Occurrence of Hymenolepis diminuta: a potential helminth of zoonotic importance in murid rodents / Ocorrência de Hymenolepis diminuta: um helminto potencial de importância zoonótica em roedores murídeos

The study reveals the prevalence of a potential rodent-borne zoonotic helminth species, Hymenolepis diminuta in commensal rodents caught from irrigated and rain-fed areas of Swat, Pakistan. Three hundred and fifty rodents (269 rats and 81 mice) trapped during vegetative, flowering/fruiting and mature/harvesting stages of crops were studied from 2011-2013. Hymenolepisdiminuta eggs were identified on the basis of their shape, size, colour and markings on the surface of the egg shell and three pairs of embryonic hook-lets. Overall prevalence of H. diminuta was 3.14% (n=11/350). The highest prevalence 3.49% (n=5/143) of H. diminuta was noted at harvesting stages of the crops whereas the lowest 2.59% (n=2/77) during vegetative stage. Infection was higher in males 3.25% (n=7/215) than females 2.96% (n=4/135). Adult rodents were highly infected while no sub-adult was found infected. Infection was higher in mice 3.70% (3/81) than rats 2.69% (8/269) while no significance (p=1.0000:0.1250 to 32.00 CI). Rats and mice appears to show the most suitable reservoirs by hosting H. diminuta a zoonotic helminth. The presence of these rodents in all possible habitats can act as a main channel of transferring parasites through various habitats and can pose a hazard to humans in the area.

O estudo revela a prevalência de uma espécie potencial de helmintos zoonóticos transmitidos por roedores, Hymenolepis diminuta, em roedores comensais capturados em áreas irrigadas e alimentadas pela chuva de Swat, Paquistão. Trezentos e cinquenta roedores (269 ratos e 81 camundongos) presos durante os estágios vegetativo, floração/frutificação e maturidade/colheita das safras foram estudados de 2011-2013. Ovos de Hymenolepisdiminuta foram identificados com base em sua forma, tamanho, cor e marcações na superfície da casca do ovo e três pares de anzóis embrionários. A prevalência geral de H. diminuta foi de 3,14% (n = 11/350). A maior prevalência 3,49% (n = 5/143) de H. diminuta foi observada na fase de colheita das lavouras, enquanto a menor 2,59% (n = 2/77) durante a fase vegetativa. A infecção foi maior nos homens 3,25% (n = 7/215) do que nas mulheres 2,96% (n = 4/135). Roedores adultos foram altamente infectados, enquanto nenhum subadulto foi encontrado infectado. A infecção foi maior em camundongos 3,70% (3/81) do que em ratos 2,69% (8/269), embora sem significância (p = 1,0000: 0,1250 a 32,00 CI). Ratos e camundongos parecem mostrar os reservatórios mais adequados hospedando H. diminuta um helmintos zoonótico. A presença desses roedores em todos os habitats possíveis pode atuar como um canal principal de transferência de parasitas através de vários habitats e pode representar um perigo para os humanos na área.

Occurrence of Hymenolepis diminuta: a potential helminth of zoonotic importance in murid rodents

Abstract The study reveals the prevalence of a potential rodent-borne zoonotic helminth species, Hymenolepis diminuta in commensal rodents caught from irrigated and rain-fed areas of Swat, Pakistan. Three hundred and fifty rodents (269 rats and 81 mice) trapped during vegetative, flowering/fruiting and mature/harvesting stages of crops were studied from 2011-2013. Hymenolepisdiminuta eggs were identified on the basis of their shape, size, colour and markings on the surface of the egg shell and three pairs of embryonic hook-lets. Overall prevalence of H. diminuta was 3.14% (n=11/350). The highest prevalence 3.49% (n=5/143) of H. diminuta was noted at harvesting stages of the crops whereas the lowest 2.59% (n=2/77) during vegetative stage. Infection was higher in males 3.25% (n=7/215) than females 2.96% (n=4/135). Adult rodents were highly infected while no sub-adult was found infected. Infection was higher in mice 3.70% (3/81) than rats 2.69% (8/269) while no significance (p=1.0000:0.1250 to 32.00 CI). Rats and mice appears to show the most suitable reservoirs by hosting H. diminuta a zoonotic helminth. The presence of these rodents in all possible habitats can act as a main channel of transferring parasites through various habitats and can pose a hazard to humans in the area.

Resumo O estudo revela a prevalência de uma espécie potencial de helmintos zoonóticos transmitidos por roedores, Hymenolepis diminuta, em roedores comensais capturados em áreas irrigadas e alimentadas pela chuva de Swat, Paquistão. Trezentos e cinquenta roedores (269 ratos e 81 camundongos) presos durante os estágios vegetativo, floração/frutificação e maturidade/colheita das safras foram estudados de 2011-2013. Ovos de Hymenolepisdiminuta foram identificados com base em sua forma, tamanho, cor e marcações na superfície da casca do ovo e três pares de anzóis embrionários. A prevalência geral de H. diminuta foi de 3,14% (n = 11/350). A maior prevalência 3,49% (n = 5/143) de H. diminuta foi observada na fase de colheita das lavouras, enquanto a menor 2,59% (n = 2/77) durante a fase vegetativa. A infecção foi maior nos homens 3,25% (n = 7/215) do que nas mulheres 2,96% (n = 4/135). Roedores adultos foram altamente infectados, enquanto nenhum subadulto foi encontrado infectado. A infecção foi maior em camundongos 3,70% (3/81) do que em ratos 2,69% (8/269), embora sem significância (p = 1,0000: 0,1250 a 32,00 CI). Ratos e camundongos parecem mostrar os reservatórios mais adequados hospedando H. diminuta um helmintos zoonótico. A presença desses roedores em todos os habitats possíveis pode atuar como um canal principal de transferência de parasitas através de vários habitats e pode representar um perigo para os humanos na área.

