Seroprevalence of Taenia solium and Trichinella spiralis among Humans and Pigs in Ghana

In this study, the seroprevalence of the intestinal worms Taenia solium and Trichinella spiralis in humans and pigs was assessed. A cross-sectional serological study design was performed. Blood samples were collected from 322 humans and 245 pigs used in the study. These were tested for markers of antibodies for Taenia solium and Trichinella spp. Demographic data such as sex, age, education, pig farming practices, and water source used were also obtained. An overall seroprevalence of 3.1% was recorded for Taenia solium in humans. There was also a statistical association between pig management system employed by pig farmers and seropositivity to Taenia solium ( p = 0.005 ). Factors such as mode of waste disposal ( p = 0.003 ) and water source used statistically correlated with Taenia solium seroprevalence among humans. For the pig samples, a Taenia solium seroprevalence of 24.9% was recorded. All the pig samples which tested positive for Taenia solium were reared on the free-ranged system. This study also recorded a seroprevalence of 0.31% for Trichinella spp. for humans and a seroprevalence of 4.5% for Trichinella spp. for pigs. Again, all the samples that showed serological evidence of Trichinella spp. among pigs came from those pigs which were raised on the free-ranged system. Proper pig management practice is a very important tool for controlling these intestinal parasites in both humans and animals. This study recommends public health education among the general public and good pig farming practices.

Download Full-text

Foodborne Parasitic Diseases in the Neotropics – a review

Helminthologia ◽

10.2478/helm-2021-0022 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 58 (2) ◽

pp. 119-133

Author(s):

F. Chávez-Ruvalcaba ◽

M. I. Chávez-Ruvalcaba ◽

K. Moran Santibañez ◽

J. L. Muñoz-Carrillo ◽

A. León Coria ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fasciola Hepatica ◽

Trichinella Spiralis ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Taenia Solium ◽

Well Being ◽

World Health ◽

Personal Hygiene ◽

Parasitic Diseases ◽

Average Percentage

Summary Within the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it is stated that everyone has the right to an adequate standard of living, which ensures, as well as their family, health and well-being, and food, thereby ensuring adequate nutrition. One of the major threats to overcome this is to ensure food security, which becomes particularly challenging in developing countries due to the high incidence of parasitic diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO), considers it one of the main causes of morbidity, closely linked to poverty and related to inadequate personal hygiene, consumption of raw food, lack of sanitary services, limited access to drinking water and fecal contamination in the environment. It is estimated that more than a fifth of the world’s population is infected by one or several intestinal parasites, and that in many countries of Central and South America the average percentage of infected people is 45%, being Taenia solium, Echinococcus granulosus, Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium spp, Entamoeba histolytica, Trichinella spiralis, Ascaris spp, Trypanosoma cruzi and Fasciola hepatica some of the most important ones in the neotropics. One of the main reasons why these diseases are diffi cult to control is t he ignorance of their lifecycles, as well as symptoms and current epidemiology of the disease, which contributes to a late or erroneous diagnosis. The present work aims to discuss and make public the current knowledge as well as the general characteristics of these diseases to the general audience.

Download Full-text

Seroprevalence of human cysticercosis and its associated risk factors among humans in areas of Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria

The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries ◽

10.3855/jidc.5415 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 9 (08) ◽

pp. 799-805 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Agnes Uregwu Edia-Asuke ◽

Helen I Inabo ◽

Samson Mukaratirwa ◽

Veronica J Umoh ◽

Clement MZ Whong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Local Government ◽

Taenia Solium ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Igg Antibodies ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Poor Knowledge ◽

