Natural regulatory T cells increase significantly in pediatric patients with parasitic infections: Flow cytometry study

Background: The most accepted definition of regulatory T cells (Tregs) relies on the expression of several biomarkers, including CD4, CD25, and transcription factor, Foxp3. The Tregs maintain tolerance to self-antigens and prevent autoimmune diseases. Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the difference in natural Treg levels in Entamoeba histolytica, Schistosoma mansoni, Giardia lamblia, Enterobius vermicularis, and Hymenolepis nana infected patients. Setting and Design: Fifty-one pediatric subjects (29 males and 22 females) were recruited from a tertiary care hospital, and were divided into infected and non-infected (control) groups. The mean age of the subjects was 8.7 years. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from infected and non-infected groups, and change in the level of Tregs in these subjects was investigated by flow cytometry. Statistical Analysis Used: The statistical analysis of data was performed by SPSS software. Quantitative data used in this study included mean and standard deviation. Data from the two groups were compared by the Student's t-test. The age of the patient and infection status were used for multivariate logistic regression analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated within a 95% confidence interval, and a P value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results and Conclusions: The levels of natural regulatory T cells, indicated by the biomarkers, CD4+, CD25+, and Foxp3+, increase significantly in patients infected by Entamoeba histolytica, Schistosoma mansoni, Giardia lamblia, Enterobius vermicularis, and Hymenolepis nana as compared to controls. They also increase in cases of mixed infection as compared to infection by a single parasite.

Prevalence of Taenia solium taenaisis in Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu (India): A cross-sectional study

Background: Taenia solium infections in humans include the infection by the adult tapeworm, these infections are of public health concern and are among the most important afflictions of humans who live in areas of poverty in the developing world and least developed countries. T. solium, a zoonotic disease, transmitted between pigs and humans and among humans, is common in developing countries. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to estimate the detection rate of T. solium taeniasis among patients and random community screening with an indication of intestinal parasitic infection by routine stool examination. Materials and Methods: Stool samples were collected from the community and patients. Those who were willing, samples were screened for the cysts/ova/egg by direct microscopic examination by saline, iodine, concentration technique, and modified acid fast staining, were performed to differentiate species of T. solium and Taenia saginata. Results: Overall samples were 2030, out of which 870 stool samples were from community field screening 585 (28.81%) were positive. 1160 from tertiary care center, 668 (32.90%) were positive gave a total prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection of 61.72%. The prevalence of T. solium taeniasis was 194 (9.55%) out of which 92 (4.53%) were from community and 102 (5.02%) were from tertiary care center. Conclusion: The high prevalence of intestinal parasitic infestation might be due to the poor sanitary, contaminated water, and lack of education that is prevalent in the studied region as in other pockets in rural India. Our study showed the usefulness of the Ziehl-Neelsen modified acid-fast stain for identification of Taenia species.

Commonness and Risk Factors Associated with Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections among Inmates of Port Harcourt Children’s Home

Background: Gastrointestinal parasites are important health problems among most societies. Objectives: Prevalence and risk factors associated with gastrointestinal parasites among inmates of Port Harcourt children home. Methods: This prospective study was carried out in August and September 2019 at the Port Harcourt children home. Fecal samples were collected from 63 healthy looking inmates and examined macroscopically and microscopically (using normal saline and iodine wet mount, formalin-ether sedimentation and modified Ziehl Neelsen staining) methods. Finally, data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square (X2) test. Results: Result showed that 74.6% (47/63) of the female and 25.4% (16/63) of the male tested positive for GIPs. Age group 11-15 years had prevalence of 17(44.8%). The common parasites identified were A. lumbricoides 10(15.9%), T. trichiura 7(11.1%) and hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale) 2(3.2%). The educational level prevalence of 10(52.6%) was observed among the primary level (p<0.05). The risk factors such as: the use of drug in the last three months, hand washing with soap after using the toilet and washing of hands after contact with soil had significance of p<0.05 while putting on foot wear outside the house p>0.05. Conclusion: The distribution of gastrointestinal parasitic infections is high among the children. Necessary treatment intervention safety measures should be routinely carried out to reduce the spread to zero tolerance.

