Impact of Annual versus Semiannual Mass Drug Administration with Ivermectin and Albendazole on Helminth Infections in Southeastern Liberia

We compared the impact of three rounds of annual and five rounds of semiannual mass drug administration (MDA) with albendazole plus ivermectin on helminthic infections in Liberia. Repeated annual cross-sectional community surveys were conducted between 2013 and 2019 in individuals of 5 years and older. Primary outcome was the change of infection prevalence estimates from baseline to month 36 (12 months after the last treatment). After three rounds of annual MDA, Wuchereria bancrofti circulating filarial antigen (CFA) and microfilaria (Mf) prevalence estimates decreased from 19.7% to 4.3% and from 8.6% to 0%, respectively; after semiannual MDA, CFA and Mf prevalences decreased from 37.8% to 16.8% and 17.9% to 1%, respectively. Mixed effects logistic regression models indicated that the odds of having Mf decreased by 97% (P < 0.001) at month 36 (similar odds for annual and semiannual MDA zones). A parallel analysis showed that the odds of CFA were reduced by 83% and 69% at 36 months in the annual and semiannual treatment zones, respectively (P < 0.001). Onchocerca volvulus Mf prevalence decreased slightly after multiple MDA rounds in both treatment zones. Reductions in hookworm and Trichuris trichiura prevalences and intensities were slightly greater in the annual treatment zone. Ascaris lumbricoides prevalence rates were relatively unchanged, although infection intensities decreased sharply throughout. Results show that annual and semiannual MDA were equally effective for reducing LF and soil-transmitted helminth infection parameters over a 3-year period, and reductions recorded at month 36 were sustained by routine annual MDA through month 72.

Determinants of Helminthic Infections and Anemia among Schoolchildren in Bahir Dar Zuria District, Northwest Ethiopia

Background. Soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni are the major helminthic parasites that cause major public health problems among schoolchildren in developing countries. Infection with the above parasites decreases the hemoglobin level of children. However, information regarding the current status of helminthic infections and anemia is limited. Hence, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of helminthic infections and anemia among children. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 394 schoolchildren at Sekelet primary school in northwest Ethiopia, from February to March 2017. Study participants were selected by a systematic random sampling technique. Stool samples were collected and processed via the modified Ritchie’s concentration technique to detect parasites in stool. A HemoCue Hb 201 analyzer was used to determine the hemoglobin level. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 statistical software. Association of helminthic infections and anemia with independent variables was determined using logistic regression analysis. Variables with P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results. From the total of 394 participants, 185 (46.9%), 164 (41.6%), and 112 (28.4%) were infected with intestinal parasites, helminths, and STHs, respectively. The prevalence of hookworm and Schistosoma mansoni were 106 (25.6%) and 54 (13.7%), respectively. The prevalence of anemia among the schoolchildren was 278 (70.6%). Anemia was prevalent among 55 (51.9%) hookworm-infected and 19 (35.2%) S. mansoni-infected children. Not wearing shoes and improper utilization of latrine were significantly associated ( P < 0.05 ) with hookworm infection, and frequent swimming in the river was also significantly associated ( P ≤ 0.001 ) with Schistosoma mansoni infection. Schistosoma mansoni and hookworm infections were also significantly associated ( P ≤ 0.001 ) with low levels of hemoglobin. Conclusion. Hookworm and Schistosoma mansoni infections and anemia are highly prevalent among schoolchildren. Hookworm and Schistosoma mansoni infections are significantly associated with anemia. Therefore, helminthic detection and hemoglobin determination should be done simultaneously among schoolchildren.

IL-33 genetics and epigenetics in immune-related diseases

Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is a 30KDa protein, which belongs to the Interleukin-1 cytokine family. It is a crucial regulator of innate and adaptive immune responses. This interleukin is additionally involved in the inflammatory reaction versus helminthic infections. Interleukin 33 acts on group 2 innate lymphoid cells and mast cells macrophages, dendritic cells and CD4 + Th2 cells eliciting a type 2 immune response. Moreover, the cytokine can activate the ST2 of Tregs, demonstrating its ability to downregulate inflammation. IL-33 has also an intracellular function by regulating transcription. The active IL-33 doesn’t have a signal peptide, so it’s not released across a normal secretory pathway; the interleukin is released when the cells are damages and acts like an “alarmin”. Its influence on immune activation could be slightly adjusted via fine epigenetic interactions involving cascade pathways and immune genes. Due to the diverse data emerged from different experimental research, we decided span literature to clarify, as much as possible, how IL-33 is influenced by and influence gene expression. The authors reported how its balance is influenced, according to the tissue considered. Fundamental for immune-related diseases, IL-33 has a key role in controlling inflammation. The understanding of the cytokine switch will be fundamental in a near future in order to block or activate some immune pathways. In fact, we could control interleukins effects not only by monoclonal antibodies but also by using siRNA or miRNAs for silencing or expressing key genes.

