浙江省人群的肠道原虫感染情况

本文报告了浙江省２８个县、１０６个点５５２９１人的肠道原虫调查结果。共查见肠道原虫１１种，分别为：溶组织内阿米巴，哈氏内阿米巴，结肠内阿米巴，微小内蜒阿米巴，布氏嗜碘阿米巴，贾第虫，人芽囊原虫，肠内滴虫，迈氏唇鞭毛虫，结肠小袋纤毛虫，等孢球虫，其感染率分别为：１．５％，４．１％，２．９％，５．９％，０．５％，３．８％，０．８％，０．０７％，０．００７％，０．００７％和０．００４％。本文着重对溶组织内阿米巴、贾第虫、人芽囊原虫的人群分布、职业分布和地区分布作了描述。贾第虫感染主要集中在１５岁以下儿童，其感染率达６．８％。经济水平高的地区感染率显著低于经济收入低的地区。     

Development of loop-mediated isothermal amplification for rapid detection of Entamoeba histolytica

ObjectiveTo develop a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for the detection of Entamoeba histolytica E. histolytica, the causative agent of amebiasis.MethodsThe LAMP primer set was designed from E. histolytica hemolysin gene HLY6. Genomic DNA of E. histolytica trophozoites strain HK9 was used to optimize the LAMP mixture and conditions. Amplification of DNA in the LAMP mixture was monitored through visual inspection for turbidity of the LAMP mix as well as addition of fluorescent dye.ResultsPositive LAMP reactions turned turbid while negative ones remained clear. Upon addition of a fluorescent dye, all positive reactions turned green while the negative control remained orange under ambient light. After elecrophoresis in 1.5% agarose gels, a ladder of multiple bands of different sizes can be observed in positive samples while no bands were detected in the negative control. The sensitivity of the assay was found to be 5 parasites per reaction which corresponds to approximately 15.8 ng/μ L DNA. The specificity of the assay was verified by the absence of amplified products when DNA from other gastrointestinal parasites such as the morphologically similar but non-pathogenic species, Entamoeba dispar 39, and other diarrhea-causing organisms such as Blastocystis hominis and Escherichia coli were used.ConclusionsThe LAMP assay we have developed enables the detection of E. histolytica with rapidity and ease, therefore rendering it is suitable for laboratory and field diagnosis of amebiasis.     

Bioconjugated fluorescent silica nanoparticles for the rapid detection of Entamoeba histolytica

Rapid detection of Entamoeba histolytica based on fluorescent silica nanoparticle (FSNP) indirect immunofluorescence microscopy was evaluated. Silica nanoparticles were synthesized using Stöber's method, with their surface activated to covalently bind to, and immobilize, protein A. For biolabeling, FSNP was added to conjugated E. histolytica trophozoites with monoclonal anti-E. histolytica IgG1 for microscopic observation of fluorescence. Fluorescent silica nanoparticle sensitivity was determined with axenically cultured E. histolytica serially diluted to seven concentrations. Specificity was evaluated using other intestinal protozoa. Fluorescent silica nanoparticles detected E. histolytica at the lowest tested concentration with no cross-reaction with Entamoeba dispar, Entamoeba moshkovskii, Blastocystis sp., or Giardia lamblia. Visualization of E. histolytica trophozoites with anti-E. histolytica antibody labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) was compared with that using anti-E. histolytica antibody bioconjugated FSNP. Although FITC and FSNP produced similar results, the amount of specific antibody required for FITC to induce fluorescence of similar intensity was fivefold that for FSNP. Fluorescent silica nanoparticles delivered a rapid, simple, cost-effective, and highly sensitive and specific method of detecting E. histolytica. Further study is needed before introducing FSNP for laboratory diagnosis of amoebiasis.     

PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITES AMONG FOOD HANDLERS OF SARI,NORTHERN IRAN

Parasitic infection is highly prevalent throughout the developing countries of the world. Food handlers are a potential source of infection for many intestinal parasites and other enteropathogenic infections as well. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasite carriers among food handlers attending the public health center laboratory in Sari, Northern Iran for annual check-up. The study was performed from August 2011 through February 2012. Stool samples were collected from 1041 male and female food handlers of different jobs aged between 18 to 63 years and were examined following standard procedures. Sociodemographic, environmental and behavioral data analysis of the food handlers were recorded in a separate questionnaire. Intestinal parasites were found in 161 (15.5%) of the studied samples. Seven species of protozoan or helminth infections were detected. Most of the participants were infected with Giardia lamblia (53.9%) followed by Blastocystis hominis (18%), Entamoeba coli (15.5%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (5.5%), Cryptosporidium sp. (3.1%), Iodamoeba butschlii (3.1%) and Hymenolepis nana (1.9%) as the only helminth infection. The findings emphasized that food handlers with different pathogenic organisms may predispose consumers to significant health risks. Routine screening and treatment of food handlers is a proper tool in preventing food-borne infections.     

