High Parasitic Contamination of Soil Samples in the North of Iran: a Potential Risk of Parasitic Infection for Tourists

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beheshteh Haghparast-kenari ◽  
Tooran Nayeri ◽  
Shahabeddin Sarvi ◽  
Mohammad Taghi Rahimi ◽  
Ehsan Ahmadpour ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Contaminated Soil ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Animal Husbandry ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Human Society ◽  
Public Parks ◽  
The North ◽  
North Of Iran

Background: Soil-transmitted parasites (STPs) are significant intestinal parasites that infect humans and animals and impose considerable burdens on human society and animal husbandry industries. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence of parasitic elements of soil samples collected from the north of Iran. Methods: A total of 256 soil samples were collected from public parks, public places, vegetable gardens, sand heaps, and shadow areas near houses in the north of Iran and examined using the sucrose flotation method. Results: Out of 256 examined samples, 131 (51.2%) ones showed parasitic contamination including larvae (43%), oocysts (14.1%), and different eggs (6.6%). According to the results, the most and least common parasites observed in the samples were larvae (43%), as well as Toxascaris leonina, and Trichuris trichiura (0.4%), respectively. Moreover, the most and least contaminated locations were sand heaps (62.5%) and shadow areas near houses (45.6%), respectively. Regarding cities, Behshahr (68.3%) and Sari (67.5%) had the highest contaminated soil samples, whereas Chalus (37.5%) showed the lowest contamination. On the other hand, rural samples showed more contamination, compared to urban areas (P< 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of the present study indicate that the overall prevalence of STPs in examined areas and highly contaminated soil samples can be considered as a potential source of human contamination particularly tourists with STPs.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional analysis of intestinal parasitic infections among the general population in north of Iran

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (02) ◽  
pp. 120-126
Author(s):  
Abdol Sattar Pagheh ◽  
Mahdi Sharif ◽  
Ahmad Daryani ◽  
Jamshid Yazdani-Charati ◽  
Eisa Nazar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Blastocystis Hominis ◽  
Northern Iran ◽  
North Of Iran

Introduction: Intestinal parasitic infection (IPIs) is one of the most important health problems in the developing countries. Study on the prevalence of IPIs in various communities is a prerequisite for the development of appropriate control strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasites among the general population in Mazandaran province, northern Iran. Methodology: This study was conducted on 4,788 specimens collected from 17 urban areas (2,515 samples) and 34 rural areas (2,273 samples) within January-December 2016. Fecal specimens were examined by direct wet mounting, formalin-ether concentration, modified Ziehl–Neelsen, and trichrome staining methods. Results: The overall infection rate of intestinal parasite was 14.2% (680/ 4,788). Blastocystis hominis and Giardia lamblia were identified as the most frequent parasites. Protozoa, helminths, and polyparasitism (co-infections with two or more parasite species) were observed in 12.3%, 1.03%, and 0.85% of the specimens, respectively. Furthermore, IPIs showed a significant association with household income, place of residence, washing of vegetables, exposure to soil and season (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Based on the findings, parasitic infections are still a major public health concern in the north of Iran that requires special attention. Therefore, the major key to success in the prevention of IPIs is the execution of some interventions, including patient screening and treatment, public education, and improvement of sanitary conditions.

scholarly journals National State Survey to identify the presence of intestinal parasitic infections of mixed randomized patients as prevention who attended the IMSS laboratory

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Arcelia González-García ◽  
Claudia Hernández-Salas ◽  
Rosa Maria Martínez-Ortiz ◽  
Lilia González-Martínez
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Strongyloides Stercoralis ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Prevalence Rates ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Intestinal Parasitosis

