Multiple infection diagnosis of intestinal helminthiasis in the assessment of health and environmental effect of development projects in Nigeria

2007 ◽  
Vol 81 (3) ◽  
pp. 227-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
U.S. Ugbomoiko ◽  
I.E. Ofoezie

AbstractPatterns of intestinal helminth infections among school-aged children have been assessed in Eko-ende and Ore, as part of an overall assessment of the public health impact of Erinle Dam Reservoir in Osun State, Nigeria. The investigation was carried out between January and May 2005 using the Kato Katz thick smear technique and simple questionnaire for information on the bio-data, knowledge, attitude and practice of individuals towards disease transmission and control.Ascaris lumbricoides,hookworm,Trichuris trichiura, Taeniaspp.,Strongyloides stercoralisandSchistosoma mansoniwere recovered at an overall prevalence of 78.3% among 309 children examined.Ascaris lumbricoides,hookworm,T. trichiuraandS. mansoniwere the most common infections whileS. stercoralisandTaeniaspp. were found only among a few children. Infection patterns of the common diseases were age-specific with peaks in the 11–15 age bracket. Children not attending school were significantly (P < 0.05) more at risk of infection than those attending school. Multiple infections were pronounced with over 54% double infections and 6% four parasites or more infections. The need for urgent intervention to arrest the obviously serious public health situation attributable to Erinle Dam is emphasized.

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Daniel Kevin Werunga ◽  
Elizabeth Nanjala Omukunda ◽  
Jackson Cheruiyot Korir

Intestinal helminths cause anaemia, malnutrition, indigestion disorders, retarded growth, and low mental abilities in pupils. About 1.5 billion are infected globally. Intestinal helminth infections are caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis, Enterobius vermicularis, Ancylostoma duodenale, and Necator americanus. Lugari Subcounty has poor sanitation and inadequate clean water. This study determined the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections in preschool pupils in Lugari Subcounty. A stratified multistage cluster experimental design was used. Sampling was carried out in four wards: Lumakanda, Lugari, Luandeti, and Chekalini. Preschool pupils of either gender were selected randomly. Written consents and verbal assent were obtained from parents or guardians and preschool pupils, respectively. Questionnaires were administered in order to collect sociodemographic data. Stool samples were collected and tested for the presence of eggs using the standard Kato-Katz technique. Prevalence rate and prevalence ratio were calculated as the percentage of infected preschool pupils among the total number of preschool pupils examined. Preschool pupils positive with helminths were treated freely, and a follow-up screening was conducted three months after treatment. Approval of the study was sought from the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology Institutional Ethical Review Board (MMUST IRB). The overall prevalence of intestinal helminths was 12.3%. Only one species, Ascaris lumbricoides, was identified. Statistical tests were carried out at a 5% significance level ( p < 0.05 , confidence interval (CI) 95%). There was a statistically significant association for prevalence and intensity of intestinal helminths versus factors like school location, knowledge of washing hands before eating, and awareness of washing hands after visiting a toilet. Although this study revealed a low prevalence and light intensity, some factors had significant effects on intestinal helminth infections among the preschool children. Therefore, there is a need to intensify efforts for their intestinal helminth control.


2018 ◽  
pp. 141-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adedotun A Adenusi ◽  
Mary I Akinyemi ◽  
Dele Akinsanya

Background: Domiciliary cockroaches are obnoxious pests of significant medical importance. We investigated the prevalence of human intestinal parasites in cockroaches and its attendant public health importance. Methods: Overall, 749 cockroaches (Periplaneta americana, 509, Blattella germanica, 240) caught by trapping from 120 households comprising 3 different housing types in Somolu, Lagos metropolis, southwest Nigeria, in 2015 were screened for human intestinal parasites using standard parasitological techniques. Results: The prevalence of human intestinal parasites in cockroaches was 96.4%. There was no statistically signifi­cant difference (P> 0.05) in parasite prevalences between P. americana (95.7%) and B. germanica (97.9%). Parasite species identified and their prevalence were as follows: Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (44.1%), E. coli (37.8%), Gi­ardia lamblia (18.7%), Cryptosporidium sp. (13.8%), Ascaris lumbricoides (61.3%), Trichuris trichiura (55.8%), hookworms (11.6%), Strongyloides stercoralis (11.7%), Taenia/Echinococcus spp. (10.5%), Enterobius vermicularis (17.2%) and Hymenolepis nana (11.6%). Parasite prevalence and burdens varied with housing type; the prevalence was significantly higher statistically (P< 0.05) in cockroaches from low-cost bungalow, LCB (100%) and low-cost, 2-storey, LC2-S (100%) houses than in medium-cost flats, MCF (81.3%). Parasite burdens were also significantly higher statistically (P< 0.05) in cockroaches from LCB or LC2-S than in cockroaches from MCF. Parasite preva­lences between cockroach gut and body surfaces were not statistically significant (P> 0.05) but mean parasite bur­dens in gut were significantly higher statistically (P< 0.05) than on body surfaces. Conclusion: Cockroaches types carry transmissive stages of human intestinal parasites and may act as reservoirs and potential mechanical vectors for disease transmission.


