Detection of enteroparasites in foliar vegetables commercialized in street- and supermarkets in Aparecida de Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil / Detecção de enteroparasitas em hortaliças comercializadas em feiras e supermercados em Aparecida de Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil

Foliar vegetables contaminated with fecal residues are an important route of transmission of intestinal parasites to humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of parasitic forms of protozoa and helminths on lettuces (Lactuca sativa) and collard greens (Brassica oleracea) sold in street- and supermarkets in the city of Aparecida de Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil. A total of 30 samples of each vegetable (15 samples from each supermarkets and street markets) was analyzed. All samples were processed by spontaneous sedimentation method and centrifugal flotation. In 45% of the samples, immature forms of intestinal parasites were identified with 66.7% helminths eggs and 33.3% protozoan cysts or oocysts. Significantly more lettuce samples were contaminated with eggs, cysts or oocyst of at least one parasite than collard green samples (U=216; Z=-3.45; P <0.001). The parasitic forms were identified morphologically up to the family level with eggs of Ancylostomatidae, Strongyloididae, Ascarididae and Taeniidae, or oocysts of Eimeriidae, to the genus with Cystoisospora sp. and Toxocara sp., and to the species level with Cystoisospora canis, Dipylidium caninum and Hymenolepis nana. The presence of these infective agents in lettuce and collard green from both street- and supermarkets highlights the high risk of spreading parasites by eating raw vegetables sold in Aparecida de Goiânia.

Hortaliças contaminadas com resíduos fecais são importantes vias de transmissão de parasitas intestinais ao homem. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a presença de formas parasitárias de protozoários e helmintos em alface (Lactuca sativa) e couve (Brassica oleracea) vendidas em feiras e supermercados na cidade de Aparecida de Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil. Um total de 30 amostras de cada vegetal (15 amostras de supermercados e 15 de feiras livres) foi analisado. Todas as amostras foram processadas pelos métodos de sedimentação espontânea e centrífugo-flutuação. Em 45% das amostras foram identificadas formas imaturas de parasitas intestinais sendo 66,7% ovos de helmintos e 33,3% de cistos ou oocistos de protozoários. Significativamente, mais amostras de alface estavam contaminadas com ovos, cistos ou oocistos de pelo menos um parasita do que as amostras de couve (U = 216; Z = -3,45; P <0,001). As formas parasitárias foram identificadas morfologicamente ao nível de família com ovos de Ancylostomatidae, Strongyloididae, Ascarididae e Taeniidae ou oocistos de Eimeriidae, dos gêneros Cystoisospora sp. e Toxocara sp., e ao nível de espécies com Cystoisospora canis, Dipylidium caninum e Hymenolepis nana. A presença desses agentes infecciosos em alface e couve, provenientes tanto de feiras quanto de supermercados, ressalta o alto risco de veiculação de parasitas pela ingestão de hortaliças cruas comercializadas em Aparecida de Goiânia.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic diseases in school children of rural areas of district Lower Dir, Pakistan / Prevalência de doenças parasitárias intestinais em escolares de áreas rurais do distrito de Lower Dir, Paquistão

Present study was conducted among school children to recognize the prevalence of IPIs in rural communities of district Dir Lower, Pakistan. A sum of 324 samples of stool were collected (210 boys and 114 girls). Used direct smear method and formol ether sedimentation concentration technique for processing the samples. The result shows that 82% (n=266) were found infected comprised 64.8% male and 35.1% females. Children of the age group 10 to 12 years were found extremely infected 94.2% while 4-6 year age group were having minimum ratio of infection 72%. Current study shows mono parasitism in 50.6% of the students while 22.2% were infected with 2 species and 7.40% were infected with three species of parasites. Seven species of intestinal parasites were reported include Ascaris lumbricoid in male (n=122) 58.0% and in female (n=65) 57.0% followed by Hook worm (n=88) 41.9% and (n=44) 38.5%; Tania saginata (n=44) 20.9% and (n=24) 21.0%; Entrobius vermicularis (n=32) 15.2% and (n=16) 14.0%; Trichuris trichura (n=25) 11.9% and (n=22) 19.2%; Hymenolepis nana (n=24) 11.4% and (n=18) 15.7% and Entameoba histolytica (n=16) 7.61% and (n=14) 12.2% in male and females respectively. The study indicates that most occurring intestinal parasite in the current study were Ascaris lumbricoides 58.0% (n=122) followed by hookworms 41.9% (n=88). Male students were more infected than females in the present study.