Introduction: Nowadays in our state, intestinal parasitic diseases are still endemic, with a greater frequency in rural and mountainous urban areas. After the years have elapsed since the last national survey, it was necessary to carry out a new survey to know the prevalence rates of intestinal parasitosis and to compare the results obtained between both studies. Such knowledge would be of great value in developing health strategies and designing intestinal parasitic infection control programs. Objective: to determine the current prevalence rates of intestinal parasites, to compare the results with those of the survey obtained. Methods: a random cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out during the months of December 2018 to March 2019 in a random sample of both sexes from the population of urban communities and the province of Zacatecas, Zac. Each one had a stool sample collected that was analyzed by the direct examination method, the Willis concentration technique, and the Kato-Katz examination; A questionnaire was also applied to them. Results: when comparing the results of the national and state surveys of intestinal parasitic infections carried out in 2009 and 2018, it was found that, in general, infections by parasites decreased, both helminths and pathogenic protozoa, although those infected with commensals increased their frequency in that of 2019. There was also a decrease in the frequency of infections by all species of soil-transmitted helminths, Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, ancylostomideos, and Strongyloides stercoralis, as well as by the pathogenic protozoa Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolitica. Conclusions: when comparing the results of national and state surveys of intestinal parasite infections carried out in 2018 and 2019, it was found that in general the frequencies of infections with intestinal parasites decreased. The finding in both studies of a higher frequency of infection with parasites or commensals in the group aged 5 to 14 years (school age), supports the recommendation to place emphasis on control programs for intestinal parasites in this age group.

scholarly journals Urbanization Effects on Human-Perceived Temperature Changes in the North China Plain

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 3413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feiyu Wang ◽  
Keqin Duan ◽  
Lei Zou
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
North China Plain ◽  
North China ◽  
Warming Trend ◽  
Human Society ◽  
Temperature Changes ◽  
The North ◽  
The North China Plain ◽  
Perceived Temperature

Urbanization and associated land use changes significantly alter the energy and radiation balance, land surface characteristics, and regional climates, posing challenges to natural ecosystems and human society. The combined effects of changes in air temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), and wind speed (WS) profoundly influence human-perceived temperature and the corresponding human thermal comfort, especially in urban areas with large population. This study analyzes the spatiotemporal changes in human-perceived temperatures in the North China Plain, represented by heat index (HI) in summer and wind chill temperature (WCT) in winter, and quantifies the effects of urbanization on temperature changes, based on the observational data of 56 meteorological stations during 1976–2016. The results show a significant warming trend, with human-perceived temperatures increasing faster than T. The warming trend in WCT is higher than that in HI, indicating more thermal discomfort in summer and more thermal comfort in winter. However, the warming trend moderately slows after 1996, partly due to the global surface warming hiatus. Urban areas experience stronger warming trends than non-urban areas, demonstrating the notable effects of urbanization. For the entire study area, urbanization and associated urban land expansion accelerate the increase in HI by 26% and the increase in WCT by 17%.

New anthelmintic preparation Unifascide and its efficacy in treatment of fascioliasis in sheep

2020 ◽  
pp. 23-24
Author(s):  
Sadrutdin Sh. Kabardiev ◽  
◽  
Anatoliy M. Bittirov ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Contaminated Soil ◽  
Fasciola Hepatica ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Group Method ◽  
North Caucasus ◽  
The North ◽  
Treatment And Prevention ◽  
Urgent Task ◽  
Forest Belts

Sheep fascioliasis occurs with an extent of invasion in the range of 23-38% with an intensity of invasion of 1-48 specimens per animal in the regions of the North Caucasus. The most infested places with trematodes were pastures (84.0% of contaminated soil samples), and small pastures near natural water bodies (73.5% of contaminated soil samples), forest-shrub forb pastures located along the continuation of wind-sheltered forest belts (60.0% of soil samples). Researchers have found that the least contaminated with Fasciola hepatica eggs are herb meadow pastures (35.0% of soil samples) and cultivated pastures made from a mixture of Sudanese grass and clover (12.0% of contaminated soil samples). In samples per 1 g of soil, eggs of trematodes were found on average 113.2±6.0 specimens, that is, 2.4 times more than in feces (on average, 47.3±3.4 specimens per 1 g feces), which indicates the accumulation of viable eggs in biotopes. In this regard, the development of new complex anthelmintic preparation for the treatment and prevention of fascioliasis in sheep remains an urgent task. The authors' research consisted in testing a new complex anthelmintic drug Unifascide for sheep fascioliasis. Experimental tests of the Unifascide preparation for fascioliasis of sheep were carried out on 30 heads using the group method. Experimental and control animals (n = 30) weighing 32-36 kg were divided into 3 groups according to the principle of analogs, 10 animals per a group. Due to the results the degree of extension efficiency was 90.0 and intensity efficiency was 92.5%. The preparation is recommended for implementation in the practice of therapeutic and prophylactic deworming for chronic fascioliasis of sheep.

