Prevalence of Giardia intestinalis Infection in Schistosomiasis-Endemic Areas in South-Central Mali

Intestinal parasite infections are frequent causes of diarrhea and malnutrition among children in the tropics. Transmission of helminths and intestinal protozoa is intimately connected with conditions of poverty, including inadequate sanitation and hygiene. Concurrent infections with several intestinal pathogens may lead to excess morbidity. Yet, there is a paucity of epidemiological data from Mali. In this study, stool samples from 56 individuals, aged 2–63 years, from Bamako and Niono, south-central Mali were examined for intestinal parasites using stool microscopy. Additionally, stool samples were subjected to a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia intestinalis. The predominant pathogens were Schistosoma mansoni and G. intestinalis with prevalences of 41% and 38%, respectively. Hymenolepis nana was detected in 4% of the participants, while no eggs of soil-transmitted helminths were found. Concurrent infections with G. intestinalis and S. mansoni were diagnosed in 16% of the participants. For the detection of G. intestinalis, PCR was more sensitive (100%) than RDT (62%) and microscopy (48%). As helminth-protozoa coinfections might have important implications for morbidity control programs, future studies should employ diagnostic tools beyond stool microscopy to accurately assess the co-endemicity of giardiasis and schistosomiasis.

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Development of Conventional Multiplex PCR: A Rapid Technique for Simultaneous Detection of Soil-Transmitted Helminths

Pathogens ◽

10.3390/pathogens8030152 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 152 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Vivornpun Sanprasert ◽

Ruthairat Kerdkaew ◽

Siriporn Srirungruang ◽

Sarit Charuchaibovorn ◽

Kobpat Phadungsaksawasdi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiplex Pcr ◽

Real Time ◽

Real Time Pcr ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Simultaneous Detection ◽

Diagnostic Tools ◽

Multiple Infections ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Soil Transmitted Helminths ◽

Stool Samples

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are the most common intestinal parasites infecting humans worldwide. STH infections are a major cause of morbidity and disability. Accurate diagnostic tools are pivotal for assessing the exact prevalence of parasitic infections. Microscopic examination and culture techniques have been used to observe the presence of eggs or larvae of parasites in stool samples, but they are time-consuming and have low sensitivity. Therefore, accurate, simple, and inexpensive diagnostic techniques are still required for simultaneous detection of STH infections. Although molecular-based techniques, such as real-time PCR and multiplex real-time PCR, have been developed, they are not suitable for routine diagnosis due to the requirement for expensive reagents and instruments. In this study, we established a conventional multiplex PCR for simultaneous rapid detection of Ascaris lumbricoides, Necator americanus, and Strongyloides stercoralis in stool samples. Our results show that the multiplex PCR could detect the DNA of STHs at a very low target gene concentrations (lower than 1 pg) with no cross-amplification. Multiplex PCR had five times higher sensitivity than the formalin–ethyl acetate concentration technique (FECT) in the detection of multiple infections, and two times higher for detection of S. stercoralis. However, multiplex PCR was comparable to FECT in the detection of A. lumbricoides and N. americanus. In conclusion, this method could be used as an alternative method for the detection of STHs, especially for S. stercoralis.

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Protozoan Parasites of Rodents and Their Zoonotic Significance in Boyer-Ahmad District, Southwestern Iran

Veterinary Medicine International ◽

10.1155/2016/3263868 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-5 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Zeinab Seifollahi ◽

Bahador Sarkari ◽

Mohammad Hossein Motazedian ◽

Qasem Asgari ◽

Mohammad Javad Ranjbar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Molecular Study ◽

