Prevalencia e intensidad de infección por geohelmintos, caracterizando los factores socio culturales y ambientales que inciden en la infección de escolares, Paraguay, 2015 / Prevalence and intensity of geohelminths infection characterizing the socio-cultural and environmental factors that affect the infection of school children, Paraguay, 2015

Resumen Introducción: Actualmente Paraguay no cuenta con estudios de prevalencia de infección por geohelmintos transmitidos por contacto con el suelo en escolares de 6 a 12 años. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia e intensidad de infección por Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura y las uncinarias y las características socio culturalesambientales de la población afectada. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal, en tres zonas climáticas: semi tropical continental, semi tropical semi estépico y semi tropical húmedo. Se seleccionaron 1.404 escolares de 20 escuelas de ocho departamentos, de las tres zonas climáticas del país. Se analizaron exámenes coproparasitológicos in situ con el método Kato-Katz. Resultados: La prevalencia nacional de geohelmintiasis fue de 3,7% (IC95% = 2,8-4,8). Los factores de riesgo fueron el consumo de agua de pozo OR: 2,88 (IC95% = 1,64-2,07), piso de tierra en la vivienda OR: 2,56 (IC95% = 1,45-4,50) y falta de baño con arrastre de agua en los hogares OR: 2,29 (IC95% = 1,23-4,28). Conclusión: A pesar de que la prevalencia nacional de geohelmintiasis fue baja, se recomienda promocionar buenas prácticas higiénicas, el uso de calzado, y consumo de agua segura, así como diseñar intervenciones con los sectores pertinentes para mejorar el acceso al agua segura y a instalaciones mejoradas de saneamiento básico.

Introduction: Currently, Paraguay has no data on the prevalence of soil-transmitted geohelminth infection in schoolchildren aged 6 to 12 years. Aim: To determine the prevalence and intensity of infection by Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworms and the socio-cultural-environmental characteristics of the affected population. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study, in three semi-tropical climatic zones: continental, semi steppe and humid. A total of 1,404 schoolchildren from 20 schools in eight departments were selected from the country's three climate zones. Copro-parasitological exams were analyzed in situ with the Kato-Katz method. Results: The national prevalence for geohelminthiasis was 3.73% (95% CI = 2.8-4.8). The risk factors found were consumption of well water OR: 2.88 (95% CI = 1.64-2.07), ground floor in housing OR: 2.56 (95% CI = 1.45-4.50) and lack of flushing water baths in households OR: 2.29 (95% CI = 1.23-4.28). Conclusion: Although the national prevalence of geohelminthiasis was low, it is recommended to promote good hygienic practices, use of footwear, and safe water consumption, as well as designing interventions with all relevant sectors to improve access to safe water and improved basic sanitation facilities.

Apendicitis y parásitos: a propósito de 2 casos / Appendicitis and parasites: Reporting of 2 cases

Objetivo: Enfatizar la importancia de sospechar esta etiología en la patogenia de la apendicitis aguda, especialmente en pacientes procedentes de países endémicos. Casos clínicos: Presentamos dos casos, con cursos clínicos divergentes.

Aim: We would like to emphasize the importance of having a high grade of suspect about the parasitic etiology of appendicitis acute, especially in patients from endemic countries. Case report: We present two cases with divergent clinical evolution.

Obstrucción intestinal por Ascaris lumbricoides en un adulto mayor / Intestinal obstruction due to Ascaris lumbricoides infection in a geriatric patient

Ascaris lumbricoides is considered the largest intestinal nematode with a higher incidence in the childhood, representing a truly medical and public health problem, principally in undeveloped countries. We present the case of an 83 year old man, born and coming from the amazon region, without any relevant previous history of disease, admitted in the emergency department of our hospital for presenting intestinal obstruction and also presumptive biliary obstruction due to multiple balls of parasites, requiring immediate surgical intervention. We emphasize the need of consider this etiologic possibility in the differential diagnosis, that in this particular case, wasn't suspected in the first place.

