Species Of Intestinal Parasites Research Articles

Keberadaan Lalat dan Parasit Usus di Permukiman pada Kawasan TPA Talang Gulo Jambi

Flies are mechanical vectors which can transmit diseases. The aim of the study was to identify various fly and intestinal parasite species in the settlements near Talang Gulo waste final disposal site of Jambi in 2018. The study method is analytical descriptive analytic with observational and cross sectional approaches. The study results show that the species of the caught flies are: small house flies (Fannia spp) 6.3 %, meat flies (Sarcophaga spp) 6.3 %, green flies(Calliphoridae) 15.6 %, and house flies (Musca domestica) 71.9 %. The fly density was measured as much as 16, which is categorised as high (density between 6-20). In the active zone of Talang Gulo, at the third point, two fly species was found carrying intestinal parasites Ascaris lumbricoides, i.e. Musca domestica (19 %) and Chrysomya megacephala (1 %). Those intestinal parasites were only found in garbage in the active zone at point one, point two and point three (25 %). Based on the study results, the garbage officers of Talang Gulo are recommended to wear gloves to prevent contamination from Ascaris lumbricoides’s eggs. Fly control at the wastesite should be also in concern, particularly in the nearby settlements.

Towards an automated medical diagnosis system for intestinal parasitosis

Human parasites are a real public health problem in tropical countries, especially in underdeveloped countries. Usually, the medical diagnosis of intestinal parasites is carried out in the laboratory by visual analysis of stools samples using the optical microscope. The parasite recognition is realized by comparing its shape with known forms. We offer a solution to automate the diagnosis of intestinal parasites through their images obtained from a microscope connected directly to a computer. Our approach exploits the contour detection based on the multi-scale wavelet transform for detecting the parasite. Active contours are combined with the Hough transform to perform image segmentation and extraction of the parasite. We used principal component analysis for the extraction and reduction of features obtained directly from pixels of the extracted parasite image. Our classification tool is based on the probabilistic neural network. The obtained algorithms were tested on 900 samples of microscopic images of 15 different species of intestinal parasites. The result shows a 100% recognition rate of success.

Prevalence of helminthic infections and determinant factors among pregnant women in Mecha district, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross sectional study

BackgroundIntestinal parasites are the most common infections in developing countries. Prevalence and impacts of these parasites are high in pregnant women. The aims of this study were to determine prevalence of helminthic infection and evaluate the determinant factors during pregnancy.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Mecha district from November 2015 to January 2016. The data were collected by interview technique and collecting the stool sample from each pregnant woman. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used.ResultsA total of 783 pregnant women were included. The prevalence of intestinal parasite among pregnant women was 70.6% [95% CI 67 -74%]. Ascaris lumbricoides (32.7%) was the predominant intestinal parasite species. Intestinal parasitic infection were 2.94 folds higher in the absence of latrine (AOR: 2.94 [95% CI: 1.5–5.8]). Absence of regular hand washing habit increase the odds of infection by 3.33 folds higher (AOR: 3.33 [95% CI: 1.54–7.14]). Not wearing shoe increased the odds of helminthic infection by 6.87 folds higher (AOR: 6.87 [95% CI: 3.67–12.9]). Illiteracy increases the odds of intestinal parasitic infection by 2.32 folds higher (AOR: 2.32 [95% CI: 1.04–5.26]). Ingestion of raw vegetables increases the odds of intestinal parasitic infection by 2.65 folds higher (AOR: 2.65 [95% CI: 3.23–9.9]). The odds of intestinal parasitic infection were higher in rural areas (AOR: 2 [95% CI: 5–10]). Intestinal parasitic infection was higher in women aged less than 21 years (AOR: 6.48 [95% CI: 2.91–14.4]).ConclusionThe prevalence of helminthic infection is high in this study. Latrine utilization, hand washing habit, eating raw vegetables and bare foot were the major determinant factors for the high prevalence. Therefore, health education and improvements in sanitary infrastructure could achieve long-term and sustainable reductions in helminth prevalence.

