Infection by Platynosomum illiciens (= P. fastosum) in domestic cats of Araguaína, Tocantins, northern Brazil / Infecção por Platynosomum illiciens (= P. fastosum) em gatos domésticos de Araguaína, Tocantins, Norte do Brasil

Abstract Platynosomiasis is a hepatopathy caused by Platynosomum illiciens(= P. fastosum) (Trematoda: Dicrocoelidae), which occurs mainly in domestic and wild cats in tropical and subtropical areas. The objective of this study was to verify the occurrence of P. illiciens infection in domestic cats in the city of Araguaína, Tocantins, Brazil, using necropsy and coproparasitological tests. Additionally, we aimed to evaluate the use of two different techniques to diagnose P. illiciens infection in domestic cats and verify whether this parasitism was associated with individual feline characteristics. For this, 54 cats of different ages were analyzed. The percentage of infection was 33.3% (CI = 21.1-47.5%), parasite load was 9-509, mean intensity was 151.7, and mean abundance was 50.5 trematodes per animal. The risk of infection was higher for females than for males (OR = 5.00; P = 0.017). The spontaneous sedimentation coproparasitological test demonstrated the greatest sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing P. illiciens. This study is the first to report the occurrence of P. illiciens in cats in the state of Tocantins, northern Brazil.

Resumo A platinosomose é uma hepatopatia causada por Platynosomum illiciens(= P. fastosum) (Trematoda: Dicrocoelidae), que ocorre principalmente em felinos domésticos e selvagens de áreas tropicais e subtropicais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a ocorrência de P. illiciens em gatos domésticos do município de Araguaína, Tocantins, Brasil, por meio de necrópsia e exames coproparasitológicos, bem como avaliar o uso de diferentes técnicas no diagnóstico de P. illiciens em gatos domésticos e verificar a associação da parasitose com características individuais dos felinos. O estudo foi realizado em 54 gatos com diferentes idades, machos e fêmeas. O percentual de infecção foi de 33,3% (IC= 21,1% - 47,5%), a carga parasitária observada foi de 09-509, a intensidade média de 151,7 e a abundância média de 50,5 trematódeos por animal. As fêmeas apresentaram maior chance de infecção do que os machos (OR=5,00; P=0,017). O teste coproparasitológico que demonstrou maior sensibilidade e especificidade foi o de sedimentação espontânea. O presente estudo faz o primeiro relato da ocorrência de P. illiciens em gatos no estado do Tocantins, região Norte do Brasil.

Morbidity of schistosomiasis mansoni in a low endemic setting in Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Despite the advances of disease control programs, severe forms of schistosomiasis are prevalent. The prevalence of the disease in areas frequented by tourists urges for permanent prevention and control. The aim of this study was to describe the morbidity of schistosomiasis in the district of Antônio Pereira, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: The proportion of positives was defined by Kato-Katz coproscopy and urinary POC-CCA rapid test. Hepatosplenic form was diagnosed using abdominal ultrasound. RESULTS: Out of 180 participants,97 were examined by Kato-Katz, with 4 (4.1%) being positive. Thirty-four (22.1%) out of 154 were positive by POC-CCA. Five (2.8%) of 177 examined by ultrasound had hepatosplenic form. One of them had undergone splenectomy. One (0.6%)participant had myeloradiculopathy. CONCLUSIONS: Severe forms of schistosomiasis are still prevalent in low endemic areas and should be thoroughly investigated.

Thrombocytopenia as a marker of liver steatosis in a low-endemic area for schistosomiasis mansoni / Trombocitopenia como marcador de esteatose hepática em áreas de baixa endemicidade de esquistossomose mansoni

