Enterobius Vermicularis Research Articles

Risk factors associated with intestinal pathogenic parasites in schoolchildren

Diseases caused by intestinal parasites impose a substantial burden on population of middle income countries including Pakistan. This research was aimed to assess the risk factors for intestinal parasites in school children of Malakand, Pakistan. Two hundred and eighty eight students were enrolled between February and June 2016. Out of the total enrolled 184 were agreed to collect stool specimens. A questionnaire was also used to collect the data on socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the participants. All the students were guided to collect at least 10gof their own stool specimens. Each of the stool specimens was diagnosed for the presence of any stage of helminth or protozoal parasites. Formal ether concentration method and wet mount techniques were applied. One way ANOVA was used for calculation of P value when it was less than 0.05 which was considered significant. Eighty two percent of the participants were found infected with one species of parasite while 69.9% of the participants were infected with more than one species of intestinal parasites. The most prevalent parasite was hook worm 33.4% (n = 99/296) followed by Taenia saginata 28.7% (n = 85/296), Ascaris lumbricoides 27.7% (n = 82/296), Hymenolepis nana 6.08% (n = 18/296), Entamoeba histolytica 3.37% (n = 10/296) and least for each Enterobius vermicularis and Fasciola hepatica 0.37% (n = 1/296). Previously used drugs, level in school, ages, weight and upper arm circumference were the most significantly (P < 0.05) related factors for the occurrence of intestinal parasite infection. Present research endorsed that risk factors play a key role in the transmission of parasitic diseases. Lack of safe water supply, using raw vegetables, animal keeping, which should be considered for sustainable strategies in the control of these infections preferably in remote parts of the world.

Нұр-Cұлтан қаласы Алматы ауданы топырағының геогельминттермен ластану жағдайы

The work on determining the main sources of soil pollution in the city, the species composition, the number of pollutants, and assessing their impact on the environment and public health is one of the problems that have not yet been solved in our country. The increase in anthropogenic load on the soil of the city, the accumulation of particularly dangerous untreated substances, the coating of the soil surface with a waterproof layer provoke a violation of the structure and composition of the soils of the city. The article presents an overview of scientific papers on the course and relevance of the study of helminths living on urban soils in general, their species composition, conditions and features of distribution, life cycle. It is proved that soil pollution, which is the main factor in the spread of infectious invasive diseases among animals and humans, has a negative impact on the quality of feed, food products, indicators of underground and surface water reserves, atmospheric air. Examples are given on the state of chemical, biological, and microbiological pollution of the city's soils, sources of pollution, and the relevance of scientific research on the impact of contaminated soils on the environment. This scientific direction describes the course of research in the world, the country. The article also analyzes the results of studies conducted on the state of soil pollution by helminths of the Almaty district of Nur-Sultan. During the study, there were taken soil samples from five points for four seasons of the year (Romanenko's mixed-method), which have various possibilities of infection with helminths in the Almaty district of Nur-Sultan. As a result of the study, there were determined the species composition and abundance (42) of helminth eggs (acute worm - Enterobius vermicularis), giardia duodenalis, and ascarids - Ascarididae). The degree of danger to the environment was assessed by the frequency of occurrence of helminth eggs found in the soil.

A supervised U-Net based color image semantic segmentation for detection & classification of human intestinal parasites

Intestinal parasites are among the main public health problems around the world especially in underprivileged communities where overcrowded, poor environmental sanitation and lack of access for clear and safe water are prevalent. Currently, approximately 4 billion people are infected by intestinal parasites worldwide. Diseases caused by such infections can induce physical and mental disorders, and even death to children and immunodeficient individuals. Microscopy remains the gold standard in the diagnosis of human intestinal parasites. However, that manual approach requiring well-trained and experienced parasitologists is time consuming, tedious and subjective. To cope with this, machine learning tools are increasingly used to assist the medical profession in the diagnosis of intestinal parasites. Deep learning models are currently the best machine learning tools. In our work, we built a data set of 320 microscopic color images in which we detect 4 types of intestinal parasites: Ascaris Lumbricoides, Schistosoma mansoni, Trichuris Trichiura and Oxyure (or Enterobius vermicularis). Inspired by the structure of the U-Net, a deep learning model is developed for segmentation of the 4 types of intestinal parasites from the background (including fecal impurities) of the image. The proposed model has proven to be robust to underfiting and overfiting. The results show an overall detection performance of 99.8% accuracy.

