Food handlers: an important reservoir of protozoans and helminth parasites of public health importance / Manipuladores de alimentos: um importante reservatório de protozoários e helmintos parasitas de importância para a saúde pública

Food handlers plays a primary role in the transmission of pathogenically important protozoans and helminth parasites. This study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal pathogenic protozoans and helminth parasites among food handlers in and around University of Malakand, Lower Dir, Pakistan. Stool samples were collected from 642 food handlers (all of male) in a cross-sectional study from January to November, 2017. Wet Mount Techniques and concentration methods by using salt and formol–ether solutions. Three hundred and eighty four cases (59.8%) were found infected with one more parasites. Most of the individuals were found infected with helminth (47.6%) as compared to intestinal protozoans (0.93%). Seventy two cases (11.2%) of the cases presented mixed infection with both intestinal protozoan and helminth parasites. The order of prevalence for intestinal helminth was Ancylostoma duodenale (n = 258, 40.1%), followed by Taeniasa ginata (n=96, 14.9%) Ascaris lumbricoides (n = 54, 8.40%) and Trichuris trichura (n=30, 4.60%). For intestinal protozoa, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (n = 36, 5.64%) was the only protozoan detected. Mono-parasitism was higher than poly-parasitism. Family size income and education level were the factors significantly (P<0.05) associated in the parasites prevalence. Current research showed that IPIs are primarily the foodborne pathogens still an important public health problem in Pakistan. Effective control programs on parasitic diseases transfer and their associated factors are recommended.

Os manipuladores de alimentos desempenham um papel fundamental na transmissão de protozoários e helmintos parasitas patogenicamente importantes. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a prevalência de protozoários patogênicos intestinais e helmintos parasitas entre manipuladores de alimentos na Universidade de Malakand, Lower Dir, Paquistão. Amostras de fezes foram coletadas de 642 manipuladores de alimentos (todos do sexo masculino) em um estudo transversal de janeiro a novembro de 2017. Técnicas de montagem úmida e métodos de concentração usando soluções de sal e formol-éter. Trezentos e oitenta e quatro casos (59,8%) foram encontrados infectados com mais um parasita. A maioria dos indivíduos foi encontrada infectada por helmintos (47,6%) em comparação com protozoários intestinais (0,93%). Setenta e dois casos (11,2%) dos casos apresentavam infecção mista com protozoários intestinais e helmintos parasitas. A ordem de prevalência de helmintos intestinais foi Ancylostoma duodenale (n = 258, 40,1%), seguido por Taeniasa ginata (n = 96, 14,9%) Ascaris lumbricoides (n = 54, 8,40%) e Trichuris trichura (n = 30, 4,60 %). Para protozoários intestinais, Entamoeba histolytica / dispar (n = 36, 5,64%) foi o único protozoário detectado. Monoparasitismo foi maior do que poliparasitismo. A renda familiar e o nível de escolaridade foram os fatores significativamente (P <0,05) associados na prevalência de parasitos. A pesquisa atual mostrou que os IPIs são principalmente os patógenos de origem alimentar, ainda um importante problema de saúde pública no Paquistão. Programas eficazes de controle da transferência de doenças parasitárias e seus fatores associados são recomendados.

Ascariasis, trichuriasis and fatal non-transfusion

Blood transfusion for chronic anemia can lead to acute or decompensated heart failure in patients who have fluid overload as part of their compensatory response and/or have intrinsic heart disease, and then it could be fatal in such clinical scenarios. This is the report of a case of profound chronic anemia in a young male patient, who was not transfused and then developed confusion followed by terminal cardiopulmonary arrest. Autopsy revealed severe trichuriasis to be the cause of the anemia, along with severe ascariasis, but minimal intrinsic brain disease. This supports the conclusion that anemia was the cause of the confusion, and the lesson that confusion may be a sign that the benefit of blood transfusion outweighs the risk in a patient with severe chronic anemia.

