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Background Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are confirmed as major public health problems, worldwide. Northern Iran is highly endemic area for such infections. This research aimed to study on the prevalence of IPIs among people referred to the health care centers in Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran. Methods In this descriptive cross-sectional survey, 984 stool samples were collected during 2015–2016. Fresh stool samples were collected from all individuals and examined by direct slide smear, formalin-ether concentration, trichrome and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining techniques. The results were analyzed using SPSS version 16 and Chi-square test. Results Out of 984 participants, the overall prevalence of IPIs was 12.1% (95 CI, 11.4–12.7; 119/984). The prevalence of protozoa and helminthes infections were 7.9% (95 CI, 7.4–8.3; 109/984) and 5.3% (95 CI, 4.9%–5.5%; 69/984), respectively. The most prevalent protozoan IPs were include Giardia lamblia (3.3%), Entamoeba coli (2%), Blastocystis hominis (1.3%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (1.1%), Entamoeba hartmanni (1.1%) and Cryptosporidium spp. (0.6%). Also major helminthic infections were include Trichostrongylus spp. (2.6%), Hookworms (1.7%), Strongyloides stercoralis (1.1%), Hymenolepis nana (0.6%) and Dicrocoelium dendriticum (0.6%). The results of the univariate analysis revealed that residence (rural being [P = 0.017]) and occupation (farmers [0.033]) were statistically significant risk factor for IPIs. Conclusion In conclusion, we have found, despite persistent improvement in sanitary conditions over the recent years in northern part of Iran, IPIs are still among the main public health problems in this area. Moreover, helminths infection in our study were considerable. Thus, effective control programs are essential to reduce the incidence of IPIs.

Introduction: Intestinal parasitoses are among the most common parasitic diseases in Poland. The aim of this study was to assess their prevalence in patients of the Laboratory of the Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology (LDBMP) of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin (PMU) in the years 1983–2012. Materials and methods: The analysis concerned the results of parasitological surveys conducted between 1983–2012 in 9760 patients. Parasitological diagnosis was performed by standard faecal examination method (direct swab) and/or perianal swab. Results: During the study period, 486 cases of infection with intestinal parasites were recorded. The mean prevalence of intestinal parasites was 4.98%, and the percentage of infected patients ranged from 8.8% in 1993 to 0% in 2002. The most frequently detected parasitic species were: Entamoeba coli (1.52%), Giardia lamblia (0.95%), Blastocystis spp. (0.89%), Enterobius vermicularis (0.79%), and Taenia saginata (0.36%). In the period 2003–2012 the most prevalent parasites were Blastocystis spp., E. coli, and E. vermicularis. An increase in the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections from 2009–2012 was associated with an increase in the prevalence of Blastocystis spp. Conclusions: The prevalence of intestinal parasites among the patients of the LDBMP in the years 1983–2012 was lower in comparison with other Polish regions. The high prevalence of 2 protozoan species – potentially pathogenic Blastocystis spp. and non-pathogenic E. coli – among intestinal parasites detected in the years 2003–2012 may indicate improvement in the epidemio-logical situation regarding intestinal parasitoses in patients of the LDBMP in comparison to the 1980s and 1990s.

Blastocystis is a parasite with a worldwide distribution and a varying prevalence in different countries. The pleomorphic nature of the protozoon and the lack of understanding a possible pathogenesis have led to confusion regarding its clinical significance. The aim of the study was to shed light on clinical characteristics of pediatric patients in Swiss children with a positive stool sample for Blastocystis, in order to provide recommendations for a practical approach for the clinician to know whom, when, and how to test. This is a retrospective study of pediatric patients, whose stool has been tested positive for Blastocystis in the last 10 years in northern Switzerland. A total of 4047 stool samples, belonging to 1887 different patients, were analyzed; 240 stool samples (of 160 patients) were tested positive for Blastocystis. On average, 2.2 (CI 1.98-2.35) stool samples per patient were analyzed, of which 1.48 (CI 1.36-1.61) were positive for Blastocystis. In 63% abdominal pain was the leading symptom, while in 17.5% it was an accidental finding without symptoms. There was a high significance in correlation of abdominal pain and chronicity (p 0.0001) but none in diarrhea (p = 0.082) nor nausea/vomiting or other symptoms and chronicity. Followed by Entamoeba coli (8%), 26.3% of the patients with Blastocystis had a co-infection with another parasite, mostly Endolimax nana (13%).Conclusion: Carriage of Blastocystis is common; therefore, only children/teenagers at risk for a symptomatic Blastocystis infection should be tested. There is a good correlation between Blastocystis and chronic abdominal pain. Children with abdominal symptoms persisting over 4 weeks should have two different stool samples analyzed. No screening after travels/immigration is recommended.What is Known:• Blastocystis has a worldwide distribution.• The clinical significance is unclear.What is New:• Based on retrospective data, we recommend to only test children/teenagers with chronic abdominal pain for Blastocystis.• Two different stool samples should be examined by microscopy; serological investigations are not warranted.

Background: Money is one of the most commonly used microbial carriers. Parasites are no exception to this rule. Thus, this study aimed at investigating the presence of parasitic species in paper money collected from various sources in Fars Province and suggesting ways to improve community health. Methods: In this study, banknotes were randomly collected from people from different rural and urban areas of Fars province between March 2018 and November 2019. In addition, these banknotes were gathered from various sources including butchers, bakers, supermarkets, gas stations, and vegetable shops and stored at Diluted Water (DW). Then, they were extracted from the water and the solution was centrifuged at 3000 rpm. The surface water was drained and expanded from the remaining materials, stained with Giemsa color, and finally, observed under a microscope. Results: In the urban areas, 2 (3.7%), 22 (40.7%), 8 (14.8%), 4 (7.4%), 4 (7.4%), 12 (22.3%), and 2 (3.7%) contaminations were related to Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba coli, Endolimax nana, Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm, unknown larvae, and Hymenolepis nana, respectively. In the rural areas, 4 (11.7%), 8 (23.5%), 6 (17.6%), 2 (5.8%), 4 (11.7%), and 10 (29.4%) infections were related to Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba coli, Endolimax nana, Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm, and to unknown larvae, respectively. Conclusions: According to the results, hand hygiene is important for promoting community health since hands are largely in contact with money.

RESUMO: As parasitoses intestinais representam um sério problema de saúde pública. Estão relacionadas com fatores socioeconômicos e ambientais que são responsáveis pela qualidade de vida, condições sanitárias e estado nutricional dos indivíduos de uma população. Enteroparasitoses são doenças fomentadas por helmintos ou protozoários que vivem em uma relação de endoparasitismo, albergando-se no sistema digestório do seu hospedeiro. O Brasil, como um país tropical subdesenvolvido, possui clima e situação socioeconômica favoráveis à ocorrência de doenças parasitárias. O trabalho teve como objetivo abordar através de uma revisão de integrativa a ocorrência de enteroparasitos em infecções humanas na Região Nordeste. Foi realizado um estudo do tipo descritivo de revisão integrativa, onde foram utilizados como fontes de pesquisa sites de conteúdo científico como PubMed, LILACS, SCIELO e Google acadêmico onde foram utilizadas as palavras chaves “Enteroparasitos”, “Saúde Pública” e “Condições socioeconômicas”, “Região Nordeste”. A pesquisa bibliográfica resultou na obtenção de 601 artigos, dos quais 14 foram selecionados após análise dos critérios de inclusão. O Estado da Paraíba foi o que apresentou o maior número de artigos publicados, seguido pelo estado do Piauí. Já o estado do Rio Grande no Norte não apresentou nenhum artigo publicado durante o período analisado. A metodologia mais utilizada foi a de sedimentação espontânea. Na pesquisa realizada no estado do kkkk houve isolamento de Estrongyloides stercoralis em 2 amostras de fezes, observadas através da utilização do método de Rugai. As espécies Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba coli e Entamoeba histolytica-dispar, foram os protozoários mais citados nos artigos envolvidos na pesquisa. Já entre os helmintos, Ascaris lumbricoides, Enterobius vermiculares e Trichuris trichiuria foram os mais relatados. A alta prevalencia de enteroparasitos indica a falta de políticas públicas efetivas de higiene nas escolas bem como as péssimas condições higienicosanitarias, sócias e ambientais da população estudada. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: doenças parasitárias, saúde pública, protozoários, helmintíase, escolares.

