Intestinal parasitic infections in schoolchildren of Abha (Asir), Saudi Arabia.

Stool specimens from 1282 children between the age of 5 and 13 years attending 10 primary schools for boys in the city of Abha, southwestern Saudi Arabia, were examined for the presence of intestinal parasites. Of these, 313, (24.4%) were found infected with one or more species of 11 intestinal protozoa and helminths. The most common pathogenic protozoa being Giardia lamblia (10.9%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica (4.1%). The nonpathogenic protozoan, Entamoeba coli had the highest prevalence rate (11.3%) in the children's stools. Hymenolepis nana was the commonest intestinal helminth (3.0%). Other intestinal helminths, including Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura. Schistosoma mansoni, Dicrocoelium dendriticum were detected to a lesser extent. The distribution of the common intestinal infections among the children surveyed were also analysed according to age, nationality and multiplicity of infection. Prevalence of E. histolytica was found to increase with age whereas Giardia infections were less common among older children. This pair of parasite species were strongly associated. Yemeni children had consistently the highest prevalence of infection with protozoa and helminths, followed by Saudi and non-Saudi children.     

Influence of intestinal parasitism on lactose absorption in well-nourished African children.

Hydrogen breath tests were performed in Gabon (Central Africa) after a loading dose of lactose in 67 well-nourished African children (50 with intestinal parasites and 17 unparasitized) and in 18 unparasitized young adults. All had normal nutritional status, and none had diarrhea or digestive symptoms. Parasites that were found included Ascaris lumbricoides in 76% of the parasitized children, Trichuris trichiura in 58%, Giardia in 24%, Entamoeba histolytica in 20%, Schistosoma intercalatum in 16%, and Necator Americanus in 14%. A similar proportion of parasitized (64%) or unparasitized (62.8%) subjects were lactose malabsorbers. Giardia infection was associated with a higher, but not significantly different, proportion of lactose intolerance (10 of 12, 83.3%). The presence of infection with A. lumbricoides or T. trichiura did not increase the percentage of lactose malabsorption. These data indicate that a decrease of lactase activity in well-nourished African children is not related to the presence or the importance of Ascaris or other intestinal parasites if the nutritional status is normal.     

Human parasitoses of the Malili area, South Sulawesi (Celebes) province, Indonesia.

A biomedical survey was conducted in 9 villages in the Malili area of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Blood specimens were examined for malaria and microfilariae; stool specimens were examined for intestinal parasites. Malaria parasitemias were rare; Plasmodium falciparum was detected in 10 and P. vivax in 11 of 985 blood smears. Malayan filariasis was endemic to all villages surveyed. The overall prevalence of detectable microfilaremias was 15%, varying from 34% in Kawata to 1% in Nuha. Microfilarial densities, expressed as MfD50 averaged 8.0 and varied from 1.1 in Timampu to 16.0 in Karabbe. Intestinal parasites were common. Although Schistosoma japonicum was not found, 97% of the examined had one or more intestinal parasites as follows: Ascaris lumbricoides (74%), Trichuris trichiura (65%), hookworm (62%), Entamoeba coli (38%), Endolimax nana (10%), Entamoeba histolytica (6%), Iodamoeba bütschlii (4%), Entamoeba hartmanni (3%), Giardia lamblia (2%) Chilomastix mesnili (1%) and Enterobius vermicularis (1%). Strongyloides stercoralis larvae and Hymenolepis nana eggs were detected once each and heterophyid-like eggs were detected twice.     

Prevalence and seasonal fluctuations of intestinal parasitic infections in the Nablus area, West Bank of Jordan

A total of 22,970 stool specimens collected from patients attending the Central Medical Laboratory in the city of Nablus in the period of 1981-1986 were examined for intestinal parasites. Of these 7412 (32.3%) were positive. Entamoeba histolytica (22.9%), Giardia lamblia (7.3%), and Ascaris lumbricoides (5.7%) were the most prevalent intestinal parasites found. Other intestinal parasites present included Hymenolepis nana, Trichomonas hominis, Trichuris trichiura, Taenia saginata, Enterobius vermicularis and Strongyloides stercoralis. Seasonal occurrence of intestinal parasites in the West Bank of Jordan was also studied in the period January 1981-August 1987. Lower prevalence rates of intestinal parasites generally occurred during winter and early spring. Peak incidence occurred during summer and early autumn. The reasons for these seasonal variations are discussed.     

