Strongyloides Stercolaris Research Articles

Low prevalence of soil transmitted helminth infection in Ugandan children hospitalized with severe malaria.

Co-infection by intestinal helminths and Plasmodium spp. may be common in endemic communities. Several studies have identified a relationship between helminth infection, Plasmodium spp. infection and malaria severity. However, the relationship is not well defined, and results are inconclusive. We analyzed 202 stool samples from a cohort of children with severe malaria enrolled in two hospitals in Uganda from 2014-2017 and asymptomatic community children from the same household or neighborhood and enrolled at the same time, all 6 months to 48 months of age. We investigated if intestinal helminth infection modified risk of severe malaria. We extracted nucleic acids from stool and tested them for six helminth species ( Anyclostoma duodenale, Ascaris lumbricoides, Necator americanus, Strongyloides stercolaris, Trichuris trichiura, Shistosoma mansoni ) using highly sensitive quantitative PCR. We found a low prevalence of infection by ≥1 intestinal helminth species in children with severe malaria (5.1%, n=9/177) and community control children (4.0%, n=1/25). Infection by ≥1 of the helminths assessed was not associated with severe malaria (aRR = 1.0, 95% Confidence Interval = 0.82, 1.3, p = 0.78). In 2003 Uganda instituted a national deworming program, with anti-helminth medication provided twice annually to children 6 months to 5 years of age. In these areas of Uganda, the national deworming campaign has been highly successful, as stool-based helminth infection was rare even when using highly sensitive methods of detection and was not a major contributor to risk of severe malaria.

A Case of Multiple Gastrointestinal Ulcer: A Rare Presentation of Strongyloidiasis

Strongyloides stercolaris is a common intestinal nematode in tropical and subtropical countries like Bangladesh. The presentation of this infection is nonspecific. Mostly it remains asymptomatic with peripheral eosinophilia. Immunocompromised individuals are at high risk of hyper infection to disseminated disease. We present a case of Strongyloides in an immunocompetent patient with features of gastric outlet obstruction. Laboratory findings revealed hypereosinophilia with multiple gastrointestinal ulcers on endoscopy. Biopsy was taken from a gastric ulcer which revealed ulceration and dense infiltration of acute and chronic inflammatory cells along with extensive intestinal metaplasia. There were tiny helminthic bodies within the mucosal glands and on the surface consistent with Strongyloides stercoralis. Routine examination of stool also revealed larvae of Strongyloides stercolaris. J Dhaka Med Coll. 2022; 31(1) : 163-166

Controversias en neuroinmunología: esclerosis múltiple, vacunación, SARS-CoV-2 y otros dilemas

Neuroimmunology is a discipline that increasingly broadens its horizons in the understanding of neurological diseases. At the same time, and in front of the pathophysiological links of neurological diseases and immunology, specific diagnostic and therapeutic approaches have been proposed. Despite the important advances in this discipline, there are multiple dilemmas that concern and filter into clinical practice. This article presents 15 controversies and a discussion about them, which are built with the most up-to-date evidence available. The topics included in this review are: steroid decline in relapses of multiple sclerosis; therapeutic recommendations in MS in light of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic; evidence of vaccination in multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases; overview current situation of isolated clinical and radiological syndrome; therapeutic failure in multiple sclerosis, as well as criteria for suspension of disease-modifying therapies; evidence of the management of mild relapses in multiple sclerosis; recommendations for prophylaxis against Strongyloides stercolaris; usefulness of a second course of immunoglobulin in the Guillain-Barré syndrome; criteria to differentiate an acute-onset inflammatory demyelinating chronic polyneuropathy versus Guillain-Barré syndrome; and, the utility of angiotensin-converting enzyme in neurosarcoidosis. In each of the controversies, the general problem is presented, and specific recommendations are offered that can be adopted in daily clinical practice.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and Their Transmission Risk Factors among Inmates of Naivasha and Kisii Prisons in Kenya