Pig Farming ◽

Small Holder

Introduction: Taenia solium cysticercosis is considered an emerging parasitic zoonosis of global importance due to its impact on both agriculture and public health in developing countries. Epidemiological information on human cysticercosis is limited in Nigeria. This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of human cysticercosis in areas of Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria, where small-holder pig farming is practiced. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Kaduna South and Chikun Local Government Areas of Kaduna metropolis, which are widely involved in small-holder pig farming and pork consumption. A total of 300 human sera were collected and tested for the presence of IgG antibodies to T. solium using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. A structured questionnaire was used to identify risk factors in the population and was administered to the study population. Results: A total of 43 of 300 sera tested positive to IgG antibodies, indicating a cysticercosis prevalence of 14.3%. Method of pork preparation and history of epilepsy were found to be strongly associated with seropositivity. Epileptics in this study were two times more likely to be seropositive than non-epileptics. A large proportion (74.0%) of the population had very poor knowledge of cysticercosis, and knowledge of cysticercosis was strongly associated with method of pork preparation and respondents’ occupations. Conclusions: A high seroprevalence of human cysticercosis was found in Kaduna South and Chikun Local Government Areas. The main risk and behavioral factors contributing to the high prevalence include poor knowledge of cysticercosis and lack of knowledge on proper pork preparation methods.

Download Full-text

Descriptive study of intestinal parasites in a municipality of the western Brazilian Amazon

Research Society and Development ◽

10.33448/rsd-v10i13.21441 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (13) ◽

pp. e420101321441

Author(s):

Marcel Gonçalves Maciel ◽

Walter dos Santos Lima ◽

Djane Clarys Baia da Silva ◽

Rodolfo Silva Moreira Cezar ◽

Josue Costa Oliveira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Brazilian Amazon ◽

Descriptive Study ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Raw Meat ◽

Intestinal Parasitosis ◽

Amazonas State

Intestinal parasites are among the most prevalent infections in humans. A cross-sectional survey was performed in a Canutama, Amazonas state, Brazil, in order to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites. The detection of parasites in the feces was performed using the Lutz method. Demographic data and the characteristics of the households were collected using a questionnaire. The prevalence of parasites was 36.9%. Ascaris lumbricoides (7.14%) was the most prevalent. The absence of a sewage network, consumption of raw vegetables and raw meat are risk factors for contracting intestinal parasitosis. We reported a prevalence of intestinal parasites and determined some of the risk factors.

Download Full-text

Current Status of Schistosoma mansoni Infections and Associated Risk Factors among Students in Gorgora Town, Northwest Ethiopia

ISRN Infectious Diseases ◽

10.5402/2013/636103 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Tarko Essa ◽

Yemane Birhane ◽

Mengistu Endris ◽

Asmeret Moges ◽

Feleke Moges

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Open Water ◽

Water Source ◽

Northwest Ethiopia ◽

Current Status ◽

Stool Examination ◽

Water Contact ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Associated Risk Factors

Background and Objective. Schistosomiasis is highly prevalent in tropics and causes morbidity and mortality in developing countries including Ethiopia. This study is aimed to assess the current status of S. mansoni infections and associated risk factors among students in Gorgora town, Northwest Ethiopia. Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2010 to November 2010 at Gorgora, Northwest Ethiopia. All students (579) present during the study period were enrolled. Pretested questionnaires were used to collect sociodemographic data and predisposing factors. Stool examination was performed using wet mount and Kato-Katz techniques. Data were entered and analysed using SPSS version 20.0 statistical software. Result. Among 579 students enrolled, 291 (50.3%) were positive for one or more intestinal parasites. Prevalence of S. mansoni was found to be 20.6% with mean intensity of infection (125 eggs per gram of feces). Lack of awareness and water contact habits such as frequent swimming in the open water source, agricultural activities on bare foot, and washing clothes were also associated with high risk of S. mansoni infection. Conclusion. Even though there seems to be a decline in the prevalence of S. mansoni infections in the study area, the problem still persists and affects students significantly. Therefore, therapeutic intervention and health education are needed.

