The present situation of paragonimiasis in endemic area in Phitsanulok Province

A cross-sectional survey and evaluation of paragonimiasis situation from endemic area in Phitsanulok Province was studied. Studies on the species and prevalence of parasites which infected people in Noen Maprang, Phitsanulok Province were also conducted during October 1999-March 2000. The sputum specimens were collected and examined to identify Paragonimus heterotremus eggs. In addition fecal samples were collected and examined for parasites by the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique. P. heterotremus eggs were detected in 2 out of 391 sputum specimens; a prevalence of 0.51%. A total of 584 stool specimens were obtained and examined. It was found that the prevalence of parasitic infection was 36.30%. Opisthorchis viverrini infection was the most prevalent (10.78%), followed by Strongyloides stercoralis (9.59%), hookworm (8.22%), Echinostoma spp (2.23%), minute intestinal flukes (1.54%), Taenia species (1.37%), Enterobius vermicularis (0.68%), Entamoeba coli (1.03%) and Giardia lamblia (0.86%). The prevalent rate of paragonimiasis in this endemic area in Phitsanulok Province has decreased during the past decade. However, there were other important parasite infections, especially opisthorchiasis and strongylodiasis and these should be studied further.     

Intestinal parasites among Karitiana Indians from Rond?nia State, Brazil.

Gravity sedimentation parasitological examinations were performed in stool samples from 111 Karitiana Indians from Rond?nia State, Brazilian Amazon Basin. Intestinal parasites were found in 43 samples (38.7%). Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent helminth species (18.9%). Egg counts in samples positive for Ascaris suggested an overdispersed distribution of worm burdens in the host population. Age-distribution pattern of intestinal parasites among Karitiana Indians was found to be rather unusual: the highest prevalence (60.0%) was detected in the 12- to 16-year-old age group.     

Impact of a filariasis control program on intestinal helminthic infections; a pilot study in Narathiwat Province, Thailand

This study was conducted in 9 villages located in endemic areas for brugian filariasis in Narathiwat Province, Thailand. Parasitological and anthropometric examinations were cross-sectionally performed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections of 539 villagers. Paired stool samples were collected before and after mass treatment for the filariasis control program in 150 participants in order to study the impact of the filariasis control program on intestinal helminthiasis. The results found that 50.3% of the villagers were infected with one or more types of intestinal parasites. Double and triple infections were found in 10.9% and 1.6% of infected individuals respectively. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections peaked in the 1-10 year old age-group, which are pre-school and young school-age children. A significant reduction of intestinal helminthic infections in the post-treatment stool sample was observed in the 150 participants who were examined six months after mass treatment. Integrating an intestinal helminthic control program alongside the existing filariasis control program would be an appropriate and cost-effective strategy in the control of intestinal helminths. However, reinfection of parasites was observed.     

江西省肠道寄生虫病流行状况和变化趋势

目的　了解1989–2014年江西省人体肠道寄生虫病流行状况和变化趋势,为制定防治对策提供科学依据。方法　从1989年首次全国人体寄生虫分布调查和2014年全国人体重点寄生虫病现状调查结果中提取江西省调查数据,对2次调查中江西省人体肠道寄生虫感染情况进行比较分析。结果　1989年和2014年江西省人体肠道寄生虫感染率分别为79.59%和9.64%,25年间感染率下降了87.89%（χ2 = 30 870.5,P < 0.01）;1989年和2014年江西省分别检出24种和20种人体肠道寄生虫,2次调查共检出26种人体肠道寄生虫。1989年调查,江西省感染率居前3位的人体肠道寄生虫分别是蛔虫（71.06%）、钩虫（17.61%）和蛲虫（17.59%）;2014年调查,感染率居前3位的人体肠道寄生虫分别是蛲虫（13.73%）、钩虫（4.66%）和鞭虫（0.95%）。2次调查中,江西省女性人体肠道寄生虫感染率均显著高于男性（P均< 0.01）;25年间,不同年龄组人体肠道寄生虫感染率下降82.50% ~ 95.31%。结论　江西省人群肠道寄生虫感染率呈显著下降趋势,土源性线虫仍然是人体肠道寄生虫感染的主要虫种。     

