Spontaneous Sedimentation Method Research Articles

Quality of water from springs in the administrative region of Brazlândia, located in the Descoberto River micro hydrographic basin, Federal District, Brazil

Water is essential for life and used for multiple purposes such as human consumption, agriculture and recreation. In this way, it must present physical-chemical characteristics adequate to the quality standards, without risk to human health. This study aimed to verify the water quality of the springs, in the municipality of the Regional city of Brazlândia, DF, Brazil, in the year 2021. The research was carried out in May and the water samples were collected in eleven points of springs and from Córrego de Brazlândia, in Veredinhas Park, from each sampling point, three liters of water were collected randomly and separately, for the investigation of enteroparasites, using the spontaneous sedimentation method. For the analysis of thermotolerant coliforms and Escherichia coli, three samples (100 ml) were collected and analyzed using the Colilert method. The organoleptic characteristics, pH, and presence of solid residues were verified in addition to observing the existence of the gallery forest. All areas analyzed had the presence of solid residues and most of the collection points had water with a cloudy appearance, unpleasant odor, and pH 6. All samples were positive for thermotolerant coliforms and presented at least one evolutionary form of intestinal parasite. Water sources in Brazlândia, DF, Brazil, are contaminated with potentially pathogenic microorganisms for humans. Thus, measures must be taken to minimize this situation, in addition to guidance and work with the community, to help in the recovery of these sources.

Prevalence of enteroparasites in primates kept at the Brasília Zoo, Brazil

Parasitic infections are a primary disease affecting wild animals in captivity, which can cause morbidity and even mortality. The study aimed to identify the prevalence of enteroparasites at the Brasília Zoo, Brazil, and their possible risk factors. The research was conducted in 2019, and 37 primates from 19 species participated. Three stool samples were collected from the enclosures and were processed using three parasitological methods: (i) Spontaneous sedimentation, (ii) Rugai, and (iii) Kato-Katz method. Soil samples were collected from five points in each enclosure and processed using the Spontaneous sedimentation method. Water samples were collected from drinking fountains and analyzed for the presence of enteroparasites, using the Spontaneous sedimentation method, and for thermotolerant coliforms and Escherichia coli using the COLILERT microbiological method. The results showed that 54% of the stool samples were positive, mostly for the commensal parasite Entamoeba coli. All soil samples were contaminated, mainly by the pathogenic protozoan Giardia sp. The presence of thermotolerant coliforms was detected in all water samples. This was the first study carried out on the prevalence of intestinal parasites in primates kept at the Brasília Zoo. It is essential for the health and well-being of animals kept in captivity, parasitological monitoring, as the identification of these parasites helps in the treatment and monitoring of infections, in addition to avoiding infections of people who work directly with them.

The presence of parasitic structures in sandy soil samples from beaches located along the north coast of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Beaches are a source of parasite contamination because protozoan cysts and helminth eggs and larvae can remain viable in sandy soils for months. Parasitic infections are mainly related to hygiene conditions, health, and environmental education, and can affect the life quality of the population. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the presence of parasitic structures in five beaches located along the north coast of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Eighty samples were collected in August and September 2020 at the beaches of Torres, Tramandaí, Capão da Canoa, Arroio Teixeira, and Arroio do Sal and processed with the spontaneous sedimentation method for microscopic analyses. The results showed that 32% (26/80) of samples were positive for the presence of parasitic structures, and there was a significantly higher frequency of positive samples in September than in August. Torres was the beach with the highest frequency of positive samples, while Arroio Teixeira and Arroio do Sal presented the lowest frequency of contamination. Nematode larvae, including hookworm larvae, were the most prevalent parasitic structures in the samples. Hence, the sandy soil from beaches must be monitored to develop programs and strategies for improving infrastructures and basic sanitation conditions, thus ensuring the health of the population.

Anthelmintic treatment follow up in a rural community in Camamu, Bahia, Brazil.

