Wet Mount Techniques Research Articles

Conventional and Molecular Based Studies on Trichomonas Vaginalis in Quetta, Balochistan

This study was designed to investigate the prevailing status of Trichomonas vaginalis, a protozoan parasite causing urogenital tract infections in human beings, in Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan. As no documented study of this kind has been conducted so far, it was designed to obtain the overall prevalence of T.vaginalis infection. Through conventional wet mount technique, its morphological identification by staining techniques and with PCR confirmation. In addition to investigation of age-wise and gender-wise prevalence of T.v, its correlation with reproductive disorders was also investigated through a questionnaire proforma while taking urine samples. For this purpose six hundred (600) urine samples (300 samples from each gender) were collected from the public sector hospitals located in Quetta city. The study was designed in three age groups as G1: 21-30, G2: 31-40, and G3: 41-50 years of each gender. A total of four samples were found positive microscopically only in female patients, whereas three of these positive samples were confirmed as T. vaginalis by PCR using BTUB9/2 set of primers. The fourth positive sample might be the specie other than T.vaginalis. It is concluded that the overall prevalence of T.v amongst females was observed as 0.1%, while the samples from males were found negative for T.v. so the overall percentage in total samples found as 0.5%.

Soil-transmitted helminth infections and nutritional status of school children in government elementary schools in Jimma Town, Southwestern Ethiopia.

Introduction:Soil-transmitted helminth infections and malnutrition are major health problems of school-age children in developing countries. Malnutrition and soil-transmitted helminth infections often co-exist with synergetic consequences.Objective:The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminths and its association with nutritional status of school-age children.Methods:School-based cross-sectional study was carried out from April to May 2014 among 404 elementary school-age children in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia. Data on background characteristics were collected using structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were taken according to World Health Organization standard. Fresh single stool sample was collected from each study participant and examined using direct wet mount and McMaster techniques. Anthropometric indices were generated using WHO AnthroPlus software. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to isolate independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infection and nutritional status using STATA-MP software. All tests were two-sided and P < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.Results:The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites and soil-transmitted helminths were 68.6% (n = 277) and 55.0% (n = 222), respectively. A total of eight species of intestinal parasites were identified in this study, Trichuris trichiura being the most common parasite identified followed by Ascaris lumbricoides. Study participants who had a habit of open defecation were two times more likely to be infected with soil-transmitted helminths (adjusted odds ratio = 1.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.0–3.4). The overall prevalence of stunting and thinness were 21.0% (n = 85) and 6.9% (n = 28), respectively. The odds of stunting was significantly high (adjusted odds ratio = 4.0, 95% confidence interval: 1.7–9.7) among children who had fathers working as daily labourers and children with personal dietary diversity score of ⩽3 (adjusted odds ratio = 3.5, 95% confidence interval: 1.5–8.0). T. trichiura infection (adjusted odds ratio = 9.4, 95% confidence interval: 2.0–44.8) was identified as an independent predictor of stunting among school-age children.Conclusion:Both the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths and stunting are high among school-age children in Jimma Town. Although there was no statistically significant association between the STHs, in general, T. trichiura was reported as predictor of stunting. The results imply the need for strengthening strategies for reduction of parasitic infection to curb the pervasively high prevalence of stunting.

Prevalence of intestinal helminth infection among human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients attending Aminu Kano teaching hospital

Background: Helminth and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections have a major effect on the host immune system, and coinfection is widespread. About 17%–66% of the world populations are infected with helminth and approximately 24% of the world's population is infected with intestinal helminth. The majority of this infection occurs in resource-limited settings like sub-Saharan Africa which includes Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Stool samples were collected from 297 participants comprising 150 HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-infected individuals as test group and 147 HIV/AIDS-uninfected individuals as control group attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. The samples were examined using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal helminth infection was 18.0% for the test group and 2.7% for the control group. Hookworm was found to be the most prevalent intestinal helminth parasite detected with 7.07%, followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (2.69%) and Fasciola species (0.67%), respectively. Some protozoan parasites were also detected, namely Entamoeba coli (3.4%) and Entamoeba histolytica (2.7%). Six of the participants had multiple infections with hookworm and E. histolytica (3 [1.0%]), A. lumbricoides and E. coli (2 [0.7%]), and A. lumbricoides and E. histolytica (1 [0.3%]). A statistically significant association was observed between the type of toilet used, animal rearing, handwashing, and intestinal helminth infection (P 0.02, 0.003, and 0.000). No statistical association exists between sources of water, walking barefooted, and intestinal helminth infection (P 0.211 and 0.942). Conclusion: This study revealed an increased prevalence of intestinal helminth infection among the test group than the control group, as such stool examination should be part of the routine laboratory investigations for HIV/AIDS patients to have effective and proper management of the patients.