Summary Introduction: Thrombocytopenia is commonly found in patients living in highly endemic areas for Schistosoma mansoni. Recently, different degrees of liver steatosis have also been associated with low platelet counts worldwide. We investigated the association of platelet counts with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis and with liver steatosis in an area of low prevalence of schistosomiasis in Brazil. Method: Pains, a city in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, had a population of 8,307 inhabitants and a schistosomiasis prevalence of 8%. Four micro-areas comprising 1,045 inhabitants were selected for this study. Blood sample was collected and a complete blood count (CBC) was performed. Eighty-seven (87) patients had low platelet counts (group 1 - 8.3%) and 94 volunteers presenting normal CBC were randomized (group 2 - 8.9%). They underwent clinical and ultrasound examinations. Liver steatosis was determined as either present or absent using abdominal ultrasound. A spleen > 12 cm in length, measured by ultrasound (US), was considered to be increased. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS software version 19.0. Results: Twenty-two patients (22/25.3%) in group 1 had liver steatosis compared with 11 volunteers (11.7%) in group 2 (p=0.02). Hepatosplenic schistosomiasis was diagnosed in two patients (p>0.05). Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia was not a good marker of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis mansoni in a low prevalence area in Brazil. Liver steatosis was associated with thrombocytopenia in our study.

Resumo Introdução: Trombocitopenia é um achado comum em pacientes que residem em áreas com alta endemicidade de esquistossomose mansônica. Recentemente, diferentes graus de esteatose hepática também têm sido associados a níveis baixos de plaquetas em todo o mundo. Investigamos a associação de níveis séricos de plaquetas com a forma grave da esquistossomose e com esteatose hepática em área de baixa prevalência de esquistossomose no Brasil. Método: Pains, cidade localizada no estado de Minas Gerais/Brasil, tem população de 8.307 habitantes e prevalência de esquistossomose de 8%. Em quatro microáreas dessa região, 1.045 habitantes foram avaliados para o estudo. Amostra de sangue foi coletada para realização do hemograma. Oitenta e sete (87) pessoas com níveis baixos de plaquetas formaram o grupo 1 (8,3%), e 94 voluntários com hemograma normal foram randomizados para compor o grupo 2 (8,9%). Todos os participantes dos grupos 1 e 2 foram submetidos a exame clínico e ultrassonografia (US) abdominal. Esteatose hepática foi caracterizada como presente ou ausente pela ultrassonografia (US) abdominal. Baços com mais de 12 cm de comprimento à US foram considerados aumentados. Os dados coletados foram analisados pelo programa de estatística SPSS 19.0. Resultados: Vinte e dois (22) indivíduos do grupo 1 (25,3%) e 11 do grupo 2 apresentaram esteatose hepática (11,7%) (p=0,02). Esquistossomose hepatoesplênica foi diagnosticada em dois pacientes (p>0,05). Conclusão: Trombocitopenia não foi um bom marcador de esquistossomose mansônica hepatoesplênica em área de baixa prevalência da esquistossomose no Brasil. Esteatose hepática foi associada com trombocitopenia no presente estudo.

Study of the prevalence of capillaria hepatica in humans and rodents in an urban area of the city of Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil / Estudo da prevalência da Capillaria hepatica em humanos e roedores em área urbana da cidade de Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brasil

Introduction: Hepatic capillariosis, caused by Capillaria hepatica (Calodium hepaticum) (Bancroft, 1893), Travassos, 1915 (Nematoda, Trichinelloidea, Capillariidae), is a common zoonosis in rodents but is rare in humans. Seventy-two cases in humans have been reported worldwide since the first case was described by MACARTHUR in 192417,27. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Capillaria hepatica in humans and rodents in an urban area of Porto Velho, the capital of Rondônia, in Brazil. Methods: After conducting a census of the area, 490 residents were randomly selected, and, after signing a term of consent, provided blood samples that were screened for anti-Capillaria hepatica antibodies. Simultaneously, rats were captured to assess the prevalence of this parasite in rodents by histopathological examination in liver sections. Results: A prevalence of 1.8% was found among residents who had specific antibodies at a dilution of 1:150, indicating exposure to parasite eggs; 0.8% of the subjects also had positive titers at a dilution of 1:400, indicating true infection. The prevalence in rats was 2%. Conclusions: The prevalence of infection with this parasite among humans and rats was low. While the prevalence encountered among humans was within the limits reported in the literature, the prevalence among rodents was much lower.

