Intestinal parasites in cancer patients in the South of Brazil / Parasitos intestinais em pacientes com câncer do Sul do Brasil

Abstract Intestinal parasitic infections in immunocompromised patients can lead to serious complications when not diagnosed and treated early. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of intestinal parasites in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in the South of Brazil. Three fecal samples collected from each patient (73 individuals) were processed by Ritchie and Faust techniques and submitted to specific staining methods for intestinal protozoa. A 61.6% parasite and/or commensal positivity was found. Helminths identified were Ascaris lumbricoides (33.3%), Taenia spp. (6.6%), Strongyloides stercoralis (4.4%) and Trichuris trichiura (2.2%). Among protozoans, Giardia lamblia (26.6%), Cryptosporidium spp. (13.3%) and Cystoisospora belli (4.4%) were identified. The presence of Entamoeba coli, Endolimax nana and Entamoeba hartmanni was also recorded. The results obtained warn of the importance of fecal parasitological diagnosis and the use of specific staining methods for the detection of intestinal parasites in cancer patients. These exams should be regularly requested at the patient's first clinic visit, given the high prevalence found in this study and the possible severity of such conditions for these individuals.

Resumo As parasitoses intestinais em pacientes imunocomprometidos podem levar a graves complicações se não diagnosticadas e tratadas precocemente. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a frequência de parasitos intestinais em pacientes oncológicos submetidos ao tratamento quimioterápico. Foram coletadas três amostras de fezes de cada paciente, sendo processadas pelas técnicas de Ritchie e Faust e submetidas à métodos de coloração específicos para protozoários intestinais. Foi encontrada positividade de 61,6% para parasitos e/ou comensais. Os helmintos identificados foram Ascaris lumbricoides (33,3%), Taenia spp. (6,6%), Strongyloides stercoralis (4,4%) e Trichuris trichiura (2,2%). Dentre os protozoários, foram identificados Giardia lamblia (26,6%), Cryptosporidium spp. (13,3%) e Cystoisospora belli (4,4%). Também foi registrada presença de Entamoeba coli, Endolimax nana e Entamoeba hartmanni. Os resultados encontrados alertam para a importância do diagnóstico parasitológico de fezes junto à utilização de colorações específicas para parasitos intestinais em pacientes oncológicos, sendo que os mesmos deveriam ser requeridos como conduta já na primeira consulta clínica destes pacientes, dada à elevada prevalência aqui constatada e a possível severidade que tais moléstias podem acarretar nestes indivíduos.

Detection and differentiation of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar in clinical samples through PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis

Amebiasis is one of the twenty major causes of disease in Mexico; however, the diagnosis is difficult due to limitations of conventional microscopy-based techniques. In this study, we analyzed stool samples using polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) to differentiate between Entamoeba histolytica (pathogenic) and E. dispar (non-pathogenic). The target for the PCR amplification was a small region (228 bp) of the adh112 gene selected to increase the sensitivity of the test. The study involved 62 stool samples that were collected from individuals with complaints of gastrointestinal discomfort. Of the 62 samples, 10 (16.1%) were positive for E. histolytica while 52 (83.9%) were negative. No sample was positive for E. dispar. These results were validated by nested PCR-RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) and suggest that PCR-DGGE is a promising tool to differentiate among Entamoeba infections, contributing to determine the specific treatment for patients infected with E. histolytica, and therefore, avoiding unnecessary treatment of patients infected with the non-pathogenic E. dispar.

Prevalence of ittestinal parasites among food handlers in western Iann / La prevalencia de parasitos intestinales entre los manipuladores de alimentos en el oeste de Iran

Parasitic infection is one of the problems that affect human health, especially in developing countries. In this study, all of the fast food shops, restaurants, and roast meat outlets of Khorramabad (Western Iran) and all the staff employed by them, some 210 people, were selected through a census and their stools were examined for the presence of parasites. The parasitological tests of direct wet-mount, Lugol's iodine staining, formaldehyde-ether sedimentation and Trichrome staining techniques were performed on the samples. The data was analyzed with a chi-square test and logistic regression was selected as the analytical model. The results showed 19 (9%) stool specimens were positive for different intestinal parasites. These intestinal parasites included Giardia lamblia 2.9%, Entamoeba coli 4.3%, Blastocystis sp. 1.4%, and Hymenolepis nana 0.5%. There was a significant difference between the presence of a valid health card, awareness of transmission of intestinal parasites, participation in training courses in environmental health with intestinal parasites (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between the rate of literacy and gender among patients infected with intestinal parasites (p > 0.05). To control parasitic infection in food handlers, several strategies are recommended such as stool examinations every three months, public education, application of health regulations, controlling the validity of health cards and training on parasitic infection transmission. In this regard, the findings of the present study can be used as a basis to develop preventive programs targeting food handlers because the spread of disease via them is a common problem worldwide.

