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Objective: It is known that protozoa and helminths that cause intestinal infections adversely affect human life. Changing climate and demographic and socio-economic factors worldwide necessitate the determination and updating of the incidence of these parasites. Our study aimed to retrospectively examine the distribution of intestinal parasites detected in the Parasitology Laboratory of Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine between 2017 and 2021. Methods: Parasitological examinations were performed using the native-lugol and formol-ether condensation method. Staining method (Modified Ziehl-Neelsen) and cellophane tape method were then applied to evaluate the specimens considered necessary. Results: One or more parasites were detected in 33 of 373 patients (8.8%) evaluated in the study. These were Giardia intestinalis at a rate of 30.5% (11/36), Enterobius vermicularis at a rate of 27.7% (10/36), Blastocystis sp. at a rate of 19.4% (7/36), Entamoeba coli at a rate of 11.1% (4/36), Cryptosporidium spp. at a rate of 8.3% (3/36) and Taenia saginata at a rate of 2.7% (1/36). It was determined that two patients were coinfected by Entamoeba coli and Blastocystis sp. while one patient was coinfected by Entamoeba coli and Giardia intestinalis. Conclusion: It is thought that determining the incidence of intestinal parasites, which are an important public health problem, may help guide studies for preventive health services. Although the five-year laboratory data obtained from the study do not reflect our region, it is thought that intestinal parasites maintain their importance

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to examine the distribution of intestinal parasites detected in people who applied to the parasitology laboratory of Fırat University Faculty of Medicine between January 2018 and December 2021. Methods: Parasitological examination reports of a total of 24,432 patients who applied to the Parasitology Laboratory of Fırat University Faculty of Medicine between January 2018 and December 2021 were examined retrospectively for the presence of intestinal parasites. Results: A total of 24,432 (male: 12,887, 52.75%; female: 11,545, 47.25%) patients whose stool and cellophane tape samples were analyzed during the four-year period between January 2018 and December 2021 were included in the study. Intestinal parasites were found in 335 (1.4%) of the 24,432 patients examined. The most frequently detected parasite was Giardia intestinalis (n=149, 46.6%), followed by Entamoeba coli (n=123, 38.5%) and Enterobius vermicularis (n=28, 8.6%). When the distribution of parasite detection rates by years was examined, it was seen that the highest rate was in 2021 and the lowest rate was in 2019. Conclusion: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPE) are one of the most important public health problems in the world and in our country. Various factors such as the education level of the society, socio-economic status, infrastructure and climate affect the distribution of IPE. When we look at the distribution of parasites by years, it is 1.3% in 2018; 1.13% in 2019; 1.18% in 2020; In 2021, we found it to be 2.03%. We think that this increase in intestinal parasites is caused by the infrastructure and sheltering problems caused by the earthquake in our region.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites and head lice in primary school-aged children and to determine a possible relationship between the co-occurrence of ecto-endoparasitesMethods:The study were conducted in three schools in the center of Sivas: Sivas Karşıyaka Primary School, Kılavuz İMKB Primary School, and Karşıyaka 27 June Middle School. The presence of head lice and intestinal parasites was investigated in a total of 563 children aged 6 to 17, with 294 girls and 269 boys. Classroom teachers and students were provided with information about intestinal parasites, head lice, and methods of transmission and prevention, and a questionnaire was administered. During the head lice examination, students were inspected with a comb, and samples with nits were examined under a microscope in the laboratory. Cellophane tape and stool samples obtained from the participants were examined on the same day using the native-lugol, flotation, and trichrome staining methods under a light microscope (x10, x40, x100). Results: Five hundred sixty-three children were evaluated for head lice and 15 (2.6%) were found to be positive. During the examination, only nits were found in 11 students (1.9%), and both adult lice and nymphs were seen in 4 students (0.7%). Head lice were found positive in 2 out of 269 boys (0.7%), while 13 out of 294 girls (4.2%) positive (p

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Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in patients admitted to University of Health Sciences Türkiye (UHS) Van Training and Research Hospital. Methods: A total of 300 patients between the ages of 18-90 who applied to UHS Van Training and Research Hospital with gastrointestinal complaints and were referred to the parasitology laboratory between September 2021 and December 2021, and 100 patients without any chronic disease and gastrointestinal complaints in the control group were included in the study. Stool samples taken from patients included in the study and individuals in the control group were analyzed by native-lugol and modified acid-fast staining methods. Results: In the study, intestinal parasites were detected in 41 (13.3%) of 300 patients in the patient group and in seven (7%) of 100 individuals in the control group. The highest rate of Blastocystis species (Blastocystis spp.) (5.7%) was found in the patient group. Entamoeba coli 3%, G. intestinalis 2.7% and Cryptosporidium species (Cryptosporidium spp). 2.3% were found among the other species detected. In addition, a statistically significant correlation was found between the incidence of parasites and abdominal pain (p=0.022) and nausea (p=0.029). Conclusion: As a result; it was concluded that intestinal parasites are still an important health problem in patients with gastrointestinal complaints and intestinal parasites should definitely be considered in this patient group.