Parasites live off a host to survive where they grow, reproduce and invade organ systems therefore causing parasitic infections. Among the ten most common parasitic infections according to world health organization are hookworm, ascariasis, amoebiasis and trichuriasis. Parasitic infections in endemic countries shorten lives and impose a lifelong burden on the potential for advancement. Limited studies have been carried out to establish the prevalence of intestinal parasites among neglected and institutionalized groups of the population such as prison inmates which justified the need to establish the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) among inmates of Kisii and Naivasha prisons in Kenya. A cross-sectional study was used. Four hundred inmates after sampling, provided stool samples for analysis. Formal-ether concentration techniques was used for identification of helminths eggs and cysts of protozoa while direct wet mount using saline and iodine was used for microscopic examination of loose stool for identification of trophozoites of protozoa. Data on the predisposing factors were collected using structured questionnaire and focus group discussion. Chi Square test was used to determine the association between age groups and sex while odds ratio was used to determine the association of personal hygiene and infection by intestinal parasites. The prevalence rate of intestinal parasites was 84(20.84%) with Kisii prison having a prevalence of 37(20.04%) while Naivasha prison having 47(21.56%). Intestinal protozoa infections were higher 50(12.4%) than helminthes 28(10.4%). Intestinal protozoa identified were Entamoeba histolytica 30(7.4%) and Giardia lamblia 20(4.9%) while the intestinal helminthes identified were Ascaris lumbricoides 22(5.5%), Strongyloides stercolaris 2(0.5%) and hookworms 4(1.0%). Chi square test showed that significantly more females were infected than males (χ² = 12.53, P=0.016, df = 2) as well as inmates of 18-27 years in both prisons (χ² = 9.36, P=0.007, df = 28). Correlation coefficient indicated that the infections increased with lack of footwear (OR 2.68, Cl 0.94-3.41), failures to hand wash before meals (OR 2.88, Cl 0.93-3.36) and after toilet use (OR 2.19, Cl 1.02-4.44). Provision of health education and personal hygiene and sanitation, more pit latrines with enough water points for hand washing as well as sufficient footwear is recommended to reduce the IPIs in the prisons. This can be facilitated by the officers-in-charge in collaboration with the Ministry of health.

Parasitic Contamination of Fresh Bitter Leaf Vegetables - Onugbu (Vernonia amygdalina): A Case Study of Farms in Nimo, Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria

Aim: Vegetables form a major component of the human diet; however, some agricultural practices may put consumers at risk of parasitic infections. There is high consumption of bitter leaf (Onugbu) in the rural part of Nigeria. They are eaten raw as medicinal herbs by some people. The culture of inadequate or poor washing of vegetables could pose significant and major health threats to the consumers. The aim of the study was to identify some of the parasites that may be attached to the locally consumed edible vegetable Vernonia amygdalina called Onugbu amongst Igbo speaking dialect in south eastern Nigeria.
 Study Design: This study is a survey that evaluated the parasitic contamination of bitter leaf grown in selected farms in Nimo in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. 
 Duration: The study lasted for six months. 
 Methodology: V. amygdalina leaf samples were bought directly from the farmers at 300 Naira per rap. The examination of sample was carried out using sedimentation method. Samples weighing 50g were gently washed in normal saline water. The water used in washing was filtered and centrifuged at 300g to concentrate the parasitic stages and also to avoid damages. The sediments obtained were transferred unto labelled clean slides and examined under the light microscope at x 40 objective lens.
 Results: Parasites were detected in all samples collected from the farm. The commonest parasite was Entamoeba histolytica (cyst 45.5%); other parasites seen are Entamoeba coli (cyst 13.6%), B. coli (trophozoite 27.3%), Ascaris lumbricoides (ova 9.1%) and Strongyloides stercolaris (larva 4. 6%).
 Conclusion and Recommendations: The results provide evidence of contamination of bitter leaves from farms in Nimo in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria with parasites of public health importance. To avoid infection, humans should wash the leaves of this vegetable with running water or salt and water before it is eating raw.