Background: This epidemiological study aimed to investigate the prevalence of parasitic infections in BuMusa Island, Iran, in one year from 2015 to 2016. Methods: The current cross-sectional study was conducted in coordination with the health authorities of BuMusa on 732 intestinal samples and 1207 blood samples randomly collected from the island residents. Cutaneous lesions of 1207 people were clinically examined and those suspected of parasitic infections were enrolled. Also, 165 intestinal samples from domestic animals, 35 samples from water tanks, and 330 soil samples were taken to the laboratory to be investigated in terms of parasitic infections. Results: The obtained results showed 26.4% and 45.5% intestinal parasitic infections in humans and animals, respectively. The most prevalent infections in humans were Blastocystis hominis (8.6%), followed by Giardia lamblia (8.2%), and Entamoeba coli (6.8%); and the least prevalent infection was Enterobius vermicularis (

BackgroundIntestinal parasites are a major public health problem in the developing world and have attracted increasing levels of interest from health researchers over the past decade. Epidemiology-based studies have shown that the prevalence of intestinal parasites is high and they frequently recur in regions with poor sanitation and inadequate sewerage facilities. In this study, we determined the prevalence of intestinal parasites, their egg intensities per sample, and associated risk factors in an informal settlement.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted in three randomly selected public primary schools located in the informal settlements of Nakuru town. A total of 248 stool samples were collected from asymptomatic pupils and screened, using the Kato Katz technique, for infections caused by soil-transmitted helminths (STH). A random subset of stool samples (n=96) was also screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect intestinal protozoa. Socio-demographic variables were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire; these data were analysed to identify risk factors for infection. ResultsThe overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 17.3% (43/248 pupils). The overall prevalence of both STH and intestinal protozoan parasites was 1.2% and 41.7%, respectively. The most commonly diagnosed STH infection was Trichuris trichiura (1.2%), followed by hookworms (0.4%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (0.4%). The prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites ranged from 0% to 38.5% and included Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba hartmanni, Entamoeba dispar, Giardia intestinalis, and Entamoeba coli. All infections were light, with an egg intensity

Agroecological production represents a new reality in vegetable farming. Thus, the study aimed to search for the presence of pesticides in agroecological samples and microbiological and parasitological contamination in Lactuca sativa L. of agroecological and conventional fairs in Alagoas. Thirty-two samples were collected, a hygienic-sanitary checklist was performed, along with coliform, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus research and Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) for pesticide research; using two methodologies for parasitological studies. Thirty-two samples were analyzed, with a sanitary adequacy level at 45% and 38% for fairs (agroecological and conventional) respectively, with three samples (9.4%) in total, being adequate to the microbiological pattern according to RDC no. 12/2001. Among the 23 samples which were tested positive for parasites, 69.5% originated from samples extracted at conventional fairs, and 53% of every positive samples presented Entamoeba coli as the main contaminant. All together, no traces of deltamethrin were detected, but in two of the samples a peak retention for diphenoconazole was detected. In conclusion, the fairs represent an adequate environment for human pathogens and indicators. Therefore greater hygiene training of vegetable traders and consumers in the state of Alagoas is required, especially in conventional fairs, which presented more critical microbiological and parasitological indexes comparing to fairs with agroecological products; however, the presence of difenoconazole in two samples of agricultural fairs suggests accidental contamination or indiscriminate use of this chemical in the production of Lactuca sativa, however, products with agroecological origin represents a better choice for the consumers. Resumo A produção agroecológica representa uma nova realidade no cultivo das hortaliças. Assim, o estudo teve como objetivo verificar a presença de agrotóxicos em amostras agroecológicas e analisar a contaminação microbiológico e parasitológico em Lactuca sativa L. de feiras agroecológicas e convencionais de Alagoas. Foram coletadas 32 amostras, realizando checklist higiênico-sanitário, análises de coliformes, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus e Cromatografia Gasosa com Espectrômetro de Massas (GC-MS) para pesquisa de agrotóxicos; utilizando-se duas metodologias para estudos parasitológicos. Foram analisadas 32 amostras, com nível de adequação sanitária de 45% e 38% para feiras (agroecológicas e convencionais) respectivamente, sendo três amostras no total (9,4%) adequadas a padrão microbiológico segundo RDC n° 12//2001; Dentre as 23 amostras positivas para parasitos, 69,5% teve origem em amostras de feiras convencionais, e 53% de todas as amostras positivas apresentaram Entamoeba coli como principal contaminante, juntamente, não foi detectado traços de deltametrina, porem foi visualizado em duas amostras, pico de retenção para padrão de difenoconazol. Concluindo-se que as feiras representam um ambiente adequado para patógenos humanos e indicadores, necessitando de uma maior higienização e treinamento dos comerciantes e consumidores de hortaliças do estado de Alagoas, principalmente em feiras convencionais, que apresentaram índices microbiológicos e parasitológicos mais críticos em relação a feiras com produtos agroecológicos; mas, a presença de difenoconazole em duas amostras de feiras agroecológicas sugerem contaminação acidental ou uso indiscriminado deste químico em produção da Lactuca sativa L., todavia os produtos de origem agroecológica representam uma melhor escolha para o consumidor.

The development of suitable control measures for various intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) requests essential epidemiological information on their prevalence. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of IPIs among school children living in a rural setting in Upper Egypt and to identify the associated risk factors to these infections. A Descriptive crosssectional study included 630 randomly selected students enrolled in primary and preparatory schools aged from 6 to 17 years old from rural Assiut Governorate. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire. A laboratory stool examination was performed. The overall prevalence of IPIs was 56.3 %. The parasites were Ascaris lumbricoides (11.4%), Giardia lamblia (10.0%), Entamoeba coli (9.7%), Ancylostoma duodenal (8.7%), Entamoeba histolytica/ dispar (8.1%), Cryptosporidium parvum (3.3%), Blastocystis hominis (2.4%), Enterobius vermicularis (1.7%) and Hymenolepis nana (1.1%). A single parasite was in 64.8% of children. 23.1% & 12.1% had double and multiple parasites respectively.

One of the obstacles for ex situ conservation of wild and exotic animals are the diseases that affect them in captivity and, among them, the endoparasitoses, which are very frequent. The objective of this study is to report the occurrence of endoparasites in the fecal samples of animals from the Arruda Câmara Zoobotanical Park, at João Pessoa, Paraiba State, Brazil, as well as to identify significant statistical differences between the percentages of each parasite species found. To this end, 66 fecal samples were obtained from 50 species of animals including mammals, birds, and reptiles. Statistical differences between the percentages of each parasite species were obtained using the binomial test at 5% significance level. A total of 54.5% (36/66) of the fecal samples were positive (p=0.539), among which 80.5% (29/36) presented nematodes, followed by cestodes 19.4% (07/36), protozoans 13.9% (05/36), and mites 16.7% (06/36). This study reports for the first time the association of Balantidium sp. with Tapirus terrestris, Bertiella sp. with Alouatta caraya, Hymenolepis spp., and Aspiculuris spp. as spurious parasites in reptiles; and Entamoeba coli and Eimeria spp. with Iguana iguana in the northeastern part of the country. This study provides knowledge about some of the endoparasites that may occur in zoos in the northeastern region of the country, as well as in expanding the ecological data on wild and exotic animals. Uno de los obstáculos para la conservación ex situ de los animales silvestres y exóticos son las enfermedades que los afectan en cautiverio y, entre ellas, las endoparasitosis, que son muy frecuentes. El objetivo de este estudio es reportar la ocurrencia de endoparásitos en las muestras fecales de animales del Parque Zoobotánico Arruda Câmara, en João Pessoa, Estado de Paraíba, Brasil, así como identificar diferencias estadísticas significativas entre los porcentajes de cada especie parasitaria encontrada. Para ello, se obtuvieron 66 muestras fecales de 50 especies de animales, incluidos mamíferos, aves y reptiles. Las diferencias estadísticas entre los porcentajes de cada especie de parásito se obtuvieron mediante la prueba binomial al nivel de significancia del 5%. El 54,5% (36/66) de las muestras fecales resultaron positivas (p = 0,539), de las cuales el 80,5% (29/36) presentaron nematodos, seguido de los cestodos 19,4% (07/36), protozoos 13,9% (05 / 36) y ácaros 16,7% (06/36). Este estudio reporta por primera vez la asociación de Balantidium sp. con Tapirus terrestris, Bertiella sp. con Alouatta caraya, Hymenolepis spp. y Aspiculuris spp. como parásitos espurios en reptiles; y Entamoeba coli y Eimeria spp. con Iguana iguana en el noreste del país. Este estudio brinda conocimiento sobre algunos de los endoparásitos que pueden ocurrir en los zoológicos de la región noreste del país, así como en la ampliación de los datos ecológicos sobre animales silvestres y exóticos. Resumo Um dos obstáculos da conservação ex situ de animais silvestres e exóticos são as doenças que os acometem em cativeiro e, dentre elas, as endoparasitoses são muito frequentes. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar a ocorrência de endoparasitos em amostras fecais de animais do Parque Zoobotânico Arruda Câmara, em João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil, bem como identificar diferenças estatísticas significativas entre os percentuais de cada espécie de parasito encontrada. Para tanto, foram obtidas 66 amostras fecais de 50 espécies de animais, entre mamíferos, aves e répteis. As diferenças estatísticas entre as porcentagens de cada espécie de parasito foram obtidas pelo teste binomial com nível de significância de 5%. Um total de 54,5% (36/66) das amostras fecais foram positivas (p = 0,539), entre as quais 80,5% (29/36) eram de nematoides, seguidos de cestoides 19,4% (07/36), protozoários 13,9% (05/36), e ácaros 16,7% (06/36). Este estudo relata pela primeira vez a associação de Balantidium sp. em Tapirus terrestris, Bertiella sp. em Alouatta caraya, Hymenolepis spp. e Aspiculuris spp. como parasitas espúrios em répteis; e Entamoeba coli e Eimeria spp. com Iguana Iguana no nordeste do país. Este estudo fornece conhecimento sobre alguns dos endoparasitos que podem ocorrer em zoológicos da região Nordeste do país, bem como auxilia na ampliação dos dados ecológicos sobre animais silvestres e exóticos.

