scholarly journals Intestinal parasitic infections in children under five in the Central Hospital of Nampula, Northern Mozambique

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (05) ◽  
pp. 532-539
Author(s):  
Filipa Santana Ferreira ◽  
Filomena da Luz Martins Pereira ◽  
Maria do Rosário Oliveira Martins

Introduction: Intestinal parasites are known to cause infection in humans worldwide, with higher prevalence in low- and middle- incoming countries. Children are greatly affected leading to malnutrition and subsequently to physical and cognitive development impairment. Despite the scale and importance of this issue, there are few studies conducted in Mozambique concerning parasitic intestinal infections in hospitalized children. To our knowledge this is the first published report with data on this subject from Northern Mozambique. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2012 and 2013 in 831 children, attending the Central Hospital of Nampula in Northern Mozambique. One single stool sample was obtained from each child. Socio-demographic and clinical data were also obtained. Parasitological analysis of feces was performed through direct examination and Ritchie concentration technique and Giardia duodenalis antigen detection by rapid immunochromatographic test. Modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining was used for coccidia detection. Results: The global prevalence of pathogenic intestinal parasites was 31.6%. G. duodenalis (23.9%) was by far the most prevalent parasite followed by Strongyloides stercoralis (4.1%) and Cryptosporidium sp. (3.4%). Intestinal parasites were more frequent in older children (p = 0.005; aOR = 1.025). Conclusions: This work is one of the few published studies reporting intestinal parasites infection in hospitalized children. The percentage of children affected with G. duodenalis is higher than found in other studies in the African region. This highlights the need of particular attention being given to this intestinal protozoan and its resistance to water treatment, as well as to environmental health and personal hygiene.

Author(s):  
Arcelia González-García ◽  
Claudia Hernández-Salas ◽  
Rosa Maria Martínez-Ortiz ◽  
Lilia González-Martínez

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.


Author(s):  
Mohammad Reza Mahmoudi ◽  
Behnaz Rahmati

Introduction: Patients with cancer and hemodialysis are prone to opportunistic infections. The present research aims to examine the frequency of Toxoplasmosis and intestinal parasites in these patients. Methods: In the present cross-sectional study, seventy stool and blood samples from immunocompromised patients (46 hemodialysis and 24 cancer patients) from Guilan Province were collected in 2017-2018. Different tests including direct smear examination and formalin-ether was conducted for the intestinal protozoan parasites. To detect coccidian parasites (e.g. Cryptosporidium spp.) Ziehl Neelsen staining was applied. The anti T.gondii antibodies were detected via ELISA method. Results: Totally 6.52% and 4.16% cases of hemodialysis and cancer patients were positive for intestinal parasite infection respectively. Blastocystis hominis was only intestinal parasite that were detected in these patients. IgG anti-Toxoplasma antibody detected in 35 (76.8%) hemodialysis and 15 (62.5%) cancer patients. IgM antibody were found in 1 elderly hemodialysis patient. Mix infection (Toxoplasmosis and Blastocystis) was observed in 6.52% and 4.16% in hemodialysis and cancer patients respectively. Conclusion: It is recommended to evaluate these patients for intestinal parasitic infections during hemodialysis or chemotherapy sessions. Data showed the high percentage of elderly patients were susceptible to reactivation of chronic Toxoplasmosis. Therefore, in order to refer them for early therapy or other interventions, it is important that elderly hemodialysis and cancer patients with toxoplasma infection be diagnosed and identified.  


2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 293-305
Author(s):  
H. M. Al-Mekhlafi

SummaryHymenolepis nana is the most common cestode reported in humans worldwide. It is prevalent among children in the tropics and subtropics, particularly in rural poor communities where sanitation is inadequate or lacking. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the prevalence and significant risk factors of H. nana infection among children in rural Yemen. Faecal samples were collected from 498 children and screened for intestinal parasites by using wet mount, formalin-ether concentration and Kato–Katz techniques. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect demographic, socioeconomic, housing condition, and personal hygiene information. Overall, 77.5 % (386/498) of the children were found to be infected by at least one intestinal parasite species. The overall prevalence of H. nana was 17.5 % (87/498). Multivariate analysis confirmed that an age of < 6 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.28; 95 % (confidence interval [CI] = 2.04, 8.98), presence of other family members infected with H. nana (AOR = 2.48; 95 % CI = 1.45, 4.24), living in the highlands (AOR = 2.87; 95 % CI = 1.56, 5.26), living in a house without improved toilet facilities (AOR = 2.19; 95 % CI = 1.23, 3.88), not washing vegetables before consumption (AOR = 2.11; 95 % CI = 1.06, 4.19), and not washing hands after defecation (AOR = 1.88; 95 % CI = 1.08, 3.27) were the key factors significantly associated with H. nana infection among the studied children. In conclusion, H. nana is prevalent among children in rural Yemen, particularly among preschool-aged children. Thus, an integrated and effective programme to control intestinal parasitic infections should include preschool-aged children. Such a programme should focus on providing health education on hygienic practices, providing adequate sanitation and improved sources of drinking water, and screening and treating other infected family members.