27660 Parasite infection in a patient with a CD30 clonal T-cell lymphocytic variant of hypereosinophilic syndrome: Cause or coincidence

Hypereosinophilic syndromes (HES) are defined by the presence of blood and/or tissue hypereosinophilia producing organ damage. HES can arise from a primary (neoplastic) growth of eosinophils or a reactive proliferation of eosinophils secondary to parasitic infestations, inflammatory diseases or neoplasms. A lymphocytic variant (L-HES) has been recently described in which a clonal T-cell population releasing Th2-related cytokines induce eosinophil proliferation. Cutaneous lesions in HES are frequent and nonspecific. A 65-year-old Dominican male presented with a progressive generalized rash and dyspnea for 2 years. A skin biopsy was performed, showing an unspecific spongiotic dermatitis. Blood tests revealed eosinophilia (6.4ˆ3/uL) and IgE 1.050 UI/mL. Strongyloides stercolaris, Schistosoma mansoni, and Hymenolepsis nana were detected in the stool. Antiparasitic treatment was carried out and stool parasites were no longer detectable. However, both the dyspnea and the skin rash progressed. Hyperesosinophilia persisted. A CT scan and a lung biopsy confirmed an eosinophilic pneumonia. A new cutaneous specimen showed a perivascular and interstistitial infiltrated composed of eosinophils and atypical CD30+ T cells. Bone marrow biopsy was normal. Clonality of T-cell receptor was detected in peripheral blood. Brentuximab and meplizumab were introduced with rash and dyspnea improvement. Herein, we present a case of HES in which a parasite infestation was first diagnosed and correctly treated, yet without resolution of the symptoms. The subsequent hematologic investigations and skin biopsy revealed the presence of a clonal, atypical T cell proliferation consistent with the diagnosis of a L-HES. To our knowledge, this coincidence has not previously described.

Detection of Intestinal Helminthic Infection in Rural Communities Using Concentration Method

This study was aimed to determine the intestinal helminthic infections (IHIs) among rural communities of Bua Yai district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, northeastern Thailand. A cross-sectional study was conducted between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019 among rural villagers from 22 rural villages of 2 sub-districts. The participants were randomly selected from village enrollment list after proportional allocation of the total sample size. IHIs were prepared by the mini parasep sf faecal concentrator; concentration method, and then were detected using light microscope. Data were analyzed using STATA for windows version 13 and p-value less than 5% was considered as statistically significant. Of the total 454 faecal specimens examined, 6 were positive for at least one intestinal helminthes making the prevalence 1.32%. The most prevalent helminthes were Opisthorchis viverrini (1.26%) and followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (0.39%), Strongyloides stercolaris (0.19%), and Taenia spp. (0.19%), respectively. No significant association was found between IHIs and socio-demographic characteristics (P >0.05). This study reveals that the decreased infection rate is under control and elimination is possible through the prevention and control campaign from Ministry of Public Health in collaborated with network teams in this areas. However, IHIs are found in adults that were particularly apparent regarding the food borne and soil transmitted species of helminthes. A greater focus on intervention is required by improving personal hygiene and sanitation to prevent the spread of IHIs. Using MPFC indicates that concentration method is useful in the rural communities, increasing the yield of parasites with greater processing time and cost.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites amongst selected age groups within Okada, South –South Nigeria.

