Molecular paleoparasitological diagnosis of Ascaris sp. from coprolites: new scenery of ascariasis in pre-Colombian South America times

Paleoparasitological studies using microscopy showed that Ascarisand Trichuris trichiura are the human intestinal parasites most found in archaeological sites. However, in pre-Columbian South American archaeological sites, Ascaris is rare. In this work we standardized a molecular methodology for Ascaris diagnosis directly from ancient DNA retrieved from coprolites. Using cythochrome b gene (142 bp) target, ancient DNA sequences were retrieved from South American samples, negative by microscopy. Moreover, the methodology applied was sensitive enough to detect ancient DNA extracted from 30 Ascaris eggs from an European coprolite. These results revealed a new scenery for the paleodistribution of Ascaris in South America.

Conservative treatment for round worm intestinal obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: The ascariasis is one of the most cosmopolitan intestinal parasite infections and it can be in inhospitable regions inhabited by human being, but its biggest prevalence is observed in the tropical and subtropical areas. Intestinal obstruction has been estimated to occur in 2 per 1000 ascaris-infected children per year. We are presenting a study emphasizing the conservative treatment for complete intestinal obstruction due to roundworms without sign and symptom of peritonitis and perforation. METHODS: A total of 22 patients of roundworm obstruction partial or complete without signs of and symptoms of peritonitis were admitted in the Department of Pediatric Surgery IMS, BHU Varanasi India in the period form 2003-2005. Patients were put nil by mouth, intravenous fluid, antibiotics, piperazine salt through nasogastric tube and glycerine + liquid paraffin emulsion enemas and were evaluated for duration of hospital stay, rate of conversion to surgical treatment and complications. RESULTS: 19 (86%) patients were treated successfully with conservative line of management. Only 3 patients required surgical intervention. No mortality, complication and mean hospital stay was 4.1 days (range 4-5 days). CONCLUSION: Round worm intestinal obstruction can be effectively treated by conservative line of management.

Comparative analysis of intestinal parasitic infections in slum, rural and urban populations in and around union Territory, Chandigarh.

A study was conducted in and around the union Territory, Chandigarh, India to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in different population groups. The stool samples from a total of 600 subjects selected by cluster sampling technique were examined by direct microscopy. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was found to be 14.6% with highest prevalence of 19% from the slum area. Children were the most commonly affected group (18%) with those from slums showing the highest prevalence (24.6%). The most common parasite was Giardia (5.5%) followed by H. nana and Ascaris (2.8% and 2.7% respectively).

Prevalence of anaemia and worm infestation in tribal areas of Madhya Pradesh.

The study was conducted among school going children (6-14 years) of Baiga, Abuihmadia and Bharia tribes of Madhya Pradesh to assess the prevalence of anaemia and intestinal parasitic infestation among themselves. A total of 776 school going children were included in the study of whom blood samples of all and stool samples of 409 were collected. Their haemoglobin was measured and stool samples were examined under microscope for ova and cysts. The results revealed that 30.3% of the children had severe anaemia (Hb < 7g/dl) and 50% children had intestinal parasites. The most common parasites were hookworn (16.3%) and A lumbricoides (18.5%). Though hookworm ova loads indicated mild to moderate infestation in most of the children, the continued presence of worms in marginally nourished children could contribute significantly to blood loss in the intestine with resultant anaemia.

Prevalênce de ancilostomíase, ascaradíase e giardíase em cinco bairros de Sao Paulo com amostras obtidas em 1978 e 1998 / Prevalence of ancylostomiasis, ascariasis and giardiasis in five districts of Sao Paulo with stools obtained in 1978 and 1998

La prevalencia de Ancylostoma, Ascaris y Giardia en las heces fue analizada en cinco barrios (Santo Amaro, Lapa, Tatuapé, Osasco y Santana) de la Ciudad de Sao Paulo, Brasil, en 1978 y 1998. Se computó 2,283 y 4,908 análisis en los respectivos años, empleando el método de Hoffman, Pons & Janer. Los pacientes fueron enviados por servicios médicos de prepago (medicina de grupo) y correspondían a los empleados de la industria o comercio y sus familiares. Las muestras de 1978 y de 1998 mostraron un proceso significativo de disminución importante de la prevalencia de Ancylostoma y Ascaris, en dichos barrios. La giardiasis no mostró disminución en ningún barrio y reveló, en los 20 años, una prevalencia media de 4.78 por ciento, siendo un problema sanitario importante en Sao Paulo

Epidemiology of human intestinal nematode infections in Wujiang and Pizhou counties, Jiangsu Province, China.