Objective:The Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which started in our country in March 2020, has caused a sudden and dramatic change in our habits. As a result of the pandemic measures directly effective in the transmission of parasites, it has become important to investigate the possible effect of the COVID-19 pandemic process on the incidence of intestinal parasites.Methods:In order to examine the situation before and after the pandemic, all stool and cellophane tape test results examined from March 11, 2018 to March 11, 2022 in Aydın Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Medicine Parasitology Laboratory were evaluated retrospectively. The relationship between the socio-demographic characteristics of the cases, the distribution of the months and years of diagnosis and the prevalence of parasites were also evaluated.Results:Of the 13,036 stool samples examined, 67.42% belong to the pre-pandemic and 32.58% belong to the post-pandemic period. In total, 1.959 stool samples were positive for at least one parasite, of which 71.41% were from the pre-pandemic. Blastocystis spp. was the most frequently detected parasite both before (14.63%) and after the pandemic (12.59%). Of the 3.194 cellophane tape examined, 72.32% belonged to the pre-pandemic and 27.68% post-pandemic period, and Enterobius vermicularis eggs were detected in 246 (7.70%) of all. The majority of E. vermicularis positive samples (82.11%) were belonged to the pre-pandemic period. The number and positivity rates of stool and cellophane tape samples examined in the post-pandemic period showed a significant decrease (p

Objective: Monitoring intestinal parasite frequencies is effective on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies to be developed against these parasites. In this study, it was aimed to reveal the parasite species and frequency data of stool samples in parasitology direct diagnosis laboratory. Methods: Stool parasitological examination results were obtained retrospectively from our laboratory internal quality control data tables. Data belonging to the year 2018 and 2022 were compared retrospectively. Results: Annual parasites detected in stool samples were 388 of 4.518, and 710 of 3.537, in 2018 and 2022, respectively. Frequency of parasite detection in stool samples was found to be significantly higher in 2022 (p

Objective:The purpose of this study was to determine and evaluate retrospectively the distribution of intestinal parasites detected in patients who applied to Dicle University Medical Faculty Parasitology Laboratory between 2011-2020.Methods:Stool samples sent to the parasitology laboratory for parasite examination were examined by the native-Lugol method and the samples sent with cellophane tape were examined microscopically for parasite examination. In addition, modified acid-fast and trichrome staining methods were used to identify protozoan.Results:Parasites were detected in 5.99% of 60.501 stool samples sent to the parasitology laboratory. Blastocystis spp. (57.62%) was detected with the highest rate among positive samples, followed by 31.93% Giardia intestinalis, 3.75% Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, 2.37% Hymenolepis nana, 1.57% Fasciola spp., 0.91% Taenia saginata, 0.72% Enterobius vermicularis, 0.52% Cryptosporidium spp., 0.42% Cyclospora cayetanensis, 0.19 Ascaris lumbricoides were detected.Conclusion:Although the incidence of intestinal parasite infections in our study decreased over a ten-year period, it continues to maintain its importance. Therefore, to reduce the prevalence of intestinal parasites; It is important to safeguarding clean water resources, solve infrastructure problems, and inform the public about sanitation rules.

Objective:Beyond the Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) itself, the pandemic influenced healthcare settings in all aspects. It is aimed to demonstrate the effect of the pandemic on access to the healthcare setting in the parasitology direct diagnosis laboratory.Methods:Stool parasitological examination results were obtained retrospectively from the laboratory information system. Data belonging to the one-year of pandemic, lock-down and gradual normalization periods and their time equivalents were compared retrospectively.Results:During pandemic, parasites were detected in 529 of 2.233 samples. Parasites were detected in 58 of the 178 samples during the lock-down period and 471 of the 2.055 samples in the gradual normalization period. Incidence of Cryptosporidium spp. increased during the pandemic and lock-down periods. Incidence of Blastocystis spp. decreased during the pandemic and gradual normalization periods. Incidence of Giardia intestinalis decreased during the pandemic and gradual normalization periods. Incidence of Entamoeba histolytica/dispar increased during the pandemic and gradual normalization periods Incidence of Cyclospora spp. increased during the pandemic and gradual normalization periods. Incidence of Enterobius vermicularis decreased during the pandemic and gradual normalization periods and no case was seen during the lock-down period.Conclusion:Although the incidence of parasites gives the impression that COVID-19 does not cause weakness in the fight against intestinal parasitic diseases, there may be parasitic infections with a similar frequency in the society that cannot access the laboratory. It is predicted that the effects of this vulnerability may lead to an increase in the incidence of parasites in postpandemic period.

Objective:Enteric diseases remain a serious health problem globally. High prevalence is evident in regions with poor socioeconomic conditions, poor sanitation, and inadequate clean water supply, such as South Africa. Designing an effective strategy, however, requires local knowledge, which can be particularly challenging to acquire in low-and middle-income countries. As the first step in this process, we investigated the prevalence and distribution of protozoan parasites Cryptosporidium and Giardia in the rural and urban gastrointestinal clinics of South Africa.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of enteric parasites Cryptosporidium and G. lamblia in rural and urban communities of South Africa. Stool samples were collected from November 2013 to June 2015 from patients with diarrhea (n=227) and without diarrhea (n=257). DNA was extracted and a diagnostic Taqman qPCR assay was performed to detect these protozoan parasites, which was further confirmed by the Sanger sequencing of a few samples.Results:Of the 484 stool specimens collected, 34% (166/484) were positive for either Cryptosporidium spp. or Giardia lamblia parasites, with only 5% containing both parasites (22/484). In both study populations, Cryptosporidium was the most prevalent parasite (overall 25%) followed by Giardia (19%).Conclusion:This study discovered that both Giardia and Cryptosporidium parasites might contribute to diarrheal disease in South Africa and are more prevalent in rural communities. Future studies are needed to identify the source of the infection and design appropriate interventions to reduce the burden of the disease.