Multiplex real-time PCR revealed very high prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections among aborigines in Peninsular Malaysia

Objective: To determine the true prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections in the Malaysian aborigines using real-time PCR.Methods: A total of 122 aborigines from seven tribes were recruited from settlements and nearby hospitals which served the communities, located in four states in Peninsular Malaysia. The stool samples were examined for the presence of soil-transmitted helminth using real-time PCR and microscopy. The latter included the direct wet mount and formalin-ether concentration technique (FECT). The infection load in FECT-positive samples was determined by the Kato-Katz method. Rotorgene real-time analyzer detected five helminth species using two sets of assays.Results: The real-time PCR detected soil-transmitted helminth in 98.4% samples (n=122), which were 1.56 times higher than by microscopy. Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura were detected in more than 90% of the samples, while hookworm was detected in 46.7% (Necator americanus) and 13.9% (Ancylostoma sp.) of the samples. Comparison with previous reports on the Malaysian aborigines showed that the real-time PCR markedly improved the detection of Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm and Strongyloides stercoralis. The real-time PCR detected poly-helminths in 92.6% of the samples compared to 28.7% by microscopy. In addition, 27 samples (22.1%) showed amplification of Strongyloides stercoralis DNA.Conclusions: The real-time PCR showed very high prevalence rates of soil-transmitted helminth infections in the aborigines and is the recommended method for epidemiological investigation of soil-transmitted helminth infections in this population.

Opportunistic Intestinal Protozoan Infections and Immunological Status of HIV/AIDS Patients in Jalingo Local Government, Taraba State

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system. Opportunistic intestinal protozoans are among the major contributors to the global intestinal parasite load. This study investigated the danger and complication due to intestinal protozoans’ infection among HIV/AIDS patients in Jalingo metropolis. The study also compared the prevalence of opportunistic intestinal protozoa infection and CD⁴⁺ T-Cell count between HIV/AIDS and non HIV patients. The procedure of wet mount technique and faecal concentration methods were employed. The CD⁴⁺ count of patients were determined using the Partee Cyflow Counter, which determines the percentage of CD⁴⁺ cells of individuals. The prevalence of opportunic intestinal protozoan parasites was higher among female positives, 68 (l9.60%) than the male, 50 (16.50%) with no significant difference (p>0.05). The infection based on age groups revealed that the age group 10-15 years had the highest prevalence of 27 (48.21%) while the age group 41-45 years had the least prevalence of 2 (2.63%). The prevalence of intestinal parasites was highly significant among the study participants with CD⁴⁺ count <200 cells/μl. <i>Cryptosporidium spp</i> was significantly associated with HIV positive subjects who had CD⁴⁺ count of less than 200 cell/μl. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was highly significant among the study participants with CD⁴⁺ count <200 cells/ul. The implications of these findings are discussed and solution proposed to curb opportunistic infections among HIV/AIDS patients.

Prevalence of Opportunistic Intestinal Protozoan Infection Among HIV/AIDS Patients in Jalingo Metropolis

Opportunistic protozoans parasitic infection occur frequently in individuals with weakened immune system including people with HIV/AIDS. The study sought to determine the prevalence of opportunistic intestinal protozoan infection in HIV/AIDS patients in Jalingo metropolis. The procedure of wet mount technique and faecal concentration techniques processed the faeces collected. The CD⁴⁺ count of patients were determined using the Partee Cyflow Counter, which determines the percentage of CD⁴⁺ cells of individuals. A total of eight hundred and fifty (850) faecal samples were collected from sero-positive and sero-negative HIV/AIDS persons in Jalingo metropolis. Out of the 850 subjects 650 (76.47%) were sero-positive while 200 (23.53%) were sero-negative (Control). The sero-positive subjects showed higher prevalence of 118 (18.15%) of opportunistic parasitic protozoan infection according to the following hospital locations: Government House, 12 (25.71%); Ummah Clinic, 8 (21.82%); Taraba State Specialist Hospital, 50 (18.18%) and Federal Medical Centre, 38 (15.20%). The prevalence was higher among female positives, 68 (l9.60%) than the male, 50 (16.50%) with no significant difference (p>0.05). The infection based on age groups revealed that the age group 10-15 years had the highest prevalence of 27 (48.21%) while the age group 41-45 years had the least prevalence of 2 (2.63%). Subjects involved in farming had higher prevalence 30 (46.15%) while the least was found among those of trading/business, 33 (13.86%) with no significant difference in infection (p>0.05). <i>C. parvum</i> had the highest prevalence, 46 (24.46%) among the sero-positive individuals while <i>E. coli</i> the highest among sero-negative, 9 (60.00%). It is recommended that clinicians caring for HIV/AIDS patients should request for routine stool examination for the specific diagnosis of opportunistic intestinal parasites infections.

