Spontaneous Sedimentation Research Articles

Survey on helminths and protozoa of free-living Neotropical bats from Northeastern Brazil

Bats are considered important reservoirs of pathogens of veterinary and medical relevance worldwide. However, despite the increasing attention paid towards the central role of bats in the spreading of some zoonotic infections, studies on their own parasites remain patchy especially in Neotropical regions. Understanding the relationships occurring between bats and their pathogens is a crucial step to determine the implications undermining the ecology and biology of these animals. The present study aims to assess the endoparasitic fauna of Neotropical bats from Northeastern Brazil, with a particular focus on helminths and protozoa. From October 2016 to March 2017, 54 fresh faecal samples were collected in stable shelters inhabited by three different bat species (i.e., Molossus molossus, Myotis lavali and Noctilio albiventris). Samples were analysed using four different techniques (i.e., Centrifugal Sedimentation, Flotation Technique, Spontaneous Sedimentation Technique and FLOTAC®). A total of 96.29% (52/54) samples were positive for at least one gastrointestinal parasite and 11 different families were identified. In particular, 63.6% (7/11) of the families were of helminths and 36.4% (4/11) of protozoa. Helminths were classified into two different classes (Nematoda and Cestoda) and seven families, whereas the four protozoa classes detected (i.e., Coccidia, Gregarinomorphe, Lobosea and Zoomastigophora) into four families. Eggs of Ancylostomatidae and Hymenolepididae were the most abundan. The findings of this present study demonstrate that Neotropical bats from Northeastern Brazil are parasitized by a wide number of parasites, and some of them may have important implications for Public Health.

Prevalência de enteroparasitos em moradores da cidade de Cáceres/MT

Dentre os diversos problemas que assolam a saúde pública no Brasil, o enteroparasitismo se mostra como um dos mais sérios, apresentando forte correlação com aspectos de desnutrição das populações, podendo afetar o desenvolvimento físico, psicossomático e social das pessoas. A transmissão desses parasitas está relacionada com as condições de vida e higiene das comunidades, ocorrendo alta prevalência em populações de baixo nível socioeconômico, geralmente desprovidas de infraestrutura sanitária mínima. Os estudos sobre parasitos intestinais no Brasil são fragmentados e para o estado de Mato Grosso, especialmente o município de Cáceres, são raros. Assim este estudo objetivou diagnosticar a prevalência de parasitos intestinais na população acima de cinco anos de idade, em dois bairros periféricos no município de Cáceres/MT, um dos 100 municípios mais pobres do país. Entre janeiro e abril de 2013, coletores estéreis descartáveis foram distribuídos nas residências e recolhidos no dia seguinte e as amostras submetidas aos exames coprológicos, empregando a técnica de sedimentação espontânea. Os resultados foram analisados quanto às prevalências dos enteroparasitos em crianças e adultos. Do total das amostras analisadas, 74,86% foram positivas para algum tipo de parasito. O número médio de espécies presentes por amostra foi de 1,69 parasitos sendo registrado poliparasitismo em 26,78% das amostras. O índice de prevalência de enteroparasitos foram considerados altos, diante das médias nacionais e internacionais, havendo predominância de ocorrência de protozoários, revelando a necessidade de maiores investimentos públicos locais.

Intestinal parasites in paper money circulating in the city of Diamantina (Minas Gerais, Brazil).

BackgroundBanknotes are objects of great turnover and diffusion among the population, and can be efficient mechanisms in the dissemination of several intestinal parasites. This study investigated the presence of biological forms of intestinal parasites present in circulating cash banknotes in the city of Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil, aiming to propose interventions aimed at improving local public health.Materials and methodsBetween February and April 2017, samples of banknotes collected in five commercial establishments of the city were analyzed, namely: 1) gas station, 2) supermarket, 3) butchery, 4) pharmacy and 5) free fair. Ten circulating banknotes of each value (R$2.00, R$5.00, R$10.00, R$20.00, R$50.00 and R$100.00) were exchanged for new banknotes, washed with Tween 80 and, after spontaneous sedimentation, analyzed under an optical microscope with a magnification of 10× and 40×.ResultsCysts of Entamoeba coli (74.60%), cysts of Endolimax nana (16.94%), Giardia lam-blia cysts (4.44%), unidentified nematode larvae (2.02%), Hymenolepis sp. (0.81%), Taenia sp. (0.81%) and Ancylostomidae larvae (0.40%) were found.ConclusionsThe results revealed the need for improvements in basic sanitation, health and education activities that emphasized the importance of proper hand hygiene.