Introdução: Capilaríase hepática é causada pela Capillaria hepatica (syn. Calodium hepaticum) (Bancroft, 1893), Travassos, 1915 (Nematoda, Trichinelloidea, Capillariidae), sendo uma zoonose comum entre roedores, porém rara em humanos. Setenta e dois casos humanos foram relatados na literatura mundial desde o primeiro caso descrito por MACARTHUR em 192417,27. O objetivo desse estudo é determinar a prevalência da Capillaria hepatica em humanos e roedores de área urbana da cidade de Porto Velho, capital de Rondônia, Brasil. Método: Após realizar um censo da área, 490 moradores foram aleatoriamente selecionados e assinaram termo de consentimento, foram colhidas amostras de sangue para testar anticorpos anti-Capillaria hepatica. Simultaneamente, ratos foram capturados para determinação da prevalência deste parasita através do exame histopatológico em cortes de fígado. Resultados: Foi encontrada entre humanos prevalência de 1,8% de positividade para anticorpos específicos em diluição de 1:150, indicando exposição aos ovos do parasito; 0,8% desses também deram testes positivos quando seus soros sofreram diluição de 1:400, indicando infecção verdadeira. Nos ratos, a prevalência foi de 2%. Conclusão: A prevalência encontrada para o parasito entre homens e roedores foi baixa. Enquanto a prevalência encontrada entre humanos esteve dentro dos limites encontrados na literatura, a prevalência entre roedores foi bem menor.

PREVALENCE OF Calodium hepaticum (SYN. Capillaria hepatica) IN Rattus norvegicus IN THE URBAN AREA OF RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL / Prevalência de Calodium hepaticum (sin. Capillaria hepatica) em Rattus norvegicus em área urbana do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

The nematode Calodium hepaticum (syn. Capillaria hepatica) is a zoonotic helminth found mainly infecting rats. It was studied the prevalence of C. hepaticum infection in Rattus norvegicus in an urban area of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), with low urban planning and sanitation. The presence of C. hepaticum was identified through visible yellowish-white lesions in liver tissue and histological analyses. The total prevalence of infection was 45%, with no significant differences between sex and age. The presence of infected rodents near the peridomestic area poses substantial risk to human health.

O nematóide Calodium hepaticum (sin. Capillaria hepatica) é um helminto zoonótico encontrado infectando principalmente ratos. A prevalência da infecção de C. hepaticum em Rattus norvegicus foi investigada em área urbana do Rio de Janeiro (Brasil) com baixo planejamento e saneamento. A presença de C. hepaticum foi identificada através da presença de lesões macroscópicas caracterizadas por manchas extensas de coloração branco-amarelada difusa por toda superfície do tecido do fígado e através de análise histológica. A prevalência total da infecção foi de 45% sem diferença significativa entre o sexo e idade. A presença de roedores infectados próximos do peridomicílio representa um risco substancial para a saúde humana.

Thrombocytopenia as a surrogate marker of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis in endemic areas for Schistosomiasis mansoni

Introduction This study aimed to evaluate whether a low platelet count is a good surrogate marker of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis (HSS) in a rural area of Brazil. A small district in southeastern Brazil, with a population of 1,543 individuals and a 23% prevalence of schistosomiasis, was selected for this investigation. Methods In July 2012, 384 volunteers were subjected to clinical, ultrasonography (US), and laboratory examinations, including stool sample analysis. The HSS patients were classified into four groups: Group 1 consisted of patients with a spleen >13cm and liver fibrosis; Group 2 consisted of patients with a palpable spleen and spleen>13cm measured by US; Group 3 consisted of patients with a spleen >13cm measured by US; and Group 4 consisted of patients with a palpable spleen. Results Eight patients were in Group 1 (2.1%), twenty-one were in Group 2 (5.5%), eight were in Group 3 (2.1%), and eighteen were in Group 4 (4.7%). A significant difference in the mean platelet counts was observed between the patients with and without HSS (p<0.01). Based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (platelet count <143,000/mm3), the sensitivity was greater than 92% in all groups, and the specificity varied from 44.4% to 75%. Conclusions We concluded that in endemic areas, thrombocytopenia demonstrates good sensitivity for detecting HSS and may be used as a screening tool to identify patients with HSS. .