Objective:This study aimed to determine the frequency of intestinal parasites in children who were presented to health centers with a complaint of diarrhea and to reveal the importance of these parasites.Methods:The study was conducted on children within the age range of 1-16 who were presented to Iğdır State Hospital and Private Bulut Hospital between 2020 February-April 2020 with a complaint of diarrhea. A total of 300 children comprising 141 girls and 159 boys were enrolled in the study. The control group was composed of 100 children (girls=50, boys=50) without any chronic disease and diarrhea. Stool samples were evaluated by the native-Lugol method and the modified acid-fast staining method.Results:Intestinal parasite positivity was found in 105 (35%) out of the 300 children in the patient group and in 17 (17%) out of the 100 children in the control group. In terms of parasitic positivity, a statistically significant difference was found between children with diarrhea and the healthy control group (p=0.001). Blastocystis hominis (13%), Cryptosporidium spp. (3%), and Giardia intestinalis (2%) were found in the patient group. Intestinal parasitic positivity was found in 30.2% and 40.4% of the boys and girls in the patient group, respectively, whereas it was found in 14% and 20% of the boys and girls in the control group, respectively. When evaluated statistically according to gender, a significant difference (comparison for boys: p=0.008; comparison for girls: p=0.004) was noted between the patient group and control group for each gender. In terms of the relationship between the frequency of parasites and some living conditions of the patients, a statistically significant relationship was found in the comparison of “whether or not livestock” (p=0.004) and “whether there is a sewerage network” (p=0.002). Additionally, a significant difference was found between parasitic positivity and abdominal pain (p=0.008) and nausea (p=0.003).Conclusion:The present study concludes that children with clinical symptoms, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea, should be evaluated for intestinal parasites. Furthermore, it has been understood that intestinal parasites remain an important health problem among the pediatric cohort.

Objective:This study was conducted to investigate the frequency of intestinal parasites in substance abusers and to reveal its significance.Methods:The study was conducted in Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Medical Faculty Parasitology Research Laboratory and University of Health Sciences Turkey Van Training and Research Hospital between May 2019 and February 2020. The patient group included 150 patients with substance abuse who applied to the Alcohol and Drug Addicted Treatment Center of University of Health Sciences Turkey Van Training and Research Hospital, while the control group included 75 patients who had no chronic illness and did not use cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs. Stool samples were examined using native-Lugol and modified acid-fast staining methods.Results:In this study, one or more intestinal parasites were found in 21.3% of 150 patients who applied to the internal medicine outpatient clinic and had no chronic illness and did not use cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the parasite frequency (p=0.03). In the patient group, Giardia intestinalis was detected in 7.3% (p=0.02), Blastocystis hominis in 6.7%, and Hymenolepis nana in 0.7%. Considering the frequency of parasites in terms of age groups, intestinal parasites were found at a higher rate in the 35 and younger age group (23.8%) than in the 36 and older age group (17.2%). Intestinal parasite positivity was found at the highest rate (23.8%) in those using methamphetamine. Constipation (79.3%) was the most prevalent in parasite-positive substance abusers, followed by diarrhea (23%).Conclusion:This study contributed to the literature by determining the frequency of intestinal parasites in people addicted to substance, and it was revealed that intestinal parasite infections are a negative consequence of substance addiction. Conclusively, our findings revealed that intestinal parasites should be considered in substance abusers. Also, more detailed studies involving more individuals should be conducted to obtain information about intestinal parasite infections.