Status of common parasitic diseases in Korea in 2019

This study aimed to determine the status of common parasitic disease in Korea in 2019. Twelve parasitic diseases were selected: toxocariasis, anisakiasis, paragonimiasis, sparganosis, cysticercosis, toxoplasmosis, clonorchiasis, enterobiasis, trichuriasis, trichomoniasis, cryptosporidiosis, and malaria. Their biology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, symptoms and signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis were evaluated. Of the parasitic diseases, toxocariasis was the most prevalent according to serological results. Anisakiasis should be considered when acute gastrointestinal symptoms occur with a recent past history of raw seafood ingestion. Paragonimiasis, sparganosis, and cysticercosis can be diagnosed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; thus, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay needs to be performed for suspected cases. Toxoplasmosis and cryptosporidiosis are opportunistic infections. The symptoms and signs are aggravated under immunocompromised conditions. Although the egg positivity rate of Clonorchis sinensis is higher than that of other intestinal parasitic diseases, encountering patients with complaints of symptoms caused by clonorchiasis is rare because the worm burden is low. Trichomoniasis is usually managed by gynecologists; therefore, it should be included in the differential diagnoses of vaginal diseases. The annual number of malaria cases has decreased, although it remains at approximately 500 cases per year. Malaria should be suspected when symptoms such as intermittent fever, headache, and splenomegaly are noted especially when the patients reside near demilitarized zones. Although the prevalence and number of reported cases of parasitic diseases have decreased in Korea, we should consider parasitic diseases in the list of differential diagnoses.

Infections of Soil-Transmitted Helminth in Refugees from North Korea

Soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) are now no longer public health problems in the Republic of Korea (South Korea), but their status are unavailable in the residents of North Korea (NK) despite the expectation of large scale traffic and future reunification of the Korean Peninsula. A total of 20 female refugees from NK who had been admitted to the Division of Gastroenterology, Dankook University Hospital, were subjected in this study. Among them, 15 refugees were examined by the colonoscopy and 10 ones were examined with the stool examination (formalin-ether sedimentation). Both diagnostic methods were commonly adopted in 5 patients. Eggs of Trichuris trichiura were detected in 7 out of 10 refugees in the stool examination. In the colonoscopy, T. trichiura worms were found in 6 (40.0%) out of 15 refugees. Total 9 (45.0%) peoples were confirmed to be infected with human whipworms. Additionally, 1 case of clonorchiasis was diagnosed in the stool examination and a worm of Ascaris lumbricoides was discovered from a trichuriasis case. These findings suggested that STH is highly prevalent in NO, in which living conditions are not so good in the aspect of general hygiene and medical care.

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.

Soil transmitted helminthiasis in different occupational groups in Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

We investigated the prevalence of geohelminth parasites in farmers, education concerned and shepherd of Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 1041 stool samples were examined from January 2006 to December 2008 using direct smear [Normal saline and Lugol,s Iodine solution] the concentration methods and procedures. Seven hundred and sixty three [73.2%] individuals were found infected with one or more than one geohelminth parasites. Four hundred and eighteen [54.7%] were infected with single parasite and three hundred forty five [45.3%] with multiple infections. Ascaris lumbricoides 460 [53.0%], Trichuris trichura 228 [26.2%], Enterobius vermicularis 123 [14.1%] and Ancylostoma duedenale 56 [6.45%] were detected. The adults were found more parasitized than children and males were more infected than females. Shepherds were found more infected than farmers and education concerned. Although Swat is an area with poor hygiene located in temperate zone near the border of Afghanistan and China. The prevalence of reported geohelminth parasites here compared with the same studies is unexpectedly high. These type of studies should continue time to time to know the hazardous of such parasitic infections for the betterment of the human health