2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 358-367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Praveen Dhankhar ◽  
Chizoba Nwankwo ◽  
Matthew Pillsbury ◽  
Andreas Lauschke ◽  
Michelle G. Goveia ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-32
Author(s):  
Olatunji Ayodeji Abulude

Globally, stray dogs have been a major source of zoonoses such as cutaneous larval migrans, visceral larval migrans and hydatidosis. These dogs are recognized as being a major public health problem where their population is unchecked. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminth parasites of stray dogs in Lagos metropolis. Stools of 96 stray dogs were examined microscopically for ova of these parasites using centrifugation flotation method. Four species of intestinal helminths were identified. The overall prevalence of helminths infection was 61.4%, with Ancylostoma caninum having a prevalence of 62.5%, Toxocara canis 20.8%, Dipylidium caninum 18.7% and Strongyloides stercoralis 2.0%. T. canis had the highest worm burden of 1,250 egg per gram (EPG) while S. stercoralis had the least (100 EPG). The areas with the most helminth infections were Yaba (n=12, X̄=1.58, SD=0.793), Agege (n=11, X̄=1.73, SD=0.786) and Ikotun (n=11, X̄=1.45, SD=0.820). S. stercoralis was only found in samples obtained from Mushin and Ikorodu. Most of the stool samples obtained from this study had mixed infections, 83.3% were infected with three helminth species, 8.3% were infected with four helminth species and none had double infection. Mushin had the most mixed infections (n=4, X̄=1.900, SD=1.101) while Obalende had the least (n=1, X̄=1.000, SD=0.000). Most of the intestinal helminth parasites identified in this study are zoonotic and thus pose a public health problem. Environmental factors seem to influence the health condition of these dogs, thus concerted efforts should be made to reduce the growing population of stray dogs on the street of Lagos.


1999 ◽  
Vol 67 (11) ◽  
pp. 5951-5957 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip J. Cooper ◽  
Ivan Espinel ◽  
Moira Wieseman ◽  
Wilson Paredes ◽  
Mauricio Espinel ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT To investigate whether helminth infections may affect the efficacy of vaccines by impairing the immune response to nonparasite vaccine antigens, we compared the antibody responses to tetanus toxoid (TT) after tetanus vaccination in 193 subjects with Onchocerca volvulus infection with 85 comparable noninfected controls. After vaccination, the proportions of subjects in each group attaining protective levels of antitetanus antibodies were similar (96.9% infected versus 97.6% noninfected). Postvaccination increases in antitetanus immunoglobulin G (IgG) and the predominant IgG isotype, IgG1, were equivalent in both groups, as were increases in specific IgG4 and IgE; however, significantly greater increases in specific IgG2 (P < 0.05) and IgG3 (P < 0.001) were observed in the noninfected group. Stratification of the O. volvulus-infected group into two groups representing light and heavy infections revealed a significantly impaired antitetanus IgG response in those with heavy infections compared to those with light infections (P < 0.01) or no infection (P < 0.05). The impact of concurrent intestinal helminth infections on the antitetanus response was also examined; an increased IgG4/IgE ratio was seen in those infected withStrongyloides stercoralis (P < 0.05) and when all helminth infections were combined as a single group (P < 0.05). These findings indicate that concurrent infection with O. volvulus does not prevent the development of a protective antitetanus response, although heavier O. volvulus infections are able to alter the magnitude of this response, and concurrent helminth infections (O. volvulusand intestinal helminths) may alter TT-specific antibody isotype responses.


Author(s):  
Oluwatobiloba Ibukunoluwa Funso-Aina ◽  
Henry Nnaemeka Chineke ◽  
Prosper Obunikem Adogu

Intestinal worm infestation has become a global health problem and still highly prevalent in the tropical region. Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections form the most important group of intestinal worms affecting two billion people worldwide, causing considerable morbidity and suffering, though largely preventable. Spatial distribution of helminth infections across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria identified the following helminthes; Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, Trichuris trichiura, S. stercoralis, Taenia sp, S. mansoni, S. stercoralis, Enterobius vermicularis and Hymenolopis nana. This study revealed that prevalence of intestinal helminth in the country has not declined since the 1970s. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent helminth in the Southwestern (21%) and South-southern (13%) parts of Nigeria. Hookworm was the most prevalent helminth infection in the Southeastern (19%) while multiple infections were highly prevalent in Northern Nigeria (25% in North-central and 19% in the Northeast and Northwest, respectively). Cases of Taenia sp and Schistosoma mansoni infections were high in the Northeast and Northwest of Nigeria (8% and 6%, respectively). Nigeria has benefited from the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme for over thirty years in the aspects of enhanced capacity building for applying personal hygiene and sanitation, improved water sources and provision of sanitation facilities and the National Emergency Group for coordination of emergency preparedness and response for WASH-related diseases. WHO estimated that more than 9% of the disease burden and 6% of deaths could be prevented by improving the WASH intervention programme. Children suffer the most, as 25% of global mortality of children (1 month–14 years) was linked with unsafe water and inadequate sanitation or insufficient hygiene, which was polarized in developing countries. To overcome challenge of WASH-related diseases, improved hygiene practices are essential. It is therefore important to sensitize people on the importance of water and sanitation practices through hygiene education. For effectiveness, hygiene education should be incorporated into the curriculum of schools from primary to tertiary institutions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 57-66
Author(s):  
Ezenwaka C.O. ◽  
Amuzie C.C.

