Socio-environmental and parasitological aspects of waste pickers in Minas Gerais, Brazil

The increase in the generation of Solid Urban Waste causes social, environmental problems and damages to the population's health. Professionals who work in the collection of recyclable waste are exposed to risks of contamination either by toxic elements or pathogenic organisms. The objective of the work was to estimate the types and prevalence of intestinal parasites inwaste pickers. A field research was carried out from December 2017 to April 2018 with the voluntary participation of 26 waste pickers belonging to three associations in the municipality of Conselheiro Lafaiete, Minas Gerais, Brazil (CAAE: nº 79937817.7.0000.8122). In addition to the application a socio-environmental questionnaire, each volunteer provided a stool sample for laboratory testing the parasitological examination. Of the 26 survey participants, four (15.4%) had a positive result and were infected by the parasites Giardia lamblia, Entamoebacoliand Iodamoeba butschlii. Among the main factors that can contribute to the infection these waste pickersare the ingestion of untreated water for consumption in addition to reduced access to Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) during waste management. One way to control the presence of parasites would be through health and environmental education actions, periodic parasitological examinations and permanent use of PPE.

Revisão integrativa sobre doenças parasitárias em crianças de creches brasileiras / Integrative review on parasitic diseases in children in brazilian day care centers

As parasitoses intestinais constituem um importante problema de Saúde Pública, especialmente entre os pré-escolares, devido à imaturidade do sistema imune. Assim, este estudo objetivou realizar uma revisão integrativa dos estudos publicados entre os anos de 2010 a 2017 sobre parasitoses intestinais e os fatores associados ao desenvolvimento em crianças matriculadas em creches brasileiras. Foi realizada busca bibliográfica através das bases de dados Medline, Lilacs e SciELO, utilizando os descritores: infecção, parasitoses, diarreia e creches, e seus correspondentes em inglês: "infection", "parasitc diseases", "diarrhea" e "child day care centers". No caso das buscas no Medline o descritor Brazil também foi usado. Foram identificados 59 estudos, dos quais 11 foram incluídos no presente trabalho. Foi observado variação de 19,4% a 98,4% de parasitos e, a Giardia duodenalis foi o mais prevalente em crianças entre um e seis anos de idade, gênero masculino, com baixo peso, advindas de residências com alta densidade familiar e nível socioeconômico baixo. As análises mostraram a importância da compreensão dos fatores de risco para a incidência de parasitos, indicando a necessidade da promoção de estratégias efetivas para prevenção e controle das infecções parasitárias no país, visto que, tais infecções influenciam diretamente no desenvolvimento da criança, e em alguns casos, evoluindo a óbito.

Intestinal parasitosis is an important public health issue especially among pre-school children due to the immaturity of their immune system. Thus, this study aimed at carrying out an integrative review of studies published between 2010 and 2017 regarding intestinal parasites and associated factors in children registered in Brazilian day care centers. A bibliographic survey was performed through the Medline, Lilacs, and SciELO databases using the following descriptors: infection, parasitic diseases, diarrhea, and child day care centers, as well as their corresponding translations in Portuguese: "infecção", "parasitoses", "diarreia" and "creches". In the case of Medline searches, the descriptor Brazil was also used. Fifty-nine studies were identified, from which, 11 were included in this study. A variation of 19.4% to 98.4% of parasites could be observed, with Giardia duodenalis being the most prevalent in children between one and six years old, male, with low weight, coming from homes with high family density and low socioeconomic status. The analyzes showed the importance of understanding the risk factors for the incidence of parasites, showing the need to promote effective strategies for the prevention and control of parasitic infections in the country, since such infections have direct influence on the child's development, and in some cases, even evolving to death.

Hemolytic, anticancer and antigiardial activity of Palythoa caribaeorum venom

Cnidarian venoms and extracts have shown a broad variety of biological activities including cytotoxic, antibacterial and antitumoral effects. Most of these studied extracts were obtained from sea anemones or jellyfish. The present study aimed to determine the toxic activity and assess the antitumor and antiparasitic potential of Palythoa caribaeorum venom by evaluating its in vitro toxicity on several models including human tumor cell lines and against the parasite Giardia intestinalis. Methods: The presence of cytolysins and vasoconstrictor activity of P. caribaeorum venom were determined by hemolysis, PLA2 and isolated rat aortic ring assays, respectively. The cytotoxic effect was tested on HCT-15 (human colorectal adenocarcinoma), MCF-7 (human mammary adenocarcinoma), K562 (human chronic myelogenous leukemia), U251 (human glyoblastoma), PC-3 (human prostatic adenocarcinoma) and SKLU-1 (human lung adenocarcinoma). An in vivo toxicity assay was performed with crickets and the antiparasitic assay was performed against G. intestinalis at 24 h of incubation. Results: P. caribaeorum venom produced hemolytic and PLA2 activity and showed specific cytotoxicity against U251 and SKLU-1 cell lines, with approximately 50% growing inhibition. The venom was toxic to insects and showed activity against G. intestinalis in a dose-dependent manner by possibly altering its membrane osmotic equilibrium. Conclusion: These results suggest that P. caribaeorum venom contains compounds with potential therapeutic value against microorganisms and cancer.(AU)