Prevalence of cestodes infection among school children of urban parts of Lower Dir district, Pakistan.

Tapeworms of zoonotic importance have been described as a leading public health problem. Current research was aim to assess the prevalence of tapeworms among 5-12years school children residing in district Lower Dir, Pakistan from January 2019-December 2019. The wet mount preparation in saline/iodine/methods were used for stool examination. Data was analyzed using appropriate descriptive, static methods. Of the 400 children studied 71.7% were infected with one or more species of intestinal parasites. Single infection of cestode species was found in 69 individuals with 17.2% prevalence and multiple parasitic infections were identified in 19.7% (n=79/400) individuals. The multiple infection were comprised as 10% (n=40) double, 6.75% (n=27) triple and 3% (n=12) quadruple. A total of 9 species of helminths and one species of protozoan infection. Among the helminths Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent 33.1% (n=95), Taenia saginata 22.6% (n=65), hookworm 19.8% (n=57), Hymenolepis nana 18.8% (n=54), Enterobius vermicularis and Hymenolepis diminuta 1.39% (n=4each), Trichuris trichura 1.04% (n=3), Toxocara spp 0.69% (n=2) and Schistosoma japonicum 0.34% (n=1) were reported. One protozoan species was Cryptosporidium spp 0.69% (n=2) in current study. In case of A.lumbricoides, hookworm, E.vermicularis, T.trichura, T.saginata, H.nana and H.diminuta the male children of below 8 years of age were highly infected. Other infections are reported in the same prevalence with slight difference if any. We conclude that there is a need for mass scale campaigns to create awareness regarding health and hygiene in children and the need for development of effective poverty control programs because deworming alone is not adequate to control parasitic infections.

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.

The Novodiag® Stool parasites assay, an innovative high-plex technique for fast detection of protozoa, helminths and microsporidia in stool samples: a retrospective and prospective study.

Objectives: We provide the first evaluation of the CE-IVD marked Novodiag® stool parasites assay (NVD), allowing rapid and high-plex detection of 26 distinct targets, encompassing protozoans, helminths and microsporidia in stool samples. Methods: A total of 254 samples (n = 205 patients) were prospectively processed by the NVD and our routine procedure (RP). Performances of the NVD were compared with RP. Samples only positive by the NVD assay were investigated by external PCR assays. Sensitivity and specificity (Se/Sp) and time from sample receipt to results were determined for each method. The NVD was also evaluated against 77 additional samples positive for a wide range of parasites. Results: Overall positivity rate was 16.9% for RP compared with 34% using the NVD assay, and 164 samples (66%) were negative by both methods. Only 30 positive samples (12%) showed full concordance between RP and NVD. Fifty-three discordant samples were sent for external investigations. Except for Giardia intestinalis and Trichuris spp., higher Se was observed for the NVD assay for Blastocystis spp. (100% vs. 63%), Dientamoeba fragilis (100% vs. 0%), Schistosoma spp. (100% vs. 17%), and Enterobius vermicularis (100% vs. 67%) but roughly similar to RP for the remaining parasites tested. False-positive results were identified for Blastocystis spp., G. intestinalis, and Trichuris spp. using the NVD assay. The NVD mostly provides a diagnosis on the day of sample receipt compared with a mean of three days with RP. Conclusions: Besides some limitations, the NVD is a new diagnostic strategy allowing rapid and high-plex detection of gastrointestinal parasites from unpreserved stools.

