Evaluation of vegetables grown in dry mountainous regions for soil transmitted helminths contamination / Avaliação de vegetais para contaminação por helmintos transmitida pelo solo em quatro distritos da divisão de Malakand: noroeste do Paquistão

Infection caused by geo-helminth parasites are called geohelminthiasis are one of the global health problems. Vegetables eaten raw is the principal source of transmission of geo-helminth parasites. Pakistani people believe that eating raw vegetables are a significant source to get important vitamins and minerals. Based on the high incidence of pathogenic parasites and cultivating different vegetable types in the study areas, we conducted this study to evaluate the geo-helminth contamination of raw vegetables in northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. This is a descriptive study comprised, 1942 samples of 25 various types of vegetables. The samples were examined in physiological saline solution using sedimentation and centrifugation methods. The findings were analyzed by Graph-Pad version 5. P value less than 0.05 (95% CI) was considered significant. Results showed that 16.5% (n=322) of all vegetables were contaminated with one or more type of geo-helminth parasites. Garlic was the highest (35%) and cauliflower the lowest (4%) contaminated samples respectively. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most common geo helminth found followed by hook worm species while Trichuris trichura was the least in all the vegetable samples. Leafy vegetables were highly contaminated 25.3% than vegetables with root parts 21.2% and fruity 9.09%. More than half of the contaminated vegetables were contaminated with single species of geo-helminth (P0.05) species of geo-helminth parasites. Education level of vendors and means of display were not significantly associated while types of vegetable used were significantly associated with the prevalence of parasites. The findings of this study provide evidence that consumption of raw [...].

As infecções causadas por parasitas geo-helmínticos são chamados de geohelmintíases e são um dos problemas de saúde globais. Os vegetais comidos crus são a principal fonte de transmissão dos parasitas geo-helmínticos. O povo paquistanês acredita que comer vegetais crus é uma fonte significativa para obter vitaminas e minerais importantes. Com base na alta incidência de parasitas patogênicos e no cultivo de diferentes tipos de vegetais nas áreas de estudo, conduzimos este estudo para avaliar a contaminação por geo-helmintos de vegetais crus no noroeste de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo composto por 1942 amostras de 25 tipos diversos de vegetais. As amostras foram examinadas em solução salina fisiológica utilizando métodos de sedimentação e centrifugação. Os achados foram analisados pelo Graph-Pad versão 5. O valor de P menor que 0,05 (IC 95%) foi considerado significativo. Os resultados mostraram que 16,5% (n = 322) de todas as hortaliças estavam contaminadas com um ou mais tipos de parasitas geo-helmínticos. O alho foi a amostra mais contaminada (35%) e a couve-flor a menos (4%), respectivamente. Ascaris lumbricoides foi o geo-helmíntico mais comum encontrado, seguido por espécies de verme-anzol, enquanto Trichuris trichura foi o menos encontrado em todas as amostras de vegetais. Os vegetais folhosos foram altamente contaminados 25,3% do que os vegetais com partes de raiz 21,2% e frutados 9,09%. Mais da metade dos vegetais contaminados estavam contaminados com uma única espécie de geo-helmintos (P 0,05) espécies de parasitas geo-helmínticos. O nível de escolaridade dos vendedores e os meios de exibição não [...].

Evaluation of vegetables grown in dry mountainous regions for soil transmitted helminths contamination

Abstract Infection caused by geo-helminth parasites are called geohelminthiasis are one of the global health problems. Vegetables eaten raw is the principal source of transmission of geo-helminth parasites. Pakistani people believe that eating raw vegetables are a significant source to get important vitamins and minerals. Based on the high incidence of pathogenic parasites and cultivating different vegetable types in the study areas, we conducted this study to evaluate the geo-helminth contamination of raw vegetables in northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. This is a descriptive study comprised, 1942 samples of 25 various types of vegetables. The samples were examined in physiological saline solution using sedimentation and centrifugation methods. The findings were analyzed by Graph-Pad version 5. P value less than 0.05 (95% CI) was considered significant. Results showed that 16.5% (n=322) of all vegetables were contaminated with one or more type of geo-helminth parasites. Garlic was the highest (35%) and cauliflower the lowest (4%) contaminated samples respectively. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most common geo-helminth found followed by hook worm species while Trichuris trichura was the least in all the vegetable samples. Leafy vegetables were highly contaminated 25.3% than vegetables with root parts 21.2% and fruity 9.09%. More than half of the contaminated vegetables were contaminated with single species of geo-helminth (P 0.05) while less than half with multiple types of geo-helminth contamination. Ninety two vegetables samples were contaminated with 2 species of parasites (P 0.05) and 45 with 3 (P>0.05) species of geo-helminth parasites. Education level of vendors and means of display were not significantly associated while types of vegetable used were significantly associated with the prevalence of parasites. The findings of this study provide evidence that consumption of raw vegetable has a high risk of acquiring geo-helminth infections. The authors believe that preventing the human to enter to the vegetable farmland for defecation, avoiding the irrigation of agricultural fields via night soil, and educating the people on proper washing and cooking of vegetables may be useful in reducing parasitic infections.