High prevalence and intensity of fish nematodes with zoonotic potential in the Brazilian Amazon, including a brief reflection on the absence of human infections

This study aimed to characterize the prevalence, mean abundance, and mean intensity of potential fish-borne zoonotic nematode larvae infecting the predator fish Hoplias aff. malabaricus from the Tapajós River, in the municipality of Santarém, in the Brazilian Amazon. After capture, the specimens of H. aff. malabaricus were analyzed for infection by Contracaecum sp. and Eustrongylides sp. third-stage larvae, and the prevalence, mean abundance, and mean intensity were calculated. A literature search was carried out to clarify the relationship between these indicators and eventual human cases of infection in the Amazon region. Third-stage larvae of nematodes of the Contracaecum and Eustrongylides genera were found in the specimens of H. aff. malabaricus sampled from the Tapajós River. The prevalence of Contracaecum larvae was 100%, while its mean abundance and mean intensity were both 54.8 larvae/fish. The prevalence of Eustrongylides larvae was 62.9%, and its mean abundance and mean intensity were 1.8 and 2.8 larvae/fish, respectively. Despite the high prevalence and intensity values, there are no cases of human infection by these nematode larvae in the Brazilian Amazon reported. The absence of human infections by these nematode larvae in the Brazilian Amazon despite the high prevalence/intensity of Contracaecum and Eustrongylides larvae and the high consumption of fish in the region, is most probably due to the fact that the local populations do not eat raw or undercooked fish. However, it is noteworthy that the absence of zoonotic cases in the region is based only on the examination of the available published papers. A better knowledge of the situation would require surveying hospitals and clinics, and data from the region's medical treatment facilities. However, the authors consider that cases of human infection, if any, are extremely rare, mainly due to the eating habits of the local population.

Fasciolasis Hepática, serie de casos reportados en Matanzas. Cuba / Hepatic fasciolosis, a series of cases reported in Matanzas, Cuba

RESUMEN Introducción: la fasciolasis hepática es una enfermedad parasitaria de difícil diagnóstico. La variada y múltiple sintomatología que caracteriza la enfermedad, la expulsión intermitente y tardía de los huevos del parasito, así como el difícil acceso a los estudios inmunológicos en las zonas rurales atenta contra la confirmación de parasitosis en casos esporádicos. En la provincia de Matanzas en los últimos años se constataron enfermos sospechosos de fasciolosis procedentes de Pedro Betancourt con diversos síntomas digestivos, fiebre y eosinofilia. Objetivo: caracterizar los aspectos clínicos y epidemiológicos de los pacientes diagnosticados de fasciolosis hepática. Materiales y Método: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo a pacientes hospitalizados con el diagnóstico presuntivo de fasciolosis hepática en el Servicio de Medicina Interna del Hospital Faustino Pérez en el período enero del año 2011 a diciembre del 2013. La recolección de datos se realizó a través del interrogatorio, examen físico, Historia clínica y encuestas epidemiológicas. Resultados: se muestra la presencia de consumo de plantas acuáticas y consumo de agua sin hervir en los afectados. La fase aguda de la enfermedad en estos pacientes se caracterizó por fiebre, dolor abdominal, hepatomegalia y gran eosinofilia. Conclusiones: el diagnóstico de certeza se realizó a través de pruebas inmunológicas. Esto se debe a que a pesar de los múltiples exámenes parasitológicos de las heces fecales no se identificó huevos. Los pacientes del estudio fueron tratados con el triclabendazol y se logró mejoría clínica de los pacientes y pocas reacciones adversas (AU).

SUMMARY Introduction: the hepatic fasciolosis is a parasitic disease of difficult prognosis. The varied and multiple symptoms characterizing the disease, the intermittent and late ejection of the parasite eggs, and also the difficult access to immunological studies in the country areas sometimes attempts against the confirmation of parasitism. During the last years, in the province of Matanzas, several sick persons from Pedro Betancourt were suspicious of fasciolosis with different digestive symptoms, fever and eosinophilia. Objective: to characterize the clinical and epidemiological aspects of the patients diagnosed of hepatic fasciolosis. Materials and method: an observational, descriptive study was performed in in-patients of the Service of Internal Medicine of the Hospital Faustino Perez with the presumptive diagnosis of hepatic fascilosis in the period January 2011-December 2013. Data collection was made through questioning, physical examination, clinical record and epidemiological inquiries. Results: risk behaviors are evidenced given the water plants and un-boiled water consumption in affected persons. The acute `hase in these individuals is characterized by fever, abdominal pain, hepatomegaly and big eosinophilia. The diagnosis of certainty was made by immunologic tests. The patients were treated with triclabendazol with clinical improvement and little adverse reactions. Conclusions: health professionals when assisting a patient from a country area with eating habits of fresh vegetable consumption and suggestive clinical characteristics should carry out studies to confirm Fasciola hepatica infection (AU).