Intestinal parasites from public and private latrines and the harbour canal in Roman Period Ephesus, Turkey (1st c. BCE to 6th c. CE)

To improve our knowledge of the parasite species affecting the inhabitants of Roman period Asia Minor, we analysed faecal material from Ephesus, Turkey. Mineralised material from the drain from a private house latrine (3rd c. CE), sediment samples from the sewer drain of a public communal latrine (6th c. CE), and sediment from the harbour canal (ca. 1st c. BCE to ca. 6th c. CE) were studied for the presence of intestinal parasites. Samples were viewed by light microscopy for helminth eggs, and commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used to test for protozoal parasites that cause dysentery. Eggs of roundworm were found in the public latrine, whipworm in the house latrine, and both whipworm and roundworm in the harbour canal. Sequential sampling of the harbour core suggests that whipworm was by far the most common parasite throughout the Roman period, and there was no clear evidence for change in parasite species over the centuries. Whipworm and roundworm are both spread by the contamination of food and drink by human faeces. Despite the large number of travellers to Ephesus, as the capital of its province and a major port city in the Roman Empire, there was a surprising lack of diversity in parasite species found. This is especially apparent when we consider that ten species of intestinal parasite have been found across the Roman Empire. This is the first Roman site to be directly assessed for differences between infection in individuals using private latrines, public latrines, and mixed town effluent (in the harbour) at the same site.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Patients of King Fahd Medical City in Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia: A 5-Year Retrospective Study.

This study is a retrospective analysis of the recorded intestinal parasitic infections for in- and outpatients visiting King Fahd Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 2013 to 2017. In this study, a total of 5987 in- and outpatient were examined for intestinal parasitic infection. 30 patients out of 5987 were infected with 6 species of intestinal parasites with prevalence rate 0.5%. These parasites were Entamoeba histolytica (P = 0.27%), Cryptosporidium sp. (P = 0.1%), Giardia lamblia (P = 0.07%), Trichuris trichiura (P = 0.03%), Hymenolepis nana (P = 0.02%), and Chilomastix mesnili (P = 0.02%). The prevalence of infection in both males and females was 0.38% and 0.58%, respectively. Also, the prevalence of infection in different years and age groups as well as different seasons was provided. Intestinal parasitic infections are still a public health problem in Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia. Updating the epidemiologic survey of these parasites at regular intervals using the appropriate statistical methods is necessary to develop effective prevention and control strategies.

Parasites in Myodes glareolus and their association with diet assessed by stable isotope analysis.

Vertebrates are hosts to numerous parasites, belonging to many different taxa. These parasites differ in transmission, being through either direct contact, a faecal-oral route, ingestion of particular food items, vertical or sexual transmission, or by a vector. Assessing the impact of diet on parasitism can be difficult because analysis of faecal and stomach content are uncertain and labourious; and as with molecular methods, do not provide diet information over a longer period of time. We here explored whether the analysis of stable isotopes in hair provides insight into the impact of diet and the presence of parasites in the rodent Myodes glareolus. Twenty-one animals were examined for parasites and their hair analysed for stable isotopes (C and N). A positive correlation between δ15N and one species of intestinal parasite was observed in females. Furthermore, several ectoparasites were negatively correlated with δ15N, indicating that infections are further associated with foraging habits (size and layout of the home range, length and timing of foraging, interaction with other rodents, etc.) that set the rodents in direct contact with infected hosts. Although a limited number of animals were included, it seemed that the isotope values allowed for identification of the association between diet and parasite occurrence in this rodent. We therefore propose that this method is useful in providing further insight into host biology, feeding preferences and potential exposure to parasites species, contributing to the understanding of the complex relationship between hosts and parasites.

High density of fox and cat faeces in kitchen gardens and resulting rodent exposure to Echinococcus multilocularis and Toxoplasma gondii.