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.

Atualidades sobre giardíase / Updates on giardiasis

A giardíase é uma parasitose intestinal amplamente distribuída pelo mundo, com alta prevalência em países em desenvolvimento, inclusive o Brasil. Embora seja uma infecção com bom prognóstico, pode apresentar gravidade em pessoas com desnutrição, fibrose cística ou algumas imunodeficiências. Este artigo tem como objetivo atualizar os principais aspectos da giardíase.

Giardiasis is an intestinal parasite widely distributed around the globe with high prevalence in developing countries, including Brazil. Although it is an infection with a good prognosis may present serious in people with malnutrition, cystic fibrosis or certain immunodeficiencies. The aim of this paper is to perform an update on key aspects of giardiasis.

Factores inmunológicos que pueden influir en la presencia de síntomas clínicos en niños con giardiasis / Immunological factors influencing the presence of clinical symptoms in children with giardiasis

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el perfil de la respuesta inmune según sintomatología intestinal en niños con giardiasis. Se realizó un estudio transversal clínico, inmunológico y parasitológico en 182 escolares (6-7 años) de la región de Barlovento, Estado Miranda. La evaluación clínica fue realizada haciendo énfasis en los síntomas intestinales y evaluación antropométrica. Se realizaron exámenes de heces seriadas. Los niveles de IgA secretora (total y específicos a G. duodenalis) así como los niveles de citocinas fueron determinados mediante ELISA. Los niveles de óxido nítrico usando el método colorimétrico de Griess. Análisis estadístico mediante Med calc Software, Versión 12.4.0. Encontramos que Los niveles plasmáticos de TNF-α y de óxido nítrico (en saliva) fueron más elevados en los niños con síntomas intestinales y giardiasis (P<0.001) mientras que los niveles de TGF-β, IL-10 y los niveles de IgA secretora total y especifica a G. duodenalis fueron más elevados (P<0.0001) en el grupo de asintomáticos. Los niveles de IL-6 fueron más elevados en los niños con giardiasis independientemente de la sintomatología. La co-infeccion con A. lumbricoides se asoció negativamente a la presencia de síntomas intestinales. Los indicadores antropométricos (Talla/edad, peso/Edad y Peso/ Talla) se asociaron positivamente a la presencia de citocinas reguladoras (P<0.005) y niveles de IgA secretora (P<0.0001). Así, Diferencias en el perfil de la respuesta inmune podrían asociarse a síntomas intestinales inducidos por giardiasis. Deficiencias en el estado nutricional se asocian a procesos inflamatorios y a la generación de síntomas mientras que la co-infección con helmintos intestinales favorece la reducción de la sintomatología.

We evaluated the immune profile associated to intestinal symptoms in children with giardiasis. A crosssectional study including clinical, immunological and parasitological aspects in 182 children (6-7 years) from the area of Barlovento, Miranda state, Venezuela was carried out. Clinical evaluation was performed with emphasis on intestinal symptoms and anthropometric parameters were also determined. Serial stool examinations were carried out. Secretory IgA levels (total and specific against G. duodenalis) and cytokine levels were determined by ELISA. Nitric oxide levels were determined using the Griess colorimetric method. Statistical analysis was performed by Med Calc Software, Version 12.4.0. We found that plasma levels of TNF-α and nitric oxide (salivary) were higher in children with intestinal symptoms and giardiasis (P<0.001) while the levels of TGF-β, IL-10 and IgA levels (total and anti-G. duodenalis) were higher (P<0.0001) in the asymptomatic group. The levels of IL-6 were higher in children with giardiasis regardless of symptoms. Coinfection with A. lumbricoides was associated negatively with the presence of intestinal symptoms. Anthropometric indicators (height / age, weight / age and weight / height) were positively associated with the presence of regulatory cytokines (P<0.005) and secretory IgA levels (P<0.0001). Therefore, differences in the immune profile may be associated with intestinal symptoms induced by giardiasis. Co-infection with intestinal helminths helps to reduce symptoms while nutritional deficiencies are associated with inflammatory processes and the generation of symptoms.