Relationship between parasitic infections and hygiene hypothesis: a review / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Recently, the incidence of infectious diseases continues to decline in many developed countries; however, the incidence of autoimmune diseases and allergic asthma appears a tendency towards a rise over years. “Hygiene hypothesis” provides new insights into the treatment of autoimmune disorders and allergic diseases based on parasitic infections. Increasing evidence shows that parasitic infections may effectively inhibit the development of diabetes, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis and allergic asthma. There are complex mechanisms underlying the relationship between parasitic infections and “hygiene hypothesis”, among which regulatory T (Treg) cells and Th17 cells are becoming a hot topic of research. This paper reviews the progresses in the research on the relationship between parasitic infections and “hygiene hypothesis”, and summarizes the roles of Treg cells and Th17 cells in the interplay between parasitic infections and “hygiene hypothesis”.

Research progress on prevention and treatment of donor-derived infection in organ transplantation / 器官移植

Organ transplantation is the primary effective treatment for end-stage organ failure. Donor-derived infection (DDI) is significantly associated with the incidence of infection and mortality of the recipients after organ transplantation. Improvement of donor screening technology and early prevention and treatment can improve the safety of transplantation. In this article, the pathogenic characteristics of DDI bacterial infection, fungal infection, viral infection and parasitic infection were summarized, and the research progress upon the prevention and treatment were briefly introduced, aiming to provide reference for reducing DDI.

Contributing factors for intestinal parasitic infection in children: a study of Nepal

Background: Intestinal parasitic diseases are common health problems among children in Nepal. The presence of these diseases is an indication of poor hygienic practices. So our objective is to find out the factors that are responsible to cause such infections in our study population.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study to find the causes of parasitic intestinal infection in children. Stool specimens were collected from children below 15 years and studied by microscopy method to detect the causative organisms of infection.Results: Among the sample size of 305, 154 (50.5%) cases were found microscopically positive for parasitic diseases. Age and sex-wise study did not show the significant relationship (P>0.05) for infection. Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia had higher prevalence i.e., 18.03% (55/154) and 16.06% (49/154). Likewise, infection was higher in children using untreated water sources and municipal water. Many children with unsanitary habits like not washing hands properly before and after eating meals and after using toilet and nail biting habits developed more positive infection. The relationship in this case was significant (P<0.05).Conclusions: Thus, the contributing factors for intestinal parasitic infection in children are lack of hygienic practices among children. Such habits can cause ingestion of infective parasites in the intestine which eventually causes diseases.

Isolation of Giardia Cyst in Paediatric Patient Under FivComparisons of Results of Type 1 Tympanoplasty Using Temporalis Fascia and Tragal Perichondrium: A Prospective Study

Introduction: Giardia lamblia is an important cause of diarrheal disease followed by malabsorption in children throughout the world and is the most frequent pathogenic intestinal protozoan infection. Children having diarrhoea with duration of more than seven days with abdominal pain comprises of Giardia infection . Around 80% of children were affected with Giardia infection as they belong from lower socioeconomical class. Giardia intestinalis causes Giardiasis which is one of the major causes of diarrheal diseases throughout the world. Infection occurred by Giardia may be either asymptomatic or may cause diarrheal illness that can be acute or chronic. In areas of poor sanitation it affects 33% of the people in the developing world. Study aimed to isolate Giardia cyst in paediatric patient under five in Kanpur Region. Material and Methods: The study was carried in the Department of Microbiology, GSVM Medical College, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. A total of 197 stool sample were collected and screened for Giardia through microscopy (Iodine and saline mount. Result: Among 197 samples screened. The 18 samples were positive through direct microscopy for Giardia cyst. Maximum amount of parasitic infection was found in age group 3.5-5 years. Conclusion: Stool microscopy is (gold standard); however, its sensitivity is low due to intermittent faecal shedding for Giardiasis which is a common gastrointestinal parasitic infection in tropics. Parasitic infection caused by Giardia lamblia is a major worldwide public health problem. Infection is also associated with complications in early childhood if not treated. For better management of the patients early diagnosis and treatment is required. Drinking water standards, hand hygiene, health education, safe sanitation are factors and should be given priority to minimize such infections.