Download Full-text

Habit of cooking pork on hot stones as main risk of cysticercosis

Zinc supplementation improves heme biosynthesis in rats exposed to lead ◽

10.18051/univmed.2018.v37.88-96 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 37 (2) ◽

pp. 88

Author(s):

Semuel Sandy ◽

Antonius Oktavian ◽

Hanna S Kawulur ◽

Mirna Widiyanti ◽

Iman HS Sasto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Taenia Solium ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Serological Examination ◽

Food Borne ◽

Immunoassay Technique

Background Cysticercosis is an infectious disease caused by the larval form of Taenia solium (cysticercus cellulosae) and has been ranked as the most important food-borne parasite of humans in terms of public health, socioeconomic and trade impact. Cysticercosis is still a health problem in Papua and is inseparable from socio-cultural factors, hygiene and environmental sanitation. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of cysticercosis and the risk factors that contribute to cysticercosis. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in March-November 2016 involving 800 subjects. Demographic data and risk factors were collected using questionnaires. Cysticercosis serological examination was performed by means of the magnetic microsphere bead immunoassay technique coupled with rT24H recombinant protein to detect serum rT24H cysticercosis specific antibodies. The data obtained were analyzed by bivariate test (chi-square) and logistic regression. Results Cysticercosis seroprevalence in Papua was 3.6% (284/7 874). The logistic regression analysis found that the risk factors playing the role of predictor were cooking pork with hot stones [OR=3.06; 95%CI: 2.19-4.28; p=0.000], nail hygiene [OR=2.05; 95%CI: 1.57-2.67; p=0.000], consumption of raw vegetables or salads [OR=0.52; 95%CI: 0.30-0.91; p=0.022], use of river water for washing foods [OR= 1.92; 95%CI: 1.39-2.64; p=0.000]. Conclusions Cooking pork with hot stones was the main risk factor of cysticercosis. Suspected cases of T. solium in pigs should be confirmed by molecular methods. Both taeniasis and human cysticercosis should be notifiable and surveillance in animals should be improved.

Download Full-text

COCCIDIAN INTESTINAL PARASITES AMONG CHILDREN IN AL-TORBAH CITY IN YEMEN: IN COUNTRY WITH HIGH INCIDENCE OF MALNUTRITION

Universal Journal of Pharmaceutical Research ◽

10.22270/ujpr.v4i4.301 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Emad Najeeb Ali Shamsan ◽

CAO De-ping ◽

Hassan A. Al-Shamahy ◽

Manal Mutaher Ali Al- Hajj ◽

JIANG Bo-fan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

School Children ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Age Groups ◽

Water Source ◽

Cryptosporidium Species ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Concentration Method ◽

High Incidence ◽

Coccidian Parasites

Diarrhoea is an important cause of malnutrition, morbidity and mortality among children in Yemen. Coccidian parasitic infections are an important cause of diarrhea in children particularly malnutrition and immune-compromised patients, but their investigations are rarely required by the treating physicians in apparently immunocompetent children. This study was aimed to find the prevalence of intestinal coccidian parasites in country with high incidence rate of malnutrition. Between May 2016 and October 2016, 228 fecal samples from 228 selected school children in Al Turbah city, Taiz governorate, Yemen, aged between 6 and 15 years were examined using wet-mount preparations and formal concentration method then films stained by modified acid-fast staining. Also data of children were collected including demographic data, and sources of water. Findings of positive intestinal coccidian parasites were analyzed in relation with demographic data, and sources of water. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium species, Cyclospora species and Isospora belli were 75.9%, 45.6% and 1.75% respectively. There was significant association between positive of Cryptosporidium species and females (OR= 2.1 times, P=0.01), and spring water source (OR=4 times, P=0.04), while there was no significant association between positive of Cryptosporidium species and others factors studied. Also there was no significant association between positive of Cyclospora species and Isospora belli and children sex, age groups, or different sources of water. In conclusion the study highlights the high prevalence of coccidian parasites among immunocompetent school children in Yemen. The clinicians in Yemen need to be aware that coccidian parasites are a potential cause of childhood diarrhea even in immunocompetent children.