Wild Rodents ◽

Intestinal Protozoa ◽

Tissue Samples ◽

Modified Agglutination Test ◽

Protozoan Infection ◽

Stool Samples ◽

Southwestern Iran ◽

Giardia Muris

Backgrounds. Wild rodents are reservoirs of various zoonotic diseases, such as toxoplasmosis, babesiosis, and leishmaniasis. The current study aimed to assess the protozoan infection of rodents in Boyer-Ahmad district, southwestern Iran.Materials and Methods. A total of 52 rodents were collected from different parts of Boyer-Ahmad district, in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, using Sherman live traps. Each rodent was anesthetized with ether, according to the ethics of working with animals, and was dissected. Samples were taken from various tissues and stool samples were collected from the contents of the colon and small intestines. Moreover, 2 to 5 mL of blood was taken from each of the rodents and the sera were examined for anti-Leishmaniaantibodies, by ELISA, or anti-T. gondiiantibodies, by modified agglutination test (MAT). DNA was extracted from brain tissue samples of each rodent and PCR was used to identify the DNA ofT. gondii.Results. Of the 52 stool samples of rodents studied by parasitological methods, intestinal protozoa infection was seen in 28 cases (53.8%). From 52 rodents, 19 (36.5%) were infected withTrichomonas, 10 (19.2%) withGiardia muris, and 11 (21.2%) withEntamoebaspp. Also, 10 cases (19.2%) were infected withBlastocystis, 3 (5.8%) were infected withChilomastix, 7 (13.5%) were infected withEndolimax, 1 (1.9%) was infected withRetortamonas, 3 (5.77%) were infected withT. gondii, and 6 (11.54%) were infected withTrypanosoma lewisi. Antibodies toT. gondiiwere detected in the sera of 5 (9.61%) cases. Results of the molecular study showedT. gondiiinfection in 3 (5.77%) of the rodents. Findings of this study showed that rodents in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, southwestern Iran, are infected with several blood and intestinal parasites; some of them might be potential risks to residents and domestic animals in the region.

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Occurrence of intestinal parasites among the teachers, students and staffs of Dhaka University

Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh Science ◽

10.3329/jasbs.v39i2.17863 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 39 (2) ◽

pp. 239-246 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Hamida Khanum ◽

Farzana Rahman ◽

Rimi Farhana Zaman

Keyword(s):

Entamoeba Histolytica ◽

Ascaris Lumbricoides ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Medical Center ◽

Seasonal Pattern ◽

Winter Season ◽

Trichuris Trichiura ◽

Giardia Intestinalis ◽

Helminth Parasites ◽

Intestinal Protozoa

The present study was conducted to find out the incidence of the intestinal parasites and their prevalence among the teachers, students and staffs of University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. The study revealed that the prevalence of intestinal protozoa and helminth parasites are common among the outdoor patients of University of Dhaka. A total of 350 stool samples was examined in the Pathology department of Medical Center of University of Dhaka from June 2009 to May 2010, four species of intestinal parasites were identified of which two species were protozoa (Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia intestinalis) and two species were nematodes (Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura). The overall prevalence of infestation was 23.14% where Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia intestinalis, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura were found as 4.86%, 3.71%, 11.14% and 3.43% respectively. Highest prevalence was recorded in Ascaris lumbricoides (11.14%) and the seasonal pattern showed that highest (30%) prevalence occurred in rainy season and lowest (17.19%) in winter season. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was higher in female (30.56%) than in male (22.29%). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v39i2.17863 J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 39(2): 239-246, December 2013

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Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among patients attending in a tertiary care hospital of eastern region of Nepal – A retrospective, laboratory based study

Asian Journal of Medical Sciences ◽

10.3126/ajms.v8i3.16909 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 55-59 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ratna Baral ◽

Pramod Jha ◽

Ritu Amatya ◽

Basudha Khanal

Keyword(s):

