scholarly journals Prevalence, Risk Factors and Genotypes of Giardia duodenalis in Sheltered Dogs in Tuscany (Central Italy)

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 12
Author(s):  
Andrea Agresti ◽  
Federica Berrilli ◽  
Michela Maestrini ◽  
Isabel Guadano Procesi ◽  
Enrico Loretti ◽  
...  

In sheltered dogs, the prevalence of Giardia duodenalis is frequently high and may include potential zoonotic genotypes. The prevalence, genotypes and potential risk factors of G. duodenalis were assessed in 168 dogs from four kennels (Pistoia, Prato, Florence, Valdarno) in Tuscany, central Italy and compared with data from previous Italian studies. The prevalence of other intestinal parasites was also investigated. Individual dog faecal samples collected from each kennel were examined by parasitological techniques and a rapid immunoassay for the detection of G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium faecal antigens. On Giardia-positive samples, molecular analysis was performed for genotype identification. Overall, 69 dogs scored positive for G. duodenalis (41%), but significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were found among the four kennels and sampling seasons. The potentially zoonotic assemblages A and B and the canine-specific assemblage C (Pistoia: A-AII, B, C; Prato: A-AII, B; Florence: A-AII; Valdarno: A and C) were identified. Toxocara canis (8.9%), Trichuris vulpis (3.6%), hookworms (1.19%) and Cryptosporidium sp. (0.6%) were also identified. The high prevalence of G. duodenalis and the identification of potentially zoonotic genotypes in all examined kennels underline the need to improve routine parasite monitoring and control measures and to provide insights into the zoonotic potential of G. duodenalis.

Parasite ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Sauda ◽  
Livia Malandrucco ◽  
Gladia Macrì ◽  
Manuela Scarpulla ◽  
Claudio De Liberato ◽  
...  

Prevalence and risk factors of Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria spp. and other potentially zoonotic or canine-specific endoparasite infections were assessed in 639 kennel dogs from central Italy. To this end, individual blood and fecal samples were examined using parasitological, immunological and molecular techniques. The presence of compatible clinical pictures, as well as age and gender were considered as putative risks factors. To evaluate risk factors, multivariable analysis with logistic regression and univariable analysis with a Chi square test and a Fischer’s exact test were performed. Overall, 52.6% of dogs (95% CI 48.6-56.5) were found positive, while 39.6% of dogs (95% CI 35.8-43.5) were infected by potentially zoonotic species. Leishmania infantum and Dirofilaria repens showed prevalences of 2.5% (95% CI 1.5-4.1) and 2.8% (95% CI 1.7-4.5), respectively. The prevalence of cardiorespiratory parasites was 7.8% (95% CI 5.9-10.3) and included the species Angiostrongylus vasorum, Eucoleus aerophilus, Eucoleus boehmi and D. immitis; the latter showed a prevalence of 0.2% (95% CI 0.001-1). Intestinal parasites were significantly prevalent (38.8%, 95% CI 35-42.7) and they consisted mainly of species of major zoonotic concern, including ancylostomatids, Toxocara canis, Giardia duodenalis, Dipylidium caninum, Taeniidae, Strongyloides stercoralis and Cryptosporidium parvum. Endoparasites were significantly prevalent in clinically suspected dogs. Leishmania infantum and cardiorespiratory nematodes were prevalent in older dogs, while intestinal parasites were prevalent in younger dogs. Results show high dog and public health risks in kennels in central Italy, and suggest the need for more effective control measures.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ping Shi ◽  
Yumeng Gao ◽  
Yuan Shen ◽  
Enping Chen ◽  
Hai Chen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The novel coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) outbreak and has caused has caused 82,830 confirmed cases and 4,633 deaths in China by 26 April 2020. We analyzed data on 69 infections in Wuxi to describe the epidemiologic characteristics and evaluate the control measures.Methods: The demographic characteristics, exposure history, and illness timelines of COVID-19 cases in Wuxi were collected.Results: Among the 69 positive infections with COVID-19, mild and normal types accounted for 75.36% (52/69), adolescents and children are mainly mild and asymptomatic. The basic reproductive number was estimated to be 1.12 (95% CI, 0.71 to 1.69). The mean incubation period was estimated to be 4.77 days (95% CI, 3.61 to 5.94), with a mean serial interval of 6.31 days (95%CI, 5.12 to 7.50). We also found that age (RR=1.57, 95%CI: 1.11-2.21) and fever (RR=4.09, 95%CI: 1.10-15.19) were risk factors for COVID-19 disease severity.Conclusions: The incidence of COVID-19 in Wuxi has turned into a lower level, suggesting that the early prevention and control measures have achieved effectiveness. The community transmission can be effectively prevented through isolation and virus detection of all the people who were exposed together and close contact with the infected people. Aging and fever are risk factors for clinical outcome, which might be useful for preventing severe transition.


Parasitology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 146 (12) ◽  
pp. 1602-1614 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hesham M. Al-Mekhlafi ◽  
Nabil A. Nasr ◽  
Yvonne A. L. Lim ◽  
Fatin Nur Elyana ◽  
Hany Sady ◽  
...  