Background The accurate detection of Entamoeba species provides for a better understanding of the nature of these parasites in humans and helps to provide accurate epidemiological data. However, the microscopic method is not sensitive and specific to identify the precise identification of Entamoeba spp. in stool specimens especially if it was examined by inexperienced laboratory technicians. In this study, nested PCR was developed for detection of Entamoeba coli, and can be differentiated from the other human Entamoeba spp. especially Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, and Entamoeba moshkovskii. Methods Nested PCR assay was performed using Entamoeba genus-specific primers for the first round PCR reaction and newly designed E. coli-specific primers targeting small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene in the second round. Both sensitivity and specificity of nested PCR for detection of E. coli were determined. This assay was validated for detection of E. coli by using DNA obtained from 55 stool samples which previously examined by microscopy. Results obtained from developed nested PCR, genus-specific PCR, and microscopy were analyzed. Results Nested PCR was successfully developed to diagnose E. coli infection with a product size of 166 base pairs (bp). The nested PCR method could detect as little as 1 pg of E. coli DNA. The high specificity was confirmed by testing with DNA from the different intestinal pathogens, including bacteria and other protozoa. After testing with all stool samples, 50.9% of tested samples were positive for Entamoeba spp. by genus-specific PCR assay, 32.7% of E. coli positive samples detected by nested PCR, and 29.1% were positive by microscopic examination. Interestingly, four samples previously negative for E. coli by microscopy demonstrated E. coli by nested PCR. In addition, microscopy showed two false-positive compared with both nested PCR and genus-specific primers results. Conclusions The developed nested PCR assay based on genus Entamoeba-specific primers and newly designed E. coli-specific primers shows high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of E. coli in stool samples. This nested PCR assay will be beneficial not only for diagnostic purposes but also for a better understanding of the epidemiology of E. coli in the human population worldwide.

Helminthic and intestinal protozoan infections and malaria infections are common in children less than 15 yr old in sub-Saharan Africa, but little is known about these infections in Guinea. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of parasitic infections in children aged less than 15 yr and the relationship of these infections with anemia. The cross-sectional study was done in Dabbis sub-prefecture in the Boke region of Guinea from 18 to 26 March 2017. A simple random sampling at the household level was performed, and 1 child under the age of 15 was included per eligible household. A total of 392 children were included in the analysis. Clinical and parasitological information were assessed, including anthropometric measures (weight and height), disease symptoms, hemoglobin level, and malaria parasitemia. Helminthic and protozoan intestinal infections were present in 59.7% of the children surveyed. Malaria infection prevalence was 45.5% when assessed by microscopy and 43.6% when assessed by a rapid diagnostic test. Plasmodium falciparum, accounting for 84.2% of malaria infections, was the main malaria species infection. Gastrointestinal parasites were present in 19.1% of children. The main gastrointestinal parasites present included Entamoeba coli (5.4%) and Giardia intestinalis (5.1%). There was no association between the presence of anemia and the parasitic status of the children. Parasitic screening and mass treatment in this age group, as well as household awareness raising, would reduce cases of parasitic infections in rural Guinea.

While the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPI) has been most commonly studied in African and Asian populations, less is known about the prevalence rates of IPI in European children, as well as the potential risk factors that favor the spread of parasites. We aimed to review published evidence on the prevalence rates of IPI in children residing in Europe, and to quantitatively synthesize the results of published studies. We searched Medline from 1 January 2015 to 1 April 2021 to address the most recently published prevalence patterns of IPI in European children. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed by type of IPI infection, age group and sex, depending on data availability. Of the 967 potentially relevant articles, eight eligible cross-sectional studies were included in this analysis, yielding a sample of 3376 children (0–19 years). The overall prevalence rate was 5.9% for any IPI in children residing in European countries. Blastocystis hominis was the most commonly detected parasite yielding a prevalence rate of 10.7%. Other parasites included Entamoeba coli, Endolimax nana, and Blastocystis hominis. Studies focusing on specific types of parasites showed prevalence rates ranging from 1.3% for Cryptosporidium to 68.3% for Dientamoeba fragilis. Despite the scarce literature, the present review showed relatively low prevalence rates of IPI in Europe. Future studies accounting for proper diagnostic methods used for the detection of parasites and including information on potential sociodemographic factors, such as travelling history and history of immigration, are needed to guide clinicians about which children to test, as well as when and how to test children for IPI.

An estimated 3.5 billion people are colonized by intestinal parasites worldwide. Intestinal parasitic eukaryotes interact not only with the host but also with the intestinal microbiota. In this work, we studied the relationship between the presence of multiple enteric parasites and the community structures of gut bacteria and eukaryotes in an asymptomatic mother-child cohort from a semirural community in Mexico. Fecal samples were collected from 46 mothers and their respective children, with ages ranging from 2 to 20 months. Mothers and infants were found to be multiparasitized by Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba dispar, Endolimax nana, Chilomastix mesnili, Iodamoeba butshlii, Entamoeba coli, Hymenolepis nana, and Ascaris lumbricoides. Sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA and eukaryotic 18S rRNA genes showed a significant effect of parasite exposure on bacterial beta-diversity, which explained between 5.2% and 15.0% of the variation of the bacterial community structure in the cohort. Additionally, exposure to parasites was associated with significant changes in the relative abundances of multiple bacterial taxa, characterized by an increase in Clostridiales and decreases in Actinobacteria and Bacteroidales. Parasite exposure was not associated with changes in intestinal eukaryote relative abundances. However, we found several significant positive correlations between intestinal bacteria and eukaryotes, including Oscillospira with Entamoeba coli and Prevotella stercorea with Entamoeba hartmanni, as well as the co-occurrence of the fungus Candida with Bacteroides and Actinomyces, Bifidobacterium, and Prevotella copri and the fungus Pichia with Oscillospira. The parasitic exposure-associated changes in the bacterial community structure suggest effects on microbial metabolic routes, host nutrient uptake abilities, and intestinal immunity regulation in host-parasite interactions. IMPORTANCE The impact of intestinal eukaryotes on the prokaryotic microbiome composition of asymptomatic carriers has not been extensively explored, especially in infants and mothers with multiple parasitic infections. In this work, we studied the relationship between protist and helminth parasite colonization and the intestinal microbiota structure in an asymptomatic population of mother-child binomials from a semirural community in Mexico. We found that the presence of parasitic eukaryotes correlated with changes in the bacterial gut community structure in the intestinal microbiota in an age-dependent way. Parasitic infection was associated with an increase in the relative abundance of the class Clostridia and decreases of Actinobacteria and Bacteroidia. Parasitic infection was not associated with changes in the eukaryote community structure. However, we observed strong positive correlations between bacterial and other eukaryote taxa, identifying novel relationships between prokaryotes and fungi reflecting interkingdom interactions within the human intestine.