江西省肠道寄生虫病流行状况和变化趋势

目的　了解1989–2014年江西省人体肠道寄生虫病流行状况和变化趋势，为制定防治对策提供科学依据。方法　从1989年首次全国人体寄生虫分布调查和2014年全国人体重点寄生虫病现状调查结果中提取江西省调查数据，对2次调查中江西省人体肠道寄生虫感染情况进行比较分析。结果　1989年和2014年江西省人体肠道寄生虫感染率分别为79.59%和9.64%，25年间感染率下降了87.89%（χ2 = 30 870.5，P < 0.01）；1989年和2014年江西省分别检出24种和20种人体肠道寄生虫，2次调查共检出26种人体肠道寄生虫。1989年调查，江西省感染率居前3位的人体肠道寄生虫分别是蛔虫（71.06%）、钩虫（17.61%）和蛲虫（17.59%）；2014年调查，感染率居前3位的人体肠道寄生虫分别是蛲虫（13.73%）、钩虫（4.66%）和鞭虫（0.95%）。2次调查中，江西省女性人体肠道寄生虫感染率均显著高于男性（P均< 0.01）；25年间，不同年龄组人体肠道寄生虫感染率下降82.50% ~ 95.31%。结论　江西省人群肠道寄生虫感染率呈显著下降趋势，土源性线虫仍然是人体肠道寄生虫感染的主要虫种。     

Prevalence of intestinal parasites among children referred to Children's Medical Center during 18 years (1991-2008), Tehran, Iran

Epidemiological studies show that parasitic inections are among the most common infections and one of the biggest health problems of the society worldwide. Children at school age have the highest morbidity compared with other ages. Therefore, by treating these children, the disease burden in the total population is reduced. In this study, prevalence of parasitic infection in children referred to Children's Medical Center was compared in different years. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, the subjects were children under 13 years who were referred to Children's Medical Center Laboratory during 18 years (1991-2008) and underwent stool exam by any reason. The specimens were evaluated by different common methods of stool parasitology. In suspected cases, parasites was cultured in specific medium and stained as needed. Required data were obtained from the laboratory files and analysed according to study's purpose. Subjects were 124 366 children. Among them, 0.78% of cases had parasitic infections and 60.54% cases were male. Parasitic infections were related to protozoa in 95.33% cases and intestinal worms in 4.87%. Of them, 50.352% were pathogenic protozoa. The most parasitic infection was Giardia lamblia. Among intestinal worms, the highest prevalence was related to Hymenolepis nana (40.7%). A comparison between the first 10 years and the next 8 years of the study showed that the prevalence of intestinal parasites were 8% and 1% (P < 0.001) and the rate for protozoal infection were 14.9% and 4.3%, respectively (P < 0.001). The prevalence of intestinal parasites was reduced during recent years; however, more attempts should be performed to make it lower.     

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in Jenin Governorate,Palestine: a 10–year retrospective study

ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites among Jenin Governorate (Northern Palestine) population.MethodsA retrospective laboratory analysis of stool specimens was carried out for intestinal parasite examination in Jenin Governmental Hospital, Jenin Governorate, Northern Palestine. The records were collected from the clinical microbiology laboratory of the Jenin Governmental Hospital between January 2000 and December 2009.ResultsOur retrospective study showed that the prevalence of intestinal parasite infection during 10 years ranged from 32.0-41.5%. There are at least 7 different parasites encountered. The most common pathogenic parasites identified were: Entamoeba histolytica (8.2-18.2%), Enterobius vermicularis (15.6-28.9%). The other parasites present were Giardia lamblia, Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, Taenia species and Ancylostoma duodenale (Hookworms).ConclusionsIntestinal parasitic infection is an important public health problem in Jenin governorate, Palestine. It is necessary to develop effective prevention and control strategies including health education and environmental sanitation improvement.     

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 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.     

