The Impact of Intestinal Parasitic Infections on the Health Status of Children: An Overview

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (04) ◽  
pp. 209-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manar Ramadan ◽  
Nagwa El-Sayed

AbstractIntestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) represent a major public health problem in children worldwide, especially in the developing countries. The impact of these infections on the health status of children depends on the parasite species, the intensity and course of infection, and nutritional and immunological status of the children. Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium parvum, Enterobius vermicularis, Hymenolepis nana, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Ancylostoma duodenale are the most frequent intestinal parasites found among children. This review discussed the main consequences resulting from IPIs as diarrhea, anemia, malnutrition, impaired growth, and learning disabilities.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Javad Abbaszadeh Afshar ◽  
Maryam Barkhori Mehni ◽  
Mostafa Rezaeian ◽  
Mehdi Mohebali ◽  
Vali Baigi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Determination of the prevalence and distribution pattern of intestinal parasites is a fundamental step to set up an effective control program to improve the health status. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors among inhabitants of Rudbar-e Jonub county, southeast of Kerman province, southeastern Iran.Methods In this cross-sectional study, 861 stool specimens were collected from inhabitants of Rudbar-e Jonub county through a multistage cluster sampling method in 2018. The collected specimens were examined by parasitological methods including, direct wet-mounting (for the fresh specimens with a watery consistency), formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation and agar plate culture.Results The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 34.2% (95% CI 30.1 to 38.2). The prevalence of protozoan parasites 32.3% (95% CI 28.4 to 36.5) was significantly higher than helminthic parasites 3.2% (95% CI 2.1 to 4.7). Blastocystis sp. , Entamoeba coli and Giardia lamblia as protozoan parasite and Hymenolepis nana as helminthic parasite were the most common detected intestinal parasites in the study. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar , Iodamoeba bütschlii , Chilomastix mesnili , Entamoeba hartmanni , Ascaris lambercoides , and Enterobius vermicularis were other detected parasites. Multiple logistic regression revealed a significant association of intestinal parasitic infections with source of drinking water and residency status (rural/urban). Multiple infections with 2 or 3 parasitic agents constituted 22.7% of 295 infected cases.Conclusions This study revealed a high prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections among inhabitants of Rudbar-e Jonub county. Intestinal parasites especially protozoans remain a challenging public health problem wherever sanitation and health measures are limited in Iran.


Author(s):  
Eze, Chinwe Nwadiuto ◽  
Owhoeli Ovutor ◽  
Olasunkanmi, Rukayat Motunrayo

Introduction: Malaria and intestinal helminthes infections are major public health problem in low and middle-income countries affecting over 2 million people across the globe. Objectives: This survey was carried out to determine the prevalence of malaria and intestinal parasites among Muslim school children in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Methodology: Four Muslim schools: kab model school Rumuagolu, Manbaul hikma Eliozu, An-nur school Rumuodomaya and Al-ameen school Eneka. One hundred and fifty (150) blood and stool samples were collected randomly from the pupils (70 males and 80 female; age range 5-12 years) and examined between the Months of May to July 2018. Results: The overall prevalence of 50.7%, and 43.3% was recorded for malaria and intestinal helminthes respectively. The prevalence for malaria was 32.5%, 63.0%, 58.0% and 50.0%. Intestinal helminthes was 30%, 53.3%, 42.0% and 53.0% for kab, Manbaul hikma, An-nur and Al-ameen Schools respectively. The frequency of parasites encountered was as follows, Strongyloides stercoralis 8.7%, Ascaris lumbricoides 14.0%, Enterobious vermicularis 1.3%, Necator americanus 5.3%, Ancylostoma duodenale 4.7%, and Trichuris trichuria 9.3%. Malaria and intestinal helminthes infection was highest in females with 51.2% and 45.0% respectively. Pupils between ages 9-10 had the highest infection rate of (54.0%) for malaria while ages 7-8 had the highest prevalence of 47.7% for intestinal helminthes. Co-infection was 22.0%, 23.0%, 22.0% and 32.0% for kab, Manbaul hikma, An-nur and Al-ameen Schools Respectively. Conclusions: The overall infection for malaria and intestinal helminthes was high. Therefore, regular de-worming of the pupils by parents, and health education are necessary to keep the prevalence in check. This study may also be used to predict risk for communities under consideration.