Ascaris lumbricoides es considerado el nemátodo intestinal de mayor tamaño. Se presenta con mayor frecuencia en la infancia, representando un verdadero problema médico y de salud pública, especialmente en países en vías de desarrollo. Presentamos el caso de un varón de 83 años, natural y procedente de la región amazónica del Perú, sin antecedentes médicos de relevancia, que ingresa a Servicio de urgencias de nuestro hospital por un cuadro de obstrucción intestinal y presunta obstrucción biliar, requiriendo una intervención quirúrgica inmediata. El diagnóstico final de obstrucción intestinal por la presencia de múltiples ovillos de Ascaris lumbricoides, no fue considerado dentro de los diagnósticos diferenciales previo al acto quirúrgico.

Comparative Analysis of Pathogenic Organisms in Cockroaches from Different Community Settings in Edo State, Nigeria

Cockroaches are abundant in Nigeria and are seen to harbour an array of pathogens. Environmental and sanitary conditions associated with demographic/socio-economic settings of an area could contribute to the prevalence of disease pathogens in cockroaches. A total of 246 cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) in urban (Benin, n=91), semi-urban (Ekpoma, n=75) and rural (Emuhi, n=70) settings in Edo State, Nigeria were collected within and around households. The external body surfaces and alimentary canal of these cockroaches were screened for bacterial, fungal, and parasitological infections. Bacillus sp. and Escherichia coli were the most common bacteria in cockroaches. However, Enterococcus faecalis could not be isolated in cockroaches trapped from Ekpoma and Emuhi. Aspergillus niger was the most prevalent fungus in Benin and Ekpoma, while Mucor sp. was predominant in Emuhi. Parasitological investigations revealed the preponderance of Ascaris lumbricoides in Benin and Emuhi, while Trichuris trichura was the most predominant in Ekpoma. The prevalence and burden of infection in cockroaches is likely to be a reflection of the sanitary conditions of these areas. Also, cockroaches in these areas making incursions in homes may increase the risk of human infections with these disease agents.

Parasitismo por Ascaris lumbricoides e seus aspectos epidemiológicos em crianças do Estado do Maranhão / Parasitism due to Ascaris lumbricoides and its epidemiological characteristics among children in the State of Maranhão

INTRODUÇÃO: As enteroparasitoses representam um sério problema de saúde pública de cunho mundial. Essas afecções estão correlacionadas com condições precárias de saneamento básico aliado a ausência de noções básicas de higiene, observada, sobretudo na infância. Dentre esses parasitos, destaca-se o nematóide Ascaris lumbricoides, com alta incidência no Brasil e no mundo. A prevalência e a intensidade da infecção por esse patógeno foram analisadas mediante um estudo transversal em crianças residentes no município de Tutóia, no Estado do Maranhão, entre julho e dezembro de 2008. MÉTODOS: A população do estudo foi constituída por crianças entre um a doze anos de idade, num total de 220 indivíduos. As amostras fecais foram recolhidas nos domicílios em frascos contendo solução conservadora (MIF) e processadas por meio da técnica de sedimentação espontânea. Com cada pai ou responsável pela criança foi aplicado um questionário padrão, cujos resultados foram utilizados para análise descritiva da amostra estudada. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de infecção por A. lumbricoides foi de 53,6 por cento. A análise dos questionários revelou resultados alarmantes no que diz respeito ao grau de insalubridade ao qual a população está inserida, bem como seus precários hábitos de higiene. CONCLUSÕES: O índice de parasitoses no presente trabalho é um reflexo claro da falta de saneamento básico da região estudada, indicando um estado epidemiológico preocupante. Dessa forma, faz-se necessária uma política pública de conscientização e combate dessa patologia.

INTRODUCTION: Intestinal parasitoses are a serious public health problem of worldwide nature. These disorders are correlated with poor basic sanitation conditions coupled with lack of basic hygiene notions, and are observed especially among children. Among these parasites, the nematode Ascaris lumbricoides stands out, with high incidence in Brazil and worldwide. The prevalence and intensity of infection by this pathogen were analyzed by means of a cross-sectional study among children living in the municipality of Tutóia, State of Maranhão, between July and December 2008. METHODS: The study population consisted of children between one and twelve years of age, totaling 220 individuals. Fecal samples were collected in households in vials containing MIF preserving solution and were processed using the spontaneous sedimentation technique. A standard questionnaire was applied to each parent or guardian, and the results were used for descriptive analysis on the study sample. RESULTS: The prevalence of A. lumbricoides was 53.6 percent. Analysis on the questionnaires revealed alarming results regarding the degree of unhealthy condition to which the population is subjected, in addition to its poor hygiene habits. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence rate found in this study is a clear reflection of the lack of basic sanitation in the region studied. Thus, a public policy for raising awareness and combating this disease is needed.