Hidatidosis poliquística autóctona en dos pacientes Yanomami en el Alto Orinoco, Amazonas, Venezuela / Polycystic hydatid disease in two patients indigenous Yanomami in the Upper Orinoco, Amazonas, Venezuela

La infección por Echinococcus sp. es hipoendémica en Venezuela. Sólo cuatro casos de hidatidosis autóctona por E. vogeli han sido reportados, tres de ellos en la región de la Guayana venezolana. En Febrero del año 2009 se realizó el diagnóstico clínico-sero-epidemiológico de hidatidosis poliquística en una paciente femenina de la etnia Yanomami, procedente de Parima B, Alto Orinoco, en la Amazonía venezolana. Se resolvió con tratamiento médico y quirúrgico por laparoscopia y se evidenció en el quiste la presencia de ganchos rostelares compatibles con E. vogeli. En Abril del 2009 en una segunda paciente Yanomami de igual procedencia, se le diagnosticó hidatidosis por E. vogeli siendo operada exitosamente por cirugía laparoscópica asistida por robot. Dos casos humanos en una misma población y la presencia de factores de riesgo como la tenencia de perros domésticos y la comunicación por informantes indígenas del hallazgo de quistes en hígados de animales de cacería (Cuniculus paca o lapa y Dasyprocta sp. o picure), hacen pensar en transmisión activa en la cuenca del Alto Orinoco y en zonas selváticas de la Guayana venezolana. El presente, es el primer registro de casos de hidatidosis poliquística en indígenas de la etnia Yanomami.

Infection by Echinococcus sp. is hypoendemic in Venezuela. Only four cases of autochthonous E. vogeli hydatidosis have been reported, including three in the Venezuelan region of Guayana. In February 2009, based on epidemiological data, signs and symptoms and serological tests, a female patient of the Yanomami ethnic group, was diagnosed with a polycystic hydatid disease in Parima B, Alto Orinoco, in the Venezuelan Amazon. Rostellar hooks compatible with E. vogeli were found in the cyst. It was resolved with medical and surgical treatment by laparoscopy. A second Yanomami patient from the same location was diagnosed with E. vogeli hydatidosis in April 2009, being successfully operated with robot-assisted laparoscopy. Two human cases in the same population and the presence of risk factors such as domestic dog ownership and findings of cysts in livers of hunted animals (such as Cuniculus and Dasyprocta sp.) reported by indigenous informants, suggest active transmission in the Upper Orinoco basin and forested areas of the Venezuelan Guayana. These are the first reported cases of polycystic hydatid disease of the Yanomami ethnic group.

[Descriptive epidemiology of extrapulmonary hydatid cysts: a report of 265 Tunisian cases]

Hydatidosis is a parasitic endemic disease in Tunisia. The liver and lung are the most common sites of involvement; however, it can develop anywhere in the body. The aim of the present study was to analyse the epidemiological features of extrapulmonary hydatid cysts and compare our results with those reported in literature. Aretrospective study of 265 extrapulmonary hydatid cysts collected over the 18-year period from 1990 to 2007 was undertaken. There were 101 male and 164 female patients [sex ratio M/F= 0, 61] ranging in age from 2 to 84 years [mean age = 38, 7]. In our series, hydatid cysts involved mainly the kidney [24, 1%], the central nervous system [22, 6%], the liver [19, 6%] and the spleen [11, 3%]. The other less frequent sites included the peritoneum [n = 9], heart [n = 9], bone [n = 6], adrenal gland [n = 4], epiploon [n = 4], orbit [n = 4], ovary [n = 3], prostate [n = 2], bladder [n = 2], breast [n = 2], Douglas' cul-de-sac [n = 2], diaphragm [n = 1], testis [n = 1], broad ligament [n =1], mediastinum [n = 1], nasal cavity [n = 1], soft tissue [n = 1], abdominal wall [n = 1], parotid gland [n = 1], psoas muscle [n =1], synovia [n = 1], thymus [n =1] et le pancreas [n = 1]. In contrast to literature, our results show that hydatid cysts of the kidney and of the central nervous system are more frequent than hepatic location which occupies the 3rd rank

High prevalence of liver and intestinal fluke infections among residents of Savannakhet Province in Laos