Occurrence of Hymenolepis diminuta: a potential helminth of zoonotic importance in murid rodents / Ocorrência de Hymenolepis diminuta: um helminto potencial de importância zoonótica em roedores murídeos

The study reveals the prevalence of a potential rodent-borne zoonotic helminth species, Hymenolepis diminuta in commensal rodents caught from irrigated and rain-fed areas of Swat, Pakistan. Three hundred and fifty rodents (269 rats and 81 mice) trapped during vegetative, flowering/fruiting and mature/harvesting stages of crops were studied from 2011-2013. Hymenolepisdiminuta eggs were identified on the basis of their shape, size, colour and markings on the surface of the egg shell and three pairs of embryonic hook-lets. Overall prevalence of H. diminuta was 3.14% (n=11/350). The highest prevalence 3.49% (n=5/143) of H. diminuta was noted at harvesting stages of the crops whereas the lowest 2.59% (n=2/77) during vegetative stage. Infection was higher in males 3.25% (n=7/215) than females 2.96% (n=4/135). Adult rodents were highly infected while no sub-adult was found infected. Infection was higher in mice 3.70% (3/81) than rats 2.69% (8/269) while no significance (p=1.0000:0.1250 to 32.00 CI). Rats and mice appears to show the most suitable reservoirs by hosting H. diminuta a zoonotic helminth. The presence of these rodents in all possible habitats can act as a main channel of transferring parasites through various habitats and can pose a hazard to humans in the area.

O estudo revela a prevalência de uma espécie potencial de helmintos zoonóticos transmitidos por roedores, Hymenolepis diminuta, em roedores comensais capturados em áreas irrigadas e alimentadas pela chuva de Swat, Paquistão. Trezentos e cinquenta roedores (269 ratos e 81 camundongos) presos durante os estágios vegetativo, floração/frutificação e maturidade/colheita das safras foram estudados de 2011-2013. Ovos de Hymenolepis diminuta foram identificados com base em sua forma, tamanho, cor e marcações na superfície da casca do ovo e três pares de anzóis embrionários. A prevalência geral de H. diminuta foi de 3,14% (n = 11/350). A maior prevalência 3,49% (n = 5/143) de H. diminuta foi observada na fase de colheita das lavouras, enquanto a menor 2,59% (n = 2/77) durante a fase vegetativa. A infecção foi maior nos homens 3,25% (n = 7/215) do que nas mulheres 2,96% (n = 4/135). Roedores adultos foram altamente infectados, enquanto nenhum subadulto foi encontrado infectado. A infecção foi maior em camundongos 3,70% (3/81) do que em ratos 2,69% (8/269), embora sem significância (p = 1,0000: 0,1250 a 32,00 CI). Ratos e camundongos parecem mostrar os reservatórios mais adequados hospedando H. diminuta um helmintos zoonótico. A presença desses roedores em todos os habitats possíveis pode atuar como um canal principal de transferência de parasitas através de vários habitats e pode representar um perigo para os humanos na área.

Hymenolepis microstoma (Cestoda: Hymenolepididae) en ratones caseros ( Mus musculus ) de Lima, Perú / Hymenolepis microstoma (Cestoda: Hymenolepididae) in house mice (Mus musculus) from Lima, Peru

Un total de 12 cestodos adultos se colectaron de los conductos biliares de ratones domésticos (Mus musculus) provenientes de Lima, Perú. Diversas características del escólex y proglotis maduros del cestodo fueron observadas para la identificación morfológica. Así mismo, se realizó un diagnóstico molecular mediante un PCR y secuenciación parcial del gen mitocondrial citocromo c oxidasa subunidad 1 (cox1). Todos los cestodos fueron identificados como Hymenolepis microstoma por morfología y métodos moleculares. El aislado de H. microstoma de Perú mostró una similitud de secuencia significativa (> 99%) con los aislados de H. microstoma previamente reportados. Nuestro informe confirma la presencia del parásito en ratones de Lima.

A total of 12 adult cestodes were collected from the bile ducts of domestic mice (Mus musculus) from Lima, Peru. Various features of the scolex and mature proglottids of the tapeworms were observed for morphological identification. A molecular diagnosis was performed by PCR-based partial sequencing of mitochondrial gene of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1). All cestodes were identified as Hymenolepis microstoma by morphology and molecular methods. The H. microstoma isolate from Peru showed significant sequence similarity with previously reported isolates of H. microstoma (>99%). Our report confirms the presence of the parasite in mice from Lima.