Paleoparasitological report on Ascaris aDNA from an ancient East Asian sample

In this study, Ascaris DNA was extracted and sequenced from a medieval archaeological sample in Korea. While Ascaris eggs were confirmed to be of human origin by archaeological evidence, it was not possible to pinpoint the exact species due to close genetic relationships among them. Despite this shortcoming, this is the first Ascaris ancient DNA (aDNA) report from a medieval Asian country and thus will expand the scope of Ascaris aDNA research.

Dermatite atópica e ascaridíase em crianças de 2 a 10 anos / Atopic dermatitis and ascariasis in children aged 2 to 10 years

Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre dermatite atópica (DA) e ascaridíase em crianças de 2 a 10 anos do bairro do Pedregal, Campina Grande (PB), área de baixos indicadores socioeconômicos. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo transversal a partir da aplicação do questionário padrão do International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Chlidhood (ISAAC) e exame parasitológico de fezes para Ascaris lumbricoides. A variável dependente foi o diagnóstico de DA ausente, DA leve e DA grave. Efetuou-se análise de regressão logística multivariada, bem como análise descritiva das variáveis do estudo. As associações foram estimadas por meio de risco relativo (RR) e razão de chances (odds ratio, OR). A inferência estatística foi baseada em intervalos de confiança de 95 por cento (IC95 por cento). Resultados: Foram avaliadas 1.195 crianças, sendo 51,2 por cento (n = 612) do sexo feminino. A prevalência de DA foi de 24,6 por cento, e a de ascaridíase, de 26,1 por cento. Das crianças com DA leve, 44 (36,7 por cento) eram parasitadas pelo A. lumbricoides, enquanto que 40 (22,9 por cento), com DA grave, apresentavam a mesma geo-helmintose (p = 0,01). Comparando-se os casos negativos para DA com os casos leves e graves, constatou-se que a presença de ascaridíase aumentou a ocorrência de dermatite leve (RR = 1,7; p = 0,009), mas não de DA grave (RR = 0,86; p = 0,46). Avaliando-se apenas os casos positivos de dermatite, DA leve (n = 120; 40,8 por cento) e DA grave (n = 176; 59,2 por cento), verifica-se que a exposição parasitária diminui a ocorrência da forma grave (RR = 1,46; p = 0,016). Conclusão: Existe elevada prevalência de DA e de ascaridíase na população estudada. A forma grave de DA está associada com baixa parasitemia de A. lumbricoides.

Objective: To assess the association between atopic dermatitis (AD) and ascariasis in 2 to 10-aged children from the neighborhood Pedregal, in the city of Campina Grande, Brazil, an area of low socioeconomic index. Methods:Cross-sectional study conducted with the use of the standard questionnaire from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) and stool parasitological exam for Ascaris lumbricoides. The dependent variable was AD diagnosis: absent, mild, and severe. Multivariate logistic regression and descriptive analysis of the variable were used. Associations were estimated using relative risk (RR) and odds ratio (OR). The statistical inference was based on 95 percent confidence intervals (95 percentCI). Results: We assessed 1,195 children, 612 (51.2 percent) female. The AD prevalence was 24.6 percent, and ascariasis prevalence was 26.1 percent. In the mild AD group of children, 44 (36.7 percent) were infected by A. lumbricoides, while in the severe AD group, 40 (22.9 percent) had the same geohelminthosis (p = 0.01). Comparing negative cases of AD between mild and severe forms, the infection with A. lumbricoides increased the frequency of mild AD (RR = 1.7; p = 0.009), but not the severe form (RR = 0.86; p = 0.46). Evaluating only the positive cases of dermatitis, 120 mild AD (40.8 percent) and 176 with severe AD (58.2 percent), it can be said that the exposure to the parasite decreased the frequency of the severe form of dermatitis (RR = 1.46; p = 0.016). Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of AD and of ascariasis in the population studied. The severe AD is related to lower parasitemia of A. lumbricoides.