Infección parasitaria es uno de los problemas de salud humana, especialmente en los países en desarrollo. En este estudio, todas las tiendas de comida rápida, restaurantes, y tiendas de carne asada en Khorramabad (oeste de Irán) y todo el personal que trabaja en ellos, incluyendo 210 personas fueron seleccionadas a través de los censos y las heces fueron examinadas para detectar la presencia de parásitos. La prueba parasitológica directa de mojado de montaje, la tinción de Lugol's yodo, sedimentación formaldehído-éter y tricrómicas técnicas de tinción se realizaron sobre las muestras. Los datos fueron analizados con la prueba de chi-cuadrado y regresión logística seleccionado como el modelo analítico. Los resultados mostraron 19 (9%) muestras de heces fueron positivos para diferentes parásitos intestinales. Los parásitos intestinales incluyen Giardia lamblia 2.9%, Entamoeba coli 4.3%, Blastocystis sp. 1.4%, Hymenolepis nana 0.5%. Hubo diferencia significativa entre la presencia de la tarjeta sanitaria válida, el conocimiento de la transmisión de los parásitos intestinales, la participación en cursos de formación en materia de salud ambiental con parásitos intestinales (p < 0.05). No hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre la tasa de alfabetización y el sexo entre los pacientes infectados con parásitos intestinales (p > 0.05). Para controlar la infección parasitaria en los manipuladores de alimentos se recomiendan varias estrategias, tales como examen de heces cada tres meses, la educación pública, se aplican las normas sanitarias, el control de validez de la tarjeta sanitaria y la transmisión formación infección parasitaria. En este sentido, los resultados del presente estudio se pueden utilizar como una base para desarrollar programas de prevención dirigidos a los manipuladores de alimentos debido a la propagación de enfermedades a través de ellos es un problema común en todo el mundo.

Laboratory diagnosis of amebiasis in a sample of students from southeastern Brazil and a comparison of microscopy with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for screening of infections with Entamoeba sp.

Introduction: Epidemiological studies on amebiasis have been reassessed since Entamoeba histolytica and E. dispar were first recognized as distinct species. Because the morphological similarity of these species renders microscopic diagnosis unreliable, additional tools are required to discriminate between Entamoeba species. The objectives of our study were to compare microscopy with ELISA kit (IVD®) results, to diagnose E. histolytica infection, and to determine the prevalence of amebiasis in a sample of students from southeastern Brazil. Methods: In this study, diagnosis was based on microscopy due to its capacity for revealing potential cysts/trophozoites and on two commercial kits for antigen detection in stool samples. Results: For 1,403 samples collected from students aged 6 to 14 years who were living in Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil, microscopy underestimated the number of individuals infected with E. histolytica/E. dispar (5.7% prevalence) compared with the ELISA kit (IVD®)-based diagnoses (15.7% for E. histolytica/E. dispar). A comparison of the ELISA (IVD®) and light microscopy results returned a 20% sensitivity, 97% specificity, low positive predictive value, and high negative predictive value for microscopy. An ELISA kit (TechLab®) that was specific for E. histolytica detected a 3.1% (43/1403) prevalence for E. histolytica infection. Conclusions: The ELISA kit (IVD®) can be used as an alternative screening tool. The high prevalence of E. histolytica infection detected in this study warrants the implementation of actions directed toward health promotion and preventive measures. .

