Climate Change and Fecal Peril

Fecal peril caused by intestinal parasites is commonly reported to be causing health problems in the world. Furthermore, global climate change is inevitable. The purpose of this chapter is to examine the health effects of climate change. Water shortage contribute to increase the pressure on regional water resources and force a greater number of people to use urban wastewater as an alternative for irrigation. Therefore, unsafe management and inappropriate wastewater use in urban agriculture is likely to be responsible of exacerbating the transmission of infectious diseases, including those caused by intestinal protozoa and helminths parasitic worms. It should be taken into account that waterborne diseases are influencedby climate change. The frequency and severity of intertwined extreme weather events driven by climate change are occurring worldwide and likely to cause epidemics of waterborne gastroenteritis. The association found between both rainfall, river flooding, and the majority of waterborne disease outbreaks was frequently proved to be preceded by climatic change events.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and Schistosoma mansoni and Associated Factors among Fishermen at Lake Tana, Northwest Ethiopia

Background. Intestinal parasites and Schistosoma mansoni infections adversely affect the health of humans in the world especially in sub-Saharan African countries including Ethiopia. Fishermen who spend most of their time in water bodies are supposed to be at high risk of schistosomiasis and other water-born parasites. However, the magnitude of these parasitic infections and their determinant factors are not well addressed. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Lake Tana among 388 fishermen from March to May 2021. Questionnaire data was collected through face to face interview. Stool sample from each participant was processed by the Kato-Katz and spontaneous tube sedimentation techniques. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results. One hundred sixty four (42.3%) and 88 (22.7%) participants were infected by intestinal parasites and Schistosoma mansoni, respectively. One hundred twenty two (31.4%) and 42 (10.8%) participants were infected by soil-transmitted helminths and intestinal protozoa, respectively. Attending only primary school ( AOR = 2.02 , p = 0.014 ) or being illiterate ( AOR = 2.54 , p = 0.004 ) and not washing hands before meal ( AOR = 2.23 , p = 0.007 ) were significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections. Illiterate educational status ( AOR = 2.37 , p = 0.022 ), fishing by bargee ( AOR = 2.43 , p = 0.005 ), fishing ≥4 days per week ( AOR = 2.27 , p = 0.029 ), swimming habit ( AOR = 3.03 , p = 0.030 ), and participation in irrigation ( AOR = 3.09 , p ≤ 0.001 ) predispose fishermen to S. mansoni infection. Conclusion. Intestinal parasites and S. mansoni infections are highly prevalent among fishermen at Lake Tana basin. Low education level and frequent water contact predispose fishermen for intestinal parasites and S. mansoni. Therefore, health education to fishermen on intestinal parasites and S. mansoni infection and regular deworming should be advocated.

Soil-transmitted helminths, intestinal protozoa and Clonorchis sinensis infections in southeast China

Background Extensive parasitic diseases epidemiology in Zhejiang province has not been carried out since the second national survey in 2004. Therefore, dynamics in prevalence and infection pattern of the major intestinal parasites should be explored. Methods The distribution of three parasites including soil-transmitted helminths (STH), intestinal protozoa and C. sinensis in Zhejiang from 2014 to 2015 were explored. Kato-Katz technique was used for STH and C. sinensis detection, whereas transparent adhesive paper anal swab was used for pinworm detection, and iodine smear was used for protozoa detection. A questionnaire survey on alimentary habits and sanitary behaviors was conducted in half of the studied counties. Results This study recruited 23,552 participants: 19,935 from rural and 3617 from urban area. Overall prevalence of intestinal helminth infections was 1.80%. In this study, seven helminth species were identified including A. duodenale, N. americanus, Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, C. sinensis, Fasciolopsis buski and pinworm. The average prevalence of STH infection was 1.71%: 1.94% in rural and 0.44% in urban area. Hookworm was the most prevalent infection at 1.58%: 1.79% in rural and 0.44% in urban area. Prevalence varied considerably in the studied counties. Prevalence was highest in Yongkang county at 10.25%. Only 2.79% of children from rural area were infected with pinworm. A proportion of 0.40% of rural participants were infected with protozoa, whereas Endolimax nana was the most prevalent at 0.23%. C. sinensis showed infection only in one man. Awareness on C. sinensis was 24.47% in rural and 45.96% in urban area, respectively. Conclusions Prevalence of STH and protozoa infections declined considerably whereas C. sinensis infections remained few in Zhejiang province compared with the prevalence reported in previous large scale surveys (19.56% for national STH infection in 2004, 18.66% and 4.57% for provincial STH and protozoa infection, respectively in 1999). The findings of this study showed that hookworm, mainly N. americanus remained a parasitic threat to population health, mainly in the central and western Zhejiang. Therefore, more health education regarding fertilization and farming habits is necessary in rural areas. The awareness concerning hookworm infection should be reinforced.

