Seroprevalence of human toxocariasis in Andean communities from the Northeast of Lima, Peru

The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of human toxocariasis in three Andean communities from the Northeast of Lima, Peru. A total of 303 subjects including children and adults were studied and blood samples were collected to detect anti-Toxocara antibodies by ELISA-IgG test and by hematological examination; stool samples were collected also for parasitological examination. The overall seroprevalence of toxocariasis observed in the total population was 20.46%, with a significant high proportion in children from one to 10 years old (p = 0.034). Among the subjects with positive serology, 32.26% of them had respiratory disturbances, 22.58% hepatomegaly, 17.74% ocular signs or symptoms, 14.51% abdominal pain, 9.68% neurological involvement, and 4.84% cutaneous signs, but none of these clinical features were associated to a positive serology by multivariate analysis. Furthermore, 79.03% of seropositive subjects also harbored at least one intestinal parasite, which was associated to a positive serology (p < 0.05). The presence of pets within the houses, a previous history of pica or geophagia and the use of public places were also present in this population, but only the latter was associated to the serology (p < 0.05). In conclusion, clinical, serological, and epidemiological evidences for larval Toxocara infection were found in the studied population.

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Frequency of human toxocariasis in a rural population from Cajamarca, Peru determined by DOT-ELISA test

Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo ◽

10.1590/s0036-46652009000200002 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 51 (2) ◽

pp. 67-71 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

William H. Roldán ◽

Yrma A. Espinoza ◽

Pedro E. Huapaya ◽

Alina F. Huiza ◽

Carlos R. Sevilla ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Previous History ◽

Strongyloides Stercoralis ◽

Elisa Test ◽

Positive Serology ◽

Blastocystis Hominis ◽

Cross Reactions ◽

Ocular Manifestations ◽

History Of ◽

Stool Samples ◽

Dot Elisa

The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of human toxocariasis in Cauday district, Cajamarca, Peru, using a dot-ELISA test. From June to October 2005, a total of 256 adult subjects were studied. Blood samples were collected for serology by a dot-ELISA test and for hematological examination. Parasitological examination was also carried out in stool samples to check cross-reactions in the dot-ELISA. The frequency observed was 44.92%, with a significant higher proportion of positivity in male subjects. From subjects with positive serology, 45.6% had respiratory symptoms, 40.44% abdominal pain, 32.35% hepatic symptoms, 14.7% cutaneous signs, 13.23% ocular manifestations, 43.38% eosinophilia, and all of these were statistically associated to serology. Among the population evaluated, 90.23% (231/256) were parasitized. From subjects with positive serology, 92.17% had at least one intestinal parasite and the most frequent were: Blastocystis hominis (68.38%), Giardia lamblia (28.68%), Hymenolepis nana (20.0%), Ascaris lumbricoides (15.65%), Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (13.24%), Cyclospora cayetanensis (4.41%), Cryptosporidium sp. (1.47%), Enterobius vermicularis (0.87%), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.87%), Taenia sp. (0.87%), and Trichuris trichiura (0.87%). The rate of false positives in the dot-ELISA test was improved by serum absorption each with A. suum antigens, with a decrease of cross-reactions. In conclusion, human toxocariasis is highly frequent in this population and some risk factors like dog/cat ownership, presence of pets within house, and previous history of geophagia were observed in the present study.

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Prevalence of Malaria Parasites Among Blood Donors in Selected Hospitals of Dhaka City

Journal of Dhaka Medical College ◽

10.3329/jdmc.v17i2.6590 ◽

1970 ◽

Vol 17 (2) ◽

pp. 94-97 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

MM Hoque ◽

MA Islam ◽

HA Begum ◽

M Rahman ◽

SM Rahman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Thick Film ◽

Blood Donors ◽

Previous History ◽

Demographic Characteristics ◽

Malaria Parasites ◽

Medicine Department ◽

Blood Samples ◽

History Of ◽

Medical University ◽

Key Words Malaria

Blood serves as a vehicle for transmission of blood-borne pathogens and transfusion-associated malaria is a potentially serious complication. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Malaria parasites in blood donors. Total of 400 blood donors were selected from Transfusion Medicine Department of two teaching institutes, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and National Institute of Diseases of Chest and Hospital (NIDCH), Dhaka between the period of 1st January and 30th April 2003. The blood samples were examined under microscope by thick film in the laboratory of Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control & Research (IEDCR), Dhaka. The socio-demographic characteristics of the study subjects show that 304 (76%) blood donors were males and 96 (24%) of them were females. The malaria parasites were found in 3 (0.76%) donors out of 400 donors. From 400 donors, 52 (13%) donors had the history of residence/ travel in malaria zone and 348 (87%) had no such history. The 8 (15%) out of 52 who had the history of residence/ travel in malaria zone had previous history of malaria and had taken anti-malarial drug. It can be concluded from the present study that there is some risk of transmission of malaria parasites in blood transfusion among the voluntary and professional blood donors in Bangladesh. Key words: Malaria parasites; Blood donors; Thick film. DOI: 10.3329/jdmc.v17i2.6590J Dhaka Med Coll. 2008; 17(2) : 94-97

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Tuberculosis: where and how fast are stone quarry workers infected?