Diferenciación del complejo Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar mediante Gal/GalNAc-lectina y PCR en aislamientos colombianos / Differentiation of entamoeba histolytica from entamoeba dispar using Gal/GalNAc-lectin and polymerase chain reaction

Background: Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar are morphologically identical. However, the former is highly pathogenic and the latter is not. Aim: To differentiate Entamoeba histolytica from Entamoeba dispar through ELISA and PCR techniques in Colombian isolates from feces. Material and Methods: Descriptive study of Colombian fecal samples from 53 males and 47 women, that were positive for the complex E. histolytica/E. dispar on light microscopy. Positive samples were cultured on Robinson medium to isolate trophozoites. The presence of specific Gal/ GalNAc-lectin was determined by ELISA and polymerase chain reaction in genomic DNA, using the combination of three nucleotides that recognize a variable region of 16S small subunit ribosomal RNA, generating a 166 base pair (bp) product for E. histolytica and 752 pb product for E. dispar. Results: After verification, only eight of the 100 samples were positive for the complex E. histolytica/E. dispar and were cultivated. Isolates were obtained in six cultures, one corresponded to E. histolytica and six to E. dispar. Conclusions: The presence of E. histolytica/E. dispar complex was largely overestimated with light microscopy. In the few samples where isolates were obtained, the technique described differentiated between both strains.

Environmental analyses of the parasitic profile found in the sandy soil from the Santos municipality beaches, SP, Brazil / Análise ambiental do perfil de estruturas parasitárias encontradas no solo arenoso das praias do município de Santos, SP, Brasil

The environmental contamination by geohelminths represents a world public health problem and has been well documented by several authors. However, few papers describe the presence of such contamination in saline soils of coastal beaches. A study was performed on the beaches of the municipality of Santos in the period between May 2004 to April 2005 with the aim of determining the degree of contamination, and the correlation between contamination level and seasonal conditions and characteristics of the environment. Of the 2,520 samples analyzed, 18.2 percent (458) were contaminated, 32.3 percent (148) of which were localized in children's recreational areas (playgrounds). The parasite profile found in the analyzed samples indicated the presence of several zoonotic parasites: Ancylostoma larvae (82.5 percent), Toxocara sp. eggs (59.4 percent), Ancylostomidae-like eggs (37.1 percent), coccid oocysts (13.5 percent), Trichostrongylus sp. eggs and larvae, Ascaris lumbricoides eggs, (11.6 percent), Entamoeba sp. cysts (10.0 percent), Strongyloides sp. (4.8 percent), several free nematoids and some non-identified parasitic structures (3.3 percent). It was established that the highest frequency of parasitic structures occurred in the months between May and October 2004, and from February to March 2005. An increase in the diversity of parasitic forms was documented in the months between February to December 2004 and from January to April 2005, these periods having the highest rainfall.

A contaminação ambiental por geohelmintos representa um problema mundial de saúde pública e tem sido bem documentada por diversos autores. No entanto, poucos trabalhos descrevem a presença de contaminação em solos salinos de praias litorâneas. Este estudo foi realizado nas praias do município de Santos no período entre maio de 2004 a abril de 2005 com o objetivo de determinar o grau de contaminação, e possíveis correlações entre sazonalidade e características ambientais. Das 2.520 amostras analisadas, 18,2 por cento (458) estavam contaminadas, 32,3 por cento (148) das quais foram localizadas em areas de lazer das crianças(playgrounds). O perfil parasitário encontrado nas amostras analisadas indicaram a presença de vários parasitos com potencial zoonótico: larvas de Ancylostoma (82,5 por cento), ovos de Toxocara sp (59,4 por cento), ovos semelhantes aos de Ancilostomídeos (37,1 por cento), oocistos de coccídeos (13,5 por cento), ovos de Trichostrongylus sp., ovos de Ascaris lumbricoides, (11,6 por cento), cistos de Entamoeba sp. (10,0 por cento), Strongyloides sp. (4,8 por cento), vários nematóides de vida livre e algumas estruturas parasitárias não identificadas que podem corresponder a um parasita (3,3 por cento). Foi estabelecido que a maior frequência de estruturas parasitárias ocorreu nos meses entre maio e outubro de 2004, e de fevereiro a março de 2005. Um aumento na diversidade de formas parasitárias foi documentado nos meses entre fevereiro a dezembro de 2004 e de janeiro a abril de 2005, esses períodos com a maior pluviosidade.