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the parasite prevalence, species and factors affecting parasite positivity in patients with digestive system complaints in Ordu Province in Turkey. Methods: 317 patients who presented with gastrointestinal complaints were included in the study. A questionnaire including; socio-demographic characteristics of the patients, lifestyle and digestive system complaints was applied. Cellophane band method, nativ-lugol, sedimentation and Modifiye kinyoun acid-fast methods were used for the diagnosis of fecal parasites. After the samples were prepared and stained, they were examined under a microscope. Results: Parasite positivity was detected in 205 (64.66%) of 317 patients. Blastocystis spp. constitutes 34.1%, 34.7% of Cryptosporidium spp and 16.1% of Entamoeba coli. The incidence of helminths was 2.8% and the incidence of protozoa was 97.2%. 73.7% of the parasite positive patients were in the age group of 40 years and over, 72.7% were women, 81% were married, 65.6% were middle-income, 48.3% had a primary and secondary education level. 58.5% lived in villages, 74.1% were housewives / unemployed. 77.6% of the parasite positive patients lived in the nuclear family, 51.2% were using city water, 93.7% were eating vegetables predominantly. In 9 (4.4%) of the patients with parasite positivity, no parasite was detected at the first examination, and it was detected in the 2nd and 3rd Bakers. The complaints of salivation in Entamoeba coli, Blastocystis spp. and Cryptosporidium spp, and allergy, rectal itching, drooling, increased appetite were significantly higher in Enterobius vermicularis (p <0.05). Conclusion: It has been observed that there is a high rate of parasites in patients presenting with digestive complaints. Mostly Blastocystis spp., Cryptosporidium spp species were observed in Ordu Province. Patients who present with the complaint of digestion, especially those whose complaints do not improve, should definitely be evaluated in terms of parasites and the preliminary diagnosis of parasitosis should not be immediately ruled out, even if the first stool examination is negative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:The aim of this study was to determine the status of intestinal parasitic infections in immunocompromised patients in Bushehr province, southwest Iran by conventional and molecular methods.Methods:A total of 201 stool samples were collected from kidney transplant recipients, AIDS patients and patients under chemotherapy. Samples were collected from healthy people as the control group. The specimens were tested using various conventional methods. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing was performed on samples identified as positive for Coccidia by direct microscopic examination.Results:Approximately 32.45% were infected with at least one type of intestinal parasite. The highest (46.8%) and lowest rates of infection (24%) were observed in AIDS and chemotherapy patients, respectively, while the infection rate of the control group was 16%. Isospora spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. were observed in all patient groups, and Sarcocystis spp. sporocysts were detected in one of the transplant recipients. All identified coccidia were confirmed by PCR. There was a significant relationship between the rate of intestinal parasite infection and certain variables.Conclusion:Given the potential risk of certain intestinal parasites in people with immune deficiency, it is recommended that diagnosis of parasitic infections in such patients be based on specific parasitological methods. Thus, it is advisable that physicians refer them to a parasitology laboratory prior to drug administration.

Objective:The purpose of this study was to determine the intestinal parasite distributions in patients who applied to the Parasitology Laboratory of Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, by evaluating the parasites retrospectively.Methods:Normal saline and stool lugol were applied for direct examination of stool samples that were sent for parasite examination; cellophane band samples were evaluated microscopically. The samples suspected to have protozoa were evaluated using modified acid fast and trichrome staining methods. We evaluated the parasitological examination results of patients who applied to our laboratory between January 2012 and December 2018.Results:A total of 2.96% of the 20,948 patients who applied had parasites in their faeces. Blastocystis; spp. was detected at the highest rate (63.23%), followed by Giardia intestinalis (17.26%), Enterobius vermicularis (12.58%), Taenia saginata (2.42%), Cryptosporidium spp. (1.94%) and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (1.45%).Conclusion:Although the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections has decreased when compared to previous years, it still remains important. For this reason, solving infrastructure problems, providing information on personal hygiene and sanitation rules are among the most important tasks needed to reduce the prevalence of intestinal parasites.

Objective:Intestinal parasitic diseases are important public health problems in our country as well as in the world. In this study, intestinal parasites were investigated in patients admitted to Dokuz Eylül University Hospital (DEUH) with various gastrointestinal system complaints.Methods:Patients (n=18460) who were referred to the DEUH Central Parasitology Laboratory between January 2011 and December 2018, were included in the study. Fecal samples were examined with Nativ-lugol method and then formol ethyl-acetate precipitation method was applied. Trichrome and kinyoun acid-fast stainings were performed on the necessary samples. Demographic data of the patients were obtained from the hospital’s and laboratory’s information operating system.Results:One or more parasites were detected in 6% (1128) of 18460 patients examined. The mean age of the patients with parasites was 39.7 (±23.1) years, of which 53.3% were male and 47.6% were female. The distribution of parasites detected were as follows; 4.8% (879) Blastocystis hominis, 0.7% (135) amoebas other than Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, 0.4% (70) Giardia intestinalis, 0.3% (49) Enterebius vermicularis, 0.1% (21) ;Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, and 0.01% (10) other rare parasites.Conclusion:Our study shows that intestinal parasitic infections are still an important public health problem in our region and that there is a decrease in their incidence.

Objective:The aim of present study was to retrospectively determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in patients, who were referred to Parasitology Laboratory in Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Faculty of Medicine during an 11-year period.Methods:Stool samples of 69633 individuals admitted to the outpatient clinics in the hospital were initially evaluated with native-Lugol, and then by flotation, sedimentation, trichrome staining, modified acid-fast staining and ELISA methods.Results:Twenty-four parasite species were identified in parasite-positive patients. At least one or more parasite species were found in 34.1% of all patients. The most commonly observed parasite was Blastocystis hominis (26.5%). Among pathogen parasites, Giardia intestinalis (G. intestinalis) was detected in 9.3%, Ascaris lumbricoides (A. lumbricoides) was detected in 2.5%, Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar in 0.8%, Cystoisospora belli in 0.004%, Fasciola hepatica in 0.04%, Dicrocoelium dendriticum in 0.001%, Strongyloides stercoralis in 0.001% and hookworm in 0.001% of the patients.Conclusion:It was determined that, pathogen parasites such as G. intestinalis and A. lumbricoides were still observed at high rates in Van province, especially in children, and the problem of parasitosis is still continuing, although the prevalence of parasites has declined when compared to the previous years.