Intestinal nematode infections are considered highly endemic in the Chinese province of Jiangsu. In May 1997, the prevalence of intestinal nematodes infections was determined among all of the inhabitants aged 5 to 65 of the southern Jiangsu village of Yaojiakon (Wujiang County) and the northern Jiangsu village of Jianmiao (Pizhou County). It was determined that the prevalence of ascariasis, trichuriasis and hook worm infection was greatly reduced compared to when it was last measured in 1990. The reduction was noted to be particularly impressive in Yaojiakon village where the prevalence of ascariasis and trichiuriasis fell to 2% and 1.5% respectively. Much of this reduction was attributed to improvements in economic development which have occurred in southern Jiangsu Province at a rapid pace. In contrast, the reduction in nematode infections among villagers living in northern Jiangsu was more modest. The most striking reduction in both villages was in school-aged children who since 1988 have received yearly treatments with anthelminthic drugs. The intensity of nematode infections was investigated for hookworm where 70% of hookworm-infected Yaojiakon villagers were found to harbor light infections (< 400 eggs per gram) compared to 83% of hookworm-infected Jianmiao villagers. Necator americanus was the predominant hookworm in Yaojiakon village (South), whereas Ancylostoma duodenale predominated in Jianmiao village (North). The majority (76%) of hookworm-infected patients developed IgG antibodies against N. americanus antigen, although 20% of uninfected patients living in the village also had circulating antibodies. Intestinal nematode infections continue to be a significant public health problem in Jiangsu Province although their prevalence has decreased since 1990.

Helminthic infections of urban and rural schoolchildren in Penang Island, Malaysia: implications for control.

The intestinal parasites of schoolchildren from an urban and a rural area on Penang island, Malaysia were compared. Examination of stool samples for helminth eggs showed that helminths found were Trichuris, Ascaris and hookworms. The results indicate that there is no significant difference (p<0.05) between rural and urban schoolchildren as regards to the prevalence of the three species of helminths. An extensive control program targetted at schoolchildren to monitor the helminth problem on the island is suggested.

Prevalence of anti-Toxocara antibodies in a random sample of inpatients at a children's hospital in Vitoria, Espirito Santo, Brazil

Em Vitoria e grande o numero de caes soltos nas ruas, muitos dos quais infectados com Toxocara canis, sendo alto o risco de infeccao humana. Para investigar a prevalencia da infeccao com Toxocara em criancas no Espirito Santo, estudou-se a prevalencia de anticorpos anti-Toxocara em 100 soros colhidos aleatoriamente de criancas internadas no Hospital Infantil N.S. da Gloria, hospital pediatrico de referencia para o Estado. Todos os soros foram colhidos no periodo entre Outubro de 1996 e Janeiro de 1997. A media das idades foi 6,6+ ou -4,1 anos (1 a 14 aa., mediana de 6 aa.) e havia pacientes de todas as enfermarias do hospital. Sessenta e oito pacientes eram procedentes da regiao metropolitana de Vitoria e trinta e dois eram originados de 17 outros municipios do Estado. Os anticorpos anti-Toxocara foram investigados utilizando-se um teste ELISA-IgG, com antigeno de secrecao-excrecao...