Distribution and risk factors of Ascarididae and other geohelminths in the soil of Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

ABSTRACTAmong the geohelminths, parasites from the Ascarididae family have a significant role in the human and animal health. This research aims to determine the prevalence of Ascarididae species in the soil in different areas located in a city of Minas Gerais State, Brazil (South America). The study was developed in squares, parks, sports clubs, orchards and municipal children's schools. Samples of sand/soil/grass were collected from January to August 2014. The optical microscope screening was performed through formal-ether and spontaneous sedimentation techniques. Out of the 183 collected samples, eight (4.4%) belonged to parks, 16 (8.7%) to sports clubs, 76 (41.5%) to squares, 23 (12.6%) to orchards, and 60 (32.8%) to schools. Out of the total, 28 (15.3%) contained Ascarididae eggs. Higher levels of positivity were demonstrated in the raining season (25.0%), in samples collected in the southern region of the town (25.1%), on ground soils (27.3%). Twenty-three (12.6%) were detected by the formal-ether sedimentation technique and 10 (5.5%) by spontaneous sedimentation technique. Therefore, it was concluded that the soils in the city of Uberlandia are contaminated with eggs and larvae of geohelminths, enabling dissemination of illnesses among animals and human beings.

Microscopic detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in direct or processed sputum smears.

Microscopic identification of active pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) from direct smears of sputum (DS) is widely used for detection, but has limited sensitivity. Here, we assessed the yield of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) detection in processed sputum smears (PSS). Sputum samples were simultaneously analyzed by direct sputum smearing and after chemical treatment and spontaneous sedimentation. Of the 1,719 samples analyzed, 16.4% were positive for AFB in conventional DS and 21.4% in PSS, corresponding to a 30% increase in detection. Increased sensitivity from analyzing PSS and better safety protocols will contribute to improved detection and control of the disease.

PRESENCE OF ENTEROPARASITES IN THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE RESIDENT POPULATION IN A RURAL COMMUNITY IN SANTO ANTONIO DE JESUS IN THE RECONCAVO DA BAHIA, BRAZIL

Studies show environmental contamination as a decisive factor for the perpetuation of the epidemiological triad of infection by parasites, posing a risk to human health. This work identified parasitic contamination in peridomestic soils, enteroparasite infection in humans and domestic animals in the Riacho Dantas and Rio do Onha, rural communities of Santo Antônio de Jesus (Bahia, Brazil). Analyses were performed in 53 homes, with soil samples collectedin four points as well as collection of human and domestic animals feces from July to October 2015. Soil samples as well as human and domestic animal feces were analyzed. For the analysis of human fecal samples, four methods were used, including spontaneous sedimentation, Baermann-Moraes, Kato-Katz and Graham. For animal fecal samples three methods were used: spontaneous sedimentation, Willis and Rugai. For soil samples, two methods wereused: spontaneous sedimentation and Rugai. Of the 636 samples of soil analyzed, 68.7% were positive for some parasitic form, especially non-ciliated protozoa, ciliate protozoa; adults and larvae of the nematodes and hookworms. Of the 144 samples of human feces, 75% were positive, especially for: Endolimax nana, Entamoeba coli, hookworms, Giardia duodenalis,Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar and Enterobius vermicularis. Of the 21 animal feces samples, 85.7% were positive, especially for the genera Ancylostoma, Toxocara, Trichuris and Giardia. The studied soil samples presented biological contaminants (for example, Toxocara and Ancylostoma) some of which pathogenic for humans and domestic animals. The lack of information regarding the care of domestic soil and direct contact with contaminated soil enabled the detection of parasites with hosts in this environment.

Monolithic Crystalline Swelling of Graphite Oxide: A Bridge to Ultralarge Graphene Oxide with High Scalability

The large-scale preparation of ultralarge graphene oxide (ULGO) is urgently needed for developing advanced devices and high-performance nanocomposites. However, it is extremely difficult to produce ULGO in an industrially viable, high-efficiency manner because of the inevitable sheet fragmentation and significant gelation behavior occurred in existing methods. We propose a stationary oxidation-monolithic crystalline swelling strategy that can completely convert graphite to ULGO. This new stationary oxidation method minimizes the sheet fracture and prevents the exfoliation of oxidized layers without sacrificing the oxidation rate, resulting in oxidized flakes with high crystalline and lateral sizes the same as raw graphite. The oxidized graphite flakes undergo a monolithic crystalline swelling during the purification, leading to the formation of a three-dimensional ordered structure without peeling. This enables graphite oxide to be purified by spontaneous sedimentation within 1 h as gelation is avoided an...