Download Full-text

Intestinal Parasitosis

Journal of Institute of Medicine ◽

10.3126/jiom.v31i3.2974 ◽

1970 ◽

Vol 31 (3) ◽

pp. 13-16

Author(s):

Bikash Shakya ◽

D Bhargava ◽

S. Shrestha ◽

B. P. Rijal

Keyword(s):

Entamoeba Histolytica ◽

Infection Rate ◽

Ascaris Lumbricoides ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Public Awareness ◽

Taenia Solium ◽

Water Source ◽

Strongyloides Stercoralis ◽

Institute Of Medicine ◽

Intestinal Parasitosis

Introduction: Intestinal parasitosis is highly prevalent among general population and hospital patients in Nepal. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among patients in a hospital of Nepal. Methods: A retrospective study was done by analyzing the findings of stool examined from April 2006 to March 2008 at Department of Microbiology of the hospital. χ2-test was used for analytical assessment. Results: Out of 2221 fecal samples, 20.7% were positive, the positivity being 23.9% and 15.8%, respectively in first and second year (P<0.05). Overall infection rate was nearly equal in male and female (20.2% vs. 21.2%). The infection rate was highest among patients of >60 years (25.3%) followed by those of <15 years (21.2%) and 15-59 years (20.1%) ( P>0.05). Ascaris lumbricoides (31.8%) and Entamoeba histolytica (38.0%) were the commonest helminth and protozoa, respectively. Other parasites were Hookworm (18.3%), Hymenolepis nana (2.6%), Taenia solium (2.6%), Strongyloides stercoralis (1.3%) and Giardia lamblia (5.5%). Conclusions: Though, the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among hospital visiting patients is declining, high detection of A. lumbricoides and E. histolytica signifies the need of public awareness regarding latrine use, water source protection from fecal contamination, proper sanitation and hygienic behavior. Keywords: Ascaris lumbricoides, Entamoeba histolytica, intestinal parasites. DOI: 10.3126/joim.v31i3.2974 Journal of Institute of Medicine, December, 2009; 31(3) 13-16

Download Full-text

Prevalence of parasitic infections in surgically removed appendices: parasitological and histopathological studies

Helminthologia ◽

10.1515/helm-2017-0056 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 55 (1) ◽

pp. 33-44 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

A. S. Amer ◽

A. E. Saad ◽

S. N. Antonios ◽

E. A. Hasby

Keyword(s):

Acute Appendicitis ◽

Histopathological Examination ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Clinical History ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Lymphoid Hyperplasia ◽

Stool Examination ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Cross Sectional

Summary Intestinal parasites may cause symptoms similar to acute appendicitis. Moreover, the diagnosis of parasitic infections is only done by post-operative histopathological examination of the appendices. Therefore, our aims are to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among patients who were be appendectomized at Tanta Hospitals, Egypt and to investigate the possible association between these parasitic infections and appendicitis. To achieve these objectives, we performed a cross-sectional study including 65 patients chosen randomly who had undergone appendectomy over a period of one year from Oct 2015 to Oct 2016. Demographic data were retrieved. Complete blood picture was done. Moreover, appendiceal faecolith were examined macroscopically then by direct smear examination, formol-ether concentration technique, modified Ziehl-Nelseen stain and rapid immunochromatographic test. Histopathological examination of resected appendices was done. We found that parasitic infections were detected in 24.6 % of examined cases. Most of parasitic infections were prevalent in patients belonging to the school age group. Different parasitic infections were detected in the faecolith specimens. Moreover, Enterobious vermicularis adult female and Schistosoma mansoni granuloma were detected in histopathological sections. Also, a spectrum of pathological changes in the appendices was found ranging from lymphoid hyperplasia to acute inflammation with peritonitis. In conclusion, intestinal parasites may cause clinical picture similar to that of acute appendicitis. Therefore, careful attention to clinical history, stool examination and high eosinophilia may aid diagnosis and avoid unnecessary appendectomy. Moreover, the presence of different parasitic stages in the narrow lumen of the appendix may have a role in the development of appendicitis and this needs further studies.

