius vermicularis (16.7%, 62/372; 95% CI: 13.0-20.9) and Blastocystis sp. (39.2%, 146/372; 95% CI: 34.2-44.2) were the most prevalent among helminths and GP, respectively. Assemblages A (50.0%), B (37.5%) and A+B (12.5%) were detected within Giardia duodenalis and ST3 (28.6%), ST1 and ST2 (26.2% each), and ST4 (14.3%) within Blastocystis sp. Three genotypes, two known (A: 66.7%; KB-1: 16.7%) and a novel (HhEcEb1, 16.7%) were identified within Enterocytozoon bieneusi. Municipality of origin, household overcrowding, and poor sanitation and personal hygiene habits were risk factors for childhood intestinal parasites colonization. Despite massive government drug administration programs, STH and GP infection remain a public health concern in paediatric populations living in poor-resource settings. Molecular analytical methods are required to better understand the epidemiology of these intestinal parasites. This study provides novel information on the occurrence of Blastocystis sp. and E. bieneusi genetic variants circulating in Ecuadorian human populations.

Parasite communities of the golden snapper Lutjanus inermis (Perciformes: Lutjanidae): inter-annual variations during strange climatic events.

Strange oceanographic events such as El Niño and La Niña may have indirect effects on the local transmission processes of intestinal parasites due to the reduction or increase in populations of potential intermediate or definitive hosts. A total of 713 individuals of Lutjanus inermis (Peters) were collected over an 8-year period (October 2015 to July 2022) from Acapulco Bay, Mexico. Parasite communities in L. inermis were quantified and analysed to determine if they experienced interannual variations in species composition and structure as a result of local biotic and abiotic factors influenced by oceanographic events, such as El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), or La Niña, the cool phase of the ENSO climate pattern. Twenty-six taxa of metazoan parasites were recovered and identified: two Monogenea, eight Digenea, two Acanthocephala, four Nematoda, one Cestoda, seven Copepoda, and two Isopoda. Species richness at the component community level (8 to 17 species) was similar to reported richness in other species of Lutjanus Bloch. Parasite communities of L. inermis exhibited high inter-annual variation in the abundance of component species of parasite. However, the species richness and diversity were fairly stable over time. Climatic episodes of El Niño and La Niña probably generated notable changes in the structure of local food webs, thus indirectly influencing the transmission rates of intestinal parasite species. Changes in species composition and community structure of parasites possibly were due to variations in feeding behaviour during the events and differences in the host body size.

The prevalence of intestinal parasites, undernutrition and their associated risk factors among school-age children in Sekota Town, Northeast Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study.

In developing countries, intestinal parasitic infections and malnutrition are among the most serious health issues affecting school-aged children. They have synergetic consequences. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites, undernutrition, and their associated risk factors among school-age children. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2021 among school-age children in Sekota Town, Northeast Ethiopia. Households were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Risk factor variables were collected using pretested questionnaires. Stool samples were collected from study participants and examined using a wet mount, formol-ether concentration, and modified acid-fast techniques. The height and weight of children were also measured using a meter and a standard calibrated balance, respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 statistical software. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites among school-age children was 44.3% (178/402). About seven species of intestinal parasites were identified. The predominant parasite identified was E. histolytica/dispar (11.2%), followed by H. nana (9.2%) and G. lamblia (6.7%). The well as a source of drinking water (adjusted odds ratio[AOR] = 7.93; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.38-14.36), habit of open-field defecation (AOR = 7.02; 95%CI: 13.05-12.06), and being undernourished (AOR = 5.67; 95%CI: 2.98-10.79) were independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infections. On the other hand, the overall prevalence of undernutrition was 46.3%. Undernutrition was significantly more likely in children with a dietary diversity score (DDS) of 3 (AOR = 3.73, 95%CI: 2.37-5.88), meal frequency of no more than three times per day (AOR = 2.00, 95%CI: 1.71-2.98), intestinal parasite infection (AOR = 5.25, 95%CI: 3.24-8.52), and no access to school-based feeding (AOR = 3.52, 95%CI: 2.17-7.96). The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and undernutrition was high among school-age children in Sekota Town. The results imply the need for strengthening integrated strategies for the reduction of intestinal parasitic infections and undernutrition.