Microscopy-based Methods for Rosetting Assay in Malaria Research.

In malaria, rosetting phenomenon is a condition where a Plasmodium-infected erythrocyte stably adheres to at least an uninfected erythrocyte. This phenomenon that occurs in all species of human malaria parasite is likely to be an immune escape mechanism for the parasite. However, it has been associated with malaria pathogenesis, possibly by facilitating microvasculature occlusion along with direct endothelial cytoadherence by the infected erythrocytes. There are different microscopy-based techniques to visualize rosettes but neither of these techniques has yet to qualify as the official "gold standard" method. We have found that these techniques can be used interchangeably, provided that the conditions of the experiments are properly controlled. Here, we presented three methods as options for rosetting assay, i.e., the unstained wet mount technique, acridine orange based-fluorescence microscopy technique and Giemsa stained wet mount method, with preparation steps that enable consistent performance in rosetting experiments.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among street children in Jimma town; south West Ethiopia in 2019: a cross sectional study

BackgroundStreet child is any child whose age is less than 18 years for whom the street has become his or her habitual abode and/or source of livelihood, is inadequately protected, supervised or directed by responsible adults. In Ethiopia the health problems of street children are given poor attention in research. This problem is pronounced when it comes to intestinal parasitic infections, making it difficult to design appropriate interventions targeting this segment of population. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among street children in Jimma town in the year 2019.MethodsCommunity based cross sectional study was employed. Complete enumeration was used to include 312 street children. Pretested questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data was entered to Epidata version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20. Stool samples were examined by wet mount and formalin ether concentration techniques. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with intestinal parasitic infection. Significance of association was decided by using the 95% confidence interval of AOR and P-value of ≤0.05 in the multivariable model.ResultA total of 312 children of the street were involved in the study making the response rate 96.2%. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 66.7%. Untrimmed finger nails AOR = 2.03;95%CI (1.02–4.06), eating street food AOR = 2.24;95% CI (1.04–5.02), practice of swimming in unprotected water bodies AOR = 2.5; 95% CI (1.24–5.04), not wearing shoes at the time of data collection AOR = 3.8;95% CI (1.8–8.2) and lacking knowledge of way of transmission of intestinal parasites AOR = 2.5; 95% CI (1.25–5.0) were significantly associated with parasitic infections.ConclusionsThe prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among street children in the study area was high and require integrated interventions to avert the problem. Several factors were also found to be associated with intestinal parasitic infections. Measures has to be taken to curb the problem by including them in mass drug administration and targeted health education towards identified factors.

Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitic infestations among preschool children in Sekota town, Waghimra zone, Ethiopia