Intestinal Helminthic Infections Diagnosed by Colonoscopy in a Regional Hospital during 2001-2008

The present study investigated characteristics of 24 parasite infection cases detected during colonoscopy in a regional hospital from January 2001 to December 2008. Sixteen patients were confirmed with Trichuris trichiura infection, 6 patients were with Ascaris lumbricoides infection, 1 patient with Enterobius vermicularis infection, and 1 patient with Anisakis infection. Among them, 7 patients (43.8%) were asymptomatic. Colonoscopy findings were normal in 18 patients (75.0%). Among the patients with T. trichiura infection, colonoscopy showed several erosions in 2 patients (8.3%) and non-specific inflammation of the affected segment of the colon in 3 patients (12.5%). In 1 patient with anisakiasis, colonoscopy revealed a markedly swollen colonic wall. Stool examinations were performed before treatment in 7 patients (29.2%) and were all negative for parasite eggs or worms. These results suggest that colonoscopy is a useful diagnostic approach for parasitic infections even for asymptomatic patients and for patients with negative stool examinations.

Intestinal parasites inside public restrooms and buses from the city of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil / Parasitas intestinais no interior de sanitários públicos e ônibus na cidade de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brasil

The objective of this study was to describe the occurrence of intestinal parasites inside public restrooms and buses from a Brazilian city. Sample material was obtained using a transparent adhesive tape. Thirty two public restrooms were investigated and two (6.25%) were contaminated with helminth eggs (Ascaris lumbricoides and Enterobius vermicularis). Of the sixteen different bus lines, three (18.7%) were found to harbor eggs of E. vermicularis. Public restrooms and buses can be an important source of parasite transmission and sanitary education could be improved by using these points.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi descrever a ocorrência de parasitas intestinais em sanitários públicos e ônibus de uma cidade do Brasil. As amostras foram obtidas utilizando-se fita adesiva transparente. Trinta e dois sanitários públicos foram investigados e dois (6,25%) estavam contaminados com ovos de helmintos (Ascaris lumbricoides e Enterobius vermicularis). Das 16 diferentes linhas de ônibus, três (18,7%) foram positivas para ovos de E. vermicularis. Sanitários públicos e ônibus podem ser uma importante via de transmissão de parasitas e a educação sanitária pode ser aperfeiçoada por meio do uso destes pontos.

MONRATE: A descriptive tool for calculation and prediction of re-infection of Ascaris lumbricoides (Ascaridida: Ascarididae)

The study presents an interactive descriptive tool (MONRATE) for calculating and predicting reinfection rates and time of Ascaris lumbricoides following mass chemotherapy. The implementation was based on the theoretical equation published by Hayashi in 1977, for time-prevalence: Y=G [1-(1-X)N-R] as modified by Jong-Yil in 1983. Using the Psuedo-Code of the MONRATE tool, the calculated monthly reinfection rates (X) for the LGAs are (names are locations in Nigeria in a region predominately populated by the Yoruba speaking tribes of Nigeria whose traditional occupations are agriculture and commerce): Ewekoro (1.6 %), Odeda (2.3 %), Ado-odo/Otta (2.3 %), Ogun Waterside (3.8 %) and Obafemi/Owode (4.2 %). The mathematical mean of ‘X’ values in the study areas for Ogun State was 2.84. The calculated reinfection time (N months) for the LGAs are varied such as Ado-odo/Otta (12.7), Ogun Waterside (21.8), Obafemi/Owode (22.92), Odeda (25.45), and Ewekoro (25.9). The mean value for N in Ogun State was 21.75. The results obtained from MONRATE were compared with those obtained using the mathematical equation and found to be the same. Rev. Biol. Trop. 55 (3-4): 755-760. Epub 2007 December, 28.