Endovascular embolization of an infectious intracranial aneurysm caused by paragonimiasis: A case report / 中国脑血管病杂志

Infectious intracranial aneurysm induced by paragonimiasis is very rare in clinic. Interventional treatment is one of the effective therapies and regular antiparasite therapy is necessary after embolization. This retrospective study summarized one case of intracranial aneurysm caused by paragonimiasis involving the medical history, laboratory examination, imaging findings and treatment strategy, and analyzed the diagnosis and treatment of the disease with literature review.

Assessment of clinical dehydration using point of care ultrasound for pediatric patients in rural Panama / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

BACKGROUND@# Dehydration and its associated symptoms are among the most common chief complaints of children in rural Panama. Previous studies have shown that intravascular volume correlates to the ratio of the diameters of the inferior vena cava (IVC) to the aorta (Ao). Our study aims to determine if medical students can detect pediatric dehydration using ultrasound on patients in rural Panama.@*METHODS@# This was a prospective, observational study conducted in the Bocas del Toro region of rural Panama. Children between the ages of 1 to 15 years presenting with diarrhea, vomiting, or parasitic infection were enrolled in the study. Ultrasound measurements of the diameters of the IVC and abdominal aorta were taken to assess for dehydration.@*RESULTS@# A total of 59 patients were enrolled in this study. Twenty-four patients were clinically diagnosed with dehydration and 35 were classified to have normal hydration status. Of the 24 patients with dehydration, half (n=12) of these patients had an IVC/Ao ratio below the American threshold of 0.8. Of the remaining asymptomatic subjects, about half (n=18) of these subjects also had an IVC/Ao ratio below the American threshold of 0.8.@*CONCLUSION@# Our study did not support previous literature showing that the IVC/Ao ratio is lower in children with dehydration. It is possible that the American standard for evaluating clinical dehydration is not compatible with the rural pediatric populations of Panama.

Prevalence of Parasitic Infection among Children: A Hospital Based Prospective Study in Udaipur

Background: According to World Health Organization (WHO) has evaluate that the control of parasitic infestation should be effectively incorporated into a multi disease approach together with tuberculosis, malaria and HIV/AIDS. Methods: This study was carried out in the Department of Paediatrics, Pacific Medical College and Hospital, Bedla, Udaipur over a period of 1 year. Results: In this study found that 23.75% children suffering from the E. histolytica followed by G. lamblia (12.5%), Taenia (15%), Hookworm (20%), Ascaris (17.5%), T. trichuria (11.25%). Conclusion: Low socio-economic status, longer duration and frequency of diarrhea, non-availability of toilet facility and presence of dehydration were leading risk factors for parasitic infection in present study.

Intestinal cryptosporidiosis in renal transplant recipients: Prevalence, species detection and comparative evaluation of SSU rRNA and Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein genes

Context: Cryptosporidiosis is intestinal opportunistic infection commonly occurring in immunocompromised patients including renal transplant (RT) recipients receiving continuous immunosuppressive therapy. Knowledge about species of Cryptosporidium-infecting RT recipients is necessary to know about mode of its transmission (anthroponotic or zoonotic). Various genes such as small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) and Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein (COWP) genes may help in species identification though their sensitivity and specificity are highly variable. Subjects and Methods: A total of 993 and 575 stool samples were examined for Cryptosporidium by microscopy from 358 RT recipients and 200 healthy controls, respectively. Stool samples of RT recipients and healthy controls were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) for species identification. Results: Cryptosporidium was more commonly detected amongst RT recipients than healthy controls (30/358, 8.4% vs. 0/200, respectively; P < 0.001). The infection was more common amongst patients with diarrhoea than those without (26/162, 16.1% vs. 4/145, 2.8%; P < 0.001). Cryptosporidium parvum was identified in 10/30 (33.3%) and Cryptosporidium hominis in 20/30 (66.7%) samples. SSU gene PCR-RFLP proved to be more sensitive (100%) than COWP (90%); however, specificity of both was same (100%). Conclusions: Cryptosporidiosis is common amongst RT recipients, particularly those with diarrhoea. C. hominis is the most common species in the studied population. SSU rRNA PCR was more sensitive molecular method for the differentiation of Cryptosporidium species.