Assessment of the Level of Interleukin IL 5 and IL 17 in Patients Infected with some Intestinal Parasites and H. pylori

The current study aimed to assess the level of interleukin IL 5 and IL 17 in patients infected with E. histolytica, G. lamblia parasites and H. pylori who suffer from diarrhea and some intestinal disorders, who attended Shirqat General Hospital / Salah al-Din Governorate, during the period from October 2020 to March 2021. The number of faecal samples examined was 409. The parasite infection were detected and investigated using direct wet smear and ether-formalin precipitation methods using light microscopy. All positive samples were examined for microscopic examination by antigen test for faecal samples and antibody test for rapid serum samples for detection of H. pylori co-infection of intestinal protozoa. The results showed that the total infection rate was 46 (11.24%) positive sample for the intestinal protozoa and 363 (88.7%) negative sample, E. histolytica was the higher with 67.38%, followed by Giardia lamblia with 32.61%. The results of the bacterial detection showed that 13 (28.26) positive samples and 33 (71.73%) negative samples, and the rate of co-infection between E. histolytica and H. pylori 9 (29.03%) was higher than the infection rate between Giardia lamblia and H. pylori 4 (26.66%). As for evaluating the level of Cytokines studied, the concentrations of some anti-inflammatory kinetics such as interleukin-5 and some pro-inflammatory kinetics such as interleukin-17 were estimated using ELISA technique. The results showed an increase in the concentration of interleukin-5 in the serum of patients with intestinal protozoa infections, as its concentration reached (10.956 ± 2.381 ml/Pg) compared to the control group (4.334 ± 1.434 ml/Pg), As for the patients infected with H. pylori (4.284±1.260 ml/Pg), there was no increase in the concentration of interleukin-5 compared to the control group (the healthy ones), While the concentration of IL-17 was lower in patients with intestinal protozoa infections (30.114 ± 4.877 ml/Pg) compared to the control group (35.665 ± 3.198 ml/Pg), As well as in patients infected with H. pylori bacteria (31.097±2.001 pg/ml) compared to the control group. The results of the statistical analysis showed that there were significant significant differences in the concentration of each of interleukin 5 and 17, which were statistically significant at the level of probability ≤ 0.01 P.