Validation and utilization of PCR for differential diagnosis and prevalence determination of Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar in Salvador City, Brazil

Amoebiasis is an infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica and is a potential health risk in countries in which health barriers are inappropriate. Since the discovery of Entamoeba dispar, the prevalence of amoebiasis has been modified. OBJECTIVE: This study has standardized the PCR technique applied for the diagnosis of different species of the E. histolytica/E. dispar complex and has evaluated the prevalence of infection among patients attending private and public clinical laboratories in Salvador City, Bahia State, Brazil. RESULTS: Analysis of 52,704 stool samples by microscopic examination demonstrated that 1,788 (3.4 percent) were positive for the E. histolytica/E. dispar complex and infection occurred more often in samples originated from public clinical laboratories (5.0 percent) than those that came from private laboratories (3.2 percent). PCR performed in approximately 15 percent (262) E. histolytica/E. dispar complex positive samples, randomly chosen, amplified 227 samples (86.6 percent), all of them positive for E. dispar. The non-amplified 35 samples (13.4 percent) were also negative for E. histolytica-specific galactose adhesin. Moreover, to exclude a probable infection caused by E. hartmanni, morphometric analysis demonstrated that non-amplified samples had cyst sizes comparable to E. histolytica/E. dispar (>10 µm). CONCLUSION: The absence of amplification of these samples indicates the presence of PCR inhibitors in the stool samples or the presence of DNA from Entamoeba species other than E. dispar, E. histolytica or E. hartmanni.

Prevalence of oral Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax in patients with periodontal disease and healthy population in Shiraz, southern Iran.

Background: It was shown that two parasites of Entamoeba gingivalis (E. gingivalis) and Trichomonas tenax (T. tenax) may be responsible for oral parasitic infection. This study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of these parasites in oral cavity of patients with periodontal disease and in healthy population in Shiraz, Southern Iran. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 patients with periodontal disease (case group) and 50 subjects with healthy gingiva (control group) entered in the present study. A questionnaire recorded general health, smoking habits, and any history of antibiotic consumption during the last six months for each patient. In the case group, saliva was collected by sterile swab and the gingival crevicular fluid by the paper point. The plaque and calculi were collected by sterile curette and scaler. In the control group, saliva and gingival crevicular fluid were collected and sent to laboratory for further studies. Results: In the case group, nine patients were infected, six with E. gingivalis and three with T. tenax. Seven patients had mobility of the teeth, one patient was smoker and five had previous history of antibiotic consumption. In the control group, only one subject was infected with E. gingivalis without any history of smoking and antibiotic consumption. Conclusion: Parasitic infections are relatively common in patients with periodontal disease. It seems that follow-up of instructions are essential in control of parasitic infection in Southern Iran.

Detección y diferenciación de Entamoeba histolytica y Entamoeba dispar mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa en individuos de una comunidad del Estado Zulia, Venezuela / Detection and differentiation of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar by polymerase chain reaction in a community in Zulia State, Venezuela

Differential identification of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar is essential for both appropriate patient treatment and epidemiological purposes. To determine the prevalence of these amoeba infections in Santa Rosa de Agua (Maracaibo, Zulia State, Venezuela), a PCR assay using specific primers for each species was standardized and applied. 204 stool samples were analyzed through direct microscopic examination with SSF (0.85 percent) and lugol, formol-ether concentration, and PCR. Under direct microscopy, 42 individuals (20.58 percent) presented the E. histolytica/E. dispar complex. Meanwhile PCR showed 47 positive cases for these amoebas: 22 E. histolytica (10.78 percent), 16 E. dispar (7.84 percent), and 9 (4.41 percent) mixed infections. There was no significant difference in the presence of E. histolytica and/or E. dispar according to either gender or age. There were no cases of these amoebas in children under 2 years of age. Observed frequency of E. histolytica (31/204) shows the endemic nature of amoeba infection in this community.

La identificación diferencial de Entamoeba histolytica y Entamoeba dispar es esencial para un tratamiento adecuado del paciente y con fines epidemiológicos. Para determinar la prevalencia de E. histolytica y E. dispar se estandarizó y aplicó un ensayo de PCR, utilizando oligonucleótidos específicos para cada especie. 204 muestras de heces de individuos de la comunidad de Santa Rosa de Agua (Municipio Maracaibo, Estado Zulia, Venezuela), fueron analizadas a través del examen directo con SSF (0,85 por ciento) y lugol, concentrado de formol-éter y PCR. Al examen microscópico, 42 individuos (20,58 por ciento) presentaron formas evolutivas del complejo E. histolytica/E. dispar; mientras que la técnica de PCR evidenció un total de 47 casos positivos a estas amibas; de los cuales 22 eran portadores de E. histolytica (10,78 por ciento), 16 (7,84 por ciento) de E. dispar y 9 (4,41 por ciento) presentaron infección mixta. No hubo diferencia significativa al relacionar las variables sexo y presencia de E. histolytica y/o E. dispar, ni con los grupos etarios. No existieron casos de estas amibas, en los menores de 2 años. La frecuencia observada de E. histolytica (31/204), demuestra el carácter endémico de la amibiasis en esta comunidad.