Se presenta una herramienta descriptiva e interactiva (MONRATE) para calcular y predecir las tasas y tiempo de reinfección con Ascaris lumbricoides tras un tratamiento de quimioterapia. Nos basamos en la ecuación propuesta por Hayashi en 1977 para el tiempo de prevalencia: Y=G [1- (1-X)N-R], según la modificó Jong-Yil en 1983. Utilizando el código Psuedo de la herramienta de MONRATE, las tasas de reinfección mensuales (X) para varios sitios de Nigeria, África, son: Ewekoro (1.6 %), Odeda (2.3 %), Ado-odo/Otta (2.3 %), Ogun Waterside (3.8 %) y Obafemi/ Owode (4.2 %). El promedio matemático de los valores de "X" en el área de estudio del Estado de Ogun fue 2.84. El tiempo de reinfección calculado (N meses) para LGAs es variado: Ado-odo/Otta (12.7), Ogun Waterside (21.8), Obafemi/Owode (22.92), Odeda (25.45) y Ewekoro (25.9). El valor promedio para N en el Estado de Ogun fue 21.75. Los resultados del programa MONRATE son iguales a los producidos por la ecuación.

Presentation and endoscopic management of biliary ascariasis.

Ascaris lumbricoides is a common parasite and the most serious and dramatic presentation is hepatobiliary and pancreatic ascariasis (HPA). Therefore, this study was planned prospectively to elucidate the clinical presentation of HPA and evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic intervention. In this study we documented 77 consecutive patients with HPA from January 2000 to November 2005. All the patients had endoscopically proven HPA. A total of 77 patients were included in the study. The age ranged from 6 to 80 years, with the third decade most commonly (28.6%) affected. Females were 6 times more likely to be affected than males. The commonest presentation was biliary colic (97.4%); other presentations were acute cholangitis (15.6%), obstructive jaundice (9.1%), acute pancreatitis (6.5%), choledocholithiasis (6.5%), acute cholecystitis (6.5%) and liver abscess (2.6%). In this report 51 (66.2%) had living, 10 (13%) had dead and 16 (20.8%) had both living and dead worms. Choledocholithiasis was associated only with dead worms. From one to 23 worms were found in the biliary tree. In 94.8% of cases we had to remove the worm by wide papillotomy followed by basket extraction. We did not experience any major complications during or following the procedures. Three patients had recurrent HPA during the course of follow-up (1 to 12 months). The majority of patients with HPA presented with biliary colic. This should be kept in mind in the management of an acute abdomen, especially in tropical countries. Endoscopic extraction is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of HPA.

Acondicionamento e coleta de resíduos sólidos domiciliares e impactos na saúde de crianças residentes em assentamentos periurbanos de Salvador, Bahia, Brasil / Household solid waste bagging and collection and their health implications for children living in outlying urban settlements in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil

O artigo apresenta estudo do acondicionamento e coleta de resíduos sólidos domiciliares e o impacto na saúde de crianças, por meio de pesquisa realizada em nove assentamentos humanos localizados em área periurbana da cidade de Salvador, Bahia, Brasil. Como indicadores epidemiológicos foram utilizados, em 1.893 crianças entre 5 e 14 anos, a infecção por nematóides intestinais, expressa pela prevalência de Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura e ancilostomídeos, e em 1.204 crianças menores de cinco anos, a incidência de diarréia e o estado nutricional, este expresso por indicadores antropométricos. Os resultados apresentam a maior prevalência dos três nematóides nas crianças dos domicílios que não dispõem de acondicionamento adequado e de coleta de resíduos sólidos que naquelas de domicílios com acondicionamento adequado e coleta regular, sendo a diferença encontrada estatisticamente significante, mesmo quando outros fatores de risco sócio-econômicos, culturais, demográficos e ambientais são considerados. Resultado semelhante é também observado com relação aos indicadores epidemiológicos, incidência de diarréia e estado nutricional.

This paper presents a study on the bagging and collection of household solid waste and the health implications for children. The research was conducted in nine human settlements on the outskirts of Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil. Intestinal nematode infection, predominantly involving Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworms, was used as an epidemiological indicator in 1,893 children from 5 to 14 years of age. The study also included diarrhea incidence and nutritional status as shown by anthropometric indicators in 1,204 children less than 5 years of age. There was a higher prevalence of the three nematodes in children living in households without proper bagging/isolation and collection of household solid waste as compared to those in areas with regular garbage collection and adequate isolation of solid waste. The differences were statistically significant when other socioeconomic, cultural, demographic, and environmental risks factors were considered in the analysis. Similar results were also observed for epidemiological indicators, diarrhea incidence, and nutritional status.