scholarly journals Soil and sand contamination with canine intestinal parasite eggs as a risk factor for human health in public parks in Niš (Serbia)

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-119
Author(s):  
M. Ristić ◽  
N. Miladinović-Tasić ◽  
S. Dimitrijević ◽  
K. Nenadović ◽  
D. Bogunović ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Variable Degree ◽  
Public Parks ◽  
Degree Of Contamination ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Zoonotic Parasites ◽  
The City

SummaryRegarding geographical distribution and clinical relevance, the most common canine geohelminths are Toxocara canis, ancylostomatids, and Trichuris vulpis. Canine intestinal parasites from the soil and sand present an important potential serious human health hazard, especially for the children preschool and school – age. This paper aimed to establish the degree of contamination of soil and sand with zoonotic parasites from the canine feces and the degree of risk they could pose for human health in public places and playgrounds in the city of Niš. Our parasitological study involved 200 soil samples and 50 sand samples from the public parks in the city of Niš in southeastern Serbia (43°19′15″N, 21°53′45″ E). From several locations, about 100 g of soil and sand was collected based on the bioclimatic indices. Parasitological diagnosis was performed using conventional qualitative and quantitative coprological methods, abiding by the recommendations about the diagnosis of parasitic diseases. In 38 – 46 % of soil samples and 40 % of sand samples seven species of endoparasites were diagnosed. In the samples of soil, a medium and high degree of contamination with the ascarid T. canis (14 – 22 %) was detected, as well as a low and medium degree of contamination with ancylostomatids (4 – 12 %), and in the samples of sand, a variable degree of contamination with the helminths T. canis (26 %) and A. alata (16 %) was found. A statistically significant difference was found in the contamination with A. alata eggs between the samples of sand and samples of soil. The studied public surfaces represent the reservoir of zoonotic parasites, which is a public health problem requiring a synergistic action of several factors to be successfully resolved, i.e. the implementation of prevention, surveillance, and control measures.

scholarly journals DIETARY STRATEGIES OF NORTHERN SELKUPS IN THE 18th–19th CENTURIES

2019 ◽  
pp. 121-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
O.E. Poshekhonova ◽  
D.I. Razhev ◽  
S.M. Slepchenko ◽  
Z.V. Marchenko ◽  
V.N. Adaev
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissues ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
Isotope Analysis ◽  
Isotopic Analysis ◽  
Stable Isotope Ratio ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Predatory Fish ◽  
The North ◽  
Food Reserves