Malarial and intestinal parasitic co-infections in indigenous populations of the Brazilian Amazon rainforest

The Brazilian Amazon rainforest region has a significant prevalence of malarial and intestinal parasitic infections in indigenous populations, accounting for a disproportionate burden. Thus, a cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence and association between malarial and intestinal protozoan and helminth infections in four remote indigenous villages in the Brazilian Amazon Forest. A total of 430 individuals participated in the study, and Plasmodium infections were diagnosed by examination of thick blood smears and PCR. Stool samples 295 individuals (69%) were examined by direct smear and the Kato–Katz technique. The overall prevalence of malaria, intestinal protozoan infection, and intestinal helminth infection was 14.2%, 100%, and 39.3%, respectively. Polyparasitism was predominant (83.7%), and most infected individuals had at least two or more different species of intestinal protozoan and/or helminth parasites. The prevalence of co-infection was 49.5%, and in individuals with intestinal protozoa and helminth infections (34%), Entamoeba. coli, Entamoeba histolytica, and Ascaris lumbricoides were the most common parasites. In individuals with malaria and protozoa infections (10.2%), P. vivax, E. coli, and E. histolytica predominated, and in individuals with malaria, protozoa, and helminth infections (5.4%). P. vivax, E. coli, E. histolytica, and A. lumbricoides predominated. Intestinal polyparasitism was common in the study population, and the presence of helminths was associated with an increased number of intestinal parasitic species. However, Plasmodium infections were neither a risk nor a protective factor for helminth infections; the same was true for helminth infections in relation to Plasmodium. The high prevalence of intestinal polyparasitism with Plasmodium co-infections highlights the need for combining strategies that may help control both malaria and intestinal parasite and generate a health approach aligned with indigenous perspectives.

Effects of Hypertonic Solutions on Two Species of Human Intestinal Parasites During Fecal Examination

Aim: Ova and parasite examination by flotation requires hypertonic solutions, which can damage the egg and cyst membranes, leading to false negatives. The authors investigated the harmful effects of ZnSO4 and C12H22O11 solutions on the ova and parasite examination. Materials & methods: The authors processed samples using the Three Fecal Test technique. Aliquots were floated in different pH levels, temperatures and solution densities. Results: Densities above 1.12g/ml ledstructures to collapse after 6-10min. pH neutralization of the ZnSO4 solution did not prevent the parasites from changing. Conclusion: All structures were altered when standard methods were performed. To delay collapse, the parasite floating under 5 °C is highly desirable.

Новые данные по археопаразитологии Северного Причерноморья (по материалам некрополя Фанагории)

Introduction. The article presents the results of archaeoparasitological analysis of the Phanagoria necropolis materials. Methods and materials. We studied soil samples obtained during the processing of anthropological material (sacrums) from 45 individuals. Results. The eggs of two species of intestinal parasites - human whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) and broad tapeworm (Diphyllobothrium latum) were found. Analysis. Consideration of the obtained data in the historical and cultural context has shown that similar, relatively high frequency of parasitosis caused by human whipworm is observed virtually in all investigated archaeological monuments from the Mediterranean, which are synchronic to the studied period of existence of Phanagoria. This may indicate the absence of fundamental differences in the causes of the incidence of trichuriasis between the “ancient centers” and their periphery. The absence of statistically reliable differences in the incidence of trichuriasis between epochs, and also between gender and age groups, indicate the same intensity of the factors leading to the infection of the ancient population of Phanagoria with this pathogen in all studied time periods of the city, regardless of gender and age. The same route of transmission of human worms and a number of intestinal infections also indicates the assumed high frequency of the latter. The detection of Diphillobothrium latum eggs indicates the presence of freshwater fish in the diet, which led to the assumption of a high importance of the latter for the fishery in Phanagoria. Diphillobothriasis infestation in more remote areas also cannot be ruled out, given the presence of roads and the ability to move to other river basins. Authors’ contribution. S.M. Slepchenko organized the study, conducted microscopy, processed and interpreted obtained data. Writing of the article. A.N. and O.M. Voroshilov conducted excavations, composited archaeological context, involved in interpreting the data. M.O. Filimonova performed laboratory processing of the crosses and microscopy of the material. N.G. Svirkina carried out the selection of sacrums stored in the museum of the Phanagoria Reserve.