Análise parasitológica em estudantes com deficiência intelectual e/ou múltipla (o múltiple) / Parasitological analysis in students with intellectual and/or multiple disabilities

O parasitismo acontece quando há associação de dois seres vivos onde um deles se desenvolve e prejudica de alguma forma o outro ser, chamado hospedeiro (El parasitismo ocurre cuando existe una asociación de dos seres vivos, donde uno de ellos se desarrolla y afecta de algún modo al otro, que se llama huésped). Alguns parasitos como Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar, Giardia lamblia, Hymenolepis nana, Taenia solium, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura e Enterobius vermicularis são transmitidos pela água e/ou (se transmiten por el agua o por) alimentos contaminados e afetam grande parte da população mundial no desempenho (y afectan a una gran parte de la población mundial en el desarrollo) de suas atividades físicas, mentais e sociais, expondo-a a diversas manifestações clínicas que podem gerar elevados níveis (pueden generar altos niveles) de morbidade. Considerando que, aproximadamente, 11% da população brasileira sofrem com algum tipo de deficiência intelectual e/ou múltipla e pouco se tem estudado sobre a ocorrência (y poco se ha estudiado acerca de la existencia) de enteroparasitos nesse grupo populacional, estudos parasitológicos laboratoriais foram realizados em 50 estudantes da Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais (APAE) da cidade de São Mateus, Espírito Santo, Brasil. Do total de amostras analisadas 28 (56%) estavam positivas para um ou mais parasitos e comensais, sendo (uno o más parásitos y comensales, siendo) 5 (17.85%) por G. lamblia, 7 (25.00%) por E. histolytica/E. dispar/E. moschkovskii, 11 (39.28%) por Entamoeba coli, 6 (21.43%) por Balantidium coli, 2 (7.14%) por Endolimax nana e 3 (10.7%) por E. vermicularis. Considerando a elevada frequência de indivíduos parasitados torna-se necessário a busca (se hace necesaria la búsqueda) de investimentos em profilaxia e educação higiênico-sanitária, além da realização (además de la realización) constante de exames parasitológicos, garantindo uma melhor (garantizando una mejor) qualidade de vida à população da APAE de São Mateus.

Parasitism occurs when there is an association between two living beings, in which one develops and in some way harms the other being, called host. Some parasites such as Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar, Giardia lamblia, Hymenolepis nana, Taenia solium, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and Enterobius vermicularis are transmitted by contaminated water and/or food and affect a large number of the world population in their physical, mental and social activities, exposing them to diverse clinical manifestations that can generate high levels of morbidity. Considering that approximately 11% of the Brazilian population suffers from some type of intellectual and/or multiple deficiency and little has been studied about the occurrence of enteroparasites in this population group, laboratory parasitological studies were performed in 50 students of the Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais (APAE) of the city of São Mateus, Espírito Santo, Brazil. From the total of the analyzed samples, 28 (56%) were positive for one or more parasites and commensals, of which 5 (17.85%) were positive for G. lamblia, 6 (25.00%) for E. histolytica/E. dispar, 11 (39.28%) for Entamoeba coli, 7 (21.43%) for Balantidium coli, 2 (7.14%) for Endolimax nana and 3 (10.7%) for E. vermicularis. Considering the high prevalence of parasitic infection in this population, it is necessary to seek greater investment in prophylaxis and hygienic-sanitary education, in addition to constantly conducting parasitological examinations that might guarantee a better quality of life for the population of São Mateus APAE.