Resumo As infecções causadas por parasitas geo-helmínticos são chamados de geohelmintíases e são um dos problemas de saúde globais. Os vegetais comidos crus são a principal fonte de transmissão dos parasitas geo-helmínticos. O povo paquistanês acredita que comer vegetais crus é uma fonte significativa para obter vitaminas e minerais importantes. Com base na alta incidência de parasitas patogênicos e no cultivo de diferentes tipos de vegetais nas áreas de estudo, conduzimos este estudo para avaliar a contaminação por geo-helmintos de vegetais crus no noroeste de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo composto por 1942 amostras de 25 tipos diversos de vegetais. As amostras foram examinadas em solução salina fisiológica utilizando métodos de sedimentação e centrifugação. Os achados foram analisados pelo Graph-Pad versão 5. O valor de P menor que 0,05 (IC 95%) foi considerado significativo. Os resultados mostraram que 16,5% (n = 322) de todas as hortaliças estavam contaminadas com um ou mais tipos de parasitas geo-helmínticos. O alho foi a amostra mais contaminada (35%) e a couve-flor a menos (4%), respectivamente. Ascaris lumbricoides foi o geo-helmíntico mais comum encontrado, seguido por espécies de verme-anzol, enquanto Trichuris trichura foi o menos encontrado em todas as amostras de vegetais. Os vegetais folhosos foram altamente contaminados 25,3% do que os vegetais com partes de raiz 21,2% e frutados 9,09%. Mais da metade dos vegetais contaminados estavam contaminados com uma única espécie de geo-helmintos (P 0,05), enquanto menos da metade com vários tipos de contaminação com geo-helmintos. Noventa e duas amostras de vegetais estavam contaminadas com 2 espécies de parasitas (P 0,05) e 45 com 3 (P> 0,05) espécies de parasitas geo-helmínticos. O nível de escolaridade dos vendedores e os meios de exibição não foram significativamente associados, enquanto os tipos de vegetais usados foram significativamente associados à prevalência de parasitas. Os resultados deste estudo fornecem evidências de que o consumo de vegetais crus tem um alto risco de adquirir infecções por geo-helmintos. Os autores acreditam que impedir que o ser humano entre na terra de hortaliças para defecação, evitar a irrigação de campos agrícolas via solo noturno e educar as pessoas sobre a lavagem e cozimento adequados de vegetais pode ser útil na redução de infecções parasitárias.

Evaluation of vegetables grown in dry mountainous regions for soil transmitted helminths contamination / Avaliação de vegetais para contaminação por helmintos transmitida pelo solo em quatro distritos da divisão de Malakand: noroeste do Paquistão

Infection caused by geo-helminth parasites are called geohelminthiasis are one of the global health problems. Vegetables eaten raw is the principal source of transmission of geo-helminth parasites. Pakistani people believe that eating raw vegetables are a significant source to get important vitamins and minerals. Based on the high incidence of pathogenic parasites and cultivating different vegetable types in the study areas, we conducted this study to evaluate the geo-helminth contamination of raw vegetables in northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. This is a descriptive study comprised, 1942 samples of 25 various types of vegetables. The samples were examined in physiological saline solution using sedimentation and centrifugation methods. The findings were analyzed by Graph-Pad version 5. P value less than 0.05 (95% CI) was considered significant. Results showed that 16.5% (n=322) of all vegetables were contaminated with one or more type of geo-helminth parasites. Garlic was the highest (35%) and cauliflower the lowest (4%) contaminated samples respectively. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most common geohelminth found followed by hook worm species while Trichuris trichura was the least in all the vegetable samples. Leafy vegetables were highly contaminated 25.3% than vegetables with root parts 21.2% and fruity 9.09%. More than half of the contaminated vegetables were contaminated with single species of geo-helminth (P<0.05) while less than half with multiple types of geo-helminth contamination. Ninety two vegetables samples were contaminated with 2 species of parasites (P<0.05) and 45 with 3 (P>0.05) species of geo-helminth parasites. Education level of vendors and means of display were not significantly associated while types of vegetable used were significantly associated with the prevalence of parasites. The findings of this study provide evidence that consumption of raw vegetable has a high risk of acquiring geo-helminth infections. The authors believe that preventing the human to enter to the vegetable farmland for defecation, avoiding the irrigation of agricultural fields via night soil, and educating the people on proper washing and cooking of vegetables may be useful in reducing parasitic infections.

As infecções causadas por parasitas geo-helmínticos são chamados de geohelmintíases e são um dos problemas de saúde globais. Os vegetais comidos crus são a principal fonte de transmissão dos parasitas geo-helmínticos. O povo paquistanês acredita que comer vegetais crus é uma fonte significativa para obter vitaminas e minerais importantes. Com base na alta incidência de parasitas patogênicos e no cultivo de diferentes tipos de vegetais nas áreas de estudo, conduzimos este estudo para avaliar a contaminação por geo-helmintos de vegetais crus no noroeste de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo composto por 1942 amostras de 25 tipos diversos de vegetais. As amostras foram examinadas em solução salina fisiológica utilizando métodos de sedimentação e centrifugação. Os achados foram analisados pelo Graph-Pad versão 5. O valor de P menor que 0,05 (IC 95%) foi considerado significativo. Os resultados mostraram que 16,5% (n = 322) de todas as hortaliças estavam contaminadas com um ou mais tipos de parasitas geo-helmínticos. O alho foi a amostra mais contaminada (35%) e a couve-flor a menos (4%), respectivamente. Ascaris lumbricoides foi o geo-helmíntico mais comum encontrado, seguido por espécies de verme-anzol, enquanto Trichuris trichura foi o menos encontrado em todas as amostras de vegetais. Os vegetais folhosos foram altamente contaminados 25,3% do que os vegetais com partes de raiz 21,2% e frutados 9,09%. Mais da metade dos vegetais contaminados estavam contaminados com uma única espécie de geo-helmintos (P <0,05), enquanto menos da metade com vários tipos de contaminação com geo-helmintos. Noventa e duas amostras de vegetais estavam contaminadas com 2 espécies de parasitas (P <0,05) e 45 com 3 (P> 0,05) espécies de parasitas geo-helmínticos. O nível de escolaridade dos vendedores e os meios de exibição não foram significativamente associados, enquanto os tipos de vegetais usados foram significativamente associados à prevalência de parasitas. Os resultados deste estudo fornecem evidências de que o consumo de vegetais crus tem um alto risco de adquirir infecções por geo-helmintos. Os autores acreditam que impedir que o ser humano entre na terra de hortaliças para defecação, evitar a irrigação de campos agrícolas via solo noturno e educar as pessoas sobre a lavagem e cozimento adequados de vegetais pode ser útil na redução de infecções parasitárias.