Survey of intestinal parasitism among schoolchildren in internally displaced persons camp, Benin City, Nigeria

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are usually housed in camps and shanties with most creating ideal environments that enhance transmission of diseases and increase the risk of being infected with intestinal parasitic infections through ingestion of contaminated food and/or water. This research investigates the preponderance of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) among schoolchildren in IDP camp in Benin City. fecal samples were collected from 249 schoolchildren (134 males, 115 females) between ages 6–15years randomly sampled, processed using sedimentation method and viewed microscopically. Structured questionnaires were administered to obtain their demographic characteristics. Eight species of intestinal parasites (Entamoeba coli, E. histolytica, Ascaris lumbricoides, Cystoisospora belli, Giardia duodenalis, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis and hookworms) were identified with an overall prevalence of 89.6% (223 of 249 children). Entamoeba histolytica 160 (64.3%), G. duodenalis 142 (57.0%), E. coli 103 (41.4%), S. stercoralis 85 (34.1%) and A. lumbricoides 79 (31.7%) were the most predominant parasites. Entamoeba histolytica was most prevalent in the different age groups- 16 (76.2%) 6–10years and 136 (69.4%) 11–15years (p>0.05), and in both genders; 82 (61.2%) in males and 78 (67.8%) in females followed by G. duodenalis 79 (59.0%) in males and 63 (54.8%) in females (p>0.05). The survey revealed that 111 (82.8%) males and 112 (97.4%) females were positive for one parasite or the other (p = 0.42). Infection rates documented in this study show the degree of parasitic infections among the children in the camp. This calls for improvement in health education, personal and environmental sanitation, food handling processes and drinkable water sources in the camp to effectively control the prevalence of IPIs.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among school children in Kirtipur Municipality, Kathmandu

Intestinal parasitic infections are a major cause of morbidity in developing countries including Nepal. Most common intestinal parasites reported in Nepal are Ascaris lumbricoides, Hymenolepis nana, Hookworm, Trichuris trichiura, Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of various intestinal parasitic infections among school children in Kirtipur Municipality, Kathmandu. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out with prepared questionnaire and stool examination between October to November, 2021. Altogether, 409 stool samples were randomly collected from different schools and examined by direct smear method. Out of 409 stool samples, 73 (17.8%) were positive and 336 (82.1%) were negative. Among positive cases, helminthic infection was seen in 45 (11.0%) and protozoan infection was found in 28 (6.8%). Altogether eight species of intestinal parasites were detected, the most common was A. lumbricoides (34.2%), followed by protozoa G. lamblia (23.3%), E. histolytica (15.1%), T. trichiura (10.96%), Hookworm (6.8%), Enterobius vermicularis (4.11%), Taenia solium (4.11%) and H. nana (1.37%) respectively. Study showed that, there was 63 (86.30%) single infections, 9 (12.33%) double infections and 1 (1.37%) multiple infection. The present study reveals that intestinal parasites are abundant among students of Kirtipur Municipality, Kathmandu. The situation strongly calls for the use of control measures including treatment of infected individuals, improvement of health status of infected students by health education, public health awareness and also develop the health care facilities and aware the people for the utilization of health services.

Predictors of Intestinal Parasites among Food Handlers in Goba Town, Southeast Ethiopia, 2020.

Background Globally, around 1.9 million people were dying due to food-borne diseases annually, and intestinal parasites infected one-third of the population, according to estimates and more prevalent in developing countries due to poverty. This study assessed predictors of intestinal parasites among food handlers working in Goba towns. Methods A laboratory-based cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2020. Clean, dry, and leak-proof stool cups were used to collect the samples. The SPSS version 20 computer software was used to enter and clean the data, code it, and analyze it. The researchers performed binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses, with a p value of 0.05 considered significant. Result A total of 98 (34%) of the 288 food workers tested positive for various intestinal parasites. Giardia lamblia was the most common parasite, with 42 (14.6%), followed by Entamoeba histolytica/dispar with 31 (10.8%), Ascaris lumbricoides with 8 (2.8%), Taenia species with 5 (1.7%), and E. vermicularis with 4 (1.4%). Six (2%) of the 98 positive food handlers had two infections. E. histolytica and G. lamblia were the most common parasites found in mixed infections. Hand washing with soap and water before handling food (AOR: 3.06, 95% CI: 1.16, 7.26) and untrimmed fingernail status (AOR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.14, 4.34) were found to be strongly linked to intestinal parasite infection. Conclusion In this investigation, intestinal parasite species were found in 34% of stool samples. Independent predictors of intestinal parasite infection were fingernail status and hand washing with water and soap use before food handling. To control intestinal parasite infection among food handlers in the research area, personal hygiene and ambient cleanliness should be improved.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasite Infections and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Northwest Ethiopia