A First Case of Human Trichuriasis from a Roman Lead Coffin in France

A paleoparasitological study was carried out on 2 lead coffins recovered from the Roman site of Jaunay-Clan (near Poitiers, France). For the first time, this particular type of burial gave positive parasitological results, and eggs of the whipworm Trichuris trichiura were identified in 1 individual. In the present case, thanatomorphose associated with funerary practices may explain the scarcity of the recovered eggs. However, human whipworm has now been observed in 9 individuals dated to the Roman period. The very high frequency of Trichuris sp. eggs in Roman archaeological sites (up to 80%) suggests that fecal peril, hygiene, and waste management were problematic during this period. Finally, due to the fact that very few analyses have been conducted on human bodies dated to the Roman period, more analyses must be performed in the future to provide further information about diseases in the Roman world.

Geohelmintíases em trabalhadores de limpeza pública na cidade de Parnaíba, Piauí: prevalência e fatores de risco / Geohelmintíases public cleaning workers in Parnaíba, Piauí: prevalence and risk factors

As geohelmintíases são doenças de alta prevalência em populações de vulnerabilidade econômica e social, por estarem diretamente relacionadas a precárias condições higiênico-sanitárias, além de baixo nível educacional e econômico, sendo consideradas doenças negligenciadas. No intuito de estimar a prevalência, grau de infecção e fatores associados às geohelmintíases em funcionários de limpeza pública na cidade de Parnaíba –Piauí – Brasil, realizou-se estudo seccional, de abordagem quantitativa, em população de 163 indivíduos nesta atividade. Verificou-se prevalência geral de 35,58 por cento de geohelmintíases, sendo 6,75 por cento das 163 amostras analisadas positivas para mais de um tipo de geohelminto. A prevalência de cada uma das três geohelmintíases principais foi de 25,15 por cento para ascaridíase, 7,36 por cento para tricuríase e 9,82 por cento para ancilostomíase, enquanto o grau de intensidade de infecção foi considerado leve em todas. Entre as características sociodemográficas, ocupacionais e clínicas analisadas, evidenciou-se que os indivíduos com maior prevalência de geohelmintíases dentre os avaliados foram os garis, quando comparados a motoristas e tratoristas, além de os pertencentes a classes sociais mais baixas e aqueles que tinham mais de 60 meses desde o último tratamento antiparasitário. Dessa forma, demonstrou-se a vulnerabilidade dos funcionários de limpeza pública em relação à endemia de geohelmintíases em virtude tanto de sua condição socioeconômica como da atividade profissional...

The soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) are highly prevalent diseases in populations of economic and social vulnerability, because they are directly related to poor sanitary conditions, and low educational and economic level and are considered Neglected Diseases. In order to estimate the prevalence, degree of infection and factors associated with STH in public sanitation workers in the city of Parnaíba -Piauí - Brazil was held sectional study with a quantitative approach in a population of 163 individuals in this activity. It was found the overall prevalence of STH of 35.58 percent, with 6.75 percent of 163 samples tested positive for more than one type of helminth. The prevalence of each of the three main STH was 25.15 percent for ascariasis, trichuriasis, and 7.36 percent to 9.82 percent for hookworm, while the intensity of infection was considered mild in all. Among the sociodemographic, occupational and clinical characteristics analyzed, it was shown that individuals with higher prevalence of STH among the evaluated were the street sweepers, compared to drivers and tractor drivers, as well as those belonging to lower social classes and those who had more than 60 months since the last antiparasitic treatment. Thus, it was demonstrated the vulnerability of public cleaning staff in relation to endemic STH by virtue of both their socioeconomic status as professional activity...