Geohelmintiasis en comunidades indígenas del estado Zulia, Venezuela / Geohelminthiasis in native communities from Zulia State, Venezuela7766TVVBV```9W<<<

Introducción: Las geohelmintiasis son las parasitosis intestinales causadas por helmintos que hacen su ciclo de vida en la tierra y representan un problema de salud público a nivel mundial, que afecta en especial aquellos estratos socioeconómicos más bajos. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de geohelmintos en comunidades indígenas del estado Zulia, Venezuela. Métodos: Se analizaron 250 muestras fecales, de individuos de ambos sexos con edades entre 1 a 80 años. Las muestras fueron procesadas con examen directo, concentrado (Ritchie) y recuento de huevos (Kato-Katz). Resultados: El 35,20 por ciento de los individuos presentaron huevos de geohelmintos en sus heces (88 casos). El grupo etario más afectado fue el de escolares (7-12 años: 38,64 por ciento ), seguido de adultos (20 o más años: 26,13 por ciento ). Ascaris lumbricoides con 25,20 por ciento se encontró en primer lugar, seguido de Trichuris trichiura con 14,80 por ciento , y los menos frecuentes Ancilostomideos con 4,40 por ciento . La mayoría de los individuos presentaron infecciones de intensidad leve (A. lumbricoides 74,60 por ciento , T. trichiura 81,08 por ciento y Ancilostomideos 90,91 por ciento ). Conclusiones: Se detecta una moderada prevalencia de geohelmintos, con un mayor porcentaje de las infecciones de intensidad leve. La presencia de los geohelmintos se relaciona con el escaso saneamiento ambiental que poseen estas comunidades indígenas(AU)

Introduction: Geohelminthiases are intestinal parasitic diseases caused by helminths which complete their life cycle in the soil. They are a global public health problem mainly affecting the lowest socioeconomic strata. Objective: Determine the prevalence of geohelminths in native communities from Zulia State, Venezuela. Methods: Analysis was performed of 250 stool samples from individuals of both sexes aged between 1 and 80 years. The samples were processed by direct examination, concentration (Ritchie) and egg count (Kato-Katz). Results: Geohelminth eggs were found in 35.20 percent of the stool samples studied (88 cases). The most affected age group was schoolchildren (7-12 years: 38.64 percent), followed by adults (20 years and over: 26.13 percent). The most common helminth was Ascaris lumbricoides with 25.20 percent, followed by Trichuris trichiura with 14.80 percent. The least common genus was Ancylostoma with 4.40 percent. Infection was mild in most subjects (A. lumbricoides 74.60 percent, T. trichiura 81.08 percent and Ancylostoma 90.91 percent). Conclusions: A moderate prevalence of geohelminth infection was observed, most of which was mild. The presence of geohelminths is related to poor environmental sanitation in these native communities(AU)

Exposure of Toxocara canis eggs to Purpureocillium lilacinum as a biocontrol strategy: an experimental model evaluation / Exposição de ovos de Toxocara canis a Purpureocillium lilacinum como estratégia de biocontrole: uma avaliação em modelo experimental

Abstract Purpureocillium lilacinum is a nematophagous fungus used in biological control against some parasites, including Toxocara canis. This study researched the infectivity of embryonated T. canis eggs after exposure to the fungus P. lilacinum. T. canis eggs were exposed to P. lilacinum for 15 or 30 days and subsequently administered to Swiss mice (n=20). Control group consisted of mice who received T. canis embryonated eggs without fungal exposure. Forty-eight hours after infection, heart, lung, and liver from animals of each group were collected to assess larval recovery. The organs of mice that received embryonated eggs exposed to the fungus showed a lower average larval recovery (P<0.05) suggesting that exposure of T. canis eggs to P. lilacinum was able to reduce experimental infection. Under the evaluated conditions, the interaction time between the fungus and the parasite eggs was not a significant factor in larvae recovery. P. lilacinum may be considered a promising T. canis biological control agent. However, further studies are needed to determine a protocol for the use of this fungus as a biological control agent.

Resumo Purpureocillium lilacinum é um fungo nematófago com potencial para uso no controle biológico de parasitos, incluindo Toxocara canis. Este estudo pesquisou a infectividade de ovos de T. canis embrionados após exposição ao fungo P. lilacinum . Ovos de T. canis foram expostos ao fungo por 15 ou 30 dias e subsequentemente administrados a camundongos Swiss (n=20). O grupo controle consistiu de camundongos que receberam ovos embrionados do parasita sem exposição ao fungo. Quarenta e oito horas após a infecção, coração, pulmão e fígado dos camundongos foram coletados para avaliar a recuperação larval. Os órgãos dos animais que receberam ovos embrionados expostos ao fungo apresentaram menor média de recuperação larval (P<0,05) do que os infectados com ovos sem exposição ao fungo, sugerindo que a exposição dos ovos de T. canis a P. lilacinum foi capaz de reduzir a infecção experimental. Nas condições avaliadas, o tempo de interação entre o fungo e os ovos do parasito não foi um fator significativo na recuperação das larvas. P. lilacinum pode ser considerado um promissor agente de controle biológico de T. canis, no entanto, mais estudos são necessários para avaliar o emprego deste fungo como um agente de controle biológico.