Background: The human gut microbiota is a microbial ecosystem contributing to the maintenance of host health with functions related to immune and metabolic aspects. Relations between microbiota and enteric pathogens in sub-Saharan Africa are scarcely investigated. The present study explored gut microbiota composition associated to the presence of common enteric pathogens and commensal microorganisms, e.g., Blastocystis and Entamoeba species, in children and adults from semi-urban and non-urban localities in Côte d’Ivoire. Methods: Seventy-six stool samples were analyzed for microbiota composition by 16S rRDNA sequencing. The presence of adeno-, entero-, parechoviruses, bacterial and protozoal pathogens, Blastocystis, and commensal Entamoeba species, was analyzed by different molecular assays. Results: Twelve individuals resulted negative for any tested microorganisms, 64 subjects were positive for one or more microorganisms. Adenovirus, enterovirus, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), and Blastocystis were frequently detected. Conclusions: The bacterial composition driven by Prevotellaceae and Ruminococcaceae confirmed the biotype related to the traditional dietary and cooking practices in low-income countries. Clear separation in UniFrac distance in subjects co-harboring Entamoeba hartmanni and Blastocystis was evidenced. Alpha diversity variation in negative control group versus only Blastocystis positive suggested its possible regulatory contribution on intestinal microbiota. Pathogenic bacteria and virus did not affect the positive outcome of co-harbored Blastocystis.

The Corona pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) calls on the Saudi government to take action to control the infection. The government closed borders, prohibited travel, limited outdoor movements, and told primary and secondary care facilities to reduce all regular non-urgent health services. It is not known whether these measures have impacted the prevalence of parasitic intestinal infections. This study has therefore been carried out to investigate this issue. Dataset of 217 stool samples submitted to the King Faisal Medical Complex (KFMC) Microbiology Laboratory in Taif, Saudi Arabia for parasitological examination during the pandemic (January-June 2020) and 649 samples submitted during the corresponding months of the previous year (January-June 2019) were extracted and analyzed. Overall, 24.1% (209/866) of samples were parasitespositives; 26.6% (173/649) before and 16.5% (36/217) during the pandemic, with 79% reduction. There was a significant difference in gender-parasitism between the two periods where the majority of parasitism were for males (p

Background This study assessed the interactions between income, nutritional status and intestinal parasitism in children in Brazil. Methods A cross-sectional study (n = 421 children aged 1 to 14 years living in the states of Piauí (rural communities in the city of Teresina) and Rio de Janeiro (rural and periurban communities in the city of Cachoeiras de Macacu) was performed in order to obtain income and anthropometric data, as well as fecal samples for parasitological analyses through the Ritchie technique. Results Children infected with Ascaris lumbricoides had significantly lower means of height-for-age z scores (− 1.36 ± 0.75 vs. − 0.11 ± 1.02; p < 0.001), weight-for-age z scores (− 1.23 ± 0.74 vs. 0.09 ± 1.15; p = 0.001), and weight-for-height z scores (− 0.68 ± 0.44 vs. 0.23 ± 1.25; p = 0.006) when compared with uninfected children. Infection with hookworm was also associated with lower means of height-for-age z scores (− 1.08 ± 1.17 vs. − 0.12 ± 1.02; p = 0.015) and weight-for-age z scores (− 1.03 ± 1.13 vs. 0.08 ± 1.15; p = 0.012). Children infected with Entamoeba coli presented significantly lower means of height-for-age z scores (− 0.54 ± 1.02 vs. − 0.09 ± 1.02; p = 0.005) and weight-for-age z scores (− 0.44 ± 1.15 vs. 0.12 ± 1.15; p = 0.002). The multivariate multiple linear regression analysis showed that height-for-age z scores are independently influenced by monthly per capita family income (β = 0.145; p = 0.003), female gender (β = 0.117; p = 0.015), and infections with A. lumbricoides (β = − 0.141; p = 0.006) and Entamoeba coli (β = − 0.100; p = 0.043). Weight-for-age z scores are influenced by monthly per capita family income (β = 0.175; p < 0.001), female gender (β = 0.123; p = 0.010), and infections with A. lumbricoides (β = − 0.127; p = 0.012), and Entamoeba coli (β = − 0.101; p = 0.039). Monthly per capita family income (β = 0.102; p = 0.039) and female gender (β = 0.134; p = 0.007) positively influences mid upper arm circumpherence. Conclusions Intestinal parasitism and low family income negatively influence the physical development of children in low-income communities in different Brazilian regions.

Objective This study was conducted to determine the presence, type, and rate of parasitic contamination in Iranian currencies. Study design This was a cross-sectional study. Methods Coins and banknotes of different denominations were randomly collected from sellers and markets in Tabriz, Northwest of Iran, for examining parasitic contamination. Results Entamoeba coli and Giardia intestinalis were the most identified species of parasites in this study. Other parasites detected were Cryptosporidium parvum, Ascaris lumbricoides, Entamoeba histolytica, Fasciola hepatica, and Toxocara cati. A high rate of parasitic contamination was found in banknotes compared with coins, and a statistically significant association was found between parasitic contamination and the apparent condition of the currencies. The notes of lower denominations showed the highest contamination rates. The highest parasitic contamination was found in coins and banknotes obtained from public toilet services, butchers, and beggars. Conclusions The findings emphasize the role of circulating coins and banknotes in the risk of pathogenic parasite transmission.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of intestinal parasites in public transport buses in the city of Belém, Pará, Brazil, as well as to compare the frequency of these enteroparasites according to the bus lines, collection sites within the vehicles, and presence of pathogenic and nonpathogenic parasites in the samples. This is a cross-sectional analytical study carried out between February and April 2019, in which 320 samples were analyzed, from 5 bus lines, 8 buses each, collected from 8 different surfaces inside the vehicles, according to Graham’s method. Subsequently, the statistical test was performed to evaluate the differencesbetween the variables, considering p ≤ 0.05. The results indicated that 7.8% of the samples were parasitized and the right handrail presented the highest prevalence of parasites, namely 2.2%. The pathogenic parasites corresponded to 26.7% and the non-pathogenic 73.3%. The non-pathogenic parasite most commonly found was Entamoeba coli totaling 50%, whereas the only pathogenic parasite was Giardia intestinalis in 26.7%. Thus, the presence of pathogenic and non-pathogenic parasites reflects the precarious hygiene of users of this type of transport, presenting a public health issue which needs to be addressed. KEY WORDS: Intestinal Diseases, Fomites, Transmission, Pathogenic parasites, Enteroparasite

Aim of the present study was to identify protozoones which are difficult to define through wet slide in fresh fecal samples by using different fixatives with modified Trichrome stain within five minutes. Two different fixatives prepared for the alternative approach. The slides were fixed by two different fixatives, one of them (fixative-1) was based ethylalcohol, formalin, acetic acid, distilled water and the other one (fixative-2) based ethylalcohol, formalin, citric acid, distilled water included a mordant [divalent or polyvalent metals which make coordination complex with some dyes] consisted copper sulphate pentahydrate (CuSO4 .5H2 O). Slides prepared by the two different fixatives were stained by a different modification of Gomori's trichrome stain that we made. Samples fixed by Schaudinn fixative including mercury chloride were stained by Wheatley modification of Gomori's trichrome stain as a gold standard for control and comparison. We worked with 50 fecal samples which we thought included human intestinal protozoones after the wet slide examination. Comparing the methods, slides prepared with the method including citric acid gave almost similar results with the classical method excluded Entamoeba coli cystes. Slides prepared with the methode including acetic acid gave low performance compared with the classical method especially E.coli cystes and Blastocystis spp., Endolimax nana, Iodamoeba butschlii, E.hartmanni. Both new fixatives gave superior performance at the slides included Dientamoeba fragilis and approximately shorten the procedure process ten times than the classical method. When the both alternative methods compared in each other, the slides prepared with fixative-2 exposed better performance for the protozoones Blastocystis spp., E.nana, I.butschlii and E.hartmanni while the fixative-1 displayed minimal superiority for D.fragilis including criterias that we based. The fixative-2 and modified stain methode that we used in our study, makes available the diagnostic phase ten times faster than the classical method in human stool parasitological tests excluding the E.coli cystes at parasitology and microbiolgy laboratories. It seems to be a good option to the classical method for routine usage.

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are the one of the most common health problems in developing countries. Objective: A number of patients die annually due to complications caused by these parasites.Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the rate and type of parasitic infections, determine the factors affecting them in Ilam city and also provide strategies to prevent them.In this descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in one of the Ilam labs in 2016, 417 stool specimens were randomly collected. All specimens were examined using direct and ethanol formaldehyde.Suspect specimens were examined using Trichrom staining. Demographic information was also recorded in a questionnaire, and finally the results were analyzed using statistical software SPSS 20.The data were then compared with Chi-square test. Results: Out of the 417 patients examined, 59 (14.1%) were infected with intestinal parasites. The type of parasitic infection in 9.4% was Blastocystis hominis, 3.6% Entamoeba coli, 0.5% Entamoeba histolytica, 0.5% Giardia and 0.2% Trichomonas hominis. Conclusion: Despite the improvement of public health, parasitic infections are still considered as one of the health problems in the city of Ilam. Therefore, proper planning, public health education, raising the level of health in the area and the provision of safe drinking water are some of the ways to reduce parasitic infections in the region.