Detección de protozoos parásitos entéricos, bacteriófagos de E. coli y organismos indicadores de contaminación en camarones comercializados en el estado Zulia / Detection of enteric protozoa parasites, E. coli bacteriophages and fecal pollution Indicator organisms in shrimp sold in the state of Zulia

Se determinó la presencia de Giardia intestinalis y Cryptospodidium parvum, bacteriófagos de Escherichia coli y organismos indicadores de contaminación (OIC), en muestras de camarones para el consumo humano comercializados en el estado Zulia. Los parásitos se concentraron a partir de sistemas digestivos de pools de camarones por la técnica de formol-éter y se cuantificaron por inmunofluorescencia directa. La concentración de los bacteriófagos de E. coli F+ y los OIC se evaluó por técnicas estándar. En este trabajo se detectó la presencia de G. intestinalis, C. parvum, bacteriófagos y E. coli en camarones comercializados en el estado Zulia que cumplían los criterios de la normativa venezolana de calidad sanitaria e inocuidad. Del total de muestras analizadas el 91,5% fueron positivas para G. intestinalis (promedio: 36,6 quistes/100g), 95,3% para C. parvum (promedio: 32,8 ooquistes/100g), 100% para los bacteriófagos de E coli F+ (promedio de 2,8 x 103 UFP/100 g) y 71,5% para E. coli (promedio de 4,3 x 104 NMP/g). Los resultados obtenidos indican que los camarones pueden convertirse en un vehículo para la transmisión de patógenos al hombre y dejan en evidencia la necesidad de la inclusión de un parámetro parasitológico y viral en el control de la calidad microbiológica de estos productos alimenticios.

The presence of G. intestinalis and C. parvum, E. coli F+ bacteriophages and fecal pollution indicator organisms was determined in shrimp for human consumption marketed in the State of Zulia. Parasites were concentrated from the digestive systems of shrimp pools, detected by formalin-ether and quantified by direct immunofluorescence. E. coli F + bacteriophage and pollution indicator organism concentrations were determined by standard techniques. In this work, G. intestinalis, C. parvum, E. coli F + bacteriophages and E. coli were detected in shrimp for human consumption marketed in the State of Zulia that met the quality criteria of Venezuelan health and safety regulations. 91.5% of the samples analyzed were positive for G. intestinalis (average: 36.6 cyst/100g), 95.3% for C parvum (average: 32.8 oocyst/100g), 100% for E coli F + bacteriophages (average: 2.8 x 103 FPFU/100g) and 71.5% for E. coli (average: 4.3 x 104 MPN/g). Results of this research indicate that shrimp can become a vehicle for transmitting pathogens to humans and demonstrate the need for including a parasitic and viral parameter in microbiological quality control for seafood.

Distribution of intestinal parasites among school-age children in Delta and Edo state of Nigeria

School-age children are one of the highly susceptible groups to intestinal parasitic infections. There is a wide disparity in the prevalence and distribution of intestinal parasites globally. Once high-risk areas are identified, WHO recommends at least a yearly de-worming program of school children. The aim of this investigation was to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites among school-age children in Delta and Edo States, Nigeria. Fecal samples of 386 school-age children between 6 and12 years old were examined for intestinal parasites in six schools of Delta and Edo States. Samples were examined for gastrointestinal parasites using formol-ether concentration and Kato-Katz techniques. Data were subjected to odd ratio analysis. Seven intestinal parasites were detected in the stool samples of these children: Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis, Enterobius vermicularis, Schistosoma mansoni and Giardia lamblia. The difference in prevalence was significantly lower in Edo State [35.98%] than in Delta State [51.54%]. A. lumbricoides followed by hookworm infections were observed to be the most prevalent in both States; Delta [42.78%, 28.35%, respectively] and Edo [25%, 13.02%, respectively]. Parasites of lowest prevalence were S. stercoralis [0.51%], G. lamblia [0.51%] and S. mansoni [0.51%] in Delta State, while T. trichiura and S. mansoni parasites were not recovered from the feces of Edo State school-age children. The prevalence of co-infection among infected children in Edo State was 43.47% while that in Delta State was 27%. The preponderance of co-infection by Ascaris and hookworm was recorded in Delta State [26%], with multiple parasitisms in Edo State [4.76%] and Delta State [11.32%]. Heavy infection with Ascaris was observed more in Delta [51.8%] than in Edo [12.5%]. Additionally, T. trichiura [11.34%] was seen only in Delta State children while the most prevalent protozoan parasite was Giardia in Edo State [3.1%]. Intestinal parasites are hyper-endemic among Delta and Edo States school children and thus, there is need for the institution of integrated intervention programs for sustainable elimination of these parasitic diseases