Estudio de parásitos geohelmintos en arena de playa "el palito ", municipio puerto cabello , estado Carabobo. Venezuela / Study of helminth parasites in beach sand "el palito ", municipality puerto cabello , state carabobo .venezuela

Las playas representan el principal recurso natural del turismo venezolano. Estas cuentan con parámetros que evalúan su calidad ambiental, donde solo tienen establecidos indicadores biológicos bacterianos y no contemplan la identificación de parásitos en arena de playa, lo que constituye un factor de mayor exposición para infecciones por helmintos. Se realizó cinco muestreos de la playa "El Palito" durante el periodo abril 2014 - abril 2015 para un total de 60 muestras en los meses: abril, junio y septiembre 2014; febrero y abril 2015, considerando diversos factores ambientales así como las temporadas pre-vacacionales y post-vacacionales, la humedad relativa de la arena y las estaciones climáticas de lluvia y sequia según los reportes anuales del Instituto Nacional de Meteorología e Hidrología (INAMEH). El objetivo fue analizar la frecuencia y relación de geo helmintos en arena de playa con condiciones ambientales, mediante el método de Lavado con solución salina 0,85% y sedimentación espontánea, método de Willis y método de Rugai Modificado. No se demostró la recuperación de formas parasitarias patógenas para el humano, indicando que existe baja probabilidad de transmisión zoonótica en la playa evaluada.

The beaches are the main natural resource of the Venezuelan tourism, and Government Institutions provides parameters that evaluate the environmental quality; they only have established bacterial biological indicators and excluding the identification of parasites in beach sand, which leads greater exposure to helminths infections. Five samplings from the beach El Palito was conducted during the period April 2014 - April 2015 for a total of 60 samples in April, June and September 2014; February and April 2015, considering various environmental factors such as the pre-holiday and post-holiday seasons, the relative humidity of the sand and the seasons of rain and drought, according to the annual reports of the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (INAMEH). The aim was to analyze the frequency and ratio geohelminths on beach sand with environmental conditions, by the method of irrigation and spontaneous sedimentation using saline 0.85%, the Willis method and the Rugai Modified method. Recovery of pathogenic parasitic forms for human was not demonstrated, indicating that there is low probability of zoonotic transmission on the beach evaluated.

Study on Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Muslim community of Janakpurdham, Nepal

Background and Objectives: Intestinal parasitic infection is an important public health problem in Nepal because of its high morbidity and mortality. The distribution and prevalence of the various intestinal parasites species depend on social, geographical, economical and inhabitant customs. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine the burden of intestinal parasitic infections and its relation with sanitary practices and socio-demographic characteristics in Muslim community of Janakpurdham, Nepal.Material and Methods: A total of 161 stool samples were collected in dry, clean and screw capped plastic container and were preserved with 10% formalin. The stool samples were examined by direct microscopy and confirmed by concentration methods. Modified Ziehl Neelsen (ZN) staining was performed for the detection of coccidian parasites. P- value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: The incidence of intestinal parasitic infection was 63.35% (male = 57.84% vs. female = 42.15%) (p = 0.321). The positive cases of parasitic infection were found to be slightly higher in less than 10 years (35.29%) than others. Hookworm (10%) and G. lamblia (28%) infection was marginally higher than other helminthic and protozoan infection. The highest number of positive cases of parasitic infection was found in those who didn’t wash their hands before meal, defecates stool haphazardly in open area, didn’t wash their hands after toilet, didn’t trim their nail, in larger family, with low income and in housewives which was found to be statistically significant (p = <0.05).Conclusion: The health status was found poor among Nepalese Muslim people. Routine periodic screening of parasitic infection among people, changing behavior, public educations on improved personal and environmental hygiene are the fundamental principle in the control of infection.

Quitosana fúngica sobre larvas de nematoides gastrintestinais de caprinos / Fungal chitosan on gastrointestinal nematodes larvae of goats