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

This study examines gastrointestinal parasites in the endangered lion-tailed macaque, which is sympatric with the bonnet macaque that has relocated from nearby towns or agriculture landscapes dominated by humans and livestock. One hundred and ninety-four fresh fecal samples from lion-tailed macaques were collected from a group located at Chiksuli in the central Western Ghats. Of these, 48.5% had at least one endoparasite taxon. The prevalence of endoparasites varied from 0 to 75.0%, and observed endoparasite taxa varied between 0 and 10 across different months. The prevalence of endoparasites decreased with increasing rainfall and with increasing average maximum temperature across months. Of the 17 endoparasite taxa, 11 were nematodes, two were cestodes, and four were protozoans. The prevalence of Ascaris sp. and Entamoeba coli was higher than the other taxa. The overall load, helminth load, and protozoan load did not differ between months. The overall endoparasite load was greater in immature macaques in all seasons. Helminth load was higher in adult males, especially in the summer. Comparing our findings with those from sympatric relocated bonnet macaques of Chiksuli (Kumar et al. in PLoS ONE 13(11):e0207495, 2018) and lion-tailed macaques of Anamalai Hills (Hussain et al. in PLoS ONE 8(5):e63685, 2013) revealed: (a) a much higher prevalence of endoparasites in lion-tailed macaques from fragments of Anamalai Hills than in lion-tailed and bonnet macaques of Chiksuli; (b) higher richness of endoparasites in both macaque species of Chiksuli than in Anamalai lion-tailed macaques; and (c) more similar composition of endoparasite taxa between the Chiksuli lion-tailed and bonnet macaques than with the Anamalai Hills lion-tailed macaques. We suggest a complete cessation of relocation of commensal animals to the wild habitat. If relocation is necessary, then individuals to be relocated should be thoroughly screened and treated to prevent transferring endoparasite infections to wild populations.

The present study evaluated the frequency of intestinal parasitoses in children in public day care centers applying parasitological and immunological diagnostic methods. Fecal samples from 121 children from six public daycare centers were analyzed using parasitological techniques. Epidemiological data were obtained through a questionnaire, where parents and / or guardians were asked, for instance, whether the children had contact with soil, ate raw food, such as vegetables or raw or undercooked meat, normally walked around barefoot or had contact with animals. Fecal samples from 82 children were also tested for Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium sp. coproantigen using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) which was also used for Entamoeba coproantigen detection only in samples that tested positive for the parasite by parasitological stool exam/optical microscopy. Intestinal parasite infection was noted in 23.1% (28/121) of the children. The most frequent parasite was Giardia intestinalis (13.2%), followed by Entamoeba coli (5.8%), Blastocystis spp. (1.7%), Endolimax nana (1.7%), Enterobius vermicularis (1.7%), Cystoisospora belli (0.8%),Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar complex (0.8%), and Ascaris lumbricoides (0.8%). Positivity for parasite infection using parasitological stool exams was significantly associated with age groups, with a higher frequency in 4 to 6 year old children (p=0.03). No association or significant variations were noted in the prevalence of intestinal parasites in relation to the epidemiological variables studied. All samples were negative for Cryptosporidium sp. and Entamoeba histolytica detected by immunological testing, and 17.1% (14/82) children tested positive for Giardia intestinalis, although using parasitological exam/optical microscopy, only 14.6% (12/82) tested positive. The high incidence of intestinal parasites, especially protozoans, suggests probable interpersonal transmission among the children, environmental contamination, or even contaminated food/water intake. Thus, consolidation of preventive measures and efficient diagnostic resources as well as control of intestinal parasites and patient treatment are of utmost importance.

BackgroundIntestinal parasitic infections are among the most common communicable diseases worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes dysregulation of the immune system through the depletion of CD4+ T lymphocytes which gives rise to opportunistic infections.MethodologyA cross-sectional study was conducted from January to October 2018. Stool and blood samples were collected from participants aged 1 to 19. Stool samples were analyzed for intestinal parasites. Blood samples were analyzed for HIV and CD4 + T cell counts.ResultsOut of 214 children enrolled, 119 (55.6%) were HIV infected and 95 (44.4%) were HIV non-infected. All infected children were on antiretroviral treatment (ART). The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 20.2% in HIV infected and 15.8% in non-infected children. Among the 119 HIV infected children, 33 (27.7%) of them had a CD4+ T cell count less than 500 cells/mm3, and amongst them 5.9% had CD4+ T cell count less than 200 cells/mm3. Among HIV infected children, Cryptosporidium spp. was frequently detected, 7/119 (5.9%), followed by Giardia lamblia 5/119 (4.2%) then Blastocystis hominis 3/119 (2.5%) and Entamoeba coli 3/119 (2.5%). Participants on ART and prophylactic co-trimoxazole for >10 years had little or no parasite infestation.ConclusionsAlthough ART treatment in combination with prophylactic co-trimoxazole reduces the risk of parasitic infection, 20.2% of HIV infected children harbored intestinal parasites including Cryptosporidium spp. Stool analysis may be routinely carried out in order to treat detected cases of opportunistic parasites and such improve more on the life quality of HIV infected children.

Gastrointestinal parasitic infection is usually asymptomatic thus goes unnoticed and untreated for long periods of time, often resulting in other serious health complications. In HIV positive patients, the effects usually are more devastating owing to the fact that such patients are already immunocompromised. For this study, HIV positive patients were raised from the BSUTH STD/ART clinic records while HIV negative patients were recruited from other clinics by confirming their HIV status using Determine test strips to check for HIV antibodies; socio-demographic data was generated from questionnaires administered. Patients already placed on anti-helminths or anti-protozoan medicines were exempted from the study. Stool samples (n=550; 304 males 246 females) were examined for intestinal parasites using the standard parasitological procedures for direct wet mount and Formol-Ether Concentration methods. Gastrointestinal parasites were identified from 199 (36.2%) samples implying positive results for these infections: Giardia lamblia (3.8%), Entamoeba histolytica (8.9%), Ascaris lumbricoides (7.1%), Entamoeba coli (4.2%), Trichuris trichuria (3.3%), Strongyloides stercoralis (2.2%), Taenia sp. (1.8%), Trichomonas hominis (0.5%) and hookworms (2.9%). Out of this 199 only 55 (27.6%) were HIV positive; statistically there was a significant relationship between HIV status and the rate of parasitic infection (P

Lalat merupakan salah satu serangga yang termasuk ke dalam Ordo Diptera yang kehadirannya dapat mengganggu ketentraman manusia dan sebagai vector mekanik penularan penyakit. Kebiasaan lalat yang menyukai tempat-tempat kotor seperti pasar yang menyebabkan semua bagian tubuh lalat dapat dengan mudah membawa parasit jenis protozoa usus pada tubuhnya seperti Entamoebahistolytica, Entamoeba coli, Giardia lamblia, dan Balatidium coli. Beberapa spesies Lalat mendapat perhatian cukup tinggi di bidang kesehatan. Penyakit-penyakit yang biasanya ditularkan lalat antara lain kolera, diare, disentri, tifus, dan penyakit pencernaan. Penelitian dilakukan di Laboratorium Parasitologi Fakultas Ilmu Kesehatan Universitas Setia Budi, Surakarta. Sampel yang digunakan sebanyak 40 sampel yang terdiri dari 20 sampel Musca domestica dan 20 sampel Chrysomya megachepala. Identifikasi Entamoeba hystolitica dan Balantidium coli pada lalat dilakukan dengan metode sedimentasi yang menggunakan lauratan NaCl 0,9% dan kemudian dilakukan pengamatan secara mikroskopis. Berdasarkan hasil identifikasi Entamoeba hystolitica dan Balantidium coli pada tubuh lalat Muscadomestica danChrysomyamegacephala yang diperoleh di Pasar Legi, Surakarta ditemukan 1 kista Entamoeba histolytica pada Musca domestica dengan prosentase 5% dan 2 Trofozoit Balantidium coli pada Chrysomya megacephala dengan prosentase 10%.