First paleoparasitological study of micromammal coprolites from the holocene of the Somuncurá Plateau Protected Natural Area (Patagonia Argentina)

The Somuncurá Plateau is a Protected Natural Area located in the middle of the northern extra-Andean arid Patagonia. Inhabited by at least 20 small mammal species, is the place with the uppermost species richness in Patagonia. The aim of this study was to examine the parasite remains from micromammal coprolites collected in association with a bone sequence recovered at the east of the Somuncurá Plateau (site “Alero Las Lechuzas”). Coprolites came from the four temporal units previously defined: unit I (4790 ± 100 yrs. 14C B.P.), unit II, unit III (7840 ± 120 yrs. 14C B.P.) and unit IV. Each coprolite was processed, rehydrated, homogenized, processed by spontaneous sedimentation and examined using a light microscope. Coprolites and eggs were described, measured and photographed. Samples were positive for two nematode species: Helminthoxys caudatus Freitas, Lent & Almeida, 1937 (Oxyurida, Oxyuridae) and Trichuris spp. (Trichinellida: Trichuridae). This is the first paleoparasitological study developed for the Somuncurá Plateau Protected Area. Moreover, this is the first time that the genus Helminthoxys is reported from ancient times worldwide. Coprolites were attributed to the mountain cavy Microcavia australis (Rodentia, Caviidae).The presence of H. caudatus for the Middle Holocene of northern Patagonia contributes to the study of the history of the histricomorphs and pinworms relationships.

Enteroparasites in Riverside Settlements in the Pantanal Wetlands Ecosystem.

Background Intestinal parasites are a major source of health problems in developing countries, where socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental conditions contribute in maintaining the biological cycles of various parasites and facilitating their spread. The objective of this study, conducted in Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil, was to investigate the occurrence of intestinal parasites in riverside communities in the South Pantanal wetlands and conduct educational interventions focused on health and environmental preservation. Method In total, 196 stool samples were tested for parasites using the merthiolate-iodine-formaldehyde concentration (MIFC) technique and spontaneous sedimentation and educational activities were carried out. Results Enteroparasite prevalence was 72% (65.6–78.2%; 95% CI). Of the 141 positive cases, monoparasitism was found in 34.7%, biparasitism in 23%, and polyparasitism in 14.3%. Entamoeba coli was the most frequent protozoan (70.2%). Among helminths, hookworms were the most prevalent. Enteroparasitosis prevalence did not differ for sex or place of abode but proved higher in individuals older than 10 years. Conclusion The high positivity rate for enteroparasites found for the communities stems from lack of sanitation and poor personal and environmental hygiene habits, indicating that effective health policies and educational interventions are needed to reduce the current risk levels.

Intestinal parasitism among waste pickers in Mato Grosso do Sul, Midwest Brazil.

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in both cooperative-affiliated and independent waste pickers operating at the municipal sanitary landfill in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, and associate these findings with hemoglobin, eosinophils, vitamin A and C levels and interleukin 5 and 10 (IL-5 and IL-10) production. Biological samples were collected, in addition to clinical, epidemiological, and sociodemographic data. Stool analyzes were based on sedimentation by centrifugation and on spontaneous sedimentation. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to determine vitamin A and C levels. ELISA was employed to quantify interleukins. Intestinal parasites were found in 29 of the 66 subjects assessed (43.9%). Endolimax nana (22.7%), Entamoeba coli (21.1%), Giardia lamblia (6.1%), Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (4.5%), and Ascaris lumbricoides (4.5%) were the most prevalent species. Pathogenic parasites were detected in 11 individuals (16.7%). Hypovitaminoses A and C were detected in 19.6% (13/66) and 98.4% (65/66) of subjects, respectively. IL-5 and IL-10 production was observed in 21 (31.8%) and 32 (48.4%) subjects, respectively. Infection with pathogenic intestinal parasites was not a cause of vitamin A and C deficiency or IL-5 and IL-10 production among these workers.