Synthesis of leading chalcones with high antiparasitic, against Hymenolepis nana, and antioxidant activities

The hymenolepiosis by Hymenolepis nana is a major public health problem in developing countries, and the commercial drugs against this parasitosis are not enough effective. The combination of antiparasitic and antioxidant agents has improved the treatment of some parasitoses. Thus, the development of new cestocidal and antioxidant agents to treat the hymenolepiosis cases is important. In the present study, four hydroxy- and four dihydroxy-chalcones were synthesized using the catalyst boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BF3•OEt2). The antioxidant activity and antiparasitic against H. nana of chalcones were tested, as well as the toxicity by the brine shrimp lethality bioassay and the method of Lorke. The antioxidant activity was measured by three radical scavenging assays: 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The hydroxyl substitution pattern (number and position), mainly in ring B, was responsible for the chalcone antiparasitic activity. At least one meta or para hydroxyl group in ring B was essential for activity of the synthetic chalcones against H. nana; The time taken for the parasite to die by the 3b and 3e chalcones (20 mg/mL) treatment was up to six times lower than the control drug Praziquantel. On the other hand, chalcones with catechol structure in ring B (3g and 3h) showed the highest antioxidant values. The toxicity evaluations suggests that synthetic hydroxychalcones with cestocidal (3b and 3e) and antioxidant (3g and 3h) activities are safe compounds and potential in vivo agents to treat this parasitosis

Himenolepiasis por Hymenolepis nana, a propósito de 2 casos / Hymenolepiasis due to Hymenolepis nana, in relation to 2 cases

La himenolepiasis es una infección parasitaria cosmopolita; su prevalencia global oscila entre 0.1 y 58%, es más frecuente en niños. El agente etiológico es el cestodo Hymenolepis nana, que evoluciona mediante ciclos vitales: monoxénico (en el cual existe un único huésped definitivo e intermediario que puede ser el ser humano, ratas y ratones) y un ciclo heteroxénico (en el que un artrópodo ­pulga o gorgojo­ consume los huevos presentes en las materias fecales y desarrolla el cisticercoide ­larva­). Este vector es ingerido por el huésped definitivo (humano o rata) desarrollando posteriormente la infección. Los síntomas dependerán del grado de afectación de las vellosidades del intestino delgado; se destacan: dolor abdominal, meteorismo, diarrea, irritabilidad, prurito anal y anorexia. El tratamiento de elección es el praziquantel 25 mg/kg dosis única. Presentamos 2 casos de usuarios adultos que acuden al Centro de Salud de San Antonio de Pichincha ­ Quito, con sintomatología inespecífica, a los que se les realiza examen coproparasitario como control al primero y como sospecha por contacto con roedor al segundo; en ambos casos se encuentra el parásito. Aunque se decide iniciar el tratamiento con praziquantel, no se lo consigue, por lo que se prescribe niclosamida 2 g por día durante 2 días; desapareció el cuadro sintomático y el parásito en el examen de control de laboratorio (AU)

Hymenolepiasis is a parasitic infection with a cosmopolitan distribution, it has a global prevalence ranging from 0.1 to 58%. Is more frequent in children and is produced by the Hymenolepis nana basket, which evolves through life cycles: monoxenic, with a single final host and an intermediate host, which can be a man, rats or mice. In the heterocyclic cycle, it's evident the presence of an arthropod (flea or weevil) that consumes eggs in fecal matter and develops the cysticercoid (larva). Then, this vector is ingested by the definitive host (human or rat) who is going to develop the infection subsequently. Symptoms depend on the degree of involvement of villi in the small intestine, including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, irritability, anal pruritus and anorexia. The treatment of choice is praziquantel in a single dose of 25 mg. In the present work, we describe the cases of users who visited the Health Center of San Antonio de Pichincha in Quito. They came with nonspecific symptomatology. At first, they were analyzed through a coproparasitary examination of the control and the suspicion of contact with the rodent at second. In both cases with the pathology. It was decided to start the treatment. However, this medication was not obtained, so a dose of 2 g per day for 2 days of niclosamide was given for disappearing of the clinical picture. (AU)

Prevalence of Hymenolepis nana and H. diminuta from Brown Rats (Rattus norvegicus) in Heilongjiang Province, China

Hymenolepis nana and Hymenolepis diminuta are globally widespread zoonotic cestodes. Rodents are the main reservoir host of these cestodes. Brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) are the best known and most common rats, and usually live wherever humans live, especially in less than desirable hygiene conditions. Due to the little information of the 2 hymenolepidid species in brown rats in China, the aim of this study was to understand the prevalence and genetic characterization of H. nana and H. diminuta in brown rats in Heilongjiang Province, China. Total 114 fecal samples were collected from brown rats in Heilongjiang Province. All the samples were subjected to morphological examinations by microscopy and genetic analysis by PCR amplification of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX1) gene and the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region of the nuclear ribosomal RNA gene. In total, 6.1% (7/114) and 14.9% (17/114) of samples were positive for H. nana and H. diminuta, respectively. Among them, 7 and 3 H. nana isolates were successfully amplified and sequenced at the COX1 and ITS2 loci, respectively. No nucleotide variations were found among H. nana isolates at either of the 2 loci. Seventeen H. diminuta isolates produced 2 different COX1 sequences while 7 ITS2 sequences obtained were identical to each other. The present results of H. nana and H. diminuta infections in brown rats implied the risk of zoonotic transmission of hymenolepiasis in China. These molecular data will be helpful to deeply study intra-specific variations within Hymenolepis cestodes in the future.