Fruits and vegetables have numerous health importance but can act as vehicles in the transmission of foodborne diseases of public health importance. This research examined the presence of parasites and microbial organisms on fruits sold at Otuoke community, Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria using six fruits types, including pineapple (Ananas comosus), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), lime (Citrus aurantiifolia), garden egg (Solanum aethiopicum), guava (Psidium guajava) and orange (Citrus sinensis). The parasites were concentrated by sedimentation and were examined using a light microscope. The result of the study showed the presence of cysts of Cryptosporidium parvum, Entamoeba histolytica, eggs of Fasciola hepatica, Ascaris lumbricoides and larva of Strongyloides stercoralis. Five out of the 6 fruits types examined were infested with at least one type of parasites. Ascaris lumbricoides (33.33%) was the most frequently detected parasite and was found on the pineapple, guava and oranges fruits. Fruit types were not significantly associated with parasitic contamination (p > 0.005). Bacteria isolated from the fruits included Lactobacillus sp., Proteus mirabilis, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas sp., Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhi, Shigella sp., Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. E. coli was isolated in all the sampled fruits types. The total count was determined by pour plate method using MacConkey agar. Total viable bacteria count (TBC) ranged from 21.9 x 105cfu/ml to 7.27 x 105cfu/ml. Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Mucor spp.. and Fusarium spp were the isolated fungi species. A high number of these microorganisms in fruits and vegetables can lead to public health emergencies. Risk reduction can be achieved through personal and food hygiene by the fruit sellers and consumers. Further studies should be conducted to address the effect of seasonal variation on the infestation of the fruits sold in this area.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-55
Author(s):  
C. Nnolim ◽  
T.A. Adekeye ◽  
H.O. Awobode

Intestinal helminthiasis associated with malnutrition in children remains endemic in developing countries despite considerable efforts at control. This study was carried out to determine the current prevalence status and the risk factors associated with intestinal helminth infections among primary school children in Ibadan. A cross-sectional study was undertaken among 5-16 year old pupils, from 7 primary schools in Ibadan, Oyo State. Microscopic examination of stool for ova was carried out using a formol-ether concentration technique. Predisposing risk factors were determined from questionnaire data while anthropometric indices consisting of weight, height and age were the measured indicators of the nutritional status. Of the 485 pupils examined, 187(38.6%) had helminth infections and the parasites identified were Ascaris lumbricoides (35.9%), Strongyloides stercoralis (12.4%), hookworm (8.5%), Enterobius vermicularis (4.9%), Schistosoma mansoni (3.5%) and Trichuris trichiura (0.4%). More male pupils (52.9%, p = 0.05) than females (47.1%) had infections. Pupils aged between 9-12 years (p = 0.02) had highest (49.2%) infection rates. Infections were recorded in 13(18.57%) of 70 pupils treated with levamisole by the local health centres 2 weeks prior to this study. Wearing of footwear, parent’s occupation, drinking water sources, family size and toilet type were risk factors significantly associated (p<0.05) with infection in this study. The  overall prevalence of wasting, stunting and underweight were 24.4%, 28.8% and 7.8% respectively, there was however, no statistical relationship (p>0.05) between the prevalence of infection and malnutrition. Intestinal helminthiasis is still prevalent in schoolchildren despite targeted  chemotherapy. It is therefore suggested that chemotherapy should include all children in the communities along with continuous enlightenment to ensure the disruption of parasite transmission. Keywords: Intestinal helminths; school children; malnutrition; Ibadan; chemotherapy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-16
Author(s):  
Andrew Timothy Fane ◽  
Esther Sri Majawati ◽  
Harro Harris Liman

The prevalence of intestinal helminth infections in several provinces in Indonesia including Jakarta reaches 80% (or is still high). Helminth transmission may occur via food/drinks or through the skin. In particular, consumption of raw vegetables allows for the transmission of helminth eggs to happen. The purpose of this study was to identify intestinal worm eggs in raw vegetables sold in warung pecel lele. Raw vegetables were usually served together with the pecel lele menu which is a very popular dish among the Jakartans. The present study is a descriptive study with a cross sectional approach. Seventy-five samples of raw vegetables were included in this study, which were obtained from 25 warung pecel lele in Kebon Jeruk District, Jakarta. Samples were examined for helminth egg contamination based on a sedimentation method by lugol staining. Of all the raw vegetables samples, 20 samples (26.7%) was contaminated by soil transmitted helminths eggs. Ascaris lumbricoides worm eggs were identified in 17 samples (22.7%), whereas hookworm eggs were found in 3 samples (4%). The study suggests that the number of helminth egg contamination identified in raw vegetables are still high among warung pecel lele in West Jakarta.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document