Ocorrência de parasitoses intestinais em alunos de 6 a 12 anos em escolas de ensino fundamental na cidade de Alfenas, MG / Occurrence of intestinal parasites in students 6-12 years of elementary schools in the city of Alfenas, MG

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a ocorrência de parasitoses em escolares de 6 a 12 anos do sistema público de ensino em Alfenas, MG. Por isso foram escolhidas duas escolas de ensino fundamental, uma localizada no centro da cidade e outra no bairro de Gaspar Lopes. Foi passado um questionário para os alunos e logo depois foram realizadas palestras educativas sobre o tema parasitoses. Foram recolhidas amostras fecais das crianças com uso do Paratest e estas amostras foram analisadas pelo método Ritchie modificado. De 171 amostras analisadas , 31 foram positivas para pelo menos um tipo de parasita, o que representa 18,12% de grau de positividade, porcentagem baixa em se comparando trabalhos de outros autores, realizados em outras cidades. A Entamoeba coli e a Giardia lamblia foram os parasitos mais encontrados (1403 e 5,85%, respectivamente), fato este que pode ter relações com o hábito de tomar água da torneira, relatado por 25% das crianças. Percebeu-se, pela aplicação do questionário, que as crianças são cietnes de bons hábitos de higiene. A abordagem do tema parasitoses pelas professoras existe nas escolas avaliadas, porém, precisa ser mais incentivado.

Muerte celular programada en protozoarios: el caso de Giardia intestinalis / Programmed cell death in protozoa: Giardia intestinalis’s case

Giardia intestinalis es considerado uno de los eucariotas más antiguos y su poca complejidad representa una valiosa oportunidad para desentrañar los misterios de procesos vitales de eucariotas más complejos. Esta característica única de G. intestinalis y el hecho de que su genoma esté completamente secuenciado y disponible, y que todo su ciclo de vida puede ser reproducido in vitro, hacen de este parásito un modelo ideal para estudiar mecanismos celulares, entre ellos, la muerte celular programada. Desde el punto de vista morfológico y molecular, la apoptosis es uno de los tipos más complejos de muerte celular programada, la cual es un proceso normal durante el desarrollo celular, y tiene un papel esencial en el control de la proliferación celular y en la respuesta a retos inmunológicos o a daños celulares. Recientemente, se ha reportado que en protozoos, entre ellos Giardia, podría ocurrir un tipo de muerte celular programada similar a la apoptosis y los resultados de nuestros laboratorios apoyan esta hipótesis; sin embargo, no se han identificado hasta el momento las moléculas relacionadas con los procesos de apoptosis en estos parásitos. La presente revisión abarca una descripción de la morfología y estructura de las formas de vida de G. intestinalis, de su ciclo biológico, de la parasitosis que causa y de las estrategias quimioterapéuticas para su tratamiento. Asimismo, se hace un repaso de lo que hasta ahora se conoce sobre apoptosis en protozoarios, y específicamente en G. intestinalis, y se describen algunos resultados de nuestro grupo que apoyan la existencia de muerte celular programada en este parásito.

Giardia intestinalis is an early-branching eukaryote and its low complexity represents a valuable opportunity to unravel the mysteries of essential processes in more complex eukaryotes. In addition, the genome of G. intestinalis is completely sequenced and its entire life cycle can be reproduced in vitro. All these characteristics make of Giardia an ideal model for studying cellular mechanisms, such as programmed cell death. Apoptosis is one of the most complex types of programmed cell death and plays an essential role during cell development, cell proliferation and immune response. Recently it has been reported that in Giardia can take place events that resemble apoptosis and although our results support this hypothesis, molecules involved in this process have not yet been identified. This review includes a description of the morphology and structure of G. intestinalis, its life cycle, the disease that causes and the strategies for its treatment. In addition, we review what is known about apoptosis in protozoa, and specifically in G. intestinalis, and describe some results from our group supporting the existence of apoptosis-like programmed cell death in this parasite.