Prevalencia de endoparásitos en roedores sinantrópicos (Rodentia: Muridae) en una localidad de La Habana, Cuba / Prevalence of endoparasites in synanthropic rodents (Rodentia: Muridae) in an area of Havana, Cuba

Introducción: los roedores sinantrópicos se encuentran estrechamente vinculados a las condiciones de vida del hombre. Algunos de sus endoparásitos juegan un papel importante en los ciclos de muchas enfermedades parasitarias, por lo que representan un riesgo para la salud pública. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia de grupos y especies de endoparásitos en roedores sinantrópicos en una localidad de La Habana. Métodos: el estudio se realizó en la localidad Arroyo Arenas, municipio La Lisa, provincia La Habana, Cuba. En las capturas de roedores, se emplearon trampas de captura viva. Después de realizada la eutanasia y la necropsia, se tomaron muestras fecales de la última porción del intestino grueso y del recto. Las muestras se procesaron mediante diagnóstico coproparasitológico convencional. Resultados: se capturaron un total de 78 roedores identificados como Rattus rattus, Rattus norvegicus y Mus musculus. Se registraron 13 especies de parásitos, las de mayor prevalencia fueron los nematodos Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (33,3 por ciento) y Strongyloides ratti (23,1 por ciento), y el cestodo Hymenolepis diminuta (11,5 por ciento). Conclusiones: se reportan las especies de endoparásitos en los roedores sinantrópicos. Hymenolepis diminuta es la especie de mayor prevalencia entre las especies zoonóticas, lo que demuestra su circulación activa en el ambiente. Los resultados resaltan la importancia de estos roedores como vectores potenciales de las parasitosis intestinales(AU)

Introduction: the synanthropic rodents are closely associated with human living conditions. Some of their endoparasites play an important role in many cycles of parasitic diseases, thus representing a public health risk. Objectives: to determine the prevalence of groups and species of endoparasites in synanthropic rodents in an area of Havana. Methods: the research study was carried out in Arroyo Arenas, La Lisa municipality, Havana province, Cuba. Live traps were used to capture rodents. Stool samples of the last portion of the large intestine and rectum were taken after euthanasia and necropsy. The stool samples were processed by usual parasitological diagnostic techniques. Results: a total of 78 rodents identified as Rattus rattus,Rattus norvegicus and Mus musculus were captured. Thirteen species of endoparasites were recorded, being nematodes Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (33.3 percent) and Strongyloides ratti (23.1 percent), and tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta (11.5 percent) the most prevalent. Conclusions: some species of endoparasites are reported in the synanthropic rodents. Hymenolepis diminuta was found to be the most prevalent among zoonotic species, which shows its active circulation in the environment. This type of research highlights the importance of these rodents as potential vectors for intestinal parasitic infections(AU)

Infección por Hymenolepis nana en una comunidad indígena del estado Bolívar, Venezuela / Hymenolepis nana infection in an indigenous community from Bolívar State, Venezuela

Introducción: la himenolepiosis es una parasitosis intestinal causada por el género Hymenolepis. De las dos especies que pueden afectar al hombre, H. nana es la más común. Su distribución es cosmopolita, pero más frecuente en regiones tropicales. Objetivos: en junio de 2014 se realizó un estudio transversal para determinar la prevalencia de himenolepiosis en habitantes de la comunidad indígena Itopoicon del estado Bolívar, Venezuela. Métodos: fueron evaluadas 136 muestras fecales procedentes de igual número de personas, mediante las técnicas de examen directo, Kato, Willis y sedimentación espontánea. Se llenó una ficha de control de cada participante con datos de identificación y clínico-epidemiológicos de interés. Resultados: un total de 118 habitantes (86,8 por ciento) resultaron parasitados. De ellos, 26 (19,1 por ciento) tenían infección por helmintos intestinales, siendo Hymenolepis nana el helminto más comúnmente diagnosticado con 19 casos (14 por ciento). De los 19 casos de himenolepiosis, 17 ocurrieron en niños y dos en adultos, siendo la diferencia estadísticamente significativa (x2= 14,26 g.l.= 7 p< 0,05). Con relación al género no se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p> 0,05). Se determinó una amplia variedad de manifestaciones clínicas (generales, toxico-alérgico o intestinales) en los habitantes con H. nana. Conclusiones: se determinó una elevada prevalencia (14 por ciento) de infección por H. nana en una comunidad indígena del estado Bolívar, Venezuela, siendo ambos géneros afectados por igual pero con un predominio en los niños menores de 10 años. La mayoría de los casos presentó sintomatología(AU)