The Prevalence of Blastocystis hominis and Other Protozoan Parasites in Soldiers Returning from Peacekeeping Missions

Blastocystis hominis is a common intestinal parasite found in humans living in poor sanitary conditions, living in tropical and subtropical climates, exposed to infected animals, or consuming contaminated food or water. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of B. hominis in Polish military personnel returning from peacekeeping missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. In total, 1,826 stool samples were examined. Gastrointestinal parasites were detected in 17% of the soldiers. The examined stool samples most frequently contained vacuolar forms of B. hominis (15.3%) and cysts of Entamoeba coli (1.0%) or Giardia lamblia (0.7%). In 97.1% of stool samples from infected soldiers, we observed less than five developmental forms of B. hominis in the field of view (40×). The parasite infections in soldiers were diagnosed in the autumn and the spring. There was no statistical correlation between age and B. hominis infection. Our results show that peacekeeping missions in countries with tropical or subtropical climates could be associated with risk for parasitic diseases, including blastocystosis.     

A cross-sectional study of intestinal parasitic infections among schoolchildren in Nan Province,Northern Thailand

A cross-sectional study of the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections at eight schools in Bo Klau district and four schools in Chalerm Prakiet district, Nan Province, in January and February, 2001. A total of 1,010 fecal samples were examined using the formalin-ether sedimentation technique. Results revealed that the rate of helminthic infection was 60.0%, while protozoa accounted for 36.2% of infections; mixed infections were common, resulting in a total prevalence of both parasites of 68.1%. Helminthic parasites, listed by frequency of infections, were Ascaris lumbricoides (21.7%), hookworm (18.5%), Trichuris trichiura (16.3%), Opisthorchis viverrini (1.7%), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.9%) and Enterobius vermicularis (0.9%). The protozoal infections were Entamoeba coli (25.8%), Giardia lamblia (5.3%), Endolimax nana (2.5%), Entamoeba histolytica (1.4%), Blastocystis hominis (0.8%), Chilomastix mesnili (0.3%) and Iodamoeba bütschlii (0.1%). This study emphasizes the need for improved environmental hygiene ie clean water supplies and enhanced sanitation, in affected communities. Health promotion, by means of a school-based educational approach is recommended; regular check-ups should be implemented, and a continuos program of treatment should be considered.     

Disparities in parasitic infections, perceived ill health and access to health care among poorer and less poor schoolchildren of rural Côte d'Ivoire

Differences in the state of health between rural and urban populations living in Africa have been described, yet only few studies analysed inequities within poor rural communities. We investigated disparities in parasitic infections, perceived ill health and access to formal health services among more than 4000 schoolchildren from 57 primary schools in a rural area of western Côte d'Ivoire, as measured by their socioeconomic status. In a first step, we carried out a cross-sectional parasitological survey. Stool specimens and finger prick blood samples were collected and processed with standardized, quality-controlled methods, for diagnosis of Schistosoma mansoni, soil-transmitted helminths, intestinal protozoa and Plasmodium. Then, a questionnaire survey was carried out for the appraisal of self-reported morbidity indicators, as well as housing characteristics and household assets ownership. Mean travel distance from each village to the nearest health care delivery structure was provided by the regional health authorities. Poorer schoolchildren showed a significantly higher infection prevalence of hookworm than better-off children. However, higher infection prevalences of intestinal protozoa (i.e. Blastocystis hominis, Endolimax nana and Iodamoeba bütschlii) were found with increasing socioeconomic status. Significant negative associations were observed between socioeconomic status and light infection intensities with hookworm and S. mansoni, as well as with several self-reported morbidity indicators. The poorest school-attending children lived significantly further away from formal health services than their richer counterparts. Our study provides evidence for inequities among schoolchildren's parasitic infection status, perceived ill health and access to health care in a large rural part of Côte d'Ivoire. These findings call for more equity-balanced parasitic disease control interventions, which in turn might be an important strategy for poverty alleviation.     