AbstractThis cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of S. stercoralis infection among 1142 Orang Asli primary schoolchildren in six different states of Peninsular Malaysia. Fecal samples were examined using direct smear, formalin-ether sedimentation (FES), agar plate culture (APC) and PCR techniques. Overall, 15.8% of the children were found to be infected with S. stercoralis. The prevalence was 0.2, 1.3, 15.2 and 13.7% by direct smear, FES, APC and PCR, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that an age of >10 years, being male, belonging to a Proto-Malay tribe, belonging to the Senoi tribe, indiscriminate defecation, using an unimproved water source for drinking water and not wearing shoes when outside were the significant risk factors of infection among these children. In conclusion, we provide new evidence on the occurrence of S. stercoralis in Malaysia to show that there is a relatively high prevalence of infection among Orang Asli schoolchildren. Therefore, the use of specific methods for detecting S. stercoralis should be considered when screening these children for intestinal parasites. Moreover, prevention and control measures specific to S. stercoralis should be integrated into the intestinal parasitic infections control programme in Malaysia.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-14
Author(s):  
Adanma Florence Nwaoha ◽  
Camelita Chima Ohaeri ◽  
Ebube Charles Amaechi

Diarrhoea is the second leading cause of infectious mor­bidity and mortality in children under five years of age. This study aimed at identifying the most common parasites and potential risk factors for diarrhoea among children 0-5 years attending Abia State Specialist hospital and Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, in south east­ern Nigeria. We used 400 faecal samples from children with diarrhoea –and 200 without– in combination with hospital-based case control and a questionnaire Stool samples were processed with direct normal saline and formal-ether sedimentation method for parasitological stud­ies. More males than females were infected in nearly all age groups in both diarrhoeal and control groups (X2=23.04, df=1, P<0.05: X2=11.52, df=1, P<0.05 respectively). Amachara had more infections (X2=0.15, df=1, P< 0.05). January had the highest rate of infection (22.5%). Main clinical features were watery depositions over 3 times a day, diarrhoea lasting for days, fever, vomiting, and dehydration. Mothers learned about the problem through health workers, television and in medical centers. Risk correlated with mother’s education, occupation, latrine type, waste water disposal, hand washing, kitchen cleaning; sources and storage of water; and bottle milk (P< 0.05).Ignorance greatly con­tributed to the spread of parasitic disease in the area: the government should improve education and other strategies to alleviate the spread of the disease..


Author(s):  
Koen B Pouwels ◽  
Thomas House ◽  
Julie V Robotham ◽  
Paul Birrell ◽  
Andrew B Gelman ◽  
...  

Objective: To estimate the percentage of individuals infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) over time in the community in England and to quantify risk factors. Design: Repeated cross-sectional surveys of population-representative households with longitudinal follow-up if consent given. Setting: England. Participants: 34,992 Individuals aged 2 years and over from 16,722 private residential households. Data were collected in a pilot phase of the survey between 26 April and 28 June 2020. Main outcome measures: Percentage of individuals in the community testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA using throat and nose swabs. Individuals were asked about any symptoms and potential risk factors. Results: The percentage of people in private-residential households testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 reduced from 0.32% (95% credible interval (CrI) 0.19% to 0.52%) on 26 April to 0.08% (95% CrI 0.05% to 0.12%) on 28 June, although the prevalence stabilised near the end of the pilot. Factors associated with an increased risk of testing positive included having a job with direct patient contact (relative exposure (RE) 4.06, 95% CrI 2.42 to 6.77)), working outside the home (RE 2.49, 95% CrI 1.39 to 4.45), and having had contact with a hospital (RE 2.20, 95% CrI 1.09 to 4.16 for having been to a hospital individually and RE 1.95, 95% CrI 0.81 to 4.09 for a household member having been to a hospital). In 133 visits where individuals tested positive, 82 (61%, 95% CrI 53% to 69%) reported no symptoms, stably over time. Conclusion: The percentage of SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals declined between 26 April and 28 June 2020. Positive tests commonly occurred without symptoms being reported. Working outside your home was an important risk factor, indicating that continued monitoring for SARS-CoV-2 in the community will be essential for early detection of increases in infections following return to work and other relaxations of control measures.