Introduction: hymenolepiasis is an intestinal parasitic disease caused by the genus Hymenolepis. Of the two species affecting humans, H. nana is the most common. Its distribution is cosmopolitan, but more frequent in tropical regions. Objectives: a cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2014 to determine the prevalence of hymenolepiasis among dwellers from the indigenous community of Itopoicon, Bolívar State, Venezuela. Methods: evaluation was performed of 136 stool samples from an equal number of persons using the techniques known as direct examination, Kato, Willis and spontaneous sedimentation. A control card was filled in for each participant, containing identification details and data of clinical and epidemiological interest. Results: a total 118 inhabitants (86.8 percent) were positive for parasites. Of these, 26 (19.1 percent) had intestinal helminth infection, Hymenolepis nana being the most commonly diagnosed helminth with 19 cases (14 percent). Of the 19 cases of hymenolepiasis, 17 were children and 2 were adults, the difference being statistically significant (2= 14.26 g.l. = 7 p< 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found with respect to gender (p> 0.05). A wide range of clinical manifestations (general, toxic and allergic or intestinal) were found among people with H. nana. Conclusions: ahigh prevalence (14 percent) of H. nana infection was found in an indigenous community from Bolívar State in Venezuela. Both sexes are equally affected, but there is a predominance of children under 10 years of age. Most cases were symptomatic(AU)

Parasitic infection in a closed group of outbred Meriones meridianus and results of parasite eradication / 中国实验动物学报

Objective In order to lay the foundation for establishment of a clean grade Meriones meridianus popu-lation, and provide reference for the formulation of Meriones meridianus parasite detection standard.Methods A survey of parasite infection in Meriones meridianus was carried out, and three kinds of antiparasitic drugs, tetramethrin/per-methrin, praziquantel, and tinidazole were used in high-, medium-and low-doses for eradication of the target parasites. Results Three types of parasites were detected among the animals.The infection rate of surface parasite Myobia musculi was 82.1%(23/28), that of intestinal parasite Hymenolepis nana was 78.1% (25/32) and Tritrichomonas muris was 90.6%(29/32).Significant results of parasite eradication were achieved with the antiparasitic drugs.Medicated bath u-sing 1%tetramethrin/permethrin for 30 s every 4 days for 5 times and 1.5%tetramethrin/permethrin for 30 s every 4 days for 3 times completely eradicated the surface Myobia musculi infection.Praziquantel in a dose of 31 mg/kg by daily gastric gavage for consecutive 7 days was the optimal dosage to completely eradicate the intestinal Hymenolepis nana.Tinidazole in a dose of 42 mg/kg administered by gastric gavage daily for consecutive 7 days was the optimal dosage for eradication of in-testinal Tritrichomonas muris infection.Conclusions Three types of parasites are detected in Meriones meridianus in our laboratory, i.e.surface infection with Myobia musculi, and intestinal infection with Tritrichomonas muris and Hymenolepis nana.Tetramethrin/permethrin, praziquantel and tinidazole can be used to effectively eradicate these three types of para-sites, respectively.

Infección por Hymenolepis diminuta en infante del municipio Girardot, Maracay, estado Aragua, Venezuela / Infection by Hymenolepis diminuta in infant from the Girardot municipality, Maracay, Aragua State, Venezuela

Se presenta un caso inusual de infección por Hymenolepis diminuta en infante de un año de edad residente en Maracay, estado Aragua. El hallazgo se realizó de manera fortuita por el personal del Laboratorio de Parasitosis Intestinales y Serología de Esquistosomiasis de la Dirección General de Salud Ambiental del Ministerio del Poder Popular para la Salud, a donde fueron remitidos ejemplares adultos del parásito eliminado de forma espontánea por el paciente. Antes de la expulsión del parásito, el paciente presentó sintomatología digestiva, fiebre y manifestaciones alérgicas. La representante del infante refirió la presencia de ratas y ratones en el jardín de la vivienda. Este caso se constituye en el primer informe de infección por H. diminuta en el estado Aragua. Se sugiere realizar investigación epidemiológica más rigurosa para determinar la prevalencia de himenolepiosis.

Presentation of an unusual case of Hymenolepis diminuta infection in a one-year old infant residing at Maracay, Aragua State. The finding occurred fortuitously by the staff of the Intestinal Parasites and Schistosomiasis Serology Laboratory of the General Direction of Environmental Health of the Ministerio del Poder Popular para La Salud, who received two adult forms of the parasite eliminated spontaneously by the patient. Before the expulsion of the parasite, the patient had digestive symptoms, fever and allergic reactions. The infant’s guardian referred the presence of rats and mice in the garden of the house. This case is the first report of this type of infection by H. diminuta in Aragua State. A more rigorous epidemiological investigation is suggested to determine the prevalence of himenolepiosis.

HALLAZGO DE CESTODOS DE LA FAMILIA HYMENOLEPIDIDAE EN EL RATÓN ALGODONERO DEL SUR (Sigmodon hirsutus) EN HUILA, COLOMBIA / CESTODES OF HYMENOLEPIDIDAE FAMILY FOUND IN THE SOUTHERN COTTON RAT (Sigmodon hirsutus) IN HUILA, COLOMBIA

El estudio de la fauna parasitológica de roedores silvestres constituye una clave importante para enfrentar situaciones de riesgo en salud pública, conservación y producción animal, debido al impacto que algunos de estos parásitos pueden producir en la salud de seres humanos, animales silvestres y animales de producción y compañía. En mayo de 2011 se colectaron muestras de materia fecal de ratones silvestres en los municipios de Garzón y El Agrado (Huila, Colombia), con el fin de identificar, mediante evaluación coprológica, las especies de parásitos gastrointestinales presentes en roedores de dicha zona. Se capturaron siete ratones de la especie Sigmodon hirsutus, se tomaron muestras de materia fecal y los animales fueron liberados posteriormente. En las muestras se observaron huevos de la familia Hymenolepididae, con características morfológicas que los ubican en los géneros Hymenolepis o Rodentolepis. El hallazgo de estos parásitos en las heces de roedores silvestres en áreas de hábitat compartido con seres humanos sugiere un factor de riesgo zoonótico. Sin embargo, se requieren investigaciones adicionales que permitan establecer asociación entre el parasitismo gastrointestinal en humanos y la presencia de roedores en el área de estudio.