Download Full-text

Breakfast Skipping Is an Independent Predictor of Obesity but not Overweight Among Children in a Southeastern European Population

International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research ◽

10.1024/0300-9831/a000272 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 86 (5-6) ◽

pp. 242-248 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Genc Burazeri ◽

Jolanda Hyska ◽

Iris Mone ◽

Enver Roshi

Keyword(s):

Task Force ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

European Population ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

World Health ◽

Communist Country ◽

Western Balkans ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Breakfast Skipping

Abstract.Aim: To assess the association of breakfast skipping with overweight and obesity among children in Albania, a post-communist country in the Western Balkans, which is undergoing a long and difficult political and socioeconomic transition towards a market-oriented economy. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional study was carried out in Albania in 2013 including a representative sample of 5810 children aged 7.0 – 9.9 years (49.5% girls aged 8.4 ± 0.6 years and 51.5% boys aged 8.5 ± 0.6 years; overall response rate: 97%). Children were measured for height and weight, and body mass index (BMI) calculated. Cut-off BMI values of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) were used to define overweight and obesity in children. Demographic data were also collected. Results: Upon adjustment for age, sex, and place of residence, breakfast skipping was positively related to obesity (WHO criteria: OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.3–1.9; IOTF criteria: OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.4–2.5), but not overweight (OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.9–1.3 and OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.9–1.4, respectively). Furthermore, breakfast skipping was associated with a higher BMI (multivariable-adjusted OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.02–1.07). Conclusions: Our findings point to a strong and consistent positive relationship between breakfast skipping and obesity, but not overweight, among children in this transitional southeastern European population. Future studies in Albania and other transitional settings should prospectively examine the causal role of breakfast skipping in the development of overweight and obesity.

Download Full-text

Parent’s Experiences from the Treatment of their Children at the Physic Children’s Surgery Clinic in Skopje.

Albanian Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery ◽

10.32391/ajtes.v4i1.88 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

Author(s):

M. Trajchevska ◽

A. Lleshi ◽

S. Gjoshev ◽

A. Trajchevski

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Health Status ◽

Independent Predictor ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Parental Satisfaction ◽

Pediatric Care ◽

Simple Random Sample ◽

Significant Independent Predictor ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference

Background: The respect of the needs and wishes of the patients is in the focus of the human health system. The experience of the parents in terms of child’s health care may be used as an indicator of quality of the health care. Material and methods: The research is a quantitative analytical cross-sectional study. In accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria, simple random sample of 207 parents / guardians is covered, whose children in the period of three months, had been hospitalized in the hospital department JZUU Pediatric Surgery Clinic in Skopje.It was used a two parted questionnaire. The first part is a standardized questionnaire (Parent Experience of Pediatric Care - PECP), and the second part concerns the general socio-demographic data of the parent/guardian. Statistical evaluation was performed using appropriate statistical programs (Statistics for Windows 7,0 and SPSS 17.0). Results: In accordance with the age of the parents, the survey respondents were divided into two groups: a) age ≤ 33 years - 107 (51.69%) and b) age> 33 years - 100 (48.31%).Significant independent predictor of parental satisfaction from the receipt of their child to the clinic research confirms the age of the parent under / over 33 years due to 4.1% of the change in satisfaction (R2 = 0,041). Parents generally believe that their children's room of the clinic is "good", without significant difference between parental satisfaction from both age groups (Mann-Whitney U Test Z = -0,9613 p = 0,3364). Significant independent predictor of parental satisfaction from the room of their child improves the health status after treatment due to 6% of the change in satisfaction (R2 = 0,060). Parents generally believe that testing and treatment of their children in the clinic was "very good" and an independent significant predictor is to improve the health status after the treatment - 7,8% (R2 = 0,078). Conclusions: Regardless of the generally good parental satisfaction about health care for their children, it is necessary to continuously monitor the status of the clinic in order to consider the possible deficiencies and needs of intervention.

Download Full-text