Parasitismo intestinal e fatores associados em quatro localidades rurais no semiárido nordestino brasileiro / Parasitism intestinal and associated factors in four locations in rural northeastern semiarid

As parasitoses intestinais são altamente prevalentes nas populações humanas, sendo endêmicas em países em desenvolvimento e representam importante problema de Saúde Pública. Diversos são os fatores associados àtransmissão destes parasitas, entre eles o saneamento precário ou ausente. Os objetivos deste estudo foram: i) estimar a prevalência e fatores associados às diferentes parasitoses intestinais em localidades rurais do estado do Ceará, ii) avaliar o estado nutricional das crianças da região, correlacionando-o com a infecção pelos diferentes parasitas intestinais e iii) realizar a caracterização molecular de amebas do complexo Entamoeba histolytica/ E.dispar/ E. moshkovskii e E. hartmanni identificadas nas amostras fecais. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, incluindo 326 moradores de quatro localidades rurais do município de Russas, Estado do Ceará. Os exames de fezes foram realizados por meio das técnicas de Lutz, Ritchie modificado por Young et al., Kato-Katz e BaermannMoraes.Dados sócio-demográficos e antropométricos foram obtidos em visitas domiciliares. A prevalência dos parasitas foi: 0,3 por cento para Strongyloides stercoralis, 1,4 por cento para Rodentolepis nana, 3,7 por cento para ancilostomídeos, 10,2 por cento para amebas do complexo Entamoeba histolytica/ E.dispar/ E. moshkovskii e E. hartmanni e 14 por cento para Giardia duodenalis; 39 por cento dos indivíduos estavam poliparasitados. Na ausência de programas de transferência de renda, 12,2 por cento das pessoas incluídas neste estudo apresentaram renda per capita familiar mensal inferior a R$ 70,00, podendo ser classificadas no extrato de pobreza extrema. As bolsas do governo beneficiavam 83,1 por cento dos participantes, sendo 46 por cento pelo programa Bolsa Família...

Observou-se que 65,3 por cento dos indivíduos faziam uso deágua de poço dessalinizada; 24,8 por cento utilizavam água armazenada da chuva coletada dos telhados via calhas ecisternas para o consumo e 7,3 por cento utilizavam água fornecida por caminhão-pipa; 21,7 por cento das pessoas evacuavam acéu aberto. A desnutrição crônica foi observada em 5/79 crianças (6,3 por cento) e o baixo peso em 4/76 crianças (5,3 por cento). Não houve associação entre a infecção por ancilostomídeos e G. duodenalis e a fonte de água para beber. Háuma maior taxa de positividade de infecção para Entamoeba histolytica/ E. dispar/ E. moshkovskii/ E. hartmannientre os indivíduos que defecam a céu aberto do que entre aqueles que defecam em banheiro (p = 0,032). Com relação à amebíase, a taxa de positividade foi maior entre os indivíduos que defecam a céu aberto (19,1 por cento) em comparação com os que defecam no banheiro (7,8 por cento), p=0,032. As taxas de infecção por G. duodenalis, Entamoeba histolytica/E.dispar/E. moshkovskii e E. hartmanni e ancilostomídeos tendem a ser mais baixas no estrato superior de renda. Não houve correlação entre a renda per capita familiar mensal e o estado nutricional das crianças para o parâmetro altura-idade (R = 0,148 e p = 0,194) e o parâmetro peso-idade (R = 0,080 e p = 0,495). Não houve diferença entre as médias do escore-Z do parâmetro antropométrico altura-idade das crianças infectadas por G. duodenalis e as não infectadas. Conclui-se que a ancilostomíase, a amebíase e a giardíase são as infecções intestinais mais prevalentes na região, havendo associação entre o parasitismo e o local de defecação...