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Eastern Region ◽

Care Hospital ◽

Medical Sciences ◽

Intestinal Protozoa ◽

Intestinal Parasitosis ◽

Stool Samples

Background: Intestinal parasitosis still constitutes one of the major causes of public healthproblems in the world, particularly in developing countries. Nepal is a small, impoverished country prevalent to infectious diseases, including intestinal parasitosis. Poverty, lack of awareness, failure to practice proper hand washing after defecation, practice of open defecation, unsafe drinking water and use of improper toilets are some of the reasons causing of parasitic infections.Aims and Objective: To determine the types of intestinal parasites in stool samples of patients attending to hospital. Materials and Methods: Stools specimens collected in standard stool vial were submitted in microbiology (2006-2010) unit at BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences hospital (BPKIHS) were examined for intestinal parasites by direct wet mount using normal saline (0.9%) and lugol’s iodine (0.5%).Results: A total of 11,791 stool samples (2928 in 2006, 2238 in 2007, 2151 in 2008, 2344 in 2009 and 2130 in 2010) were submitted to the Parasitology section of Department of Microbiology BPKIHS were included in the analysis. Of these, 675 (5.72%) were positive intestinal protozoa and 289 (2.45%) for intestinal helminths. Giardia intestinalis accounted for the most prevalent parasitic infection (3.34%) followed by Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (1.96%) and Hookworm (0.97%). A parasitic infection was observed to be highest among 20-50 years of age group and lowest in the less than 5 years group of subjects.Conclusion: Intestinal parasitosis is a common problem. Amoebiasis, giardiasis and the common intestinal helminthes Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, and Trichuris trichiura were prevalent in our settings.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(3) 2017 55-59

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Intestinal parasitism and Vibrio cholerae infection among diarrhoeal patients in Kolkata, India

Epidemiology and Infection ◽

10.1017/s0950268807008886 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 136 (5) ◽

pp. 661-664 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

D. R. SAHA ◽

K. RAJENDRAN ◽

T. RAMAMURTHY ◽

R. K. NANDY ◽

S. K. BHATTACHARYA

Keyword(s):

Vibrio Cholerae ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Age Groups ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Detection Rates ◽

Concurrent Infections ◽

Stool Samples ◽

Intestinal Parasitism ◽

Combined Infection ◽

Epidemiological Significance

SUMMARYIn this study, we have analysed the epidemiological significance of the concurrent infections caused by Vibrio cholerae and intestinal parasites among different age groups of hospitalized diarrhoeal patients in Kolkata. A total of 3556 stool samples collected during 1996–2004 were screened for vibrios and parasites. The seasonality of V. cholerae and parasitic infections were studied in detail. The detection rates for Ascaris lumbricoides and Giardia lamblia infection were more than for the hookworm, Trichuris trichiura and Entamoeba histolytica. V. cholerae O1 was identified as the predominant serogroup among diarrhoeal patients. The highest rates for V. cholerae infection were in the 2–5 years age group and combined infection of V. cholerae and parasites was recorded among children aged between 2 and 10 years.

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Epidemiological and Molecular Characterization of Blastocystis Infection in Children Attending Daycare Centers in Medellín, Colombia

Biology ◽

10.3390/biology10070669 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (7) ◽

pp. 669

Author(s):

Maria I. Osorio-Pulgarin ◽

Adriana Higuera ◽

Juan C. Beltran-Álzate ◽

Miryan Sánchez-Jiménez ◽

Juan David Ramírez

Keyword(s):

Molecular Characterization ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Phylogenetic Reconstruction ◽

Kappa Index ◽

Blastocystis Infection ◽

Conventional Pcr ◽

Intestinal Protozoa ◽

Daycare Centers ◽

Stool Samples

Background: The present study aims to perform an epidemiological and molecular characterization of Blastocystis infection in a child population attending daycare centers of Medellín, Colombia. Methods: A total of 265 children aged 0–5 years were enrolled in five children’s centers in urban sectors of Medellín, northwestern Colombia. Stool samples were taken to identify intestinal parasites by direct examination, Ritchie–Frick concentration, and molecular identification of Blastocystis by conventional PCR and subtype (ST) identification by PCR barcoding with subsequent phylogenetic reconstruction. Kappa index was calculated to evaluate the agreement between microscopy and PCR for the diagnosis of Blastocystis. Results: The prevalence of intestinal protozoa was 36.6% (97/265), with Blastocystis as the most frequent parasitic protozoan at 15.8% (42/265), followed by Giardia intestinalis at 15.5% (41/265) and Endolimax nana at 15.1% (40/265). The prevalence of Blastocystis by PCR was 53.2% (141/265), the subtypes identified were ST3 at 30.5% (18/59), ST2 at 23.7% (14/59), ST1 at 20.3% (12/59), and with less frequency, ST4 at 5.1% (3/59), ST6 at 1.7% (1/59) and ST16 at 15.3% (9/59) allele 162. Conclusion: This study provides the first genetic characterization of Blastocystis subtypes circulating in a population of Medellín, Colombia, and also updates the epidemiology of Blastocystis subtypes in the world with the first identification of ST16 in humans.