Enteroparasites are an important public health problem and the treatment seeks to cure and reduce transmission. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of anthelmintic treatment in individuals living in a rural community area in Camamu, Bahia, Brazil. The parasitological diagnosis was performed by spontaneous sedimentation, Baermann-Moraes and Agar Plate Culture methods. A total of 212 individuals were evaluated. The most frequent helminth was Trichuris trichiura, 24.5% (52/212), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides, 21.2% (45/212), hookworms, 16.5% (35/212), and S. stercoralis, 4.7% (10/212). In the anthelmintic treatment follow up, T. trichiura infection presented the lowest parasitological cure rate, only 60.6% (20/33). Hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides and Strongyloides stercoralis infections demonstrated cure rates of 70.5 (12/17), 78.1 (25/32) and 100% (5/5), respectively. Individuals who remained infected underwent a new drug therapy. The second parasitological cure rate for T. trichiura was 38.5% (5/13), and 66.7% (2/3) and 75% (3/4) for hookworms and Ascaris lumbricoides, respectively. Trichuris trichiura infection presented the lowest parasitological cure rate at this second evaluation. This reinforces the need to perform a follow-up of all treated individuals. The possibility of drug resistance denotes the necessity for studies to clarify the mechanisms and to evaluate new therapeutic approaches.

Microbiological and parasitological quality of fruit pulps and juices used for detoxifying purposes

ABSTRACT The juice consumption with detoxifying properties has increased in the last few years, but inadequately produced food may transport pathogens. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of parasitological and microbiological contamination in fruit juices and fruit pulp used for detoxifying purposes. Twenty samples were analyzed, 10 of fruit pulp and 10 juices from July to August 2018. Thermotolerant coliform, mold, and yeast were counted. Parasitological analysis was performed by spontaneous sedimentation method and sedimentation by centrifugation techniques. Results showed that 20% and 60% of the fruit pulp and juice samples exhibited thermotolerant coliform counts above 1 log CFU/mL, respectively. The results showed that 60% of the pulp samples presented mold and yeast counts above 3 log CFU/mL. The protozoa found in the samples were Endolimax nana, Entamoeba coli, and E. histolytica/E. dispar cysts. The presence of thermotolerant coliforms in juices is an indicator of the presence of enteropathogens, mainly Escherichia coli. The high mold and yeast populations and the presence of protozoa in the fruit pulp and juices indicate hygienic and sanitary failures in the food processing. It may be concluded that there is a need for supervision and training in Good Manufacturing Practices by health agencies, aiming at the food safe production. KEY WORDS: Coliforms; parasites; food hygiene; food safety.

Ineffectiveness of TF-Test® and Coproplus® Methods in Strongyloides stercoralis Infection Diagnosis.

S. stercoralis diagnosis is currently performed by parasitological methods, mainly by Baermann-Moraes (BM), although Agar Plate Culture (APC) presents a higher sensitivity. New techniques, such as TF-Test® and Coproplus® have been suggested as more practical alternatives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of TF-Test® and Coproplus®, compared with APC, BM and Spontaneous Sedimentation (SS) methods. One-hundred and forty male alcoholic patients, who provided three stools samples collected on alternate days, were included in this study. The most frequently found parasite was S. stercoralis, 20% (28/140), and the most sensitive method was APC, 96.4% (27/28), followed by BM, 89.3% (25/28) and SS, 57.1% (16/28). TF-Test® and Coproplus® presented a sensitivity of 46.4 (13/28) and 39.3% (11/28), respectively. In samples with a parasitic load of 1-10 larvae/g of feces, which occurred in 39.3% (11/28) of the infected patients, both the TF-Test® and Coproplus® methods demonstrated sensitivities of 18.2% (2/11), while APC and BM methods reached a sensitivity of 100% (11/11) (p < 0.05). For other intestinal helminth infections, TF-Test® and Coproplus® sensitivities were 22.2 (4/18) and 11.1% (2/18), respectively, this being lower than the SS, 66.7% (12/18) (p < 0.05). On the other hand, for protozoa infection diagnosis, TF-Test® and Coproplus® presented the highest sensitivities, 62.2 (46/74) and 43.2% (32/74), respectively. TF-Test® and Coproplus® methods presented the lowest sensitivities for S. stercoralis and other helminth infection diagnosis; therefore, they can be indicated for use in parasitological diagnosis, only when associated with other more effective methods of helminth identification.