Occurrence of soil-transmitted helminths in women at the Himalayan region of Nepal.

OBJECTIVE: To find the occurrence pattern and prevalence of the soil transmitted helminths in women of child bearing age group. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The study was conducted in Jiri , an area of Dolakha district at the altitude of 2100 meter from sea level. The faecal sample of 478 women of childbearing age (15 to 45 years) were taken randomly and examined for the ova of soil transmitted helianthus. RESULT: The occurrence pattern was 53.0%, 20.0% and 2.7% for Hookworms, Ascaries lumbricoids and Trichuris Trichuria respectively. Both Ascaries and Hookworm prevalence rates noticeably increased with increasing age, with the highest infection rate between the age of 36-45 years while trichuris infection reached the highest in women of 15-25 years of age. CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of hookworm and ascaries in women of childbearing age and necessary intervention is needed according to WHO guidelines.

Intestinal parasitic infections in schoolchildren in a suburban area of Hanoi, Vietnam.

An epidemiological study on intestinal parasitic infections among schoolchildren in a suburban area of Hanoi, Vietnam, was conducted. Of the 217 schoolchildren involved in this study, 166 (76%) were positive for at least one of nine species of parasite (six helminths and three protozoa). Among the helminth parasites, Trichuris trichiura (67%) was detected the most frequently followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (34%) and hookworm (3%). In the case of protozoan parasites, Entamoeba coli (8%) was the most frequently detected followed by E. histolytica (2%). No Cryptosporidium parvum or Cyclospora sp were found. A questionnaire survey revealed that there was no positive relationship between parasite infection and the children's school records, educational background or parental income, which have been known to play a role.

Magnetic resonace appearance of gall bladder ascariasis.

Ascariasis is a common disease in many developing countries and is a common cause of biliary and pancreatic diseases in endemic areas. Numerous studies have been published on biliary tract ascariasis. All these have documented ultrasonography as the primary imaging modality for biliary tract ascariasis. Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) has been the latest entrant for the study of bilary tract. MRCP findings of biliary tract ascariasis have been scarcely documented. MRCP is a unique non-invasive investigation for demonstrating ascariasis in gall bladder and bilary tract clearly. We present MR appearances of gall bladder and biliary tract in a proven case of biliary ascariasis.

Estudo comparativo de técnicas parasitológicas: Kato-Katz e coprotest® / A comparative study of the parasitological techniques: Kato-Katz and coprotest®

O diagnóstico parasitológico deve ser realizado de maneira apropriada, com maior sensibilidade e especificidade para a detecção dos parasitas intestinais, uma vez que dele dependerá o tratamento específico. Foi desenvolvido um estudo comparativo para avaliar a concordância entre os métodos Kato-Katz e coprotest® na detecção de helmintos em 332 indivíduos do município de Pedro de Toledo. Destacou-se uma diferença significativa para Trichuris trichiura, 16,2 por cento no Kato-Katz e 7,5 por cento no coprotest®. Devido a essa diferença compararam-se amostras positivas e negativas do método de coprotest® com número de ovos por grama de fezes (opg) obtido pelo método de Kato-Katz. Quando o método de coprotest® era negativo, contaram-se 65 opg de Trichuris trichiura pelo Kato-Katz e quando o coprotest® era positivo, esse número foi maior, 199 opg. O coprotest® mostrou-se inferior ao Kato-Katz nas infecções de baixa carga parasitária.

Comparison of the thick smear and Kato-Katz techniques for diagnosis of intestinal helminth infections

O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar a eficiência dos métodos de Kato-Katz e sedimentação espontânea para o diagnóstico das helmintíases intestinais. A sensibilidade da técnica de sedimentação espontânea foi superior aquela encontrada pelo método de Kato-Katz para o diagnóstico de todos os helmintos, exceto para Schistosoma mansoni.

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.