Costo-efectividad de pruebas para el diagnóstico de geohelmintiasis: Revisión sistemática de la literatura / Cost-effectiveness of diagnostic tests in soil-transmitted helminth infections: a systematic review of literature

Introducción: Existen diversas pruebas para el diagnóstico de las geohelmintiasis, con múltiples estudios que demuestran la heterogeneidad en su validez diagnóstica y pocos que aluden su costo-efectividad. Objetivo: Sistematizar las evaluaciones económicas sobre las pruebas aplicadas en el diagnóstico de geohelmintos. Métodos: Revisión sistemática en seis bases de datos con 24 estrategias de búsqueda. Se aplicó un protocolo de selección de estudios, garantizando exhaustividad, reproducibilidad y evaluación de la calidad metodológica. Se realizó síntesis cualitativa de la información. Resultados: En la literatura científica mundial sólo se dispone de cuatro evaluaciones económicas completas para el diagnóstico de geo-helmintos, en la modalidad de estudios de costo-efectividad; en éstas se evaluaron cinco pruebas en 247 adultos y 6.708 niños. En los desenlaces en salud empleados se encontraron la proporción de pacientes positivos y algunos parámetros de validez diagnóstica como la sensibilidad y la especificidad, mientras que los costos se circunscribieron a insumos y salarios. Estos hallazgos ponen de manifiesto la baja aplicación de los recursos teóricos y metodológicos de la economía de la salud en el diagnóstico de las geohelmintiasis. Conclusión: Las evaluaciones económicas de pruebas para el diagnóstico de geohelmintos y parásitos intestinales en general son exiguas en el ámbito mundial y los pocos estudios disponibles presentan limitaciones de validez interna y externa que impiden la aplicación de sus resultados a otros ámbitos.

Introduction: The tests for diagnosis of the geohelmintiasis are diverse, with multiple studies that demonstrate heterogeneity in its diagnostic validity and few about its cost-effectiveness. Objective: To systematize the economic evaluations on the tests applied in the diagnosis of geohelminths. Methods: Systematic review in six databases with 24 search strategies. A protocol for the selection of the studies was applied, guaranteeing completeness, reproducibility and evaluation of methodological quality. Qualitative synthesis of the information was made. Results: In the scientific literature there are four complete economic evaluations (cost-effectiveness studies) for the diagnosis of geo-helminths; in these, five tests were evaluated in 247 adults and 6,708 children. In the health outcomes the studies employed the proportion of positive patients and some diagnostic validity parameters such as sensitivity and specificity, while costs were limited to inputs and salaries. These findings show the low application of the theoretical and methodological resources of health economics in the diagnosis of soil-transmitted helminth infections. Conclusion: The economic evaluations of tests for the diagnosis of geohelminths and intestinal parasites in general are meager worldwide and the few available studies have limitations of internal and external validity that prevent the application of their results to other areas.

In vitro effect of Chrysosporium indicum and Chrysosporium keratinophylum on Toxocara canis eggs / Efecto in vitro de Chrysosporium indicum y Chrysosporium keratinophylum sobre huevos de Toxocara canis

The degree of antagonism exercised by fungi on geohelminth development varies according to the morphological alterations caused by different fungal species. Saprophytic fungi may exert ovicidal or ovistatic effects. The aim of this study was to apply scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to observe the action of two soil saprophytic species of Chrysosporium (C. indicum and C. keratinophylum) on Toxocara canis eggs. The fungal strains to be tested were incubated for 28 days at 28 °C in 2% water agar with a suspension of unembryonated T. canis eggs. A suspension of T. canis eggs in 2% water agar was used as control group. The assay was done in triplicate for each fungus and the control group. SEM observations were performed on the 4th, 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th day after inoculation. The effect of the fungi on eggs was evaluated in accordance with the alterations observed on the surface and the changes in the normal characteristics of the eggs. Hyphae around the eggs, appresoria penetrating the shell and changes in the typical egg membrane were observed in this assay. Type 3 effect (alterations that occur both in the embryo and the shell, and hyphal penetration of the eggs) was the prevalent effect. SEM allowed us to observe clearly the morphological alterations in T. canis eggs due to the effect of C. indicum and C. keratinophylum. Both saprophytic species of Chrysosporium alter the egg structure and alterations increase as exposure increases.

El grado de antagonismo ejercido por los hongos sobre el desarrollo de los geohelmintos depende de la especie fúngica y las alteraciones morfológicas que causan. Los hongos saprofitos pueden tener efecto ovicida u ovistático sobre los huevos. El objetivo fue aplicar la microscopía electrónica de barrido (MEB) para observar la acción de 2 especies de Chrysosporium (C. indicum y C. keratinophylum) saprofitas de suelos, sobre huevos de Toxocara canis.Las especies a ensayar se sembraron en agar agua al 2% con una suspensión de huevos no embri-onados de T. canis y se incubaron 28 días a 28 °C. Como grupo control se utilizó una suspensión de huevos de T. canis en agar agua al 2%. El ensayo se realizó por triplicado para cada hongo y el grupo control. Las observaciones con MEB se realizaron a los 4, 7, 14, 21 y 28 días de incubación. La acción de los hongos se evaluó según las alteraciones en la superficie y los cambios en las características normales de los huevos. En este ensayo se observaron: hifas rodeando los huevos, appresorios penetrando la cubierta y cambios en la membrana característica del huevo, prevaleciendo el efecto tipo 3 (alteraciones que se producen tanto en el embrión como en la cubierta y penetración de hifas al interior de los huevos). La aplicación de la MEB permitió observar claramente que las 2 especies de Chrysosporium saprofitas de suelos, afectan el normal desarrollo de los huevos de T. canis, alteran su estructura y las alteraciones aumentan con el tiempo de exposición.