Evaluation of two analytical methods of detection for intestinal parasites in curly lettuce sold in food stalls

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of parasitic structures in curly lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) sold in food stalls open markets in Cuiabá city, in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso (MT). For this purpose, 50 samples were evaluated using spontaneous sedimentation and centrifugal flotation methods. These techniques showed positivity in 96% (48/50) and 78% (39/50) of the samples, respectively. The sedimentation method was statistically (p ≤ 0.05) more effective in detecting parasitic structures of the pathogens as Entamoeba histolytica, Ascaris spp., Strongyloides spp., Larvae and Hookworm eggs, when comparing both methods. However, these methods did not differ significantly for the detection of Giardia lamblia. Ascaris spp and Entamoeba coli occurred in 64% (32/50) and 46% (23/50) of the positive samples, respectively, with the highest percentages observed. The occurrence of Blastocystis spp., Fasciola spp., Dipylidium caninum and Ascaris lumbricoides revealed detection exclusively by the spontaneous sedimentation method, while Iodamoeba butschlii and Enterobius vermicularis were detected by centrifugal– flotation procedure. These results could reinforce the need to use methods based on sedimentation and the fluctuation of parasite structures in the analysis of lettuce. The presence of parasites in lettuce by fecal origin, with recognized pathogenicity, represents a risk to consumer health and demonstrates a deficit in good agricultural practices in the production, distribution and commercialization of lettuce.

Detection of enteroparasites in foliar vegetables commercialized in street- and supermarkets in Aparecida de Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.

Foliar vegetables contaminated with fecal residues are an important route of transmission of intestinal parasites to humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of parasitic forms of protozoa and helminths on lettuces (Lactuca sativa) and collard greens (Brassica oleracea) sold in street- and supermarkets in the city of Aparecida de Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil. A total of 30 samples of each vegetable (15 samples from each supermarkets and street markets) was analyzed. All samples were processed by spontaneous sedimentation method and centrifugal flotation. In 45% of the samples, immature forms of intestinal parasites were identified with 66.7% helminths eggs and 33.3% protozoan cysts or oocysts. Significantly more lettuce samples were contaminated with eggs, cysts or oocyst of at least one parasite than collard green samples (U=216; Z=-3.45; P <0.001). The parasitic forms were identified morphologically up to the family level with eggs of Ancylostomatidae, Strongyloididae, Ascarididae and Taeniidae, or oocysts of Eimeriidae, to the genus with Cystoisospora sp. and Toxocara sp., and to the species level with Cystoisospora canis, Dipylidium caninum and Hymenolepis nana. The presence of these infective agents in lettuce and collard green from both street- and supermarkets highlights the high risk of spreading parasites by eating raw vegetables sold in Aparecida de Goiânia.