Objective:Intestinal infections are common in the elderly, presented with atypical symptoms and may be the cause of mortality with a more severe clinical manifestation. The weakening of cellular and humoral immunity by aging affects the intestinal flora and increases the risk of infection in the presence of chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of possible parasitic agents in the intestinal system of ≥65-year-old nursing home residents through fecal examination, and to determine the demographic features (age and gender) of this elderly group.Methods:A total of 82 stool samples were examined (100x, 40x) with saline and iodine preparations, formol-ethyl acetate concentration process, trichrome and modified Erlich Ziehl Neelsen stained preparations.Results:One or more parasitological agents were detected in 17 (20.7%) of the 82 stool samples examined. The most common agent was Blastocystis spp. (13.4%), followed by Cryptosporidium spp. (2.4%) and Dientamoeba fragilis (2.4%).Conclusion:In this study, it was determined that attention should be given to elderly population with regard to intestinal parasitic infections. Because of changes in the immune system, more opportunistic factors could be detected. More frequent screening in public areas such as nursing homes is important for preventing infections.

Objective:Food handlers play an important role in the production and distribution of parasitic contaminations in these societies. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among the food handlers in Qazvin, Iran.Methods:Totally, 1530 stool samples were collected from food handlers in Qazvin, Iran. Direct feces examination and formalinethyl acetate concentration method followed by Trichrome staining were performed to detect the parasites.Results:The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 82 (5.4%) among food handlers. The species of protozoan parasites found were Blastocystis hominis, Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba coli, and Endolimax nana. The outbreaks of Blastocystis hominis (2.9%), and Endolimax nana (0.3%) were the most and the least protozoan infections observed among the specimens, respectively. Also, there was no helminthic infection detected among the samples. The prevalence of intestinal parasites among the food handlers, based on variables including sex, age, job, and education, did not differ, whereas the prevalence of intestinal symptoms was shown to be higher in infected food handlers (p