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites from volunteered individuals in the study site. A total of 300 stool samples, comprising 150 females and 150 males were collected randomly from the study population in Ovia North-East Local Government Area in Edo State, aged between 1 and 60 years. The stool samples were aseptically collected and examined using both direct smear method and formol ether sedimentation techniques to determine the individual parasite load of the sampled population. The age group of 16-20 had the highest number of participants 102(34%) while the age group of 6-10, 51-55 and 56-60 had the least number of participants of 3(1%) respectively. Out of the 300 stool samples examined 87, (29%) were positive with intestinal parasites while 213(71%) were negative, not having any intestinal parasitic infection However the age group of 11-15(N=10) and 31-35(N=10) had the highest prevalence rate of 11.5%, while the lowest prevalence (1%) was found in individuals of ages 41-60 years. There was no intestinal parasites found among the individuals below11 years of age.. Of the 150 male candidates examined, 57 (65.5%) were infected with intestinal parasites. On the other hand, their female counterparts had a total prevalence of 34.5%. A total number of six parasitic species were isolated from the fecal specimens. These were Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercolaris, Entamoeba coli, Hookworms and Entamoeba histolytica. Ascaris lumbricoides had the highest prevalence rate (12%), while Trichuris trichiura and Strongyloides stercolaris had the least prevalence rate (1%) respectively. The intestinal parasite infection and age were negatively correlated and there was a significant difference between the male and female infection rates (p<0.05).

Chronicle of migrant hyperinfective Strongyloides stercolaris larvae and associated bacteremia in a patient suffering from Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Background: Strongyloidiasis is a neglected nematode infestation and can lead to hyperinfection syndrome. The onset of strongyloides hyper-infection syndrome is associated with a myriad of seemingly unrelated symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal pain, urticaria, anaemia, sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Case report: A 65-year-old female patient presenting with chief complaints of nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever and cough and was admitted to a teaching hospital on 2nd May 2019. The patient was a diagnosed case of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura on Azathioprine (50mg, BD) and oral corticosteroid therapy (Prednisolone 60mg, OD) and was on treatment from the same hospital. The patient developed these symptoms after 23 days of immunosuppressive therapy. Patient was continued with previous medication along with supportive management after admission. Blood and urine sample was received in the department of Microbiology on 3rd May 2019 for culture and sensitivity testing. Urine sample was sterile after 24 hours of aerobic incubation. Escherichia coli grew in blood culture and the isolate was susceptible to gentamicin, amikacin and colistin. Stool sample was received on 6th of May 2019 for routine microscopy. With wet mount preparation of stool specimen, numerous larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis were seen. Modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining was performed and oocysts of Cryptosporidium species were also seen. Wet mount preparation of sputum sample was also performed in which few larvae of S. stercoralis were seen. Conclusion: As corticosteroid is the mainstay of treatment in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura an early diagnosis and prompt specific anti-parasitic therapy is required to eradicate these infections

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites from Abattoir Effluents in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites from abattoir effluents. A total of 200 samples were examined out of which 50 samples each from Goat, Sheep, Pig and Cow respectively. These samples were processed using standard parasitological techniques including macroscopy, microscopy; formol ether concentration and modified Ziehl Neelsen method. Out of the 200 samples examined 109 where positive for intestinal parasites. This result revealed an overall prevalence of 54.5% in all. A total of 30 (60%) was recorded for goat, 23 (46.0%) cow, 29 (58.0%) sheep and 27 (54.0%) pigs. The prevalence of different parasites encountered included <i>Ascaris suum</i> (5.6%), <i>Trichuris trichiura</i> (3.2%), Hookworm (24.2%), <i>Strongyloides stercolaris</i> (0.8%), <i>Teania</i> spp. (2.8%), <i>Enterobius vermicularis</i> (7.1%) <i>Trichostrongylus</i> (8.3%), <i>Diphyllobothrium latum</i> (0.4%), <i>Schistosoma intercalatum</i> (0.1%), <i>Fasciolopsis buski</i> (8.3%), <i>Fasciola hepatica</i> (3.2%) and <i>Metagonimus yokogawai</i> (0.4%). Others were <i>Paragonimus westermani</i> (0.4%), <i>Entamoeba coli</i> (9.9%), <i>Entamoeba histolytica</i> (6.7%), <i>Giardia lamblia</i> (4.4%), <i>Trichomonas hartmani</i> (0.8%), <i>Balantidium coli</i> (11.1%) and <i>Oocyst of Crypstoporidium</i> (2.0%). The highest prevalence was hookworm (42.6%) in goat and <i>Balantidium coli</i> (60.7%) in pigs. <i>Fasciolopsis buski</i> and <i>Metagonimus yokogawai</i> had the lowest prevalence (0.4%). There was a significant prevalence of intestinal parasites in effluents of Jos Abbatoir.

