A community-based, cross-sectional study to assess interactions between income, nutritional status and enteric parasitism in two Brazilian cities: are we moving positively towards 2030?

Background This study assessed the interactions between income, nutritional status and intestinal parasitism in children in Brazil. Methods A cross-sectional study (n = 421 children aged 1 to 14 years living in the states of Piauí (rural communities in the city of Teresina) and Rio de Janeiro (rural and periurban communities in the city of Cachoeiras de Macacu) was performed in order to obtain income and anthropometric data, as well as fecal samples for parasitological analyses through the Ritchie technique. Results Children infected with Ascaris lumbricoides had significantly lower means of height-for-age z scores (− 1.36 ± 0.75 vs. − 0.11 ± 1.02; p < 0.001), weight-for-age z scores (− 1.23 ± 0.74 vs. 0.09 ± 1.15; p = 0.001), and weight-for-height z scores (− 0.68 ± 0.44 vs. 0.23 ± 1.25; p = 0.006) when compared with uninfected children. Infection with hookworm was also associated with lower means of height-for-age z scores (− 1.08 ± 1.17 vs. − 0.12 ± 1.02; p = 0.015) and weight-for-age z scores (− 1.03 ± 1.13 vs. 0.08 ± 1.15; p = 0.012). Children infected with Entamoeba coli presented significantly lower means of height-for-age z scores (− 0.54 ± 1.02 vs. − 0.09 ± 1.02; p = 0.005) and weight-for-age z scores (− 0.44 ± 1.15 vs. 0.12 ± 1.15; p = 0.002). The multivariate multiple linear regression analysis showed that height-for-age z scores are independently influenced by monthly per capita family income (β = 0.145; p = 0.003), female gender (β = 0.117; p = 0.015), and infections with A. lumbricoides (β = − 0.141; p = 0.006) and Entamoeba coli (β = − 0.100; p = 0.043). Weight-for-age z scores are influenced by monthly per capita family income (β = 0.175; p < 0.001), female gender (β = 0.123; p = 0.010), and infections with A. lumbricoides (β = − 0.127; p = 0.012), and Entamoeba coli (β = − 0.101; p = 0.039). Monthly per capita family income (β = 0.102; p = 0.039) and female gender (β = 0.134; p = 0.007) positively influences mid upper arm circumpherence. Conclusions Intestinal parasitism and low family income negatively influence the physical development of children in low-income communities in different Brazilian regions.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitism and Associated Risk Factors in Rural and Urban Areas of Southern Algeria: a Four-year Community Based Study

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are amongst the most common infections worldwide and have been identified as one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality among disadvantaged populations. This community based study was conducted to assess the magnitude and pattern of intestinal parasitism and to identify the key risk factors associated with intestinal parasitic infections in Laghouat province, south Algeria.Methods: Stool samples were collected from 2277 symptomatic and asymptomatic patients aged 1-89 years old. Structured questionnaire were used to identify environmental, socio demographic and behavioral factors. Stool specimens were collected and examined for intestinal parasitic infection. Results: More than 33% of participants were found to be infected for at least one protozoan and/or helminth parasite. Of these, the most common parasites were Blastocystis spp. (17.79%), followed by Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (8.78%), Giardia intestinalis (4.22%), Entamoeba coli (4.08%) and more rarely Endolimax nana, Cryptosporidium spp, Trichomonas intestinalis, Enterobius vermicularis, Taenia spp., and a single case of Trichuris trichiura. Multivariate analysis revealed significant associations between prevalence and species richness of combined protozoan parasites and contact with animal, living in rural areas and relying primarily on tap water, particularly in young individuals. Analysis of temporal consistency showed a high rate of infection in rural locations in the spring of 2018 and a firm relationship between school children and tap water was also detected. Conclusions: The high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among the Laghouat population, with identification of several risk factors indicates that parasitic infections are important public health problems. Therefore, several strategies are recommended in order to effectively reduce these infections including good animal husbandry practices, health education focused on good personal hygiene practices especially for school children, availability of safe drinking water and adequate sanitation.

Assessment of helminth parasites of pigs in Ibadan, Nigeria

Gastro-intestinal parasitism constitutes an important constraint to pig production in most parts of the world and in Nigeria. These gastrointestinal helminthoses in pigs occasionally cause obvious disease and death, but more commonly, they lead to loss of appetite, reduced weight gain, poor feed utilization, potentiation of other pathogens and condemnation of parts of the carcasses at slaughter. An assessment of helminth parasites of pigs in Ibadan, Nigeria was investigated in this study. A total of 154 pigs of both sexes of Large White, Indigenous and Crosses breeds found were sampled and standard parasitological examinations were carried out on the faecal samples. Out of the 154 pigs examined, 36.36% were positive for helminth parasites of which 24.67% were males, 11.69% were females and the remaining 63.64% were negative for helminth parasites. The eggs of helminth parasites found in this study were those of Ascaris spp. (12.34%), Metastrongylus spp. (9.74%), Oesophagostomum spp. (6.49%), Paragonimus spp. (1.3%), Hyostrongylus spp. (1.3%) and Trichuris spp. (5.19%). Helminth parasites were most prevalent in large white breed of the pigs (27.27%) the crosses (6.49%) and least prevalent in indigenous breeds (2.60%). Eggs of Ascaris spp. (12.34%) and Metastrongylus spp. (9.74%) are the commonest helminth parasite eggs of pigs found in the study while Trichuris spp. had the highest (29.07%) mean eggs per gramme of faeces. In conclusion, regular assessment of helminth parasites in the faeces of pigs in recommended for strategic treatment against helminth parasites and pig farmers are encouraged to prevent the environment from becoming contaminated by infective helminth larvae by practicing good standards of hygiene.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Intestinal Parasite Infections in Greek Swine Farrow-To-Finish Farms

Intestinal parasites, helminths, and protozoa challenge health and welfare of pigs and deteriorate the sustainability of swine farms leading to monetary losses. A multicentric survey was conducted for approximately one year. Overall, 1150 fecal samples were collected from eight intensive farms in Greece at regular intervals and examined by flotation and Ziehl-Neelsen techniques. Age, season, and time of last recorded antiparasitic treatment were assessed as possible risk factors using binary regression models. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitism in pigs was 44.7%. The most frequently detected parasites in the studied population were the protozoa Balantidium coli (37.8%), followed by Entamoeba spp. (8.3%), Cystoisospora suis (6.0%), and the nematodes Ascaris suum (3.7%), Trichuris suis (2.5%), and Oesophagostomum spp. (1.4%). Distribution of intestinal parasites in different age groups was as expected. In autumn, the prevalence of Balantidium coli infection enhanced whereas the prevalence of Entamoeba spp. and Cystoisospora suis infections increased in spring. Time of last recorded antiparasitic treatment influenced Balantidium coli and Trichuris suis infection levels. Our results demonstrated that swine intestinal parasitism in intensive farms of Greece seems to be relatively common and highlighted the importance of proper laboratory examinations, as well as the need for tailored made control programs.