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa165.796 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

S Carvalho Sousa ◽

C Magalhães Alves ◽

S Santos ◽

F Marques ◽

R Duarte ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Services ◽

Screening Program ◽

Previous History ◽

Annual Rate ◽

World Health ◽

Occupational Health Services ◽

Interferon Gamma Release Assay ◽

Public Places ◽

History Of ◽

Close Contacts

Abstract Background In 2018 an annual tuberculosis (TB) screening program targeting stone quarry workers was implemented in two municipalities in Northern Portugal. These have been hotspots for TB (76 and 59 cases per 100 000 population per year in 2012-2016, well above the 18 cases per 100 000 population observed in Portugal in 2016), with 30% of active TB cases occurring among stone quarry workers. Screening in this setting is recommended by the World Health Organization, as exposure to silica and silicosis increase the risk of TB. Occupational health services, TB outpatient centers, the hospital, a laboratory, primary health care and public health services work closely together with employers, employees, municipal council and the community promoting meetings and continuous training. Screening activities included a symptom questionnaire, chest X-ray and sputum exam; and, after exclusion of active TB, interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Preventive treatment was offered. Objective Assess annual rate of TB infection Methods Workers without history of TB/LTBI were IGRA tested in 2018, and retested in 2019. Annual rate of infection was calculated as the proportion of workers IGRA negative in 2018 becoming positive in 2019. Results In 2018-2019, 274 workers were screened yearly. In 2018, 22 were diagnosed with LTBI and 26 had previous history of TB/LTBI. Out of 226 IGRA negative workers in 2018, 19 tested positive in 2019 (8.4% annual rate of infection). These individuals were not identified as close contacts of any new TB case and no cases of active TB were reported in their stone quarries. Some active TB cases were regular customers of specific bars. Conclusions Active transmission of TB seems to be occurring among stone quarry workers. Workers that converted from IGRA negative to positive had no co-workers with active TB in the study period, suggesting they could have been infected away from the workplace, possibly in community public places. Key messages Stone quarry workers in a high-risk TB sub-region were infected at an 8.4% annual rate, and could have been infected in community public places such as bars. Besides screening close contacts and at workplace, more efforts should be made identifying social contacts of active TB cases.

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Prevalencia De Parasitosis Intestinales Y Su Posible Relaciòn Con Estados Anèmicos En Los Niños Que Acuden A Los Centros De Educaciòn Inicial

European Scientific Journal ESJ ◽

10.19044/esj.2017.v13n27p113 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 13 (27) ◽

pp. 113

Author(s):

Verónica Mercedes Cando Brito ◽

Sandra Noemí Escobar Arrieta ◽

Carlos Eduardo Espinoza Chávez ◽

Edmundo Rodrigo Caluña Sánchez

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Food Safety ◽

Total Population ◽

Saline Solution ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Parasite Prevalence ◽

Ministry Of Education ◽

Hymenolepis Nana ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Stool Samples

The purpose of this current research is to determine the parasites which has the highest prevalence in the children population in regards to anemia problems in boys and girls aged from 3 to 5 years. The study sample was chosen at random. It was represented by 600 boys and girls from the initial education centers of Riobamba-Chambo district located in Ecuador. From these children, it was possible to obtain 600 stool samples and 600 blood samples that were processed through the fresco technique with lugol and saline solution at 0.85% as well as an automated hematic biometry. The result shows that the total population with parasites was 44,7%. Boys represent the highest parasite prevalence with 51,5% related to the girls with 48,5%. The most frequent parasites were: Entamoeba coli (53,18%), Giardia Lambia (18,15%), Histolytic Entamoeba (14,01%), Endolimax nana (5,42%), lodamoeba butschlii (3,50%), Chilomastix mesnili (3,18%), Hymenolepis nana (1,91), and Ascaris lumbricoides (0,65%). It was concluded that there are no significant relationship between the anemic states and the intestinal parasites on boys and girls since the percentage was 4,5%. It was suggested to the principal of the Riobamba - Chambo District of the Ministry of Education to carry out promotion, prevention, and health care campaigns directed towards the authorities and teachers of the Initial Education Centers as well as parents and their children in order to improve the hygiene and food safety habits of students.