Applicability of FLOTAC® technique in recovering equine strongyle larvae in the pasture: A comparison study

The FLOTAC® technique represents a highly sensitive method for the isolation of oocysts, eggs, and larvae of parasites in faeces. This assay could be used for detecting free-living stages of nematodes in the pasture but no attempt has been assessed so far. Therefore, the performance of FLOTAC® technique for isolating infective larvae of nematodes in the environment was investigated and compared with the spontaneous sedimentation (SST) and centrifugal sedimentation (CST) techniques. The study was conducted in a horse farm located in northeastern Brazil, where the occurrence of strongyle larvae had been previously reported. Pasture samplings were collected monthly from January to May 2016 in a 376 m2 crop area harvested with the Guinea grass Panicum cultivar Massai. The recovery of third-stage larvae (L3) was performed using the FLOTAC®, SST and CST techniques. Values of Cohen's kappa coefficient, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of each technique were assessed. Although strongyle larvae were evenly detected, with the FLOTAC® technique yielded the highest number of positive samples (i.e., 41%, 41/100, p < .0001). The main parasites isolated belonged to the Cyathostominae and Strongylinae subfamilies. Based on these results, the FLOTAC® technique should be considered as practical and safe method for the isolation of nematode larvae in the pasture, thus opening a new potential use for this tool in the field.

Influence of parasite load on the diagnosis and occurrence of eosinophilia in alcoholic patients infected with Strongyloides stercoralis.

Alcoholic patients are more susceptible to Strongyloides stercoralis infection. The chronic use of alcohol raises the levels of endogenous corticosteroids, which regulates the development of larvae and stimulates the differentiation of rhabditiform into infective filariform larvae, thus inducing internal autoinfection. Therefore, early diagnosis is important to prevent severe strongyloidiasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of parasitological methods, according to the parasite load and the number of stool samples, for diagnosis of S. stercoralis infection, as well the peripheral blood eosinophil count in alcoholic patients. A total of 330 patients were included in this study. The diagnosis was established using three parasitological methods: agar plate culture, Baermann-Moraes method and spontaneous sedimentation. Peripheral eosinophilia was considered when the level was &gt;600 eosinophils/mm3. The agar plate culture (APC) had the highest sensitivity (97.3%). However, the analysis of multiple samples increased the sensitivity of all parasitological methods. The sensitivities of the methods were influenced by the parasite load. When the larval number was above 10, the sensitivity of APC was 100%, while in spontaneous sedimentation the sensitivity reached 100% when the larval number was above 50. In the present study, 15.4% of alcoholic patients infected with S. stercoralis (12/78) had increased peripheral blood eosinophil count (above 600 eosinophils/mm3). For an efficient parasitological diagnosis of S. stercoralis infection in alcoholic patients, repeated examination by two parasitological methods must be recommended, including agar plate culture due to its higher sensitivity. Moreover, S. stercoralis infection was associated with eosinophilia, mostly in patients excreting up to 10 larvae/g faeces.

New paleoparasitological investigations from the pre-inca to hispanic contact period in northern Chile

Paleoparasitological studies have demonstrated that changes in environment or culture are reflected in the patterns of parasitic infection diseases in populations worldwide. The advent of agriculture and animal domestication, with its accompanying reduction in human mobility and expanding population involves changes in or emergence of, parasites, the so-called first epidemiological transition. Cultural processes related to territory occupation contribute to both loss and acquisition of parasites. The archaeological site Lluta 57 in the Lluta Valley, Chile, provides a chronology of the transition from the pre-Inca or Late Intermediate Period (LIP), through the Late or Inca Period (LP), to the Hispanic Contact Period (HCP), providing the possibility of evaluating this epidemiological transition. The aim of this study was to conduct a paleoparasitological investigation of to gain insight into the dynamics of parasitism in Lluta people throughout the Inca expansion. Fourteen human coprolites from the three periods were rehydrated, submitted to spontaneous sedimentation, and examined by light microscopy for the presence of intestinal parasite eggs, pollen grains, and micro-remains. Eggs of four parasites: Enterobius vermicularis, Trichostrongylus sp., Trichuris sp., and Eimeria macusaniensis were recovered. Frequency, diversity, and number of parasite eggs per sample increased over the studied time period. Trichostrongylus sp. and E. macusaniensis were recorded in the region for the first time. Enterobius vermicularis eggs, absent in the LIP, were present as a hyper-infection in LP. The presence of E. macusaniensis is likely related to exploitation of llamas, which were used for food and transport and as sacrificial offerings. The paleobotanical analysis revealed ten families of pollen grains, as well as phytoliths and floral remains. In contrast to parasitological results, a diachronic pattern was not detected. Evolution of the settlements, with the advent of larger, more densely populated, villages, could have influenced the emergence and intensification of transmission of parasites in the region. The study showed that the Inca expansion influenced host-parasite-environment relationships in the Lluta Valley.