Author(s):  
J. O. Akor ◽  
V. U. Obisike ◽  
E. A. Omudu ◽  
G. N. Imandeh

Intestinal and urinary parasitic infections remain an important public health problem in the tropics where poor hygiene and sanitation are a norm rather than an exception.  This study was designed to determine the prevalence and distribution of polyparasitic infections and to determine the impact of health education and treatments .Stool and urine samples from 350 participants were analyzed using macroscopic and microscopic direct stool examination of wet and Lugol’siodine preparations and Formal-ether concentration techniques and microscopic examination of simple centrifuged samples of urine. Out of the 350 participants, 101were infected with intestinal parasites with the male and female participants having 29 (66.0%), 41 (71.9%) prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica, 9 (20.5%), 8(14%) Eschericia coli, 2 (4.6), 6(10.5%) Trichomonas hominis and4 (9.1%), 2 (3.5%) Chilomastix mesnilli respectively. Out of the infected 101 participants, 14 of them had co-infection (polyparasitism). The result of polyparasitism in the Local Government is not significant (p>0.05).The overall infection before health education and treatment was high and least after health education and treatment 0(0%) (p<0.05). The results of this study indicated improper hygiene and sanitation conditions.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 175-178
Author(s):  
Sanjana Raj Kumari ◽  
Damodar Sharma ◽  
Brajesh Jha

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are important public health problem and are globally endemic. These parasites are responsible for the major share of morbidity and mortality in those communities where there is overcrowding, poor environmental sanitation and personal hygienic practices. Intestinal parasitic infection is highly prevalent among the general population in Nepal. This study was aimed to evaluate the burden of the intestinal parasitic infections and the pattern of distributions among patients attending in a tertiary care setting in Bharatpur, Nepal, over a period of one year (August 2017 to July 2018). Methods: Stool samples of patients received in the Microbiology laboratory, COMS that were subjected for routine stool investigations were included in this study. Naked eye physical examination, microscopic examination was carried out and parasites were identified in the received stool samples. The results were recorded, and data were entered into excel spreadsheet 2007. The percentages of the parasites present were calculated to find out the frequency and distribution. Results: A total of 1,558 fresh stool samples were screened, of which 20.60% (n=321) were positive for various intestinal parasites. Overall, helminthic infections (81.30%) were higher than protozoal infections (18.70%). On the whole, Ascaris lumbricoides showed higher prevalence (39.56%) followed by Ancylostoma duodenale (19.31%) and Giardia lamblia (9.97%).  17(1.09%) of the samples showed more than one parasite. Highest prevalence was seen in age group 15 to 25 years of age (27.40%). Conclusions: Parasitic infection is endemic. Apart from the early diagnosis and effective treatment, health education is a requisite to control infections in this area and awareness of sanitation to reduce and control parasitic infection.  


2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 665-667
Author(s):  
Tudor Rares Olariu ◽  
Octavian Mazilu ◽  
Rodica Mihaescu ◽  
Titus Ududec ◽  
Romulus Timar ◽  
...  