Tricuriasisi: causa de diarrea crónica y sangrado digestivo / Trichuriasis: Cause of diarrhea and gastrointestinal Bleeding

La tricuriasis es una enfermedad que se estima que afecta a 800 millones de personas y que su mayor prevalencia ocurre entre las personas de 5 a 15 años. La mayoría de las infecciones son asintomáticas, pero las infecciones masivas pueden causar síntomas gastrointestinales. Como los demás helmintos transmitidos por la tierra, el trichuris se distribuye globalmente en el trópico y sub trópico y es muy común en personas con nivel socioeconómico bajo. En Honduras, país en vías de desarrollo, se pueden observar casos en los que la tricuriasis puede llegar a dar sus complicaciones más graves, como ser sangrado digestivo, diarrea prolongada y prolapso rectal...(AU)

Geohelmintiasis en la Argentina: Una revisión sistemática / Soil transmitted helminthiasis in Argentina: A systematic review

Con el objetivo de analizar la prevalencia y distribución de las geohelmintiasis en la Argentina e identificar las áreas de mayor riesgo, realizamos una revisión sistemática de los estudios poblacionales publicados entre 1980 y 2011, indexados en las bases MEDLINE/ PUBMED y/o LILACS. También se incluyeron los datos de prevalencia basal del Programa Nacional de Desparasitación Masiva (PNDM, 2005). Se identificaron 310 publicaciones, de las que solo 24 artículos con información sobre 26 relevamientos, realizados en 8 provincias y un total de 5495 individuos evaluados, cumplían los criterios de inclusión. La prevalencia de geohelmintiasis varió ampliamente: Ascaris lumbricoides 0-67%, uncinarias 0-90%, Trichuris trichiura 0-24.5%, Strongyloides stercoralis 0-83%. La prevalencia acumulada estimada de los 4 geohelmintos principales varió entre 0.8 y 88.6%. Los datos basales del PNDM con información de 1943 niños de 12 provincias confirman esta heterogeneidad con rangos de prevalencia acumulada entre 0 y 42.7%. Los estudios incluidos en esta revisión muestran que la distribución de geohelmintiasis en la Argentina es heterogénea, con focos de alta prevalencia (> 20%) en el noreste y noroeste del país, los que podrían beneficiarse de una estrategia de desparasitación masiva. En muchos casos esta alta prevalencia es debida a uncinarias y estrongiloidiosis, lo que debe tenerse en cuenta para definir las estrategias diagnósticas y terapéuticas para su control. Asimismo, se resalta la escasez o ausencia de datos, con información de menos de la mitad de las provincias y menos de 8000 individuos evaluados.

A systematic review of surveys performed between 1980 and 2011 (published in MEDLINE/Pubmed and/or LILACS indexed journals, available in the baseline data from a Mass Deworming National Program (MDNP, 2005) was used to identify the prevalence, distribution and detection of risk areas for soil transmitted helminth infections (STH) in Argentina. We found 310 publications in the database using the pre-defined key-words (medical subject headings) for research purposes. Only 24 articles with 26 surveillance sites in 8 provinces and a total of 5495 surveyed individuals fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Frequency rates for STH had a wide range: Ascaris lumbricoides: 0-67%, hookworms: 0-90%, Trichuris trichiura: 0-24.6 and Strongyloides stercoralis: 0-83%. The estimated combined incidence varied from 0.8% to 88.6%. Baseline surveys from the MDNP reporting on 1943 children from 12 provinces confirmed the heterogeneity, with combined STH frequency rates ranging from 0 to 42.7%. Surveys included in this review showed that the distribution of STH in Argentina is not homogeneous, with areas of high incidence (> 20%) in the northeastern and northwestern provinces where mass deworming activities would be highly beneficial. In several surveys, the high overall incidence was mostly due to hookworms and S. stercoralis, a situation to be considered when selecting diagnostic and therapeutic control strategies. The scarcity or absence of data from various provinces and the availability of less than 8000 surveyed individuals should be considered.