O presente estudo foi conduzido entre crianças em idade escolar para reconhecer a prevalência de IPIs em comunidades rurais do distrito de Dir Lower, Paquistão. Foram coletadas 324 amostras de fezes (210 meninos e 114 meninas). Método de esfregaço direto usado e técnica de concentração de sedimentação de formol éter para processar as amostras. O resultado mostra que 82% (n = 266) dos infectados eram 64,8% do sexo masculino e 35,1% do feminino. Crianças da faixa etária de 10 a 12 anos foram encontradas extremamente infectadas 94,2%, enquanto a faixa etária de 4 a 6 anos apresentava proporção mínima de infecção de 72%. O estudo atual mostra monoparasitismo em 50,6% dos alunos, enquanto 22,2% estavam infectados com 2 espécies e 7,40% estavam infectados com três espécies de parasitas. Sete espécies de parasitas intestinais foram relatadas incluindo Ascaris lumbricoid em machos (n = 122) 58,0% e em fêmeas (n = 65) 57,0% seguido por anzol (n = 88) 41,9% e (n = 44) 38,5%; Tania saginata (n = 44) 20,9% e (n = 24) 21,0%; Entrobius vermicularis (n = 32) 15,2% e (n = 16) 14,0%; Trichuris trichura (n = 25) 11,9% e (n = 22) 19,2%; Hymenolepis nana (n = 24) 11,4% e (n = 18) 15,7% e Entameoba histolytica (n = 16) 7,61% e (n = 14) 12,2% em homens e mulheres, respectivamente. O estudo indica que os parasitas intestinais que mais ocorreram no presente estudo foram Ascaris lumbricoides 58,0% (n = 122), seguidos por ancilóstomos 41,9% (n = 88). Estudantes do sexo masculino foram mais infectados do que do sexo feminino no presente estudo.

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.

Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Environmental Water Contamination in a Rural Village of Northern Lao PDR

A field survey studying intestinal parasites in humans and microbial pathogen contamination at environment was performed in a Laotian rural village to identify potential risks for disease outbreaks. A parasitological investigation was conducted in Ban Lak Sip village, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR involving fecal samples from 305 inhabitants as well as water samples taken from 3 sites of the local stream. Water analysis indicated the presence of several enteric pathogens, i.e., Aeromonas spp., Vibrio spp., E. coli H7, E. coli O157: H7, verocytotoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC), Shigella spp., and enteric adenovirus. The level of microbial pathogens contamination was associated with human activity, with greater levels of contamination found at the downstream site compared to the site at the village and upstream, respectively. Regarding intestinal parasites, the prevalence of helminth and protozoan infections were 68.9% and 27.2%, respectively. Eight helminth taxa were identified in fecal samples, i.e., 2 tapeworm species (Taenia sp. and Hymenolepis diminuta), 1 trematode (Opisthorchis sp.), and 5 nematodes (Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis, trichostrongylids, and hookworms). Six species of intestinal protists were identified, i.e., Blastocystis hominis, Cyclospora spp., Endolimax nana, Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar, Entamoeba coli, and Giardia lamblia. Questionnaires and interviews were also conducted to determine risk factors of infection. These analyses together with a prevailing infection level suggested that most of villagers were exposed to parasites in a similar degree due to limited socio-economic differences and sharing of similar practices. Limited access to effective public health facilities is also a significant contributing factor.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites and its impact on nutritional status among preschool children living in Damanhur city, El-Behera goveftnorate, Egypt