The prevalence of amoebiasis was investigated among pregnant women using a gold standard microscopy method. Stool samples were collected from pregnant women, from two primary health care centers (Iwaya and Ebute-metta). The study involved 203 pregnant women during their visits to the antenatal clinic in Primary health centres at Lagos Mainland from June – October, 2016. Each participant was interviewed using questionnaires to relate prevalence and risk factors to their socio-demographic characteristics. Among these pregnant women, 120 respondents provided their stool samples and this was parasitologically screened with 0.8% prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica infection, 7.5% with Entamoeba Coli, 0.5% with Ascaris lumbricoides, and 0.8% infection with Hookworm. A prevalence of 0.8% for the mixed infection of Ascaris lumbricoides with Entamoeba histolytica, and a prevalence of 1.7% for the mixed infection of Entamoeba coli and Entamoeba histolytica was recorded. Significant association (p0.05) showed no significant association with amoebiasis prevalence. In conclusion, E. histolytica infection is generally low in Lagos state owing to good environmental sanitation within Lagos metropolis. Efforts should therefore be geared towards its elimination by provision of water for Lagos residents.

Summary We are reporting the case of a nine-month-old Pakistani female with complaint of growth retardation who presented multiple intestinal parasitic infections. Probably because of contamination with fecal matter, the initial microscopic examination of the urinary sample revealed the presence of eggs of Enterobius vermicularis, cysts of Entamoeba coli, and an organism similar to mites. Stool samples were obtained after two weeks and microscopic investigation confirmed the presence of Enterobius vermicularis eggs, cysts of Entamoeba coli, and hookworm eggs. The patient was immediately subjected to mebendazole therapy associated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, to which she responded well. Follow-up stool re-examinations performed 15 and 30 days after the treatment tested negative for all parasitic ova and cysts. This study reflects the importance of considering multiple parasitic infestations in low socio-economic populations and highlights the need of improving poor hygienic conditions to prevent such infections, in particular in children.

Introduction: Various stool concentration techniques have been used to increase the microscopic detection of parasites. We assessed the enclosed, single-vial, Mini Parasep® technique in comparison to the currently used coprodiagnosis procedures. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 stool samples were collected. Samples concentrated by formol–ether method (FEM) and Mini Parasep® SF foecal concentrator and unconcentrated samples were subjected to wet mount, iodine mount microscopy and smear examination by modified acid-fast staining. Results: Direct wet mount detected 72 positive samples (48.6%), whereas 77 (51.3%) and 80 (53.3%) samples were detected by FEM and Mini Parasep® SF methods, respectively. The sensitivity of detection of parasites was 98.7%, 95% and 90.1% with Mini Parasep®, FEM and direct microscopy, respectively. A clearer background with less foecal debris and a better yield of Hymenolepis nana, Trichuris trichiura, Entamoeba coli and Giardia lamblia were noted with Mini Parasep®. Conclusion: Mini Parasep® SF technique is simple, rapid and less cumbersome than conventional diagnostics, making it suitable for routine use. In addition, it offers higher sensitivity and better background clearance than both direct stool examination and FEM.

The aim of this work was to investigate the level of enteric helminthes ova contamination on ready to eat selected vegetables in Ushongo Government of Benue state. The sampling locations comprised of three major markets: Ikyobo, Lobi and Lessel markets. A total of 270 samples were collected, 90 samples in each market (30 carrots, 30 garden egg and 30 cucumber). The samples were transported aseptically to the laboratory for egg analysis using centrifugation, microscopy and standard identification guide. Carrot was the most contaminated vegetable with a total of 63 contaminated samples out of 90 samples, hence percentage contamination was 70%. Cucumber and garden egg had percentage contamination of 57% and 55% respectively. From a total of 270 vegetable samples investigated, 175 were contaminated with helminthes egg, thus resulting in 64.8% vegetable contamination in Ushongo LGA. Based on market type and location, contamination was highest in Lessel market (72.2%) followed by Lobi market (63.3%) and Ikyobo market (58.8%). Vegetable contamination in the three location was statistically the same (χ2=1.76, P>0.05) as there was no significant association between market locations and the number of contaminated vegetables. In cucumber, Entamoeba histolytica was the highest contaminant (39%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica (17%), and Giadia lamblia (12%). In carrot samples, Entamoeba coli (21%) and Entamoeba histolytica (21%) were the most occurring eggs isolated. This was followed by Chilomastix mesnili (16%) and Iodamoeba buestchili (10%). Others are: Trichuris trichiura (8%), Ascaris lumbricoides (6%), Entamoeba nana (6%) and Ancyclostoma duodenale (5%). In garden egg, Giardia lamblia was the most common contaminant (33%). Also found were species of the genera Entamoeba and other species found in cucumber. A total of 14 egg types of different species were identified. Entamoeba histolytica (20%), Entamoeba coli (19%), Giardia lamblia (17%) and Chilomastix mesnili (10%) were the top four egg contaminants. Others species occurred in Read Complete Article at ijSciences: V82019062104 AND DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18483/ijSci.2104

Background: Healthy diets including fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of chronic diseases. This study was aimed at detecting parasitic contamination caused by consuming raw vegetables sold in Hamadan, west of Iran. Methods: A total of 380 vegetable samples consisting of parsley, coriander, basil, savory, mint, cress, tarragon, leek, radish and spring onion were evaluated microscopically after conducting sedimentation and flotation from April 2017 to March 2018. Results: Parasites were detected in 95 out of 380 of vegetable samples (25%). The organisms identified included Entamoeba coli (8.15%), Ascaris lumbricoides (7.1%), Chilomastix mesnili (5%), and Giardia lamblia (1.5%), Blastocystis hominis (0.78%), Toxocara canis (0.26%) and Hymenolepis nana (0.26%). High level of contamination was obtained for parsley (5.52%) while radish was the least contaminated (0.78%). Vegetable contamination was higher in spring and summer (20.6%) (P

International audience; Parasitic intestinal diseases are widespread in the world with a higher prevalence in developing countries. They are generally a serious public health problem in tropical countries. In October 2020, a cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in patients visiting Fermathe Hospital in Haiti. Data were collected on stool results with the presence of parasites and we used systematic sampling for further information regarding patients with parasitology problems. A summary field survey was also carried out in the surrounding areas with more cases recorded such as Corail, Calbasse, Fort Jacques, Center / Marché Kenscoff, Doco, and Douret for direct observations of the inventory and voluntary interviews with the residents of the area on hygiene practices. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 31.26% and the most common species were: Endolimax nana (39.13%), followed by Blastocystis hominis (14%), Blastocystis hominis / Giardia intestinales (12.07%), Entamoeba coli (5.31%), and others like Iodamoeba butschlii, Ascaris lumbricoides or combined parasites were less than 5%. The field survey revealed a strong relationship between parasitosis and drinking water, parasitosis, and place of defecation. Although there are health centers in the area, many people use self-medication or empiric therapy. The study highlights the important causes of gastrointestinal disorders that present themselves in this hospital and confirms intestinal parasitosis as a major public health problem in Haiti.

Entre mayo y agosto del 2006, se realizó un estudio sobre prevalencia del parasitismo intestinal y factores epidemiológicos en 205 escolares del centro poblado de Pucchún del distrito Mariscal Cáceres, Provincia Camaná, Departamento de Arequipa, Perú. Se aplicó una encuesta epidemiológica y se recolectó una sola muestra de heces a cada escolar que fue procesada en el laboratorio mediante los métodos de Teleman modificado y de sedimentación rápida. Se encontró un 92,68% de prevalencia a uno o más parásitos intestinales, con el predominio de los protozoos frente a los helmintos: Entamoeba histolytica/E.dispar (33,17%), Giardia intestinalis (31,71%), Hymenolepis nana (47,17%), Diphyllobothrium pacificum (0,49%) y Fasciola hepatica (0,49%); siendo más frecuente el poliparasitismo con 42,63%. La prevalencia para los parásitos no patógenos fue: Entamoeba coli (72,68%), Blastocystis hominis (48,29%), Endolimax nana (35,61%), Iodamoeba butschlii (23,90%) y Chilomastix mesnilli (16,58%). Los principales factores epidemiológicos que influyen en la prevalencia del parasitismo intestinal en los escolares son: edad entre 8 a 10 años, eliminación de basuras en el peridomicilio y campo abierto, presencia de roedores y vectores, y consumo de verduras tanto crudas como cocidas.