Screening for intestinal parasites in adults from three different regions of Colombia

Intestinal parasitosis (IP) is a public health problem in developing countries affecting one fourth of the global population. IP are common studied in children, neglecting the adults that are also at high risk and source of transmission. A screening study was performed with a convenience sample in three Colombian regions: Guachené (Cauca), Quibdó (Chocó), and Urabá (Antioquia). Feces samples from 284 volunteers (older than 18 years old) were tested by microscopy to identify parasite ova and cysts. The IP frequency was 14.5%, and 52.1% were males. 63.2% of the parasitized patients exhibited diarrhea, and/or abdominal pain with significant association. 39.5% had single parasitic infection and 60.5% had multiple parasites: Blastocystis hominis (63.9%), Entamoeba hystolitica/dispar (39.4%), Endolimax nana (33.3%), Ascaris lumbricoides (22.2%), Giardia lamblia (19.4%), Entamoeba coli (13.9%), Trichuris trichiura (11.1%), hookworm species (11.1%), Strongyloides stercolaris (5.6%), and Iodamoeba butschlii (2.8%). A multivariate approach was used to determine predictor factors for IP: male gender, rainwater as drinking source, and feces disposal different to toilet, latrine or septic tank were positively associated with infection. This study evidences that adult population, not only children from vulnerable areas of Colombia, must have to include as a risk for intestinal parasitism.

Intestinal parasites of the bobcat (Lynx rufus) in areas surrounding Queretaro, Mexico

The bobcat ( Lynx rufus ) is one of the carnivores most widely distributed in North America, coexisting with wild and domestic animals. Parasites reported for the bobcat in the United States and Canada are generalists typical of the order Carnivora. In Mexico, studies on parasites of carnivorous mammals are scarce due to their elusive nature, which makes difficult to obtain biological samples. Considering the available information about the bobcat in its northern distribution range, the community of intestinal parasites of this species was expected to comprise generalist parasites. The primary aim of this study was to determine the composition of the community of intestinal parasites in the bobcat ( Lynx rufus ) inhabiting areas surrounding the city of Queretaro, and investigate whether seasonal differences exist. The study was carried out in four sampling sites where Lynx rufus had been previously reported. Tracks were surveyed for scats in the rainy and dry seasons. Scats were analyzed using the Ritchie method supplemented with coprocultures and larval migrations. Parasites were identified based on specialized literature and prevalence was expressed in percentage. A X2 test and a non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis were conducted to compare parasite species composition between sites and between seasons. A total of 83 scat samples were collected, 53 in the rainy season and 30 in the dry season. A total of seven parasite species were identified: Trichuris vulpis, Physaloptera praeputialis, Toxascaris leonina, Toxocara cati, Strongyloides stercolaris, Ancylostoma sp. and Uncinaria stenocephala. The prevalence of parasitized scats in both seasons was 75.9 %, with 73.6 % and 80 % in the rainy and dry seasons, respectively. The X2 test showed no significant differences between seasons (X2 = 0,553, d. f. = 1, P = 0.457). No differences were found in parasite species composition, either between seasons or between localities, according to the nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis. The parasitic load of the bobcat in areas surrounding Queretaro is composed of generalist nematodes that are typical of carnivores. T. vulpis is recorded for the first time in L. rufus for Mexico. A high prevalence of S. stercolaris was observed, suggesting an interaction with human populations and domestic and wild animals, as reported in other studies on this same carnivore. This study is one of the first reports published on intestinal parasites of L. rufus in anthropic areas of Mexico, finding that the composition and structure of the parasite communities of this carnivore may indicate tolerance to disturbance derived from human activities.

PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF BLASTOCYSTIS SP. INFECTION AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN A RURAL COMMUNITY, CENTRAL THAILAND

Background:Blastocystissp., a protozoan parasite, has been globally reported as one of the most common intestinal parasitic infections in humans. Water transmission plays an important role for the route of transmission of this organism to humans. Objectives:To determine the prevalence and risk factors of Blastocystissp.infection among schoolchildren in a rural community, central Thailand. Materials and Methods:In November 2015, schoolchildren from four primary schools (School A, B, C and D) at a rural community of Sanamchaikate district, Chacherngsao Province, central Thailand were enrolled into the study. Stool samples collected from participants were examined using wet preparation, phosphate buffered saline-ethyl acetate and Kato-Katz techniques. Short-term cultivation for Blastocystis sp. was performed using Jone’s medium supplemented with 10% horse serum. Strongyloides stercoralis was also detected using agar plate culture technique. Results:A total of 501 school children were analyzed. The mean age at diagnosis was 9.996±1.59years. The prevalence of overall parasitic infections was 17.8% and were diagnosed as follows: Blastocystis sp. in 64 participants (12.8%), Giardia duodenalis (1.4%), Entamoeba coli (1.0%), Opisthorchis viverrini(0.8%), Enterobius vermicuralis (0.6%), and Strongyloides stercolaris (0.4%). A significantly increased risk of Blastocystis sp.infection was found in children studying at the School B, C and A when compared with those studying at School D (p =0.001, OR =4.36, 95% CI =1.83-10.39, p =0.032, OR= 2.89,95% CI =1.10-7.64, and p =0.033, OR =2.2, 95% CI =1.06-4.54, respectively). Drinking water was suspected to be the source of transmission. However, screening by PCR at the 18S rRNA gene for Blastocystis sp. could not detect the parasites from any sources of drinking water samples collected from the four schools. Conclusion:Themost predominant intestinal protozoa infection in the study school children was Blastocystis sp. The high prevalence of protozoa infection could reflect the hygienic conditions of the children. Thus, health education and the control of intestinal parasitic infections are necessary to these children.

Profile of intestinal parasitosis among school-aged children in Kiliba (eastern DR Congo).

This study of feces sought to determine the prevalence of human intestinal parasites in the Kiliba area of the eastern DR Congo. Feces of 602 school children aged from 9 to 20 years were collected from April to June 2014 and examined. Direct analyses were supplemented with the Kato and Ritchie methods. The global prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in school-aged children in the Kiliba area was 91.4% [95% CI: 87.6-94.3%]. The frequency of helminthiasis was high at 73.8% (95% CI: 68.4-78.6%) and that of protozoa reached 32.9% (95% CI: 27.7-38.6%). Girls were infected more often than boys. The group aged 17-20 years had the highest infection rate (97.7%), but no statistically significant difference was observed among the age groups studied. The most frequent parasite species were: Schistosoma mansoni (30.6%), Strongyloides stercolaris (21.3%), Entamoeba histolytica (17.6%), Trichomonas intestinalis (14.6%), Ankylostoma duodenale (13.6%), Ascaris lumbricoides (12.6%), Trichuris trichiura (9.0%), Taenia saginata (6.6%), and Giardia intestinalis (5.0%). This investigation demonstrated the extreme frequency of these fecal infections. Preventive measures, including water distribution, sanitary installations, and hygiene education, should be implemented.

Assessment of intestinal helminths in community school children of Khana Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