Comparison of multiplex-PCR and antigen detection for differential diagnosis of Entamoeba histolytica

Amebiasis is an infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica. However, differentiation between E. histolytica and Entamoeba dispar, which are morphologically identical species, is essential for treatment decision, precaution of the invasive disease and public health. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate a Multiplex -PCR for detection and differentiation of E. histolytica from E. dispar from fresh stool samples in comparison with the coproantigen commercial ELISA. Microscopic examination of stools using the Coprotest method, detection of stool antigen by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit and a home made Multiplex-PCR, were used for the diagnosis of amoebiasis infection. Analysis of the 127 stools samples by microscopy examination demonstrated that only 27 (21 percent) samples were positive for E. histolytica/E. dispar complex. Among these stool samples, 11 were positive by Multiplex-PCR, with nine presenting the diagnostic fragment characteristic of E. dispar (96 bp) and two presenting diagnostic fragment of E. histolytica (132 bp). Among negative samples detected by microscopic examination, three positive samples for E. dispar and one positive for E. histolytica by Multiplex-PCR was observed. This denotes a low sensibility of microscopic examination when a single stool sample is analyzed. Assay for detection of E. histolytica antigen was concordant with multiplex-PCR in relation to E. histolytica. Statistical analysis comparing the sensibility tests was not done because of the low number of E. histolytica cases. The results demonstrate the importance of the specific techniques use for the differentiation between E. histolytica and E. dispar.

Implantação e avaliação do diagnóstico diferencial entre Entamoeba histolytica e Entamoeba dispar em amostras fecais / Implementation and evaluation of the differential diagnosis of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar in fecal samples

A amebíase é uma infecção causada pela Entamoeba histolytica e representa um risco em potencial à saúde, em quase todos os países onde as barreiras sanitárias são inadequadas. É a segunda causa de mortalidade entre as parasitoses, alcançando em torno de 100.000 óbitos anuais. Com a descoberta da Entamoeba dispar, organismo comensal morfologicamente idêntico e geneticamente distinto da E. histolytica, a prevalência da infecção tem sido modificada. Neste estudo foi padronizada a reação em cadeia da polimerase para diagnóstico específico das amebas do complexo E. histolytica/E. dispar e aplicada para avaliar a prevalência da infecção em indivíduos atendidos em laboratórios da rede privada e pública de Salvador-BA. Amostras fecais de 52.704 pacientes, provenientes de 27 postos de coleta distribuídos em várias localidades, foram submetidas a exames coproparasitológicos. As amostras positivas para o complexo E. histolytica/E. dispar (n= 262) tiveram seus cistos concentrados por meio da técnica de formol-éter para posterior extração do DNA e diagnóstico através da PCR. Foi observada uma prevalência de 3.4 por cento para o complexo E. histolytica/E. dispar, sendo mais freqüente nas amostras provenientes do serviço público de saúde (5.0 por cento) do que naquelas do serviço privado (3.2 por cento). Através da PCR foi demonstrado que 86.6 por cento destes pacientes estavam verdadeiramente infectados pela E. disparo. Para o restante dos pacientes (14.4 por cento), a PCR foi negativa tanto para E. histolytica como para E. disparo. No ensaio imunoenzimático foi confirmado que estes pacientes não estavam infectados pela E. histolytica e o estudo morfométrico mostrou que o tamanho dos cistos é compatível com as amebas do complexo, afastando a possibilidade de infecção por E. hartmanni. Possivelmente, a presença de inibidores enzimáticos nas fezes diminuiu a sensibilidade da PCR. No entanto, é uma metodologia eficaz para...

Long term formalin preserved stool specimens for detection of intestinal parasites from school aged children in Tripoli, Libya

A total of 949 single stool samples were collected from school aged children [5-14 years old] in the city of Tripoli. The samples were preserved in 10% formalin and examined by routine microscopy using normal saline and Lugols iodine preparations as well as the formol ethyl concentration method after a storage period of twelve months at room temperature. Of 949 samples examined 4.5% were positive. Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba coli were the only protozoan parasites identified with an infection rate of 3.2% and 1.3% respectively. No helminthes were detected in any of the samples. About 14% of the children had intestinal yeast infection Candida albicans in their stool of which 0.63% was infected with intestinal parasites. No distortion or alteration of morphology was observed particularly in G. lamblia. Preservation in 10% formalin is a very productive means for the accurate identification of protozoan parasites

Ocorrência de Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar em pacientes ambulatoriais de Recife, PE / Occurrence of Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar in ambulatory patients of Recife, PE

Este trabalho teve como objetivo determinar a ocorrência das espécies Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar em amostras clínicas de pacientes ambulatoriais de Pernambuco. Neste estudo, foi utilizado o teste imunoenzimático específico para Entamoeba histolytica, que entre os 213 pacientes não identificou nenhuma amostra fecal positiva. Estes resultados confirmam Entamoeba dispar é a espécie dominante nesta região.

