Intestinal parasites in children hospitalized at the Central Hospital in Maputo, Mozambique

Introduction: Intestinal parasites are important contributors to the global disease burden, especially in children of low-income countries. The present study determined the frequency of intestinal parasites in children hospitalized at the diarrhea section of the Infectious-Contagious Diseases ward and at the Malnutrition ward of the Department of Pediatrics of the Maputo Central Hospital in Mozambique. Methodology: This pilot study conducted between February and March 2009 enrolled a total of 93 children between 1.5 and 48.2 months of age; 87.1% were younger than 24 months. Parasite detection in stool samples was achieved using direct microscopic observation and Ritchie’s concentration technique. Results: Infection with pathogenic intestinal parasites was detected in 16.1% (15/93) of the children. Giardia duodenalis and Trichuris trichiura were the most common parasites (6.5%, 6/93 each), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (2.2%, 2/93). One case of mixed infection with A. lumbricoides plus T. trichiura was also detected. Conclusion: This study reinforces the importance of routinely examining stool samples for the diagnosis of intestinal parasites (including protozoa) in children hospitalized in endemic areas.

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Molecular Characterization of Giardia duodenalis in Children and Adults Sampled in Algeria

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms9010054 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 54

Author(s):

Salem Belkessa ◽

Daniel Thomas-Lopez ◽

Karim Houali ◽

Farida Ghalmi ◽

Christen Rune Stensvold

Keyword(s):

Real Time ◽

Molecular Characterization ◽

Real Time Pcr ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Giardia Duodenalis ◽

Specific Pcr ◽

Stool Samples ◽

Pcr Targeting ◽

Assemblage B

The molecular epidemiology of giardiasis in Africa remains unclear. A study was carried out across four hospitals in Algeria. A total of 119 fecal samples from 55 children, 37 adults, and 27 individuals of undetermined age, all scored positive for intestinal parasites by microscopy, and were screened by real-time PCR for Giardia. Molecular characterization of Giardia was performed by assemblage-specific PCR and PCR targeting the triose phosphate isomerase gene (tpi). Of the 119 samples, 80 (67%) were Giardia-positive by real-time PCR. For 48 moderately-highly real-time PCR-positive samples, tpi genotyping assigned 22 samples to Assemblage A and 26 to Assemblage B. Contrary to Assemblage A, Assemblage B exhibited substantial genetic diversity and allelic heterozygosity. Assemblage-specific PCR proved to be specific for discriminating Assemblage A or B but not as sensitive as tpi genotyping. We confirmed that real-time PCR is more sensitive than microscopy for detecting Giardia in stool samples and that robust amplification and sequencing of the tpi gene is feasible when moderate-to-strongly real-time PCR-positive samples are used. This study is one of the few performed in Africa providing genotyping data on Giardia infections in humans. Both assemblages A and B were commonly seen and not associated with specific sociodemographic data.

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Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitosis Among School Children in Baglung District of Western Nepal

Kathmandu University Medical Journal ◽

10.3126/kumj.v10i1.6904 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 62-65 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

A Shrestha ◽

KC Narayan ◽

R Sharma

Keyword(s):

Secondary Students ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Personal Hygiene ◽

Concentration Technique ◽

Total Prevalence ◽

Intestinal Parasitosis ◽

Gastrointestinal Problems ◽

Ancylostoma Duodenale ◽

Stool Samples

Background This study was carried out to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites among school-going children of the Baglung municipality from December 2010 to January 2011. Objective To find out prevalence of parasitosis among school aged children and to make necessary recommendations for preventive measures. Method A total of 260 stool samples were collected. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on predisposing factors. Nails were observed without prior information to the subjects so as to find their hygienic practice. The stool samples were examined by direct wet mount and formal ether concentration technique. Results The total prevalence of the intestinal parasitosis was found to be 21.05%. The prevalence for individual parasites was as follows: Entamoeba histolytica (9.23%), Giardia lamblia (5.76%), Trichuris trichuria (5%), Ancylostoma duodenale (2.65%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (2.3%). Nail hygiene and level of education were significantly associated with intestinal parasitosis. The gender and age of the children, sanitary habits including toilet use, hand washing practice, and the use of the antihelminthic drug (albendazole) were not significantly associated with intestinal parasitosis. Higher prevalence was seen in boys, children belonging to age group 10-14 years, lower secondary students, among those who reported gastrointestinal problems within last six months, children from agriculture-based families and children with untrimmed nail. Conclusion Major contributors for the prevalence of parasites were found to be poor personal hygiene and educational level of the children. Health education and mass treatment are recommended as a preventive measures. KATHMANDU UNIVERSITY MEDICAL JOURNAL VOL.10 | NO. 1 | ISSUE 37 | JAN - MAR 2012 | 3-6 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v10i1.6904