This cross sectional study was done in Damanhur City, the Capital of El-Behera Governorate to detect the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among preschool aged children and to find out its effect on their nutritional status. Five-hundreds children aged between 2-6 years were enrolled; a detailed questionnaire, complete clinical and anthropometric assessment as well as complete stool analysis and blood picture were done. The study revealed that 51.8% preschool children were infected; Cysts of Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia were found in 16.8%, and 14.8% respectively. In 1.8% of cases, both cysts were found together. Ova of Ascaris lumbricoides, Enterobius vermicularis, Ancylostoma duodenale and Hyme-nolepis nana were detected in 14%, 3.4%, 5% and 0.2% of cases, respectively. In 0.4% of cases, ova of A. lumbricoides and E. vermicularis were found together. Mixed infections were found in 3.6% of children. Significantly lower weight for age z-score [WAZ] and weight for height z-score [WHZ] were found among infested children compared to non-infested ones [P<0.05]. Moreover, stunting was found in 44.1%, underweight in 39.1% and wasting in 11.5% of infested children. Prevalence of anemia among all studied population was 39%; 48.6% in infested group compared to 28.8% in non-infested children [x=20, P<0.001]. Improper hand washing, and playing in the street bare footed, together with playing with animals and family history of parasitic infestation were considered the independent predictors of parasitic infestation by using binary logistic regression

Gastrointestinal parasites and ectoparasites biodiversity of Rattus rattus trapped from Khan Younis and Jabalia in Gaza strip, Palestine

This study identified the zoonotic endo-parasites and ecto-parasites of Rattus rattus. A total of 41 rats of house [black] rat and Norway [brown] rat were trapped from two regions of Gaza strip. After dissection, isolated protozoa, nematodes and cestodes were identified respectively according standard keys. The results showed that prevalence of intestinal parasites among rats was 24/41 [58.5%] and males were infected more than females. A high prevalence of protozoa was in autumn compared to other seasons. The intestinal parasites were encountered: G. lamblia 6 [14.6%]; E. histolytica/dispar [17.1%]; Isospora 4 [9.8%]; Acanthocephala 1 [2.4%]; Syphacia obvelata 6 [20%]; Heligmonoides josephi 3[10%]; Strongyloides egg 1 [2.4%]; Hymenolepis diminuta 15 [36.6%]. The insects were Xenopsylla cheopis 7[17.1%]; Polyplax spinulosa 3 [7.3%]

Levels of helminthic infections in the quails coturnix coturnix from kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The present study aims to clarify the difference of the intensity of parasitic infection between the domestic quails Coturnis coturnis and the migrant ones. A total of 60 domesticated and 60 migratory quails were investigated during the migration season September-November 2009 for intestinal parasites. Investigations revealed that both domestic and migrant quails were susceptible to infection with three helminth parasites; a nematode [Heterakis gallinaruni], and two cestodes [Choanotae-nia infundibulum and Hymenolepis sp.]. The prevalence of infection in the migratory males was higher than the female ones, the opposite results was obtained for the domestic birds. The differences in the prevalence were found to be statistically significant in case of the domestic birds. Single infection showed the highest prevalence followed by the double infection and finally the triple infection. The mean intensity of infection in the female domestic and migrant C. coturnix was higher than male

prospective study on parasites among expatriate workers in Al-Baha from 2009-2011, Saudi Arabia

AI-Baha is an area with large influx of expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia. This study was carried out from October 2009 to January 2011 on expatriate workers [2000] to determine the prevalence of parasitosis. Urine and stool samples were collected and specifically examined. The results showed that 1079 [53.95%] were infected with one or up to ten parasitic species. Trichuris trichiura had the highest prevalence 190 [17.6%]. Other helminthes were Ascaris lumbricoides 179 [16.58%], Ancylostoma duodenal 163 [15.10%], Hymenolepis nana 120 [11.12%], Taenia saginata 119 [11.02%], Strongyloides stercoralis 28 [2.59], Enterobius vermicularis 16[1.48%], and Schistosoma mansoni 4 [0.37%]. Protozoan parasites were Giardia lamblia 152 [14.09%] and Enta-moeba histolytica 108[10.0%] Besides, Fasciola species was detected in an Egyptian worker and Dicrocelium den-driticum in one Syrian worker. Parasitic infections were higher among Indonesian people 447 [41.42%] followed by Indian 247 [22.89%], Bangladeshis 118 [10.93%], Philippines 96 [8.89%], Pakistani 94 [9.71%], Seri-Lankan 55 [5.09%] and lastly Egyptian and Syrian 22 [2.03%] workers. The occupational imperatives, beliefs and general life style were contributing factors to the prevalence of parasites among the workers in AI-Baha

reflection of control programs of parasitic diseases upon gastrointestinal helminthiasis in Dakahlia governorate, Egypt