Parasitic diseases have a worldwide distribution and represent an important public health problem. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in a Child Day Care Center from Western Romania using direct wet mount and concentration procedures of stool samples. One hundred sixty-four children aged 2-8 years were investigated. Stool examinations were performed using the iodine staining for the identification of protozoan cysts and the Willis-Hung concentration method for the identification of helminth eggs. Routine laboratory investigations were also conducted to evaluate the eosinophil count in the infected children. Intestinal parasitic infections were diagnosed in 47 cases (28.6%). Giardia lamblia (25%), Entamoeba coli (5.5%), Blastocystis hominis (1.2%), Ascaris lumbricoides (0.6%) and Trichuris trichiura (0.6%) were the only parasites identified. Among the children with parasitic infections we have determined association of two parasites in 7 (14.9%). We have found that in children with giardiasis the eosinophil values were increased (5.54�4.21%) compared to controls (3.69�1.48%) (p[0.01). Our findings suggest that giardiasis may be significantly prevalent in children attending day care centers in Western Romania. Efficient educational programs should be timely implemented in child care centers with the aim of providing appropriate infection control measures.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanjeena Jangam ◽  
Nisha Lamsal ◽  
Prashansha Sharma ◽  
Najma Makaju ◽  
Beena Mali ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND: Gastroenteritisis a major public-health problem in developing nations like Nepal, where communities are still ravaged by poverty, poor sanitation, poor personal hygiene, and poor water supplies.The objective of our study was to find the bacterial and parasitic agents responsible for causing gastroenteritis.METHODOLOGY: A hospital based prospective study was carried out for 3 months in Bacteriology and Parasitology section of STIDH. Stool samples received in respective section from patients with gastroenteritis were included in the study. Standard Microbiological Guidelines were employed for collection and processing of samples, followed by Isolation, Identification and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of bacterial isolates. Normal saline and Iodine preparation were done for microscopic examination of parasites.RESULTS: Among 421 stool samples processed in Bacteriology section, 28(6.65%) showed bacterial growth with 15(53.57%) Shigella flexneri , 4(14.28%) S higella sonnei and 9(32.14%) Salmonella typhimurium . Ceftriaxone and Nalidixic acid were found to be the most Sensitive and Resistant antibiotic for Shigella spp. and Salmonella typhimurium. Similarly, in parasitology section, microscopic observation of 648 stool samples showed 136(20.98%) cysts of Entamoeba histolytica , 3(0.46%) cysts of Giardia lamblia , 2(0.30%) trophozoites of Giardia lamblia , 1 (0.15%) larva of Strongyloides stercoralis , 1(0.15%) ova of hookworm and 1(0.15%) ova of Ascaris lumbricoides .CONCLUSION: The study revealed Shigella species as the predominant bacterial agent with S. flexneri being the major one. Hence, extensive study of shigellosis with greater emphasis on resistance pattern of different group of antibiotics is essential in such hospital. Similarly, parasitic infections are found in significant amount. Hence, concerned hospital authorities and government official’s needs to take strict action in contending such infections.


Author(s):  
N. Mareeswaran ◽  
A. K. Savitha ◽  
S. Gopalakrishnan

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are globally endemic and is a major public health problem of concern. The prevalence is high in developing countries like India probably due to poor sanitary conditions and improper hygiene. Among the various intestinal parasites, the prevalence of Entamoeba, Ascaris, Ancylostoma, Giardia and Trichuris have been studied in this research.Methods: This is a cross sectional study which involves 205 urban and 185 rural populations. The data was collected from the Urban and Rural health training centres in Anakaputhur and Padappai of Kancheepuram district respectively over a period of three months from August 2017 to October 2017. Data entry was done in MS Excel and analysis was carried out in SPSS software version 22. The analysis was done using descriptive and analytical statistical methods.Results: Among the rural and urban population, 185 stool samples from the rural population showed nearly 50.8% intestinal parasites (E. histolytica 40%, A. lumbricoides 2%, A. duodenalae 5%, Giardia 1%, T. trichura 3%). On the contrary 205 stool samples from urban population showed 23.4% of intestinal parasites (E. histolytica 18%, A. lumbricoides 2%, A. duodenalae 5%, Giardia 0%, T. trichura 0%). The increase in the prevalence of intestinal parasites among rural population than the urban population was statistically significant.Conclusions: The stool samples collected from rural population showed high prevalence of intestinal parasite infestation when compared to urban population, hence necessary interventions like health education, awareness creation and medical intervention should be undertaken particularly among the rural population.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-92
Author(s):  
C. Nadabo ◽  
M.S.C. Ramyil ◽  
C.S.S. Bello ◽  
R.O. Ike ◽  
T.O. Ogundeko ◽  
...  