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Asymptomatic giardiasis-more prevalent in refugees than in native inhabitants of the city of Nis, Serbia

Open Medicine ◽

10.2478/s11536-008-0013-2 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

pp. 203-206

Author(s):

Natasa Miladinovic-Tasic ◽

Suzana Tasic ◽

Ivana Kranjcic-Zec ◽

Gordana Tasic ◽

Aleksandar Tasic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Microscopic Examination ◽

Gold Standard ◽

Parasitic Infection ◽

Giardia Duodenalis ◽

Population Group ◽

Concentration Technique ◽

Large Numbers ◽

Stool Samples ◽

Statistical Survey ◽

The City

AbstractGiardiasis is a parasitic infection of the digestive tract, most commonly occurring in closed communities such as schools, kindergartens, prisons, and campuses. The civil war in the former Yugoslav republics and in Kosovo caused a large number of refugees to take shelter in the territory of Serbia. Such large numbers of refugees could be accommodated only in the collective centers. Our aim was to examine the differences in the prevalence of asymptomatic giardiasis among 122 refugees from the former Yugoslav republics who lived in the collective centers in Nis, Serbia, and 241 native Nis inhabitants. Conventional microscopic examination (CME) of three stool samples with or without concentration technique and the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) methods were used. The CME method of three stool samples is considered the gold standard in our statistical survey. Asymptomatic giardiasis is found in 7 refugees (5.7%) using the EIA method, while using the CME (3 samples) Giardia duodenalis (G. duodenalis) was detected in 6 persons (4.9%). Using the EIA method and the CME (3 samples) G. duodenalis was detected in only 1 person in the population group of native inhabitants (0.4%). Asymptomatic giardiasis was more prevalent in the population group of refugees accommodated in collective centers than in native inhabitants in the Nis municipality, Serbia.

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Prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminthiases and Schistosomiasis in Preschool Age Children in Mwea Division, Kirinyaga South District, Kirinyaga County, and Their Potential Effect on Physical Growth

Journal of Tropical Medicine ◽

10.1155/2017/1013802 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2017 ◽

pp. 1-12 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Stephen Sifuna Wefwafwa Sakari ◽

Amos K. Mbugua ◽

Gerald M. Mkoji

Keyword(s):

Low Income ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Preschool Age ◽

Physical Growth ◽

Low Income Countries ◽

Intestinal Helminth ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Anthropometric Indices ◽

Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽

Preschool Age Children

Intestinal parasitic infections can significantly contribute to the burden of disease, may cause nutritional and energetic stress, and negatively impact the quality of life in low income countries of the world. This cross-sectional study done in Mwea irrigation scheme, in Kirinyaga, central Kenya, assessed the public health significance of soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH), schistosomiasis, and other intestinal parasitic infections, among 361 preschool age children (PSAC) through fecal examination, by measuring anthropometric indices, and through their parents/guardians, by obtaining sociodemographic information. Both intestinal helminth and protozoan infections were detected, and, among the soil-transmitted helminth parasites, there were Ascaris lumbricoides (prevalence, 3%), Ancylostoma duodenale (<1%), and Trichuris trichiura (<1%). Other intestinal helminths were Hymenolepis nana (prevalence, 3.6%) and Enterobius vermicularis (<1%). Schistosoma mansoni occurred at a prevalence of 5.5%. Interestingly, the protozoan, Giardia lamblia (prevalence, 14.7%), was the most common among the PSAC. Other protozoans were Entamoeba coli (3.9%) and Entamoeba histolytica (<1). Anthropometric indices showed evidence of malnutrition. Intestinal parasites were associated with hand washing behavior, family size, water purification, and home location. These findings suggest that G. lamblia infection and malnutrition may be significant causes of ill health among the PSAC in Mwea, and, therefore, an intervention plan is needed.