The faeces of the red fox, Vulpes vulpes (Linnaeus), and the domestic cat, Felis catus (Linnaeus), can be responsible for spreading eggs of Echinococcus multilocularis Leuckart, 1863 and oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii (Nicolle et Manceaux, 1908) into the environment. The accidental ingestion of these eggs or oocysts, through consumption of raw fruits or vegetables grown in or in contact with contaminated soil, can lead to alveolar echinococcosis (AE) or toxoplasmosis in humans. The present study provides a quantitative assessment of the faecal deposition by foxes and cats in kitchen gardens where fruits and vegetables are grown and its consequences for zoonosis transmission. The density of definitive host faeces is considered as one of the main factors in infection risk for intermediate hosts. The density of fox and cat faeces, as well as the prevalence of both AE and toxoplasmosis in rodent populations (contaminated by ingestion of eggs or oocysts), were compared within and outside kitchen gardens. Our results showed that the mean density of fox faeces did not significantly differ between kitchen gardens and habitat edges (0.29 ± 0.04 faeces/m2 vs 0.22 ± 0.02 faeces/m2), the latter being known as an area of high fox faeceal densities. The density of cat faeces was significantly higher within the kitchen garden than outside (0.86 ± 0.22 faeces/m2 vs 0.04 ± 0.02 faeces/m2). The sampled kitchen gardens might therefore be considered as possible hotspots for both fox and cat defecation. Of the 130 rodents trapped, 14% were infected by at least one species of fox or cat intestinal parasite. These rodents were significantly more often infected when they were exposed to a kitchen garden. These results suggest that the deposit of fox and cat faeces in kitchen gardens would significantly impact the risk of human exposure to E. multilocularis and T. gondii. and should be prevented using effective means.

Host-Parasite Interactions in Individuals with Type 1 and 2 Diabetes Result in Higher Frequency of Ascaris lumbricoides and Giardia lamblia in Type 2 Diabetic Individuals.

Host-parasite interactions in diabetic patients might influence diabetes complications and intestinal parasitosis. The aim was to investigate the occurrence of enteroparasites in individuals with diabetes types 1 and 2. A descriptive study was designed to estimate frequencies of parasites and to compare them in individuals with diabetes types 1 and 2 from two Health Centers and one hospital in the Federal District of Brazil. Patients were allocated to the study by convenience. Three fecal samples of 156 diabetic individuals (120 type 1 and 36 type 2) were analyzed using two parasitological methods. Enteroparasites or commensals frequency in diabetics was 64%. Diabetics infected with up to six species of intestinal parasites or commensals were found. Frequencies of Ascaris lumbricoides and Giardia lamblia were higher in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The lower frequency of A. lumbricoides found in type 1 diabetes may be related to a strong Th2 response to parasites. Autoimmune response developed in type 1 diabetic individuals characterized by the production of Th1 cytokines could explain low frequency of G. lamblia. High frequency of parasites found in type 2 diabetes emphasizes the importance of periodic parasitological examinations in these individuals.

Towards an automated medical diagnosis system for intestinal parasitosis

Abstract Human parasites are a real public health problem in tropical countries, especially in underdeveloped countries. Usually, the medical diagnosis of intestinal parasites is carried out in the laboratory by visual analysis of stools samples using the optical microscope. The parasite recognition is realized by comparing its shape with the known forms. We offer a solution to automate the diagnosis of intestinal parasites through their images obtained from a microscope connected directly to a computer. Our approach exploits the contour detection based on the multi-scale wavelet transform for detecting the parasite. Active contours are combined with the Hough transform to perform image segmentation and extraction of the parasite. We used the principal component analysis for the extraction and reduction of features obtained directly from pixels of the extracted parasite image. Our classification tool is based on the probabilistic neural network. The obtained algorithms were tested on 900 samples of microscopic images of 15 different species of intestinal parasites. The result shows a 100% recognition rate of success.

Intestinal Parasites as Potential Factors in the Dynamics of a Fluctuating Forest Grouse Community

Finnish populations of the capercaillie Tetrao urogallus, black grouse Lyrurus tetrix and hazel grouse Tetrastes bonasia have been fluctuating in synchronous cycles. Mechanisms behind these fluctuations are not well known. Parasites may regulate their host population under certain conditions. The Finnish grouse harbour several species of intestinal parasites which may affect the populations. We studied the possibility of parasitic regulation in Finnish forest grouse using intestinal samples from hunted grouse collected in 1995–2000 and annual counts of grouse densities. We found that abundance and prevalence of the nematode Ascaridia compar affected negatively the grouse-community growth rate (all three species combined) and annual survival of grouse. In years of grouse density decline, the prevalence and abundance of A. compar was considerably higher than in other years. On the species level, this dynamic was most clearly seen in the capercaillie. The findings suggest the possibility of parasitic regulat...