The first report of new species: Trichuris landak n. sp

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study nematode parasites morphology of Hystrix javanica (H. javanica), both through the feces and internal organs.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Feces were observed by direct smear method, internal organs were observed after dissecting the host. Specimens for light microscopy examination were fixed with 70% warm alcohol, cleared and mounted in lactophenol for wet mounting. Specimens for SEM examination were postfixed in cacodylate buffer and glutaraldehyde, dehydrated through a graded series of alcohol and freeze dried. The specimens were attached to stubs with double cello-tape, coated with gold and observed with a JSM5310 LV electron microscope. Figures were made with the aid of a drawing tube attached to Olympus compound microscope, other figures were photographs of scanning electron microscope images. Measurements were given in micrometers as the mean followed by the range in parentheses, unless otherwise stated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The nematode species found in the intestine of H. javanica are Gireterakis girardi and a new species, Trihuris landak. The new species differs with previously reported species from Hystrix because of having stylet and short cervical alae. The pattern of bacillary band is closed to Trichuris trichiurus, the species that infect human, but differs because the surface of its vulva is not covered with densely spine.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The species of nematodes found on H. javanica were Gireterakis girardi and a new species Trichuris landak n.sp. Those two species are newly recorded in Indonesia.</p>

Trichuris vulpis (Froelich, 1789) Infection in a Child: A Case Report

We present a human infection with the canine whipworm, Trichuris vulpis, in a child suffering from rhinitis with a diagnosis of rhinitis. T. vulpis eggs resemble those of T. trichiura but they can be differentiated based on their morphological features and egg size, using micrometry with an ocular micrometer. T. vulpis eggs measured an average of 90 microm by 44 microm (range 86-99 microm by 38-47 microm). Prevalence of hookworms (28.1%), Toxocara canis (11.8%), and Trichuris vulpis (3.5%) was found in 292 fecal samples of dogs collected at the peri-domicile, which showed that the risk of infection was not only fortuitous. The treatment of canine whipworm infections is similar to that of T. trichiura infection. We recommend differentiation of the 2 species for their epidemiological and prevention implications.

Molecular Identification of Oesophagostomum and Trichuris Eggs Isolated from Wild Japanese Macaques

Natural habitat fragmentation and reducing habitat quality have resulted in an increased appearance of Japanese macaques, Macaca fuscata (Gray, 1870), in suburban areas in Japan. To investigate the risk of zoonotic infections, a coprological survey of helminth eggs passed by wild Japanese macaques was carried out in 2009 and 2010 in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. Microscopic examination found helminth eggs in high prevalence, and nucleotide sequencing of DNA extracted from the eggs identified Oesophagostomum cf. aculeatum and Trichuris trichiura. A fecal culture also detected infective larvae of Strongyloides fuelleborni. These zoonotic nematodes pose a potential health issue to local people in areas frequented by Japanese macaques.

Lymphocyte migration inhibition response in Trichuris muris infected and vaccinated mice

Immunological response of host and parasite play a key role in developing vaccination and immunization. The present study deals with the immune response and effecter mechanism, which was confirmed by migration inhibition factor [MIF]. The present work was conducted in Parasitological Lab of Postgraduate Department of Zoology, Government Holkar Science College, Indore [M.P.] during 2006-2007. For MIF assay, lymphocytes were separated from heparinized blood of experimental and control mice. Aliquots of cell suspension were placed in four wells cut in a preparation of agarose in a Petri dish. Two wells were filled with soluble test antigen, while rest two wells were filled with medium [control wells]. Petri dish was incubated overnight at 37°C in a humidified environment at 5% CO2 in air. Cells migrated under the agarose in a circle were fixed and stained. Diameters of the migration areas were measured with ocular micrometer. MIF reaction was maximum [44.2%] in the group IVEgESAg5 and minimum [10.8%] in the group IVASoAg1. The maximum MIF reaction was shown by eggs ES antigen and least by adult worm somatic antigen. The interesting observation was that migration inhibition increases as dose increased or we could say the reaction was dose dependent Increased value of MIF response in vaccinated mice suggested the involvement of lymphocytes in cell-mediated immunity. This study also proves that excretory-secretory [ES] antigen of eggs from Trichuris muris was more effective in imparting immunity in mice

Tricuríase / Trichuriasis

A tricuríase é uma doença parasitária causada pelo Trichuris trichiura, com importante impacto universal. No presente artigo é apresentada uma revisão sobre os aspectos mais relevantes da tricuríase.