The study of parasitological fauna of wild rodents constitutes a significant key to confront situations of risk on public health, conservation and animal production, due to the impact of some parasites on the health of humans, wildlife, farm animals and pets. Fecal samples of wild rodents were collected in May 2011 in the area of Garzón and El Agrado, (Huila, Colombia) in order to identify, by parasitological examination, the species of gastrointestinal parasites found in rodents in this area. Seven mices of specie Sigmodon hirsutus, were trapped in order to take fecal samples. Animals were released after this procedure. Eggs of cestodes of the family Hymenolepididae with morphological characteristics of genera Hymenolepis or Rodentolepis were found in the samples. The finding of these parasites in the feces of wild rodents in areas of shared habitat with humans suggests a zoonotic risk factor, but it is necessary to carry out more researches on association between gastrointestinal parasitism in humans and presence of wild rodents in the area.

Heavy Hymenolepis nana Infection Possibly Through Organic Foods: Report of a Case

We encountered a patient with heavy Hymenolepis nana infection. The patient was a 44-year-old Korean man who had suffered from chronic hepatitis (type B) for 15 years. A large number of H. nana adult worms were found during colonoscopy that was performed as a part of routine health screening. The parasites were scattered throughout the colon, as well as in the terminal ileum, although the patient was immunocompetent. Based on this study, colonoscopy may be helpful for diagnosis of asymptomatic H. nana infections.

Frecuencia de parasitos intestinales y características epidemiológicas de la población infantil de 1 a 12 años que consulta al ambulatorio urbano tipo II de Cerro Gordo, Barquisimeto, estado Lara: enero-junio 2007 / Frequence of intestinal parasitism and epidemiological characteristics of the 1 to 12 year-old child population treated at the Cerro Gordo type II urban outpatient clinic, Barquisimeto, state Lara: january-june 2007

El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la frecuencia de parasitosis intestinales en el área de influencia del Ambulatorio Urbano Tipo II de Cerro Gordo, Barquisimeto, Estado Lara, realizando un estudio descriptivo transversal. Se evaluaron 106 niños entre 1 y 12 años de edad, realizando a cada uno examen de heces directo y concentrado con la técnica de Ritchie, demostrándo se parasitosis intestinal en 42,5%, predominando en escolares (48,9%), sin diferencias según el género. El agente más frecuente fue B. hominis (42,2%), seguido de G. lamblia (37,8%), Complejo Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar (13,3%), H. nana (11,1%) y A. lumbricoides (4,4%). Se encontró parasitado 41,7% de niños con estado nutricional normal y 35,7% de malnutridos. La presencia de parasitos intestinales mostró relación con la disposición inadecuada de basura (p=0.048). El lavado inadecuado de las manos se relacionó con prurito anal (p=0.008). La calidad inadecuada del agua se relacionó con Blastocistosis (p= 0,025) y comensales (p= 0,035). No hubo relación entre parasitosis intestinales y síntomas gastrointestinales, estrato social, disposición de excretas, presencia de vectores en el hogar, lavado y conservación de alimentos, frecuencia de recolección de basura, lavado de manos, antecedente de tratamiento antiparasitario y familiar parasitado

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine intestinal parasitism in children treated at the “Cerro Gordo” Type II Urban Outpatient Clinic in Barquisimeto, Lara. Feces samples were collected from 106 children (1-12 years old) and analyzed using both direct and Ritchie´s technique analyses, demonstrating intestinal parasitism in 42.5% of the children, predominantly of school age (48.9%), but independent of gender. The most frequent agent was Blastocystis hominis (42.2%), followed by Giardia lamblia (37.8%), Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar Complex (13.3%), Hymenolepis nana (11.1%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (4.4%). For children with a normal nutritional condition, 41.7% had parasites, while this value was 35.7% for nutritionally undernourished children. The presence of intestinal parasites showed relations to the community’s trash collection management program status (p=0.048). Poor hand washing habits were significantly associated with anal pruritus (p=0.008). Inadequate water quality was related to blastocystosis (p= 0.025) and comensals (p= 0.035). The presence of parasites was not associated with specific gastrointestinal symptoms, socioeconomic status, disposition of excreta, presence of vectors in the home, food washing and storage, frequency of garbage collection, washing of hands, family parasitism history and anti-parasite treatment antecedents

A Human Case of Hymenolepis diminuta in a Child from Eastern Sicily

We report a case of Hymenolepis diminuta infection in a 2-year-old child living in a suburban area of Catania, Italy. This case was initially referred to us as Dipylidium caninum infection, which was not cured after being treated twice with mebendazole. However, by analyzing the clinical presentation and stool samples we arrived to the diagnosis of H. diminuta infection. The case presented with atypical allergic manifestations which had never been reported as clinical features of symptomatic H. diminuta infection; remittent fever with abdominal pain, diffuse cutaneous itching, transient thoracic rash, and arthromyalgias. The patient was treated with a 7-day cycle of oral niclosamide, which proved to be safe and effective. This case report emphasizes that a correct parasitological diagnosis requires adequate district laboratories and trained personnel. In addition, we recommend the importance of reporting all H. diminuta infection cases, in order to improve knowledge on epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment protocols.