Epidemiological aspects of toxocariasis in the astrakhan region in 2000–2019

The clinical and epidemiological situations of toxocariasis were analyzed following the International Classification of Diseases X revision (B83.0 Visceral form of diseases caused by the migration of helminth larvae [visceral Larva migrans]. Toxocariasis) in the Astrakhan region from 2000 to 2019. During this period, 76 (0.096%) cases of toxocarous infestation in humans were reported. Clinically, typical toxocariasis was found in 53 (69.7%) cases, and atypical (erased or asymptomatic) was noted in 23 (30.3%) cases. A typical toxocariasis presented as a gastrointestinal lesion in 32 (60.4%) patients, pain in the epigastric region in 31 (96.9%), complaints in the right hand in 12 (37.5%), bloating in 4 (12.5%), decreased and/or lack of appetite and nausea in 7 (21.9%), coughing in 30 (93.8%), and feeling of asphyxiation at night in 6 (18.8%). In addition, toxocariasis was accompanied by muscle damage, manifested in the form of complaints of joint pain, in 13 (24.5%) cases and rapid fatigue in 12 (92.3%) cases. A mixed form of toxocariasis was observed, manifesting as complaints of general weakness in 8 (15.1%) cases, subphebrilitis in 7 (87.5%), allergic runny nose and urticaria in 6 (75%), and reduced body weight and stratification of nails correspondences in 3 (37.5%). Albendazole was used for treatment. Sanitary and parasitological analysis of soil samples from playgrounds in Astrakhan and Astrakhan region for the presence of eggs and larvae of helminths, as well as cysts of pathogenic intestinal protozoa, showed fairly high contamination of toxocar eggs in environmental objects. Thus, toxocariasis was registered in individuals of different ages (children and adults). The main causes of infection were close contact with domestic and stray animals, noncompliance with personal hygiene rules, as well as a tendency to geophagia. The criteria for the diagnosis of toxocariasis were the clinical manifestations of invasion and presence of antibodies of 1:800 and higher in the formulation of the immunoassay method.

Penyuluhan Protozoa Usus Penyebab Diare dan Penyerahan Washtafel Pada Siswa SD Makamhaji 03 Sukoharjo

Penyakit diare merupakan penyakit endemis di Indonesia. Pada tahun 2016 terdapat 911.901 kejadian diare di Jawa Tengah. Salah satu sebab diare adalah infeksi protozoa usus. Penyakit diare yang disebabkan oleh protozoa usus pada siswa SD bisa terjadi karena banyak faktor, antara lain yaitu pengetahuan dan sikap tentang protozoa usus yang bisa menyebabkan diare, serta perilaku dalam pencegahan diare karena protozoa usus. Perilaku dalam hal ini yang bisa mencegah terjadinya diare karena protozoa usus yaitu menjaga personal higiene siswa, misalnya mencuci tangan sebelum makan dan sesudah buang air besar. Oleh karena itu, kami mengadakan pengabdian masyarakat dengan cara memberikan penyuluhan tentang protozoa usus yang bisa menyebabkan diare kepada siswa-siswi SD Makamhaji 03 Sukoharjo. Tujuan pengabdian masyarakat ini adalah untuk memberi pengetahuan kepada siswa-siswi SD Makamhaji 03 Sukoharjo tentang protozoa usus yang dapat menyebabkan diare. Kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat ini dilaksanakan pada hari Rabu tanggal 13 November 2019 di SD Negeri Makamhaji 03 Kartasura Kabupaten Sukoharjo. Peserta penyuluhan terdiri dari siswa-siswi kelas IV, sebanyak 37 anak. Siswa-siswi mengikuti penyuluhan dengan antusias. Acara ditutup dengan penyerahan washtafel dan sabun cuci tangan dari tim penyuluh kepada pihak sekolah. Persiapan, proses dan hasil penyuluhan baik. Terdapat peningkatan pengetahuan siswa tentang protozoa sebagai penyebab diare. Hal tersebut bisa diketahui dari nilai kuesioner. Rata-rata nilai pretes adalah 2,45 sedangkan rata-rata nilai postes adalah 3,16.---Diarrhea is an endemic disease in Indonesia. On 2016, the incidence of diarrhea was 911.901 cases in Central Java. One of microorganism can cause diarrhea is intestinal protozoa. Protozoal diarrhea in elementry school students can occur because of many factors, such as knowledge and attitude of the diarrheal prevention. One of the attitudes is about maintain personal hygiene, such as washing hands before and after eating and after defecation. We did the community service by socialization to the students about intestinal protozoa as cause of diarrhea. The socialization aimed to give adequat information about intestinal protozoa as cause of diarrhea to the students of SD Makamhaji 03 Sukoharjo. The community service was held on Wednesday, 13th November 2019 in SD Makamhaji 03 Sukoharjo. The audience was students of 4th grade of SD Makamhaji 03 Sukoharjo, 37 students. The students attended the socialization well. There was donation of washtafel and hand soap from presenter team to school team. The preparation, process and socialization result was good. There was increasing of students’ knowledge about intestinal protozoa as cause of diarrhea, within the mean of pretest score was 2.45 meanwhile the mean of postes score was 3.16.