PARASITOS GASTROINTESTINAIS DE CANINOS E FELINOS: UMA QUESTÃO DE SAÚDE PÚBLICA

The objective of this study was to identify the canine and feline gastrointestinal parasites (GIP), domiciled and non-domiciled, in seven cities in the state of Pernambuco and, thus, to evaluate the environmental contamination and the risk of transmission of parasites with zoonotic potential. Two hundred fifty-six fecal samples from canines (n=183) and felines (n=73) were collected, which were processed by the modified Sheather flotation (with 1.3d hypersaturated sucrose solution) and the spontaneous sedimentation methods. In 86 (33.6%) samples, helminths and/or protozoa were detected. The GIP identified in dogs were: Ancylostoma sp. (42/55; 76.4%), Trichuris vulpis (9/55; 16.4%), Toxocara canis (5/55; 9.1%), Strongyloides stercoralis (3/55; 5.45%), Dipylidium caninum (3/55; 5.45%) and Cystoisospora sp. (3/55; 5.45%). In cats, Toxocara. cati (5/30; 16.6%), Coccidia (19/30; 63.3%), Dipylidium caninum (3/30; 10%) and Ancylostoma sp. (3/30; 10%). Five of the eight GIP identified have zoonotic potential. These results demonstrate the importance of parasitological diagnosis based on the identification of parasites that can affect not only animal health, but also human health from environmental contamination. This study should support health education actions with tutors and continued training with veterinarians for the prevention of gastrointestinal parasites in animals and the transmission of parasitic zoonoses from the perspective of One Health, which advocates the mitigation of health risks at the interface animal-human-environment.

Enteric parasites and socio-epidemiological variables in an academic community

Studies linking human health to environmental conditions are essential since parasitic diseases are connected to environmental and sanitary aspects. This study identified the prevalence of enteric parasites in an academic community in the municipality of Santo Antônio de Jesus, Bahia, Brazil. The purpose was to determine the existence, or not, of links between infections and socio-epidemiological variables, such as personal hygiene habits, the presence of sewage systems and the environment. Participants answered a questionnaire and received universal collectors for fecal samples. Spontaneous sedimentation methods and Rugai were used for diagnosis. One hundred twenty-one samples were analyzed, in which a 38.8% parasite prevalence was detected as well as a 61.7% rate of monoparasitism, as well as a predominance of protozoa Endolimax nana (78.7%) and Giardia duodenalis (21.3%). Among parasitized individuals, 97.9% lived in the Recôncavo Baiano region. The following statistical significance stands out in the findings, with p&lt;0.05: individuals who had already bathed in the local river were more likely to be parasitized than those who had not (p = 0.034) and individuals who washed their hands more frequently before meals proved to be less prone to intestinal parasitic infections (p = 0.018). Results evidenced the presence of enteric parasites in a number of participants in spite of their being university students. The socio-epidemiological variables analyzed brought to light characteristics that favor the establishment of the epidemiological infection triad, such as improper packaging of household waste on disposal and no records of regular domestic water tank cleaning. KEY WORDS: Enteric parasites; environment; diagnosis; health education.

Avaliação da contaminação parasitária em folhas de alface da horta ao consumidor final

A contaminação vegetal pode acontecer em vários processos, desde a irrigação, adubação, coleta, transporte, armazenamento, comercialização e até mesmo a contaminação desencadeada pelas mãos de manipuladores e consumidores. Para minimizar e/ou anular essa contaminação é necessário adesão de medidas que melhorem a higienização do vegetal. Neste estudo foram utilizadas 27 amostras de alface, desfolhadas manualmente e divididas em controle, tratadas com vinagre e tratadas com cloro. Para análise parasitológica foi utilizado o método de sedimentação espontânea. Para análise estatística descritiva foi utilizado os programas Microsoft Excel l0 e para análise estatística inferencial foi utilizado o programa Bioetat 5.0 (p≤ 0,05). Todas amostras foram positivas para algum tipo de parasitose em diferentes estágios e graus parasitários. Das 27 amostras, 85,71% apresentavam parasitas, 67,85% com organismos potencialmente parasitas e em 100% deles apresentavam organismos de vida livre. Os vegetais com maior grau parasitário foram os da feira, com 36,95% de organismos parasitas. Em relação aos tratamentos utilizados, no vinagre foi encontrado um maior número de parasitas, sugerindo que mais organismos se desprenderam da verdura, tornando-a mais adequada ao consumo.