Intestinal parasitic infections in renal transplant recipients

The impact of intestinal parasitic infection in renal transplant recipients requires careful consideration in the developing world. However, there have been very few studies addressing this issue in Iran. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in renal transplant recipients in Iran. Stool specimens from renal transplant recipients and control groups were obtained between June 2006 and January 2007. The samples screened for intestinal parasitic infections using direct smear, formalin-ether sedimentation, Sheather's flotation and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining methods. Out of 150 renal transplant recipients, 33.3% (50), and out of 225 control group, 20% (45) were infected with one or more type of intestinal parasites. The parasites detected among patients included Entamoeba coli (10.6%), Endolimax nana (8.7%), Giardia lamblia (7.4%), Blastocystis spp. (4.7%), Iodamoeba butschlii (0.7%), Chilomastix mesnili (0.7%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (0.7%). Multiple infections were more common among renal transplant recipients group (p < 0.05). This study highlights the importance of testing for intestinal parasites among Iranian renal transplant recipients. Routine examinations of stool samples for parasites would significantly benefit the renal transplant recipients by contributing to reduce severe infections.     

Outbreak ofEntamoeba histolytica andGiardia lamblia infections in travellers returning from the tropics

Summary Of 160 travellers from various regions in Italy who had taken part in a five-day organized trip to Phuket, Thailand, and been accommodated in the same luxury hotel, 17 showed either amebic abscess or colitis. A pretested questionnaire that focused on the consumption of foods and beverages well known to be a source of intestinal infection in endemic areas was available from these 17 patients as well as from 41 out of 74 asymptomatic travellers. Stool samples for parasitological examination were also available. In patients affected with amebic abscess, antibodies toEntamoeba histolytica were also determined. Overall, parasitological examinations were negative in eight (13.8%) patients, and 50 out of 58 (86.2%) were found to be positive. The prevalence ofGiardia lamblia andE. histolytica infections was 67.2% and 72.4%, respectively, and 28 subjects (48.3%) were stool-positive for both of these protozoa. No other intestinal parasites were found. No particular food or beverage was consumed by all of the parasitized subjects and by none of the stool-negative individuals. However, the consumption of drinks with ice, ice cream and raw fruit in ice was significantly associated withE. histolytica and/orG. lamblia infections (Fisher's exact test, p ranging from 0.03 to 0.003).

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Ausbruch von Infektionen durch Entamoeba histolytica und Giardia lamblia bei Touristen nach Rückkehr von einer Tropenreise

Zusammenfassung 17 Fälle von Amöbenabszessen oder Kolitis traten in einer Gruppe von 160 Touristen aus verschiedenen italienischen Regionen auf, die an einer fünf-Tage-Reise nach Phuket, Thailand, teilgenommen hatten und im selben Luxushotel untergebracht worden waren. Von diesen 17 Patienten und weiteren 41 von 74 asymptomatischen Teilnehmern lag ein geprüfter Fragebogen vor, der sich auf den Genuß von Speisen und Getränken bezog, die als Quellen intestinaler Infektionen in Endemiegebieten bekannt sind. Stuhlproben für parasitologische Untersuchungen standen ebenfalls zur Verfügung. Bei Patienten mit Amöbenabszessen wurden auch Antikörperbestimmungen fürEntamoeba histolytica vorgenommen. Die parasitologischen Untersuchungen waren bei acht von 58 Untersuchten negativ (13,8%) und bei 50 positiv (86,2%). Die Prävalenz derGiardia lamblia-Infektionen betrug 67,2% und die derE. histolytica-Infektionen 72,4%. Beide Protozoen wurden bei 28 Personen (43,3%) im Stuhl nachgewiesen. Andere intestinale Parasiten fanden sich nicht. Bei Personen, die durch Parasiten infestiert waren, konnte keine bestimmte Nahrungsquelle ausgemacht werden. Doch war der Genuß von Getränken mit Eiswürfeln, Speiseeis und rohen Früchten signifikant mit Infektionen durchE. histolytica und/oderG. lamblia assoziiert (p 0,03-0,003 Fisher's exact test).