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Intestinal Parasitic Infestation among the Outdoor Patients of Dhaka University Medical Centre, Bangladesh

University Journal of Zoology Rajshahi University ◽

10.3329/ujzru.v28i0.5285 ◽

1970 ◽

Vol 28 ◽

pp. 45-49 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Hamida Khanum ◽

Md Mizanur Rahman ◽

Md Hafiz Uddin ◽

Shahela Alam ◽

Fatema Rahman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Female Patient ◽

Entamoeba Histolytica ◽

Ascaris Lumbricoides ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Giardia Intestinalis ◽

Medical Centre ◽

Parasitic Infestation ◽

Teacher Student ◽

Stool Samples

In the present study, the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestation was investigatedamong the outdoor patients including teacher, student and staff of the Dhaka University treated atDhaka University Medical Centre. A total of 380 stool samples were examined. Four species ofintestinal parasites were identified, two protozoans (Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia intestinalis)and two nematodes (Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura). The prevalence of parasiticinfestation was 24.73%. The prevalence of E. histolytica was 3.95%, G. intestinalis 6.31%,A. lumbricoides 11.84% and T. trichiura 2.63%. The prevalence was higher in case of staff(32.31%) and lower in case of teacher (13.16%). Highest prevalence observed during the rainyseason (29.3%) and lowest in winter (19.4%). Female patient showed higher prevalence (31.25%)compared to male (24.14%). The rate of infection was higher (28.3%) among the patients, whoused to drink unboiled water. The present study revealed that parasitic infection among the outdoorpatients of Dhaka University Medical Centre is alarmingly high.Key words: Dhaka University Medical Centre; intestinal parasites; outdoor patientsDOI: 10.3329/ujzru.v28i0.5285Univ. j. zool. Rajshahi Univ. Vol. 28, 2010 pp. 45-49

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Commercial Simplex and Multiplex PCR Assays for the Detection of Intestinal Parasites Giardia intestinalis, Entamoeba spp., and Cryptosporidium spp.: Comparative Evaluation of Seven Commercial PCR Kits with Routine In-House Simplex PCR Assays

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms9112325 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 2325

Author(s):

Louise Basmaciyan ◽

Alexandre François ◽

Anne Vincent ◽

Stéphane Valot ◽

Alain Bonnin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiplex Pcr ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Dna Amplification ◽

Giardia Intestinalis ◽

Cryptosporidium Spp ◽

Stool Samples ◽

Pcr Assays ◽

Commercial Kits ◽

Sensitivity Specificity ◽

Interesting Alternative

Nowadays, many commercial kits allowing the detection of digestive parasites by DNA amplification methods have been developed, including simplex PCR assays (SimpPCRa) allowing the identification of a single parasite, and multiplex PCR assays (MultPCRa) allowing the identification of several parasites at once. Thus, aimed at improving the diagnosis of intestinal protozoal infections, it is essential to evaluate the performances of these new tools. A total of 174 DNA samples collected between 2007 and 2017 were retrospectively included in this study. Performances of four commercial SimpPCRa (i.e., CerTest-VIASURETM) and three MultPCRa (i.e., CerTest-VIASURETM, FAST-TRACK-Diagnostics-FTD-Stool-ParasiteTM and DIAGENODE-Gastroenteritis/Parasite-panel-ITM) were evaluated for the detection of Cryptosporidium spp., Entamoeba spp., and Giardia intestinalis in stool samples compared to our routinely used in-house SimpPCRa. Globally, the SimpPCRa showed better sensitivity/specificity for the detection of G. intestinalis, E. histolytica, E. dispar, and Cryptosporidium spp. (i.e., 96.9/93.6%; 100/100%; 95.5/100%; and 100/99.3%, respectively), compared to the three commercial MultPCRa tested. All in all, we showed that MultPCRa offer an interesting alternative for the detection of protozoans in stool samples depending on the clinical context.