The objective this study was to determine the occurrence of the species Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba díspar in clinical samples of ambulatory patients in Pernambuco. A specific assay for Entamoeba histolytica was used in this study, which identified no positive fecal samples among the 213 patients. These results confirm that E. dispar is the dominant species in Pernambuco State.

Intestinal protozoan infections and echinococcosis in the inhabitants of Dornod and Selenge, Mongolia(2003)

The status of intestinal parasitic infections and seroprevalence of cystic echinococcosis in the inhabitants in Dornod and Selenge, Mongolia, was observed with stool and serum samples from 165 and 683 residents from August 9 to August 15, 2003. A total of 10 inhabitants (6.1%) were found to be infected with protozoan cysts or oocysts by stool examinations; 7, 1 and 2 cases with Entamoeba coli, Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum, respectively. A total of 62 people (9.1%) revealed significantly high levels of specific antibodies against Echinococcus granulosus by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The surveyed areas are rural areas and the sanitized tab water is not available. There is a possibility of endemic transmission of water-borne protozoan diseases in these areas. The clinical echinococcosis is needed to be searched from the seropositive inhabitants.

Entamoeba moshkovskii and Entamoeba dispar-associated infections in pondicherry, India.

The prevalence of Laredo strain--Entamoeba moshkovskii--and non-pathogenic E. dispar in patients attending the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research hospital, Pondicherry, India, is reported here. E. moshkovskii is reported for the first time in India. The species are morphologically indistinguishable from pathogenic E. histolytica. Of 746 stool samples screened, 68 showing cyst or trophozoite stage of E. histolytica, E. dispar, or E. moshkovskii were subjected to small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene-based polymerase chain reaction, which revealed a higher prevalence of E. dispar (8.8%) and E. moshkovskii (2.2%) compared to E. histolytica (1.7%) in patients. Only 19% of the 68 stool samples, resembling E. histolytica by microscopy, were actually E. histolytica, implying that 81% of suspected infections were misdiagnosed and would have been treated unnecessarily with anti-amoebic drugs.

Transmissão de enteroparasitoses através do papel-moeda / Transmission of enteropasitosis through currency notes

PURPOSE: There are several ways to propagation of parasitary diseases and how there aren't many bibliographic work about this theme, it was realized a study near to the Natal-RN population, to verify the enteroparasites transmission through the paper money. METHODS: In the Laboratório Parasitologia Clínica was analysed 500 bills of several worths gotten in shops and, concomitantly it was examined samples of a water got from the washed hands of the people who held the money. The methods to realize the parasitologic exams were: Ritchie and Faust et al. RESULTS: It was observed the following parasites prevalent in 48 (9.6%) examined bills: Endolimax nana 31 (6.2%), Entamoeba coli 06 (1.2%), Entamoeba histolytica 01 (0.2%), Ascaris lumbricoides 10 (2.0%). In the water, it vas observed that 40 (40.0%) of them had the same kinds of parasites in their hands. CONCLUSIONS: Finally, it is postulated that the paper money is important to the enteroparasites transmission and it is suggested that new researches must be done in this area.

Distribution and differential diagnosis of entamoeba histolytica from entamoeba dispar by the PCR-RFLP method in central Iran

Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar are two morphologically indistinguishable human protozoan parasites that are genetically distinct species. The potential invasive pathogenic Entamoeba histolytica and non-invasive parasite Entamoeba dispar can be differentiated by molecular and other methods. We used polymerase chain reaction [PCR] to determine the ratio of the two species in a population in Tehran and Karaj in central Iran. Materials and Human stool samples [n=12 148] were randomly collected in Tehran and Karaj and examined for E. histolytica/E. dispar cysts with direct and formalin-ether methods. Eighty-seven [0.7%] cases were positive, of which 49 [62.8%] isolates were successfully cultured in Robinson