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of examination for intestinal parasites in fecal samples sent to our laboratory by obtaining from patients applied to the hospital because of various complaints. Methods: 12 239 stool samples were examined by one or several methods such as direct wet mount using 1:5 dilution of Lugol's iodine solution, sedimentation technique using fecal concentration tubes, Cryptosporidium/Giardia immunofluorescence (Crypto/Giardia Cel, Cellabs, Brookvale, NSW, Australia), ELISA for detecting Entamoeba histolytica adhesin antigen (E. histolytica II™, TechLab, Blacksburg, VA, USA), multiplex polymerase chain reaction for E. histolytica, Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium spp. and Dientamoeba fragilis (Multiplexed Diagnostics Gastrointestinal Parasites, 5Plex, AusDiagnostics, Mascot, NSW, Australia) between January 2015 and July 2018. Results: In 683 (5.58%) of fecal samples, parasites were detected by any method. Number of patients with parasitic infection were higher in summer (n=208), followed by autumn (n=165), winter (n=163) and spring (n=147), respectively. Conclusions: It is thought that parasitic infections involving the gastrointestinal tract are still important for public health; direct microscopy alone is not sufficient for the diagnosis, and the diagnostic possibility can be increased by supporting with immunological and molecular methods. It should be kept in mind that bacterial and viral agents as well as parasitic infectious agents should be investigated in patients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms especially in summer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Salmonella spp., Shigella spp. and parasites in the gaita and the prevalence of staphylococcus in the nose and to prevent the spread of diseases by treating the identified carriers the food factory workers in Diyarbakır. Methods: This descriptive study was carried out between 15 November and 30 December 2009. According to the records of the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture in Diyarbakir province, there are 15 food factories and 568 personnel work in these food factories. 50% of the employees working in the food factories in the province were aimed to be sampled. A questionnaire was applied to 252 individuals who agreed to participate in the study. Nasal and stool samples were taken from all the food workers who were surveyed and written consent was obtained from the participants. However, since nine people did not have laboratory results due to lack of samples or sampling, 243 people (85.6% of thesample) were included in the study. Nasal specimens were collected from 237 subjects and stool specimens were taken from 217 subjects. Stool samples of the employees were evaluated within half an hour. The data obtained were calculated frequency, percentage and mean values by using SPSS program. Chi-square, Fisher's Exact tests were used for statistical analysis. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the study group was 30,9 ± 8,9 years and 93,4% of them were male. The incidence of parasites in stool was found to be higher in the workers whose toilet was not connected to the sewer system or whose toilet was outside the house (p <0,05). Staphylococcus aureus carriage was found to be 5,49 times higher in the cooks than in the other employees. On the nose S. aureus carriage rate was 7.6% and parasite carriage in the intestine was 7.4%. In the Gaita culture, Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. were observed but no growth was observed. Conclusion: The high level of parasitic carriage and S. aureus carriage in the food factory workers indicate the lack of personal hygiene in employees. The S. aureus carriage was found to be higher in the nose of the cooks than the other workers. In the porter examination, the patients who were found to be carriers or patients were treated and hygiene training was provided to the employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Foodborne and waterborne infection diseases are an important public health problem that leads morbidity and mortality in developed and developing countries. Food handlers with poor personal hygiene, working in food industries could be potential carrier sources of infections of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, enteropathogenic bacteria and intestinal parasites regarding the transmission to healthy individuals. In this study it was aimed to determine the intestinal parasites, and to investigate pathogenic microoorganisms in nose, throat, stool and their susceptibility to antibiotics among foodhandlers. Methods: Foodborne and waterborne infection diseases are leading causes of mortality and morbidity is a major health problem in both developed and developing countries. Food handlers with poor personal hygiene, working in food industries could be potential carrier sources of infections of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, enteropathogenic bacteria and intestinal parasites regarding the transmission to healthy individuals. This study was undertaken to determine the intestinal parasites; pathogen microoorganisms in nose, throat, stool and their susceptibility to antibiotics among foodhandlers. Results: The mean age of the participants was 28.0±1.3 (range = 19-51 years), 25.8% female and 74.2% were male. Among 62 throat swab samples, 35.5% yielded Streptococcus pyogenes. of the 62 nasal swabs, 32.3% (20) were identified as Staphylococcus spp. Of the Staphylococcus spp. isolates, 8.1%, 4.8% and 19.4% of them were identifified as methicillinresistant S. aureus (MRSA), methicillin-susceptible S. aureus and methicillin-sensitive coagulase-negative staphylococci, respectively. All of the 15 methicillinsusceptible staphylococci were susceptible to vancomycin, ampicillin/sulbactam, cefazolin, cefoxitin and cefotaxime; of the 15 methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus spp. 40.0% of them were resistant to penicillin, 13.3% were resistant to erythromycin, 6.7% were resistant to clindamycin. Out of 62 stool specimens 95.1% were negative in terms of intestinal parasites, 3.2% were determined to have G. intestinalis. In one specimen (1.6%) Entamoeba cyst was determined and confirmed as E. histolytica by using antigen test. None of the specimens were positive for Salmonella and Shigella spp. Conclusion: Regular periodic health examinations and controls should be performed to determine nasal carriage of S. aureus and throat carriage of S. pyogenes. Foodhandlers infected with S. aureus and S. pyogenes threatening food safety and public health, should be compulsorily allocated or excluded from the work and be treated immediately. They should be allowed to return to work only after having negative clinical laboratory examination and symptoms of the food borne disease have entirely resolved. Foodhandlers should be educated and trained about the personal hygiene, food hygiene and safety by the manager of food establishment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Blastocystis sp. is one of the most common intestinal system protozoa in humans and it is infected with contaminated water and food through fecal-oral pathway. It is known that the proton pump inhibitors (PPI), which are commonly used in gastrointestinal system diseases, increase pH of the stomach. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of PPI usage on the incidence of Blastocystis sp.. Methods: This research was performed with 100 patients who used PPI regularly within 1 month, 100 patients who used without any PPI with gastrointestinal complaints sent for routine fecal examination from the Gastroenterology Polyclinic to the Parasitology Laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine of Erciyes University between January 2013 and June 2013. Control group constituted 100 healthy individuals who did not apply to polyclinics. Stool specimens were examined in detail by the native-lugale method. Results: Blastocystis sp. was detected in 24% of PPI users, 5% of non-users and 8% of control group in the study. In the group using PPI, incidence of Blastocystis sp. was found to be significantly higher (χ² = 8,883 p<0.001). Conclusion: As a result of our work, it is considered that blastocystosis should not be ignored for the patient who used PPI. This study that was performed according to our knowledge, this is one of the first study assessing the relationship between incidence of Blastocystis sp. and the usage of PPI and it is important in term of being a reference oncoming studies that will be performed in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AimThe aim of this study was to retrospectively determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in patients, whose examination material was sent to parasitology laboratory of two different hospitals in Rize province during the period of January 2012 to June 2013.Materials and MethodsStool samples were examined by direct macroscopy, native-lugol and trichrome staining methods for protozoan (cyst or trophozoites) and helminths (eggs or larvae). Cellophane preparations were examined for Enterobius vermicularis eggs.ResultsA total of 9.994 samples were investigated and parasites were identified from 240 samples (2.4%). Entamoeba coli (59.6%) was determined the most common parasite among the identified parasites and it was followed by E. vermicularis (12.5%), G. intestinalis (12.1%) and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/dispar (9.6 %).ConclusionThere is less studies showing the prevalence of intestinal parasites in our region. It is compared to the work done in different places and times, parasites ration in our province was found very low (2.4%). The acceptance of the appropriate sample and the use of high sensitivity methods of investigation should be expanded for the effective recognition of parasitosis and their successful treatment. There is a slight improvement for socio-economic and environmental conditions in our country, but the parasitic infections are still a current and continous health problem in our society.