Prevalence and factors associated with intestinal parasites among food handlers of food and drinking establishments in Aksum Town, Northern Ethiopia

BackgroundVarious epidemiological studies indicate that the prevalence of intestinal parasites is high in developing countries and those parasites are major public health importance in Sub-Saharan Africa. Their distribution is mainly associated with poor personal hygiene, environmental sanitation and lack of access to clean water. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection and identify factors associated with intestinal parasitic infection among food handlers in the Aksum Town of Tigray Regional State, North Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study design was used among 400 randomly selected food handlers who were selected as respondents. Data were collected by face to face interviewer administered questionnaire supplemented with observational checklist. Fresh stool samples were collected from respondents and were examined microscopically for the presence of any of intestinal parasites using standard laboratory methods. Multivariable logistic regression model using Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was fitted to analyze the independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infections.ResultThe mean age of the food handlers included in this study was 26.0 years. Of the total respondents, 72.5% were females, 63% have completed at least secondary school educational level. Five species of Intestinal Parasites (IPs) were identified. The overall prevalence of being infected with at least one intestinal parasite was 14.5%, 95% CI (11.3, 18.0). The odds of being positive for at least one intestinal parasitic infection was 12.3 times higher among food handlers who practice medical checkup every 9 months compared to those who have a medical checkup every 3 months. The odds of being positive for intestinal parasitic infection was 3 times higher among food handlers with no formal education compared to those who have a level of education secondary school and above. Food handlers who received food hygiene and safety training were 66% less likely to be positive for at least one intestinal parasitic infection as compared to those who did not receive training.ConclusionPrevalence of parasitic infection among food handlers observed in the current study is relatively low but is still a public health importance. Number of medical checkup, training in food hygiene and safety, feedback from customers and level of education were significantly associated with reduced odds of being infected with parasitic infection. Hence, these factors should be focused by policy makers and implementers to further bring the prevalence below the level of public health importance.

Species and prevalence determination of Human Intestinal Parasites among Patients attending two Medical Centers in Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Intestinal parasitic infections constitute a global health burden causing clinical morbidity. Parasitic protozoa and helminthes are responsible for some of the most devastating and prevalent diseases of human. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among patients attending Federal Medical Center and Specialist Hospital Yola. A total of 438 stool specimens was collected randomly from the patients (204 male and 234 female) and examined by saline wet mount procedure and formalin-ether concentration technique. 155 (35.4%) patients were found to be positive for intestinal parasites giving a breakdown of male, 70 (34.3%) and female, 85 (36.3%). There was no statistical difference in the infection between the genders. Ten parasites species, namely Ascaris lumbricoides, Schistosoma mansoni, Ancylostoma duodenale, Strongyloides stercoralis, Fasciola hepatica, Hymenolepis nana, Enterobius vermicularis, Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba coli, and Giardia lamblia were observed in the stool samples. The distribution of species in relation to gender shows that the male participant had E. histolytica 45 (54.9%) followed by A. lumbricoides 19 (23.2%), E. coli, 11 (13.4%), S. mansoni 3 (3.7%), G. lamblia 2(2.5%), A. duodenale 1(1.2%) and E. vermicularis 1(1.2%). In the female participants, E. histolytica has the highest with 43 (44.8%) followed by A. lumbricoides 20 (20.8%), E. coli, 9 (9.4%), S. mansoni 9 (9.4%), A. duodenale 7(7.3%), G. lamblia 3(3.1%), H. nana 2(0.8%) while F. hepatica has the least of 1 (1.0%) The prevalence of intestinal parasites could be attributed to ignorance, exposure factors and negligence to prevention measures. Public enlightenment should be embarked upon.Keywords: Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenale, Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia lamblia

Stray dogs and cats as potential sources of soil contamination with zoonotic parasites.