Prevalência e fatores associados às geo-helmintíases em crianças residentes em municípios com baixo IDH no Norte e Nordeste brasileiros / Prevalence and factors associated with geohelminth infections in children living in municipalities with low HDI in North and Northeast Brazil

Para determinar a prevalência de geo-helmintíases e identificar fatores associados a sua ocorrência, foram realizados inquéritos coprológicos em amostra de crianças entre 5 e 14 anos de idade, residentes em dez municípios brasileiros com baixo Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano. Aplicou-se questionário aos responsáveis, obtendo-se informações sócio-econômicas e ambientais e foi feita coleta de fezes. Estimaram-se prevalências de geohelmintos segundo variáveis de interesse e se avaliaram os fatores de risco mediante regressão logística multinível. Das 2.523 crianças estudadas, 36,5 por cento eram portadoras de um ou mais geohelmintos (Ascaris lumbricoides 25,1 por cento; ancilostomídeos 15,3 por cento, Trichuris trichiura 12,2 por cento). A proporção de geo-helmintíases para o conjunto na zona rural foi 45,7 por cento; na urbana, 32,2 por cento. Baixa renda familiar (OR = 1,75; 1,38-2,23), baixa escolaridade materna (OR = 1,69; 1,39-2,06), presença de lixo próximo ao domicílio (OR = 1,50; 1,22-1,84) e maior número de pessoas no domicílio (OR = 1,41; 1,17-1,71) mostraram-se associadas a tais infecções. Conclui-se que a ocorrência destas parasitoses está relacionada às condições sócio-econômicas e evidencia a importância de intervenções públicas direcionadas à melhoria das condições de vida para sua prevenção.

Stool surveys were conducted to estimate the prevalence and identify risk factors for geohelminth infections among children in ten Brazilian municipalities with low human development indices (HDI). Socioeconomic and environmental data were obtained from the children's parents or guardians, and stool samples were examined. The proportion of geohelminth infections according to target variables was calculated. Risk factors were evaluated using multilevel logistic regression. Of the 2,523 children, 36.5 percent were infected with one or more geohelminths (Ascaris lumbricoides, 25.1 percent; hookworm, 15.3 percent; Trichuris trichiura, 12.2 percent). Overall prevalence of geohelminth infections was 45.7 percent in rural areas and 32.2 percent in urban areas. Low family income (OR = 1.75; 1.38-2.23), low maternal schooling (OR = 1.69; 1.39-2.06), presence of garbage near the home (OR = 1.50; 1.22-1.84), and number of individuals in the household (OR = 1.41; 1.17-1.71) were associated with infection. In conclusion, geohelminth infections were closely related to socioeconomic conditions, thus emphasizing the importance of targeted public interventions to improve living conditions as part of sustainable prevention.

Two Cases of Trichuris Trichiura Infection Diagnosed by Colonoscopy / 가정의학회지

Trichuris trichiura (T. trichiura) is soil-transmitted parasite and widely spreads all over the world. High infection rates occur especially in the poor hygiene area. T. trichiura is transmitted by the water and food contaminated with T. trichiura eggs. Most of mildly infected individuals could be asymptomatic, whereas heavily infected patients manifest with anemia, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Serious manifestations such as intestinal obstruction and perforation were reported to be caused by Trichuriasis. Diagnostic methods are stool examination of T. trichiura eggs and eosinophil count in blood. Sometimes, colonoscopy can be useful diagnostic tool and treatment. We observed that the North Korean refugee with chronic abdominal pain and the patient with abdominal pain and loose stool have been diagnosed as T. trichiura infection confirmed by colonoscopy. After treatment, the patient's symptom has improved. Therefore we report two cases of trichuriasis with literature review.