Identification of enteroparasites in recreation areas of elementary schools in Northern Espírito Santo, Brazil.

Since sand is an important child means of contagion by enteroparasites, this study aimed to conduct a parasitological evaluation in recreation areas of elementary schools and early childhood education centers, in São Mateus-ES. Sand samples were collected in seven municipal elementary schools and in a municipal kindergarten and nursery center. For the recovery of helminth eggs and protozoan cysts, flotation and spontaneous sedimentation techniques were used. It was found that 77 % of the analyzed institutions were positive for helminth eggs and larvae. Among the eggs and larvae identified, the main were Ascaris lumbricoides and Toxocara canis. Pearson's chi-square test identified the best results when using the spontaneous sedimentation method. Considering that individuals, especially children living in poor sanitation conditions, are more prone to enteroparasites, studies point to the need of the application of preventive and health education measures for the population enrolled in municipal schools in São Mateus.

PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS FOR INTESTINAL PARASITIC INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN ATTENDING DAYCARE CENTERS IN ALFENAS, SOUTHERN MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL

Intestinal parasitic infections are common among pre-school children in developing countries and they are often associated with gastrointestinal morbidity such as chronic diarrhea and malnutrition. Their circulation is mainly associated with lack of personal hygiene and environmental sanitation, as well as limited housing and food conditions. As the diagnosis of intestinal parasites is not a simple procedure, especially in population studies, due to difficultiesencountered in strategies to obtain fecal samples, reliable prevalence data are scarce. Indeed, the epidemiological data on the prevalence of these parasites in different locations are important for the development of appropriate control measures. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with intestinal parasitic infection in children attending three public municipal daycare centers in Alfenas, MG. Three fecal samples from each childwere collected on alternate days and processed by the spontaneous sedimentation technique and also through the commercially available centrifugal concentration technique, known as the TF-Test® (TFT). Information on the biological, social and physical environment, in which the children lived, were obtained through the application of a socio-epidemiological questionnaireto the parents or guardians and daycare staff. Giardia duodenalis was the parasite species most frequently detected among the children, with a positive rate of 27.8% (77/277). Entamoeba coli was detected in one of the daycare centers studied, with positivity rate of 43.7%, (7/16); and helminth infection in only two children. The present study showed that children of municipaldaycare centers in Alfenas could be at risk of infection by intestinal parasites.

Intestinal parasites among employees of restaurants and cafeterias in a city of Brazil.

To investigate the frequency of intestinal parasites in employees of restaurants and cafeterias located in the Commercial Center of São Mateus, Espírito Santo, one of the oldest cities of Brazil. Between August 2013 and February 2014, 42 fecal samples were collected and analyzed by spontaneous sedimentation method in the Clinical Analysis Laboratory of the Federal University of Espírito Santo, São Mateus Campus. The results were positive in 19 % of the samples. The commensal Entamoeba coli (75 %) was the most common followed by Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (37.5 %) and Giardia lamblia (12.5 %). Implementing health education measures in the city of São Mateus is suggested by providing permanent health education, as well as conducting parasitological examinations. Such actions will contribute to the improvement of health conditions of the population.

Enteroparasites in vegetables marketed in an ancient Brazilian city.

To assess contamination by enteroparasites in raw vegetables consumed in the city of São Mateus, Espírito Santo, Brazil. Samples of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and parsley (Petrosolium sativum) were collected from six popular establishments, such as supermarkets and street markets. The obtained material was analyzed, after washing, by the spontaneous sedimentation method in the Clinical Analysis Laboratory of the Federal University of Espírito Santo, São Mateus Campus. From a total of 120 analyzed samples, 71 (59 %) had one or more parasitic contaminants. Lettuce samples had a contamination rate of 78.3 %, and parsley samples of 40 %. The results show that the vegetables consumed in the city had protozoa, helminths and arthropods, which points to the need for implementing hygienic-sanitary measures in production, handling and transportation of these vegetables.