Intestinal parasitic infections in HIV/AIDS and HIV seronegative individuals in a teaching hospital, Ethiopia

The magnitude of intestinal parasitic infection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) /AIDS patients requires careful consideration in the developing world. However, there have been very few studies addressing this issue in Ethiopia. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in HIV/AIDS patients at Jimma Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia, between January and February 2002. Stool specimens from HIV/AIDS patients and control groups were screened for intestinal parasitic infections using direct and formalin-ether sedimentation concentration methods. Out of 78 HIV/AIDS patients, 52.6% (41/78), and out of 26 HIV-negative individuals, 42.3% (11/26), were infected with one or more types of intestinal protozoa and/or helminthes. The parasites detected among HIV/AIDS patients included Ascaris lumbricoides (30.8%), Blastocystis spp. (14.1%), Entamoeba histolytica (10.3%), Trichuris trichiura (6.4%), Strongyloides stercoralis (5.1%), Giardia lamblia (3.8%), Schistosoma mansoni (2.5%), hookworm species (2.5%), and Taenia spp. (1.3%). Multiple infections were more common among HIV/AIDS patients. Blastocystis spp. were found to be significantly higher in HIV/AIDS patients than in controls (P < 0.05). The magnitude of intestinal parasitic infection was high both in HIV/AIDS patients and in controls. Routine examinations of stool samples for parasites would significantly benefit the HIV-infected and uninfected individuals by contributing to reduce morbidity.     

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic pathogens in HIV-seropositive individuals in Northern India

To assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive subjects, fecal samples were collected from 120 HIV-seropositive patients and were analyzed for various intestinal parasites. Thirty-six patients (30%) were found to harbor an intestinal parasite. Cryptosporidium parvum was the most common (10.8%), followed by Giardia lamblia (8.3%). Cyclospora cayetanensis and Blastocystis hominis each were detected in 3.3% of the patients, while Isospora belli and Enterocytozoon bieneusi were each detected in 2.5% of the patients. The other parasites observed were Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar in two cases and hookworm ova in one patient. Of the 36 patients who tested positive for intestinal parasites, 27 (75%) had diarrhea. The most common parasite, which was associated with diarrhea, was C. parvum. The present study highlights the importance of testing for intestinal parasites in patients who are HIV-positive, and emphasizes the necessity of increasing awareness among clinicians regarding the occurrence of these parasites in this population.     

A comparative study of the intestinal parasites prevalent among children living in rural and urban settings in and around Chennai

A comparative analysis of the various intestinal parasites detected among children attending schools was carried out in a rural and urban location in and around Chennai. A total of 324 stool samples were examined by routine microscopy using normal saline and Lugol's iodine preparation as well as by saturated sodium chloride flotation technique. All suspicious samples were subjected to zinc sulphate concentration technique as well as modified Ziehl Neelson stain and Trichrome stains to identify the other uncommon intestinal parasites. Out of 125 specimens tested from the rural location, the overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 91%. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most common helminthic parasite detected (52.8%) followed by Trichuris trichura (45.6%), Ancylostoma duodenale (37.6%), Strongyloides stercoralis (3.2%) and Hymenolepis nana (1.6%). Giardia lamblia was the most common protozoan parasite detected (16%), followed by Entamoeba histolytica (4%). In contrast under urban settings, out of the 199 stool specimens tested the positivity rate was 33%. Giardia was the most common parasite detected (22.6%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica (10.6%). All other intestinal parasites such as T. trichura (2.01%), H. nana (1.01%) and A. lumbricoides (0.50%) were found to have much lower prevalence in comparison to the rural area tested. Enterobius vermicularis (0.50%) was also detected. Ancylostoma duodenale and Strongyloides stercoralis were not encountered at all in the urban setting studied.     

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.     

Parasitological survey in Gorontalo North Sulawesi, Indonesia.

A survey for blood and intestinal parasites was carried out in the municipality of Gorontalo on the Minahasa peninsula of North Sulawesi. A total of 156 stool specimens were obtained from 83 males and 73 females. Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, unidentified dicrocoeliid-like ova and Entamoeba coli, in that order, were the most common intestinal parasites detected. Other intestinal parasites found less frequently were Entamoeba histolytica, Iodamoeba bütschlii, Endolimax nana, Giardia lamblia, Enterobius vermicularis and Chilomastix mesnili. Brugia malayi microfilaremiar were detected in 6% and Plasmodium falciparum in less than 1% of the population sampled.     

Intestinal parasites in Central American immigrants in the United States

We describe the results of ova and parasite examinations of 216 Central Americans who were seen at a Los Angeles, Calif, clinic during an 8-month period. Among the 125 immigrants from Central America, intestinal parasitic prevalence was 53%. Pathogens were found in 45% and multiple pathogens in 21%. Of the 91 US born Central American children, parasite prevalence was 14%. Pathogens were found in 12%. The most common pathogens were Trichuris trichiura, Giardia lamblia, and Ascaris lumbricoides. Giardia lamblia was more prevalent in the younger than 5-year-old age group, and helminths were more prevalent in the 6- to 10-year-old age group. No helminths were found in immigrants who had been in the US for more than 3 years. Gastrointestinal symptoms did not correlate with prevalence of parasites. The high prevalence of intestinal parasites supports previous recommendations for screening; decisions for screening should be based on morbidity (probably low), efficacy and safety of treatment (good), and costs.     