Pinworm infection in school children of four districts of Malakand region, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Illnesses caused by human pinworm remains a pediatric health problem in developing nations including Pakistan. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis in school children of four districts in Malakand region, Pakistan. Four hundred faecal specimens were screened from May 2014 to July 2017 using normal saline and Lugol Iodine solution. Twenty three (5.75%) individuals were found infected with E. vermicularis. Five children (1.25%) were infected with only E. vermicularis and eighteen (4.5%) were mixed with other helminths. E. vermicularis 23 (5.75%), hookworm 11 (2.75%), Ascaris lumbricoides 5 (1.25%), Taenia saginata 2 (0.5%) and Trichuris trichuira 4 (1%) were detected. Age wise 5-8 years were more parasitized followed by 13-15 and 9-12 years of age (0.0296, P<0.05). Male children were highly (0.06700, P<0.05) infected than female. Children in Malakand district were found more infected followed by Dir Upper, similar infection rate was noted in children of districts Lower Dir and Swat (0.0192, P<0.05). Children in primary level were highly (0.0013, P<0.05) infected than those of middle and high levels. Enterobiosis is still the most common parasitic diseases in children. Studies on enterobiosis should be conducted time by time to recognize the hazardous of such parasitic infection in remote areas of the country.

Penyuluhan mengenai bahaya "Kecacingan" di TPA Al Ikhlas Polri, Jatisampurna, Bekasi

Worms infection disease is a health problem often found in the world and Indonesia. Worms’ infection disease commonly found in Indonesia and which infected children are caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris Trichiura, and Enterobius vermicularis. One of the children affected by worms is often playing with the ground because of the habit. Al Ikhlas School’s Polri in Jatisampurna Bekasi consists of pre-primary and elementary schools that have never received counseling about the dangers of worms’ infection. This activity aims to educate children about the dangers of worms’ infection. The method used is through filling out questionnaires, counseling, media posters, and handwashing demonstrations. The activity was attended by 21 with 81% had experienced worms’ infection disease and 19% had never have experienced worms’ disease, and 85,71 % understood about knowledge of worms’ infection disease and 14,29 did not understand. The counseling provided included egg and adult worms, the cause of worms’ disease infection, how to get infections, the danger of infection, and prevent infection.

Artisanal tannery wastewater: quantity and characteristics

Tannery wastewater is one of the most toxic waste generated in industries. In spite of this, there still remains a paucity of information on characteristics of wastewater generated from artisanal tanneries. This study, therefore, assessed the water consumption, wastewater generation rates, physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of wastewater produced from each process unit of an artisanal tannery in Ghana. The study revealed that the total amount of water use in the tannery ranged between 1171 and 2120L/day whilst the total volume of wastewater generated was within 820 and 1324L/day. Physicochemical characteristics of the different wastewater types generated at the tannery including chemical oxygen demand (13600–24333.30 mg/L), biochemical oxygen demand (1445.64–2803 mg/L), ammonia (3.20–21.38 mg/L), colour (950.35–53900.10PtCo), electrical conductivity (8170 - 10080 μS/cm), turbidity (450.24–1805NTU), suspended (1033.50–3216.40 mg/L) and dissolved (26166.50–4996.65 mg/L) solids exceeded the guidelines set by the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency. There were also high levels of chlorides, sodium, sulphates and calcium ions. The most dominant anion and cation in the wastewater were chlorides (715–20490.60 mg/L) and sodium ions (258–14056.45 mg/L) respectively. Heavy metals identified in the wastewater included zinc, aluminium, iron and chromium ions with the most dominant one being aluminium ions (0.58–78.18 mg/L). Whilst the E-coli was below detectable limit, the count of total coliforms ranged between 0 and 4.5 × 104CFU/100mL. Five helminth egg species (Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Enterobius vermicularis) were identified with their numbers surpassing the safe limit set by the World Health Organisation for irrigation purposes. These results indicated that the indiscriminate discharge of the untreated wastewater on the bare soil as it is practised at the tannery has the potential to adversely affect public and environmental health. Appropriate treatment schemes are therefore, required to treat the wastewater to safe limits prior to discharge.