Ocorrência de enteroparasitoses em crianças cadastradas em uma obra social

&lt;p&gt;Intestinal parasitoses are a serious public health problem, especially in underdeveloped countries, and this problem is associated and aggravated by poor sanitary conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the parasitological characteristics of children and family members registered in a social work. A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2017 to December 2018. The feces were collected in sterile vials, the exams were performed using the spontaneous sedimentation and Baermann-Moraes methods. The species detected were Giardia lamblia, Endolimax nana, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiuria and Schistosoma mansoni. The most frequent parasite was Endolimax nana (25.64%), while among the helminths, with 15.44% Ascaris lumbricoides was the most frequent. Regarding epidemiological data, the source of supply water corresponded to 97.91% of households connected (consumers) to the public supply network, ie source of treated source. As for drinking water, 44.44% of households used tap water (from the public network) and another part of families (33.33%) consumed mineral water at home, only 5.56% of households drank well water artesian. Consequently, the importance of health education programs to prevent parasitic infections is highlighted.&lt;/p&gt;

Performance Evaluation of Diagnostic Methods for Schistosoma mansoni Detection in Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia.

Background Schistosoma mansoni is a parasitic worm that infects humans throughout the world. It is more prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia. Proper detection of Schistosoma mansoni using sensitive diagnostic methods is crucial in the prevention and control era. Since direct wet mount microscopy with its low sensitivity has been used as a diagnostic technique in Ethiopia, searching alternative diagnostic methods which have better sensitivity should be a priority agenda. Objective This study is aimed at evaluating the performance of diagnostic methods for Schistosoma mansoni in Amhara region. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 520 school children from October to December 2019 in Amhara region. The study participants were selected by a systematic random sampling technique. Stool samples were collected from each participant and processed via formol-ether concentration, Kato-Katz, and spontaneous tube sedimentation techniques. The data was entered into EpiData version 3.1, and analysis was done using SPSS version 20. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated against the combined result as “Gold” standard. A kappa value was computed to measure the strength of agreement of the diagnostic methods. Results The overall prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni was 20.2% using a combination of three methods. The prevalence of 8.3%, 12.9%, and16.3%, respectively, was recorded by using formol-ether concentration, Kato-Katz, and spontaneous tube sedimentation. The spontaneous tube sedimentation method (81.0%) had better sensitivity compared to Kato-Katz (63.8%) and formol-ether concentration (41.0%) methods in Schistosoma mansoni detection. Conclusion The spontaneous tube sedimentation technique is more sensitive and has better detection rate to Schistosoma mansoni infection followed by the Kato-Katz technique. Therefore, updating the current diagnostic methods for Schistosoma mansoni could be a priority agenda to take action in schistosomiasis prevention and control.

Prevalence of enteroparasites in vegetables marketed in the city of Jaguaré, Espírito Santo, Brazil.

To monitor the frequency of enteroparasites in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and parsley (Petrosolium sativum) samples, marketed in commercial buildings in the municipality of Jaguaré, Espírito Santo, Brazil. Between August 2016 and July 2017, five different popular commercial buildings (markets, supermarkets and fairs) in the municipality of Jaguaré, considered the main local vegetable suppliers were selected. Throughout the research, 30 vegetable samples were randomly selected for parasitological analysis in 3 replicates for each commercial building under study. The obtained samples were analyzed by the modified spontaneous sedimentation method at the Laboratory of Parasitology and Hematology of Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo. Of the 30 samples analyzed, 83.3% were positive for parasitic contamination and the most common parasites were Hookworm, Balantidium coli, Isospora belli, Ascaris sp. and Entamoeba sp. The results indicate a high degree of contamination of the vegetables, probably related to the precariousness of production, transportation and handling, making it necessary to adopt measures that ensure the best quality of food and, consequently, better population health.

Prevalence of enteroparasites in vegetables marketed in the municipality of Conceição da Barra, Espírito Santo, Brazil.