Background Intestinal parasite infections are among the most common infections worldwide. They pose a high burden in pregnant women in developing countries causing maternal anemia, low birth weight, and prenatal mortality. This study is aimed at assessing intestinal parasite infection prevalence, species diversity, and associated factors among pregnant women. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women in Debre Elias district from March 2021 to July 2021. Three hundred sixty-three study participants meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled for the study, and all submitted the required amount and quality of stool specimen. Immediately after collection, macroscopic (gross) and microscopic (saline wet mount) examination of stool sample was performed to detect and identify intestinal parasites. The generated data were checked for completeness, coded, entered, and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, 2011) software. Binary logistic regression was applied to show significant association between dependent and independent variables. Statistically significant association was declared at a P value of < 0.05. Result Of the study participants screened for intestinal parasite, 43.5% (158/363) were infected with at least one intestinal parasite. From the total positives, 40.5% (147/363) were mono and 3.0% (11/363) were double infections. Five intestinal parasite species were recorded, of which hookworm was the predominant, (65.2%, 103/158) followed by E. histolytica/dispar (12.7%, 20/158) and G. lamblia (11.4%, 18/158). Ascaris lumbricoides and Taenia species comprised the least percentage (1.9%, 3/158 each). Source of drinking water and occupation were identified as significant factors associated with intestinal parasite infection. Farmer pregnant women were 6.41 times (AOR = 6.41, 95% CI: 1.05-39.16; P = 0.034) more likely to be infected by intestinal parasites than their counterparts. Pregnant women who drank tape water were 0.52 times less (AOR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.30-0.88; P = 0.017) likely to be infected by intestinal parasites. Conclusion Intestinal parasite infections remained a serious health burden to pregnant women in the study area with the dominance of a hematophagous worm (hookworm). Community-based intestinal parasite screening and treatment are essential to alleviate the burden caused by intestinal parasite infections.

Intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among people living with HIV attending Dessie Referral Hospital, Dessie town, North-east Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionIntestinal parasites and HIV/AIDS co-infection become a major public health concern in Africa. The management and care of HIV/AIDS patients is being complicated by intestinal parasitic infections. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections among people living with HIV at Dessie Referral Hospital, North-east Ethiopia.MethodsThis cross sectional study was conducted from March to May 2019. Systematic simple random sampling technique was used to recruit study participants. Stool specimen was collected and examined microscopically using wet mount, formol-ether concentration technique and modified Zeihl–Neelsen methods. Socio-demographic characteristics and associated factors were collected using structured questionnaire. The recent CD4 cell count was obtained from patients ART follow-up record. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20 software. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was done to investigate the association between independent and dependent variables.ResultsOf the total of 223 study participants 120 (53.8%) were females and 162 (72.6%) were urban resident. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 47 (21.1%). Eleven different intestinal parasites species were detected. The dominant intestinal parasite species was Entameobahistolytica 14 (6.3%) followed by Enterobius vermicularis 5 (2.2%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that individuals who had a habit of hand washing after latrine were less likely to be infected with intestinal parasitic infection (AOR 0.15, 95% CI 0.05–0.412). On the other hand individuals who had CD4 cell count of < 200 cells/ml3 were 45.53 times more likely infected with intestinal parasites.ConclusionThe prevalence of intestinal parasite was higher than previous report from the same study area almost a decade ago. There was statistical significant association between hand washing habit after latrine, habit of eating raw vegetables and CD4 cell count less than 200 cells/ml3 and intestinal parasitic infections. Health education program interrupted in Dessie referral hospital should be continued to reduce the prevalence of intestinal parasites. Utilization of water treatment, washing hand after latrine and eating cooked or appropriately washed vegetables should also be promoted. Moreover, periodic laboratory stool specimen examination and prompt treatment are necessary.

Intestinal parasites in stool testing among refugees at a primary care clinic in Toronto, Canada

BackgroundEnteric parasites are endemic in many of the countries from which refugees originate. Clinical guidelines vary in approaches to screening for and treating intestinal parasites in refugee receiving countries. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and species of intestinal parasites identified in stool ova and parasite (O&P) specimens in a sample of newly arrived refugees in Toronto, Canada.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review of 1042 refugee patients rostered at a specialized primary care clinic in Toronto from December 2011 to September 2016. Patients who completed recommended stool O&P analyses were included. Basic sociodemographic and clinical variables and results of stool O&P were examined.Results419 patients (40.2%) had a stool O&P positive for any protozoan or helminth species. Sixty-nine patients (6.6%) had clinically significant parasite species (excluding B hominis, D fragilis, and E dispar, given their lower risk for causing symptoms/complications): 2.3% had clinically significant protozoans and 4.2% had helminths on stool analysis.ConclusionGiven the relatively low prevalence of clinically significant parasites identified, our findings do not support universal screening for enteric parasites with stool O&P among refugee claimants/asylum seekers. However, stool analysis should be considered in certain clinical situations, as part of a more tailored approach.