     

Intestinal parasites in immigrants in the city of Naples (southern Italy)

The present study was aimed at carrying out a cross-sectional copromicroscopic survey of helminths and intestinal protozoa in immigrants in Naples (southern Italy). Between October 2008 and November 2009, a total of 514 immigrants were tested comparing the FLOTAC dual technique and the ethyl acetate concentration technique. Combined results of the two techniques served as a diagnostic ‘gold’ standard and revealed an overall prevalence of parasitic infections of 61.9% (318/514). The ethyl acetate concentration technique detected a low number of positive results (49.0%) and this was confirmed for each helminth/protozoa species detected. Among helminths, Trichuris trichiura (3.9%), hookworms (3.7%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (1.4%) were the most prevalent. Strongyloides stercoralis (0.4%), Enterobius vermicularis (0.4%), Schistosoma mansoni (1.0%), Hymenolepis nana (1.6%) and Taenia spp. (0.2%) were also found, as well as zoonotic helminths, as Trichostrongylus spp. (0.8%) and Dicrocoelium dendriticum (0.8%). As regard to pathogenic protozoa, Blastocystis hominis was the most commonly detected (52.7%), followed by Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar/Entamoeba moshkovskii (11.9%) and Giardia duodenalis (4.5%). Several issues concerning diagnosis, epidemiology and public health impact of parasitic infections in immigrants are offered for discussion. In conclusion, the present paper pointed out the need of better diagnosis and cure of the immigrants population in order to improve access to health care of this neglected and marginalised population group, for its own protection and care.     

Frecuencia de infecciones en pacientes con colitis ulcerosa crónica idiopática

BackgroundUlcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by diffuse inflammation of the mucosa of the colon. Up to now, diverse observational studies have implicated a wide variety of pathogenic microorganisms as causal and exacerbating factors in UC. Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection has been associated with recurrence and treatment failure and its incidence in patients with UC has been on the rise in the last few years.AimsTo determine the frequency of infection by different microorganisms in Mexican UC patients.Patients and methodsA total of 150 patients with definitive UC diagnosis were studied. All the stool tests for parasites and ova, stool cultures, tests for the C. difficile toxins A and B, and immunohistochemistry for Cytomegalovirus in colon segment biopsies were analyzed. Other demographic and clinical variables of the disease were recorded for their correlation with infection frequency.ResultsInfection frequency in UC patients was 28.00%. C. difficile infection was present in 0.013%. Other pathogens were found, such as Endolimax nana (9.00%), Entamoeba histolytica (3.00%), Cytomegalovirus (2.00%), Salmonella (2.00%), Shigella (0.70%), Toxoplasma gondii (0.70%) and Iodamoeba bütschlii (0.70%).ConclusionsInfection frequency was 28.00% in our study and C. difficile infection represented only 0.013%.     

西藏自治区人体寄生虫分布调查

本文报告１９８８年５月至１９９０年１０月，按全国人体寄生虫分布调查实施细则方法对本区１３个县３０个调查点进行人群寄生虫分布调查。实检率为７１．７％（１０３１５／１４３７９）。人群寄生虫总感染率为５１．６％（５３２５／１０３１５），共查见寄生虫２４种，其中包括原虫１０种、线虫９种和绦虫５种。各种寄生虫感染率分别为：溶组织内阿米巴８．１％、结肠内阿米巴１３．３％、哈氏内阿米巴１．５％、微小内蜒阿米巴３．３％、布氏嗜碘阿米巴８．５％、贾第虫８．２％、人毛滴虫０．０２％、结肠小袋纤毛虫０．０１％、人芽囊原虫０．３％、肉孢子虫１２．６％、蛔虫６．０％、鞭虫２．３％、钩虫０．３％、粪类圆线虫０．０１％、毛圆线虫０．０４％、蛲虫１１．５％、小杆属线虫０．０３％、旋毛虫２６．８％、带绦虫８．５％、缩小膜壳绦虫０．１％、微小膜壳绦虫１．５％、棘球蚴３４．９％和裂头蚴２１．４％。其中，小杆属线虫和毛圆线虫、哈氏内阿米巴，人毛滴虫、人芽囊原虫为我区首次报道。作者认为寄生虫感染率的高低与当地地理类型、经济、文化及生活习惯有关。     

Prevalence of enteric protozoa in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive and HIV-negative men who have sex with men from Sydney, Australia