The main source of many zoonoses is soil contaminated with feline and canine faeces. Thus, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in stray dogs and cats adopted in Lodz shelter (Poland). In total, 163 faecal samples were collected from 95 dogs and 68 cats from 2011 to 2012. The samples were processed by sedimentation techniques using Mini Parasep®SF. Six parasite genera belonging to protozoa, cestoda, and nematoda, were found in dogs, while eight were found in cats. Out of the 163 fecal samples, 37.4% were positive for the presence at least one species of intestinal parasites. The majority of positive dog samples contained eggs from Toxocara and Trichuris genera, and the family Ancylostomatidae, while Toxocara and Taenia eggs, as well as Cystoisospora oocysts, predominated in cat faeces. A significantly higher prevalence of parasites was noted in cats (48.5%) than in dogs (29.5%) (χ2=6.15, P=0.013). The Toxocara genus was the most prevalent parasite in both populations; eggs were found in 27.9% and 16.8% of cats and dogs, respectively. Animals younger than 12 months of age showed higher infection rates with Toxocara, but differences were not statistically significant. The average numbers of Toxocara eggs/gram of faeces in positive puppy and kitten samples were over 5 and 7 times higher than in older dogs and cats, respectively. Mixed infection were found in dogs (5.3%) and cats (8.8%). Cat faeces represent a more important potential source of environmental contamination with zoonotic parasites than dog faeces. Among the detected parasites of stray dogs and cats, Toxocara present an important zoonotic risk for the local human population, especially children.

伊犁马消化道寄生虫优势虫种及消长规律研究

为了解伊犁马消化道寄生虫优势虫种及消长规律，笔者采用寄生虫病原学(粪便)常规检查方法对100匹伊犁马进行1年的定点观察。结果显示：伊犁马消化道寄生虫总感染率为87.7% (87/99)，主要有马圆线虫、马副蛔虫、毛线虫、细颈三齿线虫、球虫、侏儒副裸头绦虫等虫种。其中马圆线虫感染率最高85.8%、毛线虫感染率次之79.9%、马副蛔虫感染率为第三74.7%，以上虫种为伊犁马消化道寄生虫的优势虫种。以上优势虫种在一年四季均能感染马匹，其春、夏、秋、冬季平均感染率分别为87.3%、81.2%、84.4%、74.7%，伊犁马消化道优势虫种感染率与季节有密切关系，马圆线虫春、秋两季感染率远高于夏、冬两季，而马副蛔虫春季感染率高于其他三季，毛线虫春、秋两季感染率略高于夏、冬季。建议马匹每年定期驱虫2~3次。 The author uses parasitic pathogens (feces) routine method to the local region of one hundred Yili horses for 1 year of fixed-point observation, investigation and test to understand the dominant species and growth and decline law of intestinal parasites in Yili horses. The results showed that: the total infection of digestive tract parasite rate was 87.7% (87/99) in Yili horses. The main spe-cies are Strongylus equines, Parascaris equorum, Trichonema spp., Triodontophorus tenuicollis, E. uniungulati, Paranoplocephala mamillana and so on. The infection rate of Strongylus equines was the highest, up to 85.8%. The second was Trichonema spp. which was 79.9%. Trichonema spp. in-fection was 74.7%. The above species were the dominant species of intestinal parasites in Yili horses. The above species can infect horses throughout the year. The average infection rates in spring, summer, autumn and winter were 87.3%, 81.2%, 84.4% and 74.7%. The infection rate of dominant species is closely related to the season. The infection rate of Strongylus equines in spring and autumn is much higher than that in summer and winter, while the infection rate of Parascaris equorum in spring is higher than that in other three seasons. The infection rate of Trichonema spp. in spring and autumn is slightly higher than that in summer and winter. It is suggested that the horses should be dewormed 2 - 3 times one year regularly.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites in Houses Mice (Musmusculus ) among Different Localities of Erbil City, Kurdistan Iraq