The prevalence of liver and intestinal fluke infections was surveyed on residents of Savannakhet Province, Laos. Fecal specimens were collected from a total of 981 residents in 4 Mekong riverside villages and examined by the Kato-Katz thick smear technique. The results revealed that the overall helminth egg positive rate was 84.2%, and the positive rate for small trematode eggs, including Opisthorchis viverrini, heterophyids, or lecithodendriids, was 67.1%. To obtain adult flukes, 38 small trematode egg positive cases were treated with a 20-30 mg/kg single dose of praziquantel and purged. Diarrheic stools were then collected from 29 people and searched for helminth parasites using stereomicroscopes. Mixed infections with O. viverrini and 6 kinds of intestinal flukes were found, namely, Haplorchis taichui, Haplorchis pumilio, Haplorchis yokogawai, Prosthodendrium molenkampi, Phaneropsolus bonnei, and echinostomes. The total number of flukes collected was 7,693 specimens (av. no. per treated person; 265.3). The most common species was O. viverrini, followed by H. taichui, P. molenkampi, echinostomes, H. pumilio, P. bonnei, and H. yokogawai. The results indicate that foodborne liver and intestinal fluke infections are prevalent among residents of Savannakhet Province, Laos.

Survey for zoonotic liver and intestinal trematode metacercariae in cultured and wild fish in An Giang Province, Vietnam

Although Vietnam has a high risk of fishborne zoonotic trematode (FZT) infections for humans, little information exists on the epidemiology of these infections in the country's fish. Because of the importance of cultured catfish and snakehead production in An Giang province, a major production area in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, a survey for FZTs was carried out in randomly selected fish farms between June 2005 and March 2006. For comparison, wild fish from the same area were also surveyed. A total of 852 cultured fish from 4 districts were collected and examined by pepsin digestion to determine their FZT infection status. In Tra catfish, the prevalence of all types of metacercariae was 2.6%, of which the prevalence of Haplorchis pumilio was 0.7%. The overall prevalence of metacercariae in wild fish was 30.6%, of which 10.3% harbored zoonotic species: H. pumilio (2.8%) and Procerovum sp. (5.6%). The prevalence of Opisthorchis metacercariae, which were diagnosed as O. viverrini, was 1.9%. No metacercariae were found in cultured snakehead fish, although wild-caught snakehead fish had a FZT prevalence of 10.3%: 5.1% were O. viverrini; 2.6% H. pumilio; and 2.6% were Procerovum sp. These are the first reports of H. pumilio, Procerovum sp., and O. viverrini metacercariae in Vietnamese fish. These results indicate that consumption of improperly prepared fish represents a significant risk of acquiring FZTs in this south Vietnam region.

Survey for zoonotic liver and intestinal trematode metacercariae in cultured and wild fish in An Giang Province, Vietnam

Although Vietnam has a high risk of fishborne zoonotic trematode (FZT) infections for humans, little information exists on the epidemiology of these infections in the country's fish. Because of the importance of cultured catfish and snakehead production in An Giang province, a major production area in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, a survey for FZTs was carried out in randomly selected fish farms between June 2005 and March 2006. For comparison, wild fish from the same area were also surveyed. A total of 852 cultured fish from 4 districts were collected and examined by pepsin digestion to determine their FZT infection status. In Tra catfish, the prevalence of all types of metacercariae was 2.6%, of which the prevalence of Haplorchis pumilio was 0.7%. The overall prevalence of metacercariae in wild fish was 30.6%, of which 10.3% harbored zoonotic species: H. pumilio (2.8%) and Procerovum sp. (5.6%). The prevalence of Opisthorchis metacercariae, which were diagnosed as O. viverrini, was 1.9%. No metacercariae were found in cultured snakehead fish, although wild-caught snakehead fish had a FZT prevalence of 10.3%: 5.1% were O. viverrini; 2.6% H. pumilio; and 2.6% were Procerovum sp. These are the first reports of H. pumilio, Procerovum sp., and O. viverrini metacercariae in Vietnamese fish. These results indicate that consumption of improperly prepared fish represents a significant risk of acquiring FZTs in this south Vietnam region.