A caprinocultura é representada por um efetivo bastante considerável no Nordeste brasileiro, porém, infecções causadas por nematoides e o sério problema da resistência parasitária se tornaram barreiras para a criação desses animais. Como alternativa, o controle com bioprodutos entra como uma solução sustentável e viável para auxiliar na criação da região. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho avaliou a atuação da quitosana fúngica sobre o desenvolvimento larval de nematoides gastrintestinais em amostras de caprinos naturalmente infectados. Para tanto, foi realizada a seleção de 5 propriedades e confirmada a positividade do rebanho, além de coproculturas com solução de quitosana a 0,5; 1,0 e 1,5%, com cada tratamento realizado em 5 repetições. As larvas de terceiro estágio (L3) foram recuperadas e cem larvas por tratamento foram contabilizadas e identificadas. Os gêneros identificados foram Haemonchus, Strongyloides, Oesophagostomum e Trichostrongylus. Na análise da inibição do desenvolvimento larval, a concentração de 1,0% impediu o desenvolvimento larval do Haemonchus em 35%, porém, os resultados não tiveram diferença estatística significante. Assim, sugere-se buscar novas concentrações de quitosana fúngica como anti-helmíntico, visto que se apresenta como uma alternativa promissora no controle sustentável desses endoparasitos.(AU)

The goat is represented by a very considerable effective in the Northeastern Brazil, but infections caused by nematodes and the serious problem of parasitic resistance have become barriers to breed these animals. Alternatively, the control with bioproducts comes as a sustainable and viable solution to help breeding in this region. In this context, the present study evaluated the performance of fungal chitosan on the larval development of gastrointestinal nematodes in naturally infected goat samples. Therefore, the selection was performed at five properties. The positive herd was confirmed, and coprocultures were performed with chitosan solution 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%, with each treatment performed in 5 replicates. The third-stage larvae (L3) were recovered and one hundred larvae/treatment were counted and identified. The identified genera were Haemonchus, Strongyloides, Oesophagostomum and Trichostrongylus. In the analysis of inhibition of larval development, the concentration of 1.0% prevented the development of larval Haemonchus by 35%, but the results were not statistically significant. Thus, it is suggested to seek new concentrations of fungal chitosan as anthelmintic, since it appears as a promising alternative to sustainable control of these endoparasites.(AU)

Isolation and Genotyping of Acanthamoeba spp. as Neglected Parasites in North of Iran

Acanthamoeba, a free-living amoeba, is widely distributed in the environment, water sources, soil, dust, and air. It can cause keratitis in contact lens wearers with poor hygiene and also fatal granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) in immunocompromised hosts. The aim of this study was to gain some insights into the distribution and genotypes of the potentially pathogenic species of Acanthamoeba present in water sources in north of Iran. Total 43 Acanthamoeba species were isolated from 77 water samples taken from different water sources within the Mazandaran province in Northern Iran (Sari city and suburbs). Isolates were identified based on cyst and trophozoite morphological characteristics as well genetics. PCR fragments corresponding to the small-subunit 18S rRNA gene were sequenced for 20 of 43 positive isolates. The results revealed that 83.3% of sequenced isolates belonged to the T4 genotype and the rest belonged to the T2 genotype. Our results indicated that Acanthamoeba is widely distributed in Sari city. As the incidence in Iran of amoebic keratitis has increased in recent years, the exact estimation of the prevalence of this amoeba and its predominant genotype may play a crucial role in prevention of the disease. Sari city has several rivers, seashores, and natural recreational amenities, which attract visitors during the year. This is the first report of Acanthamoeba genotypes from water sources in Sari city, Mazandaran province of Iran, and the results suggest that more attention is needed to protect the visiting population and immunocompromised individuals.

Morbilidad por blastocystis spp. en el hospital pediátrico universitario "William Soler" / Morbidity from blastocystis spp. at "William Soler" university pediatric hospital

INTRODUCCIÓN: blastocystis spp. se considera actualmente un posible nuevo patógeno intestinal, y se reconoce su existencia en edad pediátrica. OBJETIVO: identificar el patrón clínico y epidemiológico de infección por Blastocystis spp. MÉTODOS: estudio descriptivo en 98 pacientes cuyas heces fueron recepcionadas en el Departamento de Parasitología del Hospital Pediátrico "William Soler" (2008 a 2009), en La Habana. RESULTADOS: Blastocystis spp. se manifestó de forma única en 59,2 %, significativamente superior (p= 0,000) respecto a su presentación en coinfección (26,7 %), principalmente con Giardia lambia (17,3 %) y Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (11,2 %). En infección solo por Blastocystis spp. (n= 58), la tasa de infección se incrementó de 47,2 % (1 y 4 años), a 83,3 % (13 a 18 años), y en el sexo masculino hubo mayor riesgo de contraer el parásito (razón o cociente de tasas= 0,7). La razón de tasa de Blastocystis spp., según zona de residencia y abasto de agua, fue menor que 1; mientras que, para la tenencia de animales en la casa y el origen del agua para consumo, fue superior a 1. La sintomatología se expresó en 96,6 %, básicamente por dolor abdominal y diarrea. CONCLUSIONES: la infección por Blastocystis spp. de forma única es típica en este estudio de 13 a 18 años, con riesgo incrementado en el sexo masculino, por la tenencia de animales en la casa, consumo de agua sin hervir, zona de residencia urbana y consumo de agua de acueducto. Los principales síntomas corresponden a dolor abdominal y diarrea.