BackgroundIntestinal parasitic infestations triggered considerable gastrointestinal morbidity, malnutrition, and mortality worldwide. In particular, young children in developing countries affected most. Helminthiasis infestation accounts for 10–20% of prevalence on preschool children worldwide. Unfortunately, small children below 5 years are uniquely susceptible to intestinal parasitic infestations in poor communities. This is because of children’s behavior like playing with soil and putting hand -to- mouth habit. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitic infestations among preschool children in Sekota town, Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was carried out on 378 preschool children in Sekota town from February 15 – March 10/2019. Stool specimens were collected and examined for intestinal parasites using wet mount and formal ether concentration technique. The risk factors of intestinal parasites were assessed using a pretested structured questionnaire. The data were entered and analyzed using Epi-data version 4.2.0.0 and SPSS-version 23 statistical software respectively. Both bivariable and multivariable analysis was carried out, and potential co-linearity was tested for closely similar variables. Variables with P value less than 0.05 in multivariable analysis was considered as statistically significant and reported with 95% CI and odds ratio.ResultsThe prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestations in Sekota town on wet mount and formal ether concentration techniques was 83(21.9%), (95% CI, 17.7–26.3%) and 113(29.9%), (95% CI, 25.1–34.8%) respectively.In multivariable analysis, not taking medication as periodical deworming (AOR, 95% CI), (2.5, 1.5–4.3), presence of animals in the living room (AOR, 95% CI) (3.1, 1.8–5.3), and being a government employee as an occupation (AOR, 95% CI), (3.4, 1.1–10.0) were increasing the odds of intestinal parasitic infestations.ConclusionsThe prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestations in Sekota town is high, which is a public health problem. The risk factors that contributed to intestinal parasitic infestations in this study were preventable and modifiable. Therefore, the concerned bodies need to emphasis on periodical deworming and keeping animals in separate room.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among university female students, Gaza, Palestine.

ABSTRACTBackground:The intestinal parasites are still endemic among children, women, and men in Gaza Strip.Objectives:To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of intestinal parasites among young female students of Islamic University of Gaza to report the existence and prevalence of intestinal parasites.Methods:A total of 305 stool samples were collected from female students in all faculties and were examined by wet mount and formal ether sedimentation technique.Results:This study showed that the overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 20.6%. The detected intestinal parasites were as follows: Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (7.5%), Giardia lamblia (4.9%), Ascaris lumbricoides (0.3%), Entamoeba coli (2.6%), Dientamoeba fragilis (1.0%), and Blastocystis hominis (3.9%). Science students showed the highest prevalence for parasitic infections (35.3%), and married students (16.7%) had higher prevalence than single students (6.5%).Conclusion:It was concluded that female students also are under risk of gaining parasitic infection in spite of their education. It is recommended that university students should be subjected to regular medical examinations for parasitic infections.

Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Patients of Psychiatric Hospital Rumuigbo, Rivers State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among patients of psychiatric hospital Rumuigbo, Rivers State, Nigeria between June to September, 2017. Stool specimen were collected and analyzed from 203 patients for ova, larvae or cysts of intestinal parasites using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. Of these, 78 (38.4%) were infected. Five parasitic infections were identified of which Ascaris lumbricoides had the highest prevalence (39.7%). Others included hookworm (8.4%), T.trichuria (4.4%) and 2 protozoans: Entamoeba histolytica (7.4%) and G. lamblia (3.0%). The occurrence of these parasites varied significantly (p&lt; 0.05). Patients suffering from Schizophrenia had the highest prevalence of infection 33 (78.6%) followed by patients with Substance Abuse Disorder 11(37.9%), while the least prevalence was found among patients suffering from Anxiety disorder. Parasitic infection was most frequent among patients aged 18-27 years and higher among males 45 (47.9%) than the females 33 (30.3%).Prevalence of these parasitic infections varied significantly among sexes and age groups. This study has documented a higher prevalence of intestinal parasite amongst the mentally challenged in our society, re-emphasizing the need for intermittent de-worming among all the patients.

Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections and Immunological Status of HIV/AIDS Coinfected Individuals in Nigeria.

Background:Parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal tract is one of the highest causes of morbidity and mortality among HIV infected individuals. This is due to the colonization of the intestinal tract by parasites influenced by induced enteropathy caused by HIV infection. CD+4 t-lymphocytes count is a marker of the immune status of HIV infected individuals.Objective:This study investigated the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections among HIV coinfected individuals in relation to their immunological status.Methods:CD+4 t-lymphocytes count was determined using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) count system. Parasitological examination of faecal samples was conducted using direct wet mount, modified Z-N and Giemsa stain techniques. All prepared slides were examined under x10 and x40 objectives.Findings:Out of the 891 HIV seropositive participants on antiretroviral therapy that were studied, 641 (71.9%) had CD+4 counts equals to or greater than 500 cells/mm3. All other seropositive participants had CD+4 counts below 500 cells/mm3. Gastrointestinal parasitic infections were recorded in 187 (20.9%) seropositive participants, with females (n = 108, 12.1%) having more infections than males. Multiple gastrointestinal parasitic infections were recorded in 28 (3.1%) seropositive participants. Out of the 150 seronegative participants, 79 (52.7%) of them had at least one gastrointestinal parasitic infection. Female seronegative participants also accounted for higher infection rate (n = 42, 28.0%) than males (n = 37, 24.7%). Multiple infections were also recorded in 18 (12.0%) seronegative individuals. The overall prevalence rate of infection between both positive and negative individuals was 25.5%. There was statistical significant difference in the infections of Cryptosporidium parvum (p < 0.003), Cyclospora cayetanensis (p < 0.011) and Cystoisospora belli (p < 0.011) between HIV seropositive and HIV seronegative individuals. Also, there was statistical significant difference in the infections of hook worm (p < 0.002) and Trichuris trichiura (p < 0.020) between seronegative and seropositive individuals. Gastrointestinal parasitic infection rate was significantly higher among seropositive participants with CD+4 counts between 200 and 350 cells/mm3 (n = 109, 58.3%).Conclusion:The study shows that HIV infected individuals continue to experience gastrointestinal infections even with antiretroviral treatment, especially those with CD+4 counts below 350 cells/mm3. Health care providers should prioritise routine screening of HIV patients for gastrointestinal parasites and provide prompt treatment. Antiparasitic drugs should also be provided as prophylaxis.

