Prevalence of human fascioliasis in 28 villages in Menofia governorate Egypt

This community based study was done on randomly selected households from 28 villages in a trial to estimate the prevalence of fascioliasis in Monoufia Governorate. Random single stool samples were obtained from 10036 individuals and were examined for fasciola ova and other parasites. The prevalence of fasciola infection was 1.6%. The highest prevalence [10.6%] was found in Ezbat El-Deyaba. Five villages were negative for fascioliasis. The peak age of infected individuals was in the group from 11 to 20 years. Their main symptoms were abdominal colic [12.5%], dyspepsia [11.1%], and diarrhea [6.9%]. Pallor, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly and jaundice were found in 29.2%, 4.9%, 2.8%, and 3.5%, respectively. However, most of the infected individuals were asymptomatic [69.5%]. No correlation was found between the prevalence of fascioliasis and schistosomiasis in the examined villages

low frequency of hepatitis B virus infection in schistosomal and non-schistosomal Egyptian army recruits

To extend the knowledge on the current prevalence of parasitic diseases and hepatitis B virus carrier and infection rates, 297 new army recruits, 18-25 years old coming from villages in the Nile Delta, were studied. Frequency rates for S. mansoni, S. hematobium and mixed infection were 43%, 3.3%, and 7%, respectively. The frequency rate for amoebiasis was 49.8%, ascariasis 6%, giardiasis 2%, hymenolepiasis 1.6% and enterobiasis 1.3%. Hepatitis B virus infection rate was 33.3% and the carrier rate was only 1.6%. The infection and the carrier rates of HBV were comparable in simple schistosomal and non- schistosomal subjects, but within the schistosomal group infection and carrier rates were higher in subjects with S. mansoni [36.7% and 1.5%] compared to those with S. hematobium [30% and 0%] and mixed infection [30.4% and 0%]. The infection and carrier rates in this study are lower than those previously reported

Serum zinc and copper levels in relation to parasitic infestations

One hundred child in Adlia primary school at Sharkia Governorate were subjected to full history, clinical examination, stool and urine analysis for parasitic eggs and cysts. Estimation of serum zinc and copper levels using atomic absorption - spectrophotometry was done. The commonest parasitic infestation was Entamoeba histolytica [29 percent] followed by Enterobius vermicularis [16 percent], Schistosoma mansoni [13 percent] and Giardia lamblia [11 percent.] There was a significant decrease in serum zinc levels among children infested with parasites versus those who were parasites free. In Schistosoma mansoni infection there was very high significant decrease in the mean serum zinc level. The serum copper levels were higher among children infested with parasites compared to those without parasites, but this difference was not significant