Overuse of Steroid Drugs Methylprednisolone and Dexamethasone (Oral) Causes a Diabetic Patient to Become Infected With the Black Fungus of the Corona Virus

Background We all know that covid-19 virus has damaged a lot of harm to mankind all over the world.Covid-19 got more impact on a country with a huge population like India. After covid-19 in India, the effect of infection called black fungus was more visible.We tried to find out the reason behind the black fungus and we came to know that doctors have prescribed more steroid medicines to prevent further spread of covid-19 infection. Due to more prescribed steroids Immunity level reduced in covid -19 patients. The black fungus present in the environment infects people with low immunity, easily entering their body and infecting them. In this research paper, we have uncovered the reason behind black fungus in India after the recovery of Covid-19 patients. Overuse of both methylprednisolone and dexamethasone drugs on a corona patient can result in serious side effects and new infections may appear during their use. Infection with any pathogen, including viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoan, or helminthic infections at any site of the body, may be associated with the use of methylprednisolone or dexamethasone in combination with other immunosuppressive agents that increase cellular immunity, humoral immunity, or Suppress neutrophils. The function they affect.These infections can be mild, but can be serious and sometimes fatal. Overuse doses of methylprednisolone and dexamethasone, the rate of occurrence of infectious complications increases. When methylprednisolone and dexamethasone are used, there may be reduced resistance an inability to localize the infection.Prolonged use of methylprednisolone and dexamethasone may produce posterior subcapsular glaucoma, glaucoma with potential damage to the optic nerves; it may accelerate the establishment of secondary ocular infections caused by fungi or viruses.It has also been observed that more methylprednisolone and dexamethasone drugs increases the level of glucose in the body, leading to normal corona patients who do not have any disease and diabetes after recovering from excessive consumption of methylprednisolone and dexamethasone drugs.Materials and MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 COVID doctors from the department's outpatient pool of COVID patients, distributing questionnaires to all subjects of different age groups. The questionnaire included information related to the name, age, gender and various factors that affect the doctor's choice of methylprednisolone and dexamethasone.Result and DiscussionA total of 50 doctors and some medical stores from across India were included in the survey. Doctors prescribed more methylprednisolone and dexamethasone medicine than steroid medicines to corona patients. In our research, most side effects were observed for corona patients taking methylprednisolone and dexamethasone drugs. ConclusionThis research had shown that overdose of methylprednisolone and dexamethasone drugs take diabetes patient he has serious eye effect and causes black fungus.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminthic Infections in Black Bucks (Antilope cervicapra) of Tal Chhapar Sanctuary of Rajasthan

Background: Blackbuck is the most elegant member of the antelope family has long been associated with Indian culture. Wildlife parasitic diseases represent an important field of investigation as they may have a significant impact on wild animal health and are responsible for one-third of total losses due to all animal diseases. Adequate information on epidemiology of helminthic infections is a crucial requirement for the sustainable control of GIH in black bucks in near future.Methods: A total of 632 faecal samples were collected from Tal-Chhapar Sanctuary of Rajasthan during summer, rainy and winter season from November 2018 to September 2019 and examined qualitatively by faecal floatation and sedimentation techniques for helminth eggs and quantitatively by modified McMaster egg counting technique.Result: Coprological examination of samples revealed an overall prevalence of 72.46% for gastrointestinal helminths (GIH) with a mixed infection of 38.92%. Among different helminths recorded with their respective prevalences (%) were, Strongyle (56.80%), Strongyloides sp. (40.98%), Trichuris sp. (8.22%), Marshallagia sp. (6.64%) and Ascaris sp. (5.22%). Quantitative analysis revealed egg per gram of faeces ranging from 200-1200 and 200-900 with an average of 561.11 ± 67.74 and 469.23 ± 62.50 for strongyle and Strongyloides sp., respectively. Statistical analysis using multivariate binary logistic regression model revealed highly significant difference (P less than 0.01) in the prevalence of GIH infection among different seasons. The coproculture study revealed Bunostomum sp. (42%) as the major contributor of strongyle nematode population, followed by Haemonchus sp. (31%), Trichostrongylus sp. (26%) and Strongyloides sp. (1%).