Background Poor self-care skills and personal hygiene resulted from limitations in learning and understanding, put intellectually disabled individuals at greater risk for intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs). Despite several regional reports in Iran, the overall burden on IPIs among intellectually disabled individuals is poorly understood. Hence, the present study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of IPIs among intellectually disabled individuals in Iran. Methods Using the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of data retrieved from seven electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and ProQuest for English articles, as well as SID and Magiran for Persian) from their inception up to December 2020. Pooled prevalence was estimated using a random-effects model with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and depicted as a forest plot, while heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran’s Q-test. Results Exactly 1263 of the 3004 intellectually disabled individuals examined by 14 studies across 10 provinces of Iran were positive for IPIs. Overall pooled prevalence estimate was 41% (95% CI 29–53%) with a range of 21% (95% CI 10–32%) to 68% (95% CI 55–80%) across sub-groups. Entamoeba coli (16.2%; 95% CI 10.3–22%), Blastocystis spp. (12.2%; 95% CI 7.2–17.2%), and Giardia duodenalis (11.9%; 95% CI 7.4–16.3%) were the most prevalent protozoan species. In terms of helminthic agents, the most prevalent species were Enterobius vermicularis (11.3%; 95% CI 6.3–16.3%) followed by Strongyloides stercoralis (10.9%; 95% CI 5.0–16.9%) and Hymenolepis nana (2.8%; 95% CI 0.4–5.2%) Conclusion IPIs are highly prevalent among intellectually disabled individuals in Iran. Improving the health status and implementing infectious disease prevention strategies in rehabilitation centers, health promotion interventions to improve personal hygiene of intellectually disabled individuals, as well as utilize sensitive diagnostic methods besides routine stool examination techniques, and treatment of infected individuals will help in the control of these infections among intellectually disabled individuals.

We performed a cross-sectional parasitological survey to assess the prevalence of protozoa and helminth infection among 275 school-age children (SAC) living in rural and peri-urban areas located in different ecological zones of the Department of La Paz, Bolivia. Public health activities for the control of STH, based on the biannual administration of mebendazole to preschool and school children are implemented at national level since 1986. We found an overall prevalence of 82.2% for intestinal parasites, including protozoa (80%) and helminths (23.3%). Blastocystis and Entamoeba coli were the most prevalent protozoa (found in 44% and 20.7% of the SAC enrolled); as for helminths, Ascaris lumbricoides and Hymenolepis nana were diagnosed in 14.5% and 3.3% of the children, respectively, followed by Trichuris trichiura 1.4%, Enterobius vermicularis 1.4%, Strongyloides stercoralis 0.7% and hookworms 0.7%. Molecular characterization of Blastocystis positive samples evidenced three different subtypes (ST1, ST2, ST3) highlighting the risk of transmission also from animal reservoir. We found a significant difference in the distribution of intestinal parasitic infection (IPIs) by ecological zone (44/74. 59% in Andean highlands, 94/170, 88% in tropical lowlands and 88/94, 94% in the Yungas, p, Graphic abstractUnlabelled Image, Highlights • In the Department of La Paz, the current overall STH among school-age children prevalence is high (17.1%), with a patchy distribution throughout the region. • The prevalence of STH infections of moderate and heavy intensity shows that the morbidity due to these parasites has not been eliminated yet. • The preventive chemotherapy coverage should be significantly improved in all the at-risk populations, and strategy of PC delivery should be tailored to local conditions. • Updated epidemiological information is crucial to inform policy for STH control. • Significant efforts are still needed to reduce transmission and to improve health and sanitation in this area. Interventions should be inspired by the WASH principles, endorsed by the WHO.

Introduction: The prevalence of parasitosis in children from Brazilian border cities is unknown. Objective: To identify the prevalence of intestinal parasites in children from public pre-school on the Brazilian border and their socioeconomic and health profile. Methods: Fecal samples were obtained from 178 children from public early childhood educational center (CMEI) in Brazilian border municipalities in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. Samples were processed by Hoffman sedimentation and zinc sulfate centrifugation and flotation methods. A questionnaire was administered to children´s parents or guardians regarding parasitic diseases, socioeconomic status, and sanitary habits. Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 26.9% (n=48). A high prevalence of Giardia duodenalis was found (16.3%), followed by Endolimax nana (8.4%), Enterobius vermiculares (1.7%), Ascaris lumbricoides, and Entamoeba coli (0.5%). Forty-seven children (26.4%) presented monoparasitism. The percentage of parasitosis was significantly higher among male children (33.7% - p

Background The possibility that maternal health status and breastfeeding practices contribute to growth faltering before 6 mo is underexplored. Objectives This longitudinal study investigated whether indicators of subclinical mastitis (SCM) and breast inflammation, maternal fecal-oral contamination, and/or breastfeeding practices were associated with infant anthropometry or growth velocity before 6 mo. Methods Indigenous Mam-Mayan mother-infant dyads (n = 140) were recruited. Breast milk was collected at early (, Two maternal health conditions, the presence of subclinical mastitis and nonpathogenic protozoa, could underscore infant growth faltering in breastfed infants. Feeding colostrum is protective and improved hygiene practices are warranted.

Introduction Intestinal parasitic diseases are a global health problem. Due to its equatorial climate, vast territory with isolated areas and the precariousness of its population, intestinal parasitosis is considered to be a major issue in French Guiana but only few data are available and these mainly focus on specific population. We aimed at determining the parasitic index and at describing the characteristics of these infections in order to develop preventive strategies. Material and methods We retrospectively analysed all the parasitological samples recorded in the register of the two main laboratories of French Guiana between 2011 and 2016. The parasitic index was the percentage of parasitised patients in comparison with the total number of subjects studied. A patient who underwent several positive parasitological examinations was considered only once in the analysis at the time of the first sampling. Results A total of 15,220 parasitological samples of 9,555 patients were analysed and 2,916 were positive in 1,521 patients. The average infestation rate and parasitic index were 19.2% and 16.0%, respectively. The parasitic index remained stable between 2011 (18.2%) and 2016 (18.3%). The patients were mainly men (66.4%), with a median age of 33.0 years (26.3% of patients were under 18 years of age) and lived mainly in the Central Agglomeration (48.2%) and in West Guiana (37.4%). Hookworms were the most common parasite (25.2%) followed by Entamoeba coli (13.3%), Strongyloides stercoralis (10.9%) and Giardia intestinalis (10.8%). Among the infected patients, 31.0% presented mixed infections and 67.5% of them had at least one pathogenic parasite. The patients aged from 0 to 18 years presented significantly more polyparasitism (30.9%) than monoparasitism (24.3%, p, Author summary Intestinal parasitic diseases are a global public health problem which mostly affect developing countries where adequate water and sanitation facilities are lacking. Due to its equatorial climate, vast territory with isolated areas and the precariousness of its population, intestinal parasitosis is considered to be a major issue in French Guiana and came to be frequently detected during hospitalisations. However, only few data are available and no integrated control programs have been conducted. This is the first study that has been exploring and reporting epidemiological data on intestinal parasitic infections in French Guiana covering much of the territory. This work reports an average parasitic index of 16.0%, which was stable between 2011 (18.2%) and 2016 (18.3%) with a majority of Ancylostoma sp, Strongyloides stercoralis and Giardia intestinalis. Although it may not be representative of the entire Guyanese population, the parasitic index remained high and stable from 2011 to 2016 and it justifies the need for an active prevention program as it was already done in the other French overseas departments such as Martinique and Guadeloupe.

Entamoeba nuttalli infection is highly prevalent in captive and wild macaques. A recent study suggested that the genetic factor of host macaques was correlated with the genotypes of E. nuttalli isolates. This study focused on the correlation between the rhesus macaque host major histocompatibility complex gene and E. nuttalli infection. Thirty-nine stool samples were obtained from Mount Qing-ling (Guizhou Province, China). Polymerase chain reaction analysis detected the infection rate of E. nuttalli, Entamoeba coli, and Entamoeba chattoni as 69.23%, 69.23%, and 87.18%, respectively. A new Serine-rich Protein genotype was detected, and the rRNA of E. nuttalli isolates from Mount Qian-ling was completely identical to the GY4 strain. In the distance-based neighbor-joining tree, Mamu-DRB1, not Mamu-DPB or Mamu-B gene, was related to E. nuttalli infection. Mamu-DRB1 genes of rhesus macaques in Mounts Qian-ling and Long-hu were highly polymorphic, and the rhesus macaques with two major types of Mamu-DRB1 showed susceptibility to E. nuttalli infection. The Mamu-DRB1 gene analysis in this study indicated that the Mamu-DRB1 gene is an important factor that influences the susceptibility of E. nuttalli infection in Chinese Macaca mulatta. This study contributes to a better understanding of host susceptibility to Entamoeba.