The study area included Mansoura city as an urban area and Gogar village as a rural area. One thousand individuals were randomly selected from each area. Different methods of stool examination, perianal swab and urine examination of all participants revealed that the incidence in Mansoura city was in a descending order Heterophyes heterophyes 6.4%; Enterobius vermicularis 3.9%; Hymenolepis nana 2.2%; Schistosoma mansoni 0.5%; Trichostrongylus colubriformis; Strongyloides stercoralis and Fasciola sp. were recorded as 0.2% of each. Taenia saginata, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichocephalus trichiuris were recorded as 0. 1% of each. Neither Ancylostoma duodenale nor Hymenolepis diminuta was recorded. In Gogar, the parasitic infection was H. hetephyes 4.5%; E. vermicularis 4.1%; H. nana 3.3%; S. mansoni 1.6%; T. colubriformis 0.9%; S. stercoralis 0.5%. Fasciola sp. 0.4%; T. saginata, A. lumbricoides, H. diminuta, A. duodenale and T. trichiuris were recorded as 0.1% of each. None S. haematobium was detected in both areas. So, the infection rates of H. heterophyes, E. vermicularis, H. nana S. mansoni, Fasciola sp., T. colubriformis and S. stercoralis were relatively high the rural than in urban area. This was not surprising since the socioeconomic, hygienic conditions and medical services were relative high in the city than in the village. No doubt, the identifications of parasitosis pave the way for feasible treatment and control measures

Intestinal parasites in Dakahlia Governorate with different techniques in diagnosing protozoa

A total of 318 patients attending Mansoura University Hos-pitals' Clinics, were subjected to stool examination by direct wet smear, formol ether concentration, original formol-tween con-centration, modified formol-tween concentration, modified sheather's sugar floatation, potassium hydroxide concentration and Gomori's Tirchrome stain, and modified Kinyoun's acid-fast-sta-in and Ryan's Tirchrome blue stain for Microsporidia. The inte-stinal helminthes in a descending order of abundance were: S. mansoni [5.3%], Fasciola sp. [4.8%], H heterophyes [4.2%], Hymenolepis nana [3.9%], trichostrongylus sp. [2.6%], A. lum-bricoides [1.8%], strongyloides stercoralis [1.5%], H. diminuta [1.4%], Taenia saginata [1.1%], E. vermicularis [by smear; 1.1%], T. trichura [0.7%] and lastly A. duodenale [0.1%]. The inte-stinal protozoa in a descending order of abundance were Blasto-cystis hominis [22.4%], Giaradia lamblia [19.6], Entamoeba histolytical E. dispar [19%], Iodamoeba butschlii [16%], Crypto-sporidium parvum [14.3%], E. coli [9.7%], isospora hominis [7.7%], Endolimax nana [6.9%], E. hartmani [5.9%], Dien-tamoeba fragilis [5.1], chilomastix mesnili [5.1%], tricho monas hominis [4.2%], Cyclospora cayetanensis [4.2%], Mic-rosporidia spores [3.2%], Enteromonas hominis [1.9%] and Em-badomonas intestinalis [1.3%]. The results were discussed.