Helminth-Induced Human Gastrointestinal Dysbiosis: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Reveals Insights into Altered Taxon Diversity and Microbial Gradient Collapse.

ABSTRACTHigh-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing has allowed the characterization of helminth-uninfected (HU) and helminth-infected (HI) gut microbiomes, revealing distinct profiles. However, there have been no qualitative or quantitative syntheses of these studies, which show marked variation in participant age, diet, pathogen of interest, and study location. A predefined minimally biased search strategy identified 23 studies in humans. For each of these studies, we qualitatively addressed the effects of helminth infection on within-individual (alpha) and between-individual (beta) fecal microbiome diversity, infection-associated microbial taxa, the effect of helminth clearance on microbiome composition, microbiome composition as a predictor of infection status or treatment outcome, and treatment-specific effects on the fecal microbiome. Concomitantly, we performed a meta-analysis on a subset of 7 of these studies containing raw, paired-end 16S reads and individual-level metadata, comprising 424 pretreatment or untreated HI individuals and 497 HU controls. After reducing the batch effect and adjusting for age, our data demonstrated that intestinal helminth parasites can alter the host gut microbiome by increasing alpha diversity and promoting taxonomic reassortment and gradient collapse. Most strongly influencing the microbiome composition were the helminths found in the large intestine, Enterobius vermicularis and Trichuris trichiura, suggesting that this influence appears to be specific to soil-transmitted helminths (STH) species and host anatomical niche. In summary, using a large and diverse sample set captured in the meta-analysis, we were able to evaluate the influence of individual helminth species as well as species-species interactions, each of which explained a significant portion of the variation in the microbiome.

Prevalence of and risk factors for Enterobius vermicularis infestation in preschool children, West Bank, Palestine, 2015.

Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) infestation is a common condition that primarily affects children. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of and the risk factors for E. vermicularis infestation in preschool children in north West Bank. A cross-sectional study that included the six main governorates in north West Bank was carried out on a sample of 384 preschool children from 86 day-care centres. The perianal cellophane tape method was used to detect E. vermicularis infestation. Parents/guardians of participating children completed a questionnaire to collect information about: demographic characteristics; hygiene behaviour; socioeconomic status; history of previous infestation; and presence of symptoms. Risk factors for infestation were assessed using logistic regression analysis. Of the 384 children, 85 (22.1%) had E. vermicularis infestation. Age (P = 0.04), governorate (P = 0.01), residency (P = 0.03), number of household members (P < 0.001) and washing hands after toilet use (P = 0.01) were significantly associated with E. vermicularis infestation. In the logistic regression analysis, factors that increased the probability of infection were: living in villages (odds ratio (OR) 2.25; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-5.00), living in a household with ≥ nine family members (OR 3.63; 95% CI: 1.42-9.26) and not washing hands after using the toilet (OR 2.4; 95% CI: 1.30-4.40). E. vermicularis is an important helminthic infestation among preschool children in Palestine. Efforts are needed to ensure the availability of treatment for infected children at primary care centres and to reinforce hygiene behaviour.

Parasite load of raw wastewater from the city of Biskra’s discharge outfalls - Z’mor and Biskra valleys (Algeria)