Risk Evaluation of Pathogenic Intestinal Protozoa Infection Among Laboratory Macaques, Animal Facility Workers, and Nearby Villagers From One Health Perspective

Background: Previous epidemiological studies have confirmed non-human primates (NHPs) as reservoirs for Cryptosporidium spp. , Giardia intestinalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi. It highlights the possibility of interspecies transmission between humans and macaques in laboratory animal facilities. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of pathogenic intestinal protozoan infections in macaques and humans and to determine the risk of cross-species transmission from One Health view.Materials and Methods: A total of 360 fecal samples, including 310 from the four Macaca mulatta groups, 25 from the facility workers in a laboratory animal facility, and 25 from the villagers nearby in Yongfu country, southeast China, were collected. Nested PCR assays were done for detecting protozoan pathogens from all the specimens. Furthermore, potential risk factors (gender, age, and direct contact) on the occurrence of intestinal protozoa infection among different sub-groups were evaluated. A phylogenetic and haplotype network analysis was conducted to examine the genetic structure and shared patterns of E. bieneusi and Cyclospora cayetanensis.Results: The pathogenic intestinal protozoa were detected in both human and macaque fecal samples. A total of 134 (37.2%) samples were tested positive, which included 113 (36.4%) macaques, 14 (56.0%) facility workers, and 7 (28.0%) villagers, respectively. There was no significant difference in four intestinal protozoa infections between facility workers and villagers (χ2 = 2.4, P > 0.05). However, the positive rate of pathogenic intestinal protozoa in the facility workers, who had direct contact with macaques, was significantly higher [odds ratio (OR) = 0.31, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.09–1.00, P < 0.05).Thirty-three ITS genotypes of E. bieneusi were identified, including five known genotypes (PigEBITS7, Peru8, Henan V, D, and CM1) and six novel genotypes (MEB1–6). Seven haplotypes were identified in the network analysis from C. cayetanensis-positive samples. Meanwhile, a phylogenetic and haplotype analysis confirmed the presence of zoonotic subtypes in NHPs and humans.Conclusion: The data collected from this study confirmed a high prevalence of intestinal protozoan infection in humans and macaques. These results warrant workers of such facilities and residents to limit contact with infected animals in order to minimize related health risks. The need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the risk of zoonotic transmission, especially from a One Health perspective, is recommended.

Contamination of environmental objects by helminth-protozoan infestations in Astrakhan region. Аnalysis of activities of “Сenter for hygiene and epidemiology in Astrakhan region” for 2011–2020

Objective. To study and analyze the contamination of environmental objects in the Astrakhan Region (by the example of soil, water, and washout samples from solid household surfaces) based on the results of laboratory studies of the Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology in the Astrakhan Region for 20112020. Materials and methods. The work was carried out on the basis of the Laboratory of Bacteriological and Parasitological Research of the Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology in the Astrakhan Region and in the laboratories of the Branches of the Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology in the Astrakhan Region in 20112020. As a whole, during the analyzed period, the laboratory and its branches conducted laboratory studies of 79 742 samples taken from various environmental objects, and 94 495 studies were performed. The number of samples that do not meet the hygiene standards was 1.01 % (806 samples). Results. The objects of sampling for the study of their parasitic purity were water, soil and wash-out from solid household surfaces. The share of water samples in the structure of all the studied samples taken from environmental objects was 7.3 % (5858 samples), of which 172 samples were contaminated with pathogens of parasitic diseases, the extent of invasion was 2.9 %. The structure of positive findings in the water samples was represented by 6 nosological forms of helminths 88.0 % (154 samples) and 3 nosoforms of protozoa 12.0 %. The share of the studied soil samples in the overall structure of sanitary and parasitological studies of the environment was 11.2 % (8895 samples). The number of unsatisfactory samples in the structure of all positive findings revealed during the study of soil, water and washouts during the analyzed period was 70.4 % (625 samples). The total soil contamination for the period of 20112020 was 7.0 % (625 samples). In most cases, helminth eggs and larvae were detected 99.8 % (624 samples). The proportion of pathogenic protozoan cysts detected in the soil was 0.2 % (1 sample). In addition to water and soil samples, the washout samples, taken from solid household surfaces were studied 81.5 % (64989 samples), of which 0.01 % (9 samples) were unsatisfactory. All positive findings in the washout samples were represented by two nosological forms of helminthiasis: Enterobius vermicularis eggs 0.012 % (8 samples) and teniid oncospheres 0.002 (1 sample). Conclusions. The presence of helminth eggs and cysts of pathogenic intestinal protozoa in the studied soil and water samples indicates contamination of these objects with the feces of infected persons and/or contamination by sewage runoff resulting from various accidents. The presence of toxocara eggs and strongylid larvae in the soil and water indicates contamination of these objects with the feces of infected animals (dogs, cats). The presence of positive findings in wastewater samples indicates poor-quality disinfection of these objects. The presence of contact helminth eggs in the studied samples of washout samples taken from hard surfaces indicates direct contact of infected persons with these samples.