The article considers the dietary habits of a small Selkup group that lived in the north of Western Siberia along the upper reaches of the Taz River in the18th–19th centuries. To this end, we carried out paleopathological and archaeoparasitological studies of the anthropological material from a burial ground located next to the once-existing settlement of Karakonskaya, as well as performed an isotopic analysis of organic samples. Another ob-jective was to study archival documents containing information on the inhabitants of the Upper Taz area. The isotope analysis included 17 anthropological and zooarchaeological samples, represented by the bones, hair and nails of 10 people, bones of a herbivore (reindeer), an omnivore (squirrel) (2) and fish (3). Soil samples taken from the surface of the sacra of 22 people served as the material for the archaeoparasitological study. Paleopa-thological studies included the bone remains of 23 people. We examined the originals of 19th-century documents stored at the State Archives of the Krasnoyarsk Territory. In order to differentiate the sources of land- and river-based diet, we analysed the stable-isotope ratio of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) in anthropological and zooarchaeological samples. The comparison of collagen and keratin isotopic values in one individual allowed seasonal variations in the diet to be established. For the purpose of identifying gender differences in the diet, an isotopic comparison between men and women was performed. In order to characterise the ways of food con-sumption and preparation, soil samples taken from burials were studied to detect eggs of intestinal parasites, as well as to establish their species. Other aspects of the group’s diet were studied by analysing the manifestations of porotic hyperostosis on the skull and dental diseases. When working on the archival materials, we employed cross-validation of information and analysed some documents covering large time intervals. It was established that the everyday diet the local Selkup group included bottom-dwelling and predatory fish, whereas the consump-tion of land mammals was minimal. Moreover, when preparing fish dishes for all members of the group, including children, fish was not heated or it was not heated enough. Seasonal fluctuations in the diet associated with hunt-ing certain animals were recorded. The consumption of sugar and flour-based food by the Northern Selkups until the beginning of the 20th century was insignificant. Regular periods of hunger occurred given that the population had no tradition to make long-term food reserves. The consumption of certain food (dishes) resulted in the da-mage to the teeth and soft tissues of the mouth. For the men of this group, hunted food was somewhat more ac-cessible than for women. The dietary system of the Northern Selkups had more in common with their closest neighbours — the Khanty of the Vakh River — rather than with the ethnically close Southern Selkups.

scholarly journals Enhanced Natural Biodegradation of Diesel Fuel Contaminants in Soil by Addition of Whey and Nutrients

2017 ◽  
pp. 1001-1008
Author(s):  
Ana Paola Vilches ◽  
Dan Bylund ◽  
Anders Jonsson
Keyword(s):  
Diesel Fuel ◽  
Contaminated Soil ◽  
Organic Amendments ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Contaminated Site ◽  
Special Treatment ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The North ◽  
Degradation Rates

The contamination of soils by petroleum hydrocarbons, such as diesel fuel, has since many years been a serious environmental problem. Treatment of contaminated areas is a concern for governments and environmental authorities in several countries and efforts have been done with the purpose to eliminate this problem. Different methods have been tested and today the most common technique involves the excavation and transportation of contaminated soil to special treatment facilities. In earlier studies we have demonstrated the effect of adding organic amendments, such as fermented whey, on the biodegradation of n-alkanes in diesel contaminated soil. Non-fermented sweet whey also proved significantly to enhance the biodegradation of an aromatic substance (phenanthrene) in contaminated soil. The current paper presents the results of an in-situ field test at a former gas station in the north of Sweden. In parallel to the field study, biodegradation profiles were monitored under controlled laboratory conditions by taking soil samples from the contaminated site and spike them with diesel fuel. The experiments were carried out by adding whey and mineral nutrients (NPK) to the test area and to the laboratory samples, and monitor the degradation of hydrocarbons by gas chromatographic analysis of extracted soil samples. Significant effects on the degradation rates were achieved in the laboratory tests. For the in-situ test, however, no such positive effects could be registered.

scholarly journals Tests on the centrifugal flotation technique and its use in estimating the prevalence of Toxocara in soil samples from urban and suburban areas of Malaysia

1998 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.G. Loh ◽  
D.A. Israf
Keyword(s):  
Soil Texture ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Recovery Period ◽  
Tween 80 ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Soil Types ◽  
Public Parks ◽  
Suburban Areas ◽  
Flotation Technique ◽  
Flotation Solution

AbstractThe influence of soil texture (silt, sand and laterite) and flotation solutions (saturated NaCl, sucrose, NaNO3 and ZnSO4) upon the recovery of Toxocara ova from seeded soil samples with the centrifugal flotation technique was investigated. Soil samples of different texture were artificially seeded with Toxocara spp. ova and subjected to a centrifugal flotation technique which used various flotation solutions. The results showed significant (P<0.001) interactions between the soil types and the flotation solutions. The highest percentage of ova recovery was obtained with silty soil (34.9−100.8%) with saturated NaC1 as the flotation solution (45.3−100.8%). A combination of washing of soil samples with 0.1% Tween 80, and flotation using saturated NaCl and a 30 min coverslip recovery period was used to study the prevalence of contamination of soil samples. Forty-six soil samples were collected from up to 24 public parks/playgrounds in urban areas of Petaling Jaya and suburban areas of Serdang. The prevalence of Toxocara species in the urban and suburban areas was 54.5% and 45.8% respectively.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Drug Hypersensitivity Reactions Prevalence in Hospitalized Children in Sari City from 2014 to 2018: An Original Research