Giardia intestinalis is one of the most common causes of parasite-induced diarrhea, abdominal pain, flatulence, and malabsorption. Yet, data on the epidemiology of G. intestinalis infections in North Africa are limited. The purpose of this study was to carry out a retrospective survey on the level of intestinal parasitism with a particular emphasis on G. intestinalis in children and adults in Algiers, Algeria. A total of 2,054 individuals from outpatient clinics or hospitalized at Beni-Messous University Hospital of Algiers undergoing stool microscopy for ova and parasites were included. The overall parasite infection rate was 28%. In the 567 parasite-positive samples, Blastocystis was found most frequently (57.3%), followed in frequency by Endolimax nana (41.0%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (19.6%), G. intestinalis (17.1%), Entamoeba coli (13.9%), Chilomastix mesnili (1.0%), Iodamoeba bütschlii (0.7%), Entamoeba hartmanni (0.5%), and Cryptosporidium spp. (0.2%). Intestinal parasites were generally more common in adults than in children, except for Giardia, which was more common in children (P = 0.0001). Giardia infection was independent of gender (P = 0.94). Compared with other intestinal parasitic infections, clinical manifestations, such as abdominal pain (P = 0.28) and diarrhea (P = 0.82), were found not to be significantly linked to Giardia infection. In conclusion, G. intestinalis is common in individuals referred to the University Hospital of Beni-Messous with digestive symptoms, particularly so in children. However, in our study, intestinal symptoms appeared not to be more linked to Giardia than to other intestinal parasites.

Background Entamoeba species harbored by humans have different degrees of pathogenicity. The present study explores the intra- and interspecific diversity, phylogenetic relationships, prevalence and distribution of tetra- and octonucleated cyst-producing Entamoeba in different Brazilian regions. Methods Cross-sectional studies were performed to collect fecal samples (n = 1728) and sociodemographic data in communities located in four Brazilian biomes: Atlantic Forest, Caatinga, Cerrado, and Amazon. Fecal samples were subjected to molecular analysis by partial small subunit ribosomal DNA sequencing (SSU rDNA) and phylogenetic analysis. Results Light microscopy analysis revealed that tetranucleated cysts were found in all the studied biomes. The highest positivity rates were observed in the age group 6–10 years (23.21%). For octonucleated cysts, positivity rates ranged from 1 to 55.1%. Sixty SSU rDNA Entamoeba sequences were obtained, and four different species were identified: the octonucleated E. coli, and the tetranucleated E. histolytica, E. dispar, and E. hartmanni. Novel haplotypes (n = 32) were characterized; however, new ribosomal lineages were not identified. The Entamoeba coli ST1 subtype predominated in Atlantic Forest and Caatinga, and the ST2 subtype was predominant in the Amazon biome. E. histolytica was detected only in the Amazon biome. In phylogenetic trees, sequences were grouped in two groups, the first containing uni- and tetranucleated and the second containing uni- and octonucleated cyst-producing Entamoeba species. Molecular diversity indexes revealed a high interspecific diversity for tetra- and octonucleated Entamoeba spp. (H ± SD = 0.9625 ± 0.0126). The intraspecific diversity varied according to species or subtype: E. dispar and E. histolytica showed lower diversity than E. coli subtypes ST1 and ST2 and E. hartmanni. Conclusions Tetra- and octonucleated cyst-producing Entamoeba are endemic in the studied communities; E. histolytica was found in a low proportion and only in the Amazon biome. With regard to E. coli, subtype ST2 was predominant in the Amazon biome. The molecular epidemiology of Entamoeba spp. is a field to be further explored and provides information with important implications for public health. Graphical Abstract

Introduction: Intestinal parasitosis are a public health problem worldwide. There are several risk factors and a high association with some specific labor activities. Objective: The present study assessed the risk factors and prevalence of enteroparasitic diseases in shellfish pickers from one district of Maceió, Alagoas state, Brazil. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 41 female shellfish pickers including parasitological tests in fecal samples and a questionnaire with objective and subjective questions. Sand samples from their working environment were also analyzed. Results: At least one species of parasite was found in 19.51% of the fecal samples. Pathogenic species of Giardia lamblia, Trichuris trichiura, Schistosoma mansoni, Ascaris lumbricoides, Enterobius vermicularis, from the Ancylostomatidae family, and non-pathogenic species of Entamoeba coli were found. Polyparasitism was diagnosed in 37.5% of the positive samples. A total of 57.14% of sand samples contained hookworm larvae. Regarding the risk factor, low educational level was statistically associated to the presence of parasites (p

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) can result in high morbidity and mortality, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Intestinal parasitic infections rate among hemodialysis Sudanese patients studied infrequently. Our paper aimed to examine and determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among hemodialysis Sudanese patients. Methods: Stool samples were collected from Sudanese patients at a hemodialysis center in Kosti city, White Nile state, Sudan. All stool samples were examined to detect the type of parasites and determine the prevalence using the formol-ether concentration technique and Modified Zeihl Neelsen (ZN) stain technique. Results: The overall prevalence of Intestinal parasitic infections among hemodialysis using the formol-ether concentration technique and Modified Zeihl Neelsen (ZN) stain technique was (28.6%) and (44.6%) respectively. The total prevalence of parasites detected by formol-ether concentration technique; Giardia lamblia (46.9%), Entamoeba histolytica (12.5%), Entamoeba coli (40.6%), and by modified ZN staining technique; Cryptosporidium species (28%) and Isospora belli (8%). The prevalence of IPIs was higher among males than females (74 vs. 26%, respectively; P>0.05) Conclusions: Studying the prevalence of IPIs among hemodialysis Sudanese patients, may predict their health status and lead to better diagnosis and treatment. Health education and personal hygiene were recommended to reduce the transmission of parasitic diseases. This is a first descriptive study of IPIs among hemodialysis in the area of study.

Parasitoses are the most widespread diseases in the world. They are transmited via contaminated water or food. Considering that the daily consumption of vegetables is estimated at 142g per person, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of parasites in salads available for consumption in restaurants in Aparecida de Goiânia, Goiás State. Salad samples were collected from the restaurants and parasitological analysis was performed using the Willis, Hoffman, Faust and Ziehl Neelsen techniques as well as cultures for the isolation of free-living amoebae. 51 samples were analyzed, 16 (31.4%) were positive. The parasites detected were: Acanthamoeba spp. in 12 (23.5%); free-living larvae, Schistosoma mansoni and Entamoeba coli in 1 (2.0%); Endolimax nana in 2 (3.9%). The PCR technique determined that 17.6% of the samples presented Toxoplasma gondii DNA. These techniques evidenced that the salad samples presented parasite contamination not only in the restaurants with the lowest price per Kg, but also in the most expensive ones. Therefore, in addition to effective sanitary surveillance, prophylactic measures are necessary regarding suppliers, handlers and restaurant owners to prevent the spread of these and other parasites.KEY WORDS: Food contamination; food parasitology; polymerase chain reaction.

Soil contamination by protozoan parasites and soil-transmitted helminths (STH) is common in beach sand due to a number of factors such as pets, pluvial water, garbage, etc. These pathogens may cause many diseases in humans and animals and become a public health problem. Thus, systematic evaluation and inspection are necessary to develop control strategies regarding public contamination. For this purpose, our aims were to evaluate the parasitic profile of sandy soils on an urban beach and an untouched beach and correlate this with environmental and seasonal characteristics in Ubatuba, Brazil, in two seasons (winter and summer). 132 soilsamples were collected for parasite analysis utilizing Rugai’s method and the sedimentation adapted method. Our results showed positivity in 62% of the samples for at least one parasite in the urban beach and no parasitic structures on the untouched beach. The positivity was higher in summer (85%) than in winter (51.7%). All samples were positive for both, helminths and protozoa. Seasonal influence was noted regarding the presence of STH while for protozoa this influence was not observed. The parasitic structures most found were larvae of hookworms (35%) and Toxocara eggs (31.7%). We also noted the presence of Strongyloides sp, Ascarislumbricoides, coccidia, Dipylidium caninum, Entamoeba hystolitica/dispar, Endolimax nana, Entamoeba coli, Giardia sp, Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris sp and Dibothricephalus latus. There was a positive correlation between temperature and the presence of STH in the sand samples. Most of the collection sites on the urban beach presented dogs or canine traces and garbage in both seasons. There was an association between the presence of dogs or their traces and parasitic structures. In conclusion, seasonality, urbanization and the presence of pets on beaches can potentially favor environmental contamination by parasites increasing the risk oftransmission of zoonotic and parasitic diseases.KEY WORDS: Soil-transmitted helminths; protozoa; environmental contamination; sand; beaches.