Gender variations in the prevalence of parasitic infections and the level of awareness in adolescents in rural Nepal

The study was conducted in rural school adolescent children to investigate the awareness and its association in parasitic infections in boys and girls. Of the 182 children examined 119 (65.3%) were male and 63 (34.6%) were female, age ranged 12-20 years with median age 15 years. Out of 182 stool samples examined 73 (40%) were found to be positive for parasites in which two or more parasites were found in 10 stool samples. Giardia lamblia 33 (18.1%) was the predominant parasite followed by hook worm 27 (14.8%) Entamoeba histolytica 13 (7.1%), Ascaris lumbricoides 05 (2.7%), Hyminolepis nana 02 (2.2%) and Trichuris trichiuria 01 (0.5%). Thirty-one (49.2%) in 63 females and 40 (33.6%) of the 119 males were positive for parasitic infections. The prevalence of worm infection was significantly higher in female children than male (p < or = 0.05). In contrast to the high parasitic prevalence rate in females they possessed significantly higher levels of awareness about parasitic infections. Out of 119 males 99 (83.2%) and 61 (96.8%) of the 63 females (p < or = 0.05) knew that worms suck food from host body. Similarly, 62.2% of males and 96.85 of females (p < or = 0.05) knew that parasites suck blood from human body. More study should be carried out to find out the gender difference in parasitic infection and level of exposure to risk factors.     

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.     

Comparative study of entero-parasitic infections among HIV sero-positive and sero-negative patients in Lagos, Nigeria

Background

Intestinal parasites are endemic in many parts of the world where HIV infection is also widespread. Previous studies had shown that the spectrum of opportunistic and common endemic parasitic infections with HIV vary in different regions and usually reflect the infections prevalent in these regions. This present study was aimed at comparing the prevalence and types of intestinal parasitic infections in HIV sero-positive and sero-negative patients in Lagos.

Materials and methods

Venous blood and stool samples of 1080 patients, recruited from three health care institutions were screened for HIV infection and intestinal parasites using HIV-1, HIV-2 rapid tests, direct wet mount with saline/iodine and formol-ether technique, respectively.

Results

Results showed that 6% (65/1080) of patients were sero-positive for HIV infection. In addition, 23.3% (252/1080) patients were infected with intestinal parasites and 33.8% (22/65) of patients with HIV had intestinal parasites co-infections. The prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar, Entamoeba coli, Iodamoeba butschilii, Giardia intestinalis, and Hookworm were statistically significantly higher among HIV sero-positive patients as compared to the HIV sero-negative patients. In addition, HIV sero-positive patients had higher odds of mixed intestinal parasites than the HIV sero-negative patients (9.1% versus 3.9%; adjusted OR 2.05, 95% CI, 1.14–3.72, P = 0.021).

Conclusion

In this study population, HIV sero-positive patients were more likely to have intestinal parasitic infections. The study underscores the public health significance of intestinal parasitic infections in HIV infected individuals.     

河北唐山市犬、猫肠道寄生虫感染情况调查

目的  了解唐山市犬、猫肠道寄生虫感染情况。 方法  收集唐山市区（煤医里小区、北新里社区）、宠物市场和流浪动物救助站犬、猫粪便标本198份, 包括犬粪113 份, 猫粪85 份。其中家养犬、猫粪 25 份, 宠物市场犬 、猫粪 55份, 流浪动物救助站犬、猫粪118份。采用直接涂片法和饱和盐水浮聚法检查肠道寄生虫虫卵、卵囊、包囊和滋养体。 结果  犬、猫粪便寄生虫阳性24份,检出肠道寄生虫6 种,包括犬弓首蛔虫、犬钩虫、犬球虫、等孢球虫、华支睾吸虫、蓝氏贾第鞭毛虫。犬、猫感染率分别为15.04%和8.24%。其中家养犬、猫感染率为8.00%,宠物市场犬、猫感染率3.64%,流浪动物救助站犬、猫感染率16.95%。 结论  唐山市犬、猫肠道寄生虫感染率较高,人群存在人兽共患寄生虫病感染风险。     