To monitor the frequency of enteroparasites in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and parsley (Petrosolium sativum) samples, marketed in commercial buildings in the municipality of Conceição da Barra, Espírito Santo, Brazil. Between August 2015 and July 2016, four different popular commercial buildings (fairs, markets and supermarkets) were selected as the largest vegetable suppliers in the municipality of Conceição da Barra, Espírito Santo. A total of 40 samples were analyzed using the modified spontaneous sedimentation method at the Laboratory of Parasitology and Hematology of Centro Universitário Norte do Espirito Santo, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo. The most frequent organism in the study population were the commensal Entamoeba coli and the parasites E. histolytica/E.dispar, hookworm, Balantidium coli, Ascaris sp., Toxocara sp., Taenia sp. and Dipylidium sp. The results indicate a high degree of contamination of the vegetables, probably related to the precariousness of production, transportation and handling, making it necessary to adopt measures that guarantee the best quality of food and, consequently, better population health.

Contaminación microbiológica y parasitológica en lechuga (Lactuca sativa L.) comercializada en un municipio de la región semiárida brasileña

The objective of this research was to evaluate the microbial and parasitic contamination in lettuce sold in open markets and supermarkets in the city of Mossoró. For parasitological evaluation, spontaneous sedimentation and flotation methods were applied. For the microbiological part, the Most Probable Number (MPM) of total and thermotolerant coliforms was estimated, as well as the positivity of Salmonella sp. Regarding parasitic analysis it was found that the samples had a total index of 62.5% (45/72) of contamination, 40.3% (29/72) with Ancylostomatidae sp., 29.2% (21/72) with Strongyloides sp., 1.4% (1/72) Ascaris sp., 1.4% (1/72) Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, 1.4% (1/72) Endolemax nana, and 2.8% (2/72) Entamoeba coli. For microbiological analyzes, an index of 100% (12/12) of the samples showed contamination by total coliforms and 25% (3/12) of thermotolerant coliforms, above the maximum value allowed by Brazilian legislation, and absence of Salmonella sp. However, there was no difference in microbial and parasitic contamination between the commercial establishments in this research. Finally, the neglect of the lettuce's hygienic-sanitary conditions by the commercial establishments depicted here is evident, as well as the potential health risk to which the population is exposed.

Análise parasitológica de hortaliças comercializadas em supermercados e em uma feira livre de Piripiri - Piauí, Brasil

Objetivo: analisar amostras de hortaliças Lactuca sativa (alface), Allium schoenoprasum (cebolinha), Coriandrum sativum (coentro) e Eruca sativa (rúcula) comercializadas em supermercados e feira livre no município de Piripiri- Piauí, bem como avaliar a eficácia do método de lavagem de alimentos utilizando hipoclorito de sódio a 2%. Metodologia: A análise parasitológica foi realizada no Laboratório de Parasitologia da Cristo Faculdade do Piauí, através do método de sedimentação espontânea de Hoffman, Pons e Janer adaptado para avaliação parasitológica em alimentos. Resultados: Das 96 amostras analisadas, 93,75% demonstraram a presença de alguma estrutura parasitária. E foi visto a eficácia da higienização de alimentos utilizando hipoclorito de sódio a 2%. Conclusão: é necessário a realização de práticas de educação em saúde para produtores, comerciantes e consumidores quanto aos riscos para a saúde.

Prevalence of contamination by intestinal parasites in vegetables (Lactuca sativa L. and Coriandrum sativum L.) sold in markets in Belém, northern Brazil.

Previous studies have recorded a high prevalence of intestinal parasites in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) destined for human consumption. This study determined the prevalence of contamination by intestinal parasites in these two plants sold in two street markets and two supermarkets in the city of Belém, northern Brazil. A total of 200 plant samples were analyzed (100 of each species). The samples were collected randomly between August and October 2018, examined by the spontaneous sedimentation method with two washes, and stored for 24 h. The analysis found that 89% (89/100) of the lettuce samples and 86% (86/100) of the coriander samples were contaminated. Polyparasitism was more frequent in lettuce, but monoparasitism predominated in the coriander. A total of 226 intestinal parasites were found in the lettuce, with a predominance of non-pathogenic parasites in the supermarket samples and more pathogenic parasites in the samples from street markets. In the coriander samples, 172 intestinal parasites were identified, with a predominance of pathogenic parasites in samples from both types of market. In the case of the protozoans, the most prevalent species was Endolimax nana, followed by Blastocystis hominis, in both vegetables. In the helminths, hookworms predominated in the lettuce, and Trichuris trichiura in the coriander. These results highlight the need for the monitoring of parasite contamination in vegetables destined for human consumption. Public health initiatives should include educational campaigns on the importance of disinfecting vegetables prior to consumption. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