Algeria, like other arid and semi-arid African countries, is confronted by problems related to rapid population growth and water stress (water short-age). This stress fosters raw wastewater reuse in market gardening and hor-ticulture. The advantages of this wastewater consist of their nutrients whose organic materials contribute to soils enrichment with humus, as well as their availability in large quantities. However, raw wastewater reuse entails a po-tential risk of environmental and water resources pollution. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the parasite load of raw wastewater from the city of Biskra’s discharge outfalls (Biskra valley and Z'mor valley), while consider-ing the demographic and socio-economic profile of populations connected to these outfalls. Our results revealed a variety of parasites in the form of hel-minths eggs at the following average concentrations: Ascaris sp. (33.66 eggs/L,), Trichuris sp. (22 eggs/L), Enterobius vermicularis (19.58 eggs/L), Ancy-lostoma sp. (17.41 eggs/L), Nematodirus sp. 17.83 (eggs/L), Hymenolepis nana (21.66 eggs/L), Moniezia expansa (16.5 eggs/L), Taenia sp. (18.5 eggs/L), Fasciola hepatica (0.58 eggs/L) and Strongyloides spp (17.11 eggs/L). The parasitic helminths eggs distribution varies according to the size of urban areas and the socio-economic level of populations connected to each outfall. This study also highlighted the qualitative and quantitative seasonal varia-tions of helminths eggs in wastewater from Biskra’s two outfalls.

A histopathological study of unusual findings in appendectomy specimens in a tertiary care hospital of Andhra Pradesh

Acute appendicitis is sudden inflammation of the appendix, usually initiated by obstruction of the lumen. This results in invasion of the appendix wall by gut flora, and it becomes inflamed and infected.: To investigate retrospectivelythe prevalence and implications of unusual histopathological findings in appendectomy specimens from patients with suspected acute appendicitis.This is retrospective assessment of hospital records of 150 patients who were diagnosed as acute appendicitis and underwent appendicectomy during March 2018 to February 2020 at Government Medical College, Bhagya Nagar, Ongole, Andhra Pradesh .Data of the patients were assessed based on age, sex, histopathological diagnosis, coexisting pathologies and uncommon findings on histology. According to histopathology report, negative for acute appendicitis were noted in 82 cases (55%), whereas positive for acute appendicitis in 68 cases (45.3%) . Rare findings were foundin 38 (55.8%) cases out of 68 cases. Parasites were found in 7 (18.4%) (Enterobius Vermicularis, Balantidum Coli, Schistosoma Haematobium), Mucocele in 12 (32%), carcinoid tumour in 8(21%), B cell malignant lymphoma in 2 (5%), leiomyoma in 2 (5%), Primary appendiceal adenocarcinoma in 3 (8%), Acute appendicitis with dysplastic changes in 2 (5%) and inflammatory bowel polyp was reported in remaining two cases(5%).: Even though unusualpathologies can be seen rarely during appendectomy, this should be kept in mind for further evaluation of each cases.

Chronic Vomiting and Weight Loss Due to Cecal Pinworm Infestation: A Case Report and Brief Literature Review

Enterobius vermicularis (E. vermicularis), also called pinworm or threadworm, is a widespread parasitic infection that has infected approximately 40 million individuals in the United States. However, the infection is rarely seen in the adult population. An atypical presentation of Enterobius vermicularis (E. vermicularis) infection has been reported previously in children and infants. However, there are no previous reports of this infection among adults in the Middle East. We present a case of a 30-year-old Saudi male patient who presented with significant weight loss, diarrhea, and vomiting. A colonoscopy revealed E. vermicularis in the cecum. The patient received one dose of oral albendazole 400 mg and then a repeat dose in two weeks based on his colonoscopy findings. The patient was seen in an outpatient clinic and reported complete resolution of postprandial vomiting. Asking about risk factors if there is any contact with contamination is essential. In addition, colonoscopy and stool analysis may also be considered to confirm the diagnosis. However, future studies investigating the incidence and risk factors of this infection are warranted as similar studies reporting this infection in Saudi Arabia are limited. Proper diagnosis and treatment are also essential to prevent complications of the infection.