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

Parasitosis among apparently healthy immigrant workers at Dammam, Saudi Arabia

A cross sectional study was conducted on randomly selected 161 apparently healthy immigrant workers in Dammam City, with ages ranged between 21 to years. A required data were taken via a designed questionnaire and stool samples were collected and examined microscopically by direct wet mount [saline and iodine stained smears] and by formalin ether concentration sedimentation technique. The results showed 99/161 [55.3%] suffered parasitosis. These are in a descending order they were E. histolytica [50.5%], Giardia lamblia [38.8%], Enterobius. vermicularis [12.1%], Entamaeba coli [12.1%], Trichuris trichiura [11.1%], Hymenolepis. nana [11.1%], Schisto-soma haematobiumn [10.1%], A. scaris lumbricoides [9.09%], S. mansosoni [7.07%], Dicrocelium dendriticum [5.05%], and Fasciola species [3.03%]. On the other hand, 72 [44.7%] of the immigrant workers were Toxoplasma gondii ELISA-IgG positive. The intervention programs including health education, strict supervision of health authorities on immigrant workers as well as environmental sanitation are required

Antiparasitic activity of cystine protease inhibitor E-64 against giardia lamblia excystation in vitro and in vivo

In this work, the therapeutic effect of E-64, a broad spectrum cysteine protease inhibitor against Giardia lamblia excystation was studied in vitro and in vivo. Purification of cysts from heavily infected human faecal samples followed by excystation and axenic cultivation of the emerging trophozoites in TYI-S-33 medium were done. In vivo, the response was evaluated experimentally through counting oocysts out-put every other day until the infection eradicated from the stools of infected E-64 treated mice compared to untreated. Also, the histopathological examination of the small intestine was compared between both of the infected groups. In the present study G. lamblia cysts incubated with E 64 in vitro completely failed in excystation in 90% while trophozoites released on 10% [partially excysted on 5% and completely excysted on 5%] compared to 90% completely excysted on other non incubated [without E-64] of cysts beside, the trophozoites didn't release on 10% [partially excysted on 5% and completely non-excysted on 5%]. In vivo, the evaluation of the therapeutic response proved that the decreasing in the oocysts out-put counting every other day until the infection eradicated from the stools of infected treated mice was very marked in comparison to untreated mice. The differences were statistically significant. The histopathological examination of the small intestine of infected non treated group proved that all the different pathological grades were found while in infected E-64 treated group, only grade I was detected. So, E-64 showed a good therapeutic effect which raises its use in the treatment of human giardiasis

Chronic diarrhea and abnormal serum immunoglobulin levels: a case report.

A 15-year-old Thai boy with multiple episodes of chronic diarrhea caused by giardiasis with hypogammaglobulin M and IgG4 subclass deficiency (but normal antibody response to rabies vaccine) is reported. Immune status follow-up is necessary for a definite diagnosis and proper management.

Incidência de parasitos intestinais em escolares de Lábrea, Amazonas, Brasil / Incidence of intestinal parasites in students from Lábrea, Amazonas, Brazil

O autor em trabalho realizado em Lábrea, Estado do Amazonas, Brasil, feito em 311 escolares, encontrou 95,4 por cento de positividade podendo-se destacar, em ordem decrescente, como de maior freqüência Ascaris lumbricoides 89,7 por cento, T. trichiura 64,3 por cento, ancilostomideos 51,7 por cento e Strongyloides stercoralis 10,6 por cento. Em relação aos protozoários apenas foi observado 9,0 por cento de positividade e como mais freqüentes E. coli 4,8 por cento, Giardia lamblia 2,5 por cento, sòmente em duas oportunidades foi revelado E. histolytica. Foram empregados dois métodos diretos: a) fezes diluídas em solução salina (cloreto de sódioa 0,85 por cento) b) fezes diluídas em Lugol de Weigert. Para confirmação diagnóstica de protozoários foi usada a coloração pela hematoxilina férrica. São apresentados dois quadros nos quais é mostrada a incidência por espécie e por grupo etário, em números e percentual.

The author presents the result of an intestinal parasites survey made in Lábrea town, Amazonas State, Brazil. Stool samples were examined from 311 school individuals, between the ages of five and 19 years. The survey showed an intestinal helminth rate of 95.4 percent. The incidence of other intestinal helminth was as follows: A. lumbricoides 89.7 percent, T. trichiura 64.3 percent, hookworms 51.7 percent, S. stercoralis 10.6 percent.The same stool specimens showed the rate of 9.0 percent for human intestinal protozoa. The most frequent was E. coli 4.8 percent; Giardia lamblia showed a rate of 2.5 percent. E. histolytica appeared in only two of all examinations.Two methods were used: a) direct examination in saline solution (0,85 percent) b)feces diluted in Weigert’s lugol. For differential diagnosis of protozoa, iron hematoxilin was used.Two tables are presented showing the incidence of all parasites found by species, number, percentage and age group.