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Clinical and epidemiological profile of blood donors with positive serology for viral hepatitis in southern Brazil

Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical ◽

10.1590/s0037-86822011005000028 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 44 (3) ◽

pp. 269-273 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Luciana da Silveira ◽

Leonardo de Lucca Schiavon ◽

Kerley Pereira da Silva ◽

Thiago Barbieri Lopes ◽

Marcos da Rocha Zaccaron ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Viral Hepatitis ◽

Blood Donors ◽

Blood Donation ◽

Previous History ◽

Southern Brazil ◽

Positive Serology ◽

Serological Tests ◽

History Of ◽

Epidemiological Profile ◽

Epidemiological Characteristics

INTRODUCTION: Positive serological tests for hepatitis viruses B and C at blood banks are an important reason for blood deferral. Additionally, high residual risk for transfusing hepatitis-contaminated blood has been estimated in southern Brazil. This study aimed to identify risk factors for positive serological tests for viral hepatitis (VH) in blood donors (BD). METHODS: A case-control study included consecutive BD with positive serology for VH, between 2008 and 2009. Cases and controls (BD with negative serology for VH) were paired 1:1 by sex and donation date. Assessment of clinical and epidemiological characteristics related to viral hepatitis was conducted. RESULTS: Among 1,282 blood donors (641 cases and 641 controls), those with positive serology for viral hepatitis had higher mean age (p<0.001); higher proportion of replacement donation (p<0.001); first donation (p<0.001); and interviewer deferment (p=0.037), compared to controls. Furthermore, donors with positive tests were less regular donors (p<0.001), had less previous history of rejection (p=0.003) and showed lower hematocrit median before donation (p=0.019). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that age (OR=1.056, 95%CI 1.042-1.069, p<0.001), replacement donation (OR=1.545, 95%CI 1.171-2.038, p=0.002) and first donation (OR=9.931, 95%CI 7.486-13.173, p<0.001) were independently associated with positivity of serological tests for viral hepatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Specific characteristics of blood donors were associated with positive serology for viral hepatitis. These peculiarities should be taken into account when assessing candidates for blood donation.

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Clinical and serological evidence of Toxocara infection in school children from Morrope District, Lambayeque, Peru

Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo ◽

10.1590/s0036-46652008000200007 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 50 (2) ◽

pp. 101-105 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Yrma A. Espinoza ◽

Pedro H. Huapaya ◽

William H. Roldán ◽

Susana Jiménez ◽

Zhandra Arce ◽

...

Keyword(s):

School Children ◽

Giardia Lamblia ◽

Respiratory Symptoms ◽

Intestinal Parasite ◽

Serological Evidence ◽

Hymenolepis Nana ◽

Positive Serology ◽

Blastocystis Hominis ◽

Ocular Manifestations ◽

Stool Samples

The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of human toxocariosis in a child population from Morrope district, Lambayeque, Peru. From October to December 2005, 182 school children (96 male and 86 female) were studied. Blood samples were collected for Toxocara ELISA-IgG test and hematological examination. Additionally, stool samples were collected for coproparasitological examination to check cross reactions. We found frequency of positives in 32.4% (59/182) with a significant higher proportion of positivity in male children (p < 0.00001). 71.2% of the children with positive serology (52 male and seven female), were between five and 10 years old, 77.96% had respiratory symptoms, 61.02% had ocular manifestations, 38.98% had hepatic symptoms, 38.98% had mild or moderate eosinophilia, signs statistically associated with seropositivity. 83.5% of studied population had some intestinal parasite, such as: Blastocystis hominis (53.3%), Giardia lamblia (31.3%), Entamoeba coli (29.1%), Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (1.1%), Hymenolepis nana (5.49%), and Ascaris lumbricoides (3.3%), but they had not any association with serology results. The ownership of dogs or/and cats were significantly associated with seropositivity to anti-Toxocara antibodies although the presence of such pets within the house was not. In conclusion, clinical and serological evidence of Toxocara infection exists in the studied population.

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Tobacco: An invisible and immediate threat for COVID 19

Indian Journal of Community Health ◽

10.47203/ijch.2020.v32i02supp.014 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 32 (2 (Supp)) ◽

pp. 248-250

Author(s):

Suneela Garg ◽

Chetna Deshmukh

Keyword(s):

Receptor Gene ◽

Previous History ◽

Respiratory Illness ◽

Tobacco Consumption ◽

Control Measures ◽

Public Places ◽

The Public ◽

Lung Capacity ◽

History Of ◽

And Control

One of the major steps to prevent damage due to any pandemic is to focus on risk factors related to the disease. Tobacco consumption is emerging as a major factor out of all for COVID 19. There is hardly any country who has warned the public about this or has made the Tobacco control measures stringent in view of COVID 19. Factors making tobacco consumers more vulnerable to COVID 19 infections are low immunity, damaged cilia in smaller air ways leading to decreased lung capacity and previous history of respiratory illness. Smokers have more expression of ACE2 receptor gene which is also responsible for SARS-COV-2 virus replication in host. More viral load makes smokers potent “carrier”. COVID 19 can be transmitted via tobacco consumers by sharing of smoked tobacco and release of vapour droplets. Spitting of smokeless tobacco in public places puts community at risk. Cardiovascular diseases and cancers caused by tobacco consumption act as comorbidities aggravating the symptoms in COVID 19 infection. Scope of FCTC framework can be extended to address prevention and control of COVID 19. Recommendations: tobacco products should be banned immediately to control the spread. MPOWER strategy of FCTC can be utilized in this pandemic to prevent transmission.

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