Intestinal Protozoan Parasitosis in 4- and 11-year-old Children in Cunduana Community, Riobamba Canton, Chimborazo, June 2019 June

Introduction: Parasitosis is a public health problem that affects millions of people, school-age children are more vulnerable, affects their physical and intellectual development, are transmitted by fecal-oral route, and is associated with poor hygienic and sanitary conditions. In Ecuador they constitute the second reason for medical consultation. Objective: To contribute to the epidemiological knowledge of intestinal parasitosis by protozoa in our environment. Methodology: An experimental descriptive study, with a universe of 80 children, obtaining 55 samples, a direct examination was carried out in preparations with physiological serum and lugol, identifying the parasites by their microscopic morphology. Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis by protozoa was 78.18%, while for the parasites Endolimax nana 30.9% Entamoeba histolytica, 34.5% and Giardia lamblia 14.5%. 40% of the participants were monoparasitized and 38.2% had polyparasitosis. Conclusion: High prevalence of parasitosis by intestinal protozoa was determined in the children of the Unit with 78.18%. The most prevalent ameboid protozoan was E. nana, followed by the pathogenic protozoan E. histolytica, while G. lamblia was flagellated protozoan identified. The lack of adequate sanitary infrastructure, habits of hygiene, environmental pollution, influence the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis. Keywords: protozoan infections, intestinal diseases, child. RESUMEN Introducción: Parasitosis es un problema de salud pública que afecta a millones de personas, los niños en edad escolar son más vulnerables, afecta su desarrollo físico e intelectual, se transmiten por vía fecal-oral, y está asociada a deficientes condiciones higiénicas y sanitarias. En Ecuador constituyen el segundo motivo de consulta médica. Objetivo: contribuir al conocimiento epidemiológico de las parasitosis intestinales por protozoos en nuestro medio. Metodología: estudio descriptivo experimental, con un universo de 80 niños y niñas, obteniendo 55 muestras, se realizó examen directo en preparaciones con suero fisiológico y lugol, identificando los parásitos por su morfología microscópica. Resultados: La prevalencia de parasitosis intestinal por protozoos fue de 78,18%, mientras que para los parásitos Endolimax nana 30,9%, Entamoeba histolytica 34,5% y Giardia lamblia 14,5%. El 40% de los participantes fue monoparasitado y el 38,2% presentó poliparasitosis. Conclusiones: Se determinó alta prevalencia de parasitosis por protozoos intestinales en los niños y niñas de la Unidad con un 78,18%. El protozoo ameboideo de mayor prevalencia fue E. nana, seguido del protozoo patógeno E. histolytica, mientras que G. lambia fue protozoo flagelado identificado. La falta de una adecuada infraestructura sanitaria, hábitos de higiene, contaminación ambiental, influyen en la prevalencia de la parasitosis intestinal. Palabras clave: infecciones por protozoos, parasitosis intestinales, niños.