Study of the current parasitic contamination of the edible vegetables in Isfahan in order to identify preventive measures

Parasites infect man by way of water, soil, edible things and direct contact. Numerous factors such as the economical, social and cultural conditions as well as lack of personal health care are involved in the dissemination of the parasites. Eating of raw vegetables is common among Iranians and provides a rich source of vitamins and essential nutrients but may lead to human contamination if not washed properly. In this study 30 plant farms were selected in Isfahan in order to assess the rate of contamination of the plants. Afterwards 480 samples of the vegetables were collected and examined for cysts, eggs and larvae in Isfahan Research Center. Floatation method was used for detection of the parasite eggs. Finally the results were recorded and analyzed by means of SPSS [Version 11.5]. We found giardia cyst in 7, dicrosoelium egg in 8, hymenolepis egg in 14, ascaris egg in 16, trichostrongylus egg in 10, teania egg in 5 and trichosephalus egg in 6 cases. In fact, egg of ascaris was the most and teania was the least common parasites and fortunately we did not detect any dangerous agent like Entamoeba histolytica. In the recent years, in spite of improvement of health care, economical, social and agricultural conditions in Isfahan, parasitic infections are still prevalent. Using new methods for garbage collection, repair of ego system, preventing domestic and wild animals [like carnivorous animals] from entering into the plant farms and education of people of different social classes will be effective in reducing parasitic and infectious diseases

Estudio comparativo, prevalencia de Hymenolepis nana y otros entero parásitos en el distrito de San Lorenzo de Quinti, Huarochirí / Comparative study, prevalence of Hymenolepis nana and other enteroparasites in San Lorenzo of Quinti district, Huarochiri

Las infecciones intestinales por enteroparásitos representan un problema de salud pública en nuestro país, más aún en poblaciones rurales. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal sobre parasitosis intestinal en la población de 5 a 19 años (n=162) del distrito de San Lorenzo de Quinti, Huarochirí, Lima. Las muestras de heces fueron examinadas por dos métodos parasitológicos: Técnica de sedimentación Espontánea en Tubo (TSET) y la Técnica de Sedimentación Rápida (TSR), encontrándose una imprtante prevalencia de enteroparasitosis global (95.1 por ciento), siendo de éstos el 62.3 por ciento patógenos. La frecuencia de multiparasitismo fue de 84 por ciento. Predominaron protozoarios sobre helmintos. La prevalencia de protozoarios intestinales patógenos fue: Blastocystis hominis 22.8 por ciento, Giardia lamblia 22.2 por ciento, Entamoeba histolytica 4.9 por ciento. El helminto más frecuente fue Hymenolepis nana 24.1 por ciento, seguido de Fasciola hepatica 8 por ciento, Enterobius vernicularis 3.7 por ciento, Ascaris lumbricoides 2.5 por ciento, Trichuris trichiura 0.6 por ciento. La enteroparasitosis no se relacionó con el sexo (p=0.476 > 0.05). La prevalencia de H. nana disminuye con la edad en el grupo etáreo estudiado. La asociación entre cuadro clínico e infección por H. nana fue significativa para diarrea (p<0.05), no encontrándose relación en el análisis bivariado con el resto de síntomas estudiados.

Parasitas intestinais; prevalência e correlação com a idade e com os sintomas apresentados de uma população infantil de Presidente Prudente - SP / Prevalence of enteroparasites in children from Presidente Prudente-SP as correlated to age and clinical symptoms

O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a prevalência de enteroparasitoses em crianças de 0 a 12 anos de Presidente Prudente – SP, por meio de exames parasitológicos. Um questionário foi aplicado com o objetivo de conhecer as seguintes variáveis: idade do paciente e sinais clínicos. Para a elaboração da estrutura de banco de dados e sua análise, utilizou-se o programa EPI INFO 6 (Versão 6.04b) após pré-codificação dos dados. Das 1000 amostras estudadas, 78,7 das crianças não apresentaram parasitas e 21,3 apresentaram alguma espécie de parasita. O protozoário mais freqüente foi Giardia lamblia (7,3) seguido de Entamoeba coli (3,9).Os helmintos mais freqüentes foram enterobius vermicularis (1,9),seguido de Hymenolepis nana (0,5). A associação mais freqüente foi Giardia lamblia / Entamoeba coli (0,9).