Author(s):  
Saina Karami ◽  
Molouk Beiromvand ◽  
Kobra Kohansal

Background:: Intestinal parasitic infections are one of the most common infections in humans, particularly in re-source-poor communities. Gastrointestinal parasites, specially protozoa can lead to diarrhea, malabsorption, and anemia. The majority of parasitic diarrhea is caused by Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia duodenalis, and Cryptosporidium spp.. The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasites among diarrheic patients referred to the Shahid Rajaee Polyclinic, Ahvaz, southwestern Iran. Methods:: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among 250 diarrheic pa-tients using direct smear, formalin-ether concentration, ziehl- neelsen, and trichrome staining. Results:: The results indicated that 34.4% (86/250) of the patients were infected with pathogenic parasites. Giardia duode-nalis with an occurrence of 18.8% (47/250) and Cryptosporidium spp. with a frequency of 2.8% (7/250) had the highest and lowest infection rates, respectively. Blastocystis hominis with a frequency of 15.2% (38/250) showed the highest prevalence rate after G. duodenalis. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was observed in 3 (1.2%) of diarrheic patients. The age group 1−10 years old was the most frequently infected group (27.9%). We could not find a significant association between the source of drinking water and intestinal parasitic infections (p= 0.912). Conclusions:: This study demonstrated that G. duodenalis was the predominant parasite found among the patients. The re-sults revealed that intestinal parasites were one of the main health problems in the region.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Enoch Aninagyei ◽  
Ruby Yirenkyi ◽  
Tanko Rufai ◽  
Margaretta Gloria Chandi