Infección por Hymenolepis diminuta en un niño del municipio Maracaibo, Estado Zulia, Venezuela / Infection by Hymenolepis diminuta in a child from the Maracaibo Municipality, Zulia State, Venezuela

Se presenta el primer caso descrito en el estado Zulia de un individuo infectado por Hymenolepis diminuta. El hallazgo fue fortuito, al realizar exámenes coproparasitológicos a un grupo de niños que viven en una comunidad de bajos recursos. Sus familiares refieren que, en vista de la frecuencia de síntomas digestivos del niño de 6 años (dolor abdominal y diarrea), recibía regularmente medicamentos antiparasitarios como piperazina, por parte del personal médico del programa Barrio Adentro. Al examen microscópico se observaron huevos de H. diminuta, Blastocystis hominis y quistes de Endolimax nana. Las condiciones higiénico-sanitarias de la vivienda, así como la referencia de presencia de ratas en el sector, confirman la posibilidad de la infección; a pesar de ello, ningún otro miembro del grupo familiar presentó huevos de esta especie en sus heces. Luego de recibir tratamiento específico con albendazol, no se detectaron huevos de H. diminuta en las heces.

The first case of an individual infected by Hymenolepis diminuta in Zulia State is presented. The finding was fortuitous, when doing coproparasitological examinations in a group of children living in a low income community. His family members refer that due to the frequency of digestive symptoms of the 6 year-old child (abdominal pain and diarrhea) he had been regularly prescribed anti-parasite drugs such as piperazine by the Barrio Adentro program medical staff. In the microscopic examination he showed H. diminuta and Blastocytis hominis eggs, and Endolimax nana cysts. The sanitary-hygienic conditions of the household, as well as the reference of rats in the area, confirming the possibility of this infection; in spite of that, no other member of the family group showed eggs from this species in their feces. After receiving specific treatment with albendazol, no H. diminuta were found in his feces.

Síndrome diarreico crónico debido a infección por hymenolepis diminuta: Reporte de un caso

La infección parasitaria del intestino delgado del hombre producida por cestodos conocidos como Hymenolepis diminuta o "tenia del ratón", es excepcional. Varios artrópodos coprozoicos sirven como huéspedes intermediarios. La ingestión de los hospederos intermediarios parasitados produce la infección en el hospedero definitivo y, accidentalmente, en el hombre, donde la infección es bien aceptada, sin un cuadro clínico específico, presentándose como diarrea, dolor abdominal difuso y otras manifestaciones inespecíficas. A nuestro centro fue llevado paciente masculino de 50 años de edad con Retardo mental, quien presentaba evacuaciones diarreicas múltiples con moco y sin sangre, anorexia, pérdida de peso y fiebre de un mes de evolución, por lo cual se ingresa. Durante su hospitalización, se realiza Videocolonoscopia evidenciándose abundantes helmintos en todo su trayecto. Se toman muestras para Biopsia, en las cuales se observan formas maduras e inmaduras de Hymenolepis diminuta. Posterior a tratamiento con Praziquantel, el paciente es dado de alta, por evolución satisfactoria.

The parasitic infection of the small bowel produced by cestodos acquaintances like diminuta Hymenolepis or "tape-worm of the mouse" is exceptional. Several coprozoic arthropods serve as intermediary guests. The ingestion of the intermediary parasitized inn-keepers produces the infection in the definitive inn-keeper and, accidental, in the man, where the infection is accepted well, without a clinical specific picture, appearing as diarrhea, abdominal diffuse pain and other unspecific manifestations. A 50-year-old masculine patient with mental delay was taken to our center, who presented multiple diarrheic evacuations with snot and without blood, anorexia, loss of weight and fever of a month of evolution, by which it is deposited. During his hospitalization, videocolonoscopy is realized progressing up to blind person, being found abundant helmintos in all its distance. Samples are taken for Biopsy, which demonstrate mature and immature forms of Hymenolepis Diminuta. Later to treatment with Praziquatel, the patient is discharged, for satisfactory evolution.

Two cestode species in Brazilian turkeys, meleagris gallopavo (Galliformes, Phasianidae): pathology induced by hymenolepis cantaniana and occurrence of raillietina tetragona

Duas especies de cestóides em perus, Meleagris gallopavo (Galliformes, Phasianidae), no Brazil: patologia induzida por Hymenolepis cantaniana e ocorência de Raillietina tetragona. A patologia induzida em perus pelo cestóide H. cantaniana é descrita, com dados sobre prevalência, intensidade media e amplitude das cargas parasitarias. H. cantaniana ocorreu com urna prevalência de 5.0 por cento nas 40 aves examinadas, com intensidade media de 17.5 e amplitude de 14-21 espécimes de cestóides. Não foram observadas lesões macroscópicas nos perus parasitados. As lesões provocadas por H. cantaniana eram representadas, principalmente, ou por múltiplos segmentos dos parásitos, acompanhados por discreta reação inflamatoria mista com a presera de células mononucleares e heterófilos, ou por severos processos inflamatorios transmurais, caracterizados pela presera de células mononucleares, ao longo das carnadas muscular e serosa das vilosidades e criptas intestinais. Estes representam os primeiros achados patológicos relacionados a presera de cestóides em perus a serem relatados no Brasil. Raillietina tetragona, não patogênica para as aves investigadas, ocorreu com baixa prevalência e amplitude de infecção de 2.5 por cento e 1-2 parásitos, respectivamente.