Parasites of small mammal’s (house mice) living in human areas cause a tremendous burden of vector borne disease. Small mammals infected with parasites can readily facilitate parasitic transmission to humans and other susceptible animal hosts. The objective of our study is to determine the presence of intestinal parasites in mice collected from five different popular localities in Erbil city during the period of (2014-2015). Out of total (60) mice (Mus musculus) examined, 34(56.6%) of which were infected with (1-3) species of intestinal parasites. In this study eight species of intestinal parasites were detected and identified as follow as: Four types of intestinal protozoans: Entamoebamuris 6(17.6%), Trichomonasmuris 3(8.8%), Giardia muris 4(11.7%) and Emeria sp.2(5.8%),two types of Cestodes: Hymenolepis nana8(23.5%) and Hymenolepisdiminuta 3(8.8%), and two types of mice pinworm: Aspiculuristetraptera4 (11.7%) and Syphaciaobvelata 4 (11.7%). Among total mice (34) infected with intestinal parasites, infection with helminths were more prevalence 19(55.8%) than protozoans15(44.1%). According to the multiple infections with the parasites, we found that mice infected with the single infections 20(58.8%) were higher than both double 10(29.4%), and triple 4(11.7), and about sex of mice involvement, we found that females were highly infected 21(61.7%) than males13 (38.2%). The results of the present study showed that the prevalence of the parasites in mice collected from Hayaskary were highly infected (29.4%) compared with the other localities of the study areas.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among primary school children in southern Iran.

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in primary school children in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran during January to March 2016. Single stool samples were collected from 1465 participants by clean stool cup. The questionnaire was prepared on the basis of demographic characteristics. The diagnosis was made on the basis of the direct wet mount, formalin-ether concentration, and Ziehl-Neelsen and trichrome stained slides. Out of the 1465 school children examined, six species of intestinal parasites were identified with an overall prevalence of 95 positive students (6.5%). Prevalence of protozoan infections (6.2%) was significantly higher than helminth infections (0.3%). The most common protozoan species were Giardia lamblia (n=42, 2.9%) and Blastocystis hominis (n=31, 2.1%). Only two cases of Hymenolepis nana and two cases of Enterobius vermicularis were detected. The prevalence of parasitic infections was higher in boys (n=52, 7%) than girls (n=41, 5.7%), but the difference was not significant. The parasitic infections were higher among the children whose parent's education was less than high school diploma (p=0.000), and there was also a significant association between the parents' jobs and the intensity of parasitic infection. The prevalence of intestinal parasites, compared to the previous studies in this area, was significantly lower; that is mainly due to an increase in the quality of life and parents' education as well as the accessibility to health services. The most prevalent intestinal parasite was G.lamblia; therefore, it is recommended that more emphasis is applied to controlling and preventing this parasitic infection by washing hands, particularly before each meal course.

Intestinal polyparasitism with special emphasis to soil-transmitted helminths among residents around Gilgel Gibe Dam, Southwest Ethiopia: a community based survey.

BackgroundOne third of the world population is estimated to be infected with intestinal parasites. The most affected people are children and the poor people living in tropics and subtropics. Polyparasitism (the concurrent infection with multiple intestinal parasite species) is found to be the norm among the same population although accurate estimate of its magnitude is unknown. It was found that polyparasitism might have a greater impact on morbidity than single species infection which might also increase susceptibility to other infections. Therefore, this study aimed at determining the prevalence and distribution of intestinal polyparasitism with special emphasis on Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) among residents around Gilgel Gibe dam located in Jimma zone of Oromia regional state, Ethiopia.MethodsA total of 1,021 participants were recruited in this study and provided stool samples for parasitological examination. Direct wet mount and Kato-Katz techniques were employed for stool examination. Pearson chi-square test was employed to assess the association of infection status and polyparasitism with gender and age group of the study participants.ResultsFive hundred thirty two individuals were infected with at least one parasite, providing the overall prevalence of 52.1%. Among positive individuals, 405 (76.1%), 114 (21.4%), and 13 (2.5%) individuals were infected with only one, two and three species of parasites, respectively. The overall prevalence of intestinal polyparasitism observed among the study participants was 12.4% (127/1,021). The predominant STH was hookworm, with a prevalence of 44.1%. Hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides were the most frequently recorded combination in cases of polyparasitic infection. The study revealed that there was no significant difference in the distribution of polyparasitism with regard to age group and sex of the study participants (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe study indicated the presence of high prevalence of parasites as well as distribution of polyparasitism in the area. Moreover, the detection of Schistosoma mansoni in the community living within close proximity of the newly constructed dam would be taken as an indication of future risk factor. Further investigation on the predictors of polyparasitism and the assessment of effects of polyparasitism on the population are needed. Finally, there is a need to undertake integrated control strategies which involve improved sanitation, health education and chemotherapy that targets the whole community instead of only certain segments of populations.