Morbidity of schistosomiasis mansoni in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

From 2002 to 2005, a program of active search for patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis and schistosomal myeloradiculopathy has been implemented in the state of Minas Gerais by the local Health Department. The state was divided in 28 regional health centers and the local representatives have been trained to identify and direct patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis and neuroschistosomiasis to a reference center in Belo Horizonte, the capital of the state of Minas Gerais. Seventy five patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis and 54 with schistosomal myeloradiculopathy have been referred and examined in the reference center in a period of time of 3 years. Schistosomal myeloradiculopathy should be emphasized because the number of cases reported is increasing rapidly and when timely diagnosed and treated, they respond promptly to treatment. Left untreated, they die or become invalid for life. In our view, the time has come for more active investigation of the different aspects of morbidity caused by schistosomiasis mansoni in Brazil.

Clinical versus ultrasound examination in the evaluation of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis mansoni in endemic areas

The best way to appraise the size of abdominal organs remains undefined. Herein we compare the size of liver and spleen in hepatosplenic schistosomiasis using clinical and ultrasound (US) examination, and the size of the organs measured by US with their visualization below the costal margin ("palpable by US"). For this study, 411 individuals from an endemic area for schistosomiasis mansoni in Brazil have been selected. We found that palpable spleens and left liver lobes are larger than non palpable ones. Also, 23 percent of normal spleens measured by US were palpable on clinical examination, and 22 percent of spleens increased in size on US were non palpable. A total of 21 percent of normal spleens were "palpable by US". We also found 54 percent of normal sized right liver lobes palpable on clinical examination, whilst 54 percent of the increased livers, measured by US, were non palpable. About 76 percent of normal right liver lobes were "palpable by US". We conclude that the association of clinical, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations, in the near future, should give the investigators the necessary tools to perform a more accurate clinical diagnosis of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis mansoni.

Esquistossomose na área hiperendêmica de Taquarendi: I Infecçäo pelo Schistosoma mansoni e formas graves / Schistosomiasis in hyperendemic area of Taquarendi: I- Schistosoma mansoni infection and severe clinical forms

A localidade de Taquarendi (Bahia) está situada em zona de caatinga, porém com pequena faixa de terra irrigada, onde se encontram caramujos Biomphalaria glabrata. Dos 1.532 habitantes, 1.105 (72,1 por cento) submeteram-se ao exame clínico e, destes, 1.058 (95,7 por cento) fizeram exame parasitológico de fezes. A prevalência da esquistossomose foi de 73,1 por cento, sendo que 16,2 por cento destes eliminavam mais de 1.000 ovos por grama de fezes. O exame clínico mostrou que o lobo esquerdo do fígado estava aumentado e/ou endurecido em 54 por cento dos pacientes e o baço foi palpado em 21,8 por cento. Foram classificados como hepatosplênicas 9,8 por cento dos examinados e como portadores da forma hepatintestinal avançada 3,7 por cento. Houve relaçäo direta entre estas formas clínicas da doença e a intensidade da carga parasitária acima de 1.000 ovos de S. mansoni por grama de fezes

Hepatosplenic schistosomiasis in field-based studies: a combined clinical and sonographic definition

A combined clinical and sonographic classification of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis mansoni to be used in field-based studies is proposed herein. Seven hundred forty one individuals out of 892 (83 percent), living in an area endemic for schistosomiasis in Brazil, have been ubmitted to clinical and ultrasound examinations. Based on two stool examinations the overall prevalence for schistosomiasis in this area was 73 percent. Abdominal palpation was performed with patients in dorsal decubit, during deep breath, by two experienced physicians and a portable ultrasound was used for the evaluation of liver fibrosis, portal collaterals and spleen size. Four groups of individuals were identified using data obtained by abdominal palpation and ultrasound examination: (1) palpable spleen and intense periportal thickening in 9 individuals (1.2 percent); (2) spleen not palpable and intense periportal thickening in 15 (2 percent); (3) palpable spleen with light to moderate periportal thickening in 32 (4.3 percent), and (4) palpable spleen with a normal liver on ultrasound in 30 (4 percent). The definition of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis in field-based studies as the finding of Schistosoma mansoni eggs in the stools in an individual with splenomegaly is not acceptable anymore. Abdominal ultrasound should be combined with clinical examination to accurately identify hepatosplenics in endemic areas for schistosomiasis