Prevalence of feco-oral transmitted protozoan infections and associated factors among university students in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAn estimated 60% of the world’s population is infected with one form of intestinal parasites. Amoebiasis and giardiasis are among the leading intestinal protozoan infections that affected mankind. However, literature that shows the magnitude of the problem among university students in Ethiopia is at scarce. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of feco-oral transmitted protozoan infections and associated factors among sport festival participant universities in Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study design was conducted among 483 randomly selected university sport festival participant students. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Stool specimens were examined using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. The data were entered into Epi Info version 6.04 and were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 statistical software. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to control the possible confounders and an odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval at p < 0.05 was used to identify an association between variables.ResultThe overall prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections was 140(28.9%) with the predominantly higher prevalence of E. histolytica/E. dispar 95(19.7%). The female respondents were at lower risk of infections compared to their male counterparts (AOR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.22, 0.97]. Participants with educated father (AOR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.86) and those who received pocket money of > 347 Ethiopian Birr (~ 14 USD) per month (AOR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.74) were at lower risk of infections. However, being married (AOR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.10, 2.23), rural resident (AOR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.21, 3.32) and university stay for two or more years (AOR = 2.21, 95%CI: 1.48, 3.87) were more likely to be infected with protozoan infections.ConclusionThe prevalence of intestinal protozoan infection among students who attend higher educational institutions was very high. Infection prevention strategies should be undertaken at respective universities with special focus to senior students and students from the rural area.

Prevalence of Parasites of Public Health Significance in Vegetables Sold in Jos Metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Vegetables are vital for good health but can serve as a means of transmission of parasitic pathogens to man. JUSTIFICATION: There is increase consumption of vegetables due to general awareness of the health benefits. This research intends to explore suggestive management strategies and control in handling vegetables to reduce or if possible eliminate food borne parasites. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The study was to determine parasitic contamination of fresh vegetables with objective to determine the prevalence of parasites of medical importance in vegetables sold in Jos market. METHODOLOGY: A total of 575 samples of fresh vegetables; Lettuce, Cabbage, Carrot, Spinach, Green Pepper, Cucumber, Beetroot, Tomatoes, Garden egg, and Green bean; were bought from sellers from May-June 2016 and examined for helminthes eggs, larva and cysts using wet mount and concentration techniques. RESULT: Hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichuria, Strongyloides stercoralis, cyst of Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lambia accounted for 7.3%, 8.1%, 4.8%, 58.1%, 9.7% and 12.1% respectively. Cucumber, carrot, cabbage beetroot, spinach, lettuce, green pepper, green beans, garden egg and tomatoes had 0%, 26.7%, 31.7%, 5.7%, 40%, 53.3%, 6.7%, 6.7%, 13.3% and 25% respectively with overall prevalence of 21.6% and strongyloides stercoralis was most prevalent and Trichuris trichiura least prevalent found in cabbage and tomatoes. Lettuce has the highest contamination rate 32(53.3%), followed by spinach 24(40%) while beetroot had the least (5.7%). CONCLUSION: Vegetables in Jos Metropolis are contaminated with parasites. There should be proper washing as they could serve as source of transmission of parasites when eaten raw or undercooked.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated risk factors among inmates of Mekelle prison, Tigrai Region, Northern Ethiopia, 2017