Prevalencia de parasitismo intestinal en los estudiantes del área de la salud - Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD), 1993 / Prevalence of intestinal parasites in students of health area-UASD, 1993

Se realizó un estudio prospectivo para detrminar la prevalencia de parasitismo instestinal en los estudiantes del área de la salud de la Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD), República Dominicana, para el cual se tomó un total de 193 estudiantes que cursaban la práctica de parasitología y microbiología durante el semestre 1990-1991; se les realizóla toma de muestra de materia fecal, procesándola por la técnica de coprología de Ritchie. Se determinó que 118 fueron parasitadas (61 por ciento ), no parasitadas 75 (39 por ciento ) y que las especies parasitarias más frecuentemente encontradas fueron: Entamoeba coli con 82 casos (69 por ciento ), ascaris lumbricoides 67 casos (56.7 por ciento ), giardia lambia 65 (55 por ciento ), unicarias SP 46 (39 por ciento ), entamoeba histolítica 42 (36 por ciento ), H nana 34 (29 por ciento ), trichuri trichuria 28 (24.0 por ciento ) y enterobios vermicularis 26 casos (22 por ciento ). Se concluye diciendo que a pesar de ser estudiantes del área de la salud, los estudiados no aplican las medidas que se les enseñan, permaneciendo con el mismo problema de salubridad de la población general

Intestinal parasitic infections in Likupang, North Sulawesi, Indonesia.

A parasitological survey was conducted on the inhabitants of 6 villages of Likupang, Minahasa Peninsula, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, in August 1991. A total of 419 fecal samples were examined by using direct smear, flotation, formalin ether concentration, Harada-Mori culture and agar-plate culture techniques. Five nematode and 7 protozoan parasites were detected, while trematode and cestode infection was not observed. Soil-transmitted nematode infections were predominant. Among the younger inhabitants aged less than 15, positive rates of Ascaris, Trichuris and hookworm infections were almost same, namely 45.7, 45.3 and 47.7%, respectively. Among the elder people aged 15 or more, positive rate of hookworm infection (89.4%) was much higher than Ascaris and Trichuris infections (19.3 and 26.1%, respectively). Village to village differences in parasite prevalence, probably due to socio-economic and sanitary-environmental differences were observed. Both Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale were detected. The agar-plate culture was proved to be an efficient method for detection of hookworm as well as Strongyloides stercoralis.

Ascariasis en primates no humanos del Perú / Ascariasis in non human primates of Peru

Se señala el segundo caso en el Perú de infección por Ascaris lumbricoides en un primate no humano, Pithecia monachus "guapo negro"

Isolation of parasites on fruits and vegetables.

The current FDA method to recover parasites from fruits and vegetables is derived from procedures used to isolate parasitic protozoa from water. A 1kg portion of fruit or vegetable is divided into 200 g subportions. The subportions are sequentially processed in a sonic cleaning bath with 1.5 liters of detergent solution (1% sodium dodecyl sulfate, 0.1% Tween 80) and sonicated for 10 minutes. As each subsample is removed, it is thoroughly drained. After this sonic treatment, the wash water is collected in a polypropylene beaker, transferred to 50 ml polypropylene centrifuge tubes and centrifuged for 15 min at 1500 x g. The sediment is consolidated into one tube along with two rinsings of each tube. The final sediment is fixed in 4% formaldehyde for 10 minutes before examination for parasites. Indirect fluorescent antibody is applied to stain the parasites (Giardia spp. and/or Cryptosporidium spp.) by using commercial kits when available. If a large quantity of extraneous matter is contained in the sediment it may be reduced by layering on Sheather's fluid and centrifuging at 1500 x g for 15 minutes. The supernatant is collected and washed twice in distilled water. This procedure is adequate for protozoa and nonoperculate helminth eggs; operculate helminth eggs may be cleaned by extraction with ethyl acetate. When cabbage and lettuce were seeded at 1 organism/g, the rate of recovery for Cryptosporidium parvum with the FDA method was 1%. When cabbage was seeded at 1 egg/g and 10 eggs/g, the average rate of recovery of decorticated eggs of Ascaris sp. or untreated Trichuris sp. was 10%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Transmisión de parásitos intestinales en grupos nativos de la amazonía: un estudio microepidemiológico / Intestinal diseases parasitic communicable at Amazon natives. A microepidemiology study