Ga West Municipality in Ghana is predominantly rural with about forty-eight hard-to-reach communities. Several infectious diseases such as Buruli ulcer, tuberculosis, yaws, schistosomiasis, and malaria are prevalent in the municipality. However, the prevalence and characteristics of enteroparasites in the municipality are unknown. Therefore, this cross-sectional study determined the prevalence of enteroparasites in these hard-to-reach communities. Samples were collected from five communities, namely, Opah, Otuaplem, Dedeman, Onyansana, and Manchie. A total of 538 stool samples were collected from the community dwellers. Each sample was examined with eosin-saline wet preparation and formol-ether concentration technique. Body mass index, haemoglobin, and albumin concentrations were used to assess nutritional status. Seven different parasite species were identified in 178 community dwellers (33.1% prevalence (95% CI: 0.29–0.37)). The individual prevalence of the identified parasites was Schistosoma mansoni (13.4%), Entamoeba histolytica (7.2%), Ascaris lumbricoides (6.9%), Giardia lamblia (5.0%), hookworm (4.8%), Strongyloides stercoralis (4.8%), and Balantidium coli (1.6%). Among the 178 parasitized individuals, 68.0% were singly infected while 31.5% had dual parasitism. Significantly higher infections were associated with Onyansana dwellers (p=0.019), participants aged 16–20 years (p=0.006), unmarried participants (p<0.001), those without formal education (p=0.044), and crop farmers (p=0.044). However, among the Akan tribe (p=0.015), Christians (p=0.03), and participants with higher incomes (p=0.012), infections were found to be lower. Compared to monoparasitism, dual parasitism was significantly associated with underweight (17.8 vs. 20.3 kg/m2), anaemia (7.7 vs. 9.8 g/dL), and malnutrition (27.6 vs. 31.9 g/L of albumin concentration). These findings underscore the fact that the Ga West Municipality is heavily burdened with different species of enteroparasites. Therefore, education on personal hygiene to reduce parasitic infections must be intensified while implementing regular mass deworming exercise in the municipality.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noé Patrick M'Bondoukwé ◽  
Reinne Moutongo ◽  
Komi Gbédandé ◽  
Jacques Mari Ndong Ngomo ◽  
Tatiana Hountohotegbe ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Malaria, blood-borne filarial worms and intestinal parasites are all endemic in Gabon. This geographical co-distribution leads to polyparasitism and, consequently, the possibility of immune-mediated interactions between different parasite species. Intestinal protozoa and helminths could modulate anti-malarial immunity, for example, thereby potentially increasing susceptibility to malaria.Methods Blood and stool samples were collected during cross-sectional surveys in five provinces of Gabon. Parasitological diagnosis was performed to detect plasmodial parasites, Loa loa and Mansonella perstans, intestinal helminths (STH) and protozoan parasites. Nested PCR was used to detect submicroscopic plasmodial infection in individuals with negative blood smears. Cytometric Bead Array was used to quantify interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α in plasma of subjects with different parasitological profiles i.e. malaria only, filariasis only, intestinal protozoan only, soil-transmitted helminths (STH) only, malaria/filariasis, malaria/STH, malaria/intestinal protozoa co-infections and in uninfected individuals/control group.Results Median IL-6 (124.5 [36.9–433.9] pg/mL) and IL-10 (224.5 [78.0–657.9] pg/mL) levels and the median IL-10/TNF-α (69.9 [12.5–140-7]) ratio were all significantly higher among individuals with Plasmodium falciparum infection compared to other groups (p < 0.0001). The median TNF-α level (6.5 [3.5–11.7] pg/mL) and IL-10/IL-6 ratio (3.6 [2.0–11.9]) were higher in subjects with STH (p = 0.09) and P. falciparum-intestinal protozoa co-infection (p = 0.04), respectively. IL-6 (rho=-0.37; p < 0.01) and IL-10 (rho=-0.37; p < 0.01) levels, and the IL-10/TNF-α ratio (rho=-0.36; p < 0.01) correlated negatively with age, independently of infectious status. Among children under five years old, the IL-10/TNF-α and IL-10/IL-6 ratios were higher in those with intestinal protozoan infections compared to uninfected children. The IL-10/TNF-α ratio was also higher in children aged 5–15 years and in adults harbouring blood-borne filariae compared to their control counterparts, whereas the IL-10/IL-6 ratio was lower in those aged 5–15 years with filariae and intestinal parasites but higher in adults with intestinal parasitic infections.Conclusions Asymptomatic malaria is associated with a strong polarization towards a regulatory immune response, reflected by high circulating levels of IL-10. Co-infections with P. falciparum and intestinal protozoa are associated with an enhanced IL-10 response. Immunity against malaria could differ according to age and carriage of other parasites.


Author(s):  
PREM PRAKASH MISHRA ◽  
ANIL KUMAR ◽  
DEEPAK UPADHYAY ◽  
AMIT GARG ◽  
SHRISTI SHARMA

Objective: Intestinal parasitic infection is a burgeoning health issue, especially in developing countries owing to low socioeconomic conditions, poor sanitation, poor personal hygiene, and lack of access to potable drinking water. This study aims to determine the prevalence of different intestinal parasites among the patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 470 patients attending our hospital from October 2018 to September 2019. Specimens were collected and examined macroscopically and microscopically using concentration methods and modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining for coccidian parasites. Results: Out of the 470 patients, prevalence of intestinal infections was 4.89%. The helminthic infections were more common (52.17%), which was topped by Hookworm infection (26.09%) followed by Ascariasis (13.04%). Among the protozoa, Giardia lamblia (26.09%) was the most common, followed by Entamoeba histolytica (17.39%). The parasitic infections were more in female (5.62%) than male (4.19%) and highest in the pediatric age group and between 51 and 60 years. Conclusion: The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections is decreasing due to increasing awareness about sanitation, effects of open defecation, safe drinking water, and personal hygiene. However, the need of intervallic monitoring of intestinal parasitic infections is necessary.


Author(s):  
Yordanos Gizachew Yeshitila ◽  
Hagos Zewde ◽  
Tesfahun Mekene ◽  
Aseer Manilal ◽  
Serawit Lakew ◽  
...  