The pathology induced in turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) by one cestode species Hymenolepis cantaniana is described together with data on prevalence, mean infection and range of worm burdens. H. cantaniana occurred with a prevalence of 5.0 percent in the 40 examined hosts in a range of 14-21 specimens and a mean intensity of 17.5. Gross lesions were not observed in the parasitized birds. Lesions due to H cantaniana mainly consisted of multiple segments of parasites, together with a mild mixed inflammatory reaction with the presence ofmononuclear cells and heterophils or severe transmural inflammatory processes, characterized by the presence ofmononuclear cells along the muscular and serosa layers of the intestinal villi and crypts. These are the first pathological findings related to the presence ofcestodes in turkeys to be reported in Brazil so far. Raillietina tetragona, not pathogenic to the present investigated turkeys, occurred with a low prevalence and range of infection of 2.5 percent and 1-2 worms, respectively.

Epidemiología de himenolepiosis y otras parasitosis intestinales en una comunidad suburbana de Escuque, Trujillo-Venezuela / Himenolepiosis Epidemiology and other intestinal parasites in a suburban community of Escuque, Trujillo-Venezuela

Las parasitosis intestinales son enfermedades desasistidas de los países en vías de desarrollo, en comunidades sub-urbanas, rurales, marginales e indígenas, desfavorecidas por la atención médica calificada. En Venezuela se estima una prevalencia de 7 por ciento para Hymenolepis nana. El presente estudio epidemiológico de prevalencia en el sector Fray Ignacio Álvarez, Escuque-Trujillo, fue diseñado para determinar la ocurrencia las parasitosis intestinales, de Hymenolepis nana, correlacionar las variables epidemiológicas (Graffar-Méndez Castellano) con las parasitosis intestinales y evaluar la confiabilidad del método de Kato Katz, utilizando como método gold standard el Formol-Tritón-Éter (FTE), en el hallazgo de Hymenolepis nana. Se encuestaron a 319 personas y se realizaron 224 Kato Katz y 224 Formol-Tritón-Éter. Las condiciones higiénico-sanitarias y los síntomas gastrointestinales compatibles con himenolepiosis fueron frecuentes en la comunidad, pero sólo 2,2 por ciento (5/224) fueron positivos por formol-tritón-éter. El 50,2 por ciento, de los individuos encuestados se encuentran en pobreza relativa. El riesgo de prevalencia a estar infectado por cualquier parásito, se relacionó con el estrato socioeconómico IV y V (riesgo de prevalencia=11,03; 95 por ciento; P= 0,012), con el mayor índice de Graffar (riesgo de prevalencia=21,04; 95 por ciento; P= 0,000) y con la menor instrucción de la madre (riesgo de prevalencia=26,32; 95 por ciento; P=0,012). El Método Graffar-Méndez Castellano es confiable para estimar la probabilidad de los individuos de estar infectados con parasitosis intestinales; por el contrario, el método de Kato-Katz no es confiable para la determinación de Himenolepis nana ni de otros céstodes, por lo que en estudios de prevalencia de parasitosis intestinales debe emplearse otras técnicas coprológicas de concentración

The intestinal parasitosis are neglected diseases of developing countries in sub-urban, rural, indigenous and marginalized communities, disadvantaged by qualified medical care. In Venezuela is estimated a 7 percent of prevalence for Hymenolepis nana. This epidemiological study of prevalence in the Fray Ignacio Alvarez sector, Escuque-Trujillo, was designed to determine the occurrence of intestinal parasitosis, of Hymenolepis nana, correlate epidemiological variables (Graffar Mendez Castellanos) with the I intestinal parasitosis and assess the reliability Kato Katz method, using as the gold standard method Formol-Triton-ether, in finding Hymenolepis nana. It were surveyed 319 people and conducted 224 Kato Katz and 224 Formol-Triton-ether. The sanitary-hygienic conditions and gastrointestinal symptoms consistent with himenolepiosis were common in the community, but only 2.2 percent (5 / 224) were positive for Formol-Triton-ether. The 50.2 percent of individuals surveyed were in relative poverty. The prevalence of risk to be infected by any parasite was related to IV and V socioeconomic status (prevalence of risk = 11.03, 95 percent, P = 0.012), with the highest rate of Graffar (prevalence of risk = 21.04, 95 percent, P = 0.000) and with the least education of the mother (prevalence of risk = 26.32, 95 percent, P = 0012). The Graffar Méndez Castellanos method is reliable to estimate the probability of being infected individuals with intestinal parasitosis; by contrast, Kato-Katz method is unreliable for determining neither Himenolepis nana nor other Cestoda and consequently for prevalence studies of intestinal parasite diseases must be employed other coprology concentration techniques