Two hundred and forty stool samples from three primary schools in Khana Local Government of Rivers State were examined to determine the prevalence of gastro-intestinal helminthes in pupils. The stool samples were examined using the direct wet preparation and formol ether concentration methods. The study showed that 126 females and 114 males were examined in three communities (Sii, Gwara and Gure). An overall prevalence of 70% was recorded; out of which 57 (23.7%), 53 (22.1%) and 58 (24.2%) were recorded for Sii, Gwara, and Gure respectively. Eighty three (34.5%) males and 85 (35.4%) females were infected as follows: 27 (11.2%), 30 (12.5%); 24 (10.0%), 29 (12.1%) and 32 (13.3%), 26 (10.8%) for Sii, Gwara, and Gure, respectively. Also 286 helminth worms were recovered as follows; 127 (44.4%), 114 (40%), 21 (7.3%), 20 (7%), 3 (1%) and 1 (0.3%) for Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichuira, Hookworms, Fasciola hepatica, Strongyloides stercolaris and Enterobius vermicularis respectively. There was no significant difference in pattern of infection between the sexes, and location of study (p-values &gt; 0.05). The study suggested that the high prevalence is an indication of prevailing unhygienic environment due to inadequate sanitary facilities and drinking water.Keywords: intestinal helminthes, school children, prevalence, sexes, infections

Detection of intestinal parasites by use of the cuvette-based automated microscopy analyser sediMAX®

Microscopy is the reference method for intestinal parasite identification. The cuvette-based automated microscopy analyser, sediMAX 1, provides 15 digital images of each sediment sample. In this study, we have evaluated this fully automated instrument for detection of enteric parasites, helminths and protozoa. A total of 700 consecutively preserved samples consisting of 60 positive samples (50 protozoa, ten helminths) and 640 negative samples were analysed. Operators were blinded to each others' results. Samples were randomized and were tested both by manual microscopy and sediMAX 1 for parasite recognition. The sediMAX 1 analysis was conducted using a dilution of faecal samples, allowing determination of morphology. The data obtained using sediMAX 1 showed a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 100%. Some species of helminths, such as Enterobius vermicularis, Strongyloides stercolaris, the Ancylostoma duodenale/Necator americanus complex, and schistosomes were not considered in this work, because they are rare in stool specimens, are not easily detectable with microscopy analysis, and require specific recovery techniques. This study demonstrated for the first time that sediMAX 1 can be an aid in enteric parasite identification.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites of dogs and associated risk factors in Adama Town, Central Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2013 to April 2014 with the objectives of estimating the prevalence ofhelminth parasites of dogs and associated risk factors in Adama. Standard fecal flotation and sedimentation techniques were used to identify parasite ova. Accordingly the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites of dogs was found to be 82.03% (95% CI, 77.8-85. 7). Helminth species identified were Ancylostoma spp , Dipylidium caninum , Toxocara canis , Strongyloides stercolaris , Echinococcus granulosus , Trichuris uulpis , Taenia spp and Toxoascaris leonina . Ancylostoma spp were the most frequent and T. leonina was the least abundant parasite observed with prevalence of 40.1 % and 0.26%, respectively. The prevalence of helminth parasites was significantly higher (p>0.05) in young (91.4%) than adult (76.6%) dogs. Thin dogs had significantly higher (p>0.05) overall prevalence (92.8%) than fat dogs (67. 7%). Non-confined dogs had higher prevalence (92.5%) than partially confined (83.1 %) and fully confined (64.5%) dogs, the difference being statistically significant between the non-confined and fully confined categories (p 0.05). The presence of these parasites with the observed abundance and subsequent contamination of the environment by parasite ova and larvae is of public health importance. Strategic treatment of young dogs at the earliest possible age and responsible dog ownership with proper housing management were forwarded as recommendation. Keywords: Adama, Ancylostoma spp, Helminth parasites, Risk factors, Toxocara canis , Zoonoses

Prevalence of Cryptosporidiosis among diarrhea patients attending clinics in Bushenyi district of Uganda