Introduction. Worldwide, about 3.5 billion people are affected by intestinal parasitic infections, and the majority of them are children. A perusal of the literature indicates that in Ethiopia, nearly one-third of schoolchildren are found to be infected by some sort of intestinal parasites. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among schoolchildren in Rama town in Northern Ethiopia. Methods. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among primary school children from two schools in Rama town during June 2017. A structured questionnaire was used to identify environmental, sociodemographic, and behavioral factors while stool specimens were collected and examined for parasites using direct wet smear with saline preparation. Data analysis was completed using the Statistical Program for Social Sciences version 24 statistical software. Results. A total of 312 school children with a mean age of 11.3 years were included. Among them, 24.4% (76) were found to be positive for at least one of the parasites. The overall infection rate was the highest among the 10–14 age groups (26.7%). Females were predominantly infected (26.7%). Altogether, eight species of intestinal parasites were identified. The most predominant protozoan and helminths were E. histolytica/dispar (10.9%) and Schistosoma mansoni (7.4%), respectively, and infections were mostly mono-parasitic. Coinfections with two and three intestinal parasites were identified among 13 (4.2%, [13/302]) and 2 (0.6%, [2/302]) cases, respectively. Prevalence of intestinal parasites was higher among children who did not wash their hands regularly before meals (AOR: 2.30, CI: 1.32, 4.0, p < 0.001) and those who frequently swam in streams (AOR: 3.12, CI: 1.07, 9.08, p < 0.021). Conclusions. The study revealed a high prevalence of parasitic infection and inadequate personal hygiene practices like poor handwashing and also the habit of swimming by schoolchildren in contaminated water bodies, especially the study area. To minimize the burden caused by parasitic infection, periodic deworming programs and health education should be provided to enhance the awareness of concerned participants are also warranted.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Gebre Ayanaw Alula ◽  
Abaineh Munshea ◽  
Endalkachew Nibret

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are the common health problems in developing countries with low socioeconomic and poor living conditions. IPIs affect millions of pregnant women worldwide and may lead to adverse maternal and fetal effects. The present study was aimed at determining the prevalence and associated risk factors of IPIs among pregnant women in Ethiopia. A hospital-based cross-sectional study involving 384 pregnant women was conducted from November 2018 to March 2019. Relevant information on potential risk factors associated with IPIs was gathered using a semistructured questionnaire. Stool samples were collected and examined using wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the possible association between dependent and independent variables. The overall prevalence of IPIs was 36.7%. Seven species of parasites were identified. The most prevalent intestinal protozoan parasite identified was Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (9.6%) followed by Giardia intestinalis (8.9%). The predominant helminth parasite identified was Ascaris lumbricoides (8.6%), followed by hookworm (5.2%), Taenia spp. (3.6%), Strongyloides stercoralis (1.3%), and Schistosoma mansoni (1.04%). Six pregnant women (1.56%) had infection by two parasite species. The odds of IPIs were higher among illiterates ( AOR = 4.63 ), lowest monthly income earners ( AOR = 3.49 ), primigravida (pregnant for the first time) ( AOR = 2.04 ), those who used unboiled well/stream/river water for drinking ( AOR = 14.55 ), ate soil ( AOR = 2.32 ), and consumed raw vegetables ( AOR = 1.91 ). The prevalence of IPIs in the study subjects was substantially high. Thus, screening of the women for IPIs and providing health education during their antenatal care (ANC) visit are recommended to prevent possible adverse maternal and fetal effects resulting from these infections.


Author(s):  
Shahrzad Soltani ◽  
Shokrollah Salmanzadeh ◽  
Sheyda Soltani ◽  
Mehdi Sagha Kahvaz ◽  
Sara Mobarak ◽  
...  

Background: The current study was aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in persons who were referred to selected hospitals of Abadan and Khorramshahr cities, in southwest of Iran. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 43200 and 28821 stool specimens were gathered from Abadan and Khorramshahr cities, respectively, during four consecutive years (2014-2017). Results: A decreasing trend was seen in the prevalence rate of IPIs in Abadan and Khorramshahr cities. The overall prevalence of IPIs were estimated 5.82% and 6.11% in Abadan and Khorramshahr cities, respectively. In Abadan city, the proportion of IPIs in male persons with 56% was higher than females 44%, while in Khorramshahr city, the more prevalence was observed in females (54% vs. 46%). Moreover, according to the season, the highest prevalence were recorded in the Spiring (30.4%) and Summer (31.1%) in Abadan and Khorramshahr cities, respectively. We found Giardia lamblia, as the most frequent parasite in studied individuals of both cities (Abadan: 2.92%; 1261/43200 and Khorramshahr: 3.15%; 908/28821). Other parasites were as follows: Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, E. coli, E. hartmanni, Blastocystis hominis, Hymenolepis nana, Enterobius vermicularis, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Taenia spp. Conclusion: This was the first study on the prevalence of IPIs in Abadan and Khorramshahr cities, southwest of Iran. Intestinal parasites are still the main public health concern in these regions. Health education, improving sanitary conditions, screening and treatment of infected people, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas can be helpful.


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