Reinfecçöes e desenvolvimento da fibrose periportal esquisomótica no modelo murino / Reinfections and the development of schistosomal periportal fibrosis in the murine model

A fibrose periportal esquistossomótica observada no modelo murino apareceu muito mais freqüentemente (69,2 por cento) em camundongos submetidos a múltiplas infecçöes pelo Schistosoma mansoni do que naqueles animais com infecçäo única (11,1 por cento). A contagem dos ovos depositados no fígado näo diferiu significativamente nos dois grupos ao término dos experimentos. Embora näo tenha ficado esclarecido o motivo pelo qual as infecçöes repetidas favorecem o desenvolvimento da fibrose periportal esquistossomótica, os dados observados fornecem apoio experimental às observaçöes clínico-epidemiológicas que sugerem ter as reinfecçöes um papel na patogenia da forma hepato-esplênica da esquistossomose

Parasitósis y desnutrición en escolares de primer grado de la parroquia de Julio Andrade

Este estudio lo realizamos en la parroquía Julio Andrade, tomando en cuenta a los niños de primeros grados de las escuelas de la localidad, partiendo de un universo de 117 niños, de los cuales el 58.97 por ciento son mujeres y el 41.02 por cientos son hombres. De este universo el 15.38 por ciento son de bajo peso según el índice de QUETELET, y de éstos el 77.77 por ciento están parasitados; el 82.05 por ciento se encuentran en parámetros normales y de éstos el 87.50 por ciento están parasitados, el 2.56 por ciento son considerados como de peso elevado, de los cuales el 66.66 por ciento se encuentran parasitados...

Enteroparasitósis en la provincia del Cañar

Se realiza un estudio sobre 2.811 muestras de heces a determinar la incidencia parasitaria en muestras de personas procedentes de los cantones de Cañar, Biblián, el Tambo de la Troncal, Provincia del Cañar enviados por Sanidad, Centro Materno Infantil Hospital IESS, Subcentros de salud, médicos particularess así como también del área rural de la parroquia General Morales, enviados a los laboratorios del Hospital Luis F., Martínez de la ciudad de Cañar y del Instituto Nacional de Higuiene y Medicina Tropical Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez de la ciudad de Azogues. Se encontró un 86.2 por ciento de entreroparasitados, cuyo estudio se descompone así: E. histolítica 31.6 por ciento Giardia Lamblia 28.0 por ciento, ascaris lumbricoides 20.2 por ciento CH. Mesnill 11.3 por ciento T. Hominis 0.5 por ciento Balantidium coli o.2 por ciento E. vermicularis 0.007 por ciento, Tenia Solium 0.03 plor ciento H. diminuta 0.001 por ciento. Existió 15.6 por ciento de monoparasitismo 7 84.4 por ciento de poliparasitismo. Se confeccionaron tablas estadísticas de acuerdo al sexo, edad, profesión y procedencia de las muestras...

Plasmodium falciparum hepatitis during malaria epidemic.

Thirty-two patients with a smear positive for Plasmodium falciparum and with jaundice were studied prospectively. Most of the cases were in the age group of 15-44 years. Serum bilirubin (conjugated) levels ranged from 2-25 mg%. Australia antigen was negative in all. Mortality was 12.4%, due to cerebral malaria.

Fatores que influenciam a morbidade da hepatopatia na esquistossomose mansoni / Factors influencing the morbidity of liver diseases on schistosomiasis mansoni

O envolvimento hepático na esquistossomose mansoni decorre do processo inflamatório e formaçäo de granulomas em torno dos ovos do S. mansoni, localizados nas pequenas terminaçöes portais. Esse processo acarreta o desenvolvimento de fibrose periportal e hipertensäo portal pré-sinusoidal. No presente estudo nós revisamos a literatura sobre os fatores que podem influenciar a evoluçäo da hepatopatia esquistossomótica