Impact of hygienic level on parasite infection

ObjectiveTo find out the prevalence of intestinal parasites among primary school population (the most vulnerable group) in rural and urban areas in south Jordan.MethodsDuring a medical civic action in the south of Jordan in summer 2000, stool specimens were collected from 2 400 primary school children, aged from 6–12 years, and examined for the detection of intestinal parasitic infection from both urban (1 100 samples) and rural (1 300 samples) areas in south Jordan.ResultsThe results indicated that the overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 28.5%. It was more in rural (33.2%) than in urban (23.0%) areas, but no sex difference was found. As regard to the type of infection, Giardia lamblia was the commonest intestinal protozoa, with a rate of 42.6%, while Enterobious vermicularis was the commonest helminth recorded in our study with a rate of 5.9%.ConclusionsHealth education by health and school authorities is recommended, particular attention should be paid to repairing the sewage disposal system as well as water supply, which acts as main source of water pollution.     

Prevalence of intestinal parasites in a population in south of Tehran, Iran

The aim of this study was to describe epidemiologic characteristics of intestinal parasites in a population in south of Tehran, Iran. A retrospective cross-sectional study of patients with suspicious intestinal parasitic infections referred to the Zakaria Razi Laboratory in Shahre-Ray, southern Tehran, Iran, was conducted from April 21, 2004 to October 20, 2005. All stool samples were examined and socio-demographic informations were retrieved. Of 4,371 referred patients, 466 (239 males and 227 females) were laboratory diagnosed with intestinal parasites, with a period prevalence of 10.7%. Blastocystis hominis (B. hominis) and Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia) were the most frequent intestinal parasites. More than half of patients aged (3) 18 years had a low level of educational attainment (e.g. illiterate, primary school, high school) (170/331, 54.1%). Further, majority of patients were homemakers (42.3%, 140/331) or workers (28.1%, 93/331) employed in various business settings such as food industry and construction. Findings of this study showed that intestinal parasitic infections are still a major public health challenge in Iran that needs to be addressed. We believe that public education, improving sanitation conditions of underdeveloped areas/communities, community involvement, and supporting evidence-based practice/programs are the major keys to success in preventing the spread of intestinal parasitic infections in Iran.     

Blastocystis hominis infection in irritable bowel syndrome patients

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder in which abdominal pain is associated with a defect or a change in bowel habits. Subtle inflammation, especially after infectious enteritis, has been sometimes suspected as one mechanism of pathogenesis. This research was performed (1) to evaluate the prevalence of parasitic infections and (2) the possible association of IBS and parasitic infections. Fifty-nine IBS patients were recruited using symptom-based criteria (Rome Criteria II) with an absence of intestinal parasitic infection by direct smear method. Stool samples of individual patients were examined using 7 methods, ie examination for stool occult blood, simple saline smear method, formalin-ether technique, culture for Blastocystis hominis, modified trichrome stain, modified Ziehl-Neelsen method, and trichrome stain for parasitic and bacterial infections. Of the 59 patients, stool samples of 13 patients (22.1%) were positive for parasites. These were B. hominis (13.6%), Strongyloides stercoralis larvae (1.7%), Giardia lamblia cysts (1.7%), and non-pathogenic protozoa, ie Endolimax nana cysts (5.1%). The prevalence rate of parasitic infections in the control group (20%) was not statistically different from the patients. There was no statistical difference between B. hominis infection in IBS patients and control was found in this study (p = 0.87). In the IBS group, B. hominis infection predominated (13.6%), while other parasitic infections were found in 8.5%. The culture method for B. hominis is more sensitive than the direct (simple) stool smear method, which is the routine diagnostic method in most laboratories. These results were also found in control group.     

Comparative analysis of intestinal parasitic infections in slum, rural and urban populations in and around union Territory, Chandigarh

A study was conducted in and around the union Territory, Chandigarh, India to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in different population groups. The stool samples from a total of 600 subjects selected by cluster sampling technique were examined by direct microscopy. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was found to be 14.6% with highest prevalence of 19% from the slum area. Children were the most commonly affected group (18%) with those from slums showing the highest prevalence (24.6%). The most common parasite was Giardia (5.5%) followed by H. nana and Ascaris (2.8% and 2.7% respectively).     

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.     

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.