INTRODUCTION: blastocystis spp. is presently considered a possible new intestinal pathogen and its presence is recognized at pediatric ages. OBJECTIVE: to identify the clinical and epidemiological pattern of infection caused by Blastocystis spp. METHODS: descriptive study of 98 patients whose feces were collected at the department of parasitology in "William Soler" pediatric hospital (2008-2009) in Havana. RESULTS: Blastocystis spp. manifested in 59.2 % of cases, significantly higher (p= 0.000) rate than in co-infection (26.7 %) mainly with Giardia lambdia (17.3 %) and Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (11.2 %). Regarding infection just by Blastocystis spp. (n= 58), the infection rate rose from 47.2 % (1 and 4 years-old) to 83.3 % (13 to 18 years-old) and males had higher risks of acquiring the parasites (ratio rate= 0.7). The rate ratio of Blastocystisspp., according to the area of residence and water supply system, was lower than 1 whereas having pets at home and origin of the drinking water was over 1. Abdominal pain and diarrheas were the basic symptoms found in 96.6 % of the sample. CONCLUSIONS: single Blastocystis spp. infection is typical in this study in the 13-18 years old group, with increased risk for males, pets at home, taking water that is not boiled, urban area of residence and consumption of tap water. The main symptoms were abdominal pain and diarrheas.

Seroepidemiología de toxoplasmosis en habitantes de el viñedo, Maracay, Estado Aragua / Seroepidemiology of toxoplasmosis in people at el vinedo, Maracay, Aragua State.

La toxoplasmosis es una enfermedad parasitaria que puede infectar a humanos y animales. La infección puede ser grave si se transmite al feto durante el embarazo además, es considerada una de las tres principales enfermedades parasitarias zoonóticas que causan muertes relacionadas con alimentos en Norteamérica. Es causada por el parásito protozoario Apicomplexo Toxoplasma gondii, los felinos son los hospedadores definitivos, y los animales de sangre caliente son hospedadores intermediarios. El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar la seroprevalencia de anticuerpos totales anti-T. gondii y si existe asociación entre los factores de riesgo e infección en la comunidad El Viñedo, Maracay, estado Aragua. Para ello se analizaron 363 sueros por la técnica de hemaglutinación indirecta, y se aplicó una encuesta a los participantes para obtener información sobre los factores de riesgo. Se evidenció que 49,9% de los participantes (181/363) tenían anticuerpos totales anti-T. gondii. Por otra parte, no se observaron diferencias estadísticas (p>0.05) entre grupos etarios, género y seroprevalencia. Los riesgos de contactos con la infección con el parásito fueron, contactos con gatos, lavado no apropiado de los alimentos y consumo de carnes poco cocidas.

Toxoplasmosis is a disease parasite which can infect human and animals. The infection may be serious if is transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy, is considered among the global major zoonotic parasitic diseases and the third leading cause of food-related deaths in the USA. It is caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), an Apicomplexa protozoan parasite, with cats as the definitive host, and warm-blooded animals as intermediate hosts. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of anti- Toxoplasma gondii total antibodies in people at El Vinedo, Maracay, Aragua state and if there was a relationship between risk factors and infection. Sera of 363 people were analyzed by Indirect Haemagglutination Test (IHA); a questionnaire survey was administered for all study participants to gather information on risk factors. The study revealed that anti- T. gondii total antibodies were detected in 49.9% (181/363) of the samples. There were no significant differences (p>0.05) by age, gender effects and the seroprevalence. The risks of exposure to toxoplasmosis resulted from exposure to cats, food not properly washed and the consumption of undercooked meat.