BackgroundIn Ethiopia, like other developing countries, intestinal parasitic infections are the major public health problems affecting millions annually. Overcrowding and poor living conditions are the major risk factors. Prison inmates are among the most vulnerable groups to intestinal parasitic infections. However, there is scarcity of epidemiological data regarding intestinal parasites among prison inmates in Ethiopia, notably in Tigrai. Thus, we aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and identify the associated factors among inmates of Mekelle prison, Tigrai, Northern Ethiopia.MethodsA cross sectional study involving 291 inmates was conducted from February to June 2017 among inmates of Mekelle prison. After systematically selecting subjects, stool specimens were examined using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. We used SPSS version 21 for data analysis. We considered p-value less than 0.05 significant at 95% confidence level.ResultsOf the 291 inmates enrolled in the study, 124 (42.6%) harbored one or more intestinal parasites. The protozoan Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii was the predominant parasite accounted for 68 (23.3%) of the infections followed by Giardia lamblia (10.3%) and Entamoeba coli (8.2%). Fourteen (4.8%) participants were co-infected with different parasite species. The co-infections of Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii and Giardia lamblia were detected among 3.1% of the participants. In bivariate analysis, hand fingernail status (COR 1.86, 95% CI, 1.08–3.20) and duration of stay in prison (COR 2.23, 95% CI 1.31–3.79) were statistically associated with intestinal parasite infections. In multivariable regression, inmates who stayed in the prison for one year or less were more likely to harbor intestinal parasitic infections (p = 0.013) than those who stayed longer. No other single predictor variable was found to be significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections.ConclusionsThe result of this study showed that intestinal parasites are significant health problems among inmates of Mekelle prison.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among Jawi primary school children, Jawi town, north-west Ethiopia

BackgroundIntestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) have been major public health problems in low income countries primarily affecting school children. Previous studies in Ethiopia have shown high burden of intestinal parasitic infections in most children. In order to gain a deeper insight into the magnitude of the problem more information is needed from different localities where similar studies have not been conducted. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of IPIs and associated risk factors among school children in Jawi Primary School, Jawi town, north -west Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2017 to assess the prevalence of IPIs and associated risk factors among Jawi Primary School children, Ethiopia. A total of 422 children were selected using age-stratified systematic random sampling technique. Stool samples were examined microscopically using direct wet-mount and formal-ether concentration techniques. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding the associated risk factors. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 and p value < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.ResultsOf 406 students examined for IPIs, 235 (57.88%) were positive for one or more intestinal parasites. Single, double and triple infections were 41.9, 6.2 and 1.2%, respectively. Overall infection rate was slightly higher in males (51.85%) than in females (45.30%) though the difference was not significant. Higher prevalence rate (about 51–53%) was recorded among 6 to 18 years old children. Prevalence of Giardia lamblia was the highest (19.95%), followed by hookworm (13.8%), Schistosoma mansoni (10.3%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (5.9%), Hymenolepsis nana (4.2%), Taenia species (3%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (0.73%), in that order. Among the risk factors assessed, age, hand washing habit before meals, open field defecation habit, consistency of wearing shoes, habit of eating raw and unwashed vegetables, and finger nail cleanliness and trimming habit were found to be the most important predictors associated with high risk of IPIs (p < 0.05).ConclusionHigh prevalence of IPIs among Jawi Primary school children demands improved health education on regular hand washing, latrine use, wearing shoes, cleaning finger nails, not crossing rivers with bare foot and avoiding eating raw vegetables.

EVALUATION OF STAINING METHODS FOR DIAGNOSIS OF TRICHOMONIASIS IN CLINICALLY SUSPECTED WOMEN IN JAZAN, KSA.

Forty female patients experiencing symptoms suggestive of trichomoniasis were included into the present investigation. Patients` self-obtained vaginal swabs were gathered and examined for T. vaginalis by wet mount, Giemsa stain, Gram stain and culture techniques. T. vaginalis was recognized in 11 out of 40 specimens by culture (27.5 %), 10 by wet mount (25 %), 8 by Gram stain (20 %) and 7 by Giemsa stain (17.5 %). Contrasted with culture as the standard technique, Giemsa staining method indicated 63.6 % sensitivity compared with 54.5% for wet mount or Gram staining. Giemsa staining specificity was 100 % contrasted with 86.2 % for wet mount and 93.1 % for Gram stain. In addition, a considerable agreement was found amongst culture and Giemsa staining (Kappa= 0.717) while moderate agreement of Gram stain (Kappa= 0.52) and wet mount (Kappa = 0.419) with culture was found.