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Evaluation of intestinal parasites in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria in a territory hospital in Turkey

The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries ◽

10.3855/jidc.11552 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 13 (10) ◽

pp. 927-932

Author(s):

Sedat Vezir ◽

Filiz Kaya ◽

Emine Vezir ◽

Nermin Karaosmanoğlu ◽

Ali Kudret Adiloğlu

Keyword(s):

Patient Group ◽

Chronic Urticaria ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Giardia Duodenalis ◽

Adult Patients ◽

Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria ◽

Parasitic Infections ◽

Cutaneous Manifestations ◽

Blastocystis Sp ◽

Stool Samples

Introduction: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) which develops without a known stimulation is defined as the occurrence of spontaneous wheals, angioedema or both for longer than six weeks. Infections, autoimmunity, food intolerance and internal parasitic infections are supposed to be underlying causes of CSU. The aim of this study was to evaluate the intestinal parasites in children and adult patients diagnosed as CSU, to determine the frequency of parasites in chronic urticaria, and to compare these patients with healthy demographic control groups. Methodology: Seventy six children and 38 adult patients with CSU were examined in terms of parasitic infections. The patients whom parasites were detected received anti-parasitic therapy and the improvements in CSU symptoms were evaluated. Stool samples were examined with direct microscopic examination (native-lugol), stool concentration and trichrome staining methods. Results: In pediatric patient group, 18.4% (n = 14) of the stool samples were positive for Blastocystis sp., 2.6% (n = 2), Dientamoeba fragilis and 1.3% (n = 1), Giardia duodenalis. In adult patient group, Blastocystis sp. was detected in 18.4% (n = 7) of the stool samples. Anti-parasitic therapy yielded substantial improvement in urticaria symptoms in 57.1% of pediatric and 60.0% of adult patients. Conclusions: Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis may play a role in chronic urticaria which seriously disrupts the patient's quality of life. Parasitic infections should not be neglected in patients with cutaneous manifestations.

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Infrequent Transmission of Monovalent Human Rotavirus Vaccine Virus to Household Contacts of Vaccinated Infants in Malawi

The Journal of Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/infdis/jiz002 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 219 (11) ◽

pp. 1730-1734 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Aisleen Bennett ◽

Louisa Pollock ◽

Khuzwayo C Jere ◽

Virginia E Pitzer ◽

Benjamin Lopman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Low Income ◽

Indirect Effects ◽

Horizontal Transmission ◽

Vaccine Virus ◽

Low Income Countries ◽

Rotavirus Vaccine ◽

Fecal Shedding ◽

Household Contacts ◽

Human Rotavirus ◽

Stool Samples

Abstract Horizontal transmission of rotavirus vaccine virus may contribute to indirect effects of rotavirus vaccine, but data are lacking from low-income countries. Serial stool samples were obtained from Malawian infants who received 2 doses of monovalent human rotavirus vaccine (RV1) (days 4, 6, 8, and 10 after vaccination) and from their household contacts (8–10 days after vaccine). RV1 vaccine virus in stool was detected using semiquantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. RV1 fecal shedding was detected in 41 of 60 vaccinated infants (68%) and in 2 of 147 household contacts (1.4%). Horizontal transmission of vaccine virus within households is unlikely to make a major contribution to RV1 indirect effects in Malawi.

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Molecular Diversity of Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and Blastocystis sp. in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Schoolchildren in Zambézia Province (Mozambique)

Pathogens ◽

10.3390/pathogens10030255 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 255 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Aly S. Muadica ◽

Pamela C. Köster ◽

Alejandro Dashti ◽

Begoña Bailo ◽

Marta Hernández-de-Mingo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Low Income ◽