Correctional inmates are among the vulnerable groups to intestinal parasitic infections due to deprived situations characterized by inadequate  facilities, malnutrition, scarce potable water, over-crowding, and poor hygiene. Two hundred and fifty faeces of inmates of Jos Correctional Facility were investigated for the prevalence of intestinal parasites between May and June 2019, using the wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. Results obtained showed that from the 250 faecal samples examined, 57(22.8%) were infected with various intestinal parasites. Nine (9) different intestinal parasites identified were Entamoeba histolytica 38.60%), Entamoeba coli (15.78%), Ancylostoma duodenale (4.04%), Ascaris lumbricoides (0.53%), Taeniasp (8.77%), Schistosoma mansoni (3.51%), Giardia lamblia (3.51%), Enterobius vermicularis (3.51%) and Trichuris trichuria (1.75%). The 9 different intestinal parasites were grouped into helminthes (42.1%) and protozoa (57.9%). Higher infection rate of 45.6% was recorded among those within age ranges 21-30 years. Inmates who were in prison for <2 years had higher (56.1%) infection rates compared with other inmates (43.9%). The findings are in agreement with similar studies from other penitentiaries in Nigeria resulting in significant health problems among inmates including anemia, malabsorption in the gastrointestinal tract and other complications. Thus, the need to scale up periodic routine examination of all inmates including stool samples, hemogram and the prompt treatment of infected individuals would significantly improve their health conditions. Keywords: Intestinal parasites; Jos Prison; inmates and prevalence.


2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-49
Author(s):  
Karma Norbu ◽  
Adeep Mongar ◽  
Nima Dorji ◽  
Leki D. Drukpa

Introduction: Infection with intestinal parasites continues to be a significant public health problem worldwide. There is no information on the prevalence of these intestinal parasites in patients visiting the National Referral Hospital, Thimphu, Bhutan. Methods: The study utilized information of stool data from 2013 to 2015 and was analyzed using SPSS 16.0. Wet and Iodine mount technique were used for identification. Results: The overall intestinal prevalence rate was 2.1%. Out of 5919 stool samples, Giardia lamblia has the highest rate of 0.93%, followed by Entamoeba coli 0.15%, Trichomonahomonis 0.19% and Taeniaspp. 0.17%.Giardia lamblia infection was 1.03% in males and 0.85% in females. The overall prevalence rate of parasitic infections was highest in >56 years age group with 2.83% in females and 2.0% in males. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites is a concern in the country. Furthermore, this study provides insights to develop effective public health intervention for reducing parasitic infections in the country.


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 382-387
Author(s):  
Prasha Shrestha ◽  
Dhiraj Shrestha ◽  
Dhiraj Thapa Magar ◽  
Ganesh Rai ◽  
Kul Raj Rai ◽  
...  

Background: Prison inmates are at high risk of intestinal parasitic infections. Thus, we studied intestinal parasitic infections among inmates of the Central Jail, Kathmandu, Nepal.Methods: Morning stool samples from 400 inmates (M=282 and F=118), were collected in a clean, dry and wide-mouthed plastic container. The samples were transported to the research laboratory of Shi-Gan International College of Science and Technology, and were fixed using 10% formal saline. Then, samples were processed by formal ether sedimentation concentration technique and were observed microscopically by direct-smear technique.Results: Six percent (24/400) samples were positive for intestinal parasites, with a gender ratio (M:F) 1.7:1. But, co-parasitism was not observed. Intestinal parasitic infections were higher among 21-40 years age-group, 3.5% (14/262). Similarly, intestinal parasitic infections were higher among ‘Dalits’ ethnic group, 21.1% (4/19). As compared to helminths, more protozoans, 62.5% (15/24), were observed. Giardia lamblia, 41.67% (10/24), was the most common protozoans while Trichuris trichiura, 25.0% (6/24), was the most common helminths.Conclusions: Intestinal parasitic infections were lower among the inmates of Central jail, but such conditions cannot be presumed in other peripheral settings. Pure and safe drinking water supply and the effective deworming campaign can further reduce this figure at this setting and peripheral jails across the country.Keywords: Intestinal parasitic infections; IPIs; Nepal; prison inmates.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document