Se estudió una comunidad nativa de 60 habitantes que viven relativamente aislados en la selva Amazónica. Se hicieron análisis cuantitativos de heces (excreción de huevos de parásitos por persona), y se determinó la contaminación del medio ambiente por huevos de parásitos intestinales (Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura y Ancylostoma duodenale). El número promedio de huevos en las heces fue de 4220 huevos de Ascaris lumbricoides por cada gramo de heces. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en la intensidad de infección según edad, sexo o familia. El riesgo de infección parasitaria fue aproximadamente igual en toda la comunidad: cualquier persona del poblado corre el mismo riesgo de infección por el estilo comunitario de vida en grupo y sobre todo por la transmisión de los huevos por vía aérea en el polvo. Sin embargo, se encontró diferentes intensidades de contaminación, en las casas y en sus alrededores (promedio: 0-17 huevos de Asvaris lumbricoides por gramo de tierra). Se hizo un tratamiento masivo de toda la población con Mebendazol. Cinco meses después la población había logrado los niveles de prevalencia acusados antes del tratamiento, sólo la intensidad de infección había disminuido significativamente. Se concluye que la planificación de medidas higiénicas debe considerar toda la comunidad en conjunto.

Ascaridiasis masiva de vía biliar y recaída posterior / Massive ascariasis of biliary duct and posterior relapse

Se comunica el caso de una niña que presemntó ascaridiasis masiva de vía biliar a la edad de 7 años, extrayéndosele 33 áscaris desde el conducto hepático. Se dejó coledocostomía. Evolucionó con dolores abdominales recurrentes hasta la edad de 13 años en que sufrió otro episodio de ascaridiasis en la vía biliar, que obligó a realizar nuevamente coledocostomía, además de colecistectomía. Las publicaciones sobre este tema son escasas y el diagnóstico de la entidad es difícil, en especial son raras las referencias a recidivas postoperatorias

Infecçäo por parasitoses intestinais em crianças de 0 à 24 meses / Infection by intestinal parasitosis in children from 0 to 24 months of age

Os autores deste estudo, tem como objetivo analisar a tendência de crianças de 0 à 24 meses, para adquirirem parasitos intestinais. Usaram uma amostra de 55 crianças que freqüentaram regularmente o serviço de Pediatria e Puericultura da Clínica Pediátrica HSPM e praticaram aos 12 meses exame protoparasitógico de fezes. O exame foi repetido aos 15, 18, 21 e 24 meses, somente das crianças cujo resultado anterior era negativo. Se verifica que já aos 12 meses 18.18% estavam parasitadas, do restante negativo, estavam contaminados aos 15 meses 44.44%, do restante aos 18 meses 32%, aos 21 meses 47.05%, chegando somente cinco crianças negativas até os 24 meses (9.09%). Analisada a freqüência dos agentes encontrados; a maior incidência para giardiase, seguida por ascaridiase 28% dos parasitados tinham associaçöes diferentes. Os autores comentam a dificuldade na profilaxia desta infestaçöes, levando em consideraçäo a dependência da mesma no que se refere a saneamento básico, visto que a simples orientaçäo e controle se tornam ineficazes

Frequência de parasitoses intestinal numa amostra da populaçäo infantil do Rio Grande do Norte / Frequency of intestinal parasitosis in sample of children population of Rio Grande do Norte

Os autores realizaram uma análise estatística de 4441 exames coproparasitológicos em crianças de 0 a 14 anos de idade, realizados no Laboratório de Análises Clínicas do Departamento de Pediatria da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte durante um período de 4 anos. Neste trabalho, constatou-se uma freqüência de 2776 (62,51%) de exames positivos e 1667 (37,49%) de exames negativos para qualquer tipo de parasito. Foi observado que o helminto mais encontrado foi o Ascaris lumbricoides com 1107 (20,64%), seguido pelo Trichocephalus trichiurus e Ancilostomidae e, o protozoário, foi a Giardia lamblia com 1197 (22,32%), seguida pela Endolimax nana e Entamoeba coli. Constatou-se também que o sexo feminino foi o mais parasitado e com relaçäo ao grau de parasitismo, houve uma predominância de elementos monoparasitados com 1353 (48,74%)