Prevalence, Intensity and Risks Involved in Helminth Infections in Domestic Mountain Pony and Balkan Donkey in Nature Park Stara Planina, Serbia

Background: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, intensity and risk factors (age and gender) promoting the intestinal helminthic infections of the Domestic mountain ponies and Balkan donkeys in Serbia. Methods: Prevalence, intensity and risk factors influencing helminth infection in horses (n=39) and donkeys (n=18) at the site of Nature Park Stara Planina, were studied from May to Sep 2015. The presence of one or several gastrointestinal helminth species was confirmed by faecal flotation in 97.43% of horses and 88.88% of donkeys included in the monitoring. The identified helminth species were Trichostrongylus axei, Strongylus edentatus, S. vulgaris, Parascaris equorum, Dictyocaulus arnfieldi and Anoplocephala magna in 84.61%, 46.15%, 5.13%, 58.97%, 94.87% and 38.46% of horses, respectively. The significant association of infection with P. equorum and sex of horses was established. (χ2=13.33, P<0.01). Results: The prevalence of parasitic helminths identified in donkeys was the following: D. arnfieldi, T. axei, Pa. equorum, S. vulgaris, A. margna and Strongyloides westeri in 55.55%, 38.89%, 27.78%, 22.22% and 22.22% of donkeys, respectively. Moreover, the mean faecal egg count was higher in donkeys (369.9 EPG - egg per gram) than in horses (250.2 EPG). The association between the age and the mean EPG was significant (P<0.05) in both equine species. Conclusion: The results of the investigation provided basic information that can be helpful for planning strategic control of nematode infection in equine population in Nature Reserves in Serbia.

A review of the effect of medicinal plant on helminthic infections

Nowadays, parasitic worm infection is one of the most critical global health problems. Worm infections cause severe detriments to the livestock industry and also it can cause irreparable damages to immunocompromised persons. Therefore, the present study aimed to review conducted research on the treatment of worm diseases using medicinal plants’ extract. In this systematic review, seven databases including 4 English (Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar) and 3 Persian databases (Magiran, ISC, SID) were obtained between 2008 and 2020 to evaluate conducted studies related to the aim of the current review. Most of the studies focused on the Balanites aegyptiaca and Carica papaya plant. Water was the most common solvent (38.1%) and then it was methanol. The most studied parasite was Haemonchus contortus (35.5%), followed by Aacharidia galli (10.5%). Studies showed that plant extracts could reduce effect of worm infections in the host compared to synthetic drugs. Plant extracts can produce a medicine based on natural compounds and effective on worms with fewer side effects than synthetic drugs.

Prevalence of Soil Transmitted Helminthic Infections among Adolescent Girls in a Residential School of North Coastal Andhra Pradesh

BACKGROUND Intestinal helminthic infections are endemic worldwide. In developing countries like India these contribute to a major morbidity among children. Factors like poverty, lack of proper sanitation, hygiene, illiteracy, hot and humid tropical climate play a role in the transmission of these infections. Under RMNCH + A (child health) school children were receiving biannual albendazole in the months of February and August. We wanted to assess the prevalence of soil transmitted helminthic infections (STHI) among adolescent school children in a residential welfare school. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in the month of October 2018 in rural field practice area of the Department of Community Medicine, Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam. The study was done in a residential welfare school for girls in peri urban areas of Visakhapatnam. The study was done among 96 girls who were present in the school during the days of survey by using systematic random sampling after obtaining informed consent. A pretested interview schedule was used to collect data. Microscopic stool examination for ova / cyst and haemoglobin estimation was done for all the study subjects. Data was entered in Microsoft Excel and analysis was done by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 21). RESULTS The mean age of the subjects was 13.41 ± 1.07 years, with age ranging from 12 to 15 years. About 19 % (19.8 %) of the study subjects were found to have STHI on microscopic stool examination. Among them about 68 % of the study subjects were found to have Ascaris lumbricoides followed by Trichuris trichiura (32 %). Mean haemoglobin level was 9.73 + 1.06 (g / dl). On statistical analysis, no significant difference was found between presence of infection and variables like anaemia (P = 1), open air defecation (P = 0.51), nail biting (P = 1), presence of symptoms (P = 1) and pica (P = 0.75). CONCLUSIONS Helminthic infections burden is still high in the school children KEYWORDS Adolescent School Girls, Anaemia, Soil Transmitted Helminthic Infections (STHI’s), Residential School, Visakhapatnam