Current status of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among primary school children in Birbir town, Southern Ethiopia

BackgroundIntestinal parasites still pose major public health problems in developing countries like Ethiopia. Local epidemiological data is indispensable in order to design and monitor prevention and control strategies. Therefore the present study aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among students at Birbir town, Southern Ethiopia.MethodsA school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2018. Three hundred fifty-one students, who were selected by stratified followed by systematic random sampling, participated in the study. Socio-demographic information was collected using a structured questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements of height and weight were taken at the time of interview. Stool samples were collected and processed by direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques for microscopic detection of intestinal parasites. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.ResultsAmong 351 (180 male and 171 female) children participated, 135 (38.5%) and 216 (61.5%) were within the age groups of 5–9 and 10–14 respectively. Ninety five (27.1%; 95%CI: 22.2–31.9) of them were tested positive for intestinal parasites. Helminths and protozoa account 21.1 and 7.1% prevalences respectively. Seventy eight children were infected with a single parasite species while 17 were positive for double or triple infections. A. lumbricoides (31, 8.8%) was the most frequently detected parasite followed by T. trichiura (20, 5.7%) and hookworms (19, 5.4%). Age group of 10–14 years (AOR = 2.51; 95%CI: 1.41–4.45, p = 0.002) and absence of hand washing habit after toilet (AOR = 4.49; 95%CI: 2.00–10.1, p = 0.001) were significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infection.ConclusionsThe prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among school age children is still unacceptably high. Age group of 10–14 year old and not having habit of hand washing after toilet were significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infection. The ongoing school based deworming should be strengthened and be integrated with school health programs.

Infection Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Protozoans in Atat Hospital, Gurage Zone, Ethiopia: A Retrospective Study

Intestinal parasitic protozoan infections remain as the major public health concerns in many developing countries like Ethiopia. A retrospective analysis was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic protozoan infection in patients admitted at Atat Hospital from September 2014 to August 2016. Stool samples collected from the patients were examined using direct wet mount and formal-Ether concentration techniques by experienced laboratory technologists of the hospital. Out of 15, 731 examined stool samples, 7062 (45%) were infected by intestinal protozoan parasites. Most of the infected individuals were infected by Entamoeba histolytica (60.0%) and the least was infected by Cryptosporidium parvum (3.6%). Higher infection was observed among males, 5-9 year age group, and during wet seasons. This study showed a yearly fluctuation of intestinal parasitic protozoan infections. Therefore, strategic, integrated and community participatory prevention and control program needs to be implemented in the study area.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of pigeons (Columba sp. Linnaeus, 1758) in three temples of Pokhara valley, Nepal

The present study was conducted to determine the general prevalence, identification, compare area-wise as well as infection-wise prevalence and find out activities on health care of pigeon (Columba sp.) in three temples viz. Bhadrakali temple, Bindhyabasini temple and Tal Barahi temple of Pokhara valley. Iodine wet mount and different concentration technique (floatation and sedimentation) were used for faecal qualitative tests whereas verbally administered questionnaires for interview and Microsoft Excel and “R” software packages were used inanalyzing data. Out of 120 faecal samples collected by opportunistic random faecal sampling method examined, general prevalence rate of parasitic infection was 69.16%. Total of seven gastrointestinal parasites that includes one subclass of protozoan: Coccidia (19.16%) and six genera of helminths: Capillaria sp. (31.67%), Ascaridia sp. (21.66%), Echinostoma sp.(7.50%), Syangamus sp. (5.83%), Hymenolepis sp. (3.33%) and Hetarakis sp. (2.50%) were identified and reported first time in Nepal. The prevalence rates (55%) of helminths were higher than protozoan parasites (19.16%). The higher prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was in Bhadrakali temple with 77.50% followed by Tal Barahi temple (72.50%) and lowest in Bindhyabasini temple (57.50%). Statistically, the difference in prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infection among study area was found to be insignificant whereas the difference in prevalence of single infection (43.83%) and mixed infections (25.83%) were also insignificant. No any activities on health care of pigeon regarding the gastrointestinal parasites were found. The study indicates that pigeons in three temples of Pokhara valley were highly susceptible to gastrointestinal parasites.