Myxobolus SP: a possible new opportunistic parasite in immuno - compromized patients in Ismailia

In a study on intestinal parasitic infections in immunocompromised patients complaining of diarrhea, a parasite belonging to the Phylum Myxozoa described from human samples was identified in three stool samples out of eleven. On staining with modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain, the spores were identified. They are pyriform in shape with an average size 14.0 x 10.0 mu. Every spore has thick wall and one suture in the anterior third, followed by two polar capsules. Each polar capsule has about four to five coils ending by polar filaments at the suture level. The size of the polar capsule is 2.5 x 3.5 mu. Co-infection with Cryptosporidium parvum parasite was also found in one stool sample, Giardia lamblia cysts in the second sample and Hymenolepis nana eggs in the third sample

Parásitos intestinales en la Escuela 15 de agosto, Tirrases de Curridabat, Costa Rica. Mayo-Junio de 2002 / Intestinal parasites in School 15 of August, Tirrases of Curridabat, Costa Rica. May-June of 2002

El problema de la parasitosis infantil continúa presentándose en comunidades como la estudiada, a pesar de que durante los últimos años se ha dado el mejoramiento de factores de protección contra tal problemática, como el uso del calzado, suministro de agua potable y letrinización. En el presente estudio se analizaron 320 muestras de heces de niños en edad escolar utilizando, examen directo con solución salina y lugol y además, la técnica de Kato, con el fin de determinar el grado de parasitismo intestinal que existe en la población escolar de Tirrases. Se obtuvo un 45 por ciento de muestras positivas, del cual un 28,1 por ciento corresponde a verdaderos patógenos y el restante 16,9 por ciento a organismos comensales. El helminto más frecuente fue Trichuris trichiura, (12,2 por ciento), seguido de Ascaris lumbricoides (6,9 por ciento), el protozoario patógeno más frecuente fue Giardia duodenalis, con un 7,8 por ciento de prevalencia. Los niños con algún patógeno intestinal fueron referidos al centro médico de esa localidad para que les administraran las drogas antiparasitarias pertinentes. El problema de la parasitosis intestinal prosigue a pesar de que en el nivel nacional se ha insistido en la necesidad del lavado de manos, frutas y hortalizas para evitar la transmisión de agentes patógenos. (Rev Costarric Cienc Med 2003; 24:127-133) Palabras clave: parasitosis, parásitos intestinales, parasitosis infantil, escolares.

Frequency of intestinal parasitic infestation in children of 5-12 years of age in Abbottabad

Worm infestation is a major problem in children from developing countries due to bad hygienic conditions. It produces nutritional deficiencies and anaemia in children, especially when hookworm infestation is present. This cross-sectional study deals with investigation of the frequency of intestinal parasitic infestation in children between the ages 5'12 years. A total of 283 subjects were tested and screened for different intestinal parasites at of Department of Physiology, Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad. Negative cases were re-examined and if found free of intestinal pathogenic parasites were labelled as negative. Of the 283 children examined, 230 tested positive for various intestinal parasites. The frequency of helminthic infestation was found to be above 81%. There were 8 different species of helminths and protozoa found in the specimens. By far the highest frequency of 48% was noted for Ascaris lumbricoides while 6.9% [16 cases] of the specimens examined had mixed infestation. The mean Haemoglobin [Hb] level was found to be 9.82 g/dl in males and 9.0 g/dl in females. Virtually no Hookworm infestation was found which may be the reason of not so low Hb level of the subjects. Conclusions: A very high percentage [81%] of children from suburbs of Abbottabad have intestinal worm infestation and majority of them [48% of positive cases] have Ascaris lumbricoides. Children were not very severely anaemic because of virtually no hook worm cases

Role of nitric oxxide in host defense against Hymenolepis nama infection

The defensive role of nitric oxide [NO] against Hymenolepis nana was investigated in vivo and in vitro studies. Serum NO levels were increased in mice 5 days [cysticercoid stage] and 15 days [adult stage] after H. Nana induced oral infection with 1000 eggs/mouse compared with the normal controls. Meanwhile, L-NAME, a NO synthase inhibitor, oral administration in drinking water to infected mice caused a nonsignificant decrease in the serum NO levels compared with the normal controls and was associated with a significant increase in the number of both cysticercoids and adult worms compared with that in infected mice 5 and 15 days post infection. In an in vitro study, the NO donor, sodium nitroprusside caused an increased mortality rate of H. Nana cysticercoids and adult worms compared with the controls without NO donor and this was in a concentration-dependent manner. The implications of these results were discussed