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 229-238
Author(s):  
Hamidreza Houshmand ◽  
◽  
Mohammad Reza Shiran ◽  
Javad Ghaffari ◽  
Mahdi Abounoori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Reaction ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Drug Allergy ◽  
Drug Hypersensitivity ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Hospitalized Children ◽  
Hypersensitivity Reactions ◽  
The North ◽  
Drug Hypersensitivity Reactions ◽  
North Of Iran

Background: Drug allergy is a subtype of Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) mediated by the immunologic system. Extreme drug allergy is poorly known in children that contribute to hospitalization in our region. Objectives: This research aimed to study major drug hypersensitivity reactions in the north of Iran among the hospitalized children. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Bou Ali Sina Hospital in the north of Iran. We analyzed the medical files of 140 children admitted to the hospital with drug allergies from 2014 to 2018. The inclusion criteria were based on the DRESS (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms) scoring system, and those who scored more than four were enrolled. Patients with incomplete medical charts were excluded. The sampling methodology was based on the consecutive census method. Results: In the current study, 62 patients were females (44.29%), and 78 were males (55.71%). Ninety-six cases (68.57%) were children under five, and 44 cases (31.43%) were over five years old. Most ADRs were seen in patients from urban areas (58.57%) than in rural areas (41.43%). In 116 children (82.6%), maculopapular rashes were seen. Phenobarbital and cefalexin had the highest levels of drug reactions, including 85 persons (55.19%) and 18 persons (11.69%), respectively. Pruritus, fever, and scaling were the most common symptoms observed in the patients. The most commonly used treatment was antihistamines. Conclusions: The most causative medication inducing ADR was phenobarbital. The maculopapular rash was the most common skin manifestation, and there were no relationships between sex, age, medication type, and type of hypersensitivity reactions.

scholarly journals Comparison of heavy metals contamination and ecological risk between soils enriched with compost and chemical fertilizers in the North of Iran and ecological risk assessment

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdoliman Amouei ◽  
Hourieh Fallah ◽  
Hosseinali Asgharnia ◽  
Abbas Mousapour ◽  
Hadi Parsian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Chemical Fertilizers ◽  
The North ◽  
Heavy Metals Contamination ◽  
North Of Iran

Background: Nowadays, uncontrolled use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture is one of the reasons for the entry of heavy metals into the environment. In this study, the heavy metals contamination of the soils enriched with compost and chemical fertilizers in the North of Iran and its ecological risk assessment were evaluated. Methods: In this study, 108 soil samples were collected from agricultural soils of some places of Babol in Mazandaran province. An atomic absorption spectrophotometer (PG-990) was used to determine the concentrations of lead, cadmium, and zinc in the soil samples. The assessment of soil contamination was performed by the contamination factor, degree of contamination indices, and the potential ecological risk of the heavy metals. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Descriptive and chi-square tests were used to compare the mean with existing standards. Significant level was considered at P<0.05. Results: The highest lead concentration (35.7 ± 9.5 mg/kg) was observed at 5-cm depth, and the maximum cadmium (1.1 ± 0.2 mg/kg) and zinc (88 ± 22.6 mg/kg) concentrations were observed at 15-cm depth. The results showed that lead, cadmium, and zinc concentrations in the agricultural soils enriched with compost fertilizers were acceptable, but agricultural soils enriched with chemical fertilizers indicated higher content than those enriched with compost fertilizers and higher than the maximum allowable concentration. The maximum contamination degree, pollution index, and potential ecological risk in the agricultural soils enriched with the chemical fertilizers were 15.77, 1.97, and 293.48, respectively, and these soils had low potential pollution and moderate ecological risks. Conclusion: According to the results, it is necessary to use compost fertilizers for the agricultural soils enrichment.

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