Comparación de sensibilidad y especificidad de dos técnicas de diagnóstico directo: kato-katz-saf y ritchie-frick (formol-gasolina) en examen coproparasitológico para la identificación de estadios infectivos de geohelmintos en población infantil en edad preescolar y escolar / Comparison of sensitivity and specificity of two direct diagnostic techniques: kato-katz-saf and ritchie-frick (formol-gasolina) examination showed for the identification of infective stages of geohelminths in children age preschool and school / Comparação de sensibilidade e especificidade de duas técnicas diagnósticas directas: exames de kato-katz-saf e ritchie-frick (formol-gasolina) mostrados para a identificação de etapas infectivas de geohelminths em população infantil em edição pré-escola e escolar

RESUMEN Introducción: Las parasitosis intestinales causadas por geohelmintos son consideradas un problema de salud pública que afectan principalmente a países en va de desarrollo y son proclives a presentarse en población infantil. Los métodos diagnósticos para identificar estas entidades parasitarias son el coprológico directo y las técnicas de concentración. El método establecido por la Organización Mundial de la Salud-OMS para identificar y cuantificar geohelmintiasis es el Kato-Katz; sin embargo, este no permite realizarse en trabajos de campo con periodos de tiempo prolongados, debido a que su análisis debe llevarse a cabo en las primeras 48 horas de toma de la muestra de materia fecal. Objetivo: Implementar el uso del fijador SAF (Acetato de sodio - Ácido acético - Formaldehído) en la técnica de Kato-Katz-OMS y evaluar la estabilidad de las estructuras de las entidades parasitarias, después de un periodo de doce meses de toma muestra y realizar comparación con la técnica de concentración Ritchie-Frick modificada (formol-gasolina), para determinar los valores de sensibilidad-S, especificidad-E, valor predictivo positivo-VPP y negativo-VPN y determinar la prevalencia del parasitismo intestinal y sus posibles variables asociadas en la comunidad infantil en edad preescolar y escolar del municipio de Chaguaní Cundinamarca. Materiales y Métodos: Se analizaron 67 muestras correspondientes a toda la población infantil en edad preescolar y escolar del área urbana del municipio de Chaguaní Cundinamarca, las cuales fueron valoradas por los métodos de Kato-Katz-SAF y concentración de Ritchie-Frick modificada (formol-gasolina) y posterior análisis microscópico. Resultados: La prevalencia de geohelmintiasis fue de 46,3%, la técnica de Kato-Katz-SAF presentó valores de S, E, VPP y VPN del 100% y la técnica de concentración de Ritchie-Frick modificada (formol-gasolina) S 60,8%, E y VPP 100% respectivamente y VPN 62,1%; la prevalencia para protozoos por este método fue de 65,7% hallándose agentes etiológicos patógenos y de carácter zoonótico. Se identificó que las variables onicofagia, consumo de agua sin proceso de cloración o hervido, presencia de vectores mecánicos, convivencia con animales domésticos como caninos, hacinamiento en la vivienda y uso poco frecuente de calzado, son variables de posible asociación estadística con la presencia de entidades parasitarias. Se determinó nivel de parasitemia por geohelmintiasis leve para esta población. Conclusión: El estudio reveló que el uso del reactivo de SAF puede implementarse en trabajos de campo prolongados conservando los estadios infectivos de las entidades geohelmínticas como: Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura y Uncinarias por un periodo de hasta doce meses.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The intestinal parasitic diseases caused by geohelminths are considered a public health problem that primarily affect developing countries and are likely to occur in children. The diagnostic methods to identify these parasitic entities are the direct stool and concentration techniques. The method established by the World Organization of the Health-WHO to identify and quantify geohelmintiasis is the Kato-Katz; however, this does not occur in fieldwork with long periods of time, since analysis should be performed in the first 48 hours of the sampling of fecal matter. Objective: Implement the use of SAF fixative (sodium acetate - acetic acid - formaldehyde) in the technique of Ka-to-Katz-WHO and to assess the stability of the structures of the entities parasitic, after a period of twelve months of taking shows and make comparison with the technique of modified Ritchie-Frick (formol-gasoline) concentration, to determine the values of sensitivity-S, specificity-E, predictive value PPV-positive and negative-VPN and determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitism and its possible variables associated in the infant community preschool and in schools of the municipality of Chaguanín Cundinamarca. Materials and methods: 67 samples corresponding to the entire child population at preschool and school age of the urban area of the municipality of Chaguani in Cundinamarca, which were valued by the methods of Kato-Katz-SAF and concentration of modified Ritchie-Frick (formol-gasoline) and subsequent microscopic analysis. Results: The prevalence of geohelmintiasis was 46.3%, the technique of Kato-Katz-SAF presented values of S, E, VPP, and 100% and VPN technique of concentration of modified Ritchie-Frick (formol-gasoline) 60.8% S, E and VPP 100% respectively and VPN 62.1%; the prevalence for protozoa by this method was 65.7% being etiologic agents pathogenic and zoonotic character. It was identified as variables onicofagia, consumption of water without boiling or chlorination process, the presence of mechanical vectors, coexistence with domestic animals such as dogs, overcrowded housing and less frequent use of footwear, are variables of possible statistical association with the presence of parasitic entities. Level of parasitemia was determined by mild geohelmintiasis for this population. Conclusion: Study revealed that the use of SAF reagent can be deployed in field work extended to conserving the infective stages of entities as geohelminths: Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworms for a period of up to twelve months.