A prospective, comparative study of the prevalence of enteric protozoa was determined among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)- positive and HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) in Sydney, Australia. A total of 1,868 patients submitted stool specimens; 1,246 were from MSM (628 HIV positive and 618 HIV positive) and 622 from non-MSM were examined over a 36-month period. A total of 651 (52.2%) stool specimens from MSM were positive for protozoa compared with 85 (13%) from non-MSM. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of Blastocystis hominis, Endolimax nana, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar complex, Entamoeba hartmanni, Iodamoeba butschlii, and Enteromonas hominis detected between MSM and non-MSM (P<0.001). The only notable difference between HIV-negative and HIV-positive MSM was that HIV-infected MSM were found to more likely have a Cryptosporidium parvum infection. Entamoeba histolytica was found in 3 patients, E. dispar in 25, and E. moshkovskii in 17, all of whom were MSM. When compared with a control group, MSM were significantly more likely to harbor intestinal protozoa and have multiple parasites present. The results of this study show high rates of enteric parasites persist in MSM and highlight the importance of testing for intestinal parasites in MSM. This is the first report of E. moshkovskii from MSM.     

甘肃省人体寄生虫分布初步调查

本文报告甘肃省19个县57个村28587名居民肠道寄生虫感染情况的调查结果。共查见原虫9种,线虫5种、吸虫5种。其中属我省常见的寄生虫有6种,其感染率为:蛔虫36％、 蛲虫12.2％、鞭虫2％、结肠内河来巴3.9％、溶组织内阿米巴1.8％、贾第虫1.1％。较少见的5种有钩虫、并殖吸虫、微小内蜒阿米巴、布氏嗜碘阿米巴和结肠小袋纤毛虫。属我省首次查见的虫种有:粪类圆线虫、华支睾吸虫、肝片形吸虫、姜片虫、支双腔吸虫、哈氏内阿米巴、人毛滴虫、人酵母菌。     

Human intestinal parasitism,potable water availability and methods of sewage disposal among nomadic Fulanis in Kuraje rural settlement of Zamfara state

ObjectiveTo ascertain the level of intestinal parasites vis-à-vis the quality of housing and water supply, and sanitary conditions among the people of Kuraje village in Zamfara state.MethodsThe study was cross sectional in nature. Individual households were selected using systematic random sampling methods and pre-tested questionnaires were administered to all the members of each household. Stool samples were collected and processed using standard laboratory procedures. Housing conditions, sources of water and sanitary conditions of the households were also inspected. Results were analysed using Epi Info 2006 model.ResultsThe prevalence of intestinal parasites was 67.0% (347/519). 72.3% (251/347), 17.0% (59/347), and 10.7% (37/347) had one, two and three or more parasites, respectively. The associated factors with intestinal parasites were poor housing and sanitary conditions, lack of potable water and illiteracy. The commonest parasites encountered were hookworm (22.0%), Ascaris lumbricoides (18.5%), and Strongyloides stercoralis (15.6%) while the least common was Enterobius vermicularis (1.6%). Others were Giardia lamblia (5.7%), Hymenolepsis nana (5.0%), Trichuris trichiura (8.8%), Entamoeba histolytica (14.4%) and Schistosoma mansoni (8.4%).ConclusionsThe infection rate of intestinal parasites in Kuraje village is high. More efforts should be intensified towards improvement in sanitary and housing standards, supply of potable water and institution of a more comprehensive literacy programme for the people of the community.     

Validation and utilization of PCR for differential diagnosis and prevalence determination of Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar in Salvador City,Brazil

Amoebiasis is an infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica and is a potential health risk in countries in which health barriers are inappropriate. Since the discovery of Entamoeba dispar, the prevalence of amoebiasis has been modified.ObjectiveThis study has standardized the PCR technique applied for the diagnosis of different species of the E. histolytica/E. dispar complex and has evaluated the prevalence of infection among patients attending private and public clinical laboratories in Salvador City, Bahia State, Brazil.ResultsAnalysis of 52,704 stool samples by microscopic examination demonstrated that 1,788 (3.4%) were positive for the E. histolytica/E. dispar complex and infection occurred more often in samples originated from public clinical laboratories (5.0%) than those that came from private laboratories (3.2%). PCR performed in approximately 15% (262) E. histolytica/E. dispar complex positive samples, randomly chosen, amplified 227 samples (86.6%), all of them positive for E. dispar. The non-amplified 35 samples (13.4%) were also negative for E. histolytica-specific galactose adhesin. Moreover, to exclude a probable infection caused by E. hartmanni, morphometric analysis demonstrated that non-amplified samples had cyst sizes comparable to E. histolytica/ E. dispar ( > 10 μm).ConclusionThe absence of amplification of these samples indicates the presence of PCR inhibitors in the stool samples or the presence of DNA from Entamoeba species other than E. dispar, E. histolytica or E. hartmanni.     