2013 ◽  
Vol 416-417 ◽  
pp. 2087-2091 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun Ying Wang

Thermal power generation is a complex production system, and electric operation is an important work. The generating capacity of Zhangjiakou power plant is 2400 thousand kW, ranking the third in our country. Its technology and equipment and the process are representative. In order to ensure the safety of the electrical operation, on the basis of analysis of accident cases for more than ten years, using the method of system analysis, this article summarizes the risk factors and control measures of electrical operation. With strict implementation, the electrical accidents of our planet will decrease year by year.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Yibeltal Terefe ◽  
Berihun Afera ◽  
Abrha Bsrat ◽  
Zewdu Syoum

Background. Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by obligate intracellular protozoans of the genus Leishmania. Objective. To assess the distribution of human leishmaniasis and assess community knowledge, attitude, and practice with regard to assumed risk factors and control options used by the society. Methods. Retrospective study from November 2013 to May 2014 was used. Six-year data from Metemma hospital record was reviewed and 89 people were interviewed. Results. The rates were 29% (n = 374/1270) and 26% (n = 328/1270) in 2005 E.C and 2003 E.C, respectively. 94% (1194/1270) of the affected individuals were in the age exceeding 15 years. At the same time, the rates in males and female were 97% (n = 1226/1270) and 3% (n = 44/1270), respectively. According to 88.8% (n = 79/89) of the respondents, transmission occurs through bite of sandflies, while 98.9% (n = 88/89) of the respondent’s indicated that waste disposal in an open space was one of the risk factors for disease occurrence. Regarding the control measures, respondents replied that 73% (n = 65/89) of them use impregnated bed net and others use cleaning and proper waste disposal. Conclusion. The current finding indicated that the disease was common in the study area; as a result, proper use of impregnated bed net, early diagnosis and treatment, and reduction of different risk factors were essential.


2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 36
Author(s):  
Suzane Albuquerque dos Santos Fukahori ◽  
Camila Gomes de Moura Nascimento ◽  
Simone Lugon da Silva Almeida ◽  
João Victor Batista Cabral

<p>A Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica é uma condição clínica com múltiplas causas e é definida por níveis elevados e sustentados de pressão arterial, sendo considerada uma das principais doenças crônicas não transmissíveis que acometem a população idosa. Objetivou-se identificar os fatores de risco associados à hipertensão arterial em idosos. O presente trabalho trata-se de uma revisão integrativa, com busca realizada na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, por meio das bases de dados LILACS, BDENF e MEDLINE, associados ao repositório SciELO, entre os anos de 2010 e 2015, com a utilização dos descritores combinados e síntese dos dados por meio de tabulações. Foram evidenciados como fatores de risco à hipertensão arterial nos idosos: a própria senilidade, o sexo feminino, excesso de peso, pior autopercepção de saúde, não adesão ao tratamento, incapacidade funcional, depressão e a inatividade física. Os resultados mostram o papel dos fatores de riscos para o desenvolvimento e complicações da hipertensão, todavia também são sinais para a detecção precoce e para a ampliação das intervenções de medidas de prevenção e controle nas diversas esferas de atendimento em saúde.</p><p align="center"><strong><em>Risk factors associated with arterial hypertension in elderly</em></strong></p><pre><strong>Abstract: </strong>Systemic Arterial Hypertension is a clinical condition with multiple causes and is defined by elevated and sustained blood arterial pressure levels, being considered one of the main chronic non transmissible diseases that affect the elderly population. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with hypertension in the elderly. The present article deals with an integrative review, with a search carried out in the Virtual Health Library, through the LILACS, BDENF and MEDLINE databases, associated with the SciELO repository, between 2010 and 2015 years, using the descriptors combined and synthesis of the data by through tabulations. Senility, female gender, overweight, worse self-perception of health, non-adherence to treatment, functional disability, depression and physical inactivity were evidenced as risk factors for hypertension in the elderly. The results show the role of risk factors for the development and complications of hypertension, but they are also signals for the early detection and for the expansion of the interventions of prevention and control measures in the different health care spheres.</pre>


2010 ◽  
Vol 67 (10) ◽  
pp. 819-824 ◽  
Author(s):  
Slobodan Jankovic ◽  
Dragica Bojovic ◽  
Dubravka Vukadinovic ◽  
Elmedina Daglar ◽  
Marija Jankovic ◽  
...  

Background/Aim. Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis is relatively frequent condition, and may have serious health consequences, like chronic vulvovaginal pain syndrome. The aim of our study was to determine possible risk factors for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis in non-pregnant females within the reproductive age. Methods. The design of our study was of a case-control type. Case and control patients were selected from the gynecological patients at six primary care facilities in Serbia and in Montenegro. The data on the patients' health condition, concomitant therapy and diseases were taken from their records, and the data on habits were obtained by unstructured interview. For potential risk factors crude odds ratios were calculated, and then adjusted by logistic regression. Results. A total of fifty-one patients had four or more episodes of vulvovaginal candidiasis during the last year (cases), and 132 patients with one to three episodes of vulvovaginal candidiasis were sampled as controls, matched by age. The only two significant associations were found between recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and continual wearing of panty liners during the last year (Odds ratio - ORadjusted: 3.97; confidence interval - CI: 1.57-10.02; p = 0.004), and between recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and predominant use of vaginal tampons during menstruation in the last year (ORadjusted: 4.25; CI: 1.11-16.27; p = 0.035). The synergistic effect was observed for the concurrent continual wearing of panty liners during the last year and selfmedication with antimycotics. Conclusions. Local factors, like wearing of panty liners or use of tampons during menstruation, may promote recurrence of vulvovaginal candidiasis, especially in patients who practice selfmedication with antimycotics.


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