Intestinal and blood parasites of man in Bireuen and Takengon, Aceh Province, Sumatra, Indonesia.

A survey for blood and intestinal parasites was carried out in Aceh Province of North Sumatra, Indonesia. A total of 348 stool specimens were obtained from 167 males and 181 females ranging in age from 6 months to 70 years. Over 98% of the population sampled were found infected with at least one intestinal parasite. Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, hookworm and Entamoeba coli, in that order, were the most common parasites detected. Other intestinal parasites found less frequently were Entamoeba histolytica, Iodamoeba bütschlii, Entamoeba hartmanni, Endolimax nana and Giardia lamblia, Brugia malayi microfilaraemias were detected in 2% of those examined and only in the coastal villages of Cot Ketapang and Rusip Dayah. No malaria was found.     

Intestinal parasitic infections in young children in São Paulo,Brazil: prevalences,temporal trends and associations with physical growth

The prevalences of intestinal parasitic infections were investigated, between 1995 and 1996, in a household-based sample of 1044 children aged <5 years who lived in the city of S?o Paulo, Brazil. Only 10.7% of the children were infected, the most prevalent parasites being Giardia duodenalis (5.5%), Ascaris lumbricoides (4.4%) and Trichuris trichiura (1.0%). A comparison between these data and results from two previous population-based surveys, completed in S?o Paulo in 1974 and 1985, revealed a dramatic decrease in the prevalence of intestinal helminths in this age-group, with less marked changes in the prevalence of Giardia, over the two past decades. Despite the low prevalence of malnutrition (2.4% of stunting and 0.6% of wasting) and intestinal parasites in this population, there was a significant association (P=0.05, after controlling for potential confounding variables) between helminth (but not Giardia) infection and height. The helminth-infected children had a mean height-for-age z-score of-0.412 [95% confidence interval (CI)=-0.637--0.186], compared with one of 0.015 (CI=-0.049-0.079) for the non-infected children. No significant relationship between intestinal parasitic infection and children's weight was detected. In conclusion, a small but significant negative relationship between intestinal helminthic infections and children's growth was detected in an urban environment with low prevalences of both intestinal parasitic infection and malnutrition.     

Giardiasis and amoebiasis infections in three Saudi closed communities

Two hundred and eighteen residents (131 healthy and 87 mentally or physically retarded) of a children's nursery, a foster house and a rehabilitation centre for the handicapped in Abha, southwestern Saudi Arabia, were examined for intestinal parasitism. About 30% of the population of the three communities were found to harbour asymptomatic infections with either Giardia lamblia and/or Entamoeba spp. Giardia cysts were identified in 19.3% of those examined. Entamoeba histolytica was found in 18.4% of the residents of the rehabilitation centre only. Entamoeba coli infections were found in residents of both the foster house and rehabilitation centre (6.0 and 25.3% respectively). The prevalence of infection with the three parasites was significantly higher in the rehabilitation centre than in the children's nursery and foster house.     

Intestinal parasitoses and environmental factors in a rural population of Argentina, 2002-2003

We evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in 504 people and the degree of association between environmental variables and parasites found in population, soil and water in a rural area of Argentina during 2002-2003. A structured survey was used to evaluate the environmental variables and fecal-human, soil and water samples were analyzed. The prevalence of parasites was 45.4%. Most prevalent protozoa were Blastocystis hominis (27.2%) and Giardia lamblia (6.9%), while the most prevalent helminth was Ascaris lumbricoides (3.8%). The analyzed environmental variables showing association (p < 0.05) with presence of parasites in population were: cardboard-tin or wooden house, dirt floor, home or communal water pump, faucet outside the house or public faucet and cesspool or latrine. Parasite forms were found in 82.3% of the soil samples and in 84.2% of the water samples. In both samples we found parasites that were also found in people. In this study we have found deficient sanitary conditions associated with presence of parasites in population and we have evidenced that contaminated soil and water were the source of these parasites.     