RESUMO Introdução: As doenças parasitárias intestinais causadas por geohelmintos são consideradas um problema de saúde pública que afeta principalmente os países em desenvolvimento e é provável que ocorram em crianças. Os métodos de diagnóstico para identificar essas entidades parasitas são as fezes diretas e as técnica de concentração. O método estabelecido pela Organização Mundial da Saúde-OMS para identificar e quantificar geohelmintiasis é o Kato-Katz; No entanto, isso não ocorre no trabalho de campo com longos períodos de tempo, uma vez que a análise deve ser realizada nas primeiras 48 horas da amostragem de matéria fecal. Objetivo: Implementar o uso de fixador SAF (acetato de sódio - ácido acético - formaldeído) na técnica de Kato-Katz-OMS e avaliar a estabilidade das estruturas das entidades parasitárias, após um período de doze meses de exibição e exibição comparação com a técnica de concentração modificada de Ritchie-Frick (formol-gasolina), para determinar os valores de sensibilidade-S, especificidade-E, valor preditivo PPV-positivo e VPN negativo e determinar a prevalência de parasitismo intestinal e suas possíveis variáveis associadas na comunidade pré-escolar da comunidade infantil e nas escolas do município de Chaguanín Cundinamarca. Materiais e métodos: 67 amostras correspondentes a toda a população infantil na idade pré-escolar e escolar da área urbana do município de Chaguani em Cundinamarca, que foram avaliadas pelos métodos de Kato-Katz-SAF e concentração de Ritchie-Frick modificado (formol -gasolina) e posterior análise microscópica. Resultados: A prevalência de geohelmintiasis foi de 46,3%, a técnica de Kato-Katz-SAF apresentou valores de S, E, VPP e 100% e VPN de concentração de Ritchie-Frick modificada (formol-gasolina) 60,8% S, E e VPP 100% respectivamente e VPN 62,1%; A prevalência de protozoários por este método foi de 65,7% sendo agentes etiológicos patogênicos e de caráter zoonótico. Identificou-se como variáveis onicofagia, consumo de água sem processo de ebulição ou cloração, presença de vetores mecânicos, coexistência com animais domésticos, como cães, carcaça superlotada e uso menos freqüente de calçados, variáveis de possível associação estatística com a presença de parasitas entidades. O nível de parasitemia foi determinado por geohelmintiasis leve para esta população. Conclusão: O estudo revelou que o uso do reagente SAF pode ser implantado em trabalhos de campo estendidos para conservar os estádios infecciosos das entidades como geohelminas: Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura e ancilostomídeos por um período de até 12 meses.

Estudio de parásitos geohelmintos en arena de playa "el palito ", municipio puerto cabello , estado Carabobo. Venezuela / Study of helminth parasites in beach sand "el palito ", municipality puerto cabello , state carabobo .venezuela

Las playas representan el principal recurso natural del turismo venezolano. Estas cuentan con parámetros que evalúan su calidad ambiental, donde solo tienen establecidos indicadores biológicos bacterianos y no contemplan la identificación de parásitos en arena de playa, lo que constituye un factor de mayor exposición para infecciones por helmintos. Se realizó cinco muestreos de la playa "El Palito" durante el periodo abril 2014 - abril 2015 para un total de 60 muestras en los meses: abril, junio y septiembre 2014; febrero y abril 2015, considerando diversos factores ambientales así como las temporadas pre-vacacionales y post-vacacionales, la humedad relativa de la arena y las estaciones climáticas de lluvia y sequia según los reportes anuales del Instituto Nacional de Meteorología e Hidrología (INAMEH). El objetivo fue analizar la frecuencia y relación de geo helmintos en arena de playa con condiciones ambientales, mediante el método de Lavado con solución salina 0,85% y sedimentación espontánea, método de Willis y método de Rugai Modificado. No se demostró la recuperación de formas parasitarias patógenas para el humano, indicando que existe baja probabilidad de transmisión zoonótica en la playa evaluada.

The beaches are the main natural resource of the Venezuelan tourism, and Government Institutions provides parameters that evaluate the environmental quality; they only have established bacterial biological indicators and excluding the identification of parasites in beach sand, which leads greater exposure to helminths infections. Five samplings from the beach El Palito was conducted during the period April 2014 - April 2015 for a total of 60 samples in April, June and September 2014; February and April 2015, considering various environmental factors such as the pre-holiday and post-holiday seasons, the relative humidity of the sand and the seasons of rain and drought, according to the annual reports of the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (INAMEH). The aim was to analyze the frequency and ratio geohelminths on beach sand with environmental conditions, by the method of irrigation and spontaneous sedimentation using saline 0.85%, the Willis method and the Rugai Modified method. Recovery of pathogenic parasitic forms for human was not demonstrated, indicating that there is low probability of zoonotic transmission on the beach evaluated.

Geohelminths eggs contamination of sandpits in Vladivostok, Russia

Objective To detect nematode eggs in sandpits in urban area in Vladivostok. Methods Totally 60 samples were collected from five districts. Sand samples were analysed using combined flotation-sedimentation method. In result, 18 sand samples were positive for at one or two parasites species. Results Overall, only 3 genera of helminths were recovered. Most samples were positive for Toxocara spp. eggs. Toxocara spp. eggs were found in each district. More samples with Toxocara spp. eggs were found in Pervomaiskii district. Ascaris spp. eggs were also appeared in each district, however Ascaris eggs rate of contamination was less than rate of Toxocara spp. contamination. Toxascaris leonina eggs were the less frequent species in sandpits, it was found only in Sovetskii and Pervomaiskii districts. Ascaris eggs rate of contamination was less than rate of Toxocara spp. contamination. Toxascaris leonina eggs were the less frequent species in sandpits, it was found only in two districts. No correlation between districts and helmiths eggs present in soil samples was found (P > 0.05). Conclusions Considering the high sand contamination with parasite infective elements of both human and animal origin, measures to improve environmental and sanitary conditions are indicated, as well as promoting the concept of responsible pet ownership.

Geohelminths eggs contamination of sandpits in Vladivostok, Russia

OBJECTIVE@#To detect nematode eggs in sandpits in urban area in Vladivostok.@*METHODS@#Totally 60 samples were collected from five districts. Sand samples were analysed using combined flotation-sedimentation method. In result, 18 sand samples were positive for at one or two parasites species.@*RESULTS@#Overall, only 3 genera of helminths were recovered. Most samples were positive for Toxocara spp. eggs. Toxocara spp. eggs were found in each district. More samples with Toxocara spp. eggs were found in Pervomaiskii district. Ascaris spp. eggs were also appeared in each district, however Ascaris eggs rate of contamination was less than rate of Toxocara spp. contamination. Toxascaris leonina eggs were the less frequent species in sandpits, it was found only in Sovetskii and Pervomaiskii districts. Ascaris eggs rate of contamination was less than rate of Toxocara spp. contamination. Toxascaris leonina eggs were the less frequent species in sandpits, it was found only in two districts. No correlation between districts and helmiths eggs present in soil samples was found (P > 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Considering the high sand contamination with parasite infective elements of both human and animal origin, measures to improve environmental and sanitary conditions are indicated, as well as promoting the concept of responsible pet ownership.