Background: Diagnosis of Cryptosporidium species that causes Cryptosporidiosis and associated diarrhea especially among HIV-infected and AIDS patients remains a big challenge for health care providers in this region. Objective: To determine the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis among the hospital attendees in the Bushenyi district of Uganda. Materials and Methods: Standard parasitological methods were used in the identification of parasites including cryptosporidiosis from among the 105 diarrhea patients whose samples were analyzed. Results: We report a 66.7% (70 out of 105) overall parasite prevalence and 16.2% (17 out of 105) prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts was found in the patients studied. Fifty-two percent (52.1%) of the patients were HIV positive and the majority of the study population presented with persistent diarrhea (67.4%). High percentages of HIV-positive cases were observed in the 25-34years (44.0%) and the 35- 45 years (28.0%) age groups. Other intestinal parasites found to be causing diarrhea alongside cryptosporidium are hookworm which was observed in 12 (11.4%) patients, Ascaris lumbricoides also in 12 (11.4%) patient, Entamoeba histolytica was found in 11 (10.5%) patients, Giardia lamblia in 5(4.8%) patients, Isospora belli in 5(4.8%), Cyclospora cayetanensis in 4 (3.8%) patients, Strongyloides stercolaris in 2 (1.9%), and Trichuris trichiura was found in 2 (1.9%) patients. Conclusion: Poor hygiene both personal and environmental, poor diagnostic, clinical, prevention, and control skills facilities may have impacted Cryptosporidiosis reported in this study. Opportunistic infections and comorbidities by other parasites were noted in HIV/AIDS among the studied population. Microscopic detection of Cryptosporidium species assists ineffective intervention.

Occurrence of protozoa and soil transmitted helminth (STH) in human feces used as manure in agriculture

To assess the health risk association of soil contamination with parasite, a total number of 168 faecally contaminated night soil was studied. The presence of four protozoan parasites, viz. Cryptosporidium sp., Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia sp., Trichomonas hominis and eight different helminthes, viz. Diphyllobothrium latum, Hymenolepis sp., Taenia sp., Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenale, Enterobius vermicularis, Strongyloides stercolaris and Trichuris trichiura were identified. Among the protozoans, Giardia sp. was the highest (46.43%) and most abundant (339.87 ± 17.01 cysts/g); among helminthes the prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides was the highest (80.95%) and Strongyloides stercoralis was mostly abundant (409.31 ± 47.53 larvae/g). Highest percentage of mild infections was found in Giardia sp. (43.45), and lowest in Trichomonas hominis (8.33). Whereas, among helminthes, highest percentage (64.29), of mild infections was found in Ascaris lumbricoides and lowest (11.90) in Taenia. In case of protozoa, moderate infection found in Giardia sp. (2.98%) and Entamoeba histolytica (3.57%), but in case of helminth only Ascaris lumbricoides showed moderate infections (16.67%).&#x0D; Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 24(2): 161-168, 2015 (July)

Nutritional Status of Children with Intestinal Parasites from a Tropical Area of Bolivia, Emphasis on Zinc and Iron Status

Malnutrition and parasitic diseases are within the major issues in rural areas in developing countries. In this study, the nutritional status, dietary intake including mineral absorption inhibitor (phytate), hematological indicators and trace element status (zinc, iron) were evaluated and associated to the presence of intestinal parasites in a group of children from a rural area of Bolivia. The results showed that 96% of the children had intestinal parasites; 7 types of parasites (Ascaris lumbricoides, Giardia lamblia, Ancylostoma duodenale, Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba coli, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercolaris) were identified. Anthropometric measurements indicated that 37% of the children were stunted and 17% were underweight. Iron and zinc intake showed that 34% and 30% of children had inadequate intake of these nutrients respectively. Phytate: zinc molar ratios were between 6.5 and 21, and from 6.2 to 15 for phytate: iron, indicating that the absorption of zinc and iron might be compromised by the level of phytate in the diet. The serum zinc was below the lower cut-off in 87% of the children, indicating zinc deficiency. Moreover, a multiple regression model showed the significant effect of the presence of the parasite Giardia lamblia and phytate intake on the serum zinc levels. Regarding the iron status, 30% of the children presented with anemia and about 66% had iron deficiency; a simple linear regression model showed the significant negative effect of the presence of the parasite Ancylostoma duodenale on iron status. In conclusion, the levels of zinc and iron, which were low in this child population, were greatly affected by the presence of intestinal parasites; in addition, the consumption of plant-based diets with high levels of phytate also impaired the zinc absorption.