Objective: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the patients who applied to various clinics in our hospital with gastrointestinal complaints in terms of intestinal parasites, retrospectively. Methods: Totally 41967 stool samples of patients applied to Parasitology laboratory in Konya Education and Research Hospital in January 2010-December 2012 were investigated under microscope after multiplexing by native lugol and formol ethyl acetate method. Trichrome dying was performed to the suspected samples. The stool samples, in which Entamoeba histolytica /E.dispar cannot be differentiated, were investigated by ELISA method in order to identify adhesin antigens. Results: Intestinal parasite was determined in 2145 (5.11%) of 41.967 patients who applied to our laboratory in 3 years. 39.4%, 44.3% and 16.2% of positive patients were 0-15, 16-50 and >50 years old, respectively. Blastocyctis hominis, Entamoeba spp and Giardia intestinalis were found in 59.9%, 25% and 13.7% of the positive samples, respectively. Entamoeba spp and Giardia intestinalis were found most frequently in 0-15 years old patients, while Blastocyctis hominis was found most frequently in 15-49 years old patients. There was a statistically significant difference between these parasites and age groups (p<0.01). The distribution of the positive cases among the years was found as 6.8% in 2010, 5.4% in 2011, 3.3% in 2012 and there was a statistically significant difference between the years (p<0.01). Conclusion: According to our results, the frequency of parasite infection still maintains its importance, although the frequency was decreased compared to previous years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Mostly fecal-oral transmitted intestinal parasites maintain their importance in terms of public health due to causing severe clinical conditions and may even cause death. Mainly affecting young children, intestinal parasites are a health problem that affects the entire community. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, growth retardation and anemia as well as many other important symptoms can be observed in the clinic presentation of those with intestinal parasites. Lack of sanitation seems to be the most important factor in the spread of intestinal parasites; socioeconomic status of the society, climate, age, gender as well as other factors also predispose to the occurrence of these infections. In this study, the distribution of intestinal parasites of the patients who admitted to Erciyes University Faculty of Medicine Parasitology Laboratory were evaluated. Stool samples from 20.698 patients and anal band samples from 455 patients were examined. Method: Fecal samples were examined by nativelugol, sedimentation, trichrome and modified acid-fast staining methods. Enterobius vermicularis eggs were determined by cellophane tape method. Results: One or more intestinal parasites were found in 3.261 (15.4%) cases and 1.717 (52.65%) of these patients were males and 1.544 (47.34%) of them were female. According to the results, the most common parasites, 2.732 (13.1%) were Blastocystis hominis, 307 (1.48%) were Entamoeba coli and 242 (1.17%) were Giardia intestinalis respectively. Conclusion: The results of our study were observed to be consistent with epidemiological studies, which have been previously made in Kayseri. However, the incidence of intestinal parasites was observed to decrease when compared with the previous epidemiological data. Positive developments in the environmental factors and socioeconomic levels will tend to reduce the incidence of intestinal parasites further. Intestinal parasites still maintain their importance as a major public health problem in our province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In this study, data from 5,453 stool samples collected from patients presented with a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms between July 2011 and July 2012 was aimed to be evaluated retrospectively with parasitological aspects at the Microbiology Laboratory of Gaziantep University Medical Faculty. Material and Method: Examination of stool samples was performed with native-lugol method and trichrome or acid-fast stained samples were prepared in suspected cases. Results: From a total of 5,453 stool samples, one or more parasites were found in 813 samples (14.91%) and 4,640 samples (85.09%) were free from ' parasites. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar trophozoites/cysts were detected in 679 (12.45%), Giardia intestinalis in 117 (2.15%), Hymenelopis nana in 7 (0.13%), Taenia spp. in 6 (0.11%), Enterobius vermicularis in 2 (0.04%), and Isospora belli, Strongyloides stereoralis and Trichuris trichura in 1 sample each (0.01%). As gender and age groups were analyzed, parasites were detected in 460 (15.10%) of samples obtained from male patients, in 353 (14.67%) obtained from female patients, in 315 (11.4%) of the pediatric age, and in 498 (19.15%) of the adult age group. In our study, the detection rates of parasites according to months were analyzed; April (18.66%), August (18.53%), July (17.92%) and September (17.68%) were the most commonly parasite detected months. Conclusion: This study highlights the feature of intestinal parasitic infections being a serious public health problem in our city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The infection caused by intestinal parasites infects through the mouth are common in the world. The intestinal parasites are a health problem not only developing countries but also developed country. They cause various symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, anemia, and growth retardation. The prevalence of intestinal parasites is affected by various factors such as climate, socioeconomic status, age, sex, sanitation, and hygiene. In this study, we aimed the distribution of intestinal parasites in patients presenting with intestinal complaints to Erciyes University Medical Faculty, Parasitology department. This study carried out from January 2009-December 2010. A total of 16.445 stool samples were examined using native-Lugol and sedimentation methods and 1.482 cellophane tape preparations were examined directly. Totally 3.214 (19.5%) patients, 1.745 (10.6%) men and 1.469 (8.9%) women were found infected with one or more intestinal parasite species. The more prevalent parasites were found as