Diversity, Abundance and Distribution of Parasites of Medical Importance in Surface Water: A Case Study of Adada River, Enugu State, Nigeria

Adada River, an all-the-year-round sparkling-clear river, and a very useful surface water was evaluated for parasites of medical importance, their diversity, abundance and distribution as a qualitative microbial risk-assessment (QMRA) factor. Parasites were enumerated by Stoll’s Counting Method and identified by the morphological characteristics of their potentials. 14 genera of parasites were detected in the dry season, and 13 detected in the rainy season. Ten of these were potential human pathogens (Taenia spp, Entamoeba histolytica, Schistosoma mansoni, S. haematobium, Ascaris lumbricoides, Giardia, lamblia, Hookworm, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis and Enterobius vermicularis). Lowest average parasite per milliliter in the stations was 7.0x103, and highest was 2.2x104/ml. The most frequently encountered parasites were potential human pathogens (Taenia spp, G. lamblia, E. histolytica, hookworm and S. mansoni).Variation in the parasites’ genera between the two seasons was not statistically significant (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Adada River is not potable and suitable for recreation, grazing and agriculture. All-the-year-round sparkling-clear surface water, such as this, may be a health deceit. In QMRA, parasites of medical importance should be a paradigm; likewise, in environmental microbiology, geographical coordinates of sample sites rather than physical landmarks, should be a paradigm, for better follow-ups.

Enterobiasis and its risk factors in urban, rural and indigenous children of subtropical Argentina.

A cross-sectional survey to assess the prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis infection and its associated factors among the child population of infant, preschool and school age in the urban, rural and indigenous population of Iguazú city, in subtropical Argentina was presented. Additionally, the status of enterobiasis at country level was reviewed and analysed. Enterobius vermicularis presence was assessed employing an oviscopic serial sampling technique. Statistical analysis of socio-demographic determinants was performed by generalized linear mixed models at individual, household and community levels. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were used to gather national information about E. vermicularis prevalence spanning the decade 2010–2020. A total of 916 children from 470 families participated. Overall prevalence was 29.8%, with 25.3, 30.7 and 34.2% detected for children inhabiting urban, rural and indigenous villages, respectively. The multi-level analysis showed that the presence of E. vermicularis was mostly determined by individual (e.g. age, playing habits, previous pinworm infection) and household-level factors (e.g. family size, overcrowding conditions). Interestingly, WASH variables, such as waste disposal, analysed at community level were also important. Data were analysed to provide eco-epidemiological features of enterobiasis in a heterogeneous subtropical child population in the same territory but with different socio-sanitary realities. The importance of promoting multi-level actions against the determinants identified, to control this public health problem integratively was evidenced. The scoping review of national data updated the state of knowledge of this parasitosis, identifying risk determinants and gaps in knowledge at country level.

ROLE OF COPPER METAL AND BIOLOGICAL MARKERS IN PATIENTS WITH ENTEROBIASIS

The primary goal of this study was to determine the effect of copper in patients with Enterobius vermicularis infection, as well as its association with IgE and TRFC. The study was carried out with 583 suspected and thirty healthy respondents of the same age who visited the AL-Zahra maternity and pediatrics laboratory, AL-Hakeem hospital, in AL-Najaf province(Iraq) from July 2020 to June 2021. This study aimed to estimate the level of copper, IgE, and TRFC in patients suffering from enterobiasis. The concentration of three biomarkers (copper, IgE, and TRFC) in serum was determined using the ELISA technique as per the manufacturer's instructions while the concentration of copper was assessed by using the colourimetric method. Results of the study revealed that the concentrations of IgE and TRFC significantly increased (P≤0.05) in the blood sample of E. vermiculris infected patients, while the serum concentrations of copper decreased significantly (P≤0.05) compared to the control group. The results of the current study suggested that the E. vermicularis infection alters serum IgE and TRFC concentrations, which significantly impacts copper levels in the blood.