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Sensitive and semiquantitative detection of soil-transmitted helminth infection in stool using a recombinase polymerase amplification-based assay

PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

10.1371/journal.pntd.0009782 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (9) ◽

pp. e0009782

Author(s):

Jason L. Cantera ◽

Heather N. White ◽

Mattahew S. Forrest ◽

Oliver W. Stringer ◽

Vicente Y. Belizario ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Real Time ◽

Dna Sequences ◽

Real Time Pcr ◽

Infection Intensity ◽

Recombinase Polymerase Amplification ◽

Nucleic Acid Amplification ◽

Diagnostic Tools ◽

Control Programs ◽

Populations At Risk ◽

Stool Samples

Background Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are parasitic nematodes that inhabit the human intestine. They affect more than 1.5 billion people worldwide, causing physical and cognitive impairment in children. The global strategy to control STH infection includes periodic mass drug administration (MDA) based on the results of diagnostic testing among populations at risk, but the current microscopy method for detecting infection has diminished sensitivity as the intensity of infection decreases. Thus, improved diagnostic tools are needed to support decision-making for STH control programs. Methodology We developed a nucleic acid amplification test based on recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) technology to detect STH in stool. We designed primers and probes for each of the four STH species, optimized the assay, and then verified its performance using clinical stool samples. Principal findings Each RPA assay was as sensitive as a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay in detecting copies of cloned target DNA sequences. The RPA assay amplified the target in DNA extracted from human stool samples that were positive for STH based on the Kato-Katz method, with no cross-reactivity of the non-target genomic DNA. When tested with clinical stool samples from patients with infections of light, moderate, and heavy intensity, the RPA assays demonstrated performance comparable to that of real-time PCR, with better results than Kato-Katz. This new rapid, sensitive and field-deployable method for detecting STH infections can help STH control programs achieve their goals. Conclusions Semi-quantitation of target by RPA assay is possible and is comparable to real-time PCR. With proper instrumentation, RPA assays can provide robust, semi-quantification of STH DNA targets as an alternative field-deployable indicator to counts of helminth eggs for assessing infection intensity.

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Intestinal Parasites and Salmonella typhi Infection among Food-handlers in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria

Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research ◽

10.9734/jammr/2020/v32i1830649 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Adedokun, Ambali Amudatu ◽

Onosakponome Evelyn Orevaoghene ◽

Austin E. Abah

Keyword(s):

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Salmonella Typhi ◽

Food Handlers ◽

Intestinal Protozoa ◽

Concentration Technique ◽

Salmonella Infections ◽

Port Harcourt ◽

Stool Samples ◽

Handling Practices ◽

Food Handling Practices

Background: Intestinal parasites and Salmonella infections are of main public health concerns in Nigeria and the world, especially in developing countries where access to safe water and hygienic food handling practices by food handlers is a challenge. Consequently, food-handlers play a major role in the transmission of these types of foodborne diseases. Objective: This study was to determine the preponderance of intestinal parasites and Salmonella typhi among food-handlers in selected areas in Port Harcourt. Materials and Methods: A total of 480 food-handlers (195 males and 285 females) of various educational levels were sampled. Stool samples were collected and analyses were carried out using direct smear examination and formol-ether concentration technique - adopted for investigation of intestinal parasites and deoxycholate citrate agar and Salmonella-Shigella agar for the cultivation of Salmonella typhi. Results: Of 480 food-handlers examined, comprises of 195(40.6%) males and 285(59.4%) females, - majority (85.4%) were young adults aged 20-40 years. 47.9% of them - had education above secondary educational level. The preponderance of intestinal parasites was 48(10.0%) and implicated were Ascaris lumbricoides (41.7%), hookworm (33.3%) and Trichuris trichiura (25.0%). No intestinal protozoa were identified. Prevalence of 30(6.3%) was recorded for Salmonella typhi. Conclusion: Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and S.typhi infection is relatively low among food handlers in Port Harcourt, but indicates the important role food handlers play in the transmission of the infection. Therefore, awareness should be step-up for the food handlers to avoid escalation of these infections.

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