Dientamoeba fragilis in Gaza strip: a neglected protozoan parasite

The aim of this study was to detect Dientamoeba fragilis by iron haematoxylin stain, as well as its prevalence, and association between D. fragilis infection and diarrhoea among patients attending Al-Nuseirate Refugee Camp Clinic, Gaza Strip. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 319 children and adults with age ranges from [1 to 75] years old, attending Al-Nussirat Clinic, and who were complaining from clinical symptoms, like diarrhoea and abdominal pain. 28 individuals were infected with D. fragilis with a prevalence of 8.8%. The detection of 28 cases infected with D. fragilis was proved using iron haematoxylin stain, but no case was detected by direct smear or formal-ether sedimentation technique. The most frequent symptoms were abdominal pain [96.4%] and diarrhoea [71.4%] in patients with diantamoebiasis and this was statistically significant [P= 0.03]. Co-infection between D. fragilis and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was 50% and between D. fragilis and Giardia lamblia was 7.1%. D. fragilis was present in the patients stool samples and was detected and proved using iron haematoxylin stain.

Exposure of gasoline station workers to leaded gasoline in the Gaza strip: awareness and self reported symptoms

Awareness and self reported symptoms among 105 gasoline station workers in the Gaza Strip were assessed. A cross section of workers was asked to fill in a questionnaire. Workers reported high level of knowledge on health effects of leaded gasoline 88 [83.8%] and lead as an environmental pollutant 89 [84.8%]. Protective measures were poorly used. Knowledge seems not to have much influence on practice. The most common self reported symptoms were neurological symptoms including headache 78 [74.3%], fatigue 74 [70.5%], irritability 66 [62.9%], concentration difficulties 65 [61.9%], and sleep disturbance 55 [52.4%]. The prevalence of symptoms increased with increasing years of work [chi corrected=7.713, P=0.021]. Use of respiratory mask in particular can potentially limit such symptoms [chi corrected=8.325, P=0.004]

Mother knowledge, attitudes, perception regarding intestinal parasites and diarrhoea in three regions of Gaza strip, Palestine

The knowledge, attitudes and practice [KAP] among mothers towards intestinal parasites and diarhoea in three regions in Gaza strip were studied. A total of 659 mothers of children attended a primary health care centre [PHCC] for medical services were selected. Data were obtained through self administered questionnaire which distributed to each mother attending the PHCC. The questionnaire included some sociodemographic, economical information and implemented in year 2006. In the present study age group ranged between 15 and more than 35 years. It was found that children belonging to mothers in the age groups 15-25 years and >35 years old were found infected with intestinal parasites and diarrhea and had similar prevalence's [37.3 and 37.1%]. Mother education had a positive effect for the decreasing of parasitosis among children. The variation in the prevalence of intestinal parasites due to region was noted where the south of Gaza Strip had the high prevalence [40.6%] with a significant difference [p=0.004]. Children living in houses with sandy yards was infected with intestinal parasites more those living in houses with tiles [p=.02]

Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among Palestinian aborted women in Gaza

The microbial pathogen Toxoplasma gondii is commonly associated with congenital infections that are not clinically apparent. Primary T. gondii infection in the first trimester pregnancy may cause severe congenital anomalies or even foetal loss. The present study is aimed to determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among aborted women in Gaza, to study the relationship between animal rearing and the presence of Toxoplasmosis and to assess the relation of some abnormalities and infection with Toxoplasmosis. A hospital-based study was implemented to detect, describe and analyze toxoplasmosis among women with abortion attending Al-shifa hospital in Gaza strip. Quantitative investigation of each blood sample for the levels of the specific IgG and IgM of T.gondii was done from 312 aborted women. The overall prevalence of Toxoplasma IgG was found 17.9% and Toxoplasma IgM was found to be 12.8%. The age of the participant woman ranged from 16 to 45 years old; 216 came from Gaza city [69.2%] and the others reside in near villages 96 [30.8%]. Most of the participants [59.0%] had secondary education level. Animal breading was reported for 33.3% of the aborted women. Toxoplasmosis still exists and considered one of the risk factors for pregnancy miscarriage. Both IgG and IgM tests are recommended as routine tests among pregnant women in Gaza