Infection of protozoan and Helminth parasites among the out-patients of Dhaka Medical College Hospital

The intestinal parasites and their prevalence and intensity of infestation was investigated. A total of 793 stool samples were examined from the out patients of Dhaka medical College Hospital. Eggs and lavae of six species of intestinal parasites were recovered, of which two species were protozoans: Entamoeba histolytica Schaudinn, 1903; and Giardia intestinalis (Lambl, 1859) and four species of helminthes: Ascaris lumbricoides Linnaeus, 1758; Trichuris trichiura (Linnaeus, 1771) Stiles, 1901; Ancylostoma duodenale (Dubini, 1843) Creplin, 1845; and Enterobius vermicularis (Linnaeus, 1758)]. The overall prevalence of infestation was 43.253% and egg per gram (EPG) of infestation was slightly higher in males than females. Prevalence of intestinal helminth was found higher than intestinal protozoans. Among the six species of intestinal parasites, Ascaris lumbricoides showed highest prevalence (21.689%) and Enterobius vermicularis lowest prevalence (1.008%). Among the patients of the hospital, highest prevalence (83.333%) was observed in 0 - 10 years age group and lowest (30.167%) in 51 - 60 years age-group.Bangladesh J. Zool. 44(1): 89-97, 2016

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among school children in capital areas of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, West Africa.

Although the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe (DRSTP) has undertaken school children-based deworming programs against intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) using a single dose of mebendazole annually since 2005, it remains unclear as to the outcome to date. The present study intends to investigate the recent IPIs status among school children living in capital areas of the DRSTP. A total of 252 school children (121 boys and 131 girls) of grades 4 and 5 from 4 primary schools located in the capital areas participated in the present study and their fresh fecal specimens were examined for the presence of any parasites using the merthiolate-iodine-formaldehyde concentration method as conducted. The overall prevalence of IPIs was 64.7% (163/ 252). No significant gender difference in prevalence between boys (67.8%) and girls (61.8%) was found (p = 0.3). The majority of school children were infected with a single species of parasite (55.8%). Altogether, 12 different intestinal parasite species were identified in DRSTP school children, of which 9 species were pathogenic and the remaining 3 were non-pathogenic. Improving the detection method, sanitation facilities and personal hygiene as well as utilizing combined drugs are all important measures to greatly reduce IPIs in DRSTP school children.

Ancient Human Parasites in Ethnic Chinese Populations.

Whilst archaeological evidence for many aspects of life in ancient China is well studied, there has been much less interest in ancient infectious diseases, such as intestinal parasites in past Chinese populations. Here, we bring together evidence from mummies, ancient latrines, and pelvic soil from burials, dating from the Neolithic Period to the Qing Dynasty, in order to better understand the health of the past inhabitants of China and the diseases endemic in the region. Seven species of intestinal parasite have been identified, namely roundworm, whipworm, Chinese liver fluke, oriental schistosome, pinworm, Taenia sp. tapeworm, and the intestinal fluke Fasciolopsis buski. It was found that in the past, roundworm, whipworm, and Chinese liver fluke appear to have been much more common than the other species. While roundworm and whipworm remained common into the late 20th century, Chinese liver fluke seems to have undergone a marked decline in its prevalence over time. The iconic transport route known as the Silk Road has been shown to have acted as a vector for the transmission of ancient diseases, highlighted by the discovery of Chinese liver fluke in a 2,000 year-old relay station in northwest China, 1,500 km outside its endemic range.