Anti-intestinal protozoan activities of 1-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethylanthraquinone from Coptosapelta flavescens

ObjectiveTo investigate the antiprotozoal activity of medicinal plant extracts and isolated active compounds from the most active plant.MethodsTwenty one medicinal plants with ethnobotanical use in Thailand, which were claimed to have anti-diarrhoeal or anti-parasitic activity, were screened for their anti-intestinal protozoan activity against Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) and Giardia intestinalis (G. intestinalis). The most active compound was isolated and tested against E. histolytica and G. intestinalis.ResultsAn acetone extract of Coptosapelta flavescens was the most active against both E. histolytica and G. intestinalis (minimal inhibitory concentration=125 and 15.63 μg/mL, respectively). Two anthraquinones and one naphthoquinone were isolated. The compound 1-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethylanthraquinone was the most active chemical against E. histolytica and G. intestinalis with minimal inhibitory concentration values of 20 and 2.5 μg/mL, respectively. In time killing assay, the percentage of viable G. intestinalis, when compare to control, after expose to compound 1-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethylanthraquinone showed significantly (P<0.05) lower than when exposed to a standard drug, metronidazole, at 6 and 12 h of incubation time. While for E. histolytica, its activity was comparable to metronidazole.ConclusionsThese observations provide preliminary evidence that 1-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethylanthraquinone from Coptosapelta flavescens can be considered to be a potential anti-parasitic agent against E. histolytica and G. intestinalis infections.     

Knowledge and risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections among women in Makurdi,Benue State

ObjectiveTo assess women's perceptions and risk factors that could expose them to intestinal parasitic infections in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.MethodsA total of 750 faecal samples were collected from women at different reproductive stages (pre-menstrual, menstrual and post-menstrual), and the faeces were tested by the formol ether concentration technique.ResultsA total of 426 (56.8%) samples were found positive for various intestinal parasites with hookworm (4.8%), Ascaris lumbricoides (9.3%), Taenia sp (2.1%), Entamoeba histolytica (18.9%) and Entamoeba coli (21.6%). Women at pre-menstrual and post-menstrual stages recorded higher prevalence rates with 72.8% and 63.9%, respectively. No significant difference in prevalence was observed between women at different reproductive stages and women infected by different parasites (χ² = 30.6, P > 0.05). Sweet things, rotten fruits and improperly cooked meat were perceived as the causes of intestinal parasitic infections among the pre and post menstrual women. Sources of drinking water like river, well, water bought from vendors and patronizing food vendors were observed as risk factors contributing to the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among women. Factors like not washing hands before eating and after defaecation, use of leaves and ordinary papers for cleaning after defaecation were also observed to be contributing to the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections.ConclusionsPersuasive health education and rigorous hygiene measures should be employed in schools, maternity clinics and among the populace to reduce transmission and infection with intestinal parasites.     

Hepato-pulmonary amebiasis: a case report

Infections with Entamoeba histolytica are seen worldwide and are more prevalent in the tropics. About 90% of infections are asymptomatic, and the remaining 10% produce a spectrum of clinical syndromes, ranging from dysentery to abscesses of the liver or other organs. Extra-intestinal infection by E. histolytica most often involves liver. Pleuro-pulmonary involvement, seen as the second most common extra-intestinal pattern of infection, is frequently associated with amebic liver abscess. Pulmonary amebiasis occurs in about 2-3% of patients with invasive amebiasis. We report herein the case of a 45-year-old male presenting with hepato-pulmonary amebiasis. The diagnosis was established from direct examination of sputum, in which trophozoites of E. histolytica were detected, and by serology. Following treatment with metronidazole and chloroquine, the clinical evolution improved significantly. On regular follow-up visits, the patient was asymptomatic. This case report reiterates the need for collaboration between clinicians and microbiologists for timely diagnosis of such infections.