Avaliação de diferentes métodos no diagnóstico laboratorial de Giardia lamblia / Avaliation of differents methods diagnostics applied to Giardia lamblia

Giardia lamblia é um enteroparasita de prevalência significativa no mundo inteiro. Estudou-se a reprodutibilidade diagnóstica laboratorial por meio dos métodos Coprotest®, Direto modificado, Faust e Hematoxilina Férrica, para o protozoário G. lamblia, segundo a associação com algumas características da população de estudo tais como grupo etário, gênero e distribuição dos casos segundo a variação sazonal nos meses em que se desenvolveu a pesquisa. Fezes de 200 crianças da região de Araraquara-SP, foram examinadas pelos quatro métodos, e os resultados comparados. Verificou-se que 8% delas, encontravam-se parasitadas por G. lamblia. Não houve associação com o gênero; quanto à idade ocorreram mais casos no grupo de três a cinco anos e a maior freqüência de casos foi no mês de janeiro. Em relação ao diagnóstico laboratorial concluiu se que os resultados mais confiáveis podem ser obtidos quando se utiliza duas metodologias associadas de ótima reprodutibilidade que neste estudo foram Coprotest - Faust; Direto-Faust e Coprotest-Direto (k maior que 0,81).

Prevalencia de enteroparasitosis en una escuela urbana en el Municipio San Francisco, Estado Zulia, Venezuela / Prevalence of enteric parasitosis in an urban area school in San Francisco Municipality, Zulia State, Venezuela

El propósito de la investigación es conocer la prevalencia de las enteroparasitosis en una escuela urbana de la parroquia San Francisco. Del total de la población escolar, se escogieron 114 niños, de edades comprendidas entre 5 y 15 años de ambos sexos, donde se les realizó exámenes coproparasitológicos y de recolección de información a través de encuestas epidemiológicas. De los niños seleccionados, 74,56 por ciento reportaron positividad para uno o más enteroparásitos. 40,35 por ciento fueron masculinos y 34,21 por ciento femeninos. Las edades más parasitadas fueron comprendidas entre 8 y 12 años (34,24 por ciento) segudas de 5 a 8 años 30,69 por ciento. Los helmintos más frecuentes fueron: Enterobius vermicularis (45,55 por ciento), Trichus trichuria (27,80 por ciento). Ascaris lumbricoides (23,35 por ciento) e Hymenolepis nana (3,30 por ciento) y los protozoos fueron: Blastocystis hominis (37,28 por ciento), Giardia lamblia (17,79 por ciento). Endolimax nana (16,95 por ciento), Entamoeba coli (15,26 por ciento). El poliparasitismo predominó sobre el monoparasitismo. Las helmintiasis observadas presentaron en su mayoría una infestación leve. Se evidencia acentuados malos hábitos higiénicos en los niños así como en la escuela. Se obtuvo elevada prevalencia parasitaria en la población estudiada. La Enterobiasis fue la helmintiasis más común

Giardíase e helmintíases em crianças de creches e escolas de 1§ e 2§ graus (públicas e privadas) da cidade de Mirassol (SP, Brasil) / Giardiasis and helminthiasis in children of both public and privative day-care centers and junior and high schools in the city of Mirassol, Säo Paulo State, Brazil

O presente trabalho mostrou freqüências diferentes de parasitoses intestinais (giardíase e helmintíases) entre crianças de pré-escolas e de escolas de l§ e 2§ Graus, públicas e privadas. Pesquisou-se 199 indivíduos, sendo 96 pertencentes às instituiçöes públicas e 103 pertencentes às instituiçöes particulares. Nas instituiçöes públicas as freqüências de giardíase foram maiores que nas instituiçöes privadas. Para as helmintíases, as freqüências foram semelhantes entre as creches, porém maiores na escola pública em relaçäo à particular. Indicadores do nível sócio-econômico, de escolaridade, de saneamento básico, como determinantes de parasitose intestinal, evidenciaram que as maiores freqüências de parasitoses ocorreram tanto entre as crianças de baixa renda quanto entre as que tinham pais com nível de escolaridade mais baixo. Também a origem das hortaliças foi um fator significativo para determinaçäo destas parasitoses