Apex Predators, Rockshelters, and Zoonoses in the Patagonian Holocene.

Carnivorous mammals are a trophic guild with an important role in the dissemination of parasite infective stages (larvae, eggs, cysts, and oocysts). In the present study, new samples of coprolites attributed to carnivorous mammals, obtained from 2 archaeological caves, were analyzed for the presence of parasites with the aim to increase the knowledge about parasites in rockshelters that could have spread to humans and other mammals. To this purpose, fragments of 3 coprolites from Cerro Casa de Piedra, cave 5 and cave 7, were examined. Coprolites were rehydrated in aqueous trisodium phosphate and processed by spontaneous sedimentation. High parasite richness was observed and new parasite species for archaeological contexts were found. The parasitological findings in Puma concolor coprolites associated with caves suggest the importance of these carnivores in the dissemination of parasites in areas with high re-use of space and steady conditions of temperature, humidity, and radiation.

Socioenvironmental conditions and intestinal parasitic infections in Brazilian urban slums: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACTIntestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are neglected diseases with limited data regarding prevalence in Brazil and many other countries. In increasingly urban societies, investigating the profile and socioenvironmental determinants of IPIs in the general population of slum dwellers is necessary for establishing appropriate public policies catered to these environments. This study assessed the socioenvironmental conditions and prevalence of IPIs in slums of Rio de Janeiro, RJ State, Brazil.MethodsA cross-sectional study covering an agglomeration of urban slums was conducted between 2015 and 2016 using participants observation, a socioeconomic survey, and the spontaneous sedimentation method with three slides per sample to analyze fresh stool specimens ( n =595) searching for intestinal parasites.Results Endolimax nana ( n =95, 16.0%) and Entamoeba coli ( n =65, 10.9%) were the most frequently identified agents, followed by Giardia intestinalis ( n =24, 4.0%) and Ascaris lumbricoides ( n =11, 1.8%). Coinfections caused by E. nana and E. histolytica/dispar and by Entamoeba coli/A. lumbricoides were significant. The use of piped water as drinking water, the presence of A. lumbricoides , and contamination with coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli were more common in major area (MA) 1. Children (0-19 years) had a greater chance of living in poverty (OR 3.36; 95% CI: 2.50- 4.52; p <0.001) which was pervasive. The predominance of protozoa parasites suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach focusing on preventive chemotherapy for soil-transmitted helminths is not appropriate for all communities in developing countries. It is important that both residents and health professionals consider the socioenvironmental conditions of urban slums when assessing intestinal parasitic infections for disease control and health promotion initiatives.

Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. removal by bank filtration at Beberibe River, Brazil

AbstractIn bank filtration (BF) technology, a production well is pumped near surface water and induces water flow from the river through a porous medium to the well by percolation into the soil. Several physical, chemical, and biological processes occur, providing a natural water treatment along the river banks. An experimental area was installed on the Beberibe River with 2 production wells and 7 monitoring wells. The BF potential in removing pathogenic intestinal parasites and analysis of physical–chemical and bacteriological parameters was evaluated, according to Standard Methods. River–aquifer interaction was characterized by piezometric levels of production wells. Monitoring of the wells was correlated with the water depth of the river and precipitation. Parasite analysis was performed using Hoffman, Pons, and Janer's methods of spontaneous sedimentation, followed by centrifugation and preparation of slides stained with acetic Lugol. Protozoa oocysts were isolated by a modified Ziehl‐Neelsen method, preceded by sedimentation and centrifugation. The pathogenic protozoa found in samples from Beberibe River were Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., Entamoeba histolytica/dispar complex, and Isospora belli. Pathogenic helminths were also detected: Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, and hookworm eggs and larvae, Hymenolepis nana. In water samples from the production wells, no waterborne pathogens were found. The BF pilot project was effective in reducing levels of turbidity and color. Total coliforms and Escherichia coli were absent in the production wells. Piezometric levels of production wells and monitoring wells correlated with water depth of Beberibe River show hydraulic connection between the production wells and river, thus featuring a river–aquifer interaction. The BF pilot system showed potential for reduction or elimination of pathogenic intestinal parasites.