Molecular Diversity ◽

Giardia Duodenalis ◽

Molecular Data ◽

Low Income Countries ◽

Medical Attention ◽

Cryptosporidium Spp ◽

Asymptomatic Children ◽

Common Causes ◽

Blastocystis Sp

Infections by the protist enteroparasites Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and, to a much lesser extent, Blastocystis sp. are common causes of childhood diarrhoea in low-income countries. This molecular epidemiological study assesses the frequency and molecular diversity of these pathogens in faecal samples from asymptomatic schoolchildren (n = 807) and symptomatic children seeking medical attention (n = 286) in Zambézia province, Mozambique. Detection and molecular characterisation of pathogens was conducted by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods coupled with Sanger sequencing. Giardia duodenalis was the most prevalent enteric parasite found [41.7%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 38.8–44.7%], followed by Blastocystis sp. (14.1%, 95% CI: 12.1–16.3%), and Cryptosporidium spp. (1.6%, 95% CI: 0.9–2.5%). Sequence analyses revealed the presence of assemblages A (7.0%, 3/43) and B (88.4%, 38/43) within G. duodenalis-positive children. Four Cryptosporidium species were detected, including C. hominis (30.8%; 4/13), C. parvum (30.8%, 4/13), C. felis (30.8%, 4/13), and C. viatorum (7.6%, 1/13). Four Blastocystis subtypes were also identified including ST1 (22.7%; 35/154), ST2 (22.7%; 35/154), ST3 (45.5%; 70/154), and ST4 (9.1%; 14/154). Most of the genotyped samples were from asymptomatic children. This is the first report of C. viatorum and Blastocystis ST4 in Mozambique. Molecular data indicate that anthropic and zoonotic transmission (the latter at an unknown rate) are important spread pathways of diarrhoea-causing pathogens in Mozambique.

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Giardia duodenalis infection in the context of a community-based deworming and water, sanitation and hygiene trial in Timor-Leste

Parasites & Vectors ◽

10.1186/s13071-019-3752-9 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jessica Y. H. Aw ◽

Naomi E. Clarke ◽

James S. McCarthy ◽

Rebecca J. Traub ◽

Salvador Amaral ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Low Income ◽

Large Scale ◽

Giardia Duodenalis ◽

Community Level ◽

Trial Registration ◽

Low Income Countries ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Sanitation And Hygiene ◽

Timor Leste ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Giardiasis is a common diarrhoeal disease caused by the protozoan Giardia duodenalis. It is prevalent in low-income countries in the context of inadequate access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and is frequently co-endemic with neglected tropical diseases such as soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections. Large-scale periodic deworming programmes are often implemented in these settings; however, there is limited evidence for the impact of regular anthelminthic treatment on G. duodenalis infection. Additionally, few studies have examined the impact of WASH interventions on G. duodenalis. Methods The WASH for WORMS cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted in remote communities in Manufahi municipality, Timor-Leste, between 2012 and 2016. All study communities received four rounds of deworming with albendazole at six-monthly intervals. Half were randomised to additionally receive a community-level WASH intervention following study baseline. We measured G. duodenalis infection in study participants every six months for two years, immediately prior to deworming, as a pre-specified secondary outcome of the trial. WASH access and behaviours were measured using questionnaires. Results There was no significant change in G. duodenalis prevalence in either study arm between baseline and the final study follow-up. We found no additional benefit of the community-level WASH intervention on G. duodenalis infection (relative risk: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.72–1.54). Risk factors for G. duodenalis infection included living in a household with a child under five years of age (adjusted odds ratio, aOR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.04–1.75), living in a household with more than six people (aOR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.02–1.72), and sampling during the rainy season (aOR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.04–1.45). Individuals infected with the hookworm Necator americanus were less likely to have G. duodenalis infection (aOR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.57–0.88). Conclusions Prevalence of G. duodenalis was not affected by a community WASH intervention or by two years of regular deworming with albendazole. Direct household contacts appear to play a dominant role in driving transmission. We found evidence of antagonistic effects between G. duodenalis and hookworm infection, which warrants further investigation in the context of global deworming efforts. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12614000680662. Registered 27 June 2014, retrospectively registered. https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=366540.

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The gut microbiome and rotavirus vaccine immunogenicity in rural Zimbabwean infants

10.1101/2021.03.24.21254180 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ruairi Robertson ◽

James A Church ◽

Thad J Edens ◽

Kuda Mutasa ◽

Hyun Min Geum ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Random Forest ◽