EOSINOPHIL CATIONIC PROTEIN AND IRON STATUS IN PATIENTS INFECTED WITH Enterobius vermicularis

The primary goal of this study was to determine the function of eosinophil cationic protein in iron status in patients infected with Enterobius vermicularis. For this, a total of 583 suspected patients and thirty healthy people of the same age who have visited the AL-Zahra maternity and pediatrics laboratory, AL-Hakeem hospital, AL-Sajad hospital AL-Fruit al-Awsat hospital, and AL-Munadira hospital in AL-Najaf province from July 2020 to June 2021 were screened. The presence of E. vermicularis eggs was estimated by using the saline wet mount technique from faeces samples of all respondents. Blood samples were collected from the 60 positive and 30 healthy control group and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 5 minutes to separate serum, which was then collected in sterile tubes. Each serum sample was divided into three parts and stored in the deep freezer at -20°C until the serological test was performed. The level of ECP, iron and ferritin in enterobiasis patients was estimated from the isolated blood serum. According to the Manufacturer Company instructions, the concentration of two biomarkers (ECP, Ferritin) in serum samples was determined using the ELISA technique (Human reader, Germany). While the concentration of iron was evaluated using a colourimetric method. In comparison to the control group, the concentration of ECP was reported significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) in the E. vermiculris infected patients while the concentration of serum iron and ferritin was significantly decreased. The results of the current study can be concluded that E. vermicularis infection changes the serum ECP, iron, and ferritin concentration.

Surveillance of soil-borne nematodiasis in Yancheng City from 2016 to 2020

To understand the prevalence of soil-transmitted nematode infections in Yancheng City from 2016 to 2020, so as to provide insights into the development of the scheme for further soil-transmitted nematodiasis surveillance. Soil-borne nematode infections were detected using the modified Kato-Katz method (two slides for one sample) among the permanent residents living in Yancheng City from 2016 to 2020, and Enterobius vermicularis infection was additionally detected among children at ages of 12 years and lower using the adhesive cellophane-tape perianal swab method. The prevalence and intensity of human soil-borne nematode and E. vermicularis infections were descriptively analyzed. A total of 51 259 person-time residents were detected for soil-borne nematode infections in Yancheng City from 2016 to 2020, and 48 egg-positives were identified, with a 0.09% prevalence. The soil-borne nematodes infecting residents included Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm and Trichuris trichiura, with 0.04%, 0.05% and 0.002% prevalence rates of infections, and all infections were mild. There was a region-specific prevalence of soil-borne nematode infections in Yancheng City (χ2 = 18.21, P = 0.02), with the highest prevalence seen in Funing County (0.21%), while no infections were detected in Dafeng District for five successive years. The overall prevalence of E. vermicularis infections was 0.22% among children at ages of 12 years and lower in Yancheng City. The prevalence of soil-borne nematode infections appears a gradual decline in residents living in Yancheng City from 2016 to 2020, and is at an extremely low level. Further surveillance of soil-transmitted nematodiasis requires to be intensified targeting key regions and populations to consolidate the control achievements.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Yifag Health Center, Northwest Ethiopia.

Background A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2019 to March 2020 to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at Yifag Health Center. Methods The data were collected by a questionnaire interview technique and collecting the stool samples from each pregnant woman. Wet-mount and formol-ether concentration techniques were applied to identify the IPIs. Data were analyzed using SPSS, version 25, and P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results Out of the total 280 pregnant women who were selected using a simple random sampling technique, 277 participated in the questionnaire survey and gave stool samples (a response rate of 98.9%). The prevalence of IPIs among pregnant women was 53.4% (95% CI: 47.37, 59.42). Taenia species (18.1%) was the predominant parasite followed by Giardia lamblia (12.6%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (9.4%), hookworms (9%), Ascaris lumbricoides (4%), Schistosoma mansoni (3.2%), Hymenolepis nana (0.7%), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.4%), and Enterobius vermicularis (0.4%). Eating raw vegetables (AOR = 2.721; 95% CI: 1.266, 5.849; P=0.010) and poor personal hygiene (AOR = 4.015; 95% CI: 1.456, 11.07; P=0.007) were associated risk factors for G. lamblia, while eating raw meat (AOR = 2.477; 95% CI: 1.252, 4.902; P=0.009) for Taenia species infections. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was high and still a health burden to the pregnant women in the study area. We recommend avoiding eating raw meat, strengthening sanitation and hygiene programs, and routine deworming of pregnant mothers to reduce the burden of IPIs among pregnant women.