Effect of Malaria and Geohelminth Infection on Birth Outcomes in Kumasi, Ghana.

Aim: In 2005, the Ghana Health Service mandated malaria and helminths chemoprophylaxis during antenatal care visits. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of malaria and helminth infections and their relationship with adverse birth outcomes (low birth weight, stillbirth, and preterm) following the implementation of these treatments. Study Design: A quantitative cross-sectional study. Method: The study was conducted on 630 women presenting for delivery in the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and the Manhyia District Hospital from July to November 2011. Socio-demographic information and medical and obstetric history were collected. Laboratory analyses for the presence of malaria and helminths were performed. Association of malaria and helminths with birth outcomes was assessed using logistic regression to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals. Results: The prevalence of malaria, helminths and adverse birth outcomes was 9.0%, 5.0% and 22.2%, respectively. Compared with women who received malaria prophylaxis, women without malaria prophylaxis were two times more likely to have malaria infection (aOR = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.06-4.17). Women who were not screened for helminths were twice as likely to be infected with helminths (aOR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.15-5.12) than women who were screened for helminths. For women infected with hookworm or Schistosoma mansoni, the odds of having an adverse birth outcome (aOR = 3.9; 95% CI = 1.09-14.20) and stillbirth (aOR = 7.7; 95% CI = 1.21-36.38) were greater than for women who were not infected. Conclusion: The prevalence of malaria, helminths and adverse birth outcomes was lower than previously reported 9.0% vs. 36.3, 5.0% vs. 25.7 and 22.2% vs. 44.6, respectively. Helminth but not malaria infection was found to be significantly associated with adverse birth outcomes.

Avaliação parasitológica e contaminação sazonal nas areias de parques públicos na região da zona leste da cidade de São Paulo / Rating parasitological contamination and seasonal sand in public parks region of the eastern city of Sao Paulo

Nas últimas décadas, têm sido recorrente na literatura científica nacional e internacional, a constatação da contaminação de ambientes públicos abertos à comunidade por parasitas com potencial zoonótico e propagadores de infecções humanas. Os geohelmintos são parasitas que podem infectar o homem, entretanto, para que ocorra o embrionamento e, assim tornem-se infectantes requerem obrigatoriamente um período no solo com condições adequadas, principalmente, de temperatura e umidade. Objetivos Avaliar a contaminação do solo por geohelmintos em localidades públicas da zona leste da cidade de São Paulo e a influência da variação sazonal sobre a contaminação. Métodos Dez praças públicas com parque infantil e freqüentadas por pessoas e animais foram sorteadas. Por um período de 12 meses, foram coletadas aproximadamente 250 gramas de amostras de solo de cinco pontos diferentes de cada praça, através da técnica de quarteamento da ABNT foram obtidas 10 gramas de cada amostra, que foram processadas de acordo com a técnica de flotação em solução saturada de cloreto de sódio, para qualificação e quantificação dos parasitos. Utilizou-se o teste de Mann Whitney para comparação de quantidade de ovos e o de regressão linear simples para avaliar a correlação entre as variáveis climáticas. Resultados De um total de 1800 amostras analisadas, foi observado que 49,7 por cento estavam positivas. Dentre os parasitas encontrados notou-se a presença de ovos de Toxocara spp. (44,2 por cento), Ascaris spp. (33,9 por cento), Ancilostomídeos (3,8 por cento), Enterobius spp. (0,6 por cento), Hymenolepis spp (0,4 por cento), Capillaria spp. (0,2 por cento) e Trichuris spp. (0,1 por cento); larvas de nematódeos (16,1 por cento); cistos de Balantidium coli (0,5 por cento) e de Entamoeba coli (0,2 por cento). O conjunto de variáveis climáticas de precipitação, vento e temperatura apresentaram forte influência na recuperação de ovos de parasitas (p=0,02). Conclusões A presença de estruturas...

In recent decades, have been recurrent in the national and international scientific literature, the finding of contamination of public places open to the community by parasites with zoonotic potential and spreaders of human infections. The geohelminths are parasites that can infect humans, however, to allow for the embryo and thus become infective require a mandatory period in the soil with appropriate conditions, mainly, temperature and humidity. Objectives - To evaluate the soil contamination by geohelminths in public places in the eastern city of Sao Paulo and the influence of seasonal variation on the contamination. Materials and Methods - Ten public parks with playground and frequented by people and animals were randomly selected. For a period of 12 months, were collected approximately 250 grams of soil samples from five different points of each square, using the technique of quartering ABNT were obtained 10 grams of each sample, were processed according to the technique of flotation saturated solution of sodium chloride, for qualification and quantification of parasites. We used the Mann Whitney test to compare the amount of eggs and simple linear regression to assess the correlation between climatic variables. Results - A total of 1800 samples, we observed that 49.7 per cent were positive. Among the parasites found it was noticed the presence of Toxocara spp. (44.2 per cent), Ascaris spp. (33.9 per cent), Hookworms (3.8 per cent), Enterobius spp. (0.6 per cent)...