Low Income ◽

Gut Microbiome ◽

Oral Vaccine ◽

Bifidobacterium Longum ◽

Low Income Countries ◽

Rotavirus Vaccine ◽

Forest Models ◽

Random Forest Models ◽

Stool Samples

Background: Oral rotavirus vaccine (RVV) immunogenicity is considerably lower in low- versus high-income populations; however, the mechanisms underlying this remain unclear. Previous evidence suggests that the gut microbiota may contribute to differences in oral vaccine efficacy. Methods: We performed whole metagenome shotgun sequencing on stool samples and measured anti-rotavirus immunoglobulin A in plasma samples from a subset of infants enrolled in a cluster randomized 2×2 factorial trial of improved water, sanitation and hygiene and infant feeding in rural Zimbabwe (SHINE trial: NCT01824940). We examined taxonomic and functional microbiome composition using random forest models, differential abundance testing and regression analyses to explored associations with RVV immunogenicity. Results: Among 158 infants with stool samples and anti-rotavirus IgA titres, 34 were RVV seroconverters. The median age at stool collection was 43 days. The infant microbiome was dominated by Bifidobacterium longum. The gut microbiome differed significantly between early (≤42 days) and later samples (>42 days) however, we observed no meaningful differences in alpha diversity, beta diversity, species composition or functional metagenomic composition by RVV seroconversion status. Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron was the only species associated with anti-rotavirus IgA titre. Random forest models poorly classified seroconversion status by both composition and functional microbiome variables. Conclusions: RVV immunogenicity is low in this rural Zimbabwean setting, however it is not explained by the composition or function of the early-life gut microbiome. Further research is warranted to examine the mechanisms of poor oral RVV efficacy in low-income countries.

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Molecular diversity of Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp. and Blastocystis sp. in asymptomatic school children in Leganés, Madrid (Spain)

10.21203/rs.2.19429/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Aly Salimo Muadica ◽

Pamela C Köster ◽

Alejandro Dashti ◽

Begoña Bailo ◽

Marta Heernández de Mingo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Molecular Diversity ◽

Parasite Species ◽

Intestinal Parasites ◽

Giardia Duodenalis ◽

Small Subunit ◽

Enterocytozoon Bieneusi ◽

Published Data ◽

Cryptosporidium Hominis ◽

Additional Sequence ◽

Stool Samples

Abstract Background: The protozoa Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., the stramenopile Blastocystis sp. and the microsporidia Enterocytozoon bieneusi are among the most frequent diarrheal pathogens affecting humans globally. This molecular epidemiological study assesses the frequency and molecular diversity of these intestinal parasites in schoolchildren in central Spain, complementing previously published data on risk and protective factors associated with parasite infection (Reh et al., Euro Surveill. 2019;24).Methods: Stool samples were collected from voluntary asymptomatic schoolchildren (4‒14 years) and their siblings (1‒16 years) attending 12 primary and secondary schools in Leganés (Madrid). Initial detection of pathogens was conducted by PCR-based methods targeting the small subunit (ssu) ribosomal RNA or the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) genes of these parasite species. Genotyping of G. duodenalis-positive samples was carried out by PCR and Sanger sequencing of appropriate markers including the glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), the ß-giardin (bg), and triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) loci. For C. hominis/C. parvum-positive samples the 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60) locus was used.Results: A total of 1,512 stool samples were analysed. Giardia duodenalis was the most prevalent pathogen (17.4%, 95% CI: 15.5‒19.4%), followed by Blastocystis sp. (13.0%, 95% CI: 11.4‒14.8%), and Cryptosporidium spp. (0.9%, 95% CI: 0.5%‒1.5%). Enterocytozoon bieneusi was not detected. Sequence analyses of the 24 G. duodenalis isolates genotyped at the gdh, bg, and/or tpi loci revealed the presence of sub-assemblages AII (16.6%, 4/24) and BIV (79.2%, 19/24). An additional sequence (4.2%, 1/24) represented an ambiguous BIII/BIV result. Analyses of the 14 Cryptosporidium sequences generated at the ssu rRNA allowed the identification of C. hominis (71.4%; 10/14) and C. parvum (21.4%; 3/14). An additional sequence (7.2%, 1/14) was only identified at the genus level. A total of 162 Blastocystis sp. isolates were successfully genotyped, revealing the presence of five subtypes including ST1 (22.8%; 37/162), ST2 (36.4%; 59/162), ST3 (21.6%; 35/162), ST4 (18.6%; 30/162), and ST8 (0.6%; 1/162).Conclusions: Giardia duodenalis sub-assemblage BIV, Cryptosporidium hominis and Blastocystis ST2 were the genetic variants of these parasite species more prevalent in the asymptomatic schoolchildren population investigated. These findings are very similar to those previously reported in clinical, symptomatic populations in Spain. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was absent in apparently healthy schoolchildren.

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