Blastocystis hominis 2.602 (15.8%), Entamoeba coli 351 (2.1%) and Giardia intestinalis 299 (1.9%) respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to retrospectively determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in patients, whose examination material was sent to Parasitology Laboratory of Mustafa Kemal University Medical Faculty during the period of January 2006 to May 2010. The results of this study were compared to those of the previous years. Method: A total of 9,421 stool and 781 cellophane tape samples were examined. Stool samples were examined by direct macroscopy, native-Lugol and formalin sedimentation methods for protozoan (cyst or trophozoites) and helminths (eggs or larvae) at X10 and X40 magnifications. Cellophane preparations were examined for Enterobius vermicularis eggs at X10 and X40 magnifications. Results: A total of 9,421 stool samples from 5,146 (54.6%) male and 4,275 (45.4%) female patients were examined. Intestinal parasites were found in 1,728 (18.3%) patients; of those 835 (48.3%) male and 893 (51.7%) female patients. Out of 781 cellophane tape specimens examined, 371 (47.5%) arrived from male and 410 (52.5%) from female patients. E. vermicularis was found in 170 (21.8%) patients; of whom 96 (53.3%) were male and 84 (46.7%) female. Taenia spp. was found in 10 (1.3%) cellophane tape samples. The following parasites were found in the stool specimens: Blastocystis hominis 882 (51.0%), Giardia intestinalis 313 (18.1%), Entamoeba coli 268 (15.5%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 129 (7.5%), Chilomastix mesnilii 42 (2.4%), Hymenolepis nana 35 (2.0%), Strongyloides stercoralis 18 (1.0%), Dicrocoelium dentriticum 13 (0.8%), E. vermicularis 12 (0.7%), Taenia spp. 6 (0.4%), Iodamoeba butschlii 5 (0.3%), Trichuris trichiura 2 (0.1%), Ascaris lumbricoides 2 (0.1%) and Balantidium coli 1 (0.1%) Conclusion: Although the prevalence rates were lower than in the previous years in the city of Hatay, this study also shows that intestinal parasites are still and important public health problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Intestinal parasitosis is a major public health problem particularly in the developing countries and affects approximately 4 billion people globally. The presented study aimed to determine the prevalence of multiple (mixt) intestinal parasites and potential source of infection in our region. Materials and methods: A total of 1,620 stool specimen that sent to Kızıltepe State Hospital Microbiology Laboratory throughout a 4 months period to investigate for parasitic agents were included. Following macroscopic examination, stool specimens were precipitated and examined for intestinal parasites by copro-parasitological methods including native-lugol method. All of stool specimens were investigated for Entamoeba histolytica/ dispar screening by Micro-ELISA method using commercial kits regarding with the existence of adhesin antigens. Results: In this study, a total of 1,620 human stool samples were examined and 447 (27.6%) were found to be favorable for intestinal parasites. Among infected stool samples, 63 (14.1%) were infected with two parasites and 18 (4.0%) with three parasites. The first three most common parasites were Giardia intestinalis (43.3%), Taenia spp. (36.4%) and Trichomonas hominis (5.4%). There was no significant difference between males and females in multiple infected (G. intestinalis & Taenia spp.) stool samples (p>0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggested that intestinal parasitic infections remain endemic in our region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study was planned to determine the role of Cryptosporidium sp. and other intestinal parasites in the diarrheal diseases in children with 0-15 years old Van district. Materials and methods: In this study, stool samples of 450 children were examined for parasites. In the study, nativ-lugol, formaldehyde-ethyl acetate sedimentation methods and trichrome staining methods were used to detect parasites in stool samples. Additionally, sedimentation methods and modified acid fast staining method were used to detect the Cryptosporidium oocysts. Results: Parasites were found in 154 (34.2%) among 450 children's with diarrhea. In this study; the ratios of parasites were as follow: Giardia intestinalis 13.5%, Blastocystis hominis 10%, Entamoeba coli 3.78%, Cryptosporidium spp. 2.2%, Hymenolepis nana 1.33 %ve Ascaris lumbricoides 1.11%.Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar 0.89%, Chilomastix mesnili 1.78%, Iodamoeba butschlii 0.89%, Entamoeba hartmanni 0.89%, Trichomonas hominis 0.67%, Enteromonas hominis 0.67%, Conclusion: In the investigate, it was found that Giardia intestinalis and Blastocystis hominis were most prominent agents in children with diarrhea in our vicinity and Cryptosporidium spp also was an important agent which should be investigated carefully in especially risk group in routine laboratory studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The prevalence of intestinal parasites is different in our country and the world. Population movements, inadequate infrastructure, seasonal features, traditional hygienic rules, the society's socio-economic status and education level are factors that affect the distribution of intestinal parasites. In the study, it was intended to conduct porter analysis on Malatya State Hospital employees. So, we aimed at determining the rate of intestinal parasites in the laboratory workers, kitchen staff, cleaners and nurses. Materials and Methods: From Malatya State hospital staff, perianal area materials and stool samples with cellophane tape method were collected. Examples were examined with native-Lugol, precipitation, and acid-fast trichrome stains. Results: In 40.8% of 76 stools that were examined was found to positivity. The prevalences of parasites are 17.1 Entamoeba coli, 6.6% Iodamoeba butschlii, 19.7% Blastocystis hominis, 1.3% Chilomastix mesnilii, 5.3% Giardia intestinalis and 1.3% Enterobius vermicularis. Conclusion: In the study, the studied staffs are health workers. Therefore, since the staffs working close contact with patients were risk group in terms of infections, it was recommended that health staff susceptible to parasites should have a medical examination regularly and receive in-service training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]