English

Microbiological and parasitological contamination of vegetables, water and soil in rural communities of a municipality in the state of Bahia, Brazil, was assessed. Samples of Lactuca sativa, L., Coriandrum sativum and Solanum lycopersicum, soil, and irrigation water were analyzed between August and October, 2015. Total coliforms (TC), Escherichia coli, molds and yeasts on vegetables, soil and water, heterotrophic bacteria in water and soil were counted. Parasitological analyses were performed by spontaneous sedimentation method and by Rugai technique for vegetables and soil and by direct and Faust exams for water. Physical and chemical analyses included pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen and turbidity. TC counts were higher in lettuce samples (mean 2.8 log CFU g-1). E. coli counts did not comply with legislation in a lettuce sample with 3.3 log CFU g-1. TC had the highest counts, with mean between 3.7 and 4.9 log CFU g-1 in soil samples. All water samples showed poor conditions and most samples were positive for at least one parasite. Due to high microbial density and several parasite types in most samples, results showed poor sanitary quality of vegetables with health risks for people. It is crucial to invest in educational activities for handlers and farmers so that a better vegetable quality could be offered to the population. More efficient monitoring is required by health authorities, requiring periodic assessments for parasites so that consumers may have a better life quality. &nbsp; Keywords: Agricultural produce, food production, food hygiene, sanitary profiles.

Alcohol consumption alters anti-Strongyloides stercoralis antibodies production.

Individuals infected with Strongyloides stercoralis have been reported to produce different immunoglobulins isotypes, yet few studies have evaluated their use in strongyloidiasis diagnosis. The aim of this work was to evaluate the immunoreactivity of different classes and subclasses of anti-S. stercoralis circulating antibodies in alcoholic patients by ELISA and to perform immunoblotting in samples with discordant results between parasitological and immunological methods. 345 male patients with a clinical diagnosis of alcoholism hospitalized at a reference center for alcoholics in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, were included in this study. The fecal samples were examined by three different parasitological methods (spontaneous sedimentation, Baermann-Moraes and Agar Plate Culture methods). The ELISA was performed for the detection of IgG, IgG1, IgG4, IgE and IgA1 anti-S. stercoralis. Immunoblotting, for the detection of specific IgA1, was used to elucidate discordant results between parasitological and immunological methods. S. stercoralis infection frequency in alcoholic patients by parasitological methods was 21.4% (74/345). Although IgE-ELISA demonstrated a high sensitivity and specificity in non-alcoholic patients, about 30% (22/74) of alcoholics with larvae in feces were negative. IgG1-ELISA detected the lowest frequency of antibodies in alcoholic patients with larvae in feces, only 57% (42/74). IgG4-ELISA was the best assay for S. stercoralis infection immunodiagnosis. Immunoreactivity in the immunoblotting for IgA1 at 90, 75, 26 and/or 17 kDa bands was observed in 92% (33/36) of alcoholics with larvae excretion and negative ELISA for one or more antibody isotypes. In conclusion, IgG4-ELISA showed the highest sensitivity and specificity, thus demonstrating its superiority for strongyloidiasis immunodiagnosis in alcoholic and non-alcoholic individuals. Both, IgE and IgG1-ELISA presented high sensitivities and specificities for S. stercoralis infection diagnosis in non-alcoholics, however there was low reactivity in alcoholic individuals. This can be associated with an increased susceptibility to severe strongyloidiasis in these patients. IgA1-immunoblotting can be used to confirm S. stercoralis infection when there are discordant results between parasitological methods and ELISA.