Produção de IL-10 em resposta a aeroalérgenos em crianças e adolescentes de zona urbana com geohelmintíases / IL-10 production in response to aeroallergens by children and teenage from urban areas with geohelminthiasis

Objetivos: A IL-10 pode imunomodular as respostas alérgicas no hospedeiro. A respeito dos geohelmintos, trabalhos divergem quanto à alteração do quadro clínico e/ou testes cutâneos de hipersensibilidade. Pouco é conhecido sobre a produção de IL-10 frente a aeroalérgenos durante as geohelmintíases. Neste estudo, verificamos a produção de IL-10 por células mononucleares de sangue periférico de pacientes com ou sem geohelmíntiases, de zona urbana, em resposta ao Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus ou Blomia tropicalis. Métodos: Estudo experimental, com 21 pacientes de zona urbana, em que foram realizadas 84 determinações de IL-10. Após exames coprológicos, em triplicata, dois grupos foram formados, crianças enteroparasitadas e não-parasitadas. Amostras de sangue foram coleta das para purificação de células mononucleares e cultivo com antígenos de Ascaris sp (Asc), mitógeno concanavalina A (Con A), O. pteronyssinus (Dep) e B. tropicalis (Bt). A IL-10 do sobrenadante celular foi dosada (ELISA). Resultados: Idade dos pacientes variou de 9-12 anos e sem diferença quanto ao sexo. Nos indivíduos parasitados a carga parasitária foi baixa. Frente ao Asc, Con A ou Dep não houve diferença na síntese de IL-10 pelas células do grupo parasitado e não parasitado. Contudo, uma produção significativamente maior de IL-10, frente ao estímulo com Bt, nos não-parasitados foi observada. Conclusões: Pacientes de zona urbana parasitados produzem menos IL-10 frente à B. tropicalis, alérgeno mais prevalente em Recife, podendo levar a predisposição às manifestações alérgicas. Estes dados corroboram a hipótese que baixa carga parasitária de geohelmintos, principalmente Ascaris lumbricoides, pode predispor à asma/sibilância.

Objectives: IL-10 can immunomodulate allergic reactions in the host. Concerning of the geohelminths, the studies diverge about the alteration of clinical allergic disease and/or skin prick test reactivity. IL-10 production in response to aeroallergens during the geohelminths infection is poorly known. In this study, we verified the IL-10 syntheses by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from low parasitic load infected or non-infected patients coming from urban areas, when stimulated with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dep) or Blomia tropicalis (Bt). Methods: Experimental analysis of 21 patients from urban areas, which was performed 84 IL-10 determinations. After the parasitological exams (Hofmann/Kato-Katz), in triplicate, two groups were obtained, geohelminths infected and non-infected children. Blood sample were harvested for purification of mononuclear cells and culture with Ascaris sp antigen (Asc), concanavalina A mitogen (Con A), Dep and Bt. IL-10 content in cellular supernatant was measured (ELISA). Results: Patients age was among 9-12 years old and without difference in gender. In parasite infected individual the parasite load was low. In response to Asc, Con A or Dep there was not difference in the IL-10 synthesis. However, in response to Bt stimulus, high production of IL-10 by non-parasite infected group was observed. Conclusions: Parasite infected patients from urban areas product less IL-10 to Bt, allergen more prevalent in Recife, could lead to predisposition to allergic manifestation. These finding corroborate the hypotheses that low parasite load of geohelminths, especially Ascaris lumbricoides, can predispose to asth ma/wheezing.

Asociación entre atopia, asma alérgica y anticuerpos IgE específicos para Áscaris en un grupo de niños de una ciudad de la Costa norte colombiana / Association between atopy, allergic asthma and specific IgE antibodies for Ascaris in a group of children of a city of the north coast of Colombia

Introducción: El asma es una enfermedad ampliamente distribuida en el mundo, con más de 400 millones de personas afectadas. Actualmente existe un gran interés por determinar el posible efecto protector de las geohelmintiosis en el desarrollo y expresión clínica del asma. Objetivo: Con el propósito de establecer la asociación entre la co-sensibilización al Áscaris(As) y al ácaro Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dpt) con la severidad del asma bronquial se realizó un estudio analítico de casos y controles. Materiales y métodos: Un total de 227 sujetos, 97 casos y 130 controles participaron del estudio. A todos se les investigó por niveles séricos de IgE total, IgE específica anti-As y anti-Dpt, y se les practicó un examen coproparasitológico para detectar infestación por geohelmintos. Resultados: De la población estudiada, 211 (93%) presentaron IgE total elevada. En el grupo caso, 75.3% fueron IgE anti-Dpt (+) y 64.9% IgE anti-As (+); en el grupo control, el 76.2% fueron IgE anti- Dpt (+) y 74.6% IgE anti-As (+). El análisis de asociación estadística mostró que una IgE elevada se convierte en factor de riesgo, OR 5,73 (I.C.95%: 1.26 – 52.9) (p= 0,023), mientras que las parasitosis intestinales actúan como factor protector, OR 0,44 (I.C.95%: 0,24 – 0,80) (p= 0.0049). Los niveles de IgE anti-As mostraron asociación Conclusiones: Este resultado puede ser explicado por la presencia de reactividad cruzada entre los antígenos de Dpt y As. No se encontró asociación estadística entre la sensibilización a Dpt ó As y la severidad del asma...

Introduction: Asthma is a disease widely distributed in the world, with more than 400 million people affected. Actuality exist a great interest to determine the possible protective effect of geohelminthiasis in the asthma. Objetive: In order to establish the relationship between Áscaris (AS) and Dermatophoides pteronyssinus (Dpt) mites sensitization with the classification of the bronchial asthma severity an analytical study of cases and controls was done. Materials and methods: A total of 227 subjects, 97 cases and 130 controls participated in the study. Level of total IgE and specifics IgE anti-As and anti-Dpt were investigated in all the subjects enrolled in the study. Of the studied population, 211 children (93%) presented high total IgE. In the case group 75.3% were anti-Dpt IgE (+) and 64.9 % anti – As (+); in the control group the 76.2% were anti –Dpt IgE (+) and 74.6% anti – As IgE (+). The statistical association analysis showed that a high IgE becomes risk factor for asthmaticOR 5.73 (I.C 95%: 1.26 – 52.9) (p=0.023), whereas the intestinal parasite infection act like a protective factor, OR 0.44 (I.C. 95%: 0.24-0.80) (p=0.0049). Anti-As IgE levels were significantly associated with IgE anti-Dpt levels (p<0.0001). Conclusions: This result can be explained by the presence of cross reactivity between its antigens. Not significant statistical association was found between the sensitization to Dpt or As with the asthma severity...