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic pathogens among HIV-positive individuals in Iran

Parasites are important enteric pathogens among patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. There have been very few reports on the prevalence of intestinal parasites among such patients in Iran. To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among HIV-positive individuals, we collected single stool samples and analyzed them for detection of various intestinal parasites from 206 HIV-positive individuals with different immune status visited in different medical centers in Iran. The data were tested for statistical significance with chi(2) and Mann-Whitney U tests. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 18.4% (95%CI: 13.7, 24.3). More specifically, the following parasites were identified: Giardia lamblia (7.3%), Blastocystis hominis (4.4%), Entamoeba coli (3.9%), and Cryptosporidium parvum (1.5%). Other parasites observed included Strongyloides stercoralis and Hymenolepis nana in two cases and Dicrocoelium dendriticum in one. Of the 38 patients who tested positive for intestinal parasites, 15 (39.2%) had diarrhea. Intestinal parasites were significantly more common among patients with diarrhea than those without (P < 0.001). Further, CD4 counts were significantly lower among individuals with diarrhea than those without (P < 0.001). This study highlights the importance of testing for intestinal parasites among Iranian HIV-positive patients, especially those with low immunity presenting with diarrhea.     

Intestinal protozoan and helminth infections in the Municipality San Juan y Martínez, Pinar del Río, Cuba

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and the intensity of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) among children who attend the educational centres of San Juan y Martinez, Cuba. Ascaris lumbricoides, Blastocystis hominis and Giardia lamblia were the most common parasites found, with prevalence rates of 40.5%, 38.5% and 25%, respectively. In total, 91% of children harboured at least one type of intestinal parasite. The rates and intensity of intestinal parasitic infections found permit us to speculate that the conditions that predispose to acquire intestinal protozoan and STH infections persist in this municipality.     

青海省蒙古族人群肠道寄生虫感染状况分析

按全国人体寄生虫分布调查实施细则规定的抽样和检查方法，调查了青海省德令哈市，乌兰县，海晏县和河南县各一个调查点共1621名蒙古族人群肠道寄生虫的感染情况，检出寄生虫12种，其中原虫8种，蠕虫4种，寄生虫总感染率为35．04％，以蛔虫，结肠内阿米巴，贾第虫，蛔虫感染水平较高，受感染最重的人群为10－14岁中小学生，应尽早采取措施，重点防治。     

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among Thai people with mental handicaps

The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was studied by stool examination in institutionalized and non-institutionalized Thai people with mental handicaps. It was found that the prevalence of infection was much higher in institutionalized (57.6%) than in non-institutionalized people (7.5%). The common parasites found in institutionalized people were Trichuris trichiura (29.7%), Entamoeba coli (23.1%), Giardia intestinalis (8.0%), Hymenolepis nana (7.8%), and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (7.1%). Institutionalized mentally handicapped people should be considered as a high risk group for intestinal parasitic infection and a parasitic control measure should be emphasized.     

Parasitic infections on the shore of Lake Victoria (East Africa) detected by Mini-FLOTAC and standard techniques

Background

Helminths and protozoa infections pose a great burden especially in developing countries, due to morbidity caused by both acute and chronic infection. The aim of our survey was to analyze the intestinal parasitic burden in communities from Mwanza region, Tanzania.

Methods

Subjects (n = 251) from four villages on the South of Lake Victoria have been analyzed for intestinal parasites with direct smear (DS), formol-ether concentration method (FECM) and the newly developed Mini-FLOTAC technique; urinary schistosomiasis was also assessed in a subsample (n = 151); symptoms were registered and correlation between clinic and infections was calculated by chi-squared test and logistical regression.

Results

Out of the subjects screened for intestinal and for urinary parasites, 87% (218/251) were found positive for any infection, 69% (174/251) carried a helminthic and 67% (167/251) a protozoan infection, almost half of them had a double or triple infection. The most common helminths were hookworms, followed by Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium. Among protozoa, the most common was Entamoeba coli followed by Entamoeba histolytica/dispar and Giardia intestinalis. Mini-FLOTAC detected a number of helminth infections (61.7%) higher than FECM (38.6%) and DS (17.9%). Some positive associations with abdominal symptoms were found and previous treatment was negatively correlated with infection.

Conclusion

Despite the limited size of the examined population the current study indicates a high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in Bukumbi area, Tanzania, and Mini-FLOTAC showed to be a promising diagnostic tool for helminth infections. This high parasitic burden calls for starting a regular deworming programme and other preventive interventions in schools and in the community.     

Intestinal parasites in children with diarrhea in Delhi,India

The parasitic causes of diarrhea in children in Delhi were determined by the direct smear technique; stool specimens of 127 children were examined for intestinal parasites. In 59 cases (46.5%) intestinal helminths and protozoa were demonstrated. Ascaris lumbricoides was observed in 1 (0.8%) case, while Trichuris trichiura was the finding in 3 (2.4%). Protozoal parasites included Giardia intestinalis and Entamoeba histolytica in 14 (11%) cases each, Balantidium coli in 3 (2.4%) cases and Cryptosporidium spp in 24 (18.9%) patients. Mixed infection was not seen in any of the cases. Intestinal parasites may increase susceptibility to infection with other intestinal pathogens and therefore with the help of a simple